Niall Brennan Stables Completes Organizational Funding for Ocala Initiative

Niall Brennan Stables of Ocala has committed to a $10,000 gift in support of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation's Ocala Initiative, thus completing the organizational side of the $200,000 initiative designed to advance equine research.

"It's a really great honor to have the support of Niall and his team," said Garrett Gleeson, director of development and major gifts at Grayson. "He was there when this initiative was conceived and has helped steward its advancement, so to have him come on board as the final gift in the organizational side of this project is fitting."

The Ocala Initiative is a $200,000 undertaking designed to advance equine research in Florida. Grayson is now soliciting donations from individuals in Florida to meet the $100,000 committed by the equine organizations: Niall Brennan Stables, Double Diamond Farm, Ocala Breeders' Sales, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, Ocala Stud, Glen Hill Farm, Payton Training Center, Tampa Bay Downs, and Gulfstream Park.

"I was connected with Garrett through Mr. [Ogden Mills] Phipps, and I've been pleased to help connect Grayson with organizations interested in improving the welfare of the horse throughout Florida," said Brennan. "And I was honored to have the opportunity to make this gift, honor the memory of Mr. Phipps and his longstanding commitment to equine research, and complete the first part of the initiative on behalf of our team. We believe Grayson's work is critical to the health of the horse, and we're committed to that effort."

"Having the support of all these organizations shows how committed Florida is to equine research, and in turn equine health and welfare," Gleeson said. "We're now reaching out to individuals throughout the state to show their appreciation for the well-being of the horse."

For more information about how you can support the Ocala Initiative or any of Grayson's research projects, please contact Garrett Gleeson at ggleeson@jockeyclub.com or 212.521.5310.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation's leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1983, the foundation has provided more than $23.3 million to fund 335 projects at 42 universities in North America and overseas. Additional information about the foundation and is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.