FHBPA1st Annual Awards Dinner

The FHBPA welcomed over 100 guests to their annual Holiday and Nomination Dinner last Thursday 12/11. The event was held in the Ten Palms Room at Gulfstream Park. The group enjoyed cocktails and an excellent buffet dinner, while music of the season filled the air.

President Stephen Screnci introduced the Board of Directors and provided a summary of the FHBPA’s 2019 journey through our challenging and everchanging industry.

Nominations for the Board were taken from the floor, where a lively group of 18 owners and trainers tossed their hats into the ring. The Election Committee will be reviewing eligibility and qualifications of the nominees, as we move toward the March 2020 election date.

There was a new and exciting addition to the annual event this year with the First Annual Florida Horsemen’s Awards. These awards recognized the efforts of horses, trainers, and owners who help make South Florida racing a year-round success. Our thanks to XBTV personality Jason Blewitt, who handled the MC duties for the presentations.

The winners for 2019 are:

Turf Female of the year
“Lady Alida”
Owner: SJT Racing Stables LLC
Trainer: Alfredo Lichoa

Turf Male Year of the year
“Imprimis”
Owner: Breeze Easy, LLC
Trainer: Joe Orseno

Two-Year-Old Male of the year
“Chance It”
Owner: Shooting Star Thoroughbreds LLC
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.

Two-Year-Old Female of the year
“Onyx”
Owner: Arindel
Trainer: Juan Alvarado

Three-Year-Old Female of the year
“Wildwood’s Beauty”
Owner: William Stiritz
Trainer: Scott Becker

Three-Year-Old Male of the year
“Shancelot"
Owner: Crawford Farms Racing
Trainer: Jorge Navarro

Female Horse of the year
“Stormy Embrace”
Owner: Matalona Thoroughbreds LLC
Trainer: Kathleen O’Connell

Male Horse of the year:
“Shancelot”
Owner: Crawford Farms Racing
Trainer: Jorge Navarro

Trainer of the year “Saffie Joseph Jr.”

As we near the wire on 2019, we at the FHBPA wish each of you and your families, the warmest of Holiday Seasons and a healthy and prosperous New Year.