Martine Bellocq Accepts Pincay Award at Del Mar

It was a surprise, but it also wasn't.

Trainer Martine Bellocq did something Aug. 18 that would have been unthinkable months ago, after severe burns from the Lilac Fire scarred her body and forced the amputation of her left leg.

During the ceremony for the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award, the wheelchair-bound Bellocq stood up on her right leg to wave to the Del Mar crowd. She had told her daughter, Natacha, she was planning on standing, but didn't tell her husband, Pierre Bellocq Jr.

"It was a surprise, but to a point," Pierre said. "I know her well."

Considering what she's been through since the devastating fire swept through San Luis Rey Training Center in Southern California Dec. 7, standing up for a quick wave was no comparison. This is a woman who went into an inferno in an attempt to rescue a prized horse named Wild Bill Hickory—an act of bravery that was the signature, albeit horrifying, moment of the tragedy.

In her first trip back to any racetrack since the fire that killed nearly 50 horses, Martine accepted the Pincay Award from the Hall of Fame rider himself in the Del Mar winner's circle, after a video montage looking back at the tremendous challenges of the fire. The Pincay Award is given to those who have served the sport "with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination, and distinction." 

"It was very emotional, to say the least," Pierre said. "It was a moment of pride for Martine and she really handled herself beautifully. This whole thing—she's gone so far physically. But like usual, her spirit is at the top all the time. I'm very happy for her."

After the emotional ceremony Pierre emphasized the larger message of love for the horses from those who care for them on the backstretches of the world. Martine was one of many brave track workers who risked their lives to help save the horses at San Luis Rey.

"She's been recognized for her actions and this is a prestigious award, but this is her family—her racetrack family," Pierre said. "She told me, 'Why am I getting this? Bob Baffert won two Triple Crowns and I'm getting this?'

"She's really honored, but she's very sincere about getting this award for all the people at the racetrack—here and everywhere else in the world. In a way this is for them. All the people who work on the backstretch—they do love the horses. Otherwise they wouldn't be there. They all would have done the same thing."