Van Clief to Receive Equine Advocates Awards

D.G. Van Clief Jr., commissioner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and president of Breeders' Cup, will be honored Aug. 4 with the Equine Advocates Safe Home Equine Protection Award.

He will receive the award at the annual Equine Advocates awards dinner and charity auction to be held at Jeffrey and Melanie Tucker's Stone Bridge Farm in Schulyerville, N.Y.

"D.G. Van Clief is one of the most highly respected people in Thoroughbred racing nationally and internationally, and in the entire horse industry, in general," said Equine Advocates president Susan Wagner. "As both President of the Breeders' Cup and Commissioner and CEO of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), his strong stance against horse slaughter is an inspiration and ray of hope to everyone who loves and cares about horses, and sends a powerful message to those who work in the horse industry that this cruel practice must be universally outlawed."

"While I am honored by this recognition, I can think of few people who deserve it less. There are so many others who have done so much to protect the health and welfare of our horses, and I hope in some way to be able to redirect the spotlight onto their efforts. I would like to acknowledge the good work done by Equine Advocates and especially note the example of personal responsibility to one's horses which they set."

Equine Advocates, a national non-profit equine protection organization, has been rescuing horses and actively opposing horse slaughter since 1996. All proceeds from the event will benefit Equine Advocates' horse rescue & sanctuary programs. The evening's entertainment will feature The Beach Boys. A limited number of tickets are available. Tickets are $250 per person and must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, call (518) 245-1599.