Guest Speakers for the 2005

Call to the Post Fundraiser

Pat Day - On August 4th, 2005, Racing Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day announced his retirement from horse racing.  He retires as the sports all-time leading rider by purses earned and fourth in races won. Day retires with 8,803 career wins and purse earnings of $297,912,019 which include major victories in the Kentucky Derby (Lil E. Tee), Preakness Stakes (Tank's Prospect, Summer Squall, Tabasco Cat, Timber Country & Louis Quatorze); Belmont Stakes (Easy Goer, Tabasco Cat, Commendable); Breeders' Cup Classic (Wild Again, Unbridled, Awesome Again & Cat Thief); Breeders' Cup Turf (Theatrical); Breeders' Cup Distaff (Lady's Secret, Dance Smartly & Unbridled Elaine); Breeders' Cup Juvenile (Timber Country & Favorite Trick); Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (Epitome & Flanders).

He plans to devote his attention to ministry work, particularly the Race Track Chaplaincy of America. Day, who overcame battles with substance and alcohol abuse early in his career, participated in a cross-country "What a Difference a Day Makes" tour last year and plans to continue similar initiatives to promote and raise awareness and funds for the RTCA in his role as the organizations's industry representative.  Pat's testimony is one for all to hear because in it he tells you of how on one day he was on top of the world, and the next day fell to the bottom.  Pat gives all the credit to his successful racing career to God and is not shy to speak about his faith when interviewed or asked to give speeches.  He firmly believes that his job is to go out and evangalise to all and bring everyone he comes in contact with to a relationship with Jesus Christ.

(Taken from Thoroughbred Times, August 13th, 2005 issue - Jeff Lowe staff writer).