SJs Morgan named Horse of the Year at Batavia

General manager Michael D. Kane and the Upstate New York Harness Writers Association have announced that SJs Morgan is the 2008 Horse of the Year at Batavia Downs Gaming.

Owned by William Switala and James Martin, SJs Morgan, a 6-year-old son of SJ's Photo, made 15 Batavia starts and was victorious in 11 of them, with one second and one third. He earned $42,837. Ron Beback, Jr. is the trainer-driver. “He just loves this racetrack,” Kane said.

SJs Morgan has won 17 times here the last two years. He was also named the Trotter of the Year.

Ron Beback Jr. was named the Trainer and Driver of the Year. The 43-year-old Beback is currently the leading trainer and driver during the summer-fall meet. He has 70 training scores and has driven home 76 winners. This would be his first ever Downs driving and training titles.

Two of Beback’s owners, James T. Dunn and James M. Dunn, were named the co-Owners of the Year. The Dunns, from Singer Island, Fla. and Orchard Park, N.Y., own some of the top horses on the grounds including Pacific Jerry, Kermunn, Spacie Jessie and Smarty Merit.

The Pacer of the Year has yet to be decided. Both Smarty Merit and Arm And A Leg are in the running. Both have started 17 times this meet and have six wins, three seconds and two thirds. They are both scheduled to race in the seventh race, the $9,000 Open Handicap, on Saturday night.

“Whichever one beats the other, no matter where they finish, will be named Pacer of the Year,” Kane said. “There’s really no other way to decide it; they both have been outstanding horses here this season.”

Wanda Polisseni was named the winner of the Good Guy award. She was the major sponsor of the $10,000 All-Star Drivers Challenge fundraiser, which raised almost $15,872 for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester.

Robert McNeight was named the winner of the Rising Star award. The 25-year-old son of former leading Downs driver Ed McNeight Jr. won 12 races during the meet and has 76 lifetime wins. He was especially impressive guiding high-class trotter Speed Pilot to four Downs victories.

Trophies will be presented in the winner's circle after the seventh race on Saturday night, which is closing night of the 2008 season. (Batavia Downs)

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