Denman Retires; Collmus Gets Del Mar Mic

Mar 6, 2025 Posted by CTBA In News

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

Smiling Molly Retired

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

TOC Fills Five Open Board Positions

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

The Chosen Vron Repeats as Horse of the Year

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

Pasadena Stakes Next for Shea Brennan

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

Lovesick Blues Enters San Simeon Stakes

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

Del Mar Announces Stakes Schedule

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

Hey Jessie Enters Santa Ysabel Stakes

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

CHRB Meeting Summary

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

Maiden Winner Berlin Wall in San Felipe

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

CHRB Meeting Advisory

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

Cal-bred Champions Entered for Saturday

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

Cal Poly Pair Intern at Santa Anita

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

Del Mar to Increase Purses

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

Former California Stallion Papa Clem Passes

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

The Jockey Club Launches ‘Naming AI’

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

Santa Anita Increases Purses Starting Feb. 28

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2025) — Santa Anita Park will increase purses beginning Feb. 28 for the Classic Meet, which runs through April 6. The boost in prize money comes after increases in key business metrics for the Southern California landmark through the first six weeks of the season, which began Dec. 26. The purse increases are the result of collaborative discussions with the Thoroughbred Owners of California and will take effect with the fourth Condition Book to be issued by the track later this month. Overnight purses, or the amount of money paid out to racehorse owners each day, are set to increase an average of eight percent. Additionally, purses for Santa Anita Park’s Hollywood Meet will increase an average of 10 percent over the 2024 season, with increases ranging from eight to 11 percent depending on class level. The Hollywood Meet begins April 18 and runs through June 16. Santa Anita has had a solid start to the year, with increases in total all-sources... ...

Majestic Oops Visits Oaklawn Park

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Feb. 18, 2025) – Majestic Oops is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $145,000 Trivista Overnight Stakes for fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park. Majestic Oops is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodavor mare Miss Oops, was bred by William Dory, Sandy Dory, Gary Kropp & Janet Kropp, is owned by Sublime Stables, Inc. and Kropp, Janet and trained by Dan Ward. She has four wins in 24 starts, earnings of $152,409 and is coming off a fifth in a Feb. 1 allowance. ...

Stay and Scam Enters Wishing Well Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2025) –Multiple stakes winner Stay and Scam is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Stay and Scam is by Square Eddie, out of the Momentum mare Puff Pastry, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has six wins in 18 starts, earnings of $465,360 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 18 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...

From Palos Verdes to Dubai for Big City Lights

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2025) — Big City Lights, the dazzling winner of two stakes for California-bred sprinters in November and January, is set to start in Saturday’s Grade 3 Palos Verdes Stakes at Santa Anita in a prep race for the Group 1 Golden Shaheen Sprint in Dubai on April 5. After Big City Lights won the California Cup Sprint at six furlongs by 7 3/4 lengths, earning a lofty Beyer Speed Figure of 103, trainer Richard Mandella mentioned that the 6-year-old horse may not start again until the $2 million Golden Shaheen at six furlongs. Mandella on Sunday said that the $100,000 Palos Verdes Stakes at six furlongs became a more viable option after watching Big City Lights train since the California Cup Sprint on Jan. 18. “He’s doing good,” Mandella said. “Timing-wise, it’s a good fit for Dubai.” :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Bred by Bar C Racing Stables and owned by Bill... ...

Triple Diamonds, Style Cat in Baffle Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2025) – Unbeaten Triple Diamonds and multiple stakes-placed Style Cat are the California-breds entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Triple Diamonds is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Smiling Tiger mare Florentine Diamond, was bred by Paula Capestro, is owned by Saints or Sinners and Seahawk Racing and is trained by Mark Glatt. He has won both starts with earnings of $69,000. Style Cat is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Kittens Trip, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Ruben Alvarado. He has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $154,490 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 18 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby. ...

NorCal Sale Grad Enters Sunland Park Oaks

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 9, 2025) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Street Colors is the lone California-bred entered in Sundays $250,000 Sunland Park Oaks for 3-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 Luis Rojero. The $4,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale is a maiden making her sixth start with earnings of $6,370. ...

Santa Anita Posts Attendance, Handle Increase

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2024)— Santa Anita Park’s 90th year finished the first six weeks of the season with continued momentum, posting gains over a strong first weekend in February. Through last weekend, the Classic Meet maintained increases in both on-track attendance and total all-sources handle for the season, which opened on Dec. 26. Wagering is up more than 7 percent as total all-sources handle has exceeded $185 million. The business increases are despite the track being closed for a week due to the impact of the Eaton Fire on the local community. The weekend of Jan. 10-12 racing was postponed as Santa Anita hosted a pop-up relief effort/donation site in the south parking lot. Southern California Edison continues to use the north parking lot at Santa Anita as their command center, while Cal Fire (California Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection) is using a large part of the south parking lot as their base camp though mid-February. Field size continues to be a factor in sustaining... ...

World People Wins Handicap in Korea

SEOUL, South Korea (Feb. 17, 2025) – World People, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Midnight Storm, won Sunday’s $33,000,000 (SKW) Overnight Handicap at Seoul. World People ran the 1200 meters in 1:15 and won by one-half length at odds of 2-1 in a field of 11. Out of the multiple stakes-winning Salty Sea mare Salty Wave, World People is a 3-year-old colt with two wins in seven starts. ...

O’Neill’s Cal-bred Trio in Sweet Life Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2025) – Stakes winner Tequilaandtherapy and stablemates How About Pavel and Going Deep give trainer Doug O’Neill a California-bred trio entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. How About Pavel is by Pavel, out of the Square Eddie mare How About Zero, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in seven starts, earnings of $62,220 and is coming off a Jan. 23 maiden win. Tequilaandtherapy is by Mrazek, out of the In Excess mare Chexcess, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers and trained by Doug O’Neill. She has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $195,317 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 18 Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks. Going Deep is by Bodexpress, out of the Indian Charlie mare Quick Wampum, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and Robert Traynor, is owned by Todd Cady and Ty Leatherman and trained by... ...

Connie Swingle Sells for $290,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2025) – California-bred stakes winner Connie Swingle sold for $290,000 as a broodmare prospect at Monday’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Mixed Sale. Connie Swingle is by Grazen, out of the Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni, was bred by Nick Alexander, was consigned by Taylor Made Sale, agent, and purchased by Mulholland Springs, agent. A 6-year-old mare, Connie Swingle is a full sister to graded winner S Y Sky and stakes winner Grazen Sky. She earned $509,564 with seven wins in 11 starts, including victories in the Generous Portion Stakes at 2, the Unzip Me Stakes at 3 and the Daisycutter Handicap at 5 off a layoff of nearly two years. ...

TOC Honors Cal-bred Connections

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2025) — The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) has announced the winners of its 2024 statistical awards for leading California owners. For the fourth consecutive year, Reddam Racing was leading owner in total purse earnings and topped the standings for most California starts. Hronis Racing LLC led all owners by number of California wins; and leading owner honor for most California stakes wins was shared in a two-way tie by Cuyathy LLC and the partnership of Sondereker Racing, Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin and Richard Thornburgh, owners of Cal-bred sensation The Chosen Vron. Reddam Racing runners earned a total of $2,031,442 in California last year, with 32 wins from 252 starts. Multiple stakes winner Stay and Scam won the Irish O’Brien and Fran’s Valentine stakes at Santa Anita. Bred by Reddam and trained by Doug O’Neill, Stay and Scam was also second in the Grade 3 Wilshire S. and third in the Grade 3 Royal Heroine S. Reddam’s other stakes placed runners included Don’t Fight the Fed (2nd in the E.B. Johnston S.), Barely Functional (2nd... ...

Alotaluck Enters Winsham Lad Stakes

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 2, 2025) – Graded stakes-placed Alotaluck is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $65,000 Winsham Lad Stakes at Sunland Park. 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 four wins in nine starts, earnings of $285,788 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 17 Ft. Bliss Takes. ...

TJC Releases Industry Impact Report

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2025) — Each year The Jockey Club publishes a report about how it supports the Thoroughbred industry. The 2025 report can be found here: The Jockey Club 2025 Industry Impact Report. Since 2010, The Jockey Club has invested more than $110 million in the Thoroughbred industry. This year, it will invest more than $6 million to support initiatives such as equine safety and aftercare, industry growth, promotion of the sport, education, and national and international collaboration. “We are proud of the many initiatives we support and that The Jockey Club’s mission has not wavered in more than 130 years,” said James L. Gagliano, president and COO, The Jockey Club. “It is so encouraging to see how many other organizations are committed to improving and growing Thoroughbred racing, especially in the areas of welfare of our athletes and promotion of our sport.” As the Thoroughbred breed registry for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, The Jockey Club Registry is a not-for-profit organization with the... ...

Winter Mixed Sale Posts Jump in Averages

POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2025) – Tuesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale posted a hefty increase in average and median sale price from last year’s sale. For sale results, click here Fueled by high-priced purchases out of the Valpredo Family Trust dispersal consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, the sale recorded an average sale price of $14,799 for 83 horses sold, compared to $8,568 from 111 sold last year, an increase in price of 73 percent. The median rose 23 percent, from $6,500 to $8,000. The sale topper was Shocking Grey, who on Saturday won the $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. The 6-year-old daughter of Grazen sold for $170,000 to Francoise DuPuis, agent, for Rockingham Ranch. Shocking Grey has won 3 of 14 starts with earnings of $250,750. She was third behind Eddie’s New Dream and Stay and Scam in the Fran’s Valentine Stakes for statebred fillies and mares in May 2023, her only stakes appearance prior to Saturday. She was trained by Jeff... ...

Reddam’s Advice: Dont Fight the Fed

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2025) – Dont Fight the Fed is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita. Dont Fight the Fed is by Nyquist, out of the Scat Daddy mare Taffeta, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $208,330 and is coming off a win in a Dec. 27 optional claimer. ...

Johnny Podres Gets the Start at Gulfstream

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2025) – Multiple stakes winner Johnny Podres is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $165,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint Stakes. 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 is trained by Jose D’Angelo. He has nine wins in 43 starts, earnings of $540,650 and is coming off a sixth in the Dec. 1 Stormy Liberal Stakes. This will be his first start out of California. ...

Winter Mixed Sale Grad Takes a Shot

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2025) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale graduate Valentine’s Candy takes on a trio of Bob Baffert trainees and a graded stakes-winning Wesley Ward invader in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Robert B. Lewis Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Valentine’s Candy is by Danzing Candy, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Ancient Holiday, was bred by Rancho San Miguel, is owned by Dale Brewer and trained by Jesus Mendoza. In nine starts, the $10,000 purchase at the Winter Mixed Sale has one maiden-claiming win, earnings of $30,640 and is coming off an eighth in the Dec. 15 King Glorious Stakes. ...

Winter Mixed Sale Outs

These are the hip numbers that are out of the Winter Mixed Sale, as of 1/20 (newest in bold). 4, 8, 10, 11, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 44, 47, 50, 53, 55, 56, 63, 64, 71, 73, 75, 76, 77, 80, 85, 93, 94, 96, 100, 104, 109, 111, 115, 116, 117, 119, 124, 131, 134, 136, 140, 143. ...

Valpredo’s Shocking Grey Wins First Stakes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – How is this for a catalog update – Shocking Grey, scheduled to be sold on Tuesday at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale in Pomona, won her first stakes in Saturday’s $126,500 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. Shocking Grey, trained by Jeff Mullins, is part of a dispersal of racing and breeding holdings of the prominent owner and breeder Don Valpredo, who died in October. Shocking Grey is Hip No. 12 in the one-day auction. On Saturday, Shocking Grey ($19) closed from fifth to reach a contending position when the field crossed from the hillside turf course to the main turf course. Ridden by Antonio Fresu, Shocking Grey fought briefly with even-money favorite Stay and Scam before taking the lead with more than a furlong remaining. Shocking Grey extended her advantage from a half-length in the stretch to 2 1/4 lengths at the finish. :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted data and information in... ...

CTBA Winter Mixed Sale Tuesday, Jan. 21

POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2025) – The 2025 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 12 noon at Hines Pavilion at Fairplex. The sale will include a 22-horse dispersal from the farm of Donald Valpredo, California industry leader and former President of the CTBA, who passed away in November. Checkmate Thoroughbreds has the consignment. Including the Valpredo dispersal, there are 143 cataloged and supplemented broodmares, racing prospects, yearlings and 2-year-olds available in a sale that previously produced stakes winners like Bodacious (2024 I’m Smokin Stakes at Del Mar), Lord Prancealot (2023 Graduation Stakes at Del Mar) and Grade I-producing broodmares like Expo Gold (dam of Preakness-winning filly Swiss Skydiver). For further information and to obtain credit, contact Loretta@ctba.com or call 626-445-7800 ext: 227. ...

Take Another Card

Take Another Card wins $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks. ...

Take Another Card Deals in Howard Oaks

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Favored Take Another Card closed with a rush to win Saturday’s $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Take Another Card is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Lookin At Lucky mare You Missed It, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Simon Callaghan. “It was very exciting. Hector (Berrios) gave her a lovely ride. She was very brave, went through a very tight hole,” said Callaghan. “Nice to see she could stretch out.” Take Another Card, off at 9-5, has won both career starts with earnings of $131,000. She ran the mile on turf in 1:36.98 and won by a half-length. Miso Phansy was second and Tequilaandtherapy was third in the field of 12. “She broke perfectly out of the gate,” said Berrios. “I told her to go and she was comfortable and settled perfectly. When I saved ground, she stayed comfortable, I knew I had it. The last quarter, there was a... ...

Whiskeyginandbrandy

Whiskeyginandbrandy wins $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby. ...

Old Pal

Old Pal wins the $175,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic Stakes, presented by City National Bank. ...

Whiskeyginandbrandy Wins Derby by DQ

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Whiskeyginandbrandy, interfered with turning for home by Shea Brennan, was moved up for the win in Saturday’s $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby for 3-year-olds, with Shea Brennan placed second. Whiskeyginandbrandy is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Successful Appeal mare Appealing Susan, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Chacon, Anthony J., Flores, Victor M. and Lovingier, Terry C. and trained by Steve Knapp. Stewards ruled that Shea Brennan pushed Whiskeyginandbrandy as they both circled the field, knocking Whiskeyginandbrandy off stride. Shea Brennan finished a head in front of Whiskeyginandbrandy and the stewards’ ruling was unanimous. “My horse had a lot of trouble in his last start,” said Knapp. “He got scared in that race and he has really been training great since that race. I knew he was ready for another great race. I saw the other horse knock my horse off stride. That’s a fantastic horse (Shea Brennan) too, but that bump clearly decided the race.” He has two wins in eight... ...

Shocking Grey

Shocking Grey wins $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint Stakes. ...

Old Pal Wins Cal Cup Turf Classic Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Favored Old Pal closed with a rush to win Saturday’s $175,000 Unusual Heat California Cup Turf Classic Stakes, presented by City National Bank, at Santa Anita. Old Pal is by Grazen, out of the English Channel mare Athina Lee, was bred by Ken Miles & Sheridan Jones, is owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Corbett, Carolyn, Desai, Jai H., Dizonno, Frederick A., Garcia, Chris, Harris, Cheryl, Hocevar, Craig, Lewis, Tom, Pate, Garrett, Titus, James and Wagner, Les and trained by Mark Glatt. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $334,940 and was coming off a third in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. “He can win at a mile or a mile and a sixteenth — he just needs a good, hot pace,” said Glatt. Coalinga Road was second and On the Whim third in a field of 11. Old Pal, ridden by Antonio Fresu, ran the 1 1/18 miles in 1:47.93 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-5.... ...

Big City Lights

Big City Lights wins $125,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

Big City Lights Routs in Valpredo Sprint

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Prohibitive favorite Big City Lights made easy work of a small field on Saturday with a victory in the $125,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita that could send him next to Dubai. Bred by Bar C Racing Stable and trained by Richard Mandella for owner Bill Peeples, Big City Lights won by 7 3/4 lengths over Clovisconnection with Smiling Beast third in the field of four. “He’s a beautiful horse. He has a classy head, great balance. Just a classy looking horse,” said Mandella. “I got a good work in him. He’s just a good horse with a lot of class. “(William R. Peeples) wasn’t here. He had shoulder surgery Monday, and I got a message that he wasn’t quite up to it. But he and this horse have been a pleasure all along. “Not sure what’s next. We kind of want to nominate him to Dubai ($2 million Golden Shaheen Sprint April 5) and daydream a little bit. I don’t... ...

CHRB Meeting Canceled

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2025) — The California Horse Racing Board meeting that was to be held this coming Thursday, January 16, has been canceled out of consideration for those affected by the fires in Southern California. The few items on that agenda will be moved to the February meeting, which will be held at Cal Expo on February 20 at 9:30 am. ...

Cal Cup Rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18

From Santa Anita Publicity and DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2025) – Santa Anita Park has cancelled racing this weekend, given the overnight developments with the wildfires on the west side of Los Angeles. The air quality standards at the racetrack remain well within the limits established by the CHRB and HISA, and are forecast to remain so, but the impact of these devastating fires is growing throughout Los Angeles County. According to DRF.com, Saturday’s 11-race California Cup card, including five stakes races, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18, Sunday’s card has been rescheduled to Sunday, Jan. 19. Santa Anita Park’s expansive property is currently being used to support several relief efforts. The large charity drop-off that was set up at the Rose Bowl was relocated to Santa Anita Park’s south parking lot Friday afternoon, with thousands driving in to give what they can or pick up what they need. Southern California Edison is using the entire north parking lot as their basecamp to restore power to those in... ...

Fire Relief Efforts Staged at Santa Anita

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2025) — What started with a food truck guy, a street vendor, and a self-described “food enthusiast,” all wanting to provide food to Los Angeles County wildfire victims, has grown into a massive effort to collect donations and distribute them to those in need. It began at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., and has now moved to Santa Anita Park‘s parking lot. Thousands of people are pouring into the racetrack, some bringing items to donate and others lining up for a chance to pick up needed supplies—all provided for free. The wildfires that have broken out across Los Angeles County are still raging, with the Eaton Fire closest to Santa Anita, but not threatening the racetrack. As more and more people lost their homes, Jerry Martinez, Juan Diaz, and Jimmy Medina wanted to help. “This all started with wanting to give hot dogs out to the local community of Pasadena that were victims of the fire,” Martinez said. “Originally, this was only supposed to be... ...

CTBA Stallion Season Online Auction Jan. 6-7

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2024) — California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s 2025 Stallion Season Online Auction will be held Monday Jan. 6-7 exclusively via www.Salering.net. A preview of the seasons offered will be available for viewing on Saturday, Jan. 4, at www.Salering.net. Bidding starts Monday, Jan. 6, at 8 a.m. PT and concludes Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. PT. All seasons listed are being sold with NO GUARANTEE. Proceeds from the auction benefit the CTBA’s Political Action Committee Fund, which works in support of legislation to favorably impact California breeders. The auction features seasons to 29 California stallions. Among the seasons available is one to perennial leading California sire Stay Thirsty. To view the list of seasons available, CTBA Stallion Season Auction To register for bidding, click Registration Form For more information, contact Christy Chapman at christy@ctba.com. ...

Santa Anita Ready for California Cup Day

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif (Jan. 7, 2025)—Dozens of the best horses bred or sired in California will compete in five stakes as part of an 11-race card set for California Cup Day Saturday at Santa Anita. First post is 11:30 a.m. PT. Headlining California Cup Day is a trio of stakes worth $175,000 in prize money: the California Chrome California Cup Derby for 3-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles on dirt; Leigh Ann Howard California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at a mile on turf; and Unusual Heat Turf Classic for 4-year-olds and older going 1 1/8 miles on turf. Rounding out the stakes action is the $125,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint going six furlongs and $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly Mare Turf Sprint at about 6 ½ furlongs on the hillside turf course. In addition to the action on the track, racegoers on California Cup Day can enjoy Santa Anita’s popular Burgers & Brews festival. Burgers & Brews features gourmet burgers from... ...

Hey Jessie, Familiar Rivals in Howard Oaks

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Five of the top six finishers in the Dec. 8 Soviet Problem Stakes, including winner Hey Jessie, are entered in the rescheduled $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Santa Anita. 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. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $176,067 and is coming off a third in a Dec. 8 Soviet Problem. Sunset Grazen is by Grazen, out of the Slew’s Tiznow mare Sausalito Sunset, was bred by Legacy Ranch and is owned by by trainer Samuel Calvario. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $61,680 and is coming off a win in the Dec. 7 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes. We the Hobby is by Om, out of the Pioneerof the Nile mare American Farrah, was bred by trainer Peter Miller and is owned... ...

Shea Brennan, Familiar Rivals in ‘Chrome Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2025) – The top five finishers in the Dec. 15 King Glorious Stakes, including winner Shea Brennan, resume their rivalry in the rescheduled $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby for 3-year-olds on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Santa Anita. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate I’m a Bad Boy is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Roman Ruler mare Donita’s Ruler, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by C T R Stables and trainer by Luis Mendez. The $18,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $145,080 and is coming off a second in the Dec. 15 King Glorious. 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 five starts, earnings of $57,490 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 15 Bay Meadows Juvenile Stakes. Shea Brennan is by Tough Sunday, out of the Old... ...

Coalinga Road, Aligato in Unusual Heat Classic

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Former winners Coalinga Road and Aligato are part of a field of 11 entered in the rescheduled $175,000 California Cup Unusual Heat Turf Classic Stakes, presented by City National Bank, on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Santa Anita. Keep Movin’ On is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Henny Hughes mare My Due Process, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Fairview and trained by Tim Yakteen. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $120,774 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 9 optional claimer. Multiple stakes winner On the Whim is by Acclamation, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Whimsy, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Dean Pederson. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $237,096 and is coming off an eighth in a Nov. 30 optional claimer. Jimmy Blue Jeans is by James Street, out of the Marino Marini mare Blue Blizzard, was bred by Perry Bruno and John Gezon, is owned... ...

Big City Lights, Clovisconnection in Valpredo

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2025) – In seven career starts against California-breds, Big City Lights has won three times and finished second on four occasions to The Chosen Vron, the leading statebred in the last two years. Not a bad record at all. Without The Chosen Vron for competition, the 6-year-old Big City Lights won the Cary Grant Stakes for statebreds by 8 1/2 lengths as the odds-on favorite at Del Mar in November. Big City Lights, second in the race last year, will be a heavy favorite to win the fifth stakes of his career in the rescheduled $125,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint at six furlongs on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Santa Anita. The California Cup Sprint is one of five stakes for statebreds on Saturday’s 11-race program, which begins at 11:30 a.m. Pacific. :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances, Picks, and Clocker Reports available now. Bred by Bar C Racing Stable and trained by Richard Mandella... ...

Stay and Scam in Filly & Mare Turf Sprint

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Multiple stakes winner Stay and Scam, third in the race a year ago, takes on California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale graduate Safa in the rescheduled $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, presented by John Deere, on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Santa Anita. Stay and Scam is by Square Eddie, out of the Momentum mare Puff Pastry, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has six wins in 17 starts, earnings of $440,360 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 11 Senator Ken Maddy. She was third in this race last year. Stay and Scam is the only runner in a field of six that has won at the race distance of about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside course. Stay and Scam, who was third by a head in the 2024 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint, won an allowance race and the Irish O’Brien Stakes for statebred fillies and... ...

Santa Anita’s Friday Card Postponed

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2025) — Santa Anita Park has postponed Friday’s racing program until next Thursday, Jan. 16. due to the forecast of poor air quality for the San Gabriel Valley. The California Horse Racing Board has approved this proactive rescheduling of the 10-race card. The races will be run with the horses previously entered in the post-position order originally drawn. “While Santa Anita continues to remain well outside of any active fire area, the smoke from the wildfires is affecting all of Los Angeles County,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita’s General Manager & SVP. “We also want to respect the impact that this tragedy has had on many of our community, including our horsemen and women and our own Santa Anita team, who have been devastated by these fires. By proactively moving the races, it gives our horsemen and women, horseplayers, fans and our team the opportunity to plan accordingly.” A decision on this weekend’s racing program, including Saturday’s 11-race California Cup program, will... ...

Alotaluck Reports to Ft. Bliss Stakes

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 10, 2025) – Graded-stakes placed Alotaluck is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 Ft. Bliss Stakes at Sunland Park. 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 four wins in eight starts, earnings of $278,288 and is coming off a Dec. 18 optional claiming win. ...

The Chosen Vron a Finalist for Eclipse

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2025) – California-bred champion The Chosen Vron is a finalist for the 2024 Eclipse Award Champion Sprinter, it was announced on Sunday. Cogburn and Straight No Chaser are the other finalists in the category. Straight No Chaser also is a finalist for Older Dirt Male. Here is Daily Racing Form’s profile on The Chosen Vron: 2024 Eclipse Awards: The Chosen Vron The award winners will be announced and presented Jan. 23 at a black-tie ceremony held at The Breakers Palm Beach, a luxury resort in Palm Beach, Fla. As explained in this Daily Racing Form article 2024 Eclipse Awards: Thorpedo Anna, Sierra Leone top finalists, the Eclipse Awards are voted on by members of Daily Racing Form, the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association, and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the latter group represented by member racetrack racing officials and Equibase field personnel. Out of 240 eligible voters, 208 ballots were returned, according to the NTRA. Finalists are determined based on the top three vote-getters in each... ...

Stute Memorials Scheduled for Jan. 11-12

By DRF.com GLENDORA, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2025) – A celebration of life for the late trainer Mel Stute and his wife Annabelle, who died in December, is scheduled for Sunday at 9 a.m. at Clocker’s Corner at Santa Anita. A memorial service for the couple is scheduled for Saturday at Hope Lutheran Church in Glendora, Calif., at 2 p.m. Mel Stute, who trained the legendary California-bred Snow Chief in the 1980s, died in 2020 at the age of 93. Annabelle Stute died in December at 92. The Stutes’s survivors include their son, Gary, who has a stable at Santa Anita. Gary Stute saddled a winner at Santa Anita earlier this month. Gary Stute said on Friday that a memorial service was not held for his father in 2020 because he died during the coronavirus pandemic. Snow Chief won the Eclipse Award as the champion 3-year-old male of 1986, the year he won the Preakness Stakes and the Florida, Santa Anita, and Jersey derbies. Snow Chief was 11th in the Kentucky Derby.... ...

Swift as I Am Enters Duncan F. Kenner

NEW ORLEANS, La. (Jan. 11, 2025) – Swift as I Am is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Duncan F. Kenner Stakes at Fair Grounds. Swift as I Am is by Danza, out of the Artie Schiller mare As I Am, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Joel Hunsburger and trained by Tanner Tracy. He has four wins in 23 starts, earnings of $157,335 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 13 optional claimer. He was fourth in this race last year. ...

California Cup Stakes Nominations Due Today

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 2, 2025) – Nominations close today, Thursday, Jan. 2, for the five stakes races to be held on California Cup Day, Saturday, Jan. 11, at Santa Anita. The stakes: California Cup Derby, 3 YO, 8 1/2 F – $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks, F, 3 YO, 8 F (T) – $175,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint, 4 & UP, 6 F – $125,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank, 4 & UP, 9 F (T) – $175,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint presented by John Deere, F/M, 4 & UP, *6 1/2 F (TH) – $125,000. To nominate, contact the Santa Anita Racing Office at (626) 574-6352 or (626) 574-6471 or e-mail: nominations@santaanita.com. ...

NorCal Sale Graduate in Borderplex

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 10, 2025) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Street Colors is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $65,000 Borderplex Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park. 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 Edwin Martinez. The $4,500 purchase out of the Checkmate Thoroughbred consignment of the Northern California Yearling Sale is a maiden making her fifth start with earnings of $6,370. ...

NorCal Sale Graduate in Borderplex

Expert Panel to Select CTBA Racing Champions

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2024) – A blue-ribbon panel of industry experts will decide all California Thoroughbred Breeders Association year-end divisional racing champions, including Horse of the Year, effective immediately. The panel will consist of California racing secretaries David Jerkens, Jason Egan and Tom Doutrich and will be overseen by Santa Anita track announcer Frank Mirahmadi. By tapping the input of executives that are most closely involved in the racing performance of California-breds, and in the best position to recognize talent and achievement, the voting change will also streamline the selection process, ensuring fair and representative outcomes. In addition to Horse of the Year, the panel will determine these champions: 2-Year-Old Male, 3-Year-Old Male, Older Male, 2-Year-Old Female, 3-Year-Old Female, Older Female, Sprinter, Turf, Broodmare of the Year. Independent statistical computations by Equibase will continue to determine Champion Stallions in each division, as well as Champion Breeder. As in previous years, winners will be honored at the CTBA annual meeting and awards dinner on Mar. 3 at the Le Meridien... ...

Stallion Bolden’s First Foal a Colt

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2025)— Southern California sprint sensation Bolden, a dual-surface winner who exhibited sub-1:08 speed during his undefeated racing career, was represented by his firstborn foal on January 4: a bay colt who was foaled at Rancho San Miguel in California. Weighing in at a strapping 125 pounds, the colt is the second foal out of the eight-time winner and $144,010-earner Trina, by Peppered Cat. He was bred by Rancho San Miguel. “Bolden is a big, good-looking and classy stallion who has us excited for the future,” said Rancho San Miguel owner Tom Clark, whose farm stands the 7-year-old son of Grade 1 winner, 6 1/2-furlong Santa Anita Park track recordholder and leading California sire Square Eddie, by Smart Strike. “If all the Boldens look like this first one, we are going to have a lot of fun.” Racing exclusively on the challenging Southern California circuit, Bolden won all four of his career starts by a combined margin of 21... ...

Pushiness, Irish Wahine Enter Las Flores

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2024) – Stakes winner Pushiness and graded-stakes placed Irish Wahine are the California-breds entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Las Flores Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Pushiness is by Kantharos, out of the Empire Maker mare Imperial Pippin, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Repole Stables and trained by Michael McCarthy. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $272,046 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 10 Betty Grable. Irish Wahine is by Grazen, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. and Neary Racing, is owned by GMT Racing Stables and trained by Librado Barocio. She has 11 wins in 30 starts, earnings of $316,956 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov. 30 Livermore Valley Stakes. ...

Grace On Grace Wins Turfway’s Gowell Stakes

FLORENCE, Ky. (Jan. 1, 2025) – Grace On Grace, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Jersey Town, won Wednesday’s $110,000 Gowell Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turfway Park. Grace On Grace, out of the Poteen mare Trick Soso, has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $123,641 and was coming off a second in a Dec. 13 optional claimer. She ran the six furlongs in 1:12.16 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 10-1 in a field of six. ...

Iron Skull Coasts in Puerto Rico Stakes

CANOVANOS, Puerto Rico (Dec. 25, 2024) — Undefeated Iron Skull, a Puerto Rican-bred son of California stallion Midnight Storm, won Wednesday’s $85,200 Grade I Clasico Navidad Stakes for 2-year-olds at Hipodromo Camarero Iron Skull, out of the Scat Daddy mare Angela’s Smile, was coming off a debut win Nov. 7. He ran the 1 1/16 miles on a muddy track in 1:46.66 and won by 9 1/4 lengths as the 3-2 favorite. He has career earnings of $59,276. ...

Sabertooth, King of Dragons in Eddie Logan

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 25, 2024) – California-sired Sabertooth and California-bred King of Dragons are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Eddie Logan Stakes at Santa Anita. Graded-stakes placed Sabertooth is a Maryland-bred by California sire Grazen, out of the Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, was bred by 2500 Determined Stud, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Tim Yakteen, He has a maiden, making his seventh start with earnings of $81,300 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 29 maiden special weight. King of Dragons is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Eskenderaya mare Zendreya, was bred by owner Cicero Farms and is trained by Richard Baltas. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $47,700 and is coming off a Nov. 29 maiden win. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

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_ver2.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. ...

Cal-bred Pair Enters KLAQ Handicap

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Dec. 22, 2024) – California-breds Tizlightning and Bart Sip Some are entered in the $65,000 KLAQ Handicap at Sunland Park on Jan. 3. Tizlightning is by Stanford, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Tizadream, was bred by Lori Gallegos, is owned by Battle Born Racing Stable and is trained by Jesus Uranga. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $101,316 and is coming off a win in a Sept. 22 starter’s allowance. Bart Sip Some is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Mineshaft mare Sally Simpson, was bred by KM Racing Enterprises, is owned by Hugo Holguin and trained by Terri Rust. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $65,745 and is coming off a fifth in a Dec. 18 optional claimer. ...

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... ...

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