New award created to recognize thoroughbred breeders

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Lexington, KY (Sports Network) - An award that will recognize breeders of horses participating in the Breeders' Cup Challenge series and the Breeders' Cup World Championships has been created as part of an agreement between Breeders' Cup Limited and John Deere.

The John Deere Award will be given to the thoroughbred breeder who receives the most points based on the highest number of first place finishes in 68 international Breeders' Cup Challenge series races and in the 15 races of the Breeders' Cup World Championships.

This year's World Championships will be held at Churchill Downs on November 5 and 6.

"John Deere is proud to support the Breeders' Cup and the NTRA," said Dwight Ange, John Deere Corporate Account Manager. "Through our partnership and the creation of the John Deere Award, we will continue to highlight the vital role breeders play in the Championship season."

Breeders' Cup will track the progress of breeders during the 2011 Challenge and Championships season and the award will be determined by the use of a point system.

Ten points will be awarded for winning a Grade or Group I race, six points for a Grade or Group II event, three points for a Grade or Group III stakes and winning an ungraded race will be worth two points.

NTRA Advantage and John Deere will provide a John Deere TS Gator Utility Vehicle to the winning breeder at the World Championships.

"John Deere has been a terrific Breeders' Cup partner and loyal supporter of thoroughbred racing over the past decade," said Carter Carnegie, Breeders' Cup Senior Vice President of Sponsorship Sales and Business Development. "In addition to their partnership renewal, we are also excited about their expanded role in teaming with NTRA Advantage to create the John Deere Award. This new award is a great way to recognize and promote the essential importance of our breeders to the Breeders' Cup program throughout the summer and fall leading to the Championships."

The announcement of the award came when John Deere renewed its agreement to continue as a marketing partner and the official equipment supplier of the Breeders' Cup World Championships.