For the first time, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation will distribute more than $1 million for research grants in 2007.

The foundation’s board of directors recently approved 13 new projects, including three devoted to the study of laminitis, and renewed funding for eight others that are already underway. The total allocation for research is $1,105,045.

The board also issued a special call for herpesvirus research proposals.

“We have had as a goal the ability to fund a million dollars of research in a single year,” said Edward L. Bowen, president of the foundation. “With the help of generous donors, we have not only reached, but exceeded that level for 2007