On September 23, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation once again teamed up with Hagyard Equine Medical Institute to present The Betsy Gala and Grand Prix at the Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena. This year’s event raised roughly $100,000 to go toward breast cancer research at the UK Markey Cancer Foundation.
This year’s event featured exquisite cuisine by Donna Potter’s Catering by Donna, a live auction that featured an American Pharoah halter, Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event hospitality package, a California Chrome saddle towel, a custom-built jump from Equi Jumps and a barrel of bourbon from one of Kentucky’s most coveted distilleries.
The event also featured a lively Calcutta-style auction, in which all horse and rider combinations were grouped into six teams and auctioned off, with the owner of the team containing the winner taking home 60% of the pool. This year’s winner, who preferred not to be named, donated the winnings back to the UK Markey Cancer Foundation.
The Betsy Gala and Grand Prix wouldn’t be complete without some world-class show jumping. Pablo Barrios and his mount, Antares, took hope top honors in the $65,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic Grand Prix after a full and very competitive jump-off.
The Betsy Gala and Grand Prix is held each year in memory of well-known Lexington equestrian Betsy Fishback, who passed away from breast cancer in 2009. Her husband, Dr. Dave Fishback, DVM, is a partner with Hagyard.
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation
Since its establishment in 1978, the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation has been recognized as a forerunner in championing cancer research in Kentucky through direct support of the Markey Cancer Center. After contributing significantly to achieve the goal of earning the National Cancer Institute designation of the Markey Cancer Center in July, 2013, the Foundation’s support has expanded to fund innovative research, early detection and prevention initiatives. The Foundation works with researchers across a broad spectrum of cancer research fields to find and fund the best research and create better outcomes for patient treatments and care.