Purdue University broke ground in late October for its $8.8 million Centaur Equine Diagnostic and Surgical Center, located in Shelbyville, Ind., near Indiana Grand. The facility will serve as a satellite facility of the College of Veterinary Medicine, providing specialty medical and surgical services for horse owners and supporting equine research and education of future equine specialists. “This is an exciting day that marks a major milestone in our dream of creating a state-of-the-art equine referral hospital on location in the heart of Indiana’s horse racing industry, enabling our college to bring advanced medical and surgical services directly to the equine athletes and their owners,” said Willie Reed, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and professor of veterinary anatomic pathology. “This center will house the most technologically advanced medical equipment to diagnose and treat equine patients while also facilitating groundbreaking research and vital educational opportunities for students preparing for careers as equine specialists. “The location in proximity to Indiana’s two race tracks is especially significant for treating emergency and critical cases, and conducting research on the health needs of performance horses. It also will facilitate educational opportunities for students preparing for careers as equine specialists.” The facility is being built on land purchased by Purdue Research Foundation with $2.3 million in support from Shelby County and city of Shelbyville. Centaur Gaming, which owns and operates Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, has pledged $3.1 million to name the facility. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
