THOROFAN'S INAUGURAL BRUNCH A SUCCESS
02-15-2013 --
ThoroFan, h
orse-racing’s national fan-centered charitable organization, recently held its first annual Awards Brunch and honored some of the most interesting and dedicated individuals in the industry. More than 60 people attended the event, held at Gulfstream Park the morning after the Eclipse Awards, where they heard from special guest speakers and joined ThoroFan in honoring two award winners.
Half-of-Fame Trainer Nick Zito, 2012 National Handicapping Champion Michael Beychok, and Equine Journalist / Former Jockey Donna Barton Brothers each spoke to attendees about their perspectives on the industry.
Honored with the inaugural ThoroFan Award was Mrs. Patrice Wolfson, on behalf of herself and her late husband, Louis, owners of 1978 triple-crown winner Affirmed. Mrs. Wolfson shared anecdotes and stories about their time with Affirmed and graciously posed for photos and signed Affirmed calendars for event attendees.
“The ThoroFan Award will be awarded annually to recognize the individual who exemplify outstanding leadership and service to the racing industry by supporting the development of the fan base,” said Michael Amo, Executive Director of ThoroFan.
“We believe honoring Mrs. Wolfson as our first awardee sets the bar pretty high.”
The 2013 Timothy “Tiznow” Reynolds Memorial Fan of the Year Award, presented by Horse Racing Nation, was given to Ryan Brady of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio by HRN’s Managing Editor Brian Zipse. Ryan is active as tour guide at Thistledown Race Track, and is often found in the social media world posting informative, entertaining information about horse racing. In 2012 Ryan visited 11 different race tracks. His humble yet poignant comments left lumps in the throats of the event’s attendees.
The Fan of the Year Award was first given to a man named Timothy Reynolds three years ago, because of the way he exemplified passion for the sport and for being a positive role model for fans across the country. When Tim passed, the award was renamed as a memorial to him.
“Ryan exudes every attribute that this award symbolizes,” Amo said.
Sponsors of the Brunch were Gulfstream Park, NYRA, Daily Racing Form, Starlight Racing, Woodbine, West point Thoroughbreds, Bona Venture Stables and the Florida HBPA.
