SHAKOPEE, MN – The Leg UP Fund was launched in 2014 at Canterbury Park to assist local jocks should they be injured during the race meet in Shakopee.  While the fund is active all year long, this day is the culmination of a week of activities including a poker tournament, jockey autographs, silent auction, raffles and the highlight of the day – the jockey bouncy ball race.

This year was an emotional Leg Up Day as jockey Paul Nolan, severely injured in a spill at Will Rogers Downs, returned to the racetrack for this first time in a year.  Not only popular with the fans at Canterbury, Nolan was a leader in the jocks room and greatly admired for not only his riding ability but for looking out for his fellow jockeys – on and off the racetrack.  At times Nolan may have been overwhelmed with the emotion of the moment, but so were members of his track family: jockeys, trainers, staff and fans.  Nevertheless, Nolan let loose his sharp sense of humor as well as flashing a smile that can still light up a room.

Two of the founders of the now defunct North Central Quarter Horse Racing Association, Jerry Livingston and Jim Olson, donated the remainder of the group’s funds, $3786.47, to the Leg Up fund.  Nolan helped present the check to the fund and was greeted warmly by patrons and fellow jocks, generating the most emotional moment of the day.

In a tremendous show of generosity and the giving spirit, owners Joni and Barry Butzow, active and successful owners in Minnesota for many years, won the fifth race with maiden Shes So Savvy and proceeded to donate all of their portion of the victory, over $13,000, to the Leg Up Fund.  The Butzows for years have put a lot of money into the game and have experienced success and heartbreak. They have never hesitated to give back, be it to the PDJF, to assist retired racehorses and the Leg Up Fund and lead with their actions.

Here are some photos of the rest of the day:

SILENT AUCTION

PEOPLE

THE BOUNCY BALLS