Elizabeth Merryman, who bred Caravel, winner of the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) Nov. 5 at Keeneland, has been named the 2022 recipient of the John Deere Award in recognition of the breeders whose horses participated this year in the Breeders' Cup and Breeders' Cup Challenge Series.
The John Deere Award, presented by Breeders' Cup Limited and NTRA Advantage, emphasizes the contributions of breeders to the Breeders' Cup program. The industry's breeders and nominators provide funding for the purses of the World Championships through the annual nominations of foals and stallions.
NTRA Advantage and John Deere will award a John Deere TS Gator Utility Vehicle to Merryman.
This year's John Deere Award winner was determined by a drawing from all breeders who won either a Breeders' Cup race or a Breeders' Cup Challenge Series race. The Challenge Series provides "Win and You're In" berths.
"I am very happy to accept the John Deere Award on behalf of Caravel in honor of her thrilling win in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint and in recognition of all breeders who participated in the World Championships," said Merryman.
Caravel, a 5-year-old Pennsylvania-bred mare by Mizzen Mast out of Zeezee Zoomzoom by Congrats, won the Turf Sprint for jockey Tyler Gaffalione, trainer Brad Cox, and owners Qatar Racing, Marc Detampel, and Madaket Stables.
During the early part of her career, Caravel raced solely for Merryman as both owner and trainer.
