The Kentucky Broodmare of the Year is selected each year by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. The title is considered the highest honor an American thoroughbred broodmare can receive, as the majority of American breeding stock resides in Kentucky. It is a subjective vote, as opposed to the title for leading sire in North America that looks strictly at the earnings of the stallion's progeny in the given year.
Currently, a mare is eligible for consideration if one particular offspring, conceived and foaled in Kentucky, won a Grade I stakes race in the award year. Consideration may then also be given to previous foals, specifically the number of stakes winners produced and their earnings.[1] The rules were more relaxed in the past, essentially requiring, as one bloodstock expert observed, only that "the mare be boarded in Kentucky."[2]
Mares who have produced multiple graded stakes winners may also be given the informal title of "blue hen". Toussaud, the 2002 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year, is often referred to as a blue hen for producing four grade 1 winners (Chester House, Honest Lady, Chiselling and Belmont Stakes winner Empire Maker) from her first six foals.[3]
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