ARCHIVE EQUINE NEWS STORIES

Woodbine Entertainment Group (WEG) is pleased to announce that they will be participating in a very worthwhile cause. In celebration of Barbaro's Kentucky Derby victory, wristbands will be available to WEG employees and backstretch personnel for a $1 donation.

Wristbands will be sold to the general public on Derby Day (Saturday, May 5th) at Woodbine Racetrack for $2. All proceeds will be donated to the Equine Guelph Research Program in support of initiatives researching laminitis.

"Laminitis is a serious problem for many horses in Canada." says Gayle Ecker, Senior Manager of Equine Guelph. "The support of the racing community at Woodbine Racetrack and the Woodbine Entertainment Group is so important. This assistance will help raise money to fund research that helps us understand this painful ailment in horses."

In a recent news release issued by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) came the announcement that a national fundraising campaign surrounding the US Triple Crown races, was being held in honour of Barbaro.

The goal of the campaign is to utilize the popularity and awareness generated by Barbaro to raise funds for important causes like research on laminitis, the disease that ultimately led to his death, and so many other racehorses, including Secretariat.

NTRA is producing "Riding with Barbaro" wristbands, and it is their hope that racetracks everywhere will sell them to support this fundraising campaign. Woodbine Entertainment Group is proud to join this worthwhile cause.

For anyone interested in knowing more about the Barbaro Memorial Fund, a special Web site - RidingwithBarbaro.org - also has been established by the NTRA.