Bellocq Honored with Pincay Award

[Wandering Eyes]

Trainer Martine Bellocq, who suffered life-threatening burns while attempting to save her horses in the fires at San Luis Rey Downs last December, has been named the recipient of the 15th Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award. Bellocq underwent a series of surgeries and lost a foot after the fires. She will be making her first public appearance since December when she accepts the award at Del Mar Aug. 18 on Pacific Classic Day.

“When I heard about what Martine went through for her horses, I knew she was meant to be honored in some way for her courage,” said Pincay. “I am so proud to be able to give her this award. She deserves it as the representative of all those brave horsemen who went to their horses instead of running the other way for themselves.”

Bellocq will be joined for the ceremony by her family, including her husband, Pierre, as well as many of the trainers, grooms and other stable hands who released trapped horses that afternoon when a wind-whipped fire raced through eight barns at the 250-acre training site. The staff of the Trifecta Equine Athletic Center, which is located directly across the street from San Luis Rey and whose workers sheltered and treated 101 injured and terrified horses throughout the night of the fire, will also be honored.

The Pincay Award, is given to those who have served the sport “with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination and distinction.”

In addition to the raceday ceremony, the honorees will also be saluted at a special Winners Foundation gathering the night before at L’Auberge Del Mar. The fundraising pre-event will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. with many riders-including Pincay- trainers and owners expected to mix and mingle with racing fans. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served and an auction of unique racing items, prizes and gifts will be conducted. Tickets-with all proceeds going to the Winners Foundation cause, which is to fight drug and alcohol problems among those in the racing community-are $150 and are tax deductible. They can be purchased at the door on the night of the event. For further information, visit winnersfoundation.org or call (626) 574-6498.

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