The 2024 Governor’s Award for Horseperson of the Year was awarded to Al Ochsner for his service to the equine industry over several decades. Ochsner accepted the award at the 67th Annual New Jersey Breeders Awards Celebration at the Horse Park of New Jersey on Tuesday, marking the Month of the Horse in the state.
“Al Ochsner’s dedicated service to the industry and passion for horses makes him an exemplary person to be honored with this award,” NJDA Secretary Ed Wengryn said. “His work with the Standardbred Owners and Breeders Association of New Jersey (SBOANJ) has allowed the state to remain one of the leaders in the industry.”
In 2006, Ochsner became a director of SBOANJ and served in various capacities before being appointed executive administrator in 2016. Over the years, he has worked to ensure the strength of the racing industry through on-track initiatives and programs promoting breeding and owning Standardbreds. He also helped secure a five-year $100 million state racing appropriation.
Ochsner owned and bred more than 100 horses, including Precious Bunny, who won 20 of 25 races in 1991, earned $2.21 million, and was named Horse of the Year in both the U.S. and Canada. The pacer’s victories included significant races such as Meadowlands Pace, North America Cup, and Little Brown Jug, leading Ochsner to be recognized as Breeder of the Year.
Ochsner’s other notable horses included Golden Greek, Keystone Harem, Seminole Lobell, and Town Council.
Ochsner attended New Brunswick High School where he was president of its FFA chapter. During that time, he began raising pheasants which later funded his education at Utah State University. He graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and economics.
Shortly after starting his professional career, Ochsner got involved in harness racing with a childhood friend. Initially working with claimers, he soon moved to higher-level racing and breeding. His collaborations included partnerships where his horses were trained by prominent trainers such as Billy Haughton and Jan Nordin.
Other awards presented include:
Secretary of Agriculture Award for New Jersey Standardbred Horse of the Year: Tactical Approach – Tactical Approach became notable for winning prestigious races such as Hambletonian, Kentucky Futurity, and Breeders Crown. Sired by Tactical Landing out of Sarcy (Donato Hanover mare), he earned $1.35 million as a three-year-old with a mark of 1:50.1 Trained by Nancy Takter and owned by Robert LeBlanc, John Fielding, Joe Sbrocco, and John Fodera.
New Jersey Sire Stakes Premier Horse of the Year: Voukefalas – Bred by Michael Pagonas from Saddle River out of broodmare Inittowinafortune. Trained by Michael Russo also from Saddle River; Voukefalas achieved significant success at Meadowlands with earnings totaling $571,250 in 2023.
Secretary of Agriculture Award for New Jersey Thoroughbred Horse of the Year: Book’em Dano – Owned by Atlantic Six Racing LLC; Book’em Danno won key races including Smoke Glacken Stakes at Monmouth Park and Futurity Stakes at Aqueduct under trainer Derek Ryan's guidance.
Breeder of the Year: Southwind Farms – Located in Pennington within Mercer County; Southwind Farms is home to renowned stallions like Muscle Hill and Tactical Landing adding another jewel with Tactical Approach's successes.
Horse Park Volunteer of the Year: Dr. Carey Williams – A long-term volunteer who significantly contributed to organizing events at Horse Park while balancing her professional commitments as Rutgers Professor.
New Jersey Youth Horseperson of the Year: McKenzie Jones – A member active in New Jersey Region Pony Club noted for achievements in eventing alongside efforts supporting youth through riding lessons focusing on children with learning disabilities.
