Monique Koehler honored for saving thoroughbreds

By: SPORTS NETWORK

New York, NY (Sports Network) - Monique Koehler, the founder of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), will receive the 2009 Special Eclipse Award in honor of her work saving retired racehorses through the TRF.

The Special Eclipse Award honors outstanding individual achievements in, or contributions to, the sport of thoroughbred racing.

"I am very honored and humbled to have been selected as a recipient of this year's Special Eclipse Award," said Koehler. "When I established the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation nearly three decades ago, it was out of my personal concern for these noble animals and for humane causes in general. I was not involved with racing in any way except as a casual fan."

Koehler, who is board chairman emeritus of TRF, began the organization in 1982. The TRF is currently the largest retired equine rescue program in the country with more than 1,200 horses in its care.

"I can think of no better honoree. Monique took a huge ugly problem and turned it into a life affirming, positive program in which racing, through its support and its horses, gives back to society," said Diana Pikulski, executive director of the TRF and a volunteer for the organization since 1980. "Only someone as astute and resolute as Monique could accomplish this especially when she was so far ahead of the industry in her vision. I am thrilled for her and for the TRF."

Koehler will receive her honor at the 39th annual Eclipse Awards on Monday, January 18 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.