Arnold Zetcher’s Zardana, the 6-year-old mare who shipped in to defeat reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the $200,000 New Orleans Ladies, was named Horse of the Meet at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots’ 2009-2010 Thoroughbred racing season presented by Miller Lite by a vote of media and racing officials following the May 28 closing day program.
Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan, trainer Steve Asmussen and owners Heiligbrodt Racing Stable—who combined to win the meet’s final stakes race with Hisse in the $60,000 Red Camelia—took home awards as the season’s leading horsemen in their respective categories.
Bridgmohan earned his first Fair Grounds leading jockey title with 79 wins, seven more than runner-up James Graham at 72.
Asmussen won his ninth leading trainer title, tying him with Tom Amoss for the all-time lead. Asmussen’s 69 wins left him 28 ahead of Bret Calhoun in second place with 41 trips to the winner’s circle.
The Heiligbrodt Racing Stable of Houston residents Bill & Corrine Heiligbrodt clinched their third Fair Grounds leading owner title on closing day, finishing two wins in front of Southern Equine Stables (Michael Moreno), 22 to 20.