Annual Betsy Gala Celebrates Sixth Anniversary

Friday night, horsemen and women from all backgrounds came together for a good cause during the 6th annual “The Betsy,” a grand prix show jumping gala held in honor of the late Betsy Fishback. 

Sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute to benefit the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation and held during the Kentucky National Horse Show, the gala takes place annually in memory of Fishback, who died in 2009 after a battle with breast cancer. The event aims to raise money for cancer research, patient treatment, and to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for the UK Markey Cancer Center. 

A well-known and respected equestrian, Fishback was the driving force behind the Midway Equine Program as well as the former coach of the University of Kentucky’s equestrian team. She was also involved with Lexington’s Keeneland Pony Club chapter, the Pisgah Historical District, Masterson Equestrian Trust Foundation, the Kentucky Hunter Jumper Association and the Kentucky Horse Shows held at the Kentucky Horse Park. Her husband, Dr. William Fishback, works at Hagyard. 

Although this year no Thoroughbreds took part in the $65,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic Grand Prix, which served as the finale of the Hagyard Challenge Series, plenty of industry members showed up to support the cause. 

Farms that sponsored tables included Juddmonte, Darley and Cobra, while Jim Mulvihill, the Director of Media & Industry Relations for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and James Hastie, the executive director of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, were in attendance, among others. Keeneland also was represented at the event. 

During a thrilling competition, the original field of 24 was whittled down to six competitors, who qualified to take part in the jump off to determine the winner. In the end, Lisa Goldman and her chestnut mount, Centurion B, took home first place after jumping clear in the fastest time. 

In addition to taking in the grand prix, gala attendees were served a gourmet dinner prepared by Catering by Donna and could take part in a bourbon tasting provided by Four Roses Distillery. A Calcutta auction based on teams of horse and rider combinations took place, as well as a more traditional live auction which featured a VIP distillery experience at Four Roses, a trip to New York City, a Sonoma wine adventure, a Farm-to-Table gourmet dinner and a bottle of 23-year-old Pappy Van Winkle. 

General admission to the Hagyard Lexington Classic was offered for free and the first 1,500 attendees received a free hot dog and soda. Pink “Jump For the Cure” bracelets and t-shirts proved popular throughout the crowd, as did a photo booth featuring the same theme. All were made available in an effort to raise money for the fight against breast cancer. 
The Betsy is UK Markey Cancer Foundation’s kick-off event to National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Proceeds from the event will be used for breast cancer screenings, research, and patient support. –Amanda Duckworth