John Gunther receives US Breeder of the Year award for producing Justify

With a Triple Crown winner fresh on the Glennwood Farm résumé, John Gunther was named National Breeder of the Year at the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association 34th Annual National Awards Dinner and took home extra silverware to boot.

During the event at Fasig-Tipton on Saturday, TOBA presented the first Triple Crown Breeders Trophy to Gunther and his daughter Tanya after Justify swept the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes last year.

Gunther also accepted the award for Justify's dam Stage Magic as Broodmare of the Year

"I didn't expect to be up here again," Gunther said after being presented with Breeder of the Year. "Once again, I'm really honoured to be receiving this award. To be honoured as National Breeder of the Year is just amazing. 2018 is a year I'll never forget. I just want to thank TOBA and everyone else who voted for us. Thank you very much."

National Owner of the Year went to Seth Klarman's Klaravich Stables, which campaigned five Grade 1 winners in 2018: Newspaperofrecord, Separationofpowers, Complexity, Competitionofideas and Patternrecognition (the last in partnership with William Lawrence).

Nick Demeric accepted the award for Klarman, who was unable to attend, and delivered comments Klarman asked him to read:

"In 2018 this was a year when many things came together for our stable," he read. "We are grateful for our blessings and good fortune, thankful for all the people who have helped us reach this level of achievement, and appreciative of everyone at TOBA for this award.

"I dedicate this award to the memory of Rick Violette, a brilliant horseman and a great friend of mine and also of Nick's, and one of my first trainers and someone who I always knew looked after my best interests, who passed away about a year ago. He is sorely missed. Thank you."

Thomas and Lori Fackler of Best A Luck Farm were named National Small Breeder of the Year, with Shamrock Rose giving them a big year in 2018. The champion female sprinter won four stakes last season, topped by the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

The National Awards Dinner, hosted by Reed Ringler of Fasig-Tipton, also honoured James E "Ted" Bassett with the Industry Service Award, awarded to a person or entity who has made exceptional contributions to the industry.

WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners and Starlight Racing, who campaigned Justify throughout his Triple Crown bid, received the first Partnership of the Year award.

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