Attendees of the Thoroughbred International Exposition and Conference (TIEC) in Lexington, Ky., June 20-22, learned about the past and future of equine research. Edward Bowen, president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, spoke about past and current research of the Grayson-Jockey Club and other foundations raising funds for equine research.

The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, begun in 1940, has contributed more than $10 million to 31 institutions for 178 projects in the past two decades. Funding from the Grayson-Jockey Club is granted on the basis of good science and whether results of the research will have an important impact on the equine industry, said Bowen. Currently, there are 19 projects being funded at 11 facilities. Nine of the projects are two-year projects concluding this year, while 10 of the projects are new.
Two-years projects funded for the second year, the head researcher, and the institute, include:

  • Accelerated regression of endometrial cups, Dr. Doug Antczak, Cornell University;

  • Effect of airway inflammation and mucus on racehorse performance, Dr. Susan Holcombe, Michigan State University;

  • Respiratory immune responses of foals, Dr. David Horohov, Louisiana State University.

  • Role of Streptococcus bovis exotoxins in equine laminitis, Dr. Philip Johnson, University of Missouri;

  • Colonic pathophysiology in horses administered phenylbutazone, Dr. Rebecca McConnico, Louisiana State University;

  • Growth factor gene transduced stem cells for cartilage repair, Dr. Alan Nixon, Cornell University;

  • Functional analysis