ELMONT, N.Y. – More than 100 guests, including elected officials and representatives from the New York Racing Association, Long Island Veterinary Medical Association and Racebrook Capital Advisors, LLC, joined officials from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine on May 7, 2014 to celebrate the official opening of Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists at 111 Plainfield Ave.

“With the opening of this facility, we are proud to fully recognize the vision of Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, which will extend the reach of the Cornell Equine Hospital, where internationally renowned specialists advance the science of sports medicine and develop therapies and diagnostics that improve equine health and welfare,” said Dr. Michael I. Kotlikoff, Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. “We are deeply committed to servicing and strengthening New York’s racing and equine communities, as well as the vibrant Long Island sport horse community, for years to come.”

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine signed a lease-buy agreement with Racebrook Capital Advisors to operate the 22,000-square-foot equine referral and specialty center located opposite the backstretch of historic Belmont Park, recognized as one of the world’s premier thoroughbred horse racing facilities. Racebrook has played a key role in financing, acquiring and equipping one of the world's finest equine referral facilities.

Dr. Alan J. Nixon, a renowned equine orthopedic surgeon and director of Cornell’s Comparative Orthopedics Laboratory, will serve as the chief medical officer of Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists. Drs. Lisa Fortier and Norm Ducharme, pioneers in regenerative and laryngeal procedures, will also offer advanced surgical procedures. Dr. Samuel Hurcombe, a specialist in internal medicine and emergency and critical care, will join the practice in July, initiating 24-hour emergency services. The hospital will be staffed by Cornell University veterinarians and technicians and will provide state-of-the-art surgical, imaging, diagnostic and rehabilitation services to enhance equine health.

“Cornell equine specialists leverage their knowledge, experience and professional partnerships – including those with Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine colleagues who offer depth and breadth across the spectrum of specialties – to provide excellent specialty care in state-of-the-art facilities that promote the health and well-being of horses,” said Nixon.

“With Racebrook’s commitment to invest in and develop projects that support the local equine and racing communities, we are delighted to help further Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s mission and outstanding dedication, not only to the horses, but also to the owners, veterinarians, trainers and industry as a whole,” said John J. Cuticelli Jr., chief executive officer of Racebrook Capital Advisors LLC.

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is advising Racebrook affiliate ARK Development LLC, on its development of The ARK at JFK, a comprehensive multi-purpose animal handling and air cargo facility at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Learn more about Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists here: http://ruffian.cornell.edu/