SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Monday, Oct. 10, 2022) – The third annual Grayson Grass Challenge was recently completed at Horseshoe Indianapolis and a record $9,099.50 was raised during the event. Seven handicappers wagered $100 per week over the 5-week contest on turf races at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Rachel McLaughlin earned the most from her wagers, accumulating a total of $597.50 for the Grayson-Jockey Club Equine Research.
Following McLaughlin was Scott Ehlers of Daily Racing Form with a tally of $558.10 and Nick Luck of NBC with $506.80. Other handicappers and their totals included Ellis Star (Equibase - $276.90); Ed DeRosa (Horse Racing Nation $235.00); Dan Tordjman (America’s Best Racing - $88.00); and Brian Arrigoni (Paddock Analyst at Horseshoe Indianapolis - $75.00). In all, a total of $3,099.50 was raised by handicappers for the cause.
“This donation improves the lives of all horses,” said Resia Ayres, operations manager for Grayson-Jockey Club Equine Research. “I’m very proud of what we are doing here, and letting people know what our mission is. It’s very important for our industry and we appreciate this donation very much.”
Ayres noted Grayson-Jockey Club Equine Research Foundation currently works with universities across the world to better assist all breeds of horses with a better quality of life. The board of the organization, based in Lexington, Ky., has authorized more than $1.6 million to fund 15 new programs and 10 continuing projects at 16 universities. This season marks the eighth straight year that more than $1 million has been approved for projects.
In addition to the money raised by handicappers, Horseshoe Indianapolis made a donation of $2,500 on top of the $3,500 provided for handicappers to wager with during the event.
Ayres and her husband, Ken, were trackside Thursday, Oct. 6 for the check presentation provided by Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing, and McLaughlin, On-Air Broadcast Production Manager at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The Ayres were also at the track to cheer on their horse, Image Run, who was a winner in the sixth race of the day.
Photo - From left, Ken and Resia Ayres of Grayson Jockey Club Equine Research with Rachel McLaughlin and Eric Halstrom of Horseshoe Indianapolis.
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