Calder Race Course makes $100,000 gift to support UF veterinary student scholarships

Dr. Jose Davila-Delgado, a new graduate of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, is the first recipient of a $4,000 scholarship from Calder Race Course.

Calder has committed to donate $100,000 to the college over four years, at $25,000 per year, to fund an ongoing scholarship program, said Calder Race Course President Ken Dunn.

Once the $100,000 goal is reached, the fund will be eligible for a 50 percent state match.

“We really want to generate interest in large animal practice among veterinary students,” Dunn said. “We will typically be looking for someone who has an interest in equine practice, though not necessarily racetrack practice.”

The scholarship recipient will visit the track, watch the races and have the opportunity to meet with practicing veterinarians there, Dunn added.

“For many years, we have given a certain amount of money each year to the University of Florida, but we decided to get involved in a more meaningful way,” Dunn said.

“It’s always good to give to a good cause, but if there’s a residual benefit, such as you find through targeted scholarships, that’s even better.”

Dunn encouraged anyone involved in the horse business -- whether working with Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Saddlehorses or pleasure horses -- to consider the UF veterinary college as a beneficiary of their charitable donations.

“They certainly couldn’t find a better charity related to their business as far as research,” Dunn said.

“And even more important, investing in the veterinarians of the future in the form of scholarships is a win-win situation for everyone.”