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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – The Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund has awarded $150,000 in total grant funding between five organizations within the Standardbred breeding and racing industry. The Fund Trustees awarded grants at a scheduled board meeting on April 8 in which grant applicants were invited to present. Awards were based on the strength of proposal and its adherence to the statutorily mandated mission of the Fund.
The following grants were awarded:
The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame received $45,500 to support its Education Department and programs. This grant proposal aligns with the Fund’s mission to support and promote research, educational programming, and preservation of the history and traditions of harness and trotting horse racing.
The Goshen Historic Track received $45,500 to make repairs to the Arden Barn and blacksmith shop, one of the most historic barns on the grounds. This grant proposal aligns with the Mission of the Fund to provide funding in maintaining the historic racetrack that is designated as a national registered historic landmark.
The New York State 4-H Horse Program received $44,000 to continue its education programming focused on advancing interest in Standardbreds. The Fund has supported 4-H for many years and Cooperative Extension has a long history of effectively providing education and awareness programs through its statewide network.
The Harness Horse Youth Foundation received $7,500 for two summer youth programs at Goshen Historic Track in 2019. One will be an introductory level day camp and the other will be a five-day leadership camp for previous graduates of the first program. The Fund has supported HHYF camps in New York for several years.
Racing Under Saddle—New York received $7,500 for the County Fair Racing Series. The program already has a commitment from ten fairs and would like to add additional events to promote the breed. This grant proposal aligns with the Mission of the Fund as Racing Under Saddle events are well attended at the County Fairs and this racing series has grown to become another way to promote and enhance New York’s Standardbred breeding and racing program.
“We believe that our mission is best accomplished by supporting educational programs, research and racing purses. Each hold the potential to open new opportunities for people to become involved in Standardbred breeding and racing,” said Kelly Young, executive director, Agriculture & New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund. “We are honored to present the grant winners with this funding as they clearly uphold the standards of this law as well as our mission.”
About the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund:
The Agriculture & NYS Horse Breeding Development Fund is a public benefit corporation established in 1965 by the Laverne Law (Laws of New York, Chapter 567 of the Laws of 1965). The mission of the fund is to promote agriculture through the breeding of Standardbred horses and the conduct of equine research within the state. To carry out its legislative mission, the Fund administers the New York Sire Stakes races, Excelsior/State Fair Series races, and County Fair Races.
Jason Politi | Baker Public Relations
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