The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario (HBPA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2022 Fort Erie race meet.

The HBPA awards will be presented on camera this Monday October 17th from 11am to 12pm on the frontside at Fort Erie Racetrack. The winner in each category will be presented with an HBPA blanket embroidered with their award win. The HBPA has also provided all AGCO licensed Trainers, Assistant Trainers, Exercise Riders, Grooms and Hotwalkers with a free meal voucher good for a hamburger or hot dog, french fries and drink to be redeem at either outdoor concession stand compliments of the HBPA.

Coinciding with the awards presentations, the HBPA will be providing the winners of all races on Monday October 17th and Tuesday October 18th at Fort Erie Racetrack with a new leather halter.

The HBPA Board would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 2022 HBPA Fort Erie Award winners and all the hard-working backstretch workers at Fort Erie. Your tenacity and love for our equine athletes and the sport does not going unnoticed. We wish you all the best and look forward to seeing you all back at the Fort for the 2023 racing season.

HBPA 2022 Fort Erie Year End Award Winners

Male Claimer of the Year
Big Time Louie
(Roy Agostino, Even Steven Stables)

Female Claimer of the Year
Loaded Once More
(Sam Meli, Krista Clemmer)

Male Sprinter of the Year
Jack Beanstalk
(Desmond Maynard)

Female Sprinter of the Year
Gimbala
(John Simms, Harvey Bussey)

Distance Male of the Year
Strong Ending
(Richard Davis, Bruno Schickedanz)

Outstanding Rider of the Year, Melanie Pinto. (Fort Erie Racing Facebook photo)

Distance Female of the Year
Reign by Rein
(Daryl Ezra, Julia Ezra)

Best Claim of the Year
Loaded Once More
(Sam Meli, Krista Clemmer)

Outstanding Rider of the Year
Melanie Pinto

Leading Rider
Christopher Husbands (31) or Melanie Pinto (29)
**Winner announced 17th or 18th

Leading Apprentice
Nicole Hein (8) or Amanda Vandermeersh (8)
**Winner announced 17th or 18th

Exercise Rider of the Year
Natalie Frost

Groom of the Year
Reginald Johnston

Leading Trainer
Julie Mathes

Outstanding Trainer of the Year
Richard Davis

Leading Owner
Bruno Schickedanz

Horse of the Year
Strong Ending
(Richard Davis, Bruno Schickedanz)