Builders SUE LESLIE and VICKI PAPPAS, trainer MIKE KEOGH, jockey GARY BOULANGER, and horses PLAY THE KING, HEART TO HEART, NOT TOO SHY and TEPIN were among those honoured at the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame’s first in-person ceremony in two years on the evening of August 3.
The beautiful and well-attended event, hosted by Jim Bannon, Robert Geller and Kelly Spencer and organized by CHRHF managing director Linda Rainey, various committees and the board honoured the 2020 and 2021 new inductees and celebrated past inductees who were present.
A total of 16 people and horses were inducted at the Mississauga Convention Centre and auction items were displayed and available for bidding online during the evening. The inductions were made in groups during dinner courses and wrapped up before 9 p.m., allowing guests to meet up with inductees.
The CHRHF is a charity that is supported by industry groups and Woodbine Entertainment, which houses the Hall. Earlier this year a stallion auction was successful in raising much-needed funds for the Hall. In June, the CHRHF announced it would be hiring a research intern to focus on identifying diverse individuals who have participated in or played a significant role throughout the history of Canadian horse racing.
“Over the last few months we’ve been looking at diversity and inclusiveness as a priority for the Hall. We are looking at various initiatives aimed at ensuring that this is an organization representative of our industry, our community and our nation,” said CHRHF president Darryl Kaplan.
The great MAN ‘O WAR was also celebrated as he was inducted into the Legends category.
Leslie, longtime president of the HBPA who has also guided OHRIA and a litany of other organizations, and Pappas, founder of the important LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, are the first women to be inducted into the Builder category in more than a decade.
“What an honour and privilege this is,” said Leslie, who began her career in racing as an owner, breeder and trainer. “I have been blessed with two families. My number two family, the Landrys … I’m so glad you are here. And my birth family, my mum and dad, brothers and sisters, who have blessed me with godchildren. When I think of them my heart just melts.”
“Thank you to horse racing and the horses for this wonderful life it has afforded me.”
Pappas, who has held roles as owner, trainer, breeder, sales manager, and stakes coordinator among others, started LongRun some two decades ago with a small group of friends and as chair, built it into one of the most successful racehorse retirement and adoption organizations on the continent. LongRun has its own farm and a large group of volunteers and board members.
“This award goes to all of you,” said Pappas, referring to owners who have retired racehorses and allowed them to be placed in new homes, and supporters of LongRun. “Think about what positive influences these beautiful and brave creatures have had on all of you. I have lived a glorious life because of these horses.”
Mike Keogh, who prepared Wando to win the Canadian Triple Crown in 2003 and Langfuhr to Grade 1 victories, among other achievements, thanked Gus Schickedanz and his family, Lauri Lenny and wife Lou, among others.
“Training for the Schickedanz family changed my life. I am a lucky man to have trained some very good horses. Everything good that has happened in my life has been because of horses.”
Gary Boulanger was a popular inductee and American owner Robert Masterson was in town to accept the Hall of Fame induction of his mare Tepin. Canadian Terry Hamilton was also on hand as his horse Heart to Heart was honoured. The deadline for CHRHF 2022 nominations is August 19, 2022, after this year’s induction gala recognizing the classes of 2020 and 2021.
The CHRHF Class of 2022, consisting of a total of eight inductees (four from Standardbred categories and four from Thoroughbred categories) will be announced October 2, 2022. Nomination forms are available on the CHRHF website and can either be completed online or downloaded and submitted by mail or email.
Watch the induction ceremony below:
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