The best Florida-bred thoroughbreds of 2009 were honored Mar. 15 during the 50th annual awards ceremony sponsored by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA).

Ocala Stud stallion Montbrook headlined the event, named Florida stallion of the year. Montbrook's progeny earned more than $3.78 million in purses in 2009 and led all other Florida sires in progeny earnings. It was the second straight year the stallion earned the title.

He had seven individuals win stakes for the year, with his chief earner Big Drama winning the Red Legend S. and finishing second in the West Virginia Derby (G2). Other 2009 stakes winners for their sire include Shadowbdancing, Fleet Valid, Exotic Bloom, Chary, Oilgonewile, and Christmas Ship. Montbrook has gotten off to a fast start in 2010 as well, currently in the top five on the Florida general sire list on the strength of the performance of his multiple graded stakes winning daughter Amen Hallelujah.

Montbrook also was the leading Florida sire in 2002 and 2003. He was bred by Ocala Stud and has stood at the farm since 1995.

Amen Hallelujah top 2-year-old filly

The 2009 FTBOA juvenile filly title went to Amen Hallelujah, who finished third in a pair of Grade 1 races: the Darley Alcibiades S. at Keeneland and the Hollywood Starlet S. She was worse than third only one time in six starts, earning $132,370.

Amen Hallelujah was bred by Thorobeam Farm and was foaled at Ocala Stud. She races in the name of  IEAH Stables and Stan Whisenant's Whizway Farms.