LYONS, Ill. (Feb. 13, 2012) -- Daniel Sullivan, president of The Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation, announced Feb. 13 that Giant Oak had been named the state’s 2011 Horse of the Year and champion older handicap male. Giant Oak, owned by Virginia H. Tarra Trust, is a homebred son of Giant’s Causeway

Other divisional awards, which were voted on by members of the state’s racing media and racing secretaries, are as follows:

BANNER BILL: CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD MALE

Breeder: Ron Magers & Robert Marcocchio
Owner: R Plus Partners


CLASS BREAK: CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD FILLY

Breeder: Renee &Wayne Catalano Racing Stable, Ltd.
Owner: Shelbi Catalano


SUNTRACER: CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD COLT OR GELDING
CHAMPION MALE TURF HORSE

Breeder and Owner: Team Block


THIRD CHANCE: CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD FILLY
CHAMPION FEMALE SPRINT HORSE

Breeder: Ron Magers
Owner: Ron Magers, Roe Conn, Bob Marcocchio & Russell Scurto’s


PEYOTE PATTY: CHAMPION OLDER HANDICAP FEMALE
CHAMPION FEMALE TURF HORSE

Breeder: Barr Three LLC
Owner: Timothy J. Keeley


RIVER BEAR: CHAMPION MALE SPRINT HORSE

Breeder and Owner: DanaWaier Thoroughbreds, LLC