Speed Boat Beach Named Florida-Bred Horse of the Year

At the recent FTBOA Awards Gala, Speed Boat Beach was honored as the 2023 Florida-bred Horse of the Year.

Bred by Richard Heysek’s Caperlane Farm and owned by Michael Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, Speed Boat Beach also clinched the titles of Champion 3-Year-Old Colt and Champion Male Sprinter.

In 2023, Speed Boat Beach secured victory in the Malibu Stakes (G1) and secured second place in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2) at Santa Anita Park.

Additionally, Richard Heysek received the Needles Award for Small Thoroughbred Breeder of the Year in Florida.

Marilyn Campbell’s Stonehedge was recognized as the 2023 FTBOA Florida Breeder of the Year and the leading Florida breeder by Florida-bred earnings. Stonehedge-bred horses achieved notable success, with standout runners including Dean Delivers and Me and Mr. C.

Arindel claimed the honor of leading owner by Florida-bred earnings in 2023, with notable victories from horses like Clapton, Octane, and Reaper.

Khozan was named the 2023 Florida Stallion of the Year for the fourth consecutive year, with progeny earnings totaling $6,292,158. Khozan’s leading earner for the season was graded stakes-winner Foggy Night.

Florida-based trainer Jena Antonucci received the 2023 Bruce Campbell Award for her outstanding achievement, becoming the first woman to train a winner of a Triple Crown race with Arcangelo’s victory in the Belmont Stakes (G1).4

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The 2023 Joseph M. O’Farrell Memorial Award was presented to Stuart Morris and Ruben M. Sanchez’ Really and Truly Thoroughbreds, the consignors of Speed Boat Beach, recognizing their contribution to the success of the top Florida-bred horse of the year.

Saffie Joseph Jr. was acknowledged as the leading Florida trainer of Florida-breds by earnings and tied with Kathleen O’Connell and Jose D’Angelo for leading Florida trainer by Florida-bred wins. Joseph also tied with Jose D’Angelo for leading Florida trainer by black-type wins.