Bre X, Bill Turner share spotlight

Bre X, a son of Dal Reo Hop Sing out of Punch Line, and owned by the Kadence Stables of Coquitlam and Tante Stables of New Westminster, was named aged horse of the year by both organizations and received the award for outstanding performance from both.

Bre X, who is trained by Wayne Isbister, had 16 wins, eight seconds and four thirds in 35 starts in 2002, earned $93,440 and had a best clocking of 1:54.4 in his B.C. races.

Turner was a surprised winner of the BCSA horseman of the year award.

Turner is the director of Winners Foundation, an organization which has long been a helping hand to those in the horse racing industry who battle with alcohol and drug abuse. In his three years with the foundation Turner has been a strong friend and counsellor.

But Turner has widened the parameters of his assistance. He has started a day/evening care program for the children of Downs' horsepersons where he has provided games, videos, books and fun for kids while the parents engage in the many duties necessary as their horse(s) race.

He also has been prevalent in the organization and running of various track social activities for adults.

Turner was so caught by surprise (When asked if he saw this coming he said, "Never") that he did not realize that when he was out helping get trophies and plaques for the awards banquet he was getting his own.

Tim Heidt, the pick-up rider seen by Downs racing fans each and every race day, was also given a special award for his work.

A number of awards also went to horsemen and breeders.

Bill Davis and Serge Masse were the only ones among the nominated to be tabbed twice in the trainer and driver awards which are decided by statistics. Davis won for driver and trainer in the over-250-starts category and Masse, actually an Alberta resident who made an impression in the early months of the year at Fraser Downs before returning to Alberta, in in the 20-to-100 starts division.

The 101 to 250 start slot for drivers was captured by Dave Jungquist while the award for trainers in that category went to Rod Therres.

The groom of the year is Don Ulmer who works for the Wayne Isbister barn.

Fraser Downs race fans also had a say in the annual awards. People's Choice awards were made to Downs fans' favourite horse -- Nazko Promise -- and driver -- Bill Davis. Teletheatre BC patrons also decided who is the Rising Star for a horse -- Rich Cam -- and a horseman -- Paul Harrison.

The BCSBS  breeder of the year award was captured by the Dal Reo Farms whose Scruffy Hanover, who died late in 2002, was named stallion of the year.

A number of horses were double winners including Yum Yum Candy, Rich Cam, Dal Reo Damsel, Brother Brass and Nazko Promise.