Arcadia, Calif. – New racehorse owner Christine Level has been selected by Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) as the recipient of the 2023 Rookie of the Year Award. Level had her first start in June at Golden Gate Fields with Dawn At Last, a filly she bred and raised.

The annual award honors a new owner who exhibits commitment and support to the Thoroughbred racing industry as well as a meaningful contribution to the sport. Level purchased Synama, an off-track mare in need of a home, in 2016. She eventually bred Synama to Conquest Fahrenehit, and the resulting foal was Dawn At Last. She sent Dawn At Last to trainer Andy Mathis at Golden Gate Fields, where she ran second in her first race and was claimed. Dawn At Last went on to win her second start.

An enthusiastic supporter of the racing industry, Level works to collect horses when their racing careers are finished and place them in forever homes. She recalls the success she had with Extreme Heat by Unusual Heat. “He came to me with some serious injuries, and I nursed him back to health” she said. “I placed him with an old cowboy in Idaho in a forever home. Extreme Heat has to be one of the most adored horses in Idaho!”

“I just want to put it out there that Thoroughbred racing is a great sport with the most wonderful people I have met collectively in any of my many ventures,” she concluded. “And I am proof that anyone with a desire can get involved in this fantastic sport.”

Level will be honored at this year’s annual meeting on Saturday, August 10, in Del Mar. TOC is the official organization serving new, veteran, and future Thoroughbred owners in the state. It represents, advances, and protects owners’ interests and rights in legislative, administrative, and business matters. www.toconline.com.