Stuart Brown, a veterinarian and partner at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, was named chair of the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Foundation’s board of directors at its January meeting. Michael Banahan, director of farm operations for Godolphin LLC (USA), was named vice chair.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the Gluck Equine Research Foundation and to work with the leaders in the horse industry who are members of the foundation's board and engaged in the mission of the Gluck Center’s commitment to the advancement of equine health,” Brown said. “The Gluck Center has an international reputation of excellence in the area of equine research and remains a vital resource for the horse industry, both locally and globally, in addressing the needs of the industry's stakeholders. I look forward to collaborations with this esteemed faculty, led by Dr. David Horohov, and to furthering its accomplishments as we approach the 30th anniversary of this unique institution. I cannot envision a more tangible way to contribute to our horse industry than through contribution to this partnership with the University of Kentucky and its College of Agriculture, Food and the Environment.”

Brown joined the board in January 2011 and has served as vice chair since January 2012. Brown specializes in equine reproduction with a primary focus on broodmare reproductive evaluations, purchase evaluations including radiographic and endoscopic examinations for horse sales at public auction, routine herd health preventive medicine, routine primary care and federally required testing for the international import and export of horses. Brown frequently consults on national and international cases and regularly speaks at various veterinary and horse owner conferences. He also serves on numerous national veterinary and Thoroughbred industry boards and committees.

“I am very pleased to have Dr. Brown as chair of the foundation’s board of directors. Our program very much relies upon the leadership and assistance provided by our board, and having Dr. Brown as our new chair will certainly further this relationship,” said Horohov, director of the Gluck Equine Research Center and chair of the UK Department of Veterinary Science. “He has long been a proponent and supporter of our program in the community, and I welcome this opportunity to work with him more.”

Brown takes the leadership reins from Case Clay, chief commercial officer at Three Chimneys, who served as chair from January 2012 until his term expired this past January. Clay will remain on the board until his term as a board member expires.

“I greatly appreciated the advice and help Mr. Clay provided as chair. He was particularly effective in this capacity during the recent changes in our program. While I will miss working with him as chair, I am happy that he will continue to serve as an active member of the board. His experience and advice will be an asset for us,” Horohov said.

Banahan replaces Brown as vice chair. Banahan has served on the foundation’s board of directors since April 2014. Banahan worked for several leading Thoroughbred industry professionals in Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States prior to his current position at Godolphin. He is also a successful breeder on a limited scale and serves on the board of Godolphin, Kentucky Equine Management Internship and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope.

“We are grateful for all of our distinguished board members, and especially appreciative of those willing to take on leadership roles to help the Gluck Center serve the industry. Stuart and Michael are at the top of their professions. Additionally, Stuart serves an invaluable role as adviser to all equine programs in the college and thus has deep knowledge to help us coordinate our services,” Dean Nancy Cox said.

Gluck Equine Research Foundation directors are elected to a four-year term and can serve two four-year terms. The Gluck Equine Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization that secures funds and provides the exchange of information between the Gluck Center and the horse industry. Since the foundation’s inception, it has been supportive in raising funds for equine research, endowed faculty positions and facilities.

The mission of the Gluck Center, a UK Ag Equine program in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, is scientific discovery, education and dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of the health and well-being of horses. The Gluck Center faculty conducts equine research in seven targeted areas: genetics and genomics, immunology, infectious diseases, musculoskeletal science, parasitology, pharmacology/toxicology and reproductive health.

For more information on the Gluck Center, visit http://gluck.ca.uky.edu.

Author: Jenny Evans

Contact: Jenny Evans 859-218-1089