War Emblem honored in Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. - War Emblem, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness last year, was named horse of the year for 2002 by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association at the organization's annual awards luncheon Wednesday at Keeneland.

War Emblem's breeder, Charles Nuckols Jr., was given the KTOB's Hardboot Breeder Award.

Also honored by the KTOB for accomplishments in 2002 were: 2-year-old filly, Storm Flag Flying; 2-year-old colt or gelding, Vindication; 3-year-old filly, Farda Amiga; 3-year-old colt or gelding, War Emblem; handicap mare, Azeri; handicap horse, Left Bank; female turf horse, Astra; male turf horse, Good Journey; sprinter, Orientate; steeplechaser, Flat Top; overseas racer, Nayef; and broodmare, Toussaud.

Among the other KTOB honorees were Juddmonte Farms, Alice Chandler, Virginia Kraft Payson, TVG Network, and the late Allen Paulson. Horses and horsemen who led various categories in the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund also were recognized.