Aiken_Trained_Horse_of_the

Aiken, SC 29801. Those interested in attending should make a reservation, due to limited space, by contacting 803-643-2121 or [email protected].

Benoit Photo, used with permission.

Congratulations to the 2025 Aiken Trained Horse of the Year, Tirupati! Tirupati was trained at Mason Springs Training Center which is owned and operated by Marcus and Crystal Ryan in Aiken, South Carolina. They trained Private Creed, the 2022 & 2023 Aiken Trained Horse of the Year.

Tirupati won the 2025 Wilshire stakes (Gr. 3) and placed second in the Buena Vista Stakes (Gr. 2) finishing behind winner, Liguria by a head. The 5-year-old raced five times in 2025 with two wins, one second and one third. She has $129,420 in earnings for the year and $218,176 career earnings

She was bred by Spendthrift Farm, LLC and foaled in 2021 in Kentucky. The bay mare is by Mitole - Nora's Joy, by Street Sense. Tirupati was purchased for $90,000 by Brian DiDonato for Franklin Ave. Equine at the 2022 Keeneland September Sales.

DiDonato sent the filly to train at Mason Springs Training Center and the Aiken Training Track. After completing her training at Mason Springs, the 5-year-old filly was then purchased for $230,000 by trainer, Jonathan Thomas for Augustin Stables at the Fasig-Tipton Two-Year-Olds in Training Sales in 2023.

Augustin lost Tirupati on a $25,000 claim on October 3, 2024 at Woodbine but re-acquired her for $50,000 in her next start on October 26, 2024 at Woodbine.

An induction ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 15 at 1:30 pm

at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame.

An exhibit about Tirupati will be on display. The public is invited to attend the ceremony. The Hall of Fame is located at 135 Dupree Place, Aiken, SC 29801 inside historic Hopelands Gardens.

The Aiken Trained Horse of the Year award, created in 2002, honors local Thoroughbreds who have had an excellent racing season. Nominees must have trained in Aiken County AND must have won at least one graded stakes race during the year OR exceeded $500,000 in career earnings. The Hall of Fame Advisory Board approves the winner.