Irish War Cry named New Jersey-bred Horse of the Year

Multiple graded stakes winner Irish War Cry has been honored as the New Jersey-bred Horse of the Year by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association of New Jersey.

The millionaire Curlin colt, also honored as the state's 3-year-old of the year, raced as a homebred for Isabelle de Tomaso. He won the Holy Bull Stakes and Wood Memorial, both Grade 2 events, early in the season, and later finished second, beaten two lengths by Tapwrit, in the Belmont Stakes.

De Tomaso, whose family has long been prominent in New Jersey racing and breeding - her father was the late Amory L. Haskell, the first president and chairman of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club and the namesake of its signature race - was represented by another New Jersey honoree in champion turf horse Irish Strait, winner of the Grade 3 Red Bank Stakes. The gelding is a half-brother to Irish War Cry, as both are out of the Polish Numbers mare Irish Sovereign, honored as New Jersey's Broodmare of the Year for the second time. Irish Strait is by English Channel - who, like Irish War Cry's sire Curlin, is a son of Smart Strike.

Also among New Jersey-bred competing successfully against open company in 2017 was Green Gratto, who captured the Grade 1 Carter Handicap and Grade 3 Toboggan Handicap. He was named New Jersey's champion older male and champion sprinter. Other equine honorees included Like What I See (outstanding 2-year-old), Liz's Cable Girl (3-year-old female), Ioia's Bustin Out (older female).

Joe-Dan Farm's Hey Chub was honored as Stallion of the Year for the second time in his career.