Keeneland Association Gifts $1.3 Million to UK for Equine Drug Research and Testing Program

 The Keeneland Association continues its long-standing philanthropic relationship with the University of Kentucky with a gift of $1.3 million to the Keeneland Endowed Chair in Equine Veterinary Science.

This gift will grow the fund to $3 million and will allow the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Gluck Equine Research Center to launch a world-class equine drug research and testing program under the direction of Scott Stanley. Stanley, an internationally recognized equine researcher, came to UK in late 2018 from California where he served as director of the K.L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at University of California, Davis.

“This wonderful gift will help our college make new advances as we strive to serve the industry in all aspects of safety,” said Nancy Cox, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “The research capability afforded by this gift will allow a robust effort to develop new tests. This research will serve the new commercial testing laboratory that will be led by Dr. Stanley in partnership with the U.S. Equestrian Federation. We greatly appreciate the association’s support of the college.”

The laboratory at UK’s Coldstream Research Campus will provide drug testing services to a diverse equine clientele from the performance horse and racehorse industries. The Keeneland Association gift will support the research side that will underpin the commercial venture.

“Keeneland applauds UK’s commitment to create a true center of excellence at the Gluck Center,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “In support of our mission, Keeneland has long championed UK’s goal to become an industry leader in equine safety, integrity and research. We believe the important work undertaken by Dr. Stanley will serve as a platform for change in Kentucky and beyond.”

“Keeneland symbolizes the grace, elegance and competitiveness of Thoroughbred horse racing, and has long been recognized for its visionary leadership throughout the Thoroughbred horse industry,” said Mike Richey, UK vice president for philanthropy and alumni engagement. “As partners, Keeneland and UK are proud to advance an industry that is valued at nearly $24 billion for the Commonwealth. We are most grateful to the Keeneland Association for their commitment to endow excellence.”

The Keeneland Association has been an instrumental partner in both establishing and supporting equine research at UK for more than 30 years. Through its endowed professorship, the Keeneland Association has supported and advanced equine research, most recently in infectious disease.

“Historically, the Keeneland Association and its leadership have been instrumental in the successful achievement of the mission of the Gluck Equine Research Center to advance the health and well-being of the horse,” said Dr. Stuart Brown, chair of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation. “The support received by this latest gift allows this effort to continue in a vital area of research that will serve to enhance our understanding and capabilities in the areas of equine drug testing and surveillance that impact the spectrum of equestrian competition. We appreciate their continued commitment and trust to invest in the faculty and research at the Gluck Center which remains focused on the needs of the horse and the people who care for them.”