Flat Breeders Honoured At Virtual Event

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association gave out 10 awards during a virtual edition of its Flat Breeders' Awards Evening on Thursday.

Godolphin won four: the Queen's Silver Cup for leading British-based breeder by prize money; the BBA Silver Cigar Box for leading British-based stallion by prize money (Dubawi {Ire}); the Barleythrope Stud Silver Cup for leading British-based stallion by individual winners (Dubawi); and the inaugural British European Breeders' Fund Stallion Special Merit Award for Night Of Thunder (Ire).

European Breeders' Fund Marketing Communications Manager Rachael Gowland said, “Night Of Thunder stood in Great Britain for two seasons and a significant portion of his winners and stakes horses have been in Great Britain. As a mid-price-range stallion, he caught breeders' attention with a significant winners to runners percentage driven by talented offspring rather than sheer weight of numbers in 2019. The award is in its infancy and still developing but ultimately its purpose is to help showcase high-achieving stallions irrespective of book size and nomination fee.”

Cable Bay was awarded the Tattersalls Silver Salver as leading first-crop sire in 2019 by prizemoney; Dar Re Mi recorded back-to-back wins as Broodmare of the Year; Newsells Park Stud was Flat Breeder of the Year; Mick and Fiona Denniff received the TBA Silver Salver for Special Merit; and Bearstone Stud the Small Flat Breeder of the Year award. Jacques Prinsloo of Whitsbury Manor Stud received the Stud Employee Award.

TBA Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson said, “Although we have been unable to host our usual event, we are delighted to be able to recognise the achievements of British breeders from the 2019 flat racing season. My congratulations go to all of the nominees, winners and their supporting teams who have demonstrated such dedication to our industry. I would also like to thank all of our event supporters and sponsors this year for continuing their contribution to the British breeding industry.”

Weatherbys Chairmain Johnny Weatherby said, “We are absolutely delighted to support the TBA's Flat Breeders' Awards, and as a small breeder myself I am fully aware of the challenges that we all face, particularly in the current climate, and I whole heartedly congratulate this evening's winners.”