PRESS RELEASE
The board of directors of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced that it has authorized expenditure of $2,455,164 to fund 11 new projects and 13 continuing projects at 14 universities as well as three career development awards. The 2024 slate of research brings Grayson’s totals since 1940 has provided more than $42.3 million to underwrite more than 437 projects at 47 universities.
“Once again, this year’s projects affect all types of horses in every stage of development demonstrating Grayson’s commitment to all breeds and disciplines,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson. “I am especially pleased that we were able to offer a special career development award this year in honor of Nancy Kelly, who was Grayson’s vice president of development for many years and was an advocate for nurturing young researchers.”
Below is an alphabetical list by school of the new projects:
Diet Nonstructural Carbohydrates Alter Ovarian Functions
Elaine Carnevale, Colorado State University
Feeding nonstructural carbohydrates (grains and sugars) to older mares can alter cell function and metabolism in ovarian follicles, impairing ovulation, oocyte and embryo viability, and fertility.
Equine Tendinopathy: Advanced Imaging and Tenex Efficacy
Brad Nelson, Colorado State University
This study will enhance our knowledge of equine tendon repair by comprehensive clinical imaging, while simultaneously assessing a novel tendon therapy, improving veterinary and industry understanding.
Shining A Light On The Black Box Of Early Pregnancy Loss
Amanda de Mestre, Cornell University
This study will determine how common genetic disorders of the early equine embryo occur as well as identify how they present to veterinarians and key factors that increase their risk.
Ketodoxapram As A Treatment For Atrial Fibrillation
Annelies Decloedt, Ghent University
Ketodoxapram is a promising novel treatment method for horses with atrial fibrillation.
Adiponectin as a Clinical Biomarker for Laminitis Risk
Melody De Laat, Queensland University of Technology
To improve early detection of the painful foot disease laminitis, this project will evaluate the value of a promising biomarker for the condition called adiponectin.
Role of C1q in Rhodococcal Infection
Angela Bordin, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
Examine the effects of complement in preventing Rhodococcus equi infection, a cause of severe pneumonia in foals, for future design of vaccines and more efficacious hyperimmune plasma products.
Novel Protein Targets for R. equi Serology and Vaccines
Noah Cohen, Texas A&M AgriLife Research
This study will use a novel method for the first systematic evaluation of a large number of proteins to identify targets for developing a simple blood test and vaccines for rhodococcal foal pneumonia.
Insulin Dysregulation: Placental Changes And Foal Health
Elaine Norton, University of Arizona
This study investigates the role of equine metabolic syndrome on placental function and foal health and metabolic outcomes in order to develop effective treatment and management regimens.
Novel Method for Diagnosis of Nocardioform Placentitis
Shavahn Loux, University of Kentucky
A sensitive and specific diagnostic test for Nocardioform Placentitis.
Polyacrylamide For Joint Therapy–Critical Things Unknown
Bruno Menarim, University of Kentucky (Gluck)
Examining the osteoarthritis treatment polyacrylamide hydrogel and how the treatment characterizes the changes in the inflammatory response within the joints.
Risk Assessment For Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fracture
Peter Muir, University of Wisconsin–Madison
This study will save the lives of racehorses by establishing screening using fetlock standing computed tomography for diagnosis of horses with a high risk of serious injury for personalized care.
