About the author  ⁄ CTBA

Gold Rush Day: ‘Breeders’ Cup for Cal-breds’

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 21, 2025) — California-breds of all types are in the limelight Saturday at Santa Anita, from well-regarded 2-year-old fillies making career debuts to a 7-year-old gelding who looks like a slam dunk on a program with five stakes for statebreds worth $100,000 or more. The star on Saturday is Kings River Knight, favored to wire the $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes, which goes as race 8. The veteran is the only free square Saturday. The maiden race for 2-year-old fillies and four other stakes on the 10-race card are more competitive. “It’s the Breeders’ Cup for Cal-breds,” trainer Doug O’Neill said. “You wish it was a few times a year.” O’Neill starts Bro Bro in race 10, the $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes. His rivals in the mile and one-eighth turf race for 3-year-olds include Cali Cat and Got Soul. Every entrant is racing the farthest distance of their career. It’s a recurring theme Saturday – horses trying something new. :: Santa Anita Clocker Reports are available every race... ...

Read More →

Style Cat-Drop Um Rematch in Snow Chief

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 18, 2025) – Style Cat and Drop Um, 1-2 in the recent Echo Eddie Stakes, meet again in Saturday’s $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank, for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Western Freedom is by American Freedom, out of the Western Farm mare Western Kitty, was bred by KMN Racing, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by Brian Koriner. He has two wins and a second in three starts, earnings of $82,200 and is coming off back-to-back wins. Style Cat is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Kittens Trip, was bred by owners J. Kirk & Judy Robison and is trained by Peter Miller. He has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $229,990 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 5 Echo Eddie. Drop Um is by Far From Over, out of the Include mare Behavioral, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Gray Farms and trained by Felix Rondan.... ...

Read More →

Kings River Knight Returns to Crystal Water

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 18, 2025) – California-bred champion Kings River Knight, winner of the last two runnings of the race, seeks a three-peat in Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. Stamp My Passport is by Vancouver, out of the Street Boss mare Sweet Boss, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Shapiro and is trained by Leonard Powell. He has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $167,412 and is coming off a third in an Apr. 2 optional claimer. Stakes winner Coalinga Road is by Quality Road, out of the Johannesburg mare Coco Ecolo, was bred by owner Harris Farms and trained by Carla Gaines. She has four wins in 34 starts, earnings of $527,182 and is coming off a fifth in a May 3 optional claimer. He was fourth in this race last year and second in 2023. Takes Three is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Radish, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Slugo Racing and... ...

Read More →

Stakes-winning Trio Tangles in Melair

ARCADIA, Calif. May 18, 2025) – Stakes winners In the Air Tonight, Om N Joy and Sunset Grazen are entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Lady Mendelssohn is by Mendelssohn, out of the Bandini mare Ringmistress, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Out of the Blue Stables and trained by Carla Gaines. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $44,540 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 28 optional claimer. Stakes winner In the Air Tonight is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Sky Mesa mare Angel Allie, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Chacon, Anthony J., Flores, Victor M. and Lovingier, Terry C. and trained by Steve Knapp. She has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $175,352 and is coming off an eighth in an Apr. 25 optional claimer. Stakes winners Om N Joy is by Om, out of the Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute, was bred by Jerry Baker... ...

Read More →

Prancingthruparis Prances into Fran’s Valentine

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 18, 2025) – Irish O’Brien winner Prancingthruparis and stakes-winning CTBA January Sale topper Shocking Grey are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Sneaker is by Oscar Performance, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Lime Beach, was bred by Fountain of Youth Breeding, is owned by R L Stables and trained by George Papaprodromou. She has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $201,948 and is coming off a third in the Apr. 26 Royal Heroine. She was fifth in this race last year. Cornelia Fort is by Grazen, out of the Unusual Heat mare An Unusual Group, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Greenway Racing Stables LLC, Branch, William A., Catone, Richard and Mathis, Andy and trained by Mathis. She has four wins in 26 starts, earnings of $272,738 and is coming off a second in a May 2 optional claimer. She was third in this race last year. Prancingthruparis is by Sir Prancealot,... ...

Read More →

NorCal Sales Graduate in Thor’s Echo

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 18, 2025) – Seven Golden State Series-eligibles, including Northern California Yearling Sale graduate I’m a Bad Boy, seek their first stakes win in Saturday’s 100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes at Santa Anita. Spiritual Advisor is an Idaho-bred by California stallion Tamarando, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Angel Diane, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has two wins in 20 starts, earnings of $173,920 and is coming off an Apr. 19 optional claimer. Private Gem is by Lookin at Lucky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Geode, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Sinners or Saints and trained by Mark Glatt. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $115,090 and is coming off back-to-back wins. Book Smart is by Stanford, out of the With Distinction mare Magic Lily, was bred by Grasshopper Racing Stable, Inc., Jack Fabulich & Jill Fabulich, is owned by Bernal, Eduardo, Buckendorf, Larry S., Bullard, Charlotte A., Harringer, Tyler and... ...

Read More →

Flame McGoon Enters Ouija Board

GRAND PRAIRIE, Tex. (May 20, 2025) – Flame McGoon, a registered California-sired daughter of Stanford, is entered in Monday’s $200,000 Ouija Board Distaff Stakes at Lone Star Park. Flame McGoon, out of the More Than Ready mare Lula Talullah, was bred by Branch Thoroughbreds, is owned by Wiest, Clayton, Wiest, Rick and Wiest, Lana and trained by Robertino Diodoro. She has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $175,655 and is coming off a May 2 allowance win ...

Read More →

Let There Be Peace in Mt. San Juan County

FARMINGTON, N.M. (May 18, 2025) — Let There Be Peace is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Mt. San Juan County Commissioners Stakes at SunRay Park. Let There be Peace is by Stanford, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Minster’sadventure, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Ruben Ramirez and trained by Steve Gomez. He has four wins in 30 starts, earnings of $85,494 and is coming off an Apr. 6 starter optional claimer.     ...

Read More →

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 16, 2025) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting Thursday, May 15, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Thomas Hudnut, and Peter Stern. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcastlink, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: The Humboldt County Fair made another appeal to have dates allocated to its racing program in Ferndale in 2025 – this after the Board failed in a 3-2 vote to allocate those dates at the April meeting. Humboldt gained a vote from newly appointed commissioner Peter Stern, joined by Vice Chair Gonzales and Commissioner Davis, but with only three affirmative votes, one short of the required majority, the motion failed. Commissioner Castellanos, who did not attend the April meeting, added his negative vote to those of Chairman Ferraro and Commissioners Alfieri and Hudnut, making the vote 4-3... ...

Read More →

Del Mar Offers NorCal Incentives

From Del Mar Racing Office DEL MAR, Calif. (May 16, 2025) — We’re excited to announce an exclusive incentive program for horses that have been based at PLN. We truly appreciate your continued support and are thrilled to offer this opportunity. Rules and guidelines are below: Horses must have been based in Northern California since December 1, 2024, and trained by those only based in Northern California during that time. • Guaranteed $500 check for any qualified starter in their first start. • 15% bonus is applied to the qualified horse’s purse earnings for EVERY start during the summer meet. • Purse bonus applies to earnings for places 1-5, excluding stakes races. • Horses may not dual-qualify for Maiden Dirt Bonus and Ship & Win programs. • DMTC reserves the right to determine eligibility & bonuses for qualified starters. For further information, contact the Del Mar Racing office. ...

Read More →

Smoken Boy Wins Caesars Off the Turf

By DRF.com SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (May 14, 2025) — Smoken Boy, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Catholic Boy, won Wednesday’s $150,000 Caesars Handicap for 3-year-olds at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Smoken Boy scored by a head over 1-2 favorite Chasing Liberty in the Caesars, a big win for owner KEM Stables and trainer Cheryl Winebaugh. Smoken Boy made his first three starts in Puerto Rico, winning the Grade I Clasico Agustin Mercado Reveron Stakes in December. He earned a trip to Florida, where he finished eighth in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Smoken Boy, in his next start, was offered for a $75,000 claiming price, and KEM took him. At 112-1, Smoken Boy ran to his odds in the Florida Derby, but more than earned back his purchase price Wednesday, picking up a check worth $92,733. He has three wins in seven starts and earnings of $164,993. His third dam is Cal-bred multiple graded winner Go Go. Ridden by Manny Esquivel, Smoken Boy tracked the pace of Brodeur... ...

Read More →

NTRA Pleased with Progress on Depreciation

From NTRA WASHINGTON, DC. (May 14, 2025) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) praises the House Ways and Means Committee for passing a tax bill through their committee that includes 100% bonus depreciation. This is one of the first hurdles the bill needed to cross to become law. According to the bill, bonus depreciation will be retroactive to January 20, 2025, and continue unchanged (no phasedown of rate) for five years. “100% bonus depreciation is essential for our sport,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “I praise the House Ways and Means committee for swiftly passing this bill. While it’s not permanent bonus depreciation, restoring 100% bonus depreciation for the next five years is a huge step in the right direction. It will give the Thoroughbred industry the increased cashflow and flexibility it needs to thrive. I would also like to applaud the work of our partners in this effort, the Economic Investment Alliance (EIA), for all that they have done in making sure 100% bonus depreciation was included... ...

Read More →

Legacy Ranch on Public Television

From Legacy Ranch LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 14, 2025) – Viewers can join “All Access with Andy Garcia” for an enlightening and heartfelt look inside Legacy Ranch Inc., where the intricate art and evolving science of thoroughbred breeding converge with an unwavering dedication to nurture the potential champions of tomorrow’s racetracks. Public Television audiences are invited to gain a profound and moving appreciation for the remarkable journey of a racehorse in an upcoming segment of “All Access with Andy Garcia” proudly featuring the esteemed Legacy Ranch Inc. Set to film later this year, this engaging and visually rich program will meticulously delve into the pivotal early stages of a horse’s life. From the strategic and thoughtful selection of breeding stock, considering lineage and genetic potential, to the consistently nurturing and carefully managed environment provided to mares, ensuring their health and well-being, the segment will illuminate every crucial step with owners Pete and Evelyn Parrella. Viewers will also witness the initial, specialized training regimens meticulously designed to build a strong foundation,... ...

Read More →

Miso Phansy Can’t Wait for Honeymoon

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 13, 2025) – Stakes-placed Miso Phansy is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s 100,000 Grade III Honeymoon Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Miso Phansy is by Karakontie, out of the Souvenir Copy mare Sandy Cheeks, was bred by Ciaglia Racing, is owned by Ciaglia Racing and Robin Christensen and trained by Leonard Powell. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $130,050 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 18 optional claimer. ...

Read More →

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 13, 2025) — The CHRB will hold an in-person meeting this Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Cal Expo in Sacramento, with public comment limited to two minutes on specific agenda items, and a webcast audio link is available for those unable to attend. The meeting will be held despite the temporary closire of the headquarters of the CHRB, located at 1010 Hurley Way, Sacramento, from May 13 to May 16 due to a fire that occurred in the building May 11. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the CHRB office itself was not damaged. Despite this temporary closure, the public can continue to access CHRB services and resources via our website: https://www.chrb.ca.gov/.  For further inquiries or assistance—such as submitting forms, fees, or other requests—please contact us atinformation@chrb.ca.gov. Your request will be promptly routed to the appropriate staff member. We appreciate your patience as we work through this temporary disruption. ...

Read More →

The Jockey Club Publishes Blue Book

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 13, 2025) — The Jockey Club Information Systems in association with the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities have published the 2025 International Cataloguing Standards Book, also known as The Blue Book. The book is produced annually and provides a listing of stakes races from each country that will be accorded Group/Graded or Listed status in sales catalogs using standards approved by the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers. The 2025 version of The Blue Book and a link to books from 1998 through 2024 can be found here: ifhaonline.org/default.asp?section=Resources&area=8. Publication of The Blue Book is coordinated by the International Grading and Race Planning Committee with input from racing authorities worldwide. The first book was published in 1983. ...

Read More →

Chismosa Returns in Mizdirection Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2025) – Graded stakes winner Chismosa returns from a six-month break in Saturday’s $100,000 Mizdirection Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $579,750 and is returning after winning the Nov. 10 Betty Grable Stakes. She was third in this race last year. ...

Read More →

NTRA Lobbies for Industry Benefits

From NTRA WASHINGTON, DC. (May 12, 2025) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) continues to work actively on Capitol Hill to help to expand investments in the sport of Thoroughbred racing. The NTRA is an active supporter of the Regulation Advancement for Capital Enhancement (RACE) Act of 2025, which makes it easier for everyone to experience the thrill of owning a horse. The Act will automatically approve offering statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) – simplifying the registration process. This change will allow for more Americans to invest in the industry through fractional ownership of Thoroughbred racehorses. “Thanks to companies like MyRacehorse, thousands of people across the country get to experience the excitement of owning a winning horse,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “Thoroughbred racing is America’s best and oldest sport, and we need to encourage more people to get involved. We can’t penalize individuals and companies interested in fractional participation due to excessive federal regulations. The RACE Act is one way we can ensure... ...

Read More →

Grand Slam Smile Joins Sean McCarthy Stable

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 11, 2025) — The California-bred multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile joined trainer Sean McCarthy’s stable earlier this year at Santa Anita and is nearing her first start since late November. Owned and bred by Larry and Marianne Williams, Grand Slam Smile has won 6 of 11 starts and earned $526,400. She was previously trained by Steve Specht, who retired late last year. A 4-year-old filly, Grand Slam Smile was named Cal-bred champion 2-year-old filly for 2023 and champion 3-year-old filly for 2024. She has won five stakes on turf and dirt at Santa Anita since June 2023, including the $200,000 California Cup Oaks for statebred 3-year-old fillies in January 2024. She was given a rest after a second-place finish at 4-5 in the Livermore Valley Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at six furlongs at Pleasanton on Nov. 30, her sixth start of 2024. “They gave her some time off,” McCarthy said. “She had a good campaign.” :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted... ...

Read More →

Gold Rush Nominations Close Today

From Santa Anita ARCADIA, Calif. (May 11, 2025) — Nominations close today, May 11, for the five Golden State Series stakes on the Saturday, May 24 Gold Rush Day card at Santa Anita. The state-bred showcase offers a total of $550,000 in purses for the quintet of Golden State Series-eligible stakes, and here’s the lineup: $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes, 3 YO, 9 F (T) $125,000 Melair Stakes, F, 3 YO, 8 1/2 F $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes, 3 & UP, 6 F $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes, 3 & UP, 8 F (T) $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes, F/M, 3 & UP, 8 F (T) ...

Read More →

Lovesick Blues Snares Siren Lure Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 10, 2025) – California-bred Lovesick Blues wore down favored Bran in the lane to win Saturday’s $100,000 Siren Lure Stakes at Santa Anita. Lovesick Blues is by Grazen, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Queenofhercastle, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and trained by Librado Barocio. With his first career stakes win, Lovesick Blues has eight wins in 39 starts, earnings of $524,000 and was coming off a third in the Mar. 30 Sensational Star. “I knew he was getting better and better,” said Barocio. “He came off that layoff and ran a great race and last time he ran a great race against good horses and this time I had confidence. I don’t want to sound bragadocious, but I felt good. I just want to thank the good Lord above and Nick Alexander for being such a great breeder and allowing me to buy this horse from him. “He’s a little tough to handle if you don’t know him,... ...

Read More →

Sir Prancealots Cashing All Over the Globe

SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (May 10, 2025) – California stallion Sir Prancealot was represented by a black-type earner in the southern hemisphere on Saturday. In Australia, his 4-year-old son Sir Sway placed second in the $1 million, Grade I Goodwood Stakes at Morphettville. Sent off a 61-1 longshot, Sir Sway was overtaken in the stretch by Reserve Bank but held off 2-1 favorite Giga Kick for the place in a field of 13. Sir Sway has eight wins in 18 starts and earnings of $592,185. ...

Read More →

NorCal Grad Debuts with Black Type

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (May 9, 2025) — California-bred Arkadelphia, a graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale, was third in the $100,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds. Arkadelphia is from the first crop of Halladay, out of the City Zip mare Chili Petin, was bred by HV Bloodstock, is owned by Harrell Ventures and trained by Luis Mendez. He was raised and consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds and was making his racing debut. ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Romance Is Diane Passes at 21

From Old Friends Farm GEORGETOWN, Ky. (May 9, 2025) – We are sad to share the loss of California-bred Grade I winner Romance Is Diane at 21 to laminitis complications. Romance Is Diane was by In Excess, out of the Prized mare Romantic Fibs, was bred by Swan Equine Service, owned by Senji Nishimura and trained by Mike Mitchell. She had five wins in 16 starts and earnings of $712,718. Among her wins were the Grade I Hollywood Starlet, the Grade II Bayakoa and the California Cup Juvenile Fillies and Cal Cup Matron. As a broodmare prospect in 2008, she was sold to Adena Springs for $1.35 million. She produced five foals and retired to Old Friends in 2020. Her BFF Saudi Poetry will miss her, as will we. ...

Read More →

Retired Trainer Kathy Walsh Passes at 85

By DRF.com CHICO, Calif. (May 9, 2025) — Kathy Walsh, the retired trainer who died on Thursday, was a reluctant pioneer. When she began training in 1970, following the death of her father Jim, female trainers were largely unwelcome. In that regard, Walsh broke barriers. She won training titles at Longacres in Washington State and Canterbury Downs – now Canterbury Park – in Minnesota. She won Grade 1 races in Southern California and had a starter in the Kentucky Derby. Walsh was 85 at the time of her passing at an assisted living facility in Chico, Calif. She had been ill in recent years, her friends said. She had her final starter in the fall of 2021 and her last winner earlier that year. Born in Sonoma, Calif., in March 1940, Walsh won 1,232 races from 8,030 starters who earned more than $19.3 million. She was married in 1980 and did not train for a few years in that decade. She raced under her married name of Kathy Hutchinson from... ...

Read More →

Lovesick Blues Longs for Siren Lure

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 7, 2025) – Multiple graded-stakes placed Lovesick Blues is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Siren Lure Stakes. Lovesick Blues is by Grazen, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Queenofhercastle, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and trained by Librado Barocio. He has seven wins in 38 starts, earnings of $464,000 and is coming off a third in the Mar. 30 Sensational Star. ...

Read More →

NorCal Sale Grad in Royal Palm Juvenile

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (May 7, 2025) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Arkadelphia makes his racing debut in Saturday’s $100,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Arkadelphia is by Halladay, out of the City Zip mare Chili Petin, was bred by HV Bloodstock, is owned by Harrell Ventures and is trained by Luis Mendez. ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Pair in Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (May 7, 2025) – California-breds Rumpus in Paradise and Just a Little Bit make their racing debuts in Saturday’s $100,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park. Rumpus in Paradise is by Rumpus Cat, out of the Union Rags mare Paradise Reunion, was bred by Noman Tavares, is owned by Chad Calvert and trained by Luis Mendez. Just a Little Bit is an also-eligible by Stanford, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lemon Drop Sis, was bred by Stormy Hull & Guy Hull is owned by Chris Coleman and trained by Luis Mendez. ...

Read More →

Stay Thirsty Juveniles Target Stakes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 5, 2025) — Juveniles by the prominent California stallion Stay Thirsty won maiden races at Santa Anita last Friday and Sunday, the first races for the division this year. The filly Tapatia Mia, who won on Friday, and Fionello, who won on Sunday, were bred by Terry Lovingier, who retains an ownership interest, and are trained by Steve Knapp. Tiago Pereira rode both winners. Tapatia Mia stalked runaway early leader Still Unwritten before taking the lead in the final furlong. Tapatia Mia, who paid $9.20 as the second choice, ran 4 1/2 furlongs in 52.60 seconds and won by a length. She is a half-sibling to stake-winner Chulula Lips and a full to stakes-placed Tapatio Mio. Fionello, who was favored and paid $4, disputed the pace with 9-5 Trump Era before pulling clear to win by 1 1/2 lengths, finishing 4 1/2 furlongs in 52.86. He is a full brother to stakes- winner Finneus and a half-sibling to stakes-winner Fi Fi Pharoah. With the wins,... ...

Read More →

One Bad Boy’s First Winner a NorCal Grad

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (May 5, 2025) — California stallion One Bad Boy was represented by his first winner on Friday when Twirling Crown won a maiden race for 2-year-old fillies at Hipodromo de las Americas. Twirling Crown is out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Stuff, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises. The filly, a $1,000 purchase from the Northern California Yearling Sale, won the 4 1/2-furlong race by 10 lengths. ...

Read More →

Sir Kingsford Wins Port Adelaide Cup

By Punters.com MORPHETTVILLESouth Australia (Apr. 3, 2025) – It was heart in mouth viewing, but a lion-hearted Sir Kingsford, an Australian-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, staved off Victorian raider Basilinna to win Saturday’s Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville. Piloting the field in his first attempt at 2500m, Sir Kingsford refused to lay down in a toe-to-toe battle with Basilinna, after the mare threw down the gauntlet at the top of the straight. Emotions spilt over for Gawler handler Nicole Searle, who trains in partnership with husband Gary, and daughter, Brianna Callanan. “What a great feeling. To our team at home, well done,” Searle said post-race. “You’ve all worked hard. Gary and Brianna, and to the owners of this horse, it’s been a long journey. “We trained his mum, we lost her, unfortunately, last year. We were really looking forward to the filly that she was carrying but this is a tough horse. “He’s just a really nice horse and probably has taken over the mantle from Lady Silhouette as the best horse we’ve had.”... ...

Read More →

Snoopy Now Reps Sir Prancealot

By Racing.com KAROONDA, South Australia (May 2, 2025) — With a population of about 300, the tiny South Australian town of Karoonda isn’t much more than a dot on the map. There’s a small pub, some popular silo art and a struggling footy club. But after Saturday, it might also be home to Australia’s newest Group 1 winner. Local Darryl Hewitt will carry the hopes of the proud community, and indeed those of the broader South Australian racing industry, when he saddles up emerging three-year-old Snoopy Now in the $1 million SA Derby at Morphettville. The gelding — an Australian-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot —  has already done his trainer proud with a win in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) last month, before hitting the line off a sedate tempo in last week’s G3 Chairman’s Stakes (2000m). The Hewitt name is synonymous with sporting success in South Australia but a G1 win would set a new benchmark. Hewitt, his brother Glynn and his father Max were all... ...

Read More →

Eric Kruljac Retires from Training

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2025) — Eric Kruljac, whose stable included retired two-time Cal-bred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron, has retired from training. Kruljac, 72, said last weekend that he plans to continue his involvement in the sport as an owner and breeder, and recently transferred his small stable to his son, Ian, 36. Eric Kruljac had his last runner at Santa Anita when Uffda finished fourth in a $20,000 claimer at Santa Anita on March 15. Three of his former runners started for Ian Kruljac at Santa Anita last weekend. He was named 2023 trainer of the year by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “It’s time,” Eric Kruljac said in a recent interview. “I turned my license in. I’ll just be an owner.” :: Santa Anita Clocker Reports are available every race day. Access now. Kruljac said he wants to focus on his group of four broodmares and a small number of horses he owns, and move away from training, notably clerical billings. “I still love... ...

Read More →

Peter Stern Appointed to CHRB

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2025) — Peter Stern, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the California Horse Racing Board by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Stern has been Chief Revenue Officer at Skedulo and an Advisor at Berkeley SkyDeck since 2025. He held several roles at Authorium from 2024 to 2025, including Advisor and Executive Vice President. He was the Co-Founder of VoiceBrain from 2021 to 2023. He was a Commissioner at California State Lottery Commission from 2019 to 2022. He held several positions at Inxeption from 2017 to 2021, including Executive Vice President of Business Operations and Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. Stern was the Airport Commissioner at the San Francisco International Airport from 2010 to 2019. He was Chief Revenue Officer at Skedulo from 2015 to 2017. Stern was the Chief Revenue Officer at Autopilot from 2013 to 2015. Stern was the Vice President of Sales at Kenandy, Inc. from 2011 to 2013. He held numerous positions at Salesforce from 2007 to 2011, including Vice President of... ...

Read More →

TJC Award Applications Due June 30

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 29, 2025) — Applications for The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program’s (T.I.P.) two annual awards, the Thoroughbred of the Year Award and the Young Rider of the Year Award, are now available online at tjctip.com. Applications are due June 30, 2025. The T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award recognizes a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted services or police work. The award includes a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization associated with the horse or, if no organization is associated with the horse, to a horse-related charity chosen by The Jockey Club. To apply for the T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award, owners can go to bit.ly/3REPP4f.    The T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award recognizes young riders, 18 or under, as of January 1, 2025, who own or lease a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club, or other activities. The winner(s) will be determined through an essay contest with a total award of $5,000. Award funds can be applied... ...

Read More →

Gregson Foundation Recipient Perseveres

By Jay Privman Gregson Foundation ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2025) – There are many adjectives that could describe Zavina Castaneda, but perhaps the most appropriate is “determined.” At age 12, she was in a horrific car crash and nearly lost her life, yet her determination to get well brought her back to full health. Later, as a teenager, she was determined to advocate for a younger nephew with autism; he finally was properly diagnosed, and has subsequently received appropriate education. And now, in her early 20s, she is earning a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California at Riverside, and this fall intends to start law school, en route to becoming the first in her family to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree. Her journey has been aided by the Gregson Foundation, which provides scholarships for children of backstretch workers. Castaneda was determined to get the organization’s support, and said the financial and emotional backing have been invaluable. She will graduate free of student-loan... ...

Read More →

Boss Sully Sprinting at Churchill Downs

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Apr. 27, 2025) – Multiple stakes-placed Boss Sully is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $600,000 Grade II Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes, presented by Accenture at Churchill Downs. Boss Sully is by Street Boss, out of the Candy Ride mare Eternally, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Edward Brown, Jr., Philip Lebherz and Alan Klein and is trained by Brian Koriner. He has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $248,372 and is coming off a Mar. 15 optional claimer. ...

Read More →

Majestic Oops Upsets Hoosier Philly

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Apr. 26, 2025) – California-bred Majestic Oops, who twice went unclaimed running for a $12,500 tag, outran millionaire odds-on favorite Hoosier Philly to win Saturday’s $200,000 Dig A Diamond Stakes for fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park. Majestic Oops is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodavor mare Miss Oops, was bred by William Dory, Sandy Dory, Gary Kropp & Janet Kropp, is owned by Sublime Stables, Inc. and Kropp, Janet and trained by Dan Ward. “It’s exciting. I’m really grateful to the owner, Bill Dory, and then Ed Moger (the mare’s previous trainer) recommended he give the horse to me. I’m grateful to him, too,” said Ward. “She’s been doing great. It makes the whole meet. She just keeps getting better and better. He (jockey Abel Cedillo) did a great job. I told him: ‘Just let her take you wherever she wants.’ He had the favorite (Hoosier Philly) boxed in, too. That was pretty nice.” It was the first stakes win for the 5-year-old mare, who... ...

Read More →

Bertrando Stakes Slated for June 21

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Apr. 23, 2025) — Three stakes, including the $100,000 Bertrando for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California, highlight the Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The nine-day season will begin Friday, June 20 and continue through Sunday, July 6. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday (June 20-22, June 27-29 and July 4-6). Post time will be 1 p.m. The one-mile Bertrando will be run Saturday, June 21. The richest event on the calendar is the Grade II, $200,000 Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies & mares at 6 ½ furlongs. Won by Sharp Azteca in track record time in 2024, the Great Lady M. will be offered Saturday, July 5. The $100,000 Los Alamitos Derby, which was won a year ago by the Bob Baffert-trained Wynstock, will be contested Saturday, June 28. Baffert has won the Derby eight consecutive years and nine times since the race – which was formerly called the Swaps Stakes at Hollywood Park – has been run... ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Trio Enters Turf Paradise Futurity

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Apr. 24, 2025) – California-breds Ooh Baby It’s Me, Tommy Norris and Marking Broadway are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity for 2-year-olds. Ooh Baby It’s Me is a filly by Cat Burglar, out of the Dialed In mare Maximum Edge, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Monica Ruether and trained by Wade Rarick. She is coming off a third in an Apr. 10 trial. Tommy Norris is a gleding by Stanford, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Minster’sadventure, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Justin Evans. He is coming off a second in an Apr. 10 trial. Marking Broadway is a colt by Marking, out of the Real Solution mare Lights On Broadway, was bred by Harry Bettis, Tosch Keshian & Cheryl Keshian and is owned by trainer Dewey Williams. He is coming off a sixth in an Apr. 10 trial. ...

Read More →

None Above the Law Enters Hazelton

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Apr. 22, 2025) — Graded-stakes winner None Above the Law and fellow California-bred Capiat are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Richard Hazelton Stakes at Turf Paradise. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northen Aflert mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, is owned by Les Blake and trained by Peter Miller. He has seven wins in 42 starts with earnings of $673,302 and is coming off a seventh in a Mar. 28 optional claimer. Capiat is by Anthony’s Cross, out of the Mr. Big mare Big Alice, was bred by owner James Dixon and is trained by W.L. Matt. He has one win in 19 starts, earnings of $25,486 and is coming off a third in a Mar.19 claimer. ...

Read More →

Majestic Oops Enters Dig a Diamond

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Apr. 20, 2025) – Multiple stakes-placed Majestic Oops is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Dig a Diamond Stakes for fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park. Majestic Oops is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodavor mare Miss Oops, was bred by William Dory, Sandy Dory, Gary Kropp & Janet Kropp, is owned by Sublime Stables, Inc. and Kropp, Janet and trained by Dan Ward. She has five wins in 27 starts, earnings of $262,559 and is coming off an Apr. 6 allowance win. ...

Read More →

Sir Kingsford Wins Onkaparinga Cup

OAKBANK, South Australia (Apr. 19, 2025) – Sir Kingsford, an Australian-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won the $107,205 Coopers Brewery Onkaparinga Cup at Oakbank Racecourse. Sir Kingsford, a 5-year-old gelding, is out of the Al Maher mare Mighty Maher. He won by one-half length and ran the 2150 meters in 2:12.38 on a turf course rated “good” in a field of 12 as the 4-1 faorite.   ...

Read More →

Handicapper Gorden Jones Passes at 95

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 19, 2025) — Professor Gordon Jones died April 18, only four days after his 95th birthday. Jones was a pioneer of speed and pace handicapping. His best-selling book, “Gordon Jones to Win,” inspired his popular prerace handicapping seminars attended by legions of race goers. He brought his numbers to the track at a time when people would laugh at him, and he would hide his spiral notebook. Speed numbers are now a common barometer. He graduated from Whittier College, where his father had been president for several years. He went on to get his master’s degree from the University of Oregon. Jones taught journalism at the University of Southern California and Arizona State University. He was awarded the Top Banana Award several times by his students at USC, which was awarded to their favorite professor. Many of his students went on to say that he was the reason they went on to successful careers as journalists. Renown sportscaster Al Michaels has said numerous times that Jones was his favorite professor. He... ...

Read More →

Straight Up G Sibling Brings $100,000

OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 19, 2025) – A California-bred son of Maxfield, a half-brother to Cal-bred multiple-stakes winner Straight Up G, sold for $100,000 at Friday’s final session of the Ocala Breeders Sales Spring 2-Year-Old in-training sale. The Cal-bred, out of the Sky Mesa mare Gidget Girl, was bred by Jungle Racing, consigned by Hoppel LLC, agent, and purchased by Amerman Racing. He was timed in a two-furlong breeze in :21.4. Straight Up G won the King Glorious Stakes and Mine That Bird Derby. The colt also is a half-brother to Mansetti, a stakes winner in Canada. ...

Read More →

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 19, 2025) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting Thursday, April 17, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Brenda Washington Davis, and Thomas Hudnut. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcastlink, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: Two requests for date allocations in Northern California failed to pass, meaning that as things stand, there will not be any thoroughbred or fair racing in the north this year. There will be harness racing at Cal Expo. A request for thoroughbred dates at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton was rejected outright by a 4-1 vote with Vice Chair Gonzales casting the only vote in support. (Commissioner Damascus Castellanos did not attend, and the Board has six appointed members, one short of the normal seven.) Chairman Ferraro stated the prevailing opinion of the Board majority when he declared at the... ...

Read More →

Santa Anita to Host Olympics Equestrian

Fédération Equestre Internationale Press Release ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 15, 2025) — Santa Anita Park has been confirmed as the venue of the equestrian events of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. “Santa Anita Park will be a spectacular venue for the LA28 Olympic equestrian events,” Fédération Equestre Internationale president Ingmar De Vos said. “The FEI has very fond memories of Santa Anita, which had hosted the equestrian events at the 1984 Olympic Games. The venue is set to offer a breathtaking stage for all the Olympic equestrian competitions, and the proximity to LA city will undoubtedly attract many spectators to Santa Anita. We look forward to continuing our cooperation with LA28 to deliver spectacular equestrian events at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.” “I would like to thank the FEI on behalf of the IOC for the active engagement in all the discussions regarding the venue,” International Olympic Committee sports director Kit McConnell said. “We have created a strong partnership with the Organizing Committee and the city of Los Angeles, which enjoys the... ...

Read More →

Racing Manual Now Available

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 15, 2025) — The PDF of the 2025 edition of The American Racing Manual, which contains historical data on Thoroughbred racing through 2024, is now available through The Jockey Club Fact Book. The Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and auction sales in North America. ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Trio Enters Kendrick Inaugural

FARMINGTON, N.M. (Apr. 14, 2025) – Graded stakes-placed Alotaluck and fellow California-breds Sawasdee and Joe Don Looney are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Kendrick Inaugural Stakes at Sunray Park. Alotaluck is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Lucks Mine mare Colinda Dawn, was bred by owner Eleanor Martin and trained by Ty Garrett. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $298,788 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 7 Winsham Lad. Sawasdee is by Desert Code, out of the Congaree mare Scary Fast, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Kane Kachur and trained by Isaiah Ortiz. He has seven wins in 31 starts, earnings of $285,130 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 27 starter optional claimer. Joe Don Looney is by Boisterous, out of the Old Topper mare Carrie Rose, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Justin Evans. He has eight wins in 38 starts, earnings of $282,866 and is coming off three consecutive wins. ...

Read More →

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 12, 2025) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo in Sacramento.  This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #8, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes.  For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and package of materials have been newly formatted into a single link:  https://www.chrb.ca.gov/meeting_agendas.asp These materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

Read More →

Santa Anita Meet Posts Significant Gains

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 7, 2025) – Santa Anita Park’s 2024-25 Classic Meet finished strongly on Sunday, April 6, with significant gains in handle, attendance, field size and safety. Bookended by a strong opening week and a robust Santa Anita Derby weekend, the track’s total all source handle topped $510 million. Horseplayers from around the world responded enthusiastically to the player-friendly modifications to Santa Anita’s wagering menu, with the total handle on just Santa Anita’s races increasing 5% from the 2023-24 Classic Meet. The season began on Dec. 26, 2024, with the third largest opening day handle in the track’s 90-year history. The Classic Meet’s final three-day weekend boasted more than $40.6 million wagered on Santa Anita’s races and attracted almost 50,000 people to the track. On track attendance posted a gain of 6% from last year, with more than 340,000 people attending the 49 day meeting, despite losing a weekend in January when the neighboring community was impacted by the Eaton Fires. More than 34,000 were... ...

Read More →

Om N Joy’s Evening Jewel Win a First for Om

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2025) – Om N Joy, with Hall of Famer Kent Desormeaux in the saddle, provided stallion Om with his first stakes winner, pulling away from a pack in midstretch to win Saturday’s $125,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Om N Joy was last in the early going before steadily making up ground behind splits off 22.43 and 45.52 seconds for a half mile. When the field reached the stretch, Desormeaux appeared loaded with Om N Joy but found himself blocked behind multiple horses. When a seam did open, Om N Joy shot through and drew off to win by 2 ½ lengths. “She got to ‘em,” Desormeaux said. “They were all coming back to her down the stretch. I picked a pocket for her to jump through, she took off like she was going to plow through it if she had to.” Sunset Grazen (12-1) was second followed by Hot Girl Walk (3-1) and Going Deep (7-1). “She was... ...

Read More →

Style Cat Wins Echo Eddie Stakes in Style

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2025) – Racing outside and with clear sailing under Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez, Style Cat surged to the front at the top of the stretch and continued on gamely to the wire to score by 2 ¼ lengths in the $125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds going 6 ½ furlongs at Santa Anita. Sent off as the 7-2 third choice, Style Cat was returning to dirt and was also reunited with Hernandez following a try against open 3-year-olds in the Baffle Stakes on the hillside turf course, Feb. 16. He sat just off the pace down the backstretch as multiple horses battled for the lead. Style Cat ranged up to the leaders while widest of all on the turn, and when he reached the quarter pole, the race was down to just himself and Drop Um (9-2) with Kyle Frey aboard. In a two-horse sprint to the wire, Style Cat would finish best to earn his first... ...

Read More →

Jockey Club Fact Book Available

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 4, 2025) — The Jockey Club announced today that the 2025 edition of the Fact Book is available in the Resources section at jockeyclub.com. The online Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and auction sales in North America, which is updated quarterly. Later this year, many of the statistics in the fact book will begin to be updated on a weekly basis, and new statistics will be added. The Jockey Club is continually seeking ways to provide information in novel formats concerning the Thoroughbred industry. Please email Shannon Luce, vice president, Communications, with your ideas: sluce@jockeyclub.com. The 2025 State Fact Books, which feature detailed breeding, racing, and auction sales information specific to numerous states, Canadian provinces, and Puerto Rico, are also available on The Jockey Club website. The State Fact Books are updated monthly. The 2025 edition of The American Racing Manualwill be available as part of the Fact Book in the coming weeks.   ...

Read More →

‘Meet Martha Miller’ Screening Apr. 11

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2025) – A special screening of the documentary “Meet Martha Miller,” longtime member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and a Yosemite icon, will be held at the Yosemite Exploration Center Theater on Friday, Apr. 11, at 5 p.m. In addition to her role as a breeder, the documentary chronicles her life and contributions as one of Yosemite National Park’s longest-serving employees. The film follows her journey from Tuolumne Meadows Lodge to her influential tenures at The Ahwahnee Hotel and Badger Pass, as well as a distinguished career in opera production and racing. A meet-and-greet reception will be held in her honor following the screening. For more information, email fvvld@islllc.com. ...

Read More →

Purse Increases for Upcoming Meets

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2025) — Overnight purses will increase at the forthcoming Santa Anita spring and Los Alamitos summer meetings. Santa Anita’s spring meeting runs from April 18 to June 15. The Los Alamitos summer meeting begins a three-week season on June 20. Both tracks will have higher prize money than the corresponding meetings in 2024. The added prize money is available from betting revenue through account wagering and simulcast locations throughout the state that has been consolidated and directed to Southern California tracks and purse accounts at those venues. Previously, part of that money was devoted to Northern California racing. There is no racing scheduled in Northern California in coming months after the permanent closure of Golden Gate Fields last June and the cancellation of a proposed winter-spring meeting on the Alameda county fair grounds in Pleasanton. An autumn meeting at Pleasanton had lower-than-expected business. :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances, Picks, and Clocker Reports available... ...

Read More →

Cal-breds Crucial for Santa Anita Derby Day

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2025) – Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby card is filled with California-breds. Illustrating the critical role state-breds play in the California Thoroughbred ecosystem, six of the 12 races carded on the track’s marquee day are exclusively for Cal-breds, totaling $512,000 in purses, with an average field size of 11.16. Cal-breds make up two-thirds of all Saturday entries at the Great Race Place. That includes the pair of $125,000 stakes – the Echo Eddie for 3-year-olds and the Evening Jewel for 3-year-old fillies, which will be run as races 2 and 6, respectively. In addition, race 1 is a $65,000 maiden special weight race for Cal-bred 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs on the turf; race 7 is a $65,000 maiden special weight race for Cal-bred 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs on the turf (a split of the oversubscribed race 1, with 12 entered in both); race 8 is a $65,000 maiden special weight race for Cal-bred 3-year-olds at six furlongs on dirt with 13 entered; and race 9... ...

Read More →

UC Davis Receives Three Grants

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 2, 2025) — The board of directors of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced that it has authorized expenditure of $2,693,312 to fund 16 new projects and 10 continuing projects at 17 universities as well as two career development awards. The 2025 slate of research brings Grayson’s totals since 1940 to more than $44.4 million to underwrite more than 450 projects at 48 universities. “I’m very proud of Grayson’s commitment to furthering the research and development of projects that affect all horses, no matter their breed or discipline,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson. “We are equally ecstatic that we could offer our two career development awards to this year’s recipients, continuing to cultivate a future for young researchers.” Among the grants are three associated with UC Davis: Organoid Model For Equine Placentitis Research Pouya Dini, University of California-Davis This project’s aim is to develop an in vitro model of equine placentitis to advance the study of this condition, ultimately improving diagnostics, treatments, and... ...

Read More →

Santa Anita’s Strong Gains Continue

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2025) – Santa Anita Park’s 2024-25 Classic Meet is heading into the homestretch by maintaining the strong gains in on track attendance and total all-sources handle that began on the Opening Day of the track’s 90th year. This year’s Classic Meet comes to a close this weekend, which features the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday. The season kicked off Dec. 26, 2024, with the largest non-weekend or holiday opening day crowd in 34 years. Attendance kept that momentum, despite the local community being severely impacted by January’s Eaton Fire, with last weekend’s on-track crowd up over 30%. To date, Santa Anita has hosted more than 293,000 visitors during the Classic Meet, a gain of more than 8% over last year. The total all-sources mutuel handle has been paced by the opening day number of more than $21.4 million, the third highest for an opening in the track’s history. Horseplayers on-track and around the world have continued to back Santa Anita’s races, wagering... ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Pair Line Up for John Shear Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2025) – California-breds Triple Diamonds and Cali Cat are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 John Shear Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Triple Diamonds is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Smiling Tiger mare Florentine Diamonds, was bred by Paula Capestro, is owned by Saints or Sinners or Seahawk Racing and is trained by Mark Glatt. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $71,000 and is coming off a fifth in the Feb. 16 Baffle Stakes. He’s also entered in Saturday’s Echo Eddie Stakes. Cali Cat is by American Pharoah, out of the More Than Ready mare Ready for Romance, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Hronis Racing and trained by John Sadler. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $94,800 and is coming off a win in a Feb. 17 optional claimer. ...

Read More →

Lonesome Stew Leads Grazen-sired Trifecta

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 30, 2025) – Lonesome Stew headed a Nick Alexander-bred and Grazen-sired trifecta while winning Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. Lonesome Stew is out of the Maria’s Mon mare Stash, is owned by Linear Bannasch and trained by Mark Glatt. He went last to first through the stretch under jockey Antonio Fresu. “That wasn’t the plan,” Fresu said of his tardy beginning. “He usually shows some speed, but today he was acting up a little bit inside the gate and I didn’t leave the gate very well so I just tried to bide my time and improvise a little bit and get him comfortable going down the hill. “Once the horse was nice and settled, I put him on the outside to not get him in trouble and he just flew home. Amazing job done by Mark and his team.” Glatt claimed Lonesome Stew for $32,000 out of his last-place debut Sept. 1, 2022 from Alexander. He had only four starts... ...

Read More →

Safa Seeks First Stakes Win in Monrovia

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 31, 2025) – CTBA January Sale graduate Safa is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Monrovia Stakes, presented by Don Julio, for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Safa is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Hadarra, was bred by Derek Lawson, is owned by Bisharat or Khoury and is trained by Gary Stute. The $23,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has four wins in 20 starts, earnings of $344,600 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 7 optional claimer. ...

Read More →

Gold Currency Faces Winners in Evening Jewel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 31, 2025) – Sharp maiden winner Gold Currency takes on a trio of stakes winners in Saturday’s $125,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Om N Joy is by Om, out of the Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute, was bred by Jerry Baker & Connie Baker, is owned by Baker, Golovko or Scanlan, et al and is trained by Angel Ordonez. She has one win in eight starts, earnings of $75,640 and is coming off a Mar. 14 maiden win. Big Soiree is by Mr. Big, out of the Tapizar mare Silver Soiree, was bred by owner Paradox Stables and is trained by Jorge Bautista. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $57,158 and is coming off a 12th in the Jan. 18 Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks. America’s Mark is by American Pharoah, out of the Benchmark mare Marks Mine, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Mike Puype. She has... ...

Read More →

R Heisman, Drop Um in Echo Eddie Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 31, 2025) – Stakes winners R Heisman and Drop Um lead a field of eight entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Triple Diamonds is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Smiling Tiger mare Florentine Diamond, was bred by Paula Capestro, is owned by Saints or Sinners or Seahawk Racing and is trained by Mark Glatt. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $71,000 and is coming off a fifth in the Feb. 16 Baffle Stakes. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate I’m a Bad Boy is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Roman Ruler mare Donita’s Ruler, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by C T R Stables and is trained by Luis Mendez. The $18,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $188,780 and is coming off a Feb. 28 optional claiming win. Stakes winner R Heisman is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Far From Over, out... ...

Read More →

Sabertooth Steps Up to Transylvania

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 31, 2025) – Multiple graded-placed Sabertooth, a Maryland-bred son of California stallion Grazen, is entered in the $600,000 Grade III Transylvania Stakes for 3-year-olds, presented by Keeneland Select, rescheduled for Monday at Keeneland. Sabertooth is out of the Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, was bred by 2500 Determine Stud, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Brittany Russell. He has one win and six seconds in nine starts, earnings of $136,500 and is coming off a Mar. 18 maiden win at Fair Grounds. ...

Read More →

Kings River Knight Returns in Sensational Star

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 25, 2025) – California-bred champion turf horse Kings River Knight returns from nearly 10 months on the bench in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Kings River Knight is by Acclamation, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing, LLC, The Ellwood Johnston Trust and Tevelde, Kenneth A. and trained by John Sadler. He has 10 wins in 16 starts, earnings of $649,830 and is making his first start since winning the May 25 Crystal Water Stakes. Prior to the layoff, he dominated the California-bred turf division. In 2023 and 2024, Kings River Knight racked up six stakes wins against statebreds. “We’re really excited to have him back,” Sadler said. “He’s won so many races for us.” Kings River Knight has a win and a second in two starts on the hillside turf course, both statebred stakes. In the 2023 Sensational Star, he finished just a... ...

Read More →

CHRB Pleasanton Advisory (Updated)

(Updated Mar. 25, 2025) — Pleasanton Trainers: Post Time Self Insurance Group will be extending your workers’ compensation coverage until midnight on March 28th, to allow trainers time to vacate the Pleasanton facility.   From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 23, 2025) — Licensees and Stakeholders: Please be aware that as of March 25 at midnight, Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton will no longer be an approved auxiliary training facility of Santa Anita Park. The agreement between the Southern Stabling and Vanning Committee (TOC and the southern tracks), the California Authority of Racing Fairs, and the Alameda County Fair will end on that date. From a regulatory standpoint, California Horse Racing Board rules will no longer be applicable to Pleasanton. Racing rules will apply for horses shipping to tracks from non-regulated facilities (i.e. Pleasanton). Importantly, Post Time workers’ compensation insurance policies only cover activity at approved training facilities, meaning  your policy will no longer cover activity at Pleasanton beginning March 26.  ...

Read More →

Jockey Club Produces Off-Track Profile

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 19, 2025) — The Jockey Club today announced the new Off-Track Thoroughbred Profile, the first equineline.com report centered on Thoroughbreds in their second careers. The report, 9OT, provides information customized to off-track Thoroughbred owners and those shopping for a Thoroughbred. Based on feedback received from off-track Thoroughbred owners, the report contains a bespoke summary of the horse’s race record, including comments, owners, and trainers for each race; the last 10 workouts; a list of the horse’s siblings; auction history; and, if applicable, the subject mare’s produce record. To encourage the promotion of Thoroughbreds in their second career, this report is shareable through SMS messaging and email and across multiple platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X. Equineline product 9OT is available for purchase for any registered Thoroughbred at equineline.com. The report will be available for free to all off-track Thoroughbreds with a T.I.P. number as a benefit to those participating in The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.). OTTB Profiles for existing T.I.P. numbers can be accessed... ...

Read More →

CTBA Champion The Chosen Vron Retired

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2025) — The Chosen Vron, recently voted California-bred Horse of the Year for a second consecutive year, has been retired. Co-owner John Sondereker and trainer and co-owner Eric Kruljac said March 17 that the decision has been made to let the 7-year-old gelding continue his rehabilitation and segue into a second career at the appropriate time. “It’s just wear and tear,” Kruljac said of the reasoning behind the decision. “We just don’t want to risk any further injury, especially since he’s 7. He’ll be going up to Katie Fisher’s ranch up in Solvang.” The Chosen Vron had been sidelined with an ankle injury since late last year, and Sondereker said that a recent follow-up MRI performed at Santa Anita showed that it had not yet healed enough for the gelding to return to training. “He’s been the horse of a lifetime for all of us,” Sondereker said. Sondereker, Kruljac, Richard Thornburgh, and Robert Fetkin bred The Chosen Vron in the name of Tiz Molly... ...

Read More →

Reynolds Named to Gregson Board

From Gregson Foundation ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2025) — Tom Reynolds, a horse owner and long-time racing fan who had a successful career in sales and marketing in the food service industry, has been named to the board of directors of the Gregson Foundation, the organization’s president, Jenine Sahadi, announced Monday. The Gregson Foundation, named for the late Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Eddie Gregson, provides scholarships for the children of backstretch workers in California. The 501(c)(3) charity has been in existence for nearly 25 years. “I greatly admire what the Gregson Foundation accomplishes for the backstretch families,” Reynolds said. “I strongly believe that as a society, our biggest mission is to educate our children.” “Tom has been a passionate and long-time supporter of the Gregson Foundation, and we are thrilled to have him join our board,” Sahadi said. Reynolds retired after working for nearly 35 years as a sales and marketing executive for the Quaker Oats Company, Gatorade, and PepsiCo. Reynolds started the Gatorade business in Europe, ran the Gatorade business... ...

Read More →

Prancingthruparis Wins Irish O’Brien Stakes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2025) – Longshot Prancingthruparis caught pacesetter Pushiness in midstretch and won Sunday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Prancingthruparis is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Bellamy Road mare She’s a Big Winner, was bred by owner Ciaglia Racing, SAF Racing and Crusberg and trained by Peter Eurton. “It’s great to breed Cal-breds,” said co-breeder Joe Ciaglia. “Her mom was a little bit crazy. The first time she went to the track, she kicked (jockey Kent) Desormeaux in the chest, so we had to scratch her, he got a big hoofprint on his chest. It was nice that we bred her to Sir Prancealot, so we got a little bit of relax so she wouldn’t be a speedball. It’s pretty exciting to make the right choice.” :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances, Picks, and Clocker Reports available now. Prancingthruparis, by Sir Prancealot, races for owners and breeders SAF... ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Stakes Winners in China Doll

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2025) – California-bred stakes winners Take Another Card and Tequilaandtherapy are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 China Doll Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Take Another Card is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Lookin At Lucky mare You Missed It, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Simon Callaghan. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $141,766 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 21 optional claimer. Tequilaandtherapy is by Mrazek, out of the In Excess mare Chexcess, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers and trained by Doug O’Neill. She has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $212,075 and is coming off a fourth in a Feb. 21 optional claimer. ...

Read More →

Shocking Grey Returns in Irish O’Brien

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2025) – Stakes winner Shocking Grey makes her first start since being the sale-topper at the CTBA January Sale in Sunday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for California-breds at Santa Anita. Shocking Grey is by Grazen, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Seoul Unbridled, was bred by Don Valpredo, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by George Papaprodromou. The $170,000 purchase at the CTBA Winter Mixed Sale from the Checkmate Thoroughbreds consignment has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $250,750 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 18 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, presented by John Deere. Cornelia Fort is by Grazen, out of the Unusual Heat mare An Unusual Group, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Luedtke, Oracheff or Oracheff and Scott and trained by Ian Kruljac. She has four wins in 24 starts, earnings of $260,038 and is coming off a fourth in a Feb. 22 optional claimer. Lamporghini is by Danzing Candy, is out of the... ...

Read More →

Phoenix Gold Cup Draws Tapatio Leo

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 18, 2025) – California-breds Tapatio Leo, Bridleuptothebar and Prayer of Jabez are entered in Saturday’s rescheduled $50,000 Phoenix Gold Cup at Turf Paradise. Tapatio Leo is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Rio Verde mare Sweet Lips Pooh, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Griffin Stables LLC, Lovinger, Terry C., Navarro, Amanda, Ryan, Michael John and Moroney, John and trained by Craig Dollase. He has five wins in nine starts, earnings of $268,339 and is coming off a third in the Mar. 7 Eclipse Stakes. Bridleuptothebar is by Fullbridled, out of the Thisnearlywasmine mare Nearlycocktailtime, was bred by Mark Rydman and Holly Rydman, is owned by Holly Rydman and is trained by Valorie Lund. He has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $113,535 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 11 optional claimer. Prayer of Jabez is by Stanford, out of the Kafwain mare Alwazabridesmaid, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Anthony DeMarco and trained by Edward Kereluk. He... ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Trio Enters Turf Paradise Derby

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 18, 2025) – California-breds Thirsty Vision, Regarding Harry and Just Trust Me are entered in Saturday’s rescheduled $50,000 Turf Paradise Derby for 3-year-olds. Thirsty Vision is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Grace Upon Grace mare My Scarlett, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Jose Saldivar and trained by Jorge Rosales. The $7,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale from the Lovacres consignment has one win in eight starts, earnings of $38,836 and is coming off a fourth in the Feb. 19 Luke Kruytbosch Stakes. Regarding Harry is by Instilled Regard, out of the Hard Spun mare Seaside Magic, was bred by Harry K. Keshian, Cheryl Keshian & Harry Bettis, is owned by Keshian and Keshian and trained by Stacy Campo. He is a maiden making his second start. Just Trust Me is by Bodexpress, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Trust Fund Kitty, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Eugene Burns and Dewey Williams and is trained by Williams. The... ...

Read More →

Nostri Vires to Show Strength in Arizona Oaks

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 18, 2025) – Nostri Vires is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s rescheduled $50,000 Arizona Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Nostri Vires is by Phantom Boss, out of the Wicked Strong mare Wicked Fresh, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Hawkins, Lovingier and Navarro and is trained by Craig Dollase. The $10,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale from the Lovacres Ranch consignment has one win in seven starts, earnings of $39,060 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 28 claimer. ...

Read More →

CHRB Meeting Canceled

From CHRB The California Horse Racing Board meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, March 20, at Cal Expo has been canceled. The few items that were on that agenda will be considered at a future meeting. The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for April 17 at Cal Expo. ...

Read More →

Juan Delgado a Gregson Scholarship Star

From Gregson Foundation By Jay Privman ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2025) — Juan Delgado is in his first year at UCLA, the next step on a journey that has seen him excel at Pasadena City College, and in a research program at Stanford, impressing his mentors as he moves towards his goal of obtaining a Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology. Delgado said his desire is to “build a career focused on improving health outcomes for immigrant and marginalized communities.” He has been laser-focused on that target, with stellar grades and a work ethic that helped him get into UCLA, as well as receive scholarship funds from the Gregson Foundation. At Pasadena City College, Delgado was “one of the most promising students I have had the pleasure of teaching,” Jessica Rusk, an adjunct professor of psychology, wrote in support of Delgado’s scholarship application. “In my class, I assign a research paper which involves reading, conducting academic research, summarizing three peer-reviewed journal articles, and arguing one’s opinion on a premise,” Rusk... ...

Read More →

Denman Retires; Collmus Gets Del Mar Mic

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2025) — Iconic race caller Trevor Denman has announced his retirement after 40 years on the job at Del Mar. Denman will be succeeded at the seaside track by veteran track announcer Larry Collmus, the voice of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Breeders’ Cup for NBC Sports.  Denman, 72, who first started calling races in 1971 in his native South Africa, has been in the booth atop the Del Mar grandstand for all but one summer racing season since 1984. A Southern California racing institution, he also served as the caller at Santa Anita from 1983-2015, and for a time, called races at every stop on the Southern California circuit, including Hollywood Park and Fairplex Park. “This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Denman said. “But my soul is telling me that now is the time.”  Denman and his colorful story-telling style of race calling effectively changed how the sport was heard in America. Rather than the... ...

Read More →

Smiling Molly Retired

Hoof Pick Racing Partners Release W. Morgan Fussell Jr., managing partner of Hoof Pick Racing Partners LLC, is pleased to announce the retirement of our six-year-old homebred mare, Smiling Molly (Smiling Tiger). Molly enjoyed a successful racing career, earning over $200,000 in purses and an additional $40,000 in California Breeders and Owners awards. Racing over multiple seasons, she was a five-time winner at four different California tracks and placed in 56% of her 25 career starts at eight different tracks, demonstrating versatility on turf, all-weather, and dirt surfaces. Molly retired sound.   “Molly was our second foal from the Exchange Rate mare, Jilted Lady, and we are immensely proud of her accomplishments,” said Fussell. “We extend our sincere gratitude to Per Antonsen, Ryan Hanson, and Wayne Baker, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in Molly’s successful career.”   Smiling Molly has settled in at Kismet Farms, located in Midway, KY, and will be bred to Two-Year-Old Champion, Corniche (Quality Road). We wish her all the best in her new endeavor... ...

Read More →

TOC Fills Five Open Board Positions

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2025) — Nomination for the 2025 Ballot closed on March 1 with five candidates for five open positions. As a result, and consistent with previously established TOC procedures (and Section 7522 of the California Nonprofit Benefit Corporation Law), the TOC Board declared the five candidates that were nominated and qualified as having been elected without the vote of the full membership. This has the added benefit of saving the organization approximately $18,000 in election expenses. I am pleased to announce the election of five directors to three-year terms: Nick Alexander – After joining the TOC Board in 2013, Nick served as Chairman from 2017-2021 and has raced Thoroughbreds in California for over 40 years. He has enjoyed great success as an owner and breeder with California homebreds. Joe Ciaglia – CEO of the world’s most recognized skatepark design and build form, Joe claimed his first horse in 1999 and has gone on to enjoy success at the highest level. John Harris – Owner of Harris Farms and... ...

Read More →

The Chosen Vron Repeats as Horse of the Year

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2025) — The Chosen Vron, winner a year ago, was named the 2024 California-bred Horse of the Year at Monday night’s CTBA Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting at Le Meridien Hotel. The Chosen Vron became the 10th back-to-back winner of the award and also picked up hardware for champion older male and sprinter. The other finalists for Horse of the Year were Big City Lights and Chismosa. The Chosen Vron won seven of eight starts in 2024, including the Grade I Bing Crosby. He is by Vronsky, out of Broodmare of the Year Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners, is owned by Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker & Richard Thornburgh and trained by Eric Kurljac. Other Cal-bred champions recognized at the banquet: Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Male – Speedy Wilson, bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato.   Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Female – In the Air Tonight, bred by Terry Lovingier, owned by Anthony Chacon, Victor Flores and Terry Lovingier and trained by Steve Knapp.... ...

Read More →

Pasadena Stakes Next for Shea Brennan

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2025) – Stakes winner Shea Brennan is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s 100,000 Pasadena Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Shea Brennan is by Tough Sunday, out of the Old Topper mare Carrie Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $177,850 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 18 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby. ...

Read More →

Lovesick Blues Enters San Simeon Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2025) — Graded-stakes placed Lovesick Blues is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III San Simeon Stakes at Santa Anita. Lovesick Blues is by Grazen, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Queenofhercastle, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and is trained by Librado Barocio. He has seven wins in 36 starts, earnings of $432,000 and is making his first start since a ninth in an Aug. 3 optional claimer. ...

Read More →

Del Mar Announces Stakes Schedule

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2025) — For its 86th summer season by the blue Pacific, Del Mar is planning a $7,825,000 stakes program that provides 38 opportunities for a piece of its distinctive black type headed by the iconic track’s piece de resistance – the 35th edition of the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic, a Grade I headliner that often lures top horses from across the nation for its mile and one quarter testing.  Exactly half – 19 – of the 38 races, which include five overnight stakes, will be contested on the turf and eight of the stakes will be for California-breds, offering a total of $1-million in purses. Additionally, the five overnight stakes each will carry a purse of $100,000. The Pacific Classic will be run on Saturday, August 30 as the centerpiece for a sparkling card offering five graded stakes and more than $2-million in purses, including a pair of Grade II features – the $300,000 Del Mar Handicap and the $300,000 Del Mar Mile... ...

Read More →

Hey Jessie Enters Santa Ysabel Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2025) – Stakes winner Hey Jessie is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Fasig-Tipton Santa Ysabel Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Hey Jessie is by Grazen, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Bea’s Cee, was bred by owner SayJay Racing and is trained by Sean McCarthy. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $99,140 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 18 Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks. ...

Read More →

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2025) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting Thursday, February 20, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, and Brenda Washington Davis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcastlink, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: The Board reaffirmed California horse racing’s commitment to working with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act/Authority (HISA) by redirecting revenue from Advance Deposit Wagering to allow racetracks to pay their fair shares of 2025 HISA costs. Santa Anita will pay the most, $471,958, because it operates seven months of the year and has the most thoroughbred starts. Del Mar’s assessment is $277,437 for its 2½ months of racing. Altogether the tracks will pay $876,872 to HISA. California’s obligation to HISA actually is significantly higher, nearly $7 million, but HISA credits California for picking up the substantial costs of drug testing, sample... ...

Read More →

Maiden Winner Berlin Wall in San Felipe

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2025) – Berlin Wall is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade II DK Horse San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Berlin Wall is by Practical Joke, out of the Uncle Mo mare Caymanbird, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Thomsen Racing or Knapp and is trained by Steve Knapp. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $43,200 and is coming off a Feb. 1 maiden win. ...

Read More →

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2025) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, February 20, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo.  This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #5, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes.  For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The meeting materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Champions Entered for Saturday

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2025) – A pair of 2024 California-bred champions take on open allowance company on Saturday’s Santa Anita card. In the Air Tonight, champion Cal-bred 2-year-old female, is entered in the second race for 3-year-old fillies. She is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Sky Mesa mare Angel Allie, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Chacon, Flores or Lovingier and trained by Steve Knapp. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $161,900 and she won last year’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes at Del Mar. Shady Tiger, champion Cal-bred 3-year-old male, is entered in the sixth race. He is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Full Mandate mare Divine Legacy, was bred by owner Rusty Brown and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has four wins in six starts, earnings of $259,400 and won last year’s Snow Chief Stakes presented by City National Bank and the Echo Eddie Stakes, both at Santa Anita. ...

Read More →

Cal Poly Pair Intern at Santa Anita

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2025)— Two students from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona), studying in the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Equine Studies program, have been selected to join Santa Anita as interns through an ongoing partnership between the famed racetrack and the world-renowned university. Sabrina Nakasone, a senior and Leslie Batista, a junior, were selected for this year’s class. Both are majoring in Animal Science Pre-Veterinary with a minor in Equine Studies at Cal Poly Pomona. The internship program, which began last year, is designed to provide students with authentic work experience in the Thoroughbred racing industry with a focus on veterinary best practices and racetrack operations. Each student will complete a minimum of 60 hours between now and the internships end on May 10. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Cal Poly Pomona, providing driven Equine Studies students an introduction to the Thoroughbred racing industry and best veterinary practices with Santa Anita’s incredible team,” said Jodie Vella-Gregory, Vice... ...

Read More →

Del Mar to Increase Purses

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2025) — Del Mar is planning across-the-board increases to its overnight purse schedule from its top allowance offerings all the way down to the maiden-claiming ranks for its upcoming summer racing season that kicks off on Friday, July 18. This will be summer #86 in the storied history of the America’s only seaside racing headquarters and it will be conducted for 31 days over eight weeks going forward to Sunday, September 7. All told Del Mar will present approximately 300 races with overnight purses projected to be $15.7 million. That represents a blended increase of 8% over 2024’s purses. Additionally, the track will offer 38 stakes races valued at $7,825,000. Once again the highlight of that schedule will be the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic, a mile and one-quarter test that will be run as part of a sparkling five graded stakes card on Saturday, August 30. Notable in the overnight purse increases is the fact that the vast majority of the track’s owners and... ...

Read More →

Former California Stallion Papa Clem Passes

By Bloodhorse.com Multiple graded stakes winner Papa Clem who took his stud career from California to Turkey died recently, according to his owner Reşat Akkan. The son of Smart Strike was 19. Bo Hirsch bred and raced Papa Clem, who was the second foal out of the grade 1 winner Miss Houdini, who Hirsch also bred and raced. Trained by Gary Stute, Papa Clem won at 2 and then blossomed at 3. He ran second in the 2009 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2) before grabbing the brass ring in the Arkansas Derby (G2). He would go on to finish a good fourth in the Kentucky Derby (G1).  Papa Clem made his only start at 4 a winning one, taking the 2010 San Fernando Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park but came out of the race will filling in his left front ankle. Hirsch decided to retire the horse, who he named after his late father Clement Hirsch, and stood him initially at Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch. He retired with a... ...

Read More →

The Jockey Club Launches ‘Naming AI’

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 11, 2025) — The Jockey Club today introduced Naming AI, a new tool designed to assist customers with naming their horses. Naming AI enables users to generate five or 10 name options with a choice of one-, two-, or three-word names. Customers can use the tool to generate names based on words of their choosing or based on a foal’s pedigree. The tool adheres to the naming rules outlined in Rule 6F of the Principal Rules and Requirements of The American Stud Book, but as with all names being claimed or reserved, those generated by Naming AI are subject to approval by The Jockey Club Registry. “We’re very excited to launch this new naming feature,” said Andrew Chesser, director of Registration Services and director of Business Development for The Jockey Club. “Offering a naming tool that can be used to generate names from the horse’s pedigree or based on user input will help owners find creative names to submit for their horses.” Developed by... ...

Read More →