The September 24 card at Kentucky Downs has been designated Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation Day, in support of a leading source of veterinary research for horses. Under the unique arrangement offered by Kentucky Downs President Corey Johnsen, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation was invited to solicit sponsorships for eight individual races on the 10-race card, with sponsorship fees being retained by the foundation.

“We appreciate the innovative program Kentucky Downs has offered,” said Edward L. Bowen, president, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. “We are proud to announce the following have signed on as individual race sponsors: Team Valor, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, Equibase, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, Royal Oak Farm, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Three Chimneys, and Starlight Racing. This is a statement on their behalf that they support research designed to enhance the health and safety of the horse.”

Starlight Racing is offering a $500 betting opportunity connected to its sponsored race. Fans on site at Kentucky Downs that day can sign up to be eligible for a drawing of $500 to wager on the Starlight race.

“We are always pleased to support charities within the horse industry,” said Johnsen of Kentucky Downs, which provides trophies for the sponsored races, “and we admire the work of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, which is contributing $1 million this year for important research projects. We also look forward to welcoming representatives of the distinguished line-up of guest sponsors they have attracted.”

In addition to the eight overnight events, the September 24 races over the rolling European-style course will include the $200,000 Kentucky Downs Turf Dash and the $200,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Marathon.

Kentucky Downs is located at 5629 Nashville Road, Franklin, Ky.

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 $20.9 million to fund 310 projects at 41 universities in North America and overseas. Additional information about the foundation and the summit is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.