The Chosen Vron was a runaway winner on the strength of a remarkable season in which he extended his winning streak to eight, all stakes, including a thrilling victory in the Grade I Bing Crosby at Del Mar.
The Chosen Vron, previously named Cal-bred champion older male and turf horse for 2022, repeated as 2023 champion older male and added champion sprinter to his resume. In 2022 he was Cal-bred champion 3-year-old. His trainer, Eric Kruljac, was named 2023 Trainer of the Year.
“Incredible, the whole thing, but what’s incredible is the horse,” said Kruljac. “I wish I could share his personality in the shed row when he’s not making money. He’s just the coolest dude in the world.”
The Chosen Vron was bred by Tiz Molly Partners and is owned by Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker & Richard Thornburgh. He has 15 wins in 20 starts and career earnings of $1,239,678.
Other Cal-bred champions recognized at the banquet:
Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Male – Yo Yo Candy, bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, owned by Happy Tenth Stable and trained by Daniel Velazquez.
Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Female – Grand Slam Smile, bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and trained by Steven Specht.
Champion California-bred Three-Year-Old Male – One in Vermillion, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, owned by Jonathan Kalman, trained by Esteban Martinez.
Champion California-bred Three-Year-Old Female – Ceiling Crusher, bred by Harris Farms, owned by Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff and Ty Leatherman, trained by Doug O’Neill.
Champion California-bred Older Male – The Chosen Vron, bred by Tiz Molly Partners, owned by Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker & Richard Thornburgh, trained by Eric Kruljac.
Champion California-bred Older Female – Closing Remarks, bred by owner Harris Farms, trained by Carla Gaines.
Champion California-bred Sprinter – The Chosen Vron, bred by Tiz Molly Partners, owned by Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker & Richard Thornburgh, trained by Eric Kruljac.
Champion California-bred Turf Horse – Closing Remarks, bred by owner Harris Farms, trained by Carla Gaines.
Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Grazen, property of Nick Alexander.
Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number of Winners – Stay Thirsty, property of Terry Lovingier.
Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings – Grazen, property of Nick Alexander.
Champion Sire of California Conceived Two-Year-Olds by Earnings – Stay Thirsty, property of Terry Lovingier.
Trainer of the Year – Eric Kruljac.
Broodmare of the Year – Lutess, owned by Phil Lebherz and Connie & Mike Pageler.
Champion Breeder of California Foaled Thoroughbreds by Earnings – Richard Barton Enterprises.
CTBA Hall of Fame – Russell Drake, Clay Murdock, Soviet Problem, Tribal Rule.