Sovereign Awards ceremony moved

The Ultra Nightclub in downtown Toronto is the new location for this year s 35th annual Sovereign Awards ceremony on Jan. 29, the Jockey Club of Canada announced Tuesday.

The gathering originally was to have been held at Toronto s Roy Thomson Hall but had to be relocated because of logistical problems.

The format for the Sovereign Awards has changed this year, with a less-formal cocktail reception replacing the former black-tie, sit-down dinner. The reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the awards presentation set for 8 p.m.

A change in the voting procedures that was previously announced will allow voters to consider the entire 2009 season when casting their ballots. In recent years, the awards had been held in mid-December.

Past performance and statistical information will be available beginning Jan. 7, and ballots must be cast by Jan. 12. Voting is conducted through the Jockey Club of Canada s website.

All horses excepting 2-year-olds must have made at least three starts in Canada this year to be eligible for consideration. The minimum for 2-year-olds is two appearances.

The three finalists in every category except horse of the year will be announced on Jan. 18.

Tickets for the awards ceremony are available at $150 each through Carolyn Pulis executive director of the Jockey Club of Canada, by phone at (416) 675-7756, or by e-mail at .