Fonner Park track report

What About David was named the older horse of the year and Flaming Night the older mare of the year at the annual Nebraska Thoroughbred Breeders' Association dinner Saturday night in Grand Island, Neb.

What About David counted the Amadevil Handicap at Columbus among his five wins last year and earned more than $46,000 from 11 starts for trainer Andy Johnson. Flaming Night garnered the older mare award with just one win, the Orphan Kist Handicap at Fonner Park, and a third in the Claiming Crown Glass Slipper at Canterbury Park for owner Niels McDermott.

The 2-year-old filly award went to My Hobby, bred and owned by Jane and Michal Moreland. My Hobby won twice at Prairie Meadows last summer. Cork the Barber, the 2-year-old colt honoree, claimed a 10-length win in the Columbus Futurity for his second victory of the year.

The 3-year-old colt award was presented to Thundering Verzy, who captured the Fonner Park Special, the Journal Star Stakes at Lincoln, and the Labor Day Handicap at Columbus. He was also second in Fonner's Nebraska Derby and had earnings of $65,302. Sheso was named the top 3-year-old filly after a 4-1-0 campaign from seven starts earned her $36,864. She won the Breeders' Special at Lincoln and the Inaugural and Breeders' Special handicaps, both at Columbus.

Morning Silence, the dam of Sheso, was named the broodmare of the year, while Blumin Affair was named the state's stallion of the year.

Ron Westermann was named the NTBA member of the year in individual honors. The Blood-Horse Julep Cup, presented to the leading breeder, went to Herb Riecken, while William Hobbs was named the TOBA Award winner and will represent the state at the annual Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association dinner in Lexington, Ky., in September.

Nebraska-breds retired from racing in 2004 who had earned more than $100,000 were honored this year, with Buzz Bar, Nasty and Brave, Irish Flyer, Real Intrusion, Daisy Double, and Kathryn's Ego receiving recognition.

Buzz Bar, campaigned by Riecken, made his final start in June 2003 when he captured the Presidents Cup Handicap for his 13th career victory. He retired with more than $262,000 in earnings.