Persian Coin, the English-bred mare who has since retired to stud, has been voted Horse of the Year for 1969, edging out leading money earner Buckchaser in a closely contested decision. The award was announced following a meeting at the Terra Nova Hotel, where members of the racing fraternity credited her with delivering one of the season’s most impressive and consistent performances, making her a standout among last year’s top contenders.

Published Friday, January 16, 1970

Persian Coin is ‘Horse of the Year

Gleaner Sports Reporter

PERSIAN COIN, who retired to stud in November last year, was yesterday afternoon voted the “Horse of the Year” for 1969 by a committee made up of members of the promoters, press, radio and the Jockey Club at the Terra Nova Hotel.
By Hook Money out of Corrine, Persian Coin stood out as the most colourful horse on the track last season and, although finishing fourth on the money-winners’ list, she won by five votes to four over the leading money-winner, Buckchaser.
Winning three races for the year, Persian Coin, an English-bred mare, finished the year with $7,270. She was second on four occasions, third twice and unplaced twice in her 11 starts. After being one of the most inconsistent horses in training, Persian Coin turned things around and began taking orders from trainer Eileen Cliggott. Under the ownership of Mr A. V. Hamilton, she won her three races and was never out of the top three.
The giant-killer of the year, BUCKCHASER (by Birnam Wood out of Blue Warbler), with the record sum of $11,110 in purse money, was a close runner-up. This gelding had the Derby, the Lonsdale Challenge Cup and the Eclipse Stakes among his victories last season. He had 10 outings and was first six times, second on four occasions and third twice, being unplaced four times. Trained by champion trainer Billy Williams, Buckchaser, at all times during the year, did what he had to do.
Third was the Irish-bred colt Qualitex (by Aretie Storm out of Blue Dun), who won four races and was second and third on two occasions each, with purse money totalling $7,290. For the earlier part of the year, he was trained by Billy Williams, but after one dismal showing he was transferred to Laurie Silvera.
Following the voting of the “Horse of the Year” and runners-up, the committee voted for the jockey who should hold the Trend Award for the year — a trophy donated for the jockey whose conduct is best on and off the track for the year. This award was won by Donald Andrade by a six-to-three vote over Kenneth Mattis.
At the meeting, it was also announced that the annual “Salute to Racing Day” will be on Saturday, January 31, when the top performers in racing for 1969 will be presented with their prizes.
Also announced at the meeting was the award of a trophy for the groom of the “Horse of the Year”, along with a cheque for $30. The cup will be named the L. D. (Strebor) Roberts Cup.
Chairman of the meeting was Mr A. S. Cambridge, a member of the Standing Committee.
 

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