by TYRONE EVELYN

A LARGE NUMBER of Barbadian race horse breeders and owners were recently wined and dined by the Barbados Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (BTBA) at its 21st anniversary gala at Hilton Barbados.

And during the sumptuous affair, which was attended by Sir Denys and Lady Williams, a number of presentations were made to racehorse owners and breeders for their contribution to the racing industry during the past 21 years.

Appreciation awards were also presented to representatives of 18 companies which have been supporting the local breeding industry by way of sponsoring such races.

Former southern Caribbean champion jockeys Venice Richards and Chally Jones were also presented with awards. The former for his skill as a jockey and the latter for his successes as a jockey, trainer and breeder.

Among the guests was former horse racing journalist and commentator Mike Goddard, who was presented with the Claire Melville Award which he was given in 2001 but which he had not yet collected.

Goddard was given a standing ovation when he went to collect the award, which was presented by Lionel Weekes, Permanent Secretary int he Ministry of Sport.

The BTBA also presented colour photographs of 11 of the top thoroughbred creoles during the past 21 years to the breeders of the horses.

The presentation to the respective breeder was done by the owner of the thoroughbred creole.

Those horses so honoured were Sky Beauty; Kandahar; Victoria Regia; Credit Note; Voici Voila; Kabul; Federico; Guest Of Honour; Zouk; Coo-Bird and Incitatus.

Incitatus was specially honoured by the BTBA for being the first creole to win the Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup, and also group races in Canada before his untimely death.

The BTBA also named Lu's In Love as the Top Broodmare for the period, and Nosferatu as the Top Stallion.