A total of 16 horses, breeders, jockeys and trainers, four in each category, have been named as finalists for induction into the 2009 Washington Racing Hall of Fame.
Jockey Gallyn Mitchell from Enumclaw, the all-time leading rider at Emerald Downs, is on the ballot for the first time, as are the late trainer Craig Roberts and gelding Slew Of Damascus.
Introduced in 2003, the Washington Racing Hall of Fame was created to showcase and honor Washington’s elite in the thoroughbred industry. The inaugural class featured three inductees in each category, while subsequent classes have been limited to a single member in each category.
The 2009 winners will be decided by a committee of 16 voters, composed of members of the media, Emerald Downs, the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and the Horsemen’s Benevolent Protective Association.
Winners will be announced next month with the induction ceremony scheduled at Emerald Downs on Washington Cup Day, Sunday, Sept. 13.
The list of the 2009 Hall of Fame finalists follows;
• Horse – Delicate Vine, Firesweeper, Slew Of Damascus, Sparrow Castle;
• Jockey — Joe Baze, Vicky (Aragon) Baze, Lennie Knowles and Gallyn Mitchell;
• Trainer – Cecil Jolley, Bill McMeans, Craig Roberts and Kathy Walsh;
• Breeder (post 1970) — Grousemont Farm, Oak Crest Farm LLC, Savario Farm, Wilbur and Marianne Stadelman.
Eligibility requirements are any Washington-bred or any horse that has raced at least twice in Washington shall be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame. Any jockey or trainer born in Washington shall be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame, or any jockey or trainer who has competed in at least five years in Washington shall be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame.
