The Sovereign Awards are presented annually to recognize Canada’s Champion Thoroughbred horses and horsemen. The Sovereign Awards honour the best horses in divisional categories and celebrate Owner, Trainer, Breeder, Jockey and Apprentice Jockey categories.

Horse Racing Alberta is pleased to announce that all three of the nominees for Outstanding Apprentice Jockey raced in Alberta in 2017. We are especially proud of nominee Brandon Duchaine, who is a graduate of the Olds College Exercise Rider Program. Brandon made his first start at Evergreen Park in July 2015, and since then he has had 380 starts and won 36 races and has $442,878 in total earnings.

Outstanding Apprentice Jockey Nominees:

Ridge Balgobin
Brandon A. Duchaine
Rey Williams

We also proud to recognize Northlands Park and Century Downs Leading Jockey Rico Walcott, who is nominated for 2017 Outstanding Jockey. Rico had 447 starts in 2017, 135 wins and $1,665,190 in earnings.

Outstanding Jockey:

Luis Contreras
Eurico Rosa Da Silva
Rico W. Walcott

The Jockey Club of Canada will host the 43rd Annual Sovereign Awards Ceremony to honour Canada’s Champions of 2017 on Thursday, April 19, 2018.

Brandon Duchaine aboard Lady Amelia - Coady Photo