New Jersey owner and breeder John Bowers Jr. of Roseland Farm Stable has been named the 2024 recipient of the Virgil “Buddy” Raines Distinguished Achievement Award, Monmouth Park announced Tuesday. The Raines Award, in its 29th year, honors men and women who have demonstrated a continuing commitment to the sport of Thoroughbred racing as an owner, trainer or administrator, and whose conduct has been exemplary for professionalism, integrity and service to the sport.
Bowers has twice been honored by the state's Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association as the Breeder of the Year in New Jersey (2020 and 2021). He bred and owned He'spuregold, the state's champion older male in 2022, as well as New Jersey-bred performers Pickin' Time, Royal Urn and Thistyranthasclass. Pickin' Time won the GIII Nashua S. in 2020; Royal Urn was the state's champion male sprinter and older horse in 2021 and Thistyranthasclass was a multiple stakes winner. Bowers also bred Grade III winner Smart N Classy, who has a stakes race named for her at Monmouth Park. Stay Smart, a daughter of Smart N Classy who was bred and owned by Bowers and his long-time advisor Ed Rosen, won the race in 2020.
“John Bowers, Jr. has been synonymous with New Jersey-breds for over 40 years,” said Michael Campbell, executive director of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association of New Jersey. “His breeding operation has produced horses that can compete in the biggest races, and I am proud they are New Jersey-breds. He is a worthy recipient of the Buddy Raines Award, considering his impact on the New Jersey breeding and racing programs.”
Bowers and his wife Joan established Roseland Farm Stable in nearby Colts Neck in 1974.
Monmouth Park's 79th season of racing gets underway on Saturday, May 11.
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