The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) unveiled the recipients of the 41st annual TOBA National Awards, celebrating notable accomplishments in Thoroughbred ownership, breeding, and industry contributions for 2025. The awards ceremony took place on September 10 at The Kentucky Castle in Versailles, Kentucky, bringing together horse industry professionals from across North America to honor excellence in the field.
Godolphin earned top honors as both the 2025 National Owner of the Year, sponsored by FanDuel, and the 2025 National Breeder of the Year, awarded by TOBA, underscoring their continued dominance in Thoroughbred racing and breeding. Gregory Kilka and Christine Connelly of Bright View Farm received the 2025 National Small Breeder of the Year award, presented by BloodHorse and The Jockey Club, recognized for breeding the Eclipse Award-winning sprinter Book’em Danno.
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners was named the Cot Campbell Partnership of the Year by Central Bank, celebrating their success with six graded stakes winners, including three Grade 1 champions. Puca, owned by Ace Stud in Newmarket, England, was honored as the National Broodmare of the Year by WinStar; she is the dam of multiple Grade 1 winners Mage, Dornoch, and Baeza.
Bronwyn Watts was recognized with the Dr. J. David Richardson Industry Service Award by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association for her innovative nursemare program. Allison Smith and Gude Affair received the Rood & Riddle Sport Horse of the Year award for demonstrating the versatility of Thoroughbreds beyond the racetrack. The Claiming Crown Horse of the Year award, sponsored by the National HBPA, went to Concrete Glory.
Additionally, state and Canadian Breeders of the Year were acknowledged, including Marvin and Gerald Fleming of Fleming Thoroughbred Farm in Arizona; Bill McDowell of McDowell Farm in Arkansas; Richard Barton Enterprises Inc. in California; Robert Krembil of Chiefswood Stables in Canada; Sam-Son Farm as Canada’s Small Breeder of the Year; Charlotte Weber of Live Oak Stud in Florida; and many others representing key breeding programs across North America.
Dan Metzger, TOBA’s president, congratulated all honorees, emphasizing their steadfast commitment and passion, which drive the growth and integrity of the Thoroughbred industry. He articulated pride in celebrating their outstanding achievements and lasting impact on the sport.
This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on September 11, 2026.
Fan Take: This prestigious list highlights the key players shaping the future of Thoroughbred racing, from breeders to owners and industry innovators. Recognizing such excellence not only honors past achievements but also inspires continued investment and passion in the sport, ensuring its vitality for generations to come.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
