About the author  ⁄ CTBA

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. ...

Read More →

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. ...

Read More →

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... ...

Read More →

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... ...

Read More →

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... ...

Read More →

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... ...

Read More →

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.   ...

Read More →

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. ...

Read More →

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. ...

Read More →

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.... ...

Read 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... ...

Read More →

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... ...

Read More →

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... ...

Read More →

Grand Slam Smile’s Next Stop is Pleasanton

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

Read More →

Johnny Podres, Sassy Nature in Stormy Liberal

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

Read More →

Prince Dolce Directed to Cecil B. DeMille

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

Read More →

Fast Buck Takes on Shippers in Seabiscuit

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

Read More →

Storm the Court Retired to Stand at Eclipse

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

Read More →

Los Alamitos Winter Meet Opens Friday

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

Read More →

None Above the Law Enters Hollywood Turf

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

Read More →

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Brenda Washington Davis, and Thomas Hudnut. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: While the Board considered the license application for the upcoming winter-spring meet at Santa Anita, track executive Aiden Butler took the opportunity to address a much larger issue. In essence, he said racing in California is heading toward disaster if Santa Anita and northern thoroughbred interests continue to compete with overlapping race meets. Both Santa Anita and Golden State Racing (GSR) at Pleasanton are cutting purses due largely to small fields and reduced handle. He described this as “suicide.” His solution, though not clearly spelled out in great detail, essentially calls for horses to continue training in the north but... ...

Read More →

Moment’s Pleasure Taking Red Carpet Ride

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

Read More →

Santa Anita Announces Stakes Schedule

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

Read More →

TJC Updates Ownership App

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

Read More →

Graded-placed Alotaluck in Zia Park Derby

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

Read More →

Street Colors, Going Deep in Princess Stakes

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

Read More →

NTRA Offers Equine Accounting Seminar

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

Read More →

Stuart Janney III to Step Down Next Year

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

Read More →

Cal Cup Sprint on Deck for Big City Lights

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

Read More →

TJC Accepting Intern, Scholarship Applications

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

Read More →

Northern California Racing Update

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

Read More →

Melanie’s Tiger, Druidic in Mt. Diablo Stakes

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

Read More →

Stallion Corporal to Stand at Dehesa Farms

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

Read More →

Chismosa Returns to Dirt and Winner’s Circle

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

Read More →

Big City Lights Stars in Cary Grant Stakes

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

Read More →

Clovisconnection Takes Another Stakes

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

Read More →

Legendary Horseman Don Valpredo Passes

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

Read More →

Cal-bred Scramble in Betty Grable Stakes

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

Read More →

The Chosen Vron Misses Cary Grant Stakes

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

Read More →

Court Snort Brings $185,000 at Keeneland

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

Read More →

Oakland Stakes Next for Clovisconnection

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

Read More →

TOC Owners Seminar at Pleasanton Nov. 16

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

Read More →

Class Clown is No Joke at Keeneland Sale

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

Read More →

Cal-bred Daddysruby Sells for $1.1 Million

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

Read More →

Cloud Blitz Rushes into Gold Rush Futurity

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

Read More →

Speedy Wilson Fast Enough in Juvenile

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

Read More →

Tequilaandtherapy by a Nose in Juvenile Fillies

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

Read More →

CHRB Advisory for Board Meetings

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

Read More →

Golden State Juvenile Draws R Heisman

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

Read More →

Hot Girl Walk in Golden State Juvenile Fillies

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

Read More →

Stay and Scam, Sassy Nature in Ken Maddy

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

Read More →

Sabertooth’s Connections Pick TAA

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

Read More →

Gun Runner’s Corporal to Stand at Dehesa

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

Read More →

Sneaker Seeks Stakes Win in Autumn Miss

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2024) – Sneaker is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Autumn Miss Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Sneaker is by Oscar Performance, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Lime Beach, was bred by Fountain of Youth Breeding, is owned by R L Stables and trained by George Papaprodromou. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $157,128 and is coming off a win in a Sept. 29 optional claimer. ...

Read More →

Sabertooth Looks to Draw in to Juvenile Turf

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

Read More →

Curlin’s Kaos in Grade II Twilight Derby

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

Read More →

Turf Sprint or Allowance for Forbidden Kingdom?

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

Read More →

Vet Scratches The Chosen Vron from Sprint

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

Read More →

Noms Close Thursday for Golden State Stakes

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

Read More →

Catholic Boy to Stand at Harris Farms

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

Read More →

Benefits for Breeders’ Cup Undercard Entrants

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

Read More →

Golden State Racing Launches Saturday

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

Read More →

NorCal Sale Grads Vie in Bart Heller Stakes

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

Read More →

More Black Type Lures Man O Rose

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

Read More →

Retired Thoroughbreds to Benefit from Their Art

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

Read More →

Auerbach Launches Consulting Firm

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

Read More →

Heinz Steinmann Passes at Age 92

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

Read More →

On the Whim Captures California Flag

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

Read More →

Moment’s Pleasure Seeks More in Swingtime

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

Read More →

Grand Slam Smile Upsets California Distaff

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

Read More →

Rancho San Miguel Open House Nov. 16

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

Read More →

Storm the Court Might Race Before Breeding

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

Read More →

Breeders’ Cup Before Forbidden Kingdom Breeds?

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

Read More →

None Above the Law in California Flag

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

Read More →

Coalinga Road, Shortman Duel in Bull Dog

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

Read More →

Jockey Club Traceability Initiative Launched

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 10, 2025) — The Jockey Club’s traceability initiative, which was announced at the 2023 Round Table Conference (bit.ly/3YiHCH7), launched this summer with email prompts to racetracks and sales companies with digital certificates of horses that have had no Interactive Registration (IR) activity and no Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) number in the past two years.  “We have reached out to many tracks and sales companies and have had a good result with certificates being transferred to the correct parties,” said Rick Bailey, registrar of The Jockey Club. “If anyone has a digital certificate of foal registration in their account for a horse they no longer possess, we encourage them to transfer the certificate to the current owner or appropriate certificate manager.” Starting this week, The Jockey Club Registry is sending an email to individuals listed as the certificate manager of a horse that has had no IR activity and no T.I.P. number in the past two years. The email directs certificate managers to a... ...

Read More →

Big Fame a TCA Makeover Champion

By DRF.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2024) – Crossing the country, California-bred Big Fame, now based in Arizona, was honored as the overall champion at the 2024 Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, at the finale competition on Saturday evening at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. More than 280 Thoroughbreds, all of whom have had a race or published work within a recent timeframe and none of whom had begun serious re-training for a second career before last December, competed across 10 equestrian disciplines at the Makeover, which offered over $100,000 in prize money across the event. After two days of preliminary competition, the top five horses from each discipline moved on to a finale on Saturday, to determine 10 divisional winners. That group was then discussed by a panel of judges in each discipline to determine an overall champion, with that award sponsored by Churchill Downs. Big Fame and Angela Carmitchel, a professional rider based out of her Taylermade Equestrian Services in Scottsdale,... ...

Read More →

Rose Maddox, Chismosa in California Distaff

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2025) – Defending champion Rose Maddox and graded winner Chismosa head a full field of 12 entered in Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Back On Track is by Prospect Park, out of the Good Journey mare Peg’s Journey, was bred by Carole Fernandez and is owned by trainer Paul Capestro. She has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $125,605 and is coming off a fifth in the Aug. 31 Torrey Pines. Rebalation is by Acclamation, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba is Tops, was bred by Eric Schweiger, Gordy Jarnig & Kenny Marshall, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and is trained by Librado Barocio. The stakes winner has nine wins in 23 starts, earnings of $260,856 and is coming off a seventh in a Sept. 28 optional claimer. Prancingthruparis is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Bellamy Road mare She’s a Big Winner, was bred by owners SAF Racing, Ciaglia Racing LLC... ...

Read More →

CTBA Winter Sale New Date: January 21

POMONA, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2024) — The 2025 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale has been rescheduled and will now be held Tuesday, Jan. 21, at noon at Hines Pavilion at Fairplex. Entries close Nov. 12. Broodmares, racing prospects, yearlings and 2-year-olds will be available in a sale that previously produced stakes winners like Lord Prancealot (2023 Graduation Stakes at Del Mar) and Grade 1-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. ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Sprinters in Weekend Spotlight

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2024) — California-bred sprinters on the Santa Anita hillside will be in the spotlight Oct. 12-13. The $100,000 California Distaff Handicap is Saturday; the $100,000 California Flag Handicap is Sunday. While the California Distaff could include stakes winners Big Summer, Connie Swingle, Sassy Nature, and Stay and Scam, the California Flag open to both genders will not include the top three Cal-bred males currently racing or training toward a comeback. Grade 1 winner The Chosen Vron is aiming for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Nov. 2 at Del Mar, and stakes winner Man O Rose is more likely for the restricted Lure Stakes on Oct. 19 at Santa Anita than the California Flag. Meanwhile, six-time stakes winner Kings River Knight recently returned to trainer John Sadler after taking the summer off. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. Kings River Knight, first or second in 15 of his 16 starts, is aiming for... ...

Read More →

Connections Retire Carmelita’s Man

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2024) — Carmelita’s Man, a durable gelding who campaigned through five seasons and won eight races, including three stakes for California-breds, has run his final race. Owner Larry Jett and trainer Dean Pederson retired the 7-year-old after his fourth-place finish at Del Mar in the California Dreamin,’ a summer-season turf mile he won in 2022 and 2023. He was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and Robert Traynor “He was still running good races and he ran a good race (last out) at Del Mar,” Pederson said, referring to the fourth-place finish in which he missed by less than two lengths. But the trainer acknowledged that Carmelita’s Man had not won since August 2023. Pederson said he had “wear and tear on the body, and rather than run him for a claiming price, we came to the agreement his better days were behind him and we let him go out with a little bit of dignity.” Carmelita’s Man, who began his career in summer 2020, earned... ...

Read More →

Magic Tiger on the Prowl for Don Getty

WINNIPEG, Alberta (Oct. 10, 2024) – Magic Tiger is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Don Getty Handicap at Century Downs. Magic Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Funny Gal, was bred by Robert Heinz & Michelle Machado, is owned by Wind Dancer Stable and trained by Rodney Cone. He has 13 wins in 37 starts, earnings of $196,074 and is coming off a fourth in a Sept. 4 allowance. ...

Read More →

Majestic Oops Enters Chouinard Stakes

WINNIPEG, Alberta (Oct. 10, 2024) – Majestic Oops is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Stakes for fillies and mares at Century Downs. 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, Kropp, Gary and Kropp, Janet and trained by Craig Smith. She has four wins in 20 starts, earnings of $117,250 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 24 Northlands Distaff. ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Trio Enters Manzano Stakes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Oct. 7, 2024) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Karaoke Hero and fellow Cal-breds Street Colors and Roadswitcher are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Manzano Stakes for 2-year-olds at Albuquerque. Karaoke Hero is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Songandaprayer mare No Tunes, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Tyson Esquibel and trained by Timothy Gleason. The $2,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $4,400. Street Colors is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Orientate mare Ocean Colors, was bred by Jason Hall & Joe Wheeler, is owned by Juan Zamora and trained by Johnny Singh. He is making his debut. Roadswitcher is by Bodexpress, out of the Street Sense mare La Strada, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Edward Sepich Jr. and is trained by Timothy Gleason. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $2,200. ...

Read More →

Milky Way Stallions Attract More Mares

By PaulickReport.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2024) — Defining a successful stallion is a moving target that can shift with the phases of their career, their location, and the whims of the marketplace. One thing that never goes out of style, though, is getting mares to a stallion. The more mares that are bred, the more potential foals hit the ground, the more potential runners hit the track, and the more chance one has of doing something big, turning the stallion into a made man. (Click to continue) Which Stallions Saw The Biggest Spikes In Popularity In 2024? – Paulick Report | Shining Light on the Horse Industry ...

Read More →

R Heisman Heads to Zuma Beach

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2024) – California-sired stakes winner R Heisman and California-bred Cali Cat are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Zuma Beach Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. R Heisman is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Far From Over, out of the First American mare Parisienne, was bred by Highclere, is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $121,200 and is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 8 Del Mar Futurity. Cali Cat is by American Pharoah, out of the More Than Ready mare Ready for Romance, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Hronis Racing and trained by John Sadler. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $45,500 and is coming off an Aug. 30 maiden win. ...

Read More →

Tequilaandtherapy Enters Surfer Girl Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2024) – Tequilaandtherapy is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Surfer Girl Stakes for 2-year-olds 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 trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $58,317 and is coming off an Aug. 30 maiden win. ...

Read More →

EIA Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2024) — Under the supervision of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and dictated by state and federal standards, five additional horses have been euthanized at Los Alamitos after they tested positive for Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA). This follows the euthanasia of seven other EIA positive quarter horses earlier this month. All 12 horses were trained by Heath Taylor and stabled in his barn at Los Alamitos. As was reported October 3, CDFA ordered three of the Taylor horses to remain in quarantine as part of a group including those that tested positive. All three of those horses later tested positive and were among the five euthanized on Wednesday. After EIA was detected among Taylor horses in other states as well, CDFA and United States Department of Agriculture initiated epidemiological tracing of the disease. As such, all of Taylor’s horses at Los Alamitos were tested by CDFA. Those tests identified two additional positives in the Taylor barn, resulting in their euthanasia. The other... ...

Read More →

Chismosa, Irish Wahine in Chillingworth

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa and fellow California-bred Irish Wahine are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Chillingworth Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Irish Wahine is by Grazen, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. & Neary Racing, is owned by GMT Racing Stables and trained by Librado Barocio. She has 11 wins in 27 starts, earnings of $290,456 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 25 Rancho Bernardo. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $544,250 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 25 Rancho Bernardo. ...

Read More →

Cal-bred Pair Enters Oak Leaf Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2024) – California-breds In the Air Tonight and Om N Joy are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Oak Leaf Stakes, presented by Oak Tree, for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. 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, Flores or Lovingier and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $108,400 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 2 Generous Portion. Om N Joy is by Om, out of the Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute, was bred by Jerry Baker & Connie Baker, is owned by Baker, Golovko or Scanlan, et al and is trained by Aggie Ordonez. She is a maiden making her third start with earnings of $18,000.  ...

Read More →

NorCal Sale Grad Enters Speakeasy Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate I’m a Bad Boy and fellow California-bred Timty are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II $100,000 Speakeasy Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. 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 trained by Luis Mendez. The $18,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in four starts, earnings of $78,480 and is coming off an Aug. 31 maiden win. Timty is by Stanford, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by Wayne Atwell, is owned by Kasparoff, Leatherman or Mayberry and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $55,620 and is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 6 I’m Smokin. ...

Read More →

Clovisconnection Repeats in Harris Farms

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2024) – Defending his title with consummate ease, odds-on favorite Clovisconnection blazed to a six-length win in Sunday’s $73,500 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles. Clovisconnection ($2.40) took the lead at the start and was clear throughout the six-furlong race. He was not urged late by jockey William Antongeorgi, finishing six lengths clear of 9-2 Disko Tribute in a field of five. Melanie’s Tiger, who was checked shortly after the start, recovered to finish third, followed by Scary Fast Ride and Lmlooknformischief, who stumbled at the start. Only five ran after Bob’s Blue Moon was scratched. Clovisconnection was timed in 1:08.90, winning for the 10th time in his 16-race career. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. Clovisconnection was in front by 1 1/2 lengths after a quarter-mile in 23.82 seconds and by 2 1/2 lengths after a half-mile in 45.93. “He broke well and established the lead in what was... ...

Read More →