Over $8,000 Raised For Make-A-Wish Foundation During Buckeye Classic Donkey Races!
By: Brittany Bevis
They are a distant cousin to our beloved equines. But with longer ears, shorter strides, and, occasionally, more feisty personalities, donkeys aren’t exactly what you’d expect to see at an elite, AQHA horse show. Nevertheless, a bevy of burros descended on the World Equestrian Center in Wilmington, Ohio last night during the Buckeye Classic. The reason? It was the second annual Buckeye Classic Donkey Races!
Last year marked the inaugural Buckeye Classic Donkey Races, which raised money for military veterans. This year, 30 riders participated in a five-heat competition to find out who was the best donkey wrangler/jockey.
New rules evolved out of last year’s competition. All jockeys were required to be at least 16 years of age and had to attend an instructional meeting 45 prior to the event. Each rider was introduced prior to their heats along with the names of their sponsors. Jockeys were permitted to mount and dismount as many times as needed during the race, but must be “astride” the donkey when crossing the finish line. The jockeys that raised the most money in sponsorships were allowed to get first pick of the donkeys during their heats. Costumes were highly encouraged.
The first and second place jockeys in each heat advanced to the finals where there was a Jockey Calcutta Auction where finalists were auctioned off to spectators. All of the money raised went into the pot. 50% was awarded to the winning bidder of the champion jockey, and 50% will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Last year’s winner was Julian Harris; but, this year he handed his crown over to Melvin Yoder. Kathy Williams bid on the winning donkey and jockey, but donated her winnings back to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A free Exhibitors’ Dinner served over 500 people with bottled water provided by The Equine Chronicle.
When the event was over, $8,000 was raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation! Not a bad night for a bunch of horse folk horsin’ around on some donkeys.
