Page 12 - January 2005 The Game

12 The Game, January 2005 Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
Jockeys Present Cheques for Charities
VP John Whitson Retires
New Positions Announced at Woodbine
Woodbine Entertainment Group announced several personnel changes to its Thoroughbred Racing Department which went into effect upon the retirement of John Whitson on December 31, 2004.
As of January 1, 2005, Chris Evans is the Vice President of Thoroughbred Racing, taking over from Mr. Whitson, a 31-year veteran of the organization, including the last eight as VP.
Chris Evans was Woodbine’s racing secretary from 1989 until being named director of racing in 2003. In his new position as VP, Mr. Evans will be responsible for the entire Thoroughbred Racing Department, which includes the Race Office, Backstretch Operations and race day functions.
Tom Cosgrove has been promoted to Director of Thoroughbred Racing. He was named the director of backstretch operations in 2003 and was formerly Woodbine’s chief clocker and placing judge from 1986 to 1988 and then was assistant racing secretary from 1989 to 1997.
In his new position as director, Mr. Cosgrove will now be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the race office, the planning of the condition book and the enforcement of all pertinent race office policies.
Stephen Koch, formerly the backstretch manager at Woodbine has
been promoted to Director of Backstretch Operations; Martin Velden, former superintendent of stabling has been promoted to the Manager of Backstretch Operations; Karl Lagerborg will take over Martin’s position as the Superintendent of Stabling. Karl, who was assistant trainer for Mac Benson for many years began assisting Martin Velden in 2004.
Sheryl McSwain, who has worked in the racing office for 21 years, was promoted to the Assistant Racing Secretary.
Hugh Mitchell, Woodbine Entertainment Group's Senior Vice-President of Racing, acknowledged Mr. Whitson's contri- bution to the company before announcing the changes.
"We would like to thank John for his numerous contributions to the Woodbine Entertainment Group and the Thoroughbred horse racing industry in general over the past 30 years," Mr. Mitchell said. "We wish John a long and healthy retirement."
Mr. Whitson will remain as a consultant for WEG on its Thoroughbred stakes programs.
With information from WEG’s Media Relations and Daily Racing Formarticles.
The Game Editor’s Note - John Whitson’s retirement will be featured in an upcoming issue of The Game.
Irwin Driedger, Manager of the Jockeys’ Benefit Association of Canada, along with a handful of jockeys from the Woodbine Jockey Colony, present the representatives of LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, and the Avelino Gomez Memorial Foundation with a cheque for $18,676.71 each.
A total of more than $56,000 was raised from the Annual Jockeys’ Barbeque which was hosted in partnership with the HBPA in October. The money raised was divided equally among
the three charitable organizations.
Did You Know...
That Woodbine’s 2004 Leading Jockey and Sovereign Award winner, Todd Kabel, is one of four finalists for the Manitoba Sportswriter and
Sportscasters Association Award for athlete of the year. He won the award in 1995 and was a finalist in 2003.
Todd hails from McCreary, Manitoba, beginning his career
as a jockey at Assiniboia Downs.
The awards dinner is scheduled for January 30, 2005 at the Delta Winnipeg.
Windfields Mourns Loss Of Andre Blaettler
The Windfields family is saddened to report that former Windfields, Oshawa, yearling manager Andre Blaettler passed away on November 11, 2004
A native of Switzerland, Andre emigrated to Canada in the early 1950's, signed on with windfields shortly thereafter, and was a mainstay of the farm's success until his retirement in December of 1987.
During his 30-year tenure as yearling manager, Andre was instrumental in the early care of countless champions, including Northern Dancer, Nijinsky II, Victoria Park, Norcliffe, Canebora, Flaming Page and La Lorgnette, to name a few.
He will be fondly remembered for both his skill and love of horses, and also his charm and legendary sense of humour. Fortunately for us all, Andre
was able to attend the recent Open House at the farm, so we retain fresh and recent memories of our very dear friend.
Information from www.wind- fields.com
Looking for a Fresh Start in 2005?
Andre Blaettler at Windfields Open House, October 23. Photo by Shirley Gill.
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