October 23, 2009
Chocolateforlunch Named Fort Erie Horse of the Year

FORT ERIE, October 23...Lyle Morden trained Chocolateforlunch took top honours at the 2009 Fort Erie Awards Dinner Thursday evening.

The five-year-old daughter of Bold Executive, a winner of 5 races this year, including the Fort Erie Slots Cup, was named Fort Erie Horse of the Year. She was also voted top female sprinter.

Owned by Barbara Lewis and Winter Road Racing, Chocolateforlunch earned $66,840 this season winning four races on the main track and one over the turf course.

Rui Pimentel and Nick Gonzalez dominated their respective categories. Rui winning his first ever Fort Erie riding title while Gonzalez notched is third Fort Erie training title.

With three days left in the racing season Pimentel has ridden 94 winners, Gonzalez has saddled 27.

Melanie Pinto topped the female rider standings with 49 winners to date. Pinto is currently third among all riders and is in a close battle for top apprentice with Micheal Mehak.

There is a three-way tie in the leading owner category. Ivan Dalos, Michael Annechino and Howard Keen have 11 wins apiece. Colebrook Farms, last years top owner is one back.

Top apprentice and leading owner will be announced on Tuesday when the 2009 racing season wraps up.

Other winners:

Male Claimer – Cacouna / Hillsbrook Farms / N. Gonzalez

Female Claimer – Here’stotemperance / M. Annechino / M. Newell

Male Sprinter – Spread the News / T. Grimes / J. Simms

Distance Male – Kilmoganny / G. McMaster / D. Ezra

Distance Female – Lucky Day / E. De Luca / J. Simms

Turf Male – Another Ascot / California Stable / D. Ezra

Turf Female – Alkmene – Colebrook Farms / A. Brnjas

Best Claim – Vikrant / David Trumble / A. Concessi

¼ Mile Champ – Krz n’ Flashy / Sylon Stable & Partner / R. Johnston

Outstanding Jockey and Trainer honours as voted by their peers.

Jockey – Eddie Robinson

Trainer - Nick Gonzalez

Assistant Trainer – Sharon Simms

Groom – Kendra Wieczorek

Daryl Wells
Media and Communications
1-800-295-3770 ext. 3204
e-mail: dwells@forterieracetrack.ca