Dr. Gary Lavin

Dr. Gary Lavin, the son of famed Churchill Downs and Oaklawn Park racing secretary Allan Lavin, grew up immersed in horse racing and breeding. Dr. Lavin, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's veterinary college in 1962 and worked for years at racetracks as an equine practitioner and surgeon.  

Lavin’s work is highly awarded, gaining recognition from numerous veterinary and racing establishments. He received the University of Pennsylvania’s Bellwether Medal for Distinguished Leadership. In 2009 the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation honored Dr. Lavin, recognizing his work and dedication to horse welfare. Then president, Ed Bowen stated, “…[Dr. Lavin has] always put the interests of the horse before anything else. …[he] advocates for equine medical research and the mission of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.” In 2014 he was named Warner L. Jones Horseman of the Year.

Lavin is a past president as well as Distinguished Life Member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. In 1996 AAEEP established the Lavin Cup for Equine Welfare, which awards the Lavin Cup to a non-veterinary individual or organization that has exemplified outstanding care and compassion for horses and upheld AAEP horse welfare guidelines. He is also a Distinguished Practitioner of the Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners.

In addition to his trackside veterinary work, Lavin also worked for Keeneland sales, retiring in 2010 after sixteen years of service. He is a founding member of the Equine Health and Welfare Alliance, board member and vice-chairman of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Keeneland director, trustee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' Association (TOBA) and the Breeders' Cup, and Jockey Club steward.

Lavin and his wife, Betsy, are also owners and breeders. The couple established their farm, Longfield, in 1980. Betsy was a long-time member of the Kentucky Racing Commission. Their sons are also in the equine business and own and operate a bloodstock and equine insurance company.

Resources: 

Grayson Research Foundation / Jockey Club Fundraiser, honoring Lavin and Bramlage. Program, October 2009, pp. 14-15.

"Vets Form Equine Health and Welfare Alliance." The Blood-Horse, February 4, 2010.