In a remarkable year for the equine industry, the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation (KHRGC) has announced an unprecedented $20 million in awards to breeders participating in the Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders' Incentive Fund (KTBIF). Since its inception in 2005, this program has injected over a quarter of a billion dollars into the breeding community. Governor Andy Beshear praised the state's continued dominance in horseracing, highlighting victories in all three legs of the Triple Crown by Kentucky-bred horses. The year 2024 saw these thoroughbreds achieving exceptional success both domestically and internationally, with notable wins in prestigious races and accolades like the Eclipse Awards.
Shining Successes of Kentucky-Bred Horses in 2024
In the vibrant world of horse racing, the past year has been particularly golden for Kentucky's thoroughbreds. The state's equine champions have not only dominated American tracks but have also left an indelible mark on global racing circuits. With an impressive 72% win rate in graded stakes races across the United States, Kentucky-breds have proven their mettle time and again. This stellar performance culminated in a historic sweep of the Triple Crown, where three distinct horses—Mystik Dan, Seize the Grey, and Dornoch—claimed victory in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes respectively.
The achievements did not stop there. Thorpedo Anna, named Horse of the Year and Champion Three-Year-Old Filly, led the charge by securing ten Eclipse Awards. Moreover, City of Troy and Laurel River were crowned co-Longines World’s Best Racehorses, triumphing in England and the United Arab Emirates. These victories underscore the global recognition and excellence of Kentucky-bred horses.
Drew Conners, Director of Incentives and Development at KHRGC, expressed immense pride in rewarding breeders for their contributions. The record-breaking $20 million in incentives will be distributed among breeders who have played a pivotal role in maintaining Kentucky's reputation as the heart of horse racing. Notably, the breeders of Thorpedo Anna and Mystik Dan will each receive a $50,000 award for their respective wins in the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. This brings the total number of Kentucky Derby victories by Kentucky-breds to 116, including the last ten runnings.
To qualify for the KTBIF, mares must be bred to registered Kentucky stallions, remain within the Commonwealth during gestation, and foal in Kentucky. Funding for the incentive program comes from a portion of the sales tax paid when stallions are bred to mares in the state.
A detailed list of the 2024 award recipients, totaling $20,019,601.10, can be found on the KHRGC website under Awards.
From a journalist's perspective, this milestone reflects the enduring strength and resilience of Kentucky's equine industry. The significant investment in breeders underscores a commitment to preserving and enhancing the quality of thoroughbreds, ensuring that future generations continue to shine on the global stage. It is a testament to the dedication and passion of everyone involved in this noble pursuit.