OCALA, FL—Illustrator Remi Bellocq, editor-in-chief Brock Sheridan and graphic designer Nancy Moffatt swept the editorial Illustration category at the 2026 American Horse Publications Equine Media Conference held May 16 in Lexington, Kentucky. Two awards went to the trio for excellence in cover art.

“It was nice to hear congrats clapping from cohorts in the audience as our sweep was announced, “ Tammy Gantt of the FTBOA said.

Originally published in the April/May issue of The Florida Horse, the cover titled “Horse of the Year Mystic Lake” was sketched by Bellocq and designed by Moffatt under supervision of Sheridan.

Judges noted the highly distinctive and memorable style of the hand-drawn, colorful illustration that immediately stood out with a unique voice. The cover broke away from more traditional or expected equestrian visuals, making it highly recognizable and engaging.

They added that the scene of the racehorse owner, trainer, jockey and horse Mystic Lake on the dock communicated a clear and clever narrative, using humor and the ‘fishing for money/success’ symbolism.

Full color, hand drawn illustration by artist Remi Bellocq of Florida-bred Horse of the Year, Mystic Lake, sitting on a dock with the rest of her team. Together, they’re all holding fishing poles, dangling money over the lake to encourage fish to bite. In the background, Florida palm trees and a sailboat on the horizon frame the image. The illustration was featured on the cover of the April/May 2025 edition of “The Florida Horse,” whose title is displayed in the top lefthand corner.

AHP award winning illustration by Remi Bellocq

Second place in the category was The Florida Horse March issue’s “Count To Three” illustration which was recognized for the use of negative space. The judges noted that the large open composition demonstrated restraint and control, allowing the illustrated moment to stand out. They noted the subtle humor was effective as the art reflected a horse handler saying, “I’m going to count to three,” as the horse stood as far away as possible in the paddock.