Lost Bus wins $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica Stakes. ...
Read More →Lost Bus wins $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica Stakes. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2016) — California Thoroughbred Breeders Association director Terry Lovingier’s Lost Bus provided a 64-1 stunner in the $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 23 at Santa Anita Park. The 4-year-old Bring the Heat filly, who last won in March, 2015 in a California-bred restricted allowance/optional claiming race, dueled with Finest City to set fractions of :22.42 and :44.93 through a half-mile and outlasted her frontrunning rival to the wire. “I’m kinda lost for words,” said Lovingier. “I didn’t expect this and not too many others did either; she was 60-1. We claimed her (for $32,000 three starts back on Nov. 19) because she battled quite a few times with My Fiona (stakes-winning filly owned by Lovingier) when they were both 2-year-olds. I don’t claim that often anymore, but I did claim quite a few horses before I started breeding them.” With jockey Fernando Perez aboard, Lost Bus ran the seven furlongs in 1:21.78 and finished a head in front. Tara’s Tango engaged in the... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Jan. 25, 2016) — Decked out in his fresh new “Chrome” jacket in the paddock area just before the fourth race at Santa Anita Park Jan. 24, Art Sherman gave a glowing report on California Chrome ‘s condition since landing in Dubai. In communication with his son and assistant trainer Alan Sherman, the elder Sherman said Sunday that his prized pupil came out of the across-the-globe trip—which began Jan. 21, when he left his home base at Los Alamitos Race Course—in good order. BALAN: California Chrome Departs for Dubai “(Alan) said he was bouncing and feeling good,” Art Sherman said. “His appetite is good. With him, he adapts pretty good. It’s very rare that you have one that can ship that far and recover that quick.” After a day of walking, the 2014 Horse of the Year will take to the track Jan. 25 in his first on-track preparation for an expected two races in the United Arab Emirates—including the $10 million Dubai World Cup... ...
Read More →From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2016) — The California Thoroughbred Business League (CTBL), a group comprised of racing associations, horsemen’s organizations and fairs, is responsible for overseeing funds that are to be utilized for providing workers’ compensation insurance relief to horsemen. Working with Finish Line Self Insurance Group (FLSIG), which has handled workers’ compensation for the Thoroughbred horsemen for the past five years, the CTBL has been dealing with the issue of skyrocketing workers’ compensation rates. The cost of the 2016 program for Thoroughbreds is estimated to be $12,670,322. As a result, the program has been revamped, and the changes will go into effect at Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields beginning February 1. The problem is by no means specific to California, as workers comp insurance costs have skyrocketed for horsemen across the nation. The outcome is that owners will now have $95 automatically deducted from their paymaster account every time they start a horse. Up until January 2013 owners paid a per-start fee (which was $105... ...
Read More →• California Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank 4 & UP (CA), 1 1/8 M (T) $250,000 Turf Noms Turf Past Performances • California Cup Derby 3 YO (CA), 1 1/16 M $250,000 Derby Noms Derby PPs • California Cup Oaks F, 3 YO (CA), 1 M (T) $200,000 Oaks Noms Oaks PPs • California Cup Sprint 4 & UP (CA), 6 F $150,000 Sprint Noms Sprint PPs • Sunshine Millions F/M Turf Sprint F/M, 4 & UP (CA), abt 6 1/2 F (T) $150,000 F&M Turf Sprint Noms F&M Turf Sprint PPs ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com MONROVIA, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2016) — Longtime California racing official Dick Wheeler died Jan. 2 at his Monrovia, Calif., home. He was 69. Wheeler worked in several capacities throughout the Golden State for nearly four decades, including at Santa Anita Park and Fairplex Park, where he was racing secretary. Wheeler retired 18 months ago. “He was kind to everybody. Everybody loved him,” said Santa Anita clerk of scales Kevin Colosi, a longtime friend and associate. “He had been sick for a while and stopped eating. He just shut down.” Wheeler requested that there be no services, Colosi said. Added trainer David Bernstein, who knew Wheeler since their teens: “We had a lot of fun. We were young—18, 19 years old—and he and one of my clients, Bob Brown, used to meet in Santa Anita’s infield every Saturday. Brown also passed away. Now I’m the last of the Mohicans.” ...
Read More →From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 2, 2016)–California-bred San Onofre sat second early to speedy Distinctiv Passion and responded to aggressive handling from Alex Solis to win Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Midnight Lute Stakes by a half length while covering 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.82. Breaking from the inside in a field of six older sprinters, the 6-year-old gelding by Surf Cat, who was bred by trainer Bruce Headley, trained by his daughter, Karen, and owned by his wife Aase’s Matson Racing, was hustled from the gate and settled nicely in second going into the far turn. Sitting behind fractions of 21.72, 44.00 and 1:08.53, San Onofre, who was put into a vigorous drive leaving the three eighths pole, took charge a furlong out and held off favored Salutos Amigos late. Off at 4-1, San Onofre paid $10.00, $4.40 and $2.60. “He’s been training really, really good,” said Solis of San Onofre, who had been idle since running fourth in the Grade I Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita... ...
Read More →From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 2, 2016)–In his final work in preparation for Santa Anita’s Grade II, 1 1/16 miles San Pasqual Stakes on Jan. 9, 2014, Horse of the Year California Chrome, who was fitted with blinkers, worked a snappy six furlongs in 1:10.04 under Victor Espinoza prior to today’s first race at The Great Race Place. Trained by Art Sherman, California Chrome came on Santa Anita’s main track accompanied by a stable pony via the quarter mile chute at 11:48 a.m. and then jogged the “wrong way” up the track’s backstretch and around the Club House turn, stopping to turn around at the finish line, where he then headed back into the first turn. From there, he broke free from the pony and was sent to the rail by Espinoza approaching the six furlong pole. A striking California-bred chestnut horse who is now age 5, “Chrome” cut out splits of 23.65, 46.66, 58.30 and 1:10.04 under idyllic conditions with the San Gabriel Mountains serving as... ...
Read More →From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, CA (Jan. 1, 2016)-Slew’s Tiznow is the top California freshman sire of 2015. From his first crop of twenty-one foals, in 2013, Slew’s Tiznow sired the earners of $185,537. They are highlighted by the Del Mar maiden special daylight winner Tiz Love and multiple winners Tribal Headdress and One Bye Two. Additionally, Slews Tiznow ranks 34th on the Blood Horse North America Freshmen Sire lists. Slew’s Tiznow first crop of yearlings averaged over $20,000 in that sales year. Slew’s Tiznow is a record-setting 1 1/16 miles 1:40.34 performer and a Grade 1 performing multiple stakes winning son of Tiznow that will stand for $2,500 in 2016 at Rancho San Miguel. ...
Read More →By America’s Best Racing OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 2, 2016) — After twice chasing highly regarded Mohaymen in vain last autumn, Flexibility capitalized on his arch-rival’s absence to gain an easy 4 1/4-length victory in the $200,000 Jerome Stakes (gr. III) Jan. 2 at Aqueduct Racetrack. Watch Video Flexibility — a New York-bred by California stallion Bluegrass Cat — took his debut by 1 3/4 lengths Oct. 10 at Belmont Park before placing second to Mohaymen in a pair of grade II contests at Aqueduct. He fell short by 1 3/4 lengths in the Nashua Nov. 4 and by 1 1/2 lengths a little more than three weeks later in the Remsen. With trainer Kiaran McLaughlin opting for much warmer surroundings and targeting Mohaymen for the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 30 at Gulfstream Park, Flexibility was left with a golden opportunity to pick up 10 points in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” qualifying series. “It gives you a sigh of relief to not face him right now,” said Cherie... ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Singing Kitty is one of four California-breds entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Monrovia Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Singing Kitty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Natural Singer R N, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Aulds or Jeong and is trained by Matthew Chew. She has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $332,988 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 17 Autumn Miss. Heaven’s Stairway is by Decarchy, out of the River Flyer mare Kind Friends, was bred by Joshua Litt & AJM Racing, is owned by AJM Racing or JBK Stable and is trained by Scott Hansen. She has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $185,560 and is making her first start since a fifth in the Apr. 11 Las Cienegas. Our Pure Creation is by Pure Prize, out of the Smart Strike mare Creative Karen, was bred by owner Joe Parker and... ...
Read More →From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 31, 2015)–Reigning Horse of the Year California Chrome will work six furlongs prior to Saturday’s first race at Santa Anita, as he prepares for a much anticipated showdown with 2015 Santa Anita Derby winner, Dortmund. Trained by Art Sherman, California Chrome will be handled by regular rider Victor Espinoza immediately following public address announcements at approximately 12:05 p.m., PST. One of the greatest Cinderella stories in Thoroughbred history, California Chrome, a striking chestnut colt by Lucky Pulpit out of the Not For Love mare, Love the Chase, purloined victories in 2014’s Grade II San Felipe Stakes and Grade I Santa Anita Derby to triumphs in the both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. Idle since running second in the $10 million Dubai World Cup March 28, “Chrome” was subsequently sent by his owners to England and then to Arlington Park near Chicago prior to being vanned to Taylor Made Stallions in Kentucky for some much needed time off and an opportunity to regain... ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2015) – Warren’s Veneda, making her first start since the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Robert J. Frankel Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Warren’s Veneda is by Affirmative, out of the Flying Continental mare More Cal Bread, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has eight wins in 28 starts, earnings of $931,862 and is coming off a seventh in the Oct. 39 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2015) – California-breds Reckless Charm, Coniah and Skye Diamonds are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Reckless Charm is by Unusual Heat, out of the Indian Charlie mare Lottawampum, was bred by Edward Mercaldo, is owned by DP Racing and is trained by James Cassidy. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $54,468 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 1 Pike Place Dancer. Coniah is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $35,970 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 28 Golden Gate Debutante Skye Diamonds is by First Dude, out of the Johannesburg mare Exonerated, was bred by Dizney Double Diamond, is owned by Donald Dizney and trained by Mike Machowsky. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $38,200 and is coming off... ...
Read More →From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 22, 2015) — Legislation passed by Congress and signed by the president last week includes investment incentives and tax provisions that impact owners and breeders. This legislation provides multi-year benefits made retroactive to January 1, 2015, and includes: * Three-year depreciation for racehorses * 50 percent bonus depreciation for new depreciable property * $500,000 Sec. 179 expense allowance for new or used depreciable property Click here to download a flyer that includes details. The NTRA suggests that owners and breeders consult their tax advisor for additional information. ...
Read More →From Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms HEMET, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2015) — Wild in the Saddle, a multiple stakes-winning California-bred daughter of Breeders’ Cup Champion Silic (FR), has been officially retired and will be going to Kentucky to be bred to Archarcharch. Her fairytale racing career and triple comeback gave her owners, trainers, and all her connections the thrill of a lifetime. Retiring 100% sound and looking like a million, Wild in the Saddle is enjoying being let-down at Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms before she heads off Spendthrift Farm. ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2015) – Multiple stakes winner Acceptance is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Mathis Brothers Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. Acceptance is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Allswellthatnswell, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by the Elwood Johnston Trust or Riggio and is trained by Kenny Black. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $292,830 and is coming off an 11th in the Nov. 28 Hollywood Derby. ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2015) – Multiple graded winner Alert Bay is one of four California-breds entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Daytona Stakes at Santa Anita. Multiple stakes winner 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 six wins in 10 starts, earnings of $307,260 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 12 optional claimer. Grade II winner Big Bang Theory is by Artie Schiller, out of the Alysheba mare Shebane, was bred by owners Scott Gross & Mark Devereaux and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $390,844 and is coming off a sixth in the Nov. 27 Seabiscuit Handicap. Multiple graded winner Alert Bay is by City Zip, out of the Dushyantor mare Hickory, was bred by Thomas Bell and Ross McLeod, is owned by Peter Redekop and is trained by Blaine... ...
Read More →CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2015) – California stallion Bold Chieftain was represented by his first winner when I Came to Party won the third race at Los Alamitos on Sunday. I Came to Party is out of the Decarchy mare Onefunsonofagun, was bred by Ellen Jackson, Kevin Nish and Kim Nish, is owned by Robert Bone, John Martin, Joey Platts and William Strauss and is trained by Martin. The 2-year-old gelding ran the mile in 1:39.92 and won by 6 ½ lengths at odds of 9-2 in the field of six. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2015) — Stretching out for the first time since returning to trainer Art Sherman’s barn in October, California Chrome breezed six furlongs Dec. 19 at Los Alamitos Race Course. Clocker Russ Hudak caught the California-bred defending Horse of the Year in splits of :25 4/5 and :49 4/5, giving him 1:13 4/5 for six furlongs with a gallop out in 1:28 3/5 under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney. “I thought (he went) very well,” Sherman said. “He’s getting closer. The gallop out was real strong and the last eighth of a mile I got him in :11 flat. That is moving. I’m very well-pleased with the way he’s going right now.” The 4-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit is preparing for his first race since finishing second in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) in March, after taking time to recover from bone bruising at Taylor Made Farm His connections hope a race in the Jan. 9 San Pasqual (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park will lay the... ...
Read More →LOS ALAMITOS, CA – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, December 17, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, 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 license for the Los Angeles Turf Club to conduct a race meet at Santa Anita Park beginning December 26 through July 10 after industry representatives indicated they had finalized a vanning and stabling agreement for 2016 providing stabling arrangements in Southern California similar to 2015. · The Board approved a license for the Pacific Racing Association (PRA) to conduct a race meet at Golden Gate Fields beginning December 26 through June 12 after industry representatives outlined various scenarios for vanning and stabling in Northern California that hinge largely on proposed legislation. · The Board led a discussion of various... ...
Read More →From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 18, 2015) – President Obama this afternoon signed into lawH.R. 2029, which includes the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 and the related omnibus appropriations bill, both of which carry provisions backed by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) that will benefit horseracing for years to come. The new legislation includes three-year tax depreciation for racehorses, “bonus depreciation” of 50 percent, the “Section 179 expense allowance” for major purchases, and relief for H-2B visa employers such as horse trainers. For more information please refer to the following releases from earlier today when the bills were passed by Congress: Congress Passes Three-Year Tax Depreciation for Racehorses, Other Incentives http://www.ntra.com/en/news-media/press-releases/2015/12/18/congress-passes-three-year-tax-depreciation-for-racehorses-other-incentives/#sthash.oQsU9Uxc.dpuf Congress Passes H-2B Visa Improvements Backed by NTRA http://www.ntra.com/en/news-media/press-releases/2015/12/18/congress-passes-h-2b-visa-improvements-backed-by-ntra/#sthash.TjPd5uP9.dpuf ...
Read More →CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2015) — California legislators enjoyed a day at Los Alamitos. They first visited champion and 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome on the backstretch and then took in the afternoon’s races. Legislators present were Adam Gray and Eric Linder, the chair and vice chair of the Assembly Governmental Organization Committee; fellow assembly members Autumn Burke, Patrick O’Donnell, and Mike Gipson;, along with Tina McKinnor, Burke’s chief of staff. Hosting the legislators were Terry Lovingier of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Greg Avioli of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, Brad McKinzie of Los Alamitos, and CTBA lobbyist Robyn Black. https://ctba.com/legislature/legislators-meet-california-chrome/ ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2015) — Licenses for meets that begin Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields were approved Dec. 17 by the California Horse Racing Board, but not before another lengthy discussion of ongoing issues regarding stabling and vanning among tracks and training facilities. Both tracks are owned and operated by The Stronach Group, which was represented at the meeting by Scott Daruty, president of the company’s Monarch Content Management, and Joe Morris, senior vice president of West Coast operations. They both outlined the parameters of a deal on stabling and vanning but noted future arrangements hinge on legislative action. Under an agreement signed by The Stronach Group and the California Association of Racing Fairs, Pleasanton will remain open for stabling and training during the Golden Gate meet, which runs through June 12, 2016. Golden Gate will then remain open for stabling and training while the Northern California fairs are in operation. Daruty said The Stronach Group and CARF continue to work with the... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com STEVINSON, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2015) — Boat Trip, a multiple stakes-winning son of Harlan’s Holiday, will enter stud in 2016 at Running Horse Equine Center near Stevinson, Calif. The fee will be $2,500, with a no fee option. Included among the five victories for the 5-year-old horse trained by Michael Pender for B. J. Wright and James Hirschmann III were the Hollywood Turf Express Handicap and Tsunami Slew Stakes, both on grass. He also finished second in the Eddie D Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Santa Anita Park. He earned $268,410. Boat Trip is one of nine winners from 13 foals produced from the French group III-placed mare Turning Wheel, a daughter of Seeking the Gold who has also produced four stakes-placed runners. Among the stakes horses produced by his third dam, multiple stakes-placed Kankakee Miss, was Clever Trick—the multiple stakes-winning winner of 18 of 29 starts and a sire. ...
Read More →From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 17, 2015) – Provisions backed by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) that offer relief for H-2B visa employers such as horse trainers are included in the comprehensive budget and tax legislation agreed to late Tuesday by a bipartisan group of House and Senate negotiators. Congress is expected to pass the legislation before the year’s end. Of particular interest to trainers and others in the Thoroughbred industry who rely on H-2B workers are these beneficial provisions: H-2B returning workers are exempt from the annual 66,000 H-2B cap; Those paying H-2B wages are allowed the use of private wage surveys, which are not allowed under current H-2B rules; Seasonal employment is clearly defined as 10 months of employment, as opposed to nine months in the current H-2B rules; The Department of Labor (DOL) is prevented from implementing the provisions of current H-2B rules related to corresponding employment and the 3/4 guarantee requiring a set number of work hours; and DOL is prohibited from implementing a... ...
Read More →TAMPA, Fla. (Dec. 16, 2015) – Desert Steel is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Lightning City Stakes for fillies and mares at Tampa Bay Downs. Desert Steel is by Desert Code, out of the Cozzene mare Lujien Lujien, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Alice Bamford, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Michael House and is trained by Jonathan Thomas. She has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $223,692 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 22 optional claimer. ...
Read More →From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 16, 2015) – Important tax incentives for horse owners including a key provision that extends three-year tax depreciation for all racehorses through 2016 were finalized late on Tuesday by Republican and Democratic negotiators in the House as part of comprehensive budget and tax legislation which Congress will likely pass to conclude the year. Maintaining the three-year recovery period for racehorse purchases has been a top legislative priority for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) since the provision’s initial enactment as part of the 2008 Farm Bill. Most recently, the NTRA successfully secured inclusion of three-year depreciation in the 2014 tax extenders package that expired at the end of 2014. “A multi-year extension of three-year tax depreciation for racehorses is welcome news for Thoroughbred owners and breeders,” said Alex Waldrop, NTRA President and CEO. “Accelerated cost recovery encourages investment and creates jobs in Thoroughbred racing while the multi-year extension of this tax incentive helps owners plan for the future.” The provision allows taxpayers to depreciate, on a three-year... ...
Read More →From Unusual Heat Syndicate COALINGA, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2015 – Unusual Heat, the six-time leading sire in California (2008-2013) and California’s All Time Leading Stallion in Total Progeny, Turf and Cal-Bred earnings, will stand at John C. Harris’s Harris Farms in Coalinga for the 2016 breeding season. Unusual Heat is booked full for 2016 at $20,000 and is accepting approved mares to a waiting list. Unusual Heat set the all-time California record for progeny earnings in 2008 with over $5.8 million and was again the California earnings champion for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, achieving the milestone of being leading sire in the state for an unprecedented sixth consecutive season in the modern era. In 2015 Unusual Heat achieved an unmatched ninth consecutive season of over $3 million in progeny earnings and also his astounding 12th consecutive California-bred North American Turf Earnings Championship. He has sired one Eclipse Award winner and 14 California champions. Unusual Heat made his mark in 2015 as a broodmare sire adding six new stakes... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2015) — Even-money favorite Found Money welcomed a return to the California bred or sired ranks on Saturday with a 1 1/4 length victory in the $101,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos Race Course. Watch Video Never far off the pace while kept in the clear by jockey Mario Gutierrez, the 2-year-old son of Square Eddie and the General Meeting mare Chanel My Belle won for the third time in seven starts for owner-breeder J. Paul Reddam’s Reddam Racing. Fourth in the Delta Jackpot (gr. III) three weeks earlier in Louisiana, Found Money completed the mile in 1:37.46 while increasing his earnings to $286,100. He paid $4, $3 and $2.60. “All credit to Mario,” said trainer Doug O’Neill. “He rode him with confidence. He felt he was on the best horse and rode him accordingly. Mario’s ridden well at this track. It’s a long straightaway and you have to conserve your horse and he did just that.” Glory Bound, a 16-1 outsider... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2015) — California-bred California Chrome drilled down in his latest Los Alamitos workout Dec. 12, covering five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 at the Southern California track and galloping out in the powerful manner than has become his signature style. In prepping for a Jan. 9 comeback in the San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) coming up atSanta Anita Park, the Art Sherman trainee is laying the foundation for a hopeful return to the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I). He was second in the race this year but has not run since then. “He’s training great,” assistant Alan Sherman said. “He worked perfect. He hasn’t missed a beat since he got back here.” Under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, Perry Martin and Taylor Made Farm’s chestnut runner was clocked by Russ Hudak in splits of :25 1/5, :37 1/5, :48 4/5, and the final time of 1:00 3/5 with a gallop out in 1:14 2/5. Rested at Taylor Made in Kentucky this summer to recover from bone bruising,... ...
Read More →CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2015) – California stallion Noble Court was represented with his first winner when Noble Edition won the second race for California-bred maiden 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos on Friday. Noble Edition is out of the Skip Away mare Chloe’s Edition, was bred by Willow Tree Farm, is owned by Geoff Holly, Dean Pederson and Paige Schvaneveldt and is trained by Pederson. Noble Edition ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.67 and won by 5 ¾ lengths at even money in her racing debut. ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2015) – Dave McGlothlin, Jim & Pat Thompson, Fran’s Valentine and Nostalgia’s Star have been elected into the California Racing Hall of Fame by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. The winners will be inducted at the CTBA’s annual awards dinner, to be held Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at the Westin Pasadena. McGlothlin has been manager of the horse division at Harris Farms, which has tripled in physical size and quadrupled in equine population during his nearly four decades of service. The farm has produced more than 50 stakes horses, including double classic winner and Horse of the Year California Chrome. Jim & Pat Thompson are synonymous with the operation of Ridgeley Farm in Hemet. Among the stakes-producing stallions that have stood there were Memo and Iam the Iceman. The newest stallion arrival is stakes winner He Be Fire N Ice. Fran’s Valentine won several Cal-bred championships, along with 14 races and earnings of more than $1.3 million for trainer Joe Manzi and the Green Thumb Farm of auto... ...
Read More →From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, December 17, at Los Alamitos Race Course beginning at 9:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website. The meeting agenda and supporting package of materials also are available on the CHRB website. ...
Read More →ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2015) – Multiple stakes winner Qiaona is one of four California-breds among entries for Sunday’s $50,000 Miss America Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Qiaona is by Wilko, out of the Skywalker mare Starlet Sky, was bred by B&B Zietz Stables, is owned by Curt and Lila Lanning and trained by Ed Moger Jr. She has six wins in 29 starts, earnings of $561,723 and is coming off a Nov. 22 optional claiming win. Lucy in Diamonds is by Rock Hard Ten, out of the Relaunch mare Spritz, was bred by Graziani & Parks, is owned by Graziani or Parks or Russell and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $80,518 and is coming off a Nov. 22 allowance win. Journey On is by Good Journey, out of the American Chance mare Miss Del Mar, was bred by Leatherman Racing, is owned by Robert Master and trained by Richard Baltas. She has four wins in 17 starts,... ...
Read More →From Magali Farms SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2015) — Barton Thoroughbreds is pleased to announce that five-time Grade I winner Einstein (Spend a Buck—Gay Charm, by Ghadeer) will be added to the Magali Farms stallion roster and stand in California for the first time, starting in 2016. Einstein comes to stand in California as a multiple graded stakes winner of nearly $3,000,000 over dirt, turf, and synthetic tracks. His first crop of 3-year-olds has placed him among the top three third crop sires in Canada. His runners already include stakes horses on dirt and synthetics, and winners on all three surfaces. His top runners include 4-year-old Graded Stakes-placed Winner Rankhasprivileges ($206,878), 3-year-old Multiple Stakes-placed Winner E Equalsmcsquared ($77,603) and 2-year-old stakes placed Scholar Athlete ($52,550). With three crops of racing age, his current runner earnings total $1,384,267. A 2-year-old colt by Einstein sold for $150,000 in the 2015 Barretts May sale, third-highest sale price overall. During his racing career, Einstein earned triple digit Beyers on dirt, turf and all-weather... ...
Read More →CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2015) – California-bred stakes winner Patriotic Diamond and Pacific Heat are entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I Starlet Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Patriotic Diamond is by Hat Trick, out of the Whywhywhy mare Patriotic Diva, was bred by kin Hui Racing Stables, is owned by Diamond 100 Racing Club and is trained by Patrick Biancone. She has two win in four starts, earnings of $153,300 and is coming off a Nov. 26 optional claiming win. Pacific Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Hotlantic, was bred by Harris Farms & Donald Valpredo, is owned by Alesia, Burns or Ciaglia Racing, et al and is trained by Peter Eurton. She is unbeaten in two starts with earnings of $120,000 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 29 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes. ...
Read More →CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2015) – Stakes winner Found Money, coming off a fourth in the Delta Jackpot, leads a full field in Saturday’s $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Los Alamitos. Turn Your Eyes is by Kafwain, out of the Touch Gold mare Silk Queen, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Steve Miyadi. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $48,660 and is coming off a fifth in a Nov. 27 optional claimer. Swiss Minister is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Alpine Echo, was bred by owner Heinz Steinmann and is trained by Mike Harrington. He has one win in six starts, earnings of $71,413 and is coming off a fourth in the Oct. 30 Golden State Juvenile. Record Highs is by Heatseeker, out of the High Brite mare Super High, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $48,780... ...
Read More →From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2015) — The catalog for Barretts January Mixed Sale is now on-line and will be mailed soon. This auction of 197 head will be held on Wednesday, January 20 starting at 11:00 a.m. on the grounds of the Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California. The catalog can be viewed here. The catalog is also available on the ipad using The Jockey Club’s free Ipad ap. Click here for more information. Cataloged horse’s Daily Racing Form past performances are here. This sale will feature 18 head, including 11 short yearlings, from The Estate of Ellwood Johnston & Berumen dispersal. Havens Bloodstock will the selling agent for this consignment. Among the sires of the 54 yearlings and 63 two-year-olds in the catalog are such stallions asAcclamation, Awesome Gambler, Broken Vow, Champ Pegasus, City Zip, Coil, Discreetly Mine, Dublin, Empire Way, Eskendereya, First Samurai, Good Journey, Jersey Town, Hat Trick, High Cotton, Line of David, Lucky Pulpit, Kafwain, Marino Marini, Mineshaft, Ministers Wild... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Dec. 8, 2015) — — Horse of the Year California Chrome is among the 181 horses accepted for the 2016 Dubai World Cup Carnival at Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates. Including California Chrome, the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and Preakness Stakes (both grade I) winner, there are 22 grade or group I winners among the horses, as well as 17 grade or group II winners, and 22 for which a grade or group III win was their top performance. The accepted horses come from 16 countries and this year count among their number the first Dubai World Cup Carnival representatives from South Korea in Cheongu and Success Story, trained by Inseok Seo. The Dubai World Cup Carnival gets underway Thurs., Jan. 7, 2016, and features 10 days of racing leading up to the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) on Sat., March 26. “The quality of the horses that have been nominated for the Carnival speaks for itself and we look... ...
Read More →From ROAP LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 8, 2015) — The Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) announced today five winners of the 2015 Pete Pedersen Award, which is presented annually to stewards who have made important contributions to the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing industries. The award is named in honor of the longtime outstanding steward and noted journalist Pete Pedersen, who died in August 2012. The recipients were recognized at the Awards Luncheon at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program’s Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming in Tucson, Ariz. “This is our second year of recognizing horse racing stewards for their dedication and contributions to our great sport,” said ROAP Chairman Hugh Gallagher. “This lady and these four gentlemen have excelled as career racing officials by bringing integrity, consistency and a commitment to a level playing field for all horsemen and women. Their passion and professional performance are great examples for stewards throughout the country.” The five winners are: George Slender George Slender is a ROAP-accredited steward with... ...
Read More →CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2015) – Roo’s Valentine led all the way to win Saturday’s $100,500 Soviet Problem Stakes for 2-year-old Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Roo’s Valentine is by Vronsky, out of the Cindago mare Black Valentine, was bred by owner Kretz Racing and is trained by Kristen Mulhall. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $116,240 and was coming off a Nov. 5 maiden win. Roo’s Valentine ran the mile in 1:37.75 and won by one-half length at odds of 5-2. Favored Just Google Me was second and Run for Retts was third in the field of seven. ...
Read More →By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2015) –Mana Strike ($22.20), an easy winner in his debut here before running sixth behind the undefeated Smokey Image in his stakes debut, rallied from last to score an impressive 2 1/4-length victory Saturday in the $75,105 Gold Rush Stakes at Golden Gate Fields. Mana Strike — a Washington-bred son of California stallion Papa Clem — was last as maiden Mad Bum set the pace for six furlongs in the one-mile race for 2-year-olds. He began to move up while three wide on the second turn. As the field left the quarter pole turning for home, jockey Pedro Terrero swung Mana Strike into the clear as Algenon opened a two-length lead at the eighth pole. Mana Strike had all the momentum as he quickly collared the leader and pulled clear to win in 1:38.36. Algenon, who never has finished off the board and had placed in his three previous stakes attempts, was an easy second as the field paraded home. Marqula, the longest shot... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2015) — Horse of the Year California Chrome is “preparing himself really well” for a comeback, according to trainer Art Sherman. The California-bred 4-year-old Lucky Pulpit colt, who won the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and took the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) to earn Horse of the Year honors, has not raced since finishing second in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) in March. On Dec. 5 he continued his preparations for the Jan. 9 San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park with a solid breeze at Los Alamitos, his fifth workout there and fourth recorded breeze since returning to Sherman’s barn after a layup at Taylor Made Farm to recover from bone bruising. Breaking off from the half-mile pole under regular rider Dihigi Gladney, the striking chestnut powered through splits of :25 and :47 4/5 before hitting five furlongs in 1:01 flat. “Today was really great,” Sherman said. “I got him in the last eighth of a mile from the eighth pole to... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2015) — Race caller Trevor Denman, the voice of Santa Anita Park since 1983, has announced his retirement from the Southern California track. He will not return for the 2015-16 race meet, which begins Dec. 26. “After calling the races for 44 years, 33 at Santa Anita, I have come to the decision that it is time for me to kick back, relax and enjoy the rest of my life on my farm in Minnesota and do some travelling both throughout American and overseas,” said Denman, 63. “It is time to stop counting dollars and to start counting the stars.” Racing fans will still hear Denman at Del Mar next summer, as the seaside oval’s shortened schedule will fit into his retirement plans, Santa Anita said in a release. “We knew this situation would come one day,” said Keith Brackpool, chairman of Santa Anita Park, “but we were selfishly hoping it would be many years down the line. We have had the privilege of... ...
Read More →ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2015) – California-bred Gold Rush Dancer and California-sired Algenon are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. Gold Rush Dancer is by Private Gold, out of the In Excess mare Dances On Water, was bred by owner John Parker and trained by Candi Tollet. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $81,893 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 7 Golden Nugget Stakes. Algenon is a Kentucky-bred by Aragorn, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Alpine Yodel, was bred by owner Rozamund Barclay and is trained by Len Kasmerski. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $57,200 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 7 Golden Nugget Stakes. ...
Read More →CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2015) – Stakes winners Patriotic Diamond and Just Google Me heads a field of eight in Saturday’s $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Baby Bea Scattin is by Scat Daddy, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Unbridled Echo, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier or Navarro and is trained by Alan Sherman. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $37,850 and is coming off a ninth in the Sept. 7 Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf. And in the End is by The Pamplemousse, out of the Chief’s Crown mare Tiara Glow, was bred by owners Howard and Janet Siegel and is trained by Eddie Truman. She is a maiden making her fifth start with earnings of $9,620. 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 one win in four starts, earnings of $56,240 and is... ...
Read More →MIAMI LAKES, Fla. (Dec. 2, 2015) – Ore Pass is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $110,000 Claiming Crown Express at Gulfstream Park West. Ore Pass is by War Pass, out of the Stephen Got Even mare Wisconsin Lady, was bred by Herman Sarkowsky and Martin Wygod, is owned by Battle Born Racing Stable and trained by Michael Trombetta. He has seven wins in 27 starts, earnings of $139,633 and is coming off a Nov. 11 starter’s allowance win. ...
Read More →By Emily Shields Nadine Anderson’s journey from the Arabian horse show world into Thoroughbred racing and to then managing Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms is intricate and unfolds like a fairy tale. The Vancouver, Canada, native began her equine career in the Arabian horse show ring, where she had tremendous success. Now she owns Thoroughbreds, including the multiple stakes-winning California-bred Wild in the Saddle, who races for Anderson and Cheyenne Ortiz. “I had been a diehard show person, showing at the top national level,” Anderson said. “But really no matter how hard you show and win, you still can’t make money, you only spend it. You can’t eat a trophy or sell your ribbons, so I thought there’s got to be a better way to have my horses earn their own keep.” Anderson decided to embark on an ambitious campaign of racing her show horses. “It was unheard of at the time, but I put them in race training, where they did amazingly well,” she said. “I had a stallion, Serazim, that... ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2015) — The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association thanks the many stallion owners for their donations that made the Tuesday night Annual Stallion Season Auction a success. Nearly $60,000 was raised in the auction, with the entire proceeds by law going strictly toward the lobbying expenses of the CTBA, working in support of legislation that favorably impacts California Thoroughbred breeders. The sale featured seasons donated by these farms: Ballena Vista Farm, E.A. Ranches, Daehling Ranch, Fruitful Acres Farm, Harris Farms, Legacy Ranch, Lovacres Ranch, Magali Farms, Milky Way Farm, Oak Hill Farm, Ocean Breeze Ranch, Old English Rancho, Paradise Road Ranch, Rancho San Miguel, Special T Thoroughbreds, Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, Victory Rose Thoroughbreds and Woodbridge Farm. ...
Read More →From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 1, 2015) — The Jockey Club reminds owners of unregistered yearlings and 2-year-olds that the requirements for registration must be completed by December 31, 2015, to avoid additional late registration fees. The late registration fee increases from $550 to $800 after December 31 of the yearling year and from $800 to $2,025 after December 31 of the 2-year-old year. Interactive RegistrationTM (IR) is the most efficient means to complete the Application for Foal Registration and other registration requirements. IR enables customers to check the status of their applications and, through the Registration Center, view and resolve outstanding conditions of registration. ...
Read More →From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2015) — Del Mar raced to a handy conclusion to its 20-day fall race meet – its second “Bing Crosby Season”– Sunday afternoon, buoyed by a high-class racing product, positive results on its racing surfaces and a strong feeling that the fledgling racing session has found a home on both the local and national scene. Total handle for the five-week stand when compared to last fall’s four-week, 15-day numbers showed notable gains in most categories. The total handle for the meet was $195,737,812, a boost of 26.4% over 2014’s final number of $154,914,430. The leader in the handle department was the track’s ADW betting, which jumped up 36.1% for a total of $56,629,676 (as opposed to 2014’s $42,348,298). Average daily handle for the 20 days was $9,786,891. The 15-day average in 2014 was $10,327,629. The track’s overall attendance was 123,608 for a daily average of 6,180. The total in 2014 was 135,829 for an average of 9,055. The track’s attendance was negatively impacted... ...
Read More →ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2015) — The annual California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stallion Season Auction is set to take place on Tuesday, Dec. 1, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., by phone. Call in to place your bid on the many quality stallions being offered. If you are outbid, a representative will call you and give you an opportunity to place a higher bid. For the complete list of stallion seasons available, click https://ctba.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Stallion_Auction_AdList_2015.pdf All winners will be notified immediately at the conclusion of the auction. All seasons are sold as no guarantee. Proceeds support the CTBA’s Political Action Committee Fund, which works in support of legislation to favorably impact California breeders. For more information, phone the CTBA’s Christy Chapman at (626) 445-7800, ext. 247, or e-mail her at christy@ctba.com. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 29, 2015) — Silver Ranch Stable and Wachtel Stable’s California-bred Poshsky rallied in the stretch and just got up to defeat longshot Pepper Crown in the $100,000 Grade III Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate Fields Nov. 29. Ridden by Russell Baze for trainer Peter Miller, Poshsky shipped in from Southern California after a Nov. 6 victory in an allowance race on the grass at Del Mar. The 5-year-old gelding by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett mare Pinky’s Posh, was bred by Old English Rancho and Berumen. He had won once on a synthetic surface before, and is now one-for-one on the Tapeta at Golden Gate. Poshsky tracked in third while Ankeny Hill set fractions of :24.03 for the opening quarter-mile and :48.40 for the half-mile. The leader picked up the pace through six furlongs in 1:11.93, but his advantage began to diminish after a mile in 1:36.35. Pepper Crown, last at the half-mile mark, moved up on the rail and grabbed a one-length in... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2015) – Also-eligible Acceptance is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I Hollywood Derby for 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Acceptance is a multiple stakes winner by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Allswellthatnswell, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by The Elwood Johnston Trust or Riggio and is trained by Kenneth Black. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $292,580 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 31 Let it Ride Stakes. ...
Read More →ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2015) – Coniah is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Gate Debutante for 2-year-old fillies. Coniah is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by William Morey. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $34,970 and is coming off a consecutive wins. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 29, 2015) — Nearly three decades of service in the Del Mar stewards’ booth will come to an end for steward Tom Ward after the final race Nov. 29 at the California racetrack. Ward came down from Northern California and started work at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park meet in 1986. He has been a fixture in the booth at Santa Anita since then and—except for a few summer seasons in the 1990s and early 2000s when he worked the Northern California fair circuit—at Del Mar. In 2004 Ward was called to work at Del Mar when steward Dave Samuel had health problems, and has missed only the 2014 season, for the fair circuit, since then. After the meet ends, Ward will take on a year-round assignment at Los Alamitos Race Course for both the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred meets. “It’s an idyllic setting, basically a stone’s throw away from the blue Pacific,” the 69-year-old Ward said of his days at Del... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2015) — Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer won the 7,000th race of his career whenKiss N Scat, who he co-owns with Steve Taub and George Todaro, won the first race at Golden Gate Fields Nov. 26 (VIDEO). Hollendorfer is now third on the all-time list of trainers by wins behind the late Dale Baird and Steve Asmussen. Kiss N Scat, a 2-year-old Scat Daddy filly, easily captured an entry-level allowance race to kick off the card at the Northern California track. She won the one-mile race by 13 lengths under jockey Ricardo Gonzalez and paid $2.20 to win as the heavy favorite. “I’m very grateful to be able to do something like this,” Hollendorfer said by telephone from Del Mar. “I’ve had a lot of good people help me. I want to thank the horses, the owners, and the help I’ve had. All of my staff, including (my wife) Janet, have done such a good job. They’re the people who do most of the work.” ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2015) – Chati’s On Top is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Grade I Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Chati’s On Top is by Old Topper, out of the Globalize mare Chati Valley, was bred by Bill Delia and is owned by Little Red Feather Racing or Naify. She has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $296,728 and is coming off a fifth in the Oct. 25 Sen. Ken Maddy. ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2015) – Hot Ore is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Cecil B. DeMille Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Hot Ore is by Unusual Heat, out of the Tale of the Cat mare Barbara Orr, was bred by owner Mercedes Stable and is trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $82,156 and is coming off a ninth in the Oct. 4 Dixiana Bourbon Stakes. ...
Read More →ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 27, 2015) – Defending champion Pepper Crown and fellow California-bred graded stakes winners Tamarando and G. G. Ryder are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate. Pepper Crown is by Peppered Cat, out of the Crowning Storm mare Crown This Lady, was bred by owner and trainer Alex Paszkeicz. He has nine wins in 28 starts, earnings of $377,688 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 6 allowance. He won 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 20 starts, earnings of $674,555 and is coming off a fifth in a Nov. 6 allowance G. G. Ryder is by Chhaya Dance, out of the Storm Boot mare Stormy Gigi, was bred by Eagle Oak Ranch, is owned by Jerry Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. He has 11 wins in 24... ...
Read More →SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2015) — Rousing Sermon, the Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old by Lucky Pulpit, has been retired and will stand at Rancho San Miguel. The multiple stakes winner of $821,572 was the Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old primarily due to his dominant Bob Benoit California Cup Juvenile Stakes win and his photo finish for the win when second in the Grade I CashCall Futurity. Rousing Sermon went from Cal-bred Champion juvenile onto the Kentucky Derby trail, finishing third in both the Grade II Bob Lewis and the lucrative Grade II Louisiana Derby. Rousing Sermon was quick enough to break his maiden first out going five panels in June of his juvenile campaign and continued on winning at distances in excess of a mile. Rousing Sermon was trained throughout his career by Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. “Rousing Sermon was a horse with heart and determination to compete and win in the upper levels of racing. He is an attractive and balanced horse with a beautiful stride. We are expecting a load of inquires due to the overwhelming success his sire line has... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2015) — Peter Redekop’s Alert Bay will head down to Southern California from his Golden Gate Fields home base again to seek his fourth straight victory Nov. 27, facing fellow California-bred Big Bane Theory in the $250,000 Seabiscuit Handicap (gr. IIT) at Del Mar. A winner of 11 races in 20 starts, including eight stakes (four graded), Alert Bay rallied four wide to win the City of Hope Mile (gr. IIT) at Santa Anita Sept. 27, his last appearance Southern California. He is by City Zip, out of the Dushyantor mare Hickory, was bred by Thomas Bell and Ross McLeod and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has earnings of $980,235. Fellow City of Hope runner Big Bane Theory (seventh) returns to challenge in the 1 1/16-mile Seabiscuit. He is by Artie Schiller, out of the Alysheba mare Shebane, was bred by owners Scott Gross and Mark Devereaux and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $390,540 and is coming off a third in an... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2015) – Longshot Solid Wager rallied from last through the middle of the stretch to win Sunday’s $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. Solid Wager is by Birdonthewire, out of the Valid Wager mare G Ma, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Gary and Cecil Barber and Stanford Stables and trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 24 starts, earnings of $330,606 and was coming off an Oct. 8 optional claiming win. Jockey Joe Talamo, who was married Friday, inherited the mount on Solid Wager when Victor Espinoza, originally named on the 4-year-old gelding, called in ill Sunday and was excused from his lone mount on the program. “Well, isn’t this sweet. Nice way to end the week,” said Talamo. “He’s a nice horse and he was a runner today. Peter didn’t give me any special instructions. He just said ride him. He said he’ll lay back and to keep him clear. He was way... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2015) — Even after his first serious workout in just more than eight months, California Chrome wanted more. It’s become somewhat of a habit for the 2014 Horse of the Year. After he hits the wire, he doesn’t want to pull up, and it was business as usual Nov. 21, when he covered three furlongs in :37 3/5 at Los Alamitos Race Course. “Boy, he’s galloping out strong,” assistant trainer Alan Sherman said as he watched the 4-year-old Lucky Pulpit colt gallop beyond the wire, out to four furlongs in :50 1/5, which will be the official time on his worktab. “He doesn’t want to stop. Look at him. Easy there, big boy.” According to Los Alamitos clocker Russ Hudak, last year’s dual classic winner started “off a bit slow” under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, and ran the first eighth of the drill in :14, but quickened in the stretch to run the final quarter to the wire in :23 3/5. He worked under... ...
Read More →From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, November 19, at Del Mar Racetrack. 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 conditionally approved a license for the Los Angeles Turf Club (LATC) to conduct a race meet at Santa Anita Park beginning December 26 through July 10. LATC must provide a vanning and stabling agreement as well as agreements with the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) in compliance with statutes. The conditional license will expire if the required documents are not received in the CHRB Sacramento office by Tuesday, December 1. The Board conditionally approved a license for the Pacific Racing Association (PRA) to conduct a race meet at Golden Gate Fields beginning December 26 through June 12.... ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com HEMET, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2015) — Pat Thompson of Ridgeley Farms announced Nov. 19 that young stallion He Be Fire N Ice has moved to Southern California and will stand at Ridgeley Farm in Hemet. He Be Fire N Ice will stand the 2016 season for $2,500, stands and nurses. He Be Fire N Ice stood his initial season this year at Ranch San Miguel near San Luis Obispo, Calif. “We have been raising high class Thoroughbreds in the Hemet valley for over 50 years and we are extremely pleased to be adding ‘Fire’ to our stallion roster.” Thompson said. “I wanted to have him here before the stallion tour and he’s been here now for a little more than a month. He’s settled in nicely and is a great addition to our farm. We enjoy raising big horses here and we see He Be Fire N Ice a big part of our future.” The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association will hold a stallion tour of Riverside County Farms... ...
Read More →By The National DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — American super horse California Chrome will ship to Dubai in February with the aim of having a prep run at Meydan before the Dubai World Cup on March 26. The California-bred was second to Prince Bishop in the world’s most valuable race in March, when he chased a lightning early pace and covered more ground than any runner. He later travelled to England but missed his run in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot due to a bruised foot and has not run since. “We have two major goals,” part-owner Perry Martin told Thoroughbred Daily News. “One of those is that we have unfinished business in Dubai. We’d like to win the Dubai World Cup and then win the Breeders’ Cup Classic at the end of the year.” Taylor Made Farms have bought out Steve Coburn’s share of the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes hero and the four-year-old colt had been convalescing at Taylor Made in Kentucky throughout the summer. In... ...
Read More →SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2015) — Curlin to Mischief (Curlin–Leslie’s Lady, by Tricky Creek), an unraced half-brother to two-time champion Beholder and Into Mischief, will be retired to stud in 2016 at Rancho San Miguel in San Miguel, California, Feld Family Stallions announced Wednesday. In homage to Beholder and Into Mischief’s owner Spendthrift Farm, there will be the opportunity to purchase lifetime breeding rights via the “Share the Upside” program. Breeders can earn a lifetime breeding right by paying a nominal, non-refundable fee, breed a mare, having a resulting foal and paying a $5,000 stud fee. The 4-year-old will stand for $3,500, stands and nurses. “We are very excited of having Curlin to Mischief stand in the state where his family has and will hopefully continue to thrive” said Sean Feld of Feld Family Stallions. “We are excited to offer California breeders the opportunity to breed to the half-brother of Beholder and proven sire Into Mischief,” Clay Murdock of Rancho San Miguel said. “We welcome the son of Curlin,... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2015) – Defending champion Big Macher leads a contentious field of 11 in Sunday’s $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. Avanti Bello is by Include, out of the Mizzen Mast mare Masterful Lass, was bred by Lou Neve, is owned by Keh, S., Richardson, J., Suarez, P., Roberts, T. and Wonderland Racing Stables and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $72,180 and is coming off a Nov. 6 optional claiming win. Solid Wager is by Birdonthewire, out of the Valid Wager mare G Ma, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Gary and Cecil Barber and Stanford Stables and trained by Peter Miller. He has five wins in 23 starts, earnings of $273,606 and is coming off an Oct. 8 optional claiming win. Got Even is by Stephen Got Even, out of the Blare of Trumpets mare Kathryns Birthday, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Altamira Racing, Bruce Chandler... ...
Read More →VINTON, La. (Nov. 16, 2015) – Stakes winner Found Money is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $1 million Grade II Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes for 2-year-olds. Found Money is by Square Eddie, out of the General Meeting mare Chanel My Belle, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $179,100 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 30 Golden State Juvenile Stakes. ...
Read More →HOBBS, N.M. (Nov. 17, 2015) — Whine for Wine is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $150,000 Zia Park Championship Handicap. Whine for Wine is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Jump Start mare Mrs. Began, was bred by owners Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Henry Dominguez. He has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $154,304 and is coming off a win in an Oct. 24 optional claimer. ...
Read More →From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, November 19, at Del Mar’s Surfside Race Place (simulcast facility) beginning at 9:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The meeting agenda and supporting package of materials also are available on the CHRB website. ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2015) — My Monet, the 2-1 favorite, gamely held off the late challenge of Kiss at Midnight to win Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar, as daughters of Decarchy swept the top three places. My Monet took command in midstretch and persevered in the late stages to win by a half-length over Kiss at Midnight, who rallied from last place under Rafael Bejarano to narrowly miss victory. Longshot Ashley’s Sassy, 24-1 with Alonso Quinonez in the saddle, was third, three-quarters of a length behind the runner-up and one and one-quarter lengths in front of fourth-place Wild in the Saddle in the field of eight runners. My Monet, a 4-year-old daughter of Decarchy, out of the Lord Avie mare Madam, was bred by Ridgeley Farm, is owned by the KM Racing Enterprises, Inc. of Kenji Morinaga of Arcadia, Ca and trained by Ricky Agarie, who was scoring his first success in a stakes... ...
Read More →From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2015) — Trainer Art Sherman said Thursday morning that 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome is making faster progress than might have been expected on the comeback trail from a bone bruise injury in mid-summer and will have his second work Saturday at Los Alamitos. “He’s coming back quick; if there are no problems he’ll be ready by January,” Sherman said. “I’ll be up there for the work. He’ll probably go another quarter mile and gallop out three-eighths like he did before, but gallop out a little stronger this time.” The initial goal for the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, who closed out his Horse of the Year campaign with a win in the Hollywood Derby here in November, is a return to the $10 million Dubai World Cup in March. California Chrome was the runner-up to Prince Bishop in the world’s richest race earlier this year. “When he gets back from Dubai, the Pacific Classic is the next... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2015) – Generous Portion Stakes winner Patriotic Diamond is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Desi Arnaz Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Patriotic Diamond is by Hat Trick, out of the Whywhywhy mare Patriotic Viva, was bred by Kin Hui Racing Stables, is owned by Diamond 100 Racing Club and is trained by Patrick Biancone. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $121,500 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 29 Golden State Juvenile Fillies. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2015) — California Chrome went through another easy breeze the morning of Nov. 14 at Los Alamitos Race Course, with the real work on the horizon. A week after running two furlongs in :26 3/5 in his first drill at Los Alamitos since March, the 2014 Horse of the Year covered three furlongs in :39 3/5 Saturday morning, according to track clocker Russ Hudak. Assistant trainer Alan Sherman timed the colt in :38 and change. As California Chrome moved past trainer Art Sherman and owner Perry Martin in the stretch under exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, the conditioner said, “He’s got a hell of a hold on him, doesn’t he?” “He was just galloping. (Gladney) had a nelson on him,” Sherman said after the workout. “Now we can let him run a little bit next time.” Sherman indicated the son of Lucky Pulpit will breeze significantly faster during his next drill Nov. 21. “He’ll smoke around there next time—probably go in :36 and change,” Sherman said.... ...
Read More →ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2015) – California-breds Ourwestcoastghost and Hypnatique are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Oakland Stakes at Golden Gate. Ourwestcoastghost is by Muqtarib, out of the In Excess mare Xpress Xcess, was bred by owners Ron Lang, Lillian Lang and D. Wayne Baker and is trained by Baker. He has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $225,262 and is making his first start since finishing fourth in this race a year ago. Hypnatique is by Scat Daddy, out of the Genuine Guy mare More Mascara, was bred by owners Rhianon Farms and Gloria Haley and is trained by Haley. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $104,797 and is making his first start since a seventh in the May 25 All American Stakes. ...
Read More →FALLBROOK, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2015) – The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association will hold a stallion tour of Riverside County Farms on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The tour will visit five farms – Milky Way, Special T Thoroughbreds, Fruitful Acres Farm, Ridgeley Farm and BG Thoroughbred Farm – for a fee of $30, which includes food, drinks and transportation. For more information, email ctfma@yahoo.com. ...
Read More →LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2015) – Global Hottie, a graded-stakes placed California-bred daughter of Dixie Chatter, sold at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale for $100,000 on Saturday. Global Hottie, a 4-year-old out of the Desert God mare Sonora Desert, was bred by Baseline Equine and sold to Brian Kahn in foal to Midnight Lute. She has four wins in seven starts and earnings of $168,490. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2015) — If not for the lights overhead, normally used to brighten up the track for nighttime Quarter Horse racing, California Chrome’s first Los Alamitos Race Course workout since March would have been a breezy blur. Out around 5:30 a.m. PT the morning of Nov. 7, with an unusually cold nip in the Southern California air, the classic-winning chestnut ambled around through the stretch and backstretch before breezing a quarter-mile with ease under the tight hold of exercise rider Dihigi Gladney. Trainer Art Sherman, with a small entourage of family and friends, clocked the 4-year-old Lucky Pulpit colt in :25 flat, with a gallop out to three furlongs in :37 and change, while Los Alamitos clockers timed him in :26 3/5 in preparation for the San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) in January at Santa Anita Park. “It was perfect,” Sherman said. “God darn it, he had a handful of horse.” As intentionally easy as the work was, California Chrome appeared eager to continue running.... ...
Read More →LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2015) — Multiple stakes winning California-bred Go West Marie sold for $180,000 to Calumet as a racing or broodmare prospect at Thursday’s session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. The 4-year-old daughter of Western Fame won the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, the Fran’s Valentine, Irish O’Brien and Fleet Treat stakes. She has earned $557,520. On Wednesday, Cayllano, a Kentucky-bred stakes-winning daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, sold in foal to Cross Traffic for $120,000, bought by Spendthrift Farm. ...
Read More →From American Horse Council Congress will need to take action on all fiscal year 2016 appropriations bills before current funding expires December 11, 2015. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) appropriations bills, include important and helpful language that will make the H-2B program easier for employers to use. However, there is no guarantee this language will be included in the 2016 appropriations package or “Omnibus bill” that is being negotiated now and action is need immediately. The H-2B program is used by members of the horse industry, principally horse trainers and owners who cannot find American workers to fill semi-skilled jobs as grooms, exercise riders, and stable attendants at racetracks, horse shows, fairs and in similar non-agricultural activities. If you, your business or members of your organization rely on H-2B workers, please contact your Senators to express support for the H-2B appropriations language that is included in the DOL and DHS appropriations bills. Urge them to sign the H-2B letter being circulated by Senators Tillis... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2015) – California Distaff winner Our Pure Creation returns in Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Kiss At Midnight is by Decarchy, out of the Distinctive Cat mare Mink Kiss, was bred by Steven Greco, is owned by Marasa, Messineo or Robershaw, et al and is trained by Richard Baltas. She has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $234,200 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 4 California Distaff. Wonderful Lie is by Bedford Falls, out of the Flying Continental mare Flying Alibi, was bred by Carol Lingenfelter, is owned by Altobello, Kenney or Smole, et al and is trained by Dan Blacker. She has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $175,490 and is coming off a Sept. 10 optional claiming win. Our Pure Creation is by Pure Prize, out of the Smart Strike mare Creative Karen, was bred by owner Joe Parker and is trained by Val Brinkerhoff. She has... ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2015) – Chalk O Lattey is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Katherine Crosby Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Chalk O Lattey is by Silic, out of the Bertrando mare Business Model, was bred by Nadine Anderson, is owned by Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms, Little Red Feather Racing and Anderson and is trained by Richard Baltas. She has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $217,848 and is coming off a win in an Oct. 16 optional claimer. ...
Read More →ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2015) – Stakes winner Gold Rush Dancer and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Gunslinger Rules are among the entries in Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Nugget Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. Gunslinger Rules is by Run Brother Ron, out of the Bertrando mare Thrillofalifetime, was bred by George and Mary Clare Schmitt, is owned by Mary Jo Bright and trained by Wendell McDaniel. The $3,000 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase has two wins in six starts, earnings of $30,745 and is coming off a starter’s allowance win Oct. 25. Gold Rush Dancer is by Private Gold, out of the In Excess mare Dances On Water, was bred by owner John Parker and is trained by Candi Tollet. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $74,093 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 27 Gottstein Futurity. Algenon is a Kentucky-bred sired by California stallion Aragorn, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Alpine Yodel, was bred by owner Rozamund Barkley and is trained by Len... ...
Read More →LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2015) – Several horses with California-bred links sold for significant prices at Monday’s first session of the Keeneland Breeding Stock Sale. Brushed by a Star, a 7-year-old mare by California stallion Eddington, sold for $700,000 to WinStar Farm. She is a multiple Grade II winner of $644,031 in foal to Speightstown. A weanling son of Graydar, out of the Grade I-winning California-bred mare Dream of Summer, sold for $135,000 to Town & Country Farm. Spanish Bunny — whose Cal-bred foal, Spanish Queen, won the Grade I American Oaks and sold Sunday for $500,000 – sold for $130,000 to Gainesway. A Ghostzapper weanling colt out of the Cal-bred stakes winner Sugarinthemorning sold for $125,000 to Short Street Stable. ...
Read More →LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2015) – Let Faith Arise, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Kafwain, and California-bred Grade I winner Spanish Queen brought hefty returns at Sunday’s Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Let Faith Arise, out of the El Corredor mare Babe Hall, sold for $2.1 million to Marie Jones. She is a Grade I-winner of $488,250 in foal to Tapit on a Feb. 15 cover. Spanish Queen is a 3-year-old California-bred daughter of Tribal Rule, out of the Unusual Heat mare Spanish Bunny, who sold for $500,000 to Haruya Yoshida. She won the Grade I American Oaks and Grade II Honeymoon Stakes with earnings of $423,600 and sold as a racing or broodmare prospect. She was bred by Jack Nakkashian, Harry Bederian & Harout Kamberian and owned by Nakkashian. ...
Read More →DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2015) – California-bred Uzziel went wire to wire to score a game win in Sunday’s $200,250 Grade II Goldikova Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by J. Keith Desormeaux. “Keith told me that the way to win with her today was to just let her roll,” said jockey Kent Desormeaux, Keith’s brother. “To just come away from there and keep on going. Her demeanor today was so much better than last time. She let me ride her today; she was an angel. Other times she gets too aggressive; she wants to fight you. But today she just did it. She tries every time. You’ve got to love her for that. The only way they beat her is to be better than her. But today it was her day.” Uzziel gave everybody a scare when she overheated after the race... ...
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