Sherman among NTWAB honorees

The National Turf Writers and Broadcasters will honor Art Sherman, who

saddled California Chrome to become the oldest trainer to win the Kentucky

Derby, innovative owner Cot Campbell, trailblazing broadcaster Charlsie Cantey

and accomplished sportswriter Tom LaMarra at its 55th annual awards dinner on

October 29 in Arcadia, California.

Sherman will receive the Mr. Fitz Award, named for the legendary trainer

"Sunny" Jim Fitzsimmons. Sherman first experienced the Kentucky Derby when he

shared a boxcar with Swaps, the 1955 winner, from Los Angeles to Louisville. He

returned to Churchill Downs this year -- at age 77 -- to win the Derby and the

Preakness. Sherman handled a pressure-packed situation with class and grace

during a Triple Crown bid that fell short when California Chrome dead-heated for

fourth in the Belmont Stakes.

Campbell will be presented with the Joe Palmer Award for meritorious service

to racing. Palmer was an esteemed turf writer at the New York Herald

Tribune. Campbell was at the forefront in introducing racehorse partnerships

when he founded Dogwood Stable in 1973 and made the normally high cost of

ownership accessible to many more fans. He was recognized for a lifetime of

special achievement with an Eclipse Award of Merit in 2013.

The second annual Jim McKay Award, for broadcasting excellence, goes to

Cantey. The former exercise rider for Ruffian ranks as one of the most

influential racing broadcasters of all time, having worked for ABC (1986-2000),

CBS (1977-86), ESPN (1985-2002) and NBC (2000-05), among other outlets. She was

regularly credited for making the sport easily understood by fans at all levels

of interest.

LaMarra, will accept the Walter Haight Award, named for the former

Washington Post turf writer and columnist, for excellence in turf writing.

LaMarra has been a turf writer since 1993, working for Daily Racing Form

and Thoroughbred Times before joining The Blood-Horse in 1998,

where he is news editor. He is regarded as one of the sport's most knowledgeable

writers.

Award winners were selected by members of the National Turf Writers and

Broadcasters. The dinner will be held at The Derby Restaurant, near Santa Anita,

site of the Breeders' Cup World Championships.

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