From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2017) — California-bred Scathing, a 4-year-old gray daughter of Grazen, became the first San Luis Rey based horse to win a race since the tragic Lilac fire swept through the Bonsall, Ca. training facility Dec. 7. An $8,000 claim by trainer Adam Kitchingman for owner Cody Polansky Oct. 6, Scathing rallied to win the $17,535 starter allowance by 1 ½ lengths in her second start for her current connections. Scathing, who has won five of 22 and earned $70,341, had to pass a respiratory exam before being cleared to race.  Fortunately, Kitchingman’s San Luis Rey stable wasn’t badly affected by the fire, which destroyed eight barns and killed a reported 46 horses. The final time for the five furlongs was 58.26 seconds. Scathing paid $10.60, $5.40 and $2.80 as the 4-1 fourth choice in the field of seven. Aiming Straight returned $4.20 and $2.80 while finishing a neck in front of 5-2 favorite Papa Mambo. The show price on Papa Mambo was... ...

By Bloodhorse.com BONSALL, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2017) — The morning of Dec. 13, nearly a week after the devastating fire at San Luis Rey Training Center, the smell still works its way through your nostrils and grips the back of your throat. It’s not reminiscent of a burning log in a fireplace or a campfire. It’s foreign, more like the smell of charred plastic. It lingers like the memories of what happened Dec. 7, and those who work at the Bonsall, Calif., facility are still trying to grapple with what exactly transpired that afternoon. Life at Del Mar, where most of the evacuated Thoroughbreds from San Luis Rey have been relocated, has moved on as much as it can, as the seaside racetrack officially converted from an evacuation center to a training center Wednesday night. Trifecta Equine Athletic Center, which sits just across the street from San Luis Rey and once had more than 100 evacuated horses, is down to about 10, with four still needing medical care at the... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2017) — More than $600,000 currently has been raised via donations to the TSG/Santa Anita & Del Mar GoFundMe account through a world-wide outpouring to help the victims of last Thursday’s devastating Lilac Fire which destroyed eight barns at San Luis Rey Downs Training Center, claiming the lives of 46 Thoroughbreds and displacing hundreds of workers. To address immediate needs, a working committee has been formed to oversee those funds and has announced that $250,000 will be distributed this week to those in critical need. The committee consists of Santa Anita/TSG’s Nate Newby (Vice President, Marketing), Del Mar’s David Jerkens (Racing Secretary), Madeline Auerbach (owner/breeder, CHRB* commissioner and founder of CARMA*), Alan Balch (Executive Director, CTT*) and Cliff Goodrich (Executive Director, CTHF*). “We have well over 200 stable workers that have been severely impacted by this fire, some have lost everything and all have been significantly affected by the fire,” said Newby. “The committee is allocating an immediate disbursement of $500 each... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2017) – The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association has made donations to CARMA and the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation earmarked for horse and human fire relief. CARMA is working in partnership with the racing and equestrian communities to collect monetary donations to be given directly to Thoroughbred horses affected by the Southern California wild fires. CTHF also has been taking donations to provide relief to the victims of last week’s fire, with proceeds going to those most in need as determined by the Foundation. ...

From Tommy Town Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2017) — On the heels of his most productive year at stud, the graded stakes-siring stallion Bedford Falls will relocate within California to stand at Tom and Debi Stull’s Tommy Town Thoroughbreds in 2018. The 14-year-old Forestry half-brother to the late multiple Grade 1 winner and leading sire Harlan’s Holiday is represented by 22 winners from 35 starters and lifetime average earnings per starter of more than $54,000. His top runners are the 2017 Santa Anita Park stakes winner Cuddle Alert, a $328,534-earner who ran third to Unique Bella in the track’s Grade 3 L.A. Woman Stakes in October, and the Del Mar/Santa Anita stakes performer Wonderful Lie ($318,264). “We welcome Bedford Falls to the Tommy Town stallion roster for 2018,” said Tom Stull, whose Santa Ynez farm reigned as California’s leading breeder in 2009, 2013 and 2015. “Harlan’s Holiday continues to improve this family through his successful sons including Into Mischief, and we’re hoping Bedford Falls will produce another runner... ...

From Liz Pink BONSALL, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2017) — We are a group of horse owners whose horses were trapped at our boarding ranch just east of the San Luis Rey training facility during the devastating Lilac Fire. These are smaller ranches of pleasure riders many without trailers and no means of escape. Our rescue came in the form of one of your thoroughbred community who braved the smoke and fire to get us to safety. Linda Madsen of Milky Way Farms in Temecula not only drove us out but settled us into her beautiful barn and cared for our horses for four long days while the winds persisted. She made trips to the feed store for needed supplies and welcomed us for as long as we needed to stay. After returning us to our ranch she refused any type of compensation. We would like to have her kindness and generosity known throughout the community and were hoping that perhaps our story could be told in your monthly publication in... ...

By Dennis Miller, CTBA Member As with most tragedies there are examples of courage that flash to the surface in split seconds when all seems lost, when circumstances overwhelm, when seemingly ordinary people become super human and accomplish the impossible. Some are born heroes; some are born on the spot. No amount of training or preparation can predict who will emerge as a hero until the time comes. Captain Sullenberger was a hero that was well trained and experienced. When thrown in the crucible he did the right thing. The proper course of action is not always apparent in an emergency. Decision-making is split second and miscalculations unforgiving. There is no doubt the conflagration that occurred at San Luis Rey Downs on December 7th, 2017 was such an  occasion. A time when ordinary souls, forged by fire, accomplished feats beyond mortal expectations. While I have no doubt that there were numerous feats of selfless heroism that occurred as the Armageddon of San Luis Rey unfolded, I am compelled to note... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2017) — Thoroughbred horsemen have a special kind of dry, sometimes biting humor. If there was any indication healing from the devastating fire at San Luis Rey Training Center Dec. 7 was beginning, it was the return of humor the morning of Dec. 10 at Del Mar, where the majority of evacuated horses and horsemen have been relocated. With the Del Mar main track open for light training for the second day since the evacuation, the backside stand was a meeting point for some of the trainers on the grounds, as well as Southern California racetrack officials. BALAN: Equine Death Toll From San Luis Rey Fire at 46 As the first of about 40-45 horses made it to the track to jog Sunday morning, trainer Gary Mandella—who didn’t have horses at San Luis Rey, but traveled down to Del Mar to help trainer Michele Dollase—was in a conversation with Del Mar racing secretary David Jerkens. “So when are you going to open for... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2017) — Trainer Martine Bellocq continues to be treated at UCSD Medical Center in San Diego for burns she received trying to rescue her horses during the San Luis Rey Downs training center fire in Bonsall Thursday. Her status remains “critical” according to the hospital and her doctors have indicated that it will be at least several more days before any decisions can be made about further treatments. Bellocq and her husband, Pierre, Jr., had six horses at the San Diego North County facility. Four of them are known to have been rescued. Pierre, Jr. is the older brother of long-time racing executive Remi Bellocq, who currently works in Lexington, KY with the Bluegrass Community and Technical College. They are the sons of the noted equine artist Pierre Bellocq, known as PEB. Those wishing to donate funds toward Martine Bellocq’s medical expenses are encouraged to do so through the California Thoroughbred Trainers’ site by going to CTHFcares.org The donation can be specifically earmarked for Bellocq. Media... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2017)  – The Quarter Horse Benevolent Charitable Foundation and Los Alamitos Race Course owner and CEO Dr. Edward Allred have each donated $25,000 and F. Jack Liebau, the vice president of the Los Alamitos Racing Association, has donated $10,000 for a total of $60,000 to the relief efforts for the tragic Lilac fire that swept through the San Luis Rey training center in Bonsall, Ca. on December 7. The donations will be made to the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation, Inc., a non-profit foundation that presently assists over 5,000 California Horse Racing Board licensed backstretch workers and their families. Donations received by the CTHF will go directly to the victims most in need once it is determined where the most need lies. For others wishing to make donations, it is suggested they be channeled through CTHF. To do so visit cthfcares.org. The Quarter Horse Benevolent Charitable Foundation was established years ago to serve the needs of the Quarter Horse backstretch community.  “When horsemen... ...

From Barretts ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2017) — In support of industry efforts to provide relief to the victims of the catastrophic San Luis Rey Downs Fire, Barretts will donate 10% of the sales commissions of horses sold at the 2018 January Mixed Sale 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 racetracks and training centers. The horses of all ages sale conducted January 17 at The Finish Line Sports Grill at Fairplex, Pomona, begins at 11:00 am PST. The day of the sale, live and silent auctions of donated 2018 stallion seasons, equine artwork and racing memorabilia are planned to raise additional funds. For more information, contact Barretts (info@barrett.com, 909 629-3099). ...

From Taylor Made Stallions NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 9, 2017) — Taylor Made Stallions and the California Chrome syndicate have donated a no-guarantee season to California Chrome  to aid in helping backstretch workers most affected by the fires in California. “California Chrome was always called `The People’s Horse’, so we only thought it fitting that the funds raised from this season donation would help the people affected by this tragedy,” said Duncan Taylor, Taylor Made Farm President & CEO. “Bidding will close Thursday, and is available by going to thoroughbredlifestyle.com/signup.” Taylor said that Taylor Made and the syndicate will make the money available immediately, even before the funds have been collected, in order that the funds get to those workers in need as soon as possible. ...

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2017) — Defending champion Fast and Foxy successfully defended her title in the $75,000 Bear Fan Stakes at Golden Gate Fields, when the daughter of Thisnearlywasmine went straight to the lead and scored a gate-to-wire victory in the Saturday afternoon feature for California-bred fillies and mares. Under the guidance of regular rider Catalino Martinez, Fast and Foxy dueled early on with eventual fourth place finisher Spring Heat, was able to scamper clear of her competitors on the far turn and dug in gamely down the stretch to hold off a late rally from Southern California invader Cuddle Alert. “[Fast and Foxy] only has one way of going and it’s to the lead,” said Martinez. “I tried to get her [to the lead] and save something for the end. That’s the only way you can ride her. When I took the lead at the three-eighths pole she took a big breath and I knew I had a lot of horse. When we got... ...

HEMET, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2017) — EF1 Farm announces a new home for its equine health research and wellness center. The new facility – which is offering rehabilitation for horses impacted by this week’s fire — will be housed on what was once Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms in Diamond Valley. The farm is offering rehab on horses that were in the fires with EF1 products – free of charge – that can clear and rehydrate the lungs of the horses with smoke inhalation. The only charge will be for lay-up. We are also set-up with nebulizers and oxygen. Eric (Yohan) has done successful work on burned horses and we are open to rehabilitate those as well. EF1 Farm will continue its dedication to ongoing equine research and rehabilitation under the guidance of founder Eric Yohan. The farm will still offer all of its current services including: breaking and training, lay-ups, rehabilitation, breeding, boarding and sales prep. Two new stallions, North Light and City Wolf, will be arriving from Adena Springs and... ...

By DRF.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Dec. 9, 2017) – The New York racing community is pitching in with relief efforts following the fire that impacted the Southern California racing community at San Luis Rey Downs this week. The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association donated $10,000 on behalf of the victims of the fire and has pledged to contribute additional funds, according to a release put out by the organization on Saturday. “It is truly amazing how the racing community comes together in times of tragedy,” said trainer Rick Violette, the retiring president of the NYTHA. “The scenes and stories from San Luis Rey Downs have been heart-wrenching, and we want the horsemen in California to know that we are here to help in any way we can.” Joseph Applebaum was recently elected president of the NYTHA and will preside over his first meeting on Tuesday. In a release, he said the situation in California “will be at the top of the agenda” for that meeting. “We know there is great... ...

By Bloodhorse.com BONSALL, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2017) –The equine death toll from the devastating brushfire that ripped through San Luis Rey Downs Training Center Dec. 7 is at 46 as of the morning of Dec. 9, according to officials at the California Horse Racing Board. CHRB spokesman Mike Marten said Saturday morning that state officials “are confident” in the figure, but made sure to note that a small number of horses broke through a “knockdown fence” at the facility during the fire and are still unaccounted for. Those horses are believed to be still loose in the hills surrounding San Luis Rey in Bonsall, Calif., but Marten could not confirm the number of horses that are unaccounted for. As of 7:15 a.m. PT, between 350-370 Thoroughbred race horses from San Luis Rey (which had about 450 horses at the time of the fire) are on the grounds at Del Mar, according to Del Mar racing secretary David Jerkens. Another 60 horses or so are still at Trifecta Equine Athletic Center, a... ...

From Santa Anita and DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2017) — Following an emergency meeting of the California horse racing industry’s Stabling and Vanning Committee Friday afternoon, it has been announced that Santa Anita Park and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club have joined forces to accommodate nearly 500 displaced horses as San Luis Rey Downs Training Center undergoes reconstruction following yesterday’s devastating Lilac Fire. The fire, first reported at 11:30 a.m. PT, near Interstate 15 and south of state Route 76, spread rapidly westward when fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds and engulfed San Luis Rey Downs early Thursday afternoon, resulting in the destruction of at least eight barns and the loss of an undetermined number of Thoroughbred horses. Owned by Santa Anita’s parent company, The Stronach Group (TSG), San Luis Rey Downs Training Center boasts a mile track and many other amenities that have served as home to trainers such as Peter Miller, Doug O’Neill, Clifford Sise and many others. “This is a horrific situation and everybody... ...

By DRF.com BONSALL, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2017) — The death toll in the San Luis Rey Downs fire in Bonsall, Calif., on Thursday is likely to surpass 40 horses, according to California Horse Racing Board chairman Chuck Winner, who toured the devastated property on Friday morning. In a phone interview, Winner said the number of horses lost cannot be immediately known because so many runners were taken to different farms in the area, sent to Del Mar, or perished in barn fires at San Luis Rey Downs. “We don’t know how many yet,” Winner said. “The estimates are above 40 to 42, I think. Those are just estimates. The problem is the vans were taking those horses in the night and taking them to farms around Bonsall. Some of them haven’t been accounted for yet.” Some horses arrived at Del Mar and local farms without lip tattoos, making identifications difficult. Three farms in the direct vicinity of San Luis Rey Downs were housing approximately 150 horses on Thursday and into... ...

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2017) — What this reporter witnessed Thursday was the end destination of the mass fire evacuation of the horses and people from San Luis Rey Downs Training Center in north San Diego County. The horses were transported by an impromptu caravan of horse trailers, from commercial big rigs to backyard two-stalls, to the empty stables of the Del Mar Fairgrounds, which opened its doors and mustered a remarkably efficient operation of volunteers and professional handlers. It was difficult to contemplate, even in the midst of an emergency. I know just about every inch of San Luis Rey, from the old days 40 years ago when Charlie Whittingham stabled a powerful second string there, through its fallow years as an underused stepchild of the L.A. tracks, to its more recent renaissance under the ownership of The Stronach Group as a vital part of the Southern California stabling capacity. Its setting was idyllic. The air pristine, feathered by afternoon ocean breezes making their... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2017) — When the last van from San Luis Rey Downs arrived Thursday night at Del Mar, the horse Dream Police stepped off, the last of three runners whom owner Jeff Bloom had at San Luis Rey Downs, which was hit by a devastating fire Thursday. One by one they had trickled in – first A Red Tie Day, then Sassy Ashley, and finally Dream Police – and now all were safely relocated. “When he got here,” Bloom said Friday, “the whole place erupted.” There was cause for both joy and tears in the aftermath of the fire, which left this racing community shell-shocked but also brought out the very best. Bloom was one of scores of people at Del Mar on Friday morning helping to care for the horses, some of whom had burn marks, could not be immediately identified, or both. “It’s like puzzle pieces,” said Bloom, who lives in nearby Oceanside and runs the Bloom Racing partnership. “There were so... ...

By Bloodhorse.com BONSALL, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2017) — The California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation has set up the website cthfcares.org to accept donations to help people and horses affected by the Southern California fire that destroyed much of the San Luis Rey training center. Cliff Goodrich, executive director of the CTHF, which runs the Noble Threewitt Health Center on the Santa Anita Park backstretch, is coordinating funds to that website so that CTHF can help get money to those most in need. Many grooms who work at San Luis Rey lost everything in the fire, even as they risked their lives to save the horses. “When something like this happens, everybody pulls together and wants to help however they can,” said Goodrich, “whether it’s hospitalization costs, blankets, or temporary housing. Our part in this is that people can donate at the site. The home page has information on what to do to donate.” The donations to the CTHF website for the fire victims are tax-deductible. Many organizations are stepping in to... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2017) — Del Mar’s backstretch area has provided safe haven for more than 800 horses escaping a wind-blown, fast-moving fire that ripped through the North County area of San Diego Thursday. The first group of horses arrived at the Del Mar Fairgrounds late Thursday afternoon and vans continued to flow in throughout the night. By Friday morning more than 800 head – both Thoroughbreds and other breeds — had been bedded down in the 40-plus barns located on the grounds that are capable of holding as many as 1,600 horses. Other animals, including goats and pigs, also were brought on board to the 350-acre Fairgrounds. Approximately 250 of the 450 horses that had been stabled at the San Luis Rey training center just over 30 miles to the northwest of Del Mar had been moved to the Fairgrounds after that facility was hit directly by the fire with as many as 30 horses deaths reported and several of their barns burned. There... ...

From CARMA ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2017) — CARMA is working in partnership with the racing and equestrian communities to collect monetary donations to be given directly to Thoroughbred horses affected by the Southern California wild fires. Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends and families that have been so greatly impacted by this terrible natural disaster. The board and staff at CARMA are heartsick over the loss of the life and devastation at San Luis Rey Downs. We will do everything we can to ensure those in need receive the help and support they desperately need. To help the horses, donations can be made to CARMA online at www.carma4horses.org/make-a-donation. Checks can be made out to CARMA and mailed to 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia CA 91007. Please designate your donation by including “fire relief” in the memo line or notes. ...

By Bloodhorse.com BONSALL, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2017) — Trainer Martine Bellocq suffered second- and third-degree burns over 50% of her body while trying to rescue her horses during the Dec. 7 fire at San Luis Rey Training Center in Bonsall, Calif. Bellocq’s brother-in-law, Remi Bellocq, reported Dec. 8 that Martine was air-lifted to UC San Diego Medical Center where she is being treated for the burns. Doctors have put her in an induced coma as they treat her. “She’s in intensive care right now,” Remi Bellocq said Friday morning. He added that doctors examined Martine’s lungs and found no significant damage. Martine’s husband and Remi’s brother Pierre Bellocq Jr. also was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. “They had six horses at the training center and she was trying the best she could to save them,” Remi Bellocq said. “The fire hit so fast and where they were in one of the lower barns. Three of their horses died for sure and they’re not sure where the other three are. They ask... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2017) – Two farms have offered to accept horses displaced by the Lilac Fire in San Diego County. The farms are: EF1 Farms in Hemet area, which has an on-call veterinarian, a MASH unit, as well as handling lay-ups and training. The farm is offering help in shipping. Contact Eric Yohan, 310-383-0055; Nadine Anderson, 951-201-2278 or Sam, 310-755-5221. Dignitary Downs, in the Anza area, reports it can accept 300 horses. The farm has 200 fully fenced acres, a 40-stall training barn, a 5/8-mile track with some housing available for people. Contact Sergio Salazar, 951-858-9589. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2017) – California-breds Fiery Lady and Central Heat are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Miss America Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Fiery Lady is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ride the Rails mare Lady Railrider, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $79,570 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. Central Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Smart Strike mare Miss Boomtown, was bred by Abrams, Huston Racing, Matties Racing and Auerbach, is owned by William Delia or Dana Rocheford and is trained by Delia. She has 18 wins in 42 starts, earnings of $454,477and is coming off a fifth in a Nov. 18 optional claimer. She was second in this race in 2014. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2017) – Fast and Foxy will attempt to defend her title in Saturday’s $75,000 Bear Fan Stakes for fillies and mares bred or sired in California at Golden Gate. Run for Retts is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Jump Start mare Mrs. Began, was bred by owners Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Steve Miyadi. She has three wins in 24 starts, earnings of $220,712 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 12 Betty Grable. Princess Ashlyn is by Cyclotron, out of the Perugino mare Palace Royale, was bred by Old English Rancho & Berumen, is owned by Troy Onorato and is trained by John Martin. She has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $140,995 and is coming off a seventh in an Oct. 21 allowance. Spring Heat is by Coil, out of the Unusual Heat mare Heatology, was bred by M. Auerbach & Barry Abrams, is owned by GCCI and trained by Cliff DeLima. She has seven wins in... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2017) – Perennial leading sire Unusual Heat and longtime Los Alamitos Race Course executive Brad McKinzie have been elected into the California Hall of Fame and will be inducted posthumously at the annual meeting and awards banquet of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, to be held February 12, 2018, in the Chandelier Room at Santa Anita Park. Unusual Heat, a six-time leading stallion in California, passed away in May due to complications of arthritis-induced laminitis at the age of 27. McKinzie, a 30-year Los Alamitos executive and co-founder of Finish Line Self Insurance, died in August from renal carcinoma at the age of 62. Unusual Heat, a son of Nureyev claimed for $80,000, was pensioned last year after becoming the all-time leading California sire by progeny earnings (more than $55 million from 17 crops). He sired 15 California champions and three millionaires, including Eclipse Award winner Acclamation, and is the leading California sire in progeny turf earnings this year. He was owned by a syndicate that included Madeline Auerbach, trainer Barry... ...

FRESNO, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2017) – Multiple graded stakes winner Sircat Sally will be bred to all-time leading earner Arrogate, Sircat Sally’s owner and breeder Joe Turner said on Monday. Sircat Sally, a California-bred daughter of Surf Cat, won her first seven races, six of them stakes, before suffering a career-ending sesamoid fracture while finishing third in the San Clemente Handicap at Del Mar in July. Turner said she has completely healed from surgery. Turner said he will bring Sircat Sally back from Kentucky with plans for her to be bred back in California and make the Arrogate foal a California-bred. “The people at Juddmonte (where Arrogate stands) saw Sircat Sally win the Soviet Problem Stakes at Los Alamitos by 12 lengths on dirt the same day California Chrome won by 12 lengths and they didn’t know why we kept running her on grass,” Turner said. “They are looking for mares that can run on dirt. She could run on anything.” Sircat Sally finished her career with $552,860, the first... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif.(Dec. 3, 2017) – Three weeks after an easy win in her dirt debut, Majestic Heat became a graded stakes winner on the surface with another decisive victory in the $201,035 Bayakoa Sunday at Los Alamitos. After dispatching of fellow California-breds by 3 ¼ lengths going seven furlongs in the Betty Grable Nov. 12 at Del Mar, the 5-year-old Unusual Heat mare prevailed by 2 ½ lengths when stretched to 1 1/16 miles in the Grade II, which was run Sunday at Los Alamitos for the first time since 2014. Reserved off the quick early pace set by eventual runner-up Champagne Room, Majestic Heat began to rally wide nearing the stretch under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, easily collared the leader  and went on to her seventh victory in 16 starts. The 3-1 third choice in the field of eight, Majestic Heat, who is owned by Bardy Farm, Ron McCauley and Madeline Auerbach and trained by Hall of Famer Richard Mandella, completed the distance... ...

By Bloodhorse.com HEMET, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2017) — The Stronach family has started following through on its commitment to build up the California-bred program by sending three stallions to the Golden State for the 2018 breeding season. The highest-profile horse of the group will be multiple grade 1 winner and Canadian champion Shaman Ghost, who Frank Stronach said will stand in California next year. “He will be very exciting for the California breeders,” Stronach said Dec. 2 in an exclusive interview with BloodHorse Daily. “I don’t know where he will stand yet. I will be out there next week to look at a few farms. We’ll make a decision in the next week or so.” Stronach said he’ll stand the son of his homebred 2004 Horse of the Year Ghostzapper for $10,000. “We have Ghostzapper in Kentucky and I really want to do something out in California,” Stronach said of his decision to start out Shaman Ghost on the West Coast. “This is a horse that won the Santa Anita... ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2017) – Favored One Fast Broad remained undefeated on dirt with a last-to-first victory in the $101,380 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies Saturday at Los Alamitos. Anchored well off the pace by jockey Corey Nakatani, the daughter of Decarchy and the Mr. Broad Blade mare Awesome Broad rallied wide into the stretch, gained the lead in deep stretch and prevailed by three-quarters of a length over 5-2 second choice Spiced Perfection. Bred by Richard Kritzski and AGR Racing and owned by trainer Mick Ruis’ Ruis Racing LLC, One Fast Broad completed the mile in 1:38.26. Her third win – all on the main track – in five starts increased her earnings to $229,000. The 11-10 favorite, One Fast Broad returned $4.20, $2.80 and $2.20. Spiced Perfection, who also finished second behind One Fast Broad in last month’s Golden State Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar, paid $3.40 and $2.60 while finishing four lengths in front of pacesetter and 8-1 shot Twisted Rosie.... ...

NORCO, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2017) – California stallion Street Life has been relocated to Bean Acres to stand the 2018 breeding season. The 8-year-old son of Street Sense, a multiple stakes winner, entered stud in 2013 and previously stood at Milky Way Farm. For further information, contact Bean Acres at 951-37-1566. ...

PIRU, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2017) — California stallion Roi Charmant has been relocated to Rancho Temescal in Ventura County. The 16-year-old son of Evansville Slew entered stud in 2010 after earning $337,678 on the track, winning races from ages 2 to 8. Among Roi Charmant’s progeny is Princess Roi, third in this year’s California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2017) – Hall of Fame jockey Alex Solis announced his retirement on Sunday. Solis, 53, said his decision was based on a slow recovery from August hip replacement surgery and the desire to spend time with his family, including two grandchildren. Solis was elected to the Racing Hall of Fame in 2015. He retired with 5,035 races won and horses he rode earned more than $238 million, 10th on the all-time list. Solis, a native of Panama, won three Breeders’ Cup races and the 2004 Dubai World Cup aboard Pleasantly Perfect, but told TVG that not winning a Kentucky Derby was his greatest career disappointment. He rode California-bred Snow Chief to a win in the 1986 Preakness Stakes. He won the 2006 Santa Anita Derby aboard Cal-bred Brother Derek. Since 2015, Solis has served on the California Horse Racing Board, filling a seat vacated by actress Bo Derek. He said he would take some time before determining his next career move, but said he wants... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2017) — Masterfully-ridden by jockey Corey Nakatani, longshot California-bred How Unusual spurted between horses at the top of the stretch to enter contention and outfinished 2-1 favored Responsibleforlove in the final sixteenth to win the featured Grade III $100,000 Red Carpet Handicap on Thanksgiving holiday Thursday at Del Mar. How Unusual, sent to the gate at 9-1 for the mile and three-eighths grass marathon, was outrun in the early stages, but showed an impressive turn of foot when cut loose by Nakatani to score by a half-length in 2:14.92 for the distance. Responsibleforlove, with Joe Talamo in the saddle, was runner-up, a half-length in front of Laseen, with La Manta Gris fourth in the field of 12 older fillies and mares. Galileo’s Song and Lottie were withdrawn from the original field. How Unusual, bred by Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams, owned by the partnership of Fetkin, Sill and St. Hilaire and trained by Mike Pender, scored her fifth victory in 19 outings... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2017) – Camino Del Paraiso, a graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale, is now graded-stakes placed after finishing third in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Berkeley Handicap, bringing his career earnings to $161,367. The son of Suances, out of the Successful Appeal mare Loni’s Appeal, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn, is owned by Glen Road Racing and Herb Moniz and sold for $5,000 at the 2014 Northern California Yearling Sale. ...

By Bloodhorse.com WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2017) — Multiple grade 1 winner and top-10 second-crop sire Stay Thirsty  has been sold and will relocate to Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch near Warner Springs, Calif. “Stay Thirsty brings a ton of pedigree and is a big alternative to a lot of stallions out here,” said Lovingier, who bought the stallion outright from Ashford Stud, where the stallion retired to stud in 2013. “He is arguably the best stallion out here in terms of his race record. He provides one more opportunity for California breeders to get a good horse.” Lovingier had put out the word he was looking for a really good stallion because he needed a California breed-back option for some top-shelf mares, including California champions My Fiona and Lost Bus. My Fiona was bred this year to American Pharoah , while Lost Bus is in foal to Will Take Charge . “I reached out for different stallions, but Stay Thirsty is the one who became available and it made sense for both parties,”... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2017) — Edwards Going Left, the 2-1 betting choice, spoiled Solid Wager’s bid for a third consecutive victory in the $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles on Sunday, holding on gamely in the final sixteenth to win the seven-furlong sprint by a half-length. Regular rider Tyler Baze was aboard Edwards Going Left for his sixth victory in nine lifetime races as the three-year-old gelding accomplished the distance in 1:22.98. Solid Wager turned in a game performance under Victor Espinoza, rallying from last place in the ten-horse field to narrowly miss a successful defense of his two-time title. Third was California Diamond, three and one-half lengths behind stablemate Solid Wager from the barn of trainer Peter Miller, with Smokey Image a nose away in fourth. Edwards Going Left is a son of 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... ...

By PaulickReport.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2017) — When the 5-year-old Tough Sunday held off a late challenge to win Thursday’s fourth race at Del Mar by a half-length, it was more than just another trip to the winner’s circle for owner/breeder Nick Alexander. The California-bred son of his own stallion Grazen, Tough Sunday was born with symptoms of what is known as dummy foal syndrome; the colt could not see or hear, and he had no nursing instinct. As originally reported by the Pasadena Star-News, Alexander rushed Tough Sunday and his dam Sunday Dress (General Meeting) to the veterinary hospital for treatment, but after a week had gone by the young colt had little improvement to show. Forced to make a costly decision about the colt’s future, Alexander walked past his stall one more time. He noticed that Tough Sunday was tracking movement with his eyes – the colt could see. Affectionately called “Bruiser” by his owner, Tough Sunday did regain his sight but not his hearing – the colt... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2017) — There will be a new voice of racing by the San Francisco Bay Dec. 26, as Golden Gate Fields announced the hiring of Matt Dinerman as track announcer Nov. 17. Dinerman, 25, has served as track announcer for the past three years at Emerald Downs. Employed just four summers ago as a press box steward at Del Mar, Dinerman began calling races into a tape recorder at age 20. “A home run for Golden Gate Fields and California racing,” is how Emerald Downs director of media relations Vince Bruun  described Dinerman’s ascent to the Golden Gate announcer’s booth. “Matt was in the stable area every morning talking to horsemen, getting to know the horses, and putting out good stuff on social media—in addition to being a great young talent.” A paddock and handicapping analyst at Golden Gate since late 2016, Dinerman’s first job in racing was as a summertime hot walker for trainer John Sadler in 2008. “I’m very excited to be working at Golden Gate... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2017) – Rockingham Ranch’s Stormy Liberal and California-bred Richard’s Boy, 1-2 finishers in the recent Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar, could resume the rivalry in the Dec. 10 Group I Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin, according to a report in Bloodhorse.com. Stormy Liberal has been accepted for the race and Richard’s Boy, who lost to Stormy Liberal by a head in the Turf Sprint, is awaiting an invitation. Both are trained by Peter Miller. “(There’s) something about this horse that just likes to run,” said Rockingham Ranch racing manager Brian Trump. “So we have asked for an invite and the Hong Kong Jockey Club is waiting on the results of their trial race this weekend to see if Richard will get an invite.” Richard’s Boy is by Idiot Proof, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Marissa’s Joy and was bred by Harold and Pamela Tillema. He has nine wins in 27 starts, earnings of $848,440 and has won races at five different... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2017) — Tim Ritvo is prepared to roll the dice in Northern California. After the California Horse Racing Board meeting Nov. 16 at Del Mar, The Stronach Group’s chief operating officer said, even though it might result in a significant loss to Northern California’s Thoroughbred population, the current plan for the 2018 season is to shut down Golden Gate Fields as an auxiliary stabling facility for about two months of fair racing during the summer. It would be a shift from business as usual in the region, where Golden Gate has remained open as a training facility when the circuit moves to fair stops at Pleasanton, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and Ferndale. “Yes. We will close, but will continue to negotiate if they want to negotiate with us,” Ritvo said of the move, which would close Golden Gate from mid-June to mid-August and save an estimated $1 million to $1.2 million. “But from hearing (California Authority of Racing Fairs interim executive director Larry Swartzlander), he says he’s... ...

From AHC WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 16, 2017) –As Congress continues to negotiate a final spending package for FY2018, the horse industry and its allies have an opportunity to assure that lawmakers include H-2B guest worker visa relief in the final bill.   Federal lawmakers must address this issue prior to the expiration of the FY2017 appropriations measure, which occurs on December 8.  This creates a three week window to contact your elected officials in Washington and tell them you need common-sense, guest worker visa flexibility. Please contact your federal lawmakers today and urge them to support any provision that will provide H-2B visa cap relief within the context of FY2018 appropriations bills.           ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2017) — The Barton family has two goals as they’ve been shopping for mares at the Keeneland November breeding stock sale. They want mares with the potential to continue raising the profile of their freshman sire and grade 1 winner Champ Pegasus, and they want those mares carrying foals by higher-profile  Kentucky sires that can bolster the ranks of California-breds. Their search this year has been tougher than anticipated. “We came two days earlier this year to start buying,” said Kate Barton, the youngest of Richard and Beth Barton’s six children and the family’s racing manager, on day eight of the 12-day sale. “Yesterday, we only came away with two open mares. It was really hard yesterday. It is still pretty crowded here, and it’s competitive.”   Last year, the Bartons bought 46 mares for an average price of $4,600. The top price they paid was $18,000 for a Ghostzapper daughter named Tart’s Knickers, who was in foal to Airdrie Stud’s Cairo Prince. This... ...

From Tommy Town Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2017) – Ruis Racing has announced that Saburo and War Envoy will enter stud at Tom and Debi Stull’s Tommy Town Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez. They will be the first sons of leading sires Medaglia d’Oro and War Front, respectively, to stand in the Golden State. The Medaglia d’Oro son Saburo was purchased by Ruis at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Two-Year-Old in Training Sale for $600,000, the second highest-priced colt at the auction. He’s out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Kid Majic, who hails from the family of Eclipse champion Proud Spell. She’s also the dam of Miss Mischief, a multiple stakes winner of over $500,000. “I purchased Saburo because I loved the way he moved and because I love the family, which is still very active,” said Mick Ruis. “His dam has a Bernardini and some nice Tapits in the pipeline. A little further back is the two-year-old stakes winner Dak Attack, who is undefeated and should be on... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2017) — Unveiling a new dimension to her ability, Majestic Heat, whose 14 previous races had been run on grass, made the first start of her career on a dirt surface and romped to an impressive triumph in the featured $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares Sunday. Surging to the lead bending into the stretch under jockey Flavien Prat, Majestic Heat cruised to the wire three and one-quarter lengths on top, with Barbara Beatrice getting up for second, two and one-half lengths ahead of Late ‘n Left. How About Zero, the lukewarm 3-1 favorite, was fourth in the field of eight older fillies and mares. Majestic Heat, a five-year-old daughter of Unusual Heat owned by breeder Madeline Auerbach, McCauley and Bardy Farm and trained by Richard Mandella, had won five turf races and $353,329 prior to Sunday. Among her triumphs were victories in the Solana Beach Stakes during Del Mar’s 2016 and ’17 summer meetings. Time... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2017) – Dee Dee Birtie, a mare by California stallion Bluegrass Cat, sold for $285,000 at Friday’s session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Dee Dee Birtie, a 5-year-old, is out of the multiple stakes-winning De Niro mare De Bertie, who produced stakes winner Uptown Birtie, Whirlie Birtie and Get Ready Birtie, the latter two having alreadyproduced stakes-placed prodigy. Dee Dee Birtie is in foal to More Than Ready, was consigned by Paramount Sales, agent for the complete dispersal of McCauley Farms, and was purchased by Three Chimneys Farm. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2017) – California-bred Skye Diamonds, fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint last week, will make her next start in late January in the Santa Monica, a seven-furlong graded stakes race for older female sprinters at Santa Anita, trainer Bill Spawr said Thursday. Santa Anita has yet to release its stakes schedule for the winter meeting, but the Santa Monica usually is run in late January – it was run this year on Jan. 21 – and the timing suits Spawr, who likes to space Skye Diamonds’s races. “It’s seven furlongs, and the timing is good,” Spawr said. “And it’s back at her home base.” Skye Diamonds had a productive 2017 campaign, with five wins in seven starts, including the Grade 2 Great Lady M. at Los Alamitos and Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo at Del Mar. She was beaten 3 1/2 lengths in the Filly and Mare Sprint, whose first three spots were taken by horses 18-1 and higher. “I thought... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2017) – California-bred stakes winner Singing Kitty sold for $750,000 at Wednesday’s session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Singing Kitty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Natural Singer R N, was bred by Tommy Town Throughbreds, was consigned by James Keough, agent, and purchased by Spendthrift Farm. She is in foal to Medaglia d’Oro. Singing Kitty had five wins, including the China Doll and Unzip Me stakes, and earnings of $398,478. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2017) – One Fast Broad will not race until early 2018 after winning the first stakes of her career in the $200,345 Golden State Juvenile Fillies last Friday at Del Mar. Owner and trainer Mick Ruis said One Fast Broad will be pointed to the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting. Bolt d’Oro, the beaten favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Saturday, will have the same schedule as One Fast Broad. “We’ll give her 60 days, like Bolt d’Oro,” Ruis said. “We’ll let her grow up and get ready for her 3-year-old campaign. She deserves a little break.” One Fast Broad closed from last in a field of nine to win the seven-furlong Golden State Juvenile Fillies for statebreds by a length over Spiced Perfection. One Fast Broad has won 2 of 4 starts and earned $172,000. By Decarchy, One Fast Broad was second in the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf on Sept. 4 and fourth in the Surfer Girl Stakes at a mile... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. – Bookies Luck will be pointed to a third consecutive stakes win against California-breds in the $100,000 King Glorious Stakes on Dec. 16 at Los Alamitos, trainer Jeff Bonde said Sunday. Bookies Luck is in the midst of an excellent year, having won the I’m Smokin Stakes on Sept. 1 at Del Mar and the Golden State Juvenile at Del Mar last Saturday. In the seven-furlong Golden State Juvenile, Bookies Luck led throughout and held off a late run from an unlucky Smokem to win by a nose as the 8-5 favorite. Smokem raced in traffic on the turn and closed well to just miss. The Golden State Juvenile was the longest race of Bookies Luck’s career. The King Glorious Stakes is run at a mile and could be a test, although Bonde said conditions at Los Alamitos could be in the colt’s favor. “That’s a quick track, too,” Bonde said. “That might help a little bit.” Owned by breeders Larry and Marianne Williams, Bookies... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2017)  – Trainer Peter Miller posted his first Breeders’ Cup victory and did so in memorable fashion Saturday at Del Mar, sending out both the winner, Stormy Liberal, and runner-up, California-bred Richard’s Boy, in the $1 million Turf Sprint. Stormy Liberal, who had won all four of his previous starts this year on the West Coast, had not raced since finishing a tiring eighth behind the record-setting performance of Disco Partner in the Grade 3 Jaipur at Belmont Park on June 10. On Saturday, Stormy Liberal benefitted from a perfect ride by Joel Rosario, who let him settle along the inside within easy striking distance of the leaders during the early stages of the five-furlong Turf Sprint. Stormy Liberal tipped out for clearance once settling into the stretch and ultimately wore down stablemate Richard’s Boy, by a head, in the final strides. Richard’s Boy forced the pace from the outset, gained command between calls nearing midstretch, and just failed to last. Disco Partner,... ...

By PaulickReport.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2017) — Multiple graded stakes winner Masochistic has returned to training after getting a well-deserved summer break. The Daily Racing Form reports that the 7-year-old gelding was transferred from trainer Ron Ellis to Bob Baffert. The Hall of Fame trainer told the DRF that Masochistic was currently at Los Alamitos, and would be sent to Santa Anita in the near future. Masochistic has not raced since finishing off the board in the G2 Churchill Downs Stakes May 6. Afterwards, he was given a break and sent to Taylor Made Farm. Masochistic finished second in the 2016 G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, but was later disqualified after his bloodwork showed the presence of a banned steroid. Masochistic has won eight of 16 starts and has earnings of $857,550. ...