(Edited press release)
IEAH announced July 10 the commencement of construction on its equine medical facility at Belmont Park, and a groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. July 13. The project has been in the making for more than three years, and the scope of the project has grown substantially due to the enormous demand.
The ceremony will take place at 111 Plainfield Ave., directly adjacent to the Belmont Park barn area. Cocktails and a buffet will follow at Belmont Park. The event is open to all licensed veterinarians and trainers, as well as members of the media and New York Racing Association personnel.
The intended $7 million project has grown to more than $15 million, and the size of the facility has more than doubled. The facility will provide a wide array of diagnostic imaging, multiple surgical suites, treadmill endoscopy, a full chemistry lab, and a pharmacy.
Dr. James Hunt will oversee the practice and has retained Dr. Patricia Hogan as head surgeon. Hunt currently cares for more than 60% of the Belmont Park equine population, and Hogan was the recipient of the 2005 President’s Award for performing potentially life-threatening cranial surgery on Smarty Jones , affording that colt the opportunity to become a Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner.
IEAH, a subsidiary of International Equine Acquisitions Holdings, has provided the financing for the project in conjunction with John Roberts, Sanford Robbins, Andrew Cohen, and the TAG Advisory Group. Co-presidents Michael Iavarone and Richard Schiavo have dedicated much of their time and efforts in delivering this facility. Iavarone and Schiavo race under the silks of IEAH Stables and have campaigned grade I winners Kip Deville and Wonder Lady Anne L.
The facility is to be constructed by J. Petrocelli Contracting, was designed by John Roberts Architects of London, and drawings were completed by Baldassano Architectural Group as architects of record.