New York Thoroughbred Horsemen Support Equine Research

For the second time in two years, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen''s Association (NYTHA) has made a major contribution to Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. The NYTHA recently donated $37,000 to the Foundation, which is a leader in sponsoring research dedicated to improving the health and safety of horses.

A portion of the contribution was designated as in memory of Ogden Phipps, a patriarchal sportsman of the Turf who died recently after a long and distinguished career as an owner-breeder and leader in racing.

"We at the NYTHA appreciate that Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation seeks out and funds the best research available on the most important problems facing the horse," said the organization''s executive director, Robert F. Flynn. "When mares started losing foals in large numbers last year, the Foundation stepped up immediately to fund several projects seeking answers. At the same time, that did not diminish its commitment to seeking solutions to other problems all horses and horse owners face."

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation currently is funding 23 projects for more than $800,000 and over the last two decades has supported 179 projects at 31 universities for a total of more than $9.5 million. Problems addressed include various infectious diseases, laminitis, and an array of soundness issues. One of the projects underway seeks to develop a means of alerting horsemen to impending injury of bone and joint through analysis of serum markers. Several projects also utilize cutting-edge technology such as use of adult stem cells to aid cartilage regeneration.

"Our Foundation is dependent on the generosity of the horse community," said Edward L. Bowen, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. "We are in business solely to help the horse, and when organizations such as the NYTHA come forward so generously, it is an important boost to all who are connected to the equine industry."