From Unusual Heat Syndicate ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 29, 2016) – Perennial California leading sire Unusual Heat has passed the $50 million mark in cumulative progeny earnings, becoming the first sire in the history of California breeding to achieve this while standing his entire career in the Golden State. Unusual Heat has sired 18 crops, and his 16th crop of 2 year olds will hit racetracks in 2016. As of today he boasts $50,158,241 in earnings. It was only fitting that the race putting Unusual Heat over the milestone was the stirring stretch drive victory by his son Boozer in the Sensational Star Stakes (Listed-Restricted) at Santa Anita Park down the hill on February 27. Unusual Heat is the all-time leading sire in California in total progeny earnings, California-bred earnings and career progeny turf earnings. He set the all-time single season California record for progeny earnings in 2008 with over $5.8 million and was again the California earnings champion for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, achieving the milestone of being... ...

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2016) — The catalog for the 27th Annual Barretts March Sale of Selected Two-Year-Olds in Training is on-line and will be mailed soon.  This auction of 121 two-year-olds will be held on Wednesday, March 30 in the Surfside RacePlace located on the grounds of Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California beginning at 2:00 p.m.   The catalog can be viewed now at http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catmarch2015/catalog.asp   The March Sale catalog is also now available for your ipad.  Click here for details.   The official training preview is scheduled to be held on MONDAY, March 28 on the Del Mar racetrack beginning at 10:00 a.m.   The preview will be streamed live at http://www.barretts.com/sales/ViewSale/index.asp  Video clips for each preview can be viewed on-line by the following morning the preview at http://www.barretts.com/sales/TrainingPreviews/index.asp   Since its inception, the Barretts March Sale has been the leading producer of top quality race horses west of Kentucky.  Among the many Grade One winners are Awesome Gem, Brocco, Brother Derek, Dubai Escapade, Henny... ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, CA – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, February 25, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian, 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: * A representative of the Thoroughbred Racing and Protective Bureau (TRPB) reported industry progress in updating odds postings more rapidly, so that significant odds changes late in the running of the race have been greatly reduced. Efforts are continuing to further speed up final pool reports from all locations after the start of the race. * The TRPB also reported that 90 percent of wagering locations now are providing Santa Anita with sufficient data for the track to post the details of noteworthy winning Pick 6 tickets as they occur – nearing the level of transparency that the CHRB has been advocating for many... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board Feb. 25 approved a proposal from Santa Anita Park to offer gambling on an Arabian race in April, with pending legislation on the topic expected to pass soon in Sacramento. Santa Anita representative Scott Daruty said a group from Abu Dhabi is willing to contribute $175,000 to a potential April 2 race, with $100,000 going to the purse and $75,000 going to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund. The pending legislation, AB 558, would allow Santa Anita to conduct six Arabian races a year with wagering, as long as it doesn’t conflict with the Northern California fair circuit, which also puts on races for the breed, and gets approval from the CHRB and the Thoroughbred owners of California. But there were still concerns expressed on the board and by industry stakeholders about how Santa Anita should go about carding the Arabian race during its Thoroughbred meeting. “I don’t have a problem with this, per se. What I would have... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2016) — As America’s first Triple Crown-winning jockey in 37 years, Victor Espinoza helped Thoroughbred racing project a positive image far beyond the confines of the industry throughout 2015. Accordingly, Espinoza, a 43-year-old native of Mexico City, has been selected by a vote of jockeys nationwide as the winner of Santa Anita Park‘s highly coveted 2016 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award. “It’s quite an honor for any rider to be selected by his peers as the winner of such a prestigious award,” said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys’ Guild. “And I would like to congratulate Victor on this great achievement.” In addition to numerous national television appearances through the 2015 Triple Crown and last fall’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Espinoza also remained tireless in his efforts on behalf of cancer-stricken youth, donating a percentage of his winnings to support pediatric cancer research at City of Hope, in Duarte, Calif. In addition to winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes (all... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2016) —Santa Anita Park plans a complete overhaul of its turf course and officials will meet Feb. 25 to decide details and timing of the plan. The Stronach Group senior vice president of West Coast operations Joe Morris said Feb. 23 that track executives will discuss details of the plan, including timing. Morris said the course has not been completely redone in 20 years. Santa Anita will host this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 4-5. Should the track opt to completely renovate the turf course before Breeders’ Cup, the longest gap of time without live racing is July 11 to Sept. 29. With heavy rains associated with El Nino hitting Santa Anita this year, races have been taken off the course several racing days at the current meet. Beyond the races taken off the main turf course, additional races using the hillside turf course also have been moved to the main track. ...

By Bloodhorse.com ELK GROVE, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2016) — Canadian champion Alpha Bettor and grade I winner Mast Track have joined the stallion ranks at Daehling Ranch in Elk Grove, Calif., Adena Springs announced Feb. 16. Adena Springs’ homebred Alpha Bettor, Canada’s champion older horse of 2013, retires to stud with a 12-5-3 record from 40 career starts and earnings of $838,275. By Alphabet Soup—Scatter Buy, by Relaunch, he was a winner every year he raced from ages 2 to 8. Over the course of his championship season, Alpha Bettor won the Eclipse Stakes (Can-II), Autumn Stakes (Can-II), and the Seagram Cup (Can-III), a race in which he was victorious in the previous season, all on Woodbine‘s all-weather track. In his final start this year, Alpha Bettor rallied determinedly to capture the Portland Meadows Mile Handicap in just his second effort on dirt. Mast Track, a 12-year-old son of Mizzen Mast  —Nawal, by Homme de Loi, entered stud in 2011. His top offspring include multiple stakes-placed Shez a Masterpiece, an earner... ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2016) — Joseph LaCombe Stables, Inc.’s Typhoon Slew had his first foal drop on February 6, a gray colt out of Babes Bridge It. Typhoon Slew is a graded stakes-placed winner by Stormy Atlantic and is a half-brother to Slew’s Tiznow, the 2015 leading freshman sire in California. “The new Typhoon Slew colt is very forward acting and has that terrific balanced appearance and scope of his sire,” said Clay Murdock, farm manager. Babes Bridge It is by Maria’s Mon and she earned over $103,000 in her racing career; her first foal was a $62,000 Barretts yearling by Slew’s Tiznow. Her newborn colt was bred by Eagle Ridge Racing LLC. Typhoon Slew will stand his second year at stud for the fee of $1,000 live foal. For additional information contact Rancho San Miguel farm manager Clay Murdock at (805) 467-3847. ...

From EAS Equine Alliance TEMECULA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2016) — EAS Equine Alliance announces the release of 2016 breeding season shares for the royally bred Storm Cat son Big Surf. Already an international sire of winners, Big Surf’s 2017 foals will be eligible for California-bred incentives and the Breeders Cup. Available for the first time to Cal-bred breeders, this regally bred, winning son of Storm Cat brings a top black-type, champion, racing female line to California. Big Surf’s dam Surfside was a champion 3-year-0ld filly, and 4-time Grade 1 winner of $1,852,987. His grand dam Flanders was a champion 2-year-old filly, three-time Grade 1 winner and Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies winner of $805,000. A limited number of breeding season shares are available for approved mares, which include: stakes winners and producers, proven crosses and high nick ratings. All shares come with live foal guarantees. Big Surf stands at Special T Thoroughbreds in Temecula, California. For viewing information call Special T at (951) 303-0313. To purchase shares or discuss other breeding... ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2016) — Five stakes—two of them graded—worth $625,000 highlight the inaugural spring Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos Race Course. The 12-day meet will begin April 14 and continue through May 1 on a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule. At 6 1/2 furlongs, the $200,000 Great Lady M. Stakes (gr. II) is the richest event on the schedule. For fillies and mares, the Great Lady M. will be run April 23. A longtime fixture at now-closed Hollywood Park, the race had been run during Los Alamitos’ summer Thoroughbred meet in July the previous two years. Los Alamitos ran in the summer during each of its first two years putting on afternoon Thoroughbred races, but will run the spring dates instead in 2016. BALAN: CHRB Approves 2016 California Race Dates The $100,000 Los Angeles Stakes (gr. III)—run previously at Hollywood Park and Santa Anita Park (2014-2015)—is the other graded race on the schedule. For 3-year-olds and up at 5 1/2 furlongs—a sixteenth of a mile shorter than in the past—the... ...

From Ridgeley Farm HEMET, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2016) – He Be Fire N Ice, a stakes winner and multiple Grade II-placed son of dominant California sire Unusual Heat, sired his first foal on February 4 at Ridgeley Farm. The big roan colt born out of multiple stakes winner and Grade III-placed Smoke Glacken mare Dimple Punch was bred by Cicero Farms. Dimple Pinch’s 2014 Uncle Mo colt sold for $170,000 at the Keeneland September Sale last year. He Be Fire N Ice’s first filly foal arrived on Super Bowl Sunday, out of Quiet Optimism, a Deputy Minister mare with five prior winners, also owned by Cicero Farms. He Be Fire N Ice burst upon the national scene in the summer of 2013 when the handsome gray won three straight races in electrifying come-from-behind style culminating in a victory in the California Dreamin’ Stakes at Del Mar. In his next two starts, He Be Fire N Ice made his usual thrilling stretch runs but lost by a head in both the... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2016) — The Barretts sales calendar will again feature an August selected yearling sale at Del Mar and a Fall yearling sale in October. Last year’s select sale was held after the races at Del Mar’s Surfside RacePlace ITW, but this year’s sale will be conducted during daylight hours on Tuesday, August 30th. Barretts general manager Kim Lloyd: “Despite the fact that we had an all-time California yearling record median sales price in our inaugural August sale last year, it made for too long of a day for both buyers and consignors. The move to a dark day of racing will benefit everyone involved in this sale.” Due to stabling concerns in Southern California resulting from the Breeders’ Cup, the October Yearling Sale will be held at the Los Angeles Fairgrounds in Pomona on Monday, October 17th. Yearlings will be stabled in the Barretts barns. Nominations for the Select Yearling Sale close April 1, 2016. ...

From Special T Thoroughbreds TEMECULA, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2016) — EAS Equine Alliance welcomes to California multiple graded stakes winner Balance the Books, the son of champion and Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid, and winning Storm Cat son Big Surf, whose dam is the Champion 3-year-old filly and four-time Grade I winner Surfside, and grand dam is the champion 2-year-old filly and three-time Grade I and Breeder Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Flanders. The stallions will stand at Rick Taylor’s Special T Thoroughbreds in Temecula. For viewing information call Special T at (951) 303-0313. To discuss breeding options contact Crystal Conway at (845) 332-8292 or (760) 239-0004. ...

From Brazeau Thoroughbreds HEMET, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2016) — Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms stallion Indian Gods was represented by his first foal, a filly out of Silent Deposition, a winning daughter of Breeders Cup Turf Champion Silic (FR). ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board’s Annual Report for fiscal year 2014-15 and racing year 2015 is available on the CHRB Website. The CHRB no longer publishes a print edition. ...

By Paulick Report For many foals born on farms too remote to easily access an equine hospital with ventilators and round-the-clock care, the inability to catch their breath can spell big trouble. The Horse reports that a group of Australian veterinarians have recently modified a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help foals breathe better. This machine could allow veterinarians to provide respiratory support in the field, without sending the neonatal foal to a hospital. At the 2015 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, Rosemary McKean, BVetBio/BVSc (Hons. 1), explained the system’s design, which utilizes a human sleep apnea machine attached to an equine anesthesia mask. The machine uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open, which can help prevent airway collapse, decrease the effort needed to take a breath, increase oxygenation and reduce lung inflammation. The Horse reports that the CPAP research team determined that: The system was effective and had no adverse effects on the foals’ heart rates, blood pressure, or other measurements Treatment improved foals’ oxygen extraction... ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2016)-Graded stakes winner Northern Causeway, standing at Rancho San Miguel, sired his first foal on Jan. 28, a filly out of the stakes-placed Swiss Bliss. Mike Harrington bred the filly, whose multiple winning dam won $122,210. Farm manager Clay Murdock said, “I see lots of Giant’s Causeway expressed in her with that beautiful face and body.” Northern Causeway, owned by Rozamund Barclay, is a graded stakes winner of $265,367 by sire-of-sires Giant’s Causeway, out of Getaway Girl (Silver Deputy). This is the immediate family of successful sires Ghostzapper and City Zip. Northern Causeway covered 35 mares in 2015 and will once again stand for a $2,500 live foal fee payable October 1 of the year bred with no booking fee. For additional information contact Rancho San Miguel farm manager Clay Murdock at (805) 467-3847. ...

COALINGA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2016) — California stallion Lakerville had his first foal when a filly out of the Smokester mare Craven Cottage was delivered Jan. 25 at Harris Farms, bred by Barry Abrams. ...

From Richill Farms HIGHLAND, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2016) – Stimulus Plan will stand the 2016 breeding season at Richard and Hilary Trower’s Richill Farms for pirvate treaty. Stimulus Plan is a multiple graded stakes placed winner of almost $300,000, by Jump Start and out of Dutchess Alexandra by Judge Smells. Richard Trower said, “If you are looking for stimulating horsepower on both sides of a pedigree then Stimulus Plan is the horse for you. His sire, Jump Start, has average earnings per starter of $78,128 and progeny earnings in excess of $4 million for six of the past seven years. Jump Start is from the very sought after A.P. Indy – Storm Cat cross. Stimulus Plan’s dam, Duchess Alexandra, is from the bloodlines of the great race mare and Racing Hall of Fame inductee Searching through the 1993 Broodmare of the . year Admiring.” Jump Start is the sire of Grade 1 winners Livingstone in Argentina, millionaire Pants on Fire (third-place finisher of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile-G1), 3-year-old graded... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2016) — The California Thoroughbred Business League (CTBL), a group comprised of racing associations, horsemen’s organizations and fairs, is responsible for overseeing funds that are to be utilized for providing workers’ compensation insurance relief to horsemen. Working with Finish Line Self Insurance Group (FLSIG), which has handled workers’ compensation for the Thoroughbred horsemen for the past five years, the CTBL has been dealing with the issue of skyrocketing workers’ compensation rates. The cost of the 2016 program for Thoroughbreds is estimated to be $12,670,322. As a result, the program has been revamped, and the changes will go into effect at Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields beginning February 1. The problem is by no means specific to California, as workers comp insurance costs have skyrocketed for horsemen across the nation. The outcome is that owners will now have $95 automatically deducted from their paymaster account every time they start a horse. Up until January 2013 owners paid a per-start fee (which was $105... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2016) — A 2-year-old Florida-bred daughter of High Cotton   topped the Barretts January mixed sale, selling for $55,000. The sale, held at Del Mar Jan. 20, had an average of $8,239, down 2.9% from the 2015 average of $8,487. Elena Crim’s H & E Ranch consigned the High Cotton filly, and Kristina and Jerome Russell of Lincoln, Neb. purchased her. The filly is out of the stakes-placed Crafty Prospector mare Think Fast, who has also produced Canadian stakes winner Ciaran’s Prize. The Russells were the sale’s leading buyers, with six horses purchased for a total $134,000. They also went to $35,000 for a 2-year-old son of War Chant from the consignment of Mary Knight, the leading seller. The top-priced 2-year-old colt of the sale, he is out of the Bernardini   mare Primp. Knight also sold the second-highest-priced horse, a 2-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Eskendereya. Ted Aroney’s Halo Farms paid $45,000 for the filly, who is out of the stakes-placed Old Trieste mare Sandra’s... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2016) — The board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) voted to appoint Samantha Siegel to fill a vacancy on the board created by the recent resignation of George Todaro.  Siegel, who races as JayEmEss Stable, is an active owner and breeder whose family has been involved in California Thoroughbred racing for more than five decades. Her late father, Mace, was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Owners of California. JayEmEss has campaigned many graded stakes winners, including multiple Grade I winners Urbane, I Ain’t Bluffing, and Include Me Out, Grade I Hollywood Gold Cup winner Rail Trip, 2004 champion juvenile colt Declan’s Moon, multiple Grade 2 winner Arson Squad, and homebred Grade I winner By the Moon. Siegel is also passionate about horse retirement and serves on the board of CARMA and as Treasurer of that organization. She resides in Beverly Hills. “We are very pleased to welcome Samantha and feel that, with her involvement and experience as an owner... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2016) — California-bred Lava Man and the sensational Zenyatta are among the honorees being inducted in the Arcadia Historical Society’s Thoroughbred Racing Walk of Champions at a gala on Tuesday evening, May 24. The event will be held from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the historic core of the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, site of Lucky Baldwin’s landmark Queen Anne Cottage and matching Carriage Barn and birthplace of racing in Southern California. The theme will be “Salute in Red and Black,” honoring Baldwin’s racing colors. Champion jockey Chris McCarron, training stars Gary Jones, Ron McAnally, Mike Mitchell, and Mel Stute, and breeder/owner Buddy Johnston’s Old English Rancho also will be honored. Victor Espinoza, the only active jockey to have won racing’s Triple Crown, and who just piloted California-bred California Chrome’s comeback win at Santa Anita Saturday, will receive special recognition for his achievements in the sport and community service. Proceeds from the celebration will fund the placement of 24″... ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2016) — Notice is hereby given that the regular meeting of the California Horse Racing Board scheduled for Thursday, January 21, 2016, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at the Santa Anita Park Race Track, 285 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia, California has been canceled. The next regular meeting of the Board is scheduled for February 25, 2016 at Santa Anita Park Race Track. Additional information regarding this meeting may be obtained from the CHRB Administrative Office, 1010 Hurley Way, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA 95825; telephone (916) 263-6000; fax (916) 263-6042. This notice is located on the CHRB website at www.chrb.ca.gov. *Information for requesting disability related accommodation for persons with a disability who require aid or services in order to participate in a CHRB public meeting, should contact Jacqueline Wagner. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2016) — Rich Tedesco, one of the nation’s top track maintenance men with an extensive job history stretching back more than 50 years, has stepped down from his day-to-day role as Del Mar’s track superintendent and now will serve as a consultant for the shore oval. Steven Wood, Tedesco’s track foreman during his Del Mar tour, will assume the role of track superintendent. Tedesco, 78, has been Del Mar’s head maintenance man for the past six years. Over the course of his professional career, the California native has headed up the track crews at all of Southern California’s major racetracks — Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, Los Alamitos and Del Mar. “Rich has been solid for us since he came on board in 2010,” said Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s president Joe Harper. “He helped oversee our Polytrack years, then was instrumental in guiding us through our return to dirt. We are delighted he’s agreed to stay on in an advisory role and we... ...

By Bloodhorse.com MONROVIA, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2016) — Longtime California racing official Dick Wheeler died Jan. 2 at his Monrovia, Calif., home. He was 69. Wheeler worked in several capacities throughout the Golden State for nearly four decades, including at Santa Anita Park and Fairplex Park, where he was racing secretary. Wheeler retired 18 months ago. “He was kind to everybody. Everybody loved him,” said Santa Anita clerk of scales Kevin Colosi, a longtime friend and associate. “He had been sick for a while and stopped eating. He just shut down.” Wheeler requested that there be no services, Colosi said. Added trainer David Bernstein, who knew Wheeler since their teens: “We had a lot of fun. We were young—18, 19 years old—and he and one of my clients, Bob Brown, used to meet in Santa Anita’s infield every Saturday. Brown also passed away. Now I’m the last of the Mohicans.” ...

From NTRA             WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 22, 2015) — Legislation passed by Congress and signed by the president last week includes investment incentives and tax provisions that impact owners and breeders. This legislation provides multi-year benefits made retroactive to January 1, 2015, and includes: * Three-year depreciation for racehorses * 50 percent bonus depreciation for new depreciable property * $500,000 Sec. 179 expense allowance for new or used depreciable property Click here to download a flyer that includes details. The NTRA suggests that owners and breeders consult their tax advisor for additional information. ...

From Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms HEMET, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2015) — Wild in the Saddle, a multiple stakes-winning California-bred daughter of Breeders’ Cup Champion Silic (FR), has been officially retired and will be going to Kentucky to be bred to Archarcharch. Her fairytale racing career and triple comeback gave her owners, trainers, and all her connections the thrill of a lifetime. Retiring 100% sound and looking like a million, Wild in the Saddle is enjoying being let-down at Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms before she heads off Spendthrift Farm. ...

LOS ALAMITOS, CA – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, December 17, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian, 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 approved a license for the Los Angeles Turf Club to conduct a race meet at Santa Anita Park beginning December 26 through July 10 after industry representatives indicated they had finalized a vanning and stabling agreement for 2016 providing stabling arrangements in Southern California similar to 2015. ·        The Board approved a license for the Pacific Racing Association (PRA) to conduct a race meet at Golden Gate Fields beginning December 26 through June 12 after industry representatives outlined various scenarios for vanning and stabling in Northern California that hinge largely on proposed legislation. ·        The Board led a discussion of various... ...

From NTRA             WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 18, 2015) – President Obama this afternoon signed into lawH.R. 2029, which includes the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 and the related omnibus appropriations bill, both of which carry provisions backed by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) that will benefit horseracing for years to come. The new legislation includes three-year tax depreciation for racehorses, “bonus depreciation” of 50 percent, the “Section 179 expense allowance” for major purchases, and relief for H-2B visa employers such as horse trainers. For more information please refer to the following releases from earlier today when the bills were passed by Congress: Congress Passes Three-Year Tax Depreciation for Racehorses, Other Incentives http://www.ntra.com/en/news-media/press-releases/2015/12/18/congress-passes-three-year-tax-depreciation-for-racehorses-other-incentives/#sthash.oQsU9Uxc.dpuf Congress Passes H-2B Visa Improvements Backed by NTRA http://www.ntra.com/en/news-media/press-releases/2015/12/18/congress-passes-h-2b-visa-improvements-backed-by-ntra/#sthash.TjPd5uP9.dpuf ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2015) — Licenses for meets that begin Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields were approved Dec. 17 by the California Horse Racing Board, but not before another lengthy discussion of ongoing issues regarding stabling and vanning among tracks and training facilities. Both tracks are owned and operated by The Stronach Group, which was represented at the meeting by Scott Daruty, president of the company’s Monarch Content Management, and Joe Morris, senior vice president of West Coast operations. They both outlined the parameters of a deal on stabling and vanning but noted future arrangements hinge on legislative action. Under an agreement signed by The Stronach Group and the California Association of Racing Fairs, Pleasanton will remain open for stabling and training during the Golden Gate meet, which runs through June 12, 2016. Golden Gate will then remain open for stabling and training while the Northern California fairs are in operation. Daruty said The Stronach Group and CARF continue to work with the... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 17, 2015) – Provisions backed by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) that offer relief for H-2B visa employers such as horse trainers are included in the comprehensive budget and tax legislation agreed to late Tuesday by a bipartisan group of House and Senate negotiators. Congress is expected to pass the legislation before the year’s end. Of particular interest to trainers and others in the Thoroughbred industry who rely on H-2B workers are these beneficial provisions:   H-2B returning workers are exempt from the annual 66,000 H-2B cap; Those paying H-2B wages are allowed the use of private wage surveys, which are not allowed under current H-2B rules; Seasonal employment is clearly defined as 10 months of employment, as opposed to nine months in the current H-2B rules;    The Department of Labor (DOL) is prevented from implementing the provisions of current H-2B rules related to corresponding employment and the 3/4 guarantee requiring a set number of work hours; and  DOL is prohibited from implementing a... ...

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2015) — The catalog for Barretts January Mixed Sale is now on-line and will be mailed soon.  This auction of 197 head will be held on Wednesday, January 20 starting at 11:00 a.m. on the grounds of the Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California.   The catalog can be viewed here.   The catalog is also available on the ipad using The Jockey Club’s free Ipad ap.  Click here for more information.   Cataloged horse’s Daily Racing Form past performances are here. This sale will feature 18 head, including 11 short yearlings, from The Estate of Ellwood Johnston & Berumen dispersal.  Havens Bloodstock will the selling agent for this consignment.   Among the sires of the 54  yearlings and 63 two-year-olds in the catalog are such stallions asAcclamation, Awesome Gambler, Broken Vow, Champ Pegasus, City Zip, Coil, Discreetly Mine, Dublin, Empire Way, Eskendereya, First Samurai, Good Journey, Jersey Town, Hat Trick, High Cotton, Line of David, Lucky Pulpit, Kafwain, Marino Marini, Mineshaft, Ministers Wild... ...

From ROAP LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 8, 2015) — The Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) announced today five winners of the 2015 Pete Pedersen Award, which is presented annually to stewards who have made important contributions to the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing industries. The award is named in honor of the longtime outstanding steward and noted journalist Pete Pedersen, who died in August 2012. The recipients were recognized at the Awards Luncheon at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program’s Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming in Tucson, Ariz. “This is our second year of recognizing horse racing stewards for their dedication and contributions to our great sport,” said ROAP Chairman Hugh Gallagher. “This lady and these four gentlemen have excelled as career racing officials by bringing integrity, consistency and a commitment to a level playing field for all horsemen and women.  Their passion and professional performance are great examples for stewards throughout the country.” The five winners are:   George Slender George Slender is a ROAP-accredited steward with... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 1, 2015) — The Jockey Club reminds owners of unregistered yearlings and 2-year-olds that the requirements for registration must be completed by December 31, 2015, to avoid additional late registration fees. The late registration fee increases from $550 to $800 after December 31 of the yearling year and from $800 to $2,025 after December 31 of the 2-year-old year. Interactive RegistrationTM (IR) is the most efficient means to complete the Application for Foal Registration and other registration requirements. IR enables customers to check the status of their applications and, through the Registration Center, view and resolve outstanding conditions of registration. ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2015) — Del Mar raced to a handy conclusion to its 20-day fall race meet – its second “Bing Crosby Season”– Sunday afternoon, buoyed by a high-class racing product, positive results on its racing surfaces and a strong feeling that the fledgling racing session has found a home on both the local and national scene. Total handle for the five-week stand when compared to last fall’s four-week, 15-day numbers showed notable gains in most categories. The total handle for the meet was $195,737,812, a boost of 26.4% over 2014’s final number of $154,914,430. The leader in the handle department was the track’s ADW betting, which jumped up 36.1% for a total of $56,629,676 (as opposed to 2014’s $42,348,298). Average daily handle for the 20 days was $9,786,891. The 15-day average in 2014 was $10,327,629. The track’s overall attendance was 123,608 for a daily average of 6,180. The total in 2014 was 135,829 for an average of 9,055. The track’s attendance was negatively impacted... ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, November 19, at Del Mar Racetrack. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian, 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 conditionally approved a license for the Los Angeles Turf Club (LATC) to conduct a race meet at Santa Anita Park beginning December 26 through July 10. LATC must provide a vanning and stabling agreement as well as agreements with the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) in compliance with statutes. The conditional license will expire if the required documents are not received in the CHRB Sacramento office by Tuesday, December 1. The Board conditionally approved a license for the Pacific Racing Association (PRA) to conduct a race meet at Golden Gate Fields beginning December 26 through June 12.... ...

From American Horse Council Congress will need to take action on all fiscal year 2016 appropriations bills before current funding expires December 11, 2015. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL) appropriations bills, include important and helpful language that will make the H-2B program easier for employers to use. However, there is no guarantee this language will be included in the 2016 appropriations package or “Omnibus bill” that is being negotiated now and action is need immediately. The H-2B program is used by members of the horse industry, principally horse trainers and owners who cannot find American workers to fill semi-skilled jobs as grooms, exercise riders, and stable attendants at racetracks, horse shows, fairs and in similar non-agricultural activities. If you, your business or members of your organization rely on H-2B workers, please contact your Senators to express support for the H-2B appropriations language that is included in the DOL and DHS appropriations bills. Urge them to sign the H-2B letter being circulated by Senators Tillis... ...

From Breeders’ Cup LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2015) — The Breeders’ Cup revealed the stunning new logo for the 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, which will be held at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California for the first time on Friday, November 3 and Saturday, November 4, 2017. The new logo pays homage to Del Mar’s distinctive character and its rich 80-year history, and also illustrates the Breeders’ Cup’s emergence as one of the world’s preeminent Thoroughbred racing, lifestyle and entertainment experiences. To instill a sense of place into the 2017 Breeders’ Cup World Championships logo, the widely-recognized blue and yellow diamonds from Del Mar play a leading role in the design. The diamonds are most noticeably seen over the starting gates and are repeated throughout the seaside venue. The banner on the top of the design also references the banner seen on the Del Mar logo, creating symmetry and a unique and authentic touch. The iconic purple and signature brand logo for Breeders’ Cup complete the design.... ...

From TVG LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2015) — TVG, America’s horseracing television network, today announced that HRTV, which it acquired in February 2015, is being rebranded as TVG2 effective Oct. 28. Correspondingly, HRTV.com will be renamed TVG2.com. The move allows TVG to better leverage its television production infrastructure to provide improved horseracing television products to consumers and television distributors alike. Already since the merger of TVG and HRTV, dramatic improvements in televised horseracing have occurred: The output of both networks is in high definition utilizing TVG’s state-of-the-art television studios in Los Angeles; TVG and TVG2 (HRTV) are on-track to televise over 40,000 live races in the first year after the merger, compared to less than 30,000 unique live races prior to the transaction. TVG has developed and implemented a system with premium track operators that allows for cooperative post time coordination across the country and real-time track to track alerts of late post time changes, significantly improving the viewer experience. TVG simulcasts TVG programming on TVG2 (HRTV) during hours... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2015) – A California-bred colt by Good Journey sold for $140,000 to top Tuesday’s Barretts Fall Sale of Yearlings and Horses of Racing Age at Del Mar. The colt, consigned by Mary Knight, is out of the stakes-placed Southern Halo mare Southern Oasis and is a half-brother to Snow Chief Stakes winner Neveradoubt. D.P. Racing purchased the colt, who was bred by Janis Whitman. A California-foaled Stormin Fever filly sold for $100,000 to Greg Gilchrist, agent. She is out of the Cahill Road mare Cielo Duce and is a half-sister to the stakes winner Sweet Saga. The filly, consigned by Critter Creek Farm, agent, was bred by Stormy B. Hull & Ginger Samples. ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, October 22, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chairman Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian, 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 approved for 45-day public notice proposed amendments to regulations for medication violation penalties, including a provision prohibiting licensees suspended for more than 30 days from transferring horses to employees. • The Board approved for 45-day public notice a proposed regulation requiring a postmortem examination review process to determine the circumstances of each equine fatality for education and research purposes. • The Board heard a report from the Pari-Mutuel, ADW, and Simulcast Committee on the previous day’s discussion of the possible impact of Fantasy Sports and Fantasy Horse Racing on the horse racing industry. • The Pari-Mutuel Committee also... ...

WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2015) — Govenor Charlie, a graded stakes-winning son of Midnight Lute, will stand the 2016 breeding season at Lovacres Ranch for a $3,000 fee. Govenor Charlie is a 5-year-old out of the unraced Storm Cat mare Silverbulletway, daughter of Hall of Famer Silverbulletday. On the track, Govenor Charlie won the Grade III Sunland Derby by five lengths in what at the time was a track-record 1:47.54 for 1 1/8 miles. He also finished second in the Grade II Strube Stakes and earned $506,294 in purses. “He is a great horse with a great pedigree,” said his trainer, Bob Baffert, who also trained the dam. ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 22, 2015) – California registered gains in 2015 for stallions standing and mares bred, according to figures compiled by The Jockey Club. The number of stallions standing in 2015 was 150, compared to 143 in 2014, a 4.9 percent increase. The number of mares bred in 2015 was 2,568, compared to 2,472 in 2014, a 3.88 percent increase. Of the top five states that breed thoroughbreds, California was one of only two states that showed increases in both stallions standing and mares bred. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2015) — Darrel McHargue, the Eclipse Award-winning jockey who began a new career as a racing official in 1988, was appointed Thursday by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to the newly created position of Chief Steward, whose primary responsibility will be the daily supervision of all CHRB stewards. “We want to be as consistent as possible in the interpretation of CHRB rules throughout the state,” said CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker. “As Chief Steward, Darrel will work with our stewards every day to achieve this goal.” McHargue, a California steward since 1990, will meet regularly with stewards at all California racetracks to review films and discuss and evaluate decisions, rulings, and other actions. He will attend seasonal and ad hoc meetings with jockeys, trainers, and other stakeholders. He will also assist in adjudicatory proceedings as appropriate and oversee day-to-day activities of all stewards in the state, including safety stewards. “The work of the Chief Steward is not only intended to better ensure fairness,... ...

From Ballena Vista Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2015) — Ballena Vista Farm has released its stallion roster and fees for 2016, with a pre-season special fee for Bluegrass Cat. Along with the 2015 leading California sire Bluegrass Cat, the California farm will stand three other stallions ranging in fee from $1,500 to $3,500. “Ballena Vista Farm offers breeders both proven leading sires and outstanding prospects priced at value to the breeder,” farm manager Manuel Ochoa said. “We are excited to offer this complete roster and welcome breeders to statistically and physically examine our stallions. We feel they will be impressed.” “Dixie Chatter, at his new 2016 fee and having a Santa Anita $100,000 stakes winner on October 12th, gives the West Coast breeder a proven stallion both in the marketplace and on the racetrack for a very reasonable fee. “Our stakes winning Calimonco will have his first crop to the races in 2016 and based on his yearlings that passed through the sales ring; we expect some precocious runners.... ...

TEMECULA, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2015) – Circumference, a 3-year-old son of Galileo and half-brother to millionaire and sire Circular Quay, will stand the 2016 breeding season at Milky Way Farm in Temecula for a $3,000 fee, live foal. Trained by Andre Fabre for owner Michael Tabor, Circumference raced exclusively in France before he was injured. He is out of the Grade I-winning mare Circle of Life and is also a half-brother to the multiple stakes-placed The Roundhouse. Circumference is the first son of Galileo to stand in California. ...

By Paulick Report Western Milling of Goshen, Calif., issued a voluntary recall for their Western Blend Horse Feed because of possible monensin contamination. Last week, three horses died and dozens became ill at Black Fence Farm in Fresno County. It’s believed that the horses became ill from the feed they consumed. The FDA has not yet confirmed this suspicion. The recall affects LOT 5251, manufactured on September 8, 2015. The feed was distributed to stores in California and Arizona in September. There are 1,100 bags being recalled, and all but 67 bags have already been reclaimed by Western Milling. The FDA states that clinical signs of ionophore poisoning in horses can vary depending on the amount ingested, but symptoms can include poor appetite, weakness, rapid heart rate, labored breathing, depression, colic, sweating, recumbency, and sudden death. The first clinical symptoms of exposure to an ionophore like monensin are often noted between 12 and 72 hours after the horse has ingested contaminated feed; if the horse recovers, permanent cardiac damage is... ...

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2015) — The catalog for Barretts October Sale is now on-line and will be mailed soon.  This auction of 270 head will be held on Tuesday, October 27 starting at 11:00 a.m. on the grounds of the Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California.   The catalog can be viewed now here. There are 210 yearlings cataloged in this sale by such stallions spanning the alphabet as: Acclamation, Artie Schiller, Bullet Train, Coil, Creative Cause, Decarchy, Desert Code, Dixie Chatter, Dominus, Empire Way, Eskendereya, First Defence, Friesan Fire, Good Journey, Hansen, Harbor the Gold, Hold Me Back, Into Mischief, Kafwain, Lucky Pulpit, Marino Marini, Midnight Lute, Ministers Wild Cat, Notional, Old Topper, Paddy O’Prado, Pioneerof the Nile, Regal Ransom, Roi Charmant, Slew’s Tiznow, Square Eddie, Stormin Fever, Street Boss, Surf Cat, Tapizar, Thorn Song, Tizbud, Tizway, Tiz Wonderful, Tribal Rule, Unusual Heat, U S Ranger, Vronsky, War Chant, Warriors Reward and Wildcat Heir. This sale will also feature 53 head from The Complete Dispersal of The Estate of Ellwood Johnston & Berumen.  Havens Bloodstock will the selling agent for this consignment which contains 15 yearlings, 9 two-year-olds, 11 horses of racing age and 18... ...

From CHRB                 LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2015)– The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Wednesday, September 16, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, 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 approved for 45-day public notice a proposed regulation requiring third-party administration of the authorized bleeder medication furosemide, or Lasix, on race day. The regulation will require racing associations and horsemen’s groups to agree on a third-party furosemide administration program subject to Board approval. Such third-party Lasix administration conforms to the National Uniform Medication Program. Santa Anita Park executive Scott Daruty reported that 600 high-definition surveillance cameras will be wired into the stable area to record all those who enter and exit every stall beginning in November. Other cameras focusing on high-traffic areas are being installed prior to the September 26 opening... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 16, 2015)–Santa Anita Park’s 19-day Autumn Meet, which opens with five Grade I, Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win & You’re In” prep stakes on Saturday, Sept. 26, will again offer fans a comprehensive pari-mutuel betting menu that features the nation’s lowest win, place and show takeout of only 15.43 percent as well as the 50 cent Pick 5, which covers the first five races each day. First post time each day will be at 1 p.m., with the exception of opening day, which will kick off at 12:30 p.m. in order to facilitate a blockbuster 11-race program. (Admission gates will open at 10:30 a.m. on opening day and at 11 a.m. on all other racing days). Santa Anita’s 2015 Autumn Meet Wagering Menu will offer the following: –The 50 cent Player’s Pick 5. Comprised of races one through five, the Pick Five features a low takeout of 14 percent. If no one correctly selects all five winners, 100 percent of the net pool is... ...

TEMECULA, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2015) – Millionaire Smart Bid, a multiple graded winning son of sire of sires Smart Strike, has been relocated to stand the 2016 breeding season at Milky Way Farm for a fee of $3,500. Smart Bid, the property of George Strawbridge Jr.’s Augustin Stables, is out of the graded stakes-winning Danzig mare Recording. He won the Grade II Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap, the Grade III Fair Grounds Handicap and earned $1,008,309. Smart Bid also was runner-up in the Grade I Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap and Woodford Reserve Turf Classic. Smart Bid won races on dirt, synthetic and turf, and at distances from seven furlongs to 1 ½ miles. For more information, contact Linda Madsen at Milky Way Farm, 909-241-6600 or email milkywaycattle@aol.com. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 16, 2015) — Nick Alexander was named California Breeder of the Year and Steve Coburn and Perry Martin were named the National Small Breeders of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, which presented the awards at its annual banquet at Hill ‘n Dale Farms. Coburn and Martin bred last year’s double classic-winning Horse of the Year, California Chrome. Alexander, a long-time member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, bred and owns the stakes winning Grazen Sky, who was sired by Alexander runner Grazen. ...

From Paulick Report ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2015) — The Stronach Group announced on Monday that Joe Morris has accepted the position of Senior Vice President of West Coast Operations for the Stronach Group, effective Nov. 9, 2015.  Morris will step down as President of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) at that time. As Senior Vice President of West Coast Operations, Morris will oversee operations at Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and San Luis Rey Training Center, and will report directly to Keith Brackpool, Chairman of West Coast Operations.  In addition to his experience as President of the TOC since 2013, Morris previously served as General Manager of Golden Gate Fields and Vice President of Operations and Sales for the Stronach Group from 2011 to 2013. “We are so very pleased to welcome Joe Morris back to the Stronach Group,” said Brackpool.  “Joe is an invaluable member of the California racing industry, and as we both further develop our facilities and our racing experience here in California, we... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 10, 2015) — The NTRA reminds yearling buyers of its progress toward a renewal of certain investment incentives that either expired or were reduced for 2015. The U.S. Senate Finance Committee completed its work in July on a tax extenders bill that contains tax provisions to help families, individuals and small businesses, including specific incentives supported by the NTRA that encourage investment in the horse industry. Led by three-year tax depreciation for all racehorses, the bill also reinstates 50 percent bonus depreciation and the $500,000 Sec. 179 expense allowance for all small businesses, including those in the horse racing industry. If passed, the two-year tax extenders bill would be retroactive to January 1, 2015, and continue through 2016. “A multi-year extension of these incentives will create horse industry jobs and support horse owners who need time and certainty to thoughtfully plan their investment strategies,” said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop in July. “Three-year depreciation for all racehorses has been a primary focus of the... ...

TORONTO, Canada (Sept. 8, 2015) — A yearling by California stallion Eddington sold for $100,000 at Tuesday’s CTHS Premier Yearling Sale. The colt, out of Empress Indeed, was a $4,500 pinhook from the 2015 Keeneland January Sale. He was bred in Ontario by Marcy Quayle, consigned by Richard Hogan, agent, and purchased by Roger Attfield, agent. ...

From CTFMA CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2015) — Come join us for a fun day at the all new Los Alamitos Race track on Sept. 19.  We plan to meet at the Vessels club for an afternoon of great food, great Thoroughbred racing, gambling and fun! This all day event is $50 per person and includes Vessels Club entrance fee, program, your seat, and your meal. This is a great opportunity to meet other racing fans, owners and handicappers. Remember there is a dress code in the Vessels Club. Please send your checks payable to CTFMA to P.O. Box 876 Fallbrook, CA 92088 by Sept. 15 to hold your reservation. ...

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 3, 2015) — Next year, Barretts will conduct six sales at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and 2016 will mark the first year that all Barretts sales will be held at the Del Mar location. A notable change from the 2015 sales calendar is the Wednesday, March 30 sale date for the Select Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale. “Last year’s February date proved difficult for consignors, and with the completion of the Del Mar track resurfacing from synthetic to dirt, we are now be able to take advantage of the later date opening in March.” said Barretts general manager Kim Lloyd. “There will be two weeks in between the three premier 2-year-old sales conducted in Florida and California, making the logistics more workable for sellers and buyers.” “We’re very encouraged by the positive feedback generated by the new Del Mar location, particularly at the May Sale. The sale session at the Surfside Race Place opened to a packed pavilion, and concluded with a 38.5% increase in... ...

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board monthly meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 24, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 16. The meeting location remains at Los Alamitos Race Course. The starting time for the meeting and the agenda will be posted on the CHRB website no later than 10 days prior to the meeting. ...

ELK GROVE, Calif. (Aug. 31, 2015) — California stallion Sought After, sire of Grade I winner Masochistic and multiple stakes winner Control Seeker, was euthanized after developing severe laminitis in both front legs. He was 15. The unraced son of Seeking the Gold, who stood at Daehling Ranch, had 10 crops with progeny earnings of more than $2.6 million. Masochistic is his leading earner with winnings of $583,850, including wins in the Grade I Triple Bend and the Grade II Kona Gold Stakes, as well as a second in the Grade I Bing Crosby. ...

From DMTC Publicity                 DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 26, 2015) — Three new stakes races will be presented during Del Mar’s second fall racing season, which begins on October 29 and continues through to November 29. The additional races – each with a value of $200,000 – mean that the stakes roster for the 20-day session will swell to $2,700,000.   The races – the Golden State Juvenile Fillies, the Golden State Juvenile and the Goldikova Stakes – are, in effect, being “borrowed” from Santa Anita for one season and allow Del Mar to offer 17 stakes during its five-week stand. The Los Angeles-area track has a shorter fall season this year and timing issues were not going to permit it to present the three named stakes. With encouragement from the California Horse Racing Board and the Thoroughbred Owners of California, Del Mar took on the races for 2015 to ensure that they’d continue to be offered to Southern California horsemen.   In 2014, when Del Mar presented 15 days of... ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 22, 2015) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, August 20, at Del Mar Racetrack. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian, 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 theWebcast link. In brief:  The Board approved the 2016 racing calendars for all thoroughbred meets and fairs. These allocated dates include dark days between race meets. Actual racing dates within those timeframes will be determined when each meet is licensed. The Northern California racing calendar will begin December 26, 2015, at Golden Gate Fields through June 14, followed by dates at Pleasanton run by the Oak Tree Racing Association (June 15 through July 5), Cal Expo (July 6 through July 26), Santa Rosa (July 27 through August 16), Ferndale (August 17 through August 30) running concurrently with Golden Gate (August 17 through September 20), Stockton (September... ...

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2015) — The date for the Barretts 2015 Fall Sale of Yearlings and Horses of Racing Age, to be held at the Del Mar Racetrack, has been changed to Tuesday, October 27, from Wednesday, October 28. Early Bird entries will close next Friday, August 28. The entry deadline is September 4. Breeding Stock will also be accepted into this sale this year. ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 17, 2015) — The Jockey Club announced Aug. 17 the election of four new members: W. B. Rogers Beasley, John Magnier, Rosendo (Ro) Parra, and Thomas S. Robbins. Beasley has served as Keeneland director of racing since 2001 and was the track’s sales director for 19 years prior to his current post. He serves on the boards of the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, and the Racing Officials Accreditation Program and previously served on the American Graded Stakes Committee and the Thoroughbred Club of America board of directors. Magnier presides over Coolmore Stud, which has branches in Ireland, Kentucky (Ashford Stud), and the Hunter Valley (Coolmore Australia). His family has been associated with a long list of champion horses and major stallions since the 1850s, originally in Co. Cork, Ireland, where stallions still stand as part of Coolmore today. Magnier has co-owned or -bred four of the last five Epsom Derby (Eng.- I) winners. Parra, owner of Millennium... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2015) — A newly-created Starter Showdown Series – with purses totaling $175,000 – and five other stakes races worth a combined $450,000 will be offered during the upcoming Los Angeles County Fair at Los Alamitos meet. The 10-day season will begin Thursday, Sept. 10 and continue through Friday, Sept. 25. Racing will be conducted on a Thursday-Sunday basis the first two weeks, then conclude with two days (Sept. 24-25) before the Southern California scene shifts to Santa Anita Saturday, Sept. 26. The Starter Showdown Series, which will debut on closing day, consists of five races – varying in distance from 5 ½ furlongs to one mile – for horses eligible for $8,000, $16,000 and $25,000 starter allowance contests.A six-furlong race, the $45,000 Seal Beach Stakes is the richest in the Series. The other stakes are the $30,000 Buena Park (5 ½ furlongs), the $30,000 Westminster (5 ½ furlongs, fillies and mares), the $35,000 Rossmoor (One Mile) and the $35,000 Long Beach (One... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2015) — A California-bred son of Harlan’s Holiday and a daughter of Tapizar   each brought $90,000 to top the inaugural Barretts select yearling sale at Del Mar racetrack Aug. 15. The sale, held after the day’s races, averaged $36,524, with 42 grossing $1,534,000; 25 of the 67 through the ring did not sell. The median was $31,000. Barretts conducted the sale in the Surfside Race Place adjacent to the racetrack. It was standing room only early in the sale, though the crowd thinned out considerably by the end of the session. “We experimented with the sale after the races, but I would think that next year we’ll go to a day session on a dark day,” said Kim Lloyd, general manager of Barretts. “This makes for too long of a day. We will try things and adjust as we go along.” Barretts is in its first year of conducting all of its sales at Del Mar. The company previously sold at Fairplex Park in Pomona, a facility that... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2015) – California stallion Sierra Sunset was represented by his first winner when Carlos Dangerous won the fourth race Friday at Del Mar, a maiden special weight for 2-year-old California-breds. Carlos Dangerous was bred by owners Philip Lebherz and Richard Meister and is trained by Jeff Bonde. He ran the six furlongs in 1:11.93 and won by a neck as the 2-1 favorite in the field of eight. Sierra Sunset, a Grade II winner by Bertrando out of the Pirate’s Bounty mare Toot Sweet, stands at Paradise Road Ranch. ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2015) — Victor Espinoza, who guided American Pharoah through his Triple Crown triumph this spring, has been named the 2015 recipient of the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award. Espinoza will receive the award and its trophy from Pincay this Aug. 16 at Del Mar in a winner’s circle ceremony between races. The Pincay Award, given annually by the Hall of Fame rider since 2004 to those who have served the sport “with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination, and distinction,” originated at the now-closed Hollywood Park, but shifted to Del Mar in 2014. Espinoza, 43, is a native Mexico City and has ridden more than 3,200 winners in his career, but will always be remembered for his rides on American Pharoah, making him only the 12th Triple Crown winner and the first to accomplish it in 37 years. The rider first handled American Pharoah in a winning effort in last year’s Del Mar Futurity (gr. I), and in seven starts since, they’ve never been beaten. Espinoza’s Triple Crown feat this... ...

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2015) – California stallion Black Seventeen was represented by his first winner when Thor’s Champion won Sunday’s fifth race at Santa Rosa, a maiden claimer. Thor’s Champion is out of the Wised Up mare Thunder and Ice and was bred by owners Zuer Racing, John Cadman, Michael Timchenko and John Shehane. The 3-year-old gelding, trained by William Delia and ridden by Russell Baze, ran the six furlongs in 1:13.11 and won by three lengths as the 2-1 favorite. Black Seventeen is a multiple Grade I winner out of Is It True. ...

From The Jockey Club SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 9, 2015) — The Jockey Club’s Board of Stewards voted Saturday to change certain provisions of the Principal Rules and Requirements of the American Stud Book and, as a result, microchips will become a requirement for registration for foals of 2017 and later. The microchips will be used in conjunction with official markings to provide an effective means of confirming the identity of Thoroughbreds for the duration of their lives. Beginning with foals born in 2017, a microchip will be provided with all registration application and genetic sampling kits. In 2016, owners will have the option to request free microchips with registration and genetic sampling kits when they report the birth of a live foal. There will be no increase in registration fees. Microchips are a compulsory component of Thoroughbred registration in several countries including Great Britain, France, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Italy, and New Zealand. “Microchips are a fast, safe and effective measure for enhancing the identification of Thoroughbred racehorses and have... ...

From Equibase SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 9, 2015) — STATS LLC, the world’s leading sports technology, data and content company, and Equibase Company, the Thoroughbred industry’s official database, have entered into a strategic partnership to develop products and services for horseplayers. The announcement was made by STATS’ Executive Vice President for Strategic Relationships, Bill Squadron, during hisp resentation at the 63rd annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. “Combining the skill set and sports technology capabilities of STATS with Equibase’s data and expertise will be a win-win for both avid horseplayers and new fans to the sport,” said Squadron. “The predictive algorithms we have developed for other sports have natural applications that will be leveraged for horse racing. We couldn’t be more excited about the possibilities.” STATS has been established as a world leader in sports technology for football, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer. The partnership with Equibase marks a new arena for STATS to enter and will provide an unprecedented product to Thoroughbred racing... ...

From  Blood-Horse LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 5, 2015 – The Blood-Horse has unveiled Blood-Horse Daily, a free app that features Thoroughbred news and information delivered for smartphone Apple and Android platforms. “The Blood-Horse has made its unique content available on both a daily and weekly basis over a long period of time and the creation of the Blood-Horse Daily app enables us to leverage the best technology available to a publisher and share that content as quickly and as widely as possible,” said John K. Keitt Jr., chief executive officer and publisher of Blood-Horse magazine. “The breaking news, analysis and commentary, along with entries, results and a variety of sire, racing and sales lists, will provide readers with timely access to information they need to know.” “Our goal with Blood-Horse Daily is to provide a concise rundown of the most important topics in Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and sales,” said Ian Tapp, editor of Blood-Horse Daily. “We will focus on key issues and their impact on the Thoroughbred industry, delivered in a format designed for the on-the-go reader.” To access Blood-Horse Daily through a smartphone, customers can download... ...

From DMTC Publicity CLOVIS, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2015) — C.R. “Chay” Knight, a native of Ventura and a longtime trainer on California Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred circuits, died Friday at his home in Clovis after a long illness. He was 80, and only four days short of his 81st birthday. Knight-trained Splendid Spruce won the 1981 Santa Anita Derby and, ridden by Darrel McHargue, finished seventh in the 107th Kentucky Derby, 7 ½ lengths behind Pleasant Colony. Knight’s lone Del Mar stakes win came with Time Of Sale in the 1982 Sorrento Stakes but he had many stakes victories elsewhere with horses like Splendid Spruce, Raise A Man and others. Quarter Horse records credit Knight, who conditioned world record holder and champion Kaweah Bar, with 103 wins before becoming one of the first trainers to make the transition from that breed to Thoroughbreds, a path that Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas and Bob Baffert were later to follow. Knight is survived by his wife Mary and sons Terry, Barry,... ...

From Governor Brown                 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 31, 2015) — Charles Winner, 74, of Beverly Hills, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board, where he has been chair since 2013 and has served since 2012. Winner has been founder and partner at Winner and Mandabach Campaigns since 1985 and founder and president at Winner Consulting Inc. since 1975. He was a consultant for various local, state and federal campaigns from 1969 to 1975. Winner was founder and partner of Cerrell Winner and Associates from 1966 to 1969 and served as Southern California secretary and travel secretary for Governor Pat Brown from 1965 to 1966. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Winner is a Democrat. ...

RAMONA, Calif. (July 30, 2015) — Mr. Big, sire of recent $200,000 Fleet Treat Stakes winner Big Book, will continue his stallion career in California at E.A. Ranches, Ramona. Previously standing in Kentucky for owner George Krikorian, the 17.2 hand stallion by Dynaformer is the only son of the legendary sire available to breeders in the Golden State. From only 11 foals of racing age, including two unraced 2-year-olds, Mr. Big’s progeny have registered five wins from three offspring, including a decisive 2 ¼ length win by California-bred 3-year-old filly Big Book in the 7-furlong Fleet Treat Stakes at Del Mar. Last year, Mr. Big’s first test foal, Kentucky-bred Big Break, broke her maiden in a 5 ½ furlong race at Santa Anita by 7 ¾ lengths at first asking and came back in the Santa Paula Stakes (6 ½ furlong on the dirt) to outrun graded stakes horses Taste Like Candy and Morning Fix. Mr. Big’s five runners to date have all finished in the money, earning an average... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 27, 2015) — The Jockey Club reminds stallion managers to submit their Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) for the 2015 breeding season by August 1. “The punctual submission of RMBs allows for an efficient registration process for the foals of 2016,” said Matt Iuliano, executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club. “We encourage all farms to submit their RMBs on or before the August 1 deadline so that we can provide industry stakeholders with the most complete breeding and foaling statistics by stallion.” In addition, stallion managers who submit their RMBs by August 1 are among the first to receive their Stallion Service Certificates. Reports of Mares Bred may be submitted via Interactive Registration at registry.jockeyclub.com or a form is available by email, fax, or mail by contacting inquiries@jockeyclub.com. ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 21, 2015) — The U.S. Senate Finance Committee completed its work on a tax extenders bill in a markup session earlier today and approved the resulting document by a 23-3 vote. The bill contains tax provisions to help families, individuals and small businesses, including specific incentives supported by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) because they spur investment in the horse racing industry. Led by three-year tax depreciation for all racehorses, the bill also reinstates 50 percent bonus depreciation and the $500,000 Sec. 179 expense allowance. Each of these incentives has been in place over the past several years, with the amount of the Sec. 179 expense allowance often fluctuating from one year to the next. The two-year tax extender bill would be retroactive to January 1, 2015, and continue through 2016. “A multi-year extension of these incentives will create horse industry jobs and support horse owners who need time and certainty to thoughtfully plan their investment strategies,” said NTRAPresident and CEO Alex Waldrop. “Three-year depreciation for... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 20, 2015) — The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation has met the $100,000 challenge gift announced by Oak Tree Racing Association in January 2015. The gift and the matching program honor Dr. Jack Robbins, who passed away at the age of 93 on Nov. 29, 2014.   As a racetrack veterinarian, farm manager, breeder/owner, and racing association president, Dr. Robbins devoted his career to supporting and protecting the horse. In addition to his professional career, Dr. Robbins was a member of The Jockey Club and longtime supporter, director, and director emeritus of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.   “Dr. Robbins was a horseman through and through,” said Dell Hancock, chairman of the foundation. “I’m thrilled that our community has stepped up to honor his memory through support of equine research.”   The $200,000 raised from the matching gift will support Grayson’s efforts to improve the health and well-being of all breeds of horse. Past Grayson-funded research developed vaccines for equine influenza and viral arteritis, defined Colitis... ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (July 18, 2015) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Friday, July 17, at Del Mar Racetrack. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian, 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 theWebcast link. In brief:  The Board approved for public notice proposed language that clarifies the criteria for disqualifications in races and requires stewards to issue greater penalties for jockeys who repeatedly violate riding rules and/or whose infractions jeopardize the safety of others. The Board will conduct a public hearing on this proposed amendment to CHRB Rule 1699 (Riding Rules) following the 45-day notice period.  Representatives of California racing associations and horsemen’s groups reported they have held numerous meetings in both Northern and Southern California in efforts to reach agreement on proposed calendars for the 2016 racing year. Those discussions will continue. Chairman Winner stated the Board... ...

By Paulick Report Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY), the co-chairmen of the Congressional Horse Caucus, today introduced the bipartisan Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act of 2015.  Under existing law, the American thoroughbred horseracing industry labors under a diverse patchwork of conflicting and inconsistent rules governing medication policies and practices across 38 different racing jurisdictions. This lack of uniformity in the rules of horseracing has impaired interstate commerce and undermined public confidence in the sport. By establishing an independent, nongovernmental anti-doping authority charged with the responsibility of implementing a national uniform medication program with input from the thoroughbred industry, the Thoroughbred Horseracing Integrity Act will encourage fair competition and a level playing field across state lines, assure full and fair disclosure of information to purchasers of breeding stock and to the wagering public and provide for the safety and welfare of horses and jockeys.  This, in turn, will enhance the popularity and international competitiveness of American thoroughbred horseracing. “I am proud to represent Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District, the Horse... ...

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 7, 2015) – Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Barretts Sales and Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) will host “Buying a Racehorse,” a FREE New Owner Seminar and Preview of the Paddock Sale at Del Mar on Saturday, July 25, 2015. The seminar will begin at 9:00 a.m. in the Veranda Café and conclude at approximately 11:30 a.m. Seminar panelists include bloodstock agent Rollin Baugh, trainer Phil D’Amato, Billy Koch of Little Red Feather Racing, and international auctioneer Ryan Mahan. They will discuss acquiring horses at auction and through private sales, claiming horses, and joining racehorse partnerships and syndicates. The seminar will also include a barn tour, where attendees can ask questions of leading California trainers and get a close-up look at horses in training. Participants will also get a preview of the horses entered in that evening’s Paddock Sale. Several representatives of racing syndicates will be on hand to provide informational materials for those interested in getting into a racing partnership or syndicate. Any partnerships or... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (July 1, 2015)—Jack Disney, a longtime sports writer with the now-defunct Los Angeles Herald Examiner, who went on to serve as Director of Publicity at Hollywood Park and who was an integral part of Santa Anita’s publicity efforts for many years, passed away at his home in Irvine on Monday at the age of 80 following a long bout with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (C.O.P.D.). An avid racing enthusiast from his days at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, Disney hired on at the Herald Examiner at the age of 19 in 1954 and, for the better part of 35 years, covered USC football and basketball, the Lakers, Raiders, Angels, Dodgers, boxing at both the Olympic Auditorium and the Forum, and even had a fling as an on-air pro wrestling analyst alongside the legendary Dick (Whoa Nellie!!) Lane, on KTLA channel 5. Known simply as “Diz” to close friends and press box colleagues, Disney was the product of a bygone era, when sports writers often drew close to... ...

From CHRB LOS ALAMITOS, CA – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, June 25, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian, 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 and its race date committees received suggested 2016 racing calendars from racetracks, fairs, and horsemen’s organizations. The CHRB and stakeholders will continue discussing those proposed calendars, as well as any developed by the committees. The Board will vote on 2016 race dates at the August meeting. ·         CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker reported on continuing CHRB and industry efforts to safeguard the health and welfare of all horses stabled at CHRB-regulated facilities, including veterinary examinations of ponies, the digitization of equine medical records, and a microchip program that was launched this year at Golden Gate Fields. He also reported that handle on California... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (June 25, 2015) The Edwin J. Gregson Foundation will host a charity fundraising dinner honoring Hall of Fame jockeys Mike Smith and Gary Stevens for their racing accomplishments and contributions in horse racing. The Aug. 3 dinner marks year 15 of fundraising activities spearheaded by Jenine Sahadi, president of Gregson Foundation. “We look forward to a fabulous evening celebrating two great, phenomenally-talented jockeys, esteemed not only by our industry members, but literally loved by fans throughout the world,” Sahadi said. Proceeds of the event will be used for continued development of various educational programs to benefit California’s worthy backstretch workers and their families. These programs, such as college scholarship grants, computer literacy classes, and on-going English as a second language courses, were part of trainer Eddie Gregson’s vision in helping individuals improve their standard of living and achieve excellence in their lives. The foundation will fete Smith and Stevens at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego, Calif. Tickets for the event are $300 per person. ...

By Paulick Report ARCADIA, Calif. (June 25, 2015) — Longtime Thoroughbred trainer Sandy Shulman died on June 21. He was 78. According to the Daily Racing Form, Shulman operated a photography business in Southern California and owned racehorses in the early 1980s. He enjoyed being around horses and decided to pursue a training career. Over the next 30 years, Shulman saddled several graded stakes winners in California, and won two training titles at Hollywood Park. He trained graded stakes winners Thirst for Peace, Champion Lodge, and Abaginone. Shulman was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ina Sue. He is survived by his adult children, Leonard and Eileen. Services are scheduled for June 26 at Mount Sinai, 5950 Forest Lawn Dr., Los Angeles. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation or Downtown Dog Rescue. ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 19, 2015) — TOC’s membership elected Allen Aldrich and re-elected incumbents Bob Baffert, Ed Moger, Mike Pegram and Kathy Walsh to its Board of Directors.  All five were elected to three-year terms. The new Board officially takes office on July 1st and will be seated at TOC’s first board meeting of the new fiscal year when directors meet on July 10 at Los Alamitos.   Aldrich resides and runs his business, Aldrich Properties, in his hometown of Pleasanton. He has been leading owner at both the Oak Tree at Pleasanton and Humboldt County Fair meets, and he has raced and won at every live racing venue in California. He also had an ownership interest in Eclipse Award champion She’s A Tiger.   Baffert, a Hall of Fame and Triple Crown winning trainer, has served on the board since 2007 as an owner-trainer representative. He also serves on the Racing Affairs committee.   Moger, who has been on the board since 2010 as an owner-trainer member,... ...

By Bloodhorse.com WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 17, 2015) — The United States Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service were told June 17 that current regulations related to the tax withholding and reporting of pari-mutuel winnings are “unfair and totally burdensome.” The comments were made by National Thoroughbred Racing Association president Alex Waldrop, who testified during a hearing on tax matters in Washington, D.C. Government officials also heard testimony on tax issues related to winnings from slot machines, bingo, and keno. The NTRA for some time has been seeking changes in pari-mutuel tax withholding and reporting regulations. It wants the government to clarify regulations by redefining the “amount of the wager” to include all of a bettor’s investment into a single pari-mutuel pool and not simply the base amount of the winning combination. “It is the position of the entire horse breeding and racing industry that these Treasury regulations need to be modernized to ensure that both the withholding and reporting of winning pari-mutuel wagers accurately and fairly reflect the realities... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 10, 2015) – The California Horse Racing Board has instituted Rule 1688 in the Code of Regulations regarding the use of whips. The rule, effective July 1, 2015, reads as follows: 1688. Use of Whips Riding Crop. (a) In all races where a jockey will not ride with a whip riding crop, an announcement shall be made over the public address system of such fact. (b) Although the use of a whip riding crop is not required, any jockey who uses a whip riding crop during a race is prohibited from whipping using a riding crop on a horse: (1) on the head, flanks, or on any parts of its body other than the shoulders or hind quarters; (2) during the post parade except when necessary to control the horse; (3) excessively or brutally causing welts or breaks in the skin; (4) when the horse is clearly out of the race or has obtained its maximum placing; or (5) persistently even though the horse is... ...

From Special T Thoroughbreds TEMECULA, Calif. (May 29, 2015) – Stallion and Grade I winner Ultimate Eagle has changed ownership.  The new owner is Blackbird Thoroughbreds and they are very excited to have purchased Ultimate Eagle, who earned $547,800 winning the Grade I Hollywood Derby on the turf and Grade II Oak Tree and Grade II Strub Stakes on the dirt, defeating Breeders Cup Champion Tapizar by over 10 lengths. Kelly Cassidy, part owner of Blackbird Thoroughbreds, is happy to be involved with a true Classic Grade I winner. She likes to call him “My ultimate wire-to-wire sire with a triple digit Beyer,” and the only Mizzen Mast bloodline on the West Coast. Ultimate Eagle will remain at Special T Thoroughbreds in Temecula.  The new owners encourage late foaling mare owners to inquire about the 17-hand athlete for a discounted stud fee.  All inquiries should be directed to Rick Taylor, owner of Special T Thoroughbreds. ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (May 23, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, May 21, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian, 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 approved the license application for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to conduct a 40-day race meet at Del Mar from Thursday, July 16, through Monday, September 7 (Labor Day). These will be the first races run over Del Mar’s new, dirt main track.  CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker reported that an additional $1.2 million has been allocated for equine drug testing and research at the U.C. Davis Maddy Laboratory. He also reported that he attended a recent legislative committee hearing in Sacramento concerning online gaming and he testified on the workings and merits of the California horse racing industry and the... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 21, 2015) — The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced that the 30th annual National Awards Dinner will be held Friday, Sept. 11 at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms near Lexington. The dinner honors owners and breeders from 24 states and Canada, four Regional Owners of the Year, National Owner of the Year, two National Breeders of the Year, Broodmare of the Year, Rood & Riddle Sport Horse of the Year, and the recipient of the Robert N. Clay Award that recognizes a member of the Thoroughbred racing community who has made an outstanding contribution to preserving land for equine use. “We are honored that Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms will host this year’s National Awards Dinner,” said Dan Metzger, president of TOBA, in a release. “Hill ‘n’ Dale provided a spectacular setting for our 2007 dinner and we are excited to return for what promises to be a special evening honoring the leading owners and breeders in Thoroughbred racing.” “We’re excited to have the breeders, the very... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 21, 2015) — While pushing a conflict regarding fall racing dates in contention between Santa Anita Park and Los Alamitos Race Course down the line, the California Horse Racing Board still touched on the issues facing the track in northwest Orange County at their monthly meeting May 21 at Santa Anita.Discussion on Sept. 26-27 race dates, which both Santa Anita and Los Alamitos want, was tabled for the second monthly meeting in a row, and will be back on the CHRB agenda for their scheduled June 25 meeting at Los Alamitos. In a discussion about the approval of Los Alamitos’ eight-date meet from July 2 to July 12, however, talk focused on the challenges of the dates sitting between Santa Anita’s spring meeting and Del Mar’s much-anticipated summer meet.“We were disappointed last year, particularly with our on-track business,” Brad McKinzie, the general manager of Los Alamitos’ Thoroughbred racing, said of the track’s first Thoroughbred-only meet since expanding its dirt course to a mile. “There’s no question about it. It is... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 19, 2015) – With a June 2 deadline looming, only 14 days away, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is urging individuals to submit a comment to the U.S. Treasury Department in support of modernization of regulations relating to player withholding and reporting. “Recent communications with the Treasury department indicate they are closely monitoring both the quality and quantity of comments,” said NTRA president and CEO Alex Waldrop. “The changes we seek would have a positive impact on every segment of the industry as well as state and federal governments. We urge individual fans, gamblers and other stakeholders to submit a comment through an easy-to-use electronic process available atNTRA.com/IRScomment.” Nearly 2,500 comments originating from all 50 states and the District of Columbia have already been submitted. The changes proposed by the NTRA on behalf of its membership and the Thoroughbred racing industry would positively impact all levels of horseplayers, regardless of whether a person typically wagers $1, $100 or $1,000. For example, the amount wagered... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 15, 2015)–Santa Anita Park has announced a series of six twilight racing cards dubbed “4 O’clock Fridays,” featuring a 4 p.m. first post time each Friday beginning May 22, through the month of June. All Santa Anita Thoroughbreds Club members will receive free General Admission and the track will also present a “Totally 80s” concert series, hosted by K-EARTH 101 radio after the races, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Sirona’s Sports Bar. In addition to live music (provided on May 22 by “The Young Guns Band”), fans 21 and up will be treated to the following discount drink specials in Sirona’s and in the track’s newest sports bar, The Gallop Out, on the Club House turn: –$3 Bud and Bud Light (16 oz. draft) –$5 Well Cocktails –$10 Domestic Draft Pitchers Santa Anita will also open at 11 a.m. each Friday beginning May 22 for simulcast racing from across North America. For more information regarding “4 O’clock Fridays,” including a complete schedule of... ...

From AHC WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 5, 2015) — On April 29, 2015, the Department Homeland Security (DHS) and Department Labor (DOL) issued a final interim H-2B temporary guest worker program rule and a final wage rule. This final interim H-2B rule is almost identical to a 2012 H-2B program rule that has been blocked by a federal court since its release and was opposed by the American Horse Council and other industries that rely on the H-2B program.  Both rules are effective immediately.   The H-2B program is used by members of the horse industry, principally horse trainers and owners who cannot find American workers to fill semi-skilled jobs at racetracks, horse shows, fairs and in similar non-agricultural activities.   Final Interim Rule The AHC, in conjunction with a broad coalition of H-2B users, is opposed to implementation of this new interim final H-2B rule and final wage rule.  The AHC believes these rules will make the H-2B program even more costly and burdensome for employers who are forced to use... ...

By James L. Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club: “The Jockey Club had no knowledge of the bill that Senator Udall and Representative Pitts announced April 30 or advance notice that it was going to be introduced. We are disappointed that they have decided to take this approach. The Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 is the lifeblood of the industry, and we strongly oppose any effort to repeal it. “The Jockey Club believes that medication reform in the Thoroughbred industry will come about only with insight and cooperation from industry stakeholders, and we will continue to work with legislative leaders and Thoroughbred industry groups to develop and implement uniform rules and penalties that further ensure the safety of our athletes and the integrity of our sport. As an organization, The Jockey Club firmly believes that horses should compete only when they are free from the influence of medication.” ...