(Edited press release)
Roy and Gretchen Jackson, owners of 2006 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner Barbaro, will receive a Congressional Honor from U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield as a tribute to their late colt at the Equine Advocates annual awards dinner and charity auction Aug. 2.
“We are deeply honored to have been recognized by the House of Representatives,” the Jacksons said in a joint statement. “It is all Barbaro. He started it by crossing the finish line by 6 1/2 lengths and the other by eight months of fighting to beat the odds. He has brought up many issues teaching us as well. Thank you indeed for such truly overwhelming recognition”.
The Jacksons are outspoken advocates against the practice of horse slaughter and have campaigned and lobbied for Congress to ban the practice. Whitfield, who represents Kentucky’s first district, is one of the active members of Congress working to pass the horse slaughter ban.
“The Jacksons continue to be a leading voice in the fight against horse slaughter," Whitfield said. “I believe their dedication and tireless work ethic will help lead to the eventual end of this cruel and inhumane practice of slaughtering horses for human consumption.”
The annual benefit at Stone Bridge Farm near Schuylerville, N.Y., will also honor Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens. The couple will receive the Equine Advocates Safe Home Equine Protection Award for their work and dedication to ending horse slaughter. Entertainer Liza Minnelli, who is currently on a world tour, will perform live in concert at the event.
“This year’s event will not only be thrilling on many levels, but it will also be a call to arms,” said Equine Advocates president Susan Wagner. "The Pickens and the Jacksons are an inspiration to us all. This event will give us the opportunity to honor them and thank them and call on all Americans to urge Congress to quickly pass H.R. 503 and S.311.”
Some limited tickets at $300 per person are still available, but must be purchased in advance. For more information, call: (518) 245-1599.