Fray Martinez. Photo by HoofprintsInc.com.
From an Xpressbet release
Leading online wagering provider, Xpressbet, is joining the ‘Fundraiser for Fray,’ an initiative spearheaded by the Maryland Jockey Club to support jockey, Fray Martinez, who was recently diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. The Fundraiser for Fray takes place Saturday, February 13 at Laurel Park and now also online at Xpressbet.com.
Xpressbet has pledged to donate all proceeds from its customers wagering on Laurel Park on Saturday February 13 to support Fray. Laurel’s card that day features three graded stakes races, headlined by the $300,000, Grade 2 Barabara Fritchie, as well as the $75,000 John B. Campbell and the $75,000 Maryland Racing Media Stakes. First post is 12:25PM ET.
At just 21-years-old, Martinez has quickly distinguished himself as one of the leading up-and-coming jockeys in the Mid-Atlantic, having amassed 127 victories in 2014 and 2015. He is currently undergoing treatment at the University Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Additionally, he and his wife are expecting their first child this spring.
“We were saddened to hear about Fray’s diagnosis and are looking forward to helping however possible,” said Xpressbet Senior Vice President of Marketing, Kerry Carlson. “The entire Xpressbet team is pulling for Fray, and we’re very confident the same perseverance, dedication and tenacity that helped him to become one of the best young riders in Maryland will help him beat Leukemia.”
Carlson added, “Since all proceeds from our customers wagering on Laurel’s Saturday card are going directly to Fray, we hope everyone is generous with their wagers. And with a great card scheduled, we know our players will enjoy the races.”
Racing fans in the Mid-Atlantic can visit Laurel Park on February 13 to take part in its Fundraiser for Fray, which includes a silent auction and Bone Marrow Registry Drive. Among items up for auction are a pair of 2016 Preakness Stakes tickets, signed jockey memorabilia, tickets plus hospitality to the Florida Derby and Santa Anita Derby and an signed and framed photo of Victor Espinoza and American Pharoah winning the 2015 Xpressbet Preakness Stakes.
