By Bloodhorse.com AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 17, 2025) – Cantcatchthiscat  became the first black-type stakes winner for California stallion Cat Burglar   when the 2-year-old gelding won the $50,000 W.T.B.O.A. Lads Stakes at Emerald Downs Aug. 17. Ridden by Isaias Enriquez, Cantcatchthiscat was settled into fourth while racing two-wide early,  advanced nearing the quarter pole and took the lead nearing the eighth pole. He continued his momentum to the wire, winning by 1 1/2 lengths in final time of 1:16.62 for 6 1/2 furlongs over a fast track. Bred in Washington state by Dr. and Mrs. Jack B. Root Jr., Cantcatchthiscat was produced from the unraced Malibu Moon mare Mahee Moon. Cantcatchthiscat has two wins in five starts and earnings of $61,400. He ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.62 and won by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 7-2 in a field of six. Cantcatchthiscat is trained by Frank Lucarelli for owner Margaret Root. Previous to his breakthrough stake victory, the gelding placed third in Emerald’s King County Express Stakes. Sign up for BloodHorse Daily... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (Aug. 19, 2025) – Accidental Genius is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Canadian Derby for 3-year-olds at Century Mile. Accidental Genius is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Square Eddie mare Radish, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Stetson Enterprises, Ltd., Stetsco, Inc., CJ Stetson Ltd and GSR and trained by Tim Rycroft. He has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $81,253 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 4 BC Cup Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trial Handicap. ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (Aug. 18, 2025) – Run as One is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $50,000 Princess Margaret Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Century Mile. Run as One is by Tap Back, out of the Liam’s Map mare Avery on Pointe, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Marvin and Deb Buffalo and trained by Marvin Buffalo. She won her lone start Aug. 8 with earnings of $12,220. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2025) – Sammy Davis took advantage of odds-on favorite Hero Or Zero’s awkward start to remain unbeaten with a win in Friday’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Sammy Davis is by Sir Prancealot, out of the More Than Ready mare Ready for Romance, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Legacy Ranch, trained by John Sadler and was ridden by Hector Berrios. “He popped the gate, and in a short race like this, you just ride the break,” said Sadler. “When he got out good, (Berrios) just let him go and it worked out. He came back in three weeks. With Del Mar, you just kind of ad-lib it with limited opportunities. He’s a Sir Prancealot, should be able to run on the grass, a lot of things ahead of him.”  Sammy Davis, off as the 9-5 second choice, has won both starts with earnings of $105,000. He ran the five furlongs on dirt in :57.92 and won... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Korea (Aug. 7, 2025) — Multiple graded stakes winner and sire Officer, a graduate of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Del Mar Sale, died Aug. 1 at age 26 in Korea, according to the Korean Studbook. Officer was one of the top juveniles in 2001, winning the Champagne Stakes (G1) and the Del Mar Futurity (G2) for trainer Bob Baffert and owners The Thoroughbred Corporation. He was named champion California-bred 2-year-old male that year. The news was first reported by Paulick Report. The cause of death was not listed. Officer was bred in California by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Wygod. He sold for $175,000 at the Del Mar Yearling Sale and was picked up by The Thoroughbred Corporation for $700,000 at the 2001 Barretts Equine Limited March Selected Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. He won six of his nine career starts, finishing off the board only once. He retired with a bankroll of $804,090. Officer began his stallion career in 2003 at Gainesway Farm near Lexington, before moving... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2025) — Speedy Wilson, winner of the Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at seven furlongs last Friday at Del Mar, may be headed for open company and longer races. Trainer Phil D’Amato said Sunday that he is eager to try Speedy Wilson around two turns, mentioning the $125,000 Shared Belief Stakes at a mile on Aug. 31 as a possibility. “I’d like to stretch him out,” D’Amato said. :: Play to Win at Del Mar! Get DRF Past Performances, Clocker Reports, Picks, and Betting Strategies all in one place.  Speedy Wilson, who races for owner and breeder Nick Alexander, has won 3 of 5 starts, including the Golden State Juvenile for statebreds at seven furlongs at Del Mar last November. Two separate bouts with illness kept Speedy Wilson from starting this year until Friday. In the last year, D’Amato said he has seen significant changes in Speedy Wilson. “He was kind of a rogue 2-year-old,” D’Amato said. “We thought... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2025) — Reddam Racing homebred Jasmina was moved up from second to first with the disqualification of My Love Caroline Sunday in the 72nd edition of the $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Liberation, the 1-2 favorite, broke slowly but then was squeezed and stumbled several jumps out of the gate. Stewards in a majority decision ruled that My Love Caroline broke out and caused Liberation to clip heels a few strides out of the gate. The final order of finish was Jasmina, Tapatia Mia in second and Liberation third. My Love Carolina, who finished a nose ahead of Jasmina, was placed fourth. Time of the five furlongs was :59.01. Jasmina is the first stakes winner by her freshman sire Listing, out of the Momentum mare Charred Rare, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Simon Callaghan. She has two wins in three starts and was coming off a June 28 maiden win.... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2025) — California-bred champion Kings River Knight ran his latest win streak to four on Saturday, holding off Aligato’s late charge to take the $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. Kings River Knight is by Acclamation, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing, The Ellwood Johnston Trust or Tevelde and trained by John Sadler. “I told Juan (Hernandez) ‘He’s a good breaker so get out on the lead.’” said assistant trainer Juan Leyva. “The only reason they were going to take the lead is if they’re really sending. This horse is hard to pass. When he’s up in front it’s really hard to get by him. He’s a class horse; he showed it today. He ran a really good race.” Kings River Knight has 13 wins in 20 starts, earnings of $855,830 and was coming off a win in the June 21 Bertrando Stakes. He was second in... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity KINGSTON, Jamaica (Aug. 4, 2025) — Jockey Barrington Harvey, a winner of 742 races from over 10,000 mounts in a career that spanned six decades, has passed away in his native home of Jamaica at the age of 62. Very popular among his peers, Harvey won 129 races from 1,145 mounts at Los Alamitos, most of them at the 4 ½ furlongs and 1,000-yard distance. He rode many winners for trainer Angela Aquino and for trainer Sally Rivera. For Rivera, Harvey piloted Whisky My God to victory in a $50,000 race in November of 2023. Harvey was also a popular figure at the Humboldt County Fair Meet in Ferndale, winning the Marathon Handicap in 2010 with Come Back Native and 2011 with Steel Blue.   Harvey was born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. He became interested in riding thanks to a family friend, whose son was a jockey.  Through this friendship, Harvey got his first lessons on racehorse riding before starting his riding career in Jamaica... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2025) — A nine-month layoff was no hindrance for Speedy Wilson in Friday’s $150,500 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Sent off favored, Speedy Wilson closed from sixth in a field of seven with a wide rally to take the lead in the stretch. Speedy Wilson won the seven-furlong dash for statebred 3-year-olds by 1 3/4 lengths. Speedy Wilson ($5.20) was timed in 1:22.34. Shea Brennan (5-1) finished second, giving owner and breeder Nick Alexander and trainer Phil D’Amato a sweep of the exacta. :: Play to Win at Del Mar! Get DRF Past Performances, Clocker Reports, Picks, and Betting Strategies all in one place.  Drop Um, who was always near the lead, finished third at 12-1, a nose behind Shea Brennan, and was followed by Style Cat, Check’s On the Way, Western Freedom and Last Call Zondlo. Last Call Zondlo set an early pace of 21.91 for the opening quarter-mile, but faded from contention on... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2025) — Om N Joy is likely to start in the Grade 3 Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar on Aug. 30 after extending her winning streak to four races with her third consecutive stakes win in Friday’s $152,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles. “I think the Torrey Pines would be a good place to jump into open company,” trainer Aggie Ordonez said on Monday. “I know it’s a big step up. I feel like she’s doing well enough here and the timing is just right. It gives her five weeks.” :: Play to Win at Del Mar! Get DRF Past Performances, Clocker Reports, Picks, and Betting Strategies all in one place.  The $100,000 Torrey Pines Stakes is run at a mile and is part of the track’s biggest racing day of the summer meeting. The program includes the $1 million Pacific Classic and three other graded stakes. Om N Joy won the seven-furlong Fleet Treat Stakes... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2025) — California-bred Lovesick Blues earned a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 1 with his late rally in Saturday’s Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar – with one caveat. Lovesick Blues must be supplemented to the Breeders’ Cup program for $100,000 when pre-entries are due on Oct. 20. It’s an investment owner and trainer Librado Barocio is preparing to make as of Sunday. A little coaxing from his son, who has the same name, cinched the already likely approach, Barocio said on Sunday. Barocio’s son is part of the UCLA football coaching staff, and previously worked for the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams. :: Play to Win at Del Mar! Get DRF Past Performances, Clocker Reports, Picks, and Betting Strategies all in one place.  “His goal was winning the Super Bowl,” Barocio said. “He said, ‘Dad, you’re in the Breeders’ Cup. You’re going to the Super Bowl for racing.’ ” Lovesick Blues was an unlikely... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 26, 2025) – Trainer Librado Barocio does well with experienced Nick Alexander-bred geldings by Grazen. He claimed Johnny Podres, then 6, for $40,000 in 2023 and won two stakes with him. Barocio returned to Alexander to buy Lovesick Blues privately and proceeded to win the July 26 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) with the 7-year-old California-bred for the first grade 1 victory of his training career. It wasn’t an easy climb. Lovesick Blues brought just one listed stakes victory into the Del Mar race against a host of graded winners. Not surprisingly, bettors dismissed him at 18-1, giving only two others in the nine-horse field less of a chance. Once the race began, Lovesick Blues didn’t take the easy path for a six-furlong sprint. He didn’t wing out on the lead and keep going. Instead, he rallied from far back, having to run down nothing less than Hejazi, a horse who cost more than $3 million and hails from the Bob Baffert barn. Hejazi tried... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 26, 2025) – The 4-year-old California-bred filly Pushiness was eager to start Saturday’s $120,500 Daisycutter Handicap against open company at Del Mar. A bit too much so. With the field loaded, Pushiness surged toward the front of the gate. She recovered quickly and took the lead moments later when the race began. The early advantage was vital. Starting from the outside post in a field of 10 fillies and mares, Pushiness led throughout under jockey Juan Hernandez, winning the five-furlong turf race by a nose over a fast-finishing Uncorked. “She was ready to run,” Hernandez said. “Some horse on the inside moved and she was trying to take off. She hit the gate. “She broke like a rocket and she loves to run on the lead. I was very comfortable. I was flying on the lead and that’s the way she goes.” :: Access the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances and Picks are available now. Pushiness, bred by... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 25, 2025) – Om N Joy extended her winning streak to four races, and won her third consecutive stakes, with an easy rout in Friday’s $152,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden state Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Om N Joy is by Om, out of the Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute, was bred by Jerry and Connie Baker, is owned by Baker, Golovco or Scanlan, et al, and trained by Aggie Ordonez. After losing her first seven starts, Om N Joy has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $315,640 and was coming off a win in the May 24 Melair. “These are the best people in the world,” Ordonez said of the connections in a post-race interview with Mike Joyce of FanDuel TV. “The Bakers deserve everything, the greatest people you’d ever want to work with. They really deserve a filly like this.” Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, who has been aboard for the three stakes wins, Om N Joy closed from sixth on... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (July 27, 2025) – Providing conclusive evidence that he’s king of the local 3-year-olds, California-bred Si That Tiger powered to a four-length victory over Candy Caballo in Sunday’s $50,000 Irish Day Stakes at Emerald Downs. Si That Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Rosberg mare Ros’s Girl, was bred by Darlyne Krieg, is owned by John Maryanski, Janene Maryanski, Gerald Schneider and Gail Schneider and trained by Blaine Wright. With regular pilot Silvio Amador carrying high weight of 123 lbs. Si That Tiger ran 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.58 and paid $2.74 as the prohibitive betting choice.  With the victory, Si That Tiger improved to three for three this season while becoming the meet’s first two-time stakes winner. Si That Tiger has an overall mark of 5-0-0 from seven starts with earnings of $114,150 including $27,500 for Sunday’s triumph. He was coming off a win in the June 22 Auburn Stakes. Wright has now won the Irish Day Stakes a record seven... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 24, 2025)— Santa Anita Park will offer seven automatic qualifiers for this year’s Breeders’ Cup races among the 22 stakes races offered during the 2025 Autumn Meet that begins on Friday, Sept. 26. The seven Breeders’ Cup Challenge races are slated to be run the first two weeks of the 16-day meet. The legacy of California owner-breeder John C. Harris will be honored with the renaming of the GIII John Harris Stakes to be run on Saturday, Sept. 27. Harris, who passed away on July 2, was a stalwart in the state for decades, serving on the boards of numerous California and national racing organizations, and in accepting accolades for his high-quality runners. The John C. Harris Stakes will be for 3-year-old fillies on Santa Anita Park’s unique hillside turf course. It was previously known as the Unzip Me Stakes in honor of the 10-time stakes winner of $959,228 who was co-owned and bred by Harris in partnership. “John Harris has been synonymous... ...

From Harris Farms FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (July 3, 2025) – The Harris family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of John C. Harris, a beloved husband, visionary businessman, and one of California’s most respected leaders in agriculture and thoroughbred breeding. He passed away peacefully at the age of 81. Born on July 14, 1943, John was a lifelong resident of Fresno County. He attended local elementary and high schools before earning his degree from UC Davis. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. John was a passionate farmer, rancher, and businessman who dedicated his life to stewarding the land and advancing California agriculture. As the driving force behind Harris Farms, one of the state’s most prominent and diversified agricultural operations, he championed innovation, quality, and sustainability in every endeavor. For nearly 50 years, and continuing with his father’s legacy, Harris Ranch Beef Company experienced tremendous growth, delivering superior quality grain-fed beef worldwide. He was also a nationally recognized figure in thoroughbred horse racing, known for breeding... ...

By Jay Hovdey, Bloodhorse.com COALINGA, Calif. (July 10, 2025) — There he stood, in all his chestnut glory. California Chrome , reigning winner of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) and future two-time Horse of the Year, was relaxing in a tree-lined paddock somewhere west of Fresno, Calif., in the state’s vast San Joaquin Valley after the rigors of the 2014 Triple Crown. The surrounding countryside was brown with drought, and grazing grass was sparse. But ‘Chrome paid it no mind. He had his shade, his hay, and his patch of rolling ground. And besides, this was where he was born and raised. This was home for the Thoroughbreds of Harris Farms. “Would you believe that?” trainer Art Sherman said as he admired his colt. “The Kentucky Derby winner, out here in the middle of nowhere.” Let’s face it. Throughout its history, most of the California Thoroughbred industry could be found out there in the middle of some nowhere. With a good portion of the state’s 163,696 square... ...

By DRF.com COALINGA, Calif. (July 3, 2025) — In May 2014, John Harris, the noted California Thoroughbred owner and breeder, had a strong rooting interest in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Race favorite California Chrome was raised at Harris Farms in central California and ran to expectations in the nation’s biggest race, winning by more than a length. Understandably, the result was an emotional moment for Harris. “He got teary-eyed. He was so proud of the fact that his farm raised that horse,” Doug Burge, the president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association said on Thursday. “We walked away from that winner’s circle with roses off the blanket,” Burge said. “It was one of those days that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.” Harris, whose farm was at the pinnacle of the sport in California, died on Thursday. Harris was 81 and had been in declining health in recent years. His death was announced by the farm late Thursday morning. :: Access morning workout reports straight from... ...

From NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney “The influence of John Harris on Thoroughbred breeding and racing for more than half a century cannot be overstated. No one understood and appreciated the intersection of agriculture and Thoroughbred breeding and racing more than John, who was a farmer at heart. His presence was felt from his native California, to the farms and sales rings he frequented in central Kentucky, and all the way to Washington, DC, where he helped shape and support the industry’s federal policies as a charter member of the NTRA HorsePAC Board of Directors since 2002. His knowledge and presence will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with all who were fortunate to know John.”   The Big Fresno Fair It is with profound sadness that we remember John C. Harris – a visionary staunchly dedicated to both the Central Valley’s agricultural heritage and its beloved Big Fresno Fair traditions. Born near Five Points in 1943, John transformed his family’s 13,000-acre operation into one of the most respected and diversified agribusinesses in... ...

From Monmouth Park Publicity OCEANPORT, N.J. (July 5, 2025) — The third time was indeed the charm for Riding Pretty in the Jersey Girl Handicap. After finishing second and third, respectively, the past two years in the race, the New Jersey-bred daughter of California stallion Jack Milton showed her class in a field reduced to four runners following four scratches by cruising to a three-length win in Saturday’s 17th edition of the Jersey Girl Handicap at Monmouth Park. Ridden by Samuel Marin, Riding Pretty took advantage of a spacious opening along the rail coming out of the final turn and simply coasted by her three rivals. The winning time for the mile over a turf course listed as firm was 1:37.61. Among the four defections in the race for fillies and mares 3 and up was Mia’s Crusade, who was seeking a record seventh victory in Jersey-bred stakes company. Trainer Chuck Spina said a “minor issue” prompted him to scratch Mia’s Crusade. That left Precious Avary as the lone speed and jockey... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 22, 2025) – The classy California-bred Clovisconnection rallied to the lead in mid-stretch and held Slew’s Tiz Whiz safe for a three-quarter length victory in Sunday’s $50,000 Budweiser Stakes for older horses, one of four stakes contested on the 10-race card. With David Haldar riding at 121 lbs., Clovisconnection ran six furlongs in a brisk 1:08.56 and returned $3.60 as the odds-on public choice. Blaine Wright is the winning trainer for owners/breeders William and Judy Hedrick of Clovis, Calif. For Wright, the victory was his third consecutive stakes victory on the card and fourth on the day overall, allowing him to overtake Justin Evans atop the trainers’ standings with 16 wins. Wright also ranks No. 2 all-time in Emerald Downs’ stakes wins with 62, five behind first place Doris Harwood. Breaking from the rail, Haldar allowed Clovisconnection to settle into fifth place as Company’s Dream set splits of :21.52 and :43.71 for the quarter and half-mile. The winner circled up four-wide into the... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (June 22, 2025) – California-bred prohibitive favorite Si That Tiger won Sunday’s $50,000 Auburn Stakes for 3-year-olds at Emerald Downs. Si That Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Rosberg mare Ros’s Girl, was bred by Darlyne Krieg, is owned by Maryanski, John, Maryanski, Janene, Schneider, Gerald E. and Schneider, Gail and trained by Blaine Wright. Si That Tiger is a half-brother to Slew’s Tiz Whiz, a former Washington Horse of the Year at runner-up in Sunday’s Budweiser Stakes. Si That Tiger ran the six furlongs in 1:08.62 and won by 1 1/4 lengths in a field of seven. He has four wins in six starts and earnings of $86,650. He paid $2.28 to win. ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 22, 2025) — California-bred Attracted darted to the lead inside on the turn and edged clear for a 1 ¼-length victory over a stubborn Aloha Breeze in the $50,000 Hastings Stakes for older fillies and mares. Bred by Fountain of Youth and ridden by Silvio Amador at 121 lbs., Attracted covered six furlongs in 1:09.15 and paid $4.02 as the betting favorite. Blaine Wright is the winning trainer for owner Peter Redekop of Vancouver B.C. With the victory, Wright tied Charles Essex for most wins in the Hastings Stakes at three apiece. A 4-year-old California-bred by Enticed, Attracted improve to two for two at Emerald Downs and 4-1-0 in five starts overall. She boosted her bankroll to $79,750 including $27,500 for Sunday’s victory. Aloha Breeze, ridden by Carlos Montalvo at 123 lbs., chased the winner gamely to the wire, holding off Brookys Gal to finish second. A 5-year-old mare by The Factor, Aloha Breeze is 8-2-0 in 12 starts at Emerald Downs and... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 21, 2025) – Heavily-favored Kings River Knight became the third two-time winner of the $101,000 Bertrando Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles Saturday at Los Alamitos. Joining Soi Phet, who won the inaugural running in 2014 before scoring again as a 10-year-old in 2018, and Desmond Doss, who went back-to-back in 2021 and 2022, the 7-year-old Acclamation gelding wore down pacesetter and 4-1 second choice Mr. Disrespectful in the final sixteenth to prevail by 1 ¼ lengths. Bred by Old English Rancho, owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing LLC, The Ellwood Johnston Trust and Kenneth Tevelde and trained by John Sadler, Kings River Knight, the 3-10 choice, earned his 12th win in 19 starts and his third in as many attempts at Los Alamitos. In addition to his two scores in the Bertrando, the bay also won the E.B. Johnston Stakes in 2023. Worse than second only twice in his career, Kings River Knight, who was ridden by Juan Hernandez, completed one mile in 1:35.90... ...

From Fasig-Tipton POMONA, Calif. (June 18, 2025) — the Fasig-Tipton California Yearling Sale will be held Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Fairplex in Pomona. The sale is the No. 1 source of California-bred yearlings, as well as yearlings bred in other regions of North America. Recent yearling sale graduates include graded stakes winner Big City Lights and stakes winners In the Air Tonight, Mici’s Express, Pushiness, Re Heisman, Roberta’s Love, and Tom’s Regret. Entries for the sale are due July 7. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 16, 2025) – Santa Anita Park concluded the six-month 2024-25 Winter-Spring season on June 15 by posting encouraging increases in handle, field size, on track attendance and safety. Santa Anita Park began its 90th year on Dec. 26, 2024, with the third-largest opening day handle in its history. The momentum continued to build with total all source handle for the season, which includes the Santa Anita Classic Meet (Dec. 26-April 6) and the Hollywood Meet (April 18-June 15), topping nearly three-quarters of a billion dollars ($745,947,859), as horseplayers around the world embraced the player-friendly modifications to Santa Anita’s wagering menu. Total handle on just Santa Anita races increased a strong 10% from the 2023-24 Winter-Spring Meet.       The handle gains benefited from a five percent increase in field size over last year, due in part to the consolidation of California racing into a single circuit. The influx of horses from Northern California were provided numerous opportunities to compete against each other at Santa... ...

by DRF.com OCEANPORT, N.J. (June 14, 2025) — California-bred Majestic Oops, who ran for a $12,500 claiming price four times during 2023 and 2024, won her second straight six-figure stakes race when she landed the $100,000 Lady’s Secret by 4 1/4 lengths to close Monmouth’s card Saturday. Left in her wake was odds-on favorite Occult, who raced against a speed-favoring track profile trying to rally from well off the pace and lost ground on the winner from the stretch call to the finish. Occult was two lengths better than her third-place, Chad Brown-trained stablemate, Catherine Wheel, with the other two far, far behind. Gun Song and Into Amore were scratched. Majestic Oops tracked a solid half-mile split of 47.56 set by Dream Concert, who wound up last, before seizing command partway around the far turn. No one got close to her, with Majestic Oops running 1 1/16 miles over a sloppy, sealed track in 1:44.32. She paid $6.60 as the second choice. Majestic Oops is a California-bred by Majestic Harbor... ...

SEOUL, So. Korea (June 6, 2025) — California-bred Guema Eminent won a $24,200 Class 3 handicap race Saturday at Seoul. Guema Eminent is a 3-year-old gelding by Smiling Tiger, out of the Coil mare Recoiling, and was bred by Martin Bach & Daniel Weiner. He is a full brother to the stakes-placed Blevys Tiger. ...

LODI, Calif. (June 3, 2025) — Matt Butterworth, owner of West 12 Ranch and longtime member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, passed away last week after a long illness. He was 65. Buttersworth’s widow, Barbara, posted this on her Facebook page: “We are planning to have the celebration of life for Matt on Wednesday, June 25 at 1 p.m. at Faith Community Church, followed by a reception at 18621 N. Hwy 99, Acampo, CA 95220. “You are welcome to write down a story, or what the world needs to know about Matt, or what Matt meant to you personally and email it to: West12ranch@gmail.com by June 16. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2025) — The five winners of stakes for California-breds at Santa Anita on Saturday are bound for the Del Mar summer meeting, with one prominent runner likely to also start at Los Alamitos next month. Not all are likely to run in stakes in their next appearances. Private Gem, winner of Saturday’s $100,500 Thor’s Echo Stakes for sprinters, and Santa Barbarian, the surprise winner of the $126,500 Snow Chief Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on turf, will be considered for allowance races. Sneaker, who won the $101,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for fillies and mares on turf, is likely to run in the $100,000 Osunitas Stakes, a restricted race at a mile on turf, on July 20. Om N Joy, the dramatic winner of the $125,500 Melair Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on dirt, will be pointed to the $150,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for 3-year-old statebred fillies at Del Mar on July 25. Kings River Knight, who won Saturday’s $101,000 Crystal... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2025) — California stallion Listing was represented by his first winner on Sunday when Saul Elliott, also his first starter, won on debut at Santa Anita. A 2-year-old colt out of the Indian Charlie mare Cryptic, Saul Elliott won the fifth race, a maiden special weight for California-breds, running the 4 1/2 furlongs in :51.96, winning by 2 1/4 lengths as the 3-2 favorite in a field of eight. Listing, standing at Ocean Breeze Ranch, is by Square Eddie. Saul Elliott was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers and is trained by Doug O’Neill. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2025) – Odds-on favorite Kings River Knight continued his stranglehold on the Crystal Water Stakes on Saturday, winning the $100,000 race for Golden State Series-eligibles for the third consecutive year at Santa Anita. Kings River Knight is by Acclamation, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing, The Ellwood Johnston Trust and Kenneth Tevelde and is trained by John Sadler. “We loved it, to see him out here run like a 1-9 shot should, that’s great,” said Leonard Miranda, part owner. “I’m just happy to be a part of it, with the Johnstons, who bred this horse and of course Ken.” Kings River Knight has 11 wins in 18 starts, earnings of $710,330 and was coming off a sixth in the Mar. 30 Sensational Star. “The late great Mel Stute said, ‘Any horse that wins more than he loses is a really good horse,’” said Sadler. “And he fits that. He’s a wonderful horse and he’s... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2025) – Santa Barbarian, the longest shot in the field at 43-1, reeled in Cali Cat in deep stretch to win Saturday’s $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank, for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Santa Barbarian is by Bodexpress, out of the Storm Victory mare Ebony Cat, was bred by owner Richard Barton Enterprises and is trained by Ryan Hanson. He was the third winner on the card for the breeder. Ridden by Kazushi Kimura, Santa Barbarian was last early, ranged up into mid-pack down the backstretch, then ran down leader Cali Cat (2-1) inside the final furlong to beat that rival by a half-length. Got Soul (9-2) finished third with Drop Um (15-1) completing the superfecta. He won in a time of 1:49.80. For Kimura, the win capped a lucrative day at the office. He also won the $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes aboard Sneaker ($6.60) for trainer George Papaprodromou and the eighth race, an allowance/optional claimer, with No Cap ($16.40) for... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2025) – Sneaker took them wire to wire in winning Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Sneaker is by Oscar Performance, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Lime Beach, was bred Fountain of Youth Breeding, is owned by R L Stables and trained by George Papaprodromou. “We are really proud, we believe in Cal-breds,” said Gayle Van Leer of the ownership group. “This filly just really fit the R L Stable program and we are happy to be a winner today.” She has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of 261,948 and was coming off a third in the Apr. 26 Royal Heroine. “She loves to get the lead, that is her style, but she stepped a little slow from the gate,” jockey Kaz Kimura said. “That’s why I had to hustle a little bit from the gate to stay on the (rail). I was confident. Last time she finished well in the Grade 3, so she... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2025) – Left at the gate and nine lengths behind at the quarter pole, favored Om N Joy rallied along the rail through the stretch for an improbable win in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Om N Joy is by Om, out of the Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute, was bred by Jerry and Connie Baker, is owned by Baker, Golovko or Scanlan, et al and trained by Aggie Ordonez. “When she broke badly, I just said, ‘Well, let’s see. She likes to come from behind. Does she have anything left?” said Jerry Baker.  “And when Kent started moving down the rail, I said, “Oh my gosh, she has a shot.’ What a tremendous ride, he was patient and he did it.” Sent off at 2-1, Om N Joy has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $225,640 and was coming off a win in the Apr. 5 Evening Jewel. “That is why you ride Kent Desormeaux,”... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2025) – With odds-on favorite Book Smart and Tapatio Leo tiring from a duel up front, Private Gem slipped through along the rail at the top of the stretch and won Saturday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Private Gem, the 5-2 second choice, is by Lookin At Lucky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Geode, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Saints or Sinners and trained by Mark Glatt. “I think he had a really nice set up,” said Glatt. “We were hoping that somebody would go with Book Smart because when he shakes loose on the lead he is hard to beat. We got lucky they went fast and he had to unhook that Book Smart. Umberto (Rispoli) rode a perfect race, saved the ground and they floated off the turn a little to continue to save ground. I think he got to goofing around a little in the stretch, but he ran well. “Any time... ...

From DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 23, 2025) — The 2024 stakes winners Shea Brennan and Speedy Wilson are noticeable absentees from Saturday’s program for California-breds at Santa Anita, but are in training for summertime comebacks, trainer Phil D’Amato said. Both colts are by Tough Sunday and are owned and bred by Nick Alexander. Speedy Wilson has not raced since a win in the Golden State Juvenile for 2-year-old statebreds at seven furlongs at Del Mar last November. He missed a scheduled start in the King Glorious Stakes at Los Alamitos in December because of an elevated temperature, D’Amato said at the time. :: Santa Anita Clocker Reports are available every race day. Access now. Speedy Wilson has worked three furlongs twice this month at Santa Anita. Shea Brennan finished first in the California Cup Derby for statebreds at Santa Anita in January, but was disqualified and placed second for causing interference in the stretch. The winner of the King Glorious Stakes in December, Shea Brennan was taken out of training briefly... ...

From Del Mar Racing Office DEL MAR, Calif. (May 16, 2025) — We’re excited to announce an exclusive incentive program for horses that have been based at PLN. We truly appreciate your continued support and are thrilled to offer this opportunity. Rules and guidelines are below: Horses must have been based in Northern California since December 1, 2024, and trained by those only based in Northern California during that time. • Guaranteed $500 check for any qualified starter in their first start. • 15% bonus is applied to the qualified horse’s purse earnings for EVERY start during the summer meet. • Purse bonus applies to earnings for places 1-5, excluding stakes races. • Horses may not dual-qualify for Maiden Dirt Bonus and Ship & Win programs. • DMTC reserves the right to determine eligibility & bonuses for qualified starters. For further information, contact the Del Mar Racing office. ...

By DRF.com SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (May 14, 2025) — Smoken Boy, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Catholic Boy, won Wednesday’s $150,000 Caesars Handicap for 3-year-olds at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Smoken Boy scored by a head over 1-2 favorite Chasing Liberty in the Caesars, a big win for owner KEM Stables and trainer Cheryl Winebaugh. Smoken Boy made his first three starts in Puerto Rico, winning the Grade I Clasico Agustin Mercado Reveron Stakes in December. He earned a trip to Florida, where he finished eighth in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Smoken Boy, in his next start, was offered for a $75,000 claiming price, and KEM took him. At 112-1, Smoken Boy ran to his odds in the Florida Derby, but more than earned back his purchase price Wednesday, picking up a check worth $92,733. He has three wins in seven starts and earnings of $164,993. His third dam is Cal-bred multiple graded winner Go Go. Ridden by Manny Esquivel, Smoken Boy tracked the pace of Brodeur... ...

From Legacy Ranch LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 14, 2025) – Viewers can join “All Access with Andy Garcia” for an enlightening and heartfelt look inside Legacy Ranch Inc., where the intricate art and evolving science of thoroughbred breeding converge with an unwavering dedication to nurture the potential champions of tomorrow’s racetracks. Public Television audiences are invited to gain a profound and moving appreciation for the remarkable journey of a racehorse in an upcoming segment of “All Access with Andy Garcia” proudly featuring the esteemed Legacy Ranch Inc. Set to film later this year, this engaging and visually rich program will meticulously delve into the pivotal early stages of a horse’s life. From the strategic and thoughtful selection of breeding stock, considering lineage and genetic potential, to the consistently nurturing and carefully managed environment provided to mares, ensuring their health and well-being, the segment will illuminate every crucial step with owners Pete and Evelyn Parrella. Viewers will also witness the initial, specialized training regimens meticulously designed to build a strong foundation,... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 11, 2025) — The California-bred multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile joined trainer Sean McCarthy’s stable earlier this year at Santa Anita and is nearing her first start since late November. Owned and bred by Larry and Marianne Williams, Grand Slam Smile has won 6 of 11 starts and earned $526,400. She was previously trained by Steve Specht, who retired late last year. A 4-year-old filly, Grand Slam Smile was named Cal-bred champion 2-year-old filly for 2023 and champion 3-year-old filly for 2024. She has won five stakes on turf and dirt at Santa Anita since June 2023, including the $200,000 California Cup Oaks for statebred 3-year-old fillies in January 2024. She was given a rest after a second-place finish at 4-5 in the Livermore Valley Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at six furlongs at Pleasanton on Nov. 30, her sixth start of 2024. “They gave her some time off,” McCarthy said. “She had a good campaign.” :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 10, 2025) – California-bred Lovesick Blues wore down favored Bran in the lane to win Saturday’s $100,000 Siren Lure Stakes at Santa Anita. Lovesick Blues is by Grazen, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Queenofhercastle, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and trained by Librado Barocio. With his first career stakes win, Lovesick Blues has eight wins in 39 starts, earnings of $524,000 and was coming off a third in the Mar. 30 Sensational Star. “I knew he was getting better and better,” said Barocio. “He came off that layoff and ran a great race and last time he ran a great race against good horses and this time I had confidence. I don’t want to sound bragadocious, but I felt good. I just want to thank the good Lord above and Nick Alexander for being such a great breeder and allowing me to buy this horse from him. “He’s a little tough to handle if you don’t know him,... ...

SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (May 10, 2025) – California stallion Sir Prancealot was represented by a black-type earner in the southern hemisphere on Saturday. In Australia, his 4-year-old son Sir Sway placed second in the $1 million, Grade I Goodwood Stakes at Morphettville. Sent off a 61-1 longshot, Sir Sway was overtaken in the stretch by Reserve Bank but held off 2-1 favorite Giga Kick for the place in a field of 13. Sir Sway has eight wins in 18 starts and earnings of $592,185. ...

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (May 9, 2025) — California-bred Arkadelphia, a graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale, was third in the $100,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds. Arkadelphia is from the first crop of Halladay, out of the City Zip mare Chili Petin, was bred by HV Bloodstock, is owned by Harrell Ventures and trained by Luis Mendez. He was raised and consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds and was making his racing debut. ...

From Old Friends Farm GEORGETOWN, Ky. (May 9, 2025) – We are sad to share the loss of California-bred Grade I winner Romance Is Diane at 21 to laminitis complications. Romance Is Diane was by In Excess, out of the Prized mare Romantic Fibs, was bred by Swan Equine Service, owned by Senji Nishimura and trained by Mike Mitchell. She had five wins in 16 starts and earnings of $712,718. Among her wins were the Grade I Hollywood Starlet, the Grade II Bayakoa and the California Cup Juvenile Fillies and Cal Cup Matron. As a broodmare prospect in 2008, she was sold to Adena Springs for $1.35 million. She produced five foals and retired to Old Friends in 2020. Her BFF Saudi Poetry will miss her, as will we. ...

By DRF.com CHICO, Calif. (May 9, 2025) — Kathy Walsh, the retired trainer who died on Thursday, was a reluctant pioneer. When she began training in 1970, following the death of her father Jim, female trainers were largely unwelcome. In that regard, Walsh broke barriers. She won training titles at Longacres in Washington State and Canterbury Downs – now Canterbury Park – in Minnesota. She won Grade 1 races in Southern California and had a starter in the Kentucky Derby. Walsh was 85 at the time of her passing at an assisted living facility in Chico, Calif. She had been ill in recent years, her friends said. She had her final starter in the fall of 2021 and her last winner earlier that year. Born in Sonoma, Calif., in March 1940, Walsh won 1,232 races from 8,030 starters who earned more than $19.3 million. She was married in 1980 and did not train for a few years in that decade. She raced under her married name of Kathy Hutchinson from... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 5, 2025) — Juveniles by the prominent California stallion Stay Thirsty won maiden races at Santa Anita last Friday and Sunday, the first races for the division this year. The filly Tapatia Mia, who won on Friday, and Fionello, who won on Sunday, were bred by Terry Lovingier, who retains an ownership interest, and are trained by Steve Knapp. Tiago Pereira rode both winners. Tapatia Mia stalked runaway early leader Still Unwritten before taking the lead in the final furlong. Tapatia Mia, who paid $9.20 as the second choice, ran 4 1/2 furlongs in 52.60 seconds and won by a length. She is a half-sibling to stake-winner Chulula Lips and a full to stakes-placed Tapatio Mio. Fionello, who was favored and paid $4, disputed the pace with 9-5 Trump Era before pulling clear to win by 1 1/2 lengths, finishing 4 1/2 furlongs in 52.86. He is a full brother to stakes- winner Finneus and a half-sibling to stakes-winner Fi Fi Pharoah. With the wins,... ...

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (May 5, 2025) — California stallion One Bad Boy was represented by his first winner on Friday when Twirling Crown won a maiden race for 2-year-old fillies at Hipodromo de las Americas. Twirling Crown is out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Stuff, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises. The filly, a $1,000 purchase from the Northern California Yearling Sale, won the 4 1/2-furlong race by 10 lengths. ...

By Punters.com MORPHETTVILLESouth Australia (Apr. 3, 2025) – It was heart in mouth viewing, but a lion-hearted Sir Kingsford, an Australian-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, staved off Victorian raider Basilinna to win Saturday’s Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville. Piloting the field in his first attempt at 2500m, Sir Kingsford refused to lay down in a toe-to-toe battle with Basilinna, after the mare threw down the gauntlet at the top of the straight. Emotions spilt over for Gawler handler Nicole Searle, who trains in partnership with husband Gary, and daughter, Brianna Callanan. “What a great feeling. To our team at home, well done,” Searle said post-race. “You’ve all worked hard. Gary and Brianna, and to the owners of this horse, it’s been a long journey. “We trained his mum, we lost her, unfortunately, last year. We were really looking forward to the filly that she was carrying but this is a tough horse. “He’s just a really nice horse and probably has taken over the mantle from Lady Silhouette as the best horse we’ve had.”... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2025) — Eric Kruljac, whose stable included retired two-time Cal-bred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron, has retired from training. Kruljac, 72, said last weekend that he plans to continue his involvement in the sport as an owner and breeder, and recently transferred his small stable to his son, Ian, 36. Eric Kruljac had his last runner at Santa Anita when Uffda finished fourth in a $20,000 claimer at Santa Anita on March 15. Three of his former runners started for Ian Kruljac at Santa Anita last weekend. He was named 2023 trainer of the year by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “It’s time,” Eric Kruljac said in a recent interview. “I turned my license in. I’ll just be an owner.” :: Santa Anita Clocker Reports are available every race day. Access now. Kruljac said he wants to focus on his group of four broodmares and a small number of horses he owns, and move away from training, notably clerical billings. “I still love... ...

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Apr. 26, 2025) – California-bred Majestic Oops, who twice went unclaimed running for a $12,500 tag, outran millionaire odds-on favorite Hoosier Philly to win Saturday’s $200,000 Dig A Diamond Stakes for fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park. Majestic Oops is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodavor mare Miss Oops, was bred by William Dory, Sandy Dory, Gary Kropp & Janet Kropp, is owned by Sublime Stables, Inc. and Kropp, Janet and trained by Dan Ward. “It’s exciting. I’m really grateful to the owner, Bill Dory, and then Ed Moger (the mare’s previous trainer) recommended he give the horse to me. I’m grateful to him, too,” said Ward. “She’s been doing great. It makes the whole meet. She just keeps getting better and better. He (jockey Abel Cedillo) did a great job. I told him: ‘Just let her take you wherever she wants.’ He had the favorite (Hoosier Philly) boxed in, too. That was pretty nice.” It was the first stakes win for the 5-year-old mare, who... ...

OAKBANK, South Australia (Apr. 19, 2025) – Sir Kingsford, an Australian-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won the $107,205 Coopers Brewery Onkaparinga Cup at Oakbank Racecourse. Sir Kingsford, a 5-year-old gelding, is out of the Al Maher mare Mighty Maher. He won by one-half length and ran the 2150 meters in 2:12.38 on a turf course rated “good” in a field of 12 as the 4-1 faorite.   ...

OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 19, 2025) – A California-bred son of Maxfield, a half-brother to Cal-bred multiple-stakes winner Straight Up G, sold for $100,000 at Friday’s final session of the Ocala Breeders Sales Spring 2-Year-Old in-training sale. The Cal-bred, out of the Sky Mesa mare Gidget Girl, was bred by Jungle Racing, consigned by Hoppel LLC, agent, and purchased by Amerman Racing. He was timed in a two-furlong breeze in :21.4. Straight Up G won the King Glorious Stakes and Mine That Bird Derby. The colt also is a half-brother to Mansetti, a stakes winner in Canada. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 7, 2025) – Santa Anita Park’s 2024-25 Classic Meet finished strongly on Sunday, April 6, with significant gains in handle, attendance, field size and safety. Bookended by a strong opening week and a robust Santa Anita Derby weekend, the track’s total all source handle topped $510 million. Horseplayers from around the world responded enthusiastically to the player-friendly modifications to Santa Anita’s wagering menu, with the total handle on just Santa Anita’s races increasing 5% from the 2023-24 Classic Meet. The season began on Dec. 26, 2024, with the third largest opening day handle in the track’s 90-year history. The Classic Meet’s final three-day weekend boasted more than $40.6 million wagered on Santa Anita’s races and attracted almost 50,000 people to the track. On track attendance posted a gain of 6% from last year, with more than 340,000 people attending the 49 day meeting, despite losing a weekend in January when the neighboring community was impacted by the Eaton Fires. More than 34,000 were... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2025) – Om N Joy, with Hall of Famer Kent Desormeaux in the saddle, provided stallion Om with his first stakes winner, pulling away from a pack in midstretch to win Saturday’s $125,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Om N Joy was last in the early going before steadily making up ground behind splits off 22.43 and 45.52 seconds for a half mile. When the field reached the stretch, Desormeaux appeared loaded with Om N Joy but found himself blocked behind multiple horses. When a seam did open, Om N Joy shot through and drew off to win by 2 ½ lengths. “She got to ‘em,” Desormeaux said. “They were all coming back to her down the stretch. I picked a pocket for her to jump through, she took off like she was going to plow through it if she had to.” Sunset Grazen (12-1) was second followed by Hot Girl Walk (3-1) and Going Deep (7-1). “She was... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2025) – Racing outside and with clear sailing under Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez, Style Cat surged to the front at the top of the stretch and continued on gamely to the wire to score by 2 ¼ lengths in the $125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds going 6 ½ furlongs at Santa Anita. Sent off as the 7-2 third choice, Style Cat was returning to dirt and was also reunited with Hernandez following a try against open 3-year-olds in the Baffle Stakes on the hillside turf course, Feb. 16. He sat just off the pace down the backstretch as multiple horses battled for the lead. Style Cat ranged up to the leaders while widest of all on the turn, and when he reached the quarter pole, the race was down to just himself and Drop Um (9-2) with Kyle Frey aboard. In a two-horse sprint to the wire, Style Cat would finish best to earn his first... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2025) — Overnight purses will increase at the forthcoming Santa Anita spring and Los Alamitos summer meetings. Santa Anita’s spring meeting runs from April 18 to June 15. The Los Alamitos summer meeting begins a three-week season on June 20. Both tracks will have higher prize money than the corresponding meetings in 2024. The added prize money is available from betting revenue through account wagering and simulcast locations throughout the state that has been consolidated and directed to Southern California tracks and purse accounts at those venues. Previously, part of that money was devoted to Northern California racing. There is no racing scheduled in Northern California in coming months after the permanent closure of Golden Gate Fields last June and the cancellation of a proposed winter-spring meeting on the Alameda county fair grounds in Pleasanton. An autumn meeting at Pleasanton had lower-than-expected business. :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances, Picks, and Clocker Reports available... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 30, 2025) – Lonesome Stew headed a Nick Alexander-bred and Grazen-sired trifecta while winning Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. Lonesome Stew is out of the Maria’s Mon mare Stash, is owned by Linear Bannasch and trained by Mark Glatt. He went last to first through the stretch under jockey Antonio Fresu. “That wasn’t the plan,” Fresu said of his tardy beginning. “He usually shows some speed, but today he was acting up a little bit inside the gate and I didn’t leave the gate very well so I just tried to bide my time and improvise a little bit and get him comfortable going down the hill. “Once the horse was nice and settled, I put him on the outside to not get him in trouble and he just flew home. Amazing job done by Mark and his team.” Glatt claimed Lonesome Stew for $32,000 out of his last-place debut Sept. 1, 2022 from Alexander. He had only four starts... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2025) — The Chosen Vron, recently voted California-bred Horse of the Year for a second consecutive year, has been retired. Co-owner John Sondereker and trainer and co-owner Eric Kruljac said March 17 that the decision has been made to let the 7-year-old gelding continue his rehabilitation and segue into a second career at the appropriate time. “It’s just wear and tear,” Kruljac said of the reasoning behind the decision. “We just don’t want to risk any further injury, especially since he’s 7. He’ll be going up to Katie Fisher’s ranch up in Solvang.” The Chosen Vron had been sidelined with an ankle injury since late last year, and Sondereker said that a recent follow-up MRI performed at Santa Anita showed that it had not yet healed enough for the gelding to return to training. “He’s been the horse of a lifetime for all of us,” Sondereker said. Sondereker, Kruljac, Richard Thornburgh, and Robert Fetkin bred The Chosen Vron in the name of Tiz Molly... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2025) – Longshot Prancingthruparis caught pacesetter Pushiness in midstretch and won Sunday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Prancingthruparis is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Bellamy Road mare She’s a Big Winner, was bred by owner Ciaglia Racing, SAF Racing and Crusberg and trained by Peter Eurton. “It’s great to breed Cal-breds,” said co-breeder Joe Ciaglia. “Her mom was a little bit crazy. The first time she went to the track, she kicked (jockey Kent) Desormeaux in the chest, so we had to scratch her, he got a big hoofprint on his chest. It was nice that we bred her to Sir Prancealot, so we got a little bit of relax so she wouldn’t be a speedball. It’s pretty exciting to make the right choice.” :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances, Picks, and Clocker Reports available now. Prancingthruparis, by Sir Prancealot, races for owners and breeders SAF... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2025) — Iconic race caller Trevor Denman has announced his retirement after 40 years on the job at Del Mar. Denman will be succeeded at the seaside track by veteran track announcer Larry Collmus, the voice of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Breeders’ Cup for NBC Sports.  Denman, 72, who first started calling races in 1971 in his native South Africa, has been in the booth atop the Del Mar grandstand for all but one summer racing season since 1984. A Southern California racing institution, he also served as the caller at Santa Anita from 1983-2015, and for a time, called races at every stop on the Southern California circuit, including Hollywood Park and Fairplex Park. “This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Denman said. “But my soul is telling me that now is the time.”  Denman and his colorful story-telling style of race calling effectively changed how the sport was heard in America. Rather than the... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2025) — The Chosen Vron, winner a year ago, was named the 2024 California-bred Horse of the Year at Monday night’s CTBA Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting at Le Meridien Hotel. The Chosen Vron became the 10th back-to-back winner of the award and also picked up hardware for champion older male and sprinter. The other finalists for Horse of the Year were Big City Lights and Chismosa. The Chosen Vron won seven of eight starts in 2024, including the Grade I Bing Crosby. He is by Vronsky, out of Broodmare of the Year Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners, is owned by Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker & Richard Thornburgh and trained by Eric Kurljac. Other Cal-bred champions recognized at the banquet: Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Male – Speedy Wilson, bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato.   Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Female – In the Air Tonight, bred by Terry Lovingier, owned by Anthony Chacon, Victor Flores and Terry Lovingier and trained by Steve Knapp.... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2025) — Del Mar is planning across-the-board increases to its overnight purse schedule from its top allowance offerings all the way down to the maiden-claiming ranks for its upcoming summer racing season that kicks off on Friday, July 18. This will be summer #86 in the storied history of the America’s only seaside racing headquarters and it will be conducted for 31 days over eight weeks going forward to Sunday, September 7. All told Del Mar will present approximately 300 races with overnight purses projected to be $15.7 million. That represents a blended increase of 8% over 2024’s purses. Additionally, the track will offer 38 stakes races valued at $7,825,000. Once again the highlight of that schedule will be the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic, a mile and one-quarter test that will be run as part of a sparkling five graded stakes card on Saturday, August 30. Notable in the overnight purse increases is the fact that the vast majority of the track’s owners and... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Multiple graded stakes winner Papa Clem who took his stud career from California to Turkey died recently, according to his owner Reşat Akkan. The son of Smart Strike was 19. Bo Hirsch bred and raced Papa Clem, who was the second foal out of the grade 1 winner Miss Houdini, who Hirsch also bred and raced. Trained by Gary Stute, Papa Clem won at 2 and then blossomed at 3. He ran second in the 2009 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2) before grabbing the brass ring in the Arkansas Derby (G2). He would go on to finish a good fourth in the Kentucky Derby (G1).  Papa Clem made his only start at 4 a winning one, taking the 2010 San Fernando Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park but came out of the race will filling in his left front ankle. Hirsch decided to retire the horse, who he named after his late father Clement Hirsch, and stood him initially at Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch. He retired with a... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2025) — Santa Anita Park will increase purses beginning Feb. 28 for the Classic Meet, which runs through April 6. The boost in prize money comes after increases in key business metrics for the Southern California landmark through the first six weeks of the season, which began Dec. 26. The purse increases are the result of collaborative discussions with the Thoroughbred Owners of California and will take effect with the fourth Condition Book to be issued by the track later this month. Overnight purses, or the amount of money paid out to racehorse owners each day, are set to increase an average of eight percent. Additionally, purses for Santa Anita Park’s Hollywood Meet will increase an average of 10 percent over the 2024 season, with increases ranging from eight to 11 percent depending on class level. The Hollywood Meet begins April 18 and runs through June 16. Santa Anita has had a solid start to the year, with increases in total all-sources... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2024)— Santa Anita Park’s 90th year finished the first six weeks of the season with continued momentum, posting gains over a strong first weekend in February.  Through last weekend, the Classic Meet maintained increases in both on-track attendance and total all-sources handle for the season, which opened on Dec. 26.  Wagering is up more than 7 percent as total all-sources handle has exceeded $185 million. The business increases are despite the track being closed for a week due to the impact of the Eaton Fire on the local community.  The weekend of Jan. 10-12 racing was postponed as Santa Anita hosted a pop-up relief effort/donation site in the south parking lot.  Southern California Edison continues to use the north parking lot at Santa Anita as their command center, while Cal Fire (California Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection) is using a large part of the south parking lot as their base camp though mid-February. Field size continues to be a factor in sustaining... ...

SEOUL, South Korea (Feb. 17, 2025) – World People, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Midnight Storm, won Sunday’s $33,000,000 (SKW) Overnight Handicap at Seoul. World People ran the 1200 meters in 1:15 and won by one-half length at odds of 2-1 in a field of 11. Out of the multiple stakes-winning Salty Sea mare Salty Wave, World People is a 3-year-old colt with two wins in seven starts. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2025) – California-bred stakes winner Connie Swingle sold for $290,000 as a broodmare prospect at Monday’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Mixed Sale. Connie Swingle is by Grazen, out of the Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni, was bred by Nick Alexander, was consigned by Taylor Made Sale, agent, and purchased by Mulholland Springs, agent. A 6-year-old mare, Connie Swingle is a full sister to graded winner S Y Sky and stakes winner Grazen Sky. She earned $509,564 with seven wins in 11 starts, including victories in the Generous Portion Stakes at 2, the Unzip Me Stakes at 3 and the Daisycutter Handicap at 5 off a layoff of nearly two years. ...

POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2025) – Tuesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale posted a hefty increase in average and median sale price from last year’s sale. For sale results, click here Fueled by high-priced purchases out of the Valpredo Family Trust dispersal consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, the sale recorded an average sale price of $14,799 for 83 horses sold, compared to $8,568 from 111 sold last year, an increase in price of 73 percent. The median rose 23 percent, from $6,500 to $8,000. The sale topper was Shocking Grey, who on Saturday won the $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. The 6-year-old daughter of Grazen sold for $170,000 to Francoise DuPuis, agent, for Rockingham Ranch. Shocking Grey has won 3 of 14 starts with earnings of $250,750. She was third behind Eddie’s New Dream and Stay and Scam in the Fran’s Valentine Stakes for statebred fillies and mares in May 2023, her only stakes appearance prior to Saturday. She was trained by Jeff... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Favored Take Another Card closed with a rush to win Saturday’s $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Take Another Card is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Lookin At Lucky mare You Missed It, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Simon Callaghan. “It was very exciting. Hector (Berrios) gave her a lovely ride. She was very brave, went through a very tight hole,” said Callaghan. “Nice to see she could stretch out.” Take Another Card, off at 9-5, has won both career starts with earnings of $131,000. She ran the mile on turf in 1:36.98 and won by a half-length. Miso Phansy was second and Tequilaandtherapy was third in the field of 12. “She broke perfectly out of the gate,” said Berrios. “I told her to go and she was comfortable and settled perfectly. When I saved ground, she stayed comfortable, I knew I had it. The last quarter, there was a... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Whiskeyginandbrandy, interfered with turning for home by Shea Brennan, was moved up for the win in Saturday’s $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby for 3-year-olds, with Shea Brennan placed second. Whiskeyginandbrandy is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Successful Appeal mare Appealing Susan, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Chacon, Anthony J., Flores, Victor M. and Lovingier, Terry C. and trained by Steve Knapp. Stewards ruled that Shea Brennan pushed Whiskeyginandbrandy as they both circled the field, knocking Whiskeyginandbrandy off stride. Shea Brennan finished a head in front of Whiskeyginandbrandy and the stewards’ ruling was unanimous. “My horse had a lot of trouble in his last start,” said Knapp. “He got scared in that race and he has really been training great since that race. I knew he was ready for another great race. I saw the other horse knock my horse off stride. That’s a fantastic horse (Shea Brennan) too, but that bump clearly decided the race.” He has two wins in eight... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Favored Old Pal closed with a rush to win Saturday’s $175,000 Unusual Heat California Cup Turf Classic Stakes, presented by City National Bank, at Santa Anita. Old Pal is by Grazen, out of the English Channel mare Athina Lee, was bred by Ken Miles & Sheridan Jones, is owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Corbett, Carolyn, Desai, Jai H., Dizonno, Frederick A., Garcia, Chris, Harris, Cheryl, Hocevar, Craig, Lewis, Tom, Pate, Garrett, Titus, James and Wagner, Les and trained by Mark Glatt. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $334,940 and was coming off a third in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. “He can win at a mile or a mile and a sixteenth — he just needs a good, hot pace,” said Glatt. Coalinga Road was second and On the Whim third in a field of 11. Old Pal, ridden by Antonio Fresu, ran the 1 1/18 miles in 1:47.93 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-5.... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Prohibitive favorite Big City Lights made easy work of a small field on Saturday with a victory in the $125,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita that could send him next to Dubai. Bred by Bar C Racing Stable and trained by Richard Mandella for owner Bill Peeples, Big City Lights won by 7 3/4 lengths over Clovisconnection with Smiling Beast third in the field of four. “He’s a beautiful horse. He has a classy head, great balance. Just a classy looking horse,” said Mandella. “I got a good work in him. He’s just a good horse with a lot of class. “(William R. Peeples) wasn’t here. He had shoulder surgery Monday, and I got a message that he wasn’t quite up to it. But he and this horse have been a pleasure all along. “Not sure what’s next. We kind of want to nominate him to Dubai ($2 million Golden Shaheen Sprint April 5) and daydream a little bit. I don’t... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2024) – A blue-ribbon panel of industry experts will decide all California Thoroughbred Breeders Association year-end divisional racing champions, including Horse of the Year, effective immediately. The panel will consist of California racing secretaries David Jerkens, Jason Egan and Tom Doutrich and will be overseen by Santa Anita track announcer Frank Mirahmadi. By tapping the input of executives that are most closely involved in the racing performance of California-breds, and in the best position to recognize talent and achievement, the voting change will also streamline the selection process, ensuring fair and representative outcomes. In addition to Horse of the Year, the panel will determine these champions: 2-Year-Old Male, 3-Year-Old Male, Older Male, 2-Year-Old Female, 3-Year-Old Female, Older Female, Sprinter, Turf, Broodmare of the Year. Independent statistical computations by Equibase will continue to determine Champion Stallions in each division, as well as Champion Breeder. As in previous years, winners will be honored at the CTBA annual meeting and awards dinner on Mar. 3 at the Le Meridien... ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2025)— Southern California sprint sensation Bolden, a dual-surface winner who exhibited sub-1:08 speed during his undefeated racing career, was represented by his firstborn foal on January 4: a bay colt who was foaled at Rancho San Miguel in California.   Weighing in at a strapping 125 pounds, the colt is the second foal out of the eight-time winner and $144,010-earner Trina, by Peppered Cat. He was bred by Rancho San Miguel.   “Bolden is a big, good-looking and classy stallion who has us excited for the future,” said Rancho San Miguel owner Tom Clark, whose farm stands the 7-year-old son of Grade 1 winner, 6 1/2-furlong Santa Anita Park track recordholder and leading California sire Square Eddie, by Smart Strike. “If all the Boldens look like this first one, we are going to have a lot of fun.”   Racing exclusively on the challenging Southern California circuit, Bolden won all four of his career starts by a combined margin of 21... ...

FLORENCE, Ky. (Jan. 1, 2025) – Grace On Grace, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Jersey Town, won Wednesday’s $110,000 Gowell Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turfway Park. Grace On Grace, out of the Poteen mare Trick Soso, has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $123,641 and was coming off a second in a Dec. 13 optional claimer. She ran the six furlongs in 1:12.16 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 10-1 in a field of six. ...

CANOVANOS, Puerto Rico (Dec. 25, 2024) — Undefeated Iron Skull, a Puerto Rican-bred son of California stallion Midnight Storm, won Wednesday’s $85,200 Grade I Clasico Navidad Stakes for 2-year-olds at Hipodromo Camarero Iron Skull, out of the Scat Daddy mare Angela’s Smile, was coming off a debut win Nov. 7. He ran the 1 1/16 miles on a muddy track in 1:46.66 and won by 9 1/4 lengths as the 3-2 favorite. He has career earnings of $59,276. ...

Rancho San Miguel Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2024)—The Street Fighter, a stakes-caliber performer by multiple Grade 1 winner Street Boss, has relocated to Rancho San Miguel in California for the 2025 breeding season. The 10-year-old stallion will stand for a fee of $2,500, with a live foal guarantee.   Bred by the late trainer Bruce Headley and partner Andrew Molasky, The Street Fighter made 21 starts over five years on the Southern California racing circuit, primarily in allowance and stakes company. He was saddled for 19 of his races by Headley, with the conditioner’s daughter, Karen Headley, taking over training duties after her father’s death at 86 in 2021.   Karen Headley now owns The Street Fighter with Marsha Naify, a longtime patron of the Headley barn. Both will support the stallion with their own mares.   The Street Fighter won his debut by an eye-opening 5 1/2 lengths in a six-furlong maiden special weight race for 3-year-olds on the dirt at Santa Anita Park, then later... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2024) — A complete dispersal of Donald Valpredo’s Valpredo Farms is part of the catalog for the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale. A total of 143 have been cataloged for the sale, scheduled for Jan. 21.  Valpredo, a longtime breeder and CTBA director, died Oct. 21. Adrian Gonzalez’s Checkmate Thoroughbreds is handling the dispersal, which includes mares, 2025 yearlings, 2025 2-year-olds, and older horses of racing age. About two dozen dispersal horses are in the sale. Checkmate is bringing its own large consignment, as will several major California consignors. Other consignors include Acres Farms, Dehesa Farms, H & E Ranch, Havens Bloodstock Agency, Lovacres Ranch, Milky Way Farm, and Rancho San Miguel. Doug Burge, president of the CTBA, told the California Horse Racing Board during its monthly meeting Dec. 19, “We’ll probably have a few more supplements between now and in the sale on the 21st of January.” He called the sales grounds at Fairplex, “the best facility in the state to sell... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2024) – The catalog for the 2025 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale is now online at WinterMixedSale_2025_ver2.pdf. The sale will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 12 noon at Hinds Pavilion at Fairplex in Pomona. There are 143 horses cataloged for the sale. Of that total, 25 are yearlings, 75 are 2-year-olds and 24 are pregnant mares. Online bidding will be available. To set up credit, or for further information, please contact Loretta Veiga – (800) 573-2822 Ext 227 or email: loretta@ctba.com. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2024) — After extensive consultation and discussion with, and among, Golden State Racing, California Authority of Racing Fairs, Alameda County Fair, Thoroughbred Owners of California, California Thoroughbred Trainers, the California Horse Racing Board and others, the consensus is that the industry should not pursue the Golden State Racing license on Thursday at the CHRB meeting. The mounting economic challenges felt throughout horseracing and inconsistent handle in Northern California compel the conclusion that, for now, Pleasanton operating as a training facility and Southern California running races for horses stabled there would be in the best interests of both Northern California and Southern California. While this conclusion is undoubtedly disappointing to nearly everyone involved and presents its own challenges, the CHRB views this arrangement as temporary, as well as an opportunity for all stakeholders to work together to pursue purse enhancements that are essential for California racing to remain competitive with the rest of the country. We are hopeful that should such supplements be realized, California... ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2024) – Going two turns for the first time, Shea Brennan nosed out I’m a Bad Boy to win Sunday’s $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Los Alamitos. Shea Brennan is by Tough Sunday, out of the Old Topper mare Carrie Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato. He has two wins in five starts with earnings of $144,500. “He’s a horse with a lot of ability, but he’s just still learning,” said D’Amato. “(Jockey) Antonio (Fresu) said he was still looking around through the stretch. He’s got a lot of heart, grit, determination and I think the two turns helped him a lot today. I thought (the finish) was extremely close, but after watching the slo-mo replay, I thought we had a good chance at it and sure enough they put our number up.’’ The winner withstood a challenge from Tiago Pereira, the rider aboard fourth-place finisher Whiskyginandbrandy. “He’s a baby and when we were out... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2024) – After losing a photo by a neck to fellow California-bred Drop Um, Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Mala was moved up by disqualification and declared the official winner of Sunday’s $75,000 Bay Meadows Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at Pleasanton. Mala is by Union Rags, out of the Smart Strike mare Witchy One, was bred by Carliwood Farms, is owned by Greg Avery and trained by Steve Sherman. The $40,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale — which was held at Pleasanton — out of the Easterbrook Livestock Management consignment has two wins in five starts, earnings of $77,903 and was coming off a second in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. Mala ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:48.98 at odds of 14-1. Drop Um was placed second by stewards for interference in the stretch and Accidental Genuis was third in a field of seven that included 4-5 favorite Kalea Bay, the Bob Baffert-trainee that was eased from the race and walked off. ...

SOLVANG, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2024) — California-bred stakes winner Lord Prancealot, a 3-year-old colt by Sir Prancealot (IRE), has been retired from racing after suffering a bowed tendon in training last month.  Lord Prancealot was trained by Jeff Bonde and owned by Jeff Ganje and Rusty Brown. Bred in California by Jeff Ganje, Lord Prancealot won his first two career starts, including last year’s Graduation Stakes at Del Mar.  Lord Prancealot was lightly raced due to injuries, winning three of five starts with earnings of $144,280. “Lord Prancealot was my first home-bred stakes winner and Sir Prancealot’s first Cal-bred stakes winner. He had so much talent, but never got the opportunity to fulfill his potential due to injuries,” said Ganje, who recently campaigned graded stakes-winning millionaire Shotgun Hottie. Lord Prancealot will rehab at Kingfisher Farms in Solvang, California, and will be rehomed through Kingfisher Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. (KERRI), a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to helping off-the-track Thoroughbreds find their next home.  “Lord Prancealot is the kindest and sweetest... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2024) — On the backstretch or during an afternoon at the races, a person did not travel far before crossing paths with trainer Eddie Truman at a Southern California track. Truman was seemingly everywhere, often stopping to visit with people of all walks of life, from stable employees to horse owners, frequently sharing a story that ended with his infectious laugh. Truman was warmly remembered in the racing community on Wednesday after his death early that morning. On Tuesday evening, Truman hosted a card party at his home in Sierra Madre, Calif., according to his friend and fellow trainer Jay Nehf, who confirmed Truman’s passing. “It was a real shock,” Nehf said on Wednesday afternoon. For 50 years, until January, Truman trained on the circuit, winning 763 races. He retired at the age of 77 with the intent of enjoying retirement. Truman had his final starter at Los Alamitos last December and won the final race of his career in June 2023. On the... ...

From Lovacres Ranch WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2024) – Grade III winner Hopkins, a son of Quality Road that sold for $900,000 as a yearling, will stand the 2025 breeding season at Lovacres Ranch. Hopkins, out of the Salt Lake mare Hot Spell, stands for $5,000, with special consideration to approved mares, year-round boarders and previous breeders. Hopkins, who posted a 104 Beyer in his debut and a 115 Time Form Rating in the Grade I Dubai Golden Shaheen, won the Grade III Palos Verdes Stakes by 2 ½ lengths. Also in his career he defeated Breeders Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser and finished a neck behind Gunite. For further information, contact Terry Lovingier at 562-547-9848. ...

CANOVANAS, Puerto Rico (Dec. 10, 2024) – Smoken Boy, a Kentucky-bred son of new Harris Farms California stallion Catholic Boy, easily won Sunday’s $62,000 Clasico Agustin Mercado Reveron Stakes for 2-year-olds at Hipodromo Camarero. Smoken Boy, out of the Cairo Prince mare Smoken Deb, has two wins in three starts and earnings of $46,490. Taking the lead with a bold move around the far turn, he finished the 1 1/16 miles in the mud in 1:45.09 and won by 9 ¼ lengths at odds of 3-2 in a field of nine. ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2024) – Longshot Hey Jessie rallied wide through the long Los Alamitos stretch to win Sunday’s $102,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies. Hey Jessie is by Grazen, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Bea’s Cee, was bred by owner Sayjay Racing and is trained by Sean McCarthy. She was switching surfaces to the Los Alamitos dirt after breaking her maiden at a mile on the grass at Del Mar Nov. 16. ““I’m mildly surprised. I was confident she’d run well, I didn’t know how she’d handle the course, although in saying that, I knew the stretch would be a benefit for her,” said McCarthy. “She has a big, long stride, a beautiful moving filly. She’s probably not as fast as these horses are, but I knew she’d have a good, closing kick in her because we got a good bottom in her.” McCarthy said he will point Hey Jessie to the $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at one mile on... ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2024) — California-bred Sunset Grazen was the only runner in Saturday’s $75,450 Golden Gate Debutante at Pleasanton, Calif. with a previous win around two turns. She was also the only starter in a field of 2-year-old fillies who had raced for a claiming price, winning a $16,000 claimer for maidens at a mile and 70 yards by 11 lengths on Nov. 8. Despite a jump in class and a slightly longer trip at 1 1/16 miles, Sunset Grazen led throughout the Golden Gate Debutante, setting a slow pace and holding off a sustained run from the maiden Lolo Le Plume to win by a head. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. Bred by Legacy Ranch and ridden by Santos Rivera, Sunset Grazen ($16.60) was timed in 1:46.51. Lolo Le Plume (9-2) finished five lengths clear of 2-1 Big Soiree. Border Control, the 6-5 favorite on the strength of a seven-length win in... ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2024) – Duly Noted held off odds-on favorite Grand Slam Smile for her first stakes win, and preserved her unbeaten record through four starts, in Saturday’s $76,350 Livermore Valley Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Pleasanton. Duly Noted, ridden by Luis Jiminez, had to overcome a rough trip, closing closed from sixth on the backstretch to reach the front in the final sixteenth and won by 1 1/2 lengths over Grand Slam Smile, who raced wide throughout. Chancery Way, who was part of an early speed duel with Smiling Molly, held third, beaten two lengths. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. Duly Noted ran six furlongs in 1:10.24. Irish Wahine finished fourth, followed by Blue Wildcat, Smiling Molly, Rousing Jewel, and Smiling Lady. Duly Noted is by Grazen, out of the Harbor the Gold mare Fragrant Harbor, was bred by Charlie Dunn, Al Hodge & Ray McCanna, is owned... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2024) — Ben Cecil, trainer of California-bred multiple-stakes winner Eddie’s New Dream, died on Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 56. Cecil had a nearly unparalleled introduction to Thoroughbred racing. He was the nephew of the legendary British trainer Henry Cecil. Growing up in Britain, it was easy for Ben Cecil to follow his uncle’s career during a time when he had one of Europe’s leading stables. Henry Cecil won 25 classic races in Britain. On a day trip with his uncle to Newbury Racecourse, west of London, a teenaged Ben Cecil saw the sport from a different perspective, realizing what he wanted to do. “I was hooked,” Cecil told Daily Racing Form in a 2013 interview shortly after his uncle’s death. “He was the whole reason I got into this game.” Instead of staying in Britain, Cecil wanted a more independent approach to his involvement in the sport, and relocated to California after working for trainers in Australia and Britain. In Southern... ...

By DRF.com BUELLTON, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) — Five years after shocking the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at 45-1 odds, the 2019 champion juvenile male Storm the Court has been retired to stud in California. Trainer Peter Eurton said the 7-year-old was relocated to Eclipse Thoroughbred Training Center in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he will begin stud duty next spring. Storm the Court paid $93.80 winning the BC Juvenile in 2019 at Santa Anita; the payoff is a Juvenile record. Storm the Court, however, never won again. He started 26 more times, including a last-place finish Nov. 17 in a Del Mar allowance that was his career finale. Sired by Court Vision, Storm the Court retires having won two races and $1,426,503 from 30 starts. His juvenile campaign was his highlight. “He matured early,” Eurton said. “The advantage you [need] to win a Breeders’ Cup with a 2-year-old is a head start on some of the horses who just aren’t developed yet.” Storm the Court won his debut in summer... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – Big City Lights, runaway winner of the Cary Grant Stakes for California-bred sprinters Nov. 9 at Del Mar, will stay with California-bred company for his next start. Trainer Richard Mandella said Big City Lights will target the $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint tentatively scheduled for Jan. 11 at Santa Anita. The Cary Grant was Big City Lights’s fourth stakes win, and sixth win overall. A 5-year-old, Big City Lights has started only 12 times. He was bred by Bar C Racing Stables. “He’s had some things happen to him,” Mandella said while being vague about the gaps between races. “But he still performs pretty well.” His most recent win was the most decisive of his career, which includes four runner-up finishes behind The Chosen Vron in statebred stakes. The Chosen Vron, who won the Cary Grant in 2022 and 2023, is out until spring, leaving Big City Lights as the top California-bred sprinter. It is only conjecture to speculate who... ...

Dehesa Farms Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2025) — Corporal, the son of Gun Runner who is the hottest sire on the planet with 24 GSW/10 GISW and $52 million in earnings from only four crops of racing age, will stand at Dehesa Farms, San Miguel for the 2025 breeding season. Corporal was a $1.15 million 2022 Keeneland yearling, which reflects his outstanding physical and female family.  His dam is a multiple stakes winner of nearly $500,000 and sister to a multiple GSW of nearly $600,000. Shane Easterbrook, owner and manager of Dehesa Farms, recently purchased the farm from the Dahlberg family after being farm manager and operating under the name of Easterbrook Livestock Management for nearly 20 years. Shane said that standing Corporal at Dehesa Farms is “a real opportunity for breeders to access an exceptional stallion prospect,” while she continues to offer the same quality full services as in the past. For inquiries, please contact Shane Easterbrook at 805-610-9861.   For more information: https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/173006/corporal ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa, last early while odds-on favorite Pushiness pushed a blistering pace, returned to dirt with a thrilling neck win in Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. “I looked in the face of the horse today and thought, ‘She’ll win today for sure,’ ” DeLeon told FanDuel TV. “I told my jockey (Tiago Pereira) ‘Don’t push the horse.’ She got the bit, looked for a clear space and she took care of business. She closed super. I got a little scared in the last part because she didn’t change leads but fortunately my horse did the job. I was happy somebody was pushing the horse in front (Pushiness) because the horse in front is very quick.”  Chismosa has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $579,750 and... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2024) – Heavily favored Big City Lights ($3.80) seized command of the California-bred sprint division with a dominating victory in the $98,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles on Saturday at Del Mar. With nemesis The Chosen Vron turned out for the winter, Big City Lights produced one of the most lopsided victories of his career in the seven-furlong Cary Grant. He won the California-bred stakes by 8 1/2 lengths, the largest margin by a Cary Grant winner and largest winning margin by Big City Lights since his 12 1/2-length debut victory as a 2-year-old in May 2021. Big City Lights was bred by Bar C Racing Stables and is trained by Richard Mandella for owner William Peeples; Kazushi Kimura rode the 5-year-old, who was making only his fourth start of the year and only the 12th start of his career. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. “He’s had some problems... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2024) – California-bred Clovisconnection continued his dominance in the north by rallying to win Saturday’s $75,000 Oakland Stakes at the Golden State Racing meet in Pleasanton. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by owners William and Judy Hedrick and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has 11 wins in 17 starts, earnings of $438,300 and was coming off a win in the Sept. 29 Harris Farms Stakes. This was his seventh stakes victory. Clovisconnection ran the six furlongs in 1:09.12 and won by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 2-5. ...