NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (January 15, 2010) – The Equine Science Center at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, has named Antoinette Nigito as the 2010 recipient of the Center’s “Spirit of the Horse” award. Mrs. Nigito will receive the award during the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s 53rd Annual New Jersey Breeder’s Award ceremony on Sunday, January 31, 2010. Sandy Denarski, the 2006 inaugural recipient and chair of the Rutgers University Board for Equine Advancement and Center director Karyn Malinowski will present the award.

The “Spirit of the Horse” award recognizes individuals whose lives have been profoundly changed because of their involvement with horses and who have acknowledged the impact by giving back to the horse industry.

“Mrs. Nigito is the perfect person to receive this award because of her uncompromising dedication to the well-being of horses and maintaining integrity in both equine sports and the overall equine industry,” says Karyn Malinowski, director of the Equine Science Center.

Mrs. Nigito is the owner of Nigito Realty Company in River Edge, and of Joie de Vie Farm, a large Standardbred breeding operation in Jobstown, both in New Jersey; and is one of four owners of the Red Mile Racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky. Mrs. Nigito firmly believes in fighting on behalf of the horse. “The horse is my life,” states Mrs. Nigito.  “I will continue to do everything within my power to ensure the vitality of the horse industry in New Jersey and make sure that there is a voice advocating for this majestic animal,” she adds.

Her charitable and volunteer work includes: the donation of winnings from her trotter Mr. Chin in 1991 to build a church for the Divine Word Missionaries in Indonesia, serving on the boards of the Weiner and Yarock Foundation and the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, and supporting the Rutgers Equine Science Center.

Upon learning she will receive the “Spirit of the Horse” award; Mrs. Nigito said she felt honored, humbled, and proud. “It’s overwhelming. My heart is overwhelmed with joy,” says Mrs. Nigito. She added, “Caring for horses has been a life-long passion for me and I firmly believe that the Equine Science Center’s vision not only matches my passion, but possesses the resources to ensure that the equine industry remains a vital factor toward the quality of life in New Jersey.”

For more information about the “Spirit of the Horse” award, please contact the Equine Science Center at www.esc.rutgers.edu or call 732-932-9419. For information on the New Jersey Breeder’s Award ceremony contact Debra Moscatiello at 609-984-4389.