Barry and Joni Butzow, who bred and race graded-stakes winning 'TDN Rising Star' Zozos (Munnings), are the recipients of the 2023 John Deere Award, which recognizes breeders who were represented in this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships and the Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' Challenge series over the course of the year.
The Deere Award winner was determined by a drawing among all breeders who either won a Breeders' Cup race or a Challenge series race. NTRA Advantage and John Deere will award the Butzows a John Deere Gator TX Utility Vehicle.
Zozos won this year's GIII Ack Ack S. en route to an appearance in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.
“Congratulations to Barry and Joni Butzow as the recipients of this year's John Deere Award, highlighted by the Win and You're In victory of Zozos in the Ack Ack Stakes,” said Dora Delgado, Breeders' Cup Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer. “The John Deere Award shines a light on the vital contributions breeders have made to the Breeders' Cup program since its inception and honors their accomplishments. We also thank John Deere and NTRA Advantage for their sponsorship of this award.”
“Zozos has given us a wonderful trip for the last two years, culminating with the Breeders' Cup this year,” said Barry Butzow. “It's a journey we couldn't have made without great people helping us along the way. Starting with the folks at Woodline Farm, Mike and J.B. Orem, Beau Lane, and the patient and great care of Brad Cox and staff, and of course the riding skills of Florent Geroux.”
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