Dr. Jack K. Robbins, instrumental in many aspects of racing and veterinary science in California for a half-century, has been named honor guest of the Thoroughbred Club of America's annual Testimonial Dinner. The 71st Testimonial Dinner will be held on an autumn date to be determined, in Lexington, Ky."Dr. Robbins epitomizes the phrase 'service to the industry,'" said W.T.(Buddy)Bishop III, president of the Thoroughbred Club, after the board of directors announced the honor. "He not only has carved a successful career as a veterinarian and horseman, but he has contributed pivotal leadership in the running of Oak Tree Racing Association,in his lengthy role in the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and in the field of equine research. He and his wife, Maggie, have also raised a family of distinguished sons, several of whom have also become involved in Thoroughbred racing."A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr.Robbins has been a licensed veterinarian on Thoroughbred racetracks since 1945.He was called upon a few years into his career to care for the great Citation and other Calumet Farm horses when they were stabled on the West Coast.
Dr. Robbins was successful in hands-on experience with breeding farms as well. He is a former managing partner of both Conejo Ranch and Laguna Seca. With Ed Janns of Conejo, he sold Honeys Gem for $137,000 in 1962,when that figure constituted a record for a Thoroughbred broodmare at auction. At Laguna Seca, Dr. Robbins managed several of the most
important stallions to stand in California, among them 1954 Kentucky Derby winner Determine and Indian Hemp, sire of nationally leading sire T.V.Lark.
In the 1950s, Dr. Robbins joined the fledgling American Association of Equine Practitioners, which has grown to a membership of more than 6,500 and has become a major force in the overall equine world. He was president of the AAEP in 1963 and was appointed a Distinguished Life Member of the organization in 1980.