The 1999 NWQHBS Awards Ceremony

The 14th Annual North West Quarter Horse Breeders’ Society’s was held at the Stockman’s Hotel Saturday November 20. The awards included 14 different divisions in the racing and breeding aspect of the Society. As well two inductees to the Hall of Fame were named to the list of contributors to Quarter Horse Racing. Les Bodnard a builder of the sport was recognized for his longtime involvement. Mistermeaner who campaigned for Kurt Kier and George Signoretti was a consistent performer on the Interior circuit.

Rookie awards haven’t been annual; but a couple likely lasses made the podium. Brooke Mellish began her race riding career earlier this spring. In 12 Quarter Horse starts she recorded four second place finishes and two thirds and is preparing to have an even better sophomore year. Seeing fresh faces is good for sport. The winner of the leading trainer award,Shereen Hook has been involved with horses all her life so her successful first year as a professional race trainer isn’t a complete surprise. Shereen did finish of ahead perennial leaders Buckey Stockwell and Ron Wilcox and is a welcomed addition to the trainer ranks. Hook trained charges started 21 times racking up a record of 4 wins, 7 seconds and a third.

Buckey Stockwell continued to amass records like Wayne Gretzsky taking the breeder, owner and Horse of the Year awards. Stockwell’s Whos Smoking 109 was named both the Horse of the Year as well as three year old filly. Ima Emotional Girl was the winner in the two year old filly division for the owner breeder.Stockwell’s mare Dancers Gem was the leading Broodmare and Whos Bad was again the leading sire. The former Albertan finished second in the trainers’ standings with 3 wins, 3 seconds and a third from just 8 appearances.

Jockey Ron Bilodeau doesn’t hold is many titles as Stockwell but the amiable rider was the winner of the riding title after scoring 8 wins and 5 seconds with 20 mounts. Laurina Windt finished second with 3 wins 2 seconds and a third from 15 mounts.

Arnie Willis’ Jeopardys Bunny was the best of the male two year old, the top three year colt went Leeches Agencies Cleats Image and R & B Rawson’s I Wanna Be Like Mike was declared the best older horse. The distance award went to Kay Morgan’s champion mare Patience 109.

The annual event received great support from a number of sponsors and the 14th year of awards night gave recognition to deserving competitors.