Phipps Family Accepts Inaugural Dinny Phipps Award
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In a brief, understated manner reminiscent of his late father, Ogden Phipps II on Thursday night accepted the first Dinny Phipps Award from longtime Thoroughbred owner and breeder Earle I. Mack at the Belmont Stakes Charity Celebration at the Bryant Park Grill in New York City.
The award, which will be presented annually to a recipient who has demonstrated a dedication to equine health, was created by Mack in honor of his friend Ogden Mills "Dinny" Phipps, the longtime chairman of The Jockey Club.
Phipps' son accepted the bronze sculpture, which was commissioned by Mack and produced by the Odon Wagner Gallery and artist Gary Weisman, on behalf of the Phipps family. His mother, Ande Phipps was also on hand for the event.
"My father felt a deep obligation to do what was right for the equine," Ogden Phipps II said. "He believed that everything we could do for the betterment of the horse was paramount to having our industry move forward and prosper. Simply put, what was good for the horse was good for our industry...I hope this award will be that spark that continues to ignite individuals and organizations to take care of our equine stars and continue to give back to this sport that has given everyone in this room so very much."
Dinny Phipps, who served as chairman of The Jockey Club for 32 years and as a board member of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation since its inception, died April 6, 2016.
Approximately 175 people attended the event, which benefitted the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.
Dell Hancock, the chairman of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Stuart S. Janney III, the chairman of The Jockey Club, and Chris Kay, the chief executive officer and president of the New York Racing Association, also made brief remarks prior to the presentation thanking Mack for creating the new award.
Former NYRA announcer Tom Durkin served as the master of ceremonies.