Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Touch Gold, the late Tammy Samuel Balaz, and trainer Mark Frostad are among the Thoroughbreds and individuals nominated for induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame.
Owned by Frank Stronach and Stonerside Stable, Touch Gold unleashed a dramatic stretch run to win the 1997 Belmont and prevent Silver Charm’s bid to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. Other Thoroughbreds nominated in the Male Horse category were two Sam-Son Farms’ multiple stakes winners, Soaring Free and Quiet Resolve.
Female Thoroughbreds nominated were Dancethruthedawn, Canadian Horse of the Year Arravale, and three-time Sovereign Award winner One For Rose.
Trainers Mark Frostad, winner of four Queen’s Plates, and Phil England, who conditioned three Canadian Horse of the year champions, along with Eclipse and Sovereign Award winning jockey Mickey Walls, were nominated in their category.
The late Tammy Samuel Balaz of Sam-Son Farms’ fame led the Thoroughbred side of the Builder category. Also nominated were one of Canada’s leading owners and breeders, Aubrey W. Minshall, and Bruce Walker, one of North America’s leading race publicists and multiple Sovereign Award winning writer.
One of Canada’s great broodmares, Square Angel was nominated, along with Ruling Angel and Imperial Choice head Veteran Thoroughbreds.
Heading the Standardbred nominees was Astreos, best remembered for his win in a race-off to take the 2000 edition of the Little Brown Jug.
The winners in the three equine categories for each breed and the jockey/trainer, driver/trainer, and builder categories will be announced May 17. The induction ceremonies will be held Thursday, August 18, at the Mississauga Convention Centre in Ontario.