Belmont Celebration Honors John Hettinger

John Hettinger, who served as chairman of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation for 12 years, will be honored at this year's Belmont Celebration on June 10, the eve of the 137th running of the Belmont Stakes, at Belmont Park.

Hettinger resigned as chairman of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in February, but was elected chairman emeritus by the board of directors and will remain a member of the board. Dell Hancock has succeeded him as chairwoman.

"John has been a tremendous asset to the foundation and to the field of equine research," said Edward L. Bowen, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. "His devotion to equine health has been responsible for much of our progress in recent years and he richly deserves this honor."

In 2000, Hettinger was honored with a Special Eclipse Award for his efforts on behalf of Thoroughbred rescue.

The Belmont Celebration will be held in the Marquee Tent adjacent to the paddock at Belmont Park. The annual event is hosted by the New York Racing Association and The Jockey Club. Tickets are $275 and proceeds benefit Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, a leading private source of funding for equine medical research. This year's entertainment is the Channel One Orchestra.

For information or reservations, contact Nancy Kelly at (212) 521-5305 or nkelly@jockeyclub.com, or Jenifer Van Deinse at (212) 521-5327 or jvandeinse@jockeyclub.com.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has allocated $825,873 to underwrite 20 research projects at 12 universities in 2005, including 14 new projects and the continuation of 6 two-year projects approved in 2004. Current research includes studies on foal pneumonia and healing bone fractures, a new method for curing recurrent airway obstruction (heaves), and healing tendons and ligaments via stem cell injection. Foundation-funded research helps not only Thoroughbreds and racing, but all breeds and uses of horses. Since 1983, the Foundation has underwritten 189 projects at 31 universities for more than $11 million.