It has been announced that two well-respected equine veterinarians that have strong ties to the University of Georgia have been named to the board of the Georgia Horse Racing Coalition.

The Georgia Horse Racing Coalition has announced that Foster Northrop, DVM, and Eric Mueller, DVM, PhD, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons will help guide the coalition on animal welfare policies. Dr. Northrop is an UGA alumna and Vice Chairman of the Racing Committee for the American Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Mueller is Professor, Director of Equine Programs and Chief Medical Officer, Large Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Dr. Northrop and Dr. Mueller bring experience, knowledge and passion to their work with horses,” Dean Reeves, Coalition president and owner of 2013 Breeder’s Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man was quoted as saying via release. “As we build this sport from the ground up in Georgia, we want to do it right, and as horsemen ourselves, equine welfare is of the utmost importance to us. Dr. Northrop and Dr. Mueller will be valuable assets to us.”

The GHRC is comprised of leading Georgia businessmen and women that are involved in horses and see the value that horse racing can bring to Georgia. The mission of the GHRC is to work with state leaders to pass legislation allowing pari-mutuel wagering in Georgia in order to encourage and support a statewide horse racing industry that will bring jobs, tax revenues and tourism to local communities.

For more information, visit gahorseracing.org.

(With files from the GHRC)