OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A Levy County thoroughbred has a new honor to add to its collection.
Speed Boat Beach was named the 2023 Florida-bred Horse of the Year on Monday night.
The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) board of directors votes on the award and announced the top honor at an awards ceremony at the Circle Square Cultural Center in Ocala.
Speed Boat Beach is bred by Richard Heysek’s Caperlane Farm and owned by Michael Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman,
Heysek was also recognized as the Small Thoroughbred Breeder of the Year in Florida.
The 2023 FTBOA Florida Breeder of the Year award went to Marilyn Campbell’s Stonehedge LLC. Stonehedge was also recognized as the leading Florida breeder by Florida-bred earnings award having racked up a total of $3,338,867 with 103 wins during the year. Stonehedge’s top runners in 2023 were graded stakes-winner Dean Delivers and multiple stakes-winner Me and Mr. C.