Horse group honors Arlington chairman

Richard L. Duchossois is best known as chairman of Arlington Park, but his generosity toward horses is winning him recognition from a group that advocates on their behalf.

Equine Advocates will give Duchossois the Ellen & Herbert Moelis Equine Savior Award for Philanthropy at the group’s Tenth Annual Awards Dinner & Charity Auction on Thursday, Aug. 4, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Actress Bebe Neuwirth, winner of Tony and Emmy awards, will present the honor. Actress Bo Derek will also give an award at the event.

Ron McAnally, who trained legendary horse John Henry to a win in the inaugural running of the Arlington Million, praised Duchossois for giving opportunities to people in and out of racing.

Gary Stevens, a hall of fame jockey and broadcast analyst, also said Duchossois has come through for horses.

“Without the horses we wouldn’t have a sport of thoroughbred racing,” said Stevens. “But these horses are not just athletes. They’re individual beings that need to be looked after when their racing careers are over. It takes a guy with his voice to make people realize that all horses, and not just race horses, should be given every chance to go on and live happy lives.”

Tickets to the event are $250 per person and up. For more information, call (518) 245-1599. The group’s website is equineadvocates.org.