Craig Bandoroff To Receive The 2024 Jockeys And Jeans Uphill Push Award

[Wandering Eyes]

Noted Kentucky horseman Craig Bandoroff will receive the Uphill Push Award and speak at the 10th annual fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF) to be held at Gulfstream Park Jan. 11th, according to a press release from the Jockeys and Jeans organization.

Each year the award is given to the person who provides the most meaningful help to the 60 jockeys who suffered career-ending injuries.

In December of 1974, Bandoroff was the leading apprentice jockey at Monmouth Park and Garden State Park. In a race his mount bolted towards the inside rail shortly after the start and his right arm was paralyzed. Despite adversity, Bandoroff's passion for Thoroughbreds and racing remained intact.

A graduate of the University of Virginia and University of Kentucky, Bandoroff and his wife Holly founded Denali Stud in 1990 on leased land and with a handful of mares. Today, the property includes 800 acres as Denali is one of the nation's leading consigners. In 2023, Bandoroff turned over the day-to-day operations to his son, Conrad.

“As a young man, all I wanted to be was a jockey,” he said. “But as the saying goes, 'God had a different plan.' Any success I have had is a result of many people believing in me. My ability to overcome my accident is because my parents were on my side during a very difficult time. I share this award with Holly and with them.

Bandoroff has been a consistent donor to PDJF, and has helped Jockeys and Jeans raise funds for disabled riders.

“It's obvious Bandoroff shares their same overcoming spirits,” said Dr. Eddie Donnally, interim Jockeys and Jeans president. “His story has been an inspiration to many, and I know it will touch the hearts and souls of all who attend, especially our sports fallen riders. All of us at Jockeys and Jeans are pleased to provide him with a platform to share his life's adventure. He looked adversity in the eye and conquered it; something those former jockeys in wheelchairs do every day of their lives.”

“I guess we don't stop to think that what we did inspires other people,” said Bandoroff. “It's gratifying to know that perhaps I have. I am honored and gratified to receive this award.”

Click here to purchase tickets.

The post Craig Bandoroff To Receive The 2024 Jockeys And Jeans Uphill Push Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article