The Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award has been created by the Stocks family in memory of their beloved brother, son and uncle, Mr. Stuart Stocks.

Stuart Stocks was born in Sheffield, England in 1957. He struggled throughout his life with a multitude of medical issues, but had a dry sense of humour and zest for life. His love of horses started at an early age. Although Stuart never rode a horse, or laid a bet, he followed the world's top horses and loved to watch the races on television. Stuart could tell you anything about racehorses. It wasn't until after his death that detailed hand-written notes he had made throughout his life were found -- a testament to his love of horses and horse racing.

The successful candidate of the Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award will receive two online courses through Equine Guelph valued at $549 each (Certificates are available in Equine Science, Equine Welfare and Equine Business -- six courses complete the certificate). To be eligible to apply, you currently must be a Groom in the racing industry with a valid Groom licence for horse racing in Ontario.

The Groom who best demonstrates his/her love of horses, commitment to the horse racing industry, sincere desire to learn more about horses and shows commitment to horse welfare will be selected. Apply by email to [email protected] with a 250 - 500 word explanation by November 15, 2016 of why you are deserving of the award along with a reference letter from one of the following: Current Racing Employer, Past Racing Employer or Racing Industry Professional.

Woodbine Fundraiser Details

The 1973 Canadian International at Woodbine went down in history as the great Secretariat's last day of racing. As a huge fan of racehorses, Stuart Stocks was an avid collector of memorabilia and student of bloodlines, closely following the world's top horses, in particular Secretariat and Northern Dancer. This October 16, on the day of the 78th running of the Pattison Canadian International, a special fundraiser will be held in his memory at Woodbine Racetrack.

A beautiful print of Secretariat, dontated by the Stocks family and signed by Big Red's former jockey and racing legend, Ron Turcotte will be part of a silent auction raising funds for Equine Guelph. The Stocks family was moved to tears that Turcotte signed the print after Stuart's passing. Turcotte was touched by Stuart's story about how he never let his disability and personal challenges interfere with his love of life, and how his life was enriched by closely following the masters of racing. Winner of countless Hall of Fame awards, Turcotte now retired in New Brunswick, signed the print, "This was the ride of my life."

The auction will also include two books: The Hancocks by Frank Mitchell and Champions: The Lives, Times and Past Performances of America's Greatest Thoroughbred by Daily Racing Form. Last but not least, Woodbine will have a Queen's Plate VIP package for the winning bidder.

The Stocks' family and Equine Guelph representatives will be in the winner's circle presenting a cooler after a race that will be dedicated to Stuart's great passion for horse racing. "The Stocks family would like to thank Equine Guelph and Woodbine Racetrack for honouring Stuart's memory, and allowing us to share his passion for horses and horse racing," says Julie Freemantle, Stuart's sister. "We know Stuart would be overwhelmed to know that his dedication to the sport has been so greatly appreciated. Thank you!"

Equine Guelph would like to thank Woodbine for hosting this special fundraiser and the Stocks family for honouring Stuart's memory with the donation of these auction items and for creating a legacy with the Stuart Stocks Memorial Equine Award. Gayle Ecker, director at Equine Guelph says, "Stuart's love for horses and racing will live on as the tuition award serves to help educate future racing industry professionals to be champions for the health and welfare of horses."

(with files from Equine Guelph)