In recognition of his entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to the horse industry, the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program named David Lambert the 34th recipient of the John W. Galbreath award for outstanding entrepreneurship in the equine industry. Lambert will be presented the award on Thursday, Dec. 5.

Lambert has spent his career applying his knowledge of equine physiology to predict performance in horses for equine industry owners and breeders. In the last decade, he also has developed a wearable biometric sensor technology to help identify horses at risk of serious injury to prevent catastrophic events, serious injury and improve overall safety for horses and riders.

A native of England, Lambert received a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science from Liverpool University. He came to the U.S. to conduct research at Cornell University and decided to stay. Lambert worked in private veterinary practice and with the U.S. equestrian team before founding Equine Analysis Systems in 1987 in Midway, Ky. The company consults with Thoroughbred owners and breeders to predict performance of individual horses and has advised clients in the purchase of Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup winners, top Thoroughbred sire Tapit and numerous graded stakes-winning horses.

In 2019, Lambert launched StrideSAFE, wearable sensor technology to document a horse’s movements at high speed and analyze that data to identify physical problems that could lead to catastrophic injury. StrideSAFE later incorporated advanced sensor technology and data from StrideMasterSM of Australia. The current product is a fast, reliable and inexpensive screening test that can be run on every horse in every race that alerts trainers and veterinarians to horses at high risk of injury. StrideSAFE has been tested and used at 11 racetracks in the U.S., including its current use at all racetracks in Kentucky.

“I’ve spent my life studying racehorse physiology and have accumulated a tremendous amount of data and understanding during that time. As the issue of addressing the safety of the horse (and rider) became more and more prevalent, it just seemed like the right thing to do,” Lambert said. “This award is a significant compliment and great honor for me and my team who work hard and quietly behind the scenes to make a positive impact.”

In nominating Lambert for the award, Gwen Davis, owner of Davis Innovation and consultant for StrideSAFE, pointed out that his innovations’ success is ultimately driven by a passion for and love of horses.

“In my years of providing marketing support and services to clients throughout the Thoroughbred racing industry, I have never encountered someone with as much vision, intelligence and conviction for the Thoroughbred racehorse as Dr. David Lambert,” Davis said in her nomination. “I am proud to be associated with this effort and with Dr. Lambert himself. He is an inspiration to all who hope to keep horses and jockeys safe and ensure the future of the industry.”

“David Lambert has made significant contributions to quality and safety in the sport of racing,” said Amy Lawyer, assistant professor and chair of U of L’s Department of Equine Administration. “The Galbreath Award was created to recognize just this type of innovation and business efforts that move the equine industry forward. Dr. Lambert is a most deserving recipient of this award.”

Recipients of the Galbreath Award are selected by a committee of faculty in the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship in the UofL College of Business. The award is administered by the U of L Equine Industry Program. The award is named for the late John W. Galbreath, a self-made man who distinguished himself in both business and as a horseman.