Mindframe Crowned Maryland-Bred Horse of the Year for 2025
Laurel Park, MD – Mindframe has been named the 2025 Maryland-bred Horse of the Year and champion older male, as announced at the ninth annual Renaissance Champion Awards on Sunday, March 22nd.1 The event, a collaboration between the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA) and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA), celebrates excellence in Thoroughbred racing and breeding within the state.
A Standout Season for Mindframe
Mindframe earned $1,407,220 in 2025, making him the richest state-bred runner of the year.1 His impressive record includes victories in the Gulfstream Park Mile-G2 and the Grade 1 Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs, where he finished in a time of 1:47.48 for the mile and an eighth – just .22 seconds off the track record.1
Trained by Todd Pletcher, Mindframe previously earned the title of Maryland-bred champion 3-year-classic male after securing two second-place finishes in Grade 1 stakes, including the Belmont Stakes.1
Challenges and Retirement
Despite a strong season, Mindframe faced setbacks in the Jockey Club Gold Cup-G1 at Saratoga, where he was hampered at the start and lost rider Irad Ortiz.1 He concluded his racing career with a fifth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic-G1 at Del Mar.1
Mindframe has since retired to stud at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky, with a career record of 9-5-2-0 and total earnings of $2,054,580.1 He was purchased as a yearling for $600,000 at the Keeneland September sale by Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables LLC from breeder Larry Johnson.1
Other 2025 Renaissance Award Winners
- Champion 2-Year-Old Male: Romeo1
- Champion 2-Year-Old Filly: Dazzling Dame1
- Champion 3-Year-Old Male: Barbadian Runner1
- Champion 3-Year-Old Filly: Onyx Ten1
- Champion Older Female, Sprinter: Splendora1
- Champion Turf Runner: Future Is Now1
- Champion Steeplechaser: Keys Discount1
Breeding Awards
R. Larry Johnson was posthumously recognized as Maryland Breeder of the Year for the second consecutive year, having bred both Mindframe and Future Is Now.1 Sluggish and Steady was named Broodmare of the Year, and Great Notion earned his 10th consecutive award as Maryland Stallion of the Year.1
The Renaissance Awards luncheon was held on March 22, 2026, at Laurel Park. Tickets were available for purchase online at marylandthoroughbred.com.4
Worth a look