Howard Bender posthumously named Maryland breeder of the year

Howard Bender, who died in September 2015, has posthumously been named Maryland breeder of the year for 2017.

Bender bred Just Howard, who won the Grade 3 Commonwealth Derby at Laurel Park in September in addition to a pair of restricted stakes, the Find and Caveat. He also bred Blu Moon Ace, whose 2017 wins included the Maryland Million Sprint at Laurel and the Coalition Stakes at Timonium.

In all, horses bred by Bender won 37 races and had earnings of more than $1.2 million last year. This is the fifth time he has been named breeder of the year in Maryland.

Great Notion was Maryland’s leading stallion for the second year in a row. Great Notion, 18, is a son of Elusive Quality who stands at the Northview Stallion Station for $5,000. He had 2017 progeny earnings of more than $2.6 million.

Parlez, a 19-year-old daughter of French Deputy, was named Maryland broodmare of the year. She has produced six winners, including $1.2 million winner International Star and 2014 Maryland Million Sprint winner DC Dancer.