For the second year in a row, Brittany Farms has been voted harness racing’s “Breeder of the Year” by the U.S. Harness Writers Association. The award was announced at the Jan. 16 Dan Patch Awards show, a “virtual” production this year.
Fresh off a remarkable season at the yearling sales, breeders are choosing the pacing stallion that can get them both top-market yearlings and exceptional performers in major national stakes and in the NYSS program.
For the third year in a row, Brittany Farms ranks as North America’s leading breeder in average earnings per starter, with a lofty per-racehorse earnings figure of more than $35,000 in this shortened racing season.
Despite having only a few yearlings on offer, Real Desire led all pacing sires at the 2020 Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale with an average of $42,833. Larry Bond and Burke Racing took home his top sellers at $65,000 and $48,000, respectively.
Manchego and Bettor’s Wish, both bred, raised and sold as yearlings by Brittany Farms, ended their racing careers in splendid fashion last Saturday, winning their respective TVG Finals at the Meadowlands in convincing fashion.
Brittany Farms bred-raised-sold Blue Diamond Eyes p,2,1:51f ($546,527) closed out her outstanding freshman campaign with a 1:51.1 win the $323,600 Three Diamonds 2YO Filly Pace last Saturday at the Meadowlands. (Click “Read More” below to watch race)
Victories by Manchego and Perfect Sting in last weekend’s Breeders Crowns at Hoosier Park raised the total of Brittany-bred winners to 27, tying the farm with Hanover as the all-time leading breeder of Breeders Crown Champions.
Eight horses bred by Brittany Farms, or Brittany & Partners, competed in last weekend’s Breeders Crown eliminations or prep races at Hoosier Park, and five of them are successfully heading on to the $6-million finals on Oct. 30 and 31.
It was a “perfect” weekend for horses bred by Brittany Farms, as 2YO colt pacer Perfect Sting stayed perfect in the $359,300 (div.) Bluegrass at the Red Mile, while Bettor’s Wish took home top honors that evening in the $176,500 Dayton Pacing Derby.
The Brittany yearlings selling at the Lexington Selected Sale, Oct. 5-9, will be shipped to Fasig-Tipton Friday, Oct. 2 and will be available for inspection beginning Saturday morning, Oct. 3. They may be inspected at the farm beforehand.