Horses Returning to San Luis Rey

Apr 11, 2018 Posted by CTBA In Announcement

From DMTC Publicity BONSALL, Calif. (Apr. 11, 2018) — The first of the Lilac fire horses who had to be evacuated from San Luis Rey Downs and take up residence at Del Mar in December began to filter back to the Bonsall training center this past weekend and more followed Monday. The transition will continue throughout this week with all of the approximately 400-plus Thoroughbreds who have called Del Mar home for the past four months returned by next weekend. “We’ve had about 100 horses ship out over the past two days,” said Del Mar’s racing secretary, David Jerkens, who has been overseeing the track’s busy stable area since the fast-moving fire burned more than 4,100 acres, destroyed more than 200 homes and structures and took 46 equine lives at San Luis Rey in early December. “We will have another 50 ship over today (Monday). By this coming weekend, we expect they’ll all be back home at San Luis Rey.” Among trainers who moved their runners back to the Bonsall... ...

Heck Yeah

Heck Yeah wins $200,000 Echo Eddie. ...

Spiced Perfection

Spiced Perfection wins $200,000 Evening Jewel. ...

Winner of the Echo Eddie? Heck Yeah

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 7, 2018)–In his first without blinkers, Heck Yeah unfurled an impressive turn of foot when called upon as he rallied to take Saturday’s $200,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds by 2 ¼ lengths under Mike Smith. Trained by Bob Baffert, Heck Yeah, a 3-year-old California-bred colt by Acclamation, got six and one half furlongs in 1:17.13. Second, just off pacesetter Rewired around the far turn, Heck Yeah easily cruised to a one length advantage while well within himself a quarter mile from home and went on to win as much best. A winner of the Cal Cup Derby here at a mile and one sixteenth two starts back on Feb. 19, Heck Yeah was most recently fifth in the one mile turf Pasadena Stakes against open company on March 17. Off as the 8-5 second choice in a field of eight Golden State Series eligible sophomores, Heck Yeah paid $5.20, $3.40 and $2.40. Bred in California by Michael Pageler... ...

Spiced Perfection Upsets Evening Jewel

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 7, 2018)–Unhurried from her rail post position, trainer Brian Koriner’s Spiced Perfection swung three-wide turning for home and overhauled heavily favored Show It N Moe It well inside the sixteenth pole to win Saturday’s $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies by a hard-fought neck. Ridden by Joe Talamo, she got seven furlongs in 1:17.08. A Cal-bred stakes winner four starts back this past August at Del Mar, Spiced Perfection, a 3-year-old filly bred by Premier Thoroughbreds by Smiling Tiger out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Perfect Feat, she was off at 10-1 in a field of eight Golden State Series eligible sophomore fillies and paid $23.60, $6.00 and $3.40. Owned by Dare to Dream Stable, LLC, Spiced Perfection improved her overall mark to 8-3-3-1 and with the winner’s share of $110,000, she increased her earnings to $227,625. Show It N Moe It, who was ridden by Mike Smith, had no apparent excuses from the far outside and was... ...

Cal-bred Sells for $600,000

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2018) — A California-bred son of Uncle Mo sold for $600,000 to top the April 4 Barretts spring 2-year-old sale at Del Mar. The sale was a combination of horses traditionally offered at Barretts in March and May after the company merged the two sales. The resulting average, not unexpectedly, ended up between the 2017 figures. In 2018, the combined auction sold 72 horses for a gross of $6,171,000 and an average of $85,708. In 2017, the March sale averaged $150,600 on 45 sold for a gross of $6,777,000 and the May sale averaged $43,170 on 47 sold for a gross of $2,029,000. The 2018 median was $48,500, and the buy-back rate was 37.4%, with 43 of the 115 through the ring not sold. “Going into the sale, I really didn’t know what to expect,” said Kim Lloyd, Barretts’ general manager. “The highly desirable horses are easy to sell. There are people after them, and there’s a lot of competition for them. But the... ...

Heck Yeah Seeks More California Riches

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 4, 2018) – California Cup Derby winner Heck Yeah rejoins California-breds in Saturday’s $200,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Rewired is by Acclimation, out of the Boundary mare Know No Bounds, was bred by Old English Rancho, Sal Berumen & Patsy Berumen, is owned by Rodney Orr and trained by Steve Specht. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $45,100 and is coming off consecutive wins. Campaigner is by Ministers 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 eight starts, earnings of $85,800 and is coming off a fifth in the Feb. 19 California Cup Derby. Heck Yeah is by Acclamation, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess, was bred by Michael Pageler, is owned by Pageler, Dr. Sigband or Baedecker and is trained by Bob Baffert. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $198,000 and is... ...

Stakes-winning Quartet in Evening Jewel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 4, 2018) – Stakes winners Spiced Perfection, Ismelucky, One Fast Broad and Show It N Moe It are among the entries in Saturday’s $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Spiced Perfection is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Perfect Feat, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Dare To Dream Stables and is trained by Brian Koriner. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $167,625 and is coming off a seventh in a Jan. 19 optional claimer. 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. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $121,110 and is coming off an 11th in the Feb. 11 Sweet Life. One Fast Broad is by Decarchy, out of the Mr. Broad Blade mare Awesome Broad, was bred by Richard Krtizski & AGR Racing, is owned... ...

Enola Gray Returns in Royal Heroine

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 4, 2018) – Graded winner Enola Gray is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Royal Heroine Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Enola Gray is by Grazen, out of the More Than Ready mare Unsung Heroine, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has seven wins in 11 starts, earnings of $573,100 and is making her first start since winning the July 1 Wilshire. ...

Pulpit Rider Enters Providencia

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 4, 2018) – Pulpit Rider is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Providencia Stakes for 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 owner Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Mike Puype. She has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $194,536 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 19 California Oaks. ...

Del Mar Increases Shipper Bonus

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Apr. 4, 2018) — Del Mar will increase appearance bonuses for out-of-state shippers who meet certain criteria for the track’s two race meetings this year. The owner of a horse who made his previous start at other circuits or outside the United States and has not started in California in the preceding 12 months will be paid a $2,000 bonus for the horse’s first start at Del Mar. First-time starters are not eligible. Last year, a bonus of $1,500 was paid to the owner of a horse who met that criteria. The track has left in place a 30 percent bonus on purse money earned by out-of-state shippers in a horse’s first start at Del Mar in all races other than stakes. The program, known as “Ship and Win,” was launched in 2011 with $1,000 appearance fees and 20 percent bonuses for prize money earned in initial starts. The incentives are designed to lure stables from other circuits and encourage California-based owners to acquire race-ready... ...

Miss Sunset Returns to Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 3, 2018) – Miss Sunset, who won the Grade II Lexus Raven Run at this track last year, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I Madison Stakes for fillies and mares at Keeneland. Miss Sunset is by Into Mischief, out of the Trippi mare Tuscan Sunset, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds and Alan Klein, is owned by Alan Klein and Philip Lebherz and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has nine wins in 15 starts, earnings of $738,735 and is coming off a consecutive stakes wins. ...

Rob Riggio

By California Thoroughbred As a young child, Rob Riggio sat next to his father, Robert, with rapt attention on the television. Channel 56 played the nightly replays from Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, or Del Mar, and the younger Riggio loved every minute. “I was picking horses by the color,” he recalled. Ten years ago, the elder Riggio met E.W. “Buddy” Johnston, son of Ellwood B. Johnston owner of one of California’s premier breeding operations, Old English Rancho. “He bought in on a couple horses,” Riggio said, “and one of them was Norvsky.” The gelded California-bred son of Vronsky—Fimbrelith, by Flying Paster, became one of the grittiest campaigners in California. He made 25 starts, winning seven and finishing second eight times, to earn $616,444. The highlight of his career came when he won the $150,000 San Gabriel Stakes (G2T) over grade 1 winners Jeranimo and fellow Cal-bred The Usual Q.T. The younger Riggio had been involved in some smaller partnerships, but four years ago he decided to get back into the... ...

Cal-bred Works in :10 for Barretts Sale

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2018) — Three juveniles posted the fastest furlong work of :10 at the April 2 under tack show for the Barretts spring 2-year-old sale. The preview was conducted at Del Mar, where the sale will be held April 4, beginning at 2 p.m. PDT. “We had a huge turnout today—it was incredible,” said Kim Lloyd, Barretts’ general manager. “We feel like the sale is shaping up very well.” The three that worked in :10 consisted of a Kentucky-bred son of Into Mischief, a kentucky-bred daughter of Mineshaft and a California-bred son of Smiling Tiger. Ciaran Dunne’s Wavertree Stables has consigned the Into Mischief colt as Hip 167 in the supplemental catalog. He is bred by Brandywine Farm out of the winning Cape Town mare Cape Discovery. The colt sold for $110,000 at the 2017 Keeneland September yearling sale. He had been entered but withdrawn from the Ocala Breeders’ Sales’ March 2-year-old sale in Florida. Bruno DeBerdt’s Excel Bloodstock is offering Hip 58, the Mineshaft... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 30, 2018) — Representatives of Golden Gate Fields, the northern fairs, and horsemen’s groups reached agreement Friday on a financing plan to keep Golden Gate open for stabling and training during the summer fair season. The agreement eliminates the need for the Special Committee on Northern California Racing to meet April 5 as originally planned. The key elements of the agreement, which were worked out Thursday when the committee met privately with stakeholders, are: 1. Golden Gate will be open for stabling and training for all 2018 Northern California racing fairs. Stabling and training schedules will be in accordance with past practices. 2. Golden Gate will receive the full two percent that is generated from handle for the stabling and vanning fund during all 2018 Northern California racing fairs. 3. All trainers stabled at Golden Gate during the summer fair season will be required to make at least one start per stall during that period (“Minimum Start Requirement”). If the... ...

Del Mar Tweaks 2-Year-Old Stakes

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 30, 2018) — The stakes schedule for the Del Mar summer meeting, July 18 to Sept. 3, comprises 41 races with minimal changes from the 2017 season. The distances and conditions of four 2-year-old stakes are among the most prominent differences. The conditions of two $100,000 stakes for California-bred 2-year-olds at six furlongs in late August – the I’m Smokin for both sexes and the Generous Portion for fillies – have been changed and are restricted to non-winners of a first-place purse of $50,000. The new condition will eliminate the winners of the first round of stakes for 2-year-old California-breds at the meeting – the Graduation for both sexes and the CTBA Stakes for fillies – run earlier that month. Track officials are hoping the winners of the Graduation and CTBA stakes will start in open-company stakes for 2-year-olds on turf or the main track at the end of the meeting. Two Grade 2 stakes for 2-year-olds – the Best Pal for both sexes... ...

Cal-bred Sells for $650,000 at Gulfstream

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Mar. 29, 2018) – A California-bred full sister to Grade 1 winner Ralis sold for $650,000 at the Fasig Tipton Gulfstream Sale on Wednesday. The daughter of Square Eddie, out of the Ten Most Wanted mare Silar Rules, was bred by Reddam Racing, consigned by Wavertree Stables, agent, and purchased by Shadai Farm. Ralis won the Grade I Hopeful and another full brother, B Squared, is a multiple stakes winner. All are Cal-breds. ...

Cal-bred Trio Enters San Francisco Mile

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2018) – Stakes winner Grecian Fire and fellow California-breds Camino Del Paraiso and Many Roses are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III San Francisco Mile Stakes at Golden Gate. Camino Del Paraiso is by Suances, out of the Successful Appeal mare Loni’s Appeal, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn, is owned by Glen Road Racing or Herb Moniz and is trained by O.J. Jauregui. He has three wins in 19 starts, earnings of $199,367 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 27 Unusual Heat Turf Classic. He was sixth in this race last year. Grecian Fire is by Unusual Heat, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, was bred by owner KMN Racing and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $137,942 and is coming off a win in a Mar. 8 optional claimer. Many Roses is by Many Rivers, out of the Bertrando mare Heirloom Rose, was bred by owners Ellen Jackson and Jerry and... ...

Poshsky Returns to Stakes Company

OZONE PARK, N.Y (Mar. 28, 2018) – Graded winner Poshsky is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $90,000 Mr. Sinatra Stakes at Aqueduct. Poshsky is by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett mare Pinky’s Posh, was bred by Old English Rancho & Berumen, is owned by DCK Racing and trained by Gary Contessa. He has 11 wins in 46 starts, earnings of $611,383 and is coming off a fourth in a Mar. 4 claimer at Aqueduct. ...

Getoffmyback Enters Peeping Tom

OCONE PARK, NY. (Mar. 28, 2018) – Getoffmyback is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $70,000 Peeping Tom Stakes at Agueduct. Getoffmyback is by Good Journey, out of the Decarchy mare Cantina’s Rose, was bred by B&B Zietz Stables, is owned by Bran Jam Stables and David Clark and is trained by John Toscano. He has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $188,635 and is coming off a Feb. 18 claiming win at Aqueduct. ...

Richard’s Boy Returns to Dubai

DUBAI, UAE (Mar. 26, 2018) – Richard’s Boy, fifth in the race a year ago, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $1 million Group I Al Quoz Turf Sprint on the Dubai World Cup card at Meydan Racecourse. 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 30 starts, earnings of $872,853 and is coming off a seventh in the Mar. 11 Sensational Star. He was fifth in this race last year and was second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. ...

Ray Allen, Jr., Passes at 86

PASO ROBLES, Calif. (Mar. 26, 2018) – Ray Allen, Jr., who managed Silver Creek Ranch and was a longtime member of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, passed away at home on his ranch on Thursday. He was 86. He stood the California-bred stallion Painted Wagon at Silver Creek. Allen, a Korean War veteran, was 2010 Cattleman of the Year for San Luis Obispo County; 2004 Santa Barbara Fiesta Honorary Vaquero; and he was inducted into the California Mid-State Fair Hall of Fame in 2016. He is survived by three children , six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Paso Robles Fairgrounds / Event Center on Friday, March 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the Frontier Pavilion, 2198 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles, CA 93446 with barbecue to follow hosted by SLO Cattlemen’s Association. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 23, 2018) — The Special Committee on Northern California Racing will hold two meetings in coming weeks to resolve stabling issues during the fair season this summer. The first, private meeting with representatives of Golden Gate Fields, the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF), the Sonoma County Fair and horsemen is scheduled for Thursday, March 29, in hopes of bringing those parties to agreement. The second meeting, which will be open to the public, is scheduled the following Thursday, April 5, at Golden Gate. The Committee held a public meeting Thursday (March 22) at Golden Gate that was attended by about 50 trainers and owners, most of whom expressed approval when Alan Balch, executive director of the California Thoroughbred Trainers, said it is crucial for Golden Gate to remain open for auxiliary stabling during the fair season. They disagreed with a CARF proposal to rely solely on stalls at fair locations in Pleasanton, Sacramento and Fresno for auxiliary stabling. The parties still are at least... ...

Bill Could Double H-2B Visas

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 23, 2018) — Congress early Friday passed a Fiscal 2018 omnibus appropriations bill which includes language that could almost double the number of H-2B visas available, potentially improving a dire situation for Thoroughbred trainers, many of whom depend on these visas for the industry’s sizable foreign temporary workforce. The bill provides the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to raise the cap on H-2B visas if the Secretary, in consultation with the Department of Labor, determines that there is an economic need. If the omnibus spending bill is signed into law by President Trump, the total number of H-2B workers that may enter the U.S. during fiscal 2018, which ends on September 30, 2018, will then be capped at 129,547. If fully implemented, this new cap would be equal to the number of new and returning H-2B workers admitted to the U.S. in fiscal 2007, which is the fiscal year when the highest number of H-2B foreign temporary workers participated in the H-2B program. “Congress... ...

Coniah Tries Mizdirection Again

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2018) – Graded winner Coniah and fellow California-bred Algorhythmic are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Mizdirection Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Coniah is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owner James or Tammy McKenney and is trained by William Morey. She has four wins in 21 starts, earnings of $315,365 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 18 Las Flores. She was second in this race last year. Algorhythmic is by Vronsky, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Thorellen, was bred by Jonny Hilvers, is owned by Richard or Kate Barton and is trained by Michael Machowsky. She has five wins in 15 starts, earnings of $200,310 and is coming off a sixth in the Feb. 24 Wishing Well. ...

Santa Anita Thursday Card Cancelled

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2018) — Santa Anita Park cancelled its March 22 card because of ongoing heavy rain in Southern California and most—if not all—of the races washed away could be rescheduled for future dates. John Perrotta, Santa Anita’s vice president of operations, said the decision to cancel the Thursday races was primarily made for safety reasons. The impact of scratch-shortened fields and preparing the Santa Anita main track for weekend racing also factored in. The National Weather Service issued flash-flood advisories for several California counties Thursday, including Los Angeles County, and 15 horses of 67 entered were reported as scratched when the cancellation was announced. “It was in the interest of everybody’s safety. There is a dire prediction for weather the rest of the day and a lot of trainers had scratched already,” Perrotta said. “We also had to look at protecting the track for the weekend and we had to do it early rather than late. If we open up the track and the huge... ...

Skye Diamonds Heads to Santa Monica

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2018) – Skye Diamonds is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Skye Diamonds is by First Dude, out of the Johannesburg mare Exonerated, was bred by Dizney Double Diamond, is owned by Allen Racing, Bloom Racing or Acker, et al and is trained by William Spawr. She has nine wins in 18 starts, earnings of $551,150 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 18 Las Flores Stakes. ...

Try the Rye in San Luis Rey

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2018) – Unusual Heat Turf Classic winner Rye is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita. Rye is by English Channel, out of the Unusual Heat mare Phi Beta Heat, was bred by H & E Ranch, is owned by Joseph Morey Revocable Trust and is trained by William Morey. He has eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $307,199 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 27 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank. ...

Warren Williamson Passes at 89

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 20, 2018) — Warren B. Williamson, the California-based owner and breeder who raced the top-class but ill-fated Cal-bred mare Nashoba’s Key, died several days ago of natural causes following a recent surgery to repair a fractured hip, according to his longtime trainer, Carla Gaines. Williamson was 89. Williamson, who had various jobs connected to finance and was a member of the wealthy and powerful Chandler family of Southern California, had described himself as a lifelong horse lover, going back to his time spent growing up on his family’s 4,200-acre ranch near Ramona. He owned Thoroughbreds for the past 25 years, and in later years bred many of the horses he raced from a small band of prized mares. He also served on the boards of the Oak Tree Racing Association, the non-profit group that once held a fall meet at Santa Anita Park, The California Thoroughbred Foundation, and of Hollywood Park, which closed in 2014. “He was a great racing fan, a great sportsman, and... ...

Bayakoa Winner Majestic Heat Retired

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 19, 2018) – 2017 Bayakoa Stakes (Grade 2) winner Majestic Heat has been retired from racing after her fifth-place finish on Saturday in Santa Anita Park’s Grade 1 Santa Margarita Stakes as announced by owner-racing manager Madeline Auerbach. A California-bred daughter of sire Unusual Heat, Majestic Heat was trained for the bulk of her career by Hall of Fame conditioner Richard Mandella and was known for her versatility and durability during her four seasons of racing. Majestic Heat is a four-time stakes winner on both turf and dirt while also winning stakes both sprinting and routing. Her top accomplishment on the track was her victory in the 2017 Bayakoa Stakes (Grade 2) at Los Alamitos, defeating 2016 Eclipse Award winner Champagne Room in the process. The dark bay mare also captured the 2016 Solana Beach Stakes (LR) at Del Mar and came back to defend her title and win the 2017 edition of the Solana Beach in similar fashion. She also captured the 2017 Betty Grable Stakes... ...

Miss Sunset

Miss Sunset wins $100,000 Irish O’Brien. ...

Miss Sunset Romps in Irish O’Brien

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 17, 2018)–In a totally dominant performance, trainer Jeff Bonde’s Miss Sunset went to the lead and was in complete command throughout out as she took Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares, originally scheduled to be run down the hillside turf course, by seven lengths under Mike Smith. A 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Into Mischief, Miss Sunset got 6 ½ furlongs over a main track listed as “good” in 1:16.30. “Yes, it went exactly to plan,” said Smith, who also guided her to gate to wire victory going six furlongs in the Spring Fever Stakes here on Feb. 25. “She’s so quick and I basically just stayed out of her way. She runs the turn so well…She got a little separation there and was able to take a breather. It makes my job easy. The way she ran today, I think she might be able to stretch out.” The 4-5 favorite in a field of six California-bred... ...

Ralis Back in Training for O’Neill

From Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2018) — Reddam Racing’s homebred grade 1 winner Ralis, who was retired from racing in February of 2017 because of a tendon injury, has returned to training at Santa Anita Park. The 2015 Hopeful Stakes (G1) winner —who didn’t record a win in 12 ensuing starts (all in stakes) but placed in three other stakes, including the 2016 Del Mar Derby (G2T)—logged his second breeze of the year March 16 at Santa Anita. “California-bred, grade 1-winning Ralis is back in training,” trainer Doug O’Neill said of the 5-year-old son of Square Eddie who is still intact and covered three furlongs in :37 flat Friday morning. “Over time, the tendon got better—looked fantastic four, five months ago, so he’s back in training. His stride is back, his energy is back, (and) his health is back.” BALAN: Grade 1 Winner Ralis Retired From Racing O’Neill said there were offers to stand Ralis as a stallion, and owner Paul Reddam even considered standing him at stud himself at Ocean... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board’s Special Committee on Northern California Racing will meet Thursday, March 22, at Golden Gate Fields beginning at 10:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. The agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the CHRB Website. ...

How Unusual Aims for Santa Ana

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 15, 2018) – Graded winner How Unusual and fellow California-bred Lucy De are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Ana Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Lucy De is by Decarchy, out of the Native Storm mare Stormin Lucy, was bred by GGG Stables and Magali Farms, is owned by GGG Stables and is trained by Richard Baltas. She has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $231,443 and is coming off a win in a Feb. 11 optional claimer. How Unusual is by Unusual Heat, out of the Bartok mare Veela, was bred by Madeline Auerbach & Barry Abrams, is owned by Fetkin, Sill or St. Hillaire, et al, and is trained by Michael Pender. She has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $311,712 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 27 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...

Miss Sunset in Irish O’Brien

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2018) – Graded stakes winner Miss Sunset is entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Barbara Beatrice is by Grazen, out of the Decarchy mare Showtime Apollo, was bred by Philip D’Amato, is owned by Queen Bee Racing or D’Amato and is trained by D’Amato. She has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $338,534 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 27 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. Desert Steel is by Desert Code, out of the Cozzene mare Lujien Lujien, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bamford or House and is trained by Simon Callaghan. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $342,264 and is making her first start since a win in a June 25 optional claimer. Starlite Style is by Unusual Heat, out of the Lucayan Prince mare Always in Style, was bred by Old English Rancho or Riggio, is owned... ...

Majestic Heat in Santa Margarita

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2018) – Majestic Heat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Santa Margarita Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Majestic Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerback & Barry Abrams, is owned by Auerbach, McCauley or Bardy Farm and is trained by Richard Mandella. She has seven wins in 19 starts, earnings of $570,329 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 25 Spring Fever Stakes. ...

Heck Yeah Enters Pasadena

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2018) – Unbeaten Heck Yeah is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Pasadena Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Heck Yeah is by Acclamation, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess, was bred by Michael Pageler, is owned by Pageler, Dr. Sigaband or Baedecker and is trained by Bob Baffert. He is a multiple stakes winner who has won all three of his starts with earnings of $194,000 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 19 California Cup Derby. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Camilla Urso

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2018) – California-breds Cash Prize and Claudia Mae are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Cash Prize is by Pure Prize, out of the Benchmark mar Cottonwood Babe, was bred by owner Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and is trained by Quinn Howey. She has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $146,614 and is coming off a Feb. 11 allowance win. Claudia Mae is by Belong to Me, out of the Comic Strip mare Held Fast, was bred by owner Beth Rivera and is trained by Tirso Rivera. She has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $84,853 and is coming off a fifth in a Jan. 28 optional claimer. ...

Sircat Sally In Foal to Arrogate

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2018) — California champion Sircat Sally is in foal to Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Arrogate, breeder Joe Turner announced. Sircat Sally, a 4-year-old daughter of Surf Cat, out of the In Excess mare Sister Sally, was bred and owned by Turner and went on to win seven of eight career starts and with earnings of $552,880. She won her first seven starts, including three graded stakes, but was injured in her final start, when she finished third in the July 23 San Clemente Stakes. Sircat Sally was named the 2017 Cal-bred Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old female. She was trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. ...

Cal-bred Sells for $285,000 at Ocala

OCALA, Fla. (Mar. 13, 2018) – A California-bred filly by Creative Cause sold for $285,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Ocala March 2-Year-Olds in training sale. The filly, bred by The Revocable Trust of Dr. Mikel C. Harrington & Patricia O. Harr, was consigned by Wavertree Stables, agent, and was purchased by Justin Casse, agent. She is out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Teacher Teacher, who was a full sister to multiple stakes winner Tilde. The filly was sold at last year’s Barretts August Select Yearling Sale for $50,000 to Redwings. ...

Tough Sunday

Tough Sunday wins $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes. ...

Tough Sunday is Tough on Sunday

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 11, 2018)–A switch from 6 ½ furlongs on turf to a muddy main track, five scratches and a perfect stalking trip under Joe Talamo resulted in Nick Alexander’s homebred Tough Sunday notching his first-ever stakes win in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Trained by Steve Miyadi, the 6-year-old full horse by Alexander’s Grazen, prevailed by one length over a fast closing Solid Wager while getting the distance in 1:15.68. Out of Alexander’s General Meeting mare Sunday Dress, Tough Sunday was orphaned at birth, pale-fed for the first six months of his life and today, in his 18th career start, he enjoyed his biggest win. Needless to say, emotions were running high in the Winner’s Circle. “I’m shaking, I’m going to cry,” said Alexander. “We thought several times that he was the best horse in the race and he would just miss. With this one, everything worked out. The right horses scratched, he had the right spot... ...

Masochistic Retired After Being Eased

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2018) — Co-owners Will Shamlian and Samantha Siegel decided to retire California-bred grade 1 winner Masochistic March 11, following his eighth-place performance in the Sensational Star Stakes at Santa Anita Park. After setting a fast early pace, Masochistic was eased in the stretch by jockey Victor Espinoza and came in 18 3/4 lengths behind the winner, Tough Sunday. The 2015 Triple Bend (G1) victor, who also won the 2015 Kona Gold (G2) and the 2016 Pat O’Brien (G2), last ran well in the 2017 Triple Bend (second) and ended his racing career with three far-back finishes. In those three starts he finished a combined 46 lengths behind the winners. “He’s 100% sound and he’s going to have a career as a trail horse. He’s had enough and he’s telling us that,” Shamlian said. “He’s too good of a horse, and we’re going to do right by him. He’s given us the message and we’re going to listen. We’re going to find him a good home.” The 8-year-old Sought... ...

Shaman Ghost Moves to Lovacres Ranch

From Stronach Company WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2018) — Adena Springs’ multiple Grade 1 winner and $3,859,311 earner Shaman Ghost has been relocated from Tommy Town Thoroughbreds to Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch near Warner Springs, Calif., it was announced today. “The Adena Springs Champion homebred is the subject of a newly formed California-based strategic alliance between Adena Springs, Lovacres Ranch and EF1 Farm,” said Ben Walden of Adena Springs. “Through their mutual support, promotion, and pooling of broodmares, the three entities have combined forces to establish the stallion career of Shaman Ghost in California.” “We are grateful to Tommy Town for their efforts pertaining to the stallion and for the mares that they provided,” said Frank Stronach. A son of Horse of the Year Ghostzapper, Shaman Ghost accumulated a record of 8-3-2 from 17 starts. Shaman Ghost won or placed in seven stakes, including victories in the Woodward S. (G1), Santa Anita Handicap (G1), Brooklyn Invitational S. (G1) and the Pimlico Special (G1). He was also... ...

Stan Hodges Passes at 79

WAIALUA, Hawaii (Mar. 8, 2018) — California breeder and owner Stan Hodge passed away in Hawaii last month. He was nine days shy of his 80th birthday. Hodge, a longtime member of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, is survived by his wife, Frances, eight children, 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held on March 18, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Byron, Calif. ...

Masochistic in Loaded Sensational Star

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 8, 2018) – Grade I winner Masochistic is one of seven stakes winners, including four Breeders’ Cup participants, have entered Sunday’s loaded $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligible at Santa Anita. Tribal Storm is by Papa Clem, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by owners Cut & Lila Lanning and is trained by Ed Moger Jr. He has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $259,084 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 19 Lost in the Fog Stakes. Anatolian Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Woodman mare Anatolian Queen, was bred by owner Anatolian Inc., and is trained by Peter Miller. He has three wins in 17 starts, earnings of $183,598 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 15 optional claimer. Jimmy Bouncer is by Square Eddie, out of the General Meeting mare Meetmeinthewoods, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by St. Hilaire, Guerrero or Dunbar, et al, and is trained by... ...

San Luis Rey Workers Still Need Help

By Del Mar Times DEL MAR, Calif. — Hours after surveying the Lilac fire’s grim fallout in Del Mar, Michelle Storm took to Facebook. In the three days since the blaze tore through San Luis Rey Downs—killing nearly 50 horses on Dec. 7 and displacing the training facility’s live-in workers—Del Mar Racetrack had become a makeshift sanctuary for more than 800 horses and some 200 groomsmen. http://www.delmartimes.net/lifestyle/sd-cm-nc-lilac-fire-20180227-story.html ...

What a View Seeks Another Kilroe

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 7, 2018) – What a View, who won the race two years ago, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manila mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old Rnglish Rancho, Patsy Berumen & Sal Berumen, is owned by Finish Line Racing, Ellwood Johnston Trust or T.O.V. Stables and is trained by Kenny Black. He has seven wins in 22 starts, earnings of $825,016 and is coming off a sixth in the Feb. 24 Daytona Stakes. He was second in this race last year and won the race in 2016. ...

Edwards Going Left to Triple Bend

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 7, 2018) – Multiple stakes winner Edwards Going Left is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita. Edwards Going Left is by Midnight Lute, out of the Broken Vow mare Dypsy, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn & Vaya Con Suerte, is owned by Hronis Racing and is trained by John Sadler. He has seven wins in 11 starts, earnings of $381,390 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 27 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 7, 2018) – The regular meeting of the California Horse Racing Board scheduled for Thursday, Mar. 22, 2018, at Golden Gate Fields, has been canceled. The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for Thursday, Apr. 19, 2018, at Santa Anita. A meeting of the CHRB Special Committee on Northern California Racing will be held on Thursday, Mar. 22, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bayview Lounge (Turf Club) at Golden Gate Fields. Non-committee Board members attending the committee meeting may not participate in the public discussion, official committee vote, or committee closed session. The agenda of the committee meeting will consist of the following matters: Discussion regarding a report and update from the Pacific Racing Association (Golden Gate Fields) and the Northern California Stabling and Vanning Committee on the projected availability of stalls at Golden Gate Fields through the remainder of its race meeting and the projected availability of stalls for off-site stabling and training during the 2018 summer fair circuit. Discussion regarding a... ...

EHV-1 Update

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2018) — The California Department of Food and Agriculture today lifted the quarantine at Los Alamitos Race Course after determining there have been no additional cases of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) since the first and only case was confirmed February 20. (See February 23 update for details.) Normal transfer of horses to and from Los Alamitos has been resumed. ...

NorCal Sale Grad Wins Again

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 4, 2018)—Idle since third in a Grade I stakes in September, Northern California Yearling sale graduate Take the One O One overcame his rail post position to defeat heavily favored Surfing Star by a half length in Sunday’s $56,000 Santa Anita allowance feature. Ridden by Joe Talamo and trained by Brian Koriner, Take the One O One, a California-bred 3-year-old colt by former Eclipse Award Champion Acclamation, got 6 ½ furlongs over a fast track in 1:15.82. “Brian’s done a great job bringing this horse back,” said Talamo, who has ridden Take the One O One in all four of his previous starts. “Obviously, we didn’t like drawing the rail first time back, but he broke sharply and he put me in a good position. I had a lot of horse down the lane and I flagged him a couple times to keep him focused.” With longshot Sir Valentine breaking on top, the winner made the lead at the rail after the first... ...

A Winning Friday for Vronsky

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2018) – California stallion Vronsky was represented by four winning progeny in the state on Friday. Accreditation won the first race at Santa Anita, a maiden special weight for Cal-breds. He is a 4-year-old out of the Perfect Mandate mare Perfectly Perfect, was bred by Old English Rancho, owned by Robert Riggio and trained by Hector Palma. Veronica Bay won the sixth race at Santa Anita, a $10,000 claimer. She is a 7-year-old out of the Unusual Heat mare Nikkisilverjet, was bred by Barry Abrams, is owned by Marcelo Polanco and Carlo Scianlanga and is trained by Polanco. Hotflickaru won the third race at Golden Gate, a $4,000 claimer. She is a 4-year-old out of the Unusual heat mare Hot Flick, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Horseplayers Racing Club and trained by Tim McCanna. Royal Alexei won the fourth race at Golden Gate, a $4,000 claimer. He is a 7-year-old out of the Royal Academy mare Royal Enclosure, was bred by Victoria... ...

One Fast Broad Enters Santa Ysabel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2018) – One Fast Broad is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Santa Ysabel Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. One Fast Broad is by Decarchy, out of the Mr. Broad Blade mare Awesome Broad, was bred by Richard Kritzski and AGR Racing, is owned by Ruis Racing and trained by Mick Ruis. She has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $287,160 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 19 California Cup Oaks. ...

Barretts April Catalog Online

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2018) — The catalog for the Barretts April Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training is now on-line and will be mailed soon. This auction of 157 two-year-olds will be held on Wednesday, April 4 in the Surfside Raceplace located on the grounds of Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California beginning at 2:00 p.m. PDT. The catalog can be viewed here. The April Sale catalog will also be available soon for your Ipad. Click here for details. The official training preview is scheduled to be held on Monday, April 2 on the Del Mar racetrack beginning at 10:00 a.m. PDT. The preview will be streamed live at barretts.com. Video clips for each preview, will be posted during the preview and can be viewed on-line by the following morning. Recent graduates of Barretts two-year-old sales include two 2018 Graded Stakes winners at Santa Anita, Om and Kanthaka, as well as three stakes winners in Japan: Best Macho, Ryano Tesoro and Nanchinnon. ...

CHRB Issues EHV-1 Update

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2018) — There have been no significant changes since the California Horse Racing Board’s February 23 update concerning the horse at Los Alamitos that tested positive for the non-neurogenic, “wild type” strain of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1). There have been no other suspect cases at Los Alamitos or at any racetrack in California. One barn at Los Alamitos with 11 horses remains under quarantine by order of California Department of Food and Agriculture veterinarians, who will lift the 14-day quarantine on Monday, March 5, provided there are no additional sick horses. The CHRB will continue to allow horses from Los Alamitos to race at Santa Anita under the same conditions as previously described. Those horses must be inspected by CHRB veterinarians prior to shipping to Santa Anita; they will not be allowed into the general Santa Anita population; and they are required to return to Los Alamitos after racing. Normal transfer of horses between Los Alamitos and Santa Anita will not resume until the quarantined... ...

Eric Yohan

Read this in Issuu: From California Thoroughbred Eric Yohan is a man with big ideas and the determination to implement them. A scientist by trade, Yohan is now embracing the Thoroughbred industry, both with his equine health products and with his EF1 Farm, where 300 broodmares and two new stallions reside. Yohan, who hails from an Austrian family but who grew up in Ireland, had been around horses since childhood. He completed two PhDs before developing Flo-X, a product designed to destroy mold and pests, in 1998. The product took off, especially in Hawaii, where mold problems can be especially aggravating. Yohan took Flo-X off the market during a redevelopment and testing phase and continually heard from one man who wished for the product to return. “He told me that his animals needed them,” said Yohan. “His animals?” This revelation led to the development of Equine Formula 1 and 2, topical products for horses that help with fungus and a variety of other ailments. “It took me a long time... ...

Shaman Ghost to Stand for $7,500

From Adena Springs PARIS, Ky. (Feb. 27, 2018) – Adena Springs announced today that their Champion homebred, Shaman Ghost, standing at Tommy Town Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez, Calif., will stand the 2018 breeding season for $7,500 Live Foal. “In keeping with my deep commitment to California racing and breeding, we are enhancing access and availability to Shaman Ghost, in his first season at stud,” said Adena Springs’ owner Franck Stronach. He added: “It is my main aim that we raise quality horses in California. To raise good horses, you need good mares and good stallions. I hope with the reduced stud fee, smaller breeders will be encouraged to breed to this great stallion.” Shaman Ghost was a five-time Graded-Stakes winner, including Grade 1 wins in Belmont Park’s Woodward Stakes, and the Santa Anita Handicap. Additionally, he was second to Arrogate in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, also a Grade 1. Mike Allen, of Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, said: “Shaman Ghost is a horse who could have just... ...

Miss Sunset

Miss Sunset wins $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes. ...

Miss Sunset Spikes a Spring Fever

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2018)–Highly accomplished sprinter Miss Sunset broke on top and rolled to an impressive 2 ½ length win under Mike Smith in Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Trained by Jeff Bonde, the 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Into Mischief, out of the Trippi mare Tuscan Sunset, got six furlongs versus four rival Cal-bred fillies in 1:09.92. Breaking on top from her number three post position, Miss Sunset was joined on her inside by longshot Shy Carmelita heading to the far turn, but Smith let out a notch three furlongs from home and the Spring Fever was never in doubt thereafter as she easily defeated Cuddle Alert while 4-5 favorite Majestic Heat was never a factor for the win. “She ran really well today and she felt better than she’s ever felt,” said Smith, who last rode Miss Sunset in a winning effort four starts back on Sept. 4. “She’s really, really quick. She’s... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2018) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, February 22, at Santa Anita Park. Chair Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Jesse Choper, Fred Maas, Araceli Ruano and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: · Tim Ritvo, chief operating officer for The Stronach Group (TSG), reported that repairs and construction of barns either damaged or destroyed by the fire at San Luis Rey training center are underway, and TSG plans to reopen the facility for auxiliary stabling and training after April 1. This led to a discussion of continuing efforts to help those affected by the December 7 blaze. Those efforts are being carefully monitored to make certain that all donations are being properly distributed. · Greg Avioli, president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and head of the California Marketing Committee (CMC), followed up on a report on the... ...

Los Alamitos Barn in Quarantine

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2018) — A pony based at Los Alamitos Race Course was euthanized and later tested positive for the “wild-type” strain of equine herpesvirus type 1, which forced a barn at the Southern California racetrack to go through quarantine procedures. According to an alert posted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture Feb. 21, a 10-year-old pony “displaying severe neurologic signs was euthanized” and tested positive for EHV-1. EHV-1 has sprung up at multiple racetracks across the country in recent weeks. California Horse Racing Board equine medical director Rick Arthur confirmed the case of EHV-1 at Los Alamitos and provided additional details. “The pony was used to pony (Quarter Horses) at Los Alamitos during the races. He last worked (Feb. 11),” Arthur said of the deceased horse, who was euthanized Feb. 18. “The barn where the horse was housed is under quarantine, and the six (Quarter Horses) he ponied during the races going back to (Feb. 7) are being closely monitored.” Arthur said there have not... ...

Stakes Winners Tangle in Spring Fever

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2018) – Defending champion Cuddle Alert and graded winners Majestic Heat and Miss Sunset are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Graded winner Majestic Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach & Barry Abrams, is owned by Auerbach, McCauley or Bardy Farm and is trained by Richard Mandella. She has seven wins in 18 starts, earnings of $558,329 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 10 Santa Maria. Shy Carmelita is by Grazen, out of the Malek mare Malley Girl, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $175,017 and is making her first start since a second in a July 20 optional claimer. Graded winner Miss Sunset is by Into Mischief, out of the Trippi mare Tuscan Sunset, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds and Alan Klein, is... ...

Solis, Auerbach Reappointed to CHRB

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2018) – Alex Solis and Madeline Auerbach have been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. Solis, 53, of Monrovia, has since 2015. Solis was a jockey from 1982 to 2017. He is a member of the Jockey’s Guild and was inducted into the National Racing Hall of Fame in 2014. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Solis is a Democrat. Auerbach, 73, of Bell Canyon, has served since 2014. Auerbach has been director and owner at M. Auerbach LLC since 2000. She was chief financial officer and owner at JSA Corp DBA Hippopotamus from 1977 to 2004. Auerbach is a member of the Jockey Club. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Auerbach is a Democrat. ...

What a View Returns in Daytona Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2018) – Grade I winner What a View, coming off an eight-month layoff, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Daytona Stakes at Santa Anita. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manilla mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old English Rancho, Sal Berumen and Patsy Berumen, is owned by Finish Line Racing, Ellwood Johnston Trust or T.O.V. Stables and is trained by Kenny Black. He has seven wins in 21 starts, earnings of $824,671 and is making his first start since a seventh in the June 3 Shoemaker Mile. ...

Barbara Beatrice, Algorhythmic Duel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2018) – Stakes winner Barbara Beatrice and fellow California-bred Algorhythmic are entered in Saturday’s $70,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Barbara Beatrice is by Grazen, out of the Decarchy mare Showtime Apollo, was bred by Philip D’Amato, is owned by Queen Bee Racing or D’Amato and is trained by D’Amato. She has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $338,534 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 27 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf. Algorhythmic is by Vronsky, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Thorellen, was bred by Jonny Hilvers, is owned by Richard or Kate Barton and is trained by Mike Machowsky. She has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $199,965 and has a four-race win streak. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting February 22, at Santa Anita Park beginning at 9:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board meeting agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the website. ...

Jockey Club Fact Book Now Available

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. ...

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