Trainer Noble Threewitt, 94, has been selected as the second recipient of Hollywood Park's Laffit Pincay Jr. Award presented annually to an individual who has served the sport with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination, and distinction.Pincay, who retired as a jockey at 56 two years ago after riding an unparalleled 9,530 winners, will present the award that bears his name to Threewitt on Gold Cup Day, July 9 at Hollywood Park.During his extraordinary career, that began at Caliente in 1932 when he was 21, Threewitt served six terms as president of the California Horsemen's Benevolent Association and has saddled nearly 2,000 winners. They include 495 at Hollywood Park, where he ranks seventh on the all-time list. He won with nine consecutive starters at Tanforan in April of 1954.Threewitt's stakes winners range from Correlation (1954 Wood Memorial and Florida Derby) to Theresa's Tizzy (2000 Desert Stormer Handicap and Rancho Bernardo)."Not only is Noble a great trainer," observed Pincay, "he's got a beautiful personality and everybody loves him. He never seems to have a down day. I think that is one of the reasons for his longevity.""Any award that bears the name and blessing of Laffit Pincay is to be cherished," said Threewitt, who was present at the opening of five major California racetracks: Hollywood Park, Santa Anita Park, Del Mar, Bay Meadows, and Golden Gate Fielda.
The award was inaugurated last year when Pincay made the presentation to veteran racing executive Bob Benoit.
