Team Valor's Barry Irwin and philanthropist and equestrian Victoria McCullough will be honored at Equine Advocates' 13th Annual Awards Dinner and Charity Auction July 25 at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
In a release, the organization said Irwin, president of the partnership that raced Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Animal Kingdom , will receive the Ellen and Herbert Moelis Equine Savior Award for his work to ban the use of race-day medications in horses.
"Barry Irwin has been a positive force in our industry for many years," Ellen and Herb Moelis said in a joint statement. "Team Valor, which Barry founded, has been at the pinnacle of our industry. He has managed the career of one of the most interesting horses of our time—Animal Kingdom. His passion for the integrity of our sport has been exemplary."
The Moelis's co-founded the Thoroughbred Charities of America with the late Allaire du Pont and were honored by Equine Advocates in 2002 for their strong support of equine rescue.
McCullough, owner of Chesapeake Petroleum, will receive the Safe Home Equine Protection Award for her work to end the slaughter of America's horses. Her meetings with Vice President Joe Biden and other members of the executive branch led to the addition of language defunding horse slaughter in the United States to the 2014 Omnibus Bill.
"If anyone deserves to be honored for outstanding achievements to protect horses, it is Victoria McCullough," said Equine Advocates president Susan Wagner in a statement. "She has accomplished what no one has ever done by gaining the support of the administration against horse slaughter...Victoria gathered the science and the facts to prove how slaughtering horses for food is unethical because it is toxic and a serious threat to human health and food safety. Thanks to Victoria's continuing dedication and generosity I believe we are now on our way to reaching the ultimate goal of a permanent federal ban of horse slaughter."
Tickets are $250 per person and include cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, live and silent auctions, and dancing. All proceeds from this event will benefit Equine Advocates Horse Rescue, sanctuary, and humane education programs.
More information from Equine Advocates