Majestic Heat wins $150,000 Solana Beach. ...
Read More →Majestic Heat wins $150,000 Solana Beach. ...
Read More →From The Jockey club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 17, 2016) — Barbara Banke and J. Michael O’Farrell Jr. have been elected to the board of stewards of The Jockey Club, filling the expired positions of Stella F. Thayer and Peter S. Willmott. Banke is a Thoroughbred owner and breeder and proprietor of Jackson Family Wines, based in Santa Rosa, California. She serves on the boards of the Breeders’ Cup, TOBA, and National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and has been a member of The Jockey Club since 2013. She owns Stonestreet Stables, which has campaigned the winners of 100 stakes races, including horses of the year Curlin (2007, 2008) and Rachel Alexandra (2009), and is a leading developer of stallions, including Curlin, Kantharos, Carpe Diem, Maclean’s Music and Astrology. Her Lexington-based Stonestreet Farm is a leading commercial breeder and has produced the winners of 38 graded stakes and more than $38,000,000 in purses. O’Farrell owns and operates Ocala Stud, the oldest active Florida Thoroughbred farm, in Ocala, Florida. Ocala... ...
Read More →Sales Result in pdf format Sales Result in xlsx format PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2016) – A colt by City Zip brought a sale-topping $50,000 and a pair of California-bred colts by stallion Acclamation were close behind in Tuesday’s 2016 Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The high-bid colt is out of the stakes-placed Runaway Groom mare Mama Ruth, who also has produced a full brother that earned $150,050. He was bred by H & E Ranch and was purchased by Robert Hess, Jr. H & E Ranch also bred the topper at the sale two years ago. The second-highest priced sale was a California-bred bay colt by California stallion Acclamation, out of the stakes-winning Jump Start mare North Freeway, bred by Thomas Bachman, sold for $47,000 as property of Fairview and was purchased by Terry Knight. The other Acclamation, out of the Falstaff mare Evening Walk, was consigned and bred by Harris Farms and was purchased for $40,000 by John Brocklebank,... ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2016) –America’s top racehorse – California-bred California Chrome – drew Post No. 1 and was installed as the 8/5 morning line favorite Tuesday for this Saturday’s $1,000,000 TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar. Among the eight rivals who will face him in the 26th edition of the mile and one-quarter Classic is Beholder, America’s top racemare and the defending champion in the prestigious headliner that is the west’s richest race for older horses and the signature event of the seaside course’s summer race meeting. Beholder drew Post No. 7 and was listed at 3-1 on line maker Russell Hudak’s board. Joining the top two is the multiple-stakes winner Dortmund, the huge 4-year-old who gave California Chrome a stout test in the San Diego Handicap here July 23 in the big colt’s first outing in nearly eight months. He drew Post No. 8 and was actually hung as the second choice at 5/2. The TVG Pacific Classic “Draw” took place at the popular... ...
Read More →Click HERE for live streaming of the Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale, beginning at noon PT. ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Ambitious Brew is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Del Mar Mile Handicap. Ambitious Brew is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Martin Jones. He has six wins in 18 starts, earnings of $427,225 and is coming off a second in the July 24 California Dreamin’. ...
Read More →By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2016) — There is a chance that the season could peak too soon on Saturday afternoon, when the darlings of the American turf – Songbird, California Chrome, and Beholder – will be competing coast to coast. Songbird is laying her unbeaten record on the line in the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga, a 10-furlong race that has been won by so many fabulous fillies that it saves time to note only those who made it all the way to the Hall of Fame. There have been a cool dozen. The Pacific Classic will not be run until 6:15 Pacific on Saturday evening, and already local historians are making room for the 2016 version alongside the 1938 Del Mar match race between Seabiscuit and Ligaroti, the last hurrah of 8-year-old Native Diver in the 1967 Del Mar Handicap, and the epic duel between champion Paseana and the unwavering Exchange in the 1994 Chula Vista Handicap. And that’s okay. When a Horse of the... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2016) – Grade II winner Cheekaboo and fellow California-bred Lynne’s Legacy are entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I Del Mar Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Cheekaboo is by Unusual Heat, out of the Souvenir Copy mare Sandy Cheeks, was bred by Maedline Auerbach, Richard Rosenberg & Barry Abrams and is trained by Peter Eurton. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $296,096 and is coming off a second in the July 17 Sandy Blue. Lynne’s Legacy is by Unusual Heat, out of the Steinlen mare Top of Our Game, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by DP Racing and trained by James Cassidy. She has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $117,442 and is coming off a consecutive wins. ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2016) – Multiple graded winner Ashleyluvssugar and fellow California-bred stakes winner El Huerfano are entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II Del Mar Handicap. Ashleyluvssugar is by Game Plan, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by owners Alesia, BranJam Racing Stables or Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has six wins in 15 starts, earnings of $577,504 and is coming off a second in the July 17 Eddie Read. He was second in this race last year. El Huerfano is by Tannersmyman, out of the Capsized mare Adriftinthebay, was bred by M.A. Douzos, is owned by Barber or Wachtel Stable and is trained by Peter Miller. He has four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $155,112 and is coming off a third in the June 26 McCann’s Mojave. ...
Read More →VANCOUVER, B.C. (July 18, 2016) – Dashing Don is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trial at Hastings. Dashing Don is by Popular, out of the Meadowlake mare Summer Bay, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, is owned by L.D.S. Enterprises and is trained by James Brown. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $64,607 and is coming off a consecutive wins. ...
Read More →PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 5, 2016) — To view a 30-second video detailing the 2016 Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale, to be held Tuesday, Aug. 16, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, click HERE. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2016) –Art and Alan Sherman wanted California Chrome to run an easy half-mile in his first breeze following a hard-earned victory in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II), and the father-son training duo got what they asked for Aug. 7 at Los Alamitos Race Course. The 2014 Horse of the Year—without blinkers on—showed an eagerness to run and pulled against regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney approaching the half-mile pole on backstretch, but once the chestnut got into his work, he settled into an easy stride under the lights in the early morning at Los Alamitos. California Chrome’s final time from Los Alamitos clockers was :47 4/5, just a tick off the Shermans’ time of :47 3/5, in his first of two scheduled workouts in preparation for the TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I). “He was just breezed down there. He’s coming into the race good,” Art Sherman said. “I don’t have to train him. We know Chrome and we don’t have to get the fast works... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Richard’s Boy is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar. 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 six wins in 13 starts, earnings of $327,760 and is making his first start since a second in the Feb. 27 Sensational Star. ...
Read More →OCEANPORT, N.J. (Aug. 7, 2016) – Unbeaten Ardmore Bay, a New York-bred son of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, won Sunday’s 60,000 Tyro Stakes for 2-year-olds at Monmouth Park. Ardmore Bay is out of the Candy Ride mare Collar. He has won both career starts with earnings of $70,200. He ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.12 and won by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 3-1. ...
Read More →ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Aug. 7, 2016) – Longshot Fork and Dagger, the lone California-bred in the field, turned back the bid of odds-on favorite He’s a Tiger and won Saturday’s $50,000 Duke City Sprint Stakes for 3-year-olds at Albuquerque. Fork and Dagger is by Rocky Bar, out of the Gulch mare Just Hoping, was bred by David Chavez, is owned by Kelley Brooks and trained by Bill Brashears. He has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $43,646 and was coming off a June 27 maiden win. Fork and Dagger ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.53 and won by 2 ½ lengths at odds of 11-1. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 5, 2016) — Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron has been named the 2016 recipient of the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award and will receive the honor in ceremonies at Del Mar Aug. 21. McCarron, 61, is the 13th winner of the Pincay Award, which is given to those who have served the sport “with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination, and distinction.” The honor and its trophy will be presented to McCarron by his fellow Hall of Fame rider Pincay, who rode against him for more than two decades in California and called him “as tough a competitor as there was. “Chris was a warrior on the racetrack,” Pincay said. “He was so smart and so competitive, and when you rode against him, you knew you had to be at your very best. He made me and all the other jockeys he rode against better riders. “But away from the track he was, and still is, a special friend—someone you could count on every day of... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2016) –Veteran track announcer Bobby Neuman will call the upcoming Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos Race Course, the track announced Aug. 4. The 12-date season will run Sept. 8-25. “Bobby is an excellent race caller and I’ve enjoyed his work for many years,” said Brad McKinzie, vice president and general manager of the Los Alamitos Racing Association. “We’re excited to have him join the team.” A native of Los Angeles who attended the University of California-Santa Barbara before completing the University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program, Neuman, 47, was the longtime caller (2005-2014) at Calder Race Course after serving as the paddock host the previous six years at the South Florida track. He began his career calling races on the Arizona fair circuit and has also served as the track announcer (1997-1999) at Thistledown, Albuquerque Downs, Santa Fe Downs, and Standardbred tracks The Red Mile and Pompano Park. He also continues to call the annual OBS Championship Stakes in Ocala, Fla.... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 4, 2016) — The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association has announced the regional owners and state and Canadian breeders who will be recognized at its National Awards Dinner Sept. 10 at Stonestreet Farm in Lexington. The regional owners of the year for 2015 are Stonestreet Stables, Eastern region; Ken and Sarah Ramsey, Midwestern region; Zayat Stables, Southern region; and Reddam Racing, Western region. The state and Canadian breeders of the year are: Arizona: Triple AAA Ranch Arkansas: McDowell Farm California: Reddam Racing Canada: Tall Oaks Farm Florida: Jacks or Better Farm Illinois: Richard & Karen Papiese Indiana: Justice Farms Iowa: Poindexter Thoroughbreds Kansas: Pam M. Davis Kentucky: Godolphin Louisiana: Set-Hut Maryland: Dance Forth Farm Massachusetts: Langdon Wilby and Mary Beth Reis Michigan: Campbell Stable Minnesota: Curtis A. Sampson New Jersey: Holly Crest Farm New Mexico: A & A Horse Farm, New York: Eklektikos Stable North Carolina: Chandley Farm North Dakota: Backhaus & Sons Ohio: 3 Clovers Farm & Blazing Meadows Farm Oregon: Oakhurst Thoroughbreds South... ...
Read More →Photo from Doug O’Neill Racing Stable From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2016) — For the third consecutive year, the owner-trainer-jockey combination of J. Paul Reddam, Doug O’Neill and Mario Gutierrez won Del Mar’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes as 6-5 favored Green With Eddie easily triumphed in the 5 ½ furlong contest for Golden State Series eligible two-year-olds Wednesday. Following the example of Wake Up Nick in 2014 and Mrazek last summer, Green With Eddie powered home three and one-quarter lengths in front of 3-2 second choice California Diamond, with Milton Freewater, his stablemate from O’Neill’s barn, checking in third in the field of six juvenile runners. Dutt Bart was withdrawn from the original line-up. “I wasn’t worried about him being four wide because this time he was able to kind of track and attack as opposed to being the target,” said O’Neill. “Mario rode a perfect race and (Green With Eddie) ran super. Square Eddie (the sire) keeps producing. To me, he’s good enough that he could... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2016) – Graded stakes winner Home Journey is one of four California-breds entered in Friday’s $75,000 Daisycutter Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Desert Steel is by Desert Code, out of the Cozzene mare Lujien Lujien, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbreds or Bamford or House and is trained by Simon Callaghan. She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $223,692 and is coming off an eighth in the Dec. 19 Lightning City Stakes at Tampa Bay. Cindys Secret is by Sea of Secrets, out of the Bertrando mare Captural, was bred by Randi and Rick Sackett, is owned by Sackett, Sackett or Wallace II and is trained by J. Wallace II. She has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $167,638 and is coming off consecutive wins. Home Journey is by Good Journey, out of the Came Home mare Goodtobehome, was bred by Mark Giardino, Daryle Ann Giardino and John Elick, is owned by GGG Stables or... ...
Read More →CHESTER, W. Va. (Aug. 1, 2016) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 West Virginia Governor’s Stakes at Mountaineer. 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 five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $237,883 and is coming off a win in the July 16 Carl Hanford Memorial. ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2016) – Stakes winner California Diamond and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Tchula Sunset meet in Wednesday’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Sizzlin Square is by Square Eddie, out of the Momentum mare Charred Rare, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He won his lone start July 2 and has earnings of $33,600. Tchula Sunset is by Sierra Sunset, out of the Pentelicus mare Tchula Miss, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Curt & Lila Lanning and is trained by Ed Moger Jr. The $17,500 purchase from the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in two starts, earnings of $28,400 and is coming off a second in the July 3 Everett Nevin. California Diamond is by Harbor the Gold, out of the Slewdledo mare Carrie’s a Jewel, was bred by Stormy Hull, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and is trained by Peter Miller. He is unbeaten in two starts... ...
Read More →You’re Late wins $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes. ...
Read More →SHAKOPEE, Minn. (July 30, 2016) – Pensador, a Minnesota-bred son of California stallion Einstein, won Saturday’s $85,000 Minnesota Derby for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Canterbury Park. Pensador, out of the Ghostzapper mare Levia Vita, ran the mile and 70 yards in 1:42.95 and won by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 6-1. He has three wins in eight starts with earnings of $110,680. ...
Read More →From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 29, 2016) — Placed in a perfect stalking position by jockey Stewart Elliott, You’re Late pounced on the front-runners turning into the stretch and drew off to an impressive victory in the featured $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series eligible two-year-old fillies Friday at Del Mar. Running third in the early stages of the 5 ½ furlong sprint as Love a Honeybadger set a fast pace followed closely by 3-5 favorite My California, You’re Late rallied powerfully on the outside to take command and then cruised home to score by three and one-quarter lengths. “She’s a nice filly,” said Elliott. “I liked the post today (No. 5 in a five-horse field). You can play it as it lays in a spot like that. She ran well and I think she’ll stretch out. It’s fun being here at Del Mar again (he rode here previously only in 2014). It’s even more fun when your business is good.” While... ...
Read More →From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 27, 2016) — Gold Rush Dancer, a 14-1 longshot piloted by Flavien Prat, rallied on the far outside entering the stretch to take command and then held off the late rush of Tough It Out to win Wednesday’s featured $150,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Well-placed in mid-pack by Prat in the early stages of the seven-furlong spring, Gold Rush Dancer swept to the front with a bold move but then was forced to go all out to survive by a half-length over Tough It Out, a 10-1 outsider under jockey Joe Talamo. “You know, he just might be better on dirt than he is on grass,” said Prat. “The seven-eighths (today) felt just about right. He’s fast and you can put him anywhere you want. That makes for good trips. Then again, you’ve got to give credit to the trainer. When you ride the best horse, it makes the job much easier.” Mrazek, the 8-5 favorite... ...
Read More →From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (July 27, 2016) — Dan Dayton, stable manager at Barretts for more than 25 years, passed away July 19 unexpectedly near his home in Oregon. Dan was stable manager at Barretts since its inception in 1989 and was the only stable manager while we were located in Pomona. He performed the same function for both Barretts racing and training for several years as well. Dan was a loyal and dependable employee who was known to do anything possible to keep both Barretts consignors and his dogs happy. Most importantly, he was known as a loving husband to his wife Jackie, a caring father and a devoted son. ...
Read More →From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 22, 2016) — In a memorable renewal of the Grade II $200,000 San Diego Handicap, California-bred fan favorite California Chrome outfinished a stubborn Dortmund after a prolonged duel to score a half-length victory Saturday in the mile and one-sixteenth prep for the Grade I $1 million TVG Pacific Classic on August 20. Dortmund, piloted by Gary Stevens, went to the front shortly after the break, but was hounded by California Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza, who never allowed their rival to take a breather. California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year and the all-time richest horse in North American racing history with earnings of more than $12.5 million, engaged Dortmund on the far turn, took a narrow lead entering the stretch and never relented while holding Dortmund safe under intermittent urging by Espinoza. “I saved something for the end. I knew I’d have to,” said Espinoza. “I have a lot of respect for Dortmund and he made me run hard. I could see... ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 22, 2016) — Unbeaten Enola Gray, the 1-9 favorite in a field of five, ran to her odds and then some Friday as she romped to a 7 3/4 length triumph in the featured $150,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. The issue never seemed in doubt as Enola Gray pressed the early pace, cruised to the lead in the upper stretch under little urging from jockey Tyler Baze and breezed to the wire in the stakes record time of 1:21.24 for the seven furlongs. The former stakes record of 1:21.40 was set by Princess Royalty in 1990. This was the 31st running of the race. “I’ve never won a race any easier,” said Baze. “She’s just unbelievable. She’s so special. I’d say the race was probably over by the half-mile pole. She just goes so easy. All I’ve got to do is keep her happy. She handles all the rest.” Enola Gray, a daughter of... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (July 21, 2016) – Millionaire Alert Bay leads a deep field filled with stakes winners in Sunday’s $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. 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. He has five wins in 15 starts, earnings of $264,734 and is coming off a fourth in the July 4 Thor’s Echo. Ambitious Brew is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Marty Jones. He has six wins in 17 starts, earnings of $398,725 and is coming off a sixth in the June 25 Triple Bend. He was fifth in this race last year. Boozer is by Unusual Heat, out of the Cape Canaveral mare Kitty and Boo, was bred by B. Abrams, V. Loverso, C. Perez, Huston Racing and M. Auerbach, is owned by Al & Sandee Kirkwood... ...
Read More →From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (July 17, 2016) — The catalog for the second annual Barretts August Select Yearling Sale is now on-line and will be mailed soon. This auction of 72 yearlings will be held on Tuesday August 30 starting at 2:00 p.m. in the Surfside Race Place located on the grounds of the Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. We believed that last year’s yearlings were a very good group of yearlings in terms of quality and we believe that this year’s group is stronger. Last year’s select yearling group has already started strong from limited starters including the sensational Hot Perfection. The yearlings will be stabled inside the Del Mar Horse Show Arena adjacent to the Sales Pavilion. The interactive, sortable and searchable, on-line catalog can be viewed now here. The August Sale catalog is also available for your Ipad. Click here for details. This is the complete list of stallions in the catalog: Archarcharch, Awesome Gambler, Calimonco, Champ Pegasus, Coil, Cyclotron, Data... ...
Read More →EDMONTON, Alberta (July 16, 2016) – Blue Dancer, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, ran his stakes win streak to three by taking Saturday’s $50,000 Fred Jones Handicap at Northlands Park. Blue Dancer, out of the Saint Ballado mare Two Halos, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.16 and won by 2 ¾ lengths at odds of 3-2. He has 10 wins in 13 starts and earnings of $267,673. ...
Read More →WILMINGTON, Del. (July 16, 2016) – Longshot California-bred Bodhisattva displayed a sustained rally to win Saturday’s $50,000 Carl Hanford Memorial Stakes at Delaware 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 five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $237,883 and was coming off a win in a June 19 optional claimer. He ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.20 and won by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 11-1. ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 16, 2016) — Champion California Chrome worked a sharp five furlongs in :59 1/5 Saturday morning at Del Mar on a racetrack cleared of all but a few other runners he’s likely to face in his comeback race in the San Diego Handicap here next Saturday. The handsome chestnut had regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney in the tack as they took flight from the five-furlong pole on an overcast morning alongside the Pacific and went through splits of :12, :23 4/5, :35 3/5 and :46 4/5 en route to the final clocking. He galloped out another furlong in 1:13. Two Del Mar’s clockers timed the 5-year-old California-bred winner of more than $12.5 million in purses in the same fractions and they agreed that the horse had earned a coveted “B” for “breezing,” a term reserved for only the easiest of works. Gladney never pushed on his charge and stood up in the saddle as they went past the finish line. The clocking crew... ...
Read More →SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 15, 2016) – California stallion and Grade II winner Rendezvous was represented by his first winner on Friday when Meeting in Heaven won the fourth race at Sacramento, a maiden claimer. Meeting in Heaven is out of the Doc’s Leader mare Doc’s Lil’ Angel, was bred by Laura Ann Franklin, is owned by Carrol Stubbs and trained by Armando Lage. The 3-year-old gelding ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:47.36 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 7-2. ...
Read More →By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 15, 2016) — The Thoroughbred brand known as California Chrome clambered down the ramp of the Hubbard transport van and lifted his head to the scent of the surrounding horses in their stalls. Raul Rodriguez, his wiry groom, kept a firm hold as the horse let his legs unwind from the two-hour freeway slog from Los Alamitos, 75 miles to the north. It was Wednesday, Barn CC on the Del Mar backstretch, and Art Sherman was ready to rumble. “Look at that – barn double C,” the trainer said, trailing his chestnut star. “We’ve got everything covered.” California Chrome had not been at Del Mar since Thanksgiving weekend of 2014, when he won the Hollywood Derby over Canadian Horse of the Year Lexie Lou. Since that distant November, the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit has been back and forth to Dubai twice, trained on the gallops of Newmarket Heath, and enjoyed two separate sessions of recovery and relaxation at Taylor Made Farm... ...
Read More →From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (July 15, 2016) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, July 14, at Del Mar Surfside Race Place. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, George Krikorian 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 a series of motions designed to comply with a Superior Court order, submit emergency regulations to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), and permit Los Alamitos to write race conditions for its current meet (subject to OAL approval of the emergency regulations) – all pertaining to the internal program at Los Alamitos involving the testing of hair samples to determine the eligibility of horses for certain races. · Representatives of the Stronach Group advised the Board that Golden Gate is proposing that the vanning and stabling fund not reimburse nearby Pleasanton for stabling costs during Golden... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) – Graded winner Ashleyluvssugar is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Grade II Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar. Ashleyluvssugar is by Game Plan, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by owners Estate of Alesia, BranJam Stables & Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has six wins in 14 starts, earnings of $527,504 and is coming off a third in the June 11 Crystal Water. ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) – Graded stakes winner Cheekaboo and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Olotta Shaken are among four California-breds entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Sandy Blue Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Olotta Shaken is by Capsized, out of the Malek mare Special Venture, was bred by Rancho de Los Aviadores, is owned by KM Racing Enterprise or Papaprodromou and is trained by George Papaprodromou. The $35,000 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase has one win in 13 starts, earnings of $37,592 and is coming off a third in a July 8 claimer. Cheekaboo is by Unusual Heat, out of the Souvenir Copy mare Sandy Cheeks, was bred by Madeline Auerbach, Richard Rosenberg & Barry Abrams, is owned by Alesia, Burns or Cialia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $279,680 and is coming off a win in the June 9 Honeymoon Stakes. How Unusual is by Unusual Heat, out of the Bartok mare Veela, was bred by... ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) — California Chrome got down to the business of training for the Grade II $200,000 San Diego Handicap on July 23 with his first trip to the Del Mar track early Thursday morning. And, in the course of that, admirably performed the side duties of equine media star that come with being the all-time leading money-winner and No. 1 ranked active runner in North America. Under exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, California Chrome went to the track at 5:45 a.m. with a contingent of local San Diego TV station crews in tow. The career winner of $12,532,650, the bulk of it via a win in the $10 million Dubai World Cup in March, entered at the gap at the six-furlong chute on the backstretch, “backtracked” past the finish line, turned and galloped 1 ¾ miles around the oval before being returned to the stable of trainer Art Sherman. “He looks super,” Sherman said. “He was fresh,” Gladney said, an encouraging statement to... ...
Read More →From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) — The catalog for the Fifth Annual Paddock Sale at Del Mar of Race Ready Horses, scheduled to be held on Saturday, July 23 in the Del Mar paddock approximately 30 minutes after the last race is declared official, is now on-line. This catalog currently consists of 8 horses of racing age and 10 two-year-olds. Additional horses are expected to be entered prior to sale time. Information including pedigree, complete past performances and a recent race video, if applicable, for each horse can be found in sortable format here. For the first time, there will be a training preview for horses in the Paddock Sale catalog on Friday, July 22. This preview will start immediately after regular morning workouts end at 10 a.m. and will be held in the manner of morning workouts. All horses who work must work at least 3/8ths of a mile. This preview will be broadcast live http://www.barretts.com/sales/ViewSale/index.asp and videos will be posted on-line soon thereafter. ... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) –After more than two and a half hours of discussion July 13 during a California Horse Racing Board Race Dates Committee meeting, a racing schedule for 2017 in both Northern and Southern California remained unresolved. At the end of talks Wednesday afternoon at Del Mar, CHRB chairman Chuck Winner adjourned the meeting and said the stakeholders involved would meet in another two weeks to again discuss the issues in each region. While industry stakeholders in the southern region of the state said they would likely be reaching an agreement soon and talks on the topic were finished relatively early in the afternoon, the northern dates disputes—between the state’s fair circuit and Golden Gate Fields—took up the majority of the time. The entirety of the Northern California debate revolves around the region’s highly desired summer and early fall schedule, which has traditionally been allocated to the fairs. In previous meetings on the topic, the California Authority of Racing Fairs proposed a schedule that... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) –Majority owners Perry and Denise Martin and Taylor Made Stallions announced July 14 that 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome will run to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research, as a portion of his earnings through the remainder of his racing career will be committed to the charity. California Chrome is currently pointed to the $200,000 San Diego Handicap (gr. II) July 23, and the $1 million Pacific Classic (gr. I) Aug. 20, both at Del Mar. In addition to a portion of California Chrome’s future race earnings to support The V Foundation, the California Chrome team will also hold other special events to raise charitable donations for The V Foundation. The first such event will be an auction following the San Diego Handicap that will offer California Chrome’s blinkers, jockey Victor Espinoza’s silks worn in the race, as well as a co-branded Chrome and V Foundation saddle blanket worn during the horse’s final workout at Del Mar. All proceeds... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (July 13, 2016) – Majestic Heat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Yellow Ribbon Handicap for fillies and mares at Del Mar. 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, Ron McCauley or Bardy Farm and is trained by Richard Mandella. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $169,294 and is coming off a June 17 optional claiming win. ...
Read More →From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 13, 2016) – Two U.S. congressmen, Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA), have submitted a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew urging finalization of proposed rule changes regarding withholding and reporting of pari-mutuel winnings. The letter to Treasury was submitted on July 12 and was posted today on the official Twitter account of Rep. Boustany (@Boustany). In the text, Yarmuth and Boustany highlight the bipartisan support the new guideline enjoys, as well as recent congressional activity on the matter and the pari-mutuel wagering industry’s economic impact. The letter concludes: “As you are well aware, it has been more than a year since the proposed rule was first published and, as such, we strongly encourage you to act on this matter by finalizing the proposed rule.” A PDF file of the complete letter can be accessed here: https://www.ntra.com/wp-content/uploads/160712-Boustany-Yarmuth-Pari-Mutuel-Letter-to-Secretary-Lew.pdf. The letter comes on the heels of language in a House Appropriations Committee Report issued last week that accompanied House passage of the 2017 Financial... ...
Read More →WILMINGTON, Del. (July 12, 2016) – Stakes winner Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Carl Hanford Memorial Stakes at Delaware 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 four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $207,883 and is coming off a win in a June 19 optional claimer. ...
Read More →EDMONTON, Alberta (July 12, 2016) – Caro’s Song is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Madamoiselle Handicap for fillies and mares at Northlands Park. Caro’s Song is by Jet West, out of the With Approval mare With a Song, was bred by Eagle Oak Ranch, is owned by Bar None Ranches and trained by Ron Grieves. She has 10 wins in 43 starts, earnings of $138,640 and is coming off a three consecutive wins. ...
Read More →AUBURN, Wash. (July 14, 2016) – Camano Comet is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Angie C. S. Stakes for 2-year-old fillies and Emerald Downs. Camano Comet is by Council Member, out of the Somersham mare Crème, was bred by Nina and Ron Hagen, is owned by How We Roll and trained by Steve Bullock. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $9,088 and is coming off a July 3 maiden claiming win. ...
Read More →AUBURN, Wash. (July 14, 2016) – Curly Girly is by lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Boeing Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Curly Girly is by Tannersmyman, out of the Scatmandu mare Adarlyn Cat, was bred by Joseph Morey Jr. Revocable Trust, is owned by K & W Stable and trained by Larry Ross. She has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $103,291 and is coming off a fourth in a June 9 optional claimer. ...
Read More →From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (July 11, 2016) –For the fifth summer in a row, Barretts Sales will conduct a “race ready” racehorse sale at Del Mar, providing opportunities for any and all – from first-time buyers to seasoned horsemen – to be involved in instant ownership and racing action during the summer of 2016 at the seaside oval. The sale, which will be held on the second Saturday of the meeting – July 23 – will take place in the track’s handsome paddock beginning approximately 20 minutes after the day’s final race. A still-to-be determined number – estimated to be between 35 and 40 — of runners of all ages will be offered during the session. California-based horses as well as out-of-state entrants are expected to be available for bid at the vendue. The out-of-staters – those horses who have been racing recently outside California – are eligible to immediately take part in the track’s highly successful “Ship and Win” program, now in its sixth year. Horses that qualify... ...
Read More →California Diamond wins $125,000 Santa Anita Juvenile Championship. ...
Read More →From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 9, 2016)–A close third, two lengths off the lead with a quarter mile to run, aptly named California Diamond wheeled three-wide turning for home and kept to his task in game fashion en route to a three quarter length upset win in Saturday’s $125,000 Santa Anita Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at 5 ½ furlongs. Ridden by Edwin Maldonado and trained by John Brocklebank, the California-bred colt by Harbor the Gold got the distance in 1:03.54. “He’s very game, this horse,” said Brocklebank, who registered his first Santa Anita stakes win. “We love California Diamond, but he is for sale (Barretts/Del Mar Paddock, next Friday). Today, he was sharper than in his last out. He trained sharp all week. We didn’t do a whole lot with him after his first win. Luis Mendez, my assistant, has done a great job with him.” A first-out maiden winner going five furlongs versus statebreds here on June 17, California Diamond, who broke sharply from the far outside... ...
Read More →From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 9, 2016)–Heinz Steinmann’s homebred Theonewewaitedfor outran favored Miss Southern Miss through the stretch to take the $125,000 Landaluce Stakes for 2-year-old fillies by 2 ¾ lengths Saturday at Santa Anita. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano and trained by Mike Harrington, the California-bred daughter of Creative Cause got 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.82. A first-out maiden winner going 4 ½ furlongs in open company here on May 26, Theonewewaitedfor sat a joint second with the favorite into the far turn as they pursued the pacesetter, Cioppino Pasadino. Approaching the quarter pole, Theonewewaitedfor put a neck in front and shook off Miss Southern Miss approaching the sixteenth marker to win as much the best. “I’m speechless,” said Harrington, who also trained the winner’s sire, Creative Cause, for Steinmann. “It’s very special seeing a daughter of Creative Cause winning. His first baby won a stakes too, which puts him on the map…Ironically, she lived up to her name. I named her and when I did, I told... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (July 9, 2016) — Art Sherman didn’t get what he wanted out of California Chrome during his workout July 2, so he made sure he got it July 9, in the chestnut’s final drill at Los Alamitos Race Course before shipping south to Del Mar for the July 23 San Diego Handicap (gr. II). In a scheduled mile work in company, the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit broke four lengths behind stablemate Mishegas and tossed his head exiting the first turn, showing an eagerness to run. He settled into stride in the backstretch before moving up in the far turn, but was still under a tight hold from exercise rider Dihigi Gladney approaching the eighth pole, and hadn’t passed Mishegas when Sherman had enough. “Let him go!” the trainer yelled from his perch at Schwanies At The Gap, Los Alamitos’ trackside café. The exercise rider released his hold, asked California Chrome a bit, and the 2014 Horse of the Year responded. California Chrome was credited with a mile in 1:39... ...
Read More →From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 8, 2016)–In a breathtaking performance, heavily favored Masochistic took Friday’s $76,700 Santa Anita allowance feature by 6 ¼ lengths under Mike Smith while covering 6 ½ furlongs geared down in 1:13.74. Breaking from post position four in a field of five older horses, Masochistic, who is conditioned by Ron Ellis and had been idle since well beaten in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Oct. 31 at Keeneland, fairly glided through fractions of 21.53, 43.61 and 1:07.42. “That’s just not normal,” said Smith as he acknowledged the ease with which the 6-year-old California-bred gelding by Sought After, out of the Unusual Heat mare Trotinette, had just completed his assignment. “Ron’s done a tremendous job bringing him back. From the first time I got on him after the Breeders’ Cup until today…He was taking baby steps in his training and after his last work, Ron said ‘I’m running him.’ And that was the right move, as you saw.” A winner of the Grade I, seven... ...
Read More →From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 8, 2016) – The U.S. House of Representatives approved the fiscal year 2017 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill Thursday evening that includes report language detailing Committee on Appropriations instructions for the U.S. Treasury to “expedite final consideration of the guidance which would modernize the rules governing pari-mutuel wagering.” The bill (HR 5485) provides $21.7 billion in annual funding for the Treasury Department, the Judiciary, the Small Business Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other related agencies. A companion bill in the Senate containing identical “Guidelines for Pari-mutuel Winnings” has been passed out of committee and now awaits passage by the full Senate. Language in the House Appropriations Committee Report reads: Guidelines for Pari-mutuel Winnings.—The Committee appreciates the Department of the Treasury’s proposed rule (REG– 132253–11) published on March 4, 2015, along with the associated public hearing held on June 17, 2015. The Committee encourages the Treasury to expedite final consideration of the guidance which would modernize the rules governing pari-mutuel wagering. “The... ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 8, 2016) — “I’ve been calling races for 44 years and I’ve never had one like this.” The voice, that unmistakable voice, was Trevor Denman on the telly from his retreat in Minnesota. To be specific Kellogg, Minnesota, population 450. And the thing he hadn’t encountered in more than four decades of manning microphones up high at racetracks around the world? How about a break; a holiday; a complete shutdown. How about seven and a half months between his last call — at Del Mar on November 29, 2015 — and his next one to be – also at Del Mar on July 15, 2016. “So very different,” Denman said. “I’m feeling fresh, feeling good. But maybe there’s just a little bit of trepidation, just a bit of apprehension about that first call back. It’s been a while now. Then again, when I think about it, how lucky can I be? I’ll be calling the first day at Del Mar, the best day... ...
Read More →From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (July 8, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, July 14, beginning at 9:30 a.m., while the Race Dates Committee will meet Wednesday, July 13, at 1 p.m. Both meetings will be held at Del Mar’s Surfside Race Place. 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 agenda and supporting package of materials as well as the committee agenda and package are available on the CHRB website. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 22, 2016) –Legislation that would divert up to $57 million a year to horse racing from Internet poker operations cleared the California Assembly Committee on Appropriations June 22. The bill, which authorizes card rooms and certain Indian tribes to apply for licenses to operate intrastate online poker, has broad support from the horseracing and breeding industry as well as tribes—but not all of them. Representatives of some tribal entities told the committee “suitability” language in the bill isn’t strong enough to protect against “tainted assets,” primarily service providers found to have been operating illegally in the past. The measure now heads to the full Assembly for consideration. The committee during its meeting dealt with an amended version of the bill, which sets a tax rate of 8.847% for aggregate gross revenue below $150 million and up to 15% for gross revenue above $350 million. It also sets a license fee of $12.5 million. In exchange for not having the right to have Internet poker licenses, the... ...
Read More →By TDN.com MONTERRICO, Peru (June 27, 2016) – California stallion Heatseeker had a Group I winner when Stud Nautica’s 6-year-old mare Ryan’s Charm posted a repeat victory in the Group 1 Clasico Pamplona Sunday to earn an automatic berth into the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf as part of the international Breeders’ Cup Challenge series. The Pamplona, Peru’s only Group 1 race reserved on the grass for fillies and mares, was the last of five Challenge races contested in South America in 2016 and one of four new races on this year’s Challenge calendar. Last seen winning the Clasico Mari July in October 2015, Ryan’s Charm returned from an eight- month layoff to record a scintillating victory, her eighth straight and 13th on the grass. “She’s an extraordinary mare,” said trainer Armando Filipuzzi. Ryan’s Charm ran the 2000 meters on turf in 2:00.50 and won by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 7-1. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (June 24, 2016) — Del Mar will reduce overnight purses for a second consecutive year, according to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club vice president of racing and industry relations Tom Robbins. Robbins said the drop will be “about 10% across the board.” The most noticeable decrease in the first condition book for the summer meet is in maiden special weight events, which will dip from $70,000 to $63,000, the lowest those races have been since 2011. “The reasoning is, we can only pay out what we generate from handle,” Robbins said. “We’ve paid out, in the last two years, a little more than we’ve generated. This is not only set by us, but also the (Thorougbred Owners of California).” Robbins pointed to several factors to explain the decrease—including heavy rains during Del Mar’s opening weekend in 2015 and the first season of dirt racing after an extended period of racing on a synthetic main track—but the most influential aspect, as it has been for the whole Southern California... ...
Read More →ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (June 27, 2016) – L J’s Awesome Girl is the lone California-bred entered in $50,000 Petticoat Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Albuquerque. L J’s Awesome Girl is by Awesome Gambler, out of the In Excess mare Excessive Girl, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by A and A Equine and EC Racing and is trained by Justin Evans. She has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $67,741 and is coming off a May 30 allowance win. ...
Read More →PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 24, 2016) – California stallion Unionize was represented by his first winner when Katy in Cahoots won the eighth race at Oak Tree at Pleasanton on Thursday. Katy in Cahoots is out of the Tomorrows Cat mare Miraloma Park, was bred by Angel Vera, is owned by Maureen Morley, Arturo Ponce and Allen Rogers and is trained by Rogers. Unionize, a 10-year-old son of Dixie Union, stands at Summer Wind Farm. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 23, 2016) –Robert Troeger couldn’t escape the proximity and immediacy of the nearby Complex fires as he drove away from Santa Anita Park late in the afternoon of June 22. “We’ve got a front-row seat for the air show,” said the former trainer, who now serves as Santa Anita’s stable superintendant, as he watched DC-10 airplanes drop flame retardant on the San Gabriel Mountains that overlook the Arcadia, Calif. racetrack. The fires, which have burned through nearly 5,000 acres since June 20 according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, have come up against many horse farms in the San Gabriel foothill communities like Duarte, Monrovia, Azusa, and Bradbury—and the effort to shelter horses being evacuated from those areas has been a concerted one. Santa Anita has taken in 40 horses from the evacuated areas, according to Troeger. Renee Hernandez, a spokesperson for the now-closed racetrack at Fairplex Park in Pomona said they currently have just less than 200 horses on the grounds. “Thank God Pomona is still there to... ...
Read More →From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 26, 2016)–In his 45th career start, venerable 8-year-old gelding Soi Phet rolled to the lead into the Club House turn and dictated terms throughout as he took Sunday’s $75,000 McCann’s Mojave Handicap by 2 ½ lengths while covering a mile and a sixteenth in 1:40.80–thus turning the tables on runner-up Avanti Bello, who defeated him by a nose in the one mile Tiznow Stakes here May 28. Breaking from the number three post position in a field of five California-bred or sired horses three and up, Soi Phet made the lead while well within himself and set fractions of 23.57, 46.75, 1:10.21 and 1:34.48. Called upon by Desormeaux with three sixteenths of a mile to run, Soi Phet responded eagerly and left Avanti Bello in his wake with a furlong to run. The 9-5 favorite, Soi Phet, who was bred by ARCHA Racing, is by Tizbud and is out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey. He paid $5.80, $3.20 and $2.10. “The... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 22, 2016) –The Thoroughbred Owners of California elected Joe Ciaglia and re-elected incumbents Nick Alexander, Ron Ellis, Billy Morey, and Samantha Siegel to its board of directors. All five were elected to three-year terms. The new board officially takes office July 1. . Ciaglia is chief executive officer of California Landscape & Design and California Skateparks. He has owned Thoroughbreds since 1999 and has campaigned several graded stakes winners, including Weemissfrankie, Dance With Fate, and Ashleyluvssugar. Alexander, who is elected to his second three-year term, serves as secretary/treasurer as well as chair of the finance committee. Ellis has served on the board for eight years as an owner-trainer representative and is a member of the Racing Affairs and Medication & Integrity committees. Morey, who is an owner-trainer member and Northern California representative, has been on the board since 2012. Siegel was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board in January of this year. A total of 6,980 ballots were mailed out to eligible voters, and 1,513... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (June 25, 2016) — Another week, another performance from Los Alamitos Race Course‘s resident superstar in front of some of his most loyal fans. About 20 “Chromies”—with donuts and coffee in tow—showed up June 25 at the Orange County, Calif. racetrack to watch California Chrome breeze about a month out from his next expected start in the July 23 San Diego Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar. “We already got our tickets,” one purple-shirted spectator said to trainer Art Sherman on the patio at Schwanies At The Gap, Los Al’s stretch-run café. “You girls are really cranked up,” the trainer responded. In his first recent work that featured urging in the stretch from regular exercise rider Dihiji Gladney, the son of Lucky Pulpit went in 1:12 2/5 for six furlongs on Los Alamitos clocker Russ Hudak’s watch, with quarter-mile splits of :25 flat and :48 3/5, and a gallop out to seven furlongs in 1:26 3/5 during his standard 5:30 a.m. PT private session at Los Al.... ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (June 22, 2016) – Ambitious Brew is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita. Ambitious Brew is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and trained by Marty Jones. He has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $398,380 and is coming off a win in the May 28 Lennyfrommalibu Stakes. ...
Read More →PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 22, 2016) — Multiple graded winner Tamarando and fellow California-breds Eagle Screams, He’s a Pepper and Extant are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Oak Tree Handicap at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet. Eagle Screams is by Redattore, out of the Free House mare Dreamy Jeanie, was bred by Don Eidson, is owned by Scott Herbertson or Deborah Kriletich and is trained by Jonathan Wong. He has 10 wins in 47 starts, earnings of $387,535 and is coming off a fifth in the May 30 All American. He was second in this race last year. Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jeff Bonde. He has four wins in 2f5 starts, earnings of 691,153 and is coming off a sixth in the May 30 All American. He’s a Pepper is by Peppered Cat, out of the Crowning Storm mare Crown This Lady, was bred by owner and trainer Alex Paszkeicz. He... ...
Read More →From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 21, 2016) — The seventh Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, will be streamed live at grayson-jockeyclub.org/WelfareSafety/default.asp?section=50. (A link to the live stream will be available at jockeyclub.com.) The summit, underwritten and organized by The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, is being hosted by Keeneland Association in the Keeneland sales pavilion in Lexington, Ky. Biosecurity, respiratory health, racetrack surfaces, equine injuries, nutrition, use of the crop, and rider safety are among the topics to be covered by noted industry and equine professionals. Donna Barton Brothers will once again act as master of ceremonies. The summit is scheduled to begin at 8:15 a.m. EDT and conclude at 5:00 p.m. EDT. It is free and open to the public, and registration is recommended for in-person and online. Registration and a complete agenda for the summit are available at grayson-jockeyclub.org/WelfareSafety/default.asp?section=50. If you have questions for the speakers before or during the summit, please email horsesummit@jockeyclub.com or tweet using... ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (June 24, 2016) – Tiznow Stakes winner Avanti Bello and three of the horses he beat in that race are among the entries in Sunday’s $75,000 McCann’s Mojave Stakes for California-breds at Santa Anita. Howdy is by Sunderban, out of the Momentum mare Foxy Babe, was bred by Crystal Valley Farms, is owned by Ciaglia Racing, Crystal Valley or Alesia and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has three wins in 15 starts, earnings of $166,145 and is coming off a sixth in the May 28 Tiznow. Songformichaeljohn is by Songandaprayer, out of the Quiet American mare Silent Demand, was bred by Kathleen Kennedy, is owned by RL Stables and trained by Dan Hendricks. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $156,470 and is coming off a fourth in the May 28 Tiznow. Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Benowitz Family Trust or Powell or Viskovich and is trained by Leonard... ...
Read More →From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (June 17, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, June 16, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian 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 a regulatory amendment requiring that authorized bleeder medication be administered only by independent, third-party veterinarians. The rule, which now goes to the Office of Administrative Law for review and final approval, conforms to recommendations by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and Racing Commissioners International. The rule was supported by the California Veterinary Medical Board and will bring California into line with 14 other state racing jurisdictions. · The Board heard a report from the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau that identified four of the 56 hubs sending wagers to California host tracks as being habitually 8 to 12 seconds... ...
Read More →By Paulick Report ARCADIA, Calif. (June 16, 2016) — In talking with California breeder Nick Alexander, you’d never know that he’s an entirely self-made man. He comes across as humble, pragmatic, and occasionally even self-deprecating. His success, however, both in the business realm and the Thoroughbred industry, lends itself to a more impressive evaluation. Thirty-five years ago, Alexander negotiated a bargain-bottom price on a car dealership that was nearly going under, quickly turning it into one of the largest automotive import businesses in Los Angeles. With his children at the helm of the company these days, the retired Alexander is able to focus on his passion: Thoroughbreds. Alexander currently has one of the most talked-about California-breds on the West Coast racing scene – Enola Gray. In training with Phil D’Amato, the 3-year-old filly took nearly 10 months to get to the races, regularly sidelined by one issue or another. “It got to where I stopped asking Phil how she was doing,” joked Alexander. Even on the day of her first race,... ...
Read More →From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 16, 2016)–Due to the expectation of unusually high temperatures on Sunday, Santa Anita Park has announced that in consultation with the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) and the Jockeys’ Guild, it has moved first post time on Sunday up to 12 noon in an effort to mitigate the effects of the heat. According to the National Weather Service, Sunday’s high temperature, predicted for 4 p.m., is expected to reach 100 degrees in Arcadia, which is nine degrees above normal for this date. Santa Anita’s admission gates will open on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. For additional information, fans are encouraged to visit santaanita.com, or to call (626) 574-RACE. ...
Read More →From Ballena Vista Farm ARCADIA, Calif. (June 16, 2016) — Ballena Vista Farm freshman sire Calimonco was represented by his first winner when 2-year-old filly My California powered to a 9 1/4-length, wire-to-wire victory in a $57,035 maiden special weight at Santa Anita on Thursday in her second start. Her time for the 5 furlongs over a fast track was 58.06. Bred in California by owner Mercedes Stables, LLC and trained by Robertino Diodoro, My California is the first foal from Give My Regards, a winning daughter of Smart Strike and half-sister to graded winner Broadway Empire and Grade II-placed Cinderella’s Dream. Calimonco, a Grade II-placed, stakes-winning full brother to Storm Cat’s grade I winners and Breeders’ Cup champions Sweet Catomine and Life Is Sweet, retired with earnings of $391,486. He currently stands at Ballena Vista Farm in Ramona for a stud fee of $1,500 live foal. ...
Read More →By Paulick Report ALBANY, Calif. (June 13, 2016) — After guiding Wahine Warrior to a second-place finish in the10th race on Sunday’s closing-day card at Golden Gate Fields, horse racing’s all-time winningest jockey, Russell Baze, said to his longtime agent and friend, Ray Harris: “That’s it. I’m going to retire.” So ends a Hall of Fame career that began nearly 42 years ago. Baze, who turns 58 on Aug. 7, rode another warrior, Oregon Warrior, to his first victory at defunct Yakima Meadows in Washington on Oct. 28, 1974. He retires with 12,842 wins, 9,600 second place finishes and 7,855 thirds from 53,578 mounts. Horses he’s ridden have earned $199,334.219. On Dec. 1, 2006, he passed Laffit Pincay Jr., who had been the sport’s leading rider with 9,530 victories. His only global rival in career wins is 55-year-old Brazilian jockey Jorge Ricardo, who is believed to be within 100 wins of Baze and still active. “I was surprised but I was happy,” said Harris, who has been agent to Baze since the fall of 1979... ...
Read More →PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 13, 2016) – The Oak Tree Racing Association is teaming with the Alameda County Fair and the California Authority of Racing Fairs for the third straight season of summer racing commencing June 16 in Pleasanton. The “Oak Tree at Pleasanton” meet, with more than $1.7 million in purses overall, runs Thursday through Sunday over three weeks, June 16-19, June 23-26 and July 1-4. The stand marks the traditional opening for the state’s summer fair circuit season. “Oak Tree’s goal was in joining a program to strengthen Northern California racing when it became involved with the Alameda County Fair in operating that meet three years ago, and we are continuing in that intent again this year,” said Sherwood C. Chillingworth, the executive vice president for the not-for-profit racing association started in 1968. “One of our objectives this year is to attract more interest in our racing product from outside the state through advance deposit wagering. In both the live and televised racing we are looking forward to another... ...
Read More →From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (June 10, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, June 16, while the CHRB Race Dates Committee will meet Wednesday, June 15. Both of these meetings at Santa Anita Park will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website. The Board agenda and supporting package of materials as well as the committee agenda and package are available on the CHRB website. ...
Read More →From TOC PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 10, 2016) — All horsemen are invited to join TOC for an Open Forum at the Pleasanton Satellite Wagering Facility at the Alameda County Fair on Saturday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m. Meet TOC Directors for discussion of current events and an opportunity to have your questions answered. ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (June 9, 2016) – Kate Barton has been appointed to the Board of Directors of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, it was announced by President Doug Burge. Barton was born and reared in Riverside, and from an early age attended the races with her father, Richard. She played volleyball at Cal State University, San Bernardino and graduated in 2012, majoring in Business Marketing. She went to work for the family business, California Packaging, while helping her father manage his thoroughbred breeding and racing operation. “After going to a few sales at Fairplex and eventually Keeneland with him, I fell in love with the game even more,” she said. “I decided to pursue my MBA, which I received in 2014 from California Baptist University. In the past two years, I have become much more involved with our entire operation, whether it be the breeding, selling, or racing.” The Bartons now stand California stallions Champ Pegasus and Atticus. “We are very excited for the opportunities in the future with breeding and... ...
Read More →From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 9, 2016) — The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Wednesday passed the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2017. This bill makes appropriations for the United States Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and certain other agencies and includes language that encourages the IRS to modernize regulations for withholding and reporting pari-mutuel winnings. Last year the IRS and the Treasury began an examination of current pari-mutuel tax withholding rules at the request of the NTRA and numerous Members of Congress. Also last year the IRS and Treasury began a rulemaking process to examine the tax treatment of certain wagering winnings including pari-mutuel. NTRA President and Chief Executive Officer Alex Waldrop addressed the issue at a hearing before Treasury and IRS officials on June 17, 2015, when he outlined how wagering habits have changed in the 21st century and how current regulations are punitive. Updates proposed by the NTRA would clarify regulations by redefining the “amount of the wager” to include... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (June 9, 2016) — Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert will be honored this summer by the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation at its annual fundraising and awards dinner. The event will take place Aug. 15 at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Resort, located just a few miles south of Del Mar. “I’m honored to be recognized by the Gregson Foundation and to stand alongside past honorees who are truly a who’s who of California racing,” Baffert said in a release. Among the Gregson Foundation’s past honorees are Baffert’s fellow trainers Jack Van Berg, Ron McAnally, Mel Stute, and the late Warren Stute, in addition to such industry leaders as Ann and Jerry Moss, Mace and Samantha Siegel, Dr. Jack Robbins, and Joe and Barbara Harper. Last summer, the foundation saluted jockeys Mike Smith and Gary Stevens while raising money to provide college scholarships to the children of California’s backstretch community. “It’s pretty remarkable to see how the Gregson Foundation’s scholarship program has grown through the years,... ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (June 8, 2016) – Multiple graded winner and millionaire Alert Bay, coming off a win in the San Francisco Mile, leads a field of six in Saturday’s 100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Poshsky is by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett mare Pinky’s Posh, was bred by Old English Rancho & Berumen, is owned by Barber, Silver Ranch Stable or Wachtel Stable and is trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 28 starts, earnings of $352,890 and is coming off a ninth in the May 30 All America. Zinvor is by Tribal Rule, out of the Woodman mare Shady Lady Dancer, was bred by Cole Ranch Partners, is owned by Triple B Farms and is trained by Adam Kitchingman. He has two wins in 13 starts, earnings of $153,611 and is coming off a second in a May 19 optional claimer. Ashleyluvssugar is by Game Plan, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by owners Alesia,... ...
Read More →ALBANY, Calif. (June 8, 2016) – Stakes winner Somethings Unusual is one of seven California-breds among the 11 entries in Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. Hypnatique is by Scat Daddy, out of the Genuine Guy mare More Mascara, was bred by owners Rhianon Farms & Gloria Haley and is trained by Haley. He has five wins in 18 starts, earnings of $147,735 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 23 allowance. Somethings Unusual is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Prospect, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Bruce Treitman and trained by Michael McCarthy. He has four wins in 30 starts, earnings of $309,544 and is coming off a fifth in a May 20 claimer. Unusual Taste is by Unusual Heat, out of the Equalize mare Deliciosa, was bred by Barry Abrams, is owned by Bran Jam Stable and trained by Andy Mathis. He has three wins in 18 starts, earnings of $183,780 and making his first start since a... ...
Read More →ELMONT, N.Y. (June 8, 2016) – Graduation Stakes winner Mrazak is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $500,000 Grade II Woody Stephens Stakes for 3-year-olds at Belmont Park. Mrazak is by Square Eddie, out of the Wild Rush mare Heckuva Rush, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $167,770 and is coming off a second in the May 14 Laz Barrera Stakes. ...
Read More →SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (June 8, 2016) – Robert Sweeney, former executive vice president and general manager of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, passed away last week. He was 89. A California native, Sweeney spent 11 years with the CTBA, seven as executive vice president and general manager, and retired in 1989 to San Juan Capistrano. Sweeney, who would go on to be editor of the CTBA’s California Thoroughbred magazine, wrote his first article for the publication when he was in the army during World War II. After graduating from USC, Sweeney spent 19 years as director of industrial relations with Robertshaw, then with Buzza Cardozo Greeting Card Company. He turned down a vice presidency when the company was relocated to Cincinnati through a merger and, having already owned and bred a pair of mares, joined a horse sale company in Pomona. Four years later, he was hired as assistant to then-CTBA general manager Brian Sweeney (no relation), and took over as executive vice president and general manager in 1982. ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (May 29, 2016) – Perennial leading California stallion Unusual Heat was represented by three winners on Saturday’s Gold Rush Day card at Santa Anita. In the third race, How Unusual won an optional claimer by 4 ¼ lengths as the 4-5 favorite. The 3-year-old filly is out of the Bartok mare Veela and was bred by Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams. In the seventh race, Infinite Loop won a maiden special weight by 3 ½ lengths at odds of 5-2. The 4-year-old colt is out of the Affirmed mare Midnite Mama and was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Todd. In the ninth race, Packin Heat won a maiden special weight by one-half length at odds of 14-1. The 3-year-old gelding out of the Meadowlake mare Lake Marina was bred by Liberty Road Stables. ...
Read More →From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016)–Oakcrest Stable’s Bert’s Melody shook off a late challenge from Singing Kitty and went on to an impressive one length victory as the 9-5 favorite in Saturday’s $125,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligible older fillies and mares bred or sired in California. Ridden by Brice Blanc and trained by Sean McCarthy, the 5-year-old mare by Bertrando got one mile on turf in 1:35.36. A close second in a mile and one eighth turf allowance at Santa Anita on May 5, she cut back in distance a furlong and paid $5.80, $3.20 and $2.60. “You get all kinds of emotions when you watch them win,” said John Barr, who races and breeds as Oakcrest Stable and is on the CTBA board of directors. “Brice rides her very well. Sean trains her beautifully and she’s got some talent, so today was the day! “The California incentive program is an outstanding program, probably the best in the nation for an individual state... ...
Read More →By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016) –Avanti Bello can be a tricky ride for a jockey. The key to success is for a rider to stay active and not overdo it the effort. “He’s a horse that likes to be ridden and not beaten up,” said Leandro Mora, trainer Doug O’Neill’s top assistant. Rafael Bejarano rode Avanti Bello for the first time in Saturday’s $150,690 Tiznow Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles and found the ideal balance in his technique to guide the 4-year-old colt to a nose win in the one-mile race for California-breds. Avanti Bello stalked pacesetter Songforjohnmichael to the turn, took the lead before the stretch, and was fully extended to earn the win over Soi Phet. Avanti Bello ($28.80) was timed in 1:35.30. Bejarano said he had the ideal trip on Avanti Bello. He wanted to race behind Songforjohnmichael and Boozer early and maintain a close position. “I tried to let the other two horses go,” Bejarano said. “I found my position. I waited as... ...
Read More →By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016) — Gold Rush Dancer showed his affection for turf racing with a hard-fought win in Saturday’s $188,000 Snow Chief Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Gold Rush Dancer outfinished Ralis, winning by a nose as the 3-2 favorite. There were a few tense moments after the race. The stretch run was the subject of an inquiry involving fourth-place finisher Glory Bound, who took up in the final furlong while racing alongside Gold Rush Dancer. After a review, the stewards did not change the order of finish. Gold Rush Dancer ($5) ran 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:49.37. He was favored on the basis of his win in the Silky Sullivan Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds at a mile on turf at Golden Gate Fields on May 1, the colt’s first start on the surface. “I think we’ll keep him on the grass,” trainer Vann Belvoir said in the winner’s circle. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Gold Rush Dancer stalked pacesetter... ...
Read More →By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016) – Enola Gray won sprinting first time out against maidens, and on Saturday at Santa Anita went two turns against stakes runners. Two starts, two easy wins, but trainer Phil D’Amato is in no hurry to throw her in against the best 3-year-old fillies around, preferring another building block as he lays a foundation. D’Amato said the Fleet Treat Stakes at Del Mar on July 22 likely would be next for Enola Gay, but wherever and whenever that next start comes, it will be worth watching. On Saturday, Enola Gay cruised to a 2 1/4-length victory against fellow California-breds in the $200,000 Melair for Golden State Series eligibles, needing just light encouragement from jockey Tyler Baze. “Tyler rode her very confidently,” D’Amato said. “He did the right thing. She rated, with her ears pricked. She did it in hand.” Enola Gray made the top in the 1 1/16-mile race and loped along through fractions of 23.97 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, 47.72 for... ...
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