2021 Louisiana Horse of the Year
Cilla
California Chrome-Sittin At the Bar, by Into Mischief
Breeders: Brett A. Brinkman & P. Dale Ladner
Owner: P. Dale Ladner
Trainer: Brett A. Brinkman
Saturday evening, June 11, 2022, Roger Heitzmann, LTBA Secretary/Treasurer, announced the Louisiana 2021 Horse of the Year, Cilla, who was selected from among the Louisiana divisional champions by the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board of Directors.
Cilla, is proof positive that Louisiana-breds can compete among top company anywhere.
After winning the 2021 Louisiana Legends Mademoiselle at Evangeline Downs in June, Cilla took her show on the road to Monmouth Park where she annexed the Blue Sparkler Stakes getting the five and a half furlongs in 1:03.07 to win by 2 1/2 lengths. Next, Cilla won the G2 Prioress S. at Saratoga, running the six furlongs in 1:10.05, defeating Kentucky bred G3 Stakes Winner Souper Sensational. For the year the filly won four of eight starts and earned $310,600.
Cilla was both the first North American, winner and first black type winner for her sire two time Horse of the Year, California Chrome.
Brett Brinkman trains Cilla for owner P. Dale Ladner. The same connections both bred her and raced her dam, Sittin at the Bar. Sittin at the Bar won 11 of 19 starts including nine Louisiana-bred stakes during her career earning $705,896. and has produced nothing but runners.
Cilla, whose name in Welsh means “venerable”is certainly fulfilling her namesake. In 2022, she has added stakes wins in the Orleans S. and LA Bred Premier Matron, both run at Delta Downs. Cilla’s lifetime earnings sit at $484,000 with more to come.
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