The Ontario-bred champions of 2009 were honored June 12 at the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society annual awards at Copper Creek Golf Club near Kleinburg, Ontario.
The event recognized Ellie Boje Farm as breeder of the year and the late Michael Burns Sr. as the recipient of The Blood-Horse Mint Julep Cup. Other highlights included the presentation of 89 awards to the breeders of Ontario-bred stakes winners of 2009.
Four stallions were honored based on their 2009 earnings of eligible progeny. Bold Executive led the list, followed byTrajectory and Where's the Ring. The award for top first-crop Ontario sire went to Mobil .
Five CTHS Ontario members were recognized for their 25-year contribution to the Thoroughbred breeding industry. In addition, Melnyk Racing Stables Inc. received The Jockey Club of Canada Award for 2009 as leading owner in Ontario.
A silent auction also took place during the evening in support of the LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, a registered charity operating out of Woodbine, and one of the first adoption and placement programs for Thoroughbreds in Ontario.