Earlier this week, Breeders’ Cup named Gary Player as the first recipient of the Breeders’ Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award.

The Breeders’ Cup Sports and Racing Excellence Award honours an individual who has established a career of excellence in a chosen profession and also maintains a passionate interest as an owner, breeder or participant in the thoroughbred racing industry.

Player, a nine-time PGA champion and leading South African breeder, will receive the award at Santa Anita Park on November 5, one day prior to the Breeders’ Cup.

“Demonstrating that same commitment to excellence which made him the world’s greatest international golfer, Gary’s outstanding success as a thoroughbred breeder and passionate supporter of horse racing makes him an extraordinary first recipient of our Sports and Racing Award,” Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Greg Avioli said.  “On behalf of our board, the racing industry and Gary’s many fans and followers around the world, we are extremely proud to present him with this honour at the Breeders’ Cup.”

Player is the most successful international golfer of all time and a global ambassador for the sport.  He became just the third player in history behind Gene Sarazan and Ben Hogan to win all four Grand Slam events.  He is also a renowned golf course architect, having created more than 300 design projects around the world.

Player’s connection to thoroughbred racing and breeding is passionate and widespread.  As the owner of 20,000-acre Gary Player Stud in Cape Province since 1974, he is one of South Africa’s most successful breeders.

From an original small band of broodmares, he has produced an average of 12% stakes winners per crop, including Pinehurst, World Over, Foreign Source, Kadarko, Foolish Pride, Creator and Superwood, among others.  From three mares located in the United States, he had G1 winner Broadway Flyer, French G3 scorer Cachet Noir, and two sons of Storm Cat at stud in South Africa, Aristis and Port Rush.

“I am chuffed at being selected for this inaugural award and delighted to accept it on behalf of all horse lovers around the world,” Player said from his stud farm in Colesberg, South Africa.  “If I had to choose golf over horses…I would miss my clubs!”