SHAKOPEE, MN – The Minnesota Thoroughbred Association held their annual awards presentation Saturday at Canterbury Park. Nestled in between brunch and live racing, the awards banquet honored the divisional champions from 2018 as well as the top MTA trainer and breeders.
Track President Randy Sampson kicked off the morning with opening remarks stressing the long-standing cooperation between the racetrack and the various horsemen’s organizations. Some highlights looking forward include the commercial development at Canterbury Commons, the renovation of the racing surface as well as a new initiative between the racetrack, horsemen’s organizations and the Racing Commission to promote thoroughbred ownership.
“We look forward to this partnership,” Sampson said. “We will be putting the horse first and treating the owners and breeders with the respect you all deserve.”
2-YEAR OLD MALE – Dame Plata (breeder: Sugarland Thoroughbreds LLC; owner: Ann Sachdev & Lori Bravo)
2-YEAR OLD FEMALE – Dangerous Wave (owner/breeder: Rake Farms)
3-YEAR OLD FEMALE – Firstmate (breeder: Rick Bremer & Cheryl Sprick; owner: Barry & Joni Butzow)
3-YEAR OLD MALE – Mr. Jagermeister (breeder: Kristin Boice; owners: Boice, Leslie Cummings, Valorie Lund)
OLDER FEMALE – Pinup Girl (owner/breeder: Gary & Brenda Bergsrud)
OLDER MALE – Hot Shot Kid (owner/breeder: Warren Bush)
MINNESOTA OWNED HORSE OF THE YEAR – Sirenusa (owner: Barry & Joni Butzow)
MINNESOTA BROODMARE OF THE YEAR – Frangelica (owner: Kristin Boice)
MINNESOTA STALLION OF THE YEAR – Kela (owner: Kela Minnesota LLC)
MINNESOTA TRAINER OF THE YEAR – Francisco Bravo
TOBA AND CHARLES BELLINGHAM BREEDER AWARD – Joel & Kris Zamzow
MINNESOTA BREEDERS CHALLENGE – FOALS OF 2015
(Breeders and stallion owners who purchased seasons at the 2013 MTA Stallion Auction were awarded points based upon the finish position of the horses they bred at races at Canterbury during their 2 and 3-year old seasons. Cash awards were presented at the brunch.)
4th place: Legendolly – Eugene & Rita Boelke
3rd place: Born Pretty – Lisa Duoos Smrekar
2nd place: Lovanskol – Barry & Joni Butzow
1st place: Link – Lisa Duoos Smrekar
