Bellocq given Laffit Pincay Jr. Award

San Luis Rey Training Center-based trainer Martine Bellocq, who was severely burned while trying to save her horses during the Lilac fire, was given this year's Laffit Pincay Jr. Award.

Bellocq was presented with the award Aug. 18 in the winners' circle at Del Mar on Pacific Classic Day, one of the biggest days of the summer meeting. The award is named for Hall of Famer Laffit Pincay Jr., who at one time held the North American record for most wins by a jockey, and Pincay presented the award to Bellocq.

"She did such a great thing," Pincay said. "She's a very courageous woman."

The Laffit Pincay Jr. Award is given to a person who has served the horse racing industry with integrity, dedication, determination, and distinction and has been presented annually since 2004.

Bellocq and her husband were trying to save Wild Bill Hickory, a 2-year-old colt who was owned by Bellocq in partnership with Margaret Sherr, when Bellocq was burned.

"They're the best trainers I've ever had," Sherr said. "They are fantastic. They are so professional."

Bellocq had second-degree and third-degree burns over more than half of her body. (Second-degree burns involve the dermis layer of skin as well as the epidermis outer layer of skin which is the only layer impacted by first-degree burns. Third-degree burns destroy both the epidermis and the dermis and may also damage the underlying tissue.)

"She could have died," Pincay said. "Not too many people would have done that."

Wild Bill Hickory died in the fire as did Royal Kuna, a 2-year-old gelding trained by Bellocq and owned by Margaret Baricevic. Baricevic also has a filly Bellocq trains, and when a third horse was found dead in Bellocq's barn it was believed that 2-year-old Lady Leclair had also perished. Lady Leclair had actually been evacuated to the San Diego County Fairgrounds, which is where the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club races are held, but was not identified until four days later.

Bellocq's injuries forced the amputation of her left leg. She was released from the hospital in July, although she will require additional surgeries.

"She deserves it," Sherr said of Bellocq's Laffit Pincay Jr. Award.

The presentation was Bellocq's first public appearance since the fire which killed 46 horses and burned Bellocq and trainer Joe Herrick. More than 400 horses survived the fire thanks to courageous efforts, and a video honoring the heroes of San Luis Rey was shown on the track's main scoreboard screen before the presentation.