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Linda Toscano, Chapter Seven and Walnridge Farm were among the honorees at the 56th annual New Jersey Breeders Awards Luncheon on Jan. 27 at Charley’s Other Brother.

Toscano, who is from Freehold and the trainer of Chapter Seven, was saluted with the Governor’s Cup. Walnridge Farm of Cream Ridge was recognized as Breeder of the Year.

It was a historic 2013 for Toscano. She became the first female trainer to win the Hambletonian (with Market Share), the sport’s biggest race, and the first woman trainer to be named Trainer of the Year by the U.S. Harness Writers Association. She was tabbed by the New Jersey Sports Writers as the Harness Trainer of the Year. Toscano enjoyed her finest season in 2012 with her horses earning $6.71 million in purses. During her career, she has won 1,439 races and $34 million in purses.

Chapter Seven was the recipient of the New Jersey Standardbred Horse of the Year Award.

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

After having the most successful year in the NJ Marlins’ short history in 2012, the team is looking toward 2013 by announcing that it will be hosting travel baseball team tryouts at Frozen Ropes, 120 Kenyon Drive, Lakewood, on Feb. 10, Feb. 17 and Feb. 24. Ages 9-14 will try out from 10 a.m. to noon, and ages 15-17 will try out from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Preregistration is required. Please make sure to fill out an NJ Marlins Player Prospect Form at www.njmarlins.com. The Marlins will be taking the best players in the tri-state area into the organization for the 2013 circuit.

For more information, please go to www.njmarlins.com or email [email protected].

Central Jersey Umpire Association (CJUA) is looking for new or experienced baseball and softball umpires to join one of the largest umpire organizations in the state. It is looking for men or women age 16 or over who like the game, want to make some extra money and would like to become certified umpires by CJUA.

The association has baseball and softball games from 7U to summer college leagues. The CJUA will train candidates. Cadet classes start Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at Holmdel High School. If you are interested or would like additional information, send an email to [email protected] or call Bruce Tucker at 732-264-7131.