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Read More →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →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 →From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2024, has been canceled. The two items that were on that agenda will be considered at the next meeting of the Board on November 21 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. ...
Read More →By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2024) — A few strides after the start of Sunday’s $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles, Clovisconnection will either be in front or near the lead. Jockey William Antongeorgi knows Clovisconnection well, having won four times aboard the gelding in eight races. Antongeorgi’s early race tactics will be partially determined by what jockey Assael Espinoza does aboard Bob’s Blue Moon, who has shown speed at times. Bob’s Blue Moon is drawn to the outside of Clovisconnection in the Harris Farms Stakes, which is run at six furlongs. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. “If he guns them out of there, I can sit and try to get to the outside,” Antongeorgi said of Espinoza’s strategy. “If he doesn’t break, I can take it.” Either way, Clovisconnection is the focus of the Harris Farms Stakes, a race he won last year for owners and breeder Bill and Judy Hedrick and... ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2024) — See Through It is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Anita Sprint Handicap, presented by Estrella Jalisco. See Through It is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Chester House mare Crystal House, was bred by Ed Allred, is owned by Lizbeth Medina and trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has 15 wins in 45 starts, earnings of $487,354 and is coming off a sixth in the Aug. 24 Pat O’Brien. ...
Read More →From CHRB PLEASANTON, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2024) — Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) invites all members to the Northern California Annual Meeting, to be held Oct. 26, 2024, in the Sky Lounge of Pleasanton Racetrack at 10 a.m. The general business meeting will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include a question-and-answer session. Following the meeting, a complimentary breakfast brunch will be served. Registration is required with a current CHRB license. To register, click https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northern-california-annual-meeting-tickets-940662756627?aff=ebdsoporgprofile ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2024) — A full brother to California breeders state champion Finneus topped the Sept. 24 Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings sale at Pomona, selling for $250,000. The colt emulated his older brother, who topped the 2020 edition of the sale at $200,000. Despite the Northern California racing schedule still sorting itself out in the wake of Golden Gate Fields‘ closure earlier this year, the Fasig-Tipton sale held relatively steady. A total of 163 yearlings grossed $4,781,400, for an average of $29,334 and a median of $15,000, compared with 2023 figures of 158 grossing $5,218,000, averaging $33,025, with a median of $17,000. “All things considered, it was a productive exercise—we got the vast majority of the horses sold,” said Boyd Browning Jr., Fasig-Tipton’s president and chief executive officer, shortly after the sale’s conclusion. Of the 250 through the ring, 87 did not sell, for a buyback rate of 34.8%, a similar buyback percentage to last year (33.6%). “There will be brisk post-sale activity tonight and tomorrow as well,”... ...
Read More →From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2024) — Four stakes for juveniles — including a pair for Golden State Series eligibles – highlight the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season is scheduled to begin Friday, Dec. 6 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 15. Racing will be conducted on a Friday-Sunday basis (Dec. 8-10 and 15-17) both weeks. Post time will be 12:30 p.m. The two state-bred stakes for juveniles will be run at one mile. The $100,000 Soviet Problem – for fillies – will be offered Sunday, Dec. 8 while the $100,000 King Glorious will be run Sunday, Dec. 15. Both are for horses bred or sired in California. The $200,000-guaranteed Starlet, a Grade II for 2-year-old fillies, will be renewed for the 11th time at Los Alamitos Saturday, Dec. 7 one week before the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity, which was captured by Wynstock in 2023. Won a year ago by Nothing Like You, the Starlet – like the Futurity – will... ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept 24, 2024) — California-breds Johnny Podres, Fast Buck and Boss Sully are entered in Saturday’s $750,000 California Crown Eddie D. Stakes, presented by FanDuel Racing, 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 Rockingham Ranch or David Bernsen and is trained by Librado Boracio. He has nine wins in 49 starts, earnings of $539,150 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 31 Green Flash. Fast Buck is by Gallant Son, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Zephyr Racing and trainer by Cesar de Alba. He has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $285,292 and is coming off a fifth in the Aug. 31 Green Flash. 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 trained by Brian Koriner. He has three wins... ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2024) — California-breds Andiamo Ragazza, Roberta’s Love and Back on Track are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Unzip Me Stakes, presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Andiamo Ragazza is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Acclamation mare Ragazza di Vola, was bred by , is owned by breeder Hat Trick Racing, Wachtel and Barber and is trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $69,340 and is coming off a 10th in a Sept 8 optional claimer. 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 or Royalty Stable and is trained by Hector Palma. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $125,300 and is coming off a seventh in the July 26 Fleet Treat Stakes. Back on Track is by Prospect Park, out of the Good Journey mare Peg’s Journey, was bred by Carole Fernandez and is... ...
Read More →ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. ( Sept 25, 2024) — Liberty Forever is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $70,000 Budweiser Special Stakes at Albuquerque. Liberty Forever is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Roll Hennessey Roll mare Back Seat Roll, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Todd Fincher. She has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $179,632 and is coming off a second in an Aug 31 optional claimer. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2024) — A large contingent of California-breds make up the bulk of the catalog for the Sept. 24 Fasig-Tipton California fall yearling sale. The sale, which will be held at Fairplex in Pomona beginning at 11 a.m. PT with 279 cataloged, has produced major Cal-bred stakes winners Big City Lights and Ceiling Crusher. Ceiling Crusher, an RNA in the 2022 sale’s horses of all ages portion, won the $1 million Cotillion Stakes (G1) at Parx Racing in 2023 and went on to be named the year’s champion Cal-bred 3-year-old female. Big City Lights, a $22,000 graduate of the 2020 sale and on the cover of this year’s catalog, won this year’s Palos Verdes Stakes (G3) Feb. 10 at Santa Anita Park. He is a nominee to the Sept. 29 Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2). Both Ceiling Crusher and Big City Lights are by deceased California sire Mr. Big. That stallion has a colt in the catalog, hip 107, consigned by Kim McCarthy’s McCarthy Bloodstock Agency.... ...
Read More →POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2024) — The 2025 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale will be held Tuesday, Jan. 28, at noon at Hines Pavilion at Fairplex. 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 →From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2024) — The window for nominations to the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Starlet and Grade II, $200,000 guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity will remain open until Monday, Sept. 30. The two signature events of the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet, which will begin Friday, Dec. 6and continue through Sunday, Dec. 15, are for 2-year-olds. The Starlet – for fillies – is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 while the Futurity will be run a week later (Saturday, Dec. 14). The Starlet, which has been run at Los Alamitos since 2014, has been won locally by such notables as Take Charge Brandi, the 2014 champion 2-year-old filly, Abel Tasman, the 2017 champion 3-year-old filly and Kentucky Oaks winner, and multiple stakes winner Eda, is part of the ‘’Road to the Kentucky Oaks’’ series. The winner of the Starlet will receive 10 points towards earning a berth in the 2025 Kentucky Oaks, which will be run next May 2 at Churchill Downs. The 2024 renewal of the Los... ...
Read More →From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri,, John Carvelli, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis and Thomas Hudnut. Due to a power outage at Cal Expo, the CHRB was unable to stream the audio of the proceedings to the public. Technicians recorded the audio using battery power and later provided the audio file to the CHRB. 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: The Board conditionally approved the license application for Golden State Racing Association (GSR) to conduct a thoroughbred meet in Pleasanton that will operate from October 19 through December 15 with 26 programs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The GSR license application was incomplete as it lacked the Advance Deposit Wagering agreement and more critically the mandatory... ...
Read More →By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2024) — California-bred Johnny Podres must earn his way into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 2. A 7-year-old son of Grazen, Johnny Podres is scheduled to start in the richest running of the Grade 2 Eddie D Stakes at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita on Sept. 28. The value of the race has been enhanced from $200,000 in 2023 to $750,000 this year, one of three stakes with significantly higher purses on Sept. 28 through a promotion by the track’s parent company, 1/ST Racing. The winner of the Eddie D Stakes receives $450,000 and Johnny Podres may need a win to justify a $100,000 supplemental nomination fee. In addition, there are $30,000 in pre-entry and entry fees. The gelding, bred by Nick Alexander, races for Rockingham Ranch and David Bernsen. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. “If we win, they... ...
Read More →From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2024) — Heading into the first turn of the $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes Saturday at Los Alamitos, jockey Edwin Maldonado had a good feeling the race was going to end well for him. The all-time leader with 142 daytime thoroughbred wins, Maldonado was aboard Man O Rose, the 11-10 favorite in the one-mile race for California breds and it was the first venture beyond 6 ½ furlongs for the 4-year-old. “He broke great and had his ears forward going into the first turn,’’ said Maldonado. Providing owner-breeders Bruce and Beverly Zeitz and trainer Jeff Mullins with several options moving forward, Man On Rose dominated his six opponents, ultimately prevailing by eight lengths. The win was the fifth in seven 2024 starts and his seventh in 12 lifetime appearances and the $42,000 payday pushed his earnings to $319,840. Out of the Good Journey mare Kathleen Rose, Man O Rose completed eight furlongs in 1:35.52 and paid $4.20, $3 and $2.60. Mullins said he... ...
Read More →From CARMA ARCADIA, Calif . (Sept. 15, 2024) — CARMA (California Retirement Management Account) is thrilled to announce the release of “What Horses Do After Racing: The Story of Good Carma,” a captivating children’s book written by renowned horse racing journalist Jay Privman and published by Red Cliff Publishing. This beautifully illustrated book is a legacy project for CARMA, dedicated to highlighting the remarkable transitions of racehorses into new and fulfilling careers beyond the track. About the Book “What Horses Do After Racing: The Story of Good Carma” takes young readers on a journey through the lives of four racehorses—Good Carma, Stylish Samantha, Lovely Lucinda, and Silly Billy—who, after their racing days are over, find new homes and purposes. The main character, Good Carma, is a beautiful chestnut filly with a splash of white on her face and legs, making it look like she’s wearing socks. The story showcases the horses’ dreams of their future careers. Through engaging storytelling and illustrations, the book highlights how each horse transitions to a... ...
Read More →From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept 15, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m.at Cal Expo in Sacramento. This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #9, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes. For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and package of materials have been newly formatted into a single link: https://www.chrb.ca.gov/meeting_agendas.asp These materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...
Read More →From Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm SOLVANG, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2024) — Multiple graded-stakes winner Joey Freshwater, a talented son of Jimmy Creed, will stand his first season at California’s Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm for an introductory fee of $2,500, alongside Grazen, Henry Adams and Tough Sunday. Joey Freshwater won the Grade III Runhappy Stakes and the Grade III Bay Shore Stakes. His , career-high Beyer was 108. Out of the More Than Ready mare Lake Turkana, Joey Freshwater earned $480,780. ...
Read More →From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2024) – Man O Rose, a four-time winner this year, will make his Los Alamitos debut against seven opponents in the $75,000-guaranteed E. B. Johnston Stakes Saturday. Restricted to 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California, the one-mile Johnston is the last of eight races on the second day of the September Thoroughbred meet. Post time Saturday is 1 p.m. and approximate post time for the Johnston is 4:30 p.m. Trained by Jeff Mullins for B and B Zietz Stables, Inc., Man O Rose, a 4-year-old Stanford gelding out of the Good Journey mare Kathleen Rose, rattled off his 2024 victories in succession before he trailed in a turf sprint at Del Mar Aug. 2. A winner of six of 11 lifetime with earnings of $277,840, Man O Rose will be competing beyond 6 ½ furlongs for the first time, but he has won three of four on dirt. Third in the 2023 Johnston won by Kings River Knight, Shortman will... ...
Read More →By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2024) — In a year of widespread change in Northern California racing, five weeks of racing begins at Fresno on Friday, a departure from the two-week seasons held for decades in conjunction with the county fair in early October. There are two stakes for Thoroughbreds at Fresno in coming weeks – the $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes for California-bred sprinters at six furlongs on Sept. 29, and the $50,00 Bull Dog Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on Oct. 13. With the permanent closure of Golden Gate Fields in June, additional racing at Fresno was added to the Northern California calendar to fill a void. In past years, Golden Gate Fields held a race meeting from late August through September. As part of the revamped calendar, the Humboldt County Fair meeting in Ferndale was extended from two weeks to three, ending last Sunday. The first weekend at Fresno is technically run as the final week of the Humboldt county license, as part of an agreement with the... ...
Read More →From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2024) — None Above the Law, the upset winner of the Bertrando Stakes during the Los Angeles County Fair earlier this year, is among 13 nominations to the $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston Stakes. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California will be run Saturday, September 14, the second day of the September meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will continue through Sunday, September. 22. Bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban, None Above the Law, a 6-year-old gelded son of Karakontie, took advantage of a fast early pace to capture the Bertrando at 9-1 June 22. The win was his second in three starts at Los Alamitos. Fast Draw Munnings and Shortman, the 2-3 finishers behind Kings River Knight in the 2023 Johnston, are also nominated. A 5-year-old gelded son of Munnings, Fast Draw Munnings was claimed for $40,000 by trainer John Sadler for owner Hronis Racing LLC... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2024) – With odds-on favorite Shea Brennan breaking last in a troubled trip, California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Bodacious rebounded from a sixth-place finish in his previous race to win Friday’s $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Bodacious is the first stakes winner by Smokem, out of the Bodemeister mare My Love Magnet, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Griffin Stables LLC, Lovingier, Terry C. and Sabesky, Paul and trained by Jorge Periban. “First time I ran the horse he ran with blinkers on and he got hit from both sides by a couple of horses and I think he got a little scared,” said Periban. “So today I took off the blinkers and it worked. He’s a nice horse. When he broke from the gate I saw him more focused and I said: ‘This is going to be the time.’ The horse was ready to go and I got lucky today.” The $7,000 purchase at... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2024) – Stakes winner R Heisman, who was also entered in Friday’s I’m Smokin Stakes, apparently will opt for the $300,000 Grade I Del Mar Futurity for 2-year-olds as the lone California-sired. R Heisman is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Far From Over, out of the First American mare Parisienne, was bred by Highclare, is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $115,200 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 9 Graduation Stakes. ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2024) – A quartet of California-breds is entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes for 2-year-olds. Run for Kidder is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Unusual Heat mare Winemenow, was bred by Mike Ryan, is owned by Firsthome Thoroughbreds, Anschel, Harold, Barnhart, Nancy and Ryan, Michael John and trained by Adam Kitchingman. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $53,200 and is coming off an Aug. 9 maiden win. Johnson’s Magic is by Mr. Big, out of the Malibu Moon mare Keep the Magic, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by John Sadler. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $15,000. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Panuco is an also-eligible by Stanford, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Swiftly Risen, was bred by Michael Allen, is owned by Tricar Stables and trained by Jorge Periban. The $15,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in... ...
Read More →FERNDALE, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2024) – Five California-breds will be seeking their first stakes win in Sunday’s $50,000 C.J. Hindley Humboldt County Marathon at Ferndale. Shot of a Lifetime is by Many Rivers, out of the Chapel Royal mare Penuche Royale, was bred by Rob Creighton, is owned by Sue Gilmour and trained by James Gilmour. He has 18 wins in 83 starts, earnings of $315,611 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 10 Slim Williams Memorial at Tillamook Fair. 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 26 starts, earnings of $86,152 and is coming off an Aug. 25 allowance win. Sea of Liberty is by Boisterous, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Seekitana, was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Shapiro, is owned by Gustavo Ponce and trained y James Gilmour. He has nine wins in 41 starts, earnings of $205,884 and is coming... ...
Read More →By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2024) — Securely atop the California-bred juvenile class after winning the Graduation Stakes last month, R Heisman will aim for a more ambitious goal. Despite being the early favorite in the $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds Friday at Del Mar, R Heisman is expected to scratch to run Sunday in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity. Bred by Highclare, owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller, the colt is an outsider in the Futurity, which Miller won in 2019 with 35-1 longshot Nucky. “I think we’re going in the Futurity,” Miller said Wednesday, referring to R Heisman. “That’s what Mr. Barber wants to do, so that’s what we’re going to do.” The likely defection of R Heisman from the I’m Smokin leaves five runners, including impressive debut winner Shea Brennan, speedster Bodacious, Miller’s maiden winner Style Cat, maiden The Gypsy Cowboy, and longshot Timty. The six-furlong tilt is the second race on Friday’s card which begins at... ...
Read More →From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. Sept. 4, 2024) – The $75,000- guaranteed E.B. Johnston for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California is one of two stakes scheduled for the 2024 Los Alamitos September meet. The one-mile race will be run Saturday, Sept. 14. The six-day season will begin Friday, Sept. 13 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 22. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday (Sept. 13-15 and 20-22) both weeks. Post time will be 1 p.m. The more lucrative of the stakes is the $125,000 Dark Mirage. The race at one mile for fillies and mares – 3-year-olds & up – will be offered Saturday, Sept. 21. Grandstand admission is $3 and $2 for seniors 62 and older. Admission to Burgart’s and Vessels Club is $10. Tickets can also be purchased online at LosAlamitos.com. Los Alamitos offers free general parking. Preferred parking is $5. The wagering menu includes a pair of $1 Pick 4’s on races 2-5 and the final four races along with a $2 Pick Six as well as the... ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2024) — With the latest chapter of the championship event known as the Breeders’ Cup on the agenda, Del Mar will host its 11th Bing Crosby Season starting on Thursday, October 31 and running ahead to Sunday, December 1. This will be Breeders’ Cup #41 and be the third held at the seaside oval after sessions in 2017 and 2021. It will be presented on Friday and Saturday, November 1 and 2 and, because of it, Del Mar picks up an additional six stakes to go with its own 14. The six special stakes tied to the Breeders’ Cup will be run on the two BC cards with two of them restricted to Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds — the Golden State Juvenile Fillies on Friday, Nov. 1 and Golden State Juvenile on Saturday, Nov. 2. Both will be run at seven furlongs. The gross value of the local stakes program is $3,150,000 and includes a pair of Grade I, $300,000 offerings in... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2024) – Hot Girl Walk took charge turning for home then had to survive an inquiry for a mild upset win in Monday’s $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Hot Girl Walk is the first stakes winner 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 was coming off an Aug. 11 maiden win. “She finally left the gate with some authority,” said Gaines. “Previously she broke slowly and had to circle the field. Today she was on it and speed holds here. Antonio (Fresu, jockey) rode a smart race when he let those two go. He sat right behind them and she still showed her kick.” In the Air tonight was second and odds-on favorite Cayucos third in a field of six. Hot Girl Walk ran the six furlongs in 1:11.28 and... ...
Read More →VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sept. 4, 2024) – Class Code is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Delta Colleen Handicap for fillies and mares at Hastings Racecourse. Class Code is by Desert Code, out of the Cutlass Reality mare Reality With Class, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Barbara Heads. She has 10 wins in 44 starts, earnings of $130,966 and is coming off a fifth in an Aug. 9 optional claimer. ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2024) – R Heisman, coming off last month’s Graduation Stakes win, looks for another in Friday’s $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. R Heisman is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Far From Over, out of the First American mare Parisienne, was bred by Highclare, is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $115,200 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 9 Graduation Stakes. Shea Brennan is by Tough Sunday, out of the Old Topper mare Carrie Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He won his lone start July 26 with earnings of $45,000. Timty is by Stanford, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by Wayne Atwell, is owned by Kasparoff, Tim, Leatherman, Ty and Mayberry, Thomas and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $51,620 and is coming off... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 30, 2024) – Monday’s $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar will be a reunion of the trifecta-sweeping progeny of Stay Thirsty and their breeder, CTBA board member Terry Lovingier. 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. She has won both starts with earnings of $89,400 and is coming off a win in the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes Aug. 4. Thirsty Mama is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Stormin Fever mare Easter Fever, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Mihaljevich, John and Moroney, John and trained by Steve Miyadi. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $62,200 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 4 CTBA Stakes. Thirsty in Vegas is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Indian Charlie... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2024) – Stakes winner Curlin’s Kaos is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Grade II Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby for 3-year-olds. Curlin’s Kaos is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda & Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $258,520 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 2 Real Good Deal Stakes. ...
Read More →From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 29, 2024) — The Jockey Club today announced its newly elected stewards and members. The new stewards are Gary Fenton, David O’Farrell, Everrett R. Dobson, and Vincent Viola. William S. Farish Jr. (vice chair) was reelected. The remaining stewards are Stuart S. Janney III (chair), Ian D. Highet (treasurer), William M. Lear (secretary), Barbara Banke, Louis A. Cella, Terry Finley, and R. Alex Rankin. The new members are Joseph Appelbaum, John Ballantyne PhD, Rick Gold, Marshall Gramm PhD, MV Magnier, Jon Miller, Garrett O’Rourke, and Jessica Steinbrenner. In 2002, Appelbaum co-founded Off The Hook LLC, a racing, sales, and breeding operation that has produced numerous stakes winners, including Breeders’ Cup and Eclipse Award winners Informed Decision and Spun To Run. Appelbaum was the 2018 champion of the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge. Appelbaum recently completed two terms (six-years) as president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and was concurrently president of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association. Appelbaum served on the board of directors of the National... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2024) – Five California-bred stakes winners, including females Sassy Nature and Connie Swingle taking on the boys, are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar. Graded stakes winner 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 DeAlba. He has five wins in 11 starts, earnings of $282,292 and is coming off a fourth in an Aug. 2 optional claimer. He was ninth 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 by C T R Stables and trained by Luis Mendez. She has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $336,790 and is coming off a win in an Aug. 2 optional claimer. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Star Racer is a stakes winner by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile and fellow California-bred Back On Track are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. 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 Steven Specht. She has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $433,400 and is coming off a second in the July 26 Fleet Treat Stakes. 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 Paula Capestro. She has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $122,605 and is coming off a fourth in the July Fleet Treat Stakes. ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2024) — Graded winner None Above the Law is the lone California-bred in Saturday’s $1 million Grade I Fanduel Pacific Classic at Del Mar. None Above the Law, winner of the 2021 Del Mar Derby, is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, is owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban. He has seven wins in 35 starts, earnings of $651,892 and is coming off a third in the Aug. 3 California Dreamin’. ...
Read More →From Monmouth Park Publicity OCEANPORT, N.J. (Aug. 25, 2024) – Odds-on favorite Riding Pretty, a New-Jersey-bred daughter of California stallion Jack Milton, won Sunday’s $102,000 Eleven North Handicap for fillies at mares at Monmouth Park. She has five wins in 20 starts and earnings of $369,365. Riding Pretty, out of the Girolamo mare High Renaissance, ran the six furlongs in 1:10.34 and won by one length at odds of 1-2. “She hadn’t sprinted since she was 2 years old. So that was impressive,” said trainer Eddie Owens, Jr. Riding Pretty, usually a solid closer, dueled with Bel Pensiero for most of the stretch, finally pulling away. It marked the 4-year-old filly’s first time sprinting in her past 17 starts. “I blew her out in :34 on Thursday to make sure I had enough speed in her,” said Owens. “I was just hoping she didn’t fall too far behind early. But being a race where there wasn’t a lot of speed I knew they were not going in 21 (seconds) for... ...
Read More →YORK, U.K. (Aug. 24, 2024) – Group II winner Sir Busker, an Irish-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won Saturday’s $100,000 Sky Bet Finale Handicap at York Race Course. Sir Busker, an 8-year-old gelding out of the Tiger Hill mare Street Kitty, has seven wins in 51 starts with earnings of $827,101. He won by one length at odds of 14-1 in a field of 17, running the 1 5/16 miles in 2:10.21. It was his first win in more than two years. ...
Read More →WINNIPEG, Manitoba. (Aug. 27, 2024) – Bound for Heaven is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $50,000 Osiris Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Assiniboia Downs. Bound for Heaven is by Stanford, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Run for Retts, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Naherniak, Garry and Hougham, Leon W. and trained by Mike Taphorn. She won her lone start Aug. 14 with earnings of $8,801. ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2024) – Statebred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron and three fellow California-breds take on Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar. For The Chosen Vron, bred by Tiz Molly Partners, it will be his final prep before the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Owned by Sondereker Racing LLC, Kruljac, J. Eric, Fetkin, Robert S. and Thornburgh, Richard and trained by Kruljac, The Chosen Vron has 19 wins in 24 starts, earnings of $1,659,678 and has reeled off victories in 14 of his last 15 starts, all stakes. The other Cal-breds are See Through It, Big City Lights and Moose Mitchell. See Through It is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Chester House mare Crystal House, was bred by Edward Allred, is owned by Lizbeth Medina and trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has 15 wins in 44 starts, earnings of $486,854 and is coming off a fourth in the July 27 Bing Crosby. Big City Lights is... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2024) – Multiple stakes winners Chismosa and Tom’s Regret are joined by fellow California-bred Irish Wahine in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Rancho Bernardo Stakes for 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. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $502,250 and is coming off a seventh in the July 6 Great Lady M. Tom’s Regret is by Tom’s Tribute, out of the Quality Road mare Pure, was bred by DP Racing, is owned by Cinema Thoroughbreds, Beckerle, Michelle K., Flores, Victor M., Johnson, Burton and Zondlo, Eugene and trained by Steven Miyadi. She has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $373,823 and is coming off a second in the July 20 Governor’s Cup Stakes. Irish Wahine is by Grazen, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. & Neary Racing, is owned... ...
Read More →NISKU, Alberta (Aug. 21, 2024) – California-breds J Dutton and Shining Tiger are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Canadian Derby at Century Mile. J Dutton is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Cat Five’ O, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Christoff, Gordon and Giesbrecht, Lance B. and trained by Robert Anderson. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $70,734 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 5 BC Cup Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trial. Shining Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the southern Halo mare Brooke’s Halo, was bred by PT Syndicate # 1, is owned by Mohammad Kahn and trained by James Brown. He has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $31,686 and is coming off a win in the July 28 Grande Prairie Derby. ...
Read More →By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2024) — Much has changed for Moment’s Pleasure since she finished a game second in her stakes debut in the $102,500 Fran’s Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita in May. Moment’s Pleasure followed that one-length loss with a second in an allowance race there on June 14, and a win in an allowance race at Del Mar on July 28. In Sunday’s $152,500 Solana Beach Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at Del Mar, Moment’s Pleasure showed substantial improvement from her recent starts, closing from fourth on the turn to win the one-mile grass race by 1 3/4 lengths. 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 eight starts and earnings of $221,880. Moment’s Pleasure was one of three 3-year-olds in a field of 11 in... ...
Read More →NISKU, Alberta (Aug. 21, 2024) – California-bred Spitten Kitten risks her stakes win streak in Saturday’s $75,000 Northlands Distaff Handicap for fillies and mares at Century Mile. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Marvin Buffalo, Deb Buffalo and Arnold Soustar. She has eight wins in 13 starts, earnings of $151,515 and is coming off three consecutive wins. Also entered in Cal-bred Majestic Oops. She is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodovar 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 19 starts, earnings of $106,249 and is coming off a third in an Aug. 2 allowance. ...
Read More →By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2024) — The $1,500 supplemental fee required to make Stay and Scam eligible for Sunday’s $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes at Del Mar may be money well spent. A two-time stakes winner this year, Stay and Scam was not nominated earlier this month for $150 in what trainer Doug O’Neill said was an oversight. “This was definitely the plan all along,” he said. :: Get Del Mar Clocker Reports straight from the morning workouts at the track. Available every race day. Stay and Scam, who races for Paul and Zillah Reddam, will be favored to win the Solana Beach Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at a mile on turf. Stay and Scam won the Fran’s Valentine Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at a mile over the Santa Anita turf on May 25 as the 1-2 favorite. In her only subsequent start, Stay and Scam was third by three lengths behind Connie Swingle in the July 27 Daisycutter Handicap against open company at... ...
Read More →From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the Del Mar Hilton. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners 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 Webcastlink, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: The Board approved the license application for the Los Angeles Turf Club to conduct a race meet at Santa Anita Park that will operate from September 27 through October 27. Racing will be offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and on Monday, October 14. Chairman Ferraro opened the discussion by announcing that henceforth all race meets in the state will no longer directly benefit from simulcast revenue on any day a program is canceled for reason other than inclement weather. Instead, the simulcast revenue from such a canceled program will be channeled into regulatory costs for all meets... ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2024) — Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella has been named the 20th winner of the coveted Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award and will be presented with it at Del Mar by Pincay during ceremonies on Saturday, August 31, Pacific Classic Day at the seaside oval. The award, named for the Hall of Fame rider who is one of the greats of the game, is given annually to those who have served the sport of racing “with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination and distinction.” Mandella, 74, has trained horses on his own since 1976 and has collected more than 2,300 winners and $157 million in purses. He becomes the sixth trainer to win the award. ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2024) — This Friday’s first post will shift from 4 p.m. to 3 p.m. and remain at that time on Fridays for the balance of the meet, which concludes on Sunday, September 8. The time shift is keyed on the setting of the sun in the San Diego area, which corrects by almost an hour over the course of the summer. Sunset on Opening Day (July 20) was at 7:55 p.m. Sunset on Closing Day (September 8) is 7:04 p.m. Additionally, first post on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays will adjust to 1:30 p.m. from the normal 2 p.m. beginning on Saturday, August 31. It will continue at those 1:30 starts on those days for the remainder of the session. ...
Read More →See the sales results here PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2024) – California-bred sons of stallions Smiling Tiger and Union Rags sold for $42,000 each to top Tuesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The son of Smiling Tiger, out of the stakes-winning Southern Halo mare Brooke’s Halo, was bred by Old English Rancho, consigned by Harris Farms, agent, and purchased by trainer Jeff Bonde. Brooke’s Halo also produced stakes winner Rock and Glory, who later produced the Practical Joke graded stakes-winning colt Little Vic. The son of Union Rags, the first foal out of the stakes-winning Grazen mare September Secret, was bred and consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds and was purchased by Michael Nentwig. He’s also from the family of stakes winner Cee’s the Point. For the yearlings, 81 sold for $481,900, an average of $5,949 and median of $3,700. For non-yearlings, 13 sold for $58,600, an average of $4,508 and median of $3,500. For complete sales results, click... ...
Read More →From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, August 15, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Del Mar Hilton. This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #12, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes. For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and meeting package of materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...
Read More →From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2024) — John Carvelli, of Newport Beach, has been appointed to the California Horse Racing Board. Carvelli was a Partner and Executive Vice President at LIBERTY Dental Plan from 2004 to 2024. He is a member of the Catholic University of America Board of Trustees, The FAMILY San Francisco and the North American Boxing Federation Executive Committee. Carvelli earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from the Catholic University of America. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Carvelli is registered without party preference. Carvelli replaces Wendy Mitchell. ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2024) — Trainer J. Eric Kruljac noted immediately following the G1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar last month that he would not be training The Chosen Vron’s up to the Breeders’ Cup this year. That at some point he would run his star gelding in a prep between now and November. Now he’s decided on what that prep will be. Kruljac says he will run in next Saturday’s G2, $250,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes, a 7-furlong affair that may also attract this year’s Saudi Cup winner, Senor Buscador. “He’s doing great,” Kruljac says of The Chosen Vron. ”We’re going to breeze tomorrow (Saturday) morning. So far he’s hitting on all cylinders and I couldn’t be any more pleased with his training.” The Chosen Vron put in his first work since the Bing Crosby last Saturday when he went three furlongs in :36.00, fourth best of 16 works at the distance that morning. So what does Kruljac do to keep ‘Vron’ in top form?... ...
Read More →By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2024) — A year ago, the CTBA’s Northern California yearling and horses of racing age sale was held at Pleasanton mere weeks after the announcement that Golden Gate Fields was soon to be closed. Despite a turbulent time, demand for yearlings was strong with a higher average price compared to the 2022 auction. This year’s sale will be held Tuesday in Pleasanton amid a different setting for the sport in Northern California. Pleasanton will host an autumn race meeting later this year on dates previously run at Golden Gate Fields, which closed June 9. A group of owners, trainers, and breeders, working with the California Authority of Racing Fairs, will conduct the meeting, and have plans to hold a winter-spring meeting in early 2025. Many of the backers of the new Pleasanton meet will be active buyers and sellers on Tuesday. Over the years, this sale’s graduates have often raced in Northern California, with a fewer number sent to Southern California. Tuesday’s sale has drawn... ...
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