CHRB Meeting Summary

Dec 20, 2024 Posted by CTBA In Announcement

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri and Brenda Washington Davis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link, accessed through the Media Room tab. Golden State Racing’s (GSR) decision to withdraw its license application for a thoroughbred meet at Pleasanton in 2025 greatly abbreviated the meeting agenda. Vice Chair Gonzales and Commissioner Alfieri both spoke to this issue, as they had worked tirelessly with industry leaders and northern horsemen and workers, first in an effort to preserve the GSR meet, and then when that could not be achieved, to help implement the plan for continued stabling in Pleasanton with horses being shuttled back and forth for racing in the south. Vice Chair Gonzales referenced the CHRB news release statement on this issue (link) and its optimism... ...

The Street Fighter Stands at Rancho San Miguel

Rancho San Miguel Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2024)—The Street Fighter, a stakes-caliber performer by multiple Grade 1 winner Street Boss, has relocated to Rancho San Miguel in California for the 2025 breeding season. The 10-year-old stallion will stand for a fee of $2,500, with a live foal guarantee. Bred by the late trainer Bruce Headley and partner Andrew Molasky, The Street Fighter made 21 starts over five years on the Southern California racing circuit, primarily in allowance and stakes company. He was saddled for 19 of his races by Headley, with the conditioner’s daughter, Karen Headley, taking over training duties after her father’s death at 86 in 2021. Karen Headley now owns The Street Fighter with Marsha Naify, a longtime patron of the Headley barn. Both will support the stallion with their own mares. The Street Fighter won his debut by an eye-opening 5 1/2 lengths in a six-furlong maiden special weight race for 3-year-olds on the dirt at Santa Anita Park, then later... ...

TJC Launches Mare Incentive Program

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 20, 2024) — The Jockey Club today announced a pilot project, the Mare Incentive Program, that waives registration fees for certain 2026 foals of mares that meet criteria defined by The Jockey Club. “The Jockey Club is waiving registration fees for any 2026 foals of mares that are listed and that are introduced or returned to the breeding population in 2025 in an effort to stimulate interest in this group that appear to have left production,” said James L. Gagliano, president and COO, The Jockey Club. “We believe the complimentary software tool developed by TJC Innovations that prepares the report of these mares provides an invaluable asset for breeders as they consider potential matings.” Each December, The Jockey Club will provide a list of the mares identified in the Mare Incentive Program through Interactive Registration (IR). The list for the 2025 breeding season is available now, and The Jockey Club Registry will waive the registration application fee for 2026 foals out of these mares. “The... ...

Valpredo Dispersal at Winter Mixed Sale

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2024) — A complete dispersal of Donald Valpredo’s Valpredo Farms is part of the catalog for the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale. A total of 143 have been cataloged for the sale, scheduled for Jan. 21. Valpredo, a longtime breeder and CTBA director, died Oct. 21. Adrian Gonzalez’s Checkmate Thoroughbreds is handling the dispersal, which includes mares, 2025 yearlings, 2025 2-year-olds, and older horses of racing age. About two dozen dispersal horses are in the sale. Checkmate is bringing its own large consignment, as will several major California consignors. Other consignors include Acres Farms, Dehesa Farms, H & E Ranch, Havens Bloodstock Agency, Lovacres Ranch, Milky Way Farm, and Rancho San Miguel. Doug Burge, president of the CTBA, told the California Horse Racing Board during its monthly meeting Dec. 19, “We’ll probably have a few more supplements between now and in the sale on the 21st of January.” He called the sales grounds at Fairplex, “the best facility in the state to sell... ...

Ben Cecil Memorial Service Dec. 28

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2024) — A memorial service for trainer Ben Cecil, who died on Nov. 29, will be held in the 100-to-1 suite from 1 to 3 p.m. at Santa Anita on Dec. 28. Cecil was 56. Cecil trained in Southern California from 1996 until last month, winning 325 races from 2,420 starters who earned more than $24.9 million. ...

CTBA Winter Mixed Sale Catalog Now Online

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2024) – The catalog for the 2025 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale is now online at WinterMixedSale_2025.pdf. The sale will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 12 noon at Hinds Pavilion at Fairplex in Pomona. There are 143 horses cataloged for the sale. Of that total, 25 are yearlings, 75 are 2-year-olds and 24 are pregnant mares. Online bidding will be available. To set up credit, or for further information, please contact Loretta Veiga – (800) 573-2822 Ext 227 or email: loretta@ctba.com. ...

Curlin’s Kaos Enters Mathis Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2024) – Stakes winner Curlin’s Kaos is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $200,000 Grade II Mathis Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. Curlin’s Kaos is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda & Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $276,520 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov. 9 Cary Grant. ...

CHRB Statement on Northern Race Meet

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2024) — After extensive consultation and discussion with, and among, Golden State Racing, California Authority of Racing Fairs, Alameda County Fair, Thoroughbred Owners of California, California Thoroughbred Trainers, the California Horse Racing Board and others, the consensus is that the industry should not pursue the Golden State Racing license on Thursday at the CHRB meeting. The mounting economic challenges felt throughout horseracing and inconsistent handle in Northern California compel the conclusion that, for now, Pleasanton operating as a training facility and Southern California running races for horses stabled there would be in the best interests of both Northern California and Southern California. While this conclusion is undoubtedly disappointing to nearly everyone involved and presents its own challenges, the CHRB views this arrangement as temporary, as well as an opportunity for all stakeholders to work together to pursue purse enhancements that are essential for California racing to remain competitive with the rest of the country. We are hopeful that should such supplements be realized, California... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, December 19, 2024, 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 #18, 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. ...

Shea Brennan Stars in King Glorious Stakes

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2024) – Going two turns for the first time, Shea Brennan nosed out I’m a Bad Boy to win Sunday’s $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Los Alamitos. Shea Brennan is by Tough Sunday, out of the Old Topper mare Carrie Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato. He has two wins in five starts with earnings of $144,500. “He’s a horse with a lot of ability, but he’s just still learning,” said D’Amato. “(Jockey) Antonio (Fresu) said he was still looking around through the stretch. He’s got a lot of heart, grit, determination and I think the two turns helped him a lot today. I thought (the finish) was extremely close, but after watching the slo-mo replay, I thought we had a good chance at it and sure enough they put our number up.’’ The winner withstood a challenge from Tiago Pereira, the rider aboard fourth-place finisher Whiskyginandbrandy. “He’s a baby and when we were out... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Wins Bay Meadows Juvenile

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2024) – After losing a photo by a neck to fellow California-bred Drop Um, Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Mala was moved up by disqualification and declared the official winner of Sunday’s $75,000 Bay Meadows Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at Pleasanton. Mala is by Union Rags, out of the Smart Strike mare Witchy One, was bred by Carliwood Farms, is owned by Greg Avery and trained by Steve Sherman. The $40,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale — which was held at Pleasanton — out of the Easterbrook Livestock Management consignment has two wins in five starts, earnings of $77,903 and was coming off a second in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. Mala ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:48.98 at odds of 14-1. Drop Um was placed second by stewards for interference in the stretch and Accidental Genuis was third in a field of seven that included 4-5 favorite Kalea Bay, the Bob Baffert-trainee that was eased from the race and walked off. ...

R Heisman Could Give Miller a Three-peat

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2024) – Trainer Peter Miller will be looking for his third consecutive win in the $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles when he saddles R Heisman Sunday at Los Alamitos. Named in honor of the 1988 Hollywood Futurity and 1989 Haskell winner, the one-mile King Glorious is restricted to 2-year-olds bred or sired in California and is the main event on the final day of the Winter Thoroughbred meet. Post time is 12:30 p.m. The King Glorious will be the last of nine races. Approximate post time is 4:30 p.m. Miller, who won with Giver Not a Taker in 2022 before Last Call London’s victory 12 months ago, will be trying to equal Doug O’Neill for most wins in the race since it was moved from Hollywood Park to Los Alamitos in 2014. O’Neill’s King Glorious wins came with Found Money (2015), Ann Arbor Eddie (2016) and Play Chicken (2020). Trained by Highclere Inc. and owned by Gary Barber,... ...

Drop Um Could Pick Up Another Stakes Win

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2024) – Stakes winner Drop Um, sidelined since July, seeks to keep his perfect record intact in Sunday’s $75,000 Bay Meadows Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at Pleasanton. Accidental Genius is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Square Eddie mare Radish, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Edward Freeman. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $48,490 and is coming off a Nov. 17 optional claiming win. Drop Um is by 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. He has won both starts with earnings of $62,550 after winning the July 7 Everett Nevin Stakes, beating odds-on favorite R Heisman. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Mala is by Union Rags, out of the Smart Strike mare Witchy One, was bred by Carliwood Farms, is owned by Greg Avery and trained by Steve Sherman. The $40,000 purchase at the... ...

Pleasanton Schedule Impacted by Weather

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2024) — With a forecast of inclement weather late Friday and early Saturday, Saturday’s program at Pleasanton has been canceled and will be run on Sunday, according to racing secretary Tom Doutrich. Because of the cancellation, the track has been granted approval by the California Horse Racing Board to run an additional day on Wednesday, which will be final day of the Golden State Racing meeting that began in October, Doutrich said. Sunday’s nine-race program will begin at 12:15 p.m. Pacific. Races that were scheduled for Saturday will be run on Sunday. Races proposed for Sunday will now be run on Wednesday, Doutrich said. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. Sunday’s program will include the $75,000 Bay Meadows Juvenile, which drew a field of seven. The track has a seven-race program on Friday this week that is not expected to be affected by rain. According to accuweather.com, there is a slight chance... ...

Stakes Winner Lord Prancealot Retired

SOLVANG, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2024) — California-bred stakes winner Lord Prancealot, a 3-year-old colt by Sir Prancealot (IRE), has been retired from racing after suffering a bowed tendon in training last month. Lord Prancealot was trained by Jeff Bonde and owned by Jeff Ganje and Rusty Brown. Bred in California by Jeff Ganje, Lord Prancealot won his first two career starts, including last year’s Graduation Stakes at Del Mar. Lord Prancealot was lightly raced due to injuries, winning three of five starts with earnings of $144,280. “Lord Prancealot was my first home-bred stakes winner and Sir Prancealot’s first Cal-bred stakes winner. He had so much talent, but never got the opportunity to fulfill his potential due to injuries,” said Ganje, who recently campaigned graded stakes-winning millionaire Shotgun Hottie. Lord Prancealot will rehab at Kingfisher Farms in Solvang, California, and will be rehomed through Kingfisher Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. (KERRI), a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to helping off-the-track Thoroughbreds find their next home. “Lord Prancealot is the kindest and sweetest... ...

Trainer Eddie Truman Passes at 77

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2024) — On the backstretch or during an afternoon at the races, a person did not travel far before crossing paths with trainer Eddie Truman at a Southern California track. Truman was seemingly everywhere, often stopping to visit with people of all walks of life, from stable employees to horse owners, frequently sharing a story that ended with his infectious laugh. Truman was warmly remembered in the racing community on Wednesday after his death early that morning. On Tuesday evening, Truman hosted a card party at his home in Sierra Madre, Calif., according to his friend and fellow trainer Jay Nehf, who confirmed Truman’s passing. “It was a real shock,” Nehf said on Wednesday afternoon. For 50 years, until January, Truman trained on the circuit, winning 763 races. He retired at the age of 77 with the intent of enjoying retirement. Truman had his final starter at Los Alamitos last December and won the final race of his career in June 2023. On the... ...

Hopkins Added to Lovacres Ranch Lineup

From Lovacres Ranch WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2024) – Grade III winner Hopkins, a son of Quality Road that sold for $900,000 as a yearling, will stand the 2025 breeding season at Lovacres Ranch. Hopkins, out of the Salt Lake mare Hot Spell, stands for $5,000, with special consideration to approved mares, year-round boarders and previous breeders. Hopkins, who posted a 104 Beyer in his debut and a 115 Time Form Rating in the Grade I Dubai Golden Shaheen, won the Grade III Palos Verdes Stakes by 2 ½ lengths. Also in his career he defeated Breeders Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser and finished a neck behind Gunite. For further information, contact Terry Lovingier at 562-547-9848. ...

Smoken Boy Wins in Puerto Rico

CANOVANAS, Puerto Rico (Dec. 10, 2024) – Smoken Boy, a Kentucky-bred son of new Harris Farms California stallion Catholic Boy, easily won Sunday’s $62,000 Clasico Agustin Mercado Reveron Stakes for 2-year-olds at Hipodromo Camarero. Smoken Boy, out of the Cairo Prince mare Smoken Deb, has two wins in three starts and earnings of $46,490. Taking the lead with a bold move around the far turn, he finished the 1 1/16 miles in the mud in 1:45.09 and won by 9 ¼ lengths at odds of 3-2 in a field of nine. ...

Los Al Entries Double Draw on Wednesday

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2024) – Entries for the fourth and fifth days of the Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos will be completed Wednesday, Dec. 11. Entries for Friday, Dec. 13 were scheduled to be taken Tuesday, Dec. 10. They will now be completed as part of a double draw on Wednesday. The Saturday, Dec. 14 program will include the Grade II, $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles and will also feature a handicapping contest which will offer two berths to the 2025 National Thoroughbred Racing Association Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas. ...

Hey Jessie Upsets Soviet Problem Stakes

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2024) – Longshot Hey Jessie rallied wide through the long Los Alamitos stretch to win Sunday’s $102,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies. 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 was switching surfaces to the Los Alamitos dirt after breaking her maiden at a mile on the grass at Del Mar Nov. 16. ““I’m mildly surprised. I was confident she’d run well, I didn’t know how she’d handle the course, although in saying that, I knew the stretch would be a benefit for her,” said McCarthy. “She has a big, long stride, a beautiful moving filly. She’s probably not as fast as these horses are, but I knew she’d have a good, closing kick in her because we got a good bottom in her.” McCarthy said he will point Hey Jessie to the $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at one mile on... ...

Sunset Grazen Wins Golden Gate Debutante

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2024) — California-bred Sunset Grazen was the only runner in Saturday’s $75,450 Golden Gate Debutante at Pleasanton, Calif. with a previous win around two turns. She was also the only starter in a field of 2-year-old fillies who had raced for a claiming price, winning a $16,000 claimer for maidens at a mile and 70 yards by 11 lengths on Nov. 8. Despite a jump in class and a slightly longer trip at 1 1/16 miles, Sunset Grazen led throughout the Golden Gate Debutante, setting a slow pace and holding off a sustained run from the maiden Lolo Le Plume to win by a head. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. Bred by Legacy Ranch and ridden by Santos Rivera, Sunset Grazen ($16.60) was timed in 1:46.51. Lolo Le Plume (9-2) finished five lengths clear of 2-1 Big Soiree. Border Control, the 6-5 favorite on the strength of a seven-length win in... ...

King Glorious Nominations Announced

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2024) — Stakes winners Speedy Wilson and R Heisman, the 1-2 finishers in the Golden State Juvenile Nov. 1, are among 18 2-year-olds nominated to the $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos. A one-mile race restricted to horses bred or sired in California, the King Glorious will be run for the 11th time at Los Alamitos Sunday, Dec. 15, closing day of the Winter Thoroughbred meet. Owned by breeder Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato, Speedy Wilson defeated R Heisman, the 7-5 favorite, by a half-length in Golden State Juvenile, which was run at seven furlongs. The win was the second in four starts for the Tough Sunday colt out of the Minsters Wild Cat mare and pushed his earnings to $156,150. A gelded son of Far From Over and the First American mare Parisienne, bred by Highclere Inc., owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller, who won the 2023 King Glorious with Last... ...

Tequilaandtherapy, In the Air Tonight Meet

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2024) – Stakes winners Tequilaandtherapy and In the Air Tonight are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. 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. The CTBA Stakes winner has two wins in five starts, earnings of $141,400 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 1 Golden State Juvenile Fillies behind Tequilaandtherapy. Ciappina Pasadina is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Creative Cause mare Blissful Lady, was bred by Martindale & Andrews, is owned by Andy Andrews and trained by Charles Treece. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $16,100 and is coming off a seventh in an Oct. 19 starter optional claimer. Grateful My Love is by Danzing Candy, out of the Include mare Miss Georgie Gal, was bred by... ...

Fowler Blue Appears Next at Remington Park

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Dec. 5, 2024) – Well-traveled Fowler Blue is the lone California-bred entered in the Dec. 13 $75,000 Jeffrey A. Hawk Memorial Stakes at Remington Park. Fowler Blue is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Unusual Heat mare Roses for Joni, was bred by William Branch & Arnold Hill, is owned by Branch and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has four wins in 24 starts, earnings of $204,368 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 9 claimer at Del Mar. He also has run at Churchill Downs, Horseshoe Indianapolis, Ellis Park, Aqueduct, Parx Racing, Monmouth Park, Turfway Park, Lone Star, Santa Anita, Sunland Park and Los Alamitos. ...

Cal-bred Trio in Golden Gate Debutante

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2024) – California-breds Sunset Grazen, Hello Kid O Kid O and Big Soiree are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Pleasanton. Sunset Grazen is by Grazen, out of the Slew’s Tiznow mare Sausalito Sunset, was bred by Legacy Ranch and is owned by trainer Samuel Calvario. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $16,680 and is coming off a Nov. 8 maiden claiming win. Hello Kid O Kid O is by Danzing Candy, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Norah’s Kitten, was bred by Richard James and Roberto Gonzalez, is owned by James and trained by Bill McLean. She is a maiden making her fourth start with earnings of $8,112. 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 four starts, earnings of $47,658 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. ...

Nick Says ‘Yes’ to Partial Dispersal

By DRF.com BUELLTON, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2024) — Nick Alexander, one of California’s most prominent breeders, is holding a partial dispersal of 23 horses at the Fasig-Tipton Digital Sale that begins on Thursday and continues through Dec. 11, according to a statement issued on Monday. Alexander’s draft includes 17 California-bred yearlings and six broodmares, five of whom are in foal to Grazen, the state’s leading sire by progeny earnings in 2023. Alexander raced Grazen and stands the stallion at Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm in Buellton, Calif. Through Sunday, Grazen led the state’s stallions in 2024 progeny earnings with $4,055,469, slightly ahead of Stay Thirsty, with $3,989,752. ...

Tequilaandtherapy Nominated to Soviet Problem

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2024) — Tequilaandtherapy, who posted an 11-1 upset in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies last month at Del Mar, is among 13 nominations to the $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles. The one-mile race for 2-year-old fillies bred or sired in California will be run Sunday, Dec. 8, the third day of the Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will continue through Sunday, Dec. 15. Bred by Reddam Racing, owned by Here We Go Brothers and trained by Doug O’Neill, Tequilaandtherapy rallied to defeat Grateful My Love by a nose for her second win in six starts. The daughter of Mrazek and the In Excess mare Chexcess has earned $164,067. She is already proven at the Soviet Problem distance, graduating at eight furlongs on the Del Mar turf Aug. 30. Tequilaandtherapy is one of four O’Neill nominated to the race. The others are Sunday winner Pavel Is Appealing and maidens How About Pavel and Less Is More.... ...

Horse Art Auction Online This Week

From After the Finish Line ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption and After the Finish Line’s Holiday Moneigh Auction is up and running this week and will end on Sunday, December 8 at 6p PT/9p ET. Bid at ebay.com/str/rerunthoroughbred. A total of nineteen original Moneighs painted by stallions, pony horses and a broodmare are up for bid. This includes Tom’s d’Etat, Annapolis, Harley, Groupie Doll, Nyquist, Flightline, Curlin, Promises Fulfilled, War Front, Rip, Tapit, Mystic Guide, Good Magic, Audible, Honor Code, McKinzie, Charlatan, Maxfield and Little Mike. Moneighs are abstract artwork created by Thoroughbreds using their lips, muzzle, hoof, and/or whiskers. The name is derived from the artist, Monet, and the neigh of a horse. Moneigh is a registered trademark of ReRun, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit that rehabilitates and retrains Off Track Thoroughbreds for adoption in New York. In partnership with After the Finish Line, a California Off Track Thoroughbred 501(c)(3) charity that awards grants, we paint with the premier stallions and broodmares in Kentucky to create sought after original paintings and prints... ...

Duly Noted Still Perfect with Livermore Win

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2024) – Duly Noted held off odds-on favorite Grand Slam Smile for her first stakes win, and preserved her unbeaten record through four starts, in Saturday’s $76,350 Livermore Valley Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Pleasanton. Duly Noted, ridden by Luis Jiminez, had to overcome a rough trip, closing closed from sixth on the backstretch to reach the front in the final sixteenth and won by 1 1/2 lengths over Grand Slam Smile, who raced wide throughout. Chancery Way, who was part of an early speed duel with Smiling Molly, held third, beaten two lengths. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. Duly Noted ran six furlongs in 1:10.24. Irish Wahine finished fourth, followed by Blue Wildcat, Smiling Molly, Rousing Jewel, and Smiling Lady. Duly Noted is by Grazen, out of the Harbor the Gold mare Fragrant Harbor, was bred by Charlie Dunn, Al Hodge & Ray McCanna, is owned... ...

Trainer Ben Cecil Passes at Age 56

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2024) — Ben Cecil, trainer of California-bred multiple-stakes winner Eddie’s New Dream, died on Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 56. Cecil had a nearly unparalleled introduction to Thoroughbred racing. He was the nephew of the legendary British trainer Henry Cecil. Growing up in Britain, it was easy for Ben Cecil to follow his uncle’s career during a time when he had one of Europe’s leading stables. Henry Cecil won 25 classic races in Britain. On a day trip with his uncle to Newbury Racecourse, west of London, a teenaged Ben Cecil saw the sport from a different perspective, realizing what he wanted to do. “I was hooked,” Cecil told Daily Racing Form in a 2013 interview shortly after his uncle’s death. “He was the whole reason I got into this game.” Instead of staying in Britain, Cecil wanted a more independent approach to his involvement in the sport, and relocated to California after working for trainers in Australia and Britain. In Southern... ...

Grand Slam Smile’s Next Stop is Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) – Multiple stakes winners Grand Slam Smile and the Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way head a field of eight entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Livermore Valley Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Pleasanton. Grand Slam Smile is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. She has six wins in 10 starts, earnings of $511,400 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 12 California Distaff. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms and John Nicoletti, is owned by Andy Smolich & Rob Smolich and is trained by Jamey Thomas. The $6,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $415,020 and is maker her first start since a win in the July 20 Governor’s Cup. Blue Wildcat is by Bluegrass... ...

Johnny Podres, Sassy Nature in Stormy Liberal

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) – Stakes winners Johnny Podres and Sassy Nature and fellow California-bred Boss Sully are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Stormy Liberal Stakes at Del Mar. Boss Sully is by Street Boss, out of the Candy Ride mare Eternally, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Brown, Klein or Lebherz and is trained by Brian Koriner. He has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $182,522 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 16 optional claimer. Johnny Podres is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Malibu Holiday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by David Bernsen or Rockingham Ranch and is trained by Librado Barocio. He has nine wins in 42 starts, earnings of $540,150 and is coming off a sixth in the Oct. 13 California Flag. He was sixth in this race last year. Sassy Nature is a filly by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire LLC, is owned... ...

Prince Dolce Directed to Cecil B. DeMille

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) – Prince Dolce is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Cecil B. DeMille Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Prince Dolce is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Hard Spun mare Campionessa Dolce, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable (lessee), and trained by Carla Gaines. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $37,700 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 9 optional claimer. ...

Fast Buck Takes on Shippers in Seabiscuit

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) – Graded stakes winner Fast Buck is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar. Fast Buck is by Gallant Son, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch and is owned by Zephyr Racing and trainer Cesar De Alba. He has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $320,292 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 13 California Flag. ...

Storm the Court Retired to Stand at Eclipse

By DRF.com BUELLTON, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) — Five years after shocking the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at 45-1 odds, the 2019 champion juvenile male Storm the Court has been retired to stud in California. Trainer Peter Eurton said the 7-year-old was relocated to Eclipse Thoroughbred Training Center in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he will begin stud duty next spring. Storm the Court paid $93.80 winning the BC Juvenile in 2019 at Santa Anita; the payoff is a Juvenile record. Storm the Court, however, never won again. He started 26 more times, including a last-place finish Nov. 17 in a Del Mar allowance that was his career finale. Sired by Court Vision, Storm the Court retires having won two races and $1,426,503 from 30 starts. His juvenile campaign was his highlight. “He matured early,” Eurton said. “The advantage you [need] to win a Breeders’ Cup with a 2-year-old is a head start on some of the horses who just aren’t developed yet.” Storm the Court won his debut in summer... ...

Los Alamitos Winter Meet Opens Friday

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2024) – Four stakes worth a combined $600,000 highlight the 2024 Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will begin Friday, Dec. 6 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 15. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday both weeks (Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15). Post time will be 12:30 p.m. The first of the stakes races is the Grade II, $200,000 Starlet for 2-year-old fillies. The race at 1 1/16 miles will be run Saturday, Dec. 7. One week later – Saturday, Dec. 14 – the Grade II, $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity will be offered. The race – which will also be run at 1 1/16 miles – is for 2-year-olds. Completing the schedule are a pair of races at one mile for 2-year-olds bred or sired in California. The $100,000 Soviet Problem – for fillies – will be run Sunday, Dec. 8 while the $100,000 King Glorious – for colts and geldings – will be contested Sunday, Dec. 15. Grandstand admission is... ...

None Above the Law Enters Hollywood Turf

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2024) – None Above the Law, who won the Grade II Del Mar Derby in 2021, is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $200,000 Grade III Hollywood Turf Club Stakes at Del Mar. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban. He has seven wins in 38 starts, earnings of $668,302 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 9 Cary Grant. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2024, 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 Webcast link, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: While the Board considered the license application for the upcoming winter-spring meet at Santa Anita, track executive Aiden Butler took the opportunity to address a much larger issue. In essence, he said racing in California is heading toward disaster if Santa Anita and northern thoroughbred interests continue to compete with overlapping race meets. Both Santa Anita and Golden State Racing (GSR) at Pleasanton are cutting purses due largely to small fields and reduced handle. He described this as “suicide.” His solution, though not clearly spelled out in great detail, essentially calls for horses to continue training in the north but... ...

Moment’s Pleasure Taking Red Carpet Ride

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2024) – California-bred stakes winner Moment’s Pleasure is entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Red Carpet Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Moment’s Pleasure is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lamazone, was bred by Rainmaker Racing, Ben & Sally Warren and Bret Lewis, is owned by Rainmaker Racing and Bret Lewis and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $245,260 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 9 optional claimer. ...

Santa Anita Announces Stakes Schedule

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2024) — Santa Anita Park will kick off its 90th year of world-class Thoroughbred racing on Thursday, Dec. 26 with 79 stakes during the 78-card meet, which includes 14 stakes restricted to Golden State Series eligibles. Five of those stakes will be run on California Cup Day Jan. 11, with another five on California Gold Rush Day May 24. The opening day stakes program featuring a stakes race honoring Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. among six graded stakes, including a trio of Grade I events. The Grade II San Antonio Stakes, which Pincay won five times in three decades, will be renamed for the legendary Panamanian rider who ranks as one of the world’s best to ever sit in the saddle. Pincay won the San Antonio in 1968 on Rising Market, in his first full season at Santa Anita, and his last one in 1989 aboard Super Diamond. He retired in 2003 with a then-record 9,530 wins, five Eclipse Awards as... ...

TJC Updates Ownership App

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2024) — TJC Innovations (TJCI) today announced an update to the TLore management app that provides a streamlined version of the app for owners. Log on credentials dictate which app version a user views. The owner app enables owners to keep track of their horses with an easy-to-use, optimized interface. Owners can view their horse roster, race entries, results, race replays, and workouts, including horse notes, photos, and workout videos, all pulled directly from their trainer’s TLore data. “We wanted to make this version of the app as easy to use as possible while providing all the information an owner needs to keep track of their horses, anywhere, anytime.” said Tracy Attfield, founder of TLore and TJCI vice president. “Thanks to TLore’s now being part of TJC Innovations, we can offer real-time automated integration of race and workout data and a Premium PP subscription service. Plus, owners can customize which notifications they would like to receive, including new race entries, results, workouts,... ...

Graded-placed Alotaluck in Zia Park Derby

ZIA PARK, N.M. (Nov. 19, 2024) – Graded-stakes placed Alotaluck is the lone California-bred entered in Tuesday’s $300,000 Zia Park Derby for 3-year-olds. Alotaluck is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Lucks Mine mare Colinda Dawn, was bred by owner Eleanor Martin and is trained by Ty Garrett. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $226,088 and is coming off a 10th in the Oct. 6 Hawthorne Derby. The Mine That Bird Derby winner broke his maiden debuting at Zia Park. ...

Street Colors, Going Deep in Princess Stakes

ZIA PARK, N.M. (Nov. 19, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Street Colors and fellow California-bred Going Deep are entered in Monday’s $100,000 Zia Park Princess Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Street Colors is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Orientate mare Ocean Colors, was bred by Jason Hall & Joe Wheeler, is owned by Juan Zamora and trained by Johnny Singh. The $4,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale is a maiden making her third start with earnings of $2,850. Going Deep is by Bodexpress, out of the Indian Charlie mare Quick Wampum, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises & Robert Traynor, is owned by Todd Cady & Ty Leatherman and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $54,000 and is coming off an Oct. 31 maiden win at Del Mar. ...

NTRA Offers Equine Accounting Seminar

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2024) — As we approach December, it’s time to revisit tax planning and get organized for year-end accounting. On Thursday, December 5th, please join our equine experts from Dean Dorton for a FREE continuing education focused on end-of-year tax and accounting strategies tailored specifically for equine operations. Whether you’re managing a racing stable, breeding operation, sport horse operation, or everything in between, this session will provide valuable insights to all equine operators. You will leave this session with a better understanding of: Tax incentives benefiting equine operations Key reminders and deadlines for equine-related tax filings Practical tips on tracking and documenting income and expenses Best practices for year-end accounting Updates on any new tax laws impacting the equine industry This session will qualify for one (1) hour of continuing professional education for CPAs. To register, click: End of Year Tax & Accounting Reminders for Equine Operations – Dean Dorton – CPAs and Advisors ...

Stuart Janney III to Step Down Next Year

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2024) — Stuart S. Janney III, chair of The Jockey Club, announced today his intention to step down from his position as chair, effective August 2025. He recommended, and the board of stewards of The Jockey Club agreed, that Everett Dobson, a member of the board of stewards, be chosen as his successor. The leadership transition will commence over the coming months, and Janney will remain on the board of stewards through his term, which will end in August 2026. Janney, a prominent Thoroughbred owner and breeder for several decades, was elected vice chair of The Jockey Club in 2010 and became chair in 2015. During his tenure, The Jockey Club expanded its commercial businesses and used those proceeds to make substantial investments in support of the sport. Janney was awarded the Eclipse Award of Merit earlier this year. He is chairman emeritus of Bessemer Trust and resides in Butler, Maryland. Dobson is a longtime owner and breeder of Thoroughbreds. He is... ...

Cal Cup Sprint on Deck for Big City Lights

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – Big City Lights, runaway winner of the Cary Grant Stakes for California-bred sprinters Nov. 9 at Del Mar, will stay with California-bred company for his next start. Trainer Richard Mandella said Big City Lights will target the $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint tentatively scheduled for Jan. 11 at Santa Anita. The Cary Grant was Big City Lights’s fourth stakes win, and sixth win overall. A 5-year-old, Big City Lights has started only 12 times. He was bred by Bar C Racing Stables. “He’s had some things happen to him,” Mandella said while being vague about the gaps between races. “But he still performs pretty well.” His most recent win was the most decisive of his career, which includes four runner-up finishes behind The Chosen Vron in statebred stakes. The Chosen Vron, who won the Cary Grant in 2022 and 2023, is out until spring, leaving Big City Lights as the top California-bred sprinter. It is only conjecture to speculate who... ...

TJC Accepting Intern, Scholarship Applications

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 18, 2024) — Applications for The Jockey Club’s paid internship program for college students and recent college graduates and its five academic scholarships opened today. The internship program will accommodate up to three interns and is now available in the summer or fall based on the intern’s preference. Interns will gain exposure to all companies and departments within the organization, and they will have the opportunity to spend additional time in areas that they find to be of particular interest. The program will last eight weeks. The internships will take place in The Jockey Club’s offices located in Lexington, Ky. For more information and to view the application, interested candidates should visit bit.ly/tjcinternships. Applications are being accepted through January 3, 2025. Selected interns will be notified in February 2025. The Jockey Club scholarships will apply to the 2025-2026 academic year and are as follows: The Jockey Club Scholarship ($15,000; $7,500 per semester) is for those enrolled full time as an undergraduate or graduate student at... ...

Northern California Racing Update

From Golden State Racing PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2024) — Since the announcement of the closure of Golden Gate Fields in 2023, which was Northern California’s hub for racing for over 80 years, California horseracing was at an impasse. Do we close shop and only hold races in Southern California or do we adapt and forge a new chapter for the north? The decision was simple, in order for racing to flourish and grow in the Golden State it was imperative to find a new primary racetrack in the north where the appetite for horseracing is alive and well. The challenges have not been easy. However, the united effort of those who live this sport and have dedicated the best of their professional efforts to horse racing are beating the odds. We are on course to succeed in creating a highly viable, profitable, end engaging Northern California racing season. Thanks to AB 1074 authored by Assemblyman Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) that allowed California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) time to set their... ...

Melanie’s Tiger, Druidic in Mt. Diablo Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2024) – Stakes-placed California-breds Melanie’s Tiger and Druidic are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Mt. Diablo Stakes at the Golden State Racing meet at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Melanie’s Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Gotham City mare Melanie’s Rose, was bred by Martin Bach and owner Daniel Weiner and is trained by Manuel Badilla. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $126,221 and is coming off a fifth in an Oct. 19 allowance. Druidic is by Boisterous, out of the Rocky Bar mare Shared Image, was bred by owner Robert Traynor and is trained by D. Wayne Baker. He has four wins in 28 starts, earnings of $99,452 and is coming off a fourth in an Oct. 31 optional claimer. ...

Stallion Corporal to Stand at Dehesa Farms

Dehesa Farms Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2025) — Corporal, the son of Gun Runner who is the hottest sire on the planet with 24 GSW/10 GISW and $52 million in earnings from only four crops of racing age, will stand at Dehesa Farms, San Miguel for the 2025 breeding season. Corporal was a $1.15 million 2022 Keeneland yearling, which reflects his outstanding physical and female family. His dam is a multiple stakes winner of nearly $500,000 and sister to a multiple GSW of nearly $600,000. Shane Easterbrook, owner and manager of Dehesa Farms, recently purchased the farm from the Dahlberg family after being farm manager and operating under the name of Easterbrook Livestock Management for nearly 20 years. Shane said that standing Corporal at Dehesa Farms is “a real opportunity for breeders to access an exceptional stallion prospect,” while she continues to offer the same quality full services as in the past. For inquiries, please contact Shane Easterbrook at 805-610-9861. For more information: https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/173006/corporal ...

Chismosa

Chismosa wins $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes. ...

Chismosa Returns to Dirt and Winner’s Circle

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa, last early while odds-on favorite Pushiness pushed a blistering pace, returned to dirt with a thrilling neck win in Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. 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. “I looked in the face of the horse today and thought, ‘She’ll win today for sure,’ ” DeLeon told FanDuel TV. “I told my jockey (Tiago Pereira) ‘Don’t push the horse.’ She got the bit, looked for a clear space and she took care of business. She closed super. I got a little scared in the last part because she didn’t change leads but fortunately my horse did the job. I was happy somebody was pushing the horse in front (Pushiness) because the horse in front is very quick.” Chismosa has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $579,750 and... ...

Big City Lights

Big City Lights wins $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes. ...

Big City Lights Stars in Cary Grant Stakes

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2024) – Heavily favored Big City Lights ($3.80) seized command of the California-bred sprint division with a dominating victory in the $98,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles on Saturday at Del Mar. With nemesis The Chosen Vron turned out for the winter, Big City Lights produced one of the most lopsided victories of his career in the seven-furlong Cary Grant. He won the California-bred stakes by 8 1/2 lengths, the largest margin by a Cary Grant winner and largest winning margin by Big City Lights since his 12 1/2-length debut victory as a 2-year-old in May 2021. Big City Lights was bred by Bar C Racing Stables and is trained by Richard Mandella for owner William Peeples; Kazushi Kimura rode the 5-year-old, who was making only his fourth start of the year and only the 12th start of his career. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. “He’s had some problems... ...

Clovisconnection Takes Another Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2024) – California-bred Clovisconnection continued his dominance in the north by rallying to win Saturday’s $75,000 Oakland Stakes at the Golden State Racing meet in Pleasanton. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by owners William and Judy Hedrick and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has 11 wins in 17 starts, earnings of $438,300 and was coming off a win in the Sept. 29 Harris Farms Stakes. This was his seventh stakes victory. Clovisconnection ran the six furlongs in 1:09.12 and won by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 2-5. ...

Legendary Horseman Don Valpredo Passes

By Bloodhorse.com BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Donald J. Valpredo, a longtime leader in the California racing and breeding industry, died Oct. 31 while overseas. He was 85. A major breeder and owner of such horses as 1994 California-bred Horse of the Year Soviet Problem, Valpredo made his most valuable contribution through his decades of service to the California Thoroughbred industry. He was a former president and former chair of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and was on that board at the time of his death. He was a commissioner on the California Horse Racing Board from 1990-98, having been appointed by California Gov. Pete Wilson. Valpredo also served on the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California from 2000-11. First elected to the CTBA board in 1972, Valpredo served as the organization’s president from 1986-90. During that time, he was instrumental in the creation of the popular California Cup series, being a co-founder and early co-chair. For his contributions, the California Cup Sprint was renamed the Don Valpredo California Cup... ...

Cal-bred Scramble in Betty Grable Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Pushiness, Big Summer and Irish Wahine bring sharp current form into Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Roberta’s Love is by Collected, out of the Broken Vow mare West Coast Gal, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by BG Stables & Royalty Stable and is trained by Hector Palma. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $125,800 and is coming off a 10th in the Sept. 28 Unzip Me Stakes, presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. 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 five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $522,750 and is coming off a ninth in the Oct. 12 California Distaff. She was fifth in this race last year. Big Summer is by Mr. Big, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, was bred by Bob Abrams... ...

The Chosen Vron Misses Cary Grant Stakes

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Although the $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes this year is similar to the Cary Grant last year, a key element is missing from the Golden State Series sprint stakes Saturday at Del Mar. The Chosen Vron, the most accomplished sprinter in California and winner of the Cary Grant the past two years, is out until March. His absence creates a void in the West Coast sprint division and an opportunity for last year’s 2-3-4 Cary Grant finishers to improve their position. Big City Lights, Moose Mitchell, and None Above the Law try again in the Cary Grant, a seven-furlong stakes with five entrants including 3-year-old Curlin’s Kaos and Man O Rose. The Cary Grant was won in 2022 and 2023 by heavily favored The Chosen Vron, who is out for the winter. “We’re going to turn him out four months,” The Chosen Vron’s trainer, Eric Kruljac, said this week. A winner of 18 stakes, including two Grade 1s, The Chosen Vron was... ...

Court Snort Brings $185,000 at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2024) – California-bred stakes-placed filly Court Snort, in foal to City of Light, sold for $185,000 at Thursday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. Court Snort, by Stay Thirsty, is out of the Stravinsky mare Frysland and is a half-sibling to graded winner Lost Bus and multiple stakes winner Brandothebartender. On the track, Court Snort earned $271,566. She won her last race, an optional claimer at Del Mar in August after finishing third in the Solana Beach Stakes, both while in foal. Court Snort is a 4-year-old bred by John R. Haagsma & Don Hallmark, consigned by Taylor Made Sale, agent, and purchased by Hinkle Farms. She was claimed by trainer Leonard Powell in January for $16,000. ...

Oakland Stakes Next for Clovisconnection

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2024) –California-bred multiple stakes winner Clovisconnection seeks to add to his resume in Saturday’s $75,000 Oakland Stakes at Golden State Racing at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Regal Patriot is by Jersey Town, out of the Michael’s Flyer mare Look to the Sky, was bred by Daehling Ranch and is owned by Rangel, Hector M., Morfin, Gonzalo and trainer Torres, Arnold. He has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $88,248 and is coming off back-to-back allowance wins. Bob’s Blue Moon is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Good Journey mare Nicolette Charmant, was bred by Rancho San Miguel, is owned by Blue Moon Racing, Ltd., Dietrich, Steve and Halasz, Thomas E. and trained by Steve Sherman. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $120,650 and is coming off a 10th in a Sept. 8 optional claimer. Lmlooknformischief is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Tizbud mare Just Lookn Again, was bred by West 12 Ranch and is owned by Terri Oyarzun and trainer... ...

TOC Owners Seminar at Pleasanton Nov. 16

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2024) — Current and prospective owners are invited to TOC’s free owners seminar at the Alameda County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 10:30 a.m. Meet outside the jockey’s room near the paddock to hear from Tom Doutrich, Racing Secretary for California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF), and learn about the day-to-day operations of the Racing Office, as well as the various resources available to owners. To register, click here. ...

Class Clown is No Joke at Keeneland Sale

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2024) – Class Clown, a California-foaled daughter of Practical Joke claimed for $20,000 in August, sold for $140,000 as a broodmare prospect at Tuesday’s opening session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Class Clown, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, was consigned by Blandford Stud, agent, and purchased by Centofanti Thoroughbreds/Star Guitar. Out of the Speightstown mare Miss Lavinia, Class Clown was a two-time winner of $108,434. The 4-year-old filly was claimed out of her last race Aug. 30 at Del Mar for $20,000 by trainer Samuel Calvario for owners Toboada Racing Stables and TAK Racing. ...

Cal-bred Daddysruby Sells for $1.1 Million

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2024) – California-bred Grade I winner Daddysruby sold in foal to champion Into Mischief for $1.1 million at Monday’s Fasig-Tipton November Sale. The 4-year-old Daddysruby is by Frac Daddy, out of the You and I mare Youtheprizeandi, was bred by Jethorse LLC, consigned by Elite Bloodstock, agent, and purchased by Japan’s Shadai Farm. On the track, she was owned by Jethorse, Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. She earned $450,264 in a nine-start career highlighted by a win in last year’s Grade I La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita. She was an RNA for $940,000 at the Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale. Her last race was a second in the July 6 Great Lady M Stakes at Los Alamitos. ...

Cloud Blitz Rushes into Gold Rush Futurity

AURORA, Colo. (Nov. 6, 2024) – Cloud Blitz is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $54,500 Gold Rush Futurity for 2-year-olds at Arapahoe Park. Cloud Blitz is by Cloud Computing, out of the Greatness mare Red Shelby, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Hickey, Wendy, Luedtke, Walter and trainer Martinez, Jr., O. A. He won his lone start July 7 at Wyoming Downs with earnings of $3,600. ...

Speedy Wilson

Speedy Wilson wins $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes. ...

Speedy Wilson

Speedy Wilson wins $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes. ...

Tequilaandtherapy

Tequilaandtherapy wins $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes. ...

Speedy Wilson Fast Enough in Juvenile

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2024) – An improving 2-year-old whose trainer believes wants more ground found seven furlongs just right on Friday at Del Mar. Speedy Wilson, owned and bred by Nick Alexander, scored a half-length victory over favorite R Heisman in the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible sprinters. Speedy Wilson’s trainer Phil D’Amato looks forward to two turns for the son of Tough Sunday, who was represented by his first stakes winner. “He’s just getting better and better,” D’Amato said. “He’s just a big, strapping colt horse, he definitely wants more ground.” Up in class after winning a six-furlong maiden race in his third start, Speedy Wilson ($10.80 second choice) and jockey Armando Ayuso settled wide just off a quick pace, looped outside into the lane, and won in 1:23.47. R Heisman finished 1 1/2 lengths clear of stablemate Shea Brennan. D’Amato said Shea Brennan may switch to grass for his next start. Owner-breeder Alexander often names horses after notable figures in... ...

Tequilaandtherapy by a Nose in Juvenile Fillies

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2024) — Longshot Tequilaandtherapy held off the fast-closing Grateful My Love to win Friday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Tequilaandtherapy is by Mrazek, out of the In Excess mare Chexcess, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers and is trained by Doug O’Neill. “We thought the other horse (#4 Pavel Is Appealing) was better than Tequilaandtherapy, but she kind of missed the break a little bit,” said assistant trainer Leandro Mora. “So, then we went from Plan A to Plan B. And I think it’s starting to work out. I was at a different angle (to see the tight finish) and I thought the 7 (Grateful My Love) got us at the wire. But once I saw the picture come up, I was the happiest man on earth.” Tequilaandtherapy has two wins in six starts, earnings of $164,067 and was coming off a fourth in the Oct. 6 Surfer... ...

CHRB Advisory for Board Meetings

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB or Board) is releasing this advisory as a useful guide for stakeholders and others who participate in Board meetings. It covers Board meeting-related processes, procedures, and practices based on the controlling statutes and regulations in order to promote efficiency in the consideration of agenda items and associated materials. This advisory applies immediately, so stakeholders submitting applications should work with their CHRB staff analyst to submit documents in a timely manner for the November Board meeting in three weeks. CHRB rules require applications and associated materials to be filed with the Board at least 90 days prior to the first day of racing or operation for review, investigation, and approval. Any subsequently updated materials to be included with the application must be submitted to the CHRB no later than the date delineated on the CHRB website. Even if agendized, the Board will not consider incomplete applications (e.g., race meet licenses, ADW approvals, mini-satellite licenses). For a race meet... ...

Golden State Juvenile Draws R Heisman

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2024) – R Heisman is the lone stakes winner entered in Friday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Steak Fries is by Sir Prancealot, out of the In Excess mare Salty Fries, was bred by owner Legacy Ranch and is trained by Craig Lewis. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $45,500 and is coming off a Sept. 7 maiden win. Got’m Cot’m is by Bolt D’Oro, out of the Flower Alley mare Annabird, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Cami Cottam and trained by Val Brinkerhoff. He is a maiden making his third start with earnings of $12,300. Stakes winner R Heisman is by Far From Over, out of the First American mare Parisienne, was bred by Highclere Inc., is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $123,200 and is coming off a fifth in the Oct. 6 Zuma Beach. Stakes-placed... ...

Hot Girl Walk in Golden State Juvenile Fillies

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2024) – Stakes winners Hot Girl Walk and In the Air Tonight head a field of nine Golden State Series-eligibles in Friday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Hot Girl Walk is by Bodexpress, out of the Awesome Again mare Awesome Mama, was bred by owner Richard Barton Enterprises and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $117,000 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 2 Generous Portion. Multiple stakes placed Thirsty Mama is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Stormin Fever mare Easter Fever, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Terry C., Mihaljevich, John and Moroney, John and trained by Steve Miyadi. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $79,200 and is coming off a second in an Oct. 2 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... ...

Stay and Scam, Sassy Nature in Ken Maddy

DEL MAR, Calif. (oct. 29, 2024) – California-bred stakes winners Stay and Scam and Sassy Nature are entered in Friday’s $200,000 Senator Ken maddy Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Stay and Scam is by Square Eddie, out of the mare Puff Pastry, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $416,360 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 12 California Distaff. Sassy Nature is by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire LLC, is owned by C T R Stables and trained by Luis Mendez. She has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $337,790 and is coming off a sixth in the Oct. 12 California Distaff. ...

Sabertooth’s Connections Pick TAA

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2024) – California-sired Sabertooth, who could have drawn into Friday’s $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf from the also-eligible list, instead will run in Friday’s $200,000 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar, trainer Tim Yakteen told Daily Racing Form. Sabertooth, a registered California-sired son of Grazen, is out of the Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, was bred by 2500 Determined Stud and is owned by George Sharp. The Maryland-foaled colt is a maiden with earnings of $70,000, having finished second in each of four starts, including the Grade III Zuma Beach and Del Mar Juvenile Turf stakes. ...

Gun Runner’s Corporal to Stand at Dehesa

Dehesa Farms Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2024) – Corporal, purchased by Coolmore partners for $1.15 million, will be the first son of Gun Runner to stand in California next season at Dehesa Farms in San Miguel, formerly the location of Easterbrook Livestock. Corporal, out of the multiple stakes-winning and graded-stakes placed Bluegrass Cat mare Kathballu, was trained by Brad Cox in a two-race career ended earlier this year by injury. The now 3-year-old was sold at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Dehesa Farms, formerly Dahlberg Farms under the management of Easterbrook Livestock Management, is now owned and operated by Shane Easterbrook. Dehesa Farms is a full service horse farm, providing quality care for all aspects of raising equine athletes. ...

Noms, PPs for Golden State Juvenile Stakes

Golden State Juvenile PPs Golden State Juvenile PPs Golden State Juvenile Fillies Noms Golden State Juvenile Fillies PPs ...

Sneaker Seeks Stakes Win in Autumn Miss

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2024) – Sneaker is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Autumn Miss Stakes for 3-year-old fillies 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 nine starts, earnings of $157,128 and is coming off a win in a Sept. 29 optional claimer. ...

Sabertooth Looks to Draw in to Juvenile Turf

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2024) – Sabertooth, a registered California-sired son of Grazen, is second preference on the also-eligible list for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Friday, Nov. 1, at Del Mar. Sabertooth, out of the Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, was bred by 2500 Determined Stud, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Tim Yakteen. The Maryland-foaled colt is a maiden with earnings of $70,000, having finished second in each of four starts, including the Grade III Zuma Beach and Del Mar Juvenile Turf stakes. ...

Curlin’s Kaos in Grade II Twilight Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2024) – Curlin’s Kaos seeks a second consecutive stakes win as the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Twilight Derby for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Curlin’s Kaos is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda and Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $258,520 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 2 Real Good Deal Stakes. ...

Turf Sprint or Allowance for Forbidden Kingdom?

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2024) — Having earlier been pre-entered in the $1 million Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, to be run Saturday, Nov. 2, at Del Mar, Forbidden Kingdom was also entered in a Sunday allowance race at Santa Anita. Forbidden Kingdom, set to begin stud duties at Legacy Ranch in 2025, is by American Pharoah and was purchased for $310,000 by Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch in Clements as a stallion prospect. A three-time stakes winner on dirt and turf, Forbidden Kingdom has raced twice in the last year, winning the Grade 2 Joe Hernandez Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on the flat turf course at Santa Anita last December, but finishing last of seven in the Kona Gold Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt at Santa Anita in April in his last start. ...

Vet Scratches The Chosen Vron from Sprint

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2024) — The Chosen Vron, an 18-time stakes winner including the last two runnings of the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar, will not start in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Nov. 2 at Del Mar after being scratched by a Breeders’ Cup veterinarian, co-owner John Sondereker said Tuesday afternoon. Sondereker said The Chosen Vron was inspected Monday by a veterinarian who made the decision. “He’s off a little bit sometime,” Sondereker said. “I can barely see it and I’ve been around him forever. “I’ve been with him for six years. He has a little hitch in his backside. It’s not a problem, no medication.” The news was first reported by XBTV commentator Zoe Cadman on X.com, formerly known as Twitter. A 6-year-old gelding, The Chosen Vron won the Bing Crosby Stakes on July 27 at Del Mar for his sixth consecutive win, and was second by a neck to BC Sprint hopeful Raging Torrent in the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien... ...

Noms Close Thursday for Golden State Stakes

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2024) – Nominations close this Thursday for stakes races on the Breeders’ Cup undercard, which includes a pair of Nov. 1 stakes restricted to Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds. Nominations close for the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes and $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes, both to be run at seven furlongs. Breeders’ Cup has increased the benefits to connections of horses running on the undercard. Undercard Benefits Available this year 1. Complimentary Reserved Seats: Allocated Stretch Run Reserved the day your horse runs, with options to purchase more if available. 2. Parking Passes: Preferred parking pass for the day your horse runs. 3. Paddock Passes: Paddock passes, passes granting more access to the Winner’s Circle. 4. Owner & Trainer Enclosure Access 5. Breakfast Tickets: One-time use tickets for Breakfast at the Breeders’ Cup on Wednesday, October 30 6. Gift Bag For further information, contact David Jerkins at the Del Mar Racing Office, 858-755-1141 ext. 3815. ...

Catholic Boy to Stand at Harris Farms

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2024) – Dual-surface Grade 1 winner Catholic Boy has joined the roster at Harris Farms for the 2025 breeding season. The multimillionaire son of More Than Ready, who is the Leading Second Crop Sire by Average Winning Distance, will stand for $6,000, Live Foal. Catholic Boy campaigned three seasons, winning six graded stakes and becoming only the third American 3-year-old in history to win a Grade 1 race on both dirt and turf, coming home best in both the Travers Stakes (G1) (defeating champions Good Magic and Wonder Gadot) and the Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes (G1). Those victories elevated him into the elite company of the legendary Kentucky Derby winners Secretariat and California Chrome. In a career hallmarked by versatility, Catholic Boy earned $2,134,000, with seven victories and two seconds in his 13 starts at nine different tracks. He broke his maiden at two, going 7.5 furlongs on the turf at Gulfstream Park. Shipping to Saratoga, he scored in the With Anticipation S.... ...

Benefits for Breeders’ Cup Undercard Entrants

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2024) – Breeders’ Cup has increased the benefits to connections of horses running on the undercard stakes Nov. 1 and 2 at Del Mar, which include a pair of 2-year-old races restricted to Golden State Series eligibles. Nominations close Thursday, Oct. 24 for the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes and $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes, both to be run on Friday, Nov. 1, at seven furlongs. Undercard Benefits Available this year Complimentary Reserved Seats: Allocated Stretch Run Reserved the day your horse runs, with options to purchase more if available. Parking Passes: Preferred parking pass for the day your horse runs. Paddock Passes: Paddock passes, passes granting more access to the Winner’s Circle. Owner & Trainer Enclosure Access Breakfast Tickets: One-time use tickets for Breakfast at the Breeders’ Cup on Wednesday, October 30 Gift Bag ...

Golden State Racing Launches Saturday

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2024) — The Golden State Racing meeting begins on the Alameda County fairgrounds in Pleasanton on Saturday, with the intent of providing Northern California racing with something absent on the circuit for more than a year. Stability. In July 2023, California racing was stunned by the announcement that Golden Gate Fields, the flagship track in the northern part of the state, would close. The track’s parent company, 1/ST Racing, which also owns Santa Anita in Southern California, intended to shut Golden Gate Fields last December, but were coaxed into racing through June of this year. Since the announcement of Golden Gate’s closure, a group of breeders, owners, and trainers, working with the California Authority of Racing Fairs, have sought to develop replacement meetings for Golden Gate Fields. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. The consortium, known as Golden State Racing, was granted racing dates for the upcoming fall meeting by the California... ...

NorCal Sale Grads Vie in Bart Heller Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduates Breve and Jessebear, and fellow California-bred Mars Magic, are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Bart Heller Stakes for fillies and mares at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Breve is by Will Take Charge, out of the A.P. Indy mare Artfully, was bred by Legacy Ranch, is owned by Hanna, Mark A., Hanna, Maria, Page, Scott, Page, Cecilia, Tootle, Herbert, Tootle, Janet, Vendosdel, Eric and Vendosdel, Sabrina and trained by Manuel Badilla. The $35,000 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase out of the Woodbridge Farm consignment has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $80,353 and is coming off back-to-back allowance wins. Jessebear is by Misremembered, out of the Crowd Pleaser mare Cagey Girl, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by McLean Racing Stables and trained by Aggie Ordonez. The $6,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale from the Barton Thoroughbreds consignment has two wins in 15 starts, earnings of $146,220 and is coming off a Sept. 20 optional claiming... ...

More Black Type Lures Man O Rose

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2024) – A sharp gelding on his way up meets a well-bred graded winner on his way back in the $80,000 Lure Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita. The grass mile might be a two-horse race, or it might be a trap. Recent runaway route stakes winner Man O Rose and Grade 2-winning comebacker Seal Team enter with clear attributes, yet both face challenges. Man O Rose, a California-bred stakes winner, has never run long on turf. Seal Team has not started in nearly a year. Nine are entered in the Lure, a turf mile with conditions made to order for the favorites. The race is restricted to nonwinners of a stakes this year at a mile or longer other than California-bred. Man O Rose romped in a stakes for California-breds last month; Seal Team hasn’t raced since winning the Twilight Derby last year. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. The Lure... ...

Retired Thoroughbreds to Benefit from Their Art

From After the Finish Line RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2024) — ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption and After the Finish Line announce after nearly two years the Moneigh Auctions will resume with the first auction to be hosted on eBay starting Sunday, October 20 and ending Sunday, October 27 at 6p PT/9p ET. Bid at, ebay.com/str/rerunthoroughbred. Eighteen original Moneighs by horses that have raced in and/or won Breeders’ Cup races are up for bid. This includes Cody’s Wish, Serena’s Song, Authentic, Kitten’s Joy, Afleet Alex, Blame, Ghostzapper, Midshipman, and more. Moneighs are abstract artwork created by Thoroughbreds using their lips, muzzle, hoof, and/or whiskers. The name is derived from the artist, Monet, and the neigh of a horse. Moneigh is a registered trademark of ReRun, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit that rehabilitates and retrains Off Track Thoroughbreds for adoption in New York. In partnership with After the Finish Line, a California Off Track Thoroughbred charity that awards grants, we paint with the premier stallions and broodmares in Kentucky to create sought... ...

Auerbach Launches Consulting Firm

From Press Release LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2024) – Harris Auerbach, a long-time thoroughbred industry stakeholder and bloodstock investor, is proud to introduce HorsePAUER Enterprises to the thoroughbred breeding, sales and racing industry. HorsePAUER will operate as a subsidiary of PAUER Consulting LLC and will offer its clients a diverse array of services including industry sales and marketing strategies, stakeholder development, communications and public relations services, commercial and private sales representation, breeding stock portfolio management and bloodstock/matings consultations. Auerbach has guided his bloodstock business for over 20 years including the campaigning of California’s all-time leading sire Unusual Heat and transitioning his family’s once regional business into a national based bloodstock operation. He was among the very first to promote a stallion and breeding operation with his company’s long running, fully dedicated website (www.auerbachracing.com) and a precocious for the industry social media presence. Auerbach also served as Vice Chairperson of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and is a visible staple on both the Kentucky and California racing/sales landscapes. Launched in... ...

Heinz Steinmann Passes at Age 92

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2024) – Longtime horseman Heinz Steinmann, who stood California champion stallion Swiss Yodeler, passed away last week. He was 92. According to the Tri-Community News, Steinmann is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lora, 11 children, 46 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. The Swiss-born Steinmann came to the United States at the age of 16 with his family, which owned the Wrightwood ski area, Holiday Hill that later became Mountain High. He and wife Lora took over management of the facility in 1961 and sold it in 1983. From that point, Steinmann turn to his passion of Thoroughbreds. Trainer Mike Harrington purchased Swiss Yodeler for Steinmann at the 1996 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $60,000. He went on to be a Grade I winner of $761,442, but it was in the breeding shed where Swiss Yodeler starred. He led all California sires in 2006 thanks to his Breeders’ Cup Sprint-winning son, Thor’s Echo, who retired with earnings of nearly $2.5 million. Swiss Yodeler sired 15 black-type... ...

On the Whim

On the Whim wins $100,000 California Flag. ...

On the Whim Captures California Flag

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2024) — Adding to an already successful 2024 season, Harris Farms homebred On the Whim won his sprint stakes debut in Sunday’s $101,500 California Flag Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita. On the Whim ($8), a 4-year-old gelding, closed from fourth in a field of eight to win by a half-length over 2-1 Fast Buck. Ridden by Tiago Pereira, On the Whim was well placed throughout, racing about five lengths behind Fast Buck through an opening quarter-mile in 21.32 seconds and a half-mile in 43.44 seconds. Pereira moved On the Whim outside in early stretch and steadily closed ground to pass Fast Buck in the final furlong. :: Bet Santa Anita with confidence! Get DRF All Access Past Performances, Picks, Clocker Reports and more. “I had no trouble and had position in the stretch,” Pereira said. “The horse responded.” On the Whim ran about 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:11.54. Fast Buck held second, finishing a neck ahead... ...

Moment’s Pleasure Seeks More in Swingtime

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Stakes winner Moment’s Pleasure is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $80,000 Swingtime Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Moment’s Pleasure is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lamazone, was bred by Rainmaker Racing LLC, Ben & Sally Warren & Bret Lewis, is owned by Rainmaker Racing LLC and Lewis, Bret and trained by Craig Lewis. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $230,460 and is coming off a third in a Sept. 29 optional claimer. ...

Grand Slam Smile

Grand Slam Smile wins $100,000 California Distaff. ...

Grand Slam Smile Upsets California Distaff

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Prior to Saturday, Grand Slam Smile had won stakes on dirt in sprints and around two turns, and on turf around two turns. She added a turf sprint to her stakes collection in Saturday’s $103,000 California Distaff Handicap for Golden Sstate Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Racing at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the track’s unique hillside turf course for the first time, Grand Slam Smile ($23.40) stalked pacesetter Sassy Nature until the field reached the stretch, and fought off a brief threat from 4-5 favorite Stay and Scam to take a late lead. Grand Slam Smile, ridden by Frank Alvarado, finished a length in front of 6-1 Big Summer, who closed from off the pace. “He was able to get her to settle and got her to run when it counted,” trainer Steve Specht said of Alvarado’s ride. :: Bet Santa Anita with confidence! Get DRF All Access Past Performances, Picks, Clocker Reports and more. Grand Slam Smile was timed in 1:12.40.... ...

Rancho San Miguel Open House Nov. 16

Rancho San Miguel Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2024) —A new autumn date and an expanded stallion roster will greet attendees at Rancho San Miguel’s Open House & Stallion Show on Saturday, November 16. Current and prospective Thoroughbred owners and breeders are invited to participate in the free program, which will be hosted from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The San Luis Obispo County farm, which will commemorate its 25th anniversary as one of California’s most respected Thoroughbred breeding centers in 2025, will open the gates to its 250-acre site for the second time this year. Similar events were hosted in January 2023 and January 2024, prior to those respective breeding seasons. “By moving our Open House earlier on the calendar to November, well ahead of the upcoming breeding season, we’re hoping to give regional mare owners a helpful headstart on making their all-important breeding decisions for 2025,” said Rancho San Miguel owner Tom Clark. “As part of that effort, we’re also proud to introduce two... ...

Storm the Court Might Race Before Breeding

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 14, 2024) – Storm the Court, upset winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita in 2019, recently returned to trainer Peter Eurton’s stable in California and may start later this fall before going to stud in California in 2025. Storm the Court will stand at Eclipse Thoroughbred Training Center in Buellton, Calif. A 7-year-old horse by Court Vision, Storm the Court has won 2 of 29 starts and earned $1,426,003. Storm the Court left Eurton’s care in the winter of 2022-23 and had since been based with trainers Tom Amoss, William E. Morey, and most recently with Lacey Gaudet. Owned by the partnership of David Bernsen, Susanna Wilson, and Eurton, Storm the Court was fourth in an allowance race at Laurel for Gaudet in his last start on Sept. 22. :: Bet Santa Anita with confidence! Get DRF All Access Past Performances, Picks, Clocker Reports and more. Storm the Court was 45-1 in the 2019 BC Juvenile. As a 3-year-old in 2020, Storm the... ...

Breeders’ Cup Before Forbidden Kingdom Breeds?

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. – A Breeders’ Cup sprint race may be on Forbidden Kingdom’s schedule despite not having raced since April. On Sunday, trainer Richard Mandella said the BC Sprint at six furlongs on dirt and the BC Turf Sprint at five furlongs are “both a thought” with the 5-year-old Forbidden Kingdom. Forbidden Kingdom, who is by American Pharoah, was sold for $310,000 to Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch of California at a Fasig-Tipton digital sale in May as a long-term stallion prospect in California. Mandella acknowledged that Forbidden Kingdom may not be selected to race, particularly for the BC Turf Sprint, which often draws a full field. A three-time stakes winner on dirt and turf, Forbidden Kingdom has been plagued by foot issues this year, Mandella said. :: ON SALE NOW: DRF Breeders’ Cup Packages! Get everything you need to win and save 41% off the retail price. Forbidden Kingdom has raced twice in the last year, winning the Grade 2 Joe Hernandez Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on the... ...

None Above the Law in California Flag

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2024) – Graded winner None Above the Law drops out of the Grade I Pacific Classic to duel nine-time winner Johnny Podres and seven others in Sunday’s $100,000 California Flag Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Johnny Podres is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Malibu Holiday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by David Bernsen and Rockingham Ranch and trained by Librado Barocio. He has nine wins in 41 starts, earnings of $539,650 and is coming off a sixth in the Sept. 28 California Crown Eddie D. He was second in this race last year. Barely Funtional is by Mrazek, out of the Tapit mare Walkingonadream, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 20 starts, earnings of $237,738 and is coming off a fifth in a Sept. 7 optional claimer. Hacking It Up is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Hacktivism, was bred by Reddam Racing and... ...

Coalinga Road, Shortman Duel in Bull Dog

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2024) – Stakes winner Coalinga Road and fellow California-bred Shortman are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Bull Dog Stakes at Fresno. Coalinga Road is by Quality Road, out of the Johannesburg mare Coco Ecolo, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in 29 starts, earnings of $468,394 and is coming off a third in the Sept. 14 E.B. Johnston Stakes. He was second in this race in 2022. Shortman is by Prince of Love, out of the Smarty Jones mare Shorty Jones, was bred by Sergio Zepeda, is owned by Zepeda Racing and trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has four wins in 34 starts, earnings of $210,682 and is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 14 E.B. Johnston. ...

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