New England champs named

The New England Turf Writers Association has named its 2008 champions and award winners, all of whom will be honored at the organization's annual dinner in July 2009. The New England horse of the year will not be announced until the awards dinner.

In the human categories, Winston Thompson was named outstanding jockey and Rafael Ramos outstanding trainer. Edward "Ned" Allard has been honored with a lifetime achievement award and Lorita Linemann, an owner and trainer, will receive a yearly achivement award for her work trying to fin homes for Thoroughbreds upon their retirement.

Allard began his training career in 1970 at Lincoln Downs in Rhode Island and went on to become one of the leading trainers in the region over the next two decades. In 1985, he conditioned Eclipse Award winner Mom's Command. Allard continues to support racing at Suffolk Downs and won the Mom's Command Stakes this year.

The winners of divisional titles include Southern Rainbow, older male; Nijinsky Bullet, older female and sprinter; Snow Down, 2-year-old filly; Mr. Jolson, 2-year-old male; Shorty Puffs, 3-year-old filly; Hold on Smokey, 3-year-old male; Gator's Tricks, turf horse; and Flirt for Fame, New England-bred.