Top Owners and Breeders Honored at TOBA Awards

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association's 35th annual national awards presentation was held virtually Sept. 26 at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa in Paris, Ky.

Gary Barber was named TOBA's national owner of the year and William S. Farish was named national breeder of the year. Larry Karp of Barlar was named national small breeder of the year, and Beyond the Waves was honored with the the title of broodmare of the year.

The national awards, hosted by Gabby Gaudet, also honored the achievements of Thoroughbred owners and breeders in 22 states and Canada.

Royal Squeeze, who won the 2019 Claiming Crown Rapid Transit Stakes, was named national HBPA claiming crown horse of the year.

Chaplain Humberto Chavez was honored with the industry service award, awarded to a person or entity who has made exceptional contributions to the industry.

Madaket Stables and partners received the Cot Campbell racing partnership of the year award.

The Rood & Riddle sport horse of the year award went to Jet, owned by Lila Sessums. This award was presented to the owner of the off-track Thoroughbred that has accumulated the most points in competition, as tracked by the United States Equestrian Federation.

In addition, Horse Farms Forever 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.

State Breeders of the Year

Arkansas: Bill and Mary McDowell

California: Paul and Zillah Reddam, Reddam Racing

Canada: Tall Oaks Farm

Florida: Charlotte Weber, Live Oak Stud

Indiana: Michael E. and Penny S. Lauer

Iowa: H. Allen Poindexter

Kansas: Jerry Johnson

Kentucky: William S. Farish

Louisiana: Evelyn Benoit

Maryland: Sagamore Farm

Massachusetts: Joe DiRico

Minnesota: Robert Lothenbach

New Jersey: John and Joan Bowers

New Mexico: J. Kirk and Judy Robison

New York: Chester and Mary Broman

North Carolina: Dr. E. Clinton Lowry and Carol Lowry

Ohio: Mapleton Thoroughbred Farm

Oregon: Dr. Jack Root Jr. and Margaret "Cookie" Root

Pennsylvania: Larry Karp, Barlar

South Carolina: Franklin Smith Sr.

Texas: Roy W. Cobb

Virginia: Ann Mudge Backer

Washington: Jody Peetzational 

TOBA national awards sponsors include Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, Stonestreet Farms, LuminUltra, Limestone Bank, National HBPA, 1/ST, NTRA Advantage and John Deere, Big Ass Fans, Stoll Keenon Ogden, and The Jockey Club Information Systems.