From CHRB BERKELEY, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2014) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Friday, April 25, 2014, at Golden Gate Fields. Chairman Chuck Winner presided.  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: Representatives of Fairplex Park and Los Alamitos Race Course reported on their ongoing discussions concerning the possible application to the CHRB for Fairplex to move its race meet to the Orange County facility. They are expected to give a more detailed presentation if any application is presented for discussion and action at the May or June monthly Board meeting. Acting on a request from and full support of the Jockeys’ Guild, the Board approved for 45-day public notice a proposed regulatory amendment to prohibit jockeys from using the riding crop, or whip, more than three times in succession without allowing the horse... ...

From Oak Tree Racing Association ALBANY, Calif, (Apr. 25, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board today approved a license application submitted by Oak Tree Racing Association and Alameda County Fair to conduct three weeks of racing at the Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, beginning on June 19, 2014 and running through July 6, 2014.  CHRB approval represents the latest step forward in a year-long effort by Oak Tree, Alameda County Fair and the California Authority of Racing Fairs to offer a new concept for racing in Northern California. Earlier in the year, the three organizations worked with California legislators to carry a bill which would clear the way for this effort.  In March, the legislature passed AB 1303 (Hall), which enabled Oak Tree to run at a Fair in Northern California.  Governor Brown signed the legislation on March 28, 2014.  An application for a racing license was submitted to the CHRB on April 11, 2014. “On behalf of the Oak Tree Board of Directors, we want to thank the California legislature,... ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Apr. 25, 2014) — Over the next several months, the Los Angeles County Fair plans to phase out its racing-related activities at Fairplex Park, chief executive officer James Henwood told the California Horse Racing Board April 25. Meeting at Golden Gate Fields, CHRB commissioners had the opportunity to question Henwood and Brad McKinzie, Los Alamitos Racing Association vice president, on the proposed relocation of the 11-day LACF meeting to the Orange County facility Sept. 5-21. The discussion was for informational purposes, coming four days after the announcement of the proposed move was made. Action on the date transfer is likely to occur May 22, once a formal application has been submitted for the board’s regular monthly meeting at Santa Anita Park. None of the six commissioners present spoke against the proposal—in fact, some indicated they favored it. But they did ask several probing questions during the two-hour session. In response, Henwood said Fairplex “is not up the level of major league racing” patrons in Southern California... ...

From Ballena Vista Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2014) — Ballena Vista Farm announced today that Benchmark has been retired from the breeding shed. Initially the farm thought he was physically and reproductively capable of another season and bred a handful of mares to him the first two months of the 2014 season. Benchmark failed to impregnate them and will now be pensioned alongside fellow retiree Beau Genius. Throughout his stud career Benchmark has been a stalwart of the California breeding industry. He had nine consecutive years of over $2.3 million in progeny earnings and has total progeny earnings of $30.1 million. His 41 stakes winners and 10 graded winners from 742 foals of racing age, include Grade I winners Brother Derek, Idiot Proof, Silent Signs and Eclipse Award champion Points Offthebench who was honored as the 2013 Male Sprinter of the year. Benchmark, as a racehorse was a multiple Grade 2 winner of $636,707, and as a sire, he is the leading son of Alydar by progeny earnings. ...

RAMONA, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2014) — On Friday, April 18, Assemblymember Brian Jones, along with his wife Heather, their children, his mother and father, family friends, and staff members Gail Ramer and Leann Files joined CTBA President Doug Burge, CTBA Board Member Leigh Ann Howard and Event Coordinator Christy Chapman in eastern San Diego County to tour Ballena Vista Farm and E.A. Ranches at his request to visit Thoroughbred breeding and training farms. At Ballena Vista Farm, farm foreman Frank Ochoa guided the group along a tour that included viewing a newborn filly by Calimonco who was born just hours before their arrival, witnessing first-hand the vet checking a mare to confirm pregnancy, learning about the use of an Euroxciser, viewing the breeding shed and lab, and visiting leading sire Tribal Rule. At E.A. Ranches, farm manager Marguerite Eliasson showed the group stallions Uh Oh Bango, Rocky Bar and their 5/8 mile training track. Assemblyman Jones, and group, emerged quite educated after asking many questions while thoroughly enjoying their day... ...

By DRF.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Allen Gutterman, who served as vice president of marketing for the New York Racing Association in the early 1990s, has returned to the company as a marketing consultant, NYRA officials confirmed Wednesday. Gutterman, who has also worked as a marketing official at The Meadowlands, Hollywood Park, and Santa Anita, will be here for the next three months, through the Belmont spring/summer meet that runs from May 1 through July 13. “Allen’s here for a mutually agreed-upon, finite period to assist in the marketing of what will be the biggest Belmont Stakes ever, a new event on July 5th, Stars and Stripes Day, and a Saratoga meet that is expected to have a number of other firsts, including an enhanced Whitney Day,” said Eric Wing, NYRA’s director of communications and media relations. “Allen has experience at NYRA and also working with Martin Panza,” Wing added. “It’s a great fit for everyone concerned.” Panza became NYRA’s senior vice president of racing operations last November after spending... ...

Behind the Gate, a documentary examining the changes in the horse racing industry, has gained the sponsorship of Santa Anita Park in advance of its May 15 release date.   The movie recently won a Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.   The film is produced by Mark and Daryle Ann Lindley Giardino; directed by Mark Giardino and Jack Lucarelli and narrated by Joe Pesci.   Among the sport’s stars appearing in the film are Bob Baffert, Doug O’Neill, Laffit Pincay, Gary Stevens and Ron McAnally. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 17, 2014) –Longtime horsewoman and former California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board member Kay Bender has passed away.   Bender suffered a head injury in a fall at home two weeks ago, lapsed into a coma and died shortly after, according to Sue Greene, CTBA’s Secretary.   A memorial service will be held in Yorba Linda May 18, with final details to be determined. ...

By Wendy Averill Phyllis Lambert, who passed away from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on Mar. 27, 2014, was a fixture at California Thoroughbred sales since the late 1960s. But more than being a “fixture,” she changed the way Thoroughbred sales, and hence the industry, employed women. In 1973, she and (CTBA Director) Leigh Ann Howard were hired by Rollin Baugh, of California Thoroughbred Consultants, to create at Hollywood Park anything necessary to conduct probably the most prestigious and most unprecedented Thoroughbred sale ever conducted in California up to that time. Fletcher Jones, of Westerly Stud Farm, had been killed in an airplane crash and all of his 140 horses were to be dispersed. As Auction Sales Manger, Phyllis and her colleague, Leigh, were responsible for everything horse related for the Westerly Dispersal. The sale barns they were to use at Hollywood Park were a mud bog so truckloads of rock dust had to be dropped and leveled. Stall screens had to be borrowed, sand blasted, painted in Rollins’ colors and,... ...

From Ballena Vista Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Apr. 13, 2014) — California-breds by Ballena Vista Farm sires Tribal Rule and Beau Genius captured both graded stakes at Santa Anita on April 12. In her first graded stakes effort, Tribal Rule’s 4-year-old filly Tribal Spy successfully stepped into open stakes company to win the $100,500 Las Cienegas Stakes-G3 on the hillside turf course, becoming the fifth graded winner for her sire who currently leads California’s general sire list with earnings of $1.5 million. Retired from stud following the 2009 breeding season, Beau Genius, now 29, is back in the headlines as the sire of Big Macher, a multiple stakes winner from his final crop. Winner of the California Cup Sprint January 25 at Santa Anita in his stakes debut, Big Macher was defeated just a half-length in the San Carlos-G2 on March 8. Not to be denied victory in the $200,750 Potrero Grande-G2, Big Macher charged three wide down the stretch, caught the pace setter with sixteenth to go and prevailed by... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Apr. 14, 2014) — Heaven Szent, a 14-year-old who never won a race under his registered name of General Attack, was the star of the April 12-13 Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, Calif. The Siegel CARMA Foundation sponsors the horse show as a way to demonstrate the versatility of former racehorses. Owned by Suzi Bright of Carpinteria, Calif., and ridden by Bright and trainer Shauna Pennell, Heaven Szent won several classes, including the $1,500 Hunter Derby April 13. “This was just fabulous,” said Bright, who won two classes aboard her horse. “I got him nine years ago. He’s like a dog—he would come sit on the couch with you. As far as I was concerned, he was heaven sent, which is how he got his name.” Heaven Szent is a gelded son of General Meeting—Private Maid, by Private Account. Joseph and Linda DiPietro bred him in California. As General Attack he started 10 times with his best efforts... ...

“The Vessels Ranch property has been listed for sale with Sotheby’s International Realty in association with Equestrian Real Estate.  The property consists of 1,390 acres and includes the approximately 275 acres on which the Vessels Stallion Farm operation is sited. The Vessels Ranch property is extremely valuable due to its overall size and location within ten miles of the Pacific Ocean in the county of San Diego, California.  The upland portions of the property above the horse facilities have excellent residential development potential.  It has been determined that it is in the best interests of the family to seek to realize the value of this property now rather than continuing to hold it for investment. This news does not mean the end of Vessels Stallion Farm.  We remain open for business and presently have over 260 horses boarded at the Farm.  It would not be unusual for a property of this magnitude to take an extended period of time to sell.  Moreover, any sale transaction will have to allow several... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 10, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board is moving to adopt strict penalties for riders using electrical devices in races or workouts. In the interim, Executive Director Rick Baedeker has issued a directive for CHRB investigators to refer any such cases directly to the racing commissioners for hearings and also to notify the local District Attorney for possible criminal prosecution. CHRB Rule 1890(c) “prohibits any person from having in his possession on the premises [including auxiliary stabling and training facilities] during any recognized meeting any electrical stimulating or shocking device commonly referred to as a battery, or any mechanical stimulating device, or any other appliance, which might affect the speed or actions of a horse.” CHRB rules do not contain penalty guidelines for the stewards and other judges to follow when adjudicating cases except for violations involving medications, which are based on national model rules and detailed in CHRB Rule 1843.3. Establishing a penalty guideline within the rule for use of an electrical device will... ...

By Bloodhorse.com WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 11, 2014) — Legislation has been introduced in Congress to amend the 1961 Federal Wire Act to ban all forms of interstate wagering except horse racing. The bill, named the Restoration of America’s Wire Act  (H.R. 4301), was introduced by Congressman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) and Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC) (S. 2159). The legislation would amend the Federal Wire Act, the 1961 federal law that prohibits interstate wagering, to prohibit interstate Internet gaming. The bill is a response to the Department of Justice’s change in its previous interpretation of what the Wire Act prohibits, according to a memorandum from the American Horse Council. Since 1961, the DOJ had maintained that the Wire Act banned the interstate transmission of all bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers. In December 2011, the department issued a ruling that the Wire Act applied only to sports betting, not all wagering, the AHC said. “That ruling effectively broadened what gambling could be offered to include... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Thursday, April 3, 2014) – The United States Senate Finance Committee approved today legislation that would extend expired or expiring tax provisions for race horses, including a provision to extend the three-year recovery period. This provision – originally passed by Congress and enacted into law in 2008 – accelerates, simplifies and makes uniform the depreciation period for race horses.  The provision expired at the end of 2013 along with several other tax provisions. The proposed version of the provision that moved out of committee today more accurately reflects current-day investments in race horses and helps to spur continued investments in the racing industry. “I applaud the Committee for moving this bill and for including this important provision in the legislation,” said Alex Waldrop, NTRA President and CEO. “I especially appreciate that the Committee understands the continued importance of our industry and the contribution of the equine economy to job creation and added investment.” The three-year recovery provision was a top priority for the National Thoroughbred Racing... ...

From NTRA WASHIINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 3, 2014) — Click here to view the 2013 NTRA Legislative annual report. Features of the report include: ·        List of 2013 contributors ·        Federal legislative summary ·        Maps that depict contributor locations ·        Contributor testimonials ·        Videos that explain NTRA fundraising programs ·        NTRA Advantage membership benefits The NTRA proudly serves the industry on Capitol Hill.  Our federal legislative team is there every day to advocate for the thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. ...

From Relay for Life FERNDALE, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2014) — 10th Annual HERO Ride For Life will be Saturday, May 3, 2014 at the Ferndale Fairgrounds race track. The HERO Ride For Life is a relay fundraiser on horseback and the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.  Teams of horses and riders relay at a walk at the Ferndale Fairgrounds Racetrack from 9am to 4pm.  Download and mail a team registration form or register at the event beginning at 7 a.m. http://www.herorideforlife.org/ In 2004, as a freshman at Eureka High School in Eureka, California, Holly LaCount enrolled in a service learning program called Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) in which students develop projects to solve problems in their community.  Holly wanted to develop a project that would combine her love of horses and her desire to make a difference in her community. To honor her Grandma Joy, who died of ovarian cancer in 2003, she decided to develop a project that would help fund cancer research and support services. Through planning and perseverance Holly founded the... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 23, 2014) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Friday, March 21, 2014, at Cal Expo. 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: ·        The Board finalized the Northern California racing calendar for 2015 by allocating racing dates for the latter half of the year to Golden Gate Fields and the northern fairs. The Board earlier approved the racing calendar for the first half of 2015 by allocating dates for the current meet at Golden Gate Fields through June 15. The racing season will continue with dates allocated to the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton (June 17 through July 6) followed by the State Fair at Cal Expo (July 9 through July 26), the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa (July... ...