Kentucky Horse Racing & Gaming is announced Feb. 13 that $20 million in awards is on the way to breeders participating in the Kentucky Thoroughbred Breeders' Incentive Fund in celebration of the 20-year anniversary of the program. First implemented in 2005, the KTBIF has provided more than $274 million to breeders of Kentucky-breds winning eligible races worldwide.
The KTBIF was established to ensure the strength of Kentucky's equine industry by awarding funds to breeders of Kentucky-bred Thoroughbreds. To qualify, the mare must be nominated, bred to a registered Kentucky stallion, remain in the Commonwealth during her full gestation, and foal in Kentucky. The KTBIF is funded through a percentage of the sales tax paid when a stallion is bred to a mare in Kentucky.
A full list of the 2025 award winners, including amounts won totaling $20,000,227.81, will be available on the KHRG website under Awards.
"Our commonwealth continues to show the world we are the Horse Racing Capital of the World as Kentucky-bred horses achieved wins across the globe, including the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby, as well as each leg of the Triple Crown," Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said. "The future is bright for this essential industry, and it gives me great pride that for the second-straight year we're able to award Kentucky's incredible Thoroughbred breeders a record $20 million in funding."
According to the KHRGC, Kentucky-bred Thoroughbreds continued to shine throughout the world. In 2025, Kentucky-breds:
- Won 275 of 415 (66%) graded stakes races offered in the United States
- Swept the three legs of the Triple Crown with Sovereignty (Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, both G1) and Journalism (Preakness Stakes, G1)
- Captured eight Eclipse Awards, led by Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male Sovereignty
- Excelled throughout the world, including wins in the Dubai World Cup (G1) (Hit Show), St Leger Stakes (G1) (Scandinavia), Goodwood Cup Stakes (G1) (Scandinavia), Two Thousand Guineas (G1) (Ruling Court), Summer Stakes (G1T) (Argos), and E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1T) (She Feels Pretty)
Kentucky-breds also swept the 151st runnings of the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby with Good Cheer and Sovereignty, both bred and owned by Godolphin, who will receive a $50,000 KTBIF award for each win.
"As both a state representative and a horse breeder, I've seen firsthand how the Kentucky Breeders' Incentive Fund has strengthened our signature industry," said Kentucky State Rep. Matt Koch, manager of Shawhan Place near Paris, Ky. "For two decades, this program has rewarded hard work, supported family farms, and kept Kentucky at the center of the global Thoroughbred industry. The KTBIF is a smart investment in our rural economy, our agricultural heritage, and the future of horse racing in the Commonwealth."
Former Kentucky State Sen. Damon Thayer recalled the time prior to the implementation of the KTBIF.
"Back then, our mare market share was in decline as breeders were moving bloodstock to other states with more lucrative incentive programs," he said. "Not only have we reversed that decline, but also Kentucky has solidified its market-leading position year after year. I congratulate successful breeders who have received annual checks from KTBIF and look forward to decades of further growth and market success for the Bluegrass state."
Since its inception, the KTBIF has provided awards for more than 80,000 races worldwide. More information about the program is available online.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
