Double Diamond Farm has donated a total of $20,000 and Glen Hill Farm and Payton Training Center have both committed $10,000 to the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation’s Ocala Initiative. The growing list of supporters also includes Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co., the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (FTBOA), and Ocala Stud.

The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is working with organizations in the equine community in Ocala and throughout Florida to raise $100,000 and will then solicit matching funds from individuals. The funds will be earmarked to support equine research at the University of Florida.

“We are thrilled with the commitments of Double Diamond, Payton Training Center, and Glen Hill Farm,” said Garrett Gleeson, director of development and major gifts at Grayson. “As we move toward closing out the organizational side of the Ocala Initiative, we’re excited to have such an impressive roster of partner organizations supporting equine research. The initiative is designed to give those in the equine business the opportunity to give back to the horses that give so much.”

“As a longtime supporter and board member of Grayson I was very excited to hear of this initiative and feel it’s an important responsibility for people who love horses to support equine research,” said Donald Dizney, owner of Double Diamond Farm. “Grayson funds only the best research, and to know the project will be undertaken at the University of Florida makes this initiative even more appealing.”

“We were excited to be asked to partner with Grayson on this project and honored to do our part to advance equine research,” said J.J. Pletcher of the Payton Training Center. “The center and the Pletcher family believe in supporting causes that benefit the horse and benefit Ocala.”

Past Grayson-funded research developed vaccines for equine influenza and viral arteritis, defined Colitis X, and developed the field of biomechanics in horses, among other significant accomplishments. Current priorities include studies of laminitis, foal pneumonia, and exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging, as well as the full range of health and soundness issues that can affect horses.

“Glen Hill prides itself on a commitment to equine health and welfare,” Craig Bernick, president of Glen Hill said. “To join this partnership and show our support in this way, while also supporting important research, was an easy decision for us. “

Additional information about supporting the Ocala Initiative or any of Grayson’s research projects can be obtained by contacting Garrett Gleeson at ggleeson@jockeyclub.com or 212.521.5310.

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. The foundation has provided more than $23.3 million to fund more than 335 projects at 42 universities since 1983. Additional information about the foundation is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org.