Grinning Tiger Named Oregon-Bred Horse of the Year
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Photo: Benoit Photo
Grinning Tiger (outside) finishes a close second in the California Flag Handicap at Santa Anita Park
Grinning Tiger was named the Oregon-bred Horse of the Year at the Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association annual awards banquet Feb. 22.
The sold-out event featured racing videos of the winners from six different racetracks. Oregon-breds have been seen competing and winning at Churchill Downs, Emerald Downs, Los Alamitos Race Course, Century Mile, and Grants Pass Downs.
In 2019, Tyree Wolesenky's Grinning Tiger compiled a 2-1-1- record from 11 starts and earned $87,091. That record includes a runner-up finish in the black-type California Flag Handicap at Santa Anita Park, in which the Smiling Tiger gelding was beat a neck, and two victories at Los Alamitos in allowance optional claiming.
Additional OTOBA awards were as follows:
2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Champion
Baquero Flies
Owner: Margaret Root
Breeder: Dr. & Mrs. Jack B. Root Jr.
2-Year-Old Filly Champion
Jaded Tiger
Owner: Dan Warden, Ben Root, and Margaret Root
Breeder: Dr. Rodney Orr
3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Champion
Sharp Dressed Beau
Owner: Empire Equestrian
Breeder: Neil Knapp
3-Year-Old Filly Champion
She Flys Forever
Owner: Lorraine Alleman
Breeder: Penny Hoeft
Older Gelding
Grinning Tiger
Owner: Tyree Wolesensky
Breeder: Patrick Cosgrove
Older Mare
Stay in Grace
Owner: Jerry Carmody and John Sneesby
Breeder: Dr. and Mrs. Jack B. Root Jr.
Broodmare of the Year
Karlee's Kitten
Owner: Pat and Janet Cosgrove
Sire of the Year
Harbor the Gold
Owner: Bar C Racing Stables
Oregon-Bred Trainer of the Year
Sharon Balcom
Oregon Breeder of the Year
Dr. and Mrs. Jack B. Root Jr.