Irwin said Team Valor hopes that other partnerships would match the award and that other owners would also become involved in the program so that additional scholarships could be awarded annually.Applications are available on Team Valor's Website at www.teamvalor.com. Irwin said the deadline for applications is Aug. 1 and the award winner will be announced Aug. 31.
Team Valor, the racing partnership that will be represented by longshot Dr Greenfield in Saturday's Belmont Stakes, is establishing a scholarship program to benefit children of racetrack backstretch workers.The Valordictorian Award will consist of an annual $25,000 award earmarked for tuition, books and living expenses to a student for one year. Eligible is any college-bound or current student who has a parent working with Thoroughbreds on the backstretch of a racetrack in the United States, Team Valor announced."Racing is powered by the dreams of Thoroughbred owners," said Barry Irwin, president of Team Valor. "The backstretch worker is the forgotten person in racing. He must be able to dream as well. Team Valor wants to make a statement to the industry by offering this award. We hope it inspires our peers to join us and make this practice a common one."
