The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) announced today the unanimous election of Patricia Hogan, VMD, Dipl. ACVS to its board of directors.

Hogan, an equine surgeon who has attended to some of the most valuable thoroughbred racehorses in the country, is known for treating 2004 Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones as a 2-year-old after the colt suffered a fracture to his left eye socket, and being instrumental in the design and construction of the new Ruffian Medical Center at Belmont Park.

"It's a great honor to be named to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation board," said Hogan, who heads her own veterinary surgery clinic, Hogan Equine, at Fair Winds Farm in Cream Ridge, N.J. "I've always been active with the TRF and other retirement organizations, but the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is the most recognized name and, I think, is the one that can change policy."

"I am pleased and honored with the unanimous election of Dr. Patricia Hogan to the board of directors," said Tom Ludt, chairman of TRF. "Patricia has been a friend of TRF's for a number of years. Her extensive background in equine medicine and her desire to help TRF fulfill our mission for a successful, long-term retirement plan will be of incredible benefit