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.” ...

By Alex Waldrop, NTRA President “The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) strongly opposes this most recent attack on horseracing by Sen. Udall and Rep. Pitts, who have introduced federal legislation that threatens to destroy the economic viability of the $26 billion horseracing industry and the 380,000 jobs it supports nationwide. “This bill is a shameless publicity stunt that mischaracterizes one of the nation’s most highly regulated sports, ignores the significant progress the industry has achieved at the state level in recent years through widespread adoption of the National Uniform Medication Program, and unfairly disparages thousands of people who work every day to make horseracing as safe and fair as possible for all participants.” ...

From Gov. Brown SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2015) — Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today announced the appointment of jockey Alex Solis to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB). This followed the resignation of Bo Derek, who served nearly seven years on the Board, most recently as 1st Vice Chair. CHRB Chairman Chuck Winner expressed high praise for both. “I’m very pleased that the Governor appointed Alex to the Board. Having a rider will bring a new dimension to our process that has been missing,” said Chairman Winner. “I’ve known Alex since he began riding in California. He’s a terrific jockey and a man of integrity, who is well respected throughout the industry.” “I’m looking forward to adding another perspective to the Board,” said Commissioner Solis. “I have 34 years of experience in the racing industry. I’ve been on top of horses and I’ve been in the backside. I’ve associated with many great horsemen. I feel that I have a good understanding of the industry.” Chairman Winner continued, “Vice Chair Bo Derek has been... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2015) — The TOC Nominating Committee has announced a slate of six candidates for five open seats in the 2015 Board of Directors election, including incumbents Bob Baffert, Ed Moger, Mike Pegram and Kathy Walsh and new nominees Allen Aldrich and Gary Fenton. Baffert, who has served on the TOC board since 2007, is an owner-trainer representative and member of the Racing Affairs committee.  Moger has served on the board since 2010 and also represents the owner-trainer category as well as Northern California members. He serves on the Executive and Racing Affairs committees. Pegram, who has been on the board since 2010, is board Chairman and serves “ex officio” on all TOC committees. Walsh was first elected in 2012 and serves as chair of the Racing Affairs committee. Aldrich, a resident of Northern California, has been a licensed owner since 1978 and averages more than 100 starts per year. He had an ownership interest in Eclipse Award winning champion She’s A Tiger. Fenton is... ...

By Alex Waldrop, NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 22, 2015) — We at the NTRA recognize that the engine that drives every aspect of our business and sport is pari-mutuel wagering. That’s why it is extremely important for our industry that the United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have announced that they will examine the way winning pari-mutuel wagers are treated for tax reporting and withholding purposes. The NTRA is asking Treasury and the IRS to modernize the way they calculate the amount wagered for purposes of withholding and reporting by including in that calculation all money bet by an individual into a single pool. This regulatory change would eliminate a high percentage of reporting and withholding tickets and could increase pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing by as much as 10%, or $1 billion, in year one alone, according to Steve Crist of the Daily Racing Form. Increased handle will lead to higher purses and added strength in our bloodstock markets. On Tuesday, April 21, the NTRA issued... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2015) — Well over 200 people—horsemen, fans, and racetrack regulars—gathered April 20 at Santa Anita Park to remember trainer Mike Mitchell, who died at the age of 66 April 14 after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. Several people spoke, most emphasizing Mitchell’s sense of family, which went well beyond his wife, Denise, and daughters McCall and Shea. Phil D’Amato, Mitchell’s longtime assistant who took over the stable a year ago as Mitchell’s illness progressed, battled tears as he spoke about his boss. “Mike is my hero,” said D’Amato. “It was 14 years ago when I met Mike Mitchell while looking for a job. He said he’d give me a one-week trial, but after a couple of days he took me under his wing and he made me a part of his family. He was like my second father.” Hall of Fame trainer Gary Jones said that he and Mitchell were like brothers, Mitchell having come up under Jones’ father, trainer Farrell Jones. “He was a... ...

From CHRB BERKELEY, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2015) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, April 16, at Golden Gate Fields. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. First Vice Chair Bo Derek, Second Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, and Jesse Choper 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 adjusted the 2015 racing calendar, reflecting a compromise reached between Golden Gate Fields and the fairs. Golden Gate will conduct a meet from August 19 through September 7, followed by meets at Stockton (September 11-20), Golden Gate (September 24-October 4), Fresno (October 8-18), and Golden Gate (October 22-December 20). ·        CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker reported that two rule changes pertaining to use of the riding crop (formerly called whip) and horses on the veterinarian’s list will go into effect July 1. The Board approved the riding crop amendment in November, so California jockeys have had six months to adjust for... ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Apr. 15, 2015) — Del Mar’s summertime 40-day meeting will feature 43 stakes events, topped by the $1,000,000 TVG Pacific Classic and worth a total of $7,950,000 in black-type purses. The historic track will present its bountiful slate during its 76th season of seaside sport starting on Thursday, July 16 and running through Labor Day Monday, September 7. The track’s 33 major, or “advertised,” stakes will carry purses ranging from $100,000 to the $1-million Classic, which will be presented on Saturday, August 22, while its 10 “overnight” stakes each will be worth $80,000. Additionally, the racing headquarters “where the turf meets the surf” will provide its horsemen with purses of more than $650,000 a day, the richest output in the state of California and among the most lucrative of any race meeting in America. The TVG Pacific Classic, first presented at the shore oval in 1991, will have its silver anniversary 25th edition this year, run at its classic distance of a mile and one quarter... ...

COALINGA, Calif. (Apr. 12, 2015) – Love The Chase, broodmare of Horse of the Year California Chrome, delivered a full brother by Lucky Pulpit on Sunday. Love The Chase also delivered full sisters to California Chrome in 2013 and 2014, but was not bred following California Chrome’s delivery in 2011 and has no 2012 foal. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 10, 2015) – California stallion Roman Commander was represented by his first winner on Friday when Ill Tell You What won the eighth race at Santa Anita. Ill Tell You What is a 3-year-old filly out of the Score Quick mare Quicksoni, was bred by Kendall Mann, is owned by Michael Cavanaugh, Mann and Gary Stute and is trained by Stute. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.29 and won by 3 ¼ lengths at odds of 6-1. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 9, 2015) – California stallion Pure Thrill was represented by his first winner on Thursday when Fancy Brandi won the third race at Golden Gate. Fancy Brandi is a 3-year-old filly out of the Richly Blended mare Rich Reality, was bred by Gloria Morton and trained by Ed. Moger Jr. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:06.64 and won by a length at odds of 8-1. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 7, 2015) — Bill Garr, a Southern California-based radio broadcaster whose shows included morning scratches, interviews, plus calls and results, died last week at the age of 98, according to his daughter, Jeannie Garr Roddy. Garr had been retired for years and had been in poor health, preventing him from coming to the track he loved most, Santa Anita. It was from there where, in the pre-internet days, fans would tune in to Garr in the morning to hear that day’s scratches, tune in at midday for the daily double, and tune in at night for the call of the feature race, followed by a recap of the day’s results. He’d also host a call-in show on Saturday mornings, all for years on local station KIEV in Southern California. Garr’s first live show from Santa Anita was broadcast on Dec. 26, 1959. For nearly four decades, he broadcast his show – a forerunner of today’s racing shows – from Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Del... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2015) – Forest Command was represented by his first winner on Friday when Valdoura’s Command won the eighth race at Golden Gate. Valdoura’s Command, a 3-year-old filly, is out of the Valanour mare Valdoura and was bred by owner Four Quarters. She ran the six furlongs in 1:12.09 and won by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 8-1. ...

From Equibase LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 30, 2015) — Equibase Company announced today that, effective immediately, it will include in its data feeds, result charts and Equibase past performance products information on claims that were subsequently voided. The voided claim information is also being made available to tracks for inclusion in race programs nationwide. “As specific voided claim rules have become more prevalent at racetracks in North America, it made sense to broaden the dissemination of the information as a service to the betting public,” said Hank Zeitlin, president and chief operating officer of Equibase. Claimed horses, which are denoted with a ‘c’ at the end of the race information within Equibase past performances, now include a ‘v’ to indicate when the claim was subsequently voided. The result charts on equibase.com are denoted with “claim voided” text and also include the recorded reason for the voided claim. Equibase also announced that effective immediately result charts available on equibase.com now include the full race conditions for all races. ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2015) — The late Harris Farms stallion Thorn Song, a multiple Grade I winner, was represented by his first winner when Dream Serenade won the second race at Los Alamitos Saturday night. Dream Serenade, a filly out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Kalookan Dream, was bred by her owner Jon P. Denson and graduated in her fifth lifetime start. Bred in Kentucky by Pinnacle Racing LLC and Taylor Made Farm Inc., Thorn Song won eight of 29 starts including the Shadwell Turf Mile S.-G1 and the Shoemaker Mile S.-G1, and earned $1,132,700. Racing for Zayat Stables from 2005-2009, the big gray was trained by Dale Romans and Mike Mitchell. He sired four crops (including foals of 2015) while standing at Harris Farms. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 27, 2015) – California stallion Sundarban was represented by his first winner Friday when Howdy won the third race at Santa Anita, a maiden special weight for Cal-breds. Howdy is a 3-year-old colt out of the Momentum mare Foxy Babe, was bred by Crystal Valley Farm, is owned by Ciaglia Racing and Crystal Valley Farm and is trained by Peter Eurton. Howdy ran the mile in 1:36.85 and won by 5 ¼ lengths at odds of 2-1. ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 24, 2015) — Click here to view the 2014 NTRA Legislative Action Campaign Annual Report. Features of the report include: ·        List of 2014 contributors ·        Federal legislative summary Contributor comments Photo collage of NTRA-attended industry events ·        Videos that explain NTRA fundraising programs ·        Contributor/membership benefits summary The NTRA proudly serves the industry on Capitol Hill.  Our federal legislative team is there every day to advocate for the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. Thank you to all who supported this effort through the NTRA’s fundraising programs in 2014. Please forward this annual report to friends and colleagues who share your enthusiasm for our industry. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 20, 2015) — Los Alamitos and Santa Anita are trying to settle a conflict over which track will host racing on the last weekend of September. Los Alamitos is scheduled to hold a September meeting on behalf of the Los Angeles County Fair from Thursday, Sept. 10 through Friday, Sept. 25, but is seeking to add Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26 and 27. Santa Anita is scheduled to open its autumn meeting on Sept. 26. The track was granted that weekend of racing when the California Horse Racing Board issued a calendar for the 2014 and 2015 seasons in September 2013. Racing dates for the last Saturday and Sunday of September were issued to Santa Anita with the expectation the Breeders’ Cup would be held in Southern California this year. The Breeders’ Cup later awarded the two days of championship races to Keeneland in Kentucky. As a result, Los Alamitos has asked the racing board to extend its September meeting through Sept. 27. The track... ...

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 12, 2015) — The dates for the 2015 May Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age, to be held at the Del Mar Racetrack in San Diego Country, have been changed to: Sale Date: Thursday, May 28 Training Preview Date: Tuesday, May 26 Entries will close on Friday, April 3. Horses of racing age will also be accepted into this sale. ...

From Bloodhorse.com WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 11, 2015) — The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has unveiled its federal legislative agenda for the 114th Congress, which convened in January. The organization said economic issues again dominate the agenda as tax matters re-emerge in the new Congress along with Internet gaming, immigration, and racehorse drug and therapeutic medication regulation and testing. “As always, we focus on legislation that directly affects our members and their Thoroughbred business activities, including horse racing, breeding, and pari-mutuel wagering,” said NTRA president and CEO Alex Waldrop, who directs the association’s lobbying efforts. “Our agenda each year in Washington generally has two distinct objectives—offense and defense. We attempt to advance matters that can be beneficial to the industry and at the same time monitor and prepare to act on a range of issues that could pose harm to our industry.” According to the NTRA, in the last Congress, it secured passage of three critical bills: the standardized, three-year depreciation for racehorses; bonus depreciation that permits taxpayers to depreciate 50%... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 4, 2015) — Thank you to all industry members who supported the NTRA’s federal legislative fundraising effort in 2014.More than 700 individuals, farms and racing partnerships, representing more than 40 states or U.S. territories and 14 countries, contributed to either the ¼% Check-off program at major domestic horse sales or the Foal program. These contributions enable the NTRA to represent our industry’s interests on Capitol Hill every day. Click here for a complete list of 2014 NTRA federal legislative contributors. The NTRA also recognizes the following industry partners for their support: Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, Barretts, Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and Breeders’ Sales Company of Louisiana. Other organizations supporting the program include (in alphabetical order): California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA), Daily Racing Form (DRF), Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), Santa Anita Park, Texas Horsemen’s News, Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN), Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) and Thoroughbred Owners of... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board’s Annual Report for fiscal year 2013-14 and racing year 2014 soon will be available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under “Publications.” For your convenience, we are attaching a pdf of the Annual Report. The CHRB no longer publishes a print edition of the Annual Report. ...

From Office of Gov. Brown                 SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2015) — Jesse Choper, 79, of Orinda, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board, where he has served since 2006. Choper has been the Earl Warren professor of public law at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law since 1991, where he was dean from 1982 to 1992 and a professor from 1965 to 1982. He was an associate professor of law at the University of Minnesota Law School from 1961 to 1965 and was a law clerk for the Honorable Earl Warren at the U.S. Supreme Court from 1960 to 1961. Choper is a member and former vice president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the American Law Institute and the Order of the Coif, where he was national president from 1992 to 1995. Choper was the University of California, Berkeley faculty athletic representative to the Pac-10 and the National Collegiate Athletic Association from 2004 to 2010. This position requires... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 27, 2015) — The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Feb. 27 that The Jockey Club Information Systems has purchased a majority ownership interest in Blood-Horse magazine. The purchase also includes related digital and custom printing properties of Blood-Horse, the Stallion Register, and Blood-Horse‘s 50% interest in TrueNicks LLC, according to the announcement made jointly by Ogden Mills Phipps, chairman of The Jockey Club, and Peter S. Willmott, chairman of TOBA. “The Jockey Club stewards believe that a publication with the history, influence, and brand recognition of Blood-Horse is a considerable asset for the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry and that there are certain synergies that will make it an even stronger entity as a result of this transaction,” Phipps said in a statement. “TOBA and its predecessor breeders’ organization have been the sole owner of Blood-Horse since 1935,” Willmott said. “With the considerable changes under way in the publishing industry, it is our strong feeling that a partnership with The... ...

WASINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 26, 2015) — Horse PAC, the bipartisan political action committee of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), has surpassed the $3 million mark in total disbursements to federal political candidates and parties since its inception in 2002.   Horse PAC has supported more than 250 candidates and 75 Leadership PACs and is the horse racing industry’s largest federal PAC. In the 2014 elections, Horse PAC-supported candidates won all 39 of their House contests and three of four Senate races for an impressive 97.6% success rate. The PAC disbursed $452,500 in the last Congress.   “I want to thank the many individuals who contribute to Horse PAC for recognizing the important role it plays in supporting our industry’s efforts in Washington, D.C.,” said Horse PAC Chairman William S. Farish Jr. “I also want to express my gratitude to a small group of individuals who have contributed annually since the formation of Horse PAC.”   Horse PAC supports federal political candidates who serve on Congressional committees that oversee matters... ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2015) —  – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Wednesday, February 18, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Second Vice Chairman Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper and George Krikorian were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved for public notice a proposed regulatory amendment requiring that authorized bleeder medication be administered only by approved third-party veterinarians. The Board approved for public notice a proposed regulatory amendment requiring that claims be voided for horses that are placed on the veterinarian’s list for having visibly bled. This provision would be in addition to the existing criteria for voiding claims. The Board continued its discussion of possible changes to the rule that governs disqualifications in races. The matter will be referred to the Stewards’ Committee. A related issue pertaining to reckless riding that endangers other jockeys and horses is... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2015) The discussion over riding rules brought into the spotlight with the controversial start of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) continued during the California Horse Racing Board’s Feb. 18 meeting, but potential modifications to the regulations were pushed into the future. The hour-long talk on the topic at Santa Anita Park Wednesday centered around clarifying the language in the rules to limit the discretion of California’s racing stewards. With three proposed language modifications, some on the board suggested a change in rule verbiage to eliminate subjectivity from the stewards and increase consistency in rulings at all California tracks. The board plans to review the issue again after its Legislative, Legal and Regulations Committee meets with track stewards later in the year. “There’s obviously no simple answer, but if you’re looking for consistency, the most direct route to consistency is to reduce the discretion of the decision-maker,” commissioner Jesse Choper said. “The more rules you have, the more consistency. The difficulty is you... ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, CA (February 4, 2015)-Premier Thoroughbreds, LLC and Harris Farms announce that Grade One winning Smiling Tiger‘s first foal is a colt out of the Grade one-placed and stakes winning broodmare Erica’s Smile. Foaled on January 29th the colt was bred by Phil Lebherz and was dropped at Premier Thoroughbreds, LLC in Oakdale, CA. Smiling Tiger was campaigned by Alan Klein and Philip Lebherz and trained by Jeff Bonde to nine wins, two seconds and eight thirds from 23 lifetime starts. Winning three Grade One events and placing twice in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Smiling Tiger earned $1,480,704. Smiling Tiger will stand for $5,000 live foal at Harris Farms. ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 5, 2015) – John Yarmuth’s third district includes the city of Louisville – home to Churchill Downs, host of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Experience: Rep. Yarmuth is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected to office in 2007. Impact on horse racing industry: Rep. Yarmuth has previously authored legislation to address IRS reporting and withholding requirements relative to winning pari-mutuel wagers that the industry has identified as outdated and inequitable when compared to the taxation of winnings for other forms of gambling. In June of 2014, Rep. Yarmuth joined 16 other members of Congress in supporting a key initiative of the NTRA, a request that the IRS modernize the definition of the “cost of a wager” when determining whether a winning horseplayer is subject to IRS reporting and withholding. Last week, Rep. Yarmuth hosted a face-to-face meeting with the U.S. Department of Treasury to discuss strategies for addressing the industry’s concerns with current tax law. The... ...

From Special Olympics LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2015) — The Special Olympics World Games – being staged in Los Angeles July 25 – August 2, 2015 will be the largest humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The Games will welcome 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators. The World Games will feature 25 Olympic style sports throughout the Los Angeles region including eight days of equestrian competition at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship is managing the equestrian component of the World Games building on 20 years of experience mounting horse shows and serving the disabled. We are assembling a world-class team of horse professionals, volunteers and competition personnel. If you are interested in any aspect of this amazing experience, please contact us. For horse professionals this will be a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. One of the most challenging aspects of the entire... ...

From Healing Arenas ESCALON, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2015) — “Stable Journeys,” a new program designed by Healing Arenas, Inc., will serve the area’s underserved amputee population and their families with adoptable retired racehorses. The initiative pairs EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association – http://www.eagala.org/) certified mental health professionals and equine specialists in a program to help amputees adapt to permanent life change by the loss of a limb(s). “Horses help with the emotional transition to life without a limb(s). Overcoming the emotional obstacles, feeling loved, empowered and accepted are essential steps in maintaining a full life.” explained Julie Baker, Founder and President of Healing Arenas, Inc. “We are looking forward to providing tools for people to succeed while helping the horses prepare for their new careers after racing.” “Being an amputee is not the end of our life.  It’s the beginning of a different one.  Thank God someone cares to design a program to help us.” said Donna Nadalin, amputee since 2008. “Stable Journey’s” permanent location is yet to... ...

By DRF.com WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 29, 2015) — Officials with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and several horseplayers met with an official in the Treasury Department this week in Washington to discuss the NTRA’s request for a change in how gambling winnings are taxed, the president of the NTRA said on Thursday. Alex Waldrop, the president of the NTRA, said the official for Treasury was a “high-ranking individual … who has policy responsibility.” He declined to name the official but said the person was a horseplayer who understood the dynamics of wagering and how betting is affected by tax policies. “The good news is that we now have an open dialogue with Treasury,” Waldrop said. “But we don’t have anything definitive yet.” The meeting was put together by U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, a Democrat who represents Louisville, Ky. An official with Churchill Downs Inc. also was at the meeting. Churchill operates three racetracks and the largest account-wagering company in the U.S. Last year, the NTRA sent a letter to Treasury... ...

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) — The Barretts January mixed sale finished on Monday with returns on-par with last year’s renewal. The one-day auction moved 248 horses for revenues of $2,104,800, up eight percent from the 2014 sale, when 224 horses sold for $1,944,900. The average sale price of $8,487 marked a two percent decline from last year’s figure of $8,683, while the median fell seven percent from $5,350 to $5,000. The buyback rate finished at 24 percent, up seven percentage points from last year’s auction, where the buyback rate was 17 percent. A pair of 2-year-olds and a broodmare topped the sale, each hammering for $50,000. Bruno De Berdt purchased a 2-year-old War Chant colt, as agent, out of the unplaced Bernardini mare Primp. Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, he is the second foal out of Primp, and his second dam is the multiple Grade 2 winner Runway Model. The colt sold for $15,000 at last year’s Keeneland September yearling sale and he was consigned at... ...

From CTFMA SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) – The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association will sponsor a pedigree clinic in February, with sessions held in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties. The first will be Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. in the Arcadia area, the second on Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the San Diego Area. The workshop will be conducted by Super Crosses’ G1 Goldmine, a  pedigree software that is used by major breeders to research stallions for their mares, or to research mares for their stallion shares. The product is now used by over 2,400 users in 24 different countries including bloodstock and pedigree consultants such Avalyn Hunter, John  Prather, John Sparkman, Niarchos group, Lord Derby. Entry is free but you will need to register to allow for a suitable room and catering as a light lunch or supper will be provided. To register for the seminar, email your name(s) and preferred session to Leo.Tsatsaronis@G1Goldmine.com. ...

From Lovacres Ranch WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) – Khozan, a debut winner at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, is from the family of California stallion Empire Way. Khozan is a half-brother to three-time Eclipse champion Royal Delta, who is a full brother to Empire Way, as all are out of the multiple-graded stakes winning A.P. Indy mare Delta Princess. Khozan is by Distorted Humor, Royal Delta  and Empire Way are by Empire Maker. Empire Way stands at Lovacres Ranch in Warner Springs. ...

The catalog for the 26th Annual Barretts Sale of Selected Two-Year-Olds in Training is now on-line at www.barretts.com and will be mailed soon.  This auction of 116 two-year-olds will be held on Monday, February 23 in the Hinds Pavilion located on the grounds of Fairplex Park in Pomona, California beginning at 2:00 p.m.   The Select Sale catalog is also available for your Ipad.   The official training preview is scheduled to be held on Friday, February 20 on the Fairplex Park racetrack adjacent to Barretts, beginning at 10:00 a.m.   The preview will be streamed live at http://www.barretts.com/sales/ViewSale/index.asp   Video clips for each preview can be viewed on-line by the afternoon following the preview at www.barretts.com.   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 Hughes, Honour and Glory, Officer, River’s Prayer, Royal Anthem, Sharp Cat, Squirtle Squirt, Suni (JPN), Testa Matta (JPN), Unbridled’s... ...

From Victory Rose Thoroughbreds VACAVILLE, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2015) — First year stallion Gig Harbor, multiple stakes winning son of City Zip, standing at Victory Rose Thoroughbreds, had his first foal drop on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at Victory Rose. This first Gig Harbor colt is also a first foal for the McCann’s Mojave mare Highland Heather and was bred by stallion owner Daniel O’Neill. Gig Harbor won the Alcatraz Stakes at 3 and the Oakland Stakes at 4. He is out of the St. Jovite mare, Miss Blue Grass and a half brother to stakes horses My Lil Shamrock and Alsono.  Gig Harbor stands for $1,500 live foal. For additional information please contact Ellen Jackson at Victory Rose Thoroughbreds, (707) 678-6580, or visit www.victoryrose.com. ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2015) — The date for the next meeting of the California Horse Racing Board, originally scheduled for Thursday, February 19, has been changed to Wednesday, February 18. The meeting location remains at Santa Anita Park. An agenda for this meeting, including its starting time, will be posted on the CHRB website no later than February 8. ...

From Victory Rose Thoroughbreds VACAVILLE, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2015)- First-year stallion Indian Evening, a stakes winning son of Indian Charlie standing at Victory Rose Thoroughbreds, had his first foal drop on January 21 at Victory Rose. The Indian Evening filly is also the first foal out of the Pure Prize mare No Better Terms and was bred by Kevin and Kim Nish, KMN Racing. Indian Evening, who won the Swynford Stakes at 2, followed that up with a placing in the Three Chimneys Saratoga Special Stakes Grade III to Union Rags. He is out of the Unbridled Song mare Unenchantedevening and is from the precocious family of juvenile champion Favorite Trick.  Indian Evening stands for $3,000, live foal as the property of a partnership. For additional information please contact Ellen Jackson Victory Rose Thoroughbreds (707) 678-6580 or visit www.victoryrose.com. ...

From Special T Thoroughbreds TEMECULA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2015) – The first foal of California stallion Ultimate Eagle was born Saturday, Jan. 17, at Special T Thoroughbreds. The foal is out of the Tropical Storm mare Storm Birdy. Jane Braugh is the breeder and owner of the bay filly, who is a half-sister to stakes-placed Stormy Adieu. ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2015) — The Jockey Club reminds owners and breeders that a valid attempt to name foals of 2013 must be made by Feb. 1, 2015, to avoid a $100 late fee. In December, The Jockey Club published a list of more than 46,000 names released from active use. This list is sortable by letter and available on registry.jockeyclub.com and mobile.registry.jockeyclub.com to help customers with name selections for claiming and reserving names. A majority of the released names are from horses more than 10 years old that have not raced or been used for breeding during the preceding five years. Names selected from the list for re-use are subject to approval by The Jockey Club. Names selections can be submitted to The Jockey Club from the registry website or can be submitted via iOS and Android mobile applications. The Naming Application is available for download free of charge and provides a fast and convenient way to reserve, change, or claim a name. “You... ...

By Paulick Report POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2015) — Fairplex Park in Pomona, Ca. will close for training and stabling Feb. 15 after ceasing racing operations last year. In turn, Galway Downs Training Center in Temecula, Ca. will open for auxiliary training sometime before Fairplex closing in order to accommodate some horses leaving Fairplex. A notice to horsemen Friday said that all horses must be off the grounds by Thursday, Feb. 19, and that no vans would be allowed on the backside the following day. At their latest meeting, the California Horse Racing Board approved a request from Galway Downs to become an authorized training center. The facility can accept up to 400 horses under the Vanning and Stabling Program. The Fairplex facility will host the Barretts 2-year-olds in training sale Feb. 23, with a preview show set for Feb. 20. The sale will be the last Barretts auction conducted in Pomona; the operation will then move south to Del Mar. ...

From NTRA ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2015) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association will hold a legislative briefing on Cal Cup Saturday, Jan. 24, at Santa Anita, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Baldwin Conference Room. NTRA president and CEO Alex Waldrop and NTRA lobbyist Greg Means of The Alpine Group will provide the latest news from Capitol Hill on federal legislation that will impact horse racing and the breeding industry. The Baldwin Conference Room is located on the third level of the grandstand above Clocker’s Corner. RSVP to Barbara Fossum at bfossum@ntra.com. CTBA is a co-sponsor of the event. ...

From Magali Farms SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2015) – California stallion Richard’s Kid’s first foal arrived Jan. 8 at Magali Farms. The filly is out of the Slewdledo mare Hope I Do. ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2015) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, January 15, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. 1st Vice Chair Bo Derek, 2nd Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper and George Krikorian were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved a request from Galway Downs Training Center in Temecula to become an authorized training center, subject to conditions that must be satisfied before the facility begins accepting up to 400 horses under the Vanning and Stabling Program. This facility will open for auxiliary training prior to the closure of stabling operations at Fairplex Park, planned for February. The California Marketing Committee reported that despite steep reductions in revenue resulting from declines in handle, which have forced reductions in some of its other marketing programs, the CMC will boost funding for “product enhancement,” most significantly in... ...

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2015) — The supplemental catalog of 37 horses, consisting of 22 horses of racing age, 10 broodmare/broodmare prospects, 2 yearlings and 3 two-year-olds, for the 2015 Barretts January Mixed Sale is now on-line and can be viewed within the entire sortable catalog available at: http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catjan2015/catalogTABLE.asp                 These horses will be automatically added to the Jockey Club Ipad catalog ap. The January Sale will be held on Monday, January 26 in the Hinds Pavilion located on the grounds of Fairplex Park in Pomona, California beginning at 11:00 a.m. Printed supplemental catalogs will be available on the sales ground only, but the catalog pages are available in PDF format here. ...

From Connections of Mr Napper Tandy Another Beautiful Champion – gone too soon!  Mr Napper Tandy (GB), known for his “gutty” $300,000 San Francisco Mile Stakes win, suddenly and unexpectedly left us on Dec. 16, 2014.  ...

By Bloodhorse.com The Blood-Horse expanded its international reach Jan. 9 with the launch of a digital-only Spanish language edition called Blood-Horse en Español. The first translated edition is the Jan. 3, 2015, issue of the weekly magazine. Handling the distribution and translation of the Thoroughbred racing industry’s leading magazine is XY Jett, a subsidiary of G S Inversiones Hipicas, which is owned by Ivan Rodriguez Gelfenstein. “Blood-Horse en Español is something that it has been in my mind for a long time,” said Gelfenstein, an international businessman who divides his time between his native Venezuela and South Florida. “It has been an inquietude as a Latino and a horse racing lover to not have in our language the kind of information that The Blood-Horse offers. From today, millions of fans in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain will be able to have access to the most complete magazine in a digital format. In there they will be able to find information about breeding, sales, events, statistics, and many other activities... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 29, 2014) — The Oak Tree Racing Association announced today that it will match donations made to Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in honor of Dr. Jack K. Robbins.   The pledge will cover donations up to a total of $100,000 that are made through December 31, 2015.   Dr. Robbins, a Thoroughbred owner and breeder and a pioneer in the field of veterinary medicine, died November 29, 2014, after battling pulmonary and respiratory disease. He was 93.   “Dr. Jack Robbins was a founder of the Oak Tree Racing Association and a standard-bearer for the association’s dedication to the betterment of racing and the good of the horse,” said John Barr, president of the Oak Tree Racing Association. “He was also a champion of equine research, and Oak Tree feels it is very appropriate that we honor his long association with the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation.”   “The Robbins family is thrilled that Oak Tree has extended this offer,” said Tom Robbins, executive vice... ...

From CHRB LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2014)  – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, December 18, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. 1st Vice Chair Bo Derek, 2nd Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper and George Krikorian were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved the license application for the Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Racing Association (LAQHRA) to conduct a quarter horse meet at Los Alamitos from December 26, 2014, through December 20, 2015. Acting on requests from the LAQHRA and the horsemen’s organization for the quarter horse meet, the Board suspended authorization for clenbuterol for quarter horses at Los Alamitos for 12 months, effective January 1, 2015. This means there can be no clenbuterol detected in post-race blood and urine samples taken from quarter horses at Los Alamitos. The Legislative, Legal and Regulations Committee, which met Wednesday,... ...

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2014) — The catalog for the Barretts 2015 January Mixed Sale is now on-line and will be mailed later this week.  This auction of 335 head will be held on Monday, January 26 in the Hinds Pavilion located on the grounds of Fairplex Park in Pomona, California beginning at 11:00 a.m.   You can view the catalog now at: http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catjan2015/catalog.asp Among the sires of the yearlings and two-year-olds in the catalog are such stallions as Afleet Alex, Bullet Train, Benchmark, Calimonco, Coil, Colonel John, Desert Code, Forestry, Gone Astray, Heatseeker, Informed, Into Mischief, Line of David, Lucky Pulpit,  Pala Clem, Put It Back, Quality Road, Rocky Bar, Sierra Sunset, Slew’s Tiznow, Songandaprayer, Square Eddie, Stormin Fever, Tale of the Cat, Tapizar, The Pamplemousse, Thorn Song, Tiz Wonderful, Tribal Rule, Twirling Candy, Unusual Heat and War Chant. Among the covering stallions in the catalog are such stallions as Acclamation, Bullet Train, Champ Pegasus, Coil, Decarchy, Desert Code Dixie Chatter, Eddington, First Samurai, Good Journey, Informed, Kodiak... ...

By Bloodhorse.com WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 15, 2014) — Several provisions that impact the horse industry, including maintaining a ban on horse slaughter, were included in the omnibus appropriations bill passed by Congress Dec. 13. The bill is a package that includes parts of the fiscal year 2015 appropriations bills and will fund most government agencies and programs until the end of the fiscal year Sept. 30, 2015. The legislation includes language that prohibits the United State Department of Agriculture from using any funds to provide inspectors at meat processing facilities that slaughter horses, continuing a block that has been in effect since 2005, except for a brief period in 2012-13. No horse slaughter facilities are operating in the U.S. and the bill would effectively prevent any such facility from opening until Sept. 30, 2015. The language was included in the omnibus bill because both the Senate and House Appropriations Committees adopted amendments that prohibited funding for inspectors at horse slaughter facilities when they debated and approved their respective versions of... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 15, 2014) — Equibase has introduced a leaders’ list by foal crop that will enable users to determine which horse earned the most money, won the most races, or had the most stakes wins among its foal crop. The leaders’ lists by foal crop are available in the Stats Central section on equibase.com. “Comparing professional athletes by their draft year has always made for interesting water-cooler conversations and great debate on sports radio talk shows,” Equibase president and chief operating officer Hank Zeitlin. “Now, horse racing fans have the data to spark similar dialog about which horses were the best of their respective crops—not only by wins and earnings, but by age, on dirt vs. turf, etc.” The standings for horses by foal crop can be sorted by a variety of categories, including sex, age, surface and grade. The customized data set can then be sorted in ascending or descending order by column (1st, 2nd, 3rd, earnings, etc.). Equibase’s North American racing leaders’ lists include... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2014) — To see the 2015 Golden State Series schedule, click https://ctba.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2015-goldenstateseries-nocropmarks.pdf ...

From CHRB                 CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2014) — The Legislative, Legal, and Regulations Committee of the California Horse Racing Board will conduct a public meeting on Wednesday, December 17, at Los Alamitos Race Course. The agenda, including the starting time for the committee meeting, will be posted on the CHRB website no later than December 8. The principal purpose of this meeting will be to review CHRB Rule 1699 as it pertains to the criteria for disqualifications in races. The current rule states in part that a “horse which interferes with another and thereby causes any other horse to lose stride, ground or position, when such other horse is not at fault and when such interference occurs in a part of the race where the horse interfered with loses the opportunity to place where it might, in the opinion of the Stewards, be reasonably expected to finish, may be disqualified and placed behind the horse so interfered with.” Stakeholders and the public are encouraged to submit written suggestions for... ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2014) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Wednesday, November 19, in the Del Mar Surfside Race Place. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. 1st Vice Chair Bo Derek, 2nd Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper and George Krikorian were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        The Board approved significant changes to the rule governing use of the whip in California horse racing by prohibiting a jockey from using the whip more than three times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond. Also, the word “whip” is replaced by the term “riding crop.” Violations will not lead to disqualifications of horses in races. These changes received the endorsement of the Jockeys’ Guild, and Vice Chair Bo Derek thanked Guild President John Velazquez as well as jockey Gary Stevens for their support.  Procedurally, the regulatory amendment must be... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2014)  – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced this week that 95 percent of federal candidates receiving contributions from Horse PAC, the NTRA’s bipartisan Political Action Committee, won their races in Tuesday’s general election. Horse PAC-supported candidates won 36 of 37 House races and three of four Senate races. Horse PAC disburses directly to individual candidates and/or to their leadership PACs or other PACs that support candidates. During this election cycle, Horse PAC disbursed a total of $327,000 to candidates and PACs in 19 states. Kentucky-based candidates and PACs received $52,500 in Horse PAC funds over the two-year cycle. Other leading states included New York ($46,000), Texas ($32,500), California ($26,500) and Florida ($22,500). Horse PAC supports federal political candidates who serve on Congressional committees that oversee matters pertaining to livestock and agriculture issues, Internet gaming, taxation, immigration and the Interstate Horseracing Act; are established Congressional leaders; understand horse racing’s issues; have racetracks, breeding farms, training centers and ADWs in their states; are members... ...

From Vessels Stallion Farm BONSALL, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2014) – Square Eddie, sire of multiple stakes winner Sprouts, will stand for a $10,000 fee for the 2015 breeding season at Vessels Stallion Farm.                The 8-year-old son of Smart Strike was a Grade I winner at the age of 2 and runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He has two crops of racing age, with progeny earnings of more than $1.2 million and average earnings per starter of $38,157 for 34 runners.                From a first season foal crop of 32, Square Eddie sired five stakes horse: Sprouts, Electric Eddie, Smoove It, Eddies Curl and Eddie’s First.                For more information, contact Kevin Dickson at 760-414-3300 or email  kdvesselsfrm@aol.com. ...

From CTFMA DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2014) – The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association is setting up a fun filled Day at the Races at the brand new “Bing Crosby Meet” at Del Mar’s new winter race meet. We are reserving tables in the Penthouse level II Palio Restaurant. Tickets are $25 per person for admission and a racing program. No host lunch and drinks can be ordered off the menu. We will have door prizes & fun throughout the day! Join us on Sunday, Nov. 16th, seating at 11 a.m. first post for race one is noon. Please e-mail CTFMA@YAHOO.COM to reserve your group today.   ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2014) — The regular meeting of the California Horse Racing Board originally scheduled for Thursday, November 20, has been moved to Wednesday, November 19. The meeting location remains the same at the Surfside Race Place (simulcast facility) in Del Mar. The agenda for this meeting, including its starting time, will be available on the CHRB website at least 10 days before the meeting. ...

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2014) — Barretts Sales, which has conducted Thoroughbred auctions at Fairplex in Pomona since its inception in 1990, will shift its primary sales location to the Del Mar Fairgrounds starting in 2015. Kim Lloyd, Barretts’ general manager, said a deal has been agreed to with representatives of the 22nd District Agricultural Association – the state arm that operates Del Mar Fairgrounds – to move Barretts’ operations south approximately 100 miles following the group’s final sale at Fairplex in February, 2015. He noted that while the location of the business will change, the ownership will remain with the Los Angeles County Fair Association at Fairplex. Lloyd further indicated that the sales company will employ Del Mar’s covered, 100,000-square-foot Del Mar Arena, home to several major horse shows throughout the year, as their primary location for its sales. The facility offers seating for 3,500 with the floor capacity to hold an additional 5,000. Barretts also will conduct some of its sales in the paddock of... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2014) – California stallion Sapphire Cat was represented by his first winner when Lindante won the sixth race at Santa Anita, an open maiden special weight, Friday. Lindante is out of the Dixie Union mare Sav Blanc, was bred by owner John Antonelli and was trained by Jerry Fanning. He has one win in five starts with earnings of $54,260 and he ran the about 6 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:13.13, winning by three-quarters of a length at odds of $12.50-1. For Lindante’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/lindante. ...

By Bloodhorse.com PARIS, Ky. (Oct. 24, 2014) — Bel’s Starlet, a multiple stakes winner who finished third in the 1993 Gamely Handicap (gr. IT), died Oct. 23 at the age of 27 at Our Mims Retirement Haven near Paris, Ky., where she had lived since 2007. The roan mare died of pleuroneumonia and endocarditis, the farm reported. Bred by Mr. and Mrs. John C. Mabee and racing for Golden Eagle Farm and trainer Richard Mandella, Bel’s Starlet had 46 starts over six seasons while compiling a 13-14-6 mark with $863,802 in earnings. She was by Bel Bolide out of the Vigors mare Vigor’s Star. In addition to her Gamely placing, she was second in the Oak Leaf Stakes (gr. I) as a 2-year-old. When she retired from racing, Bel’s Starlet went back to the farm to take up her broodmare career. She produced six foals; Grey Owl, a 1998 colt by Kingmambo, earned $171,488 on the track. She also had foals by Forestry, Point Given  , and Danzig. The Mabees sold... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 23, 2014) — NTRA Featured Legislator – U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA)   District: California’s 16th in the Central Valley – home to the Big Fresno Fair, part of the California Authority of Racing Fairs.   Experience: Rep. Costa was first elected to Congress in 2004 and is serving his 5th term in the House of Representatives. He is up for re-election in 2014.   Key Committee: Rep. Costa serves on the House Agriculture Committee.   Rep. Jim Costa recently visited Santa Anita Park and spent part of the day with trainer Carla Gaines and owner/breeder John Harris. ...

From Golden Eagle Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2014) — The Mabee’s Golden Eagle Farm boarding and breeding operation will close its doors after 40-plus years on October 31, 2014. Golden Eagle Farm General Manager Janine McCullough said, “The family has put a lot of thought into this decision since the passing of Larry Mabee in December 2012.  Larry’s son, John R. Mabee, is the one of three children with interest in the business.  John R., who was named after his grandfather, John C. Mabee, the founder of Golden Eagle Farm, will continue the racing stable.  John R. grew up spending many days going to the track with his grandfather and has a passion for the sport.  He genuinely loves the horses and is excited about continuing the famous Golden Eagle silks.  We have several exciting horses in training right now and look forward to 2015.  I will be staying on as John’s racing manager and continue to manage the stallion Stormin Fever, who moves to Rancho Temescal for the... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 22, 2014) – California showed an increase in mares bred and stallions standing in 2014, according to The Jockey Club. There were 2,472 mares bred in California this year, a six percent increase from last year and the first increase since 2002. There were 143 stallions standing in the state, a 5.1 percent increase from last year and the first increase since 2004. California was the only state in the top seven to show an increase in stallions standing.     ...

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Thursday, October 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park. Also, the Medication and Track Safety Committee will meet in the same location on Wednesday, October 22, beginning at 2 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings. An audio-only webcast of Thursday’s Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website. The agendas and supporting packages of materials for these meeting also are available on the website. ...

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2014) — Barretts will not conduct a horses of racing age sale at Del Mar on Nov. 8 as previously scheduled, according to the sale company’s general manager, Kim Lloyd. Lloyd said on Thursday that Barretts has plans to conduct an autumn horses of racing age sale in October 2015 in conjunction with an open yearling sale. Barretts is planning six sales at two venues in 2015 – a mixed sale on Jan. 26, and the select sale of 2-year-olds in-training on Feb. 23 at its facility in Pomona, Calif. Those will be the final two events at that facility on the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, which no longer conducts live race meetings each September. For the remainder of 2015, sales will be conducted at Del Mar – a sale of 2-year-olds in-training on May 27, the Paddock Sale of horses of racing age on July 19, a select yearling sale on Aug. 12, and a combined yearling and horses of racing age in... ...

From NTRA Experience: Senator Feinstein is serving her fifth term. She is up for re-election in 2018. Key Committees: Senator Feinstein is a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Judiciary Committee.  The Appropriations Committee is the largest committee in the U.S. Senate and writes legislation that allocates federal funds to government agencies and departments on an annual basis. The Judiciary Committee provides oversight of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Impact on horse racing and breeding industry: Senator Feinstein has worked extensively with the agricultural industry in California and has developed an understanding of the challenges and issues faced by farmers. Her work on the 2014 farm bill helped authorize disaster relief programs for livestock indemnity that are retroactive to October 1, 2011 for losses from ongoing drought or fire. Senator Feinstein also helped introduce the Restoration of America’s Wire Act to clarify and reverse a DOJ legal opinion from 2011 that allowed states to authorize expanded online gambling, a change from the DOJ’s 50-year-old position on permissible activity through... ...

By DRF.com COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2014) — Lucky Pulpit, sire of dual classic winner California Chrome, will see his advertised stud fee quadruple to $10,000 for the 2015 breeding season at Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif. The 13-year-old son of Pulpit began the 2014 season at an advertised fee of $2,500. His fee was most recently listed as private as California Chrome ripped through the San Felipe Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, and Preakness Stakes before finishing fourth in the Belmont Stakes. Fueled by his most famous son’s exploits, Lucky Pulpit currently sits at second on the California general sire list by a margin of less than $100,000, despite having about one-third as many runners as the leader, the late Tribal Rule. Perennial leading California sire Unusual Heat leads the Harris Farms roster with a fee of $20,000 for 2015, unchanged from 2014. The roster also includes Heatseeker and Smiling Tiger at $5,000; Desert Code at $2,000; and Tizbud and Lucky J.H. at $1,500. ...

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2014) – California stallion Mesa Thunder was represented by his first winner Thursday when Aloha Ke Akua won the third race at Fresno. Aloha Ke Akua is out of the Flying Paster mare Brilliant Sunlight and was bred by owners Fran and Stan Hodge and trained by Victor Trujillo. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:06.65 and won by 5 ½ lengths at odds of 2-1 in the $12,500 maiden claimer. Aloha Ke Akua, a 2-year-old filly, is the first starter for Mesa Thunder, a winning son of Sky Mesa. He stands at Paradise Road Ranch. ...

By Bloodhorse.com RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2014) — Bill Gates has purchased Rancho Paseana from weight-loss guru and horse owner Jenny Craig for $18 million, according to a published report. The deal on the 228-acre Thoroughbred farm about 20 minutes north of San Diego closed in mid-September, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing public records. The property, used for training and as a lay-up facility, includes a six-furlong training track, a guesthouse and office, an olive orchard, five barns, and a veterinarian’s suite. The newspaper quoted a spokesman for Gates as saying the Microsoft co-founder wanted the property because the Gates family “has enjoyed visiting the San Diego area with friends and family for many years.” The property has been on the market for several years, initially priced at about $30 million. It had recently been listed for nearly $25 million, but was later withdrawn. Rancho Paseana was closed in 2013 and there are currently no horses there, a spokesman said. Jason Berry of Barry Estates, which represented... ...

By Bloodhorse.com GEORGETOWN, KY. (Oct. 6, 2014) — Amazombie has a foothold in two states—California and Kentucky. He was bred in California and did most of his racing there. But his biggest victory came in Kentucky, when he won the 2011 Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) at Churchill Downs. Thus, it is only fitting that Amazombie gets a taste of retirement in both states. When co-owner and trainer Bill Spawr retired him earlier this year, Amazombie returned to Judd Morse, who gave him his first lessons, at his ranch in San Jacinto, Calif. Now that Morse is relocating to Oklahoma to be near grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Amazombie is heading for Old Friends in Kentucky. “He’s doing well and acting like a kid,” said Morse. “He’s in about an acre to an acre and-a-half field by himself that’s loaded with grass. He’s such a nice horse. If I were 20 years younger, I’d ride him.” Amazombie was the pet of the Spawr barn for five years, beloved well before... ...

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Chuck Winner presided.  2nd Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper and George Krikorian were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s license application for a new meet that will run from November 5 through November 30 – the first fall meet at Del Mar since 1967. This meet, which uses dates previously run at Hollywood Park, will closely resemble the Santa Anita fall meet’s racing schedule, overnight purses, and wagering menu. Executive Director Rick Baedeker reported that changes to Rule 1844 will go into effect October 1, including a greater restriction on the use of corticosteroids in racing horses. The Board expressed its support for the proposed EquiLottery, which would allow Lottery players to... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2014) — General admission tickets to the 31st Breeders’ Cup World Championships Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park are now available for purchase online at http://www.breederscup.com/tickets. General admission tickets sold online offer lower price points than those at the gate on race days. Over the course of two days, 13 grade I races will be run with purses and awards totaling more than $26 million. The event will culminate with the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), airing live in primetime on NBC on Saturday, November 1. In addition to the races, the Breeders’ Cup has curated new entertainment and experiential programming for the track’s infield and general admission ticket areas to further enhance the fan experience. “We couldn’t be more excited about the new programming we’ve implemented and the new activities for our fans,” said Breeders’ Cup president and CEO Craig Fravel. “In addition to the 13 championship races, we’re utilizing the infield to provide unique experiences and entertainment options that... ...

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2014) — The first 2-year-old in training sale of 2015 will be conducted by Barretts on Monday, February 23 at Fairplex in Pomona with the training preview scheduled for Friday, February 20. Nominations close Friday, October 24. General Manager Kim Lloyd views the earlier sale date as a positive. “We’ll kick off the 2-year-old sales season in the West again this year. Being first up the past three years we’ve had huge gains and the highest select sale average increase of 2014.” The January 26 Mixed Sale and 2-year-old Select Sale will be the final Barretts auctions conducted at the Fairplex facility, and according to Lloyd, at the February 23 finale “we’ll be celebrating our success and ongoing commitment to provide quality service to buyers and consignors.” The balance of the Barretts 2015 Sales Calendar will be conducted at Del Mar. The May Sale of 2-year-olds in Training will be later in the month on Wednesday, the 27th to insure that the new “dirt”... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2014) — Santa Anita Park and the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) announced Sept. 19 that two additional race dates have been added to the track’s upcoming autumn meet, which opens Sept. 26. The additional dates are Thursday, Oct. 16 and Wednesday, Oct. 29, for the 25-day meet, which runs through Nov. 2. The track and TOC cited a healthy equine inventory and increasing demand for the added dates. The meet is highlighted by the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships Oct. 31-Nov. 1. “There is a great deal of anticipation for our upcoming meet and we feel these two additional dates will be well received by everyone,” said Santa Anita president Tom Ludt. “Our racing calendar here in Southern California is still in a transitional stage and we’re confident this will help to better fulfill  everyone’s needs.” The first additional date, Oct. 16, will follow a special Columbus Day of racing on Monday, Oct. 13. The second date, Oct. 29, will ensure that Santa... ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2014) — “Ship and Win,” Del Mar’s simple, yet very effective, program to attract out-of-state horses to run at the shore oval will be in place for the track’s first November race meet which kicks off on Friday, November 7. The policy – initiated by Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in partnership with Thoroughbred Owners of California in 2011 – has drawn nearly 600 out-of-state runners to Del Mar over the past four summers, most of whom remained on the California circuit. Owners shipping in, or importing, runners from other circuits are rewarded in two ways: First, they receive an automatic check for $1,000 when their horse makes its first start at Del Mar; next, they receive a purse bonus payment should that horse win that initial start. That bonus sum has varied from 20% to 33 1/3%, but will be set at 30% for the track’s fall stand. Del Mar’s 15-day fall meet will be conducted primarily on a Thursday-through-Sunday basis from November... ...

From Northern California Fair Racing ASPARAGUS STAKES Saturday, September 27 3 Year Olds, 6 Furlongs $50,000 (plus up to $15,000 for Cal-Breds) Closes Saturday, Sept. 20 HARRIS FARMS STAKES Sunday, October 5 3 Year Olds & Up (Cal-Breds), 6 Furlongs Golden State Series  $100,000 Guaranteed Closes Saturday, Sept.27 HARVEST STAKES Saturday, October 11 Fillies & Mares, 3 Year Olds & Up, 6 Furlongs   $50,000 (plus up to $15,000 for Cal-Breds) Closes Saturday, Oct. 4 BULL DOG HANDICAP Sunday, October 12 3 Year Olds & Up, 9 Furlongs   $75,000 Guaranteed Closes Saturday, Oct. 4 Click here for nomination blanks. If you have questions, please contact Racing Secretary Tom Doutrich at (415) 271-4613. ...

From  Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2014) — Smiling Tiger, a three time Grade 1 winner of $1,480,704 will stand the 2015 breeding season at John Harris’ Harris Farms near Coalinga.  Owned by Phil Lebherz and Alan Klein, Smiling Tiger previously stood at his owner’s Premier Thoroughbreds, LLC near Oakdale. Co-owner Phil Lebherz commented, “We are excited to announce that Harris Farms has agreed to stand Smiling Tiger. Harris Farms produced California Chrome last year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner and has world class facilities located centrally in California. Smiling Tiger has over 80 mares in foal from his first year at stud and we expect more for 2015,” Smiling Tiger, (Hold That Tiger x Shandra Smiles, by Cahill Road) won the Bing Crosby S. G1, Triple Bend G1 and Ancient Title S. G1 among his seven graded stakes victories.  A stakes winner from ages two through five, Smiling Tiger won nine of twenty-three starts, eight of them stakes. Farm owner John Harris stated, “He is a big good... ...

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2014) — In cooperation with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Barretts will conduct its inaugural Fall Paddock Sale of Horses of Racing Age on November 8, the first Saturday of the Bing Crosby Season. The Fall Paddock Sale continues the “One Stop Shopping” concept of the earlier July “Race Ready” Sales at Del Mar conducted by Barretts. These auctions conceived to encourage new racehorse ownership and increase the racehorse horse inventory in California, have produced excellent results for both buyers and consignors. “The Paddock Sales at Del Mar have evolved to must attend events” opines Barretts General Manager Kim Lloyd “and new owners are good for everyone in our game!” As the quality of horses offered has improved since the first Paddock Sale in 2012, so have the prices that buyers have been willing to pay. The 2014 sale average of $113,000 rose 52.8% from 2013 and a new sales record was set when Heir Kitty, a Grade I winner of $421,272 sold... ...