Henry Adams to Stand at Eclipse Thoroughbred

Jul 24, 2024 Posted by CTBA In News

From Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm SOLVANG, Calif. (July 12, 2024) — Graded stakes winner Henry Adams (IRE) will stand his first season at California’s Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm, alongside Nick Alexander’s venerable Grazen. “I asked (international bloodstock consultant) Hubie de Burgh to find us a prospect that would add something to the California bloodstock community,” said Eclipse owner Mike Scully. “After a few months he came up with Henry.” Scully said de Burgh felt strongly about the colt’s class, all-surface pedigree and conformation. “He was just stunning coming off the trailer, and he’ll look even better when he gets a little weight on him. He’s got a really nice way about him, a good mind,” he added. Bred and trained by Aidan O’Brien for the ownership trio of Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier and Michael Tabor, the 2021 No Nay Never colt won his first two starts at two, including the Japan Racing Association’s Tyro Stakes (G3) at Leopardstown. Commenting on that race, O’Brien said, “It was a very good performance…he’s a fine... ...

California Racing on Round Table Agenda

From The Jockey Club SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (July 24, 2024) — The Jockey Club announced July 24 the speakers for its 72nd Annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing to be held Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. ET at the Excelsior Springs Event Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. It will also be livestreamed on The Jockey Club’s website jockeyclub.com. Stuart Janney III, chairman of The Jockey Club, will preside over the conference. To provide an overview of horse racing in California, Gary Fenton—managing partner of Little Red Feather Racing, chair of the Thoroughbred Ownes of California, and a member of The Jockey Club—will cover the present and future of California racing and Dr. Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer for 1/ST Racing, will share how California has improved the safety of its athletes, including by using cutting-edge technology at the track. The presentations will begin with an update on The Jockey Club and its companies by its president and COO, Jim Gagliano. This year’s keynote speaker is Todd Gralla, principal at Populous,... ...

Tiz Molly Partners Wins TOC Award

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (July 24, 2024) — Tiz Molly Partners has been selected by Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) as the recipient of the inaugural Horseracing Partnership Award. Nominated by one of the four partners, Richard Thornburgh, the partnership was chosen by TOC’s Owner Relations Committee from a strong field of 14 nominees. Its other partners are Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker, and Eric Kruljac, who also trains for the partnership. The new annual award recognizes and celebrates the growing population of co-ownerships and partnership entities within the horse racing community. Nominees were asked to provide a compelling story that simply but significantly reflects the joy of the sport. The award was open to co-ownerships and partnerships of all sizes from two and up. Nominations closed June 1. The partnership began with the purchase of retired racehorse Tiz Molly as a broodmare prospect. Tiz Molly went on to produce Tizhotndusty, a winner of over $250,000, and CTBA Cal-Bred Horse of the Year, The Chosen Vron, winner of 15 stakes races... ...

Solana Beach Next for Chancery Way

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 22, 2024) — The five-time stakes winner Chancery Way will be sent from Northern California to Del Mar next month in search of an elusive goal – a stakes win at a mile. Chancery Way has developed a niche in minor stakes or California-bred stakes in the last two years, winning five sprints at Del Mar, Golden Gate Fields, Pleasanton, and Sacramento. The most recent of those was a commanding 3 1/2-length win in the $66,250 Governor’s Cup Stakes for fillies and mares at six furlongs at Cal-Expo in Sacramento on Saturday evening, a win that ended a three-race losing streak. The 5-year-old mare’s next objective is the $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes at a mile on turf for statebred fillies and mares at Del Mar on Aug. 18. Chancery Way was third by 1 1/4 lengths in the Solana Beach last year. “She wasn’t disgraced,” trainer Jamey Thomas said. “She only got beat a head for second.” Thomas said on Sunday that he is eager... ...

Grand Slam Smile Headlines Cal-bred Friday

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 21, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile can extend her domination of the division in Friday’s $150,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar, one of five Cal-bred races on the card with full fields. Based at Pleasanton in Northern California, nearly 400 miles from Del Mar, stakes winner Grand Slam Smile shipped in last week. She has a score to settle with Pushiness. Based on decisive recent stakes wins, Grand Slam Mile is up to the task. Grand Slam Smile is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steven Specht. She has five wins in seven starts, earnings of $404,900 and is coming off back-to-back stakes wins. The chink in her armor, if it can be called that, is not evident in her past performances. She fires every start. “She’s one that will lay it down,” Specht said. “She’s competitive,... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Chancery Way Defends Title

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 20, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way successfully defended her title in Saturday’s $66,250 Governor’s Cup Stakes for fillies and mares at the California State Fair meet at Cal Expo. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms & John Nicoletti, is owned by Andy and Rob Smolich and is trained by Jamey Thomas. The $6,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $415,020 and was coming off a third in the June 15 Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks. Chancery Way ran the six furlongs in 1:10.25 and won by 3 1/4 lengths over odds-on favorite Tom’s Regret with Blevy’s Tiger third in a field of five Cal-breds. Chancery Way was timed in 1:10.25 after setting an early pace of 22.88 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 45.95 for a half-mile. “She broke on top,” winning jockey Assael Espinoza said on Sunday morning. “I... ...

Slew’s Tiz Whiz Three-peats in Governor’s Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. (July 21, 2024) – Slew’s Tiz Whiz, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Slew’s Tiznow, won Sunday’s $50,000 Governor’s Stakes at Emerald Downs for the third consecutive year by dead-heating with Arma d’Oro. Slew’s Tiz Whiz, who rallied furiously along the rail, is out of the Rosberg mare Ros’s Girl. He and Arma d’Oro, sped the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.91 in a field of nine. Slew’s Tiz Whiz has nine wins in 22 starts and earnings of $298,457. The three-peat is one shy of Handy N Bold’s stakes record four wins from 1999-2003. The Governor’s Stakes is the prep for the Aug. 11 Longacres Mile, a race in which Slew’s Tiz Whiz has finished third the last two years. ...

Brickyard Ride to Stand at Rancho San Miguel

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (July 18, 2024)—Multiple graded stakes winner Brickyard Ride, a speedy, near-millionaire from the prolific Candy Ride (Arg) sire line, will launch his stallion duties in 2025 at Rancho San Miguel in California. He is available for inspection at the San Luis Obispo County farm, where he will stand for an introductory fee of $4,000, with live foal guarantee. Bred and campaigned in California by Alfred (“Sonny”) Pais, Brickyard Ride won or placed in 21 of 31 starts and compiled a career bankroll of $925,477. Eight of his 13 victories were recorded in black-type races at Santa Anita Park: seven on the main track and one on turf. Topping his résumé are the 2021 San Carlos Stakes (G2) and back-to-back editions of the Kona Gold Stakes (G3) in 2022 and 2023. His five additional stakes scores include two runnings of the California Cup Sprint Stakes, as well as the grassy Sensational Star Stakes. Gifted with natural, early speed, Brickyard Ride set... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Seeks Governor’s Cup Repeat

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way seeks a repeat against four California-bred rivals in Saturday’s $65,000 Governor’s Cup Stakes for fillies and mares at the California State Fair at Cal Expo. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms & John Nicoletti, is owned by Andy & Rob Smolich and trained by Jamey Thomas. She has seven wins in 15 starts, earnings of $374,770 and is coming off a third in the June 15 Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks. The $6,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale won this race last year. Draw Me is by Last Draw, out of the Dayjur mare Montada, was bred by Terri Eaton & Joe Gibson, is owned by Eaton, Gibson, Jacqueline and Mervyn Sahud and is trained by Eaton. She has seven wins in 49 starts, earnings of $226,744 and is coming off a third in a July 4 optional claimer. Smiling Molly... ...

Daffodil Sweet Seeks Another Emerald Win

AUBURN, Wash. (July 17, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Daffodil Sweet and fellow California-bred Tizzy Twister are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Washington State Legislators Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Daffodil Sweet is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Lion Heart mare Easy on My Heart, was bred by Michael Terry, is owned by One Horse Will Do Corp. and is trained by Marshall Allen. She has 10 wins in 21 starts, earnings of $206,661 and is coming off a sixth in the June 22 Hastings Stakes. She won this race in 2021. Tizzy Twister is by Tiz a Minister, out of the Tiznow mare Hurricane Tiz, was bred by Sayjay Racing LLC & Beerman Family Trust, is owned by David A. Bernsen LLC and Rockingham Ranch and trained by Justin Evans. She has six wins in 27 starts, earnings of $263,380 and is coming off a seventh in a June 14 optional claimer. ...

Mr. Stang Seeks Back-to-back Stakes Wins

VANCOUVER, B.C. (July 15, 2024) – Stakes winner Mr. Stang and fellow California-bred Magic Tiger are entered in Tuesday’s $50,000 R.J. Speers Memorial Stakes at Assiniboia Downs. Mr. Stang is by Atta Boy Roy, out of the Private Gold mare Special Holiday, was bred by Melvin and Lori Mellick, is owned by Maria Moreno and trained by Carlos Moreno. He has eight wins in 25 starts, earnings of $180,435 and is coming off a win in the June 26 Free Press Stakes. Magic Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Funny Gal, was bred by Robert Heinz & Michelle Machado, is owned by Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meikle and is trained by Wendy Anderson. He has 12 wins in 32 starts and earnings of $169,767. ...

Spitten Kitten Wins Another Stakes

EDMONTON, Alberta (July 17, 2024) – California-bred even-money favorite Spitten Kitten added to her dominating record with a wire-to-wire win in Tuesday night’s $51,000 Canada Stakes for fillies and mares at Assiniboia Downs. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Marvin Buffalo, Deb Buffalo and Arnold Soustar. Spitten Kitten has seven wins in 12 starts and earnings of $129,072. Five of her seven wins are in stakes. She ran the 7 ½ furlongs in 1:33.58 and won by four lengths in a field of nine. ...

Cal-bred Pair Enters Kent at Emerald Downs

AUBURN, Wash. (July 10, 2024) – California-breds Signora Vittoria and Victoria’s Charge are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Kent Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Signoria Vittoria is by Bernardini, out of the Ghostzapper mare Pragmatic Princess, was bred by Warlock Stables, Myrick, Dougan, English, Perry and Denise Martin, is owned by Warlock Stables and Perry Martin and is trained by Tim McCanna. She is a maiden making her 10th start with earnings of $14,200. Victoria’s Charge is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Mr. Greeley mare Feel the Charge, was bred by owners Brett Brophy & Kelly Dougan and is trained by Alan Bozell. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $21,960 and is coming off a second in the June 15 Seattle Stakes. ...

Santa Anita Announces Autumn Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 9, 2024)— Santa Anita will host 22 stakes including the inaugural GI, $1 million California Crown during its 16-day Autumn Meet starting Friday, Sept. 27. The first-ever California Crown Day at Santa Anita, featuring five stakes worth $2.8 million in prize money, will be presented the following day on Saturday, Sept. 28. The California Crown program, which was formally announced on March 1, is a new racing and entertainment concept inspired by the popular Pegasus World Cup Day at Gulfstream Park. California Crown Day is slated to bring together the adrenaline of world-class Thoroughbred racing with the excitement of live performances, interactive experiences, and cutting-edge technology. The hefty prize money offered on the stakes-laden card is being provided by 1/ST Racing. The event’s namesake race, the Grade I, $1 million California Crown, is for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles on dirt. It replaces the Awesome Again on the Santa Anita stakes slate. In addition to its hefty purse, the California Crown... ...

Oops and Downs Enters Sonoma Handicap

EDMONTON, Alberta (July 16, 2024) – Oops and Downs is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $50,000 Sonoma Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Century Mile. Oops and Downs is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodavor mare Miss Oops, was bred by William Dory, Sandy Dory, Gary Kropp & Janet Kropp, is owned by Sublime Stables Inc, Kropp, Gary and Kropp, Janet and trained by Carson Frey. She has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $35,730 and is coming off a July 5 allowance win. ...

Johnston Stakes at Los Alamitos Sept. 14

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 9, 2024) –A pair of stakes worth a guaranteed $175,000 will be run during the upcoming September Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The first stakes race – the $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston – will be run Saturday, Sept. 14. A one-mile race, the Johnston is restricted to 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California. A week later – Saturday, Sept. 21 – fillies and mares – 3-year-olds & up – will get together in the $100,000 Dark Mirage at one mile. The six-day season is scheduled to begin Friday, Sept. 13 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 22. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday both weeks (Sept. 13-15 and Sept. 20-22). Post time will be 1 p.m. ...

Drop Um Upsets R Heisman in Nevin Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 7, 2024) – California-bred Drop Um outlasted odds-on favorite R Heisman to win Sunday’s $75,000 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at the Alameda County Fair and remain unbeaten. Drop Um is the first stakes winner by sire Far From Over, out of the Include mare Behavioral, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Gray Farms and trained by Felix Rondan. He won his only other start May 26 with earnings of $62,550. R Heisman, a Kentucky-foaled son of California stallion Far From Over, was second with Cal-bred Timty third in a field of eight. Drop Um, who had to withstand an objection from R Heisman’s trainer, Peter Miller, ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.66 and won by one length at odds of 5-1. ...

Vivacious Tribute Wins King County Express

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (July 7, 2024) — AUBURN, Wash. (July 7, 2024) – Vivacious Tribute, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Tom’s Tribute, sprinted clear early and powered home to a decisive one and three-quarter length victory in the $50,000 King County Express for 2-year-old colts & geldings Sunday at Emerald Downs. With Karlo Lopez aboard for his first stakes victory at Emerald Downs, Vivacious Tribute covered 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.79 and paid $5.76 as the second betting choice. Blaine Wright is the winning trainer for owner Margaret Root of Newport, Ore. Vivacious Tribute set fractions of :21.51, :43.97, and :56.91, turned aside a challenge from Da Smoke into the stretch, and was clear to the wire. Bodi Zafa, a first-time starter ridden by Leslie Mawing, flew between horses late to snatch second at odds of 8 to 1, while Big Bowie, the 6 to 5 favorite ridden by Isaias Enriquez, finished third. Da Smoke, Impassable, and He’s Not Talking completed the order of finish. Now... ...

Industry Awards Nominations Close July 15

From Godolphin LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 5, 2024) — Nominations for the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards will close Monday, July 15th. The TIEAs were held in America for the first time in 2016. Godolphin, the global racing and breeding operation founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the principal sponsor of the awards in association with The Jockey Club, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the Breeders’ Cup. Godolphin also sponsors equivalent awards in Ireland, Australia, Great Britain, and France. Cash prizes totaling $122,000 will be awarded to winners and two finalists in a total of seven categories as well as monetary awards going to two runners-up. The awards are the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, Katherine McKee Administration Award, Dedication to Breeding Award, Dedication to Racing Award, Newcomer Award, Support Services Award and Management Award. TIEA is also pleased to announce that our category sponsors, which lent their support last year, will be returning as... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Freeport Joe in Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 5, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Freeport Joe is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $150,000 Pleasanton Mile Stakes at the Alameda County Fair. Freeport Joe is by English Channel, out of the Sadler’s Wells mare Winds of March, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Larry Odbert and trained by Gloria Haley. The graded stakes winner has nine wins in 29 starts, earnings of $345,552 and is coming off a seventh in the Apr. 27 San Francisco Mile. ...

Half-dozen Cal-breds Enter Everett Nevin

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 5, 2024) – Six California-breds are among entries in in Sunday’s $75,000 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at the Alameda County Fair. Riverside Rose is by filly Many Rivers, out of the Benchmark mare Benchmark Rose, was bred by owners Victory Rose Thoroughbreds and Jerry and Margaret Martin and is trained by Alberto Ruvalcaba. She won her lone start June 8 and earnings of $17,550. Coracoracora is by Bodexpress, out of the Tapizar mare Vai, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Randy Morris and trained by Blaine Wright. The $8,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale won her lone start June 22 with earnings of $19,500. Sensational Z Z is by Om, out of the Smiling Tiger mare Z Z Tiger, was bred by owner Martin Bach and is trained by Manuel Badilla. She won her lone start with earnings of $17,550. Far Over Loaded is by Far From Over, out of the Comic Strip mare Handfull, was bred by Dr. & Mrs.... ...

Trainer David Hofmans Passes at 81

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (July 3, 2024) — David Hofmans had the sort of results in 1996 and 1997 many trainers could only dream of accomplishing through an entire career. In 1996, Hofmans won the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Woodbine with Alphabet Soup, beating a field that included the legendary Cigar. Three weeks earlier, Dramatic Gold won the Grade 1 Meadowlands Cup in New Jersey. The following year, in the month of June alone, Hofmans won the Belmont Stakes with Touch Gold and the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine with Awesome Again. On the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 3, 1997, in a span of less than an hour, Awesome Again won the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga, while Touch Gold won the Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth Park. Among the standout California-breds under Hofmans’ care were millionaire Greg’s Gold, fellow Grade I winner Cat’s Cradle and Cal Cup legend His Legacy. Those accomplishments, and many achievements in earlier years and more recently, were on the minds of Hofmans’s friends and... ...

Daddysruby, Chismosa in Great Lady M

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 3, 2024) — Stakes winners Daddysruby and Chismosa, as well as fellow California-bred Irish Wahine, are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Great Lady M Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. Daddysruby, a 4-year-old gray daughter of Frac Daddy and the You and I mare Youtheprizeandi bred by co-owner Jethorse, earned her signature win in the Grade I La Brea – in her graded stakes debut – by a nose over Big Pond last Dec. 26 at Santa Anita. The Great Lady M will be the first start for Daddysruby since she was second in the Matron March 30 at Oaklawn Park. She’s 5-for-8 with earnings of $410,264. Runner-up in this race a year ago, defeated by a neck by Eda when 19-1, Chismosa will be trying for consecutive stakes wins for owner-breeder Jaime Renella and trainer Rafael DeLeon. The 4-year-old Clubhouse Ride filly out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream captured the Desert Stormer last month in Arcadia.... ...

Si That Tiger in King County Express Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. (July 3, 2024) – Si That Tiger is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 King County Express Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings at Emerald Downs. Si That Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Rosberg mare Ros’s Girl, was bred by Darlyne Krieg, is owned by Maryanski, John, Maryanski, Janene, Schneider, Gerald E. and Schneider, Gail and trained by Blaine Wright. She is a maiden making her second start. ...

NorCal Sale Grad Enters Angie C. S. Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. (July 3, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Her Blind Side is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Angie C. S. Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Her Blind Side is by Bodexpress, out of the Graeme Hall mare Holograeme, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and Robert Traynor, is owned by John Parker and trained by Candice Cryderman. The $6,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale won her lone start June 22 with earnings of $7,695. ...

Mark Glatt Added to TOC Board

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (July 3, 2024) — The board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) unanimously voted to appoint owner/trainer Mark Glatt to fill a vacancy on the board created by the recent resignation of longtime board member Rick Gold. Glatt grew up on a five-acre ranch in Auburn, Washington. He credits his father, trainer Ron Glatt, with imparting his love of horseracing. “I remember being at Longacres when I was five years old, feeding horses carrots and a little later on holding horses on the wash rack or in ice,” recalls Glatt. “By the time I started high school, I knew I wanted to be a trainer.” After studying at Western Washington University, Glatt began training Thoroughbreds in 1995, handling a second string for his father at Yakima Meadows. The following year, he moved to Golden Gate Fields in Northern California; and in 2000 he relocated to Southern California. Now a fixture on the California racing circuit, Glatt has trained many impressive runners, including graded... ...

Clovisconnection Takes Oak Tree Sprint

PLEASONTON, Calif. (June 29, 2024) — California-bred odds-on favorite Clovisconnection took command at the eighth pole and drew off to win Saturday’s $66,250 Oak Tree Sprint Stakes at the Alameda County Fair. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by owners William and Judy Hedrick and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has nine wins in 14 starts, earnings of $320,559 and was coming off May 26 optional claiming win. Clovisconnection ran the six furlongs in 1:10.35 and won by 2 1/4 lengths at odds of 3-5. Fellow Cal-breds Talbot Way and Lmlooknformischief were second and third in the field of five. ...

Great Lady M on Radar for Cal-bred Females

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Jun 28, 2024) — California-bred stakes winners Chismosa, Daddysruby, Tom’s Regret and Connie Swingle are among the nominees for the $200,000 Grade II Great Lady M Stakes for fillies and mares. The race at 6 ½ furlongs will be run for the 11th time at Los Alamitos Saturday, July 6, the next-to-last day of the Los Angeles County Fair meet. Owned by breeder Jaime Renella and trained by Rafael DeLeon, Chismosa, a 4-year-old Clubhouse Ride filly, was beaten by a neck when 19-1 a year ago. A winner of five of 18 with earnings of $501,750, the California-bred enters the Great Lady M off a win, rallying to capture the Desert Stormer June 2 at Santa Anita. Owned by Little Red Feather Racing and trained by Phil D’Amato, Elm Drive has been third in the Great Lady M. in consecutive years. She was defeated by a half-length in 2023 after finishing 3 ½ lengths behind winner Becca Taylor a year earlier. A 5-year-old Mohaymen mare,... ...

Mr. Stang Wins Assiniboia’s Free Press

VANCOUVER, B.C. (June 28, 2024) — California-bred Mr. Stang won Wednesday’s$51,200 Free Press Stakes at Assiniboia Downs. Mr. Stang is by Atta Boy Roy, out of the Private Gold mare Special Holiday, was bred by Melvin & Lori Mellick, is owned by Maria Moreno and trained by Carlos Moreno. Mr. Stang has eight wins in 23 starts, earnings of $175,815 and he ran the six furlongs in 1:11.94, winning by a head at odds of 5-1. ...

Top Harbor, Clovisconnection Renew Rivalry

By DRf.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 27, 2024) — Top Harbor has been a mainstay in the Northern California sprint division, winning five stakes in the last four years. The Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton has been pivotal to that success. A winner of 3 of 4 starts at Pleasanton, Top Harbor makes his 2024 debut in Saturday’s $50,000 Oak Tree Sprint at six furlongs, a race he won last year and nearly won in 2021. To succeed this year, Top Harbor races against a daunting fellow California-bred rival in Clovisconnection, a five-time stakes winner who is expected to set the pace. Top Harbor, trained by Tim McCanna, will be closing. Top Harbor’s layoff since November does not concern McCanna as much as the presence of Clovisconnection, who is trained by Blaine Wright and will be a strong favorite. “The horse of Blaine’s is really tough,” McCanna said. “We need to sneak up on that guy.” Top Harbor has been sharp after lengthy rests since his career began with a win... ...

Curlin’s Kaos in Los Alamitos Derby

CYPRESS, Calif. (June 25, 2024) — Curlin’s Kaos, fourth in the Grade I Santa Anita Derby, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Los Alamitos Derby for 3-year-olds. Curlin’s Kaos is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda and Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $144,700 and is coming off a seventh in the May 25 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank. ...

Maiden Winner Bodacious in Churchill Stakes

By Drf.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 25, 2024) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Bodacious is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $225,000 Bashford Manor Stakes for 2-year-olds at Churchill Downs. Drawing a field of 13 2-year-olds, all are making their stakes debuts in the six-furlong race. Six members of the field are Churchill maiden winners. Of the others, just one is a maiden winner in California. One might be all a noteworthy West Coast contingent needs. Bodacious earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 84 winning his debut on May 3 at Santa Anita for trainer Jorge Periban. The figure is the third best by a 2-year-old this year behind the 88 jointly posted by Mentee and Colloquial in a track-record performance on June 15 at Aqueduct. Going 4 1/2 furlongs, Bodacious set the pace before powering clear to win by 5 3/4 lengths over next-out winner R Heisman. California-bred Bodacious, owned in partnership by Griffin Stables, breeder Terry Lovingier, and Paul Sabesky, has breezed six times since his... ...

None Above the Law Dreamin’ of Del Mar

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 24, 2024) — None Above the Law ended a 19-race losing streak with an upset win in Saturday’s $100,000 Bertrando Stakes for California-bred milers at Los Alamitos, a division the 5-year-old gelding will see more of in the near future. Trainer Jorge Periban has selected the $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on turf for statebreds on Aug. 3 at Del Mar as None Above the Law’s next start. None Above the Law, bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, knows the Del Mar turf course quite well. In 2021, when trained by Peter Miller, None Above the Law won the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby at 1 1/8 miles on turf, the gelding’s most recent win prior to Saturday. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. “We’ll go with the Cal-breds,” Periban said. None Above the Law was claimed for $50,000 by Hector Castrellon at Santa Anita in February. None Above... ...

Miss Union in Monashee at Hastings

VANCOUVER, B.C. (June 27, 2024) – Miss Union is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Monashee Handicap for fillies and mares at Hastings Racecourse. Miss Union is by Unionize, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Rachels Belle, was bred by Francis O’Leary, is owned by J.G. Williamson and is trained by Steve Henson. She has nine wins in 34 starts, earnings of $266,108 and is coming off a second in the June 8 Emerald Downs Stakes. ...

None Above the Law Ends Losing Streak

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif (Sept. 22, 2024) – The longest shot in the field at 9-1, None Above the Law ended a lengthy losing streak with a last-to-first victory in the $100,000 Bertrando Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles Saturday at Los Alamitos, opening day of the Los Angeles County Fair meet. Completing a double for trainer Jorge Periban and jockey Antonio Fresu, the 6-year-old Karakontie gelding won for the first time since taking the Grade II Del Mar Derby Sept. 4, 2021 when trained by Peter Miller for owner-breeders J. Kirk and Judy Robison. Nineteen consecutive defeats followed, including three for his current connections – Periban and owner Hector Castrellon – who claimed None Above the Law for $50,000 Feb. 24, before his heroics Saturday. Content to trail while 3-1 third choice Dont Fight the Fed and 9-10 favorite Cowboy Mike battled through 23.17, 46.16 and 1:10.57 splits for the first six furlongs, None Above the Law rallied on the outside to outfinish 19-10 second choice Lovesick... ...

Blazingbellablu Repeats in Hastings

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 22, 2024) – Blazingbellablu, a Washington-bred daughter of California stallion Grazen, returned from a nine-month layoff in great form Saturday afternoon at Emerald Downs, rallying for a neck victory over Young Life Laura in the $50,000 Hastings Stakes for older fillies and mares. With Alex Cruz riding his third of four winners Saturday, Blazingbellablu ran six furlongs in 1:09.29 and paid $7.72 as third betting choice in a field of eight that featured five Emerald Downs stakes winners. Washington’s Horse of the Year in 2021, Blazingbellablu now has five Emerald Downs stakes wins, seven stakes victories overall, including two straight wins in the Hastings along with a runner-up finish in the 2022 running. Bred and owned by Petra Lewin and trainer Charles Essex, the 6-year-old gray is 9-7-3 from 22 starts with $320,561 in earnings. Saturday’s triumph was worth $27,500. Aloha Breeze and Miss Dynamic lit the fuse for Blazingbellablu, dueling through grueling fractions of :21.21 and :43.58, the winner rallying with a... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 22, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Thomas Hudnut, and Wendy Mitchell. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: After industry stakeholders failed to agree on a formula for financing the CHRB budget ($18,223,000 for fiscal-year 2024-25), the Board imposed a formula that complies with state statutes, while giving some relief to smaller racing operations. In short, all tracks will pay the costs of their own stewards and official veterinarians, as well as equine drug testing for their meets, but the major Southern California racetracks will shoulder a large share of other CHRB expenses, such as investigators, licensing personnel, and headquarters operations. Two things brought this matter to a head. First, the Southern California... ...

The Chosen Vron Chooses Bing Crosby

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 19, 2024) – The Chosen Vron, a 17-time stakes winner who was the 2023 California-bred Horse of the Year, is on schedule for the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at six furlongs at Del Mar on July 27. A 6-year-old gelding bred by Tiz Molly Partners, The Chosen Vron was nominated for Saturday’s $100,000 Bertrando Stakes at a mile on dirt for California-breds at Los Alamitos, but is not among the six entries for the race. “We’re going to go straight into the Bing Crosby,” co-owner and trainer Eric Kruljac said earlier this week. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports The Chosen Vron won his fifth consecutive stakes in the Thor’s Echo Stakes for statebreds at six furlongs at Santa Anita on May 25 in his most recent start. Kruljac said the time between the Thor’s Echo and the $400,000 Bing Crosby Stakes will help The Chosen Vron. “The main thing is going in... ...

Cal-bred Pair in Pleasanton’s She’s a Tiger

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 19, 2024) – California-breds Princesa Del Tigre and Bold Daughter are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 She’s a Tiger Stakes for fillies and mares at the Alameda County Fair. Princesa Del Tigre is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Flame Thrower mare Corazon de Leo, was bred by Roberto Gonzalez, Wright Batlin, Marc Batlin & Kathleen Parnello, is owned by La Penita Racing Stable, Batlin, Marc, Batlin, Wright, Donsife, Rebecca and Parnello, Kathy and trained by Tim McCanna. She has four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $132,934 and is coming off a second in a May 4 optional claimer. Bold Daughter is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Bertrando mare Pali Girl, was bred by Mike O’Farrell, is owned by Paul Lininger and trained by Roger Hansen. She has five wins in 25 starts, earnings of $97,411 and is coming off a fourth in a May 18 optional claimer. ...

Cowboy Mike, Alexander-bred Trio in Bertrando

By DRF.com and Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 20, 2024) — There has already been a major bet associated with Cowboy Mike’s appearance in Saturday’s $100,000 Bertrando Stakes for California-bred milers on the opening day of the Los Alamitos summer meeting. Earlier this week, Cowboy Mike was supplemented to the Golden State Series of stakes for statebreds for $25,000, a prerequisite for a start in the Bertrando. The expensive fee makes the 4-year-old Cowboy Mike eligible for the statewide series for the remainder of his career. “We took a gamble,” trainer Bob Baffert said. The idea for the supplemental nomination was discussed in 2023 by Baffert and owner-breeder Connie Pageler. The presence of The Chosen Vron in many of the leading stakes for statebreds last year prevented the investment. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. “We were going to do it as a 3-year-old,” Baffert said. “He was going to be running against The Chosen Vron. We... ...

Is Fourth Time a Charm for Daffodil Sweet?

AUBURN, Wash. (June 17, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Daffodil Sweet returns from a 10-month layoff as the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Hastings Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Daffodil Sweet is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Lion Heart mare Easy on My Heart, was bred by Michael Terry, is owned by One Horse Will Do and is trained by Marshall Allen. She has 10 wins in 20 starts, earnings of $206,161 and is coming off a third in the Aug. 13 Emerald Distaff. She was seventh in this race last year, third in 2022 and sixth in 2021. ...

The Chosen Vron Eyes Bertrando Stakes

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 15, 2024) —The Chosen Vron, one of the most accomplished California breds in history, is among 11 nominees to the $100,000-guaranteed Bertrando Stakes. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in the state will be run Saturday, June 22, opening day of the Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The eight-day LACF season will continue through Sunday, July 7. Owned by Sondereker Racing LLC, Richard Thornburgh, Eric Fetkin and trainer J. Eric Kruljac, the 6-year-old Vronsky gelding has won 18 of 23 and banked $1,419,678. He has won 13 of his last 14 with the lone defeat coming when he was fifth in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Sprint last Nov. 4. Out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, The Chosen Vron is 1-for-1 at Los Alamitos, having won the E.B. Johnston Stakes – at the Bertrando distance – Sept. 17, 2022. Owner-breeder Nick Alexander and trainer Steve Miyadi, who teamed to win the Bertrando with Desmond... ...

Tom’s Regret Repeats in Schmitt Oaks

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 15, 2024) — Tom’s Regret closed from a stalking position to take the lead on the turn of the $70,500 Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton on Saturday, winning the sprint stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares for the second consecutive year. Tom’s Regret’s win on Saturday gave 24-year-old jockey Luis Jimenez his first stakes win. Jimenez began riding last year. The favorite in a field of four, Tom’s Regret ($4.80) stalked pacesetter Chancery Way through an opening quarter-mile in a hand-timed 23.70 seconds. Chancery Way led on the turn while racing well off the rail. Tom’s Regret closed to the inside of Chancery Way to take the lead. Tom’s Regret pulled clear to win by 3 1/2 lengths over 9-5 Scary Fast Ride, who finished 1 3/4 lengths clear of 8-5 Chancery Way. Smiling Molly (11-1) finished fourth, beaten 9 1/2 lengths. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access... ...

Big Pond Entered in Bed ‘o Roses

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (June 15, 2024) — Stakes winner Big Pond is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Bed ‘o Roses Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. Big Pond is by Mr. Big. Out of the Lemon drop Kid mare Beside Still Water, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by Bill Mott. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $314,480 and is coming off a second in the May 18 Vagrancy. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 14, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, June 20, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo. This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #14, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes. For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and meeting package of materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

Oak Tree-Del Mar Link Honors Clement Hirsch

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (June 13, 2024) — The Oak Tree Racing Association and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will partner this summer for a special day of sport that will provide extra value to horsemen and firm up the link between two of the iconic brands of West Coast Thoroughbred racing. The key person between both groups is the late Clement L. Hirsch, who will be inducted this year into racing’s Hall of Fame in the prestigious Pillars of the Turf category. That induction will take place on Friday, August 2. The following day, Del Mar will present Oak Tree Day at the Races featuring the $400,000, Grade I Clement L. Hirsch Stakes for fillies and mares – a race the Oak Tree group is supporting with $100,000 in purse money — as well as five special races that each will provide an additional $9,500 in purse monies to be split between owners and trainers. “We are delighted to team once more with the good people of the... ...

Jockey Club Announces Promotions

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 13, 2024) — James L. Gagliano, president and COO of The Jockey Club, announced today several promotions and title changes to key members of The Jockey Club’s management team: Andrew Chesser was promoted to director, Registration Services, and director of Business Development for The Jockey Club. Chesser has been with The Jockey Club since 2006; he also serves as a director of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Amber Florence was promoted to senior vice president of Finance and Business Planning for The Jockey Club. Florence joined The Jockey Club in 2023. Shannon Kelly was named director of Industry Relations for The Jockey Club. Kelly is also executive director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation and began with the foundation in 2013. Shannon Luce was promoted to vice president, Communications, The Jockey Club. Luce has been with The Jockey Club since 2005. Christelle Morgan was named manager of Cataloging for The Jockey Club Information Systems. Morgan joined the company in 2001. Kristin Werner... ...

Chancery Way, Tom’s Regret in Schmitt Oaks

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 12, 2024) – In her 14-race career, which includes four stakes wins and seven overall victories, Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way is unbeaten in one aspect of her career – she has never lost on the California fair circuit. Chancery Way has won three races in as many starts at fair meetings at Pleasanton and Sacramento since her career began in 2022. The streak is in jeopardy when Chancery Way starts in Saturday’s $75,000 Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at six furlongs at the Alameda County Fair. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms & John Nicoletti, is owned by Andy and Rob Smolich and is trained by Jamey Thomas. The $6,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has seven wins in 14 starts, earnings of $365,770 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 17 Irish O’Brien. Chancery Way, a... ...

Cal-breds Key to California Racing’s Future

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 12, 2024) — Horse racing is unique in how quickly it can take you from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, an experience on full display the weekend of June 7-9. On the East Coast, celebrations broke out as Dornoch ‘s triumph in the Belmont Stakes (G1) capped a sensational racing festival weekend at one of the sport’s most historic venues, Saratoga Race Course. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, it was a scene of mourning as Adelie crossed the finish line in the last race ever to be held at another historic venue, Golden Gate Fields. The Belmont was held at Saratoga due to the construction of a brand new Belmont Park, set to have all the looks and amenities of a world-class sporting venue—a peek at the bright future racing can have. Meanwhile, Golden Gate’s closure has thrown California racing into a deeper hole of uncertainty and chaos—a peek at the darker future racing can have. The key to saving racing in the West could come from the source... ...

Los Alamitos LA Fair Meet Opens June 22

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 11, 2024) – Three stakes worth a combined $400,000 highlight the 2024 Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The eight-day season will begin Saturday, June 22 and continue through Sunday, July 7. Racing will be conducted Saturday-Sunday (June 22-23 and 29-30) the first two weeks and Thursday-Sunday (July 4-7). the final week. Post time will be 1 p.m. The initial stakes of the season is the $100,000 Bertrando for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California. The one-mile race will be run Saturday, June 22. The richest of the stakes races is the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Great Lady M. Stakes. The race at 6 ½ furlongs for fillies and mares – 3-year-olds & up – will be offered Saturday, July 6. The other stakes event is the $100,000 Los Alamitos Derby for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles. The Derby will be run Saturday, June 29. Grandstand admission is $3 and $2 for seniors 62 and older. Admission to Burgart’s and... ...

Kings River Knight Earns Summer Vacation

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 9, 2024) — Kings River Knight, the winner of the $102,000 Crystal Water Stakes for California-bred turf milers at Santa Anita on May 25 for the second consecutive year, will have a vacation this summer. “He’ll get 60 days on the farm for a little freshening,” trainer John Sadler said on Sunday. Kings River Knight, a five-time stakes winner, has a remarkably consistent record of 10 wins in 16 starts and earnings of $649,830 for the partnership of Integrity Thoroughbred Partners, the family of the late Bud Johnston and Ken Tevelde. A 6-year-old gelding, Kings River Knight is unbeaten in three starts this year, beginning with the $201,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic for statebreds at Santa Anita in January. Kings River Knight will miss the Del Mar summer meeting. He was second in the $152,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for statebreds on turf at Del Mar last August. Sadler said the current break is designed to have Kings River Knight ready for the autumn – and... ...

Grease Missile to Blast off in Seattle

AUBURN, Wash. (June 6, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Grease Missile and fellow California-breds Signora Vittoria and Victoria’s Charge are entered in the June 15 $50,000 Seattle Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Grease Missile is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Midnight Lute mare Midnighthush, was bred by Dino Bates and Josephine Bates, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and is trained by Miguel Hernandez. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $126,528 and is coming off a sixth in a May 27 optional claimer. Signora Vittoria is by Bernardini, out of the Ghostzapper mare Pragmatic Princess, was bred by Warlock Stables, Myrick, Dougan, English, Perry and Denise Martin, is owned by Warlock Stables and Perry Martin and is trained by Tim McCanna. She is a maiden making her 10th start with earnings of $14,200. Victoria’s Charge is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Mr. Greeley mare Feel the Charge, was bred by owners Brett Brophy & Kelly Dougan and is trained by Alan Bozell. She... ...

NTRA Annual Report Now Online

From NTRA The NTRA’s Legislative annual report is now available. Click here to view. Features of the report include: A federal legislative summary of issues that affect horse racing and breeding; the summary includes a review of 2023 activity as well as any relevant updates A list of contributors to the NTRA’s Legislative Action Campaign through the ¼% Check-off Program and other related NTRA fundraising programs 2024 Sale calendars of NTRA partners Biographies of NTRA Legislative team members Member discount information from NTRA partners (John Deere, Big Ass Fans, Sherwin-Williams, ODP Business Solutions and Farmers Insurance) Thank you to all who supported the NTRA’s federal legislative effort in Washington, DC, by contributing to the ¼% Check-off Program, the Foal Program, the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) Tour or through a direct contribution. We encourage you to share this report with others who have an interest in Thoroughbred racing and who share your enthusiasm for the sport. ...

Miss Union Entered in Hastings Stakes

VANCOUVER, B.C. (June 5, 2024) – Miss Union is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Emerald Downs Stakes for fillies and mares at Hastings Racecourse. Miss Union is by Unionize, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Rachels Belle, was bred by Francis O’Leary, is owned by JG Williamson Racing and is trained by Steve Henson. Miss Union has nine wins in 33 starts, earnings of $258,844 and is coming off a third in a May 18 allowance. ...

Rick Gold to Receive TOC Chairman’s Award

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 3, 2024) – Rick Gold has been selected by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) as the 2024 recipient of the Ed Friendly Industry Service Award, also known as the TOC Chairman’s Award. The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions and service to the Thoroughbred racing industry. Former recipients include some of the most prominent names in California racing, including Mace Siegel, John Harris, Bob and Beverly Lewis, Jerry and Ann Moss, and, most recently, Mike Pegram. Gold is retiring this year following eight years of invaluable service to the TOC and other industry boards. During his tenure, he notably served as Chairman of TOC’s Integrity & Safety Committee. His tireless commitment to advancing the welfare and integrity of horse racing has been exemplary, especially in his pivotal role safeguarding California and industry interests during the formation of HISA. Furthermore, Rick embodies the modern-day owner, with significant equine investments in both California and Australia. Rick almost always co-owns horses with others and has... ...

Chismosa

Chismosa wins $100,000 Desert Stormer Stakes. ...

Chismosa’s Late Rally Wins Desert Stormer

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 2, 2024) – California-bred Chismosa, the pride of trainer Rafeal DeLeon’s four-horse stable, rallied from off the pace to catch the well-regarded South American import Richi in the final furlong and win her fourth stakes in Sunday’s $100,500 Desert Stormer at Santa Anita. Chismosa, ridden by Tiago Pereira, ran six furlongs in 1:09.70. Chismosa has raced from a stalking position and from well of the pace in her career. Pereira hoped to be just behind the leaders in the first half of Sunday’s race. The plan was altered when Chismosa failed to keep pace and trailed pacesetter Tom’s Regret by six lengths on the backstretch. “I wanted to be closer, but it was too fast,” Pereira said. “It was good for me. She finished really fast.” Tom’s Regret set an early pace of 22.17 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 44.39 for a half-mile. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Chismosa was fifth in... ...

Riding Pretty Wins Smart N Classy

From Monmouth Park Publicity OCEANPORT, N.J. (June 2, 2024) – Trainer Eddie Owens, Jr. always thought it was just a matter of time before Riding Pretty became a stakes winner. He just didn’t expect it to take this long. Benefitting from an up-close stalking trip behind early dueling leaders, Riding Pretty pulled away for a dominant 7½-length victory in Sunday’s $85,000 Smart N Classy Handicap at Monmouth Park. Riding Pretty, a New Jersey-bred daughter of California stallion Jack Milton, is out of the Girolamo mare High Renaissance. She has four wins in 18 starts and earnings of $292,365. She won by 7 ½ lengths as the even-money favorite and ran the mile in 1:39.25. It marked Owens’ third stakes win of the meet, with the veteran conditioner having won the John J. Reilly Handicap with Speaking and the Long Branch Stakes with Sea Streak, who romped by a similar margin. Overall, Owens has four wins and two thirds from seven starts at Monmouth Park this year, Longshot Autumn’s Turn rallied for... ...

Chismosa, Tom’s Regret in Desert Stormer

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 30, 2024) – Graded stakes winner Chismosa and fellow California-bred stakes winner Tom’s Regret are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Desert Stormer Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jamie Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $441,750 and is coming off a third in the May 18 Mizdirection Stakes. Tom’s Regret is by Tom’s Tribute, out of the Quality Road mare Pure, was bred by DP Racing, is owned by Cinema Thoroughbreds, Beckerle, Michelle K., Flores, Victor M., Johnson, Burton and Zondlo, Eugene and is trained by Steven Miyadi. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $306,073 and is coming off a second in a May 11 optional claimer, her first race in nearly 11 months. ...

The Jockey Club Launches Podcast

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 30, 2024) — The Jockey Club announced today that is hosting a podcast, On the Lead, as part of its communications and outreach to the industry. On the Lead, presented by The Jockey Club, is produced by the In the Money Media Network, owned and operated by Pete Fornatale and Jonathon Kinchen, and it is hosted by Shannon Kelly, executive director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, and Fornatale. The 12-episode series will cover a variety of topics reminiscent of the Round Table Conference’s theme of “matters pertaining to racing,” including The Jockey Club’s companies and industry initiatives. The goal of the series is to have entertaining and interesting conversations with varying industry voices targeting owners, breeders, fans, and anyone interested in Thoroughbred breeding and racing. The podcasts will also feature a mailbag component that will incorporate questions from the audience. The email address for the On the Lead mailbag is OTLmailbag@jockecyclub.com. “Through the podcast and the mailbag feature, we hope to reach out... ...

Big City Lights One of Four in Triple Bend

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 29, 2024) – State-bred stakes usually give horses an option to obtain black type while ducking tougher competition they might encounter in graded stakes. The talented California-bred sprinter The Chosen Vron has turned that scenario upside down for the June 1 Triple Bend Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita, to the potential benefit of fellow Cal-bred Big City Lights . It has already worked once. After winning two stakes, Big City Lights finished second to The Chosen Vron in four consecutive Cal-bred stakes, the only losses of his career. So trainer Richard Mandella and owner William Peeples skipped the Jan. 13 California Cup Sprint with Big City Lights, leaving that victory to The Chosen Vron. Big City Lights instead faced open company in an allowance optional claimer and the Feb. 10 Palos Verdes Stakes (G3), acing both tests. The Chosen Vron and Big City Lights appeared together in the entries for the May 25 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Cal-breds, but Mandella and Peeples may have found a better path yet again. They... ...

Lovingier Gets a Hat Trick of Maiden Winners

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. – The fillies In the Air Tonight and Lil’ Bit Bossy and the colt Rumble King gave California breeder Terry Lovingier a sweep of the three maiden races for statebred juveniles at 4 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on Sunday. All three are set to run in stakes this summer. Lovingier co-owns each of the winners. Two of them are by Stay Thirsty, who stands at Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch in Warner Springs, Calif., the other by Phantom Boss. Rumble King closed from sixth in a field of eight to win Sunday’s seventh race with a wide rally. Ridden by Tiago Pereira, Rumble King ($11.80) overcame contact shortly after the start to win by a half-length over 24-1 Charmz Away. Rumble King was timed in 52.77 seconds, the fastest of the three juvenile races. Trained by Steve Knapp, Rumble King earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 72. “For him to do that at 4 1/2 furlongs, he’s a pretty good horse,” Lovingier said in the winner’s circle.... ...

Phantom Boss Gets First Winner

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 26, 2024) — California stallion Phantom Boss was represented by his first winner Sunday when Lil’ Bit Bossy won a maiden special weight race for California-bred 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Lil’ Bit Bossy, out of the Rock Hard Ten mare Pebble Beach Baby, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Amanda Navarro and David Ross and is trained by Steven Miyadi. Lil’ Bit Bossy ran the 4 1/2 furlongs in :53.34 and won by one-half length at odds of 3-1 in a field of eight. ...

Grand Slam Smile Homers in Melair Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) – Grand Slam Smile continued the favorite fest on Gold Rush Day with an emphatic win in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies. Grand Slam Smile is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steven Specht. She has five wins in seven starts, earnings of $404,900 and was coming off a win in the Jan. 13 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks, one of her four stakes wins. Grand Slam Smile ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.70 and won by five lengths over Safa, with Loretta Lynn third. ...

The Chosen Vron

The Chosen Vron wins $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes. ...

Another Thor’s Echo for The Chosen Vron

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 25, 2024)—It’s now 17 stakes wins and counting for The Chosen Vron after rolling to another comfortable victory in the $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for California-breds going six furlongs Saturday at Santa Anita. Breaking from the rail under regular rider Hector Berrios aboard, The Chosen Vron (1-9) tracked pacesetter Sawasdee (17-1) in second before ranging up to the leader on the outside near the three-sixteenths pole and then kicking clear to score by 2 ¼ lengths. “That was exactly the same as our practice run,” Berrios said. “Taking the inside post bothered me because I wanted to go outside. But he settled well. I thought he felt comfortable. He made everything easy. I wasn’t stressed at all. He’s a nice horse.” Trained and co-owned by Eric Kruljac, The Chosen Vron was timed in 1:09.37 on a fast track. Sawasdee, ridden by Diego Herrera in his stakes debut for trainer Craig Dollase, held second by 3 ¼ lengths over second-choice Moose Mitchell (10-1) and... ...

Snow Chief is Shady Tiger’s Fourth Straight

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) – In his first time racing around two turns, Shady Tiger gutted out a narrow victory in Saturday’s $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes presented by City National Bank Saturday at Santa Anita. In the 1 1/8-mile turf contest for 3-year-old California-breds, Shady Tiger under Juan Hernandez prevailed by a half-length over a fast-closing Two By Four (5-1) with Hector Berrios up. It was another neck back in third to longshot Stolen Treasure (33-1) and jockey Umberto Rispoli. “He made me work. It wasn’t easy,” Hernandez said. “I was fighting and riding all the way to the end. It came down to the wire, but we got the job done.” Shady Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Full Mandate mare Divine Legacy, was bred by owner Rusty Brown and is trained by Phil D’Amato. This was his fourth consecutive win in five starts, raising his earnings to $241,400. Shady Tiger, who broke from the rail, and Size Does Matter raced virtually... ...

Kings River Knight Repeats in Crystal Water

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 25, 2024)—Kings River Knight continued his winning ways with a gate-to-wire victory under Juan Hernandez in Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for California-breds at one mile on turf. Dispatched as a heavy 1-5 favorite in a nine-horse field, Kings River Knight scored by 1 ½ lengths over 61-1 longshot Barely Funtional with Mario Gutierrez aboard. Old Pal, the 5-2 second choice with Mike Smith up, rallied from last to finish a neck back of Barely Funtional in third. Coalinga Road (26-1), with Antonio Fresu aboard for trainer Carla Gaines, rounded out the superfecta. Trained by John Sadler. Kings River Knight won in a final time of 1:35.75. He set fractions of 23.48, 48.44, 1:12.49 and 1:24.17. “Kings River Knight won the race out of the gate because he broke so sharp, two lengths in front of everyone,” Hernandez said. “You don’t do that very often. Then, he took an easy lead. That’s his style. He loves running on the lead, so I just... ...

Grand Slam Smile Homers in Melair Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) — Favorite Grand Slam Smile made it a successful trip south from Golden Gate for trainer Steve Specht when earning her fourth stakes win in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair Stakes for California-bred 3-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles on dirt at Santa Anita. Ridden by Frank Alvarado, Grand Slam Smile won by 4 ½ lengths over 2-1 second choice Safa with another 6 ½ lengths back to Loretta Lynn (8-1) in third. On the backstretch, Grand Slam Smile moved up from second to confront early pacesetter Only One America (15-1). Grand Slam Smile put away that rival on the second turn and then had no problem holding off the late bid from Safa. Grand Slam Smile won in a final time of 1:45.82 on a fast track. Fractions were 23.62, 48.07, 1:12.57 and 1:39.27. “This is the best 3-year-old I’ve ever ridden” jockey Frank Alvarado said. “By the three-eighths pole, she was looking around, and no one was coming. I didn’t even... ...

Stay and Scam Gets Trip in Fran’s Valentine

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) – Stay and Scam earned her second stakes win and first around two turns in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at one mile on turf Saturday at Santa Anita. Parked in post 11 at the start, favorite Stay and Scam (1-2) broke alertly under Mario Gutierrez and was able to ease inward multiple paths on the short run to the first turn. Sneaker, an 11-1 shot with Kyle Frey up, would take the early lead with Stay and Scam tracking on her outside in second. On the second turn, Stay and Scam comfortably ranged up to the leader, kicked away at the top of the stretch then held off a late challenge from 27-1 shot Moment’s Pleasure to win by a length. It was another 1 ¼ lengths back to Cornelia Fort (18-1). “We figured we needed to use Stay and Scam coming out of the gate because we were in the 11 post,” Gutierrez said.... ...

Kings River Knight

Kings River Knight wins $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes. ...

Shady Tiger

Shady Tiger wins $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank. ...

Grand Slam Smile

Grand Slam Smile wins $125,000 Melair Stakes. ...

Stay and Scam

Stay and Scan wins $100,000 Fran’s Valentine. ...

Kings River Knight

Kings River Knight wins $100,000 Crystal Water. ...

Stallion Tough Sunday Gets First Winner

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) – California stallion Tough Sunday was represented by his first winner when the 3-year-old filly Neezer Dalton won Saturday’s third race at Santa Anita, a $50,000 maiden claimer. Winning in her racing debut, Neezer Dalton is out of the Bertrando mare Hey Cowboy, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steven Miyadi. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.27 and won by 2 ½ lengths in a field of six. ...

Progress Made on Veterans Equine Therapy

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 24, 2024) — Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee convened to review the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The Committee approved the bill with a 34 to 25 vote. The bill includes an initiative led by Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) to allocate up to $5 million in grants for equine therapy under the Veterans Affairs (VA) Adaptive Sports Program. These grants will be awarded by the VA to eligible organizations to plan, develop, manage, and implement equine therapy programs for Veterans and Armed Forces members with disabilities. “Funding initiatives to help Thoroughbreds find a second career is a top priority for the NTRA, and to be able to do that while aiding Veterans is a big victory,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “This grant will fund equine therapy programs so our retired racehorses can benefit our nation’s Veterans. Those of us who have been blessed to spend time with Thoroughbreds... ...

Johnny Podres Seeks Third Straight Stakes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 23, 2024) – The winning streak began with a come-from-behind victory in a $50,000 claimer in a turf sprint at Santa Anita on a Friday in early March. Nearly three months later, the 7-year-old California-bred gelding Johnny Podres is a multiple stakes winner, has won three consecutive starts, and is possibly on the verge of his first graded stakes win in Sunday’s Grade 3 Daytona Stakes at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita. It will not be easy. The race is full of contenders. The $100,000 Daytona Stakes drew a field of 10, including six other stakes winners capable of a victory – Air Force Red, Astronomer, First Peace, Lane Way, Mucho Del Oro, and Whatmakessammyrun. The other runners are Almendares, Daniel’s Magic, and Nineeleventurbo. Johnny Podres, claimed for $40,000 in May 2023, was bred by Nick Alexander and races for David Bernsen and Mi Familia Racing Stable. Since being claimed, Johnny Podres has earned $191,950, with the bulk... ...

DRF.com on Saturday’s Cal-bred Stakes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 23, 2024) – There is no red carpet for the star of the show Saturday at Santa Anita, but there certainly is for the main supporting player. Seems it should be the other way around. Millionaire gelding The Chosen Vron probably will win the $100,000 Thor’s Echo anyway, but he must overcome an unwelcome obstacle – post position – in the race 3 sprint that is the first of five Cal-bred stakes on Saturday. A half-hour later in race 4, Kings River Knight is lone speed in the $100,000 Crystal Water at a mile on turf. Kings River Knight figures to be long gone and win the Crystal Water a second time. The Chosen Vron and Kings River Knight, 6-year-old geldings, enter their races as perceived low-odds standouts. From a betting perspective, the Thor’s Echo and Crystal Water offer less appeal than three stakes later. From a sporting perspective, who doesn’t love The Chosen Vron? A winner of 16 stakes, The Chosen Vron is stuck... ...

The Chosen Vron Seeks Second Thor’s Echo

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – California-bred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron faces four opponents when he attempts to defend his title in Saturday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. The Chosen Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners and is owned by Sondereker Racing, Fetkin, Thornburgh and trainer J. Eric Kruljac. He has 17 wins in 22 starts, earnings of $1,359,678 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 27 Kona Gold, his 12th win in the last 13 starts. Sawasdee is by Desert Code, out of the Congaree mare Scary Fast, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Ronald Yayoshi and trained by Craig Dollase. He has seven wins in 29 starts, earnings of $262,780 and is coming off a May 5 allowance win. Graded stakes winner Big City Lights is by Mr. Big, out of the Exchange Rate mare Champagne Exchange, was bred by Bar C... ...

Kings River Knight Wants Crystal Water Repeat

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Defending champ Kings River Knight risks his four-race win streak in Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. Barely Functional is by Mrazek, out of the Tapit mare Walkingonadream, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 17 starts, earnings of $215,262 and is coming off a third in a May 5 optional claimer. Coalinga Road is by Quality Road, out of the Johannesburg mare Coco Ecolo, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in 25 starts, earnings of $438,814 and is coming off a third in a May 5 optional claimer. He was second in this race last year. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban. He has six wins in 32 starts, earnings... ...

Stay and Scam in Fran’s Valentine Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Stay and Scam, who hit the board in graded stakes in her last two starts, gets the outside post in a field of 11 in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Carmen Miranda is by Stanford, out of the Tribal Rule mare Miranda Rose, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Hronis Racing and trained by John Sadler. She has five wins in 18 starts, earnings of $326,576 and is coming off a fourth in a Mar. 29 optional claimer. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Jessebear is by Misremembered, out of the Crowd Pleaser mare Cagey Girl, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by McLean Racing Stables and trained by Aggie Ordonez. The $6,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in 11 starts, earnings of $104,960 and is coming off a fourth in a Mar. 15 optional claimer. Abhita is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Wildcat Heir... ...

Streaking Shady Tiger in Snow Chief Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Stakes winner Shady Tiger draws the rail in Saturday’s $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank, for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Shady Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Full Mandate mare Divine Legacy, was bred by owner Rusty Brown and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $166,400 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 6 Echo Eddie Stakes, his third consecutive win. CTBA January Sale graduate Size Does Matter is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Mr. Big, out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Belloma, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Brent Malmstrom and trained by Peter Miller. The $2,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in five starts, earnings of $31,200 and is coming off a third in an Apr. 28 optional claimer. Takes Three is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Radish, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned... ...

Grand Slam Smile Takes Swing in Melair

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile seeks to continue her division domination in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. CTBA January Sale graduate Safa is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Hadarra, was bred by Derek Lawson, is owned by Souheil Bisharat and Khalil Khoury and is trained by Gary Stute. A $23,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $148,060 and is coming off four consecutive runner-up finishes. Only One America is by Marking, out of the Diabolical mare That’s the Idea, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $123,580 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 7 Island Fashion Stakes at Sunland Park. Loretta Lynn is by Grazen, out of the Tribal Rule mare Sunday Rules, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil... ...

Morning-line Maker Jon White to Retire

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 21, 2024) — Jon White, who first went to work for Santa Anita Park as a television commentator in 1993 and later took over as the morning-line oddsmaker in 2009, has announced that he will be retiring when the track’s current Hollywood meet ends on June 16. Longtime handicapper Jeff Siegel will take over as Santa Anita morning-line oddsmaker. “I’ve been contemplating retirement for four years or so and feel the time is right,” White said. “I’m about to turn 69 and would very much like to retire while in good health. I am very grateful for the opportunity to first work as a television broadcaster for both Santa Anita and HRTV and then to make the track’s morning line for all these years.” “On behalf of everyone at Santa Anita Park, we thank Jon White for his lifetime commitment to Thoroughbred racing,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Park’s Senior Vice President & General Manager. “He was incredibly and meticulously dedicated to his craft, and we wish... ...

Legacy Ranch’s Plan for Forbidden Kingdom

By DRF.com ARCADIA. Calif. (May 20, 2024) — Forbidden Kingdom, the winner of three Grade 2 stakes, was sold for $310,000 during the Fasig-Tipton digital sale last week as a stallion prospect for 2025. But the 5-year-old’s racing career may not be finished, trainer Richard Mandella said on Sunday. Forbidden Kingdom may have additional starts later this year after a short-term vacation at Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch, where the horse will be based as a stallion. “We’ll give him a little rest and we might try him again before breeding season and see how it goes,” Mandella said. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Forbidden Kingdom, the most expensive hip of the sale, was previously owned by My Racehorse and Spendthrift Farm and was sold to dissolve the partnership. Forbidden Kingdom, by American Pharoah, has won 4 of 13 starts and earned $680,000. In 2022, Forbidden Kingdom won consecutive starts in Grade 2 stakes at Santa Anita – the... ...

TOC, Fairs Reach Agreement for NorCal Racing

By DRF.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 19, 2024) — The Golden State Racing meeting at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., this fall will offer approximately $170,000 per day in purses and will run largely on a Friday-through-Sunday basis for nine weeks from Oct. 19 to Dec. 15, according to an agreement reached earlier this month between the Thoroughbred Owners of California and a consortium of executives and horsemen that will operate the race season. The terms were part of an agreement reached between the TOC and the California Authority of Racing Fairs in advance of the Alameda County Fair’s summer meeting, which will run for 13 racing days from June 14 to July 7. CARF officials will run the Golden State Racing meeting. The Golden State Racing meeting will replace Golden Gate Fields on the Northern California circuit later this year. Golden Gate Fields is scheduled to close permanently on June 9. The Golden State Racing meeting will have a minimum of 208 Thoroughbred races through the season, a... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 17, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Brenda Washington Davis, and Thomas Hudnut. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcastlink, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: The Board heard extensive testimony on the subject of funding for its own budget in fiscal-year 2024-25. The underlying issues still have not been resolved. The funding mechanism must be in place by July 1, essentially at the June 20 meeting of the Board. California racetracks and horsemen always have paid for CHRB operations. In 2009, the California Legislature and Governor approved a statute restructuring license fees and the method of CHRB funding. That 2009 statute specifically requires all racetracks to pay the costs for stewards, official veterinarians, and equine drug testing at their own race meets.... ...

Big Pond in New York for Vagrancy Stakes

By Bloodhorse.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. — (May 16, 2024) — California-bred Big Pond was a big deal at Santa Anita Park over the winter, winning the Feb. 18 Spring Fever Stakes in fast time after a nose defeat when second in the Dec. 26 La Brea Stakes (G1). Now George Krikorian’s homebred 4-year-old daughter of Mr. Big battles five East Coast rivals in the $175,000 Vagrancy Stakes (G3) May 18 at Aqueduct Racetrack. Her principal foes in the 6 1/2-furlong dirt sprint are stakes winners Hot Fudge , Leave No Trace , and Beguine . Saturday’s race marks Big Pond’s first start for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and her second outside California, where she was foaled. All seven of her prior starts previously came for trainer Tim Yakteen, including a recent seventh in the April 6 Madison Stakes (G1) at Keeneland that came after an awkward start. She recorded three wins and two seconds for Yakteen, earning $279,480. Junior Alvarado will be the fourth jockey to ride Big Pond in her last four races, following Flavian Prat, Frankie Dettori and... ...

Chismosa, Rebalation in Mizdirection Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 15, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa and fellow California-bred Rebalation are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Mizdirection Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $429,750 and is coming off a sixth in the Mar. 6 Monrovia. Rebalation is by Acclamation, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by Eric Schweiger, Gordy Jarnig & Kenny Marshall, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and trained by Librado Barocio. She has nine wins in 19 starts, earnings of $249,828 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 19 starter’s allowance. ...

Cal-bred Trio Tangle in San Juan Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2024) – California-breds Luca Grazie, Big Event and Galactic Core are among the entrants in Sunday’s $75,000 San Juan County Commissioners Stakes at Sunray Park. Luca Grazie is by Boisterous, out of the Comic Strip mare Kukaluka, was bred by Gary Barber and Aam Wachtel, is owned by Homer Thoroughbreds and is trained by Travis Wheeler. He has one win in 15 starts, earnings of $99,250 and is coming off ninth in an Apr. 16 optional claimer. Big Event is by Mr. Big, out of the Forestry mare Magnetic, was bred by George Kirkorian, is owned by Gina Lujan and Marissa Esquibel and is trained by Danny Morales. He has three wins in 16 starts, earnings of $74,798 and is coming off a fourth in an Apr. 28 optional claimer. Galactic Core is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Mizzen Mast mare Masterful Lass, was bred by Louis Neve, is owned by Christine Belt and trained by Danny Morales. He has one win in seven starts,... ...

TJC Scholarship Winners Named

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 16, 2024) — The Jockey Club announced today the recipients of its five academic scholarships, which will be awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year. Lauren Maas was selected to receive The Jockey Club Scholarship ($7,500 per semester), which is awarded to a student on an academic path toward employment in the equine industry. Lauren has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with an equine emphasis from UC-Davis and is a candidate for a Master’s of Science in Animal Biology with the thesis, “Arrhythmogenesis and Sudden Cardiac Death in Thoroughbred Racehorses.” After receiving her Master’s, Lauren will attend veterinary school at the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. The Jockey Club Advancement of Women in Racing Scholarship ($10,000 per semester) is being awarded to Sophia Vega. Sophia plans to graduate from the University of Kentucky in the spring of 2026 with a degree in Animal Science / Pre-Vet with an equine emphasis. She works as a nursing technician at Rood and Riddle equine... ...

Applications Accepted for T.I.P. Awards

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 15, 2024) — Applications for The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program’s (T.I.P.) two annual awards, the Thoroughbred of the Year Award and the Young Rider of the Year Award, are now available online at tjctip.com. Applications are due June 30, 2024. The T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award recognizes a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work. The award includes a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization associated with the horse or, if no organization is associated with the horse, to a horse-related charity chosen by The Jockey Club. To apply for the T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award, owners can go to tjctip.com/About/TBNCA. The T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award recognizes young riders, 18 or under as of January 1, 2024, who own or lease a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club, or other activities. The winner(s) will be determined through an essay contest with a total award of $5,000 that can be applied to... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 10, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo. This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #10, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes. For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and meeting package of materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

Jockey Club Racing Manual Now Online

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 9, 2024) — The PDF of the 2024 edition of The American Racing Manual, which contains historical data through 2023, is now available through The Jockey Club Fact Book. The Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and auction sales in North America. The Jockey Club is accepting feedback for potential modifications to The American Racing Manual, which can be submitted to contactus@jockeyclub.com. ...

Cal-bred Pair Meet in Santa Barbara

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 8, 2024) – California-breds Illhaveanotherkiss and Vincero Grande are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Santa Barbara Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Illhaveanotherkiss is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Tribal Rule mare Family Girl, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Joe Navarro and trained by Doug O’Neill. She has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $95,280 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 26 starter’s allowance. Vincero Grande is by Mr. Big, out of the Unusual Heat mare Patsy G and Me, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by SLO Stables and trained by Mike Puype. She has two wins in 17 starts, earnings of 141,886 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 4 optional claimer. ...

Nominations Open for Employee Awards

Press Release from Godolphin LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 8, 2024) — Nominations for the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards open today, Wednesday, May 8th, and will close Monday, July 15th. The TIEAs were held in America for the first time in 2016. Godolphin, the global racing and breeding operation founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the principal sponsor of the awards in association with The Jockey Club, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the Breeders’ Cup. Godolphin also sponsors equivalent awards in Ireland, Australia, Great Britain, and France. Cash prizes totaling $122,000 will be awarded to winners and two finalists in a total of seven categories as well as monetary awards going to two runners-up. The awards are the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, Katherine McKee Administration Award, Dedication to Breeding Award, Dedication to Racing Award, Newcomer Award, Support Services Award and Management Award. TIEA is also pleased to announce that our category sponsors, which lent their support... ...

Churchill Downs Next for CTBA Sale Grad

From DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 8, 2024) — California trainer Jorge Periban will put a perfect record in Kentucky on the line June 30, when he sends the dazzling 2-year-old debut winner Bodacious from Santa Anita to Churchill Downs for the Bashford Manor Stakes. Periban is 2 for 2 in Churchill stakes with California-breds – Phantom Boss won the 2019 Bashford Manor, Tom’s Regret won the 2022 Kentucky Juvenile. Both were favorites. Based on an impressive debut, the newest Periban trainee may follow suit. Bodacious, a California-bred colt by Smokem and bred by Terry Lovingier, was purchased at the California Thoroughbred Breeder Association January Sale for $7,000 from the Lovacres Ranch consignment. He won by more than five lengths May 3 at Santa Anita in the meet’s first juvenile race. Bodacious zipped 4 1/2 furlongs in a quick 52.01. Before the maiden race, Periban was so confident that he already envisioned travel. “Do you want to go to Kentucky again?” Periban said to jockey Tyler Baze. Bodacious “showed me a lot... ...

Big Bowie Wins Turf Paradise Spring Futurity

PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 4, 2024) – Big Bowie, a California-sired gelded son of Mr. Big, remained unbeaten by winning Saturday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity for 2-year-olds. Big Bowie, bred in Washington by Dr. & Mrs. Jack Root and trained by Frank Lucarelli, is out of the Artie Schiller mare Be My Baby. He has won both starts with earnings of $53,100. He ran the five furlongs in :57.41 and won by one-half length at odds of 6-1 in a field of 10. ...

Shamrockin Lookin for Luck in Senorita

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 3, 2024) – Shamrockin is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Senorita Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Shamrockin is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. & Neary Racing, is owned by Metanoia Racing and Craig Seidler and is trained by Pau Aguirre. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $83,220 and is coming off a Mar. 16 optional claiming win. ...

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