Dr. Edward Allred has been selected by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) to receive the 2013 Ed Friendly Industry Service Award. The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions and service in the California Thoroughbred racing industry.
Allred owns Los Alamitos Race Course, which will host its inaugural Thoroughbred race meet July 3-13. Los Alamitos, the home of dual classic winner California Chrome , also will race the L.A. County Fair dates in September and a three-week Thoroughbred meet in December.
Allred's innovative insurance plan for trainers, FinishLine Self-Insurance Group, has been instrumental in reducing the burden of rising workers' compensation rates, keeping the cost of training horses in California affordable for both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred trainers and owners.
When California Thoroughbred racing found itself in a tight spot for stabling after the close of Hollywood Park, Allred stepped up to provide 700 Thoroughbred stalls to be used for year-round training as well as an expanded one-mile racetrack at Los Alamitos.
"We are very pleased to honor Doc Allred with this award," said TOC Chairman Mike Pegram. "His lifelong love of horse racing and dedication to keeping the sport alive in California has greatly benefited us all. We look forward to our newest Thoroughbred race meets at Los Alamitos."
Allred will be recognized at TOC's Southern California Annual Meeting at Del Mar on Saturday, August 23.