Slew's Tiz Whiz Earns Third WTBOA Horse of the Year

Over 110 Washington Thoroughbred racing members and aficionados gathered at Emerald Downs on Saturday, February 28, to celebrate the Washington Thoroughbred industry's 2025 equine champions and honor a few treasured industry individuals for their accomplishments and dedication to the horses and the sport. The evening of celebration and camaraderie began with the opportunity to browse the enticing silent auction items. Introductions and a few words from our emcees. Among the other auctions was a bountiful dessert auction, which brought spirited bidding. A tasty buffet dinner was enjoyed by all. The first award of the evening was the Mark Kaufman Media Award, which was given to versatile and longtime industry member John Lindley. Next came the announcement of the 2026 Washington Racing Hall of Fame inductees, led by the recognition of WHRC Chairman Doug Moore in the Lifetime Achievement category. Maxwell G. received the most votes in the older horse division. Older filly or mare honors were bestowed on Reba Is Tops. Jockey recognition awards were presented to top local riders Kevin Krigger and Manuel Americano. Six-time 2025 race winner Chuckanut Bay went from winning for a $25,000 tag at Emerald Downs in May to taking the Hank Mills Jr. Overnight Stakes by 3 3/4 lengths at Turf Paradise in October. He was named Claimer of the Year. The WTBOA/WHBPA Special Recognition Award was given to Emerald Downs Director of Customer Service Vicki Potter with heartfelt thanks. The top Washington OTTB award was earned by former Washington champion race filly Risque's Legacy, who last year earned 404 TIP points while competing in barrel racing and Western games for owner/rider JoDee Snyder. The Top Sprinter Award—for the third year in a row—was awarded to Slew's Tiz Whiz, who also earned his fourth Older Horse title. The now eight-year-old gelding, who races for Slew's Crew Racing and was bred by the late Karl Krieg (as was Risque's Legacy), would go on to receive accolades with his third Washington Horse of the Year title later in the evening. 2024 Washington champion 2-year-old filly Precise Timing became the first Washington-bred since fellow champion Baja Sur (2020) to place in a graded stakes when she finished third in Santa Anita's Grade 3 Autumn Miss Stakes in her first attempt on the grass, which led to her being crowned Turf Horse of the Year. Two-year-old honors were shared by the filly Subtle Shimmer, who like Precise Timing was bred by Rick and Debbie Pabst, and Cantcatchthiscat, a homebred for Dr. Jack B. and Margaret "Cookie" Root Jr. Cookie was also the leading owner of Washington-bred earners last year. The three-year-old filly division was one of the most hotly contested of the year, with Roy and Ellie Schaefer's R.E.V. Racing's Saleen G T edging out Steve and Letha Haahr's Ima Margarita Girl for top honors. The sophomore colt award went to He's Not Talking, who races for trainer Doug McPhee and his wife Nancy's Q Stable. David Olson's homebred Stay Sassy earned the Older Filly or Mare title, and her trainer Charles Essex was honored with a special training achievement award for his trainees taking four consecutive older mare championships. Blue Ribbon Farm's Alternation earned his second Leading Sire title, and Broodmare of the Year honors went to El Dorado Farms' Jasmine's Melody. El Dorado Farms' owners Ron and Nina Hagen earned their ninth Top Breeder Award and their fourth consecutive title. Both the previously mentioned Saleen G T and Chuckanut Bay were bred by the Hagens, as well as the top Washington-bred earner in 2025, stakes winner Coastal Jazz. The Washington Thoroughbred industry's most prestigious award was given to longtime Washington WHBPA Secretary MaryAnn O'Connell, a woman of many talents and a big heart. Many thanks to all the award sponsors and those who made donations to the silent, live and dessert auctions. WASHINGTON CHAMPIONS & AWARD WINNERS OF 2025 2025 Richard Wright Memorial Horse of the Year, Suntop Farm Champion Older Horse or Gelding, Duane Weber Insurance Champion Sprinter SLEW'S TIZ WHIZ (7YO G., Slew's Tiznow--Ros's Girl, by Rosberg) Owner: Slew's Crew Racing (Roy & Tammy Brewer, Terry & Mary Lou Griffin, Jodee Snyder and Tom & Melissa Wenzel) Breeder: Karl Krieg (K D Thoroughbreds) Trainer: Tom Wenzel 2025 Race Record: 5 starts, 3-1-0, $80,000 Stakes: Governor's S. (EmD), Muckleshoot Tribal Classic (EmD); 2nd Budweiser S. (EmD). 2025 Blue Ribbon Farm Champion Older Filly or Mare STAY SASSY (5YO. Stay Thirsty--Pippa Bou Peep, by Harbor the Gold) Owner: Dave and the Little Lady Stable (David K. Olson) Breeders: Dave & Linda Olson Trainer: Charles Essex 2025 Race Record: 6 starts, 2-1-1, $50,760 Stakes: Emerald Distaff S. (EmD); 2nd Jack & Jeff Coady Sr. Overnight S. (TuP); 3rd Muckleshoot Tribal Distaff S. (EmD). 2025 K-V Racing Stables Champion Turf Horse PRECISE TIMING (Dialed In--Peaceful Nation, by Nationhood) Owner: Blue Ribbon Racing #23 Breeders: Mr. & Mrs. Frederick L. Pabst (Blue Ribbon Farm) Trainers: Kay Cooper, John W. Sadler 2025 Turf Record: 1 start, 0-0-1, $12,000 Stakes: 3rd Autumn Miss S.-G3 (SA). WTBOA Sale Graduate 2025 2025 Pegasus Training & Rehabilitation Champion Three-year-old Filly SALEEN G T (Barkley--Knight Club, by Matty G) Owner: R. E. V. Racing (Roy & Ellie Schaefer) Breeders: Nina & Ron Hagen (El Dorado Farms LLC) Trainer: Frank Lucarelli 2025 Race Record: 6 starts, 4-0-1, $80,340 Stakes: Seattle S. (EmD); 3rd Kent S. (EmD). WTBOA Sale Graduate 2025 Clay Ward Agency LLC Three-Year-Old Colt or Gelding HE'S NOT TALKING (G., Brody's Cause--No Talking Back, b Flatter) Owner: Q Stable (Douglas & Nancy McPhee) Breeders: Mr. & Mrs. William T. Griffin (Griffin Place) Trainer: Doug McPhee 2025 Race Record: 7 starts, 1-2-1 $47,750 Stakes: Muckleshoot Derby (EmD; 3rd Irish Day S. (EmD). WTBOA Sale Graduate 2025 Suntop Farm Champion Two-year-old Colt or Gelding CANTCATCHTHISCAT (G., Cat Burglar--Mahee Moon, by Malibu Moon) Owner: Margaret "Cookie" Root Breeders: Dr. Jack B. & Margaret Root Jr. (Oakhurst Thoroughbreds) Trainer: Frank Lucarelli 2025 Race Record: 6 starts, 2-2-1, $64,400 Stakes: WTBOA Lads S. (EmD)l 3rd King County Express S. (EmD). 2025 Connie Belshay, Only Me Thoroughbreds Champion Two-Year-Old Filly SUBTLE SHIMMER (Conveyance--Private Fortune, by Private Gold) Owners: Ty Leatherman, Justin R. Evans & Addison Evans Breeders" M/M Frederick L. Pabst (Blue Ribbon Farm) Trainer: Justin R. Evans 2025 Race Record 4 starts, 1-2-0, $23,920 Stakes: 2nd WTBOA Lassies S. (EmD). WTBOA Sale Graduate 2025 Desert Rose Racing in Memory of D. H. Walker Plater of the Year CHUCKANUT BAY (5YO G., Abraaj--Zenovit, by Private Gold). Owner: Remmah Racing Inc. (Dee Hammer). Breeders: Nina M, & Ronald A. Hagen (El Dorado Farms LLC). Trainer: Howard F. Gibson. 2025 Race Record: 10 starts, 6-1-0, $75,072. Stakes: Hank Mills Jr. Overnight S. (TuP). WTBOA Sale Graduate. 2025 El Dorado Farms LLC Leading Sire Award ALTERNATION (2008) Distorted Humor--Alternate, by Seattle Slew). Stands property of Mr. & Mrs. Frederick L. Pabst at Blue Ribbon Farm. 2025 Sire Earnings of $2,228,985 2025 Griffin Place LLC Broodmare of the Year JASMINE'S MELODY (2005, Artax--Erica's Melody, by Unbridled's Song). Owned by Nina & Ron Hagen, El Dorado Farms LLC. 9 wins, 2 to 6, $79,889, 3rd U. S. Bank S. 6 named foals, 3 Washington-bred starters, 3 winners, 1 SW COASTAL JAZZ (15 wins, 2 to 7, $309,914), 1 SP You Go Gal (7 wins, 3 to 7, $173,9389) with 24 wins, $581,113. 2 non-Washington-bred starters, 2 winners. Total progeny wins & earnings: 26 wins, $600,963. 2025 Rainbow Meadows Farm & Van Dorm Realty Inc. Leading Breeder NINA M. & RONALD A. HAGEN (El Dorado Farms LLC) Awarded on the Basis of 2025 Washington-bred Earnings of $550,558 2025 NTRA Leading Owner MARGARET ROOT Awarded on the Basis of 2025 Washington-bred Earnings of $103,836. 2025 S. J. Agnew Special Achievement Award MARYANN O'CONNELL For a lifetime of passionate commitment to the Thoroughbred Industry, from Longacres to Emerald Downs, from exercise rider, trainer, owner, breeder, photographer, educator, farm & training center owner, to widely-respected WHBPA Executive Director who has been influential regionally & nationally, advocating for the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America & providing knowledgeable and heartfelt service to all, from claimers to stakes horses, from backstretch workers to owners & trainers, racetrack management & regulatory authorities. 2025 Dedication to Pacific Northwest Racing BONNIE & WALLY JENNE In memory and appreciation of Bonnie and Wally Jenne for their many years of "Dedication to Pacific Northwest Racing." 2025 WTBOA/WHBPA Special Recognition Award VICKI POTTER For her resolute advocacy of the entire Thoroughbred Industry while upholding the highest standards on & off the racetrack. Through her experience & success as both an owner & breeder, and her leadership at Emerald Downs--most notably helping to grow the sport through her commitment to making racing enjoyable for all fans & participants--she has made a lasting impact. Her syndicates have sustained new owners by achieving championship success, & her heartfelt dedication to racetrack guests has created many unforgettable fan experiences. 2025 WTBOA Top Washington-bred OTTB RISQUE'S LEGACY (show name Risque) 2014, Bay Mare, Atta Boy Roy--Risque Humor, by Mingun. Owner and Rider: JoDee Snyder; Breeders: Karl & Darlyne Krieg (KD Thoroughbreds). By points recorded through The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) Performance Awards. Total points: 404 points (Barrel Racing & Western Games). 2025 Mark Kaufman Media Award JOHN LINDLEY For decades of involvement & participation in the Washington Thoroughbred industry. In recent years as a prominent Emerald Downs television personality & prior to that as a breeder, owner, educator, radio guest & outstanding handicapper of Parker's Tip Sheet. 2025 Scatter Creek Training Center LLC Special Training Achievement Award CHARLES ESSEX For dominating the Washington Older Filly & Mare division for the last four years with the impeccable development & training of champions Blazingbell-ablu (2022-2024) & Stay Sassy (2025). 2025 Bar C Racing Stables Inc. Special Riding Achievement Award KEVIN KRIGGER. For earning his second leading jockey title at Emerald Downs - 20 years after his first - with 70 wins (23%) & top earnings of $914,559. 2025 Clemens View Farm Special Riding Achievement Award MANUEL AMERICANO. For his second straight season as Emerald Downs leading apprentice. In 2024 with 16 wins & in 2025 with 54 wins - where he finished second in the rider standings & won the 90th Longacres Mile aboard Arrowthegreat. Highest Priced WTBOA-sold Yearling Filly in 2025 STRAIGHT FIRE--BELLA MIA, by Harbor the Gold Consigned by Griffin Place LLC Purchased by Hard Five Inc. for $110,000 Highest Priced WTBOA-sold Yearling Colt in 2025 CONVEYANCE--FIND YOUR SPOT, by Nationhood Consigned by Blue Ribbon Farm, Mr. & Mrs. Frederick L. Pabst Purchased by Nancy J. McPhee for $67,000 Best WTBOA-sold Two-year-old Performer in 2025 LEAD THE CHARGE (C., Take Charge Indy--Bella Mia, by Harbor the Gold) Owners: John & Janed Maryanski (Country Lane Farm) and Gerald E. & Gail Schneider (Riverbend Stable) Breeders: Mr. & Mrs. William T Griffin (Griffin Place LLC) (CA) Trainer: Blaine D. Wright 2025 Race Record: 4 starts, 0-1-3, $23,645 Stakes: 2nd King County Express S.; 3rd WTBOA Lads S., Gottstein Futurity. Best WTBOA-sold Three-year-old Performer in 2025 SI THAT TIGER (C., Smiling Tiger--Ros's Girl, by Rosberg) Owners: John & Janed Maryanski (Country Lane Farm) and Gerald E. & Gail Schneider (Riverbend Stable) Breeder: Darlyne Krieg (KD Thoroughbreds) (CA) Trainer: Blaine D. Wright 2025 Race Record: 4 starts, 3-0-0 $69,250 Stakes: Auburn S. (EmD), Irish Day S.(EmD); Best WTBOA-sold Older Performer in 2025 COASTAL JAZZ (7YO G., Coast Guard--Jasmine's Melody, by Artax) Owners: Nina Hagen & Miranda Gibson; Rockingham Ranch (Gary Hartunian) Breeders: Nina & Ron Hagen (El Dorado Farm LLC) (WA) Trainers: Howard F. Gibson; Justin R. Evans 2025 Race Record 10 stars, 3-2-1 $98,460 Stakes: Kendrick Memorial Inaugural S. (SRP); 2nd Budweiser Special S. (Alb); 3rd Hank Mills Jr. Overnight S. (TuP)