**The following version updates current win total for John Velazquez to 4832**
JOCKEY JOHN VELAZQUEZ JOINS MARIANO RIVERA AT FUNDRAISING DINNER AT SIRO’S TRATTORIA AT THE LODGE
Velazquez to appear on eve of induction into National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame
Signed merchandise, lunch with Rivera and exclusive game tickets among items up for auction at event to support Mariano Rivera Foundation on August 9
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – On the eve of induction into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame, jockey John Velazquez will join pitcher Mariano Rivera for an exclusive dinner at Siro’s Trattoria at the Lodge on Thursday, August 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Velazquez’s appearance adds to the luster of “An Evening with Mo,” which features a plated dinner, open bar, auction, entertainment and casual conversation with Rivera. Attendees will also receive a signed baseball and have their photograph taken with the 12-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion.
The private dinner at Siro’s Trattoria at the Lodge will benefit the Mariano Rivera Foundation, which addresses children’s needs through programs that focus on education, health and wellness.
“Mariano Rivera and John Velazquez are among the most accomplished and beloved figures in their respective sports,” said Keith Kantrowitz, president of Racing Restaurants of America whose portfolio includes Siro’s Trattoria at the Lodge. “We’re honored to host these legendary athletes at an event that will benefit children in New York and in Mo’s native Panama.”
Velazquez will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Friday, August 10 along with 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper and trainers Roger Attfield and Robert Wheeler.
Velazquez has won 4,832 races during an illustrious career that includes the single-season record for wins at Saratoga Race Course with 65 in 2004. The two-time Eclipse Award winner for Outstanding Jockey (2004-05) has notched a number of career-defining wins including the 2011 Kentucky Derby with Animal Kingdom and the 2007 Belmont Stakes with Rags to Riches as well as victories in the Travers, Alabama, Personal Ensign and Whitney.
A sports-themed auction featuring coveted memorabilia is sure to be a hit during “An Evening with Mo.” Among the items up for bid will be signed merchandise from Rivera, Derek Jeter and Eli Manning; lunch or dinner with Rivera; and a trip to Yankee Stadium for a game and on-field visit with players. Auction items include:
· Four tickets to a Yankees game including an opportunity to meet Mariano Rivera and go on the field prior to the game to watch batting practice
· Lunch or dinner for four with Mariano Rivera
· 2009 championship ball signed by all members of Yankees team
· Derek Jeter autographed 3,000-hit game model bat
· Mariano Rivera signed “602” saves jersey
· Signed Mariano Rivera glove
· Signed Mariano Rivera spikes
· Original artwork of Mariano Rivera by world-renowned photographer George Kalinsky, the official photographer for Madison Square Garden since 1966
· Yogi Berra signed photo
· CC Sabathia signed jersey
· Eli Manning signed helmet
Rivera played briefly for the Albany-Colonie Yankees before he began his major league career with the Yankees in 1995. He is regarded as the most dominant relief pitcher in baseball history. The man known as “Mo” has handcuffed batters with his legendary cut fast ball on the way to becoming baseball’s greatest postseason pitcher ever. In 2011, Rivera set the Major League Baseball record for career regular-season saves which currently stands at 608. Rivera is recovering from knee surgery following a season-ending injury in May.
Tickets for “An Evening with Mo” at Siro’s Trattoria at the Lodge are available for $500 per person. To purchase tickets, call 516-355-4514.
Siro’s Trattoria at the Lodge is located at 1 Nelson Ave. in Saratoga Springs. For more information about the Mariano Rivers Foundation, please visit www.themarianoriverafoundation.org.
-30-
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mark Bardack
Ed Lewi Associates
6 Chelsea Place • Clifton Park, NY 12065
P: (518) 584-6200, Ext. 4233
C: (518) 867-7943
