The Turf Publicists of America (TPA) announced Friday that trainer Graham
Motion has been chosen as the 2011 winner of the organization’s Big Sport of
Turfdom Award. The annual honor is bestowed upon a person or group of people who
enhance coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and
Thoroughbred racing publicists.
Most notable of Motion’s many accomplishments in 2011 of course was his
saddling of Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom. However his considerable
success wasn’t limited to the first Saturday in May as his runners accounted for
17 graded stakes victories this year, including additional Grade 1 scores with
Toby’s Corner (Wood Memorial), Summer Soiree (Del Mar Oaks) and Aruna
(Spinster).
“I’m flattered by the award,” Motion said. “I’ve always felt strongly about
making yourself available, and we need as much cooperation in the game as
possible — whether it’s with the racetrack, the media or the fans.”
The Big Sport of Turfdom Award will be presented at the Race Track Industry
Program Awards Luncheon on December 6. It is part of the 2011 Symposium on
Racing & Gaming presented by the University of Arizona at the Westin La Paloma
Resort in Tucson, Arizona. The TPA is an organization consisting of
approximately 150 publicity and marketing personnel from racetracks and racing
organizations around the country. The Big Sport of Turfdom award has been
presented every year since 1966.
“Graham has earned a reputation of being a class act. This was never more
evident after this year’s Kentucky Derby win by Animal Kingdom and his
heart-breaking loss in the Preakness,” Turf Publicists of America President Bill
Knauf said. “Win or lose he was always gracious with his time, and for that he
has earned the respect of racing people across the country. I couldn’t think of
a more appropriate winner for this year’s Big Sport of Turfdom Award.”
Previous winners of the Big Sport of Turfdom Award include jockeys Mike
Smith, Pat Day, Laffit Pincay Jr., Chris McCarron, Bill Shoemaker, Angel Cordero
Jr. and Eddie Arcaro; trainers Bob Baffert, D. Wayne Lukas, Carl Nafzger and
Jack Van Berg; as well as individuals who may not be involved in the day-to-day
aspect of Thoroughbred racing but made significant contributions to the sport
including author Laura Hillenbrand, broadcaster Jim McKay, and actors Tim Conway
and Jack Klugman.
The Awards Luncheon is included in the registration fees for the symposium.
Additional information about the luncheon may be obtained by contacting TPA
President Bill Knauf at (732) 571-5638.