The Oak Tree Racing Association announced Dec. 29 that it will match donations made to Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in honor of Dr. Jack K. Robbins.
The pledge will cover donations up to a total of $100,000 that are made through Dec. 31, 2015.
Robbins, a Thoroughbred owner and breeder and a pioneer in the field of veterinary medicine, died Nov. 29, 2014, after battling pulmonary and respiratory disease. He was 93.
“Dr. Jack Robbins was a founder of the Oak Tree Racing Association and a standard-bearer for the association’s dedication to the betterment of racing and the good of the horse,” said John Barr, president of the Oak Tree Racing Association. “He was also a champion of equine research, and Oak Tree feels it is very appropriate that we honor his long association with the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.”
“The Robbins family is thrilled that Oak Tree has extended this offer,” said Tom Robbins, executive vice president, racing & industry relations for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and one of Dr. and Mrs. Robbins’ four sons.
Dr. Robbins had a long association with Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and was director emeritus at the time of his passing.
“Dr. Robbins was a leader in veterinary medicine his entire career,” said Dr. Rick Arthur, a director of both Oak Tree and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. “He was always interested in advancing veterinary science so veterinarians could get the best care to their equine patients. That is well reflected in his and Oak Tree Racing Association’s ongoing support for the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and direct support of equine research at the UC-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and other schools.”
The foundation is a leading source of funding for veterinary research projects specifically to benefit the horse.
“We appreciate the Oak Tree directors’ generous decision both to honor Jack Robbins and to further one of his favorite causes, research to help the horse,” said Dell Hancock, chairman of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. “Jack was a wonderful gentleman and always a positive contributor to the good of racing.”
From now until Dec. 31, 2015, donations in Dr. Robbins’ name can be made online with a credit card or PayPal account on the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation website.
They can also be mailed to Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, 821 Corporate Drive, Lexington, KY 40503.
The foundation has provided $20.9 Million to fund more than 300 projects at 41 universities since 1983.
