Chris's Bad Boy tops at Fort Erie

FORT ERIE, Ontario - Chris's Bad Boy, claimed for $13,000 on July 7, picked up three titles at Fort Erie's season-ending awards dinner Thursday night.

Honored as the track's horse of the year, Chris's Bad Boy, a 5-year-old gelding, was also chosen as the track's top male sprinter and best claim. Owned in partnership by trainer Lou Capi and Fabian Skyers, Chris's Bad Boy won six of his 10 starts here in 2002.

The Love 2 Win Stable of John and Marilyn Hillier came away with two awards. Fowl Supper, a winner of six races this year, was named top female claimer, and Final Covenant, was honored as top female sprinter.

Other awards went to Diamond T (male claimer), Original One (distance male), La Princess Jolie (distance female), Yatsko (turf male), and Single in Seattle (turf female).

A special presentation was made to the connections of Le Cinquieme Essai, who captured the track's signature race, the Prince of Wales Stakes.

Bruno Schickedanz, for the sixth consecutive year, was honored as top owner, while Layne Giliforte was champion trainer for the fifth straight time. Martin Ramirez received top jockey honors.

Kris Robinson was honored as top apprentice. Groom Melanie Edwards and trainer Myckie Neubauer also were honored by their peers.