BATON ROUGE– The Companions of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine invite all horse enthusiasts to the fourth annual Kentucky Derby Party on Saturday, May 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Country Club of Louisiana.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the new Equine Intensive Care Unit at the veterinary school.

Celebrating the 129th “Run for the Roses,” guests will enjoy an afternoon of Kentucky Derby activities and cuisine while “visiting” Churchill Downs Louisiana-style. In addition to watching the race, a ladies’ hat competition and a mens’ tie contest are planned. Tickets will be offered for individuals wanting to “bet” on their favorite horse or horses. A silent auction will also be held during the afternoon.

“This is a great time to share in the fun of the Kentucky Derby right here in Baton Rouge, and we encourage anyone with an interest in the race to come out and enjoy the food, fun and entertainment,” said Dr. Rustin M. Moore, a professor and equine surgeon at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and director of the school’s Equine Health Studies Program.

Reservations for the party include the traditional Derby cuisine of burgoo stew, cheese grits, biscuits, Kentucky Derby pie and mint juleps. Guests will also receive a 2003 Kentucky Derby commemorative mint julep glass.

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.

The Kentucky Derby Party will be held at the Country Club of Louisiana Clubhouse in Baton Rouge. Reservations are $60 per person and can be made by calling Dr. Rebecca Adcock, LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, at (225) 578-9900 or by visiting the school’s web site at www.vetmed.lsu.edu.

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