This year’s Tampa Bay Derby day offered a little something for everyone. Whether you were a fan, participant, bettor or member of the media, Tampa’s March 12 card proved to be a crowd pleaser. Robert Masterson’s champion mare Tepin continued her dominance with a crowd-rousing win in the G2 Hillsborough Stakes, capping off a four-race win streak, including last season’s G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile. Tepin’s dramatic victory set the stage for the day’s marquee event, the G2 Tampa Bay Derby and it was Twin Creeks Racing Stables’ Destin, who punched his ticket to this year’s Triple Crown with a professional score over fellow Todd Pletcher trainee Outwork, campaigned by Repole Stable.

At the end of a wonderful day of racing, it was easy to see why Derby day is considered one of the most entertaining and hospitable events to attend. The TOBA Owner’s Concierge VIP suite located adjacent to the winner’s circle resembles a throwback to the hospitality of yester-year, and was very well received by the day’s stakes participants. With the ever gracious Stella Thayer, owner of Tampa Bay Downs, and her wonderfully affable husband Bronson, presiding over the winner’s suite, the day’s winners (and a few runner ups) took advantage of the day’s hospitality, served up Tampa style.

For a first-time visitor or veteran, Tampa Bay Downs Derby Day gets two thumbs up, and should be added to everyone’s to-do list next year!

Thoroughbred Charities of America has named John Evans as its first TCA Award of Merit recipient of 2016. Award recipients are nominated by the leadership of various state Thoroughbred owners and breeders associations and are presented at each state association’s annual awards ceremonies.

“Last year, in celebration of our 25th anniversary, we named nearly 20 Award of Merit recipients,” said Dan Rosenberg, president of TCA.  “The response to the award was tremendous so our board decided to continue it again this year. There are so many people working tirelessly on behalf of Thoroughbreds and those who care for them in our industry and we feel it is important to acknowledge their efforts. We are deeply appreciative of John’s work at Second Chance Farm and are thrilled that he is our first award recipient of the year.”

Evans was nominated for his work as farm manager at the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chance Farm at the Lowell Correctional Institute in Ocala, Florida. TRF’s Second Chances Program allows inmates to participate in an equine vocational training program while providing supervised care to retired racehorses. Now in its 16th year, over 120 inmates have participated in the program at Lowell Correctional Institute.