(from TOC release)
Jerry and Ann Moss were named 2008 Owners of the Year and their undefeated filly Zenyatta won Horse of the Year honors from the Thoroughbred Owners of California.
The Northern California-based partnership of Jerry Hollendorfer and Dr. George Todaro claimed awards by leading the state's owners in purse money won and most victories. The Estate of Harry J. Aleo and the Mosses finished in a tie for most stakes triumphs. Ken Kinakin was chosen "Rookie of the Year."
In addition to Zenyatta, the Mosses campaigned Coco Bell, Madeo, and Tiago and earned a total of $1,968,872 in California in 2008, including seven stakes wins.
The Eclipse Award winner for best older female and second in the Horse of the Year voting, Zenyatta captured all seven of her starts in 2008. Her season included grade I victories in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic, Lady's Secret Stakes, Vanity Handicap and Apple Blossom Handicap. She won more than $2 million.
Hollendorfer and Todaro had a total of 412 starts, 117 wins, and total earnings of $2,247,487. Their winners included You Lift Me Up and Kool Comic. Aleo died in June. His estate had a total of seven stakes wins with his three top fillies, Wild Promises, Victorina and High Resolve. Kinakin campaigned Dancing in Silks and Lahuk’s Dancer for a total of 11 starts, three wins, and earnings of $186,988.
The selection process began with a media selection committee comprised of representatives from northern and southern California, including track publicity, print media, television and local handicappers. The winners were chosen by a combined vote of the media committee and members of the TOC board of directors.
Madeline Auerbach was selected to receive this year’s Ed Friendly Industry Service Award. The honor is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions and service in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Her tireless efforts have helped create CARMA (California Retirement Management Account).
CARMA was formed last summer to help Thoroughbred rehabilitation and retirement facilities that care for and retrain horses whose careers have ended after competing in California. It manages a grant request process that distributes funds to qualified retirement facilities caring for such horses.
TOC is the official organization of Thoroughbred owners in the state.