Grayson-Jockey Club grants to top $845K in 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation will fund 16 equine research projects this year, including eight new projects, for a total of $845,646.

The funding also will cover the second year of eight continuing projects started last year.

Projects that will receive the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation’s support include research studying foal pneumonia, laminitis, vitamin D’s role in equine immunity, and stem cell therapy.

One project, James Belknap’s research into possible medication or treatments for supporting-limb laminitis, also received the Elastikon Equine research Award, funded in part by Johnson and Johnson’s Consumer Products Company, which manufactures Elastikon tape.

Dr. Alice Stack, a researcher studying exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging, also received the $15,000 Storm Cat Career Development Award, which goes to “a promising young individual potentially headed on a career path of equine research,” according to Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation’s announcement. Lucy Young Hamilton, whose family stood Storm Cat, underwrites that award.

The 2012 Grayson-Jockey Club grants will support projects at the University of Georgia, Ohio State University, Michigan State University, University of Florida, Cornell University, University of Kentucky, and University of Pennsylvania.