by Carol Hodes, for the SBOA of New Jersey

Eastampton, NJ — Chapter Seven, Linda Toscano and Walnridge Farm were among the honorees at the 56th annual New Jersey Breeders awards luncheon on Sunday (Jan. 27) at Charley’s Other Brother.

Carol Hodes photo

New Jersey’s Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher (second from left) presents the Horse of the Year Award to trainer Linda Toscano and owners Mr. & Mrs. Rich Gutnick.

Chapter Seven was the recipient of the New Jersey Standardbred Horse of the Year award. Chapter Seven’s trainer, Linda Toscano of Freehold, was saluted with the Governor’s Cup and Walnridge Farm of Cream Ridge was recognized as Breeder of the Year.

Additionally, pacing filly Sarandon Blue Chip was saluted as the New Jersey Sire Stakes Premier Division Horse of the Year for 2012, and the award for New Jersey Sire Stakes Green Acres Division Horse of the Year went to the 3-year-old trotting filly Aunt Mel.