SOCIAL SCENE: FTBOA Tropical Gala
The annual Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association event celebrated equine industry successes.
Attendees at the FTBOA Tropical Gala included Crystal Fernung of Journeyman Stud and Billye Mallory. [Photo Courtesy FTBOA].
Attendees at the annual FTBOA soiree, which this year had a tropical theme, were encouraged to “think Miami style with an element of elegance and a pop of color or flair.”
The event even included gala specialty cocktails, such as Cajun Bahama Breeze, Neolithic Lemonade and a Tunwoo Whiskey Sour, all sponsored by local horse farms, Stonehedge Farm South, Pleasant Acres Stallions and Bridlewood Farm, respectively.
According to materials shared on social media and via email by Tammy Gantt, FTBOA’s associate vice president/member services and events, there were numerous accolades extended throughout the event, which took place May 12 at the Circle Square Cultural Center at On Top of the World in Ocala.
Among those honored were Peggy Costanzo, for Horse of the Year Mystic Lake and Bo Yates for 2-year-old champ Rated By Merit. The Breeder of the Year award went, for the fifth time, to Marilyn Campbell’s Stonehedge LLC.
The long list included many well-known names in the community, such as David and Joseph O’Farrell of Ocala Stud Farm; Charlotte Weber of Live Oak Stud; and Barbara, Andrew and Arthur Vanlangendonck of Summerfield Sales; just to name a few.
Thoroughbred horses also were accorded honors, including Win, Win, Win, Forever Souper, Khozan and Points of Grace.
FTBOA President George Isaacs, of Bridlewood Farm, and CEO Lonny Powell were on hand to welcome attendees.
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