From Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 10, 2020) — The Breeders’ Cup announced June 9 that 19 individuals were elected to serve as Breeders’ Cup members. Voting for the 2020 member election by Breeders’ Cup 2019 foal and stallion nominators concluded at 5:00 p.m. ET June 8. The following individuals, listed alphabetically, received the most votes of the Breeders’ Cup nominators to fill 19 member seats, and will serve four-year terms: Conrad Bandoroff, Barbara Banke, Jimmy Bell, Boyd Browning, Doug Cauthen, Craig Fravel, Eric Gustavson, Dr. Andreas Jacobs, W. Gray Lyster IV, Clem Murphy, Maria Niarchos-Gouazé, David O’Farrell, Bill Oppenheim, Bernie Sams, Alex Solis II, Oliver Tait, W. Elliott Walden, Barry Weisbord, Aron Wellman. “It is an honor to welcome our new and re-elected members to serve with us over the next four years,” said Fred Hertrich III, Breeders’ Cup chairman. “We look forward to their meaningful contributions, along with our other sitting members, toward our efforts to further grow and expand the popularity of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, improve... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 28, 2020) — The NTRA has made a major financial commitment to a newly created national advertising campaign focused on the thrill of watching and wagering on horseracing. The campaign, titled “Still. Running. Strong.”, launched today by the Breeders’ Cup and The Jockey Club, represents a chance for horseracing to gain additional attention at a time when it is attracting widespread television coverage and is one of the only live sporting events currently being conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.   “Now is an unprecedented opportunity for horseracing to attract additional fans and for the NTRA to support its members,” said Alex Waldrop, NTRA President and CEO. “With the extensive COVID-19 safety protocols that our racetrack operators have implemented for their employees and participants, the NTRA is glad to play a part in this collaborative initiative that showcases the best of what horseracing offers sports fans and bettors.”   The campaign includes broadcast, digital and social elements and highlights the bond between human and horse, along... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 21, 2020) — The North American International Cataloguing Standards Committee (NAICSC) met today and voted to lower the minimum purse requirement for existing non-listed black-type races by 20% for the remainder of 2020. Given the negative economic impacts of COVID-19-related restrictions on available sources for purse funds, the minimum purse value for non-listed black-type races that ran prior to 2019 will be reduced from $50,000 to $40,000 for the remainder of 2020, and the minimum purse value for non-listed black-type races that ran for the first time in 2019 will be reduced from $75,000 to $60,000 for their second running in 2020. Requests to receive black-type for any new races will continue to be reviewed by a subcommittee of NAICSC and require a minimum purse of $75,000. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 18, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board Licensing Offices at Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, and Los Alamitos Race Course are now open for renewals and new owner licenses only.  The Sacramento Licensing Office is still closed awaiting modifications for COVID-19 mitigation. In order to prevent introduction of new licensees to the contained backside of the tracks, new licenses (other than owners) will not be issued at this time. Exceptions to the suspension of issuing new licenses will be considered if the license is necessary for the health and safety of people and/or horses. All requests for exceptions shall be emailed to Shawn Loehr, Chief of Enforcement and Licensing (slloehr@chrb.ca.gov). Please contact one of the Licensing Offices below with any application questions. Golden Gate Fields: (916) 869-3267 GGFLicensing@chrb.ca.gov  Santa Anita: (626) 574-6348 SALicensing@chrb.ca.gov  Los Alamitos: (714) 820-2766         LosAlLicensing@chrb.ca.gov  Sacramento: (916) 263-6000 LEMartin@chrb.ca.gov   ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (May 12, 2020) —The Grade III, $150,000 Los Alamitos Derby, which will be run Saturday, July 4, is among the races to be used for the extension of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby’’ announced Churchill Downs Racetrack on Tuesday.  One of two graded stakes – along with the Grade II, $200,000 Great Lady M. (July 4) – to be offered during the upcoming Summer Thoroughbred Festival (June 26-July 5) at Los Alamitos, the Derby is run at 1 1/8 miles. Won a year ago by the Bob Baffert-trained Game Winner, the Los Alamitos Derby winner will receive 20 points, while the runner-up will collect eight, the third-place finisher four and the fourth-place finisher two. The Los Alamitos Derby is one of three races in California on the preliminary list leading to the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs. The other two local races are the Santa Anita Derby and the Shared Belief Stakes... ...

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (May 8, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board is re-opening the Los Alamitos Race Course Licensing Office for renewal applications only. A protective shield has been installed at the Licensing Office to assist with mitigating the risk of COVID-19 for CHRB staff and the public we serve. Similar plans are in process at Golden Gate Fields, Santa Anita Park, and CHRB Headquarters in Sacramento. Updated advisories will be sent out as we re-open other locations. In order to prevent introduction of new people to the contained backside of the track, new licenses will not be issued at this time. Exceptions to the suspension of issuing new licenses will be considered if the license is necessary for the health and safety of people and/or horses. All requests for exceptions shall be emailed to Shawn Loehr, Chief of Enforcement and Licensing (slloehr@chrb.ca.gov). While the below CHRB Licensing Offices are still closed to the public, renewals may be done via email or mail. Call or email the respective... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 8, 2020) — Darrel McHargue, a jockey for 16 years until 1988, when he retired from the saddle to become a racing official – the last 30 years as a steward/Chief Steward with the California Horse Racing Board – has been elected to the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame for his riding accomplishments. He will be inducted August 7. McHargue is best known for a brilliant 1978 campaign in which he won the Eclipse Award as champion jockey, while setting what at the time was a single-season earnings record for a jockey of $6,188,353. He won the 1975 Preakness and such other major races as the Apple Blossom Handicap, Blue Grass Stakes, Del Mar Debutante, Hollywood Derby, Hopeful Stakes, La Brea Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita Handicap, Santa Margarita Stakes, Strub Stakes, and Swaps Stakes. He also rode in Europe in the early 1980s. He won 2,553 races in North America. McHargue became a CHRB steward in 1990. In recognition of his... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 7, 2020) — The meeting of the California Horse Racing Board scheduled for May 21 has been canceled. The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for June 11 via teleconference. The agenda for the June 11 meeting, including the starting time and call-in procedures, will be announced at least 10 days beforehand. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 4, 2020) — New California Horse Racing Board Rule 1867.1, which becomes effective July 1, prohibits the administration of bisphosphonates to any horse within a facility regulated by the CHRB and also prohibits any horse from entering the grounds that has been administered the drug within six months. This means that any horse administered bisphosphonates since January 1, 2020, will not be permitted within any CHRB-regulated facility (racetracks and training centers) within a six-month period of such administration. Bisphosphonates inhibit the normal bone repair process, which is potentially dangerous for young horses racing and in training. Additional information on bisphosphonate use in race horses is available on the CHRB website under both the Racing Safety and Veterinary sections. ...

From TCA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 28, 2020) – Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) will host an online auction of halters worn by Triple Crown and Kentucky Derby winners during the upcoming virtual “Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown”. The halter auction is set to open on Friday, May 1 at 9 a.m. and will conclude on Saturday, May 2 at 9 p.m. EST. All proceeds will benefit TCA. “As the 13 Triple Crown winners face off in the virtual running of the Derby, we are excited to offer halters worn by the only two living Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify, as well as past Derby winners,” said Erin Crady executive director of TCA. “Although the traditional first Saturday in May looks a little different this year, we are hopeful that offering an online auction during the Kentucky Derby at Home will provide an opportunity to raise money for distribution to TCA’s charities, many of which have had to cancel fundraisers as a result of the Corona virus.”  In addition... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, April 22. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Dr. Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: Newly appointed Executive Director Scott Chaney said in his opening remarks, “Thank you Chairman Ferraro and thank you to the entire Board for the confidence you have placed in me as to my appointment. I knew this would be a challenging job, and the last six weeks (during the COVID-19 health crisis) even more so. I will do my best to validate your trust.” The Board approved the license application for the Los Alamitos Horse Racing Association (LAHRA) to conduct a thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 23, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB or Board) has partially suspended fingerprinting requirements for temporary occupational licenses pursuant to its authority under CHRB Rule 1406. Effective immediately, the CHRB’s partial suspension of CHRB Rule 1488, Temporary Occupational License, extends from 45 calendar days to 120 calendar days the window in which those with a temporary occupation license must comply with fingerprinting requirements. This extension is necessary due to the current closure of CHRB licensing offices due to the State’s efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The partial suspension of Rule 1488 will end 60 days after the CHRB licensing offices reopen to the public. As a reminder, the CHRB is not processing in-person license applications and/or renewals during this closure of CHRB licensing offices. Renewals may be done via email, mail, or phone. Call one of the numbers below for details: Golden Gate Fields: (510) 559-7437   Los Alamitos: (714) 820-2760 Santa Anita: (626) 574-6348              Cal Expo: (916) 263-6000 Expired licenses should... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 21, 2020) – Raising Havoc, a California-bred thoroughbred owned and ridden by Hannah Rohr, won the California-bred Performance Award presented by The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program that encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines. Raising Havoc, shown as Jaeger Meister, is by Via Lombardia, out of the mare Wreak Havoc and was bred by Adrian Gonzalez. The performance awards recognize Thoroughbreds accumulating the most points at all horse shows in each of the T.I.P. award categories and divisions throughout the year. ...

From TCA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 31, 2020) – Thoroughbred Charities of America’s Horses First Fund is providing funding to backstretch and aftercare organizations working to support the Thoroughbred community amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Established in 2016 by LNJ Foxwoods, the Horses First Fund assists Thoroughbreds and their caretakers in need of emergency aid due to large scale neglect, natural disaster, or other catastrophe. The Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST) will receive funding to support their on-site medical clinic at Belmont Park. The Sam Houston Race Park Chaplaincy will receive an emergency grant to provide meal services for backstretch workers at the now closed racetrack. The Horses First Fund will also provide grants to several aftercare organizations throughout the U.S. that have taken in additional Thoroughbreds due to the pandemic or have additional needs. It is expected that more funding will be distributed as further emergency needs are identified. Thoroughbred industry related nonprofit organizations interested in applying for an emergency grant may contact Erin Crady at ecrady@tca.org. TCA has worked to... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted two separate meetings on Thursday, March 26, by teleconference. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Both meetings were chaired by Dr. Gregory Ferraro, joined for the first meeting by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. Commissioner Mitchell did not participate in the second meeting.  The audios of these two meetings are available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief, during the first, regular meeting: Chairman Ferraro opened the meeting by welcoming Commissioner Castellanos to his initial meeting as a member of the Board. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Commissioner Castellanos on March 10. In two separate but related actions involving both emergency and permanent rules, the Board voted to re-establish the 48-hour restriction on the administration of medications or other substances to horses entered to race unless otherwise authorized by regulation.... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 5, 2020) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) earlier today communicated to Congressional offices its intent to release 35,000 additional H-2B visas for the summer season of Fiscal Year 2020. This nonimmigrant visa program is used by many industries that need temporary non-agricultural help when domestic workers are unavailable. For the horse racing industry, racehorse trainers rely heavily on the H-2B program to fill various backside positions.   While DHS has not yet released a final rule outlining specific details, the agency has provided the following:   ·    Federal regulators will release the supplementals in two phases. The first batch of 20,000 will be available for employers requiring start dates beginning April 1, and 15,000 to those having start dates beginning May 15.   ·    DHS will “generally limit” issuance of supplemental H-2B visas to returning workers “who are known to follow immigration law in good faith.”   ·    And in a first-time effort to align visa policy with the Administration’s border security goals, DHS will award... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 1, 2020) – California stallion Street George was represented by his first winner when Gifty won the third race at Golden Gate on Sunday. Gifty is out of the Seattle Sleet mare Feather’d Rain and was bred by owner and trainer Greg James. The 3-year-old filly ran the six furlongs in 1:11.53 and won by 2 ½ lengths at odds of 7-1 in the field of six. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2020) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, February 20, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro presided. Vice Chairman Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Wendy Mitchell and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board adopted a rule strictly limiting the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on racehorses. While this form of therapy may still be used to treat horses during non-racing periods, the new rule prohibits any horse from racing or even working in the mornings within 30 days of such treatment. ESWT can only be administered in clearly designated areas and each treatment must be carefully documented. Furthermore, no horse that received ESWT elsewhere can be brought to a CHRB-regulated facility without prior approval. After moving regulatory language in December that will further restrict use of the riding crop, or whip, in both racing and training, the... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2020) – California stallion Tom’s Tribute was represented by his first winner on Friday when Ecologist won the fourth race at Golden Gate. Ecologist is out of the Exchange Rate mare Lady Katfish, was bred by owner DP Racing and trained by Sherrie Monroe. The 3-year-old gelding ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.08 and won by 1 ½ lengths in his debut at odds of 47-1. ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2020) — The first foals by the Tapit Grade II stakes winner of $539,770 Prospect Park arrived almost simultaneously at 7:00 am Saturday, February 1 at Harris Farms. Classy Lady Liz, a winning daughter of Papa Clem, delivered a dark bay colt – her first foal – for breeder Dana Rocheford. Stakes-class producer Clouds of Glory (by Beau Genius), a winning half-sister to stakes winners Super Tuesday and Vaderator, foaled a dark bay colt bred by John C. Harris. Harris Farms welcomed a third Prospect Park foal on Monday, February 3. The homebred dark bay filly is the second foal from Quick Luck, a winning daughter of Lucky J. H. Foals are available for viewing at https://harrisfarms.com/foals/ On the board in 16 of 18 starts, Prospect Park won or placed in five graded stakes in seven starts at 3 including a 4-plus length victory in the Grade II La Jolla Handicap posting a 103 Beyer Speed Rating. Prospect Park stands at Harris Farms... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2020) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Wednesday, January 22, at the Department of Consumer Services. Chairman Gregory Ferraro presided. Vice Chairman Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri and Wendy Mitchell also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board acted to severely limit medications that can be present in horses participating in timed workouts. Similar restrictions already are in place at some tracks by house rules and horsemen’s agreements. The rule adopted by the Board applies these restrictions to all tracks and gives the CHRB authority to deal with violations. The goal of the new rule is to eliminate medications that may mask injury or increase the chance of injury for a horse running at full speed and to protect the wagering public. The Board approved an emergency regulation essentially permitting only “hay, oats and water” during a race with the exception... ...

TEMECULA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2020) — Passion for Gold’s first California foal arrived this week, a filly out of the mare Sundar Creek. Passion for Gold, a son of Medaglia d’Oro, stood for five years in Chile and now stands at Milky Way Farm. He was champion and high-weighted 2-year-old in France and won the Group 1 Criterium Saint Cloud by 6 1/2 lengths. ...

From Ballena Vista Farm SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2020) — Champion I’ll Have Another’s first two North American foals have arrived. The first was dropped January 14, 2020 at Rancho San Miguel. The 2020 filly is out of the winning mare Year of Light by Event of the Year. The filly was bred by Jacqueline Bousquet and Dr. Jeaneen Metzler. She was followed on January 15, 2020 by a filly born at Ballena Vista Farm, out of the Tribal Rule broodmare Jennifer’s Joy, bred by Harold and Pamela Tillema and Richard Tillema. Jennifer’s Joy is from the immediate family of millionaire Cal-bred Richard’s Boy. Richard’s Boy is a multiple stakes winner and Grade 1 placed. The 2020 fillies are from the first domestic crop of 3-year old champion I’ll Have Another, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. I’ll Have Another began his breeding career in Japan at Big Red Farm and was repatriated by Ballena Vista Farm for stud duty in California. Farm manager Miguel Jimenez said... ...

From Tommy Town Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Jan. 2, 2020) — The connections of the Grade I-winning millionaire Boisterous, California’s leading freshman sire of 2018 and sophomore sire of 2019, are excited to announce his relocation to the Diamond B Farm, 1671 Tilden Rd, Mohrsville, PA, operated by Glenn and Becky Brok. Boisterous will be an excellent addition to the PA Breeding Program.  Boisterous was a 8-time stakes winner, including winning the Grade 1 Man o’ War Stakes with earnings of over $1.4 million. A son of Distorted Humor out of a stakes-winning Cox’s Ridge mare, he is from the good sire family of Out of Place and Gold Fever. He is the sire of the stakes winner Kookie Gal from his first crop. He will stand for $3,000 live foal. ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 16, 2019) — The Jockey Club board of stewards today announced that it is continuing its consideration of a rule to limit the annual breeding of individual stallions. The Jockey Club stated further, “We are grateful for the many thoughtful comments in response to our September proposal. The stewards are considering those comments as we continue to study the cause and effects of decreasing diversity of the Thoroughbred gene pool and finalize a rule to protect the breed’s health and welfare.” The Jockey Club is the breed registry for Thoroughbreds in North America. Since its founding 125 years ago, it has been dedicated to the improvement of breeding and racing of Thoroughbreds, focusing on improvements to the integrity, health, and safety of the sport. ...

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2019) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, December 12, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Gregory Ferraro presided. Vice Chairman Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Wendy Mitchell and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board moved a proposed regulatory amendment that will further restrict use of the riding crop, or whip, in both racing and training. Described by Dr. Ferraro as the most restrictive whip rule in North America, if not the world, the proposed amendment to Rule 1688 will limit use of the riding crop to six times during a race and no more than two times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond before using the riding crop again (within the six total limit). Correct uses of the riding crop include using the crop in an underhanded position with the crop always... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2019) — At a special Board of Directors meeting held Sunday, October 27, the leadership of California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) voted to assist in immediate fund-raising for the Southern California Equine Foundation (SCEF) purchase of an equine MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) facility to be added to the Equine Imaging Center at Santa Anita Park. The proven technology has been in use elsewhere previously, whereby the horse is standing while scanned. The urgency of the fund-raising effort is based on a November 15 deadline to contract for the equipment which would then be installed at Santa Anita prior to the start of the upcoming Winter/Spring Thoroughbred race meeting commencing on December 26. SCEF, via the Dolly Green Foundation, has already pledged $450,000 to the project. Raising a matching amount would not only secure the standing MRI for use with horses at Santa Anita and training elsewhere in Southern California, but also reduce the ongoing per-scan charges for veterinarians, owners, and trainers, once the... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2019) — Mike Pegram and Mark Dedomenico have announced their retirement from the Thoroughbred Owners of California board. Pegram has stepped down after ten years as a director, including five years as chairman of the board. Dedomenico served on the board since 2011, during which time he chaired the TOC Medication Committee. At its October meeting, the TOC board voted unanimously to appoint Jeff Bloom and Richard Rosenberg to fill the vacancies on the board created by the two resignations. “The TOC thanks both men for their years of dedicated service on the board,” said chairman Nick Alexander. “We particularly want to recognize Mike Pegram for his extraordinary efforts on behalf of all Thoroughbred owners,” Alexander continued. “He was incredibly committed to the future of our racetracks, our purse structure, and the health of our sport. During his time on the board, Mike led the efforts negotiating with the California Legislature, the (California Horse Racing Board) and racetracks to secure passage of AB 1072,... ...

From the Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 23, 2019) – Stay Thirsty covered 147 mares in 2019, the most of any California stallion, according to The Jockey Club. Among California stallions, Stay Thirsty was followed by Dancing Candy (115), Smiling Tiger (108), Grazen (74), Misremembered (63) and Stanford (62). ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2019) —Rancho San Miguel is proud to announce that Sir Prancealot’s 2020 northern hemisphere stud fee will be set at $15,000 LFSN to approved mares. Sir Prancealot’s imported runners have been a dominant force of late in the American graded stakes turf scene. Highlighting the stakes exploits is newly minted millionaire Beau Recall (IRE), a multiple G2 winner with strong finishes for second in three G1’s. Beau Recall is targeting the G1 Matriarch Stakes at Del Mar in November. 3-year-old filly Lady Prancelaot recently took down the G3 Pin Oak Valley View Stakes at Keeneland earning her second G3 win. Lady Prancealot has also placed third in the G1 Del Mar Oaks and will target the G1 American Oaks at Santa Anita in December.  There are some very live 2-year-olds pointing to graded stakes as well, including Applecross (IRE) who ran third in the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Stakes, and newly imported multiple stakes placed filly Triana (IRE) who will join... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2019) — Four stakes for 2-year-olds – including a pair for Golden State Series eligibles – and the return of the Grade III Bayakoa for fillies and mares highlight the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The eight-day season will begin Thursday, Dec. 5 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 15. The Golden State Series races for 2-year-olds are the $100,000 Soviet Problem for fillies on Saturday, Dec. 14, with the $100,000 King Glorious to be run Sunday, Dec. 15. The Grade I, $300,000-guaranteed Starlet and Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity will be renewed Saturday, Dec. 7. Won a year ago by the Bob Baffert-trained Improbable, the Futurity – like the Starlet – will be contested at 1 1/16 miles. Among the nominees to the Futurity, are American Pharoah winner Eight Rings, Del Mar Futurity upsetter Nucky and recent Santa Anita maiden winners High Velocity and Honor A.P. Nominees for the Starlet, which was won a year ago by the Baffert-trained... ...

From Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Oct. 8, 2019) — The look of greatness, confidence and class. Quick Call was in his favorite pasture with his longtime friends when he was put to rest today. He will be buried at Clare Court in Saratoga Springs alongside other racing greats as he well deserves. Forever in our hearts. Run swiftly again old friend. For more information, https://www.trfinc.org/farms-and-facilities/wallkill-correctional-facility/   ...

From TCA PASADENA, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2019) — The Thoroughbred Charities of America is hosting a fundraiser called Bash at the Breeders’ Cup at The Langham Huntington on Friday, Nov. 1 in Pasadena. This event has become our second largest of the year and directly impacts the amount of grants we make to approved charities across the country including several in California. More info about Bash can be found here: https://www.tca.org/bashatthebreederscup/ There are current event posts on our Twitter page, @TBcharities, and on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ThoroughbredCharitiesofAmerica/ ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2019) — Among the 10 states and provinces with the most mares covered in 2018, California was one of three that produced more live foals in 2019 than in 2018 as reported at this time last year, according to The Jockey club. California reported 1,612 live foals in 2019, compared to 1,577 in 2018, a 2.2 percent increase. The other states with increases were Louisiana, and Maryland. The Jockey Club also reported that 1,630 stallions covered 32,508 mares in North America during 2018, according to statistics compiled through Sept. 26, 2019. These breedings have resulted in 20,363 live foals of 2019 being reported to The Jockey Club on Live Foal Reports. The Jockey Club estimates that the number of live foals reported so far is approximately 90 percent complete. The reporting of live foals of 2019 is down 3.6 percent from last year at this time when The Jockey Club had received reports for 21,130 live foals of 2018. In addition to... ...

From California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association TEMECULA, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2019) — Please save the date for our upcoming Horsemen’s Seminar day! On October 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., various horse experts and veterinarians will be presenting valuable information for every horse owner; Thoroughbred and other breeds. The event is free and lunch is included. It will be held at Milky Way Farm in Temecula. See us on the web at www.ctfma.net. ...

From CHRB LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2019) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, September 19, at Los Alamito Racecourse. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach presided. Commissioners Alex Solis, Fred Maas, Dennis Alfieri, Gregory Ferraro, DVM, Oscar Gonzalez and Wendy Mitchell also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: Vice Chair Auerbach began the meeting by thanking former Chairman Chuck Winner, who’s term had expired, for his nearly eight years of service on the Board. Ms. Auerbach and Rick Baedeker, Executive Director, paid tribute to Mr. Winner’s expertise, integrity and untiring work on behalf of the industry in general and the health and safety of the racehorse and rider in particular. Ms. Auerbach then welcomed both Wendy Mitchell and Oscar Gonzales, both of whom Governor Gavin Newsom appointed to the Board on September 10. Wendy Mitchell, who earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California,... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2019) – California stallion Natashas Excess was represented by his first winner on Saturday when Tony’s Babe won the first race at Golden Gate. Tony’s Babe is a 4-year-old filly out of the Memo mare T.G’s Babe, was bred in California by Dan Harralson and is owned by trainer Sergio Ledezma. He won at first asking in the maiden claimer and won by a nose at odds of 11-1 in the field of six. ...

By Bloodhorse.com TORONTO, Alberta (Sept. 14, 2019) — Craig Fravel, Breeders’ Cup president and CEO since 2011, will depart the organization at the conclusion of this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 1-2 to accept a position as The Stronach Group’s CEO of Racing Operations. In his new position, Fravel will assume management and oversight of all racing operations across Stronach Group-owned tracks and training facilities. In a release, TSG said Fravel will focus on implementing and enforcing global best practices and integrity standards for horse and rider safety in collaboration with key industry stakeholders while driving a new standard of excellence in Thoroughbred horse racing with a commitment to creating an unparalled experience for both horsemen and guests. “I am delighted to have Craig join our company at this pivotal moment in our sport,” Stronach Group chairman and president Belinda Stronach said. “Craig’s stellar reputation and proven track record of leadership will enable us to further our goal to become North America’s preeminent horse racing organization as we work... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 6, 2019) — The Jockey Club board of stewards, concerned with the narrowing of the diversity of the Thoroughbred gene pool, today announced its consideration of a rule to limit the annual breeding of individual stallions starting with the 2021 breeding season.    The Jockey Club, established in 1894, is the keeper of the American Stud Book and maintains the Principal Rules and Requirements of the American Studbook in order to ensure the welfare of the Thoroughbred breed.   As has been widely reported, the size of the North American foal crop has diminished significantly, from 37,499 in 2007 to the 20,500 estimated for 2020.   In 2007, 37 stallions reported in excess of 140 mares bred each from a total of 3,865 stallions. By 2010, that number had declined to 24. Since then, the number has nearly doubled to 43 stallions reporting 140 or more mares bred from a population of stallions that now stands at less than one-half that of 2007.... ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 23, 2019) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, August 22, at the Del Mar Hilton. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Dr. Gregory Ferraro, Fred Maas, and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: During public comment, the Board heard from a number of people expressing their views on animal rights, the importance of racetrack jobs, and other issues concerning the life of a racehorse. The Board approved a significant portion of the 2020 race dates calendar for Southern California thoroughbreds that was presented jointly by Santa Anita Park, Del Mar, and the Thoroughbred Owners of California. The Board approved four blocks of race dates and simulcast-only dates beginning at Santa Anita on December 26, 2019, through June 23, 2020, followed by Del Mar (July 5 through September 8), back to Santa Anita (September... ...

From TOBA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 22, 2019) – Phil Lebherz’s Premier Thoroughbreds has been named California state breeder of the year by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Premier Thoroughbreds bred 2018 California-bred Horse of the Year Spiced Perfection and owns champion California stallion Smiling Tiger. The National Breeder of the Year and the National Small Breeder of the Year will also be revealed at the TOBA National Awards Dinner, to be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at Fasig-Tipton. James E. “Ted” Bassett will be presented with the TOBA Industry Service Award and John D. Gunther will receive the prestigious Triple Crown Breeders Trophy for homebred Justify. ...

From CTFMA TEMECULA, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2019) — The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association will hold its annual Autumn Equine Fair on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Milky Way Farm in Temecula, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event will have many educational seminars and speakers, stallion showcase tables, equine-related vendors, conformation clinic, imprinting foals – weanling training, broodmare care, racing partnerships, starting young horses, feeding options, handicapping tips, racehorse retirement & retraining, horse emergencies, horse fire safety and evacuation and more. There will be a raffle of equine equipment, coffee provided in the morning and lunch. The event is sponsored by CTFMA and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 21, 2019) — California Horse Racing Board chairman Chuck Winner is one of six new members of The Jockey Club, it was announced on Wednesday. The others are Shannon Bishop Arvin, Gary Barber, Terry Finley, Pope McLean Jr. and Jaime Roth. Winner has served on the California Horse Racing Board since 2012 and as its chairman since 2013. He is also on the advisory board of the California Retirement Management Account. He has campaigned graded stakes winners including Magical Fantasy, La Force, Flamboyant, Domestic Dispute, I Want Revenge, Daytona, The Pamplemousse, Liberian Freighter, Fantastic Spain, and Walkslikeaduck in partnership. Winner is the founder of Winner & Associates, a public affairs and crisis communications firm, Winner & Mandabach Campaigns Political, a leading campaign management firm, and Winner Consulting Inc. ...

From The Stronach Group ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2019) — Continuing its push to reform and modernize horseracing, The Stronach Group today announced that Chief Strategy Officer Aidan Butler – a longtime technology, horseracing and gaming executive who spearheaded reforms at Santa Anita during its Winter meet – will additionally serve as Acting Executive Director of California Racing Operations. “Aidan has played a critical role as we have advocated for changes that redefine our sport for the better,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairman and President of The Stronach Group. “California continues to be a key priority for our company and Aidan’s presence on the ground will ensure that we continue to make progress addressing our industry’s challenges toward the modernization of our sport.” “Thoroughbred racing operations in California are at the forefront of the modernization of our sport and I am proud of the accomplishments that have been made across our racing and training programs,” said Tim Ritvo, Chief Operating Officer of The Stronach Group. “Aidan’s on-site leadership in California will undoubtedly build on The Stronach... ...

From Oak Creek Farm VALLEY CENTER, Calif. (July 29, 2019) – Gold Fleece, dam of California-bred graded stakes winner Stoney Fleece, passed away at Oak Creek Farm. She was 31. The Maryland-bred graded-stakes winner, by Preakness winner Deputed Testamony, also was the dam of Grade III winner Golden Rahy. Stoney Fleece, bred by Joseph Alvarez III, won the Grade III Generous Stakes in 2011, as well as the listed Alcatraz Stakes in 2012, with total earnings of $600,028. Gold Fleece was the dam of a remarkable nine winners from nine starters and a sweet mare to be around. Gold Fleece was foaled on Feb. 23, 1988.  ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 24, 2019) — Click here to view the 2018 NTRA Legislative Action Campaign Annual Report   Features of the report include:   ·        A federal legislative summary of issues important to horse racing and breeding ·        A list of 2018 contributors to the NTRA’s Legislative Action Campaign through the NTRA ¼% Check-off Program and through other NTRA fundraising programs ·        Participating sale company 2019 calendars and an overall annual sales calendar  ·        Member discount information from NTRA Advantage partners like John Deere, Sherwin-Williams, Office Depot, Suncast, RedBrand fencing and others  ...

By Bloodhorse.com SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (July 23, 2019) — In a deal signed earlier this month, Cornerstone Stud stallion Sir Prancealot will be shuttling from South Australia to Rancho San Miguel in California commencing with the 2020 breeding season. Quick out of the gate as champion freshman sire in Europe, Sir Prancealot has become an international success story. To date Sir Prancealot has nine winners from 13 runners in the United States, which include four stakes winners and five overall stakes performers. “The statistics in America were becoming quite freakish so the United States became the next natural home for him in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Sam Hayes of Cornerstone Stud. The flag bearers for Sir Prancealot in the U.S. have been Beau Recall and Madam Dancealot, both of which are multiple grade 2 winners and grade 1-placed. Beau Recall was an impressive winner on Kentucky Derby Day in the Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes (G2T) before running second June 8 in the Longines Just A Game Stakes (G1T) at Belmont Park. “The team... ...

From Marilyn Trevino It is with tremendous sadness that I share the passing of Senon Trevino. Many in horse racing’s family may remember win pictures with the spelling Senen Trevino. Senon once told me that a hard-headed Mexican woman in the racing office (I think Sunland Park) “corrected” the spelling from Senon to the proper Mexican spelling of Senen. He was tired of trying to set her straight hence the spelling confusion. Senon was born in Kemp, Texas on Dec. 27, 1941. Senon moved with his grandfather to Fredrick, Colorado when he was a toddler. He attended school in his home town of Fredrick, Colorado. Each day he went to school, each evening he and his grandfather learned English at the kitchen table. At high school he won letters in baseball, basketball, football and track and field. He earned a scholarship to Colorado State University due his math skill. Although archeology was interesting, he chose the life of a jockey instead. Before becoming a thoroughbred rider, Senon rode quarter horses... ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (July 18, 2019) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, July 18, at the Del Mar Hilton Hotel. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Dr. Gregory Ferraro, Fred Maas, Araceli Ruano, and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        Chairman Winner began the meeting by introducing Dr. Ferraro, who Governor Gavin Newsom appointed to the Board on June 26. Dr. Rick Arthur, the CHRB equine medical director, explained that Dr. Ferraro devoted his entire veterinary career to protecting the health and welfare of horses, initially when he practiced veterinary medicine for 27 years at Southern California thoroughbred racetracks, then from 1997 as Director of the Center for Equine Health at the University of California, Davis, until his retirement in 2014. His activities at U.C. Davis involved promoting research and education in equine medicine and securing... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. —Five stakes – including the $75,000 E.B. Johnston for California-breds — worth a guaranteed $400,000 will be offered during the upcoming Los Angeles County Fair at Los Alamitos meet. The 12-day season will begin Thursday, Sept. 5 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 22. Racing will be conducted on a Thursday-Sunday basis. A stakes doubleheader will be presented Saturday, Sept. 7. Three-year-old fillies will run six furlongs in the $75,000-guaranteed Beverly J. Lewis and 3-year-olds & up either bred or sired in California will compete in the $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston at one mile. The final two Saturdays of the season will feature the $75,000-guaranteed Phone Chatter for 2-year-old fillies Saturday, Sept. 14 and the $75,000-guaranteed Capote for colts & geldings Saturday, Sept. 21. Both races will be run at 6 ½ furlongs. Completing the stakes schedule is the second running of the $100,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Special for 3-year-olds & up at 1 ¼ miles. Won a year ago by the Bob Baffert-trained Dabster, the Special will... ...

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (June 11, 2019) – Cantina, dam of California stallion Roi Charmant, passed away this week from infirmities of old age. She was 26. Roi Charmant stands at Kingfisher Farms. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (May 18, 2019) — Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has announced it will serve as the host for the inaugural American Youth Racing Experience (AYRE) this summer, a unique opportunity for young men and women to see and take part in the Thoroughbred game in “up close and personal” fashion. The event will unfold in the days in front of Del Mar’s foremost race – the $1-million TVG Pacific Classic – and allow 10 youngsters between the ages of 16 to 20 to be involved in the run-up to the mile and a quarter centerpiece on Saturday, August 17, as part of an overall educational experience in many different aspects of racing. Among the opportunities for AYRE participants during the August 14 to 17 event period will be mornings in a trainer’s barn learning about the care and training of the equine athlete; then afternoons experiencing industry marketing, customer service, security, rules and regulation, the racing office and track management. They will interact with racing... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 7, 2019) — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced this week that it will begin accepting petitions on Wednesday, May 8 for 30,000 additional H-2B visas restricted to returning workers for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019.  Rules set to be published in Wednesday’s  Federal  Register include the following language.   “Starting on the expected date of May 8, 2019, eligible petitioners seeking additional H-2B workers can file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, and must submit a supplemental attestation on Form ETA 9142-B-CAA-3 with their petition.”   Details on eligibility and filing requirements are available in the final rule and at USCIS.gov.    The supplemental H-2B visas are available only to returning workers who received an H-2B visa, or were otherwise granted H-2B status, during one of the last three fiscal years (FY 2016, 2017, or 2018), and availability is restricted by prioritizing only those businesses who would suffer irreparable harm  without the additional workers.   “We applaud the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor for this... ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Mar. 29, 2019) — The $100,000 Bertrando Stakes for California breds (3-year-olds & up) will be run on Saturday, June 29, at the Summer Thoroughbred Festival at Los Alamitos. The 12-day season will begin Thursday, June 27 and continue through Sunday, July 14. Racing will be conducted on a Thursday-Sunday basis. ...

From Auerbach Racing It was another exciting weekend for the grandchildren of Unusual Heat and our mare America’s Friend as her daughter America’s Tale won the Grade 2 Inside Information Stakes at Gulfstream Park. She becomes our 14th Graded Stakes Winner and 5th in the last 4 years that we have bred (Cathie Parke was our co-breeder and raised this filly at Valkyre Stud in Georgetown, KY). Here’s a link to our blog story on this sensational daughter of Gio Ponti. https://www.auerbachracing.com/single-post/2019/03/17/Americas-Tale-Has-The-Inside-Information   ...

From Breeders’ Cup LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 27, 2019) — The Breeders’ Cup World Championships is returning to Santa Anita Park in sunny California on November 1 & 2, 2019. We’re excited to provide you the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public during a special ticket pre-sale window that begins NOW.   You can purchase tickets to the 2019 Breeders’ Cup online or by calling 877-849-4287 and using promo code FRIENDS. Your pre-sale window ends on Sunday, March 3 at 11:59 p.m. ET / 8:59 p.m. PT. ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2019) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, February 21, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Fred Maas, Debra Reed-Klages, and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief:. ·        Almost the entirety of the meeting was devoted to discussions of license renewal applications submitted by seven Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) companies authorized to offer account wagering to California bettors, provided they meet other statutory requirements. The seven ADWs are NYRABets, Game Play Network, Lien Games Racing, Twinspires/BetAmerica, Watch and Wager, XpressBet, and TVG. A special committee of the Board met privately and individually Wednesday with representatives of these seven ADW companies to review confidential financial data provided by each. Those financial reports and candid conversations with the representatives provided the committee members – Chairman Winner and Commissioner Maas – and CHRB... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2019) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, February 21, at Santa Anita Park Race Track beginning at 9:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The agenda and package of materials for this meeting also are available on the website. ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2019) – The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) has announced the winners of its 2018 statistical awards for leading California owners. For the second consecutive year, Hronis Racing LLC was leading owner in total purse earnings. Hronis Racing also led all owners by number of California wins and number of stakes wins. Reddam Racing LLC takes the award for most California starts. Hronis Racing runners earned a total of $3,838,910 in California last year, with 40 victories from 253 starts, including 12 stakes wins. Leading their stakes runners was Accelerate, winner of the Santa Anita Handicap, Gold Cup at Santa Anita Stakes, San Pasqual Stakes, Awesome Again Stakes, and the $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic Stakes. Their other top stakes runners were Catalina Cruiser (winner of the Pat O’Brien Stakes and San Diego Handicap at Del Mar), Gift Box, Yuvetsi, Shenandoah Queen, and Edwards Going Left. Reddam Racing made an incredible 300 California starts in 2018 for earnings of $3,000,690. Their top stakes runners... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 17, 2019) — Earlier this week the Department of Justice (DOJ) released an opinion reversing its 2011 opinion that the federal Wire Act applies only to sports wagering and not to other types of online wagering. The new opinion says the Wire Act applies to all online gaming including online poker and online lottery ticket sales. Alex Waldrop, NTRA president and CEO, issued the following statement regarding the DOJ’s decision to reconsider whether the Wire Act applies to non-sports gambling: “As expected, the Department of Justice issued a lengthy opinion reversing its 2011 opinion by stating that the Wire Act applies to all forms of online wagering, not just sports wagering. This opinion does not affect our longstanding right to conduct interstate online wagering on horse racing as long it is conducted in compliance with the Interstate Horseracing Act. We will continue to review the opinion and update the industry as the situation develops.” Since the NTRA led the successful effort to amend the Interstate... ...

From Ballena Vista Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2019) — Williamson Racing LLC and Ballena Vista Farm’s Grade 2 stakes winner Texas Ryano had his first reported foal arrive on January 10 at Ballena Vista Farm. The filly foal is out of the stakes producing Yes It’s True broodmare Kantstopdancin and was bred by Ballena Vista Farm. The 2019 Texas Ryano filly is a half-sister to the 2018 juvenile  “TDN Rising Star” Mr. Paytience, who earned that status in his debut. Kantstopdancin is a half-sister to Grade 2 winners Striking Dancer and Raymond Tusk.  Texas Ryano is a son of Curlin and Texas Ryano also was a “TDN Rising Star” in his winning debut and went on to earn Grade 2 black type by taking the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes for Warren B. Williamson. The Williamson homebred earned additional black type in the John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (Gr. 2), Del Mar H. Presented by The Japan Racing Association (Gr. 2) and the King Pellinore Stakes. Texas Ryano is from... ...

From Woodbridge Farm SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2019) — Rancho San Miguel’s multiple Grade II-winning stallion Danzing Candy had his first foal hit the ground on January 5 at Woodbridge Farm. The filly was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds and is out of the stakes-placed producing Monarchos broodmare Ms Glory Be; she was an earner of over $228,000. Sue Greene, owner and operator of Woodbridge Farm describes the filly as “Quality from top to bottom and head to tail. She stands up so pretty she looks like a foal of several weeks old. Nice bone, correct and a lot like her sire, very solid.” Danzing Candy covered a huge book of mares in 2018 with that book totaling 129 mares.   Danzing Candy a multiple grade two winner of three graded races is a son of Twirling Candy who earned $700,930 with his six wins from eleven starts and is the leading earner of his sire. The four-year-old horse is out of Talkin and Singing (Songandaprayer); this is the female family... ...

From Ballena Vista RAMONA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2018) — I’ll Have Another,  U.S. champion and dual classic winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, arrived today at  Ballena Vista Farm for the upcoming 2019 breeding season and is now available for inspection.  Farm manager Michael Jimenez and Donald Cohn farm owner were recent visitors at UC Davis, where I’ll Have Another was undergoing USDA testing and quarantine; they both came away impressed with his personality and his well-made conformation. Michael, with over thirty-five years in the California thoroughbred industry, expects I’ll Have Another to be the benchmark of sires standing on the West Coast. “Pedigree, good looks, conformation, race record and progeny production point out that I’ll Have Another will without a doubt be a top sire here in California. His photographs reveal him to be as good looking as he is and his physical appearance up close is stunning.” I’ll Have Another will stand for the introductory fee of $6,000 live foal as the property of Ballena Vista Farm.... ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2018) — Gov. Brown appointed Dennis Alfieri and Debra Reed to the California Horse Racing Board of Directors on Monday. Alfieri, 60, of Pasadena, has been chief executive officer of the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation since 2017. He was principal and a founding partner at Bantry Property Services LLC from 2005 to 2010 and general partner and founder of Twin Palms Restaurants from 1991 to 2005. Alfieri is a member of the Pasadena Optimist Club and the Los Angeles County Harbor Commission. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Alfieri is a Republican. Reed, 62, of San Diego, held several positions at Sempra Energy from 2010 to 2018, including executive chairman, chairman, president and chief executive officer and executive vice president. She held several positions at San Diego Gas and Electric and Southern California Gas Company from 2000 to 2010, including president and chief executive officer, president and chief operating officer and president and chief financial officer. Reed is a member of the... ...

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, December 13, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Fred Maas and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        The Board approved rules and regulatory amendments establishing procedures, prohibitions and penalties for the CHRB’s already robust out-of-competition testing (OOCT) program consistent with the model rule adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. The changes establish specific regulations for OOCT, thereby providing a greater deterrence for any administrations of unauthorized, prohibited substances and grounds for the prosecution of findings of violations in any OOCT biological samples. ·        In significant developments in the CHRB’s enforcement division, Executive Director Rick Baedeker announced the appointment of Shawn Loehr as Chief of Enforcement and Licensing, along with the retirement of Special Investigator James Hamilton, after 18 years with... ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, November 29, (rescheduled from November 15) at Del Mar Surfside Race Place. Chair Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Araceli Ruano and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        The Board approved the license application for the Los Angeles Turf Club to conduct a race meet at Santa Anita Park from December 26 through June 23 and to begin hosting simulcast wagering on December 19. Twinspires will not be permitted to accept Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) wagers on Santa Anita races and Santa Anita will not be authorized to provide its signal to Twinspires unless the Board receives an agreement between them by December 21. Both parties expressed confidence that an agreement will be reached before the deadline. ·        The Board approved the license application for the Pacific... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 29, 2018) — House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released bipartisan tax and oversight legislation earlier this week that includes, among its wide range of provisions, three-year depreciation for racehorses. Under the proposed package, three-year racehorse depreciation would return for 2018 and grant taxpayers the option to depreciate all racehorses over a three-year period.   Three-year racehorse depreciation was most recently available to the industry in 2017 but Congress did not renew it for 2018 as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed in December 2017. The TCJA did include 100% bonus depreciation and a $1 million Sec. 179 expense allowance for qualified depreciable property, two important investment incentives that lessened the need for three-year depreciation in many cases. However, three-year depreciation continues to be a beneficial option for many racehorse owners, especially racing partnerships with multiple passive owners, as it better aligns deductions with corresponding income opportunities on an annual basis.   The presence of three-year depreciation language in... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 27, 2018) — As the end of the year approaches, The Jockey Club reminds owners, breeders, and agents who handle foal certificates that an Interactive Registration (IR) account is required for those who manage and transfer digital foal certificates. Starting with the 2018 foal crop, The Jockey Club Registry transitioned from hard copies of foal certificates to digital copies. Individuals can create their IR accounts at registry.jockeyclub.com.  Through the use of digital certificates, users experience a host of benefits: ·         Users can access digital certificates any time on computers and mobile devices. ·         Owners and agents do not have to worry about losing or damaging certificates. ·         Operations are streamlined, whether in the racing office, on the sales grounds, while transporting horses internationally, or when executing private transactions. The registry expects that additional enhancements will be introduced in the future as various local and national racing entities incorporate their authentications to the certificate. “Our online Interactive Registration service enables digital foal certificates to... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2018) — A pair of stakes for Golden State Series eligibles will be held at the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The stakes will be run at one mile and are ungraded. The $100,000 Soviet Problem – for fillies – will be offered Saturday, Dec. 15 while the $100,000 King Glorious will be run Sunday, Dec. 16. Both are for 2-year-olds bred or sired in California. The eight-day season will begin Thursday, Dec. 6 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 16. The $300,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos CashCall Futurity and the $300,000-guaranteed Starlet – for fillies – will be renewed on Saturday, Dec. 8. Hall of Famer Bob Baffert became the first trainer to win the Starlet and CashCall Futurity in the same year in 2017, capturing the Starlet with Dream Tree and the Futurity – via disqualification – with McKinzie. Baffert has won all four runnings of the Futurity at Los Alamitos, taking the 2014 renewal with Dortmund, then scoring with Mor... ...

By Bloodhorse.com BONSALL, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2018) — The old adage goes: “Hard times don’t make heroes. It is during the hard times when the hero within us is revealed.” The fire at the San Luis Rey Training Center in December brought out the hero in many of the staff and barn workers, as they attempted to save as many horses as they could under chaotic conditions. As a collective group they were honored Nov. 1 at Churchill Downs during the Race Track Chaplaincy of America White Horse Awards. Traditionally the White Horse Award goes to an individual or group who has performed a heroic act on behalf of human or horse, but this year was different. The well-attended event, held for the sixteenth time, took place in the Triple Crown Room of the Jockey Club Suites. While Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith was the keynote speaker, the backstretch workers of San Luis Rey were the true honorees. “We had the most nominations we’ve had in a while,” said... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2018) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, October 25, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Araceli Ruano and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        Chairman Winner began the meeting with an announcement that Commissioner Jesse Choper has resigned from the Board citing personal matters after serving nearly 12 years as a commissioner. “The Board will miss him, and racing will miss his wisdom, thoughtfulness, stability, and wit,” said the chairman, who went on to express confidence that a new commissioner would be appointed in the near future. This leaves the Board with five members. ·        The Board put over until November consideration of the Pacific Racing Association’s license application for winter racing at Golden Gate Fields (GGF) largely because the application did not list any out-of-state signals for importation other than Hong... ...

From Ballena Vista Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2018) — Conquest Farenheit, a multiple stakes winning son of Scat Daddy, has been retired and will stand at Ballena Vista Farm for an introductory fee of $3,000 live foal as the property of Rockingham Ranch  and Chad Littlefield. After breaking his maiden by five lengths as a juvenile, he was G2 stakes placed in his second lifetime outing while being campaigned by Conquest Stables, LLC. Conquest Farenheit, as a two-year-old, was purchased for $735,000 by Chad Littlefield and Rockingham Ranch from the dispersal of Conquest Stables, LLC and turned over to Peter Miller. Under his new connections Conquest Farenheit became a multiple stakes winner at three years of age taking the Pasadena Stakes and the Baffle Stakes at Santa Anita. He completed his career with a second place finish in the Rainbow Stakes. Following his Pasadena Stakes win in wire-to-wire fashion by two and a quarter lengths in 1:33.58, trainer Peter Miller said, “What a horse. This is a serious horse.... ...

From Special T Thoroughbreds TEMECULA, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2018) — Grade II winner Anthony’s Cross has been acquired by David Chase and Rick Taylor to stand at Special T Thoroughbreds for the 2019 breeding season. Anthony’s Cross is by Indian Charlie, the champion sire of over 90 stakes winners and the sensational young sire Uncle Moe, and out of the Unbridled mare Screening. Anthony’s Cross won the Grade II Robert B. Lewis and has earned $230,790. He also defeated the Breeders Cup dirt miler champion Tapizan. Anthony’s Cross’ oldest crop is 3 years old with a stakes-placed winner, Yeehaw, along with six winners out of 11 starters.  Anthony’s Cross will stand for $2,500 live foal.  ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2018) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, September 27, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Jesse Choper, Fred Maas and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        The Board approved the license application for a fall meet at Del Mar beginning November 9 through December 2. Joe Harper, chief executive officer of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, indicated the same enhanced safety protocols that helped protect horses for the last three meets at Del Mar will remain in place. He specifically thanked the CHRB for its active support in this safety effort and horsemen, who he said have been especially cautious in entering horses they feel might not be physically race ready. These safety protocols have helped reduce equine fatalities at Del Mar by more than 70 percent. ·        The Board... ...

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2018) – Longtime Thoroughbred breeder and owner Marvin Malmuth passed away earlier this month at his home. He was 89. Malmuth was the founder and president of the Retla Steamship Co., a cargo ship charter business. Malmuth was also a Thoroughbred Race horse breeder of California-bred stakes winner Oberwald and owner of multiple graded winner Explicit. He served on the Board of Directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California. Malmuth is survived by his wife Sonja; children Karen, David, Michael and Robyn and grandchildren Kate, Amy Josh, Drew and Daniel; brother Eddie Malmuth and numerous nieces and nephews. ...

From CTFMA FALLBROOK, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2018) — It is with great sadness that we were informed that our past California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association President Bob Curtis passed away. Bob was a leader, a horseman, a racing supporter, a dear friend to many of us, and an amazing father to his only daughter Carol.  There will be two memorials for Bob one in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he recently moved. The other one will be held at REINS in Fallbrook. It is requested instead of flowers or gifts that donations be made to the REINS program. Arizona Memorial Service – Saturday, Oct. 6, 1 p.m., Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E Pinnacle Peak Rd, Scottsdale, Ariz. California Memorial Service – Oct. 14, 11 a.m., REINS, 4461 S Mission Rd, Fallbrook, Calif. ...

From TOC ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2018) – The Thoroughbred Owners of California invites all members to the Northern California Annual Meeting, to be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m. in the Bay View Lounge at Golden Gate Fields. The general business meeting will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include a question-and-answer session. An award presentation will also be made, and a complimentary buffet luncheon will be served. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 626-574-6620 or at toconline.com. ...

From Keeneland VERSAILLES, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2018) — The late Ed Hudon loved the Thoroughbred industry in general and Keeneland in particular, according to those who knew him best. Hudon died Thursday, several hours after his Sierra Farm-bred American Pharoah filly sold for $1.4 million at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. “Keeneland gave us a bottle of champagne (to celebrate the million-dollar sale) and when we went back to the house we poured a glass for Ed,” said Farm Manager Michael Callanan. “We told him the filly sold for $1.4 million and we like to think he knew. We had a toast in his honor.” Sitting with Sierra Farm’s consignment on Saturday, Hudon’s widow, Sharon, recalled his across-the-board generosity that extended to his horses. She noted that Sierra has a band of retired runners and about 30 active broodmares. “I always wanted to sell a million-dollar horse so when Ed died the next day, I feel like that was his last gift to me,” she said. Sharon recalled how much... ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2018) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, August 23, at Del Mar Surfside Race Place. Chair Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Fred Maas and Jesse Choper also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        Acting on a recommendation from Medication Committee Chair Madeline Auerbach and Committee Member Solis, the Board approved for public notice a proposed regulation to require veterinarians for horses claimed in races to report the administration of any intra-articular injections to the new veterinarians. The official veterinarian will oversee this procedure but the information itself will pass directly from one practicing veterinarian to another, retaining its confidentiality. Vice Chair Auerbach stressed the cooperative nature of discussions with veterinarians, trainers and owners that led to agreement on this matter. ·        The Board approved the license application for Pacific Racing Association (PRA) to conduct a race... ...

From TOBA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 22, 2018) – The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association named Richard Barton the California Breeder of the Year . TOBA also announced that eFive Racing, Godolphin, Juddmonte Farm, Rockingham Ranch and the partnership of Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm have been selected as finalists for the TOBA National Owner of the Year. The TOBA National Owner of the Year will be announced live at the TOBA National Awards Dinner, which will be held on Saturday, September 8 at the Woodford Reserve Club at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. TOBA will also honor breeders from 23 states and Canada.  The National Breeder of the Year and the National Small Breeder of the Year will also be disclosed at the TOBA National Awards Dinner. Other TOBA national award winners include Win Approval, dam of World Approval, who has been named as the National Broodmare of the Year and Mended, who will be honored as Claiming Crown Horse of the Year, presented by the National HBPA. The... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 22, 2018) — The Jockey Club today announced the election of six new members: Craig Bandoroff, Michael Del Giudice, Staci Hancock, James Lawson, Maria Niarchos-Gouazé, and Ogden Phipps II. Craig Bandoroff owns Denali Stud, which he founded in 1990. Denali is one of the nation’s leading consignors, and the farm has sold horses such as Animal Kingdom, Uncle Mo, Real Quiet, and Champagne Room. Bandoroff is on the board of directors of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders, and the Kentucky Equine Education Project. He is a founding member and former president of the Consignors and Breeders Association. Michael Del Giudice has served as the chairman of the board for the New York Racing Association since 2015. He is the chair and senior managing director of Carnegie Hudson Resources LLC, a capital markets advisory firm, and the co-chair of Universal Marine Medical Supply International. He is also a senior managing director of Millennium Capital Markets LLC, an investment banking firm.... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2018) — The Jockey Club is projecting a 2019 North American registered Thoroughbred foal crop of 21,500. The 21,500 foals estimated for 2019 is the same as the 2018 foal crop projection, which was announced in August 2017. The foal crop projection, traditionally announced in mid-August, is computed by using Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) received to date for the 2018 breeding season. RMBs are to be filed by August 1 of each breeding season. “We estimate that approximately 85% of reports of mares bred, which the foal crop estimate is based on, have been received,” said Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club’s executive vice president and executive director. Additional foal crop information is available in The Jockey Club’s online fact book at jockeyclub.com/factbook.asp and in the online state fact books. Stallion owners who have not returned their RMBs for the 2018 breeding season are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Interactive Registration, which enables registered users to perform virtually all... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 9, 2018) — The U.S Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today released proposed regulations for the 20 percent deduction allowed for pass-through businesses, a provision found in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Small business owners now have more clarity on how they may be able to take advantage of the deduction that was included in the tax reform legislation passed in December 2017.   Owners of businesses such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, trusts and S corporations now may be able to deduct 20 percent of their qualified business income when filing their tax returns. Qualified business income includes domestic income from a trade or business but does not include employee income, capital gains, interest and dividend income. Additionally, business owners can combine their businesses into a single unit to claim the benefit, thereby making the process of filing more efficient and less costly.   “Small business owners around the country, including those in the horse racing and breeding industry, have... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 22, 2018) — Martine Bellocq, the courageous trainer who went into the fires of hell in an attempt to save her horses last December at San Luis Rey Downs training center, has been selected to be the recipient of the 15th Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award. The prestigious honor and handsome trophy named for, and bestowed by, the Hall of Fame rider will be presented to Bellocq on Saturday, August 18, the day the track runs its signature race, the $1,000,000 TVG Pacific Classic. Bellocq, who suffered life-threatening burns over much of her body, then had to go through a series of demanding surgeries and subsequently lost a foot due to circulation complications. Despite all that, she has steadfastly worked her way back from near death in a display of strength and spirit that has amazed her doctors, family and friends. When she leads the contingent of heroes who’ll be on board that afternoon, she’ll be making her first public appearance since the December... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 18, 2018) — Click here to view the 2017 NTRA Legislative Action Campaign Annual Report   Features of the report include:   A federal legislative and regulatory summary of issues important to horse racing and breeding A list of 2017 contributors to the NTRA’s Legislative Action Campaign through the NTRA ¼% Check-off Program and other NTRA fundraising programs Participating sale company calendars and overall sales calendar  · Videos explaining the ¼% Check-off Program and the NTRA’s strategy in Washington, D.C. Member benefits information from NTRA Advantage partners like John Deere, Sherwin-Williams, Office Depot and others                  Thank you to all individuals, farms, racing stables/partnerships, bloodstock services, sale companies and industry organizations that contributed to one or more of the NTRA’s legislative fundraising programs. This widespread support allows the NTRA’s federal legislative team to best represent the industry in Washington, D.C.   Please share this report with family, friends and colleagues who share your enthusiasm for horse racing and breeding. ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 16, 2018) — Horse Racing Reform, an industry initiative led by The Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, announced today the launch of an updated website, horseracingreform.org, designed to better inform and educate the general public, racing fans, and industry personnel on safety, integrity, and welfare matters in horse racing. The mobile-friendly site includes a range of new educational tools and resources to keep users apprised of advocacy efforts. Among the additions to the website: –       Updated maps showing adoption of model rule language for out-of-competition testing, third-party Lasix administration, and controlled therapeutic medication thresholds –       Updated map and in-depth summary showing adoption of the National Uniform Medication Program –       An “Education” section dedicated to providing information on equine health and safety –       A regular blog from Joe Gorajec, former executive director of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and a longtime advocate for integrity in racing –       Links to state rulebooks and commission websites –       A searchable list of Lasix-free runners... ...

From CHRB LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (July 13, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, July 12, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chair Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Fred Maas and Araceli Ruano also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker reported on some of the safety measures that have contributed to a 36-percent reduction in equine fatalities leading into the Del Mar meet, where those measures will be augmented in a significant effort to protect horses and riders. Among the steps being taken with support from management and the cooperation of horsemen, there will be at least one CHRB official veterinarian and safety steward at Del Mar seven days a week; there will be as many as three examining veterinarians on duty; horses deemed at risk for injury due to extended layoffs or prior history will be examined, perhaps... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 11, 2018) — Four stakes worth a guaranteed total of $350,000 will be offered during the upcoming Los Angeles County Fair at Los Alamitos meet. The 12-day season will begin Thursday, Sept. 6 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 23. Racing will be conducted on a Thursday-Sunday basis. A stakes doubleheader will be presented Saturday, Sept. 8. Three-year-old fillies will run six furlongs in the $75,000-guaranteed Beverly J. Lewis and 3-year-olds & up either bred or sired in California will compete in the $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston at one mile. The final two Saturdays of the season will feature the $100,000-guaranteed Barretts Debutante for 2-year-old fillies Sept. 15 and the $100,000-guaranteed Barretts Juvenile for colts & geldings Sept. 22. Both races are at 6 ½ furlongs and restricted to horses offered at any Barretts sale. Saturday, Sept. 8, Beverly J. Lewis Stakes, Six Furlongs, $75,000, 3-Year-Old Fillies Saturday, Sept. 8, E.B. Johnston Stakes, One Mile, $75,000, 3-Year-Olds & Up (California bred or sired) Saturday, Sept.... ...

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 11, 2018) — Thoroughbred Owners of California invites all members to the Southern California annual meeting, to be held at the Del Mar Veranda Cafe on August 11 at 8:30 a.m. The general business meeting will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include and question-and-answer session. Award presentations will also be made to the winners of the annual Owners Awards, and a complimentary buffet breakfast will be served. Reservations are required. RSVP to 626-574-6620 or toconline.com   ...

From TOC DEL MAR, July 8, 2018) — All horsemen are invited to TOC’s free New Owner Seminar on Sunday, July 22, at 9 a.m. Following the seminar, a tour of the barns will be given by leading trainers.  Registration is required and must be done before noon on Friday, July 20. Listen to a panel of experts discuss acquiring horses at auction and through private sales, claiming horses and joining partnerships and syndicates. To register: toconline.com/events/new-owner-seminar-2 ...

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 29, 2018) — About a month after members of the California Horse Racing Board promised changes to the composition of stewards on the Southern California racing circuit, changes have indeed been made ahead of the upcoming summer meet at Del Mar. According to the CHRB, steward Scott Chaney, who has served in that position in Southern California for more than a decade, will be the first steward shuffled in an ongoing “rotation” between the two regions of the state. Chaney will move to the Sonoma County Fair meet at Santa Rosa, which begins racing Aug. 2, according to CHRB executive director Rick Baedeker. Baedeker also said Chaney, who is a lawyer, will help the CHRB with “an upcoming investigation” that was in need of a lawyerly presence. John Herbuveaux, who had been serving as a steward in Northern California, will take Chaney’s place at Del Mar, which begins racing July 18. “It’s a difficult thing for any steward—picking up and going somewhere else,” said Baedeker, who,... ...

From CHRB PLEASANTON, Calif (June 22, 2018) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, June 21, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Chair Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Jesse Choper, Fred Maas, Araceli Ruano and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        The Board unanimously approved the license application for a summer race meet at Golden Gate Fields “contingent upon the receipt of agreements with each satellite wagering facility in Northern California, as required by law, including the TOC (Thoroughbred Owners of California) horsemen’s agreement and all other outstanding items mentioned in the staff analysis by the close of business on July 2, 2018.” Although a number of issues have been publicly discussed, including Northern California racing dates and the viability of simulcast operations, the only issue before the Board Thursday was the license application submitted by Pacific Racing Association (PRA)) for the... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2018) — Soul of the Matter, who stood for many years at EA Ranches in California, died on Wednesday in Montana, where he had been retired. He was 27. Soul of the Matter was bred by Burt Bacharach’s Blue Seas Music, raced for Bacharach and was trained by Richard Mandella. A winner of seven of 16 starts, Soul of the Matter earned $2,302,818. His biggest win came in the 1994 Super Derby (gr. I) with a neck victory over Concern. He also won that year’s San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) prior to a fifth-place finish behind Go for Gin in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). He also finished fourth in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I). Soul of the Matter is perhaps best known for his final start, an epic battle with Cigar in the inaugural $4-million Dubai World Cup. Soul of the Matter challenged the Horse of the Year strongly in the stretch but came up a half-length short in the 1 1/4-mile race. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2018) – Pete Fer, longtime member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, recently passed away. Fer bred and owned Cal-bred stakes horses Uncaged Fury (winner of the 1994 California Cup Sprint), Caballo De Oro, John’s Clue and Mystery’s Edge. Notable trainers who worked with Fer were John Canty, Humberto Ascanio, Louie Cenicola and Ron Ellis. Fer owned a heating, plumbing and air conditioning company in the South Bay. ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 15, 2018) — James L. Gagliano, president and COO of The Jockey Club, was elected chairman of the American Horse Council’s Board of Trustees during the AHC’s annual meeting and national issues forum. Gagliano succeeds Dr. Jerry Black who served as chairman the past three years. “I’m honored to lead the American Horse Council Board and follow the very successful tenure of Dr. Jerry Black,” Gagliano said. “Dr. Black set a very high bar for the AHC, leading the successful transition from longtime president Jay Hickey to current president Julie Broadway, updating the organization’s strategic plan, and completing the first comprehensive Economic Impact Study of the United States Equine Industry in 14 years.” Gagliano became president and COO of The Jockey Club in 2010, where he had previously served as executive vice president & chief administrative officer since 2005. Prior to joining The Jockey Club, he served as executive vice president of Magna Entertainment Corporation’s Maryland racing operations, where he was responsible for the day-to-day... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (June 12, 2018) — CARMAcares presents its 11th Annual Hoedown for Horses Charity Fundraiser on Sunday, July 22, at the Del Mar Paddock, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event supports the aftercare of retired racehorses. There will be a BBQ dinner, a live band, square dancing, line dancing and mechanical bulls. For further information, visit www.CARMA4horses.org or call 626-574-6622. ...

From TOC PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 8, 2018) — All horsemen are invited to attend the TOC Open Forum at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 10 a.m.   Meet TOC staff and directors for a discussion of current events and a chance to have questions answered. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 27, 2018) — Due to a $70 million increase in overall pari-mutuel handle dating back to Dec. 26, Santa Anita Park has announced a 10 percent increase in overnight purses, effective Friday, June 1, through closing day, Sunday, June 24. “The fact that we’re up $70 million in handle is obviously very gratifying and there are several factors involved, including field size, which is very important,” said Tim Ritvo, Chief Operating Officer for The Stronach Group (TSG). “We’ve seen an increase of a half a horse per race, so that has certainly helped. Considering where we were from an economic standpoint a year ago, it’s gratifying to be able to card 18 additional races over the same time period and still be in a very good position in terms of our purse account. “We appreciate the cooperation received from the TOC (Thoroughbred Owners of California), the CTT (California Thoroughbred Trainers), our staff and most importantly, the economic engine that drives our business, our... ...

ARCADIA, CA – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, May 24, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Fred Maas and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        The same safety measures that helped protect horses during the highly successful 2017 summer and fall meets at Del Mar, including the hiring of additional veterinarians to track and examine horses, will be in place for this summer’s meet, Del Mar representatives advised the Board during discussion of their license application. The Board approved the application for a meet that will open Wednesday, July 18, and run through Monday, September 3 (Labor Day). Del Mar will be adding three wagers: an early Pick 4 beginning with the second race, a late Pick 5 involving the last five races, and Win, Place, Show Parlay wagering on every race. ·        During the Public... ...