Officials at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced on Feb. 1 that they would lead a national fundraising program to raise awareness and money for equine health and safety research. The fund is in the name of 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, who was euthanized on Jan. 29 after his gallant battle to recover from a broken leg and laminitis.
One specific target for the direction of monies raised by the Barbaro Memorial Fund will be research projects that focus on laminitis.
“The outpouring of emotion and support from racing fans has been so amazing that we wanted to find a fitting way for those fans and our industry to honor Barbaro,” said Alex Waldrop, CEO of the NTRA. “We consulted with the Jacksons and other industry organizations to see how we could bring our combined resources to bear in this endeavor. We anticipate a busy few months as we work together to assist projects that can have a great impact on the health and safety of Thoroughbreds and, through our focus on laminitis, horses of other breeds as well.”
“Gretchen and I hope Barbaro\’s memory can be carried on through advances in medical research, including a cure for laminitis,” said Roy Jackson, co-owner of Barbaro with his wife, Gretchen.
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The NTRA Charities, the NTRA’s nonprofit 501 (c)(3) subsidiary, will oversee the Barbaro Memorial Fund, and 100 percent of the funds raised will flow to existing equine health charities like the Laminitis Fund established at the University of Pennsylvania, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, and other industry charities focusing on laminitis research.
The New York-based Bessemer Trust, an NTRA/Breeders’ Cup sponsor, has agreed to establish and maintain an account for NTRA Charities—Barbaro Memorial Fund—at no cost. Contributions can be made to: NTRA Charities, Barbaro Memorial Fund, c/o Bessemer Trust Company N.A., attn: Robert Elliott, 630 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10111. All contributions are tax deductible.
For questions regarding the fund, please call the NTRA’s Lexington office (800) 792-NTRA (6872).
