Renaissance Awards Set for March 22

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA) and the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA), in cooperation with The Maryland Jockey Club, are proud to present the 2025 Maryland Thoroughbred Industry Renaissance Awards. The event will be held as a luncheon on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. in the Terrace Dining Room at Laurel Park.

The Renaissance Awards celebrate the very best of Maryland breeding and racing from the 2025 season, recognizing outstanding equine athletes and the dedicated owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, and backstretch workers who power the industry.

“This event represents the very heart of Maryland racing,” said Katy Voss, President of the MTHA. “The Renaissance Awards give us the opportunity to honor not only exceptional equine performances, but also the horsemen and horsewomen whose hard work, horsemanship, and commitment elevate our sport every single day. It is a celebration of excellence and of the strength of our racing community.”

“Maryland breeders continue to produce horses that compete and succeed at the highest levels,” said Richie Blue, President of the MHBA. The Renaissance Awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the farms, families, and partnerships behind these accomplishments. It is a proud moment each year for our breeding industry and a reminder of the quality and resilience of Maryland-bred Thoroughbreds.”

Tickets are $75 per person and may be purchased online at marylandthoroughbred.com. Nominees in all award categories will receive a forthcoming invitation and will be offered complimentary tickets.

Everyone is welcome to attend as we come together to celebrate the accomplishments of Maryland’s Thoroughbred industry.

To purchase tickets, go to https://marylandthoroughbred.com

2025 MHBA Award Finalists:

MD-bred Champion 2YO Male:
Big Cuddle • Code of Silence • Romeo

MD-bred Champion 2YO Filly:
Dazzling Dame • Just Philtored • Slewperstitus

MD-bred Champion 3YO Male:
Barbadian Runner • Passion Rules • Slam Notion

MD-bred Champion 3YO Filly
Grayson’s Girl • Onyx Ten • Worth a Dime

MD-bred Champion Older Male
Mindframe • Post Time • Quint’s Brew

MD-bred Champion Older Female
Future Is Now • Seismic Beauty • Splendora

MD-bred Champion Sprinter
Future Is Now • Mindframe • Splendora

MD-bred Champion Turf Runner
Future Is Now • Had to Have Him • Lifelovenlaughter

MD-bred Champion Steeplechaser
Keys Discount • Mission North • Road to Oz

Breeder of the Year
Jagger Inc. • R. Larry Johnson

Broodmare of the Year
Candy Striper • Gansett • Slow and Steady

Stallion of the Year
Blofeld • Great Notion • Mosler • Uncle Lino

2025 MTHA Award Finalists

Owner of the Year
Madison Avenue Racing Stable, Morris Kernan Jr. and Jagger Inc. • Larry Rabold • The Elkstone Group LLC

Trainer of the Year
Brittany T. Russell • Gary Capuano • Michael Trombetta

Jockey of the Year
Mychel J. Sanchez • Sheldon Russell • Yedsit Hazlewood

Backstretch Worker of the Year
Charles Sniffen

Male Dirt Horse of the Year
Barbadian Runner • Post Time • Slam Notion

Male Turf Horse of the Year
Coringa • Had To Have Him • Witty

Female Dirt Horse of the Year
Complexity Jane • Onyx Ten
Takethemoneyhoney

Female Turf Horse of the Year
Lifelovenlaughter • Ultimate Love
Worth A Dime

Claimer of the Year
Bold Diversion • Cluck Cluck • Zero Blitz

Award winners in all categories will be revealed during the March 22 luncheon.