The Lexington, Ky., veterinary firm Hagyard Equine Medical Institute has made a $10,000 donation to Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation to further research on racehorse lameness issues, the foundation announced today.

“We realize many people associate Hagyard with broodmare, foal management and reproductive issues,” said Stuart Brown, a partner in the firm. “But we also want to help the finished product, the racehorse.”

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation annually funds projects covering a range of health and soundness matters affecting various breeds. Since 1983, the foundation has provided more than $15.5 million to some three dozen universities to fund 239 specific projects.

“The Hagyard veterinary team has long been one of the leaders in providing top-quality and state-of-the-art care for their clients’ horses,” foundation president Edward L. Bowen said of the firm, which was founded in 1876. “Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is proud that Hagyard views our efforts as worthy of its generous support.”

The foundation’s new slate of projects for 2009 will be established by mid-winter, and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute will be invited to select which project its grant will help fund.