MR. WINDJAMMER NAMED 2009 HORSE OF THE YEAR
Contact: David Mattice
Publicity Dept.
NEWS RELEASE
FARMINGTON, N.Y. – Mr. Windjammer was named 2009 Finger Lakes "Horse of the Year" at the annual Finger Lakes Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association awards dinner on Tuesday. The chestnut gelding was the only local horse to win multiple stakes at Finger Lakes last year.
The 5-year-old New York-bred owned by Stonegate Racing Stables scored a one length victory in the $50,000 George Barker Handicap on May 25, 2009. He also took the $50,000 Leon Reed Handicap by three-quarters of a length on August 22, 2009. Jockey Gabriel Suarez guided the $241,612 earner to both wins for trainer Jonathan Buckley.
Mr. Windjammer validated the honor with a repeat victory in this year’s running of the George Barker Handicap on Memorial Day after the voting took place. He visited the Winners Circle for the eighth time after recording his fourth career stakes triumph.
This season’s $50,000 Susan B. Anthony Handicap winner also received an award on Tuesday night. Gold for the Queen was voted 2009 Best 3-year-old Filly for her accomplishments last season.
The Charlton Baker-trainee’s most notable performance was her victory in the $75,000 New York Oaks at on August 30, 2009. The $204,136 earner owned by Francis Paolangeli earned her first career stake triumph by three and three-quarter lengths in the one mile and one-sixteenth route.
Ten horses received awards in nine different categories at the annual dinner. There was a tie in the voting for the "Best Condition Allowance Filly or Mare" between Doodlin and Lovely Daniella.
Below is a complete listing of the 2009 award recipients:
2009 Finger Lakes H.B.P.A. Awards
Best $4,000-$5,000 Claimer (Colt, Horse or Gelding) – Bob’s Big Hope
Best $4,000-$5,000 (Filly or Mare) – New York Citi
Best $6,250 and up Claimer (Colt, Horse or Gelding) – Pinky Freud
Best $6,250 and up Claimer (Filly or Mare) – Idon’tlikeanyone
Best 3-Year-Old Colt or Gelding – Smokin Hero
Best 3-Year-Old Filly – Gold for the Queen
Best Condition Allowance (Colt, Horse or Gelding) – Yukon Gold Rush
Best Condition Allowance (Filly or Mare) – Doodlin and Lovely Daniella (Tie)
Horse of the Year – Mr. Windjammer
2009 Hall of Fame – Tin Cup Chalice
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