ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 13, 2017) – Stakes winner Grazen Sky is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Los Angeles Stakes at Santa Anita. Grazen Sky is by Grazen, out of the Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steve Miyadi. He has four wins in 20 starts, earnings of $412,638 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 26 Tiznow Stakes. ...
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 11, 2017) – Grade I winner What a View is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $300,000 Grade I Maker’s 46 Mile Stakes at Keeneland. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manila mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old English Rancho, Patsy and Sal Berumen and is owned by Finish Line Racing, the Elwood Johnston Trust and Taste of Victory Stables and is trained by Kenny Black. He has six wins in 18 starts, earnings of $763,326 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 11 Frank E. Kilroe Mile. ...
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From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 10, 2017) — The Jockey Club has produced and made available a three-minute instructional video that illustrates the implantation of microchips, which became a condition of registration starting with foals born in 2017 or later. The video is available on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/USJockeyClub/posts/1367410333345505 and directly at: https://vimeo.com/212142590. It has also been tweeted at https://twitter.com/jockeyclub/status/851465724430348288. ...
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By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 8, 2017) – In sprints, Mr. Hinx is unbeaten in three starts, the latest win occurring in Saturday’s $200,345 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. In two-turn races, Mr. Hinx has struggled, finishing a well-beaten fourth twice. The way Mr. Hinx won the Echo Eddie at 6 1/2 furlongs, fighting for the lead throughout, sprints may be the focus of his 2017 campaign. Mr. Hinx is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Put It Back mare Kitten Exchange, was bred by owner Gary Barber and is trained by Peter Miller. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $195,368 and was coming off a fourth in a Mar. 9 optional claimer. “He left there running,” jockey Tyler Baze said. “I didn’t want to take anything out of him. “He’s got so much talent. There is a lot there.” Mr. Hinx ($19) won the Echo Eddie by a nose over B Squared, the two dueling for the lead... ...
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By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 8, 2017) – On turf or dirt, against state-breds or in graded stakes, Sircat Sally has been unbeatable the last six months. In Saturday’s Grade 3 Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita, Sircat Sally ($2.60) led throughout to win her graded stakes debut with little urging from jockey Mike Smith. The $150,345 Providencia Stakes was the fourth consecutive stakes win for Sircat Sally. She won the Soviet Problem Stakes for Cal-bred 2-year-old fillies on dirt at Los Alamitos in December and is unbeaten in three stakes this year, all on turf: the Cal Cup Oaks against Cal-breds in January, the minor China Doll Stakes against open company March 11 and the Providencia. “It looks like she can do anything,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said. “She has speed and can run long. You can’t ask for more.” Sircat Sally, by Surf Cat, races for owner and breeder Joe Turner. Sircat Sally has earned $348,860. She won her debut at Del Mar... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 8, 2017)–Head and head with heavily favored Miss Sunset turning for home, Nick Alexander’s homebred first-time starter S Y Sky powered to a convincing 5 ½-length win in Saturday’s $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes under Joe Talamo. Trained by Phil D’Amato, the 3-year-old chestnut filly by Grazen got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.52. Off at 6-1 in a field of eight sophomore fillies eligible for the Golden State Series, S Y Sky paid $14.80, $7.80 and $3.80. Out of Alexander’s Sky Mesa mare, Sky Marni, S Y Sky, who broke from post position six, got the winner’s share of $110,000, plus a Cal-bred incentive bonus for breaking her maiden of $17,500, resulting in a total payday of $127,500. Ridden by Mario Gutierrez, Radish, who broke from post two, sat third most of the way and overhauled the favorite by a head at the wire for second money. Off at 18-1, she paid $13.20 and $4.40. Miss Sunset, who added blinkers today and broke from... ...
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 7, 2017) – Big Score, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Mr. Big, won Friday’s $150,000 Grade III Transylvania Stakes presented by Keeneland Select, at Keeneland. Big Score, out of the Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.23 and won by one-half length at odds of 10-1. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $237,800 and was making his first start since a fifth in the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. ...
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From CHRB BERKELEY, CA – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, April 6, at Golden Gate Fields. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Second Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Jesse Choper 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: · The Board approved technical and substantive revisions to a regulatory amendment requiring that race-day authorized bleeder medication be administered by independent, third-party veterinarians. The Office of Administrative Law must approve the revisions before the new regulation goes into effect. · Greg Avioli, president of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), informed the Board that the advance deposit wagering (ADW) provider TwinSpires had not yet fulfilled its contract to provide the precise locations where bets are being made in California, so the horsemen’s group has withdrawn its authorization for Twinspires to accept wagers from California residents on California races. He said the TOC would reinstate TwinSpires whenever they begin... ...
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From Richill Farms PHELAN, CALIF. (Apr. 7, 2017) – Empire of D’Nile (Pioneerof the Nile – Beauty School by Private School) sired his first foal when the mare Forest Trees (Forestry – Me Moe You Curly, by Memo) dropped a bay colt on April 7. Richill Farms owners, Richard & Hilary Trower said: “This is the first foal, for both Empire of D’Nile and Forest Trees. The foal is a very leggy and bold bay with a pedigree that includes such horses as Pioneerof the Nile, Storm Cat, Seattle Slew and carries ten strains of the great La Troienne.” Empire of D’Nile stands at Richill Farms in Phelan, CA. ...
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From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Apr. 6, 2017) — Del Mar’s simple, yet highly effective, “Ship and Win” program, where owners and trainers are given incentives to import out-of-state horses to race locally, will be back for its seventh summer at the seaside oval with a notable bonus increase providing even more encouragement to – literally – ship and win. Previously, “S&W” horses received an automatic $1,000 check when they made their first start at Del Mar, along with an additional 30% bonus on top of whatever their purse earnings were in that initial outing. Starting in 2017, though, that automatic check has been enhanced by 50% to $1,500, with the 30% purse bonus continuing to be part of the stimulus formula. Del Mar’s numbers with the program that originated in 2011 have been impressive. Starting with 107 horses being imported that first summer, the total of “S&W” horses had risen to more than 800 after the 2016 summer session. Further, the track attracted over 100 imports at its three... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2017) – Multiple stakes winner California Diamond is the leading earner entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Will Tell is by Creative Cause, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Little Bit a Swiss, was bred by owner Teresa Stapleton and is trained by Vladimir Cerin. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $44,665 and is coming off a Mar. 23 starter’s allowance win. B Squared is by Square Eddie, out of the Ten Most Wanted mare Silar Rules, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He won his lone start Mar. 4 and has earnings of $32,400. 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 two wins in four starts, earnings of $103,580 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 18 El Camino Real... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2017) – Multiple stakes winner Miss Sunset is the leading earner entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Cioppino Pasadino is by Time to Get Even, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Clawpuccino, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Brown or Martin and trained by Rafael Becerra. She has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $103,855 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 25 optional claimer. Radish is by Square Eddie, out of the Yankee Victor mare Ann Summers Gold, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She is a maiden making her 10th start with earnings of $64,400. Adios Cali is by Adios Charlie, out of the Tale of the Cat mare Cali Cali, was bred by Steve Bussjaeger, Ed Gredvig, John Mendenhall & Marko Swan, is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. She has one win in three starts, earnings of... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2017) – Milton Freewater is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $1 million Grade I Santa Anita Derby for 3-year-olds. Milton Freewater is by Creative Cause, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Lovehi, was bred by Dr. Mikel and Patricia Harrington, is owned by Kramer Racing or Sheep Pond Partners or Jaime, et al and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $128,360 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 19 optional claimer. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2017) – Unbeaten multiple stakes winner Sircat Sally and fellow California-bredPrincess Roi are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. 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. She has won all four of her starts with earnings of $258,860 and is coming off a win in the Mar. 11 China Doll. Princess Roi is by Roi Charmant, out of the Native Storm mare Stormin Lucy, was bred by GGG Stables, is owned by GGG Stables or Sarno and is trained by Richard Baltas. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $131,500 and is coming off a win in a Mar. 2 optional claimer. ...
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From The Jockey Club DEL MAR, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2017) — OwnerView announced today that registration is now open for the fourth edition of the Thoroughbred Owner Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Del Mar, Calif., October 30 – November 1, 2017, immediately preceding the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. A limited number of reserved seats are available for the Breeders’ Cup races on both Friday, November 3, and Saturday, November 4, to those attending the conference and will be included with the full registration fee on a first-come, first-served basis. Prospective attendees can register at ownerview.com. Additional information about the conference is also available on that website. “OwnerView once again is excited to partner with Breeders’ Cup and expose owners and prospective owners to two days of championship racing,” said Gary Falter, project manager for OwnerView. “The Breeders’ Cup World Championships provide a grand finale for a conference that caters to people interested in owning Thoroughbred racehorses and experiencing the thrill that accompanies it.” “Based on early ticket... ...
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OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Apr. 1, 2017) – She’s So Fine, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Haynesfield, ran her win streak to four in Saturday’s $80,000 Karakorum Elektra Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. She’s So Fine has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $201,737 and has won all four of her starts this year, including a $20,000 claimer. She’s So Fine, out of the Value Plus mare Speed Has Value, ran the seven furlongs in 1:26.53 and won by 3 ¼ lengths at odds of 5-2 in a field of six. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 30, 2017) –Continuing its collaboration to raise funds for important causes, the Breeders’ Cup and Maker’s Mark® announced today that the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation, an organization focused on providing a better quality of life for California’s backstretch workers and their families, and Old Friends Farm, home to some of the most popular retired Thoroughbred race horses, have been named the official charity beneficiaries of the 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Fans can support these causes and receive a 2017 Maker’s Mark® limited-edition commemorative Cigar bottle by making a donation and attending the Champions for Charity event to be held Breeders’ Cup week in Del Mar, Calif. Event details will be available this summer. Please visit www.BreedersCup.com/ChampionsForCharity for further details. This year’s commemorative bottle honors Cigar (see attached), who won the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Classic and became the first American horse, racing against top-class competition, to win 16 consecutive races since Triple Crown winner Citation did so from 1948-1950. Breeders’ Cup and Maker’s Mark® have... ...
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From Richill Farms PHELAN, CA. (Mar. 29, 2017) – California stallion Stimulus Plan (Jump Start – Dutchess Alexandra by Judge Smells) sired his first foal when the winning mare Tudie Pop (Aptitude – Otatha by Miswaki) dropped a bay colt on March. 29. Richill Farms owners’, Richard & Hilary Trower said, “This is the first foal, for both Stimulus Plan and Tudie Pop. He has a classic head and stands up and over a good bit of ground. The foals’ family includes leading sires A.P. Indy, Storm Cat, Miswaki, Buckpasser, and Native Dancer, and carries nine strains of the great La Troienne. Stimulus Plan stands at Richill Farms in Phelan, Calif. ...
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From CHRB ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 30, 2017) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, April 6, at Golden Gate Fields beginning at 10:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The meeting agenda and supporting package of materials also are available on the website. ...
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From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 30, 2017) — Under the direction of its new director of track maintenance, Dennis Moore, Del Mar has begun a process designed to modify its main track with an end result of having it replicate the banking and grading of its sister track to the north, Santa Anita Park. Crews began their work on the track on Wednesday (March 29) and the stripping and grading activity is expected to take several weeks. The plan is to adjust the seaside oval’s main track banking to 5% (from 4%) on the turns and 2 1/2% (from 2%) in the straightaways — as is the case currently with Santa Anita – well in advance of the opening of Del Mar’s 78th summer season on Wednesday, July 19. “Our priority, of course, is safety,” said Joe Harper, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s president and CEO. “One of the key elements in safety is consistency and this adjustment will give our horses and horsemen that consistency when it comes... ...
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DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 30, 2017) – A Northern California Yearling Sale graduate by Lucky Pulpit brought $360,000 at Wednesday’s Barretts March Select Sale of 2-Year-Olds in training at Del Mar. Californiabyanose, a filly out of the Mr. Greeley mare Nine to Five Lady, was bred by Cole Ranch, consigned by Havens Bloodstock Agency and purchased by Dennis O’Neill for Amr Zedan. She was the fastest previewer in the sale. Another purchase of interest to California breeders was a Kentucky-bred colt by California stallion Haynesfield for $130,000. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 29, 2017) – California-bred multiple stakes winners Magic Mark and Avanti Bello are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Santana Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. Magic Mark is by Benchmark, out of the Deputy Governor mare Jewel Magic, was bred by owners Dorine and John Lanza and is trained by Ron Ellis. He has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $359,969 and is coming off a fifth in the Feb. 26 Tiznow Stakes. Avanti Bello is by Include, out of the Mizzen Mast mare Masterful Lass, was bred by Lou Neve, is owned by Suarez or Keh or Richardson, et al and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has six wins in 23 starts, earnings of $413,416 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 26 Tiznow Stakes. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2017) — A California-bred filly by Lucky Pulpit and a colt by Justin Phillip recorded the fastest times back to back at the Barretts under tack preview at Del Mar March 27. The filly worked a furlong in :09 4/5, followed by the colt who worked a quarter-mile in :20 3/5, in preparation for the Barretts select 2-year-old sale March 29. “We had a wonderful breeze show,” said Kim Lloyd, general manager of Barretts. “I was very pleased with the turnout and very pleased with the performance of the horses.” Bred by The Cole Ranch in California, the filly who breezed in :09 4/5 is the only horse in the catalog by the late Lucky Pulpit, sire of two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome . Andy Havens’ Havens Bloodstock Agency consigned the youngster as Hip 6. Now named Californiabyanose, the filly is out of the Mr. Greeley mare Nine to Five Lady, from the family of Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Concern. Californiabyanose sold for... ...
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CITRUS HEIGHTS, Calif. (Mar. 27, 2017) — Longtime Foothill Farms manager and Thoroughbred owner Walt Trobee passed away on Sunday at Mercy San Juan Hospital. He was 89. The family has announced that there will be no services. ...
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By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 27, 2017) – A horse based at San Luis Rey Downs with trainer Adam Kitchingman was recently found to have the equine herpesvirus, and racing officials are not allowing Kitchingman’s horses to ship into Santa Anita. The horse who tested positive and whom the trainer declined to identify was placed in isolation, according to Rick Arthur, California’s equine medical director. He said the horse was found to have the non-neurological strain of herpes, a milder strain, and he was optimistic there would be no additional cases at San Luis Rey Downs, a training center in northern San Diego County. “There is no evidence of any other horses being affected,” he said. “Everyone at San Luis Rey Downs is aware of the situation.” Arthur said Kitchingman’s horses may be allowed to ship this week if the situation improves. As a result of the herpes positive, the Kitchingman-trained Chief Hosa was scratched from an optional claimer at Santa Anita on Friday, and Red Lightning was withdrawn from... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 26, 2017)–Patiently handled by Tiago Pereira, streaking Skye Diamonds, claimed for $40,000 this past August, ran down Roo’s Valentine to take Sunday’s $100,000 Dream of Summer Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by 1 ¼ lengths at Santa Anita. Trained by Bill Spawr, the 4-year-old California-bred daughter of First Dude got a flat mile in 1:37.34. A close second to Roo’s Valentine going to the far turn, Pereira sat motionless as “Roo,” who was ridden by Martin Pedroza, opened up by nearly three lengths leaving the three furlong pole, only to be collared a furlong from home. “I had a lot of horse left that last part,” said Pereira, who has ridden Skye Diamonds in her last six starts. “I pushed and I smooched, but she had plenty left. I waited a little bit today. The one time I moved early with her, she got tired. Today I waited, she made a move and the last part was easy.” With... ...
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OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Mar. 26, 2017) – Odds-on favorite Bluegrass Flag, a New York-bred daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, ran off with Saturday’s $90,000 Cicada Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Aqueduct. Bluegrass Flag ran the six furlongs in 1:11.99 and won by six lengths at odds of 3-10 in the field of three. Bluegrass Flag has two wins in four starts, earnings of $113,220 and was coming off a second in the Franklin Square Stakes. ...
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Read it in our magazine online: By California Thoroughbred Barbara Ranck-Perry can still recall when, as a kid showing horses in Montana, she asked her father for a Dutch warmblood to school over jumps. “He grabbed one of his racehorses and said, ‘Here, this one can’t run. Take him and teach him how to jump.’ ” That was the genesis of a racing and breeding operation that Barbara and her husband, Ron Perry, have today, anchored by the California stallion He Be Fire N Ice. Like many other children growing up in rural Montana, Barbara and her three sisters always had horses. “Our idea of getting together with friends was to jump on a horse and ride a half-mile to the neighbor’s house,” she recalled. “My mom would drag us all over the state, as well as Idaho and Washington for horse shows. I think their plan from day one was how to keep the girls out of trouble. The answer was horses.” While racehorses were beloved to Barbara’s father, Red,... ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2017) – Be a part of the California-bred Turf Extravaganza Day celebration at Golden Gate Fields on Sunday, April 30. The feature events will be the $100,000 Campanile Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies and the $100,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds. Both will be raced at one mile on turf. California Thoroughbred Breeders Association members will be welcome at a hospitality area on the Players Patio. The CTBA member track pass will serve as complimentary admission to the hospitality area, where an appetizer buffet will be provided with a private cash bar. Members of the CTBA Board of Directors will be present for a meet-and-greet. The Cal-bred Turf Extravaganza Day will be held on closing day of Golden Gate’s Turf Festival. ...
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From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 24, 2017) — The official training preview for the 28th Annual Barretts Selected Two-Year-Old in Training Sale is scheduled to be held Monday, Mar. 27 on the Del Mar racetrack beginning at 10:00 a.m. PDT. The new and improved live HD stream of the preview can be watched here. Replays of the individual workouts will be shown on the live stream during the track renovation breaks held during the official training preview. Video clips for each preview will be posted live during the preview on the Barretts Sales YouTube Channel and can be viewed either there or on-line by the following morning of the preview here. Subscribe to Barretts Sales YouTube Channel to get notification when new videos are posted on-line. This auction will be held on Wednesday, March 29 in the Surfside Race Place located on the grounds of Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California beginning at 2:00 p.m. PDT. The entire catalog can be viewed here. The live auction will be... ...
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 23, 2017) — California Thoroughbred Breeders Association again sponsored a booth at Ag Day March 22 at the California Capitol to educate legislators about the importance of the Thoroughbred industry to the state’s agricultural economy. CTBA Board Member George Schmitt and farm owner Joe Daehling kindly provided a mare and foal for a meet and greet with legislators: Pie Yammy, a 12-year-old daughter of Roar owned by Schmitt and his wife, Clare, along with the mare’s Brave Cat filly, who was born at Daehling Ranch Feb. 14. Schmitt, Daehling, Julia Oldfield (Daehling’s daughter), and CTBA Event Coordinator Christy Chapman represented the CTBA at the booth. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 23, 2017) – Multiple stakes winner Sheer Pleasure tries for a repeat in Sunday’s $100,000 Dream of Summer Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Northern California Yearling Sales graduate Top Notch is by Old Topper, out of the Royal Anthem mare El Sierra Tahoe, was bred by owners George or Mary Clare Schmitt and is trained by Jeff Bonde. The $50,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $97,692 and is coming off a Feb. 24 optional claiming win. 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 Stable or Acker and is trained by Bill Spawr. She has six wins in 12 starts, earnings of $249,150 and is coming off consecutive optional claiming wins. Time for Ebby is by Time to Get Even, out of the Touch Gold mare Ebbets Field, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Beckerle,... ...
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From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (mar. 23, 2017) — All horsemen are invited to an open forum at Santa Anita on Saturday, April 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in the Baldwin Conference Room. Meet TOC staff and directors for a discussion of current events and a chance to have your questions answered. Mark your calendars now for this special event. To register, please click here, or call us at (626) 574-6620. ...
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By Paulickreport.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2017) — When jockey R.M. “Bobby” Gonzalez moved his tack to Northern California in the late 1970s, one of the trainers who took notice of his ability to break horses quickly out of the starting gate was Doug Utley. “He gave me first call after I started beating him in a lot of races because I would get out of the gate fast and his horses couldn’t catch me,” Gonzalez said. “I became a speed rider and he loved speed horses. We made a good team.” Over the next 30 years, until a spill ended Gonzalez’s riding career in 2009, the two men were a force to be reckoned with in Northern California. They remained close friends in the ensuing years, and when Utley was suffering through the last stages of cancer he called the rider to tell him his end was near and that he planned to return to his native Utah. “I stopped by his place in Pleasanton about 10 days ago,” Gonzalez... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2017) – Millionaire Ashleyluvssugar is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita. Ashleyluvssugar is by Game Plan, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by owners Alesia, BranJam Stables & Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has nine wins in 20 starts, earnings of $1,145,004 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 28 California Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. He won this race in 2015. ...
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SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 22, 2017) – California-breds Warrens Puppy Love and Minister’sadventure are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Harry Hanson Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Warrens Puppy Love is by Mongol Warrior, out of the Mecke mare Brrneedfur, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Donna Eaton and trained by Nancy Summers. She has six wins in 23 starts, earnings of $169,338 and is coming off a fourth in the Feb. 12 El Diario Handicap. She was fourth in this race last year. Minister’sadventure is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Include mare Adventurous Spirit, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Henry Dominguez. She has four wins in 20 starts, earnings of $212,755 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 4 optional claimer. ...
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SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 22, 2017) – Real Heat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes at Sunland Park. Real Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach & Barry Abrams, is owned by Gino Roncelli and is trained by Justin Evans. He has five wins in 37 starts, earnings of $203,741 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 25 optional claimer. ...
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From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2017) — Del Mar Futurity-G1 winner and California-bred Champion Tamarando retires from racing with earnings of $722,652 and will enter stud this year at Harris Farms for $2,500 live foal. Bred and raced by Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams, Tamarando won at distances from 5 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/8 miles in his first 10 starts at 2 and 3, winning the Del Mar Futurity-G1 on Polytrack in his stakes debut, the El Camino Real Derby-G3 on Tapeta, the Real Quiet Stakes on Cushion Track, and placing in the FrontRunner Stakes-G1 on dirt and CashCall Futurity-G1. He received 118 pounds on the 2013 Experimental Free Handicap, the highest weight assigned to a California-bred juvenile. The youngest of 15 graded stakes winners sired by leading California sire Bertando, Tamarando is out of the Dehere G2-placed winner Tamarack Bay and is a half-brother stakes winners Luckarack ($612,607) and U’narack ($194,080), in addition to stakes-placed winners Tamarack Smarty ($284,296), Pulmarack Smarty ($235,574) and Ward ‘n... ...
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From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2017) –The summer of 2017 will see Del Mar offer 41 stakes races worth $7.3 million for its horsemen during a 36-day season that will be the 78th for the iconic track founded in 1937 by Bing Crosby and a crew of his Hollywood pals. Racing alongside the blue Pacific will begin on Wednesday, July 19 and move forward to Labor Day, September 4 with its richest and most prestigious afternoon coming on Saturday, August 19 when the $1,000,000 TVG Pacific Classic will be presented for the 27th time as the highlight of a stakes-filled card. The robust Del Mar stakes program is expected to take on extra significance this year with the 34th edition of the Breeders’ Cup headed to the seaside track for the first time as part of its fall session. Horsemen from around the country are expected to take advantage of the summer races as likely “preps” for their runners who are being pointed for any of the 13 championship events... ...
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DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2017) — Two high quality two-year-olds have been added to the 28th Annual Barretts Select Two-Year-Old in Training Sale. Tapit has been the leading sire for each of the last 3 years and currently commands the highest stud fee of any stallion in North America. Ciaran Dunne’s Wavertree Stables has an extremely well-bred son of Tapit who is the first foal of the Grade 1 winner Lady of Fifty. Named Fiftyshadesoftapit, this colt sells as Hip 135. Stay Thirsty, a multiple Grade 1 winning son of major sire Bernardini, is currently the second leading second crop sire in North America in 2017. Clovis Crane’s Crane Thoroughbred Services has a filly who is the second foal of the young War Front mare Social Amber. Named Osteria, this filly sells as Hip 104. This auction will be held on Wednesday, March 29 in the Surfside Raceplace located on the grounds of Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California beginning at 2:00 p.m. PDT. The entire catalog can... ...
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From CHRB ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2017) — The Racing, Breeding and Stabling Initiatives Committee will meet Thursday, March 23, at Golden Gate Fields beginning at 10 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. The agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the CHRB Website. ...
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Mar. 20, 2017) – Richard’s Boy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $1 million Group I Al Quoz Sprint at about six furlongs on turf 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. The California Cup Sprint Stakes winner has eight wins in 20 starts, earnings of $556,080 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 25 Sensational Star. ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 18, 2017)–In what may have been her best performance to date, Nick Alexander’s homebred Enola Gray rocketed clear of her competition three sixteenths of a mile from home as she went on to win Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by a comfortable four lengths under Tyler Baze. Trained by Phil D’Amato, she got 6 ½ furlongs while in-hand in 1:11.91. Breaking from the inside in a field of seven California-bred or sired older fillies and mares, she was at once on terms with speedy longshot Emmy and I while well within herself heading to the half mile pole. “This may have been her best race,” said Alexander. “There was a lot more speed in there today than in the last few races…I think Tyler knows that what he does best is to just barely put any pressure on the reins. He’s pretty much loose reining her now. She can go so fast early and not... ...
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From Golden Gate Fields ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2017) — California-bred Fast and Foxy, trained by Holly Evans and ridden by Catalino Martinez, broke clean and set the pace on the rail to take the victory in the $50,000 Camilla Urso stakes. Turkish Tabby, saved ground in the stretch, but wasn’t able to get there in time, taking second. Code Warrior ridden by Anne Sanguinetti, was forced four wide, but also rallied in the stretch to finish third. Today’s race was for fillies and mares four years old and upward and was completed in a time of 1:09.20. Fast and Foxy, the betting favorite, paid $4.40 for today’s efforts. Fast and Foxy is by Thisnearlywasmine, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Joe Daehling and Holly Evans and is trained by Evans. She has 15 wins in 40 starts and earnings of $437,328. Trainer Holly Evans: “I was just hoping she would hold on. She’s easy to handle she does what you... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Mar. 16, 2016) — Two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome will shuttle to Oussama Aboughazale’s Haras Sumaya near Santiago, Chile, for the next three seasons, according to announcements March 16 from Taylor Made Farm and Haras Sumaya. “California Chrome has generated a lot of interest from the Southern Hemisphere, so we agreed to explore the option of shuttling,” said Duncan Taylor, president and chief executive officer of Taylor Made. “We are very happy to partner with Sumaya Stud, and feel extremely comfortable that it’s a great situation for California Chrome. This was a decision that was not taken lightly. “Ben (Taylor) and I flew down to see several potential farms and did an extensive amount of due diligence, evaluating whether or not there was a situation that met a very high set of standards established by our entire advisory team and our shareholders. Ultimately, the health and safety of California Chrome, quality of facilities, experience of staff, and reputation of the farm were all paramount.”... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 15, 2017) – Defending champ Smoove It leads a deep field entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Chaulk O Lattey is by Silic, out of the Bertrando mare Business Model, was bred by Nadine Anderson, is owned by Brazeau Thoroughbreds, Little Red Feather Racing or Anderson and is trained by Richard Baltas. She has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $238,523 and is coming off a seventh in a Mar. 4 optional claimer. Roo’s Valentine is by Vronsky, out of the Cindago mare Black Valentine, was bred by owner Kretz Racing and is trained by Kristin Mulhall. She has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $255,555 and is coming off a win in a Feb. 10 optional claimer. 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 five wins in eight... ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 15, 2017) – Stakes winner Fast and Foxy makes her fourth attempt to win the $50,000 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate on Saturday. Precious Time is by Grazen, out of the Tribal Rule mare Rule the Storm, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by McLean Racing Stables and trained by Aggie Ordonez. She has six wins in 14 starts, earnings of $118,607 and is coming off a Feb. 24 claiming win. Fast and Foxy is by Thisnearlywasmine, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Joseph Daehling or Holly Evans and trained by Evans. She has 14 wins in 39 starts, earnings of $397,928 and is coming off a back-to-back allowance wins. She was third in this race last year, fifth in 2015 and seventh in 2014. Coniah is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James & Tammy McKenney and is... ...
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By DRF.com LAUREL, Md. (Mar. 15, 2017) — In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is a person who compassionately refrains from entering nirvana in order to save others. It also is the title of a Steely Dan song from the 1970s. Confusing? Well, so is Bodhisattva, the horse. Jose Corrales has trained Bodhisattva for three years but is still trying to get a handle on him. “He is a complicated horse,” Corrales said. “He can fool you.” The California-bred has run some amazing races. He also has turned in some clunkers. On Saturday, he will be one of the top choices in the $75,000 Harrison Johnson Memorial at Laurel Park. Another California-bred entered is I Came to Party, by Bold Chieftain, bred by Ellen Jackson, Kevin Nish and Kim Nish, owned by Ronald Clark and trained by G Brooks. If you are watching the race on TV, don’t expect to see Bodhisattva until the far turn of the 1 1/8-mile race. He comes from the clouds. “I think I know what he needs... ...
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From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 15, 2017) — John Van de Kamp, who was TOC President and General Counsel from 1996 through 2004, died March 14 at his home in Pasadena following a brief illness. He was 81. Van de Kamp was born in Pasadena into a prominent family known for its popular baked goods and windmill-themed bakeries. He graduated from Stanford Law School in his early 20s and served a short stint in the military before being appointed an assistant U.S. attorney. He was a towering political figure who made his mark as the top prosecutor in Los Angeles County and then California, serving as California’s Attorney General in the 1980s. Most recently he served as counsel in Mayer Brown LLP’s Los Angeles office. As the second TOC president, he helped define the position of a new entity in the industry’s decision-making process. Through his strong leadership and dedication, he gave the horse owner a greater voice in the California thoroughbred industry. “I learned early in my tenure that... ...
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From CHRB ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2017) — The date for the California Horse Racing Board meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, March 23, has been changed to April 6. The location for the meeting remains at Golden Gate Fields. The meeting of the Racing, Breeding and Stabling Initiatives Committee will still take place on March 23 at Golden Gate Fields beginning at 10 a.m. ...
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From Argentum Racing HIGHLAND, Calif, (Mar. 9, 2017) — Dominic DeBellis and Dr Thomas Liu, co-owners of the Broodmare of the Year nominee More Cal Bread announced the birth of their new colt by Bodemiester. “This colt made us sweat when he was late, but, wow, was he worth the wait.” DeBellis said. “We are impressed with his conformation and beautiful white blaze. We’ll name him Bode’s Blaze so he can blaze us on our path to the Kentucky Derby.” This is a comeback story: More Cal Bread, mother of racing great Warren’s Veneda (G1 million-dollar winner) brushed fate with the slaughterhouse. More Cal Bread was rescued in time for a nomination for Broodmare of the Year. On news of the nomination, DeBellis knew the mare deserved a champion stud. He called Jay Goodwin, a partner at Select Sales in Kentucky, for a mating strategy. Goodwin suggested Bodemiester in the summer of 2015. Insight on the stud also led Select Sales to derby contender American Anthem, a son of Bodemiester... ...
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From CHRB ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2017) — Please note that the March 23 meeting of the California Horse Racing Board will be held at Golden Gate Fields, not at Santa Anita Park as was originally indicated when the annual meeting schedule was first posted. That schedule was updated on the CHRB Website in early February to show this change of location. The April 27 meeting that originally was scheduled for Golden Gate Fields also has been changed and will be held at Santa Anita Park. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 8, 2017) – California-bred defending champion Masochistic makes his first start since the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita. Masochistic is by Sought After, out of the Unusual Heat mare Trotinette, was bred by Francoise Dupuis & Louis Julian, is owned by Los Pollos Hermanos Racing or Jay Em Ess Stable and is trained by Ron Ellis. He has eight wins in 14 starts, earnings of $772,550 and is making his first start since being disqualified from a second-place finish in the Nov. 5 Breeders’ Cup Sprint. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 8, 2017) – Defending champion What a View is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manila mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old English 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 six wins in 17 starts, earnings of $683,326 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 11 Arcadia Stakes. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 8, 2017) – Ann Arbor Eddie is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade II San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Ann Arbor Eddie is by Square Eddie, out of the In Excess mare Repo, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $250,700 and is coming off a fourth in the Feb. 18 El Camino Real Derby. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2017) – Sircat Sally remained unbeaten by winning Saturday’s $94,515 China Doll Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Sircat Sally is by Surf Cat, out of the In Excess mare Sister Sally, was bred by owner Joe Turner and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She is 4-for-4 with earnings of $258,860 and was coming off a win in the Jan. 28 California Cup Oaks. ...
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HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Mar. 8, 2017) – Nite Delite is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Captiva Island Stakes for fillies and mares at Gulfstream Park. Nite Delite is by War Chant, out of the Mountain Cat mare One Tough Cat, was bred by Angel Crest Farm, is owned by F. Jack Liebau, Sr. and is trained by Linda Rice. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $247,940 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 28 Ladies’ Turf Sprint Stakes. ...
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By ArkansasOnline.com HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Mar. 5, 2017) — Kathballu ($12.20), a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, held off fast-closing Natural Wonder to win Saturday’s $125,000 Spring Fever Stakes by three-quarters of a length at Oaklwan Park. Fantastic Style, the 4-5 favorite, didn’t get a clean start in the 5½-furlong race, but led through early fractions of :22.33 and :45.67 for the first half mile. Kathballu stalked closely in second and stuck her head in front as the field entered the stretch, hitting the wire in 1:04.24 over a fast track. Marquee Miss finished third and was followed by D R C’s Pretty Sky, Fantastic Style and Super Saks. Durango and Her Love for Pappy completed the order of finish. Kathballu improved her record to 7-3-3 from 24 starts and has now earned $409,349. “She was all heart,” said jockey Channing Hill. “Not the ideal trip, as I was inside and had to press on the entire way. I thought (Fantastic Style) would be a little faster and... ...
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From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 2, 2017) — Because of Thoroughbred racing and breeding’s reliance on foreign nationals to fill agricultural and non-agricultural jobs under temporary visa programs, many in the Thoroughbred industry have serious concerns about recent reports and efforts by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to give U.S. officials broad authority to target so-called “removable aliens” for deportation. In President Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday evening and in interviews earlier in the day, he indicated a willingness to consider comprehensive immigration reform. While it is too early to tell what this means, in the past, NTRA has strongly supported comprehensive immigration reform as the best way to address our industry’s unique concerns. Consequently, the NTRA Legislative team will be working on Capitol Hill to secure a seat at the table to make sure that if there is serious engagement on immigration reform, our industry is represented and protected. We will keep you apprised as this very fluid situation develops. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2017) — Funeral services for Mary “Bay” Schiffer, will be held Tuesday, March 7, at 2 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church in Buffalo, Wy. Donations in Mrs. Schiffer’s memory may be made to the Bread of Life Pantry in care of the Harness Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.harnessfuneralhome.com. Bay Schiffer, matriarch of the family-run The Hat Ranch West in Temecula, passed away on Tuesday, according to her son, California Thoroughbred Breeders Association former president Dan Schiffer. She was 102. Bay Schiffer, with her husband, Ken, who also was a CTBA president, moved from Wyoming to California in 1967 and established The Hat Ranch West on 23,000 acres, specializing in breaking yearlings. Among their top horses were Commissary, who won the 1970 Vanity Handicap and 1969 Del Mar Oaks; California-bred multiple stakes winner Double Discount, who held the Santa Anita course record for 1 ¼ miles on turf; and multiple stakes winner Gum, winner of the inaugural California Cup Mile. Ken Schiffer died... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2017) –The Breeders’ Cup released detailed ticketing information Feb. 28 for the 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, taking place at Del Mar Nov. 3-4. The 2017 Breeders’ Cup will mark the first time the World Championships will be held at Del Mar, located just north of San Diego. Beginning March 6 at Noon EST / 9 a.m. PST, fans will be able to purchase tickets online at www.BreedersCup.com/Tickets or by calling the ticketing office at 877-849-4287. A special ticket pre-sale will be conducted in the days prior to the March 6 on-sale date. Fans are encouraged to sign up now at dmtc.com/season/breeders-cup for pre-sale access as demand for tickets to the 2017 World Championships is expected to be high and reserved seating is likely to sell out quickly. Similar to when the two-day event was held at Keeneland in 2015, Breeders’ Cup and Del Mar will also cap the number of attendees at 37,500 per day. Detailed information on seating options can be viewed... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2017)–Avanti Bello took a steep drop in class and got back to his preferred distance in taking Sunday’s $100,000 Tiznow Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by 1 ¾ lengths under Flavien Prat. Trained by Doug O’Neill, the 5-year-old horse by Include got a flat mile in 1:35.95. Breaking from the far outside in a field of seven older horses bred or sired in California, Avanti Bello, who was distanced here in the Grade II, 1 1/16 miles San Antonio Stakes on Feb. 4, broke alertly and was well within himself while procuring second position behind pacesetter Acceptance, who he tracked to the top of the lane, from where he took command. “The first part of the race, we didn’t go that fast which is good for (Avanti Bello),” said Prat. “He doesn’t have a lot of speed the first part, but he needs to be right there at the end. With not a lot of speed, I didn’t have to rush... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2017)–With California-bred or sired horses engaged, Saturday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles came down to an inch–with 2014 winner Ambitious Brew just getting up to win by a nose under Mike Smith over Richard’s Boy and Victor Espinoza. A Pamela Ziebarth homebred 7-year-old gelding by Tizbud, he’s trained by Marty Jones and got the 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12.05. Ridden by Mike Smith, Ambitious Brew, idle since well beaten down the hill in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on Nov. 5, sat a close second to Richard’s boy the entire trip and gradually wore him down right on the money. “The field was short but tough,” said Smith. “I really wasn’t looking around too much, it was just about getting comfortable. Marty had him ready to go today. I thought I had it at the wire. Victor’s horse is game though. When I stayed close, his horse really responded…I didn’t... ...
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From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2017) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, February 23, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. First Vice Chair George Krikorian, Second Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Jesse Choper, 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: Acting on a recommendation from the Medication, Safety and Welfare Committee, the Board approved for public notice significant proposed regulatory amendments to improve the out-of-competition testing program as part of an aggressive enforcement program that will have the added benefit of protecting horses and riders. The proposals reflect the recommendations of the Racing Medication of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and the Model Rules adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. The complete texts of these amendments can be found on the CHRB Website within the package for the Board meeting, agenda item 11. The Board adopted... ...
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From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2017) — The catalog for the 28th Annual Barretts March Sale of Selected Two-Year-Olds in Training is now on-line and will be mailed soon. This auction of 129 two-year-olds will be held on Wednesday, March 29 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 now. The March Sale catalog should also be available soon for iPad. Click here for details. The official training preview is scheduled to be held on Monday, March 27 on the Del Mar racetrack beginning at 10:00 a.m. PDT. The preview will be streamed live here. Video clips for each preview can be viewed on-line by the following morning of the preview here. Since its inception, the Barretts March Sale has long been the leading producer of top quality race horses west of Kentucky. Among the many Grade One winners are Awesome Gem, Brocco, Brother Derek, Danon Legend (JPN), Dubai... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2017) — The California Horse Racing Board during its regularly scheduled monthly meeting Feb. 23 at Santa Anita Park unanimously approved a measure to allow races to be run with medication-based eligibility conditions. After a ruling in March by the Los Angeles County Superior Court—which forced the CHRB to set aside its approval of Los Alamitos Race Course’s “house rules” banning the use of Clenbuterol, Albuterol, Zilpaterol, and Ractopamine for Quarter Horses races—the CHRB took an emergency action in the spring of 2016 to allow Los Alamitos to continue that practice. The vote Thursday made that temporary, emergency action permanent. The Superior Court found that Los Alamitos’ “house rules” at the time had conflicts with CHRB rules, which forced the change in the CHRB rule. ANGST: Court Rules Against Los Alamitos Drug Rules Under the approved new amendment, racing secretaries in California can establish medication-based eligibility conditions as long as the conditions are “agreed to in advance in writing by the acknowledged horsmen’s organization.... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2017) – Defending champion Avanti Bello is one of six stakes winners entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Tiznow Stakes for Golden State Series eligible at Santa Anita. Indygo Holiday is by Indygo Shiner, out of the More Than Ready mare Pat Olcott, was bred by Melody Conlon, is owned by Bussjaeger or Jacobs and is trained by Sean McCarthy. He has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $78,126 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 11 optional claimer. Magic Mark is by Benchmark, out of the Deputy Governor mare Jewel Magic, was bred by owners Dorine & John Lanza and is trained by Ron Ellis. The multiple stakes winner had six wins in 19 starts, earnings of $357,969 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 20 Cary Grant. He was eighth in this race two years ago. Patriots Rule is by Tribal Rule, out of the Seattle Bound mare Candy Factory, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Charles Garvey and... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2017) – Nothing but stakes winners, including multiple graded winner and defending champion Bettys Bambino, are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligible at Santa Anita. Bettys Bambino is by Unusual Heat, out of the High Brite mare Brite Betty, was bred by owners Alesia, Bran Jam Stable or Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has seven wins in 11 starts, earnings of $378,036 and is coming off a win in the Dec. 26 San Simeon Stakes. Richard’s Boy is by Idiot Proof, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Marissa’s Joy, was bred by Harold and Pamela Tillema, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and is trained by Peter Miller. He has eight wins in 19 starts, earnings of $536,080 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 28 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. He was second in this race last year. Acceptance is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Allswellthatnswell, was bred by Old English... ...
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SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 20, 2017) – Carlson is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Mine That Bird Stakes for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park. Carlson is by Ez Dreamer, out of the Southern Halo mare Open View, was bred by Triple AAA Ranch, is owned by Rachel Marzak and is trained by Justin Evans. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $19,650 and is coming off a Jan. 31 maiden win. ...
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From Poplar Meadows ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2017) – The California-based stallion Bedford Falls was represented by his first black-type stakes winner on Sunday when his second-crop daughter Cuddle Alert upset Santa Anita Park’s $100,000 Spring Fever Handicap for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by a hard-fought head. After breaking from the rail at odds of 8-1 under veteran jockey Agapito Delgadillo, Cuddle Alert stalked the pace in fourth early, moved three-wide entering the stretch and relentlessly took aim upon front-runner Late ‘n Left, ultimately stopping the clock as a photo-finish winner in 1:09.86 for six furlongs. Her win also marked the first career stakes victory for trainer Melissa Saldana, who conditions Cuddle Alert for owners Reed Saldana and Leopoldo (“Polo”) Urbina. Cuddle Alert was produced by the winning Gilded Time mare Tee Dee, and bred in California by Carol Lingenfelter. The 6-year-old mare was sold privately as a 3-year-old by Bedford Falls Promotions Manager Lisa Groothedde, and has earned $229,000 to date with six wins and eight... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2017) –The odds were against Antone Metaxas’ Zakaroff during the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby (G3), and it wasn’t just because of his number on the infield tote board at Golden Gate Fields. Watch Video Off at 48-1, the Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Slew’s Tiznow appeared to be full of run in the final turn of the 1 1/8-mile test on Golden Gate’s synthetic main track, but had nowhere to go. Traveling on the rail in sixth heading into the final turn, Zakaroff faced a wall of three horses just ahead of him, and had no way out with two horses boxing him in to his outside. But as the field turned for home, the complexion of the race changed entirely. The bunched-up group scattered and jockey Kyle Frey deftly found a path into the clear on the outside in the stretch, and the duo wore down favored Ann Arbor Eddie to win by a half-length. “Normally you might be (concerned about being... ...
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By DRF.com LAUREL, Md. (Feb. 18, 2017) — The biggest win of Bodhisattva’s 28-race career came when he flashed high speed to win the $100,000 Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico as a 3-year-old in 2015. Generally, however, he’s a deep closer who needs to avoid traffic and make one big run. Saturday at Laurel Park, as a 22-1 longshot, Bodhisattva got both a clean trip and a big closing kick to upset odds-on favorite Page McKenney in the $75,000 John B. Campbell Handicap. In snapping a seven-race losing streak since his last win in the Carl Hanford Memorial at Delaware Park last July, Bodhisattva ($47.80), ridden by Carlos Quinones, followed up a good performance as the runner-up to Page McKenney, beaten 1 3/4 lengths, in last month’s Native Dancer at Laurel. “I was surprised he was 22-1,” said owner–trainer Jose Corrales.” He was just second to this horse last time. I finally got a jockey willing to listen to me. He rode a good race.” Corrales explained that Bodhisattva, a... ...
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From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2017) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a regular monthly meeting Thursday, February 23, at Santa Anita Park beginning at 9:30 a.m. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Medication, Safety and Welfare Committee will meet Wednesday at the same location beginning at 11 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings. The Board agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the CHRB website, as are those for the Medication Committee (agenda and package). ...
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HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Feb. 17, 2017) – Chief of Staff is the lone California-bred entered in $500,000 Grade III Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park. Chief of Staff is by Majestic Warrior, out of the Awesome Again mare Morning Jewel, was bred by Lou Neve, is owned by Mark Dedomenico & Muddy Waters Stables and is trained by Jack Van Berg. He has three wins in 18 starts, earnings of $220,274 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 4 optional claimer. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2017) – Elwood J is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $75,000 Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. The race will be run as the first on the card with a noon post. Elwood J is by Vronsky, out of the In Excess mare Preservingthepeace, was bred by Old English Rancho, Patsy Berumen & Sal Berumen, is owned by Joe Turner and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $83,940 and is coming off a Jan. 20 optional claiming win. ...
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By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2017) — Things are going good at Golden Gate Fields for trainer Faith Taylor. Last Saturday, Shari finished third for Taylor in the California Oaks at Golden Gate, earning coveted black type. On Sunday, she brought the undefeated stakes winner Llobo back to her Golden Gate Fields barn from her farm in nearby Clayton, Calif. Taylor’s meet might get a lot better Saturday, when she sends More Power to Him in the Grade 3, $200,000 El Camino Real Derby. More Power to Him finished second in the California Derby at Golden Gate to the Doug O’Neill-trained So Conflated. More Power to Him won’t have to face So Conflated again Saturday, but will have to deal with another O’Neill trainee, California Cup Derby winner Ann Arbor Eddie. More Power to Him, a California-bred by Slew’s Tiznow, was bred and is owned by horseshoer Brett Mason, the son of trainer Lloyd Mason. A late May foal, More Power to Him was fourth and seventh sprinting last... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2017) – Stakes winners Sunday Rules and Kiss at Midnight return from length layoffs in Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Handicap for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Cuddle Alert is by Bedford Falls, out of the Gilded Time mare Tee Dee, was bred by Carol Lingenfelter, is owned by Saldana or Urbina and is trained by Melissa Saldana. She has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $169,000 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 28 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. Smoove It is by Square Eddie, out of the Distorted Humor mare Smoove, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has five wins in 27 starts, earnings of $371,265 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 28 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. Late ‘n Left is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams, is... ...
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By Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2017)–With more than five inches of rain, local flooding and high winds predicted for the San Gabriel Mountain foothills, Santa Anita Park officials have announced that Friday’s eight-race card has been cancelled. The National Weather Service has predicted Friday’s storm will hit pre-dawn and that it could be the strongest in recent years, with the prospect of local flooding throughout the day and wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour–this coming on the heels of more than 20 inches of rain for this season. Additionally, due to the prospect of unsafe road conditions, Santa Anita will also be closed for simulcast wagering on Friday. Santa Anita will be open as planned for live racing over the three-day Presidents’ Day weekend as the projected storm moves eastward overnight Friday and into Saturday. First post time for live racing on Saturday, Sunday and Monday is at 12:30 p.m. Admission gates will open on all three days at 10:30 a.m. For track condition... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2017) — Trainer Doug O’Neill and Reddam Racing will look to sweep the two winter derbies at Golden Gate Fields and repeat in the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby (G3) Feb. 18. Four weeks after So Conflated took the California Derby at Golden Gate for Reddam and O’Neill, Ann Arbor Eddie will take over for the connections to run in the only Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) points race in Northern California. Fellow California-breds More Power to Him and Tribal Storm are also entered. More Power to Him is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Beau Genius mare Pundit, was bred by owner Brett Mason and is trained by Faith Taylor. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $72,593 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 21 California Derby. Tribal Storm is by Papa Elm, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by owners Curt and Lila Lanning and is trained by Ed Moger. He... ...
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LAUREL, Md. (Feb. 15, 2017) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 John B. Campbell Stakes at Laurel Park. Bodhissatva 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 five wins in 27 starts, earnings of $278,633 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 21 Native Dancer. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com COALINGA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2017) —Lucky Pulpit , the sire of two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome , died Feb. 13 of an apparent heart attack while covering the first mare of the breeding season, according to Harris Farms, where he’s stood his entire career. “He was the picture of health all day,” said Dave McGlothlin, farm manager at Harris Farms. “He had a perfectly normal day. He and the teaser were talking smack to one another like they always did. We’re all stunned.” Both McGlothlin and stallion manager Raul Rosa were in the breeding shed with Lucky Pulpit when he collapsed coming off the mare. The 16-year-old son of Pulpit—Lady Soph, by Cozzene, was bred and raced by Larry and Marianne Williams. He won the Smile Stakes on the turf at Arlington International Race Course and placed in two graded stakes before retiring with $209,928 in earnings. Lucky Pulpit entered stud at Harris Farms near Coalingua, Calif., for a $2,500 fee. He stood this year for $7,500. He currently sits... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2017) – California State Assemblyman Adam Gray has been honored as recipient of the prestigious Sen. Kenneth L. Maddy Award, presented by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association at its annual awards banquet. “Adam has been a great supporter of racing and agriculture in the state and CTBA is honored to present him with such a prestigious award,” said Doug Burge, president of CTBA. Gray, a Democrat representing the 21st District that includes his native Merced, is only the second legislator to receive the award, which is named for the late California senator who was a great friend of the California Thoroughbred industry and a force behind a bill that brought licensing relief to tracks. The only other recipient of the award was Sen. Andy Vidak in 2014. “It is an honor to receive the Senator Kenneth L. Maddy Award,” Gray said. “California horse racing and the breeding of quality California-bred Thoroughbreds is synonymous with Senator Maddy. “California is at the forefront of producing top-quality Thoroughbred racehorses,... ...
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By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2017) — California-bred Miss Sunset lost her unbeaten record when she trailed home last of six in an optional claimer in the mud at Santa Anita on Jan. 13. The race has largely been forgotten. Miss Sunset ($14.40) rebounded on Sunday to win her stakes debut on turf in the $91,935 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on the hillside course. Ridden by Edwin Maldonado, Miss Sunset led throughout and won by a half-length over Miss Sugars, the 2-1 favorite. For Maldonado, the Sweet Life was his fourth win of the winter-spring meeting. He was out of action for nearly four months after sustaining rib injuries in a spill during morning training at Del Mar on Labor Day weekend. Maldonado returned to riding in late December. The Sweet Life was his first stakes win since California Diamond in the Santa Anita Juvenile here last July. In the Sweet Life, Miss Sunset led narrowly over Hot in the City on the hillside, after a quarter-mile... ...
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From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2017) — Stormy Hull of Sequim, Washington is the recipient of the inaugural McMahon Award given to the breeder of the leading money-winning California-bred two-year-old stakes winner sold at public auction. Hull, who operates Critter Creek Farm along with Ginger Samples, bred California Diamond, recently named the California-bred Champion Two-Year-Old colt of 2016. With earnings of $417,780 last year, he easily outdistanced all rivals. California Diamond was purchased from the Critter Creek Farm consignment at the 2015 WTBOA Summer Yearling Sale by John Brocklebank, agent for Dickman Legacy Ranch. After receiving his early preparation in Utah, he won his 2-year-old debut, a 5-furlong Maiden Special Weight at Santa Anita on June 17 for Brocklebank, and returned 22 days later to set a new stakes record while winning the listed Santa Anita Juvenile. The sale topper at the Barretts’ Paddock Sale at Del Mar two weeks later, he continued a juvenile campaign for leading California owner Rockingham Ranch and trainer Peter Miller not seen in... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2017) – Rosemary Stringer, longtime staff member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, passed away last week. She was 87. Stringer, reared in the San Gabriel Valley, worked for the CTBA from 1981 until her retirement in 2012. She began in the registration department, worked as a receptionist and then became membership manager. Stringer is survived by two children, Tate Stringer and Hillary Ward. A celebration of her life will be held at Santa Anita’s Clocker’s Corner on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. ...
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By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2017) — Trainer Jerry Weaver, 81, suffered a fatal heart attack in his tack room at Golden Gate Fields on Tuesday, according to a track executive. Weaver, who began training in 1991, saddled 142 winners from 1,488 starters. His runners hit the board 481 times. Funeral arrangements were pending. ...
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From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2017) — The CHRB 2015-16 annual report is now posted on the CHRB Website at http://www.chrb.ca.gov/annual_reports/2016_annual_report.pdf. ...
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PASADENA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2017) – California Chrome was named the California-bred Horse of the Year for 2016 at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner held Wednesday night at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena. Ashleyluvssugar and Masochistic were the other finalists for Horse of the Year, an award California Chrome also won in 2014. The other champions presented at the dinner: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Lucky Pulpit, property of Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings – Unusual Heat, property of The Unusual Heat Syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Two-Year-Olds by Earnings – Square Eddie, property of Reddam Racing LLC. Champion Freshman Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Empire Way, property of Heinz Steinmann. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number of Winners – Lucky Pulpit, property of Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams. Champion Breeders of California Foaled Thoroughbreds by Earnings – Perry Martin & Steve Coburn. Trainer... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2017) – What a View is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Arcadia Stakes at Santa Anita. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manila mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old English Rancho, Patsy & Sal Berumen, is owned by Finish Line Racing, Ellwood Johnston Trust or T.O.V. Stables and is trained by Kenny Black. He has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $643,326 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 28 California Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. ...
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