Jack Chellew of Merial Pharmaceuticals is the recipient of the second annual Standardbred Retirement Foundation’s Burke Humanity Award. Chellew is Senior Sales Representative in the Equine Group for Merial Pharmaceuticals and has been with Merial for seven years.

Chellew conceived and implemented a program that distributes short-dated (soon to expire) and out-dated painkillers and other medications to a variety of equine-related charities. Once past their sale dates, these products are typically disposed of by their manufacturers, but remain effective and are safely used by the charities, which might not otherwise be able to afford, or have access to, the medicine. Standardbred Retirement Foundation (SRF) the oldest, most productive organization of its kind has been a major beneficiary of this program. Thanks to Jack Chellew’s initiative and perseverance, hundreds of horses rest easier every day.

Honoring the memory of the late Standardbred trainer and owner James E. Burke, and administered by the Standardbred Retirement Foundation, the Burke Humanity Award is presented annually to an individual or group that has demonstrated exceptional care and compassion for a Standardbred horse or horses or has facilitated substantial positive change for the welfare of Standardbred horses.

Chellew received his award at the United States Harness Writers/United States Trotting Association’s Night of Stars Awards Dinner at Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City on Feb. 8.  In his acceptance speech, he encouraged the veterinary community, pharmaceutical companies, distributors, and others to step up to the plate to help organizations who help the many horses that are no longer able to race