In 2019, the inaugural Minnesota HBPA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Curt and Randy Sampson. Shortly thereafter, the MNHBPA board, realizing the obvious — that the Sampson name defines lifetime achievement in Minnesota racing — re-titled the award to the Sampson Minnesota HBPA Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award is to honor those who have made priceless and timeless contributions to Minnesota racing. It is not an annual award, rather, an award based entirely on merit.
Chaplain Ed Underwood, better known as Pastor Ed, has been chosen to receive the Sampson Minnesota HBPA Lifetime Achievement Award. The presentation will take place on Thursday, July 28 in the winner’s circle at Canterbury Park following the third race.
Patrice Underwood, Ed’s wife (pictured above with Ed) and no stranger to Minnesota racing as a former jockey, was asked to provide insight into what she thought should be included in the announcement of Ed’s award. Her words capture the true essence of Pastor Ed like no others could. Here are Patrice’s words….
“Lots of thoughts come to mind. Ed can always be trusted to do the right thing! He puts others before himself and doesn’t just preach the Word, he exemplifies it. John Maxwell says “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” Aside from being a chaplain, pastor, counselor, teacher and friend, he is a true example of a man who earnestly seeks to serve the Lord with all of his heart and with a spirit of excellence and compassion. He has put in countless hours of labor in love for this ministry and his faithful dedicated service to God.
This world would be a better place if there were more people with a heart like his!”
Canterbury Park CEO Randy Sampson and Minnesota HBPA president Pete Mattson will present the award to Pastor Ed on Thursday.
Since 2019, there has been only one other recipient — the patron saint of retired Thoroughbreds, Doctor Richard Bowman.
For more on Ed and Patrice, read this story by the late Jim Wells.
