Two share Manitoba spotlight

Kalfaari and Dawn Edition received three awards apiece Saturday at the annual Manitoba Thoroughbred Awards banquet at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg.

The awards are co-sponsored by the local divisions of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, which recognizes all local performers, and by the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society, which focuses on Manitoba-breds.

Kalfaari, a 6-year-old gelding, was undefeated in four starts at Assiniboia last year, including three stakes. A British Columbia-bred, Kalfaari was the HBPA's horse of the year, top older horse, and top sprinter.

Dawn Edition, a 5-year-old mare, won the Distaff and placed in three other stakes at Assiniboia before winding up her season at Woodbine, where she is based again this spring. She was honored as horse of the year by the CTHS and as top older mare by both the CTHS and HBPA.

The other CTHS award winners were Patient Patty, 2-year-old filly; Wild Ruler, 2-year-old colt or gelding; Bashful Dancer, 3-year-old filly; Beau Pip, 3-year-old colt or gelding; Fancy As, older horse; Malbec, broodmare; Circulating, stallion; and Dr. Ross McKague, breeder.

Other HBPA equine award winners were Air Driver, 2-year-old filly; Suntana, 2-year-old colt or gelding; Beausox, 3-year-old filly; Ekati, 3-year-old colt or gelding; and Play Taps, claiming horse.

The HBPA also honored Ardell Sayler, as top trainer in races won; Darla Singh, top percentage trainer; and jockey Jacques DesAutels.