MTHA and MHBA announce date for the Maryland Thoroughbred Industry Renaissance Awards

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.”

Richie Blue, President of the MHBA, added:

“Maryland breeders continue to produce horses that compete and succeed at the highest levels. 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.

Purchase tickets: https://marylandthoroughbred.com/cms/index.php/store/2025-Renaissance-Awards-p816916318

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2025 MHBA Award Finalists
(Listed alphabetically within each category)  

Maryland-bred Champion 2-Year-Old Male
Big Cuddle • Code of Silence • Romeo

Maryland-bred Champion 2-Year-Old Filly
Dazzling Dame • Just Philtored • Slewperstitus

Maryland-bred Champion 3-Year-Old Male
Barbadian Runner • Passion Rules • Slam Notion

Maryland-bred Champion 3-Year-Old Filly
Grayson’s Girl • Onyx Ten • Worth a Dime

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

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

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

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

Maryland-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

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2025 MTHA Award Finalists
(Listed alphabetically within each category)  

Owner of the Year
Madison Avenue Racing Stable, Morris Kernan Jr. and Jagger Inc. • Larry Robold • 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
(Previously announced by MTHA)

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.

The Renaissance Awards reflect the continued collaboration between Maryland’s racing organizations and their shared commitment to promoting excellence in breeding, racing, and horsemanship throughout the state.

For more information, please contact:

Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association – mdhorsemen.com

Maryland Horse Breeders Association – marylandthoroughbred.com

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