Edited report from The Jockey Club
Trainer Kenny McPeek will make a donation of $50 for each of his wins in 2009 to Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, it was jointly announced Sept. 9 by McPeek and foundation president, Edward Bowen. The pledge is retroactive to July 1.
“We certainly appreciate Mr. McPeek stepping up to increase his support of equine research,” said Bowen. “He already was a member of our Rokeby Circle level of donors, and this additional generosity further underscores his understanding that scientific research serves trainers and all others in the industry.
“We have some owners who give after each victory through our Share the Wins program, but this is the first time a trainer has come on board. I hope others will look at this as an appropriate way to help.”
The Share the Wins program enables owners, fans, and others to make tax-deductible donations of an amount of their choice to the foundation to commemorate the victory or placing of one or more of their own horses or favorite horses. For more information or to participate in the Share the Wins program, visit grayson-jockeyclub.org.
“I am glad to be able to give back to the industry this way,” said McPeek. “The mission of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is to help horses stay sound and healthy, and what could be a better fit with what trainers do every day of our lives?”
The foundation has provided more than $16.3 million to fund 247 research projects at some three dozen universities since 1983. In the current year, the foundation is funding 18 projects for more than $900,000, running a broad range of topics including racing surface management, equine herpesvirus, tracking of training injuries, and cartilage and bone repair.
The foundation is funded by membership dues and other donations and special fund-raising events. Membership is non-elective and open to anyone interested in supporting horse health and soundness. Membership levels range from the $100 Annual Member level to the $10,000 and up Rokeby Circle.