2011 Eclipse Awards: Ken and Sarah Ramsey

The Ramseys’ homebred stallion and 2004 champion turf horse Kitten’s Joy has helped his owners establish a dynasty at their Ramsey Farm near Nicholasville, Ky.

Kitten’s Joy is responsible for much of the Ramseys’ success as breeders – and owners – in 2011, starting with their leading earner during the season. That was Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and Alcibiades winner Stephanie’s Kitten, who earned $817,526 last year. She also was third in the Grade 3 Natalma Stakes. Another Kitten’s Joy homebred, Holiday for Kitten, defeated eventual Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner Musical Romance while winning the Grade 2 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes. Stephanie’s Kitten and Holiday for Kitten helped the Ramseys secure leading breeder honors in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.

The Ramseys bred 2011 Grade 1-placed Dean’s Kitten, Grade 3 winner Derby Kitten, Grade 3-placed Coalport, and stakes winner Queen’splatekitten, all homebreds by Kitten’s Joy.

Ramsey-bred runners, which included 15 stakes winners and 123 winners, earned more than $6.6 million last year. They finished second by earnings and number of stakes winners behind much-larger Adena Springs.

The Ramseys bought historic Almahurst Farm in 1994, renaming it Ramsey Farm. They have earned three Eclipse Awards: one for Kitten’s Joy in 2004, when they also won the Eclipse as leading owners, and in 2010 for champion steeplechaser Slip Away.