The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) is inviting applications for equine veterinary research grants for projects to start in 2015.
The HBLB supports scientifically robust research projects that benefit the racing and breeding Thoroughbred. Innovative and novel research approaches are encouraged and all applications will be subject to peer review and full evaluation by the Board’s Veterinary Advisory Committee.
Applications are made online via the HBLB’s Equine Grants System. Visit the ‘Advancing Veterinary Science and Education’ section on the HBLB website for information on:
• Research priorities and scope
• Eligibility
• Applications
Following the success of the first year of collaboration, the
Racing Foundation will again be investing in equine science research which has demonstrable practical benefits to Thoroughbred horseracing. Applications are being processed through the
Equine Grants System with applicants being asked to indicate whether they wish their projects to be considered by the HBLB, the Foundation or both. All applications will be subject to the normal HBLB review process.
The deadline for applications for research projects is 2pm on Wednesday 2nd July 2014. The awards for 2015 will be approved in mid December.
In addition, small project grants will again be available. This fund supports research focusing on specific issues of direct and immediate practical importance to the health and wellbeing of the Thoroughbred. The grants are open to individuals employed by veterinary schools, universities and research institutes, veterinary practitioners or elsewhere in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. Projects are limited to one year and costs should not exceed £10,000. Details on the application process can be found in the ‘Advancing Veterinary Science and Education’ section on the HBLB website.
The deadline for submission of applications is 2pm on Wednesday 11th June 2014. The awards for 2015 will be approved in mid December.
Professor Willie Donachie, Chair of the HBLB’s Veterinary Advisory Committee (VAC) which will be overseeing all the grant funds, said: “The twin track approach worked very well last year with 17 exciting new projects starting in 2014. The improved funding position, with the Levy Board, the Racing Foundation, the British European Breeders Fund and the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association all working together and co-ordinating their investment in equine veterinary science research, has re-invigorated the programme. I look forward to receiving another round of high quality and innovative projects relevant to the Thoroughbred.”
For further information please contact Annie Dodd, Grants Manager at the Levy Board, on 020 7333 0043 extension 73 or
equine.grants@hblb.org.ukNotes for editors:
The Levy Board is a statutory body operating in accordance with the provisions of the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Act 1963 (as amended). Its purpose is to assess and collect monetary contributions from bookmakers and the successor company to the Tote via a levy, which it distributes for the improvement of horseracing and breeds of horses, and for the advancement of veterinary science and education.
The Levy Board has commemorated its 50th anniversary of funding veterinary science research. The outcomes are published in peer reviewed scientific journals and lay summaries are available at racehorsehealth.hblb.org.uk.
The Racing Foundation was established in 2012 with funding derived from the UK government’s sale of the Horserace Totalisator Board ("Tote"). The Racing Foundation aims to use these funds to achieve a lasting legacy for the sport of horseracing.
