From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2020)–High-weighted at 126 pounds and dispatched as the heavy 1-2 favorite, Nick Alexander’s homebred Just Grazed Me had to work for her money today at Santa Anita, as she edged clear to win by three quarters of a length in the featured $100,000 California Distaff Handicap. Trained by Phil D’Amato and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, the 5-year-old mare by Grazen defended her Cal Distaff title by getting 5 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:02.99. Idle since May 25, Just Grazed Me broke on top from her number four post position, but Gypsy Blu immediately engaged from the outside and Just Grazed Me was third, about a length off the lead with her stablemate Althea Gibson to her immediate outside three furlongs from home. At the top of the stretch, Just Grazed Me had moved into a joint second, about a half length off of Gypsy Blu, and with Rispoli shifting to the three path, edged clear in an all-out victory. “This kind... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2020)–In her 33rd career start, California-bred Cordiality dictated terms in today’s $82,600 Swingtime Stakes at Santa Anita, as she registered an impressive gate-to-wire win under Drayden Van Dyke, prevailing by three quarters of a length.  Trained by Tim Yakteen, the 7-year-old mare by Papa Clem got one mile on turf in 1:34.07. “It looked like we were the only speed on paper and that’s the way it worked out,” said Van Dyke, who was aboard Cordiality for the first time today.  “She broke sharp and we made the lead pretty easy.  I was little surprised when we came back and I saw those fractions, because it didn’t seem like we were going that fast.  She was very comfortable the whole way.  Speed’s her weapon and she carried it right to the wire.” Claimed for $62,500 six starts back on Feb. 18, 2019, Cordiality took the restricted Osunitas Stakes at one mile on turf two back on July 12 and was most recently... ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Oct. 1, 2020) – Stay Fantastic, a British Columbian-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, rallied through the stretch and drew off to win Thursday’s $50,000 S.W. Randall Plate Stakes at Hastings Racecourse. Stay Fantastic, out of the Carson City mare Fantastic City, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.76 and won by three lengths at odds of 3-1 in a field of six. The 4-year-old is 5-for-5 this year and has six wins in 16 career starts with earnings of $86,664. ...

OCEANPORT, N.J. (Sept. 27, 2020) – Pickin’ Time, a New Jersey-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, won Sunday’s $90,000 Smoke Glacken Stakes for 2-year-olds at Monmouth Park. Pickin’ Time is out of the King of Kings mare Born to Royalty. He ran the six furlongs in 1:10.61 and won by a nose for trainer Kelly Breen at odds of 3-1 in a field of six. He has two wins in four starts with earnings of $129,025. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2020)–George Krikorian’s homebred Mucho Unusual, the lone California-bred in the field, dictated terms throughout and proved best in Saturday’s Grade I, $300,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes, winning by one and a quarter length while providing jockey Juan Hernandez with his first career Grade I victory and his third win on the day. Trained by Tim Yakteen, Mucho Unusual, a 4-year-old daughter of Mucho Macho Man, got a mile and one quarter on turf in 2:00.19. The Rodeo Drive Stakes is a Breeders’ Cup “Win & You’re In” Challenge Race qualifier, with the winner to receive a fees-paid berth into the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland on Nov. 7. In hand as the field crossed under the wire for the first time, Mucho Unusual enjoyed a one length advantage over eventual fourth place finisher Tonahutu up the backside, increased her lead to two lengths turning for home and was never seriously challenged while holding Maxim Rate safe in a... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2020)–Back on turf, trainer Peter Miller’s Bulletproof One went to the front and never looked back in Saturday’s $94,000 Unzip Me Stakes, prevailing by 2 ¼ lengths while providing jockey Ricardo Gonzalez with his first-ever Santa Anita stakes victory. A 3-year-old California-bred filly by Idiot Proof, Bulletproof One got 5 ½ furlongs in 1:01.12. “She’s so cool, to have a crack sprinter like her that just guns out of the gate and goes as fast as she can for as far as she can, it’s such a joy…,” said Aron Wellman, on behalf of co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. “We just needed her to come out of the gate and say goodbye. She’s been so good to us; Gary and Cecil Barber, Adam Wachtel, Eclipse of course. I want to thank Pete Miller and Ricky Gonzalez for continuing to find the keys to her ignition.” A well beaten sixth as the 6-5 favorite in a 5 ½ furlong dirt allowance at Del Mar... ...

From Fasig-Tipton CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2020) — Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 298 entries for its California Fall Yearlings Sale, to be held on Monday, October 19, at Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, California. The sale will begin at 12 pm Pacific time. The sale was initially to be conducted at Fairplex in Pomona, California on the same date.  However, due to Covid-19 restrictions on large gatherings at Los Angeles County facilities, the auction has been relocated to Los Alamitos, in neighboring Orange County. “We have a quality catalogue with 298 entries, which is up slightly over our inaugural yearling sale in California last year,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning.  “There is a good mix of both regional and national sire power, and graduates of last year’s sale are off to a flying start.” This year’s catalogue cover features POSITIVITY, winner of this year’s Graduation S. at Del Mar.  EXCHANGE VOWS, third in the Sorrento S. (G2), is also a graduate of last year’s sale. “This is an important sale... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (Sept. 25, 2020) – California-bred multiple stakes winner She Likes to Party remained unbeaten by winning Friday’s $54,000 Freedom of the City Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Century Mile. She Likes to Party is by Maclean’s Music, out of the All Gone mare Gone to Party, was bred by Lou Neve, is owned by Don Danard and trained by Karline Kingston. She ran the seven furlongs in 1:24.21 and won by 3 ½ lengths as the prohibitive 1-10 favorite in the field of four. She is 3-for-3 with earnings of 63,093 and has won her races by a combined 23 1/2 lengths.   ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2020) — Starting on opening day Friday, September 25, 2020, licensed owners with a horse entered may attend the races at Santa Anita. Due to COVID-19, space is limited to two licensed owners per horse. Unfortunately, unlicensed guests are not permitted. If a horse has more than two owners or there are other licensed owners with business to be conducted e.g. claiming horses, we will do our best to accommodate if space is available. Owners wishing to attend should email Mary Forney, Executive Director of TOC (mforney@toconline.com) to be put on a reservation list each day. Reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day. If you have any questions, feel free to contact her at (626) 826-3782. The quickest and safest way to access Santa Anita Park is to apply for a Virtual Badge before you arrive at the track. Once your badge is approved remotely, enter through Gate 8 and show your badge to the Association Gate attendant. After you... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2020) — Del Mar’s seventh fall race meeting – starting on Saturday, October 31 – will provide horsemen with a healthy 10% blended increase in their overnight purses and the highest bonuses ever tied to the popular “Ship & Win” program. Despite the ongoing pandemic situation, the track was able to hold firm on its recently announced stakes schedule that offers 16 events with $2,250,00 in purses. Beyond that, though, overnight purse levels will be increased by approximately 10% across the board.  Examples include: First level allowance purses increase from $53,000 to $59,000. Maiden Special Weight races jump from $52,000 to $57,000. $32,000 claimers go up from $33,000 to $36,000. Maiden-Claiming $50,000 rises from $28,000 to $31,000. Racing officials noted also that the track’s minimum purse has increased from 2019’s $17,000 to this fall’s $20,000. Additionally, the track’s “Ship & Win” program – now in its 10th year – will provide its richest incentive ever with a guaranteed $3,000 “starter fee” for... ...

By Tracy Gantz, Bloodhorse.com CAMARILLO, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2020) — Jeanne Lapeyre Canty, a longtime California breeder and owner and former officer of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and California Thoroughbred Foundation, died Sept. 13 in Camarillo, Calif. She was 83. Canty grew up in Moorpark, Calif., and enjoyed riding horses with her friend Mary Jo Leonard McPherson. She later married trainer John Canty, who died in 1992. John Canty trained such stakes winners as Crazy Kid, Time to Leave, Unconscious, and Royal Owl. In partnership, Jeanne Canty bred and raced stakes winners Caline, Merry Madeleine, and Kelly’s Caper and stakes-placed Terry’s Caper, and La Mimosa. John Canty trained Caline, a daughter of Ack Ack—Chamrousse, by Hillary. Caline earned $271,110 and won the 1979 Santa Susana Stakes (G1, now the Santa Anita Oaks), 1978 Anoakia Stakes (G3), and three other stakes. Jeanne Canty also worked many years as a bloodstock agent and was a CTBA member since 1967. She joined the CTBA board in 1988, serving until 2012. During her... ...

BONSALL, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2020) – Leigh Ann Howard, former president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and a driving force as a member since 1968, passed away on Thursday night. She was 78. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to: Leigh Ann Howard Memorial Scholarship Endowment for Equine Sciences Cal Poly State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Sciences 1 Grand Avenue San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0250 Please reference on check memo to: “Leigh Ann Howard Scholarship Endowment” Also, donations can be made online: http://bit.ly/calpolyhowardmemorial Howard was only the second woman to serve as CTBA president after Cecilia B. DeMille Harper. “That’s kind of a big deal,” Howard had said. She was active in every phase of the industry, having also held Board of Director positions on the CTBA since 1997, the California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association, the Edwin Gregson Foundation, California Horse Council, Cal Poly AG Advisory Council and the California Food and Agriculture Equine Advisory Committee. At the Gregson Foundation,... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2020) – One quarter of the 16 stakes races to be run at Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season are for Golden State Series eligibles. The seventh fall race meeting at Del Mar will consist of a 15-day session starting on Saturday, October 31. Despite the concerns and obvious issues around the ongoing pandemic, the track was able to maintain the same purse amounts for its stakes as presented in 2019, including $300,000 incentives for its pair of Grade Is and $200,000 for its two Grade IIs. Additionally, because Del Mar serves as California host for the Breeders’ Cup races this year, it also will run two California-bred sprint stakes for juveniles that were not on its agenda the past two seasons. Those races are the $150,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies on Saturday, Nov. 6 and the $150,000 Golden State Juvenile on Sunday, Nov. 7. Both races are carded at seven furlongs. The other Golden State Series races are the $100,000 Betty Grable... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2020) –Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Big Fish made the step up from maiden ranks to win the $102,500 Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes Sept. 7 at Del Mar. The Mr. Big  gelding ridden by Victor Espinoza completed the mile over firm turf in 1:38.21. Big Fish was bred in California by George Krikorian. He is the second foal out of the stakes-placed Into Mischief  mare Perched, who also has a yearling colt by Mr. Big named Big Splash. Legacy Ranch purchased Big Fish for $45,000 from the Harris Farms consignment to the 2019 California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Northern California Yearling Sale. Big Fish sat off the pace in sixth as the favorite Get Her Number set fractions of :24, :49.32, and 1:14.71 through six furlongs. Get Her Number was pressed by Ambivalent. Big Fish reaced in between rivals at the three-eighths pole then was angled three wide on the far turn. The gelding lugged out, then lugged back in, and was able... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Miss Amulet, a cheap yearling purchase who has been transformed into a high-class 2-year-old by trainer Ken Condon, has been sold to Coolmore’s Michael Tabor and partners in a private deal. The group 2-winning juvenile is set remain under the care of the classic-winning trainer. “I can confirm that Miss Amulet has been sold outright to Michael Tabor and partners for an undisclosed figure,” said bloodstock agent Michael Donohoe of BBA Ireland, who purchased Miss Amulet as a yearling. “She remains in training with Ken Condon and the plan is to run her in the group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes.” The daughter of California stallion Sir Prancealot  has changed hands for modest sums at public auction on two occasions, having been pinhooked by Rockview Stables for €1,000 (US$1,134) as a foal before Donohoe secured the filly on behalf of owner Colm Griffin for the bargain sum of £7,500 ($9,259) at last year’s Tattersalls Ascot Yearling Sale. Despite those lowly early price tags, Miss Amulet has gone on to... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2020) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso broke through for his first stakes win on Monday with a late surge to capture the $60,300 Rolling Green Stakes at Golden Gate. Camino Del Paraiso is a 7-year-old by Suances, out of the Successful Appeal mare Loni’s Appeal, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn, is owned by Paradise Ranch Road and trained by O.J. Juaregui. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has six wins in 39 starts, earnings of $440,092 and in his last race clipped heels and unseated his rider in the July 26 California Dreamin’. He ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:43.09 and won by one length at odds of 5-1 in a field of seven. He was sixth in this race two years ago and second three years ago. ...

By Bloodhorse.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 5, 2020) — This time there would be no denying Beau Recall. After rating in fifth early in the spread-out field of six, the Irish-bred daughter of California stallion Sir Prancealot delivered a powerful rally through the stretch to surge past 1-2 favorite Newspaperofrecord and post a 1 1/2-length victory in the $500,000 Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes (G2T) Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs. Just two starts back, Slam Dunk Racing and Medallion Racing’s Beau Recall finished second to Newspaperofrecord when her rally from 11 lengths back in the Just A Games Stakes (G1T) June 27 at Belmont Park came up three lengths short against the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) winner. Beau Recall secured her sixth stakes win, fourth graded stakes win, and defended her 2019 score, when she defeated Got Stormy. Beau Recall is trained by Brad Cox, who secured his third graded stakes win in two days at Churchill after winning the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) with Shedaresthedevil and the... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2020) — J. Kirk and Judy Robison’s homebred Good With People adjusted nicely to an equipment change and got the money in the 31st running of the I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible  2-year-olds Friday at Del Mar. The son of the Curlin sire Curlin to Mischief had blinkers taken off today for his third start and it settled him enough to where rider Abel Cedillo was able to save his energy early and come away with a half-length victory in the six-furlong stakes. The colt took down the $57,000 winner’s share from the total purse of $94,000 after running the six panels in 1:10.37. Finishing second in the dash was Brown, Jr., Klein and Lebherz’s Touchdown Brown and running third was Litt or Solis II’s Tacoflarovedkisses. There were six scratches from the original field of 10 runners, so only four horses went. Good With People paid $3.80 and $2.40. There was no show betting. Peter Miller trains the winner and... ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sept. 5, 2020) – Northern Graystar, a British Colombian-bred daughter of California stallion Graydar, won Saturday’s $50,000 CTHS Sales Stakes for fillies and mares at Hastings Racecourse. Northern Grayster is out of the Hennessey mare Fancy Vintage. The 4-year-old has two wins in 10 starts and earnings of $56,154. She ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:46.15 and won by 1 ¾ lengths as the odds-on favorite in a field of five. ...

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Aug. 31, 2020) — Dance Money, an Indiana-bred filly by California stallion Majestic Harbor, set all of the fractions in winning her third start, a $33,000 maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies Monday at Indiana Grand. Out of the Cactus Ridge mare Cactusa, Dance Money ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:07.13 and won by a neck over odds-on favorite Sweet Justice at odds of 23-1. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2020) — Templeton Horses’ homebred Governor Goteven shook off early heat and then drew clear late to capture the 28th edition of the $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series juvenile fillies Sunday at Del Mar. The daughter of Governor Charlie hung tough between two rivals early through quick splits, made the lead turning for home and then went clear for a four and one-half length triumph in 1:12.21 for the six furlongs. As the second choice in the field of six femmes, she returned $6.80, $3.20 and $2.40 across the board. Tiago Pereira handled the winner for trainer Lisa Bernard. That pair had teamed up with Governor Charlie here on August 1 to take down the CTBA Stakes. Both events are for California-bred runners. “I was feeling a lot of nerves (during the race),” said Bernard. “But I trust this filly and she has been training awesome. We had high expectations, but you don’t know until they prove themselves out... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2020) – Perennial top stallion Unusual Heat is gone, but four of his mares had winning offspring Friday at Golden Gate. In the first race, 15-1 longshot Everybody Does It won an $8,000 claimer. The 6-year-old is by Coil, out of the Unusual Heat mare Serious Heat and was bred by Madeline Auerbach. In the second race, Heatsky won a maiden claimer. The 4-year-old filly, by Vronsky, is out of the Unusual Heat mare Bring On the Heat and was bred by trainer and co-owner Sherrie Monroe. In the sixth race, Nolongerahobby won a $20,000 claimer. The 4-year-old gelding is by The Pamplemousse, out of the Unusual Heat mare Gannet and was bred by C-Punch Ranch. And in the seventh race, Myangelcindy won an allowance. She is by Coil, out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Music, and was bred by Michael Stiehr. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2020) — KMN Racing’s California-bred Sneaking Out put it in gear at the head of the lane and drew off from seven rivals to tally a handy three and three-quarter length victory Friday in the 49th running of the $101,500 Grade III Rancho Bernardo Handicap for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Packing topweight of 123 pounds and Del Mar’s leading rider, Umberto Rispoli, the homebred daughter of Indian Evening scampered the six and one-half furlongs in 1:15.57. It was win number four on the day for Rispoli, the newcomer to Del Mar this season who has established himself as its top rider and now has 32 victories at the session after 17 days of racing. “I think she was even better today (than when winning the Grade II, Great Lady M at Los Alamitos on July 4) and my rider told me he was very impressed with her,” said trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. “She’s getting good right now. She wins a Grade... ...

YORK, England (Aug. 20, 2020) — Miss Amulet, a daughter of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won Thursday’s Grade II Sky Bet Lowther Stakes at York. Miss Amulet ran the six furlongs on turf in 1:10.71 on a good course and it was her first graded win. She has three wins in six starts and earnings of $113,031. ...

By ThoroughbredDailyNews.com AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 19, 2020) — For the second time in the last four years, a colt by California stallion Smiling Tiger topped the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association’s annual summer sale, which was again held at the WTBOA Sales Pavilion located at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wa., Aug. 18. The sale topper, Hip 57, was purchased for $70,000 by Brian Koriner, acting on behalf of Jay Em Ess Stable (Samantha Siegel) from the Critter Creek Farm consignment, agent for PT Syndicate #1 LLC. The chestnut colt is the second foal out of the stakes-placed Swiss Yodeler mare Grand Yodeler. The 2017 sale topper by Smiling Tiger, Baja Sur, was named Washington’s Horse of the Year in 2019. Preliminary results show, after 14 yearlings were withdrawn and 25 were RNAs, the 75 yearlings that were listed as sold averaged $12,652 with a $7,500 median. ...

SARATOGA, N.Y. (Aug. 21, 2020) – Joy’s Rocket, a Florida-bred 2-year-old daughter of California stallion Anthony’s Cross, followed up her win in the Aug. 1 My Dear Stakes at Woodbine with a second in Tuesday’s $85,000 Bolton Landing Stakes at Saratoga. Joy’s Rocket, a $47,000 purchase at the March Ocala Sales of 2-Year-Olds in Training, is out of the Special Rate mare Queenie’s Pride. She has two wins in three starts and earnings of $94,444. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2020) — Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams’ homebred mare Pulpit Rider looped her field and came with a rush to get up in the final jump and capture the 27th edition of the $125,000 Solana Beach Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by a nose. Ridden by Juan Hernandez, the 5-year-old mare by the late California sire Lucky Pulpit provided a better outcome to her efforts in the one mile turf race than the one she had to accept last year. She finished second that day but was disqualified back to sixth. “She broke a little slow, so I didn’t rush with her,” said Hernandez. “She was nice and relaxed, so I felt OK. I waited until the quarter pole and then I asked her. She gave me a good kick. We had to go wide; we had no choice. But she was running. I looked over right at the wire and I saw we won. Close, but... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (Aug. 15, 2020) — California-bred She Likes to Party lived up to her name by cruising to a 14 ½-length rout in Friday’s $40,000 Princess Margaret Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Century Mile. She Likes to Party is by Maclean’s Music, out of the All Gone mare Gone to Party, was bred by Lou Neve, is owned by Don Danard and trained by Greg Tracy. She has won both of her starts with earnings of $36,149. She ran the six furlongs in 1:12.58 at odds of 1-2 in the field of five. ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2020) — Mel Stute, trainer of California-bred 1986 Eclipse Award champion 3-year-old male Snow Chief and inductee in the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame, died Aug. 12 at age 93. He was with his family at Del Mar and died at home, said his son, trainer Gary Stute. Though any mention of Snow Chief made Stute light up and launch into a tale, he trained many more good horses and was especially known as a leading conditioner in California. Stute trained Brave Raj to win the 1986 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), and the filly was voted an Eclipse Award as the year’s champion 2-year-old filly. But it was his ability with inexpensive horses that demonstrated his true training expertise. Stute would comb California sales in search of horses that cost $25,000-$30,000 because, he said, he knew he could drop them in for maiden $32,000 and “get out” (at least break even) on them. While that approach helped keep losses to... ...

COMPLETE SALE RESULTS PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2020) – A Stay Thirsty colt sold for $50,000 to top Tuesday’s Northern California Yearling Sale, where the average jumped nearly 42 percent from last year’s sale. The topper, one of three Stay Thirsty yearlings that brought at least $40,000, is out of the Forest Wildcat mare Clawpuccino, was bred by Terry Lovingier, consigned by Lovacres Ranch, agent, and was purchased by Craig Warren. Next at $47,000 was a Stay Thirsty colt out of the Speightstown mare Reign, was bred by Terry Lovingier, consigned by Lovacres Ranch, agent, and was purchased by Robert Jones. The highest-priced filly was a daughter of Vronsky, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, was bred and consigned by Hanson’s River Ranch and purchased by Robert Hess, Jr., agent, for $35,000. With 69 yearlings sold, the gross sales were $561,800 for an average of $8,142 and a median price of $3,000. Last year’s event sold 88 yearlings at an average of $5,741. ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2020) — California-bred American Farmer ($20.40) got a dream trip as he rallied through the stretch and easily picked up his first stakes win in the $65,550 Robert Dupret Derby Saturday at the Wine Country meeting at Golden Gate Fields. The victory was worth $39,400 to owner-breeders BKB Stables. American Farmer has two wins, a second, and three thirds in eight lifetime starts. He has career earnings of $97,722. The runner-up to Azul Coast in the El Camino Real Derby went to the sidelines with minor shin problems after that race. He returned to action in a July 3 at Pleasanton, running third behind Dupret entrants Lookin for Revenge and Sacred Rider and had six- and five-furlong bullet works since that race. American Farmer, a full brother to local stakes winner Blue Diva, drew the rail and was able to save ground while sitting comfortably in fourth behind Too Late and Lookin for Revenge. Kyle Frey had plenty of horse as he eased out... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2020) – Santa Anita’s 2020 Autumn Meeting includes a pair of $100,000 stakes in the Golden State Series. On Saturday, Oct. 10, series-eligible fillies and mares will contest the $100,000 California Distaff Handicap at 5 ½ furlongs on turf. On Sunday, Oct. 10, the $100,000 California Flag Handicap will also be run at 5 ½ furlongs on turf for 3-year-olds and up. Nominations for both races close Thursday, Oct. 1. Santa Anita will offer 24 stakes over 18 racing days through the Oct. 25 closing day. Included will be the Grade III, $100,000 Chillingworth Stakes for fillies and mares at 6 ½ furlongs on Saturday, Sept. 19. Most recently run as the Grade III LA Woman Stakes, the Chillingworth has been renamed in honor of the late Sherwood Chillingworth, a longtime Director of the Oak Tree Racing Association who was held in the highest regard throughout North American racing. Customarily high on the Autumn Meet stakes agenda is a series of Breeders’... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2020) — The memory of Sherwood Chillingworth, the longtime director and executive vice president of the Oak Tree Racing Association, will be honored with The Chillingworth Stakes to be run during Santa Anita’s Autumn season.  Known throughout the racing industry as “Chilly”, the veteran racing executive passed away last October at the age of 93. “Chilly was one of the sport’s true gentlemen,” said Aidan Butler, Executive Director of California Racing Operations for The Stronach Group.  “He was full of life and loved racing.  He actually lived here at Santa Anita and was such a part of this place, that it is only appropriate for us to honor him with The Chillingworth Stakes.” Chillingworth first served as an Oak Tree director in 1989 and was named executive vice president in 1993, just prior to the first of four Breeders’ Cups that he oversaw at Santa Anita.  He also raced a number of Thoroughbreds in the name of his Paniolo Ranch or in... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2020) — Undefeated and still unchallenged, Daffodil Sweet powered to a six-length victory over For You Only in the $40,000 Coca-Cola Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. With Juan Gutierrez riding at 121 lbs, Daffodil Sweet covered 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.86 and paid $2.80, $2.40 and $2.10. Chris Stenslie is the winning trainer for owners Jody Peetz of Issaquah and Steve Shimizu of Bellevue. It was the third consecutive dominating performance and first stakes victory for Daffodil Sweet, who joins Omache Kid as three-time winners at the meeting. Breaking from the No. 1 post-position, Daffodil Sweet gradually gained command into the turn, opened a commanding lead into the stretch and rolled home as much the best. She set fractions of :22.42, :4515 and 1:10.12. Daffodil Sweet has three victories in 37 days, all at different distances. She debuted July 2 with an 8 ¾ length victory at 5 ½ furlongs, followed by a 7 ¾-length allowance score at six furlongs on July 23,... ...

From TOC The Thoroughbred Owners of California received significant positive feedback from the owners who attended the races at Del Mar last weekend. Please note that space has been increased to four licensed owners per horse. Unfortunately, non-licensed guests are still not permitted. If a horse has more than four owners wishing to attend the races, TOC will do its best to accommodate if space is available. Owners wishing to attend should email Mary Forney, Executive Director of TOC (mforney@toconline.com ) to secure access, and reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day.  On race day, owners must show their license when entering the Del Mar Race Track and park in the designated area just outside the clubhouse. Owners will enter through the gate on the east side of the track across from the receiving barn. Owners will be required to be on the owner reservation list, provide their CHRB owners license, and undergo a full COVID-19 health screening including a temperature check. Masks will be required to... ...

NAAS, Ireland (Aug. 4, 2020) – Miss Amulet, an Irish-bred daughter of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won Monday’s $48,000 Arqana Irish EBF Marwell Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Naas. Miss Amulet ran the five furlongs on yielding turf in 1:00.10 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 12-1 in a field of seven. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. – The officiating crew at Del Mar has been kind to trainer Luis Mendez in the Graduation Stakes, a sprint for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds. Exactly one year after Mendez won the first stakes of his career with Graduation runner-up Big Returns, placed first via disqualification, Mendez won the stakes race again Sunday with Positivity, and once again track stewards were instrumental in the victory. Bred by Allen Farm, Positivity ($13.20) rallied from third to collar pacesetter Good With People in deep stretch, but the $100,500 Graduation did not become official for at least five minutes while stewards deliberated whether or not to disqualify Positivity for interference on the backstretch. Positivity and jockey Drayden Van Dyke drifted inward after the start, intimidating even-money favorite Touchdown Brown, who got shuffled to last and did not pick up his feet thereafter. He finished last of seven, after which jockey Evin Roman lodged a claim of foul against the winner. Stewards already were reviewing the backstretch run. In... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2020) – Govenor Goteven made the leap from maiden winner to stakes star on Saturday by winning the $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Govenor Goteven is by Govenor Charlie, out of the Time to Get Even mare Time Linda Goteven, was bred by owner Templeton Horses and is trained by Lisa Bernard, who notched her first Del Mar win. “I feel fantastic; it’s very wonderful,” said Bernard. “(Governor Goteven) has been a really fun 2-year-old to deal with and I knew she was training really well. We won first time out with her at Santa Anita and I had a lot of faith in her. They just tell you. You just know sometimes. I think she’s got another stakes race in her future here at the end of the month ($100,000 Generous Portion, 6 furlongs, August 30).” She has won both starts with earnings of 87,000. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.55 and... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 31, 2020) — El Tigre Terrible lost turf stakes at Santa Anita in June and at Del Mar earlier this month because of traffic problems at pivotal times in the races. There were no impediments in El Tigre Terrible’s path in Friday’s $125,500 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds on the main track at Del Mar. Sent off favored, El Tigre Terrible ($4.20) stalked the pace for the first half-mile and was moved to the outside of rivals on the turn by jockey Flavien Prat for racing room. El Tigre Terrible rallied four wide to take the lead in the final furlong and pulled clear to win by 4 3/4 lengths. Bred by Martin Bach, El Tigre Terrible ran seven furlongs in 1:24.28. “It almost looked like he was going to get in trouble again,” winning trainer Peter Miller said. “He finds trouble. He reminds me of me in high school. “The horse ran really well.” Rookie Mistake (7-2) closed from... ...

DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 30, 2020) — Del Mar Thoroughbred Club today announced a 10% purse increase after a solid opening span of racing days during the month of July. The increase will be retroactive back to the track’s first day, July 10. Del Mar also announced the addition of a stakes race to its calendar – the $75,000 Del Mar Juvenile Filly Turf, a one-mile spin on the grass for 2-year-old fillies that will be held on Sunday, September 6. The race had been a regular feature here the previous eight years, but had been dropped from the original stakes schedule due to belt tightening measures. Between July 10 and July 27 Del Mar conducted seven days of racing and — though it has not had fans on board any of those days as a safety measure tied to the coronavirus pandemic — it saw wagering amounting to $133,841,412 flow from its online and satellite services, an increase of more than 5% over similar dates last year.... ...

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2020) — Starting this Friday July 31, 2020, licensed owners with a horse entered can attend the races at Del Mar. Due to COVID-19, currently space is limited to two licensed owners per horse. No guests are permitted. Up until now, licensed owners have been on track in the morning to watch workouts. The first come, first serve seating in the afternoons will be located in the same area in the spacious clubhouse box seating. Owners will be required to email Mary Forney, Executive Director of TOC (mforney@toconline.com) to secure access, and reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day. If a horse has more than two owners wishing to attend the races, TOC will do its best to accommodate if space is available.  On race day, owners must show their license when entering the Del Mar Race Track and park in the designated area just outside the clubhouse. Owners will enter through the same area they have been using... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 27, 2020) — West Point Thoroughbreds and partners’ Galilean won the $125,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by a half length Sunday at Del Mar, giving rider Flavien Prat his fourth stakes victory on the young meet’s sixth day. The tally was also his third triumph on the 11-race card and propelled him into a three-way tie for the shore jockey crown with nine victories. Riders Umberto Rispoli and Abel Cedillo also have nine firsts. Galilean was bred by Bar C Racing Stables, a 4-year-old colt by Uncle Mo, earned $71,250 for capturing the California-bred test, his first on turf. He covered the mile and one-sixteenth in 1:40.87 and, as the 6/5 favorite, returned $4.40, $3.80 and $2.80. Second in the stakes was Reddam Racing’s Whooping Jay and third was Flawless Racing, Flanagan or Jarvis’ Brandothebartender. Galilean, a $600,000 purchase at the Barrett’s April 2-year-old sale in 2018, now has earned $514,098 with five wins in 10 starts. He is... ...

By DRF.com HENDERSON, Ky. (July 26, 2020) — Absolutely Aiden, a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, continued in absolute peak form when speeding to victory Sunday in the $50,000 Good Lord Stakes at Ellis Park in western Kentucky. Always prominent under Chris Landeros, Absolutely Aiden drew clear after turning for home in the 6 1/2-furlong race prior to holding Home Base safe by three-quarters of a length. The winner returned $8.20 as a slight favorite in a field of 10 older horses after finishing in 1:15.19 over a fast track. Absolutely Aiden was making his stakes debut after winning three of six starts, all allowances, since being claimed for $40,000 last fall by trainer Wes Hawley, who owns the colt in partnership with Greg Frye. Absolutely Aiden put away Gray Attempt after contesting early fractions of 21.91 and 44.45, then held off sustained bids from Home Base and Manny Wah when racing closest to the rail down the stretch. The chestnut colt now has won seven of... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 25, 2020) – California-bred Top Harbor remained unbeaten by rallying wide from last to win Saturday’s $68,300 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Top Harbor is by Harbor the Gold, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by owners Jarnig, Marshall or Schweiger and is trained by Tim McCanna. He won his lone start June 28 and has earnings of $61,080. Top Harbor ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.45 and won by one-half length over fellow Cal-bred Tom’s Song at odds of 5-2 in a field of nine. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2020) — Big Sweep returned to a sprint and returned to the winner’s circle on Friday as Del Mar returned to action. She bounced back from the first loss of her career in her prior start to take the $117,500 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies as Del Mar resumed racing after last week’s cancellation owing to 15 jockeys testing positive for coronavirus. Big Sweep, who has raced exclusively against statebreds, won the first two starts of her career earlier this year at Santa Anita going six furlongs, including against males in the Echo Eddie on May 16. She suffered the first loss of her brief career when third last time out in the Melair going 1 1/16 miles, also at Santa Anita. Back around one turn for the seven-furlong Fleet Treat, Big Sweep also benefited by landing the outside post over a main track whose profile early on Friday tended to favor outside lanes. With regular rider Flavien Prat... ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (July 20, 2020) — Harris Farms resident stallion Tizbud, the Grade One sire and full brother to Tiznow, was euthanized on July 20, 2020 due to an overall decline in health. Tizbud was pensioned at the farm, in 2018, where he was foaled, raised and stood at stud. Tizbud, was bred by Cecilia Straub Rubens and is a son of Cee’s Tizzy out of Cee’s Song. He was the younger stakes winning full brother to Tiznow. Tizbud raced for Cee’s Stable LLC when he won the 2003 California Cup Classic by three lengths and placed in that years San Fernando Breeders’ Cup S. [G2]. He was trained by John Sadler. Owner Pamela C. Ziebarth stood Tizbud at Harris Farms and for her, as breeder, Tizbud sired Grade I winner Tiz Flirtatious, Grade 3 winner Ambitious Brew and stakes winner Kitty Boom Boom. For other breeders he sired stakes winners; millionaire Soi Phet, Italian Boy, Catch Lorraine, Chao Chom among others. David McGlothlin, retired farm manager... ...

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2020) — During a July 16 conference call with the Thoroughbred Owners of California, Del Mar president and COO Josh Rubinstein said the track made a request to the California Horse Racing Board for an extra day of racing July 27. The move comes after the track canceled racing July 17-19 after numerous jockeys tested positive for COVID-19. The track had largely planned to run on a three-day-a-week schedule this summer, Fridays through Sundays. “So as soon as we get approval from the CHRB—they are wrapping up a closed session of their meeting—we will put out a press release. We don’t think it will be an issue to get approval,” Rubinstein said around 2 p.m. PT Thursday. “We want to let folks know, folks on this call and other horsemen and women out there, that we intend to do our best to make up for the races that were lost this weekend. So that means extra race days or an extra race here or there on a Friday or... ...

By DRF.com SHAKOPEE, Minn. (July 15, 2020) – California-bred Streak of Luck snapped an 11-race losing streak with a wire-to-wire three-quarters length win in Wednesday’s $75,000 Lady Canterbury Stakes for fillies and mares at Canterbury Park. Streak of Luck went an opening half-mile in 48.69, a very slow tempo given course conditions, then sprinted her final half-mile in 46.16 seconds for a final time of 1:34.89. Winning Envelope, the 2-1 favorite, did all she could but was too far back, trying to rally from seventh, and could only finish second, a head better than Aife. Streak of Luck, a 5-year-old mare by Old Fashioned out of Valeria, by Elusive Quality, had raced in California throughout her career before being shipped into the barn of Kentucky-based trained Kelly Ackerman in June. Ackerman trains her for Carrie Brodgen, James Keogh, and the breeder Roncelli Family Trust. She has six wins in 28 starts, earnings of $351,359 and this was her first stakes win. ...

By Bloodhorse.com Devout racing fan, savvy horseplayer, and owner Gerald “Jerry” Benowitz died July 8 following complications associated with kidney failure, according to his family. He was 75. A native of Texas, Benowitz was a former stockbroker who embraced the analytical challenge of handicapping and eventually parlayed his enthusiasm into ownership. His wife, Sandra, shared his passion for horse racing and they, in turn, passed the racing bug onto their children. “My sister Alison and I live in Encinitas, but we were so fortunate that after my Dad and Mom retired to Las Vegas that they came back every year to Del Mar,” said Jeff Benowitz, who said Del Mar had been a regular summertime destination since the family moved to California in the late 1970s. “He loved to be here with family, go to beach, and then go to races, every single day. He was a fixture in Box 606. He was looking forward this year to being in and around the San Diego area even though he couldn’t... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 12, 2020) – The quick California-bred mare Cordiality got her course and got her way up front and took them wire-to-wire in the 65th running of the Osunitas Stakes on the Del Mar lawn Sunday afternoon. Cordiality was bred by Dr. Edward Allred, is owned by Donnie Crevier and trained by Tim Yakteen. She now has a lifetime mark of 11 wins in 31 starts with seven of those victories coming on the grass. “Cordiality was much fitter today and she loves Del Mar,” said Yakteen. “This was a prep for the Solana Beach ($125,000 Saturday, August 15) that’s what we’re looking at next. She’s always been a super honest horse and I loved her even before we claimed her (for $62,500 in February of 2019). Her start date this year was delayed almost 60 days by the COVID situation when racing was shut down. I intended to get a prep race before the Fran’s Valentine (5th, June 6) but had to go... ...

From Fasig-Tipton LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 9, 2020) — Horses purchased at the July 15 Fasig-Tipton Horses of Racing Age Sale in Lexington are eligible to an additional $2,000 Ship & Win bonus program for making a start at the 2020 Del Mar Summer Meet. Horses purchased at the sale will receive a day three date from the racing office. Fasig-Tipton has catalogued an additional 16 entries to the sale, increasing the size of the catalogue to 165 entries. The July Horses of Racing Age Sale will take place Monday, July 13 in Lexington, Kentucky.  The sale will begin at 4 pm. These new entries are catalogued as hips 150-165, and may now be viewed online.  This latest group of entries includes: QUEEN OF GOD (Hip 152): Three-year-old filly captured the Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway back in March, where she earned 20 Kentucky Oaks points.  She hails from the immediate family of leading sire UNCLE MO.  She is consigned by WinStar Racing, agent. TRUE VALOUR (IRE) (Hip 154): Consistent grass runner... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 4, 2020) — Sneaking Out, a 7-1 shot, upset heavily-favored Bellafina in the Grade II, $201,000 Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. Owned by breeder KMN Racing LLC and trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, Sneaking Out earned her fifth win in her 11th start, but it was the first in a graded event for the 4-year-old California bred daughter of Indian Evening. Positioned outside pacesetter Artistic Diva by jockey Martin Garcia, Sneaking Out took over inside the final quarter of a mile and prevailed by three-quarters of a length over Bellafina, the 1-2 choice who was seeking her eighth graded win. Out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, Sneaking Out completed the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.62 and paid $16.40 and $4.40 as the fourth choice in the field of seven. There was no show wagering. Bellafina returned $2.20 while finishing two lengths clear of 16-1 shot Amuse. Artistic Diva, Hang a Star, the 4-1... ...

By DRF.com CARLSBAD, Calif. (July 3, 2020) — Sharon Alesia, who co-bred or owned such stakes winners as California-bred Ashleyluvssugar, Champagne Room, Dance With Fate, and Weemissfrankie in the last decade, died June 15 in Carlsbad, Calif., after an illness, according to her business manager, Howard Grossman. Alesia was 83. Alesia and her late husband, Frank, owned horses since the mid-1980s, always with trainer Peter Eurton. Sharon Alesia, who often owned horses in small partnerships, maintained the stable after Frank Alesia’s death in 2011. The stable frequently had a leading runner at Southern California tracks in recent years. Weemissfrankie won the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante and Grade 1 Oak Leaf Stakes prior to finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Churchill Downs in 2011. Dance With Fate won the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland in 2014 and was later sixth in the Kentucky Derby behind California Chrome. Champagne Room won the BC Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita in 2016. Ashleyluvssugar, a six-time stakes winner, won... ...

TIMONIUM, Md. (July 2, 2020) – A filly selling for $500,000 at the recent Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale is out of the California-bred broodmare Global Hottie. The filly, sold to agent Lauren Carlisle, is by Into Mischief out of the Dixie Chatter mare Global Hottie, who was graded-stakes placed and sold for $190,000 at the Barretts 2013 Horses of Racing Age Sale. Global Hottie was bred by Baseline Equine LLC. ...

TIMONIUM, Md. (June 30, 2020) – A California-bred son of Square Eddie sold for $100,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-olds in Training Sale. The May foal, out of the Indian Charlie mare Cryptic, was consigned by Wavertree Stables, Agent, and purchased by West Point Thoroughbreds/L.E.B., Agent. He was bred by Reddam Racing and had breezed one-eighth of a mile in :10.0. ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif (June 27, 2020) – A stretch to two turns and a return to Los Alamitos proved the winning moves for Galilean as he rolled to an easy victory in the $101,500 Soi Phet Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles Saturday. Bred by Bar C Racing Stables and trained by John Sadler for West Point Thoroughbreds, Denise Barker, William Sandbrook, John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith, the 4-year-old stalked the early pace from his outside post, then powered away in the final quarter of a mile to win by four lengths under jockey Juan Hernandez. The score in 1:35.49 for the mile was the first for the son of Uncle Mo and the El Prado mare Fresia since he captured the California Cup Derby Feb. 18, 2019 at Santa Anita when trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer. He’s now 4-for-9 lifetime with earnings of $442,948. Three of those victories – in as many starts – have come at Los Alamitos. Galilean captured... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2020)–Ben and Sally Warren’s versatile homebred Warren’s Showtime, a three-time stakes winner on grass, relaxed beautifully early and despite the fact she lost considerable ground on both turns, rallied with big strides to take Sunday’s $150,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at a mile and one sixteenth on dirt. Ridden by regular pilot Jorge Velez and trained by Craig Lewis, the 3-year-old chestnut filly by red-hot sire Clubhouse Ride got the distance in 1:44.29. Breaking from the outside in a field of six sophomore fillies bred or sired in California, Warren’s Showtime was forced four-wide into the first turn as she sat fifth, about three lengths off of longshot pacesetter Reiwa, who was hotly pursued by favored Big Sweep and Smiling Shirlee. A comfortable fifth while full of run and three lengths off the lead at the half mile pole, Velez bided his time and asked his mount for run leaving the three furlong pole, from where she wheeled... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 20, 2020)—Not satisfied with the early pace scenario, “Big Money” Mike Smith took charge turning up the backside of Saturday’s $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita, as he allowed his free-running Indian Peak to stretch his legs with the result a gutty half-length win as he covered 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:48.11.  Trained by Golden Gate Fields-based Quinn Howey, the homebred colt by Comic Strip notched his first stakes win in his 10th career start and provided Howey with his first Santa Anita stakes victory as well.                 A restrained fifth, about two lengths off the lead coming out of the first turn, Smith gave his mount his head and gained a neck advantage over favored Margot’s five furlongs out, but Margot’s Boy quickly reengaged at the rail and they basically went head and head to the sixteenth pole, where Indian Peak began to edge away.                 “He just wanted to give it to ’em,... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 20, 2020) — Veteran trainer Rafael Becerra was all smiles Saturday morning, as his talented California-bred juvenile Touchdown Brown ran lights-out in his debut in Friday’s fourth race, demolishing seven Cal-bred rivals by 5 ¼ lengths while getting 4 ½ furlongs in 52.81.           “He’s really good this morning, he pulled up great,” said the popular Becerra, 65.  “The owners told me they’re already getting a lot offers, but the good news is, they’re not selling.  I got this horse in mid-March and from day one, he acted like a good horse.  We went to the track with him right away and he galloped perfect and he’s got a very good mind.           “You could see he’s got a nice way of moving and my exercise rider really liked him right from the start.  When we started breezing him, he did everything easy and outworked a good horse of mine in company.”       ... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 19, 2020) – California broodmare Your Cheatin Heart was represented by a pair of California-bred half-sister winners on Friday. Her Loud Loud Music, a 3-year-old filly by Tizbud, won the seventh race at Santa Anita, an optional claimer, as the 2-1 favorite. Meanwhile, an hour earlier, Loretta, a 4-year-old filly by Grazen, won the second race at Pleasanton, an $18,000 claimer, at odds of 5-1. Both winners were bred by Nick Alexander, who also owns Loud Loud Music. Loretta is owned by Nin Auyeung. Your Cheatin Heart, a Bernstein mare, has a 2-year-old by Grazen named Ben Wade, and an unnamed yearling by Grazen, both bred by Alexander. ...

From The Racing Post Day two at a behind-closed-doors Royal Ascot will be one trainer William Knight never forgets, after he saddled an emotional first winner at the meeting when Sir Busker, a son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, landed the Silver Royal Hunt Cup. The Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds-owned four-year-old powered home late under champion jockey Oisin Murphy to defeat the Roger Varian-trained Salayel by three-quarters of a length with the first four home racing on the stands’ side from stalls 18, 17, 21 and 19. Knight, who recently moved bases from Sussex to Newmarket, said: “When Sir Busker won at Newcastle that was my first runner from the yard, which is important, but that morning my father died and he was a big supporter of mine. “So the horse has a real emotional bond to me now and to enjoy a Royal Ascot win with him is fantastic. All credit has to go to my team. “He’s tailor-made for these big mile handicaps. We’ll go where the money is... ...

From CARF PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 17, 2020) — Horse owners will now be allowed on grounds for racing at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Owners must follow these guidelines to be on grounds:   Owners only allowed to bring one guest per owner. Owners are allowed to only watch the race their horse is entered in. Owners must abide by the safety protocols of the Alameda County Fair (including wearing a face mask and social distancing.) Owners will be restricted to access only the apron and paddock areas.   We have also learned that the Alameda County Health Department has approved outside dining at the Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds will be hosting Trackside Terrace Outdoor Patio Dining on the second level of the Grandstand that owners may purchase tickets to. Those who are participating in the dining experience will be allowed to stay for the full duration of the race card. Those tickets can be purchased here and include a meal and bottomless cocktails. Questions about watching your horse run?  Contact Tom Doutrich... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 13, 2020)–With most of the attention focused on last year’s winner, trainer Carla Gaines’ “Avis choice,” consistent Tiger Dad, set the tone early as he battled head and head for the lead with a well-meant Principe Carlo, eventually gaining the ascendency in deep stretch as he drew off to win Saturday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by three quarters of length. Ridden by regular pilot Victor Espinoza, Tiger Dad, a 4-year-old California-bred gelding by Smiling Tiger, got six furlongs in 1:09.56 while never threatened by his well fancied stablemate Desert Law, who checked in third as the even money favorite. “I have been riding him quite a few times (his last eight races), so I really have the confidence in him,” said Espinoza. “When some other horse is outside, it is exactly what he wants because he won’t let them go by. I didn’t want to take the lead too soon because he has a bad habit of waiting... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 12, 2020) – The unfortunate combination of seven weeks of no live racing coupled with statewide increases in workers compensation costs have created a funding shortfall for the horse industry’s workers compensation program covering jockeys and backstretch workers that is operated by Post Time Self Insurance.  As a result, Post Time has found it necessary to increase the amounts to be paid by both owners and trainers, which fund the majority of program costs via per-stall charges from trainers and race per-start fees from owners. The owners’ per-start fee will be raised from $120 to $149 effective July 1, 2020. The per-start fee will continue to be automatically deducted from the owner’s paymaster account every time they start a horse.To offset increased workers’ compensation per-start increases and provide additional financial support to California owners, TOC authorized an increase in the Guaranteed Participation Purses earlier this year from $351 to $500 per start in Southern California and from $300 to $450 at Golden Gate Fields.Guaranteed participation... ...

OCALA, Fla. (June 12, 2020) – A California-bred filly by Kitten’s Joy sold for $115,000 in Friday’s final session of the Ocala Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-olds. The filly, out of the Dynaformer mare Dynarhythm, was bred by Hanson’s River Ranch, was consigned by Sequel Bloodstock and purchased by Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal. She’s a full sister to Fear the Kitten, a stakes-placed winner of $232,505. ...

From Gulfstream Park Publicity HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (June 9, 2020) – Given a short freshening after competing in five consecutive graded-stakes dating back to last fall, Kelsey’s Cross got some class relief and rallied to secure her elusive first career stakes victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Ginger Punch for Florida-breds at Gulfstream Park. Kelsey’s Cross is a Florida-bred by California stallion Anthony’s Cross, who stands at Rancho de los Aviadores. Ridden by Luca Panici for trainer Patrick Biancone, who co-owns the 4-year-old filly with Sanford Bancon, Kelsey’s Cross ($7.80) completed the distance in 1:42.94 over a turf course rated good as the 5-2 second choice in a field of 11. Kelsey’s Cross was last seen finishing ninth in the Orchid (G3) March 28 at Gulfstream, three weeks after her third-place effort in the Hillsborough (G2) at Tampa. Also third in the Wonder Again (G3), Martha Washington and Saratoga Oaks last summer, she had been training steadily for her comeback at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream’s satellite training facility in Palm Beach County. “It’s... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (June 6, 2020) – In his first start back after a year on the sidelines, Mikes Tiznow successfully defended his title in Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. Mikes Tiznow is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Babes Bridge It, was bred by Eagle Ridge Racing, is owned by Mike Schott and trained by Andy Mathis. The 5-year-old gelding has five wins in nine starts with earnings of $187,555. Mikes Tiznow ran the five furlongs in :56.26 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-2 in a field of nine. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 6, 2020)–In his first-ever try going two turns on grass, the Anthony Saavedra-trained Grinning Tiger went to the front and never looked back, winning Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by 1 ¾ lengths at odds of 90-1.  Ridden by Heriberto Figueroa, the 5-year-old Oregon-bred gelding by California stallion Smiling Tiger got a flat mile on turf in 1:35.75. Fitted with blinkers in his last three starts, Grinning Tiger was most recently sixth going 5 ½ furlongs on turf versus statebreds in the 5 ½ furlong Sensational Star Stakes here on March 22. “I really did think we could get it done,” said an elated Saavedra.  “He shuts off (relaxes) so easy, he’s not a runoff.  He will just bow that head and do whatever we want him to do.  We were dying to try two turns…We were going to scratch him at the last minute, but we all came together and said he needs to run.” In his... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 6, 2020)–Last by about seven lengths heading into the far turn, Super Patriot rallied three-deep turning for home to win Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by 1 ¾ lengths under a well executed hand ride from Santa Anita’s leading man Flavien Prat. Trained by Richard Baltas, the 5-year-old Unusual Heat mare got a mile on turf in 1:35.66. Well beaten in the Grade II Buena Vista Stakes going a mile turf Feb. 22, Super Patriot was the 3-2 favorite with Prat aboard for the first time and in a field of six California-bred or sired fillies and mares paid $5.00, $2.80 and $2.10. “She’s not easy to deal with, but she’s special,” said Baltas, who notched his meet-leading 27th win. “She’s got a great turn of foot. They were walking, but she was off the bridle and looked very comfortable. All I told Flavien was ‘Don’t get her stopped.’ She was inside, they he took... ...

From Harris Auerbach COTTONWOOD, Calif. (May 30, 2020) — Multiple stakes winner, former course record holder and important California horse retirement figure Lennyfromalibu passed away due to complications from colic on Thursday evening at his home at Tranquility Farm in Cottonwood, Calif.  He was 21. Bred in California by owners Jim and Madeline Auerbach, Lennyfromalibu hailed from the first crop of California’s All Time Leading Sire Unusual Heat and was the first foal of the Half A Year mare Style of the Year.  Lenny is widely recognized as the horse who put Unusual Heat on the map as his first star runner.  Unusual Heat would go on to become a 7 time leading sire in California while Lenny’s dam Style of the Year would become an important foundation mare of 15 foals amassing over $1.6 million in earnings and producers of black type runners. A versatile athlete with pure speed, Lenny won races on dirt and turf and both sprinting and around 2 turns.  Trained by Barry Abrams, he won the 2003 California Cup Mile... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (May 29, 2020) — Del Mar will offer eight California-bred stakes, part of the Golden State Series consisting of 39 restricted stakes for registered California-bred or California-sired horses. They are: Friday, July 24 $100,000 Fleet Treat Stakes, for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs; Sunday, July 26 $125,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles (turf); Friday, July 31 $100,000 Real Good Deal Stakes, for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs; Saturday, August 1 $100,000 CTBA Stakes, for 2-year-old fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs; Sunday, August 2, $100,000 Graduation Stakes, for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs; Saturday, August 15, $125,000 Solana Beach Stakes, for 3-year-olds and up, fillies and mares at one mile (turf); Sunday, August 30, $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes, for 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs; Friday, September 4, $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes, for 2-year-olds at six furlongs ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (May 28, 2020) — The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club announced today its intention to begin the 2020 summer race meet on July 10 and employ a three-day-a-week race schedule pending the approval of the California Horse Racing Board at its June 11 meeting. Further, following guidelines issued by San Diego County public health officials, California state officials and in consultation with other public health experts, the track’s traditional summer meeting is preparing to operate without spectators, but will continue to work with state and local officials to adopt any changes as they happen. In all cases, Del Mar will follow similar COVID-19 protocols that have enabled racing to be conducted safely in California and throughout the country. “We’re coming back and we’re going to put on the most unique show in Del Mar history,” said Del Mar’s CEO, Joe Harper. “It’s going to look different, it’s going to feel different, but it’s going to be first-class horse racing at Del Mar and in these... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 27, 20o20) — Santa Anita has announced a comprehensive plan to allow CHRB licensed owners at the race track to watch their horses breeze in the mornings. Since the number of owners attending at one time will be limited to comply with county health department protocols, reservations must be made ahead of time by your trainer. Trainers will be able to make reservations through the Santa Anita Racing Office for their owners to attend on a first-come-first-served basis. The new owners’ viewing area has been set aside in the Clubhouse section of the Grandstand overlooking the far turn. The viewing area contains tables and chairs, which have been appropriately spaced for social distancing. Extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the viewing area and restrooms will be done regularly to conform to COVID-19 protocols. There will also be coffee service available in the viewing area. Owners must enter Santa Anita through Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue and park in the Clubhouse Valet.  They will enter through the Clubhouse... ...

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 27, 2020) — The framework for a summer racing season in Northern California was discussed during a May 27 teleconference of the California Horse Racing Board Race Dates Committee, though the finalization of dates will not take place until the CHRB regular monthly meeting June 11. Under dates mentioned by committee members Oscar Gonzales and Wendy Mitchell, the summer racing season in Northern California could include an Alameda County Fair race meet at Pleasanton from June 19-July 12 followed by a Cal Expo at Pleasanton meet from July 17-Aug 2. Those dates would be contingent on Pleasanton receiving authorization from the Alameda County Public Health Department to race amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and CHRB approval at the June 11 meeting. Golden Gate Fields, currently running spectatorless and set to race through June 14, could pick up summer fair dates, resuming racing Aug. 7 and staging a Santa Rosa at Golden Gate meet through Aug. 16. It could then continue with other race dates through Oct.... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 26, 2020) — The California Thoroughbred Business League (CTBL) board today unanimously approved a subsidy of $2 million from its reserves to be paid to Post Time Self Insurance Group, the entity which insures California trainers for workers’ compensation. CTBL, Post Time and the California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) have agreed to support the creation of a new position of Director of Safety to establish and regulate uniform safety standards and to oversee and coordinate those standards at California tracks and auxiliary training facilities. “We spent substantial time over the last three months working with the trainers and Post Time to develop substantial improvements in the workers’ comp program, including significant safety initiatives,” said Nick Alexander, TOC Chairman and representative on the CTBL board.  “I especially want to thank Tim Yakteen, Post Time president and southern California vice-president of CTT, for his important input and the countless hours he contributed to the process.” “We greatly appreciate this funding from the CTBL,” said Yakteen. “It was vital... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2020) – Graduates of California Thoroughbred Breeders Sales have won five races in the state this weekend. Salsa Verde, a 3-year-old daughter of U S Ranger, won a maiden claimer at Golden Gate on Thursday. Out of the Victory Gallop mare Blue Sky Holiday, Salsa Verde was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by trainer Paul Aguirre and Bryce Packnit and was purchased at the 2019 CTBA January Mixed Sale for $1,000. Take the One O One, a 5-year-old by Acclimation, won an optional allowance claimer at Santa Anita on Friday. Out of the Jump Start mare North Freeway, Take the One O One was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Jay Em Ess Stable, is trained by Brian Koriner and was a $47,000 purchase at the 2016 Northern California Yearling Sale. Take the One O One has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $382,306 and is graded-stakes placed. Gardees World, a 2-year-old filly by Atticus, won an open maiden special weight race... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 16, 2020)–Unhurried early from her rail post position, Smiling Shirlee, under confident handling from Mike Smith, came running late to overhaul a well meant Bella Vita in taking Saturday’s $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Jeff Bonde, the 3-year-old daughter of Smiling Tiger got six furlongs in 1:10.49, which was .26 of a second slower than Big Sweep’s final clocking in the Evening Jewel’s counterpart, the Echo Eddie, which was run two races earlier. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Evening Jewel is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. A one mile state-bred allowance winner on March 6, Smiling Shirlee, who is owned by Edward Brown, Jr., Alan Klein and Phillip Lebherz, had been Cal-bred stakes place on three occasions and notched her first stakes victory today in her eighth career start. “What a race she ran,” said Smith, who was aboard for the first time today. “I thought that if she ran back... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 16, 2020)–In just her second career start and the lone filly in the lineup, Big Sweep came rolling from off the pace to take Saturday’s $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes by a head under Flavien Prat. Owned by Red Baron’s Barn, LLC and Rancho Temescal and trained by Mark Glatt, the 3-year-old daughter of Mr. Big got six furlongs in 1:10.23. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Echo Eddie is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Breaking from the number seven post position in a field of eight sophomores, Big Sweep had two horses beat a half mile from home, but was on the move while fourth, two off Better Trip Nick and Rookie Mistake a quarter mile out. From there, Rookie Mistake took the lead at the furlong marker and Big Sweep was all out to collar him on the money. “She ran really well,” said Prat, who had guided Big Sweep to a 2 ¼ length... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Cris Caldwell, notable auctioneer and loving father of two children, died May 15 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63. Born Feb. 14, 1957 in Upland, Calif. to Tom and Mary Caldwell, Caldwell started his auction career at the age of 16 at Maclin Caldwell Auction Company in Chino, Calif, selling everything from furniture to horses five days a week. In 1975 he joined the Keeneland auction ranks under his father. He would go on to sell hundreds of millions of dollars worth of horses during a 45-year tenure that concluded with the 2020 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale. At home in Oregon, Caldwell was crucial to many farm and charity auctions, always giving back to the community in any way possible. Caldwell had a passion for ranching and the western way of life. That passion was instilled in his girls, Alden and Laurel, who continue his legacy as a fourth-generation rancher and budding veterinarian, respectively. An avid athlete and daredevil, Caldwell’s life was... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 7,  2020) — The Jockey Club board of stewards today announced that it has adopted a final rule limiting the annual breeding of individual stallions. The rule reflects The Jockey Club’s goal to preserve the health of the Thoroughbred breed for the long term and will apply prospectively to stallions born in 2020 or later.  Effective today, The Jockey Club’s Principal Rules and Requirements of the American Studbook are amended by adding the following italicized language to the text of Rule 14C: C. Based on the information on a completed Report of Mares Bred form, The Jockey Club will forward to the stallion owner, lessee or authorized agent a preprinted Service Certificate for each broodmare bred, including the name of the stallion, the name of the broodmare, the name of the dam of the broodmare, and the date of the last cover. The total number of broodmares bred per individual stallion whose year of birth is 2020 or thereafter shall not exceed 140... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 5, 2020) — The Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the application process for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)-COVID-19 related assistance program after a short delay. Farms with fewer than 500 employees whose primary activity is breeding horses may now apply for these loans offered to businesses that have suffered economic hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.   “This is welcome news and a terrific opportunity for horse farms that are currently facing a number of daunting challenges,” said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop. “The NTRA encourages quick action by those interested, as the loans are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.”   Click here to access the EIDL application.   The NTRA lobbied the SBA for several weeks after farms were excluded from earlier federal emergency aid packages. On April 24, President Trump signed into law another package providing relief to small businesses, including farms and ranches.   NTRA partner Dean Dorton, one of the nation’s leading experts on equine... ...

By Bloodhorse.com BONSALL, Calif. (May 1, 2020) — Reddam Racing’s grade 1 winner Pavel was retired May 1 and will stand at Ocean Breeze Ranch in Bonsall, Calif. The owners also announced that their grade 1 winner Square Eddie  has been pensioned from stud duty. Trained by Doug O’Neill, Pavel won the 2018 Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs. The son of Creative Cause  won first time out going 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.20 at Santa Anita Park as a 3-year-old. He went on to win the Smarty Jones Stakes (G3) at Parx Racing and then placed third in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park, beaten 1 3/4 lengths by winner Diversify. At 4, Pavel finished fourth to Thunder Snow in the Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline (G1) before winning the Stephen Foster. In his next start, he was the runner-up in the $1 Million TVG Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) at Del Mar. At 5, he again finished fourth to Thunder Snow in the Dubai World Cup, beaten by three lengths. He... ...

By Bloodhorse.com PALM DESERT, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2020) — Influential racetrack owner and successful owner/breeder Randall Dee “R.D.” Hubbard died April 29 at 84, according to the American Quarter Horse Association. Born in Smith Center, Kan., in 1935, Hubbard was the youngest of eight children. He worked in his family’s icehouse and attended Butler Community College in El Dorado, Kan. He became a teacher after college but soon moved on to become a glass salesman in 1959. Nine years later, he became president of Safelite Auto Glass and by 1978 had formed his company, AFG Industries, which he helped grow into the second-largest glass manufacturer in North America and took private in a $1.1 billion buyout in 1988. During his first years in the glass business in Kansas, Hubbard and his boss, Art Lankin, became interested in Quarter Horses. They started with show horses but quickly realized racing was a more lucrative venture. In his own name, he has bred the earners of more than $4.7 million, and owned, bred... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 28, 2020) — All businesses are feeling economic hardship right now, and horse owners are no exception. Congress and the Trump Administration have provided several mechanisms to keep businesses afloat and provide some financial relief. Every business and every financial situation is unique, however, so it is critical that you have a conversation with your tax or financial advisor to ensure that you are accessing all the benefits to which you are entitled under the new law.   1.     Tax Benefits. Owners may be entitled to some new tax benefits that allow them to file amended returns for prior years and get cash in the form of tax refunds.   a. Net operating losses can now be carried back for up to 5 years. This applies to C corporations and individuals who generate net business losses. The IRS is currently accepting faxed refund requests in order to expedite these cash refunds. b. The excess business loss limitation for individuals, trusts and estates is now deferred until 2021. Those who... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Apr. 23, 2020) – Los Alamitos has renamed the Bertrando Stakes as the $100,000 Soi Phet for California-breds, which will be run on Saturday, June 27, during the Summer Thoroughbred Festival that runs from June 26 through July 5. In addition to the Soi Phet, Los Alamitos will hold the $200,000 Grade II Great Lady M. for fillies and mares and the $100,000 Grade III Los Alamitos Derby, both on Saturday, July 4. The Soi Phet honors the Cal-bred gelding who won five stakes at Los Alamitos prior to his retirement in the summer of 2019. The son of Tizbud, who earned nearly $1 million after being claimed for $16,000 by trainer Leonard Powell for a partnership May 23, 2013 at Hollywood Park, won the race now named for him in 2014 and 2018. His other Los Alamitos stakes wins came in the 2014 Los Alamitos Mile and the E.B. Johnston in 2016 and 2017. Soi Phet, who now resides at Old Friends Farm in... ...

By Bloodhorse.com This is the second in a series of Q&A sessions with farm managers and general managers regarding how they are handling their Thoroughbred operation amid the COVID-19 pandemic. SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2020) — Barton Thoroughbreds, a 200-acre property located in the Santa Ynez Valley in California, opened in August 2017. The farm is involved in breeding, foaling, boarding, lay-ups, and yearling sales prep. It stands five stallions: Champ Pegasus , Cat Burglar, Misremembered , Dads Caps, and Tiz a Minister . BloodHorse associate editor Byron King spoke with farm manager Kevin Dickson about how the farm has been dealing with COVID-19 and the virus-related suspension of racing at Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields. Dickson, who studied equine science at Colorado State University, was previously the manager of Vessels Stallion Farm for 21 years and Ocean Breeze Ranch for two years. BloodHorse: How has COVID-19 impacted Barton Thoroughbreds, both directly and indirectly? Kevin Dickson: The biggest impact I think we’ve felt is business has been a bit slower... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2020) — Madeline Auerbach lost her mare Chi Chi Nette April 20 to the infirmities of old age. The daughter of Ole’ was one of the broodmare prospects originally acquired by the California owner/breeder 17 years ago to support a young stallion named Unusual Heat. Chi Chi Nette did her part to prove the then-young sire’s ability by producing seven winners from seven starters, all by Unusual Heat, which included grade 2 and multiple stakes winner Majestic Heat and the grade 1-placed multiple stakes winner Mensa Heat. “We had a base group of mares that we started with Unusual Heat, and then when we saw how good his foals were, we acquired a second group and ‘Chi Chi’ was in that group,” recalled Harris Auerbach, Madeline Auerbach’s son and former managing partner of the Unusual Heat Syndicate. “She was a big mare, just under 17 hands, but it was hard to tell because all the parts fit so well. She was a big, correct mare,... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 16, 2020) — Scott Chaney has been appointed Executive Director of the California Horse Racing Board, Chairman Greg Ferraro announced Thursday. Chaney, who assumed the post Thursday, replaces Rick Baedeker, who retired on March 31. Chaney has been a steward in California since 2005, serving initially on the Southern California thoroughbred circuit and most recently at the Los Alamitos quarter horse meet. A graduate of Dartmouth, cum laude, Chaney went on to graduate with honors from the University of Southern California Law School. He remains a member of the State Bar of California. Chaney grew up in Maryland, where his parents owned a few horses running at the Maryland tracks. With that background, and prior to becoming a steward, he groomed horses during summer breaks from law school, and then after graduation he became an assistant to trainer Darrell Vienna and traveled the country and world with horses. CHRB commissioners and executives recognized Chaney’s talents early on when they assigned him to complicated legal cases,... ...

From CDFA SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 14, 2020) — This guidance is based on what is currently known about the transmission and severity of COVID-19. The California Department of Food and Agriculture, in consultation with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), will update this guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. Local environmental health and public health agencies may have additional guidance and/or requirements regarding these operations in their jurisdiction. Background According to the Governor’s Order, essential critical infrastructure workers (https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf ) include those in animal agriculture. Individuals providing care and exercise to ensure the health of and welfare of equines in California are essential workers. Equestrian facilities must prepare for possible impacts of COVID-19 and take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We are gaining more understanding of COVID-19’s epidemiology, clinical course, immunogenicity, and other factors as time progresses, and the situation is changing daily. Best Practices Guidelines for Equestrian Facilities It is necessary to act in a manner that incorporates Governor Newsom’s Executive Orders to... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Owner/breeder Charles Fipke will be waiving the 2020 breeding fees on all his stallions in order to provide some relief to small breeders that could be particularly hard-hit by the economic downturn from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to longtime consultant Sid Fernando. “What can I say? Small breeders will especially be affected by the economic conditions, and they are the backbone of this industry,” Fipke said in statement published on Twitter April 13 by Fernando. “None of my stallions stand for more than $5,000, and they are primarily supported by small breeders. Because I own my stallions outright and don’t have shareholder responsibilities, I am able to do this, with the support of the farms where they stand. I’m passionate about this game and will continue to support my stallions, and I’d like to show my appreciation for outside breeders who do so as well in these trying times.” Fipke stands seven stallions in the United States and Canada. At Darby Dan Farm near Lexington, he stands... ...

From OCRegister.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 9, 2020) — More than 750 backstretch workers at Santa Anita racetrack now live and work in isolation, largely cut off from the outside world and increasingly from each other to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They sleep in worn dormitories, sometimes in pairs, tucked among the racetrack’s barns. New restrictions bar visitors, and even horse owners, from entering the historic grounds at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. And though nothing prevents the workers from leaving the 320-acre Arcadia park, many do not have cars or licenses. Even if they did, there’s really nowhere to go amid the pandemic. There is a sense of anxiety in the community, according to those who work and live at Santa Anita. Like everywhere else, their fears are primarily about the coronavirus, though there’s increasing worry about the future of their jobs as well. Rafael Gonzalez, a 61-year-old groom, is burying himself in his work. He begins tending to the horses shortly before 4 a.m. on most... ...

By Bloodhorse.com WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 1, 2020) — A tax expert encouraged the many horse racing industry businesses, farms, small businesses, nonprofits, and self-employed people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdown that followed to apply for aid packages and loans made available by the federal government. During an 80-minute interactive teleconference April 1 organized by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Dean Dorton director of tax services and equine team leader Jen Shah offered advice on getting the most out of recent federal legislation, including the $2 trillion CARES Act. The conference attracted interest from more than 500 people in the industry. Though many people will consult with their own advisers first, Shah encouraged them to take action before some of the programs dry up. “I’m encouraging people who think they may qualify to apply, sooner rather than later, for these provisions,” Shah said. Significant aid for businesses and the self-employed is being made through United States Small Business Administration Loans through the CARES Act and two bills passed in... ...

From Thoroughbred Owners of California ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 29, 2020) — Per our email Friday, we continue to work with Stronach Group and CTT to persuade the LA County Department of Health to rescind its order prohibiting live racing at Santa Anita. Many of you have inquired about who you can contact to support these efforts. The Department of Health reports to the LA Board of Supervisors, and the Supervisor and current Chair for the Fifth District which includes Arcadia is Kathryn Barger. You can contact her at Kathryn@bos.lacounty.gov. We believe emails will be most effective if they are concise and respectful.  The major themes Stronach Group, TOC and CTT  have been emphasizing are:   Allowing the continuation of live racing does not present a health risk to the 1000 + workers on the backstretch who live in dormitories at the track and must be at the track every day to support live training of 1700 horses every day.   Daily training for these horses has already been determined to... ...

From Fasig-Tipton ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 29, 2020) — Due to current restrictions in place at Santa Anita Park as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as recent changes in the 2020 thoroughbred auction calendar, Fasig-Tipton announced today the cancellation of its 2020 Santa Anita Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale.  The auction had been scheduled for June 3 in Arcadia, California. “Factors beyond our control have necessitated the sale’s cancellation,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning.  “We greatly appreciate the support we received from those that had already committed entries, as well as the efforts and cooperation of Santa Anita’s management and staff these past several months.  With so much uncertainty, we felt it was best to go ahead and announce the sale’s cancellation to provide sellers with ample time to redirect their horses to other venues.” “While disappointed with this outcome, we look forward to continuing to work with California breeders and sellers on the California Fall Yearlings Sale scheduled for October 19 of this year at Fairplex in... ...

By America’s Best Racing Staff The current COVID-19 pandemic has touched every aspect of American life, and in the grand scheme of things, pursuing entertainment—and the almighty dollar—by wagering on horse racing certainly takes a back seat to the essential tasks we all must take right now to keep ourselves and our families safe and help our neighbors as much as possible. Still, a lot of us have time for leisure, but now are faced with far fewer options. It’s been the mission of America’s Best Racing since it was founded to promote what’s best about this sport, and for us as well as most everyone else, that’s attending the races in person. Nothing else matches the excitement of gathering with friends, enjoying a perfect-weather day, partaking in local/regional food and drink faves, and witnessing up close the beauty and intensity of racehorses competing. Those times will soon return. But for now, there are other ways to enjoy the sport, especially the complex and captivating practice of handicapping and wagering... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 22, 2020)–With a light rain falling at post time, conditions proved ideal for Nick Alexander’s homebred Lieutenant Dan, as he sat close to the early pace and reeled in lightning quick distaffer Stealthediamonds late to take Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by three-quarters of a length under Drayden Van Dyke. Trained by Steve Miyadi, the 4-year-old gelding by Grazen got 5 ½ furlongs over a “firm” turf at Santa Anita in 1:02.32. Breaking from post position seven in a field of 10 older runners, Lieutenant Dan sat third, about 2 ½ lengths behind Stealthediamonds with longshot Grinning Tiger to his inside. Leaving the quarter pole, Van Dyke swung three-deep and overhauled a tiring Stealthediamonds with 50 yards to run while ridden confidently. “It set up perfectly for him today,” said Van Dyke, who guided Lieutenant Dan to a close second-place finish behind multiple stakes winner Fashionably Fast in the Cal Cup Sprint going six furlongs on dirt here... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2020) — Sharon Alesia, Bran Jam Stable, and Ciaglia Racing’s Ashleyluvssugar was retired from racing March 22, according to his trainer, Peter Eurton. The 9-year-old California-bred gelded son of Game Plan raced 38 times over a span of eight years, primarily in California, winning 10 starts and placing in 12 others to earn $1,488,083. Ashleyluvssugar’s most recent win was in the 2017 Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park. He also won that race in 2015 and took the 2015 San Luis Rey Stakes (G2T), as well as the Del Mar Handicap Presented by the Japan Racing Association (G2T) and John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (G2T) in 2016. He placed fifth in that year’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T). Bred in California by the partners who raced him, he is out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, who produced five other winners, including stakes-placed Ashley’s Sassy. In his most recent effort, he placed sixth in the March 21 San Luis Rey, which was downgraded to a grade 3 for... ...