A crowd of over 150 attended the SBOA Awards Banquet at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel on Saturday, January 19th.
Greg Blanchard hosted the Awards ceremonies which honoured the breeders of the top Ontario Sires Stakes in 2012 and several other individuals for their accomplishments.
Jim Bullock of Campbellville, ON received the SBOA’s highest honour with the Chris Van Bussel Memorial Award for exemplary service to both SBOA and the industry. Bullock is a former SBOA Director whose many years of dedication and innovative contributions have proven invaluable to the organization.
Bullock was also the co-winner of the Lloyd Chisholm Achievement Award along with current SBOA President Anna Meyers of Rockwood, ON. Meyers has worked tirelessly on behalf of Ontario breeders and SBOA in the wake of the unsettling industry developments over the past year.
Masterfeeds awarded Pacing Broodmare of the Year honours to Art of Design, owned by Larry Pollard of Harrow, ON. Art of Design is the dam of 4 in 1:55 or better, including the $2 Million dollar earner, Chancey Lady p, 1:48.4.
On the trotting side, the Broodmare of the Year title, again sponsored by Masterfeeds, went to Independent Lassie, owned by Warrawee Farms of Rockwood, ON. Independent Lassie is the dam of 4 in 2:00 including the 2012 sensation Mister Herbie 4, 1:50.4s ($1,285,263)
SBOA would like to sincerely thank all those who supported the organization by attending the Banquet, by making donations, and by bidding in the Stallion and Silent auctions.
See below for pictures of several of the night’s Award winners. More photos can be found on the Facebook page of Kelly Spencer’s Iron Horse Photo by clicking here.
All Photos By Iron Horse Photo
Jim Bullock was this year’s Chris Van Bussel Memorial Award choice. From L. to Rt. are: Jim Bullock, Karen (Van Bussel) Favacho, and John Kopas who provided the presentation address.
Anna Meyers was named co-winner of the Lloyd Chisholm Memorial Award. Taking part in the presentation were: Mary Chisholm (L.), SBOA Vice President Walter Parkinson (Centre) and SBOA Administrator Aimee Adams (Rt.).
SBOA Director Caroline Thornton presented to Tim Klemencic, breeder of the stellar 3-year-old filly pacer Mach A Wish.
Masterfeeds’ Blair Keeling and Jackie VandenBrink ( Centre) presented the award for Pacing Broodmare of the Year to Ann Straatman, accepting on behalf of owner Larry Pollard.
Duane Avery (Centre) accepts the Trotting Broodmare of the Year Award from Masterfeeds representatives. Independent Lassie earned the title for Warrawee Farms of Rockwood.
