ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2018) – Skye Diamonds is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Skye Diamonds is by First Dude, out of the Johannesburg mare Exonerated, was bred by Dizney Double Diamond, is owned by Allen Racing, Bloom Racing or Acker, et al and is trained by William Spawr. She has nine wins in 18 starts, earnings of $551,150 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 18 Las Flores Stakes. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2018) – Unusual Heat Turf Classic winner Rye is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita. Rye is by English Channel, out of the Unusual Heat mare Phi Beta Heat, was bred by H & E Ranch, is owned by Joseph Morey Revocable Trust and is trained by William Morey. He has eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $307,199 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 27 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank. ...
Read More →
By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 20, 2018) — Warren B. Williamson, the California-based owner and breeder who raced the top-class but ill-fated Cal-bred mare Nashoba’s Key, died several days ago of natural causes following a recent surgery to repair a fractured hip, according to his longtime trainer, Carla Gaines. Williamson was 89. Williamson, who had various jobs connected to finance and was a member of the wealthy and powerful Chandler family of Southern California, had described himself as a lifelong horse lover, going back to his time spent growing up on his family’s 4,200-acre ranch near Ramona. He owned Thoroughbreds for the past 25 years, and in later years bred many of the horses he raced from a small band of prized mares. He also served on the boards of the Oak Tree Racing Association, the non-profit group that once held a fall meet at Santa Anita Park, The California Thoroughbred Foundation, and of Hollywood Park, which closed in 2014. “He was a great racing fan, a great sportsman, and... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 19, 2018) – 2017 Bayakoa Stakes (Grade 2) winner Majestic Heat has been retired from racing after her fifth-place finish on Saturday in Santa Anita Park’s Grade 1 Santa Margarita Stakes as announced by owner-racing manager Madeline Auerbach. A California-bred daughter of sire Unusual Heat, Majestic Heat was trained for the bulk of her career by Hall of Fame conditioner Richard Mandella and was known for her versatility and durability during her four seasons of racing. Majestic Heat is a four-time stakes winner on both turf and dirt while also winning stakes both sprinting and routing. Her top accomplishment on the track was her victory in the 2017 Bayakoa Stakes (Grade 2) at Los Alamitos, defeating 2016 Eclipse Award winner Champagne Room in the process. The dark bay mare also captured the 2016 Solana Beach Stakes (LR) at Del Mar and came back to defend her title and win the 2017 edition of the Solana Beach in similar fashion. She also captured the 2017 Betty Grable Stakes... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 17, 2018)–In a totally dominant performance, trainer Jeff Bonde’s Miss Sunset went to the lead and was in complete command throughout out as she took Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares, originally scheduled to be run down the hillside turf course, by seven lengths under Mike Smith. A 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Into Mischief, Miss Sunset got 6 ½ furlongs over a main track listed as “good” in 1:16.30. “Yes, it went exactly to plan,” said Smith, who also guided her to gate to wire victory going six furlongs in the Spring Fever Stakes here on Feb. 25. “She’s so quick and I basically just stayed out of her way. She runs the turn so well…She got a little separation there and was able to take a breather. It makes my job easy. The way she ran today, I think she might be able to stretch out.” The 4-5 favorite in a field of six California-bred... ...
Read More →
From Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2018) — Reddam Racing’s homebred grade 1 winner Ralis, who was retired from racing in February of 2017 because of a tendon injury, has returned to training at Santa Anita Park. The 2015 Hopeful Stakes (G1) winner —who didn’t record a win in 12 ensuing starts (all in stakes) but placed in three other stakes, including the 2016 Del Mar Derby (G2T)—logged his second breeze of the year March 16 at Santa Anita. “California-bred, grade 1-winning Ralis is back in training,” trainer Doug O’Neill said of the 5-year-old son of Square Eddie who is still intact and covered three furlongs in :37 flat Friday morning. “Over time, the tendon got better—looked fantastic four, five months ago, so he’s back in training. His stride is back, his energy is back, (and) his health is back.” BALAN: Grade 1 Winner Ralis Retired From Racing O’Neill said there were offers to stand Ralis as a stallion, and owner Paul Reddam even considered standing him at stud himself at Ocean... ...
Read More →
From CHRB ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board’s Special Committee on Northern California Racing will meet Thursday, March 22, at Golden Gate Fields beginning at 10:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. The agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the CHRB Website. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 15, 2018) – Graded winner How Unusual and fellow California-bred Lucy De are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Ana Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Lucy De is by Decarchy, out of the Native Storm mare Stormin Lucy, was bred by GGG Stables and Magali Farms, is owned by GGG Stables and is trained by Richard Baltas. She has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $231,443 and is coming off a win in a Feb. 11 optional claimer. How Unusual is by Unusual Heat, out of the Bartok mare Veela, was bred by Madeline Auerbach & Barry Abrams, is owned by Fetkin, Sill or St. Hillaire, et al, and is trained by Michael Pender. She has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $311,712 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 27 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2018) – Graded stakes winner Miss Sunset is entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Barbara Beatrice is by Grazen, out of the Decarchy mare Showtime Apollo, was bred by Philip D’Amato, is owned by Queen Bee Racing or D’Amato and is trained by D’Amato. She has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $338,534 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 27 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. Desert Steel is by Desert Code, out of the Cozzene mare Lujien Lujien, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bamford or House and is trained by Simon Callaghan. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $342,264 and is making her first start since a win in a June 25 optional claimer. Starlite Style is by Unusual Heat, out of the Lucayan Prince mare Always in Style, was bred by Old English Rancho or Riggio, is owned... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2018) – Majestic Heat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Santa Margarita Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Majestic Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerback & Barry Abrams, is owned by Auerbach, McCauley or Bardy Farm and is trained by Richard Mandella. She has seven wins in 19 starts, earnings of $570,329 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 25 Spring Fever Stakes. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2018) – Unbeaten Heck Yeah is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Pasadena Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Heck Yeah is by Acclamation, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess, was bred by Michael Pageler, is owned by Pageler, Dr. Sigaband or Baedecker and is trained by Bob Baffert. He is a multiple stakes winner who has won all three of his starts with earnings of $194,000 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 19 California Cup Derby. ...
Read More →
ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2018) – California-breds Cash Prize and Claudia Mae are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Cash Prize is by Pure Prize, out of the Benchmark mar Cottonwood Babe, was bred by owner Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and is trained by Quinn Howey. She has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $146,614 and is coming off a Feb. 11 allowance win. Claudia Mae is by Belong to Me, out of the Comic Strip mare Held Fast, was bred by owner Beth Rivera and is trained by Tirso Rivera. She has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $84,853 and is coming off a fifth in a Jan. 28 optional claimer. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2018) — California champion Sircat Sally is in foal to Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Arrogate, breeder Joe Turner announced. Sircat Sally, a 4-year-old daughter of Surf Cat, out of the In Excess mare Sister Sally, was bred and owned by Turner and went on to win seven of eight career starts and with earnings of $552,880. She won her first seven starts, including three graded stakes, but was injured in her final start, when she finished third in the July 23 San Clemente Stakes. Sircat Sally was named the 2017 Cal-bred Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old female. She was trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. ...
Read More →
OCALA, Fla. (Mar. 13, 2018) – A California-bred filly by Creative Cause sold for $285,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Ocala March 2-Year-Olds in training sale. The filly, bred by The Revocable Trust of Dr. Mikel C. Harrington & Patricia O. Harr, was consigned by Wavertree Stables, agent, and was purchased by Justin Casse, agent. She is out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Teacher Teacher, who was a full sister to multiple stakes winner Tilde. The filly was sold at last year’s Barretts August Select Yearling Sale for $50,000 to Redwings. ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 11, 2018)–A switch from 6 ½ furlongs on turf to a muddy main track, five scratches and a perfect stalking trip under Joe Talamo resulted in Nick Alexander’s homebred Tough Sunday notching his first-ever stakes win in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Trained by Steve Miyadi, the 6-year-old full horse by Alexander’s Grazen, prevailed by one length over a fast closing Solid Wager while getting the distance in 1:15.68. Out of Alexander’s General Meeting mare Sunday Dress, Tough Sunday was orphaned at birth, pale-fed for the first six months of his life and today, in his 18th career start, he enjoyed his biggest win. Needless to say, emotions were running high in the Winner’s Circle. “I’m shaking, I’m going to cry,” said Alexander. “We thought several times that he was the best horse in the race and he would just miss. With this one, everything worked out. The right horses scratched, he had the right spot... ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2018) — Co-owners Will Shamlian and Samantha Siegel decided to retire California-bred grade 1 winner Masochistic March 11, following his eighth-place performance in the Sensational Star Stakes at Santa Anita Park. After setting a fast early pace, Masochistic was eased in the stretch by jockey Victor Espinoza and came in 18 3/4 lengths behind the winner, Tough Sunday. The 2015 Triple Bend (G1) victor, who also won the 2015 Kona Gold (G2) and the 2016 Pat O’Brien (G2), last ran well in the 2017 Triple Bend (second) and ended his racing career with three far-back finishes. In those three starts he finished a combined 46 lengths behind the winners. “He’s 100% sound and he’s going to have a career as a trail horse. He’s had enough and he’s telling us that,” Shamlian said. “He’s too good of a horse, and we’re going to do right by him. He’s given us the message and we’re going to listen. We’re going to find him a good home.” The 8-year-old Sought... ...
Read More →
From Stronach Company WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2018) — Adena Springs’ multiple Grade 1 winner and $3,859,311 earner Shaman Ghost has been relocated from Tommy Town Thoroughbreds to Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch near Warner Springs, Calif., it was announced today. “The Adena Springs Champion homebred is the subject of a newly formed California-based strategic alliance between Adena Springs, Lovacres Ranch and EF1 Farm,” said Ben Walden of Adena Springs. “Through their mutual support, promotion, and pooling of broodmares, the three entities have combined forces to establish the stallion career of Shaman Ghost in California.” “We are grateful to Tommy Town for their efforts pertaining to the stallion and for the mares that they provided,” said Frank Stronach. A son of Horse of the Year Ghostzapper, Shaman Ghost accumulated a record of 8-3-2 from 17 starts. Shaman Ghost won or placed in seven stakes, including victories in the Woodward S. (G1), Santa Anita Handicap (G1), Brooklyn Invitational S. (G1) and the Pimlico Special (G1). He was also... ...
Read More →
WAIALUA, Hawaii (Mar. 8, 2018) — California breeder and owner Stan Hodge passed away in Hawaii last month. He was nine days shy of his 80th birthday. Hodge, a longtime member of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, is survived by his wife, Frances, eight children, 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held on March 18, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Byron, Calif. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 8, 2018) – Grade I winner Masochistic is one of seven stakes winners, including four Breeders’ Cup participants, have entered Sunday’s loaded $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligible at Santa Anita. Tribal Storm is by Papa Clem, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by owners Cut & Lila Lanning and is trained by Ed Moger Jr. He has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $259,084 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 19 Lost in the Fog Stakes. Anatolian Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Woodman mare Anatolian Queen, was bred by owner Anatolian Inc., and is trained by Peter Miller. He has three wins in 17 starts, earnings of $183,598 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 15 optional claimer. Jimmy Bouncer is by Square Eddie, out of the General Meeting mare Meetmeinthewoods, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by St. Hilaire, Guerrero or Dunbar, et al, and is trained by... ...
Read More →
By Del Mar Times DEL MAR, Calif. — Hours after surveying the Lilac fire’s grim fallout in Del Mar, Michelle Storm took to Facebook. In the three days since the blaze tore through San Luis Rey Downs—killing nearly 50 horses on Dec. 7 and displacing the training facility’s live-in workers—Del Mar Racetrack had become a makeshift sanctuary for more than 800 horses and some 200 groomsmen. http://www.delmartimes.net/lifestyle/sd-cm-nc-lilac-fire-20180227-story.html ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 7, 2018) – What a View, who won the race two years ago, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manila mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old Rnglish Rancho, Patsy Berumen & Sal Berumen, is owned by Finish Line Racing, Ellwood Johnston Trust or T.O.V. Stables and is trained by Kenny Black. He has seven wins in 22 starts, earnings of $825,016 and is coming off a sixth in the Feb. 24 Daytona Stakes. He was second in this race last year and won the race in 2016. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 7, 2018) – Multiple stakes winner Edwards Going Left is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita. Edwards Going Left is by Midnight Lute, out of the Broken Vow mare Dypsy, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn & Vaya Con Suerte, is owned by Hronis Racing and is trained by John Sadler. He has seven wins in 11 starts, earnings of $381,390 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 27 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...
Read More →
From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 7, 2018) – The regular meeting of the California Horse Racing Board scheduled for Thursday, Mar. 22, 2018, at Golden Gate Fields, has been canceled. The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Thursday, Apr. 19, 2018, at Santa Anita. A meeting of the CHRB Special Committee on Northern California Racing will be held on Thursday, Mar. 22, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bayview Lounge (Turf Club) at Golden Gate Fields. Non-committee Board members attending the committee meeting may not participate in the public discussion, official committee vote, or committee closed session. The agenda of the committee meeting will consist of the following matters: Discussion regarding a report and update from the Pacific Racing Association (Golden Gate Fields) and the Northern California Stabling and Vanning Committee on the projected availability of stalls at Golden Gate Fields through the remainder of its race meeting and the projected availability of stalls for off-site stabling and training during the 2018 summer fair circuit. Discussion regarding a... ...
Read More →
From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2018) — The California Department of Food and Agriculture today lifted the quarantine at Los Alamitos Race Course after determining there have been no additional cases of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) since the first and only case was confirmed February 20. (See February 23 update for details.) Normal transfer of horses to and from Los Alamitos has been resumed. ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 4, 2018)—Idle since third in a Grade I stakes in September, Northern California Yearling sale graduate Take the One O One overcame his rail post position to defeat heavily favored Surfing Star by a half length in Sunday’s $56,000 Santa Anita allowance feature. Ridden by Joe Talamo and trained by Brian Koriner, Take the One O One, a California-bred 3-year-old colt by former Eclipse Award Champion Acclamation, got 6 ½ furlongs over a fast track in 1:15.82. “Brian’s done a great job bringing this horse back,” said Talamo, who has ridden Take the One O One in all four of his previous starts. “Obviously, we didn’t like drawing the rail first time back, but he broke sharply and he put me in a good position. I had a lot of horse down the lane and I flagged him a couple times to keep him focused.” With longshot Sir Valentine breaking on top, the winner made the lead at the rail after the first... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2018) – California stallion Vronsky was represented by four winning progeny in the state on Friday. Accreditation won the first race at Santa Anita, a maiden special weight for Cal-breds. He is a 4-year-old out of the Perfect Mandate mare Perfectly Perfect, was bred by Old English Rancho, owned by Robert Riggio and trained by Hector Palma. Veronica Bay won the sixth race at Santa Anita, a $10,000 claimer. She is a 7-year-old out of the Unusual Heat mare Nikkisilverjet, was bred by Barry Abrams, is owned by Marcelo Polanco and Carlo Scianlanga and is trained by Polanco. Hotflickaru won the third race at Golden Gate, a $4,000 claimer. She is a 4-year-old out of the Unusual heat mare Hot Flick, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Horseplayers Racing Club and trained by Tim McCanna. Royal Alexei won the fourth race at Golden Gate, a $4,000 claimer. He is a 7-year-old out of the Royal Academy mare Royal Enclosure, was bred by Victoria... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2018) – One Fast Broad is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Santa Ysabel Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. One Fast Broad is by Decarchy, out of the Mr. Broad Blade mare Awesome Broad, was bred by Richard Kritzski and AGR Racing, is owned by Ruis Racing and trained by Mick Ruis. She has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $287,160 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 19 California Cup Oaks. ...
Read More →
From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2018) — The catalog for the Barretts April Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training is now on-line and will be mailed soon. This auction of 157 two-year-olds will be held on Wednesday, April 4 in the Surfside Raceplace located on the grounds of Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California beginning at 2:00 p.m. PDT. The catalog can be viewed here. The April Sale catalog will also be available soon for your Ipad. Click here for details. The official training preview is scheduled to be held on Monday, April 2 on the Del Mar racetrack beginning at 10:00 a.m. PDT. The preview will be streamed live at barretts.com. Video clips for each preview, will be posted during the preview and can be viewed on-line by the following morning. Recent graduates of Barretts two-year-old sales include two 2018 Graded Stakes winners at Santa Anita, Om and Kanthaka, as well as three stakes winners in Japan: Best Macho, Ryano Tesoro and Nanchinnon. ...
Read More →
From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2018) — There have been no significant changes since the California Horse Racing Board’s February 23 update concerning the horse at Los Alamitos that tested positive for the non-neurogenic, “wild type” strain of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1). There have been no other suspect cases at Los Alamitos or at any racetrack in California. One barn at Los Alamitos with 11 horses remains under quarantine by order of California Department of Food and Agriculture veterinarians, who will lift the 14-day quarantine on Monday, March 5, provided there are no additional sick horses. The CHRB will continue to allow horses from Los Alamitos to race at Santa Anita under the same conditions as previously described. Those horses must be inspected by CHRB veterinarians prior to shipping to Santa Anita; they will not be allowed into the general Santa Anita population; and they are required to return to Los Alamitos after racing. Normal transfer of horses between Los Alamitos and Santa Anita will not resume until the quarantined... ...
Read More →
Read this in Issuu: From California Thoroughbred Eric Yohan is a man with big ideas and the determination to implement them. A scientist by trade, Yohan is now embracing the Thoroughbred industry, both with his equine health products and with his EF1 Farm, where 300 broodmares and two new stallions reside. Yohan, who hails from an Austrian family but who grew up in Ireland, had been around horses since childhood. He completed two PhDs before developing Flo-X, a product designed to destroy mold and pests, in 1998. The product took off, especially in Hawaii, where mold problems can be especially aggravating. Yohan took Flo-X off the market during a redevelopment and testing phase and continually heard from one man who wished for the product to return. “He told me that his animals needed them,” said Yohan. “His animals?” This revelation led to the development of Equine Formula 1 and 2, topical products for horses that help with fungus and a variety of other ailments. “It took me a long time... ...
Read More →
From Adena Springs PARIS, Ky. (Feb. 27, 2018) – Adena Springs announced today that their Champion homebred, Shaman Ghost, standing at Tommy Town Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez, Calif., will stand the 2018 breeding season for $7,500 Live Foal. “In keeping with my deep commitment to California racing and breeding, we are enhancing access and availability to Shaman Ghost, in his first season at stud,” said Adena Springs’ owner Franck Stronach. He added: “It is my main aim that we raise quality horses in California. To raise good horses, you need good mares and good stallions. I hope with the reduced stud fee, smaller breeders will be encouraged to breed to this great stallion.” Shaman Ghost was a five-time Graded-Stakes winner, including Grade 1 wins in Belmont Park’s Woodward Stakes, and the Santa Anita Handicap. Additionally, he was second to Arrogate in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, also a Grade 1. Mike Allen, of Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, said: “Shaman Ghost is a horse who could have just... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2018)–Highly accomplished sprinter Miss Sunset broke on top and rolled to an impressive 2 ½ length win under Mike Smith in Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Trained by Jeff Bonde, the 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Into Mischief, out of the Trippi mare Tuscan Sunset, got six furlongs versus four rival Cal-bred fillies in 1:09.92. Breaking on top from her number three post position, Miss Sunset was joined on her inside by longshot Shy Carmelita heading to the far turn, but Smith let out a notch three furlongs from home and the Spring Fever was never in doubt thereafter as she easily defeated Cuddle Alert while 4-5 favorite Majestic Heat was never a factor for the win. “She ran really well today and she felt better than she’s ever felt,” said Smith, who last rode Miss Sunset in a winning effort four starts back on Sept. 4. “She’s really, really quick. She’s... ...
Read More →
From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2018) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, February 22, at Santa Anita Park. Chair Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Jesse Choper, Fred Maas, Araceli Ruano and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: · Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer for The Stronach Group (TSG), reported that repairs and construction of barns either damaged or destroyed by the fire at San Luis Rey training center are underway, and TSG plans to reopen the facility for auxiliary stabling and training after April 1. This led to a discussion of continuing efforts to help those affected by the December 7 blaze. Those efforts are being carefully monitored to make certain that all donations are being properly distributed. · Greg Avioli, president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and head of the California Marketing Committee (CMC), followed up on a report on the... ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2018) — A pony based at Los Alamitos Race Course was euthanized and later tested positive for the “wild-type” strain of equine herpesvirus type 1, which forced a barn at the Southern California racetrack to go through quarantine procedures. According to an alert posted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture Feb. 21, a 10-year-old pony “displaying severe neurologic signs was euthanized” and tested positive for EHV-1. EHV-1 has sprung up at multiple racetracks across the country in recent weeks. California Horse Racing Board equine medical director Rick Arthur confirmed the case of EHV-1 at Los Alamitos and provided additional details. “The pony was used to pony (Quarter Horses) at Los Alamitos during the races. He last worked (Feb. 11),” Arthur said of the deceased horse, who was euthanized Feb. 18. “The barn where the horse was housed is under quarantine, and the six (Quarter Horses) he ponied during the races going back to (Feb. 7) are being closely monitored.” Arthur said there have not... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2018) – Defending champion Cuddle Alert and graded winners Majestic Heat and Miss Sunset are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Graded winner Majestic Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach & Barry Abrams, is owned by Auerbach, McCauley or Bardy Farm and is trained by Richard Mandella. She has seven wins in 18 starts, earnings of $558,329 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 10 Santa Maria. Shy Carmelita is by Grazen, out of the Malek mare Malley Girl, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $175,017 and is making her first start since a second in a July 20 optional claimer. Graded winner Miss Sunset is by Into Mischief, out of the Trippi mare Tuscan Sunset, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds and Alan Klein, is... ...
Read More →
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2018) – Alex Solis and Madeline Auerbach have been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. Solis, 53, of Monrovia, has since 2015. Solis was a jockey from 1982 to 2017. He is a member of the Jockey’s Guild and was inducted into the National Racing Hall of Fame in 2014. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Solis is a Democrat. Auerbach, 73, of Bell Canyon, has served since 2014. Auerbach has been director and owner at M. Auerbach LLC since 2000. She was chief financial officer and owner at JSA Corp DBA Hippopotamus from 1977 to 2004. Auerbach is a member of the Jockey Club. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Auerbach is a Democrat. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2018) – Grade I winner What a View, coming off an eight-month layoff, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Daytona Stakes at Santa Anita. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manilla mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old English Rancho, Sal Berumen and Patsy Berumen, is owned by Finish Line Racing, Ellwood Johnston Trust or T.O.V. Stables and is trained by Kenny Black. He has seven wins in 21 starts, earnings of $824,671 and is making his first start since a seventh in the June 3 Shoemaker Mile. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2018) – Stakes winner Barbara Beatrice and fellow California-bred Algorhythmic are entered in Saturday’s $70,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Barbara Beatrice is by Grazen, out of the Decarchy mare Showtime Apollo, was bred by Philip D’Amato, is owned by Queen Bee Racing or D’Amato and is trained by D’Amato. She has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $338,534 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 27 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf. Algorhythmic is by Vronsky, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Thorellen, was bred by Jonny Hilvers, is owned by Richard or Kate Barton and is trained by Mike Machowsky. She has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $199,965 and has a four-race win streak. ...
Read More →
From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting February 22, at Santa Anita Park beginning at 9:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board meeting agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the website. ...
Read More →
From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 21, 2018) — The Jockey Club announced today that the 2018 edition of the Fact Book is available in the Resources section of its website at jockeyclub.com. The online Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing and auction sales in North America. It also features a directory of Canadian, international, national, and state organizations. Links to the Breeding Statistics report that is released by The Jockey Club each September and the Report of Mares Bred information that is published by The Jockey Club each October can be found in the Breeding section of the Fact Book. The 2018 editions of State Fact Books, which feature detailed breeding, racing and auction sales information specific to numerous states, Canadian provinces, and Puerto Rico, are also available on The Jockey Club website. The State Fact Books are updated monthly. ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2018)–Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams’ homebred Pulpit Rider rallied strongly through the stretch under Corey Nakatani to take Monday’s $200,000 California Cup Oaks for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies by 2 ½ lengths. Trained by Mike Puype, the 3-year-old daughter of Lucky Pulpit got a mile on turf in 1:35.80. Last into the Club House turn in a field of seven, Pulpit Rider was just in behind heavily favored One Fast Broad around the far turn as Nakatani bided his time in order to save ground. As Pulpit Rider turned for home, Nakatani asked her for her best and she wheeled five-wide outside the favorite en route to an easy win. “This is such a testament to Mike (Puype),” said Nakatani. “He said she’s doing better than ever over the grass and that her family loves the grass. I love winning races and this is just such a tribute to Mike and his team. He really knows how to settle them... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2018)–Despite being pressured heavily on the early lead, Bob Baffert’s Heck Yeah went on to an emphatic 1 ¼ length win in Monday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds, his first time going two turns. Ridden by Mike Smith, the California-bred colt by Acclamation got a mile and one sixteenth over Santa Anita’s main track in 1:46.60. Fresh off victory in the Cal Cup Turf Sprint at 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course on Jan. 27, Heck Yeah was sent from his number four post position, but was engaged immediately around the Club House turn to his inside by Intimidate, who tired three furlongs out and finished ninth under Corey Nakatani. “I was telling Bob that down the backstretch, I felt like I was in the Olympics (with a strong headwind). I was trying to be as aerodynamic as possible. (The wind) was really strong and it took its toll on all of them in there…I... ...
Read More →
ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2018) — California-bred Tribal Storm sat dead last early, came with an inside run down the lane and passed seven competitors to win the 2018 $50,000 Lost In The Fog Stakes for older sprinters. Tribal Storm, a son of Papa Clem, stopped the clock for six furlongs in 1:08.71 seconds. “Plenty of speed in front benefits him at the end and he proved it again today,” said winning jockey Irving Orozco. “We had to find a clear path down the stretch but we did and he did his thing. He’s 100% right now and hopefully we can win some more with him.” With this stakes victory, Tribal Storm improved his career record to five wins, one second and four thirds in 13 lifetime starts. Last October, Tribal Storm won the Harris Farm Stakes at Fresno, making this Lost In The Fog victory his second career stakes win. Tribal Storm, a 4-year-old California bred ridgling, is owned by his breeders, Curt and Lila Lanning, and is trained... ...
Read More →
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 18, 2018) – Ministsersdontparty is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park. Ministersdontparty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Street Cry mare Street Party, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Henry Dominguez. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $47,465 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 13 allowance. ...
Read More →
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 17, 2018) – Mr Joshua, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, ran his win streak to three by taking Saturday’s $50,000 Trust Buster Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Mr Joshua ran the six furlongs in 1:10. 31 and won by one length at odds of 2-1 in the field of seven. He has three wins in eight starts with earnings of $66,040. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2018) – One Fast Broad and fellow stakes winner Ismelucky are entered in Monday’s $200,000 California Cup Oaks for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Pulpit Rider is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Ride the Rails mare Lady Railrider, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Mike Puype. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $84,536 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 19 optional claimer. Nice Ice is by Northern Afleet, out of the Popular mare Fanny Chenal, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Koriner & Lyons and is trained by Brian Koriner. She is a maiden making her third start. Mo See Cal is by Uncle Mo, out of the Lydgate mare Do Dat Blues, was bred by Rozamund Barclay, is owned by Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $35,865 and is coming off a... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2018) – Stakes winners Heck Yeah, Intimidate and Continental Divide are entered in Monday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby for Golden State Series 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Violent Ridge is by Violence, out of the Choctaw Ridge mare Feel Ridge, was bred by owner BG Stables and is trained by Hector Palma. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $48,640 and is coming off a Jan. 15 maiden win. Hardboot is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Cryptoclearance mare Mme. Espionage, was bred by James Mann, is owned by Silver Creek Stables and is trained by Michele Dollase. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $32,545 and is coming off a seventh in the Dec. 29 Eddie Logan. Lucky Romano is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Memo mare Demo Memo, was bred by Double J H Stable, is owned by Michael Moran and is trained by Mark Glatt. He has one win in seven starts, earnings of $70,190 and is coming off... ...
Read More →
ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2018) – Stakes winner Tribal Storm and fellow California-bred Sunset Dragunn are entered in Monday’s $50,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate Fields. Tribal Storm is by Papa Clem, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by owners Curt & Lila Lanning and is trained by Ed Moger Jr. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $219,634 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 28 optional claimer. Sunset Dragunn is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Indian Charlie mare Luke’s Finest, was bred by Lorrie Anthony-Wanger & Oliver Wanger, is owned by Gomez, Gonzalez or Gonzalez and is trained by Tirso Rivera. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $102,751 and is coming off three consecutive wins. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2018) – Skye Diamonds makes her first start since Breeders’ Cup day and is joined by fellow California-bred Coniah in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Las Flores Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Skye Diamonds is by First Dude, out of the Johannesburg mare Exonerated, was bred by Dizne Double Diamond, is owned by Allen Racing, Bloom Racing or Acker, et al and is trained by Bill Spawr. She has nine wins in 17 starts, earnings of $539,150 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Coniah is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James or Tammy McKenney and is trained by William Morey. She has four wins in 20 starts, earnings of $295,365 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 20 Las Cienegas. ...
Read More →
ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2018) – Could be the One is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Could Be the One is by Bedford Falls, out of the Sky Mesa mare Sienna Sky, was bred by Joe Stiglich, Lloyd Grant and Carol Lingenfelter, is owned by Remmah Racing and is trained by Joe Steiner. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $66,980 and is coming off a consecutive optional claiming wins. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2018) – Psycho Dar is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Psycho Dar is by Storm Wolf, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Stormin Mon, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Amber Sandoval and trained by Steve Miyadi. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $65,360 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 27 California Cup Turf Sprint Stakes. ...
Read More →
LAUREL, Md. (Feb. 14, 2018) – Defending champion Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 John B. Campbell Stakes at Laurel Park. Bodhisattva is by Student Council, out of the Talk Is Money mare Dr. Cheryl P., was bred by Andy Stronach and is owned by trainer Jose Corrales. He has six wins in 42 starts, earnings of $444,133 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 27 Native Dancer. He won this race last year. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2018) – Multiple graded stakes winner Sircat Sally was named 2017 California-bred Horse of the Year at Monday night’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at Santa Anita Park. Sircat Sally was retired after winning seven of eight races and $552,860 in purses. Five of her wins came in 2017, including the Grade II Honeymoon Stakes and Grade III Senorita and Providencia Stakes. In her last career start, she finished third in the Grade II San Clemente Handicap. Sircat Sally is by Surf Cat, out of the In Excess mare Sister Sally, was bred by owner Joe Turner and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. Sircat Sally also is the champion Cal-bred 3-year-old female. The other finalists for Horse of the Year were Ashleyluvssugar and Skye Diamonds. The other champions that were presented at the dinner: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Unusual Heat, property of The Unusual Heat Syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number of Winners – Lucky... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2018) — One Fast Broad, a versatile and consistent daughter of Decarchy owned and trained by Mick Ruis, works Tuesday under Flavien Prat who rides the three-year-old filly in next Monday’s Feb. 19 Presidents’ Day co-feature, the $200,000 California Cup Oaks at a mile on turf. “In her last two $100,000 turf races against open company she was second,” Ruis said, referring to the Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar on Sept. 4, 2017, and the Blue Norther Stakes at Santa Anita on Dec. 31. Each race was at a mile. “She lost by a half-length in the Blue Norther and came flying,” Ruis pointed out, as she came from 10th in a field of 11, went four wide and just missed under 124 pounds. “She should be pretty tough going against Cal-breds.” In six career starts, One Fast Broad has won three with two seconds and a fourth for total earnings of $249,160. The Presidents’ Day co-feature is the $200,000 California... ...
Read More →
VINTON, La. (Feb. 12, 2018) – Remember Daisy, a daughter of California stallion Misremembered, won Saturday night’s $120,000 Louisiana-bred Premier Night Starlet Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Delta Downs. Remember Daisy, out of the Speightstown mare Very Speightstown, has two wins in three starts with earnings of $99,200. She ran the mile in 1:43.72 and won by 3 ½ lengths at odds of 2-1 in the field of seven. ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com Equine artist Fred Stone, whose works are in the White House and Buckingham Palace, died Feb. 4. He was 87. On his Facebook page, Stone’s family reported that the artist died due to complications from cancer. They said he was surrounded by family. Born April 13, 1930, in St. Louis, Stone’s family moved to Los Angeles when he was 3. He studied art at the Otis Art Institute as a child. Later, he attended The Art Center School and Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. Stone worked as a commerical artist and painted backgrounds for the film industry. In the late 1970s he turned to painting racehorses. In a 1990 BloodHorse story, Stone described that transition. “At first they all looked alike,” Stone said. “But I fell in love with racing and once I studied horses, they became individuals—full of emotion and power.” Stone’s large murals can be found all over the world, including the world’s largest horse mural at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. Stone supported worthy charities... ...
Read More →
From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 9, 2018) — President Trump today signed into law the Bipartisan Budget Act, a bill that among other measures extends retroactively for fiscal year 2017 uniform three-year racehorse depreciation, an important tax provision supported by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) that expired in 2016 alongside certain other expired tax provisions. The bill also funds the federal government until March 23. Three-year depreciation is an investment incentive for racehorse owners that had been in place for several years before expiring at the end of 2016. “We wish to thank Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for his continued support for our industry,” said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop. “We’ve worked with the Leader for over a decade on our industry’s unique issues, and we appreciate his continued efforts.” Prior to the 2008 Farm Bill, which became effective January 1, 2009, racehorses 24 months of age and younger when purchased and placed in service, were depreciated on a seven-year schedule that did not accurately reflect the... ...
Read More →
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 12, 2018) – Buggy Brown is the one California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Turf Paradise Derby for 3-year-olds. Buggy Brown is by Big Bad Leroybrown, out of the Bold Badgett mare Cute as a Bug, was bred by Old English Rancho, Sal Berumen and Patsy Berumen, is owned by Tyree Wolesensky and trained by Edward Kereluk. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $11,370 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 29 optional claimer. ...
Read More →
From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (February 4, 2018)-Lucky Pulpit’s last and only foal of 2018 arrived at 8:35 p.m. on January 31 at John Harris’ Harris Farms near Coalinga. The plain bay colt is out of Mother Luck (Street Sense x Alishir’s World). His dam is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner and G1 stakes placed Antares World. The unnamed colt was bred by his owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams’ Tree Top Ranch, who also owned his sire. Lucky Pulpit is most noted as the sire of multiple Eclipse winning and two-time Horse of the Year winner California Chrome ($14,752,650). Lucky Pulpit entered stud in 2007 and stood his entire career at Harris Farms. He was California’s Leading Freshman Sire of 2010 and topped the California General Sire List in 2014 and 2016. In 2017, Lucky Pulpit was the Leading Sire of California Conceived Foals by number of winners and of two-year-olds by earnings. Inquiries to Dave McGlothlin at Harris Farms 800-311-6211 or davem@harrisfarms.com http://www.harrisfarms.com/ ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2018) – Barretts Debutante winner Ismelucky is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Ismelucky is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Tribal Rule mare Ismene, was bred by Stephen Ferraro, is owned by Bonde or Russell and is trained by Jeff Bonde. Ismelucky has two wins in five starts, earnings of $120,765 and is coming off an eighth in the Dec. 2 Soviet Problem. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2018) – Grade II winner Majestic Heat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Maria Stakes at Santa Anita. Majestic Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach & Barry Abrams, is owned by Auerbach, McCauley or Bardy Farm and is trained by Richard Mandella. She has seven wins in 17 starts, earnings of $534,329 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 13 La Canada Stakes. ...
Read More →
PHOENIX – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate My Friend Emma is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup at Turf Paradise. My Friend Emma is by Tannersmyman, out of the Artax mare Ma Ka Bet, was bred by Jim Eaton, is owned by Candelario Barragan or Joselyn Robles and is trained by Mark Hall. The $1,000 purchase from the Northern California Yearling Sale has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $158,794 and is coming off a seventh in a Jan. 7 allowance, his first race in 16 months. ...
Read More →
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 4, 2018) – Bombay Bob is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Budweiser Handicap at Sunland Park. Bombay Bob is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Smokester mare T. G.’s Girl, was bred by Jim Robinson, is owned by A and A Equine and Roberto Marquez and is trained by Justin Evans. He has five wins in 23 starts, earnings of $42,926 and is coming off a June 7 claiming win. ...
Read More →
By California Thoroughbred Rozamund Barclay can remember every horse she has ever bred, owned, or even worked with, and she has a certain level of affection for all of them. “I can honestly say I am fond of all the equines I have had the pleasure of raising, owning, purchasing, or caring for,” Barclay said, adding, “Obviously, some take up a bit more room than others in my heart.” Her list is lengthy, populated by horses such as North Pacific, Hi Fashioned, Estellara, Slew’s Charm, Commandress, Stay Positive, and Hot Gem. Her graded stakes-winning stallion Northern Causeway sits right at the top. His first foals will debut on the track this year. Barclay grew up in Portola Valley, Calif., where she first took riding lessons as a 6-yearold on a retired racehorse. Her family moved to Vashon Island in Washington, where she continued her equine schooling with vaulting, eventing, Western pleasure, and games. By the time she was 14, Barclay was teaching lessons and helping to break horses. “Pony Club... ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com Show horse trainer Stevee Keller didn’t realize a casual conversation about Thoroughbred pedigrees she favored would lead to her owning her first stallion and a rising star in the world of three-day eventing. Keller had been talking with Adrian Gonzalez, with Checkmate Thoroughbreds, who she attends sales with in California. Gonzalez asked her if she had a preference for particular bloodlines. “I told him the one that is really up-and-coming are with The Pamplemousse babies,” Keller recalled Jan. 31, referring to the grade 3-winning son of Kafwain who was standing at Rancho San Miguel. “I have, like, four that are on their way to becoming two-star, three-star, almost up to Olympic level, three-day eventing horses. Adrian just laughed.” It so happened that Gonzalez handles the sale consignments for Rancho San Miguel’s young horses and knew the farm wanted to find a new home for the big gray 12-year-old horse. After face-to-face meetings with Rancho San Miguel’s general manager Clay Murdock, Keller got an exciting new prospect and Murdock found an ideal second career... ...
Read More →How About Zero wins $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2018)–As he’s done literally thousands of times throughout his Hall of Fame career, Kent Desormeaux timed it to the minute when the big money was down in Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank at Santa Anita, as he was just up to win by head aboard aboard Rye, a 5-year-old full horse by English Channel. Bred in California by H & E Ranch, Rye got a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:48.01. Next to last with a quarter mile to run, Desormeaux worked out a perfect trip and was able to exploit fractions of 23.44, 46.87, 1:11.63 and 1:35.94 and thus provide a red-hot Billy Morey with his second training win on the day. Morey now has two stakes wins at the current meet and he’s won with nine out of his 14 starts–a 64 percent strike rate. “It was very eventful,” said Desormeaux. “The horse in front of me almost fell at the three-eighths... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2018)–Upstart Heck Yeah answered any questions about his ability to handle turf as he rallied into a fast pace en route to winning Saturday’s $100,000 California Cup Turf Sprint by 2 ½ lengths under Drayden Van Dyke. Trained by Bob Baffert, the 3-year-old colt by Eclipse Champion Turf Horse Acclamation got 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:13.61. Well back early but an attentive fourth turning for home, Heck Yeah validated his 5 ¼ length main track win in his debut at Los Alamitos Dec. 7 by running lights out on turf today. Bet down to the 2-1 favorite in a field of a dozen 3-year-olds bred or sired in California, Heck Yeah paid $6.40, $5.00 and $3.60. Bred in California by his co-owner Michael Pageler, Heck Yeah is out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess. Now perfect in two starts, he picked up $60,000 for the win, increasing his earnings to $124,000. “It’s wonderful,” said Pageler. “This... ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2108)–Trainer John Sadler was confident he had the best horse in the $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint despite what the odds board said, and he was proven right emphatically by Edwards Going Left Jan. 27 at Santa Anita Park. What may have been most impressive in his six-length win, however, was how the 4-year-old Midnight Lute gelding did it. With the inside post in the field of six, jockey Tyler Baze opted against Edwards Going Left’s normal stalk-and-pounce tactics, and asked his mount to keep up with heavily favored Masochistic from the first jump. Masochistic, in his first start for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, broke best and cruised on the lead early, but Edwards Going Left forced the issue on the rail, and early in the turn, the favorite was already in retreat. Edwards Going Left hit the front, and while B Squared and Tough Sunday loomed at the top of the stretch, the Hronis Racing-owned bay continued to extend his lead to the wire. Bred by Red Baron’s Barn and Vaya Con Suerte out... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2018)–Second and on the move at the dirt crossing turning for home, Reddam Racing’s homebred How About Zero easily overhauled favored Miss Sunset to take Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint under Mario Gutierrez at Santa Anita. Trained by Doug O’Neill, the 4-year-old filly by Reddam’s Square Eddie got 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:13.10. Most recently second, beaten a head in a one mile turf allowance here Jan. 1, How About Zero was off at 2-1 and paid $6.40, $3.60 and $2.40. Out of Reddam’s In Excess mare Too Much Excess, How About Zero notched her second win from six tries down the hill and improved her overall mark to 12-3-5-0. With the winner’s share of $90,000, she increased her earnings to $343,950. Trained by Phil D’Amato, Barbara Beatrice flew late to nip Miss Sunset by a nose for the place. Off at 7-2, Barbara Beatrice, who was ridden by Tiago Pereira, paid $4.20... ...
Read More →
From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, January 25, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chairman Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Jesse Choper, Fred Maas, Araceli Ruano and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: · Cliff Goodrich, executive director of the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation (CTHF), summarized the relief efforts for victims of the fire at San Luis Rey training center. Goodrich and representatives of Santa Anita Park/The Stronach Group and the California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) detailed the distribution of $818,000 that was donated by more than 6,000 individuals and organizations in response to the tragedy. As a non-profit organization that provides medical care and other services to racetrack workers, CTHF was selected by those involved to receive and distribute the funds, relying on input from those best able to determine the identities and needs of the victims. Funds were... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2018) — The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association will award $200 cash to the groom who prepares the best turned out horse in each of the four stakes races on Saturday’s California Cup/Sunshine Millions card at Santa Anita. The stakes are the $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank for older horses at 1 1/8 miles; the $150,000 guaranteed Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint for fillies and mares, four and up at about 6 ½ furlongs on the hillside course; and the $100,000 California Cup Turf Sprint Stakes for three-year-olds at about 6 ½ furlongs on the hillside course; and the $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2018) — Tough Sunday is the Little Horse Who Could. Having overcome health hurdles at birth that would have dashed the careers, yea lives, of Thoroughbreds with lesser pluck, Tough Sunday displayed an indomitable spirit that has him poised and ready for Saturday’s $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint, one of four stakes that day for California-bred or sired horses, with purses of $600,000, that is supported by allowance, maiden and claiming races with money supercharged by the Cal-bred race fund. A six-year-old horse owned and bred by Nick Alexander, Tough Sunday was born deaf and blind, didn’t know how to nurse, and his mother abandoned him. But not Alexander, a major owner, breeder and supporter of California racing going on four decades, the founder of Nick Alexander Imports auto dealership in the Wholesale District of Los Angeles, and currently Chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC). Alexander, 75, has told the tale of Tough Sunday so many times it has... ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2018) — By simple deduction, California-bred stakes are supposed to be easier than those against open company. They’re supposed to be a nice, soft spot for a quality payday. But the $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint Stakes, which arrives on a Jan. 27 card that features nine Cal-bred races (four stakes) at Santa Anita Park, is no layup. The presumptive favorite for the six-furlong sprint is grade 1 winner Masochistic, who is scheduled to make his 8-year-old debut and his first start for trainer Bob Baffert, but trainer John Sadler feels he has an up-and-coming contender in the division in Hronis Racing’s Edwards Going Left. A $50,000 claim by Sadler and Hronis in February of 2017 in his debut, the Midnight Lute gelding won six of his nine starts the rest of the year—including a Cal-bred stakes win in the Nov. 19 Cary Grant at Del Mar—and showed his class extended beyond the state-bred ranks with a second-place finish in the Dec. 26 Malibu Stakes (G1) to close his... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2018)–A two-time California-bred or sired stakes winner, trainer Jeff Bonde’s Bookies Luck will try turf for the first time as he heads a field of 13 sophomores in Saturday’s $100,000 California Cup Turf Sprint at 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course. His primary opposition could come from a pair of recent maiden winners, Jeff Mullins’ Raven Creek and Bob Baffert’s Heck Yeah. BOOKIES LUCK Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams Jeff Bonde By far the most accomplished horse in the field, this Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams’ homebred colt by Lucky Pulpit has three wins from seven dirt starts and earnings of $216,649. A winner of the seven furlong Golden State Juvenile two starts back at Del Mar on Nov. 4, he’s been idle since well beaten as the 6-5 favorite in the one mile King Glorious Stakes versus Cal-breds at Los Alamitos Dec. 16. With regular rider Kent Desormeaux set to do the signal calling, Bookies Luck... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2018)–Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic has the look of a completely wide-open affair, as trainer Jerry Hollendorfer’s He Will heads a field of nine older horses set to go a mile and one eighth over the Santa Anita turf. In addition to He Will, who will be taking a steep drop in class out of a pair of recent graded stakes, Peter Miller’s The Big Train, Billy Morey’s Rye, Carla Gaines’s Smokey Image and Ricardo Perez’s Summersimage all rate big shots in the race restricted to horses bred or sired in California that has been named in honor of California’s recently deceased super stallion, Unusual Heat. HE WILL Owner: All Schlaich Stables, LLC, Hollendorfer, LLC, Team Green, LLC, Randall & Todaro Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer Surging late under Mike Smith, he was beaten a desperate nose two starts back in the Grade II Seabiscuit Handicap going 1 1/16 miles on turf at Del Mar Nov. 26. An even seventh here in the... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2018)–Bob Baffert’s comebacking Masochistic and Steve Miyadi’s late blooming Tough Sunday head Saturday’s $150,000 Donald Valpredo Californina Cup Sprint at six furlongs. Restricted to older horses bred or sired in California, the Cal Cup Sprint has attracted a field of six. MASOCHISTIC Owner: Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Jay Em Ess Stable Trainer: Bob Baffert Second and subsequently disqualified from purse money in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Sprint three starts back on Nov. 5, 2016, this 8-year-old star crossed gelding by Sought After has been idle since well beaten as the 2-1 favorite on Kentucky Derby Day, May 6, 2017, in the Grade II, seven furlong Churchill Downs Stakes. A winner of four of eight Santa Anita starts, he’s trained in sensational fashion for his return to action in what will be his first start for Baffert. With an overall mark of 16-8-3-0, Masochistic has earnings of $857,550 and will be ridden for the first time by Drayden Van Dyke. TOUGH... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2018)–A pair of recent stakes winners, Miss Sunset and Barbara Beatrice head Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint at 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course. Restricted to older fillies and mares bred or sired in California, the hillside feature has attracted a field of eight. Trained by Jeff Bonde, Miss Sunset, although well beaten in the Grade I, seven furlong La Brea Stakes here Dec. 26, was a half length winner of the seven furlong, Grade II Raven Run Stakes at Keeneland two starts back on Oct. 21. Trainer Phil D’Amato’s Barbara Beatrice, most recently second in the seven furlong Betty Grable Stakes Nov. 12 at Del Mar, was a handy three quarter length winner down the hill two starts back of the California Distaff Handicap on Oct. 14 and must be respected. MISS SUNSET Owner: Alan Klein and Philip Lebherz Trainer: Jeff Bonde A winner of three straight stakes prior to her La Brea... ...
Read More →
HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 24, 2018) – Richard’s Boy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $175,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint Stakes. Richard’s Boy is by Idiot Proof, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Marissa’s Joy, was bred by Harold and Pamela Tillema, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller. He has nine wins in 28 starts, earnings of $860,740 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 1 Joe Hernandez. ...
Read More →
LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 24, 2018) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Native Dancer Stakes at Laurel Park. Bodhisattva is by Student Council, out of the Talk Is Money mare Dr. Cheryl P., was bred by Andy Stronach and is owned by trainer Jose Corrales. He has six wins in 41 starts, earnings of $424,133 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 19 optional claimer. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2018) – Stakes winner Jimmy Bouncer and fellow California-bred Fly to Mars are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Clocker’s Corner Stakes at Santa Anita. Fly to Mars is by Minsters Wild Cat, out of the Doc Gus mare Warren’s Flyer, was bred by owner Gary Barber and is trained by Peter Miller. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $108,168 and is coming off a Dec. 31 optional claiming win. Jimmy Bouncer is by Square Eddie, out of the General Meeting mare Meetmeinthewoods, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by St. Hillaire, Guerrero or Dunbar, et al, and is trained by Michael Pender. He has eight wins in 19 starts, earnings of $434,260 and is coming off a ninth in the Nov. 19 Cary Grant. ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 23,2018) — Churchill Downs Incorporated announced Jan. 23 that it has made a donation of $25,000 to California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation (CTHF) to distribute to victims of the San Luis Rey Downs fire. The December fire in Bonsall, Calif., claimed the lives of 46 horses, resulted in the hospitalization of five trainers, and destroyed countless horse stables on the property. “As attention and support have dwindled for this important cause, it is my hope that our donation will reinvigorate the ongoing efforts at San Luis Rey Downs,” said Bill Carstanjen, chief executive officer of CDI. “We are grateful to CTHF for their swift efforts to provide relief to workers and trainers who suffered from the devastation. Our continued thoughts are with those impacted by this tragedy in our industry.” CTHF is a non-profit foundation that supports over 5,000 CHRB licensed backstretch workers and their families throughout California. Donations can be made at cthfcares.org/donate. ...
Read More →
By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2018) — The California Cup program for statebreds here on Saturday has added a $100,000 race for 3-year-old turf sprinters, but two races for 3-year-olds held last year on this day will be run in February instead. The $100,000 California Cup Turf Sprint for 3-year-olds at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course is a new race and one of four stakes at Santa Anita Saturday. Two $200,000 stakes previously run on the California Cup program will be run Feb. 19 – the California Cup Derby at 1 1/16 miles and the California Cup Oaks at a mile on turf. “We moved the 3-year-old stakes down the road, figuring we’d get a horse or two extra,” said Santa Anita racing secretary and vice president Rick Hammerle. That left a void on the Cal Cup program partially filled by the Turf Sprint, which drew 18 nominations and is likely to have a field of eight to 10 runners. Officials with Santa Anita and... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2018) — Bill Morey, sizzling at Santa Anita winning at a 55 percent clip thanks to six victories from 11 starts, hopes to continue his hot streak when he sends out Rye in next Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank. The Unusual Heat is one of four stakes that day restricted to California-bred or sired horses, with total purses of $600,000 supported by an overnight card of allowance, maiden and claiming races with purses supercharged by the Cal-bred race fund. Rye, a five-year-old full horse sired by English Channel out of the Unusual Heat dam Phi Beta Heat, has two wins from four starts at the mile and an eighth distance of the Turf Classic. “He’s training great,” Morey said of the chestnut, who has won seven of 15 career starts. “He likes the mile and an eighth on the turf, and how often do you get a chance to run a Cal-bred for $200,000? You’ve got... ...
Read More →
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 21, 2018) – Bortstein is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Riley Allison Stakes for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park. Bortstein is by Warrior’s Reward, out of the Skip Away mare Muir Beach, was bred by Fleming Thoroughbred Farm, is owned by Don Helm, A and A Equine and Clara Moore and is trained by Justin Evans. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $28,460 and is coming off a sixth in a Dec. 16 allowance. ...
Read More →
From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, January 25, at Santa Anita Park beginning at 9:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board meeting agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the website. ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2018)–Breaking from post position one, California-bred Coniah gunned to the lead under Kent Desormeaux and was in control thereafter as she cruised to a 1 ¾-length win in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Las Cienegas Stakes at Santa Anita. In providing trainer William Morey with his first-ever graded stakes victory, the 5-year-old mare by Harlington negotiated 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:12.17. “It took me almost 1,600 wins to get my first graded win,” said Morey. “It feels pretty good. I was very confident. I thought she looked great out there and I had Kent in charge, so I wasn’t looking at the fractions. When they turned for home, I knew they had to do some running to catch her.” Idle since June 18, Coniah had two close second-place finishes from as many tries down the hill. Off as the 2-1 second choice in a field of seven older fillies and mares, she paid $6.40, $3.40 and $2.60. Owned... ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2018) — Masochistic‘s final work for his 2018 debut was technically “in company” Jan. 20 at Santa Anita Park. Three other workers went into the gate with him and left the gate with him, but he might as well have been alone. Under jockey Drayden Van Dyke, Masochistic popped out of the gate and immediately put open lengths between himself and the other workers. He was four to five lengths ahead in the backstretch, and the others who left the gate never got close to the speedy grade 1 winner. The 8-year-old Sought After gelding owned by Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Jay Em Ess Stable completed his five-furlong work in :59 4/5, the co-fastest of 77 drills at the distance on the Santa Anita main track Saturday. The only other horse of the 77 to work five furlongs in less than a minute was Morse Code (also :59 4/5), but that drill was not from the gate. “He broke like a rocket last time I worked him and he did... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2018) – Here are the nominations and past performances for the four stakes races at the Jan. 27 California Cup and Sunshine Millions for horses bred or sired in California, to be held at Santa Anita. $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, Presented by City National Bank Noms — http://www.santaanita.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Unusual-Heat-Classic-Noms.pdf PPs — http://www.santaanita.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Unusual-Heat-Classic-PP.pdf $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint Noms — http://www.santaanita.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Don-Val-Sprint-Noms.pdf PPs — http://www.santaanita.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Don-Val-Sprint-PP.pdf $150,000 Sunshine Millions Fillies and Mares Turf Sprint Noms — http://www.santaanita.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/SS-FM-TUrf-Sprint.pdf PPs — http://www.santaanita.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/SS-FM-Turf-Sprint.pdf $100,000 California Cup Turf Sprint Stakes Noms — http://www.santaanita.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CC-Turf-Sprint-Noms-1.pdf PPs — http://www.santaanita.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/CC-Turf-Sprint-PP.pdf ...
Read More →
From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2018) — Phil Lebherz’s Premier Thoroughbreds LLC of San Mateo, California is the recipient of the Second annual McMahon Award given to the breeder of the leading money-winning California-bred two-year-old sold at public auction. Premier Thoroughbreds LLC bred and raised Spiced Perfection, who led all California-bred two-year-olds of 2017 sold at public auction with earnings of $167,280. Spiced Perfection was purchased from Sue Greene’s Woodbridge Farm consignment at the 2016 Barretts Fall Sale by John Brocklebank as agent, who also purchased the inaugural McMahon winner, California Diamond, at a WTBOA auction. After receiving her early preparation in Utah, she was resold by Checkmate Thoroughbreds in the 2017 Barretts March Sale to Brian Koriner as agent for Dare to Dream Stables LLC. She made her debut as the odds-on favorite going 4 ½ furlongs at Santa Anita on June 1 and finished a close 3rd despite a wide trip while getting beat 2 noses. She never finished worse than second the rest of her juvenile year. ... ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2018) — Adrian Gonzalez’s Checkmate Thoroughbreds sold three of the four highest-priced horses at the Barretts mixed sale Jan. 17 in Pomona, Calif. All were 2-year-olds and went to three different buyers. Checkmate, the sale’s leading consignor, topped the sale with a 2-year-old son of Quality Road who brought $120,000. Trainer O.J. Jauregui purchased the colt for Lindsay LaRoche’s Highland Yard. The Barretts sale also included several stallion seasons and art items that were donated to raise funds for victims of the San Luis Rey Downs fire. Kim Lloyd, Barretts’ general manager, said that the items raised more than $25,000. In addition, Barretts announced that it will donate 10% of its commissions from the horses sold at the sale to the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation for fire relief. A total of 111 horses grossed $1,180,600 for an average of $10,636, compared to 2017, when 125 horses grossed $995,800 and averaged $7,966, an increase of 34% in average. The 2-year-olds brought the highest average of $13,241 for 37... ...
Read More →