Post Time Reigns Supreme as Top Midlantic-Bred of 2024

Jan 29, 2025 at 8:17 PM

In a remarkable achievement, Post Time has been crowned the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred/The Racing Biz Top Midlantic-bred of 2024. The four-year-old horse had an exceptional season, clinching four victories and earning nearly $1 million in prize money. Notably, Post Time secured two graded stakes wins early in the year and placed in three Grade 1 events, including a second-place finish in the prestigious Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. Trainer Brittany Russell and owner Ellen Charles’s Hillwood Stable LLC expressed immense pride in the horse's accomplishments.

Outstanding Performances Mark Post Time's Stellar Season

Post Time's journey to becoming the top Midlantic-bred was marked by several outstanding performances. Early in the season, he claimed his first two graded stakes victories at Laurel Park's Grade 3 General George and Aqueduct's Grade 2 Carter Stakes. These consecutive wins set the tone for what would become a memorable year. Despite facing tough competition, Post Time managed to place in three Grade 1 races, demonstrating his resilience and competitive spirit. His second-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile was particularly impressive, rallying from last to finish just 1.5 lengths behind the winner.

The horse's success story is not just about wins and earnings but also about the bond it has forged with its team. Trainer Brittany Russell highlighted the emotional significance of having Post Time in her stable. "He means so much to all of us," she said. "These are the horses that everyone dreams of having." Post Time's connections are now looking forward to an equally promising 2025 campaign. After a brief rest following a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Cigar Mile, the horse is set to return to training in early February. Owner Ellen Charles emphasized that the break was planned to ensure the horse remained sound and ready for the upcoming season. "But there was a rumor that he was asking to get back," she joked, adding that Post Time has always had a mind of his own.

Achievements and Recognition in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Post Time's accolades extend beyond his on-track performances. The Maryland-bred horse has earned significant recognition within the racing community. Purchased for $85,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic fall yearling sale, Post Time has since amassed nine wins from 15 starts and over $1.2 million in career earnings. He follows in the footsteps of other notable Hillwood Stable LLC horses like Cordmaker and Bandbox, both previous winners of the General George. Post Time's achievements have made him a standout figure in the Mid-Atlantic region, where he received 11 of 13 first-place votes from a panel of experts, easily outpacing competitors like Book’em Danno.

The honor of being named Top Midlantic-bred comes with a rich history. Post Time aims to become only the second horse to win this title in consecutive years, following Knicks Go's back-to-back victories in 2020 and 2021. The selection process involved media members and industry professionals who evaluated horses bred in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, New Jersey, Delaware, and the Carolinas. Post Time's consistent performance and unwavering dedication have made him a deserving recipient of this prestigious title. As he prepares for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Post Time to see if he can continue his winning streak and solidify his legacy in the world of thoroughbred racing.