From the Jockey Club SARATOGA Springs, N.Y. (Aug. 1, 2024) — In the keynote address of The Jockey Club’s 72ndAnnual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing, which concluded earlier today, Todd Gralla, principal / director of Equestrian Services of Populous, a global design firm focusing on sports and entertainment, discussed how integrating modern consumer tastes into the redesign of racetracks can retain the history of racing while enhancing the fan experience and keeping our horses safer. “Honoring this history and looking to the future, as well as putting horses front and center with experiences and intimate connections between the patrons, horses, jockeys, trainers, and owners, has become our design philosophy driving our horse racing projects.” The conference was held at the Excelsior Springs Event Center in Saratoga Springs, New York, and streamed on jockeyclub.com. The Jockey Club Chair Stuart S. Janney III presided over the conference. Meghan Rodgers, senior vice president of Public Affairs, National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), gave an overview of the success of the national... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 31, 2024) — Today The Jockey Club announced the rebranding of its wholly owned commercial subsidiaries – The Jockey Club Information Systems, The Jockey Club Technology Services, and InCompass Solutions Inc. – under a single commercial brand called TJC Innovations. “To more efficiently meet the evolving demands of customers looking for comprehensive datasets and solutions that span the entire breadth of our businesses from breeding to racing to sales to retirement, TJC Innovations can service the customer with one call,” said James L. Gagliano, president and COO of The Jockey Club. “In addition, a growing segment of the market is seeking more diverse and robust datasets to support big data applications such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. TJC Innovations has the raw data and expertise to work with the customer to ensure their unique demands are met.” As part of the rebranding, TJC Innovations also announced three initiatives. TLore TJC Innovations executed an agreement to purchase the TLore Management LLC (TLore)... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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. ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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. ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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.... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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. ...

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... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 1, 2024) — The Jockey Club’s traceability initiative, which was announced at the 2023 Round Table Conference, is scheduled to launch this summer. In preparation, the Registry encourages anyone with a digital certificate of foal registration in their account who no longer has possession of the horse to transfer the certificate to the current owner or appropriate certificate manager. “We strongly encourage everyone to log on to Interactive Registration and check that the horses in their accounts are still in their possession,” said Rick Bailey, registrar of The Jockey Club. “Traceability is a priority for the Thoroughbred industry, and The Jockey Club’s commitment in this area, demonstrated by this project and others, underscores that significance.” The first phase of the initiative will trigger email prompts to certificate managers of horses that have no racing activity and no Thoroughbred Incentive Program number in the past two years. The initial phase will focus on racetracks and sales companies. “The goal of the traceability initiative is to ensure... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. —Three stakes – including the $100,000 Bertrando for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California — highlight the eight-day Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The Bertrando will be run on Opening Day, Saturday, June 22. The meet will continue through Sunday, July 7. Racing will be conducted Saturday-Sunday the first two weeks (June 22-23 and June 29-30) then Thursday-Sunday (July 4-7) the final week. Post time will be 1 p.m. The richest race of the meet will be the $400,000 Grade II Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies & mares at 6 ½ furlongs. Won a year ago by multiple graded stakes winner Eda, the Great Lady M. will be offered Saturday, July 6. The $100,000 Los Alamitos Derby, which was won by Reincarnate in 2023, giving Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert his seventh consecutive victory in the race, will be run Saturday, June 29. The Derby is for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles. Baffert has won the local... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Apr. 25, 2024) — Del Mar once again will offer eight black-type events strictly for California-breds at its 31-day meeting that runs from Saturday, July 20 through Sunday, Sept. 8. Del Mar will offer the most lucrative purses in California and the west, with an average daily distribution to horsemen and women of $860,000. Maiden Special Weight races will be run for $75,000. Del Mar will be the host track for this year’s renewal of the Breeders’ Cup on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 with its more than $33 million in purses and awards to go along with its 14 championship races.  The Cal-bred stakes, which carry overall purses of $1 million:   Fri. Jul 26 FLEET TREAT STAKES Fillies, Three-year-olds, Cal-Bred $150,000 Guaranteed 7 Furlongs Fri. Aug 02 REAL GOOD DEAL STAKES Three-year-olds, Cal-Bred $150,000 Guaranteed 7 Furlongs Sat. Aug 03 CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ STAKES Three-year-olds & up, Cal-Bred $150,000 Guaranteed 1 1/16 Miles (T) Sun. Aug 04 CTBA STAKES Fillies, Two-year-olds,... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky (April 23, 2024) – Today the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced a new national campaign, Safety Runs First, and corresponding website to promote the sport’s collective commitment to safety, welfare, and integrity. Safety Runs First (safetyrunsfirst.com) highlights reforms being implemented in the sport of Thoroughbred racing and their results to date, including the impacts of the national regulatory oversight body, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA); emerging technologies and their applications on the future of equine safety and welfare; new veterinary and track surface protocols; and other measures being taken by the sport to enhance safety practices. The campaign and website are designed to be a continuing, long-term resource for the public as the racing industry furthers its investment in programs and resources to help reduce injury risk and enhance the safety of its athletes. “Safety Runs First will be a key part of our sport’s commitment to transparency and accountability as we continue to strive for ways to create the safest environment possible... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 19, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, April 18, 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, and Thomas Hudnut. 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: Northern California stakeholders took another step towards filling in the 2024 racing calendar – reflecting the permanent closure of Golden Gate Fields after June 11 – by dividing up summer weeks vacated by Golden Gate and extending fair meets in Sacramento, Ferndale, and Fresno. While the individual meet applications still must be considered by the Board, those interests made the customary request that their meets along with the Alameda County Fair at Pleasanton be designated as one continuous meet, largely for pari-mutuel carryover reasons. The Board approved the request for a continuous meet. A fourth fair... ...

From TOC ALBANY, Calif. – The Thoroughbred Owners of California will hold an Owners Appreciation luncheon for licensed owners at Golden Gate Fields on San Francisco Mile Dale, Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. in the Turf Club. This event is free for licensed Owners and one complimentary guest. Additional guests will result in a fee – $50 per person. Reservations are required. RSVP by Tuesday, Apr. 23. Click here to register. Contact Wayne Atwell with questions at watwell@toconline.com. ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 25, 2024) — The Jockey Club announced today that the 2024 edition of the Fact Book is available in the Resources section of jockeyclub.com. The online Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and auction sales in North America and is updated quarterly. This edition of the Fact Book includes a new page with an estimate of the total number of registered Thoroughbreds in North America based on 25-year periods. Other updates to the fact book will be published throughout the year, including exports by age and average earnings per starter by various sire metrics. The Jockey Club is continually seeking ways to provide information in novel formats concerning the Thoroughbred industry to the public. Please email Shannon Luce, vice president, Communications, with your ideas: sluce@jockeyclub.com. The 2024 State Fact Books, which feature detailed breeding, racing, and auction sales information specific to numerous states, Canadian provinces, and Puerto Rico, are also available on The Jockey Club website. The State... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, March 21, 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: The Board completed 2024 date allocations for Northern California by allocating dates from October 16 through December 25 to a new thoroughbred meet at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Commissioner Alfieri needed to step away shortly before, so the final vote was 6-0 in favor of the allocation. This followed three hours of discussion, including comments from more than 20 Northern California stakeholders in favor of the allocation. The new meet is a result of the announced permanent closure of Golden Gate Fields after June 11. The Board previously allocated dates for the... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, Calif. (March 2, 2024)—Santa Anita Park has opened its all-new synthetic Tapeta inner training track, effective Saturday morning.  Following the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in early November, Santa Anita embarked upon an $8 million project to provide horsemen with a state-of-the-art all-weather surface that will complement its one-mile natural dirt main track and serve as a safe and viable component in the conditioning of Thoroughbreds on a year ’round basis.                Manufactured by Maryland-based Tapeta Footings, Inc., Tapeta, which is currently in use at a total of nine different racecourses, has proven to be the safest and best all-weather surface in the world.                “At Tapeta, our aim is to maintain the surface so that we have a soft cushion below and a slightly firmer finish on top,” said Joan Wakefield, of Tapeta Footings.  “This helps to reduce kickback and provide stability without as much impact on the horse.  For the training track at Santa Anita, we have used a high temperature wax specially blended... ...

By Emily Shields    SOLVANG, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2024) — Japanese-bred Fusaichi Zenon will be calling Kingfisher Farms home. The $768,157-earner was found in an auction pen in Texas on February 21, and a massive effort was rallied to bring him out safely.     A son of Sunday Silence, Fusaichi Zenon broke his maiden first out in Japan at Hanshin. He won a pair of stakes races – including a Grade 2 event – early in 2000 and arrived in California in 2001. Second in an allowance race at Del Mar, Fusaichi Zenon shipped to Belmont Park to run fourth in the Grade 1 Man o’ War Stakes before retirement.     Retired with a record of three wins and a second in eight starts, Fusaichi Zenon originally went to stud at Magali Farms near Santa Ynez. He completed his stallion career in New Mexico.     An inspiring social media effort was made to generate the funds to secure and transport this classy horse to his new home. He will live... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2024) — Dr. Ronald Jensen, who served 10 years as equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board through 2005, passed away at his home on February 12. Arrangements for a Celebration of Life are pending.  Dr. Jensen received his DVM from Iowa State University in 1962 and MS in 1963.  He worked as a racing regulatory veterinarian for 42 years, serving  as a commission veterinarian for the Illinois Racing Board for 32 years and for 10 years with the CHRB under an agreement with the University of California, Davis. He then spent 10 years working with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance Accreditation Inspection Team. Dr. Jensen, an honor-roll member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), served on the AAEP Board of Directors, chaired the Racing Regulatory Committee, and was a member of the Ethics and Infractions Committee.  He was the regulatory veterinary advisor for the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC)... ...

From NTRA Thank you to all who supported the NTRA’s federal legislative fundraising efforts in 2023. Auction buyers, sellers, and consignors as well as farm owners, breeders, horseplayers and others contributed to the NTRA’s Legislative Action Campaign through either the ¼% Check-off Program, NTRA Foal Program, National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) Membership or by making a direct contribution. Click here to view the Contributors List. We also thank our sale company partners for their assistance with and participation in these fundraising efforts. Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS), Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (WTBOA) and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) all play an important role. Contributors to the Legislative Action Campaign are eligible to save on products and services from NTRA Advantage/Equine Discounts partners such as John Deere, Big Ass Fans, Sherwin-Williams, ODP Business Solutions and Farmers Insurance. Call toll free 1-866-678-4289 or visit EquineDiscounts.com to get started. Thanks again for your support. With appreciation, Joe Bacigalupo ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 18, 2024)—Santa Anita Park and California Polytechnic University Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) have announced a partnership to provide internship opportunities to selected students who are currently enrolled in the Cal Poly Pomona, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Equine Studies Minor program.                 These internships will serve as a conduit to introduce prospective young professionals to the Thoroughbred industry via authentic work experience while also providing valuable insight and first-hand knowledge to be applied in their prospective careers.                 “We are truly excited about this new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona,” said Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager Nate Newby.  “This is a tremendous way for us to introduce up and coming young professionals, as well a large group of highly motivated Cal Poly students, to our industry and best veterinary practices in Thoroughbred racing.  We look forward to welcoming our new interns and we hope to make fans out of them as well.”                 A pair of fourth-year students, Tina... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 31, 2024) — The House of Representatives passed H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, with huge bipartisan support. This comprehensive tax package includes the extension of 100% bonus depreciation until the end of 2025. Since its inception in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, 100% bonus depreciation has played a pivotal role helping more people enjoy the sport of Thoroughbred racing by fostering economic growth from within. The provision allows businesses that own horses to depreciate 100% of their purchase price in the first year when the horse starts participating in the sport. This bill will also retroactively elevate any purchases made in 2023 to the 100% bonus depreciation level, which were previously at 80%. This legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration, with the hopes that it is quickly passed and signed into law. The Thoroughbred industry has seen increased investment over the past several years in large part due to provisions such as... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2024) — The Jockey Club and the Ed Brown Society (EBS) are pleased to announce that The Jockey Club has become an Ed Brown Partner. The Ed Brown Partnership is the highest level of participation in support of the work of the EBS that an organization can attain. The Jockey Club and EBS will be working collaboratively to provide exposures and experiential growth opportunities to Ed Brown scholars and fellows across the various companies and initiatives operated by The Jockey Club. “We are excited to embark upon this critical work with The Jockey Club. Because The Jockey Club’s operations touch virtually every aspect of our industry, this partnership opens up many more professional opportunities for our scholars and fellows to explore. So, we salute The Jockey Club for demonstrating this commitment to our mission. Undoubtedly, this partnership will lead to a more inclusive future for our industry,” said EBS Chairman Greg Harbut.      “The Ed Brown Society shares The Jockey Club’s commitment to... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan.21, 2024) —Brenda Davis, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board, where she has served since 2020. Davis has been Principal at the Brenda Davis Law Group since 2007. She was Managing Counsel at the California Farm Bureau Federation from 1999 to 2007. Davis was a Legislative Advocate and Negotiator in the Executive Office of the Attorney General at the California Department of Justice from 1996 to 1999. She is a member of the California State Bar, New Mexico State Bar, Mercy Foundation Board of Trustees and the Friends of Sacramento Arts Board of Directors.  Davis earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy Sciences from Duke University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Davis is a Republican.   ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, January 18, 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, 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: The Board heard extensive testimony on the subject of 2024 date allocations for Northern California. The Board previously approved dates for Golden Gate Fields to run its final meet through June 2024 and for the fair season into early October. Allocations for the remaining months of 2024 have been on hold while northern interests discuss possible ways to fashion a northern circuit in the absence of the thoroughbred track that has been the anchor of northern racing for decades. Larry Swartzlander, executive director of the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF), speaking on behalf of all... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Damascus Castellanos and Brenda Washington Davis. 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: Dr. Francisco Uzal, a professor of pathology at U.C. Davis and head of the CHRB Postmortem Program, reported on the program findings for 2022-23. Of particular importance, he reported that of the 65 postmortem examinations for the year, for the first time in the 34-year history of the program, the majority of the equine fatalities were due to medical causes, not musculoskeltetal injuries. This was evidence that the many new regulations and procedures introduced in California in recent years to protect horses and riders have had the desired effect of reducing breakdowns in racing and training. Dr. Uzal went on... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Dec. 13, 2023)—A nice man who was quick with a smile, loved everything about the racing industry and greeted thousands of fans as Santa Anita’s popular Paddock Captain, John Shear passed away Tuesday from natural causes at age 102 in a rehabilitation facility in Arcadia, according to a statement from the Shear family.                 Beloved by the many fans with whom he came in contact, as well as by his fellow employees, jockeys and horsemen, Shear opted to retire while in good health at age 100 in July of 2021.                 “John will be deeply missed by countless life-long friends here at Santa Anita,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager.  “We were honored to have him as part of the Santa Anita family for more than 60 years of dedicated service and we’ll never forget him.”                 Born Jan. 17, 1921 in England, Shear was raised in an orphanage from age four to 14.  At four feet, 11 inches,... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2023) — Del Mar will open its 2024 summer meeting – the 85th at the iconic seaside oval – on Saturday, July 20. The slightly-later-than-usual start to the season was keyed by the fact that the San Diego Country Fair will conduct its popular gathering a bit past its usual finale on July 4, going forward instead to Sunday, July 7. Del Mar will need the extra time from July 8 onward to prepare its racing surfaces and stable area for the start of the meet and to ensure its safety protocols are all in place. The summer meet will provide eight weeks of racing and conclude on Sunday, September 8. Further, Del Mar also has finalized its fall racing dates which will be highlighted by the 41st edition of the Breeders’ Cup, the third time the championship event has come to the shore. Opening Day of the 11th Bing Crosby Season will be on Thursday, October 31. Then that Friday and Saturday... ...

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, 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: Continuing to cooperate with the Horseracing and Safety Authority (HISA) in every way, the Board agreed to collect and remit fees on behalf of HISA, as the Board did in 2022. The HISA assessments will cover California’s share of both the anti-doping and medication control program and the racetrack safety program. Discussions are ongoing with HISA to determine the amount of credits California will receive for enforcing the federal rules. The Board also adopted HISA’s recommended national concussion protocol for jockeys, which includes return-to-ride guidelines for jockeys declared fit to ride following an incident. The... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2023) — Applications for The Jockey Club’s paid internship program for college students and recent college graduates and its five academic scholarships opened today. The internship program will accommodate up to three interns and is now available in the summer or fall based on the intern’s preference. Interns will gain exposure to all companies and departments within the organization, and they will have the opportunity to spend additional time in areas that they find to be of particular interest. The program will last eight weeks. The internships will take place in The Jockey Club’s offices located in Lexington, Ky. For more information and to view the application, interested candidates should visit bit.ly/tjcinternships. Applications are being accepted through January 5, 2024. Selected interns will be notified in February 2024. The Jockey Club scholarships will apply to the 2024-2025 academic year and are as follows: The Jockey Club Scholarship ($15,000; $7,500 per semester) is for those enrolled full time as an undergraduate or graduate student... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2023 — Del Mar, which is already set to host the 2024 Breeders’ Cup, also will host the 2025 Breeders’ Cup, it was announced via press release Wednesday afternoon. The Breeders’ Cup was previously held at Del Mar in 2017 and 2021. In 2024, the Breeders’ Cup will be held Nov. 1-2. In 2025, the event will be held on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. The last time the Breeders’ Cup was held at the same venue in consecutive years was Santa Anita in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Santa Anita held the 40th Breeders’ Cup last weekend for a record 11th time. “Our return to Del Mar in back-to-back years marks the continuation of a wonderful collaboration and successful partnership, both with our friends at the track and with the greater San Diego area, demonstrating our continued commitment to California horse racing,” Drew Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders’ Cup Limited, said in a press release. “We look forward to once again gathering... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2023) — Renowned equine photographer Katey Barrett, whose work was an integral part of Santa Anita’s opening day Winter Meet souvenir calendar for more than three decades, passed away following a bout with cancer this past Sunday, Oct. 22 at age 91 according to her sister, Jane Barrett.             “Katey had been on hospice and was diagnosed with cancer a couple of months ago,” she said. “She was at Santa Anita and took beautiful pictures for more than 40 years. She received many awards and she was dedicated to serving animals, all animals.  A lot of people have been calling and expressing what she has done for them personally, in their lives.              “Katey was a very selfless person.,” Jane Barrett continued. “She was dedicated to helping with the operation of a wild horse sanctuary near Mt. Lassen and keeping the horses free.  She was very dedicated to that place.  She hadn’t been up there in a while because she was unable... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023, 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, 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 approved the license application for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to operate a race meet in Del Mar from November 10 through December 3, plus non-racing simulcast dates. This fall meet will offer racing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus Thanksgiving Day. The Board approved the license application for Watch and Wager LLC to operate a harness race meet at Cal Expo in Sacramento from November 17, 2023, through May 3, 2024. General Manager Chris Schick reported that harness racing in California is continuing its upward trend by attracting more experienced drivers and... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2023) — Del Mar will present its 10th fall racing session – dubbed the Bing Crosby Season to honor the track’s iconic founder – starting on Friday, November 10 and highlighted by a stakes schedule that features 15 major events over the course of its 13-day run. Two of the stakes races are for Golden State Series eligibles — the $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for fillies and mares at seven furlongs on Sunday, Nov. 12; and the $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes at seven furlongs on Saturday, Nov. 18. Topping the list of black-type tests again will be a pair of Grade I grass features – the $300,000 Hollywood Derby at nine furlongs for 3-year-olds on Saturday, December 2 and the $300,000 Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares run at a mile on closing day, Sunday, December 3. Also on the agenda are twin Grade II turf offerings for 3-year-olds and up – the $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup at the marathon distance of 12... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2023) — Four stakes for 2-year-olds – including a pair for Golden State Series eligibles at one mile – highlight the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The $100,000 Soviet Problem – for fillies – will be offered Sunday, Dec. 10 while the $100,000 King Glorious will be run Sunday, Dec. 17. The six-day season is scheduled to begin Friday, Dec. 8 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 17. Racing will be conducted on a Friday-Sunday basis (Dec. 8-10 and 15-17) both weeks. Post time will be 12:30 p.m. The $300,000-guaranteed Starlet, a Grade II for 2-year-old fillies, will be renewed for the 10th time at Los Alamitos Saturday, Dec. 9 one week before the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity, which was captured by Practical Move in 2022. Won a year ago by Faiza, the Starlet – like the Futurity – will be contested at 1 1/16 miles. Completing the stakes schedule is the Grade III, $100,000 Bayakoa Stakes for fillies... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2023, 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: The Board allocated race dates to Northern California thoroughbreds and fairs for the first nine months of 2024, including six months to Golden Gate Fields (GGF), after industry negotiations and pending legislation prompted The Stronach Group to delay shuttering GGF until late-June 2024. Date allocations for the final quarter of 2024 will be determined at later meetings after racing fairs decide whether to request dates beyond the normal summer fair season to fill the gap created by the closure of GGF. During any weeks when there is no racing in the north, simulcast revenue will... ...

From Horse Racing Women’s Summit Press Release ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2023) — Pioneering horse racing television commentator Charlsie Cantey will be honored with the Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award at the second annual Horse Racing Women’s Summit, Sept. 27-29 at Santa Anita Park. The award is named for Jane Goldstein, ground-breaking turf publicist and California Thoroughbred Foundation Board member Jane Goldstein, who was recognized for the inaugural presentation last year. A native of North Carolina, Cantey started her career with race horses in New York after graduating from George Washington University in 1968. She worked with trainers Elliott Burch, Frank Whiteley Jr., David Whiteley, and Sidney Watters, as well as Joe Cantey after their 1969 marriage. She was persuaded by Frank Wright and Dave Johnson, co-hosts of the WOR-TV (New York) weekly racing show, to join them in 1975. Two years later she made her network debut on CBS for the Travers Stakes (G1) alongside Wright and Jack Whitaker. During nine years with CBS she originated interviews from horseback. When... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2023)—With Santa Anita’s 19-day Autumn Meet now open, the track’s popular MyRaceHorse Seabiscuit Stable Area Tram Tours will be offered each weekend.                  Tours will depart from the parking lot west of Clockers’ Corner at 9:45 a.m. Fans are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure and are asked to visit santaanita.com/tramtour to see the full schedule and book a seat on the tour.  (Reservations will take priority over walk-up requests).                 For an official schedule and to book a reservation, please visit santaanita.com/tramtour                 Fans can once again visit The Great Race Place each morning free of charge seven days a week, with breakfast service available beginning at 6 a.m. at Clockers’ Corner, which is nestled at the top of Santa Anita’s legendary stretch.                 Presented by MyRaceHorse.com, the Seabiscuit Tram tours will depart from Clockers’ Corner each Saturday and Sunday at 9:45 a.m. and offer fans an “inside the ropes” experience as they... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity                ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2023)—With Santa Anita’s 19-day Autumn Meet set to open on Friday, Sept. 29, Clockers’ Corner, a popular breakfast destination for decades, will reopen to the public this Saturday, Sept. 9.  Clockers’ Corner is accessible via Gate 8 off of Baldwin Ave. and parking and admission are free each morning.                 In addition to breathtaking views and an outstanding breakfast menu, Santa Anita’s MyRaceHorse Seabiscuit Tram Tours will be available each weekend, with one tour per morning departing Clockers’ Corner at 9:45 a.m.                With the resumption of training set for this weekend as well, Santa Anita’s stable area will begin receiving a major influx of Thoroughbreds as Del Mar’s annual Summer Meet draws to a close this Sunday, Sept. 10.                Open seven days a week, Clockers’ Corner is open for food and beverage service from 6 to 10 a.m.and affords attendees spectacular early morning views of some of the nation’s top Thoroughbreds as they... ...

Press Release from The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 31, 2023) — The Jockey Club today announced the election of seven new members: Gary Fenton, Eric Gustavson, Bret Jones, Jane Lyon, Michael Mulvihill, David O’Rourke, and Mandy Pope. Fenton has been the managing partner of Little Red Feather Racing, a racing syndicate based in California, since 2005, and he is on the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California and has been chairman since 2021. He began his career as an entertainment attorney for the William Morris Agency and media companies including ATG, Carsey-Werner, and AMC. Fenton grew up in Beverly Hills, California, where he attended races from an early age at Hollywood Park, Del Mar and Santa Anita, including the first Breeders’ Cup in 1984.  Gustavson joined Spendthrift in 2006, where he served as marketing director before becoming president and owner. Over the last 17 years he has overseen Spendthrift’s growth as it acquired, raced, and launched the stallion career of Into Mischief, North America’s reigning four-time Champion General Sire,... ...

Press Release from Rancho Temescal PIRU, Calif. (Aug 22, 2023)—Rancho Temescal, a leading Thoroughbred farm in Southern California, has opened the gates of its picturesque, 6,000-acre property in Ventura County to house incoming tenant Fresh Start Sport Horses, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that retrains racehorses for alternative careers under the direction of founder and head trainer Cassandra Andersson. The move to relocate all Fresh Start horses and equipment from the group’s former, 5-acre leased facility in Agua Dulce is expected to be completed by September 1, 2023. “We are honored to welcome Fresh Start Sport Horses to our farm,” said Rancho Temescal President Tim Cohen, whose family-owned racing entity of Red Baron’s Barn perennially ranks among the top winning owners at Del Mar and Santa Anita Park seasonal race meets. “My family has long operated under the philosophy of “always care” — not just “after care” — for our athletes. This exciting addition of Fresh Start and its wonderful retraining program will allow us to continue that commitment on a... ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at the Del Mar Hilton in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Thomas Hudnut, and Wendy Mitchell. The audio of the Board meeting as well as the audio for the Race Dates Committee meeting the previous day both are available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: • The Board allocated 2024 dates for Southern California racing and simulcasting. The Board agreed to defer consideration of 2024 Northern California date allocations until the September 21 meeting at Cal Expo due to the uncertainty created by The Stronach Group (TSG) announcement last month that it would permanently close Golden Gate Fields (GGF) at the end of this year. Vice Chair Gonzales, who chairs the Race Dates Committee, reported on that committee’s meeting held Wednesday at the Hilton. His lengthy report as well... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 14, 2023) — The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Horse PAC® Board Chairman Bill Farish and President Tom Rooney are pleased to announce that Stephanie Hronis has joined the Board of Directors of NTRA Horse PAC®, Thoroughbred racing’s bipartisan federal Political Action Committee. Stephanie Hronis is a prominent member of the Thoroughbred racing community. Hronis is part of the Hronis Racing ownership team, alongside her husband Kosta, his brother Pete, and their family, are part-owners of 2022 Eclipse Award-winning Horse of the Year Flightline. Additionally, she is Chairwoman of the Horse Racing Women’s Summit and a member of the Board of Directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation Advisory Board, and Shamrock Community Foundation/College + Career Planning Founder/Owner. “It is a great honor to join the NTRA Horse PAC® and to support the significant work being done to ensure the longevity of the horse racing industry,” Hronis said. “This is especially a priority during the industry’s... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2023) — Race caller Trevor Denman, who came to Del Mar in 1984 and has been the track’s voice ever since, has been named the 19th recipient of the Laffit Pincay Jr. Award. He’ll be honored in that role at the shore track on Saturday, Aug. 19. The Pincay Award, named for, and presented by, the Hall of Fame rider, goes to those who have served the sport of racing “with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination and distinction.” Denman, 70, was born in South Africa and first called races as a teenager in his native land. He came to the United States in 1983 and impressed officials at Santa Anita and Del Mar with his distinctive style, so much so that he was soon working at those racetracks and rising to the top of the race announcer ranks in the United States. He worked at Santa Anita from 1983 to 2015. He has called at Del Mar from 1984 to today, his 38th... ...

From TOBA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 12, 2023) – Nick Alexander was named California Breeder of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. The TOBA National Awards will consist of two days of presentations. The National Awards Dinner will be held Sept. 9 at Fasig-Tipton in Lexington, Ky., and the National Awards Luncheon which honors breeders from 20 states and Canada will be held Sept. 8 at WinStar Farm. The finalists for the National Owner of the Year are Peter Brant, Godolphin, Hronis Racing, Klaravich Stables, and Winchell Thoroughbreds. The three finalists for the National Breeder of the Year are Godolphin, Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, and Summer Wind Equine. Other TOBA national award winners include Dreaming of Julia , dam of Malathaat , who has been named as the National Broodmare of the Year; Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Summer Wind Equine, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Woodford Racing, who will be presented with the Cot Campbell Partnership of the Year Award; Invaluable , who will be honored as Claiming Crown Horse of the Year, presented by the National... ...

From Gov. Gavin Newsom SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2023) — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that Oscar Gonzales, of Davis, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board, where he has served since 2019. Gonzales has been Vice President for Strategy at Golden State Renewable Energy since 2023. He served in the Biden Administration as Assistant Secretary of Administration at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was also a Senior Advisor on Immigration from 2021 to 2023. He was Vice President of Government Relations for Western States at Goldman Sachs from 2020 to 2021. He was Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Aura Financial Corporation from 2017 to 2020. He was a Consultant for the Cal State Los Angeles Dreamers Resource Center in 2017. Gonzales served as an Obama appointee in multiple roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 2009 to 2017, including State Executive Director at the Farm Service Agency, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Secretary, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administration,... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, August 17, 2023, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Del Mar Hilton. The CHRB Race Dates Committee will conduct an in-person meeting at the Hilton on Wednesday, August 16, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Both meetings will be open to the public. Those providing unsolicited public comments on individual agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda items. Note that for item #14, Public Comment, on the Board agenda, and for item #3, Public Comment, on the committee agenda, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. For those who do not attend, the webcast audio link on the CHRB website will provide a way to listen to the meetings. The agenda and package of materials for the Board meeting and agenda and package for the committee meeting are available on the CHRB website. ...

From TOBA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 9, 2023) — The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Aug. 9 the election of David O’Farrell as chairman of its board of trustees. Also joining O’Farrell on the board to serve three-year terms as new members are Joe Appelbaum, Michael Banahan, Everett Dobson, Mandy Pope, and R. Glenn Sikura. Re-elected to three-year terms were current trustees Shannon Arvin, Jeffrey Bloom, Marette Farrell, Brant Laue, Garrett O’Rourke, and Stephen Screnci. “It’s an honor and a privilege to lead an organization that deeply cares about the economics and integrity of horse racing on behalf of owners and breeders,” O’Farrell said. O’Farrell serves as manager for his family’s Ocala Stud, the oldest active Thoroughbred farm in Florida and one of the leading stallion, breeding, and training operations in the country.  Following its annual members meeting, the TOBA Board of Trustees met to elect officers for the association. Officers named for 2023-2024 are David O’Farrell, chairman; Everett Dobson, vice-chairman; Dan Metzger, president; Doug Cauthen, secretary; and Garrett O’Rourke, treasurer. The... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 7, 2023) — Terry Finley has been elected to the board of stewards of The Jockey Club, filling the expired position of Vinnie Viola. Ian D. Highet, a steward of The Jockey Club, was reelected to the board. Finley has been a member of The Jockey Club since 2019. He is the president and chief executive officer of West Point Thoroughbreds. Horses campaigned by the West Point partnership include 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline, Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, and grade 1 winners Awesome Gem, Flashy Bull, Macho Again, Ring Weekend, and Twilight Eclipse. Finley is chairman of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy and is on the board of directors for the Thoroughbred Charities of America and New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and on the board of trustees for the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. In addition to Finley and Highet, the board of stewards consists of Barbara Banke, Dr. Larry Bramlage, Louis A. Cella, William S. Farish Jr., Stuart S.... ...

From TOC FERNDALE, Calif. (July 28, 2023) — The Thoroughbred Owners of California will hold a panel discussion titled “Essentials of Thoroughbred Ownership” at the Ferndale Fairgrounds on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 12:30 p.m. After the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A. Light snacks & beverages will be provided. Topics: Ownership Experience Acquiring Thoroughbreds Race Day Insights Horse Conformation Tips Q&A Prospective and existing owners welcome, TOC membership encouraged but not required. Parking and admission free with a CHRB license. If you have any questions, please contact Wayne Atwell at watwell@toconline.com. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 25, 2023) — Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has added two new members to its Board of Directors, it has been announced.  They are Bill Strauss, a business executive and horse owner who calls Del Mar home, and Bret Jones, the head of Airdrie Stud, a major 2,500-acre breeding operation in Midway, Ky. The pair are the first additions to the Del Mar board since three new members were brought on board in 2018. The current board consists of nine members headed by chairman David Batchelder. The two additions raised that number to 11 when they were voted in at a board meeting at Del Mar on Saturday, July 22. “We’ve made ourselves better and stronger with the addition of these two fine gentlemen,” said board member and Del Mar CEO Joe Harper. “When you can pick up a pair of individuals who love racing and have rich histories in the game like they do, it was easy to get a unanimous vote to... ...

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 23, 2023) – Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) invites all members to the Southern California Annual Meeting, to be held in the Veranda Café at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Saturday, Aug. 12, at 8:30 a.m. The general business meeting will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include a question-and-answer session. Award presentations will also be made to the winners of the Chairman’s Award, annual Owner Awards, and a complimentary buffet breakfast will be served. On Sunday, Aug. 13, TOC and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club invite licensed owners to join us for an Owner Appreciation reception from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon with fellow owners, music, and food at the Plaza de Mexico Fountain (stretch run side of the grandstand) at Del Mar Racetrack. We welcome you to bring one guest. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 30, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri and Brenda Washington Davis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: In his report to the Board, Dr. Jeff Blea, the CHRB equine medical director, advised that equine fatalities due to musculoskeletal injuries have declined by a third in FY 2022-23 (which concludes today) from the previous fiscal year. He reported on several new rules going into effect to protect horses – the latest in a long list of safety initiatives – and he credited those rules and procedures introduced at California racetracks with the decline in racing and training injuries. (The CHRB will be providing more details on FY 2022-23 fatalities in an upcoming news release.) The Board approved the license for Pacific Racing Association to run a... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 27, 2023) – The $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston Stakes at one mile for California-breds or -sireds on Saturday, Sept. 16, is one of four stakes to be run during the upcoming September Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day meet is scheduled to begin Friday, Sept. 15 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 24. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday both weeks (Sept. 15-17 and Sept. 22-24). Post time will be 1 p.m. Fillies and mares (3-year-olds & up) will get together Sunday, Sept. 17, in the $75,000-guaranteed Dark Mirage at the same distance as the Johnston. The remaining pair will be offered the final weekend. Three-year-olds & up will compete in the $75,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Special at 1 1/16 miles Saturday, Sept. 23 and the closing day program Sunday, Sept. 24 will be headlined by the $75,000-guaranteed Capote for 2-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs. ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 22, 2023) – TOC’s membership elected Gary Barber, Gary Fenton, Terry Lovingier, Tim Cohen and Matt Dohman to its Board of Directors. All five were elected to three-year terms. The new board officially takes office on July 1st. A total of 5,956 ballots were mailed out to eligible voters, and 1,161 qualifying ballots were received. The complete vote tally is available for viewing on TOC’s web site at www.toconline.com. As members recognized, due to an unfortunate error, this year’s election ballots failed to designate the “incumbent” candidates in possible violation of TOC guidelines and California election laws which ensure the accurate designation of candidates in order that an informed electorate may intelligently elect one or more of the candidates. Staff and the TOC board discussed the issue with outside counsel and alerted the candidates of the error in an attempt to resolve the matter in an equitable fashion to all candidates. When no unanimous resolution could be reached between the candidates, the TOC board decided that... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 15, 2023) — Mike Pegram has been selected by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) to receive the 2022 Ed Friendly Industry Service Award, also known as the Chairman’s Award. The award is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions and service in the Thoroughbred racing industry. Among former recipients are some of the most prominent names in California racing, including Mace Siegel, John Harris, Bob and Beverly Lewis, Jerry and Ann Moss, and Clement Hirsch.   Pegram served on the TOC board from 2010 to 2019 and as Chairman of the Board from 2012 to 2016. During his tenure as chairman, he successfully steered the organization through tumultuous times, leaving TOC in a strong operational and financial position. He was incredibly committed to the future of our racetracks, our purse structure, and the health of our sport.   In 2010, TOC successfully supported passage of SB 1072, which provided for a takeout increase with all of the additional revenue going to purses. Over the next several... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 8, 2023) — In addition to the quarterly update to its Online Fact Book, The Jockey Club today announced two new pages to the Fact Book breeding section: Number of Unique Sires by Position in the Pedigree Top Line and Percent of Mares Bred Categorized by Stallion Book Size.   “As the Thoroughbred breed registry for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, The Jockey Club strives to provide statistics that are valuable and that help shine a light on what is happening in our industry, especially with respect to breeding,” said Matt Iuliano, executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club.   The unique sires by position table shows the number of unique sires by position within the top line of the pedigree and enables users to drill down by year and generation. Those links provide stallion names and the number of registered Thoroughbreds for that generation’s sires on the top sire line pedigree for the registered foals of the specific year.   The... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 25, 2023) — The meeting of the California Horse Racing Board originally scheduled for June 15 in Pleasanton has been rescheduled for June 29 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. The Board meeting that was scheduled for July 13 in Sacramento has been canceled. The June 29 meeting at Cal Expo is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. The agenda and package of materials for this meeting will be posted on the CHRB website the week preceding the meeting. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2023) — Bobby Jennings, a successful California-based jockey who won more than 1,100 races but was best known for being a racing anomaly as a six-foot rider, passed away at a care facility in Sacramento on Tuesday following a lengthy illness at age 79.  A two-time winner of the prestigious Longacres Mile, in 1965 with Siempre and in 1966 with the Melvin Stute-trained Aurelious II, Jennings, whose nickname was “Skinny,” won stakes at both Hollywood Park and Del Mar but spent nearly his entire career as a regular at Northern California tracks such as Bay Meadows, Golden Gate Fields and the Northern fairs.              “I’ve never seen a rider that was that tall and was as good a rider as Skinny,” said Arizona-based trainer Clay Brinson, who rode with Jennings in California in the 1960s.  “There was a jock named Eldon Hall that was a little taller than Bobby, but he was probably the second-tallest jock I ever knew.             “He was... ...

From NTRA The NTRA’s Legislative annual report is now available. Click here to view. Features of the Legislative annual report include: A federal legislative summary of issues that affect horse racing and breeding  A list of contributors to the NTRA’s Legislative Action Campaign through the ¼% Check-off Program and other related NTRA fundraising programs  Calendars of NTRA sale company 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 giving to the ¼% Check-off Program, the Foal Program, the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) Tour or through a direct contribution. Please share this report with others who have an interest in Thoroughbred racing and breeding and share your enthusiasm for the industry. ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 19, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, and Brenda Washington Davis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcastlink. In brief: In his report to the Board concerning the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act/Authority (HISA), Executive Director Scott Chaney said HISA’s Anti-Doping Medication Control program “is set to go into effect this coming Monday, May 22. As you may recall, before it was halted through a legal stay at the end of March, California participated in testing three race cards (two at Santa Anita and one at Golden Gate Fields) as well as some out-of-competition-testing (OOCT), mostly for removal from the Veterinarian’s List.  After five days, the program was temporarily enjoined by a court in Texas. I believe we are prepared to begin the program anew... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2023) — Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) has named two Rookie of the Year award winners for 2022. Winners Robert Katayama of Clovis and Lisa Rodrigues of San Diego were among 13 nominees for the award, which is designed to honor enthusiastic new owners that are committed to racing in California. The TOC owner relations committee considers nominations on an annual basis and was impressed by the 2022 list of nominees. “The TOC Owner Relations Committee looks forward to the Rookie of the Year nominations and awards each year,” said Owner Relations Chairwoman, Stephanie Hronis. “We celebrate new owners and their commitment and appreciation of the equine athlete. This year we are thrilled to recognize a Rookie of the Year for the north and the south – Robert and Lisa. To the winners and all nominees, congratulations and welcome to the owner community!” Robert Katayama, who races under TAK Racing, has horses in training with Jonathan Wong. He was introduced to the business by... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 3, 2023) — The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced today that noted equine surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage will be presented with the Dinny Phipps Award. The award will be presented at a dinner hosted by the chairman of The Jockey Club, Stuart S. Janney III, in Saratoga Springs, New York, the week of the Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing.  Ambassador Earle Mack, an active participant in Thoroughbred racing and breeding for more than five decades, created the award in 2017 in memory of Phipps to honor an individual or individuals who have demonstrated dedication to equine health. Previous winners of the Dinny Phipps Award are the Phipps family, Frank Stronach, John C. Oxley, Michael Del Giudice, and Dell Hancock. “Dr. Bramlage’s contributions to The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation are unmatched,” said Janney. “Not only is he one of the best surgeons in our industry, but he is one of the best advocates for our sport and our... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 2, 2023) — The Jockey Club announced today the recipients of its five academic scholarships, which will be awarded for the 2023-2024 academic year. Megan Elcombe has been selected to receive The Jockey Club Scholarship, which provides $15,000 ($7,500 per semester) to a student who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher at any university and has demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry. Elcombe is studying veterinary medicine at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine with a graduation date of May 2024. Following graduation, she plans to join a racetrack veterinary practice. The winner of The Jockey Club Advancement of Women in Racing Scholarship ($20,000; $10,000 per semester), which is open to women pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry, is Carly Schuerger. Schuerger will graduate in May 2024 from California State University, San Marcos, with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Business Administration. She plans to become a racehorse trainer. Silke Hoffman is the recipient... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 23, 2023) — The Seabiscuit Tram Tour returns to Santa Anita beginning next Saturday. The guided tour, which is free of charge, departs Clocker’s Corner at 9:45 a.m. It includes a visit to Santa Anita’s Stable Area, Receiving Barn, Paddock Gardens and a drive by Seabiscuit’s original barn and stall. Participants will also walk through the Silks Rooms before visiting the saddling paddock. The Seabiscuit Tram Tour will run every Saturday through June 17 with some exceptions. The tour will not be offered May 6, May 20 and June 10.  Free parking is also available through Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue. To reserve a spot, visitwww.santanita.com/tramtour or call (626) 574-6677. ...

From SportHorseAuctions.com WILLCOX, Ariz. — A California-sired yearling daughter of leading stallion Stay Thirsty is being auctioned, with proceeds benefiting paralyzed jockey Anne Von Rosen, according to breeder Dorothée Kieckhefer. The filly, named Peanut Bar, is out of the Rocky Bar mare Rocky Top Girl. The filly is eligible to compete in all races with enhanced purses which are restricted to California-sired and California-bred Thoroughbreds. She is eligible to be nominated to the lucrative Golden State Stakes Series, according to Kieckhefer. Because she was foaled in Arizona, she would also qualify for owners’ and breeders’ awards in the Grand Canyon State. For further information, click https://internethorseauctions.com/auction-lot-detail.php?aucid=494&Id=27027&Start=0&closeinc=50&AnName=&Cate=&Sexx=&Discip=&Sttate= ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners 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. In brief: The Board voted to amend the Inclement Weather Policy by imposing greater restrictions on horses exercising immediately after the surface has been unsealed. Typically, when wet weather is anticipated, dirt surfaces are compacted hard to promote runoff and prevent water from seeping into the soil. When the surface is later unsealed, indications are that at least 24 hours is needed for it to fully settle. Under the new policy, horses will only be allowed to jog during those 24 hours. The track superintendent and CHRB’s equine medical director, Dr. Jeff Blea, will decide together whether it is safe for horses to perform... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. —Three stakes – including the $100,000-guaranteed Bertrando for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California — highlight the Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The nine-day season is scheduled to begin Friday, June 23 and continue through Sunday, July 9. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday opening week (June 23-25), Saturday-Tuesday (July 1-4) the middle week and Saturday-Sunday (July 8-9) the final weekend.  Post time will be 1 p.m. The richest event is the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies & mares at 6 ½ furlongs. Captured by Nick Alexander’s Cal-bred Becca Taylor in 2022, the Great Lady M. will be offered Tuesday, July 4. Besides Becca Taylor, the seven other winners of the Great Lady M. at Los Alamitos are Doinghardtimeagain (2014), Fantastic Style (2015), Eclipse Award winner Finest City (2016), Skye Diamonds (2017), Marley’s Freedom (2018-2019), Sneaking Out (2020) and Gamine (2021). The $125,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Derby, which was won a year ago by High Connection, providing... ...

From Breeders’ Cup LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 30, 2023) — Tickets for the 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, to be held Nov. 3 and 4 at iconic Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, will go on sale Thursday, May 4. Starting today, fans can begin browsing seating options and pricing at  BreedersCup.com/Tickets and sign up to receive exclusive ticket pre-sale information at  BreedersCup.com/2023.   The 2023 World Championships will feature 14 Grade 1 races and $31 million in purses and awards as fans from around the globe gather to celebrate the world’s best horses, jockeys, and trainers as they compete over two days in racing’s most spectacular international showcase.  “We are delighted to welcome guests from around the world to beautiful Santa Anita Park as we celebrate the milestone 40th running of racing’s premier international championship,” said Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Drew Fleming. “Extensive ticket options are available for all racing fans, and we are working closely with our partners at Santa Anita, and with the broader Arcadia and Pasadena communities, to ensure this year’s fan... ...

From Bloodhorse BloodHorse will accept applications through April 17 for a new paid internship position to work on the leading industry publication’s various platforms this summer.   The accepted intern will work with the BloodHorse editorial department on its monthly magazine, popular website, BloodHorse Daily newsletter, and BH+ website, which features news videos as well as leading industry analysis through MarketWatch and breeding information. The paid internship is being funded by BloodHorse and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB).   “We’re looking forward to launching, with support of the NTWAB, this opportunity for a journalist interested in covering the racing industry,” said BloodHorse Editorial Director Frank Angst, who also is an NTWAB board member. “At BloodHorse, we have a number of platforms to tell stories and any number of topics to cover, from racing, to industry news, to sales, to breeding.”   The BloodHorse internship is targeted toward those with an interest in pursuing a journalism career in horse racing. The Lexington, Ky.-based internship will run over eight weeks this... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 24, 2023) – The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) has announced the winners of its 2022 statistical awards for leading California owners. Reddam Racing was leading owner in total purse earnings; Tommy Town Thoroughbreds LLC led all owners by number of California wins as well as most California starts; and the partnership of Pegram, Watson and Weitman took leading owner for most California stakes wins.   Reddam Racing runners earned a total of $2,653,978 in California last year, with 31 wins from 230 starts, including four stakes wins. Their top runners included Del Mar Derby winner Slow Down Andy, Eddie’s New Dream, winner of the California Distaff Handicap and Irish O’Brien Stakes, Absolutely Zero, winner of the Fasig-Tipton Futurity, multiple stakes-placed runner Awake At Midnyte, Fun Money, An Agent Mistake, and Don’t Swear Dave.   Tommy Town Thoroughbreds had 52 wins from 251 California starts, for total earnings of $1,659,404. Their top runners included Golden Gate Debutante winner Sally’s Sassy, Empire House, winner of the California Governor’s Cup Stakes, Shoppingforpharoah, Day... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky (Mar. 23, 2023) — The Jockey Club announced today that the 2023 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 and is updated quarterly. It also features a directory of Canadian, international, national, and state 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 be found in the Breeding section of the Fact Book.   This edition of the Fact Book includes updates to the Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) and Breeding Statistics sections. RMBs are now sortable by stallion name, number of mares bred, and state. The Breeding Statistics can be sorted by year and then by stallion name, mares bred, reports received, live foals, percent of live foals, and... ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, 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. In brief: At the request of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and racetracks, the Board approved a redirection of revenue from Advance Deposit Wagering that would normally go to thoroughbred purses and commissions in order to pay the balance of California’s 2023 fee to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). In expectation that step two of HISA’s program will go into effect as scheduled on March 27,  California’s proportional share of HISA’s operating budget is $6,729,297. Largely through the efforts of CHRB staff, HISA is crediting California for the equine drug testing and research program that California will continue... ...

From CARMA ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2023) — California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), a nonprofit organization that provides funding for the retirement of Thoroughbred racehorses in California, has announced the addition of two new board members. Amy Zimmerman and Jay Privman have been appointed to the board to fill vacancies left by the resignation of Candace Coder-Chew and the untimely passing of Howard Zucker late last year.       Amy J. Zimmerman is a renowned sports TV producer who has had a successful career in TV and horse racing. She has worked with all four major networks as a live sports producer, oversees horse racing coverage for NBC, and has won numerous awards, including the 2014 Old Hilltop Award and the 2011 Penny Chenery Distinguished Woman in Racing Award. Currently, she serves as the Senior Vice President at Santa Anita Park, where she has been on staff since 1986.       Jay Privman is a revered horse racing journalist who has been covering the sport for over 35... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board, a steadfast supporter of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act/Authority (HISA) since its inception, has signed a new voluntary agreement with HISA and its Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) indicating the CHRB’s intention to enforce and comply with all federal rules and procedures governing horse racing. The CHRB has been enforcing and complying with safety regulations that HISA introduced July 1, 2022. Under the new agreement, the CHRB will implement rules under the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which are scheduled to go into effect March 27, 2023. Both the CHRB and HISA are committed to the principle of promoting safety in horse racing. Under the agreement, the CHRB agrees to perform certain tasks for the Authority and HIWU, including collecting equine samples, testing those samples at the University of California, Davis, collaborating on equine-related research, and performing investigations with respect to adverse analytical findings. As the CHRB and California horse racing industry already pay for these... ...

Press Release from DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2023) — The 2023 season is taking shape and we are already counting down the days until racing returns to the Seaside Oval on Friday, July 21, 2023. SUMMER SEASON Friday, July 21 – Sunday, September 10 Pacific Classic – Saturday, September 2 BING CROSBY SEASON Friday, November 10 – Sunday, December 3   The summer season goes on sale to the public Friday, May 12 at 10 AM PT. Don’t miss out on the best tables & seats by signing up to receive early access to tickets this year. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners 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. In brief: Executive Director Scott Chaney (ED) reported that “in 2021, there were 71 total catastrophic injuries at California regulated facilities.  In 2022, that number was 64 for a decrease of 10 percent.  Since calendar-year 2019, total catastrophic injuries have decreased 50 percent. To put 2022 in context, of the 64, less than half, 30, were musculo-skeletal injuries, the rest being sickness, accidents, and sudden deaths.  For further context, there are approximately 30,000 runners (starts) each year in California and 70,000 workouts.  On any given day, there are approximately 4,000 horses at CHRB regulated facilities and around 8,000 to 10,000 unique horses at our facilities in any given year. ... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2023) — Applications for The Jockey Club’s summer internship program for college students and recent college graduates will open Tuesday, January 17. The program will accommodate up to three interns.   “The first two years of our internship program were very successful,” said Matt Iuliano, executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club. “The interns have been intelligent and motivated, and they have all done a tremendous job working within The Jockey Club companies. They will be an asset to any organization within our industry, which is the goal of the program.”   Interns will gain exposure to all companies and departments within the organization, and they will have the opportunity to spend additional time in areas that they find to be of particular interest. The program will last eight weeks.   The internships will take place in The Jockey Club’s offices located in Lexington, Ky., and New York, N.Y. For more information and to view the application, interested candidates... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2023) — Governor Gavin Newsom announced that Gregory Ferraro, 76, of San Francisco, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board, where he has served since 2019. Ferraro was Director of the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Center for Equine Health from 1997 to 2014. He was Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Gregory L. Ferraro DVM, LLC from 1972 to 1997. Ferraro earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Ferraro is registered without party preference. ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 23, 2022) — Congress passed a $1.7 trillion spending package that will fund the federal government through September 2023. The spending package is the last major must-pass bill on the legislative docket before the start of the new divided Congress in January.  Unfortunately, Congress did not include popular pro-business tax extenders including some that are valuable to the Thoroughbred industry. Provisions such as the 3-year depreciation schedule for racehorses under age 2, which expired at the end of 2021, will remain expired and 100% bonus depreciation will phase down in 2023 to 80%. Those provisions remain a top priority for the NTRA, and we are hopeful to work with the new Congress in the first quarter of next year to address these issues.  In addition, meaningful immigration reform was also not included in the end of the year spending package. NTRA was supportive of Senator Bennet’s (D-CO) Affordable and Secure Food Act being included in the spending package. The inclusion of this bill would have... ...

From California Horse Power Coalition The California Horse Power Coalition (CHPC) is creating an opportunity for the public to learn about the significant impact that the industry has on California’s economy, jobs, tourism, agricultural sustainability, and culture. We encourage you to visit us at our upcoming events listed below! Upcoming Events: 26 December: Santa Anita Opening Day Located on the east side of the Paddock Gardens, near the gift shop. 30 December: EquestFest The coalition’s mission is to preserve and protect California’s vibrant equestrian culture by bringing together equine industry leaders, workers, families and fans of the sport to illustrate its significant benefits. Click the button below to receive their newsletter. ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 18, 2022) — The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is seeking highly motivated current students or recent graduates for its internship program in Washington, D.C. The NTRA’s new Washington office is located on Capitol Hill under the operation of former U.S. Congressman Tom Rooney, the President and CEO of the NTRA. “With the new Congress in January and everything in Washington reopening after COVID, we are very eager to welcome interns into our D.C. office,” Rooney said. “The dynamic work environment of Capitol Hill is great for young people, and we hope to bring students with an interest in Thoroughbred racing and government affairs onto our team. One of my favorite things about being a Congressman was helping bring young people to D.C. and showing them how it works, and it is our hope that our internship program can do just that.” Qualifications include but aren’t limited to strong written and oral communication skills, the ability to take direction, learn and work independently and proactively,... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, 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 Webcast link. In brief: The Board and presenters discussed the critical issue of federal oversight of horse racing, prompted by court and regulatory challenges to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which for now are placing the authority of HISA in jeopardy. Because HISA was scheduled to supersede state oversight of medication and drug testing enforcement on January 1, racing jurisdictions are in somewhat of a legal limbo. However, the message at the Board meeting Thursday was that California is less affected by those uncertainties than most other jurisdictions because, as Josh Rubinstein of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club put it, “Rules that we’ve put in place are... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2022)—Santa Anita Park’s Classic Race Meeting, which opens on Monday, Dec. 26, will offer horsemen the largest purse structure in Santa Anita’s storied 88-year history with significant increases in both allowance and stakes race monies.                 Additionally, Santa Anita will again offer fans and horsemen the best winter turf racing in America, as its downhill Camino Real, turf chute and turf oval will provide a wide variety of options for horses sprinting and going a route of ground.                 “Our turf is in tremendous condition,” said Chris Merz, Santa Anita Director of Racing and Racing Secretary.  “With our downhill and turf chute components, we are pleased to offer the betting public and fans alike a cornucopia of turf racing options. With so much emphasis now on recruiting turf prospects from all over the world, turf racing is more popular than ever before.                 “As the meet progresses, we are also going to initiate a $25,000 starter series in March for boys and... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Damascus Castellanos and Brenda Washington Davis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: Various speakers addressed the current situation with the Horseracing Safety and Integrity Act/Authority (HISA), given a recent court decision that HISA is unconstitutional. The matter being in legal limbo has caused confusion in some racing jurisdictions, but Deputy Executive Director Cynthia Alameda, consistent with the CHRB advisory issued November 18, said that is not the case in California. “Unless and until a federal court makes a further decision on the case, the CHRB will continue to honor its agreement with HISA and enforce all federal rules,” she said. “The CHRB will continue to negotiate with HISA and its enforcement entity, Drug Free Sports International, on agreements for the... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2022) — The Jockey Club announced today that applications are open for its five academic scholarships. The scholarships will apply to the 2023-2024 academic year and are as follows: The Jockey Club Scholarship ($15,000; $7,500 per semester) is for students in academic pursuit of majors for future employment in the equine industry. Open to any equine breed or discipline; preference will be given to candidates with the expressed desire to secure employment in the Thoroughbred industry. The Jockey Club Advancement of Women in Racing Scholarship ($20,000; $10,000 per semester) is open to women pursuing a career in the equine industry who are enrolled full time as an undergraduate or graduate student at a college or university. Open to any equine breed or discipline; preference will be given to candidates with the expressed desire to secure employment in the Thoroughbred industry. The Jockey Club Vision Scholarship ($20,000; $10,000 per semester) is open to students from a minority racial or ethnic group who are... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. — Four stakes for 2-year-olds – including a pair restricted to Golden State Series eligibles – highlight the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will begin Friday, Dec. 9 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 18. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday both weeks (Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18). Post time will be 12:30 p.m. The Cal-bred stakes races are the $100,000 Soviet Problem – for 2-year-old fillies – on Sunday, Dec. 11 and the $100,000 King Glorious — for 2-year-olds — on Sunday, Dec. 18. Both races will be run at one mile.  The $300,000-guaranteed Starlet, a Grade I for 2-year-old fillies, will be renewed for the ninth time at Los Alamitos Saturday, Dec. 10, one week before the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity.  The Starlet and the Futurity will be run at 1 1/16 miles. Grandstand admission is $3 and $2 for seniors 62 and older. Admission to Burgart’s is $10 and Vessels Club is $10. Tickets can also... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2022) — The Jockey Club today released Report of Mares Bred (RMB) statistics for the 2022 breeding season. Based on RMBs received through October 18, 2022, The Jockey Club reports that 925 stallions covered 27,163 mares in North America during 2022. The Jockey Club estimates an additional 2,500 to 3,500 mares will be reported as bred during the 2022 breeding season. RMB statistics for all reported stallions in 2022 are available through the Fact Book section of The Jockey Club’s website at jockeyclub.com. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2022)—Santa Anita Park has announced a joint venture between its Thoroughbred Aftercare Program and SRD Straightening Reins Foundation, a Santa Clarita based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to assist adolescents and teens improve their mental health and well-being through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). The pilot program, which will be run from November to February, aims to use Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds known as OTTBs to show adolescents and teens that their lives have value and meaning in the face of challenges and transitions, just as Thoroughbreds do when they shift to another career after racing.           Two Thoroughbred mares were chosen for this program. Papa’s Lady is a nine-year-old bay daughter of Papa Clem who raced 40 times with a record of 3-1-6. The other mare is My Aunt Annie, a twelve-year-old dark bay daughter of Dixie Chatter who raced 23 times with a record of 1-2-2. Retired from the racetrack at the ages of five and four respectively, both mares entered... ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a public meeting at Cal Expo on Thursday, October 20, 2022. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, 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 Webcast link. In brief: The Board took another in a long series of steps to protect racehorses by unanimously voting to restrict multiple joint injections. Approved for public notice, the proposed rule will establish a limit of two intra-articular injections in the same joint within 60 days. A third such injection will put the horse on the Veterinarian’s List, unable to race for at least 30 days. Chairman Ferraro explained his proposal: “If you’ve put two injections in a joint (with any agent) and you’re thinking about doing a third, you’re not going to do it under this legislation because you know you’re going to be on the vet’s list.... ...