Two Colts 'Racing for Research' in Belmont Stakes

John Oxley, owner of Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, and Gary and Mary
West, owners of Dollar Bill, have pledged to donate 1% of the winner's share of the purse to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation with a victory in Saturday's Belmont Stakes. The winner's share of the grade I event is $600,000, which means $6,000 would go toward research.

Oxley got the "Racing for Research" initiative off the ground this year when he made his pledge -- retroactive to Monarchos' Florida Derby victory in March -- on April 3. The Florida Derby win provided $6,000 to the
foundation, and the colt's Kentucky Derby victory added $8,120. That amount was then matched by the Pin Oak Stud syndicate that owns Monarchos' sire, Maria's Mon.

Prior to the May 19 Preakness Stakes, Oxley extended his pledge through the Triple Crown. The Wests made their pledge the week of the Belmont Stakes.

"The recent foal problems in Kentucky reaffirm the ongoing need for research, and the foundation is deeply grateful to these owners for their generosity and for their commitment to improving equine health and welfare," said Edward Bowen, president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.