Jones fifth overall in state breeders' awards; in Midway ZIP code, he's first; KatieRich and Three Chimneys next

KatieRich Farms' big, new barn is a familiar sight to motorists on Leestown Pike east of Midway.

By Abbey Huffman and Al Cross
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media

Last year, thoroughbred breeders in Midway earned $615,319, or 4.3 percent of the $14.2 million total, from the state incentive fund that rewards breeders of Kentucky-bred horses, based on the horses’ winnings.

The big winner in Midway, and one of the biggest winners overall, was Brereton C. Jones of Airdrie Stud, who earned $202,745. He was the leading owner in partnerships that earned another $16,286.
Katie Rich Farms, just across the county line in Scott County, was second among individual breeders in the Midway ZIP code, earning $61,180.

Three Chimneys earned $42,153 and was leading owner in partnerships that earned another $29,210. Susie Shoemaker’s Lantern Hill Farm, just outside the Midway city limits, earned $39,742 plus $8,874.50 in partnerships as lead owner.

Other winners in the Midway ZIP code with more than $5,000 in awards were Paul Van Doren and Adreana Van Doren, $21,680; Jones’s son, Bret, $16,370; Sheltowee Farm and partners, $14,274; Russell L. Reineman Stable, $14,270; Hurstland Farm and partners, $12,240; Glencrest Farm, $10,685; Nicholas J. Sibilio, $10,175; and Elizabeth J. Valando, $7,090.

Brereton C. Jones

Among the long, overall list of breeders who put in for awards, Jones ranked fifth. First place went to Woodford County’s WinStar Farm, $285,300, not including $14,210 with partners; it was a partner in last year’s Triple Crown winner, Justify.

Calumet Farm was second in awards with $267,455, followed by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, $222,097; and Godolphin, $208,378.

Godolphin is the racing stable of the Maktoum family that rules the Arab emirate of Dubai. The crown prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, owns Shadwell Farm, which includes a large farm west of Midway on Leestown Pike (US 421); it received $97,048 in awards.

Close behind Jones’ $202,745 in the overall awards standings were Ken and Sarah Ramsey of Nicholasville at $190,952.

Nicholasville breeders’ total ranked close behind that of Midway breeders, with a total of $546,985 in awards. Lexington breeders received the most at $4,491,859. Breeders with Versailles addresses received $1,700,588. For the full spreadsheet, with Midway and some other breakdowns, click here.

Jones, as governor in 1991-95, was instrumental in establishing breeders’ awards, with the goal of maintaining Kentucky’s leadership in Thoroughbred breeding. The current program was adopted in 2005. Several other states have such programs.

The program started under Jones was funded by off-track betting revenues and was “much more restrictive,” said state Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer, who write the 2005 legislation.
The main purpose of the program is to encourage owners and breeders to do business in the state, to ensure strength and growth of its thoroughbred industry. It also benefits Kentucky’s economy when owners and breeders breed and raise thoroughbreds in Kentucky.

To be considered “Kentucky bred” and eligible for awards, a horse must be foaled on Kentucky soil. The awards are distributed to those who board their mares in Kentucky from the first cover with a stallion to foaling. The final payments are based on the foal’s earnings on the racetrack. The fund receives 80 percent of the state tax on stud fees.