Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation Approves New Funding for Equine Research

The board of directors of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has authorized the expenditure of $2,693,312 to support 16 new projects and 10 ongoing projects at 17 universities, along with two career development awards. This funding marks a total of more than $44.4 million provided by the foundation since 1940, which has supported over 450 projects across 48 universities. Jamie Haydon, the president of Grayson, expressed pride in the foundation's commitment to advancing research that benefits all horses, regardless of breed or discipline. He also highlighted the significance of the career development awards for nurturing future researchers.

The newly approved projects include a variety of studies aimed at improving equine health and well-being. Noteworthy projects include testing smartphone sensors for lameness detection, developing vaccines against equine rotavirus, and investigating treatments for injuries such as tendon adhesions. Other projects focus on understanding the genetic factors in cervical spine malformations, enhancing vaccine designs for foals, and developing new therapies for conditions like laminitis and osteoarthritis. Each project is being spearheaded by experts from different universities who aim to contribute valuable insights into equine medicine.

The two career development awards have been given to promising researchers. Dr. Erica Secor from Cornell University received the Storm Cat Career Development Award to study immune responses in equine osteoarthritis. Dr. Shannon Connard from North Carolina State University was awarded the Elaine and Bertram Klein Career Development Award for her work on regenerative therapies for musculoskeletal injuries in horses. Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation continues to be a significant source of private funding for equine medical research, aiming to enhance the lives of all horses through its initiatives.