The University of Guelph has received $2 million from the E.P. Taylor Equine Research Fund to support clinical research in the health and performance of racehorses. The announcement was made Aug. 27 during the second annual Equi-Challenge, which brings together some of Canada's most notable equestrians.

"This generous gift is an investment in the future of the equine industry and the future of the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)," said president Alastair Summerlee. "We'll be creating and disseminating new knowledge through research and teaching at OVC, helping the equine industry grow and prosper."

There are more than one million horses in Canada, with nearly half of them in racing and breeding. The country's equine industry generates $3.5 billion a year, including $1 billion in Ontario with its more than 6,600 equine farms.

"The E.P. Taylor Equine Research Fund was established to honour the enormous contributions of E.P. Taylor to the horse-racing industry in Canada and, indeed, worldwide," said longtime trustee Robert McMartin. "This donation marks our belief in Guelph and its vision to build a centre of excellence for equine performance and reproduction. We believe clinical research is an essential part of this vision