Horse research will receive a boost at the University of California, Davis, through a $500,000 gift from the Oak Tree Racing Association. The funds, to be provided over a five-year period, will support new and ongoing research at the Equine Research Laboratory. The 19-year-old facility, operated through the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, specializes in investigating ways to improve the veterinary care and treatment of horses. A nonprofit organization based in Arcadia, Calif., Oak Tree Racing Association has contributed more than $8 million to the advancement of equine research relating to the care and treatment of the equine athlete. During the past 10 years, the association has provided more than $2.25 million in research funds to ERL. "Oak Tree's support has helped us expand our program, making it possible for us to remain at the forefront of equine research," said ERL director Dr. John Hughes. Dr. Jack Robbins, Oak Tree vice president and chair of the major grants committee, said, "The Equine Research Laboratory probably has become the number one research facility in the country in the past several years. We trust our support will enable them to progress even further in the field of equine research."