TOC Board Members Named

Mar 4, 2026 Posted by CTBA In Announcement

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2026) — Nominations for the 2026 Ballot closed on March 1 with seven candidates for seven open positions. As a result, and consistent with previously established TOC procedures, the TOC Board declared the seven 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 and two directors to two-year terms. Gary Barber – Twice named National Owner of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) and Outstanding Owner at the Jockey Club of Canada’s Sovereign Awards in 2023 and 2024, Gary has enjoyed incredible success as an owner and breeder in America, Canada, and across the world. He is Chairman and CEO of Spyglass Media Group, LLC, a premier entertainment company and his career in entertainment spans over four decades. Tim Cohen – A lifelong Californian from... ...

Lovesick Blues Cal-bred Horse of the Year

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 2, 2026) — Lovesick Blues was half a world away when he was named the 2025 California-bred Horse of the Year March 2. The 8-year-old gelding is in Dubai preparing for the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), which is currently scheduled for March 28. Owner/trainer Librado Barocio said that he was originally scheduled to leave later in the week for Dubai to oversee Lovesick Blues’ training. But with all of the uncertainty in the Middle East, Barocio didn’t know when he could get to Dubai or when he could arrange for Lovesick Blues to return, depending on what happens with the Dubai Golden Shaheen and other races slated for the Dubai World Cup (G1) program. Lovesick Blues, winner in 2025 of the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) and Siren Lure Stakes, had already been voted champion Cal-bred older male and champion Cal-bred sprinter. He was honored along with all of the other Cal-bred divisional champions at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association annual awards banquet, held at... ...

Vodka Vodka Enters Santa Anita Handicap

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 2, 2026) – Stakes winner Vodka Vodka is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I Santa Anita Handicap, presented by Yaamava Resort & Casino at San Manuel. Vodka Vodka is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute, was bred by Jerry Baker & Connie Baker, is owned by Mclean Racing Stables, Baker, Connie, Baker, Jerry, Gorman, William, Ordonez, Aggie, Parsons, Anthony, Parsons, Rachel and Williams, Delbert G. and trained by Aggie Ordonez. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $359,950 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 17 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. Vodka Vodka is a half-sibling to Om N Joy, who is entered in the Beholder Mile earlier on the card. ...

Om N Joy Steps Up to Grade I Beholder Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 2, 2026) – Champion Om N Joy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I B. Wayne Hughes Beholder Mile, presented by FanDuel, at Santa Anita. Om N Joy is a graded winner by Om, out of the Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute, was bred by Jerry Baker and Connie Baker, is owned by Jerry and Connie Baker, Michael Golovko and Terrence Scanlan and is trained by Aggie Ordonez. She has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $415,203 and she recently was named California-bred champion 3-year-old filly for 2025. Om N Joy is a half-sibling to Vodka Vodka, who is entered in the Santa Anita Handicap later on the card. ...

Start the Ride Starts Derby Points Challenge

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 2, 2026) – California Chrome Cal Cup Derby winner Start the Ride and fellow California-bred Flashy Fritz are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Felipe Stakes, presented by DK Horse at Santa Anita, with Kentucky Derby points on the line. Start the Ride is by Upstart, out of the Tiznow mare Elusive Ride, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Dan Blacker. In two lifetime starts, his lone win was the Cal Cup Derby, giving him earnings of $96,750. Flashy Fritz is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Tapit mare Meghan, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Radley Equine and trained by Dan Blacker. He has one win in nine starts, earnings of $33,580 and is coming off a second when claimed Feb. 20 for $25,000. ...

Cee Drew, My Love Caroline in Santa Ysabel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2026) – Stakes winner Cee Drew and CTBA January Sale graduate My Love Caroline are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Santa Ysabel Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita, with Kentucky Oaks points on the line. Cee Drew is by Cistron, out of the Notnowcato mare You’re a Goat, was bred by owner My Way Racing and is trained by Dan Blocker. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $132,750 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 17 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks. My Love Caroline is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Zensational mare Spring Moon, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Tricar Stables and trained by Jorge Periban. The $18,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has two wins in four starts, earnings of $91,200 and is coming off a Jan. 23 optional claiming win. ...

Grade I Azeri Next for Majestic Oops

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Mar. 1, 2026) — California champion Majestic Oops takes on Eclipse Award winner Nitrogen in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Azeri 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 and Sandy Dory and Gary and Janet Kropp, is owned by Medallion Racing (Phillip Shelton), Evan Trommer, Agave Racing Stable (Mark Martinez) and Sheila Regan and trained by Dan Ward. She has eight wins in 34 starts, earnings of $724,309 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 13 American Beauty Stakes. She is The 2025 champion Cal-bred older female. ...

Graded Stakes Next for Start the Ride, Cee Drew

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 1, 2026) — On California Cup Day last month, trainer Dan Blacker swept the two stakes for 3-year-olds when Start the Ride won the California Cup Derby and Cee Drew took down the California Cup Oaks on turf. Next weekend at Santa Anita, both California-breds will get shots at graded stakes glory. Blacker confirmed Start the Ride will go in Saturday’s GII San Felipe and Cee Drew will run in the GIII Santa Ysabel on Sunday. The decision was finalized after the two sophomores worked in company Sunday morning. Cee Drew, with jockey Armando Ayuso aboard, was credited with a five-furlong work in 1:00.4. Start the Ride was clocked going four furlongs in 47.80 seconds. “She went out five-eighths with a bit more of a gallop-out,” Blacker said. “Both went super. We’re going to take a shot.” Start the Ride, owned and bred by Harris Farms, won the 1 1/16-mile Cal Cup Derby on Jan. 17 by 1 ¾ lengths when rallying from... ...

My First Legacy Wins in Puerto Rico

CANOVANAS, Puerto Rico (Mar. 5, 2026) – My First Legacy, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Midnight Storm, won Sunday’s $43,200 Clasico Defensora Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Camarero Racecourse. My First Legacy, out of the Indian Charlie mare Naughty Matilda, has four wins in eight starts with earnings of $70,726. She ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:48.39 and won by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 5-2. ...

My First Legacy Wins in Puerto Rico

Thought Process Keys Collected-sired Exacta

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2026)—Thought Process, a Kentucky-bred daughter of new California stallion Collected, rolled to a dominant two-length victory in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares going one mile on turf at Santa Anita. Making her first start in more than six months, Thought Process (6-5), ridden by Hector Berrios, saved ground along the rail while stalking pacesetter Grand Slam Smile (9-2) through fractions of 23.35, 46.85 and 1:10.87 for six furlongs. Thought Process then passed Grand Slam Smile to her outside when entering the stretch and was never challenged on her way to a second graded stakes win and third stakes victory overall. Vibez, (9-2), also sired by Collected and ridden by Juan Hernandez for trainer Peter Eurton, rallied to be second by a neck over Grand Slam Smile. “I tried to wait and wait and when I asked her, she passed them easily,” Berrios said. Trained by Phil D’Amato, Thought Process won in a time of 1:34.20. “She’s... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2026) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting Thursday, February 26, at the Hilton Hotel in Arcadia. Chairman Greg Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, 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. The agenda was short, just two main items dealing with 2026 dates allocations in Northern California, but the meeting went long, nearly three hours, with extensive public comment that can be heard via the archive link on the website. The Board denied both requests for 2026 racing dates, one from the Tehama District Fair, which is a new applicant, and the other from the more familiar Humboldt County Fair. The commissioners rejected each request by the same 4-2 vote, but for different reasons. Tehama has not had racing at its fair in more than 40 years, and as... ...

Jockey Club Announces Appointment

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 26, 2026) — The Jockey Club today announced the appointment of Charlotte Clement de Bona as its chief strategy & transformation officer, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, performance, and long-term growth. “The sport is evolving, and so must we. Charlotte’s role is an important step as the industry continues to seek growth and modernization opportunities. Charlotte’s track record of delivering meaningful transformations, particularly in dynamic and complex environments, in addition to her unparalleled knowledge of racing, makes her uniquely suited to help guide The Jockey Club through this next chapter. We are delighted to welcome her to the team,” said Chair Everett Dobson. Charlotte brings extensive experience leading large-scale transformations and driving digital innovation. She began her career at McKinsey & Company, where she advised senior leadership teams on strategy and operational performance. She has since held senior roles across high growth startups and private equity backed portfolio companies, where she successfully led operational turnarounds and executed scalable growth strategies. As chief strategy... ...

Lovesick Blues Set for Dubai Golden Shaheen

By DRF.com DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Feb. 25, 2026) — California-bred Grade 1 winner Lovesick Blues has been moved to Dubai for the Group 1 Golden Shaheen Sprint on March 28 following a fifth-place finish in the Group 2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 14. Lovesick Blues was beaten 5 1/4 lengths by the American-based Imagination in the $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint at six furlongs, closing from the back of a field of 13. For the $2 million Golden Shaheen at six furlongs, trainer Librado Barocio hopes to employ a more forward strategy with Lovesick Blues. “I think he was too far back,” Barocio said. “I’ll make an adjustment and we’ll be a little closer.” An 8-year-old gelding, Lovesick Blues, acquired privately in late 2024 from breeder Nick Alexander, is best known for winning the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at six furlongs at Del Mar last July, one of two stakes wins in the gelding’s 45-race career. :: Santa Anita Classic Meet! Get DRF Past... ...

Speakers Announced for HRWA Event

From Horse Racing Women’s Association ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2026) — It’s time to meet the speakers for our upcoming event at Santa Anita Park on March 6th. We are excited to welcome Zoe Metz, Aggie Ordonez, Samantha Siegel and Michelle Yu Hanson to share valuable insights and expertise with the HRWA community. In addition to an inspiring panel moderated by HRWA Chairwoman, Stephanie Hronis, we get the pleasure of spending time with handicapping expert, Millie Ball. Millie will provide pro tips for the days’ Handicapping Contest which comes with prizes and bragging rights! We look forward to seeing you for a day of live racing, networking, handicapping, giveaways, and more. To view the full agenda and purchase tickets, click HRWA x Santa Anita Park Tickets, Friday, Mar 6 from 10:30 am to 5 pm | Eventbrite. Pay It Forward Scholarship & Community Initiatives: The HRWA Pay It Forward program is back for 2026. This initiative invites companies and individuals to sponsor tickets for women who would like to attend an HRWA event.... ...

Free Chip Scanners for Aftercare Orgs

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 24, 2026) — The Jockey Club announced today that, as part of its traceability initiative, it is distributing 100 microchip scanners this week free of charge to identified aftercare organizations to facilitate the identification of Thoroughbreds. Approximately 400 additional scanners will be distributed in the coming months. “We are providing these scanners as a service to the industry to help aftercare organizations and others identify Thoroughbreds and report whereabouts information, which will greatly benefit our traceability efforts,” said Kristin Werner, deputy general counsel and director of Industry Initiatives, The Jockey Club. “These scanners work with the ID My Thoroughbred app, which was released last week through the App Store and Google Play.” “The ability to identify Thoroughbreds quickly and accurately, especially in sanctuary situations, is vital for aftercare organizations to find the best options for horses in their care,” said Stacie Clark Rogers, operations consultant for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “We are grateful for The Jockey Club instituting this initiative.” The additional microchip scanners will be distributed... ...

Grand Slam Smile Tries for Grade

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2026)—Top California-bred mare Grand Slam Smile steps up in class in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes for older fillies and mares going one mile on turf at Santa Anita. The ultra-consistent Grand Slam Smile will be seeking her first graded stakes win. In her most recent start, Grand Slam Smile collected her eighth stakes win in the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint on the hillside turf course. She is trained by Sean McCarthy and sports a record of 17: 10-6-1 with $828,120 in earnings for owners-breeders Larry and Marianne Williams. Grand Slam Smile will be ridden by Kazushi Kimura for the first time. ...

Former HOY California Flag Passes at Age 22

TEMECULA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2026) – California Flag, winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint and co-California-bred Horse of the Year, passed away last month from the infirmities of old age at Peacefield Farm. He was 22. California Flag was by Avenue of Flags, out of the Afleet mare Ultrafleet, was bred by owners Hi Card Ranch and trained for nearly his entire career by Brian Koriner. He won 11 of 27 starts with earnings of $1,288,825. Having developed the reputation as a specialist on Santa Anita’s downhill turf course, where he won the Breeders’ Cup, the gray gelding raced over a six-year span, retiring at the age of eight having won eight stakes races, five of them graded. While the BC Turf Sprint was listed when he won it, California Flag earned widespread notoriety for winning the race. His graded wins came in the Morvich Handicap (three times), the Hollywood Turf Express Handicap and the San Simeon Handicap. His globe-trotting career also included a third-place finish in the... ...

TOC Conformation Clinic Mar. 21

From TOC When: Saturday, March 21, 9:00 AM Where: Baldwin Terrace – Santa Anita Park Join us for our upcoming Conformation Clinic, part of our Owner Education Seminar series. The first half of the conformation clinic will feature Craig “Boomer” Rounsefell via lifestream from his home base in Australia. Boomer will share his insight and experience as a world-renowned bloodstock agent, including some of his California success stories such as G1 winner Hit The Road and G2 winner Hong Kong Harry, to help owners better understand conformation. He has traveled to nearly every corner of the racing world and comes to Del Mar every summer with his wife McCall, daughter of the late Mike Mitchell. Having developed international clientele under the banner of Boomer Bloodstock, he will outline many of his key observations when evaluating his short list of prospects. The second half of the clinic will feature a visit to the backstretch where seminar attendees will benefit from the opportunity to see horse conformation up close. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, gain expert insight,... ...

BloodHorse Offers Paid Internship

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 23, 2026) — BloodHorse will accept applications through Friday, March 6, for a new paid internship position to work on the leading industry publication’s various platforms this summer. The accepted intern will work with the BloodHorse editorial department on its monthly magazine, website, BloodHorse Daily newsletter, and BH+ video platform. Interns will be given the opportunity to have published, byline work. The paid internship is being funded by BloodHorse, National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB), and The Jockey Club. This is one of a record nine paid internships that the NTWAB and The Jockey Club are teaming together to help support in 2026. “We’re looking forward to continuing our internship program with support of the NTWAB and The Jockey Club to provide an opportunity for a journalist interested in covering the racing industry,” said BloodHorse editorial director Frank Angst. “At BloodHorse, we have a number of platforms to tell stories and any number of topics to cover, from racing to industry news, to sales to breeding.” The... ...

Vodka Vodka, Om N Joy Ready for Tests

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2026) — Vodka Vodka and his younger half-sister Om N Joy are both on target for Grade I assignments on March 7 at Santa Anita after each worked five furlongs Sunday at Santa Anita. Vodka Vodka and Om N Joy were both bred in California and are co-owned by Jerry Baker and Connie Baker, who were on hand Sunday morning to watch the works. Trained by Aggie Ordonez, Vodka Vodka and Om N Joy each worked with Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux aboard. As for Vodka Vodka, he was timed in 1:00.20. Ordonez was pleased with the drill and said he’s set to go in the Santa Anita Handicap in two weeks. “He’s doing so great right now. I could run him tomorrow,” Ordonez said. “He’s just floating on air, doing everything right. He’s fit. It’s just a matter of keeping him happy while I hold my breath for the next two weeks.” A 5-year-old California-bred gelding by Stay Thirsty, Vodka... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2026) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, February 26, beginning 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Hilton Hotel at 123 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia (91007). CHRB monthly meetings are open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on the agenda item will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item Public Session #3, public comment will be limited to thirty minutes. For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link will be available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and meeting materials are available on the CHRB website: https://www.chrb.ca.gov/meeting_agendas.asp ...

Sunday Workout Decisive for Om N Joy

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2026) — A five-furlong workout at Santa Anita on Sunday will help to determine a March race schedule for Om N Joy, a four-time stakes winner in 2025. Om N Joy is considered a candidate for the Grade 1 Beholder Mile for fillies and mares at Santa Anita on March 7, but she needs a fast workout to remain on schedule, trainer Aggie Ordonez said on Friday. “She’s going to have a big workout on Sunday,” Ordonez said. “I really think she needs to work in 59 and change to keep us on track.” Om N Joy worked five furlongs in 1:02.60 at Santa Anita last Friday, which was not quick enough from Ordonez’s perspective. “Her last work was a little slow,” she said. “Sometimes, she floats around there in la-la land. She’s going to have to earn her way.” :: Santa Anita Classic Meet! Get DRF Past Performances, Clocker Reports, and more. Om N Joy has not raced since she finished fourth by... ...

Jockey Club Releases ID App

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 19, 2026) — The Jockey Club today released the ID My Thoroughbred app, which allows users to access Thoroughbred information using a microchip number. “The ID My Thoroughbred app is just one of the many tools The Jockey Club has provided to support the industry’s aftercare and traceability initiatives,” said James L. Gagliano, president and COO, The Jockey Club. “These initiatives are crucial to ensuring the welfare of Thoroughbreds throughout their lives, and we appreciate the collaboration among other industry organizations to make this a priority.” When a Thoroughbred that has a microchip recorded with The Jockey Club is scanned or a valid microchip number is entered, the app provides the horse’s name and detailed markings. For the best experience and to access registration photos, customers are encouraged to enable location access. “We developed the ID My Thoroughbred app to make identification simple and accessible while also strengthening the industry’s ability to track and understand where Thoroughbreds are throughout their lives,” said Kristin... ...

Del Mar Moves Friday Start Time

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2026) — The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club today announced that first post for the 2026 summer meet will primarily be 2:00 PM (PT) on all race days, including Fridays. The change moves Friday racing from its previous 4:00 PM start to 2:00 PM, creating a consistent post time throughout the week and providing fans, horsemen and women, and industry partners with a streamlined schedule. Del Mar’s 2026 summer meet begins on Friday, July 17, and runs through Labor Day Monday, September 7. Closing weekend — September 5–7 — will be the only deviation from the 2:00 PM start time, with races kicking off at 1:30 PM (PT) each day. The 2026 summer meet will continue to feature the world-class racing, vibrant seaside atmosphere and signature events that have defined Del Mar for generations. For more information, visit www.dmtc.com. ...

CTBA Announces Annual Award Winners

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2026) — The 2025 California-bred Horse of the Year will be announced at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting Monday, March 2 at Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia. Finalists for Horse of the Year are, in alphabetical order: Lovesick Blues, Man O Rose and Om N Joy. Other Cal-bred champions to be recognized at the banquet: Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Male – Ocean Bear, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, owned by Richard Barton and trained by George Papaprodromou. Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Female – Mohaven, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by John Sadler. Champion California-bred Three-Year-Old Male – Speedy Wilson, bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato. Champion California-bred Three-Year-Old Female – Om N Joy, bred by Jerry & Connie Baker, owned by Jerry & Connie Baker, Michael Golovko and Terrence Scanlan and trained by Aggie Ordonez. Champion California-bred Older Male – Lovesick Blues, bred by Nick Alexander, owned by Mia Familia Racing Stables and trained by Librado Barocio. Champion... ...

Trainer-Steward Randy Winick Passes at 76

Published by the Miami Herald We announce with heavy hearts the peaceful passing of horse trainer Randall W. Winick, on Feb 15th 2026 at the age of 76. Randy was the son of leading Florida horse trainer, owner, breeder Arnold N. Winick and his loving mother LaVergne Winick. In the early years, Randy apprenticed under his father, who eventually sent him to California where Randy spent 31 successful years training multiple stakes winners, culminating with Breeders Cup Juvenile winner Brocco in 1993. Brocco went on to be co-favorite in the 1994 Kentucky Derby. In the later years of his professional career, Randy served as a steward for the California Horse Racing Board. As a young man, Randy attended Miami Military Academy high school, graduating 2nd highest in his class and went on to attend the University of Miami, while apprenticing with his dad. Randy was an avid surfer enjoying the water and outdoors as much as he could. He loved all sports and was particularly loyal to his Chicago Cubs,... ...

Pavlovian Puts Reddam Back on Derby Trail

By Bloodhorse.com SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 16, 2026) –Pavlovian became owner/breeder J. Paul Reddam’s 22nd homebred black-type stakes winner since 2014 when he captured the Sunland Park Derby in dramatic fashion by a nose Feb. 15 and is on a solid track to become his first homebred Kentucky Derby (G1) starter. The California-bred gray or roan colt is by grade 1-winning millionaire Pavel , who Reddam raced and now stands at his Ocean Breeze Ranch near Bonsall, Calif., and rose into the top 10 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby (G1) leaderboard with 20 points. Pavel stands for an advertised fee of $4,000. “Mr. Reddam sends all his horses to John Brocklebank in Utah to be broke and trained. Pavlovian was one of the stars early on that John really liked,” said Matt Nakatani, Reddam’s racing manager. “From day one, he came in with high expectations. We felt once he got to go two turns, we’d see the best of him.” With trainer Doug O’Neill, Pavlovian became a winner in his second... ...

Stakes-winning Cal-bred Trio Enters Pasadena

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2026) – Graded winner Unrivaled Time and fellow California-bred stakes winners Smoovin Saturday and Sammy Davis are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Pasadena Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Smoovin Saturday is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Square Eddie mare Smoove It, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Michael McCarthy. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $101,250 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 17 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby. Sammy Davis is by Sir Prancealot, out of the More Than Ready mare Ready for Romance, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by John Sadler. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $175,500 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 17 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby. Unrivaled Time is by Not This Time, out of the Creachadoir mare Margot Machance, was bred by Alfred Pais, is owned by Innergy Racing Corp and Pais and is trained... ...

Dena Glatt Passes at Age 53

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2026) – The California racing community is mourning the death of Dena Glatt, wife of prominent trainer Mark Glatt, after a recent illness. Dena Glatt died Feb. 12 at the age of 53. Raised in Washington state, Dena Carey met Mark Glatt in 1996, the first year of racing at Emerald Downs, near Seattle. Mark Glatt recalled over the weekend that he had box seats at Emerald Downs and that Dena was a waitress in that section of the stands. They soon began dating. Dena accompanied Mark Glatt to Northern California that fall when he moved his stable to the Bay Area. The couple moved to Southern California a few years later. Glatt has won training titles at Del Mar and Santa Anita in recent years. The Glatts were married for 25 years. “She was a wonderful person,” Mark Glatt said on Sunday. “She aimed to please everyone in her life. She was one of those people that could strike up a conversation with... ...

Man O Rose

Man O Rose wins $100,000 Palos Verdes Stakes. ...

Streaking Man O Rose Wins Palos Verdes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2026) – After four straight stakes wins against California-breds, Man O Rose ascended to new heights Sunday at Santa Anita when beating open company in the $100,000 Palos Verdes Stakes for older horses going six furlongs at Santa Anita. Bet down to the even-money favorite, Man O Rose prevailed by 1 ½ lengths under jockey Emisael Jaramillo while displaying a new dimension. Breaking from the rail, Man O Rose was outrun early by Pilot Commander (7-5) and failed to get his customary position on the lead. Instead, he tucked in behind leader Pilot Commander and two other rivals while on the rail. Turning into the stretch, Man O Rose went four-wide for clear racing room and swept past the field to score the popular victory. A 6-year-old gelding by Stanford, Man O Rose is trained by Jeff Mullins for owner-breeder B & B Zietz Stables. “He wasn’t sharp out of the gate,” Jaramillo said. “I thought, no problem, we’ll just relax. He... ...

Pavlovian

Pavlovian wins $500,000 Sunland Park Derby. ...

Clovisconnection

Clovisconnection wins $100,000 Bill Thomas Memorial. ...

Pavlovian Noses Out Express Kid at Sunland

By DRF.com SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 15, 2026) – Pavlovian nosed out fellow California-bred Express Kid at the end of a thrilling stretch duel to win Sunday’s $500,000 Sunland Park Derby and collect 20 Kentucky Derby points, with Express Kid adding 10 points to his total, now also 20. Pavlovian is by Pavel, out of the Bellamy Road mare Mandy’s Grace, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill. Reddam and O’Neill previously won the Kentucky Derby with I’ll Have Another and Nyquist. He has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $416,450 and was coming off a third in the Jan. 17 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby. The win was the fourth Sunland Park Derby training victory for O’Neill. Pavlovian ($12.20) broke sharply and settled just off leader Express Kid, who set the pace after breaking from the rail. Express Kid was favored off a win in the Springboard Mile at Remington Park and proceeded to put up fractions of 23.07 seconds for the opening quarter,... ...

Clovisconnection Wins Bill Thomas Memorial

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 15, 2026) – California-bred multiple stakes winner Clovisconnection added to his resume by winning Sunday’s $100,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes at Sunland Park. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by William & Judy Hedrick, is owned by William Hedrick and trained by Justin Evans. The 6-year-old gelding has 13 wins in 25 starts, earnings of $592,300 and was coming off a fourth in the Nov. 8 The Chosen Vron Stakes. Clovisconnection ran the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:14.91 and won by one length as the third choice in the wagering at odds of 7-2 in a field of five. ...

CTBA Member Martha Miller Passes at 96

ANGELS CAMP, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2026) — Martha Miller, member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association since 1990 and a Yosemite icon, passed away Feb. 11, according to her friend, Shirley Kimball. She was 96. Miller’s most productive California-bred was graded winner Harlington’s Rose. She also raced stakes winner Kessem Power, who later stood in California. Miller also served as one of the longest tenured employees of Yosemite National Park. Last year she was the subject of a documentary, “Meet Martha Miller,” a film that followed 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. ...

No Monday Racing at Santa Anita

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2026)— Monday’s special holiday racing program at Santa Anita Park will be postponed due to the declining weather forecast. A three-day storm is slated to hit Sunday evening after the conclusion of the Sunday races. The storm is expected to bring up to three inches of rain to the area surrounding Santa Anita Park, prompting evacuation warnings in several surrounding communities. First post for Sunday’s races will be 12:30pm and will feature the popular Corgi Winter Nationals in the infield. The eight races carded for Monday will be rescheduled in the coming week. A makeup day for the postponed President’s Day card will be added to the Classic Meet prior to the end of the season. ...

Majestic Oops

Majestic Oops wins $150,000 American Beauty Stakes. ...

Majestic Oops Returns with Oaklawn Win

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Feb. 13, 2026) – California-bred Majestic Oops took the lead in midstretch and powered to a 3 ¼-length victory over Asternia in the $150,000 American Beauty Stakes for older female sprinters Friday afternoon at Oaklawn. Francisco Arrieta rode Majestic Oops, the 2-1 favorite, for trainer Dan Ward and owners Medallion Racing (Phillip Shelton), Evan Trommer, Agave Racing Stable (Mark Martinez) and Sheila Regan. Bred by William and Sandy Dory and Gary and Janet Kropp, Majestic Oops was making her first start since finishing ninth in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at 1 1/8 miles Nov. 1 at Del Mar. The American Beauty was originally scheduled to be run Feb. 6, then shifted to Feb. 7 after Oaklawn lost three racing dates (Jan. 30, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1) to a winter storm late last month. The American Beauty didn’t have sufficient entries to be run Feb. 7 and was brought back Friday as an “extra” race in the condition book. Asternia finished 1 ¼ lengths ahead of... ...

Jockey Club Releases Impact Report

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 13, 2026) — Today The Jockey Club published its 2026 Industry Impact Report, which describes how profits from its commercial, for-profit subsidiaries and partnerships are used to support important industry initiatives. Since 2010, The Jockey Club has re-invested more than $112 million back into the Thoroughbred industry. This year, another $7 million will bring the investment total to nearly $120 million to fund and grow the sport in areas such as aftercare and second careers for Thoroughbreds, promotion of the sport, education, and national and international collaboration. “The Jockey Club remains steadfast in its mission to improve Thoroughbred breeding and racing,” said James L. Gagliano, president and COO, The Jockey Club. “Each year we continue to expand on that mission by assisting Thoroughbreds throughout their lives and marketing and growing the sport and its fanbase.” In addition to detailing many of the initiatives supported by The Jockey Club, this year’s report includes The Jockey Club’s consolidated statement of income for the year... ...

Trainer John Shirreffs Passes at 80

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2026) — There were times in the summer and fall of 2010 when California trainer John Shirreffs, who died on Thursday, was racing’s best promoter. Shirreffs guided the career of Zenyatta, who won an historic running of the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita in November 2009 with a come-from-behind move that extended her unbeaten record to 14 races. That winter, owners Jerry and Ann Moss announced Zenyatta would stay in training in 2010, a wildly popular decision with her fans who often showed up unannounced on weekends at the Shirreffs barn at Del Mar and Hollywood Park for a glimpse of the brilliant mare. By the fall of 2010, with the winning streak at 19, Shirreffs had a method to accommodate the small audiences, setting up an area outside of barn 55 at Hollywood Park for fans to take pictures while Zenyatta would graze or be walked. At times, it was hard to tell who was having a better time – the people... ...

Lovesick Blues in Saturday’s Riyadh Dirt Sprint

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Feb. 10, 2026) – California-bred Grade I winner Lovesick Blues makes his first start since the Breeders’ Cup Sprint with no easy task, as he’s entered in Saturday’s $2 million Group II Riyadh Dirt Sprint at King Abdulaziz Race Course. 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. Regular rider Giavanni Franco will be aboard. He has nine wins in 43 starts, earnings of $830,000 and was sixth in the Nov. 1 $2 million Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar. ...

Del Mar Lineup Includes Eight Cal-bred Stakes

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2026) — Del Mar Thoroughbred Club released its 2026 stakes schedule for the summer meet, which includes eight races exclusively for Golden State Series eligibles worth a total of $1 million. Del Mar opens its summer season on Friday, July 17, featuring 32 days of racing through Monday, September 7, Labor Day. The 35th edition of the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic, the west’s richest stakes race, tops a sparkling roster of 37 stakes slated for presentation at Del Mar this summer during its 87th season of Thoroughbred sport alongside the deep, blue Pacific. As it has in all its recent runnings, the $1-Million “Classic” will headline a card featuring an array of Graded stakes. Besides the Grade I centerpiece run at the classic American distance of a mile and one quarter, the Saturday, August 22 card also will present the Grade I, $300,000 Del Mar Oaks presented by Keeneland Sales for 3-year-old fillies, the Grade II, $300,000 Del Mar Mile for 3-year-olds and... ...

Iron Skull Wins Grade III at Camarero

SAN JUAN, P.R. (June 10, 2026) – Iron Skull, a Puerto Rican-bred son of California stallion Midnight Storm, won the $57,220 Grade III Clasico Luis Munoz Marin Stakes at Camarero Race Track. The 4-year-old Iron Skull, A grade I winner as a 2-year-old, is out of the Scat Daddy mare Angela’s Smile. He has four wins in seven starts and earnings of $130,550. After starting a step slow, Iron Skull ran the six furlongs on a sloppy track in 1:11.19 and won by 3 ½ lengths at odds of 4-1 in a field of 10. ...

Streaking Man O Rose in Palos Verdes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2026) — Considering it lost graded status this year, and offers a purse of just $100,000, the Palos Verdes Stakes is not a bad race Sunday at Santa Anita. The six-furlong stakes pits streaking California-bred gelding Man O Rose against two high-profile Bob Baffert trainees – Grade 3 winner Pilot Commander and Grade 1-placed Madaket Road. Along with speedster Modus Bestia, four of the six entrants have a shot. The horse with the longest win streak landed the worst post. Man O Rose won four straight California-bred stakes, including a romp last month in the Cal Cup Sprint. But when he faces open stakes company for the first time Sunday, he will break from the rail without his regular rider. “If he breaks running, they’ll have to run” to beat him, said Jeff Mullins, Man O Rose’s trainer. Simple enough, except for the inconvenient truth that the pair drawn directly outside Man O Rose both have speed. Pilot Commander and Modus Bestia are certain... ...

Express Kid, New Connections in Sunland Derby

By DRF.com SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 8, 2026) – Brad and Sharon Kleven will jump onto the Kentucky Derby trail Sunday with recent auction purchase Express Kid, the California-bred 3-1 morning line favorite for the $500,000 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park. Express Kid brought $800,000 during a Fasig-Tipton digital flash sale last month and was sent to trainer Justin Evans. The horse won the $300,000 Springboard Mile and earned 10 points for the Kentucky Derby in December at Remington Park for trainer Wade Rarick. Express Kid was then moved to Turf Paradise. The winner if the Sunland Derby will earn 20 Kentucky Derby points. “He was offered up in the flash sale and Brad and Sharon Kleven were interested in the horse,” Evans said. “I’ve got some horses for them out in Turf Paradise and they went out to see their horses one day and they said, ‘Hey, is there any shot we could take a look at that horse? Could you get us lined up to see him?’ Wade... ...

Cashed Ships for Sunland Park Oaks

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 8, 2026) – Cashed is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Sunland Park Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Cashed is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Shackleford mare Cash Offer, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in seven starts, earnings of $170,700 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 17 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks. ...

Majestic Oops Returns in American Beauty

By DRF.com HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Feb. 8, 2026) – California-bred Majestic Oops on Friday can become the second Breeders’ Cup Distaff starter to win their seasonal debut at Oaklawn Park in less than a week when she runs in the $150,000 American Beauty. The six-furlong race for fillies and mares is part of a 10-race card that opens a race week that includes a special holiday card on Monday. Nitrogen, second in last year’s BC Distaff on Nov. 1 at Del Mar and the champion 3-year-old filly of 2025, launched her 4-year-old season last Saturday at Oaklawn with a win in the Grade 3 Bayakoa. She earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 97. Majestic Oops, now 6, finished ninth in the BC Distaff. She’s part of an American Beauty field of six that includes multiple stakes winners Asternia and Benedetta. Majestic Oops is a two-time stakes winner for the partnership of Medallion Racing, Evan Trommer, Agave Racing Stable, and Sheila Regan. “We gave her a break after the Breeders’ Cup... ...

Clovisconnection Enters Bill Thomas Memorial

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 8, 2026) – California-bred multiple stakes winner Clovisconnection is entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes at Sunland Park. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by William & Judy Hedrick, is owned by William Hedrick and trained by Justin Evans. He has 12 wins in 24 starts, earnings of $530,300 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov. 8 The Chosen Vron Stakes. ...

Storm the Court Foals Arrive at Eclipse

From Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm BUELLTON, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2026) – Storm the Court’s first two foals since his relocation to California have arrived. Both are colts. The first, foaled on Jan. 29, is out of the Pioneerof The Nile mare Aunt Chippy. The second, foaled Feb. 1, is out of the Palace Malice mare Bad Betty, who will be bred back to Storm the Court, who stands at Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm. ...

Sensational Star Next for Big City Lights

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2026) — The $100,000 Palos Verdes Stakes on Feb. 15, a six-furlong sprint for open company at Santa Anita, may have California-bred representation – but it won’t be from the 2024 Palos Verdes winner. Big City Lights, a 7-year-old Cal-bred whose seven career wins including five stakes, was nominated to the Palos Verdes. He will miss the race, however, trainer Richard Mandella said Friday. Big City Lights grabbed a quarter days before his scheduled start on Jan. 17 in the California Cup Sprint. The setback temporarily knocked him out of training. He has not worked since Jan. 7. “He’s back galloping,” Mandella said. “We’re going to try to make the Cal-bred race in a month.” :: Santa Anita Classic Meet! Get DRF Past Performances, Clocker Reports, and more. That race, the $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes, is March 22 at 6 1/2 furlongs on turf. The next dirt stakes for Cal-bred sprinters is the $125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes on April 4. Man O Rose, currently... ...

Jockey Club Fact Book Available

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 4, 2026) — The Jockey Club announced today that the 2026 edition of the Fact Book is available, and the pages in breeding section are now updated daily. “Having the breeding pages of the Fact Book update daily provides industry professionals — and anyone interested — with real-time insight into the current state of Thoroughbred breeding,” said Rick Bailey, registrar of The Jockey Club. “Next, we’re focused on upgrading the racing statistics to refresh on a consistent and timely basis.” The online Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and auction sales in North America and can be found in the Resources section at jockeyclub.com. 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 2026 State Fact Books, which feature detailed breeding, racing, and auction sales information specific to numerous states, Canadian provinces, and Puerto Rico, are also... ...

Six Cal-breds Nominated to Triple Crown

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2026) – Springboard Mile winner Express Kid, a recent $800,000 purchase, is one of six California-breds among the early nominations for the Triple Crown, Churchill Downs announced on Tuesday. Dark Omen is by Om, out of the Luckdy Pulpit mare Halo Darlin, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Aggie Ordonez. He won his lone start Jan. 10 and has earnings of $42,000. Express Kid is by Bodexpress, out of the Street Sense mare Sensationalize, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Brad Kleven and trained by Justin Evans. A winner of three of five starts and $236,902 with trainer Wade Rarick, Express Kid was originally purchased for $2,000 by Steve Haahr and sold last month for $800,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Digital Flash Sale. The graded-stakes Pavlovian is by Pavel, out of the Bellamy Road mare Mandy’s Grace, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in eight starts, earnings... ...

Mohaven, Famous Forza in Sweet Life

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2026) – California-bred stakes winner Mohaven and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Famous Forza are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Mohaven is by Yaopon, out of the Into Mischief mare Bahama Mischief, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by John Sadler. She has two wins and two seconds in four starts, earnings of $182,750 and is making her first start since winning the Oct. 31 Golden State Juvenile Fillies. Famous Forza is by Mo Forza, out of the Cuvee mare Sindyfromsantacruz, was bred by Rancho San Miguel & Tommy Hutton’s Dream Stable, is owned by TKO Stables, Archibald, Michael, Carpenter, Chris and McLean, Bill and trained by McLean. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in two starts, earnings of $44,400 and is coming off a Jan. 17 maiden win. ...

Cal-bred Pair Entered in Clocker’s Corner

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2026) – California-breds Irish Royalty and Flyover are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Clocker’s Corner Stakes at Santa Anita. Irish Royalty is by Grazen, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger & Neary Racing, is owned by Thomas Mayberry and Doug O’Neill and is trained by O’Neill. He has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $197,346 and is coming off a Jan. 15 optional claiming win. Flyover is by Om, out of the In Excess mare First Class Flyer, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by The Ellwood Johnston Trust and Ken Tevelde and is trained by John Sadler. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $177,138 and is coming off an eighth in the Dec. 29 Joe Hernandez Stakes. ...

Lovesick Blues Readies for Riyadh Dirt Sprint

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2026) – California-bred Grade I winner Lovesick Blues is expected to be one of six Santa Anita-based runners scheduled to start on the Saudi Cup program in Riyadh on Feb. 14. Bred by Nick Alexander, the $2 million Grade II Riyadh Dirt Sprint is the target for Lovesick Blues, winner of the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at six furlongs at Del Mar last July. Trained by Librado Barocio, Lovesick Blues was sixth in the BC Sprint in his last start. Barocio said Sunday that a gap of more than three months between races may suit Lovesick Blues, an 8-year-old gelding who has won 9 of 43 starts. Lovesick Blues was purchased privately by Barocio in late 2024. Lovesick Blues finished a game second in the Grade 3 San Simeon Stakes on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita last March in his first start for Barocio after a six-month layoff. “He ran so well,” Barocio said. “He fired fresh. I’ll go back to... ...

The Chosen Vron’s Sibling Breaks Maiden

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2026) — Goodgollytizmolly, a half-sister to California-bred millionaire The Chosen Vron, earned a good-looking maiden win Friday against statebreds going 5 ½ furlongs on the main track. Goodgollytizmolly was bred by J. Eric Kruljac, Bob Fetkin & Richard Thornburgh. Making her second start for trainer Ian Kruljac, Goodgollytizmolly stalked the leaders while racing on the inside and split horses in the stretch to win comfortably by 2 ¾ lengths under Hector Berrios. She paid $6.60. Goodgollytizmolly is by Clubhouse Ride out of Tiz Molly, a daughter of Tiz Wonderful. ...

Brickyard Ride Has First Foal

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2026)—Multiple graded stakes winner Brickyard Ride, the leading lifetime earner for the Candy Ride (Arg) stallion Clubhouse Ride, was represented by his first foal on January 24: a filly born at Rancho San Miguel in California. Bred by Jerry Engelauf, the youngster is the fourth foal out of the winning mare To the Limits, an 11-year-old daughter of Swiss Yodeler. “I am very impressed by the quality of this first foal by Brickyard Ride,” said Rancho San Miguel owner Tom Clark, whose San Luis Obispo County farm stands the 9-year-old stallion. “Her sire exhibited great class, speed and longevity on the extremely tough Southern California racing circuit, and this smart-looking filly is an excellent early representative of those strengths.” Racing as a homebred for Alfred “Sonny” Pais, Brickyard Ride won or placed in 21 of 31 starts and compiled a career bankroll of $925,477 while competing from ages 2 through 7. Eight of his 13 victories were recorded... ...

Smooth Like Strait’s First Cal-sired Foal

BUELLTON, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2026) – Smooth Like Strait’s first California-sired foal was a colt delivered on Monday at Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm. Out of the winning Declaration of War mare Chloe’s Crown, the foal was bred by Cannon Thoroughbreds. Chloe’s Crown, who also was bred and owned by Cannon Thoroughbreds, will be bred back to Smooth Like Strait. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2026) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, February 26, beginning 10 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Hilton Hotel at 123 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia (91007). CHRB monthly meetings are open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on the agenda item will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link will be available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda will be published no later than February 16, 2026, and meeting materials will be made available prior to the meeting via a link on the CHRB website: ...

Trainer James Cassidy Passes at 80

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2026)—Trainer James Cassidy died Wednesday at his home in Monrovia, Calif. after suffering from heart disease. He was 80. Cassidy trained California Grade I winners The Usual Q.T, Evening Jewel and Tom’s Tribute. The Usual Q.T., Evening Jewel and multiple stakes-winning Cal-bred Moscow Burning were million-dollar earners. in 2010, The Usual Q.T. finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile and Evening Jewel was third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. That year, Evening Jewel was Cal-bred Horse of the Year, The Usual Q.T. was champion Turf and Older Male Horse and Cassidy was CTBA Trainer of the Year. Moscow Burning also was a Cal-bred Horse of the Year. Born on Aug. 21, 1945 in New York City, Cassidy got his start working with show horses at the age of 12. He would later transition to racehorses and in 1975, Cassidy took out his trainer’s license. He then spent more than a decade working as an assistant for such top Eastern-based... ...

CTBA Winter Mixed Sale Results

For CTBA Winter Sale Results, click below: ...

Glatt Buys Norman Tavares-bred Sale Topper

POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2026) – Stop the Clock, a 2-year-old California-bred son of Drain the Clock, sold to trainer Mark Glatt, agent, for $40,000 to top Tuesday’s CTBA Winter Mixed Sale at Fairplex. The colt, out of the Malibu Moon mare Bella Moon, was bred by Norman Tavares and consigned by Milky Way Farm, agent. For sale results, click CTBA 2026 Winter Mixed Sale | CTBA The sale grossed $739,200, with 114 horses sold at an average of $6,484. ...

Outs for CTBA Winter Mixed Sale

OUT: 9, 18, 25, 30, 37, 38, 48, 62, 65, 79, 85, 86, 94, 103, 116, 117, 128, 152, 153, 158, 164, 165, 166, 170, 175, 177, 185, 196 ...

Juveniles Aplenty at CTBA Winter Mixed Sale

By Blooshorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2026) — The late John Harris and Don Valpredo together bred and raced a plethora of top California-breds, and horses from those programs annually play an important role in the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Winter Mixed sale. In 2025, Shocking Grey from the Valpredo dispersal topped the sale at $170,000 just days after winning the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint Stakes. She graces the 2026 cover of a catalog that includes a consignment from Harris Farms, long a leading consignor at California sales. The sale will be held Jan. 20 at Fairplex Park in Pomona, at noon PT. A total of 202 entries have been cataloged, including supplements. While the stallions that stood at Harris have since been relocated for 2026, the Harris consignment consists of many offspring of those sires, including champion Acclamation . Three newly turned 2-year-olds by Acclamation are on offer, including Hip 6, a colt out of the stakes-placed Giant’s Causeway mare Anura. The mare has already produced stakes... ...

CTBA Winter Mixed Sale on Tuesday

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2026) — Juveniles are expected to dominate Tuesday’s Winter Mixed Sale at Fairplex in Pomona, Calif., one of two annual sales held in the state. Of the 203 horses in the catalog and on the list of supplemental entries, there are 120 2-year-olds, 35 yearlings, 27 broodmares, 10 3-year-olds, eight 4-year-olds, and three 5-year-olds. The absence of a 2-year-olds in training sale in California since 2021 has led numerous consignors in the state to offer early year juveniles at the Winter Mixed Sale, conducted by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Four consignors dominate the juveniles market – Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch with 43, followed by Rancho San Miguel (20), and Milky Way Farm (17). Harris Farms has 15 2-year-olds among its consignment, four as agent and 11 for the farm. Harris Farms officials said the farm would reduce its bloodstock holdings following the death of farm owner John Harris last July. :: Access the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past... ...

Filkins Provides Harris Farms Update

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2026) — The reorganization of Harris Farms, the famed California Thoroughbred breeding facility, has been underway since the death of owner John Harris last July. Gone are the stallions who stood at the Coalinga, Calif., property that is undergoing a transformation to cropland. The farm has reduced its herd of mares and moved them to nearby Sanger, Calif. A reduction sale of racing and breeding stock was conducted last August, with 75 horses selling for $1,045,000. The number of active racehorses on the Harris Farms team has been reduced, but still play a meaningful role in California racing. On Saturday, Start the Ride, a 13-1 outsider, was the surprise winner of the $175,500 California Cup Derby. “This is part of the heritage and legacy of Harris is going to continue,” farm chief executive officer Darren Filkins said in the winner’s circle, his voice tinged with emotion. :: Access the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances and Picks are available... ...

Graded Stakes Next for Grand Slam Smile

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2026) — Grand Slam Smile became an eight-time stakes winner Saturday when winning the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint for California-breds. She’s never missed the board in 17 starts and has banked $828,120 for owners-breeders Larry and Marianne Williams. What the ultra-consistent 5-year-old mare by Smiling Tiger has yet to do is win a graded stakes. An attempt at that coveted achievement could be next for Grand Slam Smile, trainer Sean McCarthy indicated Sunday morning. “We’ll just enjoy yesterday for now and then start looking at things in a little bit and see where we want to go. But that’s what we’d like to do eventually,” McCarthy said. ”We thought yesterday was a good spot to get her going in the new year. We’ll look at graded stakes opportunities here and elsewhere also.” In the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint on the hillside turf course, Grand Slam Smile broke in front and was never challenged on her way... ...

Big ‘Cap Next for Vodka Vodka

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2026) — Trainer Aggie Ordonez reported “everything’s great” with Vodka Vodka the morning after earning his first stakes win in Saturday’s Unusual Heat Turf Classic for California-breds. “He ate all his dinner last night, his legs are cold and tight this morning,” she added. Vodka Vodka won the 1 1/8-mile Turf Classic by a half length under Hall of Famer Kent Desormeaux. In his only previous stakes try, which came on Opening Day of the Classic Meet, Vodka Vodka finished fourth on dirt in GII Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes. Bred by co-owners Jerry Baker and Connie Baker, Vodka Vodka is a 5-year-old gelding by Stay Thirsty out of the Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute. His 4-year-old half sister Om N Joy, by Om, provided Ordonez last year with her first graded stakes win in the GIII Torrey Pines at Del Mar. The two siblings combined helped Ordonez produce a career-best year in 2025 with $645,233 in earnings, more than double her previous... ...

Grand Slam Smile

Grand Slam Smile wins $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...

Start the Ride

Start the Ride wins $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby. ...

Cee Drew

Cee Drew wins the $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks Stakes. ...

Grand Slam Smile Wins F&M Turf Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2026)—The ultra-consistent mare Grand Slam Smile rolled to her eighth stakes win Saturday at Santa Anita when going gate-to-wire under William Antongeorgi III in the $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint for Golden State Series eligibles at about 6 ½ furlongs on the hillside turf course. Trained by Sean McCarthy, Grand Slam Smile (4-5) raced to the early lead, clocked fractions of 22.03, 44.57 and 1:06.58 and cruised under the wire an easy 1 ½-length winner. The final time on firm turf was 1:12.71. Take Another Card, the 9-2 second choice, finished second under Umberto Rispoli by three-quarters of a length over Prancingthruparis (6-1). “I am super happy,” Antongeorgi said. “She was just cruising on a long hold. She was nice and relaxed. No one was up there pressing us or anything. The way that she’s been training every week coming into this, I didn’t think anyone was going to come and get us.” A 5-year-old daughter of Smiling Tiger,... ...

Cee Drew Takes Howard Cal Cup Oaks

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2026)—Cee Drew and jockey Ricky Gonzalez overhauled even-money favorite Cashed in deep stretch to win Saturday’s $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks for California-breds going one mile on turf at Santa Anita. “This is huge,” sai breeder-owner Mike Way. “I have a small little barn and to have a homebred win a stake in California, it’s a big deal for us. Ricky had a perfect trip, he had a perfect trip in Del Mar, we just had a little bit of traffic, and he told us she had a lot of run in her that day. We were confident today in what we had. He rode her perfectly.” Sent off the 2-1 second choice in a field of eight, Cee Drew settled in mid-pack while saving ground on the rail. Too Sassy (8-1), with Diego Herrera up, would go to the lead and set fractions of 23.09, 46.67 and 1:12.16. “This horse has shown talent,” said trainer Dan Blacker. “It’s a... ...

Harris Homebred Wins Cal Chrome Derby

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2026)—After being declared a non-starter in his debut, Start the Ride ran down even-money favorite Sammy Davis inside the final furlong and won the $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby Saturday at Santa Anita. Ridden by Armando Ayuso, Start the Ride (13-1) is a homebred colt by Upstart for owner-breeder Harris Farms. He is trained by Dan Blacker, who about 30 minutes earlier also won the California Cup Oaks with Cee Drew. ”I know John is here in spirit,” said Darren Filkins, CEO of Harris Farms. “We have a lot of people in Coalinga and Singer, and a lot of people have said Harris Farms is going away. We are not going away. Harris Farms is here and we are excited to keep running. This is part of the heritage and legacy that Harris is going to continue. This one is for John.” Sammy Davis, who was making his two-turn debut for trainer John Sadler, broke on the lead but jockey Hector... ...

Vodka Vodka

Vodka Vodka wins $175,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. ...

Vodka Vodka Wins Unusual Heat Turf Classic

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2026) – Odds-on favorite Vodka Vodka took over on the far turn and held off fast-closing filly Hey Jessie to win Saturday’s $175,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank, for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Trained by co-owned Aggie Ordonez, Vodka Vodka was back on grass in the Turf Classic going 1 1/8-mile Turf Classic following a solid fourth-place finish in the GII Laffit Pincay Jr. Stakes on opening day of the Classic Meet Dec. 28. Sent off at 4-5, Vodka Vodka stalked pacesetter Stamp My Passport (14-1) in second, took the lead entering the stretch and held off a late charge from filly Hey Jessie (6-1) to win by a half-length. Stamp My Passport finished a neck back of Hey Jessie in third with Call Me Sir (8-1) completing the superfecta. “I had a really long hold, and I wanted to shorten my hands up just to get ready for when I needed to encourage him. And he just jumped... ...

Man O Rose

Man O Rose wins $125,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint Stakes. ...

Streaking Man O Rose Rolls in Valpredo Sprint

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2026) – With defending champ Big City Lights a race-day scratch, odds-on favorite Man O Rose ran his win streak to four with a devastating nine-length romp in Saturday’s $125,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Man O Rose is by Stanford, out of the Good Journey mare Katherine Rose, was bred by owner B & B Zietz Racing Stable and trained by Jeff Mullins. “I have been waiting 30 years for this,” said Dr. Bruce Zietz. “I have been breeding the whole family since the eighties, so it is quite a culmination of dreams, if you will. Today is a day that California breeders and their horses get to excel. You have to look at the amount of money spent on really good horses, four, five, six hundred thousand dollars. It is pretty hard to make a profit on those horses. These horses here, you may only have ten or twenty thousand dollars in them, so if... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 16, 2026) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting Wednesday, January 14, at the Cannabis Control Appeals Panel Hearing Room in Sacramento. Chairman Greg Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners 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: A combination of Northern California racing interests stood behind a proposal for 2026 race dates at three fairs, but due to what was described as an “11th-hour pivot,” the Board decided to put the matter over to a newly scheduled meeting in February to give the commissioners and CHRB executives and attorneys time to analyze the revised proposal. CHRB wrote in the Board package before the meeting that several legal and procedural issues with the original proposal needed to be resolved, and their concerns were hammered home by the California Department... ...

Santa Anita Launches HHR-like Terminals

By DRF. Com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2016) – On Thursday, Santa Anita unveiled a slot machine-style parimutuel game based on previously run races, a venture track officials hope will lead to an ancillary form of revenue to support California racing. The track installed 26 machines in a small grandstand pavilion. The machines, which were available for public use for the first time on Thursday, will be active on live racing days. Known as Racing on Demand, the machines offer $1 bets only and require bettors to select the first three finishers of three random six-horse races. An automated quick-pick option is available to bettors. Bettors receive payoffs for correctly naming a minimum of three of the nine finishing positions. For example, a bettor would receive a minimum payoff for naming the winner of the first race, the second-place finisher of the second race, and the third-place finisher of the third race – or for correctly naming a trifecta. Because the machines have a parimutuel format, payoffs vary depending on... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2026) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Wednesday, January 14, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Cannabis Control Appeals Panel Hearing Room #330 at 400 R Street, Sacramento, CA, 95811. These monthly meetings 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 Public Session #9, public comment will be limited to thirty minutes. For those who are unable to attend the meetings, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and package of materials are formatted into a single link on the CHRB website: https://www.chrb.ca.gov/meeting_agendas.asp ...

Big City Lights Seeks Valpredo Sprint Repeat

Past Performances CAL_CUP_SPRINT_STAKES_PP_S.pdf ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2026) – Defending champion Big City Lights and multiple stakes winners Speedy Wilson and Man O Rose will tangle in Saturday’s $125,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Big City Lights is by Mr. Big, out of the Exchange Rate mare Champagne Exchange, was bred by Bar C Racing Stable, is owned by William Peeples and trained by Richard Mandella. He has seven wins in 15 starts, earnings of $598,920 and is coming off a ninth in the Nov. 30 Stormy Liberal. He won this race last year and was second in 2023. Speedy Wilson is by Tough Sunday out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Queenofhercastle, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $330,488 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 28 Grade I Malibu. Man O Rose is by Stanford, out of the Good Journey mare Katherine Rose,... ...

Grand Slam Smile in Filly & Mare Turf Sprint

Past Performances SUNSHINE_MILLIONS_STAKES_PP_S.pdf ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2026) – Champion Grand Slam Smile and four other stakes winners are entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint Stakes, presented by John Deere, for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. Stakes winner Prancingthruparis is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Bellamy Road mare She’s a Big Winner, was bred by owner SAF Racing, Ciaglia Racing LLC & H. Crusberg and trained by Peter Eurton. She has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $332,790 and is making her first start since a fifth in the Aug. 17 Solana Beach. Stakes winner Tequilaandtherapy is by Mrazek, out of the In Excess mare Chexcess, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has two wins in 13 starts, earnings of $221,247 and is coming off a fifth in a Nov. 24 optional claimer. Grand Slam Smile is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. &... ...

Intriguing Unusual Heat Classic

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2026) – Improving Vodka Vodka and Mr. Disrespectful take on veteran graded stakes winners None Above the Law and Freeport Joe in Saturday’s $175,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Past Performances UNUSUAL_HEAT_TURF_CLASSIC_STAKES_PP_S.pdf Hey Jessie is a filly by Grazen, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Bea’s Cee, was bred by owner Sayjay Racing and trained by Sean McCarthy. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $154,538 and is coming off an eighth in the Nov. 23 Red Carpet. Mr. Disrespectful is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Hotazel, was bred by Dr. Dorothee Kieckhefer, is owned by Mojarro Racing and trained by Craig Dollase. He has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $261,329 and is coming off back-to-back optional claiming wins. 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 Les... ...

Streaking Ocean Bear in California Chrome Derby

Past Performances CAL_CUP_DERBY_STAKES_PP_S.pdf ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2026) – Streaking Ocean Bear and fellow stakes winners Sammy Davis and Smoovin Saturday are entered Saturday in a contentious $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. My Boy Stan is by Stanford, out of the Violence mare Take a Time Out, was bred by Robyn Kaiser, is owned by Daugherty Racing and Kaiser and trained by Nolan Ramsey. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $26,280 and is coming off a third in a Dec. 6 optional claimer at Gulfstream Park. Stakes winner Sammy Davis is by Sir Prancealot, out of the More Than Ready mare Ready for Romance, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by John Sadler. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $142,250 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 31 Golden State Juvenile Stakes. Start the Ride is by Upstart, out of the Tiznow mare Elusive Ride, was bred... ...

Too Sassy, Cashed in Howard Cal Cup Oaks

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2026) – Stakes winner Too Sassy and Grade II-placed Cashed are entered in Saturday’s $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old Golden State Series-eligible fillies at Santa Anita. Past Performances: CAL_CUP_OAKS_STAKES_PP_S.pdf Crunchy is by Tap Back, out of the Hard Spun mare She’ll Do, was bred by owner Richard Barton Enterprises and trained by Ryan Hanson. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $24,500 and is coming off a ninth in the Oct. 31, Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes. Tiger Lady is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Unusual Heat mare Fiery Lady, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Brown, Edward Rusty J., Klein, Alan P. and Lebherz, Philip and trained by Andy Mathis. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $31,220 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 7 Soviet Problem. Cee Drew is by Cistron, out of the Notnowcato mare You’re a Goat, was bred by owner My Way Racing and is trained... ...

Final Storm Entered in Ft. Bliss Stakes

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 11, 2026) — Final Storm, the lone California-bred in the field, returns from a seven-month layoff in Sunday’s $75,000 Ft. Bliss Stakes at Sunland Park. Final Storm is by Blame, out of the Pioneerof the Nile mare Miss Star Maker, was bred by Larry Jett, is owned by Rakoczy Stable and trained by Justin Evans. He has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $152,900 and is coming off a second in a June 20 optional claimer. ...

Only One America, Lucky Vegas in Bold Ego

SUNLAND PARK, M.M. (Jan. 11, 2026) – California-breds Only One America and Lucky Vegas are entered in Sunday’s $65,000 Bold Ego Stakes for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Only One America is by Marking, out of the Diabolical mare That’s the Idea, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Todd Fincher. She has two wins in 14 starts, earnings of $129,170 and is coming off a fourth in a Dec. 12 optional claimer. Lucky Vegas is by Win the Space, out of the Ghostzapper mare Time for Luck, was bred by Kretz Racing, is owned by Sherri Galvez and trained by Sherry Armstrong. She has 10 wins in 23 starts, earnings of $151,540 and is coming off three consecutive wins. ...

Express Kid, New Trainer Head to Sunland Park

By DRF.com PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 12, 2026) — California-bred Express Kid, upset winner of the Springboard Mile at Remington Park on Dec. 20, has been transferred from trainer Wade Rarick to Justin Evans after being purchased for $800,000 by Brad and Sharon Kleven in a one-horse digital sale conducted by Fasig-Tipton last week. Evans said on Sunday that he plans to start Express Kid in the $500,000 Sunland Park Derby at 1 1/16 miles in New Mexico on Feb. 15. Express Kid was based at Turf Paradise on Sunday, and was scheduled to be vanned approximately 420 miles to Sunland Park earlier this week. Express Kid was previously trained by Wade Rarick for Steve Haahr. A Bodexpress colt bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, Express Kid has won 3 of 5 starts and earned $236,902. In the Springboard Mile, Express Kid led throughout and won by 6 1/4 lengths in his first start around two turns on dirt. “From everything I’ve seen, he’s all systems go,” Evans said. “Wade Rarick did a... ...

Sikura Added to TOC Board

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2026) — The board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California unanimously voted to appoint owner John G. Sikura to fill the vacant seat of Nick Alexander, subject to full board ratification at the upcoming Jan. 30 meeting. Sikura is president of Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms in Kentucky and is one of the leading horsemen in the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry in America. His late father, John Sikura Jr., inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2013, founded Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms north of Toronto in the late 1960s. He later bought a farm in central Kentucky, and young Sikura took over those operations. Hill n’ Dale relocated to the historic 1,500-acre Xalapa farm in 2022. There they stand stallions such as Curlin and are both commercial breeders and major consignors at public auction. In addition, John is also an accomplished Thoroughbred owner. He has campaigned many graded stakes winners, including Richi, who captured the 2025 Santa Maria Stakes (G2)... ...

Stakes Winner Hey Jessie in Astra

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2026) — Stakes winner Hey Jessie is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $100,000 Astra Stakes for fillies and mares 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 three wins in nine starts, earnings of $154,538 and is coming off an eighth in the Nov. 23 Red Carpet. ...

Cal-bred Express Kid Sells for $800,000

By Bloodhorse.com PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 9, 2026) — Newly turned 3-year-old California-bred colt Express Kid , offered in a one-horse flash sale on Fasig-Tipton Digital, sold for $800,000 to Brad Kleven. A son of Bodexpress bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, Express Kid was offered as a horse of racing age by Paramount Sales, agent. Express Kid posted a 6 1/4-length win in the Remington Springboard Mile Stakes Dec. 20 at Remington Park, a performance for which he earned 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. His record at time of sale was three wins and one second in five starts last year as a juvenile with earnings of $236,902. “We live for results like this one,” said Paddy Campion of Paramount Sales. “A good horse really can come from anywhere and it’s made all the more rewarding when you have connections like owner Steve Haahr and trainer Wade Rarick who, from the little time I’ve spent dealing with them, it’s obvious are genuine people and love the sport. There were some serious judges that... ...

California Cup Nominations, PPs

California Chrome Cal Cup Derby (CA), 3 YO, 8 1/2 F – $175,000 CAL_CUP_DERBY_STAKES_NOMS.pdf CAL_CUP_DERBY_STAKES_PP_S.pdf Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks (CA), F, 3 YO, 8 F (T) – $175,000 CAL_CUP_OAKS_STAKES_NOMS.pdf CAL_CUP_OAKS_STAKES_PP_S.pdf Don Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint (CA), 4 & UP, 6 F – $125,000 CAL_CUP_SPRINT_Noms..pdf CAL_CUP_SPRINT_STAKES_PP_S.pdf Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank (CA), 4 & UP, 9 F (T) – $175,000 UNUSUAL_HEAT_TURF_CLASSIC_STAKES_NOMS.pdf UNUSUAL_HEAT_TURF_CLASSIC_STAKES_PP_S.pdf Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint presented by John Deere (CA), F/M, 4 & UP, 6 1/2 F (TH) – $125,000 SUNSHINE_MILLIONS_STAKES_NOMS.pdf SUNSHINE_MILLIONS_STAKES_PP_S.pdf ...

Hudnut, Castellanos Reappointed to CHRB

From Governor’s Office SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2026) — Thomas Hudnut, of Beverly Hills, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board where he has served since 2021. Hudnut was President and Chief Executive Officer at Harvard-Westlake School from 1987 to 2013. He was Headmaster at The Branston School from 1982 to 1987. Hudnut earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Diplomatic History from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Princeton University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hudnut is registered without party preference. Damascus Castellanos, of Pico Rivera, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board where he has served since 2020. Castellanos has been a Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer at Teamsters Union Local 495 since 2021 where he was a Business Representative from 2005 to 2021. He was a Business Representative at Teamsters Union Local 630 from 2001 to 2012. Castellanos is a Member of the California Thoroughbred Horseman’s Foundation. This position requires... ...

Santa Anita Can See Clearly Now, Rain is Gone

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2026) — Wet weather has caused more cancellations than racing days in the opening weeks of the current Santa Anita winter-spring meeting. That is about to change. The forecast in Southern California in the next week is for fine weather, just in time for a four-day week of racing beginning Thursday. A five-day racing week is scheduled from Jan. 15-19. The Thursdays of those weeks are replacement days for recent cancellations. “We’re looking forward to getting back into some racing,” track general manager Nate Newby said Monday. Through Sunday, there have been six days lost to wet conditions and three days of racing conducted. Sunday was originally supposed to have been the seventh day of racing of the season. Welcome to the rainy season in Southern California, but this year it is actually raining, and often. The track sustained approximately 10 inches of rain in a 14-day period ending Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. :: Santa Anita Classic Meet! Get DRF Past Performances,... ...

Bidding Open for Express Kid Flash Sale

From Fasig-Tipton PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 5, 2026) — Bidding is now open for the “Express Kid Flash Sale,” a one-horse online auction of recent Springboard Mile Stakes winner Express Kid on Fasig-Tipton Digital. Bidding will close this Friday, January 9, at 4 PM ET. Paramount Sales, agent, consigns the three-year-old colt. California-bred Express Kid won his most recent start in the $300,000 Springboard Mile S. at Remington Park on December 20 by 6 ¼ lengths, going gate-to-wire and earning a career-best 85 Beyer speed figure. He earned 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points for the victory. Express Kid is a winner of 3 of 5 career starts, with earnings of $236,902. He has demonstrated great versatility thus far in his career, having taken his debut going 4 ½ furlongs on July 3, followed by a second in the Prairie Meadows Freshman Stakes going six furlongs on August 16. He is also a winner on turf around two turns. “Express Kid delivered a career best performance in his two-turn dirt debut winning... ...

Santa Anita Cancels Sunday Race Card

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2026) — Poor weather continues to plague Santa Anita’s winter meeting. The track canceled racing for the second consecutive day on Sunday because of a forecast of rain through the day, according to an early morning statement. The loss of Sunday’s program is the sixth day of racing canceled because of wet conditions in slightly more than a week. Racing was canceled on Dec. 26-27 and on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday earlier this week because of extensive rain. A replacement program was held last Monday. Wednesday’s program was intended to be a makeup program. The next program of racing is scheduled for this Thursday, the start of a four-day racing week. :: Access the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances and Picks are available now. So far, there have been three days of racing conducted at the winter-spring meeting – Dec. 28-29, and on Friday of this week. The original schedule called for Sunday to be the seventh racing day... ...

California Cup Nominations Due on Sunday

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2025) – Nominations are due this Sunday, Jan. 4, for the five stakes races to be run on California Cup Day, Saturday, Jan. 17, at Santa Anita. The races are restricted to Golden State Series eligibles. The Cal Cup stakes are: $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby, 3 YO, 8 1/2 F $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks, F, 3 YO, 8 F (T) $125,000 Don Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint, 4 & UP, 6 F $175,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank, 4 & UP, 9 F (T) $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint presented by John Deere, F/M, 4 & UP, 6 1/2 F (TH) To nominate and for further information, contact the Racing Office at (626) 574-6471 or e-mail: nominations@santaanita.com. ...

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