From AHC House Committee Approves USDA Appropriations Bill    On May 29, 2014, the House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the FY 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill.  This bill provides funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the 2015 fiscal year (October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015). The bill contains several provisions that impact the horse industry, including funding for USDA equine health activities, enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and a provision that would prohibit funding for USDA inspections at U.S. horse slaughter facilities. The Senate Appropriations Committee approved its version of 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill on May 22.  Information about that bill can be found at: http://www.horsecouncil.org/senate-committee-approves-usda-appropriations-bill FY 2015 House USDA Appropriations Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and Equine Health The bill would provide $867.5 million for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). APHIS is the USDA agency responsible for protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, including responding to contagious equine disease outbreaks.   Funding for Equine, Cervid, and Small Rumiant health... ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2014) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, May 22, 2014, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided.  1st Vice Chair Bo Derek, 2nd Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, and George Krikorian were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        The Board approved the first non-fair thoroughbred race meet at Los Alamitos race course, home of a year-round quarter horse meet, commencing July 3 through July 13. Los Alamitos will offer thoroughbred cards on Thursday-through-Sunday afternoons as well as night quarter horse programs weekend nights except July 4. Both HRTV and TVG will show the thoroughbred races. ·        The Board approved the summer thoroughbred meet at Del Mar from July 17 through September 3. Del Mar Chief Operating Officer Josh Rubinstein reported that for the first time, both HRTV and TVG will broadcast the races for... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 22, 2014) — Progress on the EXPIRE Act (S. 2260), legislation that would extend expired or expiring tax provisions through 2015, has been delayed until at least next month, according to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-OR). Senator Wyden said earlier this week that he hopes to work with Committee ranking member Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) over the Memorial Day recess to resolve an amendments standoff that has halted progress of the $85 billion bill. Several of the provisions in the EXPIRE Act will directly impact horse owners and breeders. Most notable of these is a provision to extend the three-year recovery period for younger racehorses that expired at the end of 2013. This faster depreciation schedule replaced a seven-year recovery period that does not accurately reflect current-day investment behavior in racehorses. Unless the Act becomes law, the seven-year schedule will be in place for 2014. Additional provisions in the EXPIRE Act that will positively impact investment in qualified property for horse racing and... ...

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (May 20, 2014) — Barretts Paddock Sale at Del Mar set for July 20 Barretts, in cooperation with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, will conduct its third annual Paddock Sale of “Race Ready” horses in training on July 20th. As in past years, the auction will be held the first Sunday of the Del Mar meet in front of a large vibrant crowd after the final race on the card. The purpose of the “one-stop shopping” concept of the Paddock Sale is to encourage new racehorse ownership and increase the “Race Ready” horse inventory in California by promoting Del Mar’s Ship and Win Program. Five horses from the first two years became stakes winners subsequent to The Paddock Sale which equals more than 8% of all horses through the sales rings. A new record was set last year in the second Paddock Sale when the 3-year-old filly, Oscar Party, sold for $510,000.  Overall, the average price rose 98% and the median price rose 150% last... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 15, 2014) — Progress on tax extender legislation continued this week when the U.S. Senate voted 96-3 to advance the EXPIRE Act (S. 2260). Last month the Senate Finance Committee considered and passed this legislation to extend expired or expiring tax provisions through 2015, including several that will directly impact the horse racing industry. Of particular interest to horse owners and breeders is a provision in the EXPIRE Act to extend the three-year recovery period for younger racehorses that expired at the end of 2013. This accelerated depreciation schedule replaced an onerous seven-year recovery period which will return in 2014 unless the EXPIRE Act becomes law. The shorter recovery period more accurately reflects current-day investments in racehorses and helps encourage continued investment. Other provisions in the EXPIRE Act that will positively impact horse racing and other businesses include an increase in the expense allowance and bonus depreciation. In the Act, the expense allowance is set at $500,000 with a $2 million threshold for qualified property... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 14, 2014) — The Oak Tree Racing Association will move from its longtime offices at Santa Anita Park into a wing of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association office sometime in June. “We are very pleased with the quarters and look forward to moving over there,” said Sherwood C. Chillingworth, executive vice president of the not-for-profit organization well known within the racing industry for its support of research and charity. Workers have been busy preparing the area for the arrival of Oak Tree personnel. The CTBA offices are located at 201 Colorado Place in Arcadia, across the street from the Santa Anita parking lot that serves the track’s infield. Oak Tree has kept offices at Santa Anita since its inception in 1969, when it first hosted a fall race meeting at Santa Anita. Oak Tree also has a long history with the CTBA. The two organizations co-hosted the California Cup program for California-bred runners during the Oak Tree meeting beginning in 1990. Santa Anita now hosts... ...

From EA Ranches ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2014) — Top Fortitude, a 3 year old colt owned and bred by Triple AAA Ranch delivered a decisive upset victory in the Lazaro Barrera Stakes at Santa Anita. Going off as the second longest shot in the field at 30-1, the 3 year old colt pulled away from the field in the stretch and completed the 7 furlong race on the dirt course in a final time of 122.98 with a 1-1/2 length winning margin.  Top Fortitude’s stakes victory comes in only his third career start. Top Fortitude is a full brother to Uh Oh Bango, a multiple graded stakes winner standing at EA Ranches in Ramona, CA.  For more information on Uh Oh Bango please contact Marguerite Eliasson at 760-789-1498 or visit the farm website at earanches.com. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 7, 2014)—Santa Anita Park has announced that the first 10,000 fans attending The Great Race Place on Preakness Day, Saturday, May 17, will receive a free California Chrome baseball cap with paid General Admission. The cap is a replica of California Chrome’s distinctive purple and teal colors and will surely be a fan favorite as the California-bred sensation seeks his sixth win in-a-row in the middle jewel of racing’s Triple Crown. A chestnut colt by Lucky Pulpit, California Chrome followed his win in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 5 with a stirring 1 ¾ length triumph in 140th Run for the Roses May 3—thus becoming only the fourth California-bred to win the Derby and the first since Decidedly in 1962. Owned and bred by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, California Chrome is trained by Art Sherman and has been ridden to his last five victories by Victor Espinoza. First live race post time at Santa Anita on Preakness Day is... ...

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (May 6, 2014) — The Los Alamitos summer Thoroughbred meeting will feature seven stakes, including two Grade 2 races previously run at Hollywood Park under different names. The track’s summer meeting will run eight days, July 3-13, replacing racing dates previously held by Hollywood Park, which closed for development last December. The highlight of the Los Alamitos meeting will be the $500,000 Los Alamitos Derby on July 5, a Grade 2 race over 1 1/8 miles. The race was previously run at Hollywood Park as the Swaps Stakes and was worth $150,000 in 2013. The distance is unchanged. The meeting’s second weekend will be highlighted by the $200,000 Great Lady M Stakes for fillies and mares over 6 1/2 furlongs July 12. The Grade 2 race was previously run as the A Gleam Handicap over seven furlongs at Hollywood Park. The 2013 running of the A Gleam included a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint through the Win and You’re In program.... ...

From CTBA ARCADIA, Calif. (May 4, 2014) — CTBA has made the decision to outsource the production of the California Thoroughbred magazine to The Blood Horse publications. It will continue to be published monthly and will have a larger distribution.   ...

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2014) — Fourteen two-year-olds have been supplemented to the 2014 Barretts May Two-Year-Old in Training Sale.   The supplemental horses will be sold directly after the end of the main catalog on Monday, May 12.  A complete list of the catalog supplement is shown at the bottom of this e-mail.  The entire sale catalog can be viewed at http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catmay2014/catalogTABLE.asp The official training preview is scheduled to be held on Friday, May 9 on the Fairplex Park racetrack adjacent to Barretts, beginning at 10:00 a.m.   The preview will be streamed live at http://www.barretts.com/sales/ViewSale/index.asp   Video clips for each preview can be viewed on-line by the afternoon following the preview at www.barretts.com. Among the successful graduates of the May Sale in the past year are stakes winners Jeranimo, Stormy Lucy, Dice Flavor, Full Ransom, Can The Man, City by the Bay, L.A. Weekend, Lotsa Mischief, Scirocco Strike and Tasty Treat. ...

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... ...

Arcadia, Calif., March 21, 2014 – The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) has announced the winners of its 2013 statistical awards for leading California owners. Hronis Racing, LLC was leading owner in purse money won in California last year; the partnership of Jerry Hollendorfer and George Todaro led all owners by number of wins for the second consecutive year; and Glen Hill Farm took the leading owner award for California stakes wins. Brian Decker was selected as Rookie of the Year. Hronis Racing runners earned a total of $1,976,632 in California last year, including five stakes wins. Top earners were Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap winner Vagabond Shoes, Grade 2 Santa Barbara Handicap winner Lady of Shamrock, Rising Legend, winner of the Oceanside Stakes, Sky High Gal, and Iotapa. Hollendorfer and Todaro won a remarkable 38 races from 125 starts in California last year for total purse earnings of $1,033,195. Their leading earners were Lady of Fifty, winner of the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes, and Zeewat, winner of... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 20, 2014) — Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD) recently introduced H.R. 4238 to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act that provides requirements for employers of H-2B nonimmigrant workers and is the basic body of immigration law. Rep. Harris’ bill includes, among its provisions, an amendment that covers returning workers and how they impact the annual cap on the number of H-2B visas available to employers. Specifically, H.R. 4238 reinstates the returning worker exemption so that those workers who complied with the terms of previous H-2B visas can return to the U.S. and not count against the cap of 66,000 visas. Of that number, 33,000 are made available for the first half of the fiscal year and 33,000 for the second half. The first half cap already has been reached. The legislation also clarifies the methodology used to determine the prevailing wage rate that H-2B employers must pay and ensures that workers receive compensation that is both fair and reflective of current market conditions. The H-2B visa... ...

From Ballena Vista Farm ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2014) — A Tribal Rule one-two finish in Santa Anita’s Irish O’Brien Stakes and Joy Boy’s two-turn allowance win at Oaklawn Park propelled Tribal Rule’s 2014 progeny earnings to $1,035,189 by the end of the day and a $276,418 lead on California’s General Sire list. Tribal Spy became Tribal Rule’s 36 stakes winner when she broke smartly and led gate-to-wire in the $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes covering the hillside course of about 6 ½ furlongs in 1:12.59 while defeating Tribal Rule’s Grade 2 winner Ciao Bella Luna who closed bravely from last after “missing” the break. With her first stakes victory and fifth career win, Tribal Spy increased her earnings to $238,610. Trained by Adam Kitchingman for Triple B Farms owner Paul Boghossian, Tribal Spy was bred by Gary Barber and is the first foal from the Victory Gallop allowance winner Victory Spy. Tribal Rule’s 5-year-old Joy Boy handled the wet fast surface in Arkansas with ease, controlling the pace throughout the 1... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 15, 2014) — The Jockey Club announced today that the 2014 edition of the Fact Book is available in the Resources section of its website at jockeyclub.com. The online Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing and auction sales in North America. It also features a directory of state, national and international organizations. Links to the Breeding Statistics report that is released by The Jockey Club each September and the Report of Mares Bred information that is published by The Jockey Club each October can now be found in the Breeding section of the Fact Book. The 2014 editions of State Fact books, which feature detailed breeding, racing and auction sales information specific to numerous states and Canadian provinces, are also available on The Jockey Club website. The State Fact Books are updated monthly. “The information available in both the online Fact Book and the State Fact books provide not only a statistical history of the sport but... ...

From Fruitful Acres Farm AGUANA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2014) — James Street, a multiple graded stakes winner of $637,723 and stakes placed Wolfcamp, winner of $189,148, out of the multiple graded stakes winning mare Bauhauser (ARG), have  been retired from racing to stand at Fruitful Acres Farm, providing California breeders a fresh option for their mares. The sons of El Prado were responsible for eight Grade I winners in 2013. His progeny at stud are led by 2013 Champion Sire, Kitten’s Joy, Medaglia d’Oro (sire of Grade I stakes winners Rachel Alexandra, Marketing Mix and Violence ) and Artie Schiller, sire of recent Grade II San Antonio Stakes winner Blingo. James Street will stand for $10,000 and Wolfcamp for $3,000. Inquiries to Mike Tippett at (909)518-0018 or farm manager Vincent Harris (951)219-1916. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 12, 2014) — The March 21 meeting of the California Horse Racing Board that was originally scheduled to be held at Santa Anita Park has been moved to Cal Expo in Sacramento on that same date. This meeting will begin at 10 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only Webcast of the meeting can be heard through the “Webcasts” link on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov). The agenda for this meeting is currently available on the CHRB Website and the supporting package of materials will be available on the Website later this week through the following link: agenda. ...

From Rancho San Miguel POMONA, CA (March 3, 2014)-The Pamplemousse colt hip number 135 fetched $105,000 from the consignment of Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), he was purchased by Laurence F. Leavy. Hip 135 is from the first crop of The Pamplemousse. After previewing in .10 seconds the gray or roan became the highest selling California sired colt in the sale. The Pamplemousse colt was bred and raised at Rancho San Miguel and is out of the Storm Cat broodmare Hurricane Alert. Hurricane Alert is the dam of stakes winner Golden Hurricane and is from the immediate family of multiple grade one winning millionaire Fly Till Dawn. The Pamplemousse started off the 2014 juvenile sales year with a six figure two-year-old; after having his yearlings average over $53,000 last fall. The Pamplemousse was a multiple graded stakes winner at Santa Anita and is standing in 2014 for $2,500. For information on breeding to The Pamplemousse please contact Clay Murdock at (805) 467-3847. ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 20, 2014) — The NTRA thanks those industry members and partners who supported the NTRA’s federal legislative fundraising effort in 2013. More than 700 individuals, farms and racing partnerships contributed an amount to the ¼% Check-off and Foal programs that was nearly 25 percent greater than in 2012. This diverse group represents more than 40 states and 10 countries and is 12 percent larger than in 2012. The NTRA also recognizes the following industry partners for their support of this initiative: Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, Barretts Sales & Racing, Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and Breeders’ Sales Company of Louisiana. Other organizations supporting the program include (in alphabetical order) California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA), Daily Racing Form (DRF), Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), Texas Horsemen’s News, Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN) and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). Learn more about how you can join your peers in support... ...

From Second Chances CA ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2014) — Leave it up to Sue Greene to volunteer her valuable time to provide Mid-Term Practical Skills assessments for the student grooms at Second Chances CA (SCC).  Among her CTBA duties, the foaling, and now breeding season, Sue’s impact on this program has remained unmatched. “It’s only through the support of our industry that our program exists”, states Julie Baker, former assistant trainer and now SCC Equine Program Director.  “The retired thoroughbreds we use in our program have all raced in California at one time or another.  Sue’s support is just one indicator that as we are receiving some recognition now in the industry, for training grooms and re-training the retired horses fit for adoption” Early in its second year, SCC facilitates a three month version of the Groom Elite Horseman’s Education (vocational) program and provides EAGALA sessions, or equine assisted psychotherapy (the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association), to former inmates of Stanislaus County in Modesto, CA.  SCC is also... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 7, 2014) — The Jockey Club and Equibase Company announced the release of the America’s Best Racing app for iPhone and Android. The free app includes video replays provided by Roberts Communications plus full charts and pari-mutuel payoffs of all graded stakes races (including the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup) for the current year as they occur, as well as every graded stakes race run since 2010. The 2014 America’s Best Racing app can be downloaded at itunes.com and play.google.com. A web version of America’s Best Racing is available at americasbestracing.net and equibase.com. “This app is the perfect tool to follow graded stakes races from your mobile device as they happen throughout the year and watch the best of racing from the past several years,” said Jason Wilson, vice president, business development, The Jockey Club. “We are happy to partner with Equibase to bring this app to a new audience of fans as part of America’s Best Racing’s fan initiatives.” “As it turns... ...

EAST LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 6, 2014) — Bob Lombardini, president of the national and Michigan chapters of the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) died Jan. 28. He was 63. Lombardini was key in helping establish CANTER as a national organization, and one of the most recognizable resources in finding new homes and careers for retired racehorses. “As an officer and friend of CANTER, Bob gave countless hours in this endeavor, sacrificing his time to help establish CANTER as a national organization, while still being actively involved in CANTER Michigan,” said Nancy Koch, executive director of CANTER USA. “He was that rare person that could run a successful business and be completely accessible to help our volunteers and our horses, sometimes at all hours. Losing Bob, a man who felt a need and a duty to support CANTER, saddens us all.” Lombardini was a partner in Meier, Lombardini and Lemanski, an insurance company in East Lansing, Mich. He opened his farm in Williamston, Mich., to injured Thoroughbreds recovering from... ...

By Bloodhorse.com WILLITS, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2014) — Seabiscuit’s stud barn, located at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits, Calif., officially was listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places last month. The 15-month nomination process conducted by Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation president Jacqueline Cooper was supported by individuals around the world, including Michael Howard, family historian of Seabiscuit owner Charles Howard; and organizations such as Santa Anita Park and Rotary Club of Willits, as well as the property owner, Golden Rule Church Association. “While Seabiscuit’s racing career ended prior to the construction of the stud barn, owner Charles Howard held the racehorse in such high esteem that he constructed a new barn, luxurious by equine standards, for Seabiscuit’s use,” said California state historian William Burg during a recent California State Historical Resource Commission meeting. “The barn featured a guestbook signed by over 5,000 visitors between 1940 and 1947.” Burg went on to say the building is significant based on the property’s role in horse racing history and tourism. “Because Seabiscuit was one... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board’s Annual Report for fiscal year 2012-13 and racing year 2013 is now available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under “Publications.” For your convenience, we are attaching a pdf of the Annual Report. The CHRB no longer publishes a print edition of the Annual Report. ...

From TOC Arcadia, Calif., Jan. 31, 2014 – The board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) unanimously voted to appoint Terry Lovingier to fill a vacancy on the board created by the recent resignation of Madeline Auerbach. Lovingier, a native of Oklahoma who was raised in Lakewood, CA, has had a lifelong love of horses. With his wife Barbara, he owns and operates Lovacres Ranch in Warner Springs just east of Temecula. The ranch encompasses over 500 acres and is home to several Thoroughbred stallions, including Awesome Gambler, Empire Way, Time To Get Even, Bushwacked, Grace Upon Grace, and Swiss Yodeler. Lovingier, who races mainly in partnerships, has campaigned many good runners including Willa B Awesome and currently has Willie B Awesome, Time For Angie, Time for a Hug and Takem By Surprise. “Terry brings a wealth of experience as both a breeder and an owner to the TOC board,” said Chairman Mike Pegram. “As a member of the CTBA board of directors as well, he will... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2014) — The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation today announced that the fifth Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit will be held Tuesday, July 8, and Wednesday, July 9, 2014, in Lexington, Ky. Once again, the summit will be underwritten and coordinated by The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and hosted by the Keeneland Association. The two-day workshop brings together a wide cross-section of the breeding, racing and veterinary communities. “We owe it to our athletes, both equine and human, to do all we can to ensure their safety and convening this summit to exchange ideas and develop new programs is one of the best ways we can do that,” said Edward L. Bowen, president, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. The summit will be held in the Keeneland sales pavilion and it is open to the public; a live webcast will also be available. “The safety and welfare of our athletes is unquestionably priority No. 1,” said Keeneland... ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 12, 2013) — The Jockey Club reminds owners of unregistered yearlings and 2-year-olds that the requirements for foal registration must be completed by December 31, 2013, to avoid additional late registration fees. The late registration fee increases from $550 to $800 after December 31 of the yearling year and from $800 to $2,025 after December 31 of the 2-year-old year. Interactive RegistrationTM is the most efficient means to complete the Application for Foal Registration and other registration requirements. Interactive Registration enables customers to check the status of their applications and, through the Registration Center, view and resolve outstanding conditions of registration. Sign-up is free at registry.jockeyclub.com. ...

By The American Horse Journal Early foaling begins soon. With the arrival of January foals just around the corner, now is the ideal time to blood-type mares to estimate the probability that your baby will develop jaundice foal syndrome. As with many other conditions, prevention and early recognition is the best remedy. ...

From Thoroughbred Charities of America LEXINGTON , Ky. (Dec. 3, 2013) – Thoroughbred Charities of America will honor John and Debby Oxley with the TCA Leadership Award and the Retired Racehorse Training Project with the TCA Industry Service Award at the 24th Annual Select Stallion Season Auction to be held Saturday, January 4, 2014 at the Keeneland Entertainment Center in Lexington , Ky. “John and Debby Oxley and the Retired Racehorse Training Project have made outstanding contributions to the Thoroughbred industry,” said Dan Rosenberg , president of TCA. “Both honorees embody the mission of Thoroughbred Charities of America and it is our honor to recognize them for their tremendous efforts.” The TCA Leadership Award is presented annually to an organization or individual whose philanthropic endeavors are consistent with TCA’s mission. Past award winners include Frank Stronach, Fasig-Tipton, Darley, Todd Pletcher, Roy and Gretchen Jackson and Bill Casner. John and Debby Oxley are prominent Thoroughbred owners and breeders with notable runners including 2001 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos, 1999 Breeders’ Cup Distaff... ...

By The Press Democrat SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Nov. 27, 2013) — The Sonoma County Fair will get the horse racing schedule it wanted after all, at least in 2014. http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20131126/articles/131129616 ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2013) — The North American International Catalogue Standards Committee (NAICSC) today issued a reminder that effective January 1, 2014, additional quality control requirements will be implemented for races in North America eligible for non-Listed black-type in catalogs compliant with guidelines required by the Society of International Thoroughbred Auctioneers (SITA). The NAICSC establishes the requirements for non-Listed black type races in sales catalogues produced in North America that are compliant with guidelines required by SITA. Races eligible for non-Listed black-type status include  stakes races with a purse of $50,000 or more that are open or have  restrictions allowed by NAICSC (e.g., state bred, stallions’ progeny, sales graduates or non-winners of a sweepstakes). The new requirements, which were first announced in November 2012, include the addition of a minimum Race Quality Score (RQS) for individual age/sex divisions. Statistics used in the evaluation of Graded and Listed races, including ratings provided by the North American Rating Committee, are not available for non-Listed black-type races. The... ...

BONSALL, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2013) – The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association holds its annual Christmas Party Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Bonsall residence of president Bob Curtis. The address is 7102 Via Mariposa Norte, Bonsall, located in Saratoga Estates. There is no charge to attend, but members are requested to bring an appetizer or side dish. The main course and dessert will be provided. For further information, email ctfma@yahoo.com.   ...