Kitten’s Joy overcame the odds to emerge as Champion North American stallion in 2013.

Despite being predominantly a turf sire, the son of El Prado finished the year with earnings of $11.32 million to edge out Speightstown by just $71,022.

Kitten’s Joy was represented by 24 stakes winners including 11 Group winners which put him on top of both categories.  The 12-year-old stands at Ramsey Farm in Kentucky for a $100,000 fee.

Kitten’s Joy was also the overwhelming leading sire of turf runners last year, with progeny earnings of $8.20 million on grass, far outpacing the $3.70 million earned by runner-up Giant’s Causeway.

Owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey supported him at their farm after he banked more than $2 million on the track.  He covered 90 mares in his first season and has continued to expand with 190 mares bred to him last year.

Kitten’s Joy’s big year was highlighted by an historic Group 1 treble on August 17 courtesy of Big Blue Kitten, Admiral Kitten and Real Solution.  He also sired 5 two year-old stakes winners in 2013.