In an exciting turn of events, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) has unveiled the winners of its prestigious annual yearling show. The event offers not only ribbons and accolades but also a significant financial incentive through bonus awards from the Maryland-bred Fund. This year, participants had the opportunity to share in a total of $40,000 in cash prizes. These awards are distributed based on the earnings of the horses at ages two and three, with the top four earners in each category receiving a portion of the prize money. The distribution is carefully calculated to reward the leading performers, ensuring that both exhibitors and breeders benefit from this generous initiative.

Details of the Award Ceremony and Winners

In the enchanting atmosphere of autumn, the MHBA held its annual yearling show, where young thoroughbreds competed for recognition and glory. The event took place in early March 2025, and the results have now been finalized. Among the standout performers were several remarkable horses that excelled in their respective categories.

For the three-year-olds shown in 2022, Miss Harriett, a gray/roan filly sired by Blofeld, emerged as the highest earner with impressive winnings of $195,950. She was exhibited by David Baxter and secured victories in notable races such as the Wide Country Stakes and Miss Disco Stakes. Pudd’n N Pie, a dark bay/brown filly by Unified, came in second with earnings of $111,272, while In the Dance, a bay colt by Imagining, earned $107,462. Omar Comin, another dark bay/brown colt by Golden Lad, rounded out the top four with $86,010.

The two-year-olds, shown in 2023, also produced exceptional results. Malibu Hooch, a chestnut filly by Bourbon Courage, led the pack with $94,425 in earnings. Thundering, a bay colt by Mosler, followed closely with $65,638, including a win in the Display Stakes. Kissling, a bay colt by Practical Joke, and It’s a Shore Thing, a dark bay/brown filly by Honor A. P., completed the top four with earnings of $36,780 and $28,590 respectively.

The bonus awards were distributed according to a set formula: 65% to the leading earner ($13,000), 20% to the second ($4,000), 10% to the third ($2,000), and 5% to the fourth ($1,000). All earnings were verified by The Jockey Club, ensuring transparency and fairness in the allocation of funds.

From a journalist's perspective, this event highlights the importance of supporting local breeding programs and the talent that emerges from them. The MHBA’s commitment to rewarding excellence not only boosts the morale of breeders and exhibitors but also strengthens the Maryland horse racing community. By providing financial incentives, the association encourages continued investment in the sport, fostering a thriving and competitive environment for future generations of thoroughbreds.