New York Thoroughbred Breeders Celebrate 2025 Accomplishments at Annual Awards Dinner in Saratoga
William G. Gotimer, Jr.
Saratoga’s Hall of Springs Saratoga State Park was the location Monday night of the annual New York Bred Awards hosted by the New York Thoroughbred Breeders.
The annual celebration of thoroughbreds bred in New York State drew a vibrant crowd to celebrate the continuing accomplishments of horses bred in New York State.
The New York-bred program provides financial incentives to breed thoroughbreds in New York State and has proven a boon to the upstate economy for more than four decades.
In 2025, horses bred in New York made more than 1,500 starts, averaging earnings of $26,800 per starter. They topped $88 million in earnings and won eight graded stakes wins worldwide.
A host of awards acknowledged runners that competed in top races during the year.
Horse of the Year went to Rhetorical which was bred by Gallagher Stud, (which also bred his half sister Sterling Silver the winner of Older Dirt Female). Rhetorical excelled on the turf winning Grade 1 Keeneland’s Turf Mile and has continued his winning ways into 2026.
Champion Two-Year-Old Male went to Arctic Beast trained by Mike Maker for Paradise Farms Corp., JP Racing Stable. David Staudacher, Zilla Stable and Jennifer Rice.
The highlight of the night came with the awarding of a Lifetime Achievement Award to Marlene Brody of Gallagher Stud.
On a night where Gallagher Stud, operated by Mallory and Karen Mort, won so many awards that one observer wryly noted “they should have had a permanent seat on the podium”, the lifetime achievement award to Marlene Brody recognized her 50 years of guiding the operation. Marlene and Jerry Brody first established the venerable New York breeding operation in 1976 With Mrs. Brody persevering after the passing of her husband in 2001.
Patrick Quick who trains for Gallagher Stud remarked, “While it has been an honor to train horses for Mrs. Brody and Gallagher Stud, the opportunity to know Mrs. Brody as a person has been the real honor. It’s made me a better person in many ways. Her kindness towards humans and animals has been inspiring and her perseverance in assuring the farm continues its excellence is a model of dedication and focus always remaining true to the horses.”
Other Champion winners included:
Trainer- Linda Rice with 67 victories;
Jockey – Manny Franco with 87 victories
Breeder of the Year – Mallory and Karen Mort of Gallagher Stud
Farm Manager of the Year – Gregg Falk