The Race Track Chaplaincy of America’s 2012 White Horse Award, presented by Harris Farms, will honor the late Michael Priddy, a Remington Park maintenance worker who died of injuries after a horse crashed the starting gate March 4.
Priddy’s wife and 9-year-old daughter, Cheri and Elizabeth Priddy, will accept the award during the 10th annual award luncheon Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park. The event is held in conjunction with the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
Priddy was about 300 yards behind the starting gate before a race when one of the horses bolted from the gate and ran toward the track gate that leads to the barn area. Priddy had just closed that gate and was trying to prevent the horse from escaping. But he was hit by the gate as the horse crashed through it. He was transported to a medical center and died several hours later from internal injuries.
Also being honored are Santa Anita hero John Shear, racetrack chaplaincy co-founder Israel "Izzy" Vega, and the late Norma Stone (wife of equine artist Fred Stone).
California native and Team Valor president Barry Irwin will be the featured speaker. Team Valor campaigns 2011 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner and champion Animal Kingdom . California-based jockey Chantal Sutherland will welcome luncheon guests on behalf of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
Tickets for the luncheon are $125 (Table of 10 is $1,100), and are available at info@rtcanational.org.
