In the world of thoroughbred racing, some stories stand out as pure triumph. One such story is that of Demolisher, a horse who defied the odds and became an unexpected star in Indiana’s racing scene.
Kenneth Ayres and his wife, Resia, have been part of the thoroughbred industry for many years. However, they could never have imagined that their horse Demolisher would go on to achieve the kind of success he did when he was foaled in 2021. Born to the stallion Dominus, Demolisher had a challenging start. The gelding survived a near-death experience as a foal but has now been crowned the 2024 Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (ITOBA) Horse of the Year.
Throughout the summer of 2024, Demolisher dominated the tracks at Horseshoe Indianapolis. His incredible performance earned him much recognition, with the Ayres initially expecting him to be named the Top Indiana-bred 3-year-old Male by ITOBA. However, they were in for an even bigger surprise. To their astonishment, the announcement came that Demolisher had earned the title of 2024 ITOBA Horse of the Year, an award they never expected to receive.
The ITOBA’s banquet night was filled with excitement as the awards were handed out. Demolisher was named Breed Development Horse of the Year, which was the crowning achievement of his remarkable journey. Along with this, several other notable awards were given:
- 3-Year-Old Filly Bred: Under the Palms
- 3-Year-Old Filly Sired: Touchdown Pass
- 3-Year-Old Colt Bred: Demolisher
- 3-Year-Old Colt Sired: Unbridled Slope
- Claiming Mare Bred: Best Cupcake
- Claiming Mare Sired: Bella Francesca
- Claiming Horse & Gelding Bred: Zolo
- Claiming Horse & Gelding Sired: Hoosier Daddy Now
- 4+ Year Mare Bred: Corningstone
- 4+ Year Mare Sired: Diamond Solitaire
- 4+ Year Horse & Gelding Bred: Strong Tide
- 4+ Year Horse & Gelding Sired: Mr. Chaos
- 2-Year-Old Filly Bred: Elegant Justice
- 2-Year-Old Filly Sired: Molly’s Potion
- 2-Year-Old Colt Bred: Jazzole
- 2-Year-Old Colt Sired: Mondavila
In addition to Demolisher’s accomplishments, his dam, Maggie Sue, was honored as Broodmare of the Year, a title that left the Ayres overwhelmed with joy.
“When his dam got Broodmare of the Year, all of that far exceeded any of our expectations,” said Resia Ayres. “We were just hoping that he would win a few races in 2024 and keep us going. We had no expectations at all to be in any kind of stakes races, let alone him win three stakes races in Indiana.”
Ken Ayres echoed his wife’s sentiments, stating, “It’s about as high as we ever expected to have any of our horses. It’s hard to put words to it. Obviously, we’re super excited about it.”
Looking back, the Ayres’ involvement in the thoroughbred industry has always been modest. They typically keep just one broodmare and race her foals. Despite living in Lexington, Kentucky, where the thoroughbred industry is strong, the Ayres have always been drawn to state-bred programs like Ohio and Indiana’s.
“It has been a little more helpful to be in a program like Indiana’s for someone breeding on the modest end,” Resia Ayres shared. The family has long been a part of the thoroughbred industry but have never been big players in the scene. Their humble beginnings make Demolisher’s success even more incredible.
This isn’t the Ayres’ first brush with thoroughbred success. Thirty-five years ago, in 1989, the Ayres bred Hard Ten, a state champion who was honored as the Ohio-bred Champion 2-year-old Male. However, Demolisher’s rise to Horse of the Year status is an entirely different level of achievement for this modest family.
The Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association’s awards ceremony was a moment of pride for the Ayres. The couple’s hard work and dedication to the thoroughbred industry had finally paid off, culminating in recognition that far exceeded their expectations.
With Demolisher’s victory and the award for Maggie Sue, the Ayres have proven that in the world of thoroughbred racing, even the most unexpected victories are possible. As the 2024 ITOBA Horse of the Year, Demolisher has not only made his mark on the Indiana racing scene but also shown that determination and perseverance can lead to success.
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