Jockey Club Fact Book Now Available

Feb 21, 2018 Posted by CTBA In Announcement

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. ...

Heck Yeah

Heck Yeah wins $200,000 California Cup Derby. ...

Pulpit Rider

Pulpit Rider wins $200,000 California Cup Oaks. ...

Pulpit Rider Gets the Trip in Cal Cup Oaks

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... ...

Heck Yeah He Won the Cal Cup Derby

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... ...

Tribal Storms to Lost In The Fog Victory

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... ...

Ministersdontparty in Mine That Bird

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. ...

Mr Joshua Captures Trust Buster

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. ...

One Fast Broad, Ismelucky in Oaks

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... ...

Stakes-winning Trio in Cal Cup Derby

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... ...

Tribal Storm in Lost in the Fog Stakes

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. ...

Skye Diamonds, Coniah in Las Flores

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. ...

He Could Be the One

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. ...

Psycho Dar in Baffle Stakes

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. ...

Bodhisattva Seeks Campbell Repeat

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. ...

Sircat Sally 2017 Cal-bred Horse of the Year

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... ...

One Fast Broad Drills for Cal Cup Oaks

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... ...

Remember Daisy Wins at Delta Downs

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. ...

Equine Artist Fred Stone Passes

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... ...

Depreciation Incentive for Owners Returns

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... ...

Buggy Brown Entered at Turf Paradise

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. ...

Lucky Pulpit’s Last Foal Arrives

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/ ...

Ismelucky Likes the Sweet Life

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. ...

Majestic Heat Tries Santa Maria

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. ...

My Friend Emma Enters Gold Cup

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. ...

Bombay Bob Enters Budweiser

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. ...

Rozamund Barclay

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... ...

The Pamplemousse Changes Careers

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... ...

Rye

Rye wins $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. ...

Heck Yeah

Heck Yeah wins $100,000 Cal Cup Turf Sprint ...

Edwards Going Left

Edwards Going Left wins $150,000 Donald Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint ...

How About Zero

How About Zero wins $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...

Unusual Heat Turf Classic to Rye

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... ...

Heck Yeah Wins Cal Cup Turf Sprint

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... ...

Edwards Going Left Wins Valpredo Sprint

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... ...

How About Zero Takes F&M Turf Sprint

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... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

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... ...

Coniah

Coniah wins $100,000 Grade III Las Cienegas Stakes. ...

CTBA Offering Groom Awards Saturday

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. ...

Plucky Tough Sunday in Cal Cup Sprint

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... ...

Bloodhorse.com on Cal Cup

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... ...

Bookies Luck Prominent in Turf Sprint

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... ...

He Will in Wide-Open Turf Classic

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... ...

Masochistic Returns in Cal Cup Sprint

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... ...

Miss Sunset in Filly & Mare Turf Sprint

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... ...

Richard’s Boy Looking at Gulfstream

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. ...

Bodhisattva Takes Spin in Native Dancer

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. ...

Jimmy Bouncer in Clocker’s Corner

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. ...

CDI Donates to San Luis Rey Victims

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. ...

Cal Cup Program Gets a Few Tweaks

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... ...

Morey Aims Rye for Turf Classic

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... ...

Bortstein Enters Riley Allison

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. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

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. ...

Coniah Returns with Graded Victory

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... ...

Masochistic Drills for Cal Cup Sprint

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... ...

Cal Cup Nominations, Past Performances

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 ...

Premier Thoroughbreds Wins McMahon Award

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. ... ...

Barretts Sale Benefits Fire Relief

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... ...

Coniah Returns in Las Cienegas

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2018) – Returning from a seven-month layoff, Coniah is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Las Cienegas Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Coniah is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by Bill Morey. She has three wins in 19 starts, earnings of $235,365 and is making her first start since a second in the June 18 Desert Stormer. ...

Riverside County Stallion Tour Jan. 20

TEMECULA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2018) – The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association and California Thoroughbred Breeders Association are sponsoring a stallion tour of Riverside County farms on Saturday, Jan. 20. The tour will begin at 8 a.m. at Milky Way Farm, which stands Box Score, Heaven’s Glory and Street Life. The next stop will be Special T Thoroughbreds, home to Boat Trip and Ultimate Eagle. At Pacific Coast Thoroughbreds, participants can view Ethnic Dance and Golden Child. The BG Thoroughbreds lineup of stallions consists of Affirmative, Capital Account, Daddy Nose Best, Fighting Husar, King of Jazz, Tiz A Minister and Unusual Heatwave. The final stop of the tour will be Ridgeley Farm, home of He Be Fire N Ice and Informed. Cost of the tour is $40, which includes transportation, breakfast, snacks, prices, lunch and drinks. RSVP to ctfma@yahoo.com. ...

Intimidate Enters California Derby

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2018) – Stakes winner Intimidate and fellow California-breds Generally Lucky, Campaigner and Ministersdontparty are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 California Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Intimidate is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Perfect Hostess, was bred by Donald Muldoon, is owned by James Eaton, Maria Hess or Muldoon and is trained by Robert Hess, Sr. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $99,640 and is coming off a win in the Dec. 16 King Glorious. Generally Lucky is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the General Meeting mare Gn. Group Meeting, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $59,290 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 1 optional claimer. Campaigner is by Minsters Wild Cat, out of the Good Journey mare Brave Journey, was bred by owner Larry Stein and is trained by Steve Miyadi. He has one win in six starts, earnings... ...

Special Eclipse Award for First Responders

By DRF.com HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 12, 2018) — The administrators of the Eclipse Awards have voted to issue a Special Eclipse Award this year to the people who responded to two disasters affecting the racing community in 2017 – the hurricane in September that put more than 800 horses at risk in Puerto Rico, and the wildfire in December that killed 46 horses at San Luis Rey Downs training center. The administrators said in a press release that they were issuing the Special Eclipse “in recognition of countless acts of heroism, bravery, and benevolence in the face of tragedy.” Unlike other Eclipse Awards, the Special Eclipse is not issued every year and was last issued in 2014 to recognize Old Friends Farm, the retirement organization. The Award will be presented to “representatives” of the two relief efforts at the Eclipse Awards dinner and ceremony on Jan. 25 at Gulfstream Park in south Florida. The release said that Kelley Stobie and Shelley Blodgett of Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare would represent “countless... ...

Shaman Ghost to Stand at Tommy Town

By Bloodhorse.com SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2018) — Multiple grade 1 winner and Canadian champion Shaman Ghost will enter stud at Tommy Town Thoroughbreds near Santa Ynez, Calif., for the 2018 season, his connections announced Jan. 11. The stud fee for the 6-year-old son of Ghostzapper will be $10,000, live foal stands and nurses. There will be special consideration for young stakes-winning mares at a reduced fee of $7,500, live foal stands and nurses. In an exclusive interview with BloodHorse Daily, owner Frank Stronach reiterated his dedication to building up the California-bred program. He said he is sending multiple mares to California to foal and be bred back to Shaman Ghost. “Basically, as you know, we own two racetracks here in Golden Gate Fieldsand Santa Anita Park,” said the founder of The Stronach Group. “We’re a little concerned there aren’t enough horses, there are small fields, so we want to make sure that we have a good horse population. Naturally, it’s also important that we get new owners (involved in the sport).” Shaman Ghost, an Ontario-bred out of the Gilded... ...

How Unusual Seeks Astra Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2018) – Stakes winner How Unusual and fellow California-bred Lucy De are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Astra Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Lucy De is by Decarchy, out of the Native Storm mare Stormin Lucy, was bred by Magali Farms and owner GGG Stables and is trained by Richard Baltas. She has three wins in 16 starts, earnings of $174,143 and is coming off a win in an Oct. 27 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 19 starts, earnings of $302,367 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 23 Red Carpet. ...

Cal-bred Trio in Kalookan Queen

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2018) – California-breds Cuddle Alert, Ashley’s Sassy and Dis Smart Cat are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Kalookan Queen Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Cuddle Alert is by Bedford Falls, out of the Gilded Time mare Tee Dee, was bred by Carol Lingenfelter, is owned by Saldana or Urbina and is trained by Reed Saldana. She has Seven wins in 30 starts, earnings of $328,534 and is coming off a second in the Dec. 9 Bear Fan. Ashley’s Sassy is by Decarchy, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by Alesia, Bran Jam Stables & Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Andy Mathis. She has three wins in 22 starts, earnings of $209,610 and is coming off a fifth in a Dec. 1 claimer. Dis Smart Cat is by Square Eddie, out of the Menifee mare Categorize, was bred by Kevin Devinzenci, is owned by Papa Gallo Racing Stables and is trained by Matthew Chew. She has four wins in 16... ...

Majestic Heat Enters La Canada

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2018) – Majestic Heat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 La Canada 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 Auerbach and Barry Abrams, is owned by Auerbach, McCauley or Bardy Farm and is trained by Richard Mandella. She has seven wins in 16 starts, earnings of $530,329 and is coming off a win in the Dec. 3 Bayakoa. ...

Del Mar Promotes Josh Rubinstein

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2018) — The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) announced today that Josh Rubinstein has been named its President. Rubinstein, 48, has worked at Del Mar in an executive capacity since 1997 and had risen to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. As President and COO, Rubinstein will continue his duties representing DMTC within the racing industry while handling aspects of strategic planning and overseeing daily operations of the company. Joe Harper, who had been DMTC’s President and Chief Executive Officer since 1990, has relinquished the title of President, but will continue on in his current capacity of CEO. “Josh works well and builds consensus with racing stakeholders and has high respect from those in the industry that he interacts with,” Harper said. “He works extremely hard and very well for Del Mar and he’s earned this promotion.” Rubinstein serves on the Equibase Management Committee, as a director and secretary of the Thoroughbred Racing Association and as a board... ...

Cal-breds Center Stage at Jan. 27 Cal Cup

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2018) – California-breds will be in the spotlight at Santa Anita on Saturday, Jan. 27, with the 2018 edition of the California Cup and Sunshine Millions Day. Four stakes restricted to California-breds or -sired with total purses of $600,000 will be supported by an overnight card of allowance, maiden and claiming races with purses supercharged by the Cal-bred race fund. The main event will be the $200,000 guaranteed Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/18 miles on the turf. The $150,000 guaranteed Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and up will be run at about 6 ½ furlongs on the hillside turf course. The $150,000 guaranteed Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint for 4-year-olds and up will be run at six furlongs. And the $100,000 guaranteed California Cup Turf Sprint Stakes for 3-year-olds will be run at about 6 ½ furlongs on the hillside turf course. The card also includes these races... ...

Long Hot Summer Sells for $260,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2018) – Multiple stakes-winning California-bred Long Hot Summer sold at Tuesday’s session of the Keeneland January Sale for $260,000. The 6-year-old daughter of Street Boss, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Hotlantic, was bred by Harris Farms and Donald Valpredo and is a half-sister to stakes winner Pacific Heat. Shadai Farm was the listed buyer for Long Hot Summer, who sold as a racing or broodmare prospect, consigned by Ashview Farm. She was owned by Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino, who bought her out of Barretts 2014 2-year-old Sale for $260,000. She has six wins and earnings of $424,539. ...

Barretts Auction to Aid Fire Victims

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2018) — In support of industry efforts to provide recovery and relief to the victims of the catastrophic San Luis Rey Downs Fire, 2018 stallion seasons, equine artwork and/or racing memorabilia will be auctioned at the 2018 Barretts January Mixed Sale with 100% of the sales proceeds to be donated to the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation (CTHF), a non-profit charitable foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life for backstretch workers at California tracks & training centers. Stallion seasons being offered – Boat Trip (Special T Thoroughbreds), Can The Man (Spendthirft Farm, Kentucky), Capital Account (BG Thoroughbreds), Daddy Nose Best (BG Thoroughbreds), Danzing Candy (Rancho San Miguel), Desert Code (Harris Farms), Metaboss (Harris Farms), Richard’s Kid (Rancho San Miguel), Shaman Ghost (Tommy Town Thoroughbreds), Sierra Sunset (Daehling Ranch), Smiling Tiger (Harris Farms), Stanford (Tommy Town Thoroughbreds), Stay Thirsty (Lovacres Ranch), Tom’s Tribute (Rancho San Miguel), Ultimate Eagle (Special T Thoroughbreds), Vronsky (Old English Rancho). The sale will be held Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m.... ...

Stronach’s Ritvo Proposes Drastic Changes

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2018) — Significant changes to the property at Santa Anita Park have been proposed in the past and many went by the wayside, but the tone from Tim Ritvo, The Stronach Group’s chief operating officer, Jan. 7 was different. What Ritvo stressed Sunday was that the drastic changes this time around—ideas to expand the barn area, build a second turf course, expand the main track, and build a brand-new training facility in nearby West Covina, Calif.—are not only desired, but essential. “For racing to continue on, this has to happen.” the executive said. “If this doesn’t happen, we’re in trouble.” The first step, Ritvo said, is to build about 1,000 new stalls to the north of the main oval at Santa Anita, an area that currently serves as a parking lot. While the master plan—which would include extending the main track from a mile to 1 1/8 miles, widening the turf course enough to make two separate grass courses, adding an L-shaped training track for jogging on... ...

Our Lucky Break Enters Eldorado

VINTON, La. (Jan. 5, 2018) – Our Lucky Break is the lone California-bred entered in next Friday’s $60,000 Eldorado Stakes for fillies and mares at Delta Downs. Our Lucky Break is by Looking At Lucky, out of the Dixie Union mare Kim’s Grace, was bred by Milt Policzer and is owned by trainer Kevin Thompson. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $41,100 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 22 allowance. ...

He Will, Smokey Image in San Gabriel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2017) – California-breds He Will and Smokey Image are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita. He Will is by Cyclotron, out of the Lear Fan mare Could She, was bred by Old English Rancho and Berumen, is owned by All Schlaich Stables, Team Green or Randall, et al and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $362,619 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 26 Seabiscuit. Smokey Image is by Southern Image, out of the Free House mare Special Smoke, was bred by C Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has six wins in 15 starts, earnings of $500,601 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 19 Cary Grant. ...

Pee Wee Reese

Pee Wee Reese wins $75,000 Joe Hernandez Stakes. ...

Pee Wee Reese Homers in Joe Hernandez

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2018)–If there is such a thing as The Big Dodger in the Sky, he was smiling down on Santa Anita on Monday, as Pee Wee Reese went to the front in the $75,000 Joe Hernandez Stakes under Joe Talamo, winning by 2 ¾ lengths. Named for the late Dodger Hall of Fame shortstop, owned and bred in California by Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato, the 5-year-old full horse by Tribal Rule got 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:12.37. “He’s a fun horse to ride and he’s pretty tough anywhere from 6 ½ (furlongs) to a mile and a sixteenth,” said Talamo, who’s now won five out of his seven engagements with “Pee Wee.” “He reminds me of (2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner) California Flag. I know we went 44 (seconds for the first half mile), but it felt like 46. He’s got incredible speed and he has the ability to relax and finish. This race... ...

Cal-bred Pair in Pan Zareta

NEW ORLEANS, La. (Dec. 31, 2017) – California-breds Nite Delite and Our Lucky Break are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Pan Zareta Stakes for fillies and mares at Fair Grounds. Nite Delite is by War Chant, out of the Mountain Cat mare One Tough Cat, was bred by Angel Crest Farms, is owned by Savorthetimeracing and is trained by W. Bret Calhoun. She has seven wins in 26 starts, earnings of $322,455 and is coming off a fifth in the Dec. 2 Richard Scherer Memorial. Our Lucky Break is an also-eligible by Lookin At Lucky, out of the Dixie Union mare Kim’s Grace, was bred by Milt Policzer and is owned by trainer Kevin Thompson. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $41,100 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 22 allowance. ...

Richard’s Boy Returns in Joe Hernandez

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 29, 2017) – Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint runner-up Richard’s Boy is joined by California-bred graded winners Gold Rush Dancer and Pee Wee Reese and stakes winners Tribalist and Smokey Image in Monday’s $75,000 Joe Hernandez Stakes at Santa Anita. Gold Rush Dancer is by Private Gold, out of the In Excess mare Dances On Water, was bred by owner Joe Parker and is trained by Vann Belvoir. He has six wins in 21 starts, earnings of $516,113 and is coming off a sixth in the Nov. 19 Cary Grant. He won the Grade III Longacres Mile in August. Pee Wee Reese is by Tribal Rule, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Bluegrass Belle, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $283,990 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 26 Seabiscuit. He won the Grade III American Stakes in July. Tribalist is by Tribal Rule, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate... ...

One Fast Broad in Blue Norther

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 27, 2017) – Multiple stakes winner One Fast Broad is one of four California-breds entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. X S Gold is by Golden Balls, out of the In Excess mare Some Excess, was bred by owners DP Racing and James Cassidy and is trained by Cassidy. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $32,200 and is coming off a Nov. 19 maiden win. Empress of Luv is by Empire Way, out of the Not For Love mare Angela’s Love, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by London, Lovingier or Zondlo and is trained by Gary Sherlock. She has one win in nine starts, earnings of $82,240 and is coming off a fourth in the Dec. 2 Soviet Problem. Streak of Luck is by Old Fashioned, out of the Elusive Quality mare Valeria, was bred by owner Roncelli Family Trust and is trained by Matthew Chew. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of... ...

Masochistic Returns in Midnight Lute

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 27, 2017) – Grade I winner Masochistic and fellow California-breds Solid Wager, Tough Sunday and Smokey Image are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Midnight Lute Stakes at Santa Anita. Masochistic is by Sought After, out of the Unusual Heat mare Trotinette, was bred by Francoise Dupuis & Louis Julian, is owned by Los Pollos Hermanos Stable and Jay Em Ess Stable and is trained by Bob Baffert. He has eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $857,550 and is making his first start since finishing 13th in the May 6 Churchill Downs Stakes. Solid Wager is by Birdonthewire, out of the Valid Wager mare G Ma, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Barber, Barber or Stanford Stables and is trained by Peter Miller. He has eight wins in 39 starts, earnings of $566,671 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 19 Cary Grant. Tough Sunday is by Grazen, out of the General Meeting mare Sunday Dress, was bred by owner Nick Alexander... ...

Jack Van Berg Passes at 81

By Bloodhorse.com LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Dec. 27, 2017) — Trainer John Charles “Jack” Van Berg, a Hall of Fame trainer and the son of Hall of Fame trainer Marion Van Berg, died Dec. 27. The 81-year-old conditioner had been hospitalized at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark., due to complications from cancer. Services will be held Jan. 8 at the Hot Springs Convention Center in Hot Springs, Ark. <p> Van Berg, who entered the Hall of Fame in 1985, ranks fourth on the all-time win list for North American-based trainers with 6,523 victories. His runners earned more than $85 million. His most famous runner was Alysheba, winner of the 1987 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1). After being named champion 3-year-old male of 1987, he was dubbed “America’s Horse” and earned Horse of the Year and champion older male crowns following his victory in the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Alysheba, who entered the Racing Hall of Fame in 1993, raced for Dorothy and Pamela Scharbauer and earned... ...

CHRB Rejects Ellis’ Settlement Offer

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2017) — The California Horse Racing Board announced Dec. 22 that it has rejected the settlement offer made by the attorneys for trainer Ron Ellis, regarding his sanctions over the drug violation in California-bred Masochistic from the 2016 TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). Ellis’ attorney, Steve Schwartz, said Dec. 20 that a settlement offer had been made to cut the trainer’s suspension down to 59 days from 60, in exchange for a year of probation. A 60-day suspension requires that a trainer’s stable be disbanded. Schwartz said the motivation for the proposal was to save the jobs of the 15 workers Ellis employs at his Santa Anita Park base. The CHRB responded Friday—although Schwartz said he had not been notified—with a statement from spokesman Mike Marten. “Mr. Ellis could have proposed a settlement to the CHRB’s deputy attorney general and/or executive director at any point in time leading up to the board’s consideration of the proposed decision this month. He did not do so,” the statement... ...

La Brea Lures Miss Sunset

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2017) – Graded stakes winner Miss Sunset is the lone California-bred entered in Tuesday’s $300,000 Grade I La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Miss Sunset is by Into Mischief, out of the Trippi mare Tuscan Sunset, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds & Alan Klein, is owned by Klein or Lebherz and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has seven wins in 11 starts, earnings of $600,390 and is coming off three consecutive wins, the last on Oct. 21 in the Lexus Raven Run. ...

Edwards Going Left to Malibu

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2017) – Multiple stakes winner Edwards Going Left and fellow California-bred The Street Fighter are entered in Tuesday’s $300,000 Grade I Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds 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 trained by John Sadler. He has six wins in nine starts, earnings of $231,390 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 19 Cary Grant. The Street Fighter is by Street Boss, out of the Alphabet Soup mare Silver Swallow, was bred by Bruce Headley and Andrew Molasky, is owned and trained by Headley. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $58,900 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 25 optional claimer. ...

B Squared Shopping for Mathis Brothers

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2017) – B Squared is the lone California-bred entered in Tuesday’s $200,000 Grade II Mathis Brothers Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. B Squared is by Square Eddie, out of the Ten Most Wanted mare Silar Rules, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $243,735 and is coming off a ninth in the Nov. 4 TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint. ...

Hardboot Enters Eddie Logan

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2017) – Hardboot is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 Eddie Logan Stakes at Santa Anita. Hardboot is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Cryptoclearance mare Mme. Espionage, was bred by James Mann, is owned by Silvery Creek Stables and trained by Michele Dollase. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $32,200 and is coming off a Nov. 18 maiden win. ...

Jockey Club Adds $35 Mares Bred Fee

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 21, 2017) — The Jockey Club today announced that beginning with the 2018 breeding season, it will charge $35 for each mare reported bred by a stallion on the annual Report of Mares Bred form. The fee will supplement the industry support already provided by The Jockey Club for Thoroughbred aftercare initiatives, including the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA), and Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.). “The Jockey Club has examined its rate structure, and a fee for mares reported bred is consistent with fees required by other Thoroughbred breed registries worldwide,” said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. “We are pleased to announce that proceeds of this fee will be used to support a host of aftercare initiatives.” “These funds will augment the great work already being done by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which now accredits and grants funds to dozens of aftercare organizations each year,” said John Phillips, owner of Darby Dan Farm... ...

Stay Thirsty Lovingier’s Game Changer

By DRF.com WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2017) — When California owner Terry Lovingier left Kentucky in mid-November, he was bound for home with a renewed breeding operation. Lovingier had reached an agreement to stand Stay Thirsty at his Lovacres Farm in Warner Springs, Calif. To support the young stallion, Lovingier purchased 10 broodmares at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale alone. “By the time I left to come back, I made the deal,” Lovingier said of the acquisition of Stay Thirsty. Lovingier has numerous stallions based at his farm in California, but said Stay Thirsty was the first stallion previously based in Kentucky he has acquired. Stay Thirsty, who will stand for $5,000, previously stood at Ashford Stud, where he had his first season at stud in 2013. Stay Thirsty has had fair results. Through Dec. 15, the son of Bernardini was fourth among second-crop stallions with earnings of $3.57 million. Bodemeister led the list with earnings of $4.96 million. Lovingier is banking on that success to attract attention from California breeders. “I... ...

Stronach Stepping Up in California

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2017) — Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer for The Stronach Group, was relocated from his regular post at Gulfstream Park to Santa Anita Park earlier this year with the aim of observing the California track’s functions, identifying flaws in the operation, and fixing them. During various check-ins with the media over the summer, Ritvo said one of the most serious issues facing California’s racing industry, beyond just Santa Anita, was a low horse population, which led to small field sizes. To help reverse that trend, Stronach Group founder and honorary chairman Frank Stronach will once again reach from within his own infrastructure to combat the problems identified by Ritvo. However, the staff members making the move west are of the equine variety. Earlier in December, Stronach revealed that his homebred Grade 1 winner Shaman Ghost will enter stud in California for the 2018 breeding season, instantly giving the state one of its most buzzed-about incoming stallions in recent memory. Additionally, a pair of veteran... ...

The Jockey Club Releases Names

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 21, 2017) — Today The Jockey Club published a list of more than 42,000 names released from active use. This list is sortable by letter and available onregistry.jockeyclub.com and mobile.registry.jockeyclub.com to help customers with name selections for claiming and reserving names. A majority of the released names are from horses more than 10 years old that have not raced or been used for breeding during the preceding five years. Names selected from the list for re-use are subject to approval by The Jockey Club. Name selections can be submitted to The Jockey Club from the registry website or can be submitted via iOS and Android mobile applications. The Naming Application is available for download free of charge and provides a fast and convenient way to reserve, change, or claim a name. “The Jockey Club’s Registry provides a variety of platforms through which owners and breeders can easily claim and reserve names,” said Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club’s executive vice president and executive director. “For those who... ...

Foal Patrol Launched

From National Museum of Racing SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Dec. 19, 2017) — The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will launch an innovative new project called Foal Patrol, a one-of-a-kind collection of live web cameras where people can view real-time streams of several in-foal mares during their pregnancy through the actual foaling. The live camera feeds will be available beginning Dec. 19 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST daily with extended hours as the expected foaling date approaches. The live cameras can be accessed for free by visiting www.foalpatrol.com. The website is optimized for viewing across all media platforms, including tablets and smart phones. “We are delighted to be the first to offer this one-of-a-kind program that will build new fans and strengthen insights for racing enthusiasts,” said Cathy Marino, the Museum’s director. “We are so thankful for the creative mind and generous heart of our president, John Hendrickson, who brought the Museum this opportunity. In addition to creating the concept of Foal Patrol, Mr. Hendrickson and... ...

Bacharach Plans Fundraiser for Fire Victims

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2017) — Burt Bacharach, a horse owner and racing fan for 50 years, has announced that he will host a fundraiser for the victims of the tragic San Luis Rey Downs training track fire in Bonsall on December 7 that took the lives of 46 horses and seriously injured several of their caretakers. The musical event, planned for Wednesday, January 17 will start at 7:30 p.m. with a small auction of special items, notably a chance to sing “Close to You” onstage with Bacharach that evening and a table for four on Opening Day at Del Mar in 2018. The event will be held at the iconic Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, less than a mile from the racetrack at Del Mar, and will be called “An Evening of Music To Support the Victims of the Fire at San Luis Rey Downs Training Center.” Bacharach will be joined on stage during the evening for a special performance by Grammy Award winning... ...

Tax Bill Benefits Breeders, Owners

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 20, 2017) — The Tax Bill cleared by Congress for President Trump’s signature contains a number of provisions beneficial to horse breeders and owners, according to an initial assessment by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). The tax reform package benefits the horse racing industry by slashing corporate tax rates, reducing most individual tax rates, doubling the estate tax exemption from $5 million to $10 million (indexed for inflation occurring after 2011), and generally providing special tax treatment for certain pass-through entities (sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and S corporations). The package also includes significant and positive changes to depreciation and expensing of yearlings, breeding stock, farm equipment and other qualifying depreciable property. These include: Bonus Depreciation. An increase in bonus depreciation from 50 percent to 100 percent for both new and used property acquired and put into service after Sept. 27, 2017, and before Jan. 1, 2023. Bonus depreciation permits first-year, full expensing for purchases such as yearlings, breeding stock, and... ...

Misremembered Relocated to Barton

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2017) — California stallion Misremembered has been relocated to Barton Thoroughbreds for the 2018 breeding season. The Grade I-winning son of Candy Ride, who entered stud in 2012, will stand for a fee of $2,500. He won the Santa Anita Handicap and had career earnings of more than $1.3 million. ...

Santa Anita Hires Daniel Eidson

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2017)—With Santa Anita’s traditional Winter Meet opener looming on Tuesday, Dec. 26, veteran racing official Daniel Eidson has returned to Southern California following a four year stint in New York to become Santa Anita Park’s Racing Director. Eidson, 65, who served with distinction for more than 30 years in various roles at Golden Gate Fields and Hollywood Park prior to going to work for NYRA in 2014, will assist Santa Anita Vice President of Racing Rick Hammerle in his efforts to present competitive, full fields to the betting public. “Danny and I worked together at Golden Gate back in the late 80s and we’ve remained in close contact over these many years,” said Hammerle. “He’s from California and he’s been anxious to come home. He’s known and well respected here and throughout the country and that’s a huge plus for us. We’re excited to have a guy of his caliber filling this very important position.” Eidson, who officially assumed his duties today... ...

Hovdey on Santa Anita

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2017) — It’s not every day that a racing company’s plans for the future are laid out in stark terms anyone can understand. More often than not, the public is delivered corporate platitudes and pies in the sky. Not so last Wednesday at Santa Anita, where track owner Frank Stronach and chief operating officer Tim Ritvo answered pointed questions from a group of owners and trainers concerning the future of California racing in the wake of the San Luis Rey Downs fire. The Stronach Group owns San Luis Rey Downs, and since the closure of Hollywood Park in early 2014 it has been maintained as a popular facility used by the stables of some of California’s top trainers. Horses win running out of San Luis Rey, just as they win running out of training centers like Fair Hill, Payson Park, or Palm Meadows. Stronach seemed quite taken by San Luis Rey when it was acquired by his former company Magna Entertainment Corp.... ...

Coolmore, Repole Donate to Fire Relief

By DRF.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2017) — Coolmore and Mike Repole will donate a total of $220,000 to the Thoroughbred Charities of America’s Horses First Fund following the sale of two no-guarantee seasons to champion Uncle Mo to benefit racehorses and their caretakers displaced by the wildfires that devastated California’s San Luis Rey training center earlier this month. Coolmore and Repole initially put forward the 2018 season to Uncle Mo to benefit the fund. Prominent owner and breeder Gary Barber won the auction, which concluded last week with a final bid of $110,000, fending off competition from Tom VanMeter, Joe Allen, Tom Ryan of SF Bloodstock, Ken Donworth, and Craig Bernick of Glen Hill Farm. Following the auction, Juddmonte Farms offered to match the winning bid if a second season was made available, adding another $110,000 to the donation. Uncle Mo, who raced in Repole’s colors and stands at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Kentucky, stands for an advertised fee of $125,000. The leading freshman sire of 2015, he was represented by... ...

Street Life Relocates to Bean Acres

From Bean Acres NORCO, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2017) – California stallion Street Life has been relocated and will stand the 2018 breeding season at Bean Acres in Norco. Street Life is the only son of Street Sense standing in California. He will stand for a $2,500 fee with a limited number of lifetime breedings available to select mares. Also being offered are multiple-mare discounts and discounts for B+ and black-typed mares. Contact Luanne Bean, syndicate manager, at 951-377-1566 or email LuanneBean1@gmail.com. ...

Ellis Suspended 60 Days, Fined $10,000

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2017) — Trainer Ron Ellis has been fined $10,000 and suspended 60 days after California-bred Masochistic tested positive for the steroid stanozolol following a second-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita in November 2016. Ellis said Sunday afternoon that he is considering an appeal, pending a conversation with his attorney, Steve Schwartz. He described the penalty as “egregious.” “I’ll meet with my lawyer and explore an appeal,” he said. “I want to explore my options.” The decision was announced in a one-page ruling released by Los Alamitos stewards Luis Jauregui, Kim Sawyer, and Tom Ward on Sunday. The decision, recently adopted by the California Horse Racing Board, was proposed earlier this fall by stewards Grant Baker, Scott Chaney, and Sawyer, who heard hearings in the case in the last year. Ellis’s suspension runs from Jan. 1 through March 1. The penalty would essentially shut down Ellis’s stable for the first two months of the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting that begins on... ...

Intimidate

Intimidate wins $100,000 King Glorious Stakes. ...

Intimidate Scary in King Glorious Win

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2017) – Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith won his third stakes of the Winter Thoroughbred meet, guiding Intimidate to a 1 ¼ length score in the $100,345 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds Saturday at Los Alamitos. Smith, who captured the Grade II Bayakoa with Majestic Heat Dec. 3 and the Grade I Los Alamitos CashCall Futurity with McKinzie – via disqualification – Dec. 9, has won nine stakes locally since thoroughbred racing returned in July, 2014. Much troubled when well-beaten in the Golden Nugget Nov. 11 at Golden Gate Fields after winning the first two starts of his career over that track’s synthetic surface, Intimidate broke sharply in the King Glorious and essentially battled throughout with 7-1 shot Lucky Romano before asserting his superiority in the final sixteenth of a mile. Owned by James Eaton, Maria Hess and breeder Don Muldoon and trained by Bob Hess, Sr., Intimidate, a 2-year-old son of Vronsky and the Perfect Mandate... ...

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