Page 34 - The Game August 2006

34 The Game, August 2006 Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper
You’re Invited
to our
OPEN HOUSE & BARBEQUE
to Meet New 2007 Stallion
GONE FISHIN
Graded Stakes Winning Son of Honor Grades
New Stride Holds Annual Fundraiser
Saturday & Sunday September 16 & 17, 2006 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Hosted By:
Stone Briar Stables
& Hillside Thoroughbreds
6724 Elcho Rd. Wellandport, ON
905-386-0912
info@hillsidethoroughbreds.com www.hillsidethoroughbreds.com
Draw for a FREE 2007 Breeding Season
WALLACE THOROUGHBREDS
Offers the following 2006 Yearlings
Outstanding Select Fillies & Preferred Colt
Hip 176 A Fleets Dancer - Reputed Style by Silver Deputy Filly
Dam of 2 foals to race, both winners including Reputed Deeds, 3 wins in 3 starts at 4, placed at 5, 2006, $101,543 (USA) ($19,040, $101,130 (CAN)).
Northern Whiskey - MSW winner in his first start at 3, 2005, $40,684 (CAN).
WERK NICK RATING A (+312%)
(based on the Mr. Prospector - SILVER DEPUTY cross)
5-Generation Inbreeding: Mr. Prospector - 3m x 4f Vice Regent - 3f X 4m
Hip 200 Porto Foricos - Stradocaster Filly
Dam of 4 winners including Wolverine, 3 wins, 2 to 5, $180,660, 3rd Blazing Sevens Stake. Carrickfergus Boy, winner at 3, $52,606.
Flashy n’ Bold, placed MSW at 2 and 3rd MSW at 3, 2006, $21,120 (USA) ($24,200 CAN).
Hip 405 Cats At Home - Prudent by Kiridashi Colt
This is her second foal, her first foal is a 2-year-old in 2006
WERK NICK RATING A (+191%)
(based on the STORM CAT - Bold Ruckus cross)
5-Generation Inbreeding: Barbison - 5f x 5f
By Jackie Humber
New Stride Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation held their annual Silent Auction and Art Show on Sunday, July 23. A dinner and dance proceded the afternoon races. Many artists displayed their works of photography, oil paintings, and pastels.
Trainer Cathy Rycroft displayed paintings on can- vas, driftwood and stone. The silent auction had three large tables with a variety of items up for bid. Some of the items included paintings by renown
artist, Raymond Chow, Vancouver Canuck hockey tickets, as well as clothing, jewelry and horse supplies. The Chris Loseth bobblehead doll proved to be very
popular with numerous bids.
All monies raised from the Silent Auction and
dinner are shared equally between the New Stride Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and The Jockey Relief Fund.
New Stride Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation is located in Abbotsford, BC and rehabilitates and locates adoptive owners for retired racehorses.
The Jockey Relief fund supplies financial support to injured jockeys at Hastings Racetrack.
Artist Cathy Rycroft displays her work.
Attendees check out the goods up for bids in the silent auction.
Photos Jackie Humber
A breeder providing quality individuals for the Canadian Yearling Sales 905-723-5179
VARGA - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33
“The most money I ever bet $500 win/place on a horse called New Energy,” he recalls ruefully, “He left the gate four in front, he was six in front at the head of the stretch and just got beat. He paid only $3.70 to place.”
Varga remembers to the dime his biggest payoff.
“The most I ever cashed was $5124.30 on a triactor at Woodbine about 15 or 20 years ago. I made some payments on my car and probably lost most of the rest.”
When he turned 50, Varga made the decision to curtail his gambling and increase his savings. Since 1975 he had been donating monthly to an RRSP.
In 1998, Gord Huntley died and when all his racing assets were sold off, Varga found himself without a job. Though not for long. He caught on with Johnny Cirillo and still helps in the morn- ings. A few years ago, Varga offered his help to the backstretch
kitchen and thoroughly enjoys working there now.
“They close the kitchen up at six, but outside in the hallway there is a little snack bar,” says Varga, “They asked me if I would mind running the snack bar after the kitchen was closed. So I heat up soup for the boys and make sure there’s chocolate
bars and potato chips. I keep that open from 6 to 9.”
Fifty years at Woodbine has left Albert Varga with some
indelible memories.
“My favourite rider was Avelino Gomez,” he reminisces,
“I like John Leblanc. He was a very good rider in those days. David Clark rode all the horses that I worked on.”
Varga has no family, no brothers, sisters or children. A stream of regret is evident when he says he never married.
“That one time I should have married. I met a very nice lady. I think I made a mistake.”
So clearly, the track is his home and the backstretch people are his friends and family. And Albert Varga simply can’t con- template the idea of not being here.
“I won’t totally retire. As long as I can get up in the morning, if I can still walk a couple horses. When you exercise a horse, you also give yourself a little exercise. I like being around horses, Horses are part of my family.”
FINCHAM’S HARNESS SHOP LTD
See us at The September Yearling Sales
Yearling Sale Supplies
• Halters
• Lead Shanks
• Brass Browbands
• Chiffney Bits
• Bit Snaps
• Engraved Brass Nameplates
Fincham’s Sales Halters
Made with top quality leather, solid brass hardware, channelled stitches, double buckles, lined nose and crown with round throat latches. Halters are oiled to a rich brown finish.
Manufacturing quality thoroughbred equipment for over 30 years
Exercise Saddles Bib Martingales
12972 Hwy 27, Box 459 Nobleton, ON L0G 1N0
Race Bridles Stud Shanks
Reins Breaking Surcingles
www.finchamsharness.com
Email: info@finchamsharness.com
Girths
Exercise Leathers
Phone: 905.859.4052 Fax: 905.939.8096