October 28, 2008
2008 Season Ends at the Fort

Year End Notes:

Jockey Chad Beckon recorded his second riding title. The 28-year-old Bolton, Ontario native rode 85 winners during the 80-day meet. Rui Pimentel in his first full season at the Fort finished second with 80 wins. David Garcia, riding at Fort Erie for the first time, rode 64 winners to finish in third spot.

Beckon was leading apprentice and leading rider in 2005 when he rode 99 winners. He was also voted outstanding jockey that same year.

Mike Newell scored his first ever training title at Fort Erie saddling 36 winners. Newell who saddled his first win as a trainer in 1994 has been a regular at the Fort ever since. Nick Gonzalez was second in the standings with 30 wins, Lyle Morden finished third with 29.

Leading apprentice honours went to 27-year-old Melanie Pinto. The Brampton, Ontario native rode 41 winners good for a sixth place finish in the rider standings. Pinto rode her first career winner at Fort Erie in September of last year.

Four apprentice jockeys rode their first winner at the Fort this year. Devon Johnson, Cory Spataro, Michael Mehak and Eric Edwards recorded career firsts.

Bright N Golden took Horse of the Year honours. The five-year-old son of Dance Brightly, winner of the Don Valliere Memorial, was also named Colt or Gelding sprinter of the year.

Choreography was named Colt or Gelding Claimer of the year. Rosie Regent took the female honours and she was also named female Sprinter of the Year.

Sandspit, winner of the Puss n Boots Cup was named Male Turf Champ and the Female Champ was Nasty Fever, she also took the title of Female distance horse.

Smiling Jordan was the Male Distance Horse of the Year and capped off a great season with a victory in the Tour De Fort at 2 miles and 70 yards.

Quarter mile champion was Krz N’Flashy and Harvey’s Victor was the Claim of the Year.

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