The National Awards Dinner, hosted by Jill Byrne of Breeders' Cup Limited, also honored the achievements of Thoroughbred owners in the four major North American racing regions and breeders in 23 states and Canada.
Royal Posse, who won the 2016 Claiming Crown Jewel Stakes, was honored with Claiming
Crown Horse of the Year, presented by the National HBPA.
The Rood & Riddle Sport Horse of the Year went to Zine Dine, owned by Hailey Rogge. This award was presented to the owner of the ex-Thoroughbred that has accumulated the most points in competition, as tracked by the United States Equestrian Federation.
In addition, the Heubeck family received the Robert N. Clay Award. In partnership with the Equine Land Conservation Resource, this award recognizes a member of the Thoroughbred community who has made an outstanding contribution to preserving land for equine use.
The State Breeders of the Year toured Claiborne Farm and were honored at an awards luncheon at Dudley's on Friday, September 8.
A complete list of winners is as follows:
Regional Owners of the Year:
Eastern Region: Juddmonte Farms
Midwestern Region: John Oxley
Southern Region: Klaravich Stables and William H. Lawrence
Western Region: Spendthrift Farm
State Breeders of the Year:
Arkansas: McDowell Farm
California: Heinz Steinmann
Canada: David and Adrian Munro
Florida: Gilbert Campbell
Illinois: Barney and Anne Gallagher
Indiana: Michael E. & Penny S. Lauer
Iowa: H. Allen Poindexter
Kansas: Rocking G Horse & Cattle
Kentucky: WinStar Farm
Louisiana: Irwin Olian
Maryland: Robert Manfuso
Massachusetts: Kenneth Posco
Michigan: Lisa Campbell
Minnesota: Richard Bremer and Cheryl Sprick
New Jersey: Daniel Lopez
New York: Chester & Mary Broman
North Carolina: Nancy Shuford
Ohio: Tim Hamm
Oregon: Neil Knapp
South Carolina: Franklin G. Smith Sr.
Texas: Craig Upham
Virginia: William M. Backer
Washington: Jean and Jeff Harris
National Broodmare of the Year:
Leslie's Lady
Claiming Crown Horse of the Year:
Royal Posse
Rood & Riddle Thoroughbred Sport Horse of the Year:
Zine Dine
Robert N. Clay Award:
The Heubeck Family
