A University of Kentucky equine science student will be presented the $24,000 Olivia M. Saylor/Fleet Indian Scholarship from the Race for Education following a trophy presentation for the renamed stakes at Saratoga on July 31.
The Fleet Indian Scholarship, named after the champion filly campaigned by the Saylor family, was renamed to honor the memory of Olivia M. Saylor, who died in a house fire on Jan. 1, 2011 at the age of 21.
The 2011 scholarship will be awarded Victoria Casso, a recent graduate of Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park, N. Y. The New York Racing Association will also present a check for $2,500 to the Race for Education in memory of Olivia Saylor.
“Ms. Saylor was a tremendous spirit who shared her passion for thoroughbred racing with all whom she encountered,” said NYRA president and CEO Charles Hayward. “We could not think of a better way to honor her love of racing than by contributing to an organization that makes it possible for others to fulfill their dreams to be a part of the thoroughbred industry.”
Olivia Saylor had been involved in Fleet Indian’s racing career as well as various Race for Education events supporting the Fleet Indian Scholarship. Her father, Paul Saylor, is a board member of the Race for Education, which for the last nine years has provided more than $3.5 million in college scholarships to those whose families are involved in the Thoroughbred industry.
Representatives from the Race for Education will be at the Community Outreach Booth July 31 to provide information on educational programs and scholarship opportunities to individuals interested in the equine and agriculture industry.
The Olivia M. Saylor/Fleet Indian Scholarship, which is presented annually at the Saratoga meet, provides financial support to students with significant financial need who are pursuing a higher education degree in the equine and agriculture industry.
