Roscoe Pito Named B.C. Horse of the Year

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The top achievers in British Columbia racing were honored at the April 10 Thoroughbred Industry Awards and Hall of Fame Inductions. Roscoe Pito led the list of honoree earning Horse of the Year honors as well as champion 3-year-old clot or gelding and champion 3-year-old colt or gelding British Columbia-bred.

In 2003 Roscoe Pito won six races, including five straight against stakes company, for trainer John Snow who conditions him for a syndicate in which he holds a 25% interest. Roscoe Pito earned $424,566 in 2003.

Others receiving top honors include: Comic Opera champion 2-year-old filly; Lord Samarai, champion 2-year-old colt or gelding and 2-year-old colt or gelding British Columbia-bred; Dancewithavixen champion 3-year-old filly and 3-year-old filly British Columbia-bred; Shelby Madison, champion older filly or mare and older filly or mare British Columbia-bred; Lord Nelson, champion older colt or gelding and older colt or gelding British Columbia-bred; and Bold 'n Keen, champion sprinter.

The individual honors of the meeting went to Nicola Wright leading apprentice jockey with 102 wins; Pedro Alvarado, leading jockey with 124 wins; and Dino Condilenios, leading trainer.
Russell and Lois Bennett were named leading breeders. Champion sire is Vying Victor; leading sire of 2-year-olds is Katahaula County; Perfect Coin, leading broodmare sire.

The HBPA Backstretch Award was presented to Muriel Bowes a long-time tack shop employee who was applauded for her tireless, volunteer contribution to the Learning Center at Hastings.

The Diamond of Excellence Award was presented to Dancewithavixen who her outstanding 3-year-old season.

The Hall of Fame inductees included: Magic Code, who was named the outstanding older mare in Canada in 1999 during her 4-year-old campaign; jockey Brian Johnson; and trainer Harold "Bunny" Johnson.

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