From Harris Auerbach COTTONWOOD, Calif. (May 30, 2020) — Multiple stakes winner, former course record holder and important California horse retirement figure Lennyfromalibu passed away due to complications from colic on Thursday evening at his home at Tranquility Farm in Cottonwood, Calif.  He was 21. Bred in California by owners Jim and Madeline Auerbach, Lennyfromalibu hailed from the first crop of California’s All Time Leading Sire Unusual Heat and was the first foal of the Half A Year mare Style of the Year.  Lenny is widely recognized as the horse who put Unusual Heat on the map as his first star runner.  Unusual Heat would go on to become a 7 time leading sire in California while Lenny’s dam Style of the Year would become an important foundation mare of 15 foals amassing over $1.6 million in earnings and producers of black type runners. A versatile athlete with pure speed, Lenny won races on dirt and turf and both sprinting and around 2 turns.  Trained by Barry Abrams, he won the 2003 California Cup Mile... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (May 29, 2020) — Del Mar will offer eight California-bred stakes, part of the Golden State Series consisting of 39 restricted stakes for registered California-bred or California-sired horses. They are: Friday, July 24 $100,000 Fleet Treat Stakes, for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs; Sunday, July 26 $125,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles (turf); Friday, July 31 $100,000 Real Good Deal Stakes, for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs; Saturday, August 1 $100,000 CTBA Stakes, for 2-year-old fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs; Sunday, August 2, $100,000 Graduation Stakes, for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs; Saturday, August 15, $125,000 Solana Beach Stakes, for 3-year-olds and up, fillies and mares at one mile (turf); Sunday, August 30, $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes, for 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs; Friday, September 4, $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes, for 2-year-olds at six furlongs ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (May 28, 2020) — The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club announced today its intention to begin the 2020 summer race meet on July 10 and employ a three-day-a-week race schedule pending the approval of the California Horse Racing Board at its June 11 meeting. Further, following guidelines issued by San Diego County public health officials, California state officials and in consultation with other public health experts, the track’s traditional summer meeting is preparing to operate without spectators, but will continue to work with state and local officials to adopt any changes as they happen. In all cases, Del Mar will follow similar COVID-19 protocols that have enabled racing to be conducted safely in California and throughout the country. “We’re coming back and we’re going to put on the most unique show in Del Mar history,” said Del Mar’s CEO, Joe Harper. “It’s going to look different, it’s going to feel different, but it’s going to be first-class horse racing at Del Mar and in these... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 27, 20o20) — Santa Anita has announced a comprehensive plan to allow CHRB licensed owners at the race track to watch their horses breeze in the mornings. Since the number of owners attending at one time will be limited to comply with county health department protocols, reservations must be made ahead of time by your trainer. Trainers will be able to make reservations through the Santa Anita Racing Office for their owners to attend on a first-come-first-served basis. The new owners’ viewing area has been set aside in the Clubhouse section of the Grandstand overlooking the far turn. The viewing area contains tables and chairs, which have been appropriately spaced for social distancing. Extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the viewing area and restrooms will be done regularly to conform to COVID-19 protocols. There will also be coffee service available in the viewing area. Owners must enter Santa Anita through Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue and park in the Clubhouse Valet.  They will enter through the Clubhouse... ...

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 27, 2020) — The framework for a summer racing season in Northern California was discussed during a May 27 teleconference of the California Horse Racing Board Race Dates Committee, though the finalization of dates will not take place until the CHRB regular monthly meeting June 11. Under dates mentioned by committee members Oscar Gonzales and Wendy Mitchell, the summer racing season in Northern California could include an Alameda County Fair race meet at Pleasanton from June 19-July 12 followed by a Cal Expo at Pleasanton meet from July 17-Aug 2. Those dates would be contingent on Pleasanton receiving authorization from the Alameda County Public Health Department to race amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and CHRB approval at the June 11 meeting. Golden Gate Fields, currently running spectatorless and set to race through June 14, could pick up summer fair dates, resuming racing Aug. 7 and staging a Santa Rosa at Golden Gate meet through Aug. 16. It could then continue with other race dates through Oct.... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 26, 2020) — The California Thoroughbred Business League (CTBL) board today unanimously approved a subsidy of $2 million from its reserves to be paid to Post Time Self Insurance Group, the entity which insures California trainers for workers’ compensation. CTBL, Post Time and the California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) have agreed to support the creation of a new position of Director of Safety to establish and regulate uniform safety standards and to oversee and coordinate those standards at California tracks and auxiliary training facilities. “We spent substantial time over the last three months working with the trainers and Post Time to develop substantial improvements in the workers’ comp program, including significant safety initiatives,” said Nick Alexander, TOC Chairman and representative on the CTBL board.  “I especially want to thank Tim Yakteen, Post Time president and southern California vice-president of CTT, for his important input and the countless hours he contributed to the process.” “We greatly appreciate this funding from the CTBL,” said Yakteen. “It was vital... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2020) – Graduates of California Thoroughbred Breeders Sales have won five races in the state this weekend. Salsa Verde, a 3-year-old daughter of U S Ranger, won a maiden claimer at Golden Gate on Thursday. Out of the Victory Gallop mare Blue Sky Holiday, Salsa Verde was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by trainer Paul Aguirre and Bryce Packnit and was purchased at the 2019 CTBA January Mixed Sale for $1,000. Take the One O One, a 5-year-old by Acclimation, won an optional allowance claimer at Santa Anita on Friday. Out of the Jump Start mare North Freeway, Take the One O One was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Jay Em Ess Stable, is trained by Brian Koriner and was a $47,000 purchase at the 2016 Northern California Yearling Sale. Take the One O One has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $382,306 and is graded-stakes placed. Gardees World, a 2-year-old filly by Atticus, won an open maiden special weight race... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 16, 2020)–Unhurried early from her rail post position, Smiling Shirlee, under confident handling from Mike Smith, came running late to overhaul a well meant Bella Vita in taking Saturday’s $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Jeff Bonde, the 3-year-old daughter of Smiling Tiger got six furlongs in 1:10.49, which was .26 of a second slower than Big Sweep’s final clocking in the Evening Jewel’s counterpart, the Echo Eddie, which was run two races earlier. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Evening Jewel is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. A one mile state-bred allowance winner on March 6, Smiling Shirlee, who is owned by Edward Brown, Jr., Alan Klein and Phillip Lebherz, had been Cal-bred stakes place on three occasions and notched her first stakes victory today in her eighth career start. “What a race she ran,” said Smith, who was aboard for the first time today. “I thought that if she ran back... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 16, 2020)–In just her second career start and the lone filly in the lineup, Big Sweep came rolling from off the pace to take Saturday’s $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes by a head under Flavien Prat. Owned by Red Baron’s Barn, LLC and Rancho Temescal and trained by Mark Glatt, the 3-year-old daughter of Mr. Big got six furlongs in 1:10.23. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Echo Eddie is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Breaking from the number seven post position in a field of eight sophomores, Big Sweep had two horses beat a half mile from home, but was on the move while fourth, two off Better Trip Nick and Rookie Mistake a quarter mile out. From there, Rookie Mistake took the lead at the furlong marker and Big Sweep was all out to collar him on the money. “She ran really well,” said Prat, who had guided Big Sweep to a 2 ¼ length... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Cris Caldwell, notable auctioneer and loving father of two children, died May 15 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63. Born Feb. 14, 1957 in Upland, Calif. to Tom and Mary Caldwell, Caldwell started his auction career at the age of 16 at Maclin Caldwell Auction Company in Chino, Calif, selling everything from furniture to horses five days a week. In 1975 he joined the Keeneland auction ranks under his father. He would go on to sell hundreds of millions of dollars worth of horses during a 45-year tenure that concluded with the 2020 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale. At home in Oregon, Caldwell was crucial to many farm and charity auctions, always giving back to the community in any way possible. Caldwell had a passion for ranching and the western way of life. That passion was instilled in his girls, Alden and Laurel, who continue his legacy as a fourth-generation rancher and budding veterinarian, respectively. An avid athlete and daredevil, Caldwell’s life was... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 7,  2020) — The Jockey Club board of stewards today announced that it has adopted a final rule limiting the annual breeding of individual stallions. The rule reflects The Jockey Club’s goal to preserve the health of the Thoroughbred breed for the long term and will apply prospectively to stallions born in 2020 or later.  Effective today, The Jockey Club’s Principal Rules and Requirements of the American Studbook are amended by adding the following italicized language to the text of Rule 14C: C. Based on the information on a completed Report of Mares Bred form, The Jockey Club will forward to the stallion owner, lessee or authorized agent a preprinted Service Certificate for each broodmare bred, including the name of the stallion, the name of the broodmare, the name of the dam of the broodmare, and the date of the last cover. The total number of broodmares bred per individual stallion whose year of birth is 2020 or thereafter shall not exceed 140... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 5, 2020) — The Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the application process for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program after a short delay. Farms with fewer than 500 employees whose primary activity is breeding horses may now apply for these loans offered to businesses that have suffered economic hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.   “This is welcome news and a terrific opportunity for horse farms that are currently facing a number of daunting challenges,” said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop. “The NTRA encourages quick action by those interested, as the loans are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.”   Click here to access the EIDL application.   The NTRA lobbied the SBA for several weeks after farms were excluded from earlier federal emergency aid packages. On April 24, President Trump signed into law another package providing relief to small businesses, including farms and ranches.   NTRA partner Dean Dorton, one of the nation’s leading experts on equine... ...

By Bloodhorse.com BONSALL, Calif. (May 1, 2020) — Reddam Racing’s grade 1 winner Pavel was retired May 1 and will stand at Ocean Breeze Ranch in Bonsall, Calif. The owners also announced that their grade 1 winner Square Eddie  has been pensioned from stud duty. Trained by Doug O’Neill, Pavel won the 2018 Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs. The son of Creative Cause  won first time out going 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.20 at Santa Anita Park as a 3-year-old. He went on to win the Smarty Jones Stakes (G3) at Parx Racing and then placed third in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park, beaten 1 3/4 lengths by winner Diversify. At 4, Pavel finished fourth to Thunder Snow in the Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline (G1) before winning the Stephen Foster. In his next start, he was the runner-up in the $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) at Del Mar. At 5, he again finished fourth to Thunder Snow in the Dubai World Cup, beaten by three lengths. He... ...

By Bloodhorse.com PALM DESERT, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2020) — Influential racetrack owner and successful owner/breeder Randall Dee “R.D.” Hubbard died April 29 at 84, according to the American Quarter Horse Association. Born in Smith Center, Kan., in 1935, Hubbard was the youngest of eight children. He worked in his family’s icehouse and attended Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan. He became a teacher after college but soon moved on to become a glass salesman in 1959. Nine years later, he became president of Safelite Auto Glass and by 1978 had formed his company, AFG Industries, which he helped grow into the second-largest glass manufacturer in North America and took private in a $1.1 billion buyout in 1988. During his first years in the glass business in Kansas, Hubbard and his boss, Art Lankin, became interested in Quarter Horses. They started with show horses but quickly realized racing was a more lucrative venture. In his own name, he has bred the earners of more than $4.7 million, and owned, bred... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 28, 2020) — All businesses are feeling economic hardship right now, and horse owners are no exception. Congress and the Trump Administration have provided several mechanisms to keep businesses afloat and provide some financial relief. Every business and every financial situation is unique, however, so it is critical that you have a conversation with your tax or financial advisor to ensure that you are accessing all the benefits to which you are entitled under the new law.   1.     Tax Benefits. Owners may be entitled to some new tax benefits that allow them to file amended returns for prior years and get cash in the form of tax refunds.   a. Net operating losses can now be carried back for up to 5 years. This applies to C corporations and individuals who generate net business losses. The IRS is currently accepting faxed refund requests in order to expedite these cash refunds. b. The excess business loss limitation for individuals, trusts and estates is now deferred until 2021. Those who... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Apr. 23, 2020) – Los Alamitos has renamed the Bertrando Stakes as the $100,000 Soi Phet for California-breds, which will be run on Saturday, June 27, during the Summer Thoroughbred Festival that runs from June 26 through July 5. In addition to the Soi Phet, Los Alamitos will hold the $200,000 Grade II Great Lady M. for fillies and mares and the $100,000 Grade III Los Alamitos Derby, both on Saturday, July 4. The Soi Phet honors the Cal-bred gelding who won five stakes at Los Alamitos prior to his retirement in the summer of 2019. The son of Tizbud, who earned nearly $1 million after being claimed for $16,000 by trainer Leonard Powell for a partnership May 23, 2013 at Hollywood Park, won the race now named for him in 2014 and 2018. His other Los Alamitos stakes wins came in the 2014 Los Alamitos Mile and the E.B. Johnston in 2016 and 2017. Soi Phet, who now resides at Old Friends Farm in... ...

By Bloodhorse.com This is the second in a series of Q&A sessions with farm managers and general managers regarding how they are handling their Thoroughbred operation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2020) — Barton Thoroughbreds, a 200-acre property located in the Santa Ynez Valley in California, opened in August 2017. The farm is involved in breeding, foaling, boarding, lay-ups, and yearling sales prep. It stands five stallions: Champ Pegasus , Cat Burglar, Misremembered , Dads Caps, and Tiz a Minister . BloodHorse associate editor Byron King spoke with farm manager Kevin Dickson about how the farm has been dealing with COVID-19 and the virus-related suspension of racing at Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields. Dickson, who studied equine science at Colorado State University, was previously the manager of Vessels Stallion Farm for 21 years and Ocean Breeze Ranch for two years. BloodHorse: How has COVID-19 impacted Barton Thoroughbreds, both directly and indirectly? Kevin Dickson: The biggest impact I think we’ve felt is business has been a bit slower... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2020) — Madeline Auerbach lost her mare Chi Chi Nette April 20 to the infirmities of old age. The daughter of Ole’ was one of the broodmare prospects originally acquired by the California owner/breeder 17 years ago to support a young stallion named Unusual Heat. Chi Chi Nette did her part to prove the then-young sire’s ability by producing seven winners from seven starters, all by Unusual Heat, which included grade 2 and multiple stakes winner Majestic Heat and the grade 1-placed multiple stakes winner Mensa Heat. “We had a base group of mares that we started with Unusual Heat, and then when we saw how good his foals were, we acquired a second group and ‘Chi Chi’ was in that group,” recalled Harris Auerbach, Madeline Auerbach’s son and former managing partner of the Unusual Heat Syndicate. “She was a big mare, just under 17 hands, but it was hard to tell because all the parts fit so well. She was a big, correct mare,... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 16, 2020) — Scott Chaney has been appointed Executive Director of the California Horse Racing Board, Chairman Greg Ferraro announced Thursday. Chaney, who assumed the post Thursday, replaces Rick Baedeker, who retired on March 31. Chaney has been a steward in California since 2005, serving initially on the Southern California thoroughbred circuit and most recently at the Los Alamitos quarter horse meet. A graduate of Dartmouth, cum laude, Chaney went on to graduate with honors from the University of Southern California Law School. He remains a member of the State Bar of California. Chaney grew up in Maryland, where his parents owned a few horses running at the Maryland tracks. With that background, and prior to becoming a steward, he groomed horses during summer breaks from law school, and then after graduation he became an assistant to trainer Darrell Vienna and traveled the country and world with horses. CHRB commissioners and executives recognized Chaney’s talents early on when they assigned him to complicated legal cases,... ...

From CDFA SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 14, 2020) — This guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of COVID-19. The California Department of Food and Agriculture, in consultation with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), will update this guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. Local environmental health and public health agencies may have additional guidance and/or requirements regarding these operations in their jurisdiction. Background According to the Governor’s Order, essential critical infrastructure workers (https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf ) include those in animal agriculture. Individuals providing care and exercise to ensure the health of and welfare of equines in California are essential workers. Equestrian facilities must prepare for possible impacts of COVID-19 and take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are gaining more understanding of COVID-19’s epidemiology, clinical course, immunogenicity, and other factors as time progresses, and the situation is changing daily. Best Practices Guidelines for Equestrian Facilities It is necessary to act in a manner that incorporates Governor Newsom’s Executive Orders to... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Owner/breeder Charles Fipke will be waiving the 2020 breeding fees on all his stallions in order to provide some relief to small breeders that could be particularly hard-hit by the economic downturn from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to longtime consultant Sid Fernando. “What can I say? Small breeders will especially be affected by the economic conditions, and they are the backbone of this industry,” Fipke said in statement published on Twitter April 13 by Fernando. “None of my stallions stand for more than $5,000, and they are primarily supported by small breeders. Because I own my stallions outright and don’t have shareholder responsibilities, I am able to do this, with the support of the farms where they stand. I’m passionate about this game and will continue to support my stallions, and I’d like to show my appreciation for outside breeders who do so as well in these trying times.” Fipke stands seven stallions in the United States and Canada. At Darby Dan Farm near Lexington, he stands... ...

From OCRegister.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 9, 2020) — More than 750 backstretch workers at Santa Anita racetrack now live and work in isolation, largely cut off from the outside world and increasingly from each other to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They sleep in worn dormitories, sometimes in pairs, tucked among the racetrack’s barns. New restrictions bar visitors, and even horse owners, from entering the historic grounds at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. And though nothing prevents the workers from leaving the 320-acre Arcadia park, many do not have cars or licenses. Even if they did, there’s really nowhere to go amid the pandemic. There is a sense of anxiety in the community, according to those who work and live at Santa Anita. Like everywhere else, their fears are primarily about the coronavirus, though there’s increasing worry about the future of their jobs as well. Rafael Gonzalez, a 61-year-old groom, is burying himself in his work. He begins tending to the horses shortly before 4 a.m. on most... ...

By Bloodhorse.com WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 1, 2020) — A tax expert encouraged the many horse racing industry businesses, farms, small businesses, nonprofits, and self-employed people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdown that followed to apply for aid packages and loans made available by the federal government. During an 80-minute interactive teleconference April 1 organized by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Dean Dorton director of tax services and equine team leader Jen Shah offered advice on getting the most out of recent federal legislation, including the $2 trillion CARES Act. The conference attracted interest from more than 500 people in the industry. Though many people will consult with their own advisers first, Shah encouraged them to take action before some of the programs dry up. “I’m encouraging people who think they may qualify to apply, sooner rather than later, for these provisions,” Shah said. Significant aid for businesses and the self-employed is being made through United States Small Business Administration Loans through the CARES Act and two bills passed in... ...

From Thoroughbred Owners of California ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 29, 2020) — Per our email Friday, we continue to work with Stronach Group and CTT to persuade the LA County Department of Health to rescind its order prohibiting live racing at Santa Anita. Many of you have inquired about who you can contact to support these efforts. The Department of Health reports to the LA Board of Supervisors, and the Supervisor and current Chair for the Fifth District which includes Arcadia is Kathryn Barger. You can contact her at Kathryn@bos.lacounty.gov. We believe emails will be most effective if they are concise and respectful.  The major themes Stronach Group, TOC and CTT  have been emphasizing are:   Allowing the continuation of live racing does not present a health risk to the 1000 + workers on the backstretch who live in dormitories at the track and must be at the track every day to support live training of 1700 horses every day.   Daily training for these horses has already been determined to... ...

From Fasig-Tipton ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 29, 2020) — Due to current restrictions in place at Santa Anita Park as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as recent changes in the 2020 thoroughbred auction calendar, Fasig-Tipton announced today the cancellation of its 2020 Santa Anita Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale.  The auction had been scheduled for June 3 in Arcadia, California. “Factors beyond our control have necessitated the sale’s cancellation,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning.  “We greatly appreciate the support we received from those that had already committed entries, as well as the efforts and cooperation of Santa Anita’s management and staff these past several months.  With so much uncertainty, we felt it was best to go ahead and announce the sale’s cancellation to provide sellers with ample time to redirect their horses to other venues.” “While disappointed with this outcome, we look forward to continuing to work with California breeders and sellers on the California Fall Yearlings Sale scheduled for October 19 of this year at Fairplex in... ...

By America’s Best Racing Staff The current COVID-19 pandemic has touched every aspect of American life, and in the grand scheme of things, pursuing entertainment—and the almighty dollar—by wagering on horse racing certainly takes a back seat to the essential tasks we all must take right now to keep ourselves and our families safe and help our neighbors as much as possible. Still, a lot of us have time for leisure, but now are faced with far fewer options. It’s been the mission of America’s Best Racing since it was founded to promote what’s best about this sport, and for us as well as most everyone else, that’s attending the races in person. Nothing else matches the excitement of gathering with friends, enjoying a perfect-weather day, partaking in local/regional food and drink faves, and witnessing up close the beauty and intensity of racehorses competing. Those times will soon return. But for now, there are other ways to enjoy the sport, especially the complex and captivating practice of handicapping and wagering... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 22, 2020)–With a light rain falling at post time, conditions proved ideal for Nick Alexander’s homebred Lieutenant Dan, as he sat close to the early pace and reeled in lightning quick distaffer Stealthediamonds late to take Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by three-quarters of a length under Drayden Van Dyke. Trained by Steve Miyadi, the 4-year-old gelding by Grazen got 5 ½ furlongs over a “firm” turf at Santa Anita in 1:02.32. Breaking from post position seven in a field of 10 older runners, Lieutenant Dan sat third, about 2 ½ lengths behind Stealthediamonds with longshot Grinning Tiger to his inside. Leaving the quarter pole, Van Dyke swung three-deep and overhauled a tiring Stealthediamonds with 50 yards to run while ridden confidently. “It set up perfectly for him today,” said Van Dyke, who guided Lieutenant Dan to a close second-place finish behind multiple stakes winner Fashionably Fast in the Cal Cup Sprint going six furlongs on dirt here... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2020) — Sharon Alesia, Bran Jam Stable, and Ciaglia Racing’s Ashleyluvssugar was retired from racing March 22, according to his trainer, Peter Eurton. The 9-year-old California-bred gelded son of Game Plan raced 38 times over a span of eight years, primarily in California, winning 10 starts and placing in 12 others to earn $1,488,083. Ashleyluvssugar’s most recent win was in the 2017 Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park. He also won that race in 2015 and took the 2015 San Luis Rey Stakes (G2T), as well as the Del Mar Handicap Presented by the Japan Racing Association (G2T) and John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (G2T) in 2016. He placed fifth in that year’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T). Bred in California by the partners who raced him, he is out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, who produced five other winners, including stakes-placed Ashley’s Sassy. In his most recent effort, he placed sixth in the March 21 San Luis Rey, which was downgraded to a grade 3 for... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 21, 2020)–Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams had reason to smile from afar on Saturday at Santa Anita, as their 7-year-old homebred gelding Ward ‘n Jerry rallied boldly off the turn for home en route to an emphatic 1 ¼ length win in the Grade III, $100,000 San Luis Rey Stakes.  Ridden for the first time since June of 2016 by Flavien Prat and trained by Mike Puype, the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit got the marathon mile and one half over a “good” turf course in 2:28.67. With the San Luis Rey starting gate set halfway up the hillside turf course, Ward ‘n Jerry was a bit aggressive while a joint third, about three lengths behind pacesetter Go for a Ride and Ashleyluvssugar. With the pace quickening noticeably leaving the half mile pole, Ward ‘n Jerry wrested the lead from Ashleyluvssugar at the top of the lane and was all business through the drive as he held fellow Cal-bred Camino Del Paraiso... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 20, 2020) – California stallion Tigah was represented by his first winner when Siberian Tigah won the first race at Golden Gate on Thursday. Siberian Tigah, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Lass, was bred by Vincent Harris & Peter Guidry, is owned by Guidry and trained by Leobardo Rivera. He is Tigah’s first foal to race. Siberian Tigah, a 4-year-old gelding, ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.55 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 3-1 in a field of six. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2020) — Longtime jockey agent Pat McDowell passed away on Friday at age 84 near Seattle. McDowell represented many riders dating back to the late 1950s, primarily on the West Coast and at Turf Paradise in Phoenix. McDowell had great success in the 60s and 70s with Jerry Lambert, who was best known as the regular rider of the legendary California-bred Hall of Famer, Native Diver. McDowell, who also represented Hall of Famer Russell Baze for a time when he rode full-time in Southern California in 1989-90, was a popular figure at the track, on the golf course and about town. Following his career as an agent, McDowell worked for a number of years and as recently as this past September, as paddock judge at Emerald Downs near Seattle. Pat McDowell is survived by his wife Janice and several children and grandchildren. ...

OCALA, Fla. (Mar. 17, 2020) – A California-bred pinhooked colt by Run Away and Hide sold for $170,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Chiran, out of the Cal-bred Officer mare Officer Allie, was bred by Jack Owens and Barbara Owens, consigned by Havens Bloodstock, Agent, and was purchased by Hideyuki Mori. The colt was timed in :09.4 in a one-eighth mile breeze. He was purchased for $40,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings Sale. ...

From Bloodhorse.com Queen Bee to You, the California-bred who rose up the stakes ranks to become a dual graded stakes winner this winter in Southern California, has been retired due to a minor right ankle injury, according to trainer Andrew Lerner. The winner of the Bayakoa Stakes (G3) and La Canada Stakes (G3) under jockey Ruben Fuentes, the 6-year-old Old Topper mare had been pointed toward the March 14 Beholder Mile Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park but had inflammation in her ankle March 4 after a six-furlong workout in 1:13 4/5. “It was nothing serious. I would have recommended to the owners to turn her out for 60 or 90 days, bring her back, and let her roll again,” Lerner said. “But we’re kind of at the point where we decided to run her this year, and if we had done that, we might have gotten one or two races in her anyway before going in the November sale. “It made more sense to take her out of training now... ...

From Governor Newsom SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2020) — Damascus Castellanos, 53, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Horse Racing Board. Castellanos has been a business representative for Teamsters Local No. 495 since 2012. He was a business representative for Teamsters Local No. 630 from 2001 to 2012. Castellanos is a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Castellanos is a Democrat. Castellanos is a board member of the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation. According to the CTHF website, Castellanos has been a Teamster member for 30 years, including a Business Representative for the past 15 years. As the labor representative on the CTHF board, Damascus has seen the passion his members have for the racing industry, given many of them come from families steeped in California racing’s history. Their passion has been contagious, and Damascus now brings that passion over to the backstretch community. Damascus has a son and a daughter. He grew up in... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 7, 2020)–Mid-pack among a field of 13 sophomore fillies heading to the far turn, Benjamin and Sally Warren’s homebred Warren’s Showtime somehow found room a furlong from home and roared up the rail to take Saturday’s $75,000 China Doll Stakes by a half length.  A California-bred daughter of red hot sire Clubhouse Ride, Warren’s Showtime, who was ridden by apprentice Jorge Velez and is trained by Craig Lewis, got a mile on turf in 1:36.24. A winner of the California Cup Oaks at one mile on turf here Jan. 18, Warren’s Showtime was off as the narrow 3-1 favorite over highly regarded Irish-bred Stela Star and paid $8.00, $4.20 and $3.00. Out of Warren’s Grade I winning Affirmative mare Warren’s Veneda, Warren’s Showtime picked up her third stakes win, all in combination with Velez, and registered her fourth overall win from seven starts.  With the winner’s share of $45,000, she now has earnings of $281,271. Ridden by Joel Rosario and trained by John... ...

By Bloodhorse.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Mar. 7, 2020) — When trainer Gregg Sacco gave Junior Alvarado a leg up on favored Mind Control in the $213,000 Tom Fool Handicap (G3), he told the veteran jockey to “ride his race.” Midway on the final turn, Sacco was wondering what he had done. Normally close to the pace, the multiple grade 1 winner was fifth, a little more than seven lengths off the lead. Even when Alvarado steered to the outside for a clear run at the top of the stretch, the homebred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty  was still about eight lengths behind Happy Farm, who was drawing off to what appeared to be an insurmountable lead. That’s when Sacco heard something that made him chuckle. “My son told me Mind Control was going to win,” Sacco said. “I just laughed off as him being young and not seeing enough races.” Well, score one for youth. Staging a furious and improbable rally, Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables’ Mind Control not... ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2020) — The first reported foal by Conquest Farenheit, a grade 2-placed, multiple stakes-winning son of Scat Daddy, is Rockingham Ranch’s dark bay or brown colt out of Miss Sea Cup, an allowance-winning daughter of Sea of Secrets. Foaled February 14 at Harris Farms, the colt is a half-brother to six-time winner Astonishing Tweet, their dam’s only foal to race. A five-length winner of his 2-year-old debut at Woodbine, Conquest Farenheit followed with a second-place finish in G2 Summer Stakes before his $735,000 purchase by Rockingham Ranch at the 2016 Keeneland November Sale. At three, he posted back-to-back black type wins in the 6 ½-furlong Baffle Stakes (1:12.83) and the Pasadena Stakes at one mile (1:33.58) at Santa Anita on turf. In his final career start, he was second in the Rainbow Stakes at 1 1/8 miles and retired to stud with earnings of $187,655 in seven starts. Conquest Farenheit stands his first season at Harris Farms for $3,000 live foal. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 1, 2020)–Harris Farms’ homebred Fashionably Fast stretched out to a flat mile off of five consecutive sprint victories with aplomb on Sunday at Santa Anita, as the 5-year-old gelding by Lucky Pulpit pressed the pace and registered a half length win while hand ridden late by Tiago Pereira in the $100,000 Tiznow Stakes form Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Trained by Dean Pederson, he got the distance in 1:36.64. Breaking from post position three in a field of five California-bred or sired older horses, Fashionably Fast, who’s last three wins had come in California-bred stakes, sat just off the early pace set by Tiger Dad, who was drawn to his immediate inside and overhauled him in mid-stretch. “I thought the number two (Tiger Dad) would go and he did,” said Pereira, who has been aboard Fashionably Fast in his last 10 races. “When we got by the two (leaving the furlong pole), he saw the one (Oliver) coming and he’s just... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2020) — Santa Anita Park has announced a new program to reward the owners of horses who have supported the current race meeting with a Loyalty Bonus to horses who have raced from December 28, 2019 through February 29, 2020.  From March 6 through the end of the season on June 21, all eligible horses will receive an additional 10 percent bonus in their first start during that period (paid on first through fifth place earnings). The bonus money will be fully funded by Santa Anita and The Stronach Group and is separate from the purse account.      Santa Anita also announced that beginning March 6 and through the end of the meet, the track will pick up the costs for up to two veterinary examinations for each horse entered.  All horses are eligible for the reimbursement, whether or not they have previously run at the track this season.        “It is very important that we reward those who have been loyal... ...

From Bloodhorse.com BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2020) — Ray York, who gained international fame by winning the 1954 Kentucky Derby at the age of 20, has died at age 86 due to the effects of pneumonia at an extended care facility near Bakersfield, Calif. “Ray passed away peacefully this past Sunday,” said Michael McKay, York’s longtime girlfriend. “He loved racing so much and all the people he had known over the years, but we haven’t been able to visit Santa Anita for several years due to his health. “We had a great time together, and we traveled quite a bit. We went to China, Ireland, Italy, Nova Scotia, Alaska, and we visited England three times. Ray was so much fun, always laughing and always talking.” York, who was born Nov. 23, 1933, in Gloucester, Mass., was gregarious and full of energy well into his 80s. He won major stakes on both coasts and was considered one of the top riders of his era, which included the likes of Bill Shoemaker,... ...