(Houston, Texas - January 28, 2011) - On Sunday, January 23, the Texas Arabian Breeders Association (TABA) held its annual meeting at Sam Houston Race Park, where the association gave out awards for 2010 Arabian racing champions in Texas. The big winner was Dr. James L. Wetzel, Jr.’s Chriss Swa, which was named 2010 TABA Horse of the Year and Champion Four-Year-Old Colt/Gelding. Chriss Swa is also nominated for Darley Awards as the nation’s Arabian racing Horse of the Year and Champion Four-Year-Old Colt/Gelding.

Chriss Swa’s crowning achievement of the year was a dominant six-length triumph in the Texas Arabian Derby (G3) at Retama Park on September 12, 2010. In addition, the son of Chndaka placed in the Texas Six Shooter (G2), Rancho Milagro Derby, and the TABA Overnight Stake.

Below is a list of all of TABA’s 2010 award winners:

Horse of the Year
CHRISS SWA
(also Darley Nominated for USA´s Horse of the Year)
PEDIGREE: Chndaka x Triss
OWNER: James L. Wetzel, Jr.

Champion Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding
TM FRED TEXAS
(also Darley Nominated for USA´s Champion Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding)
Burning Sand x Queen Kong
Sam Vasquez – Owner

Champion Three-Year-Old Filly
LENAS HOT PHILLY
Burning Sand x Miss Philly
Sam Vasquez – Owner

Champion Four-Year-Old-Colt/Gelding
CHRISS SWA
(also Darley Nominated for USA´s Champion Four-Year-Old-Colt/Gelding)
Chndaka x Triss
James L. Wetzel, Jr. – Owner

Champion Four-Year-Old Filly
TM SUPER BIRD
(also Darley Nominated for USA´s Champion Four-Year-Old Filly)
Burning Sand x Heaven Kan Wait
Teutsch and Hammad Partnership – Owner

Champion Older Mare
AMAZING GAL
Amazing Son x No Ordynary Gal
Mandolynn Hill Farm - Owner

Champion Older Horse
GOLLY BRET
Kador de Blaziet x Golly Gal
Sam Vasquez - Owner

Breeder of the Year
(also Darley Nominated for USA´s Champion Breeder)
Todd Moak

Owner of the Year
(also Darley Nominated for USA´s Champion Owner)
Sam Vasquez

Trainer of the Year
(also Darley Nominated for USA´s Champion Trainer)
Elizabeth Brand