American Champion Older Female Horse (2007)

Ginger Punch was a brilliant champion mare who ruled the older female division in the late 2000s. She was foaled in 2003 and trained by Hall of Famer Bobby Frankel for Stronach Stables, the racing operation of Frank Stronach. Her sire was Awesome Again, the 1998 Breeders Cup Classic winner, and her dam was Nappelon, a daughter of Roberto. She was a striking dark bay mare with a powerful late kick that broke many a rival's heart in the stretch.

Ginger Punch put together one of the most consistent campaigns of her era. The signature win came in the 2007 Breeders Cup Distaff at Monmouth Park, where she ran down Hystericalady in deep stretch to win one of the most important races for older fillies and mares in the world. Sadly, that race was overshadowed by the breakdown of George Washington in the Breeders Cup Classic, but Ginger Punch's run was one of the highlights of the year for female horses.

She came back as a five year old in 2008 and turned in a championship season. She won the Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga, the Beldame Stakes at Belmont, the Go for Wand Handicap, and the Vinery Madison Stakes at Keeneland. She faced the best mares in training, including Curlin's stablemate Indian Blessing, and rarely came up short. At the end of the year, Ginger Punch was named the 2008 Eclipse Award Champion Older Female, the top honor in her division.

She retired after her 2008 campaign with 11 wins from 22 starts and earnings of over 3.2 million dollars. Ginger Punch went on to a career as a broodmare for Stronach Stables, where she has produced several useful runners. She is remembered as a classy, consistent mare who could close from anywhere and who delivered when the spotlight was on her in the biggest races of her time.

Sources:

• Ginger Punch - Wikipedia

• Bloodhorse - Ginger Punch

• Breeders' Cup - 2007 Distaff

Sire Awesome Again

Grandsire Deputy Minister

Dam Nappelon

Damsire Bold Revenue

Sex Filly

Foaled 2003

Country United States

Colour Chestnut

Breeder Adena Springs

Owner Stronach Stables

Trainer Robert J. Frankel

Record 22: 12-6-2

Earnings $3,065,603

Major wins

First Flight Handicap (2007)

Go For Wand Handicap (2007, 2008)

Ruffian Handicap (2007)

Sunshine Millions Distaff (2008)

Louisville Stakes (2008)

Ogden Phipps Handicap (2008)

Personal Ensign Handicap (2008)

Breeders' Cup Distaff (2007)