TOC Announces 2008 Owner Awards
Arcadia, Calif. – Jerry and Ann Moss were named Owners of the Year and their filly Zenyatta Horse of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners of California. The awards for both “Most California Purse Money Won” and “Most California Races Won” went to the Northern California-based partnership of Hollendorfer & Todaro. The award for “Most Stakes Races Won” went to the Estate of Harry Aleo and the Mosses, in a tie. Ken Kinakin was chosen Rookie of the Year.
In addition to Zenyatta, the Mosses campaigned Coco Bell, Madeo, and Tiago and earned a total of $1,968,872 in California in 2008, including seven stakes wins. Jerry Hollendorfer and George Todaro had a total of 412 starts, 117 wins, and total earnings of $2,247,487. Their winners included You Lift Me Up and Kool Comic. Harry Aleo had a total of seven stakes wins with his three top fillies, Wild Promises, Victorina, and High Resolve. Sadly, Aleo passed away in June of 2008. Ken Kinakin campaigned Dancing in Silks and Lahuk’s Dancer for a total of 11 starts, three wins, and earnings of $186,988.
The selection process began with a media selection committee comprised of representatives from northern and southern California, including track publicity, print media, television, and local handicappers. The winners were chosen by a combined vote of the media committee and members of the TOC board of directors.
Selected to receive this year’s Ed Friendly Industry Service Award was Madeline Auerbach. The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions and service in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Her tireless efforts have made CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) a resounding success. CARMA was formed last summer to help Thoroughbred rehabilitation and retirement facilities that care for and retrain horses whose careers have ended after competing in California. It manages a grant request process which distributes funds to qualified retirement facilities caring for such horses.