In the world of thoroughbred horse racing, few regions stand as tall as Kentucky. With its rich history and unparalleled breeding programs, Kentucky is celebrated once again for its remarkable contributions to the sport. 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) programme for their outstanding achievements in 2024.
First rolled out in 2005, the KTBIF has already distributed more than a quarter of a billion dollars to breeders, encouraging the continuous breeding of high-caliber Kentucky-bred racehorses. According to Governor Andy Beshear, “Congratulations to our amazing thoroughbred industry. Last year affirmed that Kentucky remains the horseracing capital of the world.” Kentucky-bred horses took the lead in each leg of the Triple Crown series, with Mystik Dan seizing the Kentucky Derby, Seize The Grey triumphing at the Preakness, and Dornoch ruling the Belmont Stakes.
Kentucky’s Continuing Legacy in Triple Crown and Eclipse Awards
In an impressive feat, Kentucky-breds won an astounding 289 out of 401 Graded stakes races across the United States in 2024. This winning streak underlines their supremacy, clinching ten Eclipse Awards. Among these victors, Thorpedo Anna emerged as the crown jewel with the title of Horse of the Year and Champion Three-Year-Old Filly, supported by six Grade 1 wins including the Kentucky Oaks and Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
The competitive prowess of Kentucky-breds extends beyond national borders. Noteworthy is the ascent of City Of Troy and Laurel River, two US-bred racehorses topping the Longines World’s Best Racehorses rankings with a shared mark of 128. City Of Troy hails from the renowned Coolmore’s Justify, while Laurel River is a progeny of Spendthrift Farm’s Into Mischief.
The Important Role of the KTBIF
“This is always one of our most cherished moments of the year,” remarked Drew Conners, KHRGC’s director of incentives and development, “We love witnessing our Kentucky breeders being recognized for their unwavering dedication to breeding champions right here in Kentucky.” The thrill of watching these horses triumph both locally and internationally is felt far and wide.
The exact payout for the 2024 awards sums to a notable $20,019,601.10. Significant prize money awaits the breeders of standout horses like Thorpedo Anna and Mystik Dan, who are set to receive $50,000 KTBIF awards for victories in prestigious races like the Kentucky Oaks and Derby.
Promoting Continued Excellence in Thoroughbred Breeding
The KTBIF plays a pivotal role in upholding Kentucky’s prominent position in the equine industry, by awarding funds to breeders who meet specific conditions. Mares need to be bred to a recognized Kentucky stallion, reside in Kentucky throughout their gestation, and foal in the state to qualify for the program. These incentives are primarily funded by a portion of the sales tax levied on stallion breeding transactions within Kentucky.
The illustrious history of Kentucky-breds is well-documented, with 116 victories in the Kentucky Derby, including a consecutive winning streak over the past ten years. Similarly, Kentucky-breds have dominated the Kentucky Oaks in the past eight editions.
Kentucky’s mastery in breeding has not only strengthened its historical standing in the racing world but also solidified its future as a leader in the equine industry. As breeders continue refining their practices, the glory of Kentucky-breds in the winner’s circle is set to continue shining brightly.
