Kentucky Derby Party benefits LSU School of Veterinary Medicine

BATON ROUGE - Guests at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's Fourth Annual Kentucky Derby Party enjoyed the "atmosphere" of Churchill Downs as they gathered at the Country Club of Louisiana to watch the heralded race on May 3.

Gubernatorial Candidate Buddy Leach, LSU System President William Jenkins and Dean Michael Groves discuss their favored horses at the Fourth Annual Kentucky Derby Party hosted by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.

While Funny Cide took home the prize in the 129th "Run for the Roses," Jessie Babineaux won the Ladies' Hat Competition for her red, white and blue salute to the Derby. Rob Poston and Jim Brugh were co-winners in the Men's Tie Contest, each wearing the same tie that was a colorful tribute to horse racing.

Jessie Babineaux (right) is congratulated by her parents, Jim and Bonnie Brugh, on winning the ladies' hat competition at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's Kentucky Derby Party. Brugh was also the co-winner of the mens' tie contest.

Rob Poston is congratulated by Dr. Becky Adcock, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, on being a co-winner in the men's tie contest at the school's Kentucky Derby Party.

Guests placed "bets" on the horses they thought would win, and a drawing was held after the race from those who chose the Win, Place and Show horses, as well as the last-place finisher. Other festivities in the afternoon included a silent auction and the traditional Derby cuisine of burgoo stew, cheese grits, biscuits, Kentucky Derby pie and mint juleps. Each guest also received a 2003 Kentucky Derby commemorative mint julep glass.

During the festivities at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's Kentucky Derby Party, long-time friend of the school Sydney Hines was presented with an original painting of her horse, Blue, by Dr. Rustin Moore, director of the school's Equine Health Studies Program.

Long-time friend and supporter of the school Sydney Hines was presented with an original painting of her horse, Blue, by Dr. Rustin Moore, director of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine's Equine Health Studies Program. Moore had the painting commissioned by local artist Anita LeJeune to show the school's appreciation for Hines' involvement and support.

Proceeds from the party will benefit expansion of the Equine Intensive Care Unit in the LSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Clinics. The project will expand and update the current two-stall facility to a 10-stall facility for better treatment of critically ill and injured horses admitted to the veterinary school's equine clinic.

www.vetmed.lsu.edu.

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