DRF.com on Teddy’s Promise

Jan 18, 2014 Posted by CTBA In Uncategorized

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2014) – When the fairy-tale racing career of Teddy’s Promise ends Saturday at Santa Anita, owners Ted and Judy Nichols might shed a tear before they say goodbye. “I’m already starting to get sad and tear up a little,” Ted Nichols said this week. “She was my first horse. I can’t believe how fantastic she has been.” Teddy’s Promise, a 6-year-old, can top the million-dollar mark by winning the Grade 2, seven-furlong Santa Monica Stakes for female sprinters a second straight time. And it would be a fitting finale for the only California-bred in the lineup. The $200,000 Santa Monica is race 4 on a card otherwise devoted to statebreds. The Sunshine Millions California Cup program includes five stakes, finishing with a pair of $250,000 races – the California Cup Turf Classic (race 9) and the California Cup Derby (race 10). Teddy’s Promise faces six rivals in the Santa Monica – La Brea Stakes upset winner Heir Kitty, stakes-winning comebacker Iotapa, the allowance-caliber Scherzinger and... ...

Teddy’s Promise Farewell in Santa Monica

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014)—California-bred Teddy’s Promise, a seven-time stakes winner owned by her breeders, Ted and Judy Nichols, seeks millionaire status in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes at seven furlongs, her final career start before a planned mating to top Kentucky-based stallion Smart Strike this spring. A winner of last year’s Santa Monica, “Teddy” heads a field of seven older fillies and mares competing in the prestigious sprint that will be run for the 57th time. A winner of the Grade I La Brea Stakes on Dec. 31, 2011, Teddy’s Promise comes off a dominant 1 ¼ length win in six furlong Playa Del Rey Stakes on Dec. 15, which followed a disappointing run in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Nov. 2. A 6-year-old mare by Salt Lake, Teddy’s Promise made her first eight starts for David Hofmans, and has been expertly managed by trainer Ron Ellis over the past 2 ½ years. Both Ellis and regular rider Victor... ...

TOC Schedules Open Forum

From Thoroughbred Owners of California ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2014) – Horsemen are invited to an open forum to be held Saturday, Feb. 8, at 10:30 a.m. in the Baldwin Conference Room on the third floor of the Clubhouse Level at Santa Anita. Meet TOC directors for a discussion of current events and a chance to have your questions answered. Have a question or hot topic? Email us in advance at info@toconline.com. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2014) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, January 16, 2014, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. 1st Vice Chair Bo Derek, 2nd Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg, and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, and George Krikorian 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: · Chairman Winner began the public meeting with the announcement that in closed session, the Board had met to consider personnel matters, as authorized by Government Code 11126 (A), and during that closed session the Board approved motions: “One, to make a conditional employment offer to Frederick M. “Rick” Baedeker to be the Board’s executive director with the offer being conditioned on Mr. Baedeker’s successful completion of the state’s hiring process, and two, to delegate full authority to myself, as chair, to take any and all steps necessary to finalize Baedeker’s appointment as executive director without further action by... ...

Sunshine Millions/Cal Cup Noms and PPs

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2014) — The five stakes races on the Sunshine Millions/California Cup card for Jan. 25 at Santa Anita, restricted to horses bred or sired in California, drew a total of 113 nominations. The richest races will be the $250,000 Cal Cup Derby and the $250,000 Cal Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. The Derby’s 18 nominations include Grade I winner Tamarando and stakes winners California Chrome and Aotearoa. The Turf Classic’s 27 nominations include multiple graded winner Summer Hit. The 26 nominations for the $200,000 Cal Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies include multiple stakes winner Swiss Lake Yodeler, while the $125,000 Cal Cup Sprint includes stakes winner Cyclometer and graded stakes winner Rousing Sermon among its 16 nominees. The $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint’s 26 nominations include multiple stakes winner Warren’s Veneda. Here are the nominations and past performances for stakes races to be held at Sunshine Millions/California Cup on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Santa Anita: $250,000 California Cup Derby Nominations... ...

Jules Journey Ready for Cal Cup

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2014) — Draw a line through Jules Journey’s last race. That would be the advice from Jim Cassidy, who not only trains the 5-year-old Good Journey gelding but also owns half of him, along with Bradbury residents Mr. and Mrs. Kieron DeLahunt. Jules Journey closed resolutely from 11th and last at the half-mile marker to finish fourth, beaten six lengths, last out in a one mile allowance race on Santa Anita’s turf. Next up: Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank, at 1 1/8 miles. “He got in trouble last time,” Cassidy said. “It was an ugly, ugly race. He ran a winning race, otherwise. He’s a very consistent horse. He tries hard every time.” Probable for the Turf Classic: China Prince, Corey Nakatani; Jules Journey, Gary Stevens; Maybe Tuesday, Kent Desormeaux; and Weewinnin, Joe Talamo. With a celebration of Cal-bred Thoroughbreds, Sunshine Millions California Cup Saturday is sure to offer an exciting day of racing, featuring six stakes.... ...

Cyclometer Fits Headley Barn

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2014) — Longevity is a strong suit at the Bruce Headley barn. The veteran trainer is rare among horsemen when it comes to elderly stakes winners, counting Softshoe Sure Shot and champion Kona Gold among his former trainees that captured stakes victories at advanced ages. Kona Gold won the 2003 El Conejo Handicap at nine, racing four times at that age. Softshoe Sure Shot won the Grade II San Carlos Handicap at nine in 1995, when he ran twice. For good measure, toss in Son of a Pistol, who raced once at nine and won his last race—the San Carlos in 2000—at the age of eight. Fast forward to Saturday, when Headley will send out 6-year-old Cyclometer in the $125,000 California Cup Sprint at six furlongs. A chestnut horse by Cyclotron, Cyclometer counts the Midnight Lute on Jan. 4 among his five career victories. “He’s a stud but you would never know it,” said Bruce’s daughter, Karen, a trainer in her own... ...

Dancingtothestars Wins Megahertz

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2014) – California-bred Dancingtothestars employed a perfect tracking trip to take the lead turning for home and win Saturday’s $91,000 Megahertz Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dancingtothestars is by Good Journey, out of the In Excess mare A Lil Excess, was bred by owner Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds, is trained by Doug O’Neill and was ridden by Mario Gutierrez. “I thought she ran a great race,” said O’Neill. “I thought Mario did a good job at keeping everyone honest, at keeping the pace honest. I thought he made another good move going down the backside when he made sure Fanticola didn’t get a chance to catch a breather. She’s a game, gutsy filly but I thought his ride won the race for us.” She has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $400,872 and was coming off a second in a Dec. 5 allowance. Dancingtothestars ran the mile on turf in 1:33.77 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-2. For Dancingtothestars’... ...

Lakerville Returns in Clocker’s Corner

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2014) – Lone California-bred Lakerville returns from a 17-month layoff in Sunday’s $75,000 Clocker’s Corner Stakes at Santa Anita. Lakerville is by Unusual Heat, out of the Out of Place mare Foreverinthegame, was bred by Abrams & Team Green, is owned by Madeline Auerbach and trained by Barry Abrams. He has four wins in six starts, earnings of $211,540 and is making his first start since a seventh in the Aug. 15, 2012 Green Flash. ...

Unusual Way Travels to Texas

HOUSTON, Tex. (Jan. 21, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Unusual Way is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday night’s $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic Stakes for fillies and mares at Sam Houston Race Park. Unusual Way is by Unusual Heat, out of the Great Above mare Way Up, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Edward Brown Jr. and Philip Lebherz and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $588,360 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 27 Zia Park Oaks. ...

Two EHV-1 Cases at Santa Anita

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2014) — Two horses based at Santa Anita with trainer Tim Yakteen have tested positive for equine herpesvirus, the California Horse Racing Board and the trainer confirmed on Friday. Yakteen identified the horses as Santa Fe Belle and Easy Ten. They have not raced. The health of the horses is not considered to be in danger, according to Yakteen. Santa Fe Belle was diagnosed with equine herpesvirus, commonly known as EHV-1, on Jan. 10. The case was confirmed by an equine clinic in San Diego County. Easy Ten was diagnosed on Friday and is under isolation in a stall at the end of Yakteen’s shed row, away from other horses in the barn. In a brief statement, the racing board said the horses identified have the “non-neuropathogenic strain of the virus, which is generally considered less virulent. Biosecurity measures recommended by the CHRB are being taken to ensure a safe environment.” Yakteen said that Santa Fe Belle has “shown improvement” in recent days. “She’s moving... ...

Sailors Brother Enters at Sunland

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 19, 2014) – Sailors Brother is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 KHEY Y Country Sprint Stakes at Sunland Park. Sailors Brother is by Whatsthescript, out of the Petionville mare Sailor’s Sister, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Johnnie Nall. He is coming off a Jan. 2 maiden win in his seventh start with earnings of $34,328. ...

Teddy’s Promise Readies for Swan Song

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2014) — California-bred multiple graded stakes winner Teddy’s Promise is on course as she prepares for her final race, the $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica Stakes Jan. 25. “That’s her swan song,” trainer Ron Ellis said. “She’ll be bred to Smart Strike (who stands at Lane’s End for $100,000). If she can win the Santa Monica, it will put her over a million dollars (in earnings), so that would be pretty neat.” Teddy’s Promise is by Salt Lake, out of the Capote mare Braids and Beads and was bred by owners Ted and Judy Nichols. She has 11 wins in 28 starts and earnings of $882,397. ...

Del Mar Announces 2014 Schedule

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2014) — With all approvals ensured and long-range projections starting to come into clear focus, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has begun to move forward toward a two-meet racing season in 2014 – the initial session being its usual summer stand, the second a shorter run covering the month of November. Near the conclusion of 2013, Del Mar received the green light for its dual meets from both the California Horse Racing Board and the California Coastal Commission. In addition, it also worked through date and grounds issues with its landlord – the 22nd District Agricultural Association, the state body that oversees the multi-purpose, 350-acre Del Mar Fairgrounds that is home to the seaside racing oval. With all parties in agreement, DMTC officials now are preparing to put on their usual special summer show followed by a unique fall session that will help patch one of the holes in the Southern California racing calendar caused by the closing of Betfair Hollywood Park in December.... ...

Elmonte Cristo in San Pedro

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2014) – Unbeaten Elmonte Cristo is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s 75,000 San Pedro Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Elmonte Cristo is by Don’tsellmeshort, out of the Yankee Victor mare Reina Xochilt, was bred by Al Diaz, is owned by Mark DeDomenico, Jerry Hollendorfer, Mark Schlaich and George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. He has won both of his starts with earnings of $20,040. ...

Baedeker Named to CHRB Post

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2014) – Rick Baedeker, the former president of Hollywood Park, has been named executive director of the California Horse Racing Board, the regulatory board announced Thursday. The racing board met in a private executive session before its scheduled meeting on Thursday to approve Baedeker’s appointment unanimously, according to chairman Chuck Winner. The position has been vacant since last summer, following the death of Kirk Breed from an illness. The appointment is contingent upon Baedeker completing the state’s formal hiring process, according to a statement read at the start of the meeting by Winner. Baedeker, 64, oversaw Hollywood Park from 1999 to 2005 when the track was owned by Churchill Downs Inc. In recent years, Baedeker has worked as a consultant for the Breeders’ Cup in California and has helped in the development of mini-satellites in Southern California at restaurants and bars. In the 1990s, he worked as a marketing executive at Hollywood Park and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, and held leadership positions at The... ...

Parrella Eager for Los Alamitos Meet

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2014) – Pete Parrella was in his 20s when he first visited Los Alamitos Race Course in the 1960s. “I stood on the apron,” Parrella recalled. “There were 10,000 people there. It was standing room only.” Parrella was there to watch champion Quarter Horse Kaweah Bar and to spend time at the races with some buddies from work. “I didn’t know anything about it,” he said. “I tried to figure out all the numbers, and I was hooked.” In the past four decades, Parrella has developed a successful Southern California lumber business that allowed him to buy Quarter Horse runners, a farm in Chino, Calif., and later invest in Thoroughbreds. Today, Parrella and his wife, Evelyn, are active Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred owners who sometimes spend afternoons at the Thoroughbred races at Santa Anita and evenings watching Quarter Horses at Los Alamitos. Later this year, one trip to Los Alamitos will meet all their needs. Los Alamitos will operate Thoroughbred meetings in June and December... ...

Eidson Hired by Aqueduct

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 16, 2014) — Dan Eidson has been hired as the racing secretary for Aqueduct, one of two racing secretaries the New York Racing Association will employ in 2014, according to Martin Panza, senior vice president of racing operations for the organization. Panza said the announcement of a racing secretary for the Belmont Park and Saratoga meets is still about two weeks away. Panza, who came here from Hollywood Park in November, believes that having one person writing condition books for 52 weeks a year of racing is “too much to ask of one person.” Typically, NYRA has employed only one racing secretary, most recently P.J. Campo, who last month left NYRA to join the Stronach Group as vice-president of racing. From 1995-97 NYRA employed Howard Battle as racing secretary during the Saratoga meeting. “Hats off to P. J. and [Mike] Lakow for doing it for all these years. I think it’s better to split it up,” Panza said. “Certainly, the salary is split up too.” Eidson... ...

HRTV to Air Eclipse Awards

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2014) — HRTV will again provide live coverage of the 43rd annual Eclipse Awards ceremony at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla., from 8-11 p.m. (EST) Saturday, Jan. 18. HRTV will also air on-site interviews during its “Grandstand” show Saturday, beginning at 4 p.m. EST (1 p.m. PST) and offer a half-hour Eclipse Awards recap show, hosted by Scott Hazelton, beginning at 11 p.m. EST. Live coverage of the ceremony will also be available via Racetrack Television Network (RTN), DRF.com, and HRTV.com. For the third consecutive year, Jeannine Edwards of ESPN will host the ceremony. Voting was conducted among designated representatives of the NTRA, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. Awards also are given to recognize members of the media for outstanding coverage of Thoroughbred racing. Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82815/hrtv-to-air-eclipse-awards-ceremony#ixzz2qPYAH2ij ...

Megahertz Draws Dancingtothestars

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2014) – Dancingtothestars is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Megahertz Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dancingtothestars is by Good Journey, out of the In Excess mare A Lil Excess, was bred by owner Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $340,872 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 5 allowance. ...

40 Supplemented to Barretts Sale

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2014) — The supplemental catalog of 40 horses, consisting of 25 horses of racing age, 10 broodmare/broodmare prospects, three yearlings, one two-year-old and one stallion, for the 2014 Barretts January Mixed Sale is now online and can be viewed within the sortable catalog at: http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catjan2014/catalogTABLE.asp The January Sale will be held on Monday, January 27 in the Hinds Pavilion located on the grounds of Fairplex Park in Pomona, California beginning at 10 a.m. ...

Infosec in Cal Derby Test

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2014) — Infosec is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 California Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Infosec is be Heatseeker, out of the Vindication mare Sistine, was bred by Kaleem Shah, is owned by Remmah Racing and trained by Frank Lucarelli. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $28,020 and is coming off a win in a Dec. 15 starter’s allowance. ...

CHRB Meeting on Thursday

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Thursday, January 16, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Medication and Track Safety Committee will conduct a meeting in the same location on Wednesday, January 15, beginning at 2 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend both meetings. An audio-only Webcast of the Board meeting on Thursday can be heard through the “Webcasts” link on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov). The agenda and supporting packages of materials for both meetings can be accessed on the CHRB Website through the following links: agenda, package. ...

Tax Provision Extender Bill Introduced

From American Horse Council WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 13, 2014) — During 2013 horse owners, breeders, and businesses enjoyed a number of favorable tax provisions that have now reverted to lower levels or expired. The American Horse Council reported Jan. 13 more than 60 tax provisions expired; some applied to all businesses, including the horse industry, and one was specifically applicable to owners of racehorses. While the Tax Extender Act of 2013 has been introduced to extend various tax provisions, legislation will not be passed quickly or easily, the AHC said. In addition, the AHC said any extension is affected by the desire in Congress to deal with broader, fundamental tax reform involving much of the current tax code. For the last few years, the so-called Section 179 business expense deduction was set at $500,000, meaning anyone in the horse business, or any business for that matter, could immediately depreciate up to $500,000 of the cost of any investment in business assets, including horses. The deduction was reduced dollar-for-dollar once investment... ...

Send Photos of 2014 Foals

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2014) — CTBA.com, the official web site of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, encourages breeders to submit photos of newly arrived foals for posting on the site. Digital photos only will be accepted and should be sent as email attachments, accompanied by the names of the sire, broodmare, broodmare sire, breeder and foaling date. Email photos to ctbaken@aol.com. ...

Thoroughbred Placement Study Released

DAVIDSONVILLE, Md. (Jan. 10, 2014) — A report released today by Retired Racehorse Training Project (RRTP) is the first nationwide study of how Thoroughbred ex-racehorses are transitioned into second careers. It is based on a survey conducted in late 2013 titled Exploring the Bridge To Second Careers in which owners of 4,200 ex-racehorses from 47 states and Canada responded to 23 questions. “The public believes that racing owners dump their retiring horses into auctions and that a lucky few get rescued and adopted,” said RRTP president Steuart Pittman. “Our survey tells a different story. Most of these horses were not rescued. They were sold or donated through networks of people both inside and outside of racing who work very hard to transition these animals.” · 34% percent of these horses were acquired directly from racing owners. · 31% were acquired from non-racing private owners. · 13.5% were acquired from non-profit placement or rescue organizations, although that share increased from 11% to 19% over the last ten years. · 9% were... ...

Eddington, Benchmark Have Eclipse Finalists

RAMONA, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2014) — According to Daily Racing Form columnist Jay Privman, the Eclipse Award for male sprinter “is a close call” between Benchmark’s Points Offthebench, a two-time Grade 1 winner who died in his final work for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, and the Eddington 4-year-old Secret Circle, who won the Breeders’ Cup Sprint as the 5-2 favorite in his second start following an 18-month layoff. Both stallions stand at Ballena Vista Farm. Undefeated at distances of six furlongs or less, Secret Circle has never finished worse than second in nine career starts. He earned $859,800 for his two victories in as many starts in 2013 and increased his lifetime bankroll to almost $1.9 million. Points Offthebench is the second California-bred Eclipse Award finalist for Benchmark, whose 3-year-old Idiot Proof was among the 2007 finalists in the male sprinter category. Ballena Vista sire Tribal Rule also has a close connection to the 2013 Eclipse Awards as his full sister Common Hope is the dam of the Two-Year-Old Male finalist,... ...

Decongestant Added to Banned List

By DRF.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2014) — The Association of Racing Commissioners International has added a nasal decongestant already banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and many U.S. sports leagues to its list of prohibited substances, the association announced on Thursday. The substance, methylhexaneamine, is an organic compound that has a stimulant side effect and could once be found in a number of over-the-counter supplements before the FDA ruled that it was potentially dangerous last year and could no longer be marketed. The RCI added the drug to its list of Class 1, Penalty A substances, which are those substances that have no known therapeutic use in horses and the potential to impact performance. Positives for Class 1 drugs carry the stiffest penalties. Methylhexaenamine has been detected in horses trained by two Standardbred trainers in New Jersey, according to Steve May, an RCI official. The drug has shown up in several human sports as well, including professional baseball. In 2012, Major League Baseball suspended a Toronto Blue Jays pitching... ...

Halo Dolly, Warren’s Veneda in Paseana

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2014) — California-breds Halo Dolly and Warren’s Veneda are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Paseana Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Halo Dolly is by Popular, out of the Comic Strip mare Spanish Halo, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, is owned by Hoefflin, Hoefflin, Hollendorfer, O’Farrell, Robin, Todaro, Schneider et al, and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has 17 wins in 35 starts, earnings of $910,256 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 11 allowance. 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 five wins in 11 starts, earnings of $300,064 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 7 Bayakoa. ...

Something to Believe In

By Matt Burke ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2014) — Legends are not simply conjured out of thin air and pasted on to the pages of our children’s history books. Rather, they are conceived from the most exquisite blend of pinpoint timing and awe-inspiring achievement. Willie Mays knew this as he chased down an uncatchable fly ball in the 1954 World Series. Years later, fans knew it as Gale Sayers fielded a punt and galloped eighty-five yards over the Wrigley Field mud for a touchdown, thus marking his sixth score of the day as a rookie with the Chicago Bears. And in horse racing, Hollywood Park’s track announcer, Vic Stauffer certainly knew it as his deafening cries for Zenyatta shook the grandstand and echoed on up into the heavens during the 2010 Vanity Handicap. In sports, and in life, everyone needs someone or something to believe in. It is belief that nourishes the spectator’s soul as they cheer on competitors in all forms of competition. Belief unites people who would otherwise... ...

Cal-bred Pair in San Pasqual

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2014) — California-breds Spud Spivens and Rousing Sermon are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita. Spud Spivens is by Tizbud, out of the Cutlass Reality mare Oceans Reality, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Vincent and Audrey Marchionno and Henry Moreno and trained by Henry Moreno. He has four wins in 24 starts, earnings of $269,044 and is making his first start since a fourth in the July 7, 2012 Hollywood Gold Cup. Rousing Sermon is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Awesome Again mare Rousing Again, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has five wins in 24 starts, earnings of $705,842 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 14 Native Diver. ...

Life Is a Joy Enters Sham

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2014) – Life Is a Joy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Sham Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Life Is a Joy is by Globalize, out of the Indian Charlie mare Tadita, was bred by owners Jerry and Janet Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $131,330 and is coming off a second in the Dec. 22 King Glorious Stakes. ...

Joy Boy in Fifth Season

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Jan. 8, 2014) – Joy Boy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s 100,000 Fifth Season Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Joy Boy is by Tribal Rule, out of the Half Term mare Joyously, was bred by Dr. and Mrs. William Gray, is owned by TK Stables and trained by Kellyn Gorder. He has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $252,583 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 2 Mountaineer Mile. ...

Cyclometer

Cyclometer wins Midnight Lute Stakes. ...

The Jockey Club Redesigns Website

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2014) — The Jockey Club today unveiled a redesigned website, jockeyclub.com, that focuses in large part on the industry service activities and advocacy efforts the organization leads or supports in addition to providing information about industry events and the organization’s affiliated companies and charitable foundations. The site features horizontal navigation and a responsive-design architecture that optimizes presentation on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones. Designed and developed by The Jockey Club Information Systems, the website prominently displays and describes activities relating to aftercare, integrity, safety initiatives and promotion of the sport. It also features a steady stream of “tweets” from Twitter accounts of The Jockey Club companies and a link to The Jockey Club’s Facebook page. “The Jockey Club routinely embraces a wide range of initiatives that benefit all segments of the Thoroughbred industry — from new fan development to aftercare for retired horses,” said James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. “The redesigned site makes it... ...

Eclipse for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

By Bloodhorse.com HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2014) — The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters announced Jan. 6 that the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be presented with the Special Eclipse Award during the 43rd annual Eclipse Awards ceremony Jan. 18 at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla. The Special Award honors extraordinary service, individual achievements in, or contributions to the sport of Thoroughbred racing. A 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Lexington, the TAA serves as both an accrediting body for aftercare facilities that care for Thoroughbreds following their racing careers and a fundraising body to support the approved facilities. Funded initially by seed money from Breeders’ Cup Ltd., The Jockey Club, and Keeneland Association, the TAA is comprised of and supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, jockeys, aftercare professionals, and other industry groups. “This is a tremendous honor for the TAA, and great recognition of the substantial achievements this organization has made,” said Jack Wolf, TAA board president and... ...

Unusual Heat Records Six-peat

From The Unusual Heat Syndicate COALINGA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2014) – Unusual Heat (Nureyev-Rossard (DEN)) once again defended his California Leading Sire Championship in 2013 doing so for the 6th consecutive year with earnings of $4,903,019. The “Six-Peat” is the first in the modern era of California and the rare feat has only been matched and surpassed in the past by the amazing Khaled (1952-1964). Unusual Heat now boasts career progeny earnings of over $41.8 million. Unusual Heat’s 2013 earnings of $4,903,019 are the 5th highest total in California history for a single year giving Unusual Heat 3 of the Top 5 California Sire Seasons ever and 6 of the Top 9 seasons. Unusual Heat set the All-Time California Earnings record in 2008 with progeny earnings of $5,827,513 and is one of only 2 California sires to ever go over the $5 million mark in earnings for a single season, doing it twice (2008 and 2009). The 2013 season also marked Unusual Heat’s astonishing and unprecedented 10th consecutive California Turf... ...

Three-peat for Tribal Rule

From Ballena Vista Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2014) – Tribal Rule led California sires by 2-year-old progeny earnings in 2013 for the third consecutive year and was a clear leader on the state’s general sire list by winners (107) and races won (199), according to statistics compiled by The Bloodhorse. Tribal Rule also had progeny earnings of $4,810,599, second overall to Unusual Heat ($4,903,019). The versatile son of Storm Cat gets runners on all surfaces. Second among California sires by turf earnings last year ($1,417,106), Tribal Rule was the leading California sire by synthetic earnings ($1,771,082) and fourth nationally behind Kentucky sires Candy Ride, Stormy Atlantic and Canadian sire Niigon. Ironically, Candy Ride’s rise to the top on the synthetic sire list was enabled by the Hollywood Futurity Grade I victory of Shared Belief, the second graded winner produced by Tribal Ruleʼs full sister Common Hope. Tribal Rule has lifetime progeny earnings of $19.6 million with eight crops to the races. His 2014 stud fee is $6,500 and he... ...

2013 Handle Holds Steady

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2014) — United States race dates declined by 3.15% in 2013 when compared to the previous year, yet total wagering and purses held steady, according to the Thoroughbred Racing Economic Indicators released by Equibase Jan. 5. In spite of a poor December 2013 showing, in which handle on U.S. races fell by 10.51% over the previous year, total wagering for the year rose by .06% from $10,874,189,902 in 2012 to $10,881,239,410. The figures include worldwide commingled wagering on U.S. races. Purses for the year showed a minuscule decrease of .04% from 2012; the total was $1,123,856,097 in 2013 compared to $1,124,254,126. The total number of race days (actual race programs) for 2013 was 5,143, down from 2012’s total of 5,310. For the month of December, wagering on U.S. races totaled $706,764,330 in 2013, a sharp decline from the 2012 total handle of $789,805,605. The total number of race days was off 3.58%, from 335 in December 2012 compared to 323 this year, contributing to... ...

Eldwin Burch Memorial Service Friday

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2014) — A memorial service will be held Friday in Fresno for former trainer Eldwin ‘Tex’ Burch, 78, who died of pancreatic cancer on Dec. 18 in his home in Fresno. The service will be at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of the Light, 1620 W. Belmont, Fresno. Burch, who also enjoyed success with roping and cutting horses, trained and raced horses in Northern California for 47 years at Golden Gate Fields, Bay Meadows and the fair circuit. His wife, Audrey, was his assistant. In addition to his wife, Burch is survived by stepchildren Bobby Burns and Cindy Wilfer, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. ...

TCA Auction Raises $818,000

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2014) — More than $818,000 was raised Jan. 4 during the live auction portion of the 24th Annual Select Stallion Season Auction benefiting Thoroughbred Charities of America. Seasons to 16 select stallions and a lifetime breeding right to Spendthrift Farm’s Into Mischief raised more than $793,000 from a spirited crowd of a couple hundred gathered at the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center on the grounds of Keeneland. Bidding on these seasons actually began Jan. 2 during a telephone and online auction session that ran through the morning of Jan. 4. The bidders who placed the top prices online were then invited to continue bidding by phone during the live auction. Stallions represented at the select auction included Blame , Broken Vow , Congrats , Distorted Humor , Elusive Quality , Justin Phillip , Lonhro , Macho Uno , Malibu Moon , Medaglia d’Oro , More Than Ready , Pioneerof the Nile , Point of Entry , Smart Strike , Speightstown , and Tiznow . The live auction also offered eight other items including an African safari, a Triple Crown ticket... ...

Cyclometer Peddles Fast to Win

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2014) – California-bred Cyclometer overcame a slow break for a game win in Saturday’s $88,960 Midnight Lute Stakes at Santa Anita. Cyclometer is by Cyclotron, out of the Eastern Echo mare Moana Loa, was bred by owners Bruce Headley, and Irwin and Andrew Molasky and is trained by Headley. “It was a little eventful leaving the gate, to be honest,” said jockey Mike Smith. “A horse acted up and my horse rocked back a bit so we spotted everyone a jump at the start. I still got away in good order…so I was just hoping I was two jumps better than (pace-setting) Anillo because I had already given him one. “Cyclometer was really on his game today. In the stretch, I could only mess it up, at that point. I just kept hand-riding him, and it was working.” Cyclometer has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $330,254 and was coming off a second in the Nov. 24 On Trust. Cyclometer ran the six furlongs in... ...

Back Injury Shelves Nicolas

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2014) — As reported last night by Daily Racing Form’s Steve Andersen, Gonzalo Nicolas suffered a chipped vertebrae on the lower part of his back and will be sidelined four to six weeks, agent Vince DeGregory said Friday morning. The seven-pound apprentice rider was thrown when his mount, Shand, broke down and fell in upper stretch in Thursday’s eighth race. Nicolas was treated at Huntington Memorial Hospital and released to his family, which took him to their home in Riverside. “It was a tough night,” DeGregory said. “He had tremendous pain in his neck and back. He won’t need surgery, but we’ll take all the time necessary before coming back. Right now, it looks like four to six weeks.” A 23-year-old native of Guatemala, Nicolas had one win from 16 mounts through Santa Anita’s first six days, with two seconds and two thirds. “He came here when he was 13 and was a wrestling champ at Riverside High,” said DeGregory, who has... ...

Auerbach, Derek Get CHRB Posts

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 2, 2014) — Madeline Auerbach has been appointed, and Bo Derek has been re-appointed, to the California Horse Racing Board by Gov. Jerry Brown, it was announced on Thursday. Auerbach, 69, of Bell Canyon, has been a horse owner and breeder at M. Auerbach LLC since 2000, during which she has been most known as a primary owner of top stallion Unusual Heat. She was a chief financial officer at JSA Corporation dba Hippopatamus from 1977 to 2004. Auerbach is a director of Thoroughbred Owners of California and the founder and chair of the California Retirement Management Account. Derek, 57, of Santa Ynez, has served on the CHRB since 2008. Derek has been the owner of Bless the Beasts since 1998 and has been a film and television actress since 1977. ...

Unusual Heat 4th Leading Turf Sire

By DRF.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 2, 2014) — California stallion Unusual Heat finished fourth in the nation for 2013 progeny turf earnings, according to Daily Racing Form. Led by Grade II winner Gervinho’s $290,140 in purses, progeny by Unusual Heat totaled $3,390,407 in turf earnings, trailing only Kentucky stallions Kitten’s Joy, Giant’s Causeway and Stormy Atlantic. Ranking 10th, 11th and 15th on the list, respectively, were prominent Kentucky stallions Medaglia d’Oro, Smart Strike and Tapit. Unusual Heat stands at Harris Farms and last year’s stud fee was $20,000. ...

Cal-bred Pair in San Gabriel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2014) – Empty Headed and Huntsville, California-bred sons of Unusual Heat, are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita. Empty Headed is out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach & David Abrams, is owned by Auerbach and trained by Barry Abrams. He has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $143,450 and is coming off a seventh in a Dec. 13 optional claimer. Huntsville is out of the Jade Hunter mare Lethal Hunter, was bred by David Abrams & Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Barry Abrams and Auerbach and is trained by Barry Abrams. He has three wins in 36 starts, earnings of $281,521 and is coming off a sixth in the Dec. 14 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes. ...

Uzziel in Compact Santa Ynez Field

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2014) – Uzziel is the lone California-foaled entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Ynez Stakes in a field of four 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. 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 William Morey. She broke her maiden in her second start Nov. 23 with earnings of $19,440. ...

Cyclometer in Midnight Lute

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2014) – Cyclometer is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Midnight Lute Stakes at Santa Anita. Cyclometer is by Cyclotron, out of the Eastern Echo mare Moana Loa, was bred by owners Bruce Headley, and Irwin and Andrew Molasky and is trained by Headley. He has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $270,554 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 24 On Trust. ...

‘Penny & Red’ Premiere Jan. 11

MONROVIA, Calif. (Dec. 31, 2013) — The California premiere of Landlocked Films’ documentary Penny & Red: The Life of Secretariat’s Owner, will be held Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Krikorian Theater in Monrovia and will benefit equine welfare and rescue efforts through TROTT (Training Racehorses Off The Track) and the Secretariat Foundation. The film, produced and directed by award-winning filmmaker John Tweedy and narrated by actress Diane Lane, is a 60-minute documentary that gives Penny Chenery’s reflection on her life as “The First Lady of Racing” and her experience of owning “America’s Horse.” The evening will begin with an optional VIP reception at 6:30 p.m., where guests are invited to join Tweedy, Hall of Fame Jockeys Laffit Pincay, Jr., Gary Stevens, and Mike Smith, Mucho Macho Man owners, Dean and Patti Reeves, famed equine artist Fred Stone, and other racing celebrities for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by the famed Derby Restaurant. Following the screening, guests will beinvited to join Tweedy in a Q & A session related to the film.... ...

Mark and Daryle Ann Giardino

Q: When and how did you first get involved in the Thoroughbred breeding industry? How does your professional background influence your Thoroughbred breeding plan? A: We first bred our first Thoroughbred race horse in 1994. Prior to that, we had owned horses but never bred them. We got into breeding because we had purchased a two year old in a sale that we thought had some talent. Unfortunately, she was injured in her second race. After much thought, we decided we would try our hand at breeding. Becoming Thoroughbred breeders only enhanced our love of the sport. We have continued to breed horses throughout the years and currently have three broodmares in foal. Although we still purchase yearlings and two year olds at sales, we are thrilled to raise and race home breds. It has added an additional thrilling phase to our experience as Thoroughbred owners. Being a general contractor and developer, I analyze property and visualize its potential. Thoroughbred breeding is also trying to find the right combination to... ...

Paul Bernhard Jr. Passes at 82

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2013) — Paul Bernhard Jr. longtime member of the CTBA and horse owner, died on Dec. 12, 2013 from complications from various infections at the age of 82. Paul raced under the name P & M Stables. Bernhard was an active participant each year in the CTBA/Cal Cup celebration and he was associated with Red Star Fertilizer Company for 60 years, serving as President and General Manager for 43 years, a position he held at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife Mary and two stepsons, Kirk and Keith Pierce. ...

Vets Study Management of EIPH

By Nancy Loving, DVM, Bloodhorse.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Dec. 29, 2013) — Racehorses must be healthy and at their peak fitness to be successful. One commonly combated health condition—exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, or EIPH—can be performance-limiting and even deadly among these athletes. And as racehorse medication reform has taken center stage in recent years, the racing world has been rife with controversy over whether to allow horses in America to race while medicated to help control the condition, or to implement a medication-free racing policy, as some racing jurisdictions overseas have. http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82566/managing-exercise-induced-pulmonary-hemorrhage-in-racehorses ...

Stallion Grazen Gets First Winner

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2013) – California stallion Grazen was represented by his first winner Saturday when Grazen’s Hope won the seventh race at Golden Gate, a maiden special weight for 2-year-olds. Grazen’s Hope is out of the Bartok mare Chelcee’s Hope, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Steven Miyadi. He won at first asking, running the six furlongs in 1:09.87 and winning by two lengths at odds of 24-1. ...

She’s Ordained Wins Laurel Park Stakes

LAUREL, Md. (Dec. 28, 2013) – California-bred She’s Ordained overcame trouble around the turn and rallied up the rail to win Saturday’s $100,000 Willa On the Move Stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. She’s Ordained is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Not For Live mare Whole Lotta Love, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Ronald Ulrich and trained by Timothy Kreiser. She has 14 wins in 30 starts, earnings of $330,685 and was coming off a second in the Nov. 27 Lady in Waiting Stakes. She ran the six furlongs in 1:10.58 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 3-1. For She’s Ordained’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/shes+ordained. ...

Kris Furillo in Blue Norther

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2013) – Kris Furillo is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Kris Furillo is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Chetten County, was bred by owners Carliwood Farms, Bari Amadio and Peter Amadio. She won her lone start Nov. 24 and has earnings of $21,060. ...

Gervinho

Gervinho overcomes rough trip to win Sir Beaufort. ...

Santa Anita/HRTV Film Festival Returns

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 26, 2013) — For the third consecutive year, Santa Anita Park and HRTV (R), The Network for Horse Sports, are proud to combine on a non-fiction film festival competition, entitled: “This is Santa Anita.” The festival is open to filmmakers and film students producing Santa Anita-based films with a maximum running time of five minutes. “This is Santa Anita” entries will be judged by an esteemed panel of racing and entertainment professionals and the competition will include prize money for the top five entries. First prize will be $10,000, with second prize at $4,000, while third through fifth prizes will be $2,000, $1,500, and $500, respectively. An additional $10,000 first prize — Fan Favorite — will be awarded to the winner through an online poll. The entries judged to be in sixth through 10th places will receive free entry to the 2015 competition. Application entries, which are available in-person, or online at www.hrtv.com/filmfestival, will be accepted beginning Friday, Dec. 27, with the first day of shooting scheduled... ...

TCA Stallion Season Auction Jan. 2-4

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 26, 2013) — The 24th annual Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) Stallion Season Auction will be held Thursday, January 2 – Saturday, January 4 and will offer a wide variety of seasons, trips, tickets, unique experiences and other auction items. The three-day fundraiser consists of a telephone and online auction that culminates with a live Select Stallion Season Auction on January 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Keeneland Entertainment Center in Lexington , Ky. The majority of TCA’s seasons will be offered and sold during the telephone and online auction. Online bidding will open at 9 a.m. on January 2 and continue through 10 a.m. (EST) on Saturday, January 4. Telephone bids will be accepted January 2-3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and January 4, 9 a.m.–10 a.m. (EST). Approximately 200 seasons representing stallions in 12 states and Canada are available in the auction. A link to the list of seasons and bidder registration is available by visiting www.tca.org. Seventeen seasons and all non-season items will be sold in the live... ...

Gervinho in Wild Ride to Victory

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 26, 2013)—Although he nearly clipped heels and was carried eight-deep turning for home, California-bred Gervinho kept to his task and proved best in Thursday’s Grade II, $200,000 Sir Beaufort Stakes, winning by a head over longshot Procurement while getting one mile on turf in 1:33.47. Well back early in a field of nine, Gervinho sat mid pack early under confident handling. “He took the path I wanted,” said winning trainer Carla Gaines. “I just told Rafael to settle into stride and make a run at the quarter pole on the outside. He did exactly as I asked, but someone got in his way (approaching the quarter pole). When the other horse (Si Sage) got in the way, I thought we were done, so I was so happy to see him re-rally. “He’s such a big horse, he’s huge. He’s been delightful…We’ll see how he comes out of this, but obviously we would think about the Cal-bred race next month ($250,000, 1 1/8 miles turf California Cup Turf... ...

Cost of Freedom: A Holiday Tale

By Paulickreport.com INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 26, 2013) — When has a horse done enough? That was the question many people were asking a week ago when Cost of Freedom, a 10-year-old California-bred gelding by Cee’s Tizzy with career earnings of $1,018,799, was entered in an $8,000 claiming race on the final weekend of racing at Betfair Hollywood Park. http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/a-holiday-tale-rallying-to-help-old-warrior-cost-of-freedom/ ...

Hollywood Park Equipment Auction Jan. 24-25

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 24, 2013) — An auction of Betfair Hollywood Park equipment and memorabilia will be held Jan. 24-25 ontrack and online. Among the available items will be track maintenance equipment such as tractors, water trucks and backhoes. Items will be available for inspection Jan. 22-23. The bidding starts at 10 a.m. each day. For a complete list of items available and photos, click http://gaauction.com/event/hollywood-park-race-track/. ...

Golden Gate Reopens on Thursday

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2013) — Golden Gate Fields opens its 2013-14 racing season Thursday and is caught up in the ripple effect of the makeover of the Southern California racing calendar. With the closing of Hollywood Park, Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita, both owned by the Stronach Group, hold all the state’s racing dates until the start of the Northern California fair season at Pleasanton on June 19. Tom Ludt, the former president of Vinery Farm and chairman of Breeders’ Cup Ltd., is now a senior vice president of the Stronach Group and is focusing on the company’s relationships with horsemen and bettors. Golden Gate is squarely in his plans, including getting more live races on TVG. “Our industry is struggling,” Ludt said. “I used to tell people, ‘This is what I’d do if I ran a track.’ If things were working, you might try to tweak them. If not, you have to try bigger things. I’d like to tell you everything will work, but only some will... ...

Tiz Flirtatious to Run in 2014

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2013) – California-bred Grade 1 winner Tiz Flirtatious will stay in training in 2014, trainer Marty Jones said last weekend. A 5-year-old mare, Tiz Flirtatious is likely to race in the spring at Santa Anita. “We’ll run her next year,” Jones said. “She’ll get a couple of months off and it will take her a couple of months to get ready. You’ll see her in April or May.” A six-time stakes winner, Tiz Flirtatious has won 8 of 14 starts and earned $779,800. She won the Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes at Santa Anita in September, and was sixth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf there on Nov. 2. Tiz Flirtatious, owned by breeder Pamela Ziebarth, was fifth in the Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes on Dec. 1 in her last start. “She’s a pretty special horse,” Jones said. “It came down to Pam wanting to see her run another year.” ...

Racing Focus Shifts to Santa Anita

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2013) – Thursday represents more than the cherished opening day of the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting. It starts a new era of racing in California. http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-opens-long-meet-takes-larger-role-racing ...

California Chrome

California Chrome wins the $200,000 King Glorious Stakes ...

California Chrome Hollywood’s Last Stakes Winner

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2013) – California Chrome demolished the field in Sunday’s $200,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds in the final stakes race at Betfair Hollywood Park. California Chrome is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, was bred by owners Perry Martin and Steven Coburn and is trained by Art Sherman. Sherman often galloped Swaps, considered the greatest California bred of all and immortalized in a statue that has stood at Hollywood Park, where the son of Khaled earned 10 of his 19 wins, since 1958. “It brings back a lot of memories for me,’’ said Sherman, 76. “It’s a special thing for me to be able to win here at Hollywood Park. I started here as a young kid and rode my first race when I was 18 in 1955. “Going back through the years we had a lot of fun with the big crowds and the great horses. It’s fitting for me, but I feel very... ...

Ain’t No Other Cal-bred in the Race

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2013) – Ain’t No Other is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Daytona Stakes at Santa Anita. Ain’t No Other is by Old Topper, out of the Shadeed mare Miami Margie, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has nine wins in 31 starts, earnings of $541,765 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 16 Oakland Stakes. He was third in this race last year. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Eddie Logan

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2013) – California-breds Lucky Views and Flagman are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Eddie Logan Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Lucky Views is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Forest Camp mare Deja Views, was bred by David & Marion Christensen, is owned by Richard Barton and trained by Michael Machowsky. He won his lone start Nov. 17 and has earnings of $27,000. Flagman is by The Good Life, out of the Tychonic mare Tychonics Mistress, was bred by Jose Naranjo, is owned by Joseph Shoneff and trained by Thomas Valenzuela. He is coming off a maiden win Nov. 10 in his fourth start with earnings of $25,532. ...

Cal-bred Pair Entered at Laurel

LAUREL, Md. (Dec. 22, 2013) — California-breds She’s Ordained and Popalicious are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Willa On the Move Stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. She’s Ordained is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Not For Live mare Whole Lotta Love, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Ronald Ulrich and trained by Timothy Kreiser. She has 13 wins in 29 starts, earnings of $270,685 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 27 Lady in Waiting Stakes. Popalicious is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Forestry mare Sea Poppy, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Todd Beattie. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $94,190 and is coming off a Nov. 29 optional claiming win. ...

Swiss Lake Yodeler

Swiss Lake Yodeler Wins $200,000 Soviet Problem Stakes ...

Teddy’s Promise

Teddy’s Promise Wins $100,000 Playa del Rey Stakes ...

Swiss Lake Yodeler Gives Hollendorfer a Record

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2013) — Odds-on favorite Swiss Lake Yodeler rallied gamely in the final sixteenth of a mile to capture Saturday’s $200,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Betfair Hollywood Park. Swiss Lake Yodeler is by Swiss Yodeler, out of the Meadowlake mare Domasco Lake, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, whose seventh stakes win broke Charlie Whittingham’s Fall Meet track record. “(Whittingham) has been an idol of mine from the very beginning,’’ said Hollendorfer. “When I came on the racetrack, everybody in the world knew his name. I’m pleased to break any kind of record he ever held. I’m very humble and grateful. Considering this is the end (of Hollywood Park) makes me sad, but I’ve had a lot of good luck here and won a lot races. I’m going to be sorry to see Hollywood Park go. “I think (Swiss Lake Yodeler) wants more ground. I wasn’t sure she was going to... ...

Tiz a Minister, Gervinho in Sir Beaufort

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2013) — Stakes winners Tiz a Minister and Gervinho are entered in Thursday’s $200,000 Grade II Sir Beaufort Stakes for 3-year-olds on the Opening Day card at Santa Anita. Tiz a Minister is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Tiz a Mistress, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Sayjay Racing and trained by Paul Aguirre. He has three wins in 17 starts, earnings of $480,780 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 19 California Flag. Gervinho is by Unusual Heat, out of the Out of Place mare Foreverinthegame, was bred by Barry Abrams and Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Keith Brackpool and trained by Carla Gaines. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $302,140 and is coming off a fourth in the Dec. 1 Hollywood Derby. ...

Journey On to La Brea

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2013) — Journey On is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $300,000 Grade I La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on the Opening Day card at Santa Anita. Journey On is by Good Journey, out of the American Chance mare Miss Del Mar, was bred by Leatherman Racing, is owned by Neil Haymes and Robert Master and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has four wins in six starts, earnings of $139,050 and is coming off a Nov. 29 optional claiming win. ...

Warrens Venedalucy Takes Bold Ego

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Dec. 21, 2013) — California-bred Warrens Venedalucy prevailed in a long stretch duel to win Saturday’s $50,080 Bold Ego Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Warren Venedalucy is by Doc Gus, out of the Carson City mare State the Obvious, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Ace Racing Stable and trained by Justin Evans. She has five wins in 22 starts, earnings of $135,490 and was coming off a win in a Nov. 6 optional claimer. For Warrens Venedalucy’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/warrens+venedalucy. ...

Jay Hovdey on Hollywood Park

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2013) — In a 2009 article published in Harper’s magazine, the cultural essayist Richard Rodriguez dwelt on the looming end of a local institution, the San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-after-75-years-its-closing-time-hollywood-park ...

Santa Anita Reduces Daily Double Takeout

By Bloodhorse.com Santa Anita Park, with the approval of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, will reduce the takeout on its Daily Double wager to 18% during the upcoming season, and will offer the bet three times daily. The track also announced it will offer a guaranteed $500,000 pool for the Late Pick Four wager on its opening day nine-race card Dec. 26. The Daily Double was first introduced at Santa Anita in 1961, one of the first so-called “exotic” wagers requiring bettors to pick consecutive winners on the first and second races daily. The minimum $2 bet later became a “rolling double” available on all races. Santa Anita’s new Daily Double will be offered each day on three separate occasions—on races one and two; four and five; and on the final two races. “After consulting with many of our best customers and the TOC, we felt it was time to make some ‘player-friendly’ adjustments to this iconic wager,” said Tom Ludt, Santa Anita senior vice president for racing and gaming,... ...

King Glorious is Hollywood Park’s Final Stakes

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2013) – Stakes-winning highweights Alpine Luck, Aotearoa and Better Bet are part of an 11-horse field entered in Sunday’s $200,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Eligible 2-year-olds, the final stakes race at Betfair Hollywood Park. Smoove It is by Square Eddie, out of the Distorted Humor mare Smoove, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $58,510 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 22 allowance. Pray Hard is by Kafwain, out of the Songandaprayer mare Unbridled Prayer, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has earnings of $62,100 and is coming off a maiden win in his fifth start. Ghost of Harrenhal is by Singletary, out of the Free House mare Special Smoke, was bred by C Punch Ranch, is owned by Mark Mandala, Mike Peterson, Joseph Schneider and Helen Meredith and is trained by Derek Meredith. He... ...

OwnerView Hosts Ownership Conference

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 19, 2013) — OwnerView, the website and information resource developed by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to assist both current and prospective Thoroughbred owners, will host a national, two-day Thoroughbred ownership conference in October 2014 at Keeneland Race Course, it was announced today. The conference, sponsored jointly by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the Keeneland Association, The New York Racing Association, Inc., and the Stronach Group, will feature panel discussions with prominent industry participants as well as an exhibit hall and several informational and educational networking events with owners and industry representatives. “Del Mar is delighted to be part of a logical and essential effort to grow our game through the encouragement of new ownership in conjunction with educational opportunities for all owners,” said Joe Harper, president and chief executive officer of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. “We believe that when you bring a good group of dedicated people together — as is the case here — that... ...

Swiss Lake Yodeler, Sprouts in Soviet Problem

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2013) – Stakes winners Swiss Lake Yodeler and Sprouts are among the entries in Saturday’s $200,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for 2-year-old fillies eligible to the Golden State Series at Betfair Hollywood Park. Rovenna is by Vronsky, out of the Northern Afleet mare Amadamprez, was bred by owner Donald Dizney and is trained by Michael Machowsky. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $52,960 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 22 allowance. Meinertzhageni is by Stormin Fever, out of the Peaks and Valleys mare Hot Desert, was bred by Robert Harmon, is owned by Jeff Bonde, Miguel Carranza, Stephen McGovern and Mersad Metanovic and is trained by Bonde. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $93,300 and is coming off a Nov. 22 allowance win. Casey’s Clem is by Papa Clem, out of the Wall Street Dancer mare Three Star Casey, was bred by Marie Goda, is owned by Michael Groscost and is trained by Richard Baltas. She won her... ...

Strauss Elected to TOC Board

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2013) — The board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California unanimously voted to appoint owner William Strauss to fill a vacancy on the board created by the recent resignation of Dennis Cardoza. http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82477/bill-strauss-elected-to-serve-on-toc-board ...

Native Diver, Monument Moving to Del Mar

By Bloodhorse.com INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2013) — A 20-foot long monument within the garden paddock at Betfair Hollywood Park that marks the burial place of the great Native Diver will be moved, along with his remains, to Del Mar in the next few weeks. http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82472/native-diver-monument-moving-to-del-mar ...

The Tom Squad Enters Futurity

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Dec. 18, 2013) – The Tom Squad is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Riley Allison Futurity for 2-year-olds at Sunland Park. The Tom Squad is by Old Topper, out of the Foresty mare Lexie Miss, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Johnnie Nall. He is coming off a maiden win in his fourth start with earnings of $24,368. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Bold Ego

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Dec. 18, 2013) — California-breds Warren’s Venedalucy and Wine Thief are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Bold Ego Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Warren’s Venedalucy is by Doc Gus, out of the Carson City mare State the Obvious, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Ace Racing Stable and trained by Justin Evans. She has four wins in 21 starts, earnings of $105,490 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 6 optional claimer. Wine Thief is by Benchmark, out of the French Parliament mare Malbay Slew, was bred by Robert and Eileen Osaki and West 12 Ranch, is owned by SEJ Stables and is trained by Justin Evans. She has seven wins in 23 starts, earnings of $150,035 and is coming off a win in the Zia Park Distaff, her third straight win. ...

Margaret Robbins Passes at 91

By DRF.com RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2013) — Margaret “Maggie” Robbins, the matriarch of one of California’s most noted racing families, died in her Rancho Santa Fe home with her husband, Dr. Jack Robbins, at her side after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 91. Born Margaret Miller in Philadelphia, Pa., Maggie Robbins was a student at the University of Pennsylvania when she met an ambitious young man from California who was attending the veterinary school of medicine. Jack Robbins was working in the kitchen of the young Miss Miller’s Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority house at the time. “She was president of the sorority and I was waiting tables,” Dr. Robbins has said in one of many tellings. “She wasn’t paying any attention to me. So I spilled some soup in her lap.” They were married in 1944 and settled in California, where Jack Robbins, now possessed of a veterinary degree, became one of the Thoroughbred circuit’s first full-time racetrack practitioners. As their family grew to... ...

2014 Stallion Directory Online

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2013) — The CTBA 2014 Stallion Directory, with Tribal Rule on the cover, is now available and online here The 220-page hard-copy version, ranging from Eclipse Award winner Acclamation to World Renowned, can be purchased for $15 + tax + shipping fee ...

Teddy’s Promise Rolls in Playa del Rey

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2013) — California-bred Teddy’s Promise cruised to a deceptively easy win in Sunday’s $100,000 Playa del Rey Stakes for fillies and mares at Betfair Hollywood Park. Teddy’s Promise is by Salt Lake, out of the Capote mare Braids and Beads, was bred by owners Ted and Judy Nichols and is trained by Ron Ellis. She has 11 wins in 28 starts, earnings of $882,397 and was coming off an eighth in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Teddy’s Promise ran the six furlongs in 1:09.66 and won by 1 1/4 lengths at odds of 3-5. For Teddy’s Promise’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/teddys+promise. ...

Special Mutuel Tickets for Closing Day

From Betfair Hollywood Park Publicity INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2013)—In commemoration of the closing of Betfair Hollywood Park, mutuel tickets purchased on the final day of racing – Sunday, Dec. 22 – will have special messages highlighting some of the unforgettable achievments from legendary performers – both human and equine – during the 75-year history of the legendary track. Known as the Home of Champions and the Track of the Lakes and Flowers, Hollywood Park has been the playground of thoroughbred superstars such as Seabiscuit, winner of the inaugural Hollywood Gold Cup in 1938, Noor, Citation, Swaps, Round Table, Affirmed, Ferdinand, Ack Ack, Native Diver, Lava Man, Skip Away, Cigar, John Henry and Zenyatta. Many of the game’s greatest jockeys and trainers have added to their glowing resumes at Hollywood Park, including numerous Hall of Famers. Laffit Pincay, Jr. and Bill Shoemaker are the runaway leaders in terms of wins among riders at Hollywood Park, having combined for 5,465 victories – 568 coming in stakes. Other Hall of Famers who... ...

Soviet Problem, King Glorious Noms and PPs

$200,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series Eligible 2-Year-Old Fillies, Saturday, Dec. 21 NOMINATIONS PP’s $200,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series Eligible 2-Year-Olds, Sunday, Dec. 22 NOMINATIONS PP’s ...

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NorCal Racing Dates Approved

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2013) — After months of discussion, the racing date calendar for Northern California for 2014 was approved Dec. 12 by the California Horse Racing Board. In an unusual move, the board approved the dates with a contingency that California State Fair and Exposition, or Cal Expo, receive a three-week block of dates for 2015, though the dates were not specified. Cal Expo, located in Sacramento, will race two weeks in 2014. The board had hoped to complete the calendar for both years but it became apparent during a prolonged discussion during the meeting, held at Santa Anita Park, that there were too many objections from participants. Meeting on the 2015 calendar are to resume in January. An ad hoc committee of the CHRB made up by commissioners Steve Beneto and Jesse Choper recommended the dates that were approved by the board for 2014. Vice chairman Chuck Winner noted that part of the agreement on 2014 was because the committee postponed the decision on Cal... ...

CHRB Elects Officers

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2013) –California’s seven racing commissioners voted unanimously Thursday for Commissioner Charles “Chuck” Winner to serve as Chairman of the California Horse Racing Board beginning January 6, 2014, the date that current Chairman David Israel’s final term will expire. The commissioners also elected Commissioner Bo Derek to serve as 1st vice chair and Commissioner Richard Rosenberg to serve as 2nd vice chair. Chair Elect Winner presented Chairman Israel with a framed gavel on behalf of their fellow commissioners and thanked him for his years of service on the Board, especially for his tireless efforts this last year as chairman, indicating that “everybody who has anything to do with horse racing owes you a debt of gratitude.” Chairman Israel was appointed to the CHRB in July 2008 and reappointed in March 2010, marking 5 ½ years of service. His parting advice to his colleagues and the industry was to “keep the sport clean and safe and it will find its audience.” CHARLES WINNER – Vice Chairman in 2013…Appointed... ...

DRF.com on Hollywood Park

By DRF.com INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2013) — Once there was a very special racetrack, a bold, proud, brassy sporting palace of lakes, flowers, and an exotic species known as the goose girl, conjured up by movie moguls, frequented by celebrities, beloved by the masses. It was the place to see or be seen, whether you were a celebrity, a political figure, an industry titan, horse owner, or racing fan. http://www.drf.com/news/hollywood-park-what-run-it-had ...

Cal-bred Pair in Playa del Rey

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2013) –California-breds Teddy’s Promise and Warren’s Blossom are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Playa del Rey Stakes for fillies and mares at Betfair Hollywood Park. Teddy’s Promise is by Salt Lake, out of the Capote mare Braids and Beads, was bred by owners Ted and Judy Nichols and is trained by Ron Ellis. She has 10 wins in 27 starts, earnings of $822,397 and is coming off an eighth in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Warren’s Blossom is by Extra, out of the Present Value mare Past ‘n Present, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Jorge Gutierrez. She has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $185,950 and is coming off a second in an Oct. 26 optional claimer. ...

Hearing on Legalizing Online Gaming

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C, (Dec. 12, 2013) — On Tuesday, December 10, the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade held a hearing entitled “The State of Online Gaming.” The hearing focused on the current status of online gaming, including poker, and the push to legalize it at the state level. Witnesses at the hearing were by invitation only and included: John Pappas, Executive Director, Poker Players Alliance; Andrew Abboud, Vice President of Government Relations and Community Development, Las Vegas Sands Corporation; Geoff Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer, American Gaming Association; Les Bernal, National Director, Stop Predatory Gambling, Kurt Eggert, Professor of Law, Dale E. Fowler School of Law, Chapman University and; Rachel Volberg, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Pari-mutuel wagering is the only interstate wagering currently permitted on the internet but three states have legalized intrastate online gaming – Nevada, Delaware and New Jersey – to permit people physically within their respective borders to participate. Several online gaming bills... ...

Gig Harbor Retired to Victory Rose

By Bloodhorse.com Dual stakes winner Gig Harbor will begin his initial season at stud in 2014 at Ellen Jackson’s Victory Rose Thoroughbreds near Vacaville, Calif. He will stand for $1,500 live foal as the property of Daniel O’Neill, who raced him throughout his career. Gig Harbor, a 5-year-old son of City Zip —Miss Blue Grass, by St. Jovite, broke his maiden on his first try at 3 at Golden Gate Fields, and went on to capture the 2011 Alcatraz Stakes and the 2012 Oakland Stakes, both in wire-to-wire fashion at the Northern California track. The Steven Specht-trained Gig Harbor retired from racing with a career record of 5-0-1 from nine starts, for earnings of $143,300. Gig Harbor is a half brother to stakes winner Alsono (by Limehouse ) and a full brother to stakes-placed runner My Lil Shamrock. His second dam is grade III victor Daloma (by Bellypha). Victory Rose said he will be the only son of City Zip standing in California in 2014. “The horse has the pedigree of a king,” said pedigree... ...

Dismantling of Hollywood Park Planned

By DRF.com INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2013) – Betfair Hollywood Park will be dismantled rapidly after the final day of racing in track history on Dec. 22. Hollywood Park president Jack Liebau said earlier this week that the track is making plans to hold a general auction of its holdings in January; that some basic equipment will be moved to Los Alamitos, which will host five weeks of Thoroughbred racing for the first time in 2014; and that arrangements have been made to move the graves of the prominent racehorses Landaluce and Native Diver who are buried on the property. The remains of Great Communicator, the 1988 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner, also will be relocated, but a site has not been determined. Hollywood Park will be developed for residential and commercial uses in 2014. After the Dec. 22 closing day of the current meeting, the grandstand will no longer be used. Simulcasting will shift to the adjacent casino, which is being remodeled to accommodate more racing customers. An auction of racetrack... ...

Jockey Club Registration Due Dec. 31

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 12, 2013) — The Jockey Club reminds owners of unregistered yearlings and 2-year-olds that the requirements for foal registration must be completed by December 31, 2013, 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 is the most efficient means to complete the Application for Foal Registration and other registration requirements. Interactive Registration enables customers to check the status of their applications and, through the Registration Center, view and resolve outstanding conditions of registration. Sign-up is free at registry.jockeyclub.com. ...

Chhaya Dance Gets First Winner

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2013) – California stallion Chhaya Dance was represented by his first winner on Friday when D D Dancer won the eighth race at Golden Gate Fields, a maiden claimer for 2-year-old fillies. D D Dancer is out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Water Trade, was bred by Eagle Oak Ranch, is owned by trainer Jose Bautista. She ran the six furlongs in 1:12.84 and won by 2 ½ lengths at 20-1. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Grade I Cash Call

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2013) – California-breds Tamarando and Electric Eddie are entered in Saturday’s $750,000 Grade I Cash Call Futurity at Betfair Hollywood Park. Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamrack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $355,120 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 23 Real Quiet. Electric Eddie is by Square Eddie, out of the Gilded Time mare Electric Daze, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. He is a maiden making his sixth start with earnings of $65,630. ...

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