Grayson-Jockey Club Allocates Funds for Research

The Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation Board of Directors has approved a budget of $1,100,500 to fund equine research in 2015. A total of 10 new projects will be funded, as well as two second-year projects and two Career Development awards to encourage young scientists. The budget also allows for a second call for research later in the year. Since 1983, the foundation has funded a total of 322 projects at 41 universities for over $22 million. 

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to fund every one of the projects that our Research Advisory Committee evaluated as qualifying for support,” said Edward L. Bowen, president of the foundation. “The fact that we also can reach out with a special call is a true bonus for us and, more importantly, for the horse.” 

Details for the 10 new projects, addressing a variety of topics, can be found here. 

The Career Development Awards program was initiated in 2006 with the first Storm Cat Award. This was named for the famous stallion that stood at Overbrook Farm, the family of foundation board member Lucy Young Hamilton. Mrs. Hamilton personally underwrites the $15,000 stipends to assist in specific research by young candidates who pursue a career path in equine research. The 2015 Storm Cat Career Development winner is Aimee Colbath of Colorado State University. 

The family of the late Elaine Klein has inaugurated another Career Development Award in memory of the distinguished equestrienne. The Klein Family Foundation is based in Louisville, Ky. The recipient of the inaugural $15,000 Elaine Klein Career Development Award is Sophie Bogers of the Marion du Pont Scott Equine Medical Center.