Jockeys competing against harness riders in Saratoga charity event

Athletes compete at harness track in fundraiser

Athletes to compete at Saratoga harness track to raise money for Kelly's Angels and Franklin Community Center.

The Saratoga Harness Track will host a different kind of race next week to raise money for Kelly’s Angels and Franklin Community Center.

Retired jockey Robbie Davis is returning to the track, but not the track where he won thousands of races. He is at the Saratoga Harness Track.

He will go against the harness track’s leading driver Brett Beckwith in a match raising money for two local charities – Kelly’s Angels, which helps kids who’ve lost a parent to cancer, and Franklin Community Center, which helps families make ends meet.

The event will take place on July 27 at Saratoga Casino Hotel. It is put on by the Saratoga Harness Horseperson’s Association.

“This is the greatest thing. Single parents have it tough, and any little bit of help that we can do for them is really, really on the top of our list, and we want them to know that we support them, and we’re there for them,” he said. “I hope that these people come out there and do the same.”.

There are 13 or 14 races that will be on tap for the night and there will be tons of food options.

In another matchup, harness trainer Michelle Crawford will face off against thoroughbred jockey Katie Davis. Both are very excited to participate.

“It’s very important for me to give back because you don’t know what people are going through in life,” Davis said.

“What’s more important than taking care of our kids?” Crawford said.