A New York native, Zent began his love affair with horses as a young child when visiting family in Kentucky. He graduated from Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine in 1963, interned at Purdue University, then spent two years investigating infectious disease outbreaks and pathology at the University of Kentucky's Department of Veterinary Science. He began practicing at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee, now Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, in 1966 and was synonymous with that institution for decades.

Zent also remained affiliated with the Veterinary Science Department at the University of Kentucky, as well as the Gluck Equine Research Center. He served as Chair for the Gluck Equine Research Foundation and was instrumental in securing funding for facilities on the University's research farm. The mare reproduction facility is named the “Walter W. Zent-Mare Reproductive Health Facility.”

Zent's career focused on advancing the field of equine reproduction, particularly among Thoroughbreds, and nurturing theriogenology (the reproduction specialty in veterinary medicine) among other veterinarians. He played a pivotal role in revolutionizing mare management practices. A past president of the Society for Theriogenology, he was also involved in many other professional veterinary and equine organizations, including the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). He was an honorary Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists and delivered numerous presentations at national and international conferences, as well as authored several book chapters and articles for publication.

In partnership with Tony and Susan Holmes, Zent and his wife June bred a number of successful Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, including 2005 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Stevie Wonderboy (Stephen Got Even) and 2010 GI Breeders' Cup Turf winner Dangerous Midge (Lion Heart).

Zent is survived by his wife, June; daughter Megan Neelis (Trey); son, Drew Zent (Lisa); grandchildren Christine Neelis, Carter Zent, Harry Neelis, Emma Zent, and Maggie Zent; his sister, Phyllis Shapiro; and two nieces.

Visitation will take place Thursday, July 6 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 463 East Main Street, Lexington. A celebration of Zent's life and contributions will be held later this year.

Any donations in Zent's name may be made to the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Scholarship Endowment through The Foundation for the Horse and/or the Society for Theriogenology.

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Sadly, one in 25 Thoroughbred pregnancies in the UK result in pregnancy loss during mid- to late gestation, a figure that has shown no significant improvement over the last 30 years and results in the yearly loss of approximately £1.1 million for owners, as well as veterinary costs in the region of £1.2 million. The most common cause of this in the UK–accounting for nearly half of cases sent to a laboratory–is UCT, which is the excessive twisting of the umbilical cord leading to blockage of the blood supply and the subsequent death of the foetus.

Across the globe, with the exception of Australia, the proportion of pregnancy loss attributed to UCT is significantly lower. This is most noticeable compared to North America, with UK occurrences 10 times higher than in the U.S.

Researchers at the RVC are leading a collaboration with colleagues at Cornell University, Rossdales Laboratories and Hagyard Equine Medical Institute to explore the reason why the umbilical cord twists excessively mid-pregnancy. Together, they hope to establish new ways of detecting the twisting prior to the pregnancy being aborted. The team will use epidemiological modeling to refine and update the current diagnostic criteria for UCT, allowing for more reliable comparisons between populations within the UK and overseas. This would facilitate the accurate diagnosis of the condition by veterinarians globally and allow researchers to identify risk factors to optimise the management of pregnant mares.

“This project brings together researchers who are leading their field and I hope that this will allow us to forward our understanding of this condition,” Jessica Roach, Research Fellow at the RVC, said. “Our aim is to develop novel diagnostic tools to identify pregnancies with a torsed umbilical cord, and ultimately prevent or decrease the risk of pregnancy loss.”

Researchers will also characterise subcomponents and key proteins of the umbilical cord in both normal and diseased cords to identify any potential regions of the cord that could be monitored clinically. These areas will then be examined using ultrasonography in mid-gestation to assess the diagnostic potential for mares that are at risk of UCT abortion. The development of novel diagnostic tools will also enable veterinarians to predict mares at risk of suffering a UCT pregnancy loss and monitor the efficacy of novel treatments for the condition. Ultimately, the findings from this project will push forward the understanding of this cause of equine pregnancy loss, and abortion more widely.

More information on the study can be found here.

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“Starting a new charitable effort is always a challenge and usually takes some time to build momentum,” said Hagyard's Dr. Luke Fallon, DVM. “So we tried to set a realistic goal, but I think we underestimated people's passion for aftercare. Once the campaign got rolling we realized that a six-figure goal was not out of reach.”

Representatives from Hagyard thanked all participants who supported the effort, with a broad range of industry racing teams, farms, businesses, and organizations adding to the spirit of competition.

“As we mentioned at the launch of the campaign, competition is central to who and what we are as an industry. So we wanted to engineer competition into the Race to Give,” said Ken Ford, CEO of Hagyard Pharmacy. “It manifested itself in a number of fun sporting events, and the highly entertaining Run-A-Muck challenge where people were challenged to make a donation or muck a stall. I couldn't possibly list everybody who really leaned into the Race to GIve, but seeing people like Carter Carnegie and Allie Sclafani get involved was just amazing.”

I accept @suefinley's #RunaMuckChallenge for @Hagyard's #racetogive and I challenge @btbrowning to donate, muck a stall or both!

To make a donation, go to https://t.co/wObqGAhDK6 pic.twitter.com/1dOwIJjj21

— Katie Petrunyak (@katiep_tdn) October 17, 2021

The fundraising effort also included corporate sponsors Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN), TVG, Resolvet, Keeneland, and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA). “Our industry partners were simply amazing,” Fallon continued. “And we have to give an additional shout out to Thoroughbred Daily News and TVG. They were extremely generous with their promotional space and their editorial content to help get the word out. For about six weeks, Race to Give was a significant part of the industry discussion.”

In addition to raising money for aftercare, Race to Give was also engineered to raise awareness for the importance of aftercare. With Thoroughbreds on average living another 20 years or more after retiring from racing, they can move into second careers in new disciplines such as eventing, hunter/jumpers, dressage, western, polo, trail riding, equine therapy, and much more. Thoroughbreds are extremely versatile and can often be retrained for multiple disciplines. Responsible owners can set their horse up for future success by retiring them into a TCA-approved and TAA-accredited aftercare program where they can be retrained for their next career.

“As we pause to think about what we're thankful for this week, I know one of things on my list is being part of an industry that understands the importance of the next career for Thoroughbreds,” said Mike McMahon, TCA President. “This check, and the hundreds of Race to Give participants who contributed, is clear evidence of the genuine love we all have for these animals.”

Detailed results of the Race to Give campaign can be found at RaceToGive.org.

“This year's campaign was truly amazing,” said Fallon. “Now just imagine what we can do with a whole year to plan for the 2022 campaign.”

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At Keeneland today, fans may donate wagering tickets by dropping them in the “Race to Give” donation box inside the Grandstand East Gate entrance. Funds will go directly to TCA.

Hagyard Equine Medical Institute began sponsoring the Fayette in 2013. The stakes is the ninth race on the 10-race card (post time 5:16 p.m.).

Preceding the Hagyard Fayette are two additional stakes: $150,000 Bowman Mill (Race 7; post time 4:12 p.m.) and $150,000 Bryan Station (Race 8; post time 4:44 p.m.).

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The six-person box, 4G, is on Del Mar's third level, and was donated by Richardson's friend, Dr. James B. Threlkel. It is valid for Friday, Nov. 5 and Saturday, Nov. 6, and includes preferred parking passing for Friday and Saturday. Stretch run boxes are located before the wire.

“Dr. J. David Richardson was a man for all seasons,” said Threlkel. “He was an outstanding surgeon and surgical educator, a successful horseman, a true scholar and gentleman and a friend to many. He was a leader who rose to top leadership positions in many Surgical and Thoroughbred horse racing organizations and in his daily activities. He possessed the ultimate surgical talent of being able to identify problems and then fixing them. It is said that no man is irreplaceable, but David Richardson come pretty close. We shared many interests. This donation is a small, inadequate token of my esteem and love for my dear friend. My family and I will miss you, Dave.”

To bid on the box, visit www.tca.org, or click here.

The Race to Give is an online giving and awareness program to support Thoroughbred aftercare launched by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute and the TCA. RaceToGive.org is its website and central hub.

Richardson, a beloved and distinguished Kentucky-based surgeon who owned and bred Thoroughbreds for nearly half a century, died Sept. 7 in Saratoga Springs, New York, after developing pneumonia related to COVID-19.

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“2021 marks our 145th anniversary of caring for the equine industry,” said Hagyard's Dr. Luke Fallon. “These equine athletes have given us so much over the last century and a half. Our veterinarians created the Race to Give to demonstrate our appreciation. Leading an effort to support the critical area of aftercare in conjunction with other leading horse racing organizations was the right thing to do.”

The Race to Give calls to create teams and to challenge each other in fun and creative ways.

“The spirit of competition is at the heart of our industry,” said Ken Ford, CEO of Hagyard Pharmacy. “Hagyard's vision was to harness that spirit to not only raise money, but to also to expand the support of equine aftercare. By developing teams and then challenging each other, we could encourage a wider group of people to participate. Aftercare organizations which have been excellent stewards of our retired equine athletes have accomplished this through the generous support of donations from a concentrated nucleus of people in the industry. Race to Give is a new platform to encourage everyone who loves horses to donate.”

Organizations that have come alongside Hagyard and TCA include Keeneland, TVG, Thoroughbred Daily News, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and Resolvet.

“Everyone understands how important aftercare is for our sport,” said TCA president Mike McMahon. “It is exciting to see big names in our industry come together in year one. And I can only imagine how the list will grow in the years to come as other organizations see the impact and, frankly, how much fun it is to be part of this team of leaders.”

Hagyard and TCA note that on average Thoroughbreds retire from racing by age 6, meaning they still have a lot of life left after the racetrack since horses can live well into their late 20s. Responsible owners can set their horse up for future success by retiring them into a TCA-approved and TAA-accredited aftercare program where they can be retrained for their next career. Many Thoroughbreds will move into careers in new disciplines such as eventing, hunter/jumpers, dressage, western, polo, trail riding, equine-therapy, and much more.

“Like many involved in the sport of Thoroughbred racing, Hagyard believes that it is our collective responsibility to protect the well-being of these horses we love that retire from racing and breeding,” Fallon said. “I echo everyone that is involved with Race to Give to please help us support these horses as they transition to their next careers.”

To make a donation, register to fundraise, or create or join a team please visit RaceToGive.org and follow #aracetogive on social media.

The post Hagyard, Thoroughbred Charities Of America Launch Race To Give appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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BloodHorse reported on Friday that Spendthrift sent a message to the stallion's shareholders on June 17 had been admitted to the clinic. Initial reports from Spendthrift general manager Ned Toffey stated that the 11-year-old stallion responded quickly and positively to treatment.

Toffey's message to shareholders on Wednesday, shared through WC Racing's social media channel, said the Hagyard staff was unable to find a specific cause for the respiratory illness, but the stallion's response to treatment left him in “very good condition” and he is expected to return to the breeding shed as normal in 2022.

Goldencents, a two-time Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner, is a son of Spendthrift Farm's cornerstone stallion Into Mischief, and arguably his first true national-level star. He joined his sire on the Spendthrift roster in 2015, and he has four crops of racing age with combined earnings of more than $17.1 million.

His best runner to date is By My Standards, a four-time winner at the Grade 2 level, who most recently finished second in the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park on June 5.

Other runners of note by Goldencents include Grade 2 winner Phantom Currency, and Grade 3 winners Mr. Money, Wildman Jack, and Going to Vegas.

Great News!! We are happy to report that Goldencents returned to Spendthrift this afternoon in very good condition. While the vets were unable to give us a specific cause for the respiratory issue, he has responded well to treatment.

— WC Racing (@WCRacingInc) June 23, 2021

Great News cont…any more this season however we fully expect that he will be back in the breeding shed in 2022. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Ned Toffey

— WC Racing (@WCRacingInc) June 23, 2021

He is back and healthy….Thanks @spendthriftfarm @marktoothaker @Hagyard pic.twitter.com/gtNk95TTus

— WC Racing (@WCRacingInc) June 23, 2021

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Dr. Smith earned his Bachelor and Doctorate degrees in Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University where he was a member of the Gamma Epsilon Chapter of Beta Theta Pi. Known affectionately as “Doc”, Jim developed a love for equine medicine during his studies. This passion led him to specialize in equine reproductive medicine and ophthalmology. Jim enjoyed a long and successful career at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for over 40 years.

As a senior partner, Jim mentored and encouraged many young veterinarians. He instilled a lifelong love of learning with everyone he met. Dr. Smith was an extremely active member of both the veterinary and civic world, serving as president of the Kentucky Equine Practitioners Association, as well as a board member, secretary, and treasurer of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Jim was also active in Rotary, the Kentucky Harness Commission, the Kentucky Equine Drug Council, the Fayette County Board of Education, the Kentucky Equine Practitioners Infectious Disease Committee, Quality Assurance Program of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, The Jockey Club Medication Commission, The Committee on Environmental Affairs for the American Veterinary Medical Association, The George T. Fairchild Society, The Bluegrass Boys Ranch, and sat on the board of the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center.

After retiring from practice, he was involved in the Christian Muslim Dialogue, BUILD Nehemiah Action, The Cricket Club, and Birthright of Lexington – receiving the Louise Summerhill Award in 2017 along with his wife Judy.  Dr. Smith's other awards include the Joan F. Pew Award for Racing Commissioners, the E.R. Frank Award for Meritorious Service, the Kansas State University Distinguished Veterinary Alumni Award, Registry of Merit from the American Quarter Horse Association, and he was Commissioned a Kentucky Colonel.

His love for music started early when he was the youngest musician hired by Universal Studios to play trombone in their live studio orchestra. This evolved into him performing with the Lexington based big band group Men of Note. After moving to Kentucky, he also had his own local television show on KET called, Camping with Jim Smith. His numerous hobbies included reading, exploring the outdoors, dancing, and traveling, Panama being a favorite. He was the life of the party and loved cooking and feeding his friends and family, though never on time. He was deeply passionate about naps, ice cream, and head scratches. His love of endless storytelling and conversation meant that he never met a stranger and was never far from home. Family and friends describe Jim as “caring and gentle, hardworking and curious, intelligent but always learning. A man who truly lived life to the fullest.”

In addition to his loving wife of 31 years, he is survived by ten children: Laura (Martin) Smith-Nederpelt, Kelley Smith, Jeff (Melanie) Smith, Tim (Kelly) Smith, Amy (Patrick) Randles, Madison (Robert) Crispen, Sean (Kelly) Profitt, Jonathan (Rachel) Profitt, Nanzobe Aimee, and Bigabo Jackson; nine grandchildren: Sharee, Lauren, Emma, Will, Grace, Jackson, Gabrielle, Solomon, and Graham; two siblings, Michael (Cheryl) Smith and Pat (Rhea) Serpan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The visitation will be held on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Milward's 159 North Broadway in Lexington. His memorial mass will be a private, family event.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, P.O. Box 910124, Lexington, Kentucky 40591 or St. Paul Catholic Church, 425 W. Short St., Lexington, KY 40507.

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Open Nutrition USA, operating out of Lexington, Ky., offers a variety of proven products for all breeds and disciplines including racing, breeding and sport horses. The renowned Kentucky veterinary practice Hagyard Equine Medicine Institute has joined forces with Open Nutrition founder Julian Norrish to launch, promote, and develop future products based upon innovative amino acid research.

“The many products that we initially developed and marketed in Australia and the United Arab Emirates have led to great success for a significant number of trainers and farms operating in various equine disciplines,” said Norrish. “Leading Thoroughbred trainers including Doug Watson have benefitted from the use of Open Nutrition products that have quickened horses' recovery time from races, built muscle and greatly improved their condition. We have just commenced operations in America but already have received tremendous feedback from horsemen such as Eddie Woods who have witnessed in a short space of time significant improvements in their horses.”

“When I met Julian it was clearly evident through his enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise of amino acids science that Open Nutrition's products will be of huge benefit for all horsemen and women in our business,” said Fitzgibbon, who was formerly one of two commercial and equine managers for Castleton Lyons. “The company's product line is especially important in the present environment where natural supplements can play an important role to increase the general competitiveness and wellbeing of all horses. Further, the integrity that Hagyard's veterinary practice provides, along with regular product certification from the University of Kentucky's Equine Analytical Laboratory, validates Open Nutrition's position as a quality provider of natural supplements in the equine industry.”

The post Fitzgibbon Joins Open Nutrition As Director Of Sales And Client Development appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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“Dr. Stuart Brown is uniquely talented for the position of Equine Safety Director and to be a leader in enhancing safety practices at Keeneland and throughout racing,” Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason said. “During his career, his knowledge and expertise have been sought by horsemen around the world and by top industry and veterinary organizations alike. Stuart’s addition to the Keeneland team further deepens our commitment to the safety and welfare of horse and rider, and his position provides a platform that will benefit the entire horse industry.”

As Equine Safety Director, Dr. Brown will lead the effort to develop, communicate and enforce safety and integrity policies for both racing and sales operations; review all racing-related accidents with the goal of prevention; assess relevant equine health and safety research; and proactively communicate best practices to the racing community and public. His duties will encompass both Keeneland and The Thoroughbred Center.

“During my veterinary career, I have had the great fortune to work with some of the most dedicated horsemen and women in our industry,” Dr. Brown said. “I am proudest of these relationships, and those with my colleagues and the team at Hagyard, with whom I have collaborated to provide exemplary care to every horse touched along the way. Most recently, I have had the benefit of serving in several roles in racing alongside many of my racetrack practitioner colleagues, which has allowed me to gain an appreciation for their unique perspectives in the care of the racehorse. It is these experiences shared over time that form the foundation for me to embrace this new and exciting role as Keeneland’s Equine Safety Director.”

During his nearly 30-year practice with Hagyard Equine Medical Institute (formerly Hagyard-Davidson-McGee), first as an intern then as an associate veterinarian and a partner, Dr. Brown has specialized in equine reproduction and ambulatory medicine. With a primary focus on Thoroughbreds, his areas of concentration included equine reproduction, foal evaluations, private/public purchase evaluations, herd health and preventative medicine, federally required import/export protocols and issues affecting the welfare and safety of equine racing athletes.

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