Wiggins Named KY 'Horseman of the Year'

Trainer Hal Wiggins, who plans to retire at the end of November, is the recipient of the 2009 Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award given by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners.

Wiggins, who trained Rachel Alexandra to victory in the grade I Kentucky Oaks this year before the filly was privately sold, will be honored Nov. 21 at the Big Spring Country Club in Louisville. The dinner begins at 6 p.m. EST.

Wiggins, 66, began training Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in Louisiana in 1975 but later moved to Kentucky. He has won about 870 races in his career. Along with Rachel Alexandra, other prominent horses trained by Wiggins include millionaire Chorwon, Morris Code, and Leo’s Gypsy Dancer.

The KTO Horseman of the Year Award as inaugurated in 1989. Previous winners are:

2008  Brereton C. Jones
2007  Carl Nafzger
2006  Tom Meeker
2005  John Asher
2004  Ken and Sarah Ramsey
2003  Dale Romans
2002  Ken McPeek
2001  Jennie Rees
2000  James E. “Ted” Bassett III
1999  Williams S. Farish
1998  Elliott Walden
1997  Jim Bolus
1996  Allen R. Paulson
1995  D. Wayne Lukas
1994  William T. Young
1993  MacKenzie “MacK” Miller
1992  Pat Day
1991  Woody Stephens
1990  Arthur B. Hancock III
1989  Claude “Shug” McGaughey III