Page 2 - The Game May 2006

2 The Game, May 2006 Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
Prominent Thoroughbred owner Steve Stavro passes away at 78
TORONTO, April 24 - Prominent Thoroughbred owner Steve Stavro has passed away at the age of 78.
With over 50 stakes triumphs, the native of Gabresh, Macedonia was among the most successful owners and breeders of thoroughbred racehorses in Canada.
Stavro owned six Canadian champions (Benburb, Thornfield, Apelia, Saoirse, Chopinina and Bold Debra), who combined for a total of eight Sovereign Awards, includ- ing two Horse of the Year titles (Benburb, Thornfield).
Born September 27, 1927, Stavro came to Canada at age nine and grew up in east-end Toronto. He owned his first racehorses in the late 1960's.
With Pat Collins hired as private trainer, the stable grew to major significance in 1985, a year in which the stable record- ed one of its first stakes tallies with Bert James in the Sir Barton Stakes.
Stavro's equine athletes compete under the banner of Knob Hill Stable, named after his now-defunct Toronto-area grocery chain and warehouse, which he retired from in 2000.
His first outstanding stakes horse was Sense A Fear, who competed in the 1971 Belmont Stakes, third jewel in U.S. racing's Triple Crown.
His talented three-year-old Granacus won the 1988 renewal of the Blue Grass Stakes. He remains the last Canadian-bred to win the important Kentucky event. Granacus represented Knob Hill in the Kentucky Derby, fin- ishing 11th.
Under the guidance of veteran trainer Phil England, Stavro's best campaign was in 1992, a year in which he cele- brated his first four Sovereign Award titles.
Benburb was named champion three-year-old and Horse of the Year, while the Knob Hill stable itself was named Canada's outstanding owner and breeder. Previously, only Sam-Son Farm and Kinghaven Farms had ever swept both awards in the same season.
The remarkable 1992 campaign featured nine Ontario stakes wins with six different horses. Six came at Woodbine, two at Greenwood and one at Fort Erie. The total was higher
than any other owner on the circuit.
The outfit had sent to post fewer than 100 starters
and still compiled earnings of $1,894,248, about $60,000 less than the category's leader, Sam-Son Farm, which amassed 235 starts.
Success in 1992 came from such stars as Ontario Fashion winner Apelia, double-stakes winning sophomore San Romano, Jacques Cartier and Nearctic winner Megas Vukefalos. Debra's Victory added a Greenwood added-money tally in the Lady Angela Stakes.
Engineering two of the most monumental upsets in Canadian racing history, the star of the show was Benburb, who began his three-year-old campaign as a maiden, winless in six starts. The roan gelding closed out 1992 with four wins and over $1 million in career earnings.
After being thumped in the Queen's Plate by Alydeed, the pro-tem leader of the division, Benburb was relegated to underdog status for the Prince of Wales -- a role in which he would thrive.
On the eve of the Triple Crown's second jewel, it poured all night. It was the perfect equalizer for Benburb on race day. He, at 24-1 and Alydeed, at 1- 20, put on a show for the border-oval faithful. After a deep-stretch battle, Benburb and jockey Larry Attard prevailed over the prohibitive favorite.
The Alydeed-Benburb saga continued one month later in Woodbine's Molson Export Million. Over a fast track, with blue-chip three-year-olds like A.P. Indy among the starters, Benburb was dismissed again. At 31-1, Benburb closed from off the pace to grind out a half-length score.
In 1993, fleet filly Apelia was voted a Sovereign Award as Canada's top sprinter. Bold Debra was named the country's outstandingbroodmare.
Thornfield upset the 1999 Canadian International and went on to be named champion grass horse and Horse of the Year.
Speedy stakes-winner Saoirse was Canada's top older filly or mare in 2000. Chopinina, who was a gallant second in the 2002 Atto Mile, was named Canada's Top Female Turfer. The following year she won the Royal North Stakes.
The stable's last stakes winner came in 2003 when Time of War won the 2003 Sir Barton Stakes.
Stavro is survived by wife Sally and daughters Constance, Elaine, Deborah and Stephanie.
Owner Steve Stavro, shakes hands with then Apprentice Jockey Corey Fraser in the paddock before Corey was to ride his Knob Hill Stable owned, Granique, in the 2005 Prince of Wales at Fort Erie.
Ontario Racing Commission
The Ontario Racing Commission is accepting applications immediately from persons interested in pursuing a career as a full-time Thoroughbred Steward.
Qualifications: Preference will be given to applicants who have had several years experience in the Thoroughbred Racing Industry as a trainer/jockey or racing official.
Knowledge: Steward/Judge accreditation examination with a passing mark of 70% or better; familiar with federal and provincial statutes as they apply to racing; thorough knowledge of the Thoroughbred racing rules and regulations; knowledge of legal procedures to conduct fair and judicious hearings; and knowledge of horsemanship and care of racehorses is also required.
Other Skills: Demonstrated inter-personal skills and leadership capabilities; ability to work effectively under pressure with initiative, integrity and sound judgement; conflict resolution; and excellent written communication skills.
Travel in Ontario will be required. Irregular hours including weekend, evening and holiday work.
Salary will be commensurate with experience. Please apply in writing or by fax, by May 20, 2006 to:
Human Resources
Ontario Racing Commission 20 Dundas Street West Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C2 Fax (416) 325-3478
We appreciate all applications, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.
Michael Burns Photo courtesy of WEG
Members of the Woodbine riding colony paid tribute to Mr. Stavro by wearing black armbands during live racing on April 29.
Date: Monday, June 19, 2006
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: The Racing Board Room at Woodbine Racetrack 555 Rexdale Blvd. Rexdale, ON
Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association
NEW ADDRESS:
555 Rexdale Blvd., P.O. Box 456 Rexdale, ON
M9W 5L1 416-679-0741