The Equine Advocates ninth annual awards dinner and charity, set for July 29 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., will honor Sheikh Mohammed and Bo Derek for their support and goodwill in the industry.
Equine Advocates will present Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, with the Ellen and Herbert Moelis Equine Savior Award for Philanthrophy, at the event to be held at the Canfield Casino. Sheikh Mohammed has contributed generously to charities around the world, in addition to being an important supporter of the city of Saratoga Springs.
“Sheikh Mohammed is a leader, a lover of horses, and a generous supporter of worthy causes,” said Jimmy Bell, president of Darley America. “We are thrilled that he is to be the recipient of this honor and it is indeed a worthy recognition of his contribution to the horse industry, its participants, and its communities.”
Some of the causes supported by Sheikh Mohammed include the Darley Flying Start program and the Markey Cancer Foundation in Lexington, Ky. Darley, of which he is the principal owner, purchased and refurbished the historic former Whitney estate adjacent to the Saratoga Racecourse
During the same ceremony, actress Bo Derek will receive the Safe Home Equine Protection Award for her work to end the horse slaughter. Derek was recently reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board of governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. She has launched campaigns and worked against horse slaughter for many years.
“Most people don’t know that horses are being routinely slaughtered,” said Derek. “It’s a dire situation.”
A limited number of tickets at $250 per person will be available for the gala, which will also include dinner and a live auction featuring gifts and trips. All proceeds will benefit Equine Advocates horse rescue, rehabilitation, sanctuary, and humane education programs. For more information, call (518) 245-1599 or visit www.equineadvocates.org.