ZUMBROTA, MN – Midwest Paddock Report co-founder Heather Grevelis received a prestigious Equine Media Award last night for “Editorial Action Photography” presented by American Horse Publications.

Grevelis’ shot of jockey Dean Butler being unseated from Malibu Max at the gate at Canterbury Park last season was featured in American Racehorse Magazine as well as here in the MWPR and The Paulick Report.

“First off, I was glad that Dean was okay and he gave his blessing to use the photo series,” Grevelis said.  “It was really a once in a lifetime shot and I’m glad I could capture it and be able to spotlight the dangers jockeys face just entering the starting gate every day.”

The photo was one of a series of shots in which Grevelis captured the moment the gate opened and events unfolded resulting in Butler’s spill.

“I’m very excited and honored to received this award,” said Grevelis.  “I’d also like to thank Denis Blake from American Racehorse for picking up the story and photos and having the faith in the work to submit it for consideration.”