I wanted to recap the 2025 HRP Champions… a season of success for many.  The comments below are not a reflection of anyone with the SRF, HRP or any other member – it’s just my reflection and commentary on a fantastic year of racing.    Here are the Champions –

  2yo Male – Hurts (Royalty Stables)

Five wins from eights starts, this colt had four graded wins on the year, and to me… yes, just to me, this was a bit of an upset after NOT winning the BC Juv (GI), although he did close well to DH for the show position.  Obviously, he’s on the TC Trail already, finishing a disappointing fourth in the Southwest (GIII), although that did not factor in to this champion decision. 

  2yo Female – Wants It All (Mo Mentum Farm)

A big year for Mo Mentum Farm as they walk away with three trophies… very impressive.  Perhaps more impressive was the fore thought to make the deal and pick this filly up for $600.000, then taking the BC Juv F (GI) by a head to solidify a 6-3/1/1 freshman season, and take home the champion honors.  She hasn’t kicked-off her 2026 season, as of yet, but we are all excited to watch where she lands.

  3yo Male – Extreme Jet (Mb Stables)

Four wins on the ’25 season and none bigger than his KYD romp in the Louisville mud.  He was two lengths away from winning the all-too-elusive TC, finishing fifth in the PRK, but bounced back to take the BEL.  He also took the Travers (GI) before a duo of runner-up efforts to close out his superior sophomore season.  Being a gelding, we should see a LOT more of him. 

  3yo Female – Credit Crime (Aer Stables)

Six wins from eight starts, I think this one was probably the slam dunk of all slam dunks, this year.  She reeled in four consecutive graded wins before a third in the BEL, then won two more graded races against her own before a seventh-place finish on BC Day.  I think what we learned/knew that was the older F&M group was probably the most competitive group in racing, so, nothing to be ashamed of there… and she bounced back to win another GI, her sixth graded win of the year. 

  Older Male – Chagrin Falls (Mo Mentum Farm)

Ok, this is where I get a bit befuddled and why I almost didn’t write this article… this talented 7yo (at the time) had a very impressive year winning a trio of races, including the BC Turf (GI) along with two other graded races… both grass events.  Yet, he had no dirt wins and didn’t get the nod for Turf Male.  Ehhh, move along Coz, move along. 

  Older Female – Lady Hilltopper (Black N Gold Stable)

Now, it all makes sense… what a war-horse!!  At the age of six, this monster knocked down five wins from nine starts, all graded, all on the weeds and she took the BC F&M Turf (GI).  She won from a mile to a mile and three-eighths while amassing $2,655.000 in earnings – bringing her lifetime total to $4,941.580 (at the time… it’s grown).  There were some questions as to how she wasn’t HOY… you won’t get a fight from me, that for sure. 

  Turf Male – Ello Santa (Mb Stables)

Let’s keep the head scratching going (see Older Male) as this one had five wins from nine starts and put more than $3,000.000 in the bank.  So, no complaints there, but he was third in a GII and one a GIII on the dirt, before taking four graded turf races.  But the real kicker to me is, he was third to Chagrin Falls in the BC Turf… did they maybe get these two backwards?

  Turf Female – Lady Hilltopper (Black N Gold Stable)

As discussed, the Queen of the Turf deserves any and every accolade she earned in the ’25 season.  What a mare! 

  Sprinter Male – Dorian Gray (Mb Stables)

The Big Barn takes home their second trophy as this 6yo speedster chalked up a trio of victories in his ten starts, none bigger than his score in the BC Sprint at DMR.  He went from Jan-Nov between wins, then capped off the year with another graded win at AQU… but did Brit Style have reason to dispute this one?  Maybe, but a win in the Janus would have helped his cause. 

  Sprinter Female – Lille (Mo Mentum Farm)

The 4yo filly took down four of nine starts, three of those were graded wins after changing hands in April.  That was a gutsy performance while winning the BC F&M Sprint, and that certainly handed this one the trophy.  She’s already kicked off ’26 with a win at SA, so… there’s more to come. 

  Free Track Horse of the Year – Velsipity (Spinetingling)

Spinetingling is certainly the King of the Freebies and this colt knocked down four wins from six starts and included two early season stakes wins (both at LRL).  Did Nice Cups have a complaint?  Again, maybe… she had more wins, but… can you really dispute anything with Spinetingling and a free track/race? 

  Owner/Trainer of the Year – Mb Stables

No doubt, he is the baddest man in all the land… showing an EPR of $25.190 at pay tracks and still at $24.630 when you add in his free races, there is only one Mb Stables!  He’s going to top the Billion mark this year. 

  Breeder of the Year – Mb Stables

Again, you cannot dispute the King of HRP… did I have a bit of a sentimental thought for the now retired Smokey Stover?  Sure… we probably all did, including Mb.  But, the numbers are astounding, the stallion roster is unbelievable and the same can be said for his endless broodmare band.  Simply, The Best!

  Horse of the Year – Extreme Jet (Mb Stables)

I know there were some rumblings in the talk about this one, but as I said there… just as in RL, the KYD winner just carries a mystique that you can’t deny… and with that, “Jet” is a worthy champion.  He closed out the year with nearly $8.00mil in earnings, and has surpassed that, with his 4yo debut (again, not that it figured in to the awards).  Still… you cannot doubt his accomplishments and near TC run.

Congratulations to all of the champions, their connections… breeders, owners… 2025 was one heck of a year for racing, here at HRP.  We saw some very good players go, some up-and-coming barns begin to show their abilities, and a host of new players.  The game marches on… and thanks to everyone in the community that makes this the best horse race game on the planet… bar none!   A tip of my glass to all of you… let’s keep it going! 

oh… and sorry I didn’t cover Jockey of the Year… pure silliness.  For me, it was Miakol Vilchez since he gave me a RL win and four seconds.  Honorable mentions to Lane and Raj for being RL jocks while playing the game.  If I missed any others, my apologies.  You guys are superstars!  


COZ

Categories: EDITORIAL, Racing Information