Billy's Echo earns nomination for Sprinter of the Year

Billy’s Echo, who is owned by Fallbrook resident Lita Tabish, received a nomination from the Washington State Thoroughbred Breeders Association for Sprinter of the Year for 2004.

Although Court’s In Session ended up with the award itself at the February 12 banquet at the Emerald Downs racetrack in suburban Seattle, Billy’s Echo was one of six Washington-foaled horses to receive a nomination.

“I was really taken aback,” Tabish said of the nomination. “It was pretty amazing.”

The banquet included showing a picture of Billy’s Echo on the large screen and playing the two races he won in 2004. “It was really kind of cool,” Tabish said.

Court’s In Session, who was a five-year-old in 2004, won five of eleven races last year, including the Bay Meadows Breeder’s Cup Sprint, and earned $134,000. Tabish was aware that Court’s In Session had a superior record to Billy’s Echo last year. “I wasn’t sure if he was going to get it,” she said of Billy’s Echo facing such competition.

Tabish moved from the Pacific Northwest to Fallbrook in 2000, when Billy’s Echo was a weanling. Tabish also owns Island of Eden, who is the dam of Billy’s Echo. Billy’s Echo was sired by Personable Joe.

Billy’s Echo, who was a six-year-old in 2004, won races September 1 at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and November 17 at Hollywood Park.

“You get nominated, it’s almost as good as the award,” Tabish said.