By DRF.com VACAVILLE, Calif. (June 30, 2023) — California owner, breeder and trainer Ellen Jackson retired from training this week and is downsizing her breeding operation in Northern California. Jackson, 68, said on Wednesday that she has turned over her 16-horse racing stable to longtime assistant Alberto Ruvalcaba, who will have his first two runners at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., on Saturday. “He’s been my assistant trainer for so many years,” Jackson said. “I handed everything over to him.” Ruvalcaba, 58, said on Thursday that he began working for Jackson in 1991 as an exercise rider and later as an assistant. Jackson cited health reasons as the primary reason for the change. She has been suffering from the effects of West Nile virus, primarily fatigue, she said. “I retired,” she said. “I gave up my license. “I need to get rid of the stress in my life. I’ve had poor health. Once a month, I’ll have an episode when I can’t get up.” As a trainer, Jackson won... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 25, 2023) – California-bred Bridleuptothebar used his dazzling speed for a one-length victory Sunday in the $50,000 Budweiser Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs. In winning the first stop on the road to the Longacres Mile, Bridleuptothebar sizzled six furlongs in a stakes record 1:07.57—besting a 1:07.71 clocking by Papa’s Golden Boy last year—and paid $9.40 as second choice in a full field of 12 older horses. Niccolo Troiani, saddling his first Emerald Downs stakes winner, is the trainer for owner/breeder Holly Rydman of Olympia, Wash. Ridden by Isaias Enriquez at 122 lbs., Bridleuptothebar controlled the pace while setting fractions of :21.40 and :43.61 for the quarter and half-mile, repelled a strong bid from Canadian invader Aquitania Arrival in the stretch, and proved best to the wire. A 4-year-old gray by Fullbridled bred in California by Mark Rydman and owner Holly Rydman, Bridleuptothebar improved to 5-1-0 in nine career starts with earnings of $91,189—including $27,500 for the Budweiser triumph. Bridleuptothebar had... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 24, 2023) — In the $50,000 Hastings Stakes for older fillies and mares, Blazingbellablu held off Slack Tide for a half-length victory in a stakes record-tying 1:08.27 for six furlongs. Ridden by Alex Cruz at 119 lbs. and trained by Charles Essex, Blazingbellablu earned $27,500 for co-owners Essex and Petra Lewin, boosting her career total to $238,211. Washington’s Horse of the Year in 2021, Blazingbellablu now has three Emerald Downs stakes wins and is 5-2-0 in nine career starts here. A 5-year-old Washington-bred by California stallion Grazen, Blazingbellablu has an overall record of 7-5-2 from 18 starts including two stakes wins at Turf Paradise. Sunday’s race was her first of 2023 and improved her record to 4-1-1 in six career starts at six furlongs. Third choice in the wagering, Blazingbellablu paid $8.80 to win. In last place early, Blazingbellablu circled three wide into the lane and hooked into Slack Tide, with the two classy distaffers battling head and head to the wire with... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 24, 2023) — A switch from turf to dirt proved no issue for favored Kings River Knight in the $100,500 Bertrando Stakes for Golden state Series eligibles Saturday at Los Alamitos. Four weeks after a gate-to-wire victory in the Crystal Water on the Santa Anita grass, the 5-year-old Acclamation gelding used similar tactics to defeat Lovesick Blues and four others in the race restricted to horses bred or sired in California. Bred by Old English Rancho and trained by John Sadler for  Integrity Thoroughbred Racing LLC, the Ellwood Johnston Trust and Kenneth Tevelde, Kings River Knight, who is by Acclimation out of the Poteen mare Seasontobeperfection, prevailed in 1:35.31 for the one mile. The win was the fifth for the 8-5 choice, who has been worse than second  only once in 10 starts. He’s now earned $296,260. Able to outrun longshot Positivity for the early lead, Kings River Knight, who had finished second – when trained by Andy Mathis – in his career... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (June 24, 2023) — Greek Geek, an Alberta-bred son of California stallion Misremembered, won Saturday’s $49,500, Spangled Jimmy Stakes at Century Mile. Greek Geek, out of the Johannesburg mare A E Phi Sensation, has 10 wins in 31 starts and earnings of $270,211. He ran the seven furlongs in 1:23.58 and won by one-half length at odds of 9-2 in a field of seven. He was second in this race last year. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (June 21, 2023) — After decades of fighting through painful chronic pancreatitis, Chad Phillip Schvaneveldt, 59, passed away on June 12, 2023, in Phoenix, AZ. surrounded by love of his family. He was born on March 4, 1964 in Preston, Idaho to Phil Schvaneveldt and Zefa Mortensen Schvaneveldt. Chad spent happy childhood days in Weston, ID. where he developed close relationships and deep love with maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who became close, lasting friends. His free spirit kept everyone guessing what would be next! It was in Weston that he developed a love of basketball, and his height didn’t seem to matter for the left-handed hotshot. From childhood, Chad dreamed of being a jockey. He jumped through hoops to be able to start his career at age 17. He rode, and won, his first two horse races at Centennial Racetrack in Littleton, Colorado. Since his first race in 1981, until his last in 2011 at Golden Gate Fields in California, he rode in over... ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (June 21, 2023) — California-bred Spitten Kitten won Tuesday’s $50,000 Chantilly Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Assiniboia Downs. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Marvin Buffalo, Deb Buffalo and Arnold Souster. Spitten Kitten ran the six furlongs in 1:12.95 and won by a length at odds of 4-1 in a field of six. ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 18, 2023) – California invader Clovisconnection powered home to a record-setting 4 ¼-length victory over Lloyds Logic in the $50,000 Auburn Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings Sunday at Emerald Downs. With Kevin Radke aboard at high weight of 123 lbs., Clovisonnection covered six furlongs in 1:07.59 and paid $3.60 as the odds-on favorite in a field of six. Blaine Wright—saddling his fourth consecutive Auburn Stakes winner—is the trainer for owner/breeder William Hedrick of Clovis, Calif. The winning time is the fastest six furlongs of the meeting and eclipsed the stakes record of 1:07.98 set by Baja Sur in 2019. Breaking alertly from the No. 1 post, Clovisconnection slipped through to take command into the turn, powered clear while running a half-mile in a blistering :43.59 and proved much the best in his local debut. A California-bred son of Vronsky, Clovisconnection earned $27,500 to boost his career total to $133,880. His overall record is 4-1-0 from seven starts including a triumph in the... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (June 18, 2023)— Grand Slam Smile was doing well on Sunday morning and on a van headed north to Pleasanton a little more than 12 hours after winning the five-furlong $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Debutante for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.             Trained by Steve Specht, Grand Slam Smile won the Debutante by a half-length under Frank Alvarado when making her first start on dirt. The Smiling Tiger filly, who won her debut going 4 ½ furlongs on synthetic at Golden Gate May 14, paid $9.40 as the third choice in a four-horse field.             Grand Slam Smile was bred in California by Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams, who also campaign the filly. Specht said Grand Slam Smile was sent to Santa Anita with a high degree of confidence despite having never raced or worked on a dirt surface.             “If a horse is a runner, it’s a runner,” Specht said. “Some tracks might not be to their biggest benefit, but if they have talent... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 17, 2023) — Kid Corleone, a graduate of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale, looks to be a serious player the second half of the year for trainer Doug O’Neill after a sparkling win in his seasonal bow Friday at Santa Anita.             Sent off the 2-1 second choice in a six-furlong allowance on dirt, Kid Corleone dueled through a sharp opening half mile in 44.44 seconds and kept right on going under Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez to win by 1 ½ lengths. The winning time was a swift 1:08.85, which earned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure.             A 4-year-old Shackleford colt bred by The Quarter Company, Kid Corleone was making his first start since finishing sixth in last year’s GII Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Oct. 1. He has now won three of six starts with $139,400 in earnings for owners Roadrunner racing and Barbara Evenson.             O’Neill reported all was well with Kid Corleone the day after his... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (June 11, 2023) – The talented sprinter Sadie Bluegrass picked up right where she left off at Golden Gate Fields, returning to the races off a 10-month layoff and running down early pacesetter Sassy Future to win the inaugural $75,000 Dream of Summer Stakes on Sunday. The Dream of Summer is for California-bred or sired fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward and is part of the Golden State Stakes Series schedule.      Out of the gate, Sassy Nature broke from the rail and set lightning quick fractions of 20.74 seconds for the first quarter mile and 44.11 seconds for the first half mile. Sadie Bluegrass, who broke alertly from post position eight, sat fourth down the backstretch. Into the far turn, Sadie Bluegrass took the third position, swung outside into the clear for the stretch drive, and ran down Sassy Nature in the final strides for a half-length score. Sadie Bluegrass completed the five furlongs over firm turf in a swift 56.74 seconds.      Sadie Bluegrass,... ...

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (June 10, 2023) – Supplemented into the $50,000 Albany Stakes on entry day Wednesday, California-bred 5-year-old bay gelding Evenerevenworse rewarded his connections with a gate to wire win on Saturday at Golden Gate Fields for 3-year-olds and upward at five furlongs on the turf. Evenerevenworse was sent off at odds of 7-1.         Evenerevenworse broke like a rocket from post position three, assumed control on the front end, opened up over two lengths down the backstretch and dived to the rail in the early stages of the race. Setting speedy fractions of 21.11 and 44.49 seconds, Evenerevenworse led throughout the first half mile before feeling the presence of 6-5 race favorite Top Harbor, a fellow Cal-bred who stalked the pace early in the race and had come out of the pack to challenge Evenerevenworse for the win. In the final sixteenth of a mile, Evenerevenworse grittily fended off Top Harbor’s challenge and hit the wire a neck in front of the... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 10, 2023) — There looks to be a bright future ahead for Pushiness following her 6 ½-length debut win here Friday going five furlongs against California-breds for top owner Mike Repole.             Bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and trained by Michael McCarthy, Pushiness was bet down to the 1-5 favorite for her belated debut. The daughter of Kantharos was previously entered here on May 20 in a similar statebred maiden race. She had to be scratched after hitting a wood rail in the saddling enclosure, resulting in a minor abrasion to her chest. She was back on the work tab five days later.             On Friday, Pushiness broke alertly under Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez and went the opening quarter mile in 21.85 seconds. She extended her lead to five lengths through a half mile in 45.68 before crossing the wire in a final time of 58.66 seconds. Four races earlier, the 2-year-old Cal-bred Stay Quiet won... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 8, 2023) — Condolences are in order to friends and family of longtime California breeder/owner Nick Cafarchia, who passed away on Monday at age 84.  California-breds Road to Slew, who earned more than $875,000 and won the Grade I Kilroe Mile in 2001 and Rare Charmer, a Grade II winner who banked more than $540,000, rank among Carfarchia’s top homebreds. ...

From Barton Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (June 1, 2023)—Shaaz, a $1,100,000 two-year-old thoroughbred purchase, has arrived and will be standing stud at Barton Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez beginning in the 2024 breeding season. A son of Champion Uncle Mo out of a graded stakes-producing Mineshaft mare, Shaaz had a brilliant career on the race track, earning nearly $200,000 before his racing career ended. Shaaz won his first three starts at Santa Anita in excellent times and earning exceptional Beyer and E numbers.  He defeated current graded-stakes winner Hopkins in his first start. Favored in all of his five career starts, Shaaz next ran third in a graded stakes mile in Texas, and in the last race of his track performance, he ran fourth in the Grade I Bing Crosby at Del Mar. Possessing faultless conformation, a black-type pedigree, and superior racing ability, Shaaz would appear to be one of the most desirable bloodlines to be available in California. Shaaz will be standing for a fee of $5,000 LFSN in 2024,... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ELK GROVE, Calif. (May 30, 2023) — Not only did Fast Buck ‘s dogged win in the May 27 Daytona Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park hand his trainer Cesar De Alba his first win in graded company, but it was the first graded win for the gelding’s sire Gallant Son  as well. With a record of 11-5-6 from 40 starts, Gallant Son retired to stud in 2016 at Daehling Ranch in Elk Grove, Calif., as a multiple stakes winner capped by a victory in the 2010 Inglewood Handicap (G3T). He was initially entered into stud in partnership, but is now owned by Justin and Julia Oldfield who took over the ranch when Julia’s father/founder Joe Daehling died several years back. “My wife and I are second generation. My father-in-law passed away in 2019 and we took over the business and are continuing on with the operation and trying to grow it,” said Justin Oldfield. “Gallant Son went to Washington for a couple years and we had the opportunity to get him back this... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (June 3, 2023) – Big Hug, an Alberta-bred daughter of California stallion Mr. Big, won Friday’s $50,000 Chariot Chaser Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Century Mile. Big Hug is out of the Unusual Heat mare Temeeku and has five wins in six starts with earnings of $129,837. She ran the six furlongs in 1:11.05 and won by 2 1/2 lengths at odds of 3-2. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (May 29, 2023)—Trainer Eric Kruljac reported The Chosen Vron was “in great shape” Monday morning one day after earning his seventh consecutive victory in the Thor’s Echo Stakes for statebreds.             “All is good. He’s a special horse,” Kruljac said when reached by phone.             In the six-furlong Thor’s Echo, The Chosen Vron sat comfortably behind a contested pace under Hector Berrios before rolling to a dominant 5 ½-length win. He paid $3.40 as the popular 3-5 favorite in a four-horse field.             Left in The Chosen Vron’s wake Sunday were runner-up Tigre De Slugo and Brickyard Ride, who himself has been a win-machine for trainer Craig Lewis and owner-breeder Alfred A. Pais.             Brickyard Ride, the 4-5 second choice in the Thor’s Echo, dueled on the lead with longshot Sunrise Journey through fractions of 21.82 and 44.41 seconds before fading in the stretch. Lewis reported Brickyard Ride also appeared no worse for wear Monday morning.             “He’s alright. It just wasn’t his day.... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity   ARCADIA, CA (May 29, 2023)—Old Pal served notice for trainer Mark Glatt Sunday when uncorking a furious rally in the final furlong to win his stakes debut in the Snow Chief Stakes presented by City National Bank for 3-year-old statebreds going 1 1/8 miles on turf.             Sent off as the 5-2 second choice, Old Pal raced near the rear of the field while saving ground throughout under Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez. With Clouseau showing the way up front, Old Pal began to steadily improve his position on the second turn. Then when the field reached the stretch, it was “go” time for Old Pal. The Grazen gelding responded, sizzling the final furlong in under 12 seconds to reel in a game Clouseau for trainer Ian Kruljac.             Old Pal crossed the wire in 1:50.14 on a firm course to win by three-quarters of a length. He returned $7.40 as the second choice in the wagering. Boss Sully, the 8-5 favorite who had... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 28, 2023)—A California-bred superstar in the making, Doug O’Neill’s Ceiling Crusher led throughout en route to a smashing 17-length victory in Sunday’s $100,000 Melair Stakes at Santa Anita.  Ridden by Juan Hernandez, the Northern California Yearling Sale graduate remained unbeaten in four starts and in her first try around two turns, got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:44.25.                 The Melair is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses.                 A 15 ½ length winner of the 6 ½ furlong Evening Jewel Stakes on April 8, Ceiling Crusher went straight to the front out of the gate and although she was tested around the far turn by eventual third place finisher Chismosa, the Melair was never at any point in doubt as the 3-year-old daughter of Mr. Big had a sixth length advantage three sixteenths of a mile out in an absolute rout. “She is a very nice filly. She’s top notch and a quality... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity   ARCADIA, CA (May 28, 2023)—Paul and Zillah Reddam’s homebred Eddie’s New Dream bounded to the lead out of the starting gate and was in control thereafter en route to a half length score in Sunday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita.  Trained by Ben Cecil and ridden by Mario Gutierrez, Eddie’s New Dream, a 5-year-old California-bred mare by Square Eddie, got a mile on turf in 1:35.05.                 The Fran’s Valentine is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses.                 Although the Nick Alexander owned and bred Rose Maddox poised menacingly turning for home and was gaining inches late, she couldn’t get on terms with the winner in a big effort. “She was a lot fresher and sharp today,” said Gutierrez.  “I was looking for an easy lead and they weren’t pressing me.  I knew she would be tough to beat on the front end. She gave me her best at the end.”                  Most recently third sprinting... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (May 28, 2023)—In control on the lead throughout, John Sadler’s Kings River Knight powered to a 2 ¼ length win in Sunday’s first race at Santa Anita, the $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes.  Ridden for the first time by Juan Hernandez, the 5-year-old gelding by Acclamation got one mile on turf in 1:34.55.                 The Crystal Water is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired runners.                 With Hernandez nurturing his natural speed on the front end to the far turn, Kings River Knight kicked into high gear turning for home and was widening on runner-up Coalinga Road at the wire, providing his connections with his first stakes win in career start number nine. “I told (Juan Hernandez) it is probably best when you draw the one to set the pace,” said Sadler. “The horse has done very well. He came to me in good shape from Andy Mathis, who thought there were a few more opportunities down here for... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 27, 2023)—Ridden for the first time by Hector Berrios, California-bred Fast Buck broke like a shot and was never headed in taking Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Daytona Stakes at Santa Anita by a neck.  Trained by Cesar DeAlba, Fast Buck got about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:11.68.                 A gate to wire second condition allowance winner going six furlongs out of Santa Anita’s turf chute, Fast Buck rocketed through an opening quarter mile in 21.05, and a half mile in 42.62 as held a six length advantage at the quarter pole en route to an interior split going six furlongs in 1:05.58.                 “The trainer told me to just keep moving him and not let him think,” said Berrios.  “That’s what I did, I took him to the lead and I kept him moving until the wire.  I knew I was the winner, the last eighth, I came out a bit to let the other horse (Whatmakessammyrun) catch... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (May 31, 2023) – Eddie’s On Patrol is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $50,000 Chariot Chaser Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Century Mile. Eddie’s On Patrol is by Square Eddie, out of the Nacheezmo mare Roveing Patrol, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Mohamad Khan and trained by James Brown. She has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $30,355 and is coming off a second in a May 27 optional claimer. ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (May 31, 2023) – California-breds Money Muncher and Flashin Aces are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Western Canada Handicap for 3-year-olds at Century Mile. Money Muncher is by Boisterous, out of the Bernstein mare Stardust Up, was bred by Gary Kropp, Janet Kropp, Bill Dory & Sandy Dory, is owned by C and H Duggan Farms and trained by Jodey Payne. He has two wins in 13 starts, earnings of $30,669 and is coming off a May 13 claiming win. Flashin Aces is by Danzing Candy, out of the Najran mare Sweet Dreamin, was bred by Kenneth D’Oyen is owned by James Stephenson and trained by James Brown. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $24,874 and is coming off a May 5 claiming win. ...

Message from Dr. Jeff Blea and the CHRB Attention horsemen: please read this important message from Dr. Jeff Blea and the CHRB:   Recently, there have been 15 new Vesicular Stomatitis Virus affected equine premises identified (4 confirmed positive, 11 suspect) in southern California.   Due to the threat of a potential outbreak, effective immediately, all horses shipping into San Luis Rey Downs, Los Alamitos, and Santa Anita Racetrack from within California, shall be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection with the following statement until further notice:   “I have examined all the animals identified on this certificate within 14 days of the shipment date and have found them to be free from signs of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). During the last 14 days, these animals have not been exposed to VSV nor located on a VSV-confirmed or VSV-suspected premises.” ...

BENSALEM, Pa. (May 23, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Yo Yo Candy won at first asking on Tuesday in the first race at Parx Racing, a maiden special weight for 2-year-olds. Yo Yo Candy is by Danzing Candy, out of the Two Punch mare Yolando B. Too, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, is owned by Happy Tenth Stable and trained by Daniel Velazquez. Yo Yo Candy ran the 4 ½ furlongs in :53.64 and won by three lengths at odds of 3-1 in a field of six. He sold for $6,000 at the Northern California Yearling Sale and resold for $35,000 at the OBS March 2-Year-Old in-training Sale. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 21, 2023) — Longtime trainer Jeff Bonde reported all was well with the promising 2-year-old filly Crazy Hot after her sparkling 10 ¾-length debut win here Saturday for owners Rusty Brown and Cory Thabit.             “Everything is well. She looks good,” Bonde said from Clocker’s Corner.             Crazy Hot was bet down to the 9-5 favorite for her debut in Saturday’s third race, a 4 ½-furlong dash for Cal-bred 2-year-old fillies. She did not disappoint. The daughter of Kentucky-based stallion Goldencents chased the early pace after breaking from the outside stall under Geovanni Franco. But at about the three-eighths pole, Crazy Hot unleashed a sweeping move to blow past the field. She continued to extend her advantage through the stretch before crossing the wire in a final time of 52.44 seconds.             Crazy Hot was purchased by Bonde last year for $75,000 at the Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All Ages Sale. She is campaigned by Rusty Brown and Cory Thabit.... ...

From Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 20, 2023) — Recalcitrant  became the first winner for freshman sire Pavel  when she took a California-bred $61,500 maiden special weight race by 4 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita Park May 20. The Reddam Racing homebred trained by Doug O’Neill, led from start to finish in the 4 1/2-furlong dirt race, timed in :52.80 under Mario Gutierrez on a fast track. She returned $3.40 to win after having been second in her debut April 29 at Santa Anita. Pushiness , the morning-line favorite, was scratched. Pavel also raced for the same connections as Recalcitrant, winner of the 2018 Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs in his top achievement. The former also won a maiden race at Santa Anita and the Smarty Jones Stakes (G3) at Parx Racing as a 3-year-old in 2017. The son of Creative Cause   retired from racing in 2019 with a 3-1-2 record in 18 starts with earnings of over $2 million. Pavel entered stud in 2020 and stands this year for an advertised fee of $4,000 at Ocean Breeze Ranch in Bonsall, Calif. Reddam Racing also campaigned Recalcitrant’s... ...

From DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (May 15, 2023) — Golden Gate Fields will operate an 18-day late summer and autumn meeting on a Saturday-through-Monday basis this year, eliminating racing on Fridays during the six-week season that begins Aug. 26. General manager David Duggan said Sunday that a move to Monday racing will be an attempt to boost handle for the Northern California track on a day in which few tracks operate after Labor Day. “Until we try to change things a little bit, we won’t be moving the needle,” Duggan said. The season will conclude Oct. 2. The proposed schedule change must be approved by the California Horse Racing Board, which is expected to address the track’s application for that race meeting in July. Mondays, as well as Tuesdays, are the slowest racing day of the week as measured by number of tracks operating. Last September, Arizona Downs and Arapahoe Park were the only tracks in the west to race on Mondays. Arizona Downs does not have racing dates in 2023. During... ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (May 11, 2023) — The stakes schedule for the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., this summer has been enhanced to include the $150,000 Pleasanton Mile, a newly created race that will be the richest in the history of the Northern California fair circuit. The Pleasanton Mile will be run on July 9 for 3-year-olds and up at a mile and 70 yards. The race is part of the closing day of the county fair’s four-week meeting, which begins on June 16. The July 9 program will include the $75,000 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs. “This is a chance to hopefully create a special day of racing,” said Tom Doutrich, Pleasanton’s racing secretary. The 13-day meeting will be run primarily on a Friday-through-Sunday schedule and will include racing on Tuesday, July 4, in conjunction with the holiday. Pleasanton will host four Thoroughbred stakes and one for Quarter Horses. The other Thoroughbred stakes are worth $75,000 – the She’s a Tiger Stakes for fillies... ...

From Racing.com ADELAIDE, Australia (May 6, 2023) — Ben and JD Hayes continued their affinity with the Adelaide Goodwood Carnival by winning the Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes (1600m) with promising filly Caste, by California stallion Sir Prancealot. The three-year-old filly jumped $6.50 third-favourite and was set a task of overrunning Foxy Frida ($2.90F) in the run to the post but proved too strong under a perfect ride from Michael Dee who brought up a treble. It was a second successive Stakes victory in Adelaide for the Sir Prancealot filly, who won the Listed Nitschke Stakes (1400m) last start. “That was very impressive in what was a very hard race,” Ben Hayes said. “She came from the rear of the field and just attacked the line over a mile. “To win a Group 2 when she was so down in the weights – she was poorly weighted – it’s a very good effort.” Hayes said the paddock would likely beckon for Caste, who is unbeaten this preparation. “We’re going... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 7, 2023) — California-bred One in Vermillion was resting comfortably at Santa Anita Sunday morning one day after upsetting the seven-furlong Lazaro Barrera for 3-year-olds.             One in Vermillion’s 5 ¼-length win as the longest shot on the board was his fourth stakes win and first for trainer Eric Kruljac. The Army Mule colt, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, made his first five starts at Turf Paradise and Sunland Park for trainer Esteban Martinez. Last year, he won the Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity and Lost in the Fog Juvenile, also at Turf Paradise. He returned to win the Riley Allison Derby on Jan. 29 before running fifth in the GIII Sunland Park Derby.             One in Vermillion joined Kruljac’s stable ahead of the GI Santa Anita Derby on April 8 where he ran fifth at 53-1. Cut back to an elongated sprint distance in the Lazaro Barrera, One in Vermillion broke in front under Hector Berrios and was never headed. He extended... ...

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2023) – Southern California invader Hacking It Up sat in midfield off a swift pace, swung to the center of the course in midfield turning into the stretch, and ran down runner up finisher Clovisconnection for a half-length win in Sunday’s $75,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds. With the win, Hacking It Up improved his lifetime race record to 3 wins and 1 third place finish from 8 lifetime starts. The son of Nyquist out of the Square Eddie mare Hacktivism earned $45,000 for the Silky Sullivan victory and increased his career earnings to $160,580. Hacking It Up was bred in California by Reddam Racing LLC and is owned by Qatar Racing LLC. Hacking It Up, who stopped the clock for one mile on firm turf in 1:37.87, went off as the 7-2 second choice in the wagering and paid $9.60 to win, $5.60 to place, and $4.40 to show. 4-1 shot Clovisconnection, who stalked a quick pace, took... ...

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2023) – California-bred Carole Lombard continued the dominating weekend of breeder/owner Nick Alexander and stallion Grazen on Sunday by rallying through the lane to edge Proof She Zips and win the $75,000 Campanile Stake for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Out of the Afleet Alex mare Shesabronxbomber and trained by Phil D’Amato, Carole Lombard has three wins in six starts, earnings of $151,820 and was coming off a Mar. 31 optional claimer win. Carole Lombard ran the mile on turf in 1:37.97 and won by a neck at odds of 7-5 in a field of six. Proof She Zips was second and favored Sell the Dream was third. On Saturday, Alexander was the breeder and owner of Cal-bred Grazen daughters Rose Maddux, winner of the Golden Poppy Stakes and Alice Marble, winner of the Camilla Urso, both at Golden Gate. Carole Lombard, given a well-timed ride by Golden Gate Fields Winter/Spring meet leading rider Assael Espinoza, sat off a quick... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2023) – Reliable California-bred Rose Maddux made up a five-length deficit in the final eighth of a mile to win Saturday’s $75,000 Golden Poppy Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Rose Maddux is by Grazen, out of the Unusual Heat mare Heat the Rocks, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steven Miyadi. She has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $307,782 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 17 Irish O’Brien. Alexander also is the breeder and owner of Alice Marble, who won the Camilla Urso Stakes two races earlier and also was sired by Grazen. Rose Maddux ran the 1 1/16 on turf in 1:44.17 and won by a head at odds of 5-1 in a field of 10. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2023) – Odds-on favorite Top Harbor overcame a late start with a rush in the middle of the stretch to win Saturday’s $75,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate. Top Harbor is by Harbor the Gold, out of the He’s Top mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by owners Eric Schweiger, Gordy Jarnig & Kenny Marshall and is trained by Tim McCanna. He has seven wins in 16 starts, earnings of $327,114 and was coming off a win in an Apr. 1 allowance. He ran the six furlongs in 1:09 4/5 and won by 2 1/4 lengths at odds of 4-5 in the field of seven. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2023) – Classy California-bred Alice Marble rallied with a rush to nail Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way at the wire to win Saturday’s $75,000 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Alice Marble is by Grazen, out of the More Than Ready mare Unsung Heroine, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $515,880 and was coming off a win in the Mar. 17 Irish O’Brien. “It was the first time I’ve been on her, and it was an absolute pleasure,” said jockey Umberto Rispoli. “I think, for her, she prefers six, six and a half [furlongs]. I feel that she was gearing up at the top of the stretch and when I put her into the clear, she did the rest.” She ran the five furlongs in :56.59 and won by a head as the 6-5 favorite in the field of eight. ...

LAUREL, Md. (Apr. 29, 2023) – Princess Kokachin, a Maryland-bred daughter of California stallion Graydar, won Saturday’s $100,000 Primonetta Stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. Princess Kokachin, out of the Speightstown mare Serenity Hill, has 11 wins in 22 starts and earnings of $453,420. The 5-year-old mare went wire-to-wire over the six furlongs in 1:11.95 on a good track and won by one-half length as the 2-1 favorite. She was fourth in this race last year. ...

By Bloodhorse.com GEORGETOWN, Ky. (Apr. 28, 2023) — Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., announced April 28 the passing of Disturbingthepeace  due to complications from colic. The two-time winner of the Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2) and earner of over $650,000 was 25. The beautiful bay gelding by Bold Badgett out of Regal Riot, by Sovereign Dancer, was bred in California by Old English Rancho and Patsy McKuen. Disturbingthepeace scored his first win as a 3-year-old in his fourth start in a maiden special weight race at Del Mar Aug. 27, 2001, under the care of trainer Darrell Vienna, and owners David and Rita Milch. He would improve substantially with maturity and strung together six straight wins at 4. Three of those victories were captured at Del Mar in the Triple Bend Breeders’ Cup Invitational Handicap (G2), Bing Crosby Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G2), and his first win in the Pat O’Brien. The win streak began with wins in two allowance races at Santa Anita Park, and one allowance optional claiming race at... ...

OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 27, 2023) – A pair of California-breds brought six-figure prices at Thursday’s session of the OBS 2-Year-Old in Training Spring Sale. Hip 843, a Nyquist colt, sold for $400,000 to Slugo Racing. The colt, out of the stakes-placed Square Eddie mare Radish, was bred by Reddam Racing and consigned by Wavertree Stables, agent. He posted a 10.0 second time in the under-tack furlong workout. Hip 834, a colt by Maclean’s Music, sold for $240,000 to Jet Horse LLC. The colt, out of the Bernardini mare Queen Bernardina, was bred by Liberty Road Stables and consigned by Scanlon Training and Sales, agent. A $145,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipton California Yearling Sale, he also was timed in 10.1 for one furlong. ...

From National Museum of Racing SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Apr. 25, 2023) — Eight new members have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The class of 2023 is comprised of jockey Corey Nakatani and the racehorses Arrogate (KY), California Chrome (CA), and Songbird (KY) in the contemporary category; jockey Fernando Toro via the Historic Review Committee; and Pillars of the Turf selections John W. Hanes II, Leonard W. Jerome, and Stella F. Thayer. Arrogate, California Chrome, and Songbird were all elected in their first year of eligibility. The 2023 Hall of Fame class will be enshrined on Friday, Aug. 4, at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Museum website at www.racingmuseum.org. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Corey Nakatani, 52, a native of Covina, Calif., won 3,909 races with purse earnings of $234,554,534 in a career that spanned from 1988 through 2018. His 341 graded stakes victories included 10 Breeders’... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 23, 2023)— California-bred Brickyard Ride was in fine fettle Sunday morning after successfully defending his title in the $100,000 Grade III Kona Gold here on Saturday.             “All good,” trainer Craig Lewis said trackside Sunday morning.             In the 6 ½-furlong Kona Gold, odds-on favorite Brickyard Ride sped to the front under Juan Hernandez and clicked off sharp fractions of 21.77 and 43.92 seconds for the opening half mile. He was being pressed throughout by 9-5 second choice Anarchist, who would prove a stubborn foe in his first graded stakes on dirt for trainer Doug O’Neill.              Brickyard Ride continued to motor in the stretch and held a one length advantage when reaching the eighth pole in 1:08.95. He held well in the final furlong, ultimately crossing the wire a half-length winner in a time of 1:15.84. The effort returned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure, according to Daily Racing Form.            “He’s a warrior. This horse has won 13 races.... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 20, 2023) — California-bred multiple graded winner Slow Down Andy, sidelined since a third in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland Nov. 5, had his first work of the year on Sunday for trainer Doug O’Neill. The Grade II winner drilled three furlongs in 36.6 seconds on a track listed as “fast.”             Slow Down Andy was originally slated to return in the GI Malibu here on Dec 26, but that plan was scrapped when O’Neill was not satisfied with how he had been training. Slow Down Andy was sent to owner Paul and Zilla Reddam’s Ocean Breeze Ranch in early February where he was turned out.             Slow Down Andy has four wins in 10 starts with earnings of $909,100. Last year, he won the GIII Sunland Park Derby on dirt and GII Del Mar Derby on turf. In the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, Slow Down Andy was forwardly placed throughout before crossing the wire third, less than two lengths behind... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. ( Apr. 16, 2023) — California-bred Luv Luv won Saturday’s $60,000 Wildcat Stakes at Turf Paradise. Luv Luv is by Lakerville, out of the Fasliyev mare Lucera, was bred by Michael Neumann & Francoise Dupuis and is owned by trainer Adam Kitchingman. He has four wins in 27 starts and earnings of $269,750. Luv Luv ran the 1 3/8 miles on turf in 2:14.64 and won by a head at odds of 9-2. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (April 8, 2023)—In a thrilling stretch duel that included some contact, Tim Yakteen’s Kangaroo Court prevailed by a head over Steve Knapp’s Bus Buzz in Saturday’s $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes at Santa Anita.  A 3-year-old gelding owned by George Sharp, trained by Tim Yakteen and ridden by Flavien Prat, Kangaroo Court got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.66.                 The Echo Eddie is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired 3-year-olds and was one of six stakes on the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby Day card.                 With Edwin Maldonado up, Bus Buzz out-footed the winner early, but was engaged to his outside leaving the three furlong pole by Kangaroo Court and the two were head and head from the top of the stretch to the wire, with each horse contributing equally to bumping approaching the eighth pole and again a sixteenth of a mile out.                 After a stewards’ inquiry, the original order of finish was allowed to stand.  ... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (April 8, 2023)—To quote the late, legendary Charlie Whittingham, “It was over when we entered.”  And The Bald Eagle would’ve been right, as Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher pressed Tom’s Regret to the far turn and then opened up to air by 15 ½ lengths in Saturday’s $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for 3-year-old fillies.  Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Ceiling Crusher got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.18 to remain unbeaten in three starts.                 Presented by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners, the Evening Jewel attracted a field of five.                 With Abel Cedillo and Tom’s Regret speeding to a narrow early lead, Ceiling Crusher put a head in front mid-way around the turn and from there, her only competition was the clock.                 “All the credit to my filly, she’s really great!” said Hernandez, Santa Anita’s runaway leading rider who registered his meet-leading 13th stakes win.  “Doug brought her ready... ...

From LOSANGELES, Calif. (Apr. 6, 2023) — California Horse Power Coalition (CHPC), a growing partnership of Thoroughbred associations, organizations representing backstretch workers and jockeys, animal wellness advocates and more, announced today the coalition’s commitment to fund the California breakout report as part of the American Horse Council’s California Economic Impact Study.   The American Horse Council consistently produces the most comprehensive national economic impact studies that showcase the vast benefits that the equine industry brings to communities across the country,” said Josh Rubinstein, President of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, an American Horse Council member. “As our industry continues to evolve, we are confident that the results will underscore our industry’s commitment to advancing California’s economy, expanding the travel and tourism industry, and creating a space for friends and family to create unforgettable shared experiences together.”   The American Horse Council’s economic impact studies examine the industry’s contributions to the national GDP as well as individual states, which includes employment, volunteers, equid population, acreage, and more. Each category is also broken... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 9, 2023) – California stallion I’m Lock N Load was represented by his first winner on Sunday when Lucky Lockett won the first race at Golden Gate. Lucky Lockett is out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Blue’s Lucky Girl, was bred by owner Carol Anderson and trained by Isidro Tamayo. The 3-year-old filly ran the mile in 1:41.70 and won by one length at odds of 2-1 in a field of six. ...

PISA, Italy (Apr. 5, 2023) — Rio Natal, a 5-year-old Irish-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won Sunday’s listed 42,900 (Euro) Premio 24 Regione Toscana at Hippodromo San Rossore. Rio Natal, out of the Azamour mare Dansalong, ran the 2200 meters on turf in 2:18.80 and won by a length. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (April 1, 2023)—Recently troubled but worry-free today, Harris Farms’ homebred Closing Remarks got a perfect trip in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Royal Heroine Stakes at Santa Anita and she responded with an authoritative 1 ½ length score under Joe Bravo.  Trained by Carla Gaines, Closing Remarks, the lone California-bred in the field, got one mile on turf in 1:34.82.                 A much-troubled third at the same trip in the Grade II Buena Vista Stakes here on March 4, Closing Remarks was a settled fourth early as recent allowance winner Honey Jar sped to the lead which she held to the quarter pole.  On the move at that point and just two lengths off the lead, Closing Remarks wheeled four-deep into the lane and won as much best.                  “She just leaves the gate so settled and relaxed,” said Bravo, who was aboard for the eighth consecutive time today.  “Carla has done a great job bringing her around in each one of these races.  She... ...

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Mar. 25, 2023) – California-bred Sassy Nature led all the way to win Saturday’s $100,000 Melody of Colors Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park. Sassy Nature is by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire LLC, is owned by CTR Stables and trained by Jack Sisterson. The even-money favorite in a field of 10, Sassy Nature has three wins in five starts, earnings of $151,440 and was coming off a Mar. 1 optional claiming win. She ran the five furlongs on turf in :55.50 and won by 2 ¼ lengths. ...

SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Mar. 27, 2023) – Stakes-winning California stallion Touched by Autism has been relocated to Easterbrook Ranch in San Miguel for the remainder of the 2023 breeding season, owner Johnny Toboada announced. Touched by Autism, a graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale, is a 10-year-old son of Sierra Sunset who won the 2018 Oakland Stakes at Golden Gate, one of his eight career wins. His first foals arrived this year. ...

OCALA, Fla. (Mar. 22, 2023) – A graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale sold for $100,000 in Wednesday’s session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sale 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. The Cat Burglar colt, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Janice Sue, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, consigned by Triple J Equine Sales and was purchased by Michael Pender, agent for Fihn Holdings. He was timed in 9.4 for on furlong in the under-tack workout. A half-brother to the stakes-placed Sharetheblame, the colt sold for $4,500 to Juan Zamora at the Northern California Yearling Sale. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (March 19, 2023)—First by a millimeter, heavily favored The Chosen Vron found a way to get it done in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes at Santa Anita as he had show punters looking for a bridge to jump from before the photo finish came down.  Owned in-part and trained by Eric Kruljac, The Chosen Vron nosed out a game Kings River Knight while getting about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:12.97 under Hector Berrios as the pair posed for their sixth consecutive win in what was The Chosen Vron’s 10th career stakes victory.                 The Sensational Star is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses.                 Ridden by Flavien Prat, Kings River Knight took the lead from Fast Buck at the half mile pole and these two went head and head for the front approaching the dirt crossing at the top of the lane as The Chosen Vron, who was bothered by an erratic... ...

From Golden Gate Fields Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2023) – American Farmer stalked the pace, moved up to challenge the leaders approaching the quarter pole, put away pacesetter Jimmy Blue Jeans at the furlong pole, and out-finished runner up Crazy Dreams for a hard-fought, half-length victory in the signature race of the day at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday, the $75,000 McCann’s Mojave Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles. Winning jockey William Antongeorgi III guided American Farmer to victory for trainer Steve Sherman.           The McCann’s Mojave, named in honor of the California-bred millionaire owned and bred by Santa Anita Publicity Director Mike Willman, was one of three new races for California-bred or sired runners added to the Golden Gate Winter/Spring meet stakes schedule this year. As a racehorse, McCann’s Mojave won the 2007 Grade 3 All American 2008 Grade 3 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate. He was victorious in the Sunshine Millions Classic in 2007, the California Cup Classic in 2005, and the Grade 2... ...

FLORENCE, Ky. (Mar. 17, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Opening Buzz rallied through the stretch to win Friday night’s $97,550 WEBN Frog Stakes for fillies and mares at Turfway Park. A multiple stakes winner, Opening Buzz is by Stanford, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She has five wins in eight starts and earnings of $201,993. She ran the six furlongs in 1:09.62 and won by a neck at odds of 3-2. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2023) — Alice Marble’s productive winter at Santa Anita continued Friday with a second-straight stakes win in the 6 1/2-furlong Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares, which was scheduled for the hillside turf course but moved to the main track.             Trainer Phil D’Amato Saturday morning said the Nick Alexander homebred “came out of the race in good shape” and would likely target a two-turn race for her next start. A leading possibility is the Fran’s Valentine Stakes, a one-mile turf race for California-breds which Alice Marble won last year.             “We’ll check out our options, but the Fran’s Valentine would be a logical choice,” D’Amato said.             In the Irish O’Brien, Alice Marble stalked the pace in second under Flavien Prat before taking over near the quarter pole and crossing the wire a 1 ¼-length winner. The runner-up, Rose Maddox, finished well in an encouraging effort after having to check hard on the turn. Rose Maddox,... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 12, 2023) — Last Monday, Nashoba’s Key was inducted into the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Hall of Fame for a brilliant 10-race career that spanned just 14 months starting in January 2007.             Carla Gaines, who trained Nashoba’s Key for owner-breeder Warren B. Williamson, was on hand for the ceremony. She reminisced on the life and times of Nashoba’s Key earlier this week.             “This means a lot,” Gaines said of the induction. “She was just a consummate, tenacious racehorse. She so deserves this.”             Nashoba’s Key didn’t debut until January of her 4-year-old season. She would win her first seven starts, all in Southern California, including the Grade I Yellow Ribbon, Grade I Vanity Handicap, Grade II Clement L. Hirsch and Grade II Milady Handicap. The streak was finally snapped in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at a rainy Monmouth Park when she finished fourth, beaten about two lengths by Lahudood.             “I gave Joe Talamo specific instructions, don’t... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2023) – California stallion Gato Del Oro was represented by his first winner on Thursday when Storm d’Oro won the eighth race at Santa Anita. Storm d’Oro is a 3-year-old filly out of the Distorted Humor mare Sardonic, was bred by BG Thoroughbred Farm, which is also co-owner with Royalty Stable, and is trained by Hector Palma. She won by seven lengths at odds of 2-1 in a field of seven and ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:19.61. Gato Del Oro, a son of Medaglia d’Oro, stands at BG Thoroughbred Farm in Hemet. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2023) – Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will hold eight stakes restricted to Golden State Series eligibles worth a total of $1.15 million at this year’s 84th season of racing. “We’ve got a stakes schedule that mirrors our record program of last year,” noted Del Mar vice president and racing secretary David Jerkens. “We made a couple of very minor tweaks, but otherwise it’s the same offerings at the same value that our horsemen and women found especially pleasing last year.” As it has for decades, the $100,000 Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds on the grass will kick off the proceedings on opening day. And closing day – Sunday, September 10 – once more will be headlined by the Grade I, $300,000 Runhappy Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs, the championship event for 2-year-olds at the session. The track’s six Grade I affairs are led by the FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic, of course, but also include the $400,000 Bing Crosby Stakes for... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2023) — Grade I winner Fun to Dream added the title of 2022 California-bred Horse of the Year to her resume, it was announced at the CTBA Awards Dinner on Monday night at Le Meridien Hotel. Fun to Dream is by Arrogate, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess, was bred by Connie Pageler & Bob Baffert, is owned by Natalie J. Baffert & Pageler and trained by Bob Baffert. She had already been named champion Cal-bred 3-year-old female and sprinter and her dam was named Cal-bred broodmare of the year. “I did this, it was a crazy thing, I called Garrett O’Rourke at Juddmonte and I told him I’m going to do something really crazy, I’m sending you a mare that I claimed for $8,000,” said Bob Baffert, who was voted Trainer of the Year. “I saw those guys with California Chrome and an $8,000 mare and thought, why can’t we do that? I told Connie, we’re going to breed her to Arrogate, one of... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 2, 2023)–Safe to say Bill Spawr, 83, who announced earlier this week that he had disbanded his stable, perhaps did more with less over a remarkable 46-year career as a public trainer than most all of his contemporaries.                 A star running back at Downey High School who got hooked on racing while working as a part time clerk in a local liquor store that served up Daily Racing Form, Bill Spawr, who was born on Dec. 13, 1939 in Bell, CA, gravitated to the racetrack full-time at age 23 and gained invaluable experience as a veterinarian assistant for 14 years, prior to forming a public stable in 1977.                 Although he was never positioned to receive a steady influx of well-bred talent, Spawr’s successes came largely through the claim box and via a time-tested formula for doing well—hard work.  With 1,709 career wins, Spawr amassed two Winter/Spring training titles at Santa Anita, in 1991 and 1996, two titles at the track’s Oak... ...

From DMTC Publicity Del Mar Thoroughbred Club projected its most lucrative racing season ever last summer, then backed it up with a record-breaking meet that saw purse levels total above $25-million for the session resulting in an unprecedented average purse payout of more than $800,000 per day. Those numbers, the highest in California racing history, are in the track’s sights once again with the aim, amazingly enough, to go even bigger and better for this year’s 31-day stand, which will be the iconic track’s 84th season. As it did in 2022, the seaside oval will present 39 major stakes, six of which are designated as Breeders’ Cup Challenges races, offering a total of $8,275,000 during its eight-week summer run. It also will continue its highly successful “Ship & Win” program to attract more horses to come and take part in the summer festivities and continue with its well-received Maiden Dirt Bonus plan, which was fully implemented last summer. Del Mar’s summer meet set records in 2022 with more than $18.7 million... ...

By DRF.com SARATOGA, N.Y. (Feb. 28, 2023) — First-time eligible Thoroughbred champions Arrogate, California Chrome, Lady Eli, and Songbird are among six new names that will appear on the ballot for the first time for possible election into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, it was announced on Tuesday. Trainer John Sadler along with retired trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, though previously eligible, are also newcomers to the Hall of Fame ballot. The aforementioned quartet of horses join previously nominated racehorses Blind Luck, Game On Dude, Havre de Grace, Kona Gold, and Rags to Riches on the ballot. Sadler and McLaughlin join previously nominated trainers Christophe Clement, Graham Motion, Doug O’Neill, and John Shirreffs for consideration. Corey Nakatani, who has been on the ballot the last several years, is the only jockey who appears on the ballot this year. Hall of Fame voters may select as many candidates as they deem worthy of induction. To gain election, each candidate must receive 50 percent plus one vote from the voting... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (Jan. 27, 2023) – California stallions are making an impact in the Pacific Northwest, as the recently held Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association annual awards demonstrated. Three of the awards were presented to horses sired by California stallion. They were: Slew’s Tiz Whiz, a son of Slew’s Tiznow, was named Richard Wright Memorial Horse of the Year and Scatter Training Center champion holder horse; Blazingbellablu, a daughter of Grazen, was named champion older filly or mare; The Big Wam, a son of Mr. Big, was named champion 2-year-old male.   ...

From Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2023) — The Breeders’ Cup, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end global championship event, announced that the 41st Breeders’ Cup World Championships would take place at Del Mar next year, marking the third time the Southern California track will serve as host of the two-day event. The 2024 dates for the Breeders’ Cup are Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2. The Breeders’ Cup World Championships consists of 14 grade 1 races with purses and awards totaling more than $31 million, drawing the many of the world’s best horses, trainers, and jockeys to compete. An event that rotates among host sites, the Breeders’ Cup has been staged exclusively in California and Kentucky since 2008. Fans interested in ticket information for the 2024 World Championships can sign up here. “We are delighted to announce that the World Championships will be returning to Del Mar next year for what is sure to be an unforgettable two-year-run on the West Coast,” said Drew Fleming, Breeders’ Cup president and CEO. “Breeders’ Cup has always been a... ...

Press release from EquiRing LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2023) – EquiRing, in conjunction with Adrian Gonzalez of Checkmate Thoroughbreds, will be joining forces to create a sales venue for the California market. The first sale will be held in April and will have a focus on two-year olds, horses in training, and current proven horses that might have a particularly interesting update.  This will be open to breeding stock as well. Adrian Gonzalez discussed the market, saying, “California is a vibrant market with great owners and breeders. We are hungry for a consistent and efficient way to trade horses. We have worked with EquiRing and enjoyed success with our stallion season auctions, and we look forward to building on that success with this venture.” Jamie LaMonica, President of EquiRing, said, “Adrian is a rising star in the business and is knowledgeable in all aspects of the game. We could not be more delighted and enthusiastic to be working together on this project. California has some of the best racing and... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2023)—In another thoroughly dominant performance, the Eric Kruljac-trained The Chosen Vron made every pole a winning one as he amassed his ninth career stakes victory by taking Monday’s $100,000 Tiznow Stakes by 6 ½ lengths.  Ridden by Hector Berrios, the 5-year-old gelding by Vronsky got a flat mile in 1:36.16.                 The Tiznow, for older horses, is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses.                 Breaking like a shot from his outside post, The Chosen Vron was immediately in control in the run to the Club House turn and although pressed by eventual runner-up Leyas Candy to his outside, shook clear while in-hand at the top of the lane and was only running against the clock the final three sixteenths of a mile.                 “It was a huge effort for him,” said Kruljac.  “Coming back off of the sprint (a neck victory in the six furlong Cal Cup Sprint on Jan. 7) where he used himself... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2023)—Although in top recent form on grass, Nick Alexander’s homebred Alice Marble proved invincible in taking Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes at Santa Anita, as she rallied from off the pace under Flavien Prat to win by 1 ¾ emphatic lengths and is thus unbeaten in four tries on the main track. Trained by Phil D’Amato, Alice Marble got six furlongs in 1:10.29. The Spring Fever is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners. Quick from her rail post, but content to let a threesome of Doris Mae, Chancery Way and Eddie’s New Dream duke it out on the front end, Prat bided his time to deep stretch, where he found a seam between horses a furlong out and burst clear in short order. “She broke well, I was traveling super,” said Prat, who recommended Alice Marble run in today’s Spring Fever instead of against open company going 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf... ...

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2023) — In turf sprints at Del Mar and Santa Anita and 1,000-yard races at Los Alamitos, California-bred See Through It was unbeatable in his final five starts of 2022. It turns out the versatile 6-year-old gelding can handle the synthetic main track at Golden Gate Fields just fine, too. In his debut on the surface, See Through It closed from sixth in a field of eight to win his Thoroughbred stakes debut in Saturday’s $76,350 El Dorado Shooter Stakes for California-breds at six furlongs. See Through It is by Curlin to Mischief, was bred by Los Alamitos owner Dr. Ed Allred, is owned by Belico Racing LLC and Lizbeth Medina and trained by Milton Pineda. He has 11 wins in 30 starts and earnings of $250,694. Ridden by Brayan Pena, See Through It ($21) caught 8-5 favorite Top Harbor in the final sixteenth to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:09.18. Top Harbor led in the stretch and held second, finishing... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 18, 2023) – Longshot California-bred Special Moment rallied from last to win Saturday’s $60,000 Startac Stakes for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Special Moment is by Stanford, out of the Blame mare Blame It Onthesong, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds and Gaylon McGee and trained by Bart Hone. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $59,669 and was coming off a maiden optional claiming win. Special Moment ran the 7 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:32.19 and won by three-quarters of a length and odds of 13-1 in a field of nine. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 18, 2023) – Favored California-bred Don’t Get Pickled rallied from the back of the pack to win Saturday’s $60,000 Princess of Palms Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Don’t Get Pickled is by Misremembered, out of the Successful Appeal mare C C’s Pride, was bred by Harry and Cheryl Keshian, is owned by H. M. A. Stable and trained by Miguel Hernandez. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $68,051 and was coming off a second in the ATBA 3-Year-Old Sales Stakes. She ran the 7 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:32.22 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 5-2 in a field of eight. ...

Press Release from Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal PIRU, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2023)—In a major move to make Thoroughbred racing partnerships more accessible, fun and affordable, the successful team of California-based owner Tim Cohen of Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal and Kentucky-based bloodstock agent Joe Miller of Kern Thoroughbreds are launching Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners (RTTP). This new boutique initiative will allow individuals to tap into a winning formula that has yielded dozens of stakes winners and top ownership honors at Del Mar and Santa Anita Park, primarily through the acquisition and import of quality international runners.   Founded by the late Jed Cohen, Tim’s father, Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal utilizes Miller’s expertise to identify and acquire race-ready European and North American bloodstock through public and private purchases. This finely tuned business model has yielded multiple Grade 1 winner Janet (GB), Grade 1 winner River Boyne (Ire) and multiple Grade 1 winner and 2021 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) runner-up Dr. Schivel, among other notable color bearers, while boosting the Cohen family’s... ...

Press Release from Arroyo Vista Farm VALLEY CENTER, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2023) — Visitant, a multiple stakes winner of 11 races in 20 career starts, a track-record holder with earnings of over $676,000 by the very popular sire Ghostzapper, has been retired from racing and will begin his stallion career in 2023 at Arroyo Vista Farm in Southern California. Visitant is a homebred owned by Henry Williamson of Williamson Racing LLC, and has been part of the generationally successful thoroughbreds campaigned in California and Kentucky under those silks. The 7-year-old horse is out of the black-type mare, Peppermint Lounge, by Distorted Humor, who had four wins in just six starts for Williamson Racing and trainer Carla Gaines in Southern California. Visitant’s stud fee is set at an introductory rate of $2,500 live foal stand and nurse guarantee. “Visitant is our number one earning homebred male horse of all time and leads all runners in number of wins. He has been versatile, winning stakes races from six furlongs to a 1-1/8... ...

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2023) — John Barr, prominent California breeder and owner for the past half century and past president of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, passed away on Sunday. He was 93. Barr and wife, Betty, raced under the nom de course Oakcrest Stable. In addition to his 25 years of service on the CTBA Board of Directors, Barr served as president and director of the Oak Tree Racing Association, the Board of Stewards of The Jockey Club and for five years on the Board of Directors for Breeders’ Cup Ltd. In addition, the Army veteran served on the Board of Directors and was the Treasurer of the Richard Nixon President Library & Birthplace Foundation in Yorba Linda. At the racetrack, Barr’s stable included California Cup Distaff winner Bountiful Dreamer, multiple stakes winner Bob’s Lady, stakes winner and prolific broodmare Beverly Z., Real Good Deal Stakes winner Waingarth and Fran’s Valentine Stakes winner Bert’s Melody. In a 2016 California Thoroughbred profile, Barr explained that his career, which began in... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2023)—Ridden with supreme confidence by Juan Hernandez, California-bred Fun to Dream made short work of five rivals as she rallied from off the pace to take Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes by 2 ½ lengths.  Bred in-part and trained by Bob Baffert, the 4-year-old daughter of Arrogate got seven furlongs in 1:22.75.                 Unhurried out of the gate, Fun to Dream, the 1-2 favorite in a field of six older fillies and mares, was fifth, about two lengths off the lead at the three furlong pole and in very tight quarters.  Hernandez played it cool though and split horses while three-deep at the top of the lane and easily inhaled a well-meant Awake At Midnyte inside the furlong pole.                 “Juan rides her with so much confidence,” said Baffert, who got his second stakes win on the afternoon.  “He has gotten a chance to ride these good horses and that’s what he does—Is ride them with such confidence hoping they... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2023) — Santa Anita will conduct live racing on Friday, Feb. 24, which was a scheduled dark day.  First post time will be at 12:30 p.m. The card has been added as a makeup for weather-related cancellations earlier in the Classic Meet. ...

Press Release from Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2023) — Grade 1 winner Cistron sired his first reported foal, a filly out of the Acclamation mare Patriot Missile, born Jan. 30 at Harris Farms. A fourth generation Harris Farms homebred, she is the first foal from her dam, a half-sister to the G3-placed stakes winner Super Patriot ($371,554). The second dam Patriot C H is a half-sister to the Harris homebred G3 stakes winner Lucky J. H. ($632,065). This is the family of numerous G1 stars including City of Light, Cacoethes and Fabulous Notion. A stakes-placed winner at 2, Cistron won Oaklawn ‘s Northern Spur Stakes at 3 and graded stakes victories on both dirt and turf at 5 and 6 in the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1), Kona Gold Stakes (G2) and San Simeon Stakes (G3T) while earning $768,719 for owner Hronis Racing. Cistron is one of four graded winners from the first crop of the multiple War Front G1 winner The Factor. He stands his second season at Harris Farms for $3,500 Live Foal. ...

 2023-winter-sales-result.pdf (ctba.com) ...

Sale Results: 2023-winter-sales-result.pdf (ctba.com) POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 31 2023) – Poster Girl, a stakes-placed broodmare in foal to California stallion Halladay, sold for $70,000 to top Tuesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale at Fairplex. The 10-year-old Poster Girl, by English stallion Excellent Art and consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, was purchased by Cedros Bloodstock. She has a yearling filly by More Than Ready. The highest-priced 2-year-old at the sale was Rachael’s Ride, a California-bred filly by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Bodemeister mare Slalom, bred by Tony Busching and Carol Busching and purchased for $43,000 by Nick J. Hines, agent for M. Nentwig. Hines and Nentwig also combined to purchase a 2-year-old Cal-bred filly by Om, out of the stake-placed Good Journey mare Kathleen Rose and a 2-year-old Sir Prancealot colt out of the stakes-placed Havana Gold mare Nonna Giana. Both sold for $33,000. A 2-year-old Sir Prancealot filly, out of the Candy Ride filly Candy Forest, sold for $40,000 to Jeff Bonde. There were 90 horses sold for... ...

By DRF.com SUNLAND Park, N.M. (Jan. 29, 2023) – California-bred One in Vermillion won his third consecutive stakes race Sunday, when he came back along the rail after being passed for a length victory in the $100,000 Riley Allison Derby at Sunland Park. One in Vermillion is out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Jonathan Kalman and trained by Esteban Martinez. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $149,620 and was coming off a win in the Dec. 21 Lost in the Fog.   How Did He Do That was a fast-closing second, finishing three lengths clear of third-place finisher Loudmouthsoup.   The Riley Allison, which was run at one mile, served as the first of two local steppingstones to the Grade 3, $600,000 Sunland Derby on March 26. It also was one of four stakes on the card, including the $65,000 Borderplex won by Christian d’Oro. The Borderplex is one of two local preps for the $300,000... ...

FLORENCE, Ky. (Jan. 28, 2023) – Tommy Town Thoroughbreds’ homebred Opening Buzz, a graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale, won Saturday’s $97,852 Wishing Well Stakes at Turfway Park. Opening Buzz is by Stanford, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic and was trained by Jonathan Wong. Opening Buzz has four wins in six starts, earnings of $152,585 and was coming off a Dec. 1 allowance win. She ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.65 and won by one length, paying $5.54 for a $2 win bet as the second choice in a field of 11. ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Jan.28, 2023) — Rose Maddox closed from fifth along the inside in the final furlong to win the first stakes of her career in Saturday’s $75,900 Moscow Burning Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at Golden Gate Fields. Ridden by Assael Espinoza, Rose Maddox ($8.40) closed from seventh in a field of eight to finish a length in front of 7-5 favorite Chancery Way. Rose Maddox was timed in 1:38.67 for a mile on the synthetic main track. Chancery Way was beaten for the first time in her fifth start in the Moscow Burning. Chancery Way set early fractions of 23.90 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.57 for a half-mile, leading by 1 1/2 lengths with a furlong remaining. Chancery Way finished three-quarters of a length in front of 48-1 Shezarunaway, who closed from last and was briefly second in the stretch. :: DRF Bets players have exclusive access to FREE DRF Past Performances – Classic or Formulator! Join today.  Momma Mocca finished fourth, followed by... ...

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Jan. 28, 2023) — Pagan, a 5-year-old Irish-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancelot, ran his win streak to three by taking Friday’s Dirt Sprint Qualifier at King Abdulaziz Race Course. Pagan has seven wins in 27 starts and earings of $260,994 (AUD). He ran the 1200 meters in 1:13.40. ...

Press Release from Checkmate Thoroughbreds PARKFIELD, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2023) — Grade 1 winner Halladay sired his first reported foal when a colt out of the Unusual Heat mare Katie’s Heat was born on Jan. 17 at Checkmate Thoroughbreds in Parkfield, Calif. Owned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds LLC, Hector and Denise Cuevas, Raul Montenegro, and Javier Montenegro, Katie’s Heat is a daughter of California Broodmare of the Year Miss Soft Sell, who produced multiple G1 winner Brother Derek, winner of the Hollywood Derby (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1), and fourth in the Kentucky Derby (G1) en route to earnings of more than $1.6 million. Katie’s Heat is a half-sister to Dontsellmeshort, a multiple stakes winner of $402,365, Sister Kate, multiple stakes winner of $282,186, and Swizzle Stick, a stakes-placed earner of $129,964. Grade 1-Winner HALLADAY, was represented by his first foal on January 17th with a colt out of the Unusual Heat mare KATIE’S HEAT who was foaled at Checkmate Thoroughbreds in Parkfield California.   Halladay- a G1 winning son of... ...

From Golden Gate Fields Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2023) — The State of California’s Caltrans agency is doing construction in and around Golden Gate Fields.  The horsemen’s lot and overflow parking lot will be repaved and realigned starting January 23rd. If the weather cooperates, this phase of the project is expected to take 5-6 weeks to complete.  Please take caution and plan a little bit more arrival time during the construction. Turf Club We are pleased to announce that the Golden Gate Fields Turf Club will be open on all Fridays starting February 3rd and all Monday holidays during live racing for the remainder of the Winter-Spring meet.  We hope this will provide an additional opportunity for owners to come and enjoy the Turf Club amenities and food. Exacta Café – Coming Soon! We are also excited to announce that the Gift Shop on the second level of the grandstand is being converted into a coffee shop.  Called the ‘Exacta Café,’  this new addition will provide a convenient and enjoyable... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity       ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2023) — California-bred Brickyard Ride, a seven-time stakes winner for trainer Craig Lewis, continued preparations for his 6-year-old bow when drilling six furlongs Thursday at Santa Anita.       Brickyard Ride completed the move in 1:12.80, which was the fastest of five works at the distance. The full horse by Clubhouse Ride has been off since last May when he finished fifth in the Grade II Triple Bend.        “He went great, really doing well,” Lewis said from Clocker’s Corner after his charge cooled out.       The work on Thursday was Brickyard Ride’s sixth since Dec. 9. Lewis indicating he’s getting close to a race, but nothing has been decided at this point.       “When he’s ready he’ll tell me. It’s a long year,” the trainer noted.       A homebred for Alfred A. Pais, Brickyard Ride has racked up a record of 23-12-1-1 with earnings of $744,977. His biggest wins... ...

Press release from Thoroughbred Information Agency SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2023)—Grade 1-winning millionaire Mo Forza, the highest earner by leading sire Uncle Mo standing outside Kentucky, was represented by his firstborn foal on January 10: a filly out of the multiple winner Californiasunshine who was foaled in California.   Owned by Alice Bamford, Californiasunshine was the first of 99 mares bred to the Rancho San Miguel stallion in 2022. Her 2023 Mo Forza filly is the fourth offspring for the 10-year-old Lucky Pulpit mare, whose first foal, Sweet California, was a Santa Anita Park winner at 2 last year.   “She is quite a character already, thrilling everyone with her looks,” Bamford said of the Mo Forza filly, whom she owns with her co-breeder, Ann Eysenring. “In addition to being correct, she is a beautiful mover and a very good reason for her mama to return to Mo Forza next year.”   Mo Forza won seven graded stakes races in Southern California from 2019 through 2021, highlighted by the... ...

Press Release from Milky Way Farm TEMECULA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2023) — Milky Way Farm in Temecula is proud to announce they have been selected to stand the very popular race horse, Tizamagician, a son of Tiznow out of Magic Union by Dixie Union.  Trained by Richard Mandella for Spendthrift and Myracehorse,  Tizamagician earned $741,851,   with major accomplishments winning the Cougar 11  (Gr 3) at Del Mar and Tokyo City Cup (GR 3).    He also thrilled his connections by finishing 2nd in the TVG Pacific Classic (GR 1) as well as 2nd in the Brooklyn Stakes (GR 2) at Belmont and 2nd in the San Pasquel Stakes (GR 2) at Santa Anita.  His stud fee will be announced soon. ...

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2022) — Golden Gate Fields officials, the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the TOC (Thoroughbred Owners of California) have joined forces to add three stakes races to the 2023 Golden Gate Winter/Spring meet schedule. The trio of stakes are a part of the Golden State Series, a stakes schedule throughout the year designed specifically for California-bred or sired horses. Del Mar, Golden Gate, Los Alamitos, and Santa Anita all conduct numerous Golden State Series races throughout the calendar year.         Nominations close on Thursday for the inaugural running of the Moscow Burning, for California-bred or sired fillies and mares 4-years-old and upward at one mile on the Tapeta main track. The race is slated for next Saturday, January 21. On Saturday, March 18, Golden Gate presents the first edition of the McCann’s Mojave, for state-bred 4-year-olds and upward at one mile and an eighth on the Tapeta. The final stake of the Winter/Spring meet is also the last of the... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2023) — Longtime breeder and owner Mary Clare Schmitt, wife of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board member and vice chairperson George Schmitt, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 10. She was 77. Mary Clare was born in Butte, Montana as the second daughter of John Joseph and Patricia Sullivan. A lifelong practicing Catholic, Clare and George Schmitt were married on February 19, 1966 in Butte. She had nine brothers and sisters and has a myriad of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She bore three children and is blessed with six grandchildren. Daughter Joan Marie, married to Jeff Hawkins, has three lovely and smart granddaughters: Madison, Noel and Isabela. Son George the 8th, married to Jennifer, also has three children: Mary Grace, George the 9th, and Gavin, all smart and athletically gifted. She is now in heaven with her third child, John Joseph Schmitt, who died in 1983. She attended Catholic schools in Butte and college at the Montana lnstitute of Technology and Carroll College. She is an Honorary... ...

POMONA, Calif. (Jan 10, 2023) – Six horses have been supplemented to the CTBA’s Winter Mixed Sale, including a half-sister to recent California-bred Grade I winner Fun to Dream. The supplements are now online at 2023 Index to Supplemental Entries | CTBA. Acclaim the Queen is by Acclamation, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess. Acclaim the Queen earned $68,884 on the track and sells in foal to Finnegans Wake. Her half-sister, Fun to Dream, won the Grade I La Brea Stakes Dec. 26. Stakes winner Heck Yeah is a full sibling to Acclaim the Queen, who is consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds. Checkmate Thoroughbreds also consigned the supplemental entries Luckfromabove, an Irish-bred mare in foal to Halladay and the producer of two winners by Straight Fire; and D’s Lovely Sophia, a Big Bad Leroybrown mare with winnings of $168,143 that sells as a racing or broodmare prospect. Easterbrook Livestock Management is the consignor of three supplements. They are: Ultimate Assay, an unraced 4-year-old colt by Point of Entry; Hard But... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2023) – Grade I-placed California-bred California Kook sold for $170,000 as a racing or broodmare prospect at Monday’s opening Session of the Keeneland January Sale. California Kook is a 6-year-old by Boisterous, out of the Comic Strip mare Kukaluka, was bred by Wachtel Stable & Gary Barber, consigned by Bluewater Sales, agent, and was purchased by Nicoma, agent for JLM Estates. California Kook has four wins and earnings of $323,681. She was second in the Del Mar Oaks. She’s a full sister to stakes winner Kookie Gal. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. – Thirsty John could appear in a stakes for 3-year-olds anywhere in the nation after winning his stakes debut in Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby for statebreds at Santa Anita. The win had breeder and co-owner Terry Lovingier eager to try Thirsty John in a Triple Crown prep race, pending conversations with trainer Peter Miller. “I told Peter, ‘We’ll travel anywhere and do anything you want to do,’ ” Lovingier said Saturday afternoon. Thirsty John, a son of Stay Thirsty co-owned by Tom London and Eugene Zondlo, won his debut in a maiden race at 4 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita last May. The California Cup Derby was his second start. Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Thirsty John ($6.60) led throughout and held off a late threat from 8-5 Giver Not a Taker to win the California Cup Derby by a half-length while covering 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.51. “He’ll get five to 10 lengths [benefit] off of that,” Lovingier said of Thirsty John. “I’m excited about... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2023)—In the final race of the day on California Cup Day Saturday at Santa Anita, one of the state’s longest and most successful Thoroughbred owner/breeders, John Harris, witnessed his homebred Coalinga Road rally to take the $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank by neck under Hall of Famer John Velazquez.  Trained by Carla Gaines, Coalinga Road got a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:49.79.                 The Unusual Heat Turf Classic is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses.                 Content to stalk the early leaders into the first turn, Coalinga Road was fourth, about two off Kings River Knight with three quarters of a mile to run.  Leaving the three furlong pole, Velazquez was on the move three-deep, gradually overtook Kings River Knight inside the sixteenth pole while prevailing over the onrushing Aligato and Luvluv on the money.                 Bred and owned by Harris Farms, Inc., Coalinga Road, who... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2023)—In an agonizingly tight finish, the Jeff Mullins-trained Grazed My Heart was up to win Saturday’s $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks by a nose, giving jockey Hector Berrios his second stakes win on Cal Cup Day at Santa Anita.  A 3-year-old filly by Grazen, Grazed My Heart got one mile on turf in 1:37.41.                 The Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners.                 Last, about seven lengths off pacesetter and eventual runner-up Sell the Dream three furlongs out, Grazed My Heart hugged the rail around the turn, angled three-deep at the furlong pole and managed to get up in time. “At the three-eighths pole what was going through my mind was, you have a lot of work to do buddy and at about that time here she comes,” said Mullins. “I could see she had a big run in her and all she needed was... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2023)—Away since May 14 and in only his second career start, Terry Lovingier’s homebred Thirsty John proved too much for six fellow California-breds on Saturday at Santa Anita, as he went to the front and took the $200,000 California Cup Derby by a half length under Juan Hernandez.  Trained by Peter Miller, the 3-year-old colt by Stay Thirsty got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:45.51.                 The Cal Cup Derby is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners. “I was confident that he’s a good horse,” said Lovingier. “With all the rain and stuff, we couldn’t get works over this track with him. But I thought if he’s good enough, he’d be able to get it done and he is a very, very good horse and visually to look at him he’s a pretty horse. Really well put together. He hung in there and without working on this track. He worked one time and... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2023)—Two for two down Santa Anita’s unique hillside turf course coming into Saturday’s $200,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, presented by John Deere, the Carla Gaines-conditioned Big Summer was all heart in winning her biggest race to date by three quarters of a length.  Ridden by Joe Bravo, Big Summer, a 5-year-old mare by Mr. Big, got about 6 ½ furlongs down the hill in 1:13.10. The Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired runners. “She’s just got a great finishing kick,” said Gaines. “She breaks and she settles and when Joe calls on her, she goes, she’s perfect. The ownership makes the Cal-Breds special, the people who breed them, thank you.” Bred by Bob Abrams and Michael Dutko, Big Summer, who is out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, is owned by Robert Abrams, Mitchell Dutko and Michael Paran. Big Summer’s siblings include stakes winners... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity   ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2023)—Although he took intense pace pressure to the three sixteenths pole, heavily favored The Chosen Vron managed to dig deep and find more when it counted as he held off a late charging Big City Lights by a neck to win Saturday’s $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita.  Ridden by Hector Berrios and trained by Eric Kruljac, The Chosen Vron got six furlongs in 1:08.96.                 The first of five statebred stakes on Cal Cup Day at Santa Anita, the Cal Cup Sprint is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired runners.                 Although Berrios said following the race that his intention was not to go to the early lead, that’s where The Chosen Vron took him from his number four post position and he was immediately engaged to his outside by Resilient and the pair went head and head through scintillating splits of 22.07, 44.36 and 56.60.                 Three sixteenths out, the... ...