News Releases

Monday, April 22, 2019Contact: Holly White (859) 224-2842
Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation Launches Professionals’ Circle and Rider Ambassador Programs

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced today the creation of a Professionals’ Circle Program and Rider Ambassador Program, both of which are sponsored by sport horse enthusiast Jacqueline B. Mars.

Through the Professionals’ Circle Program, members can offer monetary contributions as well as their time toward supporting Grayson’s work and research. Stakeholders and fans from all aspects of the equestrian industry are welcome to join.

As part of the Rider Ambassador Program, equestrians representing all disciplines, from Thoroughbred racing to show jumping to driving, are invited to promote Grayson’s mission through social media as well as at events and horse shows. Ambassadors will educate their respective equestrian communities about Grayson’s efforts and how the research supported by the foundation benefits all horses.

“We are grateful to Ms. Mars for sponsoring this program, which will allow individuals to spread awareness about Grayson’s work to improve the lives of horses of all breeds and disciplines, including the sport horse community,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. “The launch of these programs coincides with the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event taking place this week in Lexington, Ky., and reflects how Grayson-funded research has a wide-ranging impact on the equine community.”

Individuals who are interested in participating in the Professionals’ Circle Program or Rider Ambassador Program should contact Holly White at hwhite@jockeyclub.com or 859-224-2842.

Jacqueline B. Mars has been involved with sport horses and the equestrian world for more than four decades. She has been associated with top sport horses including Giltedge, Prince Panache, and Harbour Pilot. Her grandmother Ethel Veronica Mars owned Gallahadion, the 1940 Kentucky Derby winner.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation's leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1983, the foundation has provided more than $27.5 million to fund 366 projects at 44 universities in North America and overseas. Additional information about the foundation is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.