From CHRB The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, July 21. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved three license applications for race meets, beginning with the Sonoma County Fair (SCF) meet, which will be run at Golden Gate Fields (GGF) on August 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15. SCF will be required to run Arabian races during the meet in compliance with statutes. In a related matter, the Board approved an agreement between SCF and the Thoroughbred Owners of California authorizing the racing secretary to establish conditions on races limiting the administrations of certain medications. The Board approved the license application for the Pacific... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 21, 2021) — Del Mar is delighted to begin allowing limited general admission sales at the track when racing resumes this Friday, July 23.  We began the season cautiously, as our reopening plan was limited to seated capacity. Operations went so well opening weekend that we are now making limited general admission and walk-up sales available for our fans, including Diamond Club discounts at the gate.  On behalf of Del Mar, thank you for your continued support and patience as we all have adapted to the changing circumstances and continue to return to normal. We look forward to welcoming you back to the track. Click here for details on general admission.  ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 17, 2021) — Five stakes worth a guaranteed $400,000 will be offered during the upcoming Los Angeles County Fair at Los Alamitos meet, including the $75,000 E.B. Johnston for California-breds. The 10-day LACF season is scheduled to begin Friday, Sept. 10 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 26. Racing will be conducted on a Friday-Sunday basis the first two weeks (Sept. 10-12 and Sept. 17-19) and Thursday-Sunday (Sept. 23-26) the final week. The first of the stakes races will be contested Saturday, Sept. 11. Three-year-old fillies will run six furlongs in the $75,000-guaranteed Beverly J. Lewis. One day later, 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California will compete in the $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston at one mile. The final two Saturdays of the season will feature the $75,000-guaranteed Capote for 2-year-olds colts & geldings Sept. 18 and the $75,000-guaranteed Phone Chatter for fillies Sept. 25. Both races will be run at 6 ½ furlongs. Completing the stakes schedule is the $100,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Special... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 25, 2021) — Dr. Jeff Blea will assume the responsibilities of Equine Medical Director for the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) on July 1, replacing Dr. Rick Arthur, who retires June 30 after serving 15 years as EMD. In addition to advising the Board on matters pertaining to equine health and welfare, Dr. Blea will help oversee the CHRB’s drug testing program, work with investigators on medication violations, liaise with those peers directing programs at the University of California, Davis, including the Postmortem Program, and work with Official Veterinarians in their oversight of practicing veterinarians. Dr. Blea is perfectly positioned to assume this vital role. He was a practicing veterinarian on the Southern California thoroughbred circuit for 28 years, and during that time he demonstrated an interest in improving horse racing, focusing primarily on equine health and welfare, as evidenced by his leadership nationally with the American Association of Equine Practitioners and regionally with the Southern California Equine Foundation. He served as a director of the... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2021) – TOC’s membership elected Ryan Hanson and Lindsay LaRoche and re-elected incumbents Ed Moger, Stephanie Hronis, and Rick Gold to its Board of Directors. All five were elected to three-year terms. The new board officially takes office on July 1st.        Hanson is a fourth-generation horseman who worked as an exercise rider and assistant trainer before moving to Santa Anita in 2017 as a trainer. Since then his stable has grown to over 20 head, and he has campaigned world champion distance runner Honoroso as well as several graded stakes winners.        LaRoche joins the board as a Northern California representative. A resident of Lafayette, CA for 20 years, he and his wife, Deborah, run Highland Yard stable, with several horses in training at Golden Gate Fields and in Southern California.        Gold has served on the board for four years. He is chair of TOC’s Medication and Integrity committee, a member of the Executive, Finance, and Wagering... ...

From CHRB The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, June 16. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. 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 conditionally approved the license application for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to operate a race meet that will open on Friday, July 16, and run through Monday (Labor Day), September 6. Unlike last year when the pandemic prevented the public from attending the races, Del Mar will welcome as many as 15,000 patrons to its racing programs, provided they have reserved seats. Racing is scheduled for three days – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – for the first two weeks, and then Thursday racing will be added for the following... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 16, 2021)—National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) President and Chief Executive Officer Alex Waldrop today announced that he will retire at the end of 2021 after 15 years at the helm of the organization.   Waldrop has had a distinguished career in the horse racing industry, serving as President of Churchill Downs and later as Chair of the equine, gaming, and entertainment practice group at the Kentucky-based law firm Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, where he served as the NTRA’s general counsel before joining the organization full-time in his current role.   During Waldrop’s tenure at the NTRA, the association transitioned from a member dues-driven organization into a self-sustaining, program-driven operation with more than 90 percent of the entity’s revenues now derived from programs that support the industry.   Under Waldrop’s leadership, the NTRA grew its footprint in Washington, D.C., solidifying its position as the industry’s leading voice and the entity that represents all segments of the Thoroughbred industry on Capitol Hill. As the trade association for... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (June 4, 2021) — Trevor’s back. Del Mar announced June 3 that Trevor Denman, the iconic racing commentator who called every race at the seaside oval from 1984-2019, will return to the track’s roof for the 2021 season after sheltering in place throughout 2020 at his rural Minnesota farm as he and his wife Robin rode out the COVID-19 pandemic.  “We are very keen to get back to Del Mar,” Denman recently wrote in an e-mail to a track official.  And Del Mar fans will get to hear the 68-year-old South African expatriate again when racing begins anew at the seaside oval on Friday, July 16.  Del Mar notes that when Denman first brought his unique style to Southern California in the 1980s, he quickly went about reshaping racetrack calls nationwide. With his understanding of the scene unfolding in front of him (he’d tried a stint as a rider early on), he was capable of “describing” the race lyrically instead of simply using the staccato style of position... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 25, 2021) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued a joint temporary final rule that was published today in the Federal Register and offers 22,000 additional H-2B visas to employers for the second half of the federal fiscal year that ends on September 30, 2021. These visas are used by employers, such as racehorse trainers, who seek seasonal guest workers. They are capped at 66,000 annually, with an even split of 33,000 available for each half of the federal government’s fiscal year. Six thousand of these supplemental visas will be reserved for nationals of the Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. “The 22,000 H-2B visas offered through this rule issued by the DHS and DOL will be helpful to employers who rely on the H-2B visa program, including trainers, but many more of these visas are ultimately required to satisfy the need,” said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop. “For that reason, the NTRA, through its... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 20, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, May 19. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·     The Board approved the license application for the Alameda County Fair to operate a fair meet in Pleasanton commencing June 18 through July 11 with 13 racing programs, including Monday, July 5. The race meet will not run concurrently with the Alameda County Fair, which has been moved to the fall. Through an agreement with Golden Gate Fields (GGF), the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF), and the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), a majority of the horses racing in Pleasanton will be stabled at... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 8, 2021) — CARF (California Authority of Racing Fairs) has informed the CHRB that it is seeking to run a seven-week 2021 fair race meet from June 18 through August 1 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. We understand this meet will comprise the race weeks awarded to both Pleasanton and Sacramento by the CHRB. As part of its race meet application to the CHRB, CARF has instructed Golden Gate Fields that CARF will be providing stabling for this combined meet with 680 stalls at Pleasanton and 600 stalls at Sacramento. Consistent with CARF’s plans, Golden Gate will use this period to address track accommodations and various backstretch maintenance. Upgrades to the sanitary conditions of the restrooms have already begun. Golden Gate will remain open for stabling for five additional days after the last day of its current meet, through June 18. Golden Gate will reopen the backside on July 26, 10 days before the start of the Santa Rosa Meet, which will be run at Golden Gate Fields in the same manner... ...

From NTRA The NTRA’s 2020 Legislative Annual Report is now available online. Click here to view the report.   Features of the 2020 Legislative Annual Report include:   A federal legislative summary of issues that are important to horse racing and breeding, including the latest on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, Sports Betting, Three-year Racehorse Depreciation, Immigration and other legislation  A list of 2020 contributors to the NTRA’s Legislative Action Campaign through the ¼% Check-off Program and other related NTRA fundraising programs  Sale company calendars  Member discount information from NTRA partners like John Deere, Sherwin-Williams, Office Depot and Big Ass Fans   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 our industry.   With Appreciation,   Joe Bacigalupo Sr. Director of Government Relations... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 22, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, April 21. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. 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. In brief: ·     The Board approved for 45-day public notice and comment a proposed regulatory amendment to toughen and standardize penalties for violation of rules governing use of the riding crop. Key changes are the elimination of maximum penalties and addition of minimum penalties that the stewards may impose. The rule specifically states that stewards may issue greater penalties where the violation is “egregious or intentional.” Commissioners expressed the hope that the regulatory process could be completed in time for the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar on November 5 and... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 20, 2021) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor have agreed to offer 22,000 additional H-2B visas to employers for the second half of the federal fiscal year that ends on September 30, 2021. These visas are used by employers, such as racehorse trainers, who seek seasonal guest workers. They are capped at 66,000 annually, with an even split of 33,000 available for each half of the federal government’s fiscal year. The additional visas will be made available later this spring or early summer via a temporary final rule in the Federal Register.  Six thousand of these visas will be reserved for nationals of the Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.   “We are pleased to learn that additional H-2B visas will be available for trainers soon and applaud Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh for this action,” said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop. “At the same time, the NTRA supports... ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Apr. 16, 2021) — The Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., confirmed Wednesday it will run its meet this summer as scheduled. In a letter to horsemen, Jerome Hoban, the fair’s CEO, said the fair “fully intends” to conduct its meet beginning on June 18. The meet is scheduled to run through July 11. Hoban said in the letter he is hopeful the track will be able to admit fans. Golden Gate Fields began allowing a limited number of fans on April 16. The fairgrounds is the site of COVID vaccinations and food distribution, and the actual fair is tentatively being scheduled to run in October, Hoban said. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 24, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Tuesday, March 23. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: By a 4-3 vote, the Board temporarily tabled the agenda item calling for tougher penalties for jockeys misusing the riding crop. By that slim majority, the Board approved a motion by Chairman Ferraro to delay consideration of proposed changes to CHRB Rule 1688 in order to provide more time to review all aspects of the rule, particularly the proposed requirement for stewards to impose a fine equivalent to 50 percent of the jockey’s earnings in a graded stakes race. Commissioner Solis, the Thoroughbred Owners of... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2021) — With improving trends in public health data, growth in vaccination rates and the gradual relaxation of limits on attendance at sporting and performance venues in the state, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club officials are looking forward to a return of fans to the seaside track when it opens for its 82nd summer season on Friday, July 16, track officials said today. Track personnel are planning for spectators on site when the racetrack kicks off a 31-day season that will feature 34 major stakes, a substantial increase in purses and a return to the sun and fun vibe that has been part of its culture since it first opened its gates in 1937. “We will continue to follow the guidance of local health officials and our medical advisors, but based on what has been announced for other local attractions such as the San Diego Padres and SeaWorld, we are optimistic we will have fans in the stands this summer at some level,” said... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 25, 2021) — President Biden issued a Proclamation on Wednesday, February 24, 2020, to revoke Proclamation 10014 (Suspension of Entry of Immigrants Who Present a Risk to the United States Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak) and sections of related Proclamations that added nonimmigrants to the travel suspension. Click here to view President Biden’s Proclamation. Originally issued on April 20, 2020, by then-President Trump and extended by him in June and December through sections of Proclamations 10052 and 10131, respectively, Proclamation 10014 prevented certain immigrants and nonimmigrants from traveling to the United States. Included in this group were individuals who either were selected to receive the opportunity to apply for visas – including H-2B visas – through the Fiscal Year 2020 Diversity Visa Lottery or who had already received such visas, causing labor challenges for many industries, including the horse racing industry. President Biden’s Proclamation revokes these restrictions.   In other foreign worker developments, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2021) — The Jockey Club announced today that the 2021 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. Among the data included in the Fact Book are import/export and sales trends, all of which appear to have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Namely, when compared to 2019, imports decreased 23.3%, exports decreased 35.6%, and mean yearling price decreased 19.9%. The Fact Book’s racing data, some of which was released as part of Equibase Company’s year-end... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, February 17. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved an agreement between the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), the Los Angeles Turf Club (Santa Anita), and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (Del Mar) under which those parties will redirect some of their own revenue from Advance Deposit Wagering into a marketing program to fund player rebates, stakes recruitment, and Ship & Win incentives, among other things. This program replicates the functions of the defunct California Marketing Committee. The Board began the regulatory process to update the CHRB classification of drug substances to align with Association of Racing Commissions... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2021) — Pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 19441 (Horse Racing Law), the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) is pleased to submit its 50th Annual Report, which summarizes the activities of the CHRB during the 2019-20 fiscal year, including statistical data and an overview of the Board’s operations.  The report also offers highlights of horse racing for all breeds in California for the 2020 calendar year. The CHRB 2019-20 Annual Report has also been posted to the Board’s website and can viewed at www.chrb.ca.gov. The CHRB is proud of the many achievements listed in its report and is dedicated to protecting the integrity of the industry at all levels for the millions of fans that wager and watch California horse racing. Sincerely, Scott Chaney Executive Director California Horse Racing Board ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2021) — The TOC Board unanimously elected Gary Fenton to serve as the new Chairman of the organization replacing outgoing Chairman Nick Alexander who stepped down after five years in the role. Fenton has been on the TOC Board since 2016 and has served as Chairman of the TOC Racing Committee since 2018 and TOC Vice-Chairman since 2019. Fenton is the managing partner of Little Red Feather Racing (LRF), California’s largest syndicate with over 85 horses and over 400 owner/partners. LRF has campaigned Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Singletary as well as Grade 1 winners Egg Drop, Midnight Storm, Secret Spice, Fault and Mirth. LRF has the fifth most starts of all owners in Southern California since 2010.  Fenton grew up in Beverly Hills, CA and caught the horse racing bug at an early age attending races at Hollywood Park, Santa Anita and Del Mar, including the first Breeders’ Cup in 1984. He began his career as an entertainment attorney working for the William Morris Agency and... ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2021) – Dr. Jeff Blea has been a trusted voice in the California horse racing industry for decades, and in July he will become the veterinary voice of the California Horse Racing Board upon the long-planned retirement of Dr. Rick Arthur from the critically important position of Equine Medical Director (EMD). While Dr. Blea has been committed to his thriving veterinary practice on the Southern California thoroughbred circuit, he recently decided he could be a more valuable resource to the equine veterinary profession and provide greater assistance in the advancement of the racing industry. Dr. Gregory Ferraro, chairman of CHRB and a former equine veterinarian himself on the southern circuit, described Dr. Blea as “a nationally known and widely respected equine veterinarian.  He is recognized for his clear thinking and fairness in his decision making.” Under contract arrangements between the CHRB and the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) at the University of California, Davis, the EMD serves as a member of its faculty. CHRB... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, January 21. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved by a 4-3 vote a one-year license for the quarter-horse meet at Los Alamitos Race Course that began December 26, 2020, and will continue through December 19, 2021. Chairman Ferraro and Commissioners Alfieri, Castellanos, and Solis voted in favor of the motion to approve, while Vice Chair Gonzales and Commissioners Davis and Mitchell opposed the motion in favor of a six-month license. Because the primary focus of CHRB concerns has been safety at Los Alamitos, management made a lengthy and detailed presentation... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2020) — The Thoroughbred Owners of California (“TOC”), Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, The Stronach Group’s 1/ST Racing and FanDuel Group’s TVG announced today new purse enhancement program that will inject up to $15 million into California Thoroughbred purses in 2021 and 2022. The parties to the agreement, all major stakeholders in California Thoroughbred racing, believed that working together on additional sponsorship and purse enhancements would help support the state’s racing industry in light of the loss of purse revenue due to the cessation of live racing in California in 2020 and the restrictions on on-site attendance due to public health requirements. The parties also share a commitment to support and promote the significant equine health and safety advancements made by California racing interests over the last two years. “California racing has always been very important to TVG, and we are committed to continuing our support of the racing industry here, especially given the challenging circumstances the industry faced in 2020” said TVG CEO Kip... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 23, 2020) — A series of current H-2B visa program provisions are set to continue as part of omnibus legislation passed Monday by Congress.   H-2B visa program policies set to continue include:   Authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to increase the H-2B cap for fiscal year 2021 by up to approximately 69,000 visas if it determines that the needs of seasonal businesses cannot be met with U.S. workers; Continuation of the use of private wage surveys for prevailing wage determinations; A prohibition against DOL enforcing the corresponding employment and three-quarters guarantee provisions of its H-2B regulations relating to total work hours; and Provisions extending the maximum employment season for up to 10 months, as opposed the nine-months in current DOL regulations.   The H-2B visa guest worker program is a nonimmigrant visa program used by many industries that need temporary non-agricultural help when domestic workers are unavailable. For the horse racing industry, racehorse trainers... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. –Large fields, a record Pick Six pool and payoff, a fourth consecutive sweep of the Grade I Starlet and Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert were among the highlights of the 11-day Los Angeles County Fair Winter Thoroughbred meet, which concluded Sunday. Buoyed by an influx of more than 200 horses from Northern California – due to the current suspension of racing at Golden Gate Fields – the average field size for the season was nearly nine runners per race, compared to 6.97 for the 2019 Winter meet. There were 854 participants in 98 races during the season. This led to a sizable boost in terms of business. The average daily handle on races run at Los Alamitos was up 36% over 2019 and average daily handle increased 20% on a comparable basis to last year’s Winter season. “This meet was an unprecedented one,’’ said F. Jack Liebau, vice president of the Los Alamitos Racing Association. “In the... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, December 17. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. 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. In brief: The Board initially split evenly in 3-3 votes to approve any form of license for Los Alamitos to conduct a quarter-horse meet in 2021. This meant the meet would not have been permitted to begin as scheduled on December 26. Upon reconsideration, the Board voted 5-1 to approve the license application for six months through June 30, 2021. Chairman Ferraro remained the lone dissenting vote, preferring to grant the license for the requested full year. At the June 17 meeting, the Board will determine whether Los Alamitos... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 17, 2020) — The Jockey Club Registry announced today that contact information submitted through its Thoroughbred Connect program by those interested in providing aftercare or assistance for a Thoroughbred is now available when a horse’s digital certificate of foal registration is accessed by the certificate manager. Thoroughbred Connect enables anyone with an Interactive Registration (IR) account to express his or her willingness to be contacted by someone in possession of a Thoroughbred in the event the horse is in need of aftercare or assistance. It is also a resource for horse owners to list a Thoroughbred that is in need of aftercare or assistance.  With this update, contact information for those who would like to help a specific Thoroughbred is displayed by default on a horse’s digital certificate page. Thoroughbred Connect users can elect to opt out of this setting at any time. Contact information associated with horses born prior to 2018, and who thus might not have a digital certificate, can still... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, November 19. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. 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 four steps to protect racehorses and ensure the integrity of horse racing by furthering regulations to limit certain procedures and medications: The Board approved for 45-day public notice a proposed rule to severely restrict the use of  thyroxine (levothyroxine sodium). The regulation requires a specific laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of hypothyroidism, which must be reviewed and approved by the official veterinarian or equine medical director before thyroxine can be prescribed, as well as other restrictions. The Board gave final approval to a... ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2020) – Rancho San Miguel has set 2021 stud fees for its roster of seven stallions, led by the globetrotting Sir Prancealot (IRE) whose fee will remain a California-leading $15,000 for his second season at stud in California. Sir Prancealot, who sired progeny which won stakes in at least 6 countries in 2020, will return from Cornerstone Stud in Australia after breeding 105 mares in California in 2020.  His offspring have shown a propensity for high quality racing in North America with 17% Graded Stakes winners and 53% Stakes Horses earning an average earning per starters of over $210,000 from his only 17 starters.  They performed very well in the Breeders Cup last weekend when Miss Amulet ran a good third in the BC Juvenile Turf S-G1 in her U.S. debut and Lady Prancealot ran a very close 4th in the BC Filly & Mares Turf-G1.  They have also starred in the sales ring at Keeneland this week when the all... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO,Calif. (Oct. 27, 2020) – The California Horse Racing Board has expanded the posting of complaints on its website for alleged medication violations to include Class 4 and Class 5 violations. The CHRB has been posting complaints for the more serious Class 1, 2, and 3 violations, which require disqualifications and forfeiture of purses. However, with the increased emphasis on all medication violations in horse racing, the CHRB has elected  to add Class 4 and Class 5 complaints as well. The complaints stem from all drug testing, including alleged violations during racing, training, and from out-of-competition testing. To view complaints filed by the CHRB, go to the website (www.chrb.ca.gov) and click on the tab for Administrative Actions, then select Complaints from the drop-down menu. Be aware that complaints are filed for alleged violations prior to hearing. The cases have not been adjudicated at the time they are posted. Pursuant to a new statute, potential medication violations will be posted on the CHRB website beginning January 1, 2021, with... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, October 22. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chairman Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. 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 allocated 2021 racing dates for Southern California thoroughbreds (and one fair meet), harness racing, and quarter horse racing, The Board also allocated dates for Northern California thoroughbred racing for the first six months of the year. Due to uncertainties created by COVID-19, the Board delayed consideration of dates for the latter half of 2021 for Northern California thoroughbred meets and fairs. At this time, all meets are expected to run without the public in attendance, but that also could change depending... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 14, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Monday, October 12. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chairman Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. The sole purpose of this meeting was to consider a change of location for the authorized horse sale of Fasig-Tipton, Inc., set for October 19. The Board had approved the sale for its intended location at Fairplex Park in Pomona. However, Los Angeles County health officials did not give their permission for the sale to occur in that location. Arrangements then were made by those involved to switch the location to Los Alamitos Race Course after the Orange County Health Department gave its approval. The... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2020) – California stallion Uptown Rythem was represented by his first winner on Sunday when Le Majestic won the fourth race at Golden Gate, a maiden special weight for 2-year-olds. Le Majestic, a colt out of the Volksraad mare Pams Pompallier, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable and trained by Greg James. He won at first asking by two lengths at odds of 5-1 in a field of six, running the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.30. ...

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2020) — On Sept. 29, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill from California Sen. Bill Dodd meant to improve horse racing safety across the state and build on reforms adopted last year, the senator’s office said in a news release. The governor also signed a second horse racing bill, co-authored by Dodd and California Assemblyman Adam Gray, that incorporated recommendations from the California Horse Racing Board. “The horse racing industry must accept and adopt forward-thinking solutions as the health and welfare of the sport’s human and equine athletes are paramount to their future in California,” Newsom said in the release. “These bills are an essential step to create a safer and more transparent horse racing experience for everyone involved and can serve as a model for other states to follow.” “Making horse racing safer for horses and jockeys is critical for the future of this sport,” Dodd added. “Thanks to Gov. Newsom for signing my bill, which will help ensure track... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2020) — The Board of Directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) unanimously named Stephanie Hronis to fill the board vacancy created by the recent resignation of Allen Aldrich. Hronis will be required to run in the 2021 board election. Ms. Hronis has spent more than 20 years in education as a school counselor, faculty member at the graduate and community college levels, and Family Resource Center Director for the Lindsay Unified School District. Much of her career brought her in contact with the migrant farmworker communities of Central California, working with kindergarten through adult-aged students to access educational resources and plan for college and careers. With her husband Kosta and his brother, Pete, Hronis Racing won the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs with Accelerate, subsequently named Eclipse Award Older Male Dirt Champion. Their filly Stellar Wind was champion 3-year-old filly of 2015. Hronis Racing was named Leading California Owner by Money Won in 2017, 2018, and 2019, as well as Leading California... ...

From CHRB The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, September 24. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chairman 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. In brief: Chairman Ferraro and others welcomed Commissioner Davis to her first meeting since her August 26 appointment to the Board by Governor Gavin Newsom. The Board approved license applications for four race meets, all of which are scheduled to be run without fans in attendance due to COVID-19 and under strict protocols established by local health officials designed to protect all racing participants. As approved: The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will run its fall meet beginning October 31 through November 29 with mostly three-day racing weeks, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Watchandwager.com will... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2020) – A pair of $100,000 juvenile stakes in the Golden State Series are on the schedule for the Los Angeles County Fair Winter Thoroughbred Meet at Los Alamitos, which will be held Dec. 4-20. The Golden State Series stakes are the $100,000 Soviet Problem – for fillies – on Saturday, Dec. 12 and the $100,000 King Glorious for 2-year-olds will be run Sunday, Dec. 20. Los Alamitos also will host the $300,000 Grade I Los Alamitos Starlet for 2-year-old fillies on Saturday, Dec. 5; the $200,000 Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity for 2-year-olds on Saturday, Dec. 19; and the $100,000 Bayakoa for fillies and mares on Sunday, Dec. 6. ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2020) — Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) invites all members to the Northern California Annual Meeting on Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. PT. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the general business meeting will be live-streamed allowing you to participate online and / or by phone. This meeting gives TOC directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include a question-and-answer session.  Instructions on how to participate will be emailed to you the day before the event. Please note that your CHRB license MUST be current in order to participate. To register, click: https://cl.s11.exct.net/?qs=7b55082027a6cb7803306bd26a072c31a5f5add5eb69626cc4b4a5b3cdf2158efdbd785a5816d49b09d5b90fdb896b08 ...

From TOBA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2020) – Reddam Racing LLC has been selected the California Breeder of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “The 23 breeders from the U.S. and Canada enjoyed a tremendous year in 2019 from their homebred runners and we are honored to recognize their outstanding achievements and contributions to our sport at the TOBA National Awards,” said Dan Metzger, President of TOBA. Also honored during the TOBA National Awards program will be the National Owner of the Year, National Broodmare of the Year, Cot Campbell Racing Partnership of the Year, Industry Service Award, Claiming Crown Horse of the Year and the Sport Horse of the Year. TOBA’s National Awards will be presented virtually from Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa on TOBA’s Facebook page and at TOBA.org/2020Awards.  TOBA National Awards sponsors include Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, LuminUltra, Limestone Bank, Stonestreet Farms, John Deere and NTRA, Big Ass Fans, National HBPA, 1/ST, The Jockey Club Information Systems and Stoll Keenon Ogden. ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 9, 2020) — The Jockey Club is projecting a 2021 North American registered Thoroughbred foal crop of 19,200. The estimation for the 2020 foal crop remains at 20,500. The foal crop projection, traditionally announced in mid-August, is computed by using Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) received to date for the 2020 breeding season. RMBs are to be filed by August 1 of each breeding season. “The Jockey Club delayed publication of the estimation of the 2021 foal crop to provide stud farms that may have been affected by COVID-19 additional time to submit their RMBs,” said Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club’s executive vice president and executive director. Additional foal crop information is available in The Jockey Club’s online fact book at jockeyclub.com/factbook.asp and in the online state fact books. Stallion owners who have not returned their RMBs for the 2020 breeding season are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Interactive Registration, which enables registered users to perform virtually all registration-related activities... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 26, 2020)–In a move that will ensure the most expansive turf racing program in the Western U.S., Santa Anita Park is in the process of adding a brand new turf course chute, which will enable the track to offer fans and horsemen a wide array of turf sprints that heretofore had not been available. Under the direction of track consultant Dennis Moore, the new chute, which will run parallel to the seven furlong main track chute, will cross the dirt oval and join up with the turf oval at approximately the five furlong pole and be available for usage beginning opening day of Santa Anita’s traditional Winter/Spring Meeting on Dec. 26. The new turf chute, which is 80 feet wide and approximately 800 feet long, will comfortably accommodate sprint races at distances of 6 ½, six, 5 ½ and five furlongs on “the flat,” while Santa Anita’s traditional Camino Real Hillside Course will continue to be available to horses running distances of a... ...

From Bloodhorse.com California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Aug. 26 the appointment of Brenda Davis and the reappointment of Wendy Mitchell to the California Horse Racing Board. Both appointments require Senate confirmation. The composition of the CHRB, which oversees and regulates horse racing in the state, has been altered over the past year by Newsom. Madeline Auerbach, Fred Maas, Araceli Ruano, and Chuck Winner left the board, and Dr. Greg Ferraro, Mitchell, and Oscar Gonzales joined as commissioners, leaving one vacancy, according to CHRB spokesman Mike Marten. Davis’ appointment specifically fills the position left by Maas, Marten said. This spring, Scott Chaney was appointed executive director of the CHRB, replacing Rick Baedeker, who retired. According to a release from the Newsom, Davis, 65, of Sacramento, has been a principal at Brenda Davis Law Group since 2007 and 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 TOC SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, August 20. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Vice Chairman Oscar Gonzales chaired the meeting, joined by Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: Dr. Rick Arthur, equine medical director, helped open the meeting with a discussion of the current heat wave in California and its effect on racehorses. Dr. Arthur explained that temperatures alone do not determine whether it is safe for horses to compete. He described the Heat Stress Index (HSI) as a more accurate method. He sent a memo this week to horsemen, track management, stewards, and veterinarians reminding them of how to use HSI and when to undertake heat-stress mitigation steps. That memo is posted on the CHRB website under... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) recently approved the addition of Rule 1842.5 to require trainers to maintain medication treatment records for the horses in their care. Equine MediRecord (EMR), which tracks horses’ medical records in an online database, complies with all CHRB requirements. EMR is currently up and running in Europe and Kentucky. According to CHRB Executive Director Scott Chaney, “I was impressed with EMR’s system, in which equine medical records are digitized and recorded on a mobile and web-based application used by trainers or their vets. It complies with the new rule requiring trainers to maintain treatment records.” At its July board meeting, the TOC board unanimously agreed to support the set up and implementation of the system in California within 8 to 16 weeks. In exchange, we negotiated special TOC member discounts for the EMR system. TOC members will have access to the system for their horses for FREE until the end of 2020, at a 50% discount in... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 12, 2020) – The State Department released guidance for the Presidential Proclamations from June 22 (P.P. 10014 & 10052) that temporarily suspended issuance of new non-immigrant visas, such as the H-2B visa used by horse trainers. The guidance provides exceptions to the suspension and gives trainers the opportunity to secure more H-2B workers if at least two of the following three indicators are present:   1.     The applicant was previously employed and trained by the petitioning U.S. employer.    2.     The applicant is traveling based on a temporary labor certification (TLC) that reflects continued need for the worker.    3.     Denial of the visa will cause financial hardship to the U.S. employer.    The NTRA urges trainers in need of additional labor to contact their H-2B consultant immediately for further guidance. ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 4, 2020) — Those selling at the breeding stock sales this year may now enroll in the voluntary NTRA ¼% Check-off Program that funds the NTRA’s federal legislative effort. Sale clients should return a completed enrollment form to their consignor when selling with one of our sale company partners listed below.   Click here to access the enrollment form and other information about the Check-off Program.   The NTRA’s federal legislative team focuses on issues that have a direct and material effect on Thoroughbred industry participants and their business activities. We understand the many challenges currently facing everyone in the industry, in particular owners and breeders. Our job is to help ease some of these concerns by working every day in Washington, DC, with federal lawmakers and their staffs.   You can help us help horse racing in DC by contributing $2.50 for every $1,000 in sale price when you enroll in the ¼% Check-off Program.   Our federal legislative team requests your support at... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2020) — Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has announced it will run a make-up day of racing on Monday, August 31. It expects to present a 10-race card starting at 2 p.m. The added date means Del Mar will finish up its 2020 summer race meet with two four-day weekends — August 28 to 31 and September 4 to 7. On the heels of a recently announced 10% purse increase, the seaside track’s extra day will bring the number of race days for its 81st summer season to 27. Originally, 28 racing days had been planned. The track’s racing office has been adding extra races to its regular cards to make up for the lost date as the meet moves through its scheduled Friday through Sunday timetable. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 20, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Monday, July 20. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Dr. Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The only agenda item was discussion and action by the Board regarding the Board’s action on July 10, 2020, to place on probation the license to conduct a horse race meet for the Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Racing Association (LQHRA) at Los Alamitos Race Course, running December 27, 2019, through December 22, 2020, pending a plan of action from the licensee to reduce fatalities, pursuant to CHRB Rule 1435 After LQHRA presented a plan that includes additional safety personnel and greater scrutiny of horses in training and entered to race, the Board accepted the plan and took no action against the racetrack’s license, while indicating intent... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, July 16. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Dr. Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved two agenda items pertaining to funding the CHRB budget for the fiscal year 2020-21. The budget of $16,820,500 is $2.2 million higher than the previous fiscal year, largely due to $1.4 million in increases for drug testing and safety measures. The Board approved the license application for a meeting of the Sonoma County Fair (SCF) to be run at Golden Gate Fields, commencing July 31 through August 9, on condition that certain required documents must be submitted to the CHRB at least one... ...

From DMTC Publicity RENO, Nev. (July 13, 2020) — Ken Church, a prominent national rider from the 1940s to the 1960s who then transitioned to racetrack Media work in Southern California, died this morning at a hospital in Reno, Nevada, his daughter, Debbie Anderson, reported. He was 90. Anderson said her father had suffered a case of pneumonia a week ago at the retirement home where he lived in Reno and was moved to a local hospital. The cause of death was listed as the result of him contracting COVID-19. Church, who was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on March 24, 1930, came to the racetrack as a teenager at Woodbine in Toronto, then began riding in the U.S. shortly thereafter. He rode in Florida, New Jersey, Illinois and Kentucky before finished his career in California. He rode in more than 14,000 races and had more than 2,000 winners. Among the top horses he partnered with were California-bred Native Diver, Crafty Admiral, Oil Capitol, Old Hat, Bornastar, Mr. Consistency and... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (June 17, 2020) — Larry Collmus, the voice of the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup on NBC television and a national race caller with 35 years of experience on his ledger, will become the announcer at Del Mar this summer when he steps in on a “pinch hitting” assignment for the track’s regular caller, Trevor Denman. Because of health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Denman recently told Del Mar officials that he and his wife Robin did not wish to travel away from their Minnesota farm and asked to kindly bow out of his summer assignment. Del Mar, of course, said yes to the iconic announcer who has been its caller for the past 36 years. “When Trevor told us of his situation, we naturally had to respect what he was feeling,” said Josh Rubinstein, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s president and COO. “We immediately worked up a short list of possible replacements and Larry was the man we zeroed in on. Happily, he... ...

From CHRB The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, June 11. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Dr. Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved a regulatory amendment that further restricts the use of the riding crop in both racing and training. The rule prohibits using the crop more than six times in the race, excluding simply showing the crop to the horse or tapping the horse on the shoulder, and within that limit prohibits using the crop more than two times in succession without giving the horse time to respond. The rule cites the proper way for using the crop in an underhanded position without it ever rising above the shoulders of the... ...

From Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 10, 2020) — The Breeders’ Cup announced June 9 that 19 individuals were elected to serve as Breeders’ Cup members. Voting for the 2020 member election by Breeders’ Cup 2019 foal and stallion nominators concluded at 5:00 p.m. ET June 8. The following individuals, listed alphabetically, received the most votes of the Breeders’ Cup nominators to fill 19 member seats, and will serve four-year terms: Conrad Bandoroff, Barbara Banke, Jimmy Bell, Boyd Browning, Doug Cauthen, Craig Fravel, Eric Gustavson, Dr. Andreas Jacobs, W. Gray Lyster IV, Clem Murphy, Maria Niarchos-Gouazé, David O’Farrell, Bill Oppenheim, Bernie Sams, Alex Solis II, Oliver Tait, W. Elliott Walden, Barry Weisbord, Aron Wellman. “It is an honor to welcome our new and re-elected members to serve with us over the next four years,” said Fred Hertrich III, Breeders’ Cup chairman. “We look forward to their meaningful contributions, along with our other sitting members, toward our efforts to further grow and expand the popularity of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, improve... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 28, 2020) — The NTRA has made a major financial commitment to a newly created national advertising campaign focused on the thrill of watching and wagering on horseracing. The campaign, titled “Still. Running. Strong.”, launched today by the Breeders’ Cup and The Jockey Club, represents a chance for horseracing to gain additional attention at a time when it is attracting widespread television coverage and is one of the only live sporting events currently being conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.   “Now is an unprecedented opportunity for horseracing to attract additional fans and for the NTRA to support its members,” said Alex Waldrop, NTRA President and CEO. “With the extensive COVID-19 safety protocols that our racetrack operators have implemented for their employees and participants, the NTRA is glad to play a part in this collaborative initiative that showcases the best of what horseracing offers sports fans and bettors.”   The campaign includes broadcast, digital and social elements and highlights the bond between human and horse, along... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 21, 2020) — The North American International Cataloguing Standards Committee (NAICSC) met today and voted to lower the minimum purse requirement for existing non-listed black-type races by 20% for the remainder of 2020. Given the negative economic impacts of COVID-19-related restrictions on available sources for purse funds, the minimum purse value for non-listed black-type races that ran prior to 2019 will be reduced from $50,000 to $40,000 for the remainder of 2020, and the minimum purse value for non-listed black-type races that ran for the first time in 2019 will be reduced from $75,000 to $60,000 for their second running in 2020. Requests to receive black-type for any new races will continue to be reviewed by a subcommittee of NAICSC and require a minimum purse of $75,000. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 18, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board Licensing Offices at Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, and Los Alamitos Race Course are now open for renewals and new owner licenses only.  The Sacramento Licensing Office is still closed awaiting modifications for COVID-19 mitigation. In order to prevent introduction of new licensees to the contained backside of the tracks, new licenses (other than owners) will not be issued at this time. Exceptions to the suspension of issuing new licenses will be considered if the license is necessary for the health and safety of people and/or horses. All requests for exceptions shall be emailed to Shawn Loehr, Chief of Enforcement and Licensing (slloehr@chrb.ca.gov). Please contact one of the Licensing Offices below with any application questions. Golden Gate Fields: (916) 869-3267 GGFLicensing@chrb.ca.gov  Santa Anita: (626) 574-6348 SALicensing@chrb.ca.gov  Los Alamitos: (714) 820-2766         LosAlLicensing@chrb.ca.gov  Sacramento: (916) 263-6000 LEMartin@chrb.ca.gov   ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (May 12, 2020) —The Grade III, $150,000 Los Alamitos Derby, which will be run Saturday, July 4, is among the races to be used for the extension of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby’’ announced Churchill Downs Racetrack on Tuesday.  One of two graded stakes – along with the Grade II, $200,000 Great Lady M. (July 4) – to be offered during the upcoming Summer Thoroughbred Festival (June 26-July 5) at Los Alamitos, the Derby is run at 1 1/8 miles. Won a year ago by the Bob Baffert-trained Game Winner, the Los Alamitos Derby winner will receive 20 points, while the runner-up will collect eight, the third-place finisher four and the fourth-place finisher two. The Los Alamitos Derby is one of three races in California on the preliminary list leading to the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve on Saturday, Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs. The other two local races are the Santa Anita Derby and the Shared Belief Stakes... ...

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (May 8, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board is re-opening the Los Alamitos Race Course Licensing Office for renewal applications only. A protective shield has been installed at the Licensing Office to assist with mitigating the risk of COVID-19 for CHRB staff and the public we serve. Similar plans are in process at Golden Gate Fields, Santa Anita Park, and CHRB Headquarters in Sacramento. Updated advisories will be sent out as we re-open other locations. In order to prevent introduction of new people to the contained backside of the track, new licenses will not be issued at this time. Exceptions to the suspension of issuing new licenses will be considered if the license is necessary for the health and safety of people and/or horses. All requests for exceptions shall be emailed to Shawn Loehr, Chief of Enforcement and Licensing (slloehr@chrb.ca.gov). While the below CHRB Licensing Offices are still closed to the public, renewals may be done via email or mail. Call or email the respective... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 8, 2020) — Darrel McHargue, a jockey for 16 years until 1988, when he retired from the saddle to become a racing official – the last 30 years as a steward/Chief Steward with the California Horse Racing Board – has been elected to the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame for his riding accomplishments. He will be inducted August 7. McHargue is best known for a brilliant 1978 campaign in which he won the Eclipse Award as champion jockey, while setting what at the time was a single-season earnings record for a jockey of $6,188,353. He won the 1975 Preakness and such other major races as the Apple Blossom Handicap, Blue Grass Stakes, Del Mar Debutante, Hollywood Derby, Hopeful Stakes, La Brea Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, Santa Anita Handicap, Santa Margarita Stakes, Strub Stakes, and Swaps Stakes. He also rode in Europe in the early 1980s. He won 2,553 races in North America. McHargue became a CHRB steward in 1990. In recognition of his... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 7, 2020) — The meeting of the California Horse Racing Board scheduled for May 21 has been canceled. The next meeting of the Board is scheduled for June 11 via teleconference. The agenda for the June 11 meeting, including the starting time and call-in procedures, will be announced at least 10 days beforehand. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 4, 2020) — New California Horse Racing Board Rule 1867.1, which becomes effective July 1, prohibits the administration of bisphosphonates to any horse within a facility regulated by the CHRB and also prohibits any horse from entering the grounds that has been administered the drug within six months. This means that any horse administered bisphosphonates since January 1, 2020, will not be permitted within any CHRB-regulated facility (racetracks and training centers) within a six-month period of such administration. Bisphosphonates inhibit the normal bone repair process, which is potentially dangerous for young horses racing and in training. Additional information on bisphosphonate use in race horses is available on the CHRB website under both the Racing Safety and Veterinary sections. ...

From TCA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 28, 2020) – Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) will host an online auction of halters worn by Triple Crown and Kentucky Derby winners during the upcoming virtual “Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown”. The halter auction is set to open on Friday, May 1 at 9 a.m. and will conclude on Saturday, May 2 at 9 p.m. EST. All proceeds will benefit TCA. “As the 13 Triple Crown winners face off in the virtual running of the Derby, we are excited to offer halters worn by the only two living Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify, as well as past Derby winners,” said Erin Crady executive director of TCA. “Although the traditional first Saturday in May looks a little different this year, we are hopeful that offering an online auction during the Kentucky Derby at Home will provide an opportunity to raise money for distribution to TCA’s charities, many of which have had to cancel fundraisers as a result of the Corona virus.”  In addition... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, April 22. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Dr. Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: Newly appointed Executive Director Scott Chaney said in his opening remarks, “Thank you Chairman Ferraro and thank you to the entire Board for the confidence you have placed in me as to my appointment. I knew this would be a challenging job, and the last six weeks (during the COVID-19 health crisis) even more so. I will do my best to validate your trust.” The Board approved the license application for the Los Alamitos Horse Racing Association (LAHRA) to conduct a thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 23, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB or Board) has partially suspended fingerprinting requirements for temporary occupational licenses pursuant to its authority under CHRB Rule 1406. Effective immediately, the CHRB’s partial suspension of CHRB Rule 1488, Temporary Occupational License, extends from 45 calendar days to 120 calendar days the window in which those with a temporary occupation license must comply with fingerprinting requirements. This extension is necessary due to the current closure of CHRB licensing offices due to the State’s efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. The partial suspension of Rule 1488 will end 60 days after the CHRB licensing offices reopen to the public. As a reminder, the CHRB is not processing in-person license applications and/or renewals during this closure of CHRB licensing offices. Renewals may be done via email, mail, or phone. Call one of the numbers below for details: Golden Gate Fields: (510) 559-7437   Los Alamitos: (714) 820-2760 Santa Anita: (626) 574-6348              Cal Expo: (916) 263-6000 Expired licenses should... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 21, 2020) – Raising Havoc, a California-bred thoroughbred owned and ridden by Hannah Rohr, won the California-bred Performance Award presented by The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program that encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines. Raising Havoc, shown as Jaeger Meister, is by Via Lombardia, out of the mare Wreak Havoc and was bred by Adrian Gonzalez. The performance awards recognize Thoroughbreds accumulating the most points at all horse shows in each of the T.I.P. award categories and divisions throughout the year. ...

From TCA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 31, 2020) – Thoroughbred Charities of America’s Horses First Fund is providing funding to backstretch and aftercare organizations working to support the Thoroughbred community amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Established in 2016 by LNJ Foxwoods, the Horses First Fund assists Thoroughbreds and their caretakers in need of emergency aid due to large scale neglect, natural disaster, or other catastrophe. The Backstretch Employee Service Team (BEST) will receive funding to support their on-site medical clinic at Belmont Park. The Sam Houston Race Park Chaplaincy will receive an emergency grant to provide meal services for backstretch workers at the now closed racetrack. The Horses First Fund will also provide grants to several aftercare organizations throughout the U.S. that have taken in additional Thoroughbreds due to the pandemic or have additional needs. It is expected that more funding will be distributed as further emergency needs are identified. Thoroughbred industry related nonprofit organizations interested in applying for an emergency grant may contact Erin Crady at ecrady@tca.org. TCA has worked to... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted two separate meetings on Thursday, March 26, by teleconference. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Both meetings were chaired by Dr. Gregory Ferraro, joined for the first meeting by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. Commissioner Mitchell did not participate in the second meeting.  The audios of these two meetings are available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief, during the first, regular meeting: Chairman Ferraro opened the meeting by welcoming Commissioner Castellanos to his initial meeting as a member of the Board. Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Commissioner Castellanos on March 10. In two separate but related actions involving both emergency and permanent rules, the Board voted to re-establish the 48-hour restriction on the administration of medications or other substances to horses entered to race unless otherwise authorized by regulation.... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 5, 2020) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) earlier today communicated to Congressional offices its intent to release 35,000 additional H-2B visas for the summer season of Fiscal Year 2020. This nonimmigrant visa program is used by many industries that need temporary non-agricultural help when domestic workers are unavailable. For the horse racing industry, racehorse trainers rely heavily on the H-2B program to fill various backside positions.   While DHS has not yet released a final rule outlining specific details, the agency has provided the following:   ·    Federal regulators will release the supplementals in two phases. The first batch of 20,000 will be available for employers requiring start dates beginning April 1, and 15,000 to those having start dates beginning May 15.   ·    DHS will “generally limit” issuance of supplemental H-2B visas to returning workers “who are known to follow immigration law in good faith.”   ·    And in a first-time effort to align visa policy with the Administration’s border security goals, DHS will award... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 1, 2020) – California stallion Street George was represented by his first winner when Gifty won the third race at Golden Gate on Sunday. Gifty is out of the Seattle Sleet mare Feather’d Rain and was bred by owner and trainer Greg James. The 3-year-old filly ran the six furlongs in 1:11.53 and won by 2 ½ lengths at odds of 7-1 in the field of six. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2020) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, February 20, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro presided. Vice Chairman Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Wendy Mitchell and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board adopted a rule strictly limiting the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on racehorses. While this form of therapy may still be used to treat horses during non-racing periods, the new rule prohibits any horse from racing or even working in the mornings within 30 days of such treatment. ESWT can only be administered in clearly designated areas and each treatment must be carefully documented. Furthermore, no horse that received ESWT elsewhere can be brought to a CHRB-regulated facility without prior approval. After moving regulatory language in December that will further restrict use of the riding crop, or whip, in both racing and training, the... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2020) – California stallion Tom’s Tribute was represented by his first winner on Friday when Ecologist won the fourth race at Golden Gate. Ecologist is out of the Exchange Rate mare Lady Katfish, was bred by owner DP Racing and trained by Sherrie Monroe. The 3-year-old gelding ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.08 and won by 1 ½ lengths in his debut at odds of 47-1. ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2020) — The first foals by the Tapit Grade II stakes winner of $539,770 Prospect Park arrived almost simultaneously at 7:00 am Saturday, February 1 at Harris Farms. Classy Lady Liz, a winning daughter of Papa Clem, delivered a dark bay colt – her first foal – for breeder Dana Rocheford. Stakes-class producer Clouds of Glory (by Beau Genius), a winning half-sister to stakes winners Super Tuesday and Vaderator, foaled a dark bay colt bred by John C. Harris. Harris Farms welcomed a third Prospect Park foal on Monday, February 3. The homebred dark bay filly is the second foal from Quick Luck, a winning daughter of Lucky J. H. Foals are available for viewing at https://harrisfarms.com/foals/ On the board in 16 of 18 starts, Prospect Park won or placed in five graded stakes in seven starts at 3 including a 4-plus length victory in the Grade II La Jolla Handicap posting a 103 Beyer Speed Rating. Prospect Park stands at Harris Farms... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2020) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Wednesday, January 22, at the Department of Consumer Services. Chairman Gregory Ferraro presided. Vice Chairman Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri and Wendy Mitchell also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board acted to severely limit medications that can be present in horses participating in timed workouts. Similar restrictions already are in place at some tracks by house rules and horsemen’s agreements. The rule adopted by the Board applies these restrictions to all tracks and gives the CHRB authority to deal with violations. The goal of the new rule is to eliminate medications that may mask injury or increase the chance of injury for a horse running at full speed and to protect the wagering public. The Board approved an emergency regulation essentially permitting only “hay, oats and water” during a race with the exception... ...

TEMECULA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2020) — Passion for Gold’s first California foal arrived this week, a filly out of the mare Sundar Creek. Passion for Gold, a son of Medaglia d’Oro, stood for five years in Chile and now stands at Milky Way Farm. He was champion and high-weighted 2-year-old in France and won the Group 1 Criterium Saint Cloud by 6 1/2 lengths. ...

From Ballena Vista Farm SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2020) — Champion I’ll Have Another’s first two North American foals have arrived. The first was dropped January 14, 2020 at Rancho San Miguel. The 2020 filly is out of the winning mare Year of Light by Event of the Year. The filly was bred by Jacqueline Bousquet and Dr. Jeaneen Metzler. She was followed on January 15, 2020 by a filly born at Ballena Vista Farm, out of the Tribal Rule broodmare Jennifer’s Joy, bred by Harold and Pamela Tillema and Richard Tillema. Jennifer’s Joy is from the immediate family of millionaire Cal-bred Richard’s Boy. Richard’s Boy is a multiple stakes winner and Grade 1 placed. The 2020 fillies are from the first domestic crop of 3-year old champion I’ll Have Another, winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. I’ll Have Another began his breeding career in Japan at Big Red Farm and was repatriated by Ballena Vista Farm for stud duty in California. Farm manager Miguel Jimenez said... ...

From Tommy Town Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Jan. 2, 2020) — The connections of the Grade I-winning millionaire Boisterous, California’s leading freshman sire of 2018 and sophomore sire of 2019, are excited to announce his relocation to the Diamond B Farm, 1671 Tilden Rd, Mohrsville, PA, operated by Glenn and Becky Brok. Boisterous will be an excellent addition to the PA Breeding Program.  Boisterous was a 8-time stakes winner, including winning the Grade 1 Man o’ War Stakes with earnings of over $1.4 million. A son of Distorted Humor out of a stakes-winning Cox’s Ridge mare, he is from the good sire family of Out of Place and Gold Fever. He is the sire of the stakes winner Kookie Gal from his first crop. He will stand for $3,000 live foal. ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 16, 2019) — The Jockey Club board of stewards today announced that it is continuing its consideration of a rule to limit the annual breeding of individual stallions. The Jockey Club stated further, “We are grateful for the many thoughtful comments in response to our September proposal. The stewards are considering those comments as we continue to study the cause and effects of decreasing diversity of the Thoroughbred gene pool and finalize a rule to protect the breed’s health and welfare.” The Jockey Club is the breed registry for Thoroughbreds in North America. Since its founding 125 years ago, it has been dedicated to the improvement of breeding and racing of Thoroughbreds, focusing on improvements to the integrity, health, and safety of the sport. ...

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2019) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, December 12, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Gregory Ferraro presided. Vice Chairman Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Wendy Mitchell and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board moved a proposed regulatory amendment that will further restrict use of the riding crop, or whip, in both racing and training. Described by Dr. Ferraro as the most restrictive whip rule in North America, if not the world, the proposed amendment to Rule 1688 will limit use of the riding crop to six times during a race and no more than two times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond before using the riding crop again (within the six total limit). Correct uses of the riding crop include using the crop in an underhanded position with the crop always... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2019) — At a special Board of Directors meeting held Sunday, October 27, the leadership of California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) voted to assist in immediate fund-raising for the Southern California Equine Foundation (SCEF) purchase of an equine MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) facility to be added to the Equine Imaging Center at Santa Anita Park. The proven technology has been in use elsewhere previously, whereby the horse is standing while scanned. The urgency of the fund-raising effort is based on a November 15 deadline to contract for the equipment which would then be installed at Santa Anita prior to the start of the upcoming Winter/Spring Thoroughbred race meeting commencing on December 26. SCEF, via the Dolly Green Foundation, has already pledged $450,000 to the project. Raising a matching amount would not only secure the standing MRI for use with horses at Santa Anita and training elsewhere in Southern California, but also reduce the ongoing per-scan charges for veterinarians, owners, and trainers, once the... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2019) — Mike Pegram and Mark Dedomenico have announced their retirement from the Thoroughbred Owners of California board. Pegram has stepped down after ten years as a director, including five years as chairman of the board. Dedomenico served on the board since 2011, during which time he chaired the TOC Medication Committee. At its October meeting, the TOC board voted unanimously to appoint Jeff Bloom and Richard Rosenberg to fill the vacancies on the board created by the two resignations. “The TOC thanks both men for their years of dedicated service on the board,” said chairman Nick Alexander. “We particularly want to recognize Mike Pegram for his extraordinary efforts on behalf of all Thoroughbred owners,” Alexander continued. “He was incredibly committed to the future of our racetracks, our purse structure, and the health of our sport. During his time on the board, Mike led the efforts negotiating with the California Legislature, the (California Horse Racing Board) and racetracks to secure passage of AB 1072,... ...

From the Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 23, 2019) – Stay Thirsty covered 147 mares in 2019, the most of any California stallion, according to The Jockey Club. Among California stallions, Stay Thirsty was followed by Dancing Candy (115), Smiling Tiger (108), Grazen (74), Misremembered (63) and Stanford (62). ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2019) —Rancho San Miguel is proud to announce that Sir Prancealot’s 2020 northern hemisphere stud fee will be set at $15,000 LFSN to approved mares. Sir Prancealot’s imported runners have been a dominant force of late in the American graded stakes turf scene. Highlighting the stakes exploits is newly minted millionaire Beau Recall (IRE), a multiple G2 winner with strong finishes for second in three G1’s. Beau Recall is targeting the G1 Matriarch Stakes at Del Mar in November. 3-year-old filly Lady Prancelaot recently took down the G3 Pin Oak Valley View Stakes at Keeneland earning her second G3 win. Lady Prancealot has also placed third in the G1 Del Mar Oaks and will target the G1 American Oaks at Santa Anita in December.  There are some very live 2-year-olds pointing to graded stakes as well, including Applecross (IRE) who ran third in the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Stakes, and newly imported multiple stakes placed filly Triana (IRE) who will join... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2019) — Four stakes for 2-year-olds – including a pair for Golden State Series eligibles – and the return of the Grade III Bayakoa for fillies and mares highlight the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The eight-day season will begin Thursday, Dec. 5 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 15. The Golden State Series races for 2-year-olds are the $100,000 Soviet Problem for fillies on Saturday, Dec. 14, with the $100,000 King Glorious to be run Sunday, Dec. 15. The Grade I, $300,000-guaranteed Starlet and Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity will be renewed Saturday, Dec. 7. Won a year ago by the Bob Baffert-trained Improbable, the Futurity – like the Starlet – will be contested at 1 1/16 miles. Among the nominees to the Futurity, are American Pharoah winner Eight Rings, Del Mar Futurity upsetter Nucky and recent Santa Anita maiden winners High Velocity and Honor A.P. Nominees for the Starlet, which was won a year ago by the Baffert-trained... ...

From Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Oct. 8, 2019) — The look of greatness, confidence and class. Quick Call was in his favorite pasture with his longtime friends when he was put to rest today. He will be buried at Clare Court in Saratoga Springs alongside other racing greats as he well deserves. Forever in our hearts. Run swiftly again old friend. For more information, https://www.trfinc.org/farms-and-facilities/wallkill-correctional-facility/   ...

From TCA PASADENA, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2019) — The Thoroughbred Charities of America is hosting a fundraiser called Bash at the Breeders’ Cup at The Langham Huntington on Friday, Nov. 1 in Pasadena. This event has become our second largest of the year and directly impacts the amount of grants we make to approved charities across the country including several in California. More info about Bash can be found here: https://www.tca.org/bashatthebreederscup/ There are current event posts on our Twitter page, @TBcharities, and on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ThoroughbredCharitiesofAmerica/ ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2019) — Among the 10 states and provinces with the most mares covered in 2018, California was one of three that produced more live foals in 2019 than in 2018 as reported at this time last year, according to The Jockey club. California reported 1,612 live foals in 2019, compared to 1,577 in 2018, a 2.2 percent increase. The other states with increases were Louisiana, and Maryland. The Jockey Club also reported that 1,630 stallions covered 32,508 mares in North America during 2018, according to statistics compiled through Sept. 26, 2019. These breedings have resulted in 20,363 live foals of 2019 being reported to The Jockey Club on Live Foal Reports. The Jockey Club estimates that the number of live foals reported so far is approximately 90 percent complete. The reporting of live foals of 2019 is down 3.6 percent from last year at this time when The Jockey Club had received reports for 21,130 live foals of 2018. In addition to... ...

From California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association TEMECULA, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2019) — Please save the date for our upcoming Horsemen’s Seminar day! On October 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., various horse experts and veterinarians will be presenting valuable information for every horse owner; Thoroughbred and other breeds. The event is free and lunch is included. It will be held at Milky Way Farm in Temecula. See us on the web at www.ctfma.net. ...

From CHRB LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2019) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, September 19, at Los Alamito Racecourse. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach presided. Commissioners Alex Solis, Fred Maas, Dennis Alfieri, Gregory Ferraro, DVM, Oscar Gonzalez and Wendy Mitchell also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: Vice Chair Auerbach began the meeting by thanking former Chairman Chuck Winner, who’s term had expired, for his nearly eight years of service on the Board. Ms. Auerbach and Rick Baedeker, Executive Director, paid tribute to Mr. Winner’s expertise, integrity and untiring work on behalf of the industry in general and the health and safety of the racehorse and rider in particular. Ms. Auerbach then welcomed both Wendy Mitchell and Oscar Gonzales, both of whom Governor Gavin Newsom appointed to the Board on September 10. Wendy Mitchell, who earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California,... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2019) – California stallion Natashas Excess was represented by his first winner on Saturday when Tony’s Babe won the first race at Golden Gate. Tony’s Babe is a 4-year-old filly out of the Memo mare T.G’s Babe, was bred in California by Dan Harralson and is owned by trainer Sergio Ledezma. He won at first asking in the maiden claimer and won by a nose at odds of 11-1 in the field of six. ...

By Bloodhorse.com TORONTO, Alberta (Sept. 14, 2019) — Craig Fravel, Breeders’ Cup president and CEO since 2011, will depart the organization at the conclusion of this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 1-2 to accept a position as The Stronach Group’s CEO of Racing Operations. In his new position, Fravel will assume management and oversight of all racing operations across Stronach Group-owned tracks and training facilities. In a release, TSG said Fravel will focus on implementing and enforcing global best practices and integrity standards for horse and rider safety in collaboration with key industry stakeholders while driving a new standard of excellence in Thoroughbred horse racing with a commitment to creating an unparalled experience for both horsemen and guests. “I am delighted to have Craig join our company at this pivotal moment in our sport,” Stronach Group chairman and president Belinda Stronach said. “Craig’s stellar reputation and proven track record of leadership will enable us to further our goal to become North America’s preeminent horse racing organization as we work... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 6, 2019) — The Jockey Club board of stewards, concerned with the narrowing of the diversity of the Thoroughbred gene pool, today announced its consideration of a rule to limit the annual breeding of individual stallions starting with the 2021 breeding season.    The Jockey Club, established in 1894, is the keeper of the American Stud Book and maintains the Principal Rules and Requirements of the American Studbook in order to ensure the welfare of the Thoroughbred breed.   As has been widely reported, the size of the North American foal crop has diminished significantly, from 37,499 in 2007 to the 20,500 estimated for 2020.   In 2007, 37 stallions reported in excess of 140 mares bred each from a total of 3,865 stallions. By 2010, that number had declined to 24. Since then, the number has nearly doubled to 43 stallions reporting 140 or more mares bred from a population of stallions that now stands at less than one-half that of 2007.... ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 23, 2019) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, August 22, at the Del Mar Hilton. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Dr. Gregory Ferraro, Fred Maas, and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: During public comment, the Board heard from a number of people expressing their views on animal rights, the importance of racetrack jobs, and other issues concerning the life of a racehorse. The Board approved a significant portion of the 2020 race dates calendar for Southern California thoroughbreds that was presented jointly by Santa Anita Park, Del Mar, and the Thoroughbred Owners of California. The Board approved four blocks of race dates and simulcast-only dates beginning at Santa Anita on December 26, 2019, through June 23, 2020, followed by Del Mar (July 5 through September 8), back to Santa Anita (September... ...

From TOBA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 22, 2019) – Phil Lebherz’s Premier Thoroughbreds has been named California state breeder of the year by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Premier Thoroughbreds bred 2018 California-bred Horse of the Year Spiced Perfection and owns champion California stallion Smiling Tiger. The National Breeder of the Year and the National Small Breeder of the Year will also be revealed at the TOBA National Awards Dinner, to be held Saturday, Sept. 7, at Fasig-Tipton. James E. “Ted” Bassett will be presented with the TOBA Industry Service Award and John D. Gunther will receive the prestigious Triple Crown Breeders Trophy for homebred Justify. ...

From CTFMA TEMECULA, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2019) — The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association will hold its annual Autumn Equine Fair on Saturday, Oct. 12, at Milky Way Farm in Temecula, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event will have many educational seminars and speakers, stallion showcase tables, equine-related vendors, conformation clinic, imprinting foals – weanling training, broodmare care, racing partnerships, starting young horses, feeding options, handicapping tips, racehorse retirement & retraining, horse emergencies, horse fire safety and evacuation and more. There will be a raffle of equine equipment, coffee provided in the morning and lunch. The event is sponsored by CTFMA and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 21, 2019) — California Horse Racing Board chairman Chuck Winner is one of six new members of The Jockey Club, it was announced on Wednesday. The others are Shannon Bishop Arvin, Gary Barber, Terry Finley, Pope McLean Jr. and Jaime Roth. Winner has served on the California Horse Racing Board since 2012 and as its chairman since 2013. He is also on the advisory board of the California Retirement Management Account. He has campaigned graded stakes winners including Magical Fantasy, La Force, Flamboyant, Domestic Dispute, I Want Revenge, Daytona, The Pamplemousse, Liberian Freighter, Fantastic Spain, and Walkslikeaduck in partnership. Winner is the founder of Winner & Associates, a public affairs and crisis communications firm, Winner & Mandabach Campaigns Political, a leading campaign management firm, and Winner Consulting Inc. ...

From The Stronach Group ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2019) — Continuing its push to reform and modernize horseracing, The Stronach Group today announced that Chief Strategy Officer Aidan Butler – a longtime technology, horseracing and gaming executive who spearheaded reforms at Santa Anita during its Winter meet – will additionally serve as Acting Executive Director of California Racing Operations. “Aidan has played a critical role as we have advocated for changes that redefine our sport for the better,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairman and President of The Stronach Group. “California continues to be a key priority for our company and Aidan’s presence on the ground will ensure that we continue to make progress addressing our industry’s challenges toward the modernization of our sport.” “Thoroughbred racing operations in California are at the forefront of the modernization of our sport and I am proud of the accomplishments that have been made across our racing and training programs,” said Tim Ritvo, Chief Operating Officer of The Stronach Group. “Aidan’s on-site leadership in California will undoubtedly build on The Stronach... ...

From Oak Creek Farm VALLEY CENTER, Calif. (July 29, 2019) – Gold Fleece, dam of California-bred graded stakes winner Stoney Fleece, passed away at Oak Creek Farm. She was 31. The Maryland-bred graded-stakes winner, by Preakness winner Deputed Testamony, also was the dam of Grade III winner Golden Rahy. Stoney Fleece, bred by Joseph Alvarez III, won the Grade III Generous Stakes in 2011, as well as the listed Alcatraz Stakes in 2012, with total earnings of $600,028. Gold Fleece was the dam of a remarkable nine winners from nine starters and a sweet mare to be around. Gold Fleece was foaled on Feb. 23, 1988.  ...