It was nearly a sweep for the "A" team -- the connections of Florida-bred Afleet Alex -- who collected hardware for five major awards, including champion 3-year-old colt and Florida-bred horse of the year at the annual Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association Awards dinner Jan. 16.In addition, his breeder John Martin Silvertand was named breeder of the year, his Cash Is King Stable owners were named owner of the year, and his dam Maggy Hawk was named broodmare of the year. The spotlight was also on highly-accomplished Lost in the Fog and stallion Notebook as general stallion; Double Honor as active stallion; and Exchange Rate as leading juvenile and freshman sire of the year in Florida. Leading Florida trainers were Edward Plesa Jr. and David Brownlee.Also recognized were all breeders, owners, and trainers of the 2005 Florida-bred divisional champions.
The Needles Award was presented to Susan Seper, breeder of multiple graded stakes winner Lost in the Fog. The award was established by the FTBOA to honor Florida breeders who own small Thoroughbred operations and have made outstanding contributions to the Florida Thoroughbred industry.The Bruce Campbell Award is presented annually by The Florida Horse magazine to individuals and/or organizations which make significant contributions to the Florida Thoroughbred industry. The 2005 award was presented to lobbyist Matt Bryan, a partner with Tallahassee-based Smith, Bryan & Myers, who has worked closely with FTBOA Executive Vice President Richard Hancock and the Florida Thoroughbred Political Action Committee since 1988 to help the FTBOA achieve its legislative goals.The Joe O'Farrell Memorial Award is presented annually by the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company to the original consignor of the year's best Florida-bred racehorse offered at a public auction in Florida. Receiving the 2005 award was consignor Kelli Mitchell, who owns Ocala-based Jumper Jack Farm and sold Florida-bred champion Lost in the Fog for $48,000 at the 2003 OBS August yearling sale. The complete 2005 Florida-bred champion list is as follows: Wild Fit , champion 2-Year-old Filly; In Summation, champion 2-Year-old colt; Afleet Alex, champion 3-Year-old colt ; Hot Storm; champion 3-Year-old filly; Revved Up, champion older male; Umpateedle, champion older female; Lost in the Fog, champion sprinter; and David Junior, champion turf horse.