When Lloyd's of London Underwriters, Brokers, and their Kentucky agents gathered recently at Keeneland race course to present a $45,000 check to the University of Kentucky, the event marked more than a quarter-century of financial support for the Department of Veterinary Science and a much longer association with Kentucky's horse industry.

"Despite ongoing turmoil in the financial markets, Lloyd's continued financial support of equine research reaffirms our unique 70-year partnership with the commonwealth and our commitment to its signature industry," said Julian Lloyd, chairman of Lloyd's Livestock Committee and Bloodstock Underwriter at Hiscox Syndicate.

Lloyd's has given more than $850,000 in support of research and other activities within the College of Agriculture's Department of Veterinary Science. On-going projects benefiting from Lloyd's generosity include publication and distribution of The Equine Disease Quarterly, an award-winning newsletter that provides timely research-based reports on many of the most important health issues facing the global equine industry.

Articles from the Quarterly frequently are reprinted by a variety of scientific and lay publications, further extending the publication's worldwide influence. The Quarterly is distributed to more than 18,000 readers in 92 countries. It also is available on the Internet at the Veterinary Science Web site.

"Financial support from Lloyd's makes it possible for us to continue to publish The Equine Disease Quarterly," said Mats Troedsson, chair of the Department of Veterinary Science. "With an international distribution, the Quarterly disseminates information and timely updates on current equine health problems to all corners of the world. The value of this unique publication cannot be emphasized enough in a world in which international transportation and trade of horses is common practice."

Roberta Dwyer is a professor in the Department of Veterinary Science and co-editor of the Quarterly with Peter Timoney and Neil Williams.  She shares the sentiments of her colleague: "The Lloyd's Equine Disease Quarterly is a proven educational publication that has timely and factual articles that are relevant on local, national and international levels."

For more than three centuries, Lloyd's of London, through its members, has provided risk underwriting services in return for premiums and investment income. It is recognized as the world's largest insurer of Thoroughbreds and remains committed both to supporting equine research and providing insurance coverage essential to the well-being and prosperity of bloodstock interests around the world.