Ardell Sayler (left) receives 2012 Horse of the Year Award for Balooga Bull from Blair Miller. Gerry Hart Photo.
The 29th Annual Manitoba Thoroughbred Awards were held on April 20, 2013 at Assiniboia Downs and attendance was excellent!
The ceremonies were kicked off with a rousing speech by Assiniboia Downs CEO Darren Dunn and all in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners and best of luck for a successful 2013 racing season.
May you all find the “big” horse.
Manitoba HBPA Year End Award Nominees and Winners
2-Year-Old Filly
Winner: Arstar – T G Stable
Additional Nominees:
- Cmonbabylitemyfire – Off 2 Win and Ardell Sayler
- Portales – Terry Propps
- Two Barrel Tootie – Janet Sayler
2-Year-Old Colt or Gelding
Winner: Jon Q – Ted Konyk, David Nelson, and Barry McQueen
Additional Nominees:
- Da Hoot – Nicole Sayler
- Divine Wisdom –Off 2 Win and Ardell Sayler
- Poet – Right Attitude, Hillside Farm, W. Anderson and H. Warner
3-Year-Old Filly
Winner: She’s Regal – Arnason, Daley, Sundsbak and Ziprick
Additional Nominees:
- Heavenly Lioness –Murray Duncan and Garylle Stewart
- Plus Ultra – John Ganas
- She’s Copacetic – T G Stable
3-Year-Old Colt
Winner: Balooga Bull – Paul Brandt
Additional Nominees:
- Danger Rules – Arnason, Daley, Sundsbak and Ziprick
- Kola Kat – Let Er Rip Stable
- Pleasant Closing – Murray Duncan and Garylle Stewart
Older Filly of Mare
Winner: Golden Stripe – K-5 Stables
Additional Nominees:
- City Splash – Dennis Mitchell, Don and Gayle Bell and Gold Medal Stable
- Honorable Lady – Wind Dancer Stables
- Witch’s Coven – Gold Medal Stable and Dennis Mitchell
Older Colt or Gelding
Winner: Lake Sawyer – Ross, Val and Trevor Brown & Lucky 8 Stable
Additional Nominees:
- Dandy’s Legacy – Jerry Lambert and Lynn Mathews
- Schillerthekiller (2 starts) – Dario Vega
- U R Burnin Daylight – Nicole Sayler
Champion Sprinter
Winner: Balooga Bull – Paul Brandt
Additional Nominees:
- Honorable Lady – Wind Dancer Stables
- Schillerthekiller – Dario Vega
- She’s Regal – Arnason, Daley, Sundsbak and Ziprick
Most Astute Claim of the Year (new category)
Winner: Dance the Dance – Shelley Brown
Additional Nominees:
- California Poppy – Lynn and Marie White, Sierra and Black Diamond Stables
- Cash up Front – Chad Torevell
- Muted Word –Sierra Stable and Black Diamond
- Unbridled Thoughts – Ross, Val and Trevor Brown and Lucky 8 Stable
Harry Crane Memorial Claiming Horse of the Year (most wins)
Winner: Dance The Dance
Special Recognition Awards: (new category)
Farm Hand for his outstanding performance in the Marathon Series. Owned by Doug, Judy and Carmen Mustard and Heather Todoruk. Trained by Doug Mustard.
Shelley Brown receives 2012 Trainer of the Year Award from ASD CEO Darren Dunn (left). Gerry Hart Photo.
Pleasant Closing for his performance in the Harry Jeffrey Stakes. Owned by Garylle Stewart and Murray Duncan. Trained by Murray Duncan
Congratulations to:
Trainer of the Year – Shelley Brown – 48 wins
Percentage Trainer of the Year – Wade Rarick – 25.4%
Jockey of the Year – Paul Nolan – 77 wins
HBPA 2012 Horse of the Year – Balooga Bull
Congratulations to The Final Furlong 50/50 Winner – Ticket Number 045974