Stage Magic is Kentucky Broodmare of the Year

Justify , winner of the 2018 Triple Crown, was named Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders April 10 during its awards luncheon at Keeneland. The KTOB recognized 12 other Kentucky-breds at the luncheon, led by Broodmare of the Year Stage Magic, the dam of Justify, and awards were also bestowed upon numerous individuals for their exemplary contributions to the industry.

"It was another exceptional year for Kentucky-breds at the racetrack, punctuated by Justify's historic Triple Crown," said Chauncey Morris, executive director of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders. "Our award recipients—both equine and human—exemplify the dreams and aspirations of our industry, and we're proud to celebrate their memorable achievements."

Justify, bred by John Gunther and campaigned by China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm, took the racing world by storm in 2018, winning the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), Preakness Stakes (G1), and Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G1) en route to becoming racing's 13th Triple Crown winner. The history-making son of Scat Daddy retired undefeated in six starts after earning $3,798,000. In January, he was named Horse of the Year and was a unanimous selection as champion 3-year-old at the Eclipse Awards.

First presented in 1946, Broodmare of the Year is the organization's oldest award and one of the most prestigious. Broodmare of the Year nominees are named by the Awards Committee and voted upon by the association's membership. Stage Magic, a 12-year-old daughter of Ghostzapper , also was represented in 2018 by The Lieutenant , a 6-year-old son of Street Sense who won the All American Stakes (G3) at Golden Gate Fields at 5 and placed in two other graded stakes. 

Gunther, who owns and operates Glennwood Farm with his daughter Tanya, was honored with the P.A.B. Widener Trophy for 2018. Awarded since 1972, the Widener Trophy represents breeder of the year, and nominees are determined by points earned in graded stakes and are voted upon by KTA/KTOB board of directors.

Roaring Lion earned the Racing Abroad award. Bred by Ran Jan Racing and owned by Qatar Racing Limited, the son of Kitten's Joy  rattled off four consecutive group 1 scores in Europe in 2018, winning the Coral Eclipse Stakes (G1) at Sandown Park, the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York, the QIPCO Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown, and the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) at Ascot.

Being recognized for lifetime contribution awards were Alice Headley Chandler and James E. Bassett III.

The 2018 KTOB Kentucky-bred champions and their breeders are as follows:

Two-Year-Old Male: Game Winner (Summer Wind Equine)

Two-Year-Old Filly: Jaywalk (Gainesway Thoroughbreds)

Three-Year-Old Male: Justify (John D. Gunther)

Three-Year-Old Filly: Monomoy Girl (FPF & Highfield Ranch)

Older Dirt Male: Accelerate  (Mike Abraham)

Older Dirt Female: Abel Tasman (Clearsky Farms)

Male Turf: Oscar Performance  (Mrs. Jerry Amerman)

Female Turf: Rushing Fall (Fred W. Hertrich III & John D. Fielding)

Male Sprinter: Roy H (Ramona S. Bass)

Female Sprinter: Marley's Freedom (Jack Swain III)

Steeplechase Horse: Balance the Budget (Liberation Farm & Oratis)

Racing Abroad: Roaring Lion (Ran Jan Racing)

Horse of the Year: Justify (John D. Gunther)

Broodmare of the Year: Stage Magic (Owner: John D. Gunther)

Additional awards:

P.A.B. Widener Trophy: John D. Gunther

Charles W. Engelhard Award: Horse Racing Radio Network

Hardboot Breeders' Award: Frank Penn Jr.

William T. Young Humanitarian Award: Thoroughbred Charities of America

Lifetime Contribution Award: Alice Headley Chandler

Lifetime Contribution Award: James E. Bassett, III

Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund Leaders:

Sire of the Year: Kitten's Joy (Hill 'n' Dale Farms)

Earner of the Year: Bound for Nowhere (Wesley A. Ward)

Owner of the Year: Kenneth L. & Sarah K. Ramsey

Trainer of the Year: Michael Maker

Breeder of the Year: Kenneth L. & Sarah K. Ramsey