(Edited press release)
Three-time stakes winner Ky's Quest was named New Mexico-bred champion 2-year-old male at the 2006 New Mexico Horse Breeders Association's annual awards banquet at the Marriott Hotel in Albuquerque, N.M. Jan. 31.
Ky's Quest closed his juvenile campaign with consecutive stakes wins for owner Clifford Lambert Sr., who also bred and trains the chestnut Night Fright gelding. Ky's Quest streaked to a 9 1/2-length romp in the Nov. 12 New Mexico Cup Juvenile Stakes at Zia Park and followed with a six-length score in the Dec. 30 Red Hedeman Mile Handicap at Sunland Park.
Champions were announced for both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses at the banquet. Other Thoroughbred champions were Silver Expression, two-year-old filly; Matchstick Man, 3-year-old male; Peppers Pride, 3-year-old female; Gulchrunssweet, older male; and Skirt Alert, older female.
Broodmare of the year was awarded to Founder's First, dam of Skirt Alert. In 2006, her offspring earned $337,469.
Prospector Jones was awarded stallion of the year, with progeny earnings of $1,097,985, while Silver Season was the top freshman sire, with progeny earnings of $184,243 in 2006.
The Silver Julep Cup for outstanding Thoroughbred breeders was awarded to Richard Brunacini and Kay Thurman of Belen, N.M.
