Klaravich, Gunther, & More Honored at TOBA Awards

The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) held the 34th Annual National Awards Dinner at Fasig-Tipton near Lexington Saturday, honoring Seth Klarman of Klaravich Stables as National Owner of the Year and John D. Gunther as National Breeder of the Year. Reed Ringler of Fasig-Tipton hosted the ceremony.

Klaravich Stables, which recently nabbed Saratoga's leading owner title for the second consecutive year, has campaigned a number of top horses in recent years, including current multiple Grade I-winning turf superstar Bricks and Mortar (Giant's Causeway) in partnership. Gunther has bred several prominent horses at his Glennwood Farm, including 2018 Horse of the Year and Triple Crown winner Justify (Scat Daddy). Justify's dam, Stage Magic (Ghostzapper), was named TOBA's Broodmare of the Year, while his ownership group, WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, and Starlight Racing, received Partnership of the Year honors. It marked the first year a partnership award was given.

Thomas and Lori Fackler of Best A Luck Farm LLC were honored as National Small Breeder of the Year. James E. “Ted” Bassett, formerly of Keeneland and Breeders' Cup, was presented with the Industry Service Award for exceptional contributions to the Thoroughbred industry, while the Robert N. Clay Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to preserving land for equine use, went to Wayne and Susie Chatfield-Taylor. The Clay Award is presented in partnership with the Equine Land Conservation Resource. Aztec Sense (Street Sense) was named Claiming Crown Horse of the Year and Archie Rocks (race name: Smittys Messiah {Le Monde}), an OTTB accumulating the most points in competition, was honored as Rood & Riddle Thoroughbred Sport Horse of the Year.

In addition, the achievements of owners in the four major North American racing regions were recognized at the dinner. State breeders from 22 states and Canada were also feted during a luncheon at Godolphin Sept. 6.