Ocala farm worker Vincent Garibaldi was honored with the 2008 Dogwood Dominion Award, which annually honors one of Thoroughbred racing’s unsung heroes.

Garibaldi, 81, worked as a longshoreman for more than 30 years in New Jersey, where he provided lodging to several local exercise riders. After retiring from the docks, Garibaldi moved to Ocala, where he has worked for Sequel Bloodstock for 21 years.

“Like many previous recipients of the Dogwood Dominion Award, it’s difficult to put all of Vinnie’s wonderful qualities into a neat little package,” said Dogwood president Cot Campbell. “He has helped so many in Ocala, both young and old— whether it’s loaning a down and out family some much needed cash or picking up a friend’s child at school. Vinnie is always there for those in need.”

For winning the Dogwood Dominion Award, Garibaldi will receive $5,000 and a bronze statue of multiple group/graded stakes winner Dominion, who was campaigned by Dogwood Stables in the 1970s. Garibaldi will be honored during a luncheon at the Reading Rooms in Saratoga Springs, New York, on July 30.

Created in 1993, the Dogwood Dominion Award honors unsung heroes in the racing industry, as decided by judges Anne Campbell; Penny Chenery, owner of champion Secretariat; and writer and columnist Jay Hovdey. Garibaldi is the 16th recipient of the award.