2013 Eclipse Awards: Midwest Thoroughbreds

photo by: Tom Keyser

Richard and Karen Papiese’s Midwest Thoroughbreds has become the most successful high-volume stable in the United States over the past several years and continued to send out winners at a host of racetracks in 2013. In 2013, Midwest Thoroughbreds ranked second among owners by earnings with more than $7.2 million. That bankroll was amassed through 401 wins, easily the most in North America, and 10 of those wins came in stakes.

The Papieses led owners in wins for a fourth consecutive year in 2013; they also led North American owners in earnings during 2011 and 2012. In 2012, they accumulated a staggering 542 wins, breaking a record that had stood for 38 years.

Richard Papiese, a native of Chicago, founded the family company Midwest Store Fixtures and entered the racing game in 2001. Formed in 2008, the Midwest Thoroughbred stable races primarily in the Midwest and East and divides its stock between primary trainer Jamie Ness and several others, including Roger Brueggemann and Tom Amoss. Among their top runners of 2013 were The Pizza Man, a popular Illinois-bred stakes winner, and Louisiana-bred stakes winner Southern Dude.

In 2009, the Papieses bought Thunder Ranch in Anthony, Fla., and began developing a comprehensive training and layup facility while buying yearlings at auction to populate the grounds. The 137-acre farm is operated by former trainer Hector Magana.

Richard and Karen Papiese also are active in a variety of Thoroughbred charities, including New Vocations and Galloping Out. In 2013, they built a 20-stall barn for the Texas-based Remember Me Rescue organization.