Monique Koehler, a pioneering advocate for retired racehorses, will receive a Special Eclipse Award for her work with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

Koehler, who founded TRF in 1982, will receive her award on January 18 at the 39th Annual Eclipse Awards ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

"I am very honored and humbled to have been selected as a recipient of this year's Special Eclipse Award," Koehler said. "When I established the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation nearly three decades ago, it was out of my personal concern for these noble animals and for humane causes in general. I was not involved with racing in any way except as a casual fan. However, as the years went by, the success of my personal mission became inexorably linked to that of dedicated members of the racing community including Penny Chenery, Allaire DuPont, Skip and Mary Shapoff, and many others.

"Without their support, understanding, and guidance, my goals and those of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, could never have been accomplished. Through this award, I firmly believe that the Committee is recognizing all of us who have taken part in this life-enriching, life-saving quest