Sniper is Horse of the Year: Fort Erie Awards by the HBPA Ontario

Colleen Beaumier’s SNIPER, a 10-year-old son of Trajectory, was named the Fort Erie Horse of the Year for 2019 and Male Sprinter at the HBPA Ontario’s Awards dinner and ceremony Oct. 10.

Trained by Preston Ferris, Sniper won five of six races this year including the Bob Summers Memorial Stakes races. He earned over $45,000 (US).

Beaumier claimed Sniper from Barbara Minshall and Avelino Gomez in 2017 for $16,000. Sniper was bred by Minshall Farms.

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Following his Bob Summers victory, Sniper was retired and is in training to be a riding horse with Ferris’ wife Tanya Smith. Sniper raced 58 times, with 14 wins, 6 seconds and 9 thirds for earnings of $428,077.

SNIPER made a trip to Woodbine before his retirement to visit his former owner and trainer Barbara Minshall. Jockey Jeff Alderson (far left) and Preston Ferris did a great job with their gelding – photo courtesy Barbara Minshall

One of the most recognizable winners on Awards night was MR CHANGUE, the top Male Claimer who made headlines this summer when he fell through a sinkhole at the Fort Erie backstretch and had to be rescued by Fort Erie backstretch workers and the local fire department among others. The story made USA Today, CNN and other international news outlets.

Owned by Sam Passero and trained by Ken Albu, Mr. Changue, an entire 6-year-old horse, won three of 10 starts in 2019.

The Male Turf horse of the year was REALLYLIKETHISONE, owned by B. Nemeth, Kieta Boulet, John Langton, Bill James and Francine Villeneuve and trained by Villeneuve.

The 6-year-old by Philanthropist won the Puss ‘n Boots Stakes as one of his two turf wins at the meeting.

A list of all winners is below the photos. The Fort Erie season wraps up Tuesday Oct. 15.

Fort Erie, ON October 10, 2019 HBP Awards Horse of the Year Sniper Owner Colleen Beaumier, trainer Preston Ferris, presented by Tom Valiquette (far left) Michael Burns photo

Fort Erie, ON October 10, 2019 HBP Awards Groom of the Year Noel Tomlinson, presented by Lori Scott. Michael Burns photo

Fort Erie, ON October 10, 2019 HBP Awards Male Claimer Mr. Changue- Trainer Ken Albu receives the award from Stanley Fishman. Michael Burns photo

Fort Erie, ON October 10, 2019 HBP Awards Leading Jockey Krista Carignan, presented by Paul Souter. Michael Burns photo

HBPA FORT ERIE AWARDS LIST OF WINNERS:

2019 Horse of the Year/Male Sprinter – Sniper

2019 Male Claimer Mr Changue
2019 Male Turf Reallylikethisone
2019 Male Distance Get My Gist

2019 Female Claimer Orphan Queen
2019 Female Turf Bangla Dancer
2019 Female Distance Tickety Boo
2019 Female Sprinter Surfs Edge

2019 Best Claim Accolade’s Galore
2019 Leading Owner Six Brothers Stable
2019 Leading Trainer John Simms
2019 Leading Jockey Krista Carignan
2019 Leading Apprentice Daisuke Fukumoto

2019 Outstanding Trainer Nick Mileni Jr
2019 Outstanding Jockey Melanie Pinto
2019 Assistant Trainer Mike Newell
2019 Groom Noel Tomlinson