With the hope of expanding awareness of the existence and the work of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, several racetracks throughout the country will name races in honor of the Foundation throughout the summer, it was announced today by Edward L. Bowen, president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.
Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa has scheduled a race in honor of the Foundation for Friday, May 24.
Other race tracks which have scheduled races named for the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation are Suffolk Downs (June 1), Calder Race Course (July 6), and Belmont Park (July 20).
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has also agreed to schedule a race for the Foundation although a date has not yet been finalized.
Rillito Park in Tucson, Arizona held its own race in honor of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation earlier in the year.
“We appreciate the recognition Prairie Meadows and the other race tracks are giving the Foundation,” said Edward L. Bowen, Grayson-Jockey Club president. “We hope to recruit additional tracks as well. People connected to racing through business or pleasure should have an appreciation for the horse. The sole purpose of the Foundation is to help keep horses healthy and safe, and we welcome the participation of anyone who shares that goal.”
The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation funds projects that address illnesses, injuries and other problems that plague horses. The Foundation is funded solely by private donations and most of the research is applicable to horses of any breed or usage.
In 2002, the Foundation is funding 23 projects totaling more than $800,000.
The collaboration between the Foundation and Prairie Meadows is especially appropriate since one of the projects being conducted this year is located at Iowa State University/Ames. Dr. Scott McClure, assistant professor at ISU''s College of Veterinary Medicine, is investigating safe usage of a technique called Shock Wave Therapy. This painless technique utilizes pressure waves, not electricity, to stimulate healing of bone and tendon. However, overuse of the procedure can create a state of anesthesia.
Last year, at the recommendation of its Research Advisory Committee, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation designated $50,000 for research into that treatment. Dr. McClure''s project was selected for its efficiency and excellence of scientific approach.
“The potential risks to both horse and rider when working without full comprehension of pain are obvious,” wrote Dr. McClure. “This study addresses all the important issues.” (Dr. McClure will deliver an address on the subject this summer at the Orlando, Fla., meeting of the International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians.)
“We applaud equine health research spearheaded and funded by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation,” said Prairie Meadows President, CEO and General Manager Bob Farinella, “and we are proud that Iowa scientists are engaged in critical research. Prairie Meadows takes its role seriously, and supporting equine research is just one way we approach our commitment to animal husbandry.”
The Foundation, which originated in 1940, has funded research that has led to vaccines for Equine Influenza and Equine Viral Arteritis and solved some of the mysteries surrounding Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis and Equine Infectious Anemia. Other studies have provided improvements in protecting soundness and repairing injuries, and dealt with various reproductive problems in horses.
The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has also responded to the outbreak of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS) by funding or co-funding seven projects related to the problem.
The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is located at 821 Corporate Drive, Lexington, KY 40503, and can be reached by calling 859-224-2850.
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