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... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 21, 2020)–Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams had reason to smile from afar on Saturday at Santa Anita, as their 7-year-old homebred gelding Ward ‘n Jerry rallied boldly off the turn for home en route to an emphatic 1 ¼ length win in the Grade III, $100,000 San Luis Rey Stakes.  Ridden for the first time since June of 2016 by Flavien Prat and trained by Mike Puype, the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit got the marathon mile and one half over a “good” turf course in 2:28.67. With the San Luis Rey starting gate set halfway up the hillside turf course, Ward ‘n Jerry was a bit aggressive while a joint third, about three lengths behind pacesetter Go for a Ride and Ashleyluvssugar. With the pace quickening noticeably leaving the half mile pole, Ward ‘n Jerry wrested the lead from Ashleyluvssugar at the top of the lane and was all business through the drive as he held fellow Cal-bred Camino Del Paraiso... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 20, 2020) – California stallion Tigah was represented by his first winner when Siberian Tigah won the first race at Golden Gate on Thursday. Siberian Tigah, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Lass, was bred by Vincent Harris & Peter Guidry, is owned by Guidry and trained by Leobardo Rivera. He is Tigah’s first foal to race. Siberian Tigah, a 4-year-old gelding, ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.55 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 3-1 in a field of six. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2020) — Longtime jockey agent Pat McDowell passed away on Friday at age 84 near Seattle. McDowell represented many riders dating back to the late 1950s, primarily on the West Coast and at Turf Paradise in Phoenix. McDowell had great success in the 60s and 70s with Jerry Lambert, who was best known as the regular rider of the legendary California-bred Hall of Famer, Native Diver. McDowell, who also represented Hall of Famer Russell Baze for a time when he rode full-time in Southern California in 1989-90, was a popular figure at the track, on the golf course and about town. Following his career as an agent, McDowell worked for a number of years and as recently as this past September, as paddock judge at Emerald Downs near Seattle. Pat McDowell is survived by his wife Janice and several children and grandchildren. ...

OCALA, Fla. (Mar. 17, 2020) – A California-bred pinhooked colt by Run Away and Hide sold for $170,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Chiran, out of the Cal-bred Officer mare Officer Allie, was bred by Jack Owens and Barbara Owens, consigned by Havens Bloodstock, Agent, and was purchased by Hideyuki Mori. The colt was timed in :09.4 in a one-eighth mile breeze. He was purchased for $40,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings Sale. ...

From Bloodhorse.com Queen Bee to You, the California-bred who rose up the stakes ranks to become a dual graded stakes winner this winter in Southern California, has been retired due to a minor right ankle injury, according to trainer Andrew Lerner. The winner of the Bayakoa Stakes (G3) and La Canada Stakes (G3) under jockey Ruben Fuentes, the 6-year-old Old Topper mare had been pointed toward the March 14 Beholder Mile Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park but had inflammation in her ankle March 4 after a six-furlong workout in 1:13 4/5. “It was nothing serious. I would have recommended to the owners to turn her out for 60 or 90 days, bring her back, and let her roll again,” Lerner said. “But we’re kind of at the point where we decided to run her this year, and if we had done that, we might have gotten one or two races in her anyway before going in the November sale. “It made more sense to take her out of training now... ...

From Governor Newsom SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2020) — Damascus Castellanos, 53, of Los Angeles, has been appointed to the California Horse Racing Board. Castellanos has been a business representative for Teamsters Local No. 495 since 2012. He was a business representative for Teamsters Local No. 630 from 2001 to 2012. Castellanos is a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Castellanos is a Democrat. Castellanos is a board member of the California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation. According to the CTHF website, Castellanos has been a Teamster member for 30 years, including a Business Representative for the past 15 years. As the labor representative on the CTHF board, Damascus has seen the passion his members have for the racing industry, given many of them come from families steeped in California racing’s history. Their passion has been contagious, and Damascus now brings that passion over to the backstretch community. Damascus has a son and a daughter. He grew up in... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 7, 2020)–Mid-pack among a field of 13 sophomore fillies heading to the far turn, Benjamin and Sally Warren’s homebred Warren’s Showtime somehow found room a furlong from home and roared up the rail to take Saturday’s $75,000 China Doll Stakes by a half length.  A California-bred daughter of red hot sire Clubhouse Ride, Warren’s Showtime, who was ridden by apprentice Jorge Velez and is trained by Craig Lewis, got a mile on turf in 1:36.24. A winner of the California Cup Oaks at one mile on turf here Jan. 18, Warren’s Showtime was off as the narrow 3-1 favorite over highly regarded Irish-bred Stela Star and paid $8.00, $4.20 and $3.00. Out of Warren’s Grade I winning Affirmative mare Warren’s Veneda, Warren’s Showtime picked up her third stakes win, all in combination with Velez, and registered her fourth overall win from seven starts.  With the winner’s share of $45,000, she now has earnings of $281,271. Ridden by Joel Rosario and trained by John... ...

By Bloodhorse.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Mar. 7, 2020) — When trainer Gregg Sacco gave Junior Alvarado a leg up on favored Mind Control in the $213,000 Tom Fool Handicap (G3), he told the veteran jockey to “ride his race.” Midway on the final turn, Sacco was wondering what he had done. Normally close to the pace, the multiple grade 1 winner was fifth, a little more than seven lengths off the lead. Even when Alvarado steered to the outside for a clear run at the top of the stretch, the homebred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty  was still about eight lengths behind Happy Farm, who was drawing off to what appeared to be an insurmountable lead. That’s when Sacco heard something that made him chuckle. “My son told me Mind Control was going to win,” Sacco said. “I just laughed off as him being young and not seeing enough races.” Well, score one for youth. Staging a furious and improbable rally, Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables’ Mind Control not... ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2020) — The first reported foal by Conquest Farenheit, a grade 2-placed, multiple stakes-winning son of Scat Daddy, is Rockingham Ranch’s dark bay or brown colt out of Miss Sea Cup, an allowance-winning daughter of Sea of Secrets. Foaled February 14 at Harris Farms, the colt is a half-brother to six-time winner Astonishing Tweet, their dam’s only foal to race. A five-length winner of his 2-year-old debut at Woodbine, Conquest Farenheit followed with a second-place finish in G2 Summer Stakes before his $735,000 purchase by Rockingham Ranch at the 2016 Keeneland November Sale. At three, he posted back-to-back black type wins in the 6 ½-furlong Baffle Stakes (1:12.83) and the Pasadena Stakes at one mile (1:33.58) at Santa Anita on turf. In his final career start, he was second in the Rainbow Stakes at 1 1/8 miles and retired to stud with earnings of $187,655 in seven starts. Conquest Farenheit stands his first season at Harris Farms for $3,000 live foal. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 1, 2020)–Harris Farms’ homebred Fashionably Fast stretched out to a flat mile off of five consecutive sprint victories with aplomb on Sunday at Santa Anita, as the 5-year-old gelding by Lucky Pulpit pressed the pace and registered a half length win while hand ridden late by Tiago Pereira in the $100,000 Tiznow Stakes form Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Trained by Dean Pederson, he got the distance in 1:36.64. Breaking from post position three in a field of five California-bred or sired older horses, Fashionably Fast, who’s last three wins had come in California-bred stakes, sat just off the early pace set by Tiger Dad, who was drawn to his immediate inside and overhauled him in mid-stretch. “I thought the number two (Tiger Dad) would go and he did,” said Pereira, who has been aboard Fashionably Fast in his last 10 races. “When we got by the two (leaving the furlong pole), he saw the one (Oliver) coming and he’s just... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2020) — Santa Anita Park has announced a new program to reward the owners of horses who have supported the current race meeting with a Loyalty Bonus to horses who have raced from December 28, 2019 through February 29, 2020.  From March 6 through the end of the season on June 21, all eligible horses will receive an additional 10 percent bonus in their first start during that period (paid on first through fifth place earnings). The bonus money will be fully funded by Santa Anita and The Stronach Group and is separate from the purse account.      Santa Anita also announced that beginning March 6 and through the end of the meet, the track will pick up the costs for up to two veterinary examinations for each horse entered.  All horses are eligible for the reimbursement, whether or not they have previously run at the track this season.        “It is very important that we reward those who have been loyal... ...

From Bloodhorse.com BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2020) — Ray York, who gained international fame by winning the 1954 Kentucky Derby at the age of 20, has died at age 86 due to the effects of pneumonia at an extended care facility near Bakersfield, Calif. “Ray passed away peacefully this past Sunday,” said Michael McKay, York’s longtime girlfriend. “He loved racing so much and all the people he had known over the years, but we haven’t been able to visit Santa Anita for several years due to his health. “We had a great time together, and we traveled quite a bit. We went to China, Ireland, Italy, Nova Scotia, Alaska, and we visited England three times. Ray was so much fun, always laughing and always talking.” York, who was born Nov. 23, 1933, in Gloucester, Mass., was gregarious and full of energy well into his 80s. He won major stakes on both coasts and was considered one of the top riders of his era, which included the likes of Bill Shoemaker,... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2020) – Spiced Perfection became the first female to repeat as California-bred Horse of the Year, which was announced at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at the Sheraton San Gabriel on Tuesday night. The complete list of champions: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Square Eddie, property of Reddam Racing LLC. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number of Winners – Lucky Pulpit, property of Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings – Square Eddie, property of Reddam Racing LLC. Champion Sire of California Conceived Two-Year-Olds by Earnings – Clubhouse Ride, property of Six-S Racing Stable and Craig Lewis. Champion First-Crop Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Govenor Charlie, property of Terry Lovingier. Broodmare of the Year – Perfect Feat, property of Premier Thoroughbreds LLC. Champion Breeder of California Foaled Thoroughbreds by Earnings – Reddam Racing LLC. Trainer of the Year – Bill Delia. Champion Horse of... ...

By Bloodhorse.com PORTLAND, Ore. (Feb. 25, 2020) — Grinning Tiger, a son of California stallion Smiling Tiger, was named the Oregon-bred Horse of the Year and Older Gelding of the Year at the Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association annual awards banquet Feb. 22. The sold-out event featured racing videos of the winners from six different racetracks. Oregon-breds have been seen competing and winning at Churchill Downs, Emerald Downs, Los Alamitos Race Course, Century Mile, and Grants Pass Downs. In 2019, Tyree Wolesenky’s Grinning Tiger compiled a 2-1-1- record from 11 starts and earned $87,091. That record includes a runner-up finish in the black-type California Flag Handicap at Santa Anita Park, in which the Smiling Tiger  gelding was beat a neck, and two victories at Los Alamitos in allowance optional claiming. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2020) — Longtime horseman Richard Tate passed away over the weekend in Sheridan, Wy, according to former California Thoroughbred Breeders Association director Daniel Schiffer. Tate worked for the Schiffer family at Galway Downs and then for Mel Stute on the Southern California racing circuit before taking out his trainer’s license. He trained in Montana and at Denver’s Arapahoe Park before setting up a stable at Golden Gate. Tate trained the California-bred Summer Sale to win the Hollywood Turf Express over Answer Do. He also trained Cal-bred Arvada for The Hat Ranch. ...

By Bloodhorse.com SIERRA MADRE, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2020) — Henry Moreno, a California training icon in a career that began more than half a century ago, died Feb. 2 following a lengthy battle with dementia at The Kensington care facility in Sierra Madre, Calif. He was 90 years old. Immensely popular among his peers, Moreno was born in Corona, Calif., and grew up on his father’s Quarter Horse ranch. He began as a Quarter Horse trainer before switching to Thoroughbreds in the early 1960s. He conditioned Chilean import Tizna, who won seven Santa Anita Park added money events, often competing against males. In the 1993 Vanity Handicap (G1), he saddled Re Toss to upset Eclipse Award winner Paseana, 28 years after he won the race the first of three times. Moreno also won multiple stakes with Irish-bred Sangue, including the 1983 Matriarch Stakes (G1T). His last stakes winner was California-bred Spud Spivens. Moreno, who saw combat while serving in the Army during the Korean War and reached the rank of... ...

By Bloodhorse.com AUBURN, Wash. (Feb. 23, 2020) — John and Janene Maryanski and Gerald and Gail Schneider’s Baja Sur, a son of California stallion Smiling Tiger, brought home titles as horse of the year, champion sprinter, and champion 3-year-old to add to his 2018 Washington state champion juvenile title. Bred by the late John Roche and trained by Blaine Wright, the gelded son of Smiling Tiger —Premo Copy, by Supremo, won three stakes (two at Emerald Downs and one at Golden Gate Fields) and was a close second in another in his four 2019 outings.  In addition, the Maryanski/Schneider partnership was also named the leading owner of Washington-bred earners in 2019 and Wright received one of two special training achievement awards handed out during the festive celebrations. Among Wright’s 2019 accomplishments were his close seconds in two grade 1 races with juvenile Anneau d’Or, nine stakes wins at Emerald Downs and having his first Preakness Stakes (G1) starter. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2020)–Next to last in a field of five heading into the far turn, Reddam Racing’s homebred An Eddie Surprise relished a change in tactics as she rallied from off the pace to take Monday’s $70,000 Wishing Well Stakes by a half length, providing Joel Rosario with his fourth win on the day. Trained by Doug O’Neill, An Eddie Surprise got 5 ½ furlongs in 1:02.40. Ridden for the first time today by Rosario, An Eddie Surprise, a 5-year-old California-bred mare by Square Eddie, was into the bridle about four lengths off the lead at the rail approaching the quarter pole and swung three-wide a furlong out to win under confident handling. “We were very confident, she got out of there not very quick in the beginning,” said Rosario. “I just let her be where she was and she started getting better going into the turn…I just try to figure out what makes my horse happy and to help them run their best.... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2020) – Full siblings Askin’ for Trouble and Baby Hang On won the third and fifth races at Golden Gate on Monday. Askin’ for Trouble and Baby Hang On are by Comic Strip, out of the Roman Dancer mare Honoree Lady and were bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, who also own Baby Hang On. Askin’ for Trouble is owned by Leon Scott. Askin’ for Trouble, a 5-year-old gelding trained by Isidro Tamayo, won the third race by one-half length at odds of 8-1. Baby Hang on, a 3-year-old filly trained by Felix Rondan, won the fifth race by a neck at odds of 8-1. ...

From Laurel Park Publicity LAUREL PARK, Md. (Feb. 15, 2020) — Runnymoore Racing’s Alwaysmining, a Maryland-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, flashed his championship form Saturday at Laurel Park, fighting back tenaciously in deep stretch to capture the $100,000 John B. Campbell. The 4-year-old son of Stay Thirsty, who was honored as the champion Maryland-bred 3-year-old of 2019, claimed his second consecutive stakes victory of 2020 in the about 1 1/16-mile stakes for 4-year-olds and up. “I think it’s going to be a great year, even better than last year,” trainer Kelly Rubley said. “He continues to mature and has filled out a lot. He’s got a lot of heart.” Alwaysmining, the 2-1 third choice ridden by Julian Pimentel, set the pace while pressed by Monongahela, the 6-5 favorite ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., posting fractions of 24.58 and 48.11 seconds for the first half-mile. The multiple-graded stakes winning gelding continued to show the way into the stretch, where Monongahela pulled alongside in mid-stretch. Alwaysmining, though, would not be... ...

By California Thoroughbred Many individuals were involved with the creation of California Cup in 1990, leading to increased opportunities for California-bred runners. At the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Lou Rowan and Don Valpredo spearheaded efforts to create such a program. The Oak Tree Racing Association quickly signed on, led by its board and then-general manager Ray Rogers. Sherwood “Chilly” Chillingworth had come onto the Oak Tree board in 1989 and became its executive vice president in 1993. His efforts to promote California Cup in subsequent years have immeasurably helped the state’s breeding industry and make him a worthy addition to the Hall of Fame. When California Cup celebrated its 25th running in 2015, Chillingworth recalled those early years. “Oak Tree was bred to be helpful to the industry, and we thought this was a fine idea,” he said. “But we had to write new legislation and alter our stakes schedule. It wasn’t an easy thing to do. Oak Tree put up a lot of the money to make it happen,... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2020)–California-bred Lil Milo got a perfect waiting ride from Ruben Fuentes and responded with a 1 ¼ length win in Sunday’s $70,000 Clockers’ Corner Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Alfredo Marquez, the 5-year-old Rocky Bar gelding got 5 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:02.62. Breaking from post position three in a field of seven older horses, Lil Milo was full of run while a comfortable third, about three lengths behind dueling leaders Bay Muzik and What’sontheagenda mid-way around the turn. Leaving the quarter pole, Fuentes angled three-wide turning for home quickly assumed command a furlong out. “We had a perfect trip,” said Fuentes, who was aboard Lil Milo for the first time today. “I was behind those two speed horses and I thought the seven (Bay Muzik) would stop, so I waited until we turned for home and then we angled out. When I asked him, he took off and he was gone. It’s great to ride for Alfredo. He’s a... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2020)–With a recent minor illness a concern, Benjamin and Sally Warren’s homebred Warren’s Showtime assuaged any doubts as to her readiness with a powerful stretch kick that resulted in a runaway3-½ length win in Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Oaks at Santa Anita.  Ridden by apprentice Jorge Velez and conditioned by Craig Lewis, the 3-year-old chestnut filly by Clubhouse Ride got one mile on turf in 1:36.50. Breaking from post position five in a field of 12, Warren’s Showtime was a reserved fifth at the rail, about four lengths off the lead at the three furlong pole, she hugged the rail while unleashing a devastating turn of foot through the lane in what was arguably the most impressive win on the day. “She’s got a terrific turn of foot and it helped her today,” said Lewis, who conditioned Warren’s Showtime’s sire and dam, Warren’s Veneda.  “It got a little tight around the turn, but the jock waited and the rail opened up and... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2020)–A 4 ½ furlong first out maiden winner on May 31, Craig Martin’s homebred Fast Enough rallied late to collar longshot Sacred Rider close to home in winning Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby by a neck under Tiago Pereira, who collected his second stakes win of the day. Trained by Rafael Becerra, Fast Enough, a 3-year-old gelding by Eddington, got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:45.23. The Cal Cup Derby is part of the lucrative Golden State Series. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Golden State Series is for California-bred or sired horses. Seventh, about five lengths off the lead mid-way around the far turn, Fast Enough rallied five-deep turning for home and gradually gained the advantage with about 30 yards to run. Off at 9-2 in a field of nine Cal-bred or sired sophomores, Fast Enough paid $11.60, $8.60 and $5.80. Out of the Bertrando mare Brilliant Melody, Fast Enough is now two for two and with the winner’s check of... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2020)–It what was a virtual walk in the park, Matt Nelson’s homebred Wound Tight was in complete control throughout as he waltzed to a front-running 3 ½ length victory in Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank for Golden State Series eligibles. Ridden by Abel Cedillo and trained by Bob Hess, Jr., the 5-year-old gelding by top sprinter Coil got a mile and one eighth over the Santa Anita turf in 1:48.24. A neck and a nose away from having won three straight races, Wound Tight came off of a nose win in a one mile turf allowance at Del Mar on Dec. 1 and was off at 3-1 in a field of eight older horses, returning $8.00, $3.80 and $3.20. Out of the Mr. Broad Blade mare Bellsblade, Wound Tight was making his first stakes appearance and improved his overall mark to 10-4-2-2. With the winner’s share of $110,000, he now has earnings of $266,340. “The race... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2020)–Head and head for the early lead, Harris Farms homebred Fashionably Fast proved tough as nails late, as he repelled a stout challenge from late closing Lieutenant Dan to take Saturday’s $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita by a neck, providing him with his fifth consecutive victory dating back to July 27 at Del Mar. Ridden by Tiago Pereira and trained by Dean Pederson, the 5-year-old California-bred gelding by Lucky Pulpit got six furlongs in 1:09.60. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Donald Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses. “I don’t know if that is his ideal running style, but you gotta ride to win,” said Pederson. “I kind of left it in (Pereira’s) hands. The horse was just game as can be coming down the stretch. The horse has done so much for us, how can you be disappointed in anything he does. We are just very thankful... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2020)–Claimed two starts back for $80,000, trainer Mike Puype’s Stealthediamonds stole away on a comfortable lead and never relinquished command, taking Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint by one half length. Ridden by Agapito Delgadillo, the 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Unusual Heat got 5 ½ furlongs on the Santa Anita turf in 1:01.61. The Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses and is sponsored by the CTBA. Bred by KMN Racing, Stealthediamonds enjoyed a 1 ½ length advantage over heavily favored Just Grazed Me mid-way around the turn and looked all a winner every step of the way. “She got away pretty easy an she was just breezing,” said Delgadillo, who had guided her to an allowance win in her most recent start. “At the top of the lane, I asked her for more and she put it in another gear and we came home easily.”... ...

By Theracingbiz.com LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 18, 2020) –Last winter and spring, Maryland-bred Alwaysmining caught the imagination of racing fans everywhere while reeling off a six-race win streak that landed him in the Preakness starting gate. His future, of course, remains to be written. But on a cold, gray Saturday at Laurel, the four-year-old gelding by California stallion Stay Thirsty served notice that he may be ready to start making some noise in the regional ranks when he posted a 1 3/4-length victory in the Jennings Stakes for Maryland-breds. It was Alwaysmining’s third race since returning from a nearly-five-month break. “He’s trained great since he’s come back, and he’s gotten better with each race,” winning trainer Kelly Rubley said afterwards. “We’re glad to be here again. Alwaysmining looks to us to be better and more developed,” said Greg Bentley, who with his wife Caroline formerly raced as Runnymede Racing LLC and now race as Runnymoore Racing. “We have quite looked forward to his racing against older horses, being a gelding, and... ...

By Bloodhorse.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 18, 2020) — Mind Control may not make it easy on his connections to watch, but the multiple grade 1 winner sure knows how to hit the finish line first. The 4-year-old’s penchant for waiting on horses after getting the lead came into play once again in his first test against older rivals, but the end result was quite satisfying as he managed to prevail by a nose in a three-horse photo in the $151,500 Toboggan Stakes (G3) on a snowy Jan. 18 afternoon at Aqueduct Racetrack. “He gives us all a heart attack,” trainer Gregg Sacco said. “He has a tendency to wait on horses. He does it in the mornings when we breeze him behind horses. He got the lead today, then waited on horses and you think he’s tiring. But as soon as he heard the footsteps, he surged and galloped out way ahead of everyone.” Mind Control, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, won for the sixth time in 11... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2020) – California stallion Circumference was represented by his first winner when Sassyserb won the ninth race at Santa Anita on Saturday, a maiden special weight for Cal-bred 3-year-old fillies. Sassyserb is out of the Rock Hard Ten mare incredible Ten, was bred by John and Allegra Ernst, owned by DA Meah Racing & Next Wave Racing and was trained by Anna Meah. Sassyserb went wire to wire, running the mile on turf in 1:36.20 and winning by 5 ¼ lengths in a field of 12. Circumference, an Irish-bred and the only son of Galileo standing in California, resides at Milky Way Farm. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2020)–When you’re hot you’re hot. Not just according to the late Country Music star Jerry Reed, but with horses the same applies, as evidenced by Queen Bee to You’s thrilling nose victory in Saturday’s Grade III, $200,000 La Canada Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Andrew Lerner and ridden by Ruben Fuentes, the California-bred Queen Bee to You got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:44.36 while registering her second consecutive Grade III win and her third consecutive stakes victory dating back to Nov. 17. Bred by Tommy Town thoroughbreds and owned by An Equal Amount of Blueberries, LLC and Adam Vali, Queen Bee to You, a 6-year-old mare by Old Topper out of the Touch Gold mare Silk Queen, got her third career stakes win, all with Lerner and improved her overall mark to 33-8-11-5. With the winner’s share of $120,000, she now has earnings of $658,770. Part of a four-horse scrum into the first turn, Queen Bee to You seemed... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2020) — Nominations and Past Performances for California Cup Day stakes races: $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic sponsored by City National Bank, at 1 1/18 miles on turf; Nominations PPS $200,000 California Cup Derby, for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles; Nominations PPS $200,000 California Cup Oaks, for 3-year-old fillies at 1 mile on turf; Nominations PPS $150,000 California Cup Sprint at 6 furlongs; Nominations PPS $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint at 5 ½ furlongs on turf Nominations PPS ...

For Sale results: CLICK HERE By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2020) – A 2-year-old Declaration of War filly sold for $60,000 to top the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s January Mixed Sale Jan. 7 at the Hines Pavilion at Fairplex Park near Pomona, Calif. Consigned as Hip 50 by Adrian Gonzalez’s Checkmate Thoroughbreds, the filly was purchased by O.J. Jauregui, agent for Highland Yard. Bred in Kentucky by Indian Creek, John and Riley Hess, Dr. William Hess, and Jess Hess, the filly was produced from the Lemon Drop Kid  mare Lemarchos, a half sister to grade 1-winning millionaire Celestine and to multiple stakes winners Haunted Heroine and Silent Sting. The filly had been sold twice previously, with C & S Thoroughbreds acquiring her for $9,000 from consignor Indian Creek as a short yearling at last year’s Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale. Sent through the ring at Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale as part of the Four Star Sales consignment, the filly was bought by Valle Las Palmas/Jose Zulaica for... ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 4, 2020) – California-bred Tee Em Eye circled seven wide to get up in time and win Saturday’s $65,000 Bold Ego Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Tee Em Eye is by Cyclotron, out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Supermodel, was bred by Karen Headley and is owned by trainer Jose Silva. She has 11 wins in 36 starts, earnings of $208,607 and was coming off a win in the Dec. 21 City of Phoenix Stakes. Tee Em Eye ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.80 and won by one-half length at odds of 15-1 in a field of seven. ...

By Bloodhorse.com Breeders in California will be eagerly awaiting the arrival of Sir Prancealot  at Rancho San Miguel for the 2020 breeding season after the son of Tamayuz supplied his first top-flight winner when Lady Prancealot struck in the Dec. 28 American Oaks (G1T) at Santa Anita Park. The winner was given a masterclass ride by Joe Bravo up the inside rail to lead close home, and is one of three US graded turf winners by her sire along with Beau Recall and Madam Dancealot.  The 3-year-old filly was bred in Ireland by Tally-Ho Stud, whose other graduates Desert Encounter and Fairyland also struck at the highest level this year, and was bought as a yearling for €9,500 (US$11,301) by Eoghan T O’Neill at the 2017 Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale.  Lady Prancealot shares her granddam with Almanaar, a British-bred son of Dubawi who won the 2017 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (G1T). Lady Prancealot raced five times over the minimum trip as a juvenile in Britain for trainer David Evans, and was... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2019) – Trainer Gary Sherlock, who guided the Thoroughbred fillies Intangaroo and Lost Bus to graded stakes wins in recent years and started Uncle Lino in the 2016 Preakness Stakes, died on Sunday of cancer, according to his friends and officials at Santa Anita. Sherlock was 73. A native of San Francisco, Sherlock had a lifelong background in racing. His father, William, was a jockey, and his mother, Mary, was a racing official in Northern California. Sherlock initially made his mark as a Quarter Horse trainer at Los Alamitos where he won such races as the 1977 Los Alamitos Derby with Azure Three and the 1980 Doc Severinsen Handicap with American Jet and was among the leaders on the circuit along with D. Wayne Lukas and Blane Schvaneveldt. Sherlock trained Quarter Horses from 1966 to 1980, winning 353 races, before he switched to Thoroughbreds on a full-time basis. Sherlock had a small Thoroughbred stable through the 1980s and early 1990s in Southern California. His... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2019)–Lady Prancealot, an Irish-bred daughter of California stallion Sir Prancealot, notched her second consecutive graded stakes victory as she outran California-bred Mucho Unusual by a half length in a thrilling finish to Saturday’s Grade I, $300,000 American Oaks at Santa Anita. Trained by Richard Baltas and ridden by Joe Bravo, Lady Prancealot split horses a furlong out and finished with a rush to get the mile and one quarter over a “good” turf in 2:01.70. Taken in hand by Bravo early, Lady Prancealot was full of run at the rail while a close sixth as the field went under the wire in the first run by the Grandstand. With longshot So Much Happy carving out legitimate fractions for the conditions, Bravo had a ton of horse under him as the field straightened up for the stretch run, at which point he was able to split horses and out-run a gallant Mucho Unusual, who had a similar trip under Joel Rosario. A three... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 21, 2019) — A key provision that extends three-year tax depreciation for all racehorses through 2020 was signed into law by the President late Friday. The racehorse provision, which received bi-partisan support within both Houses of Congress, was passed by the Senate on Thursday by a vote of 71-23 and passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday by a vote of 297-120.   “We are very pleased that Congress and the President worked together on a bi-partisan basis to reinstate tax extenders legislation including 3-year depreciation for racehorses,” said NTRA President and Chief Executive Officer Alex Waldrop. “We especially applaud Senate Leader McConnell, Rep. Andy Barr and Rep. John Yarmuth for helping to make this happen for Kentucky’s signature industry and the many other jurisdictions throughout the United States that contribute to this $36.6 billion sport and agribusiness. We also thank the sales companies and thousands of individuals who support our legislative efforts in Washington.”   Uniform three-year racehorse depreciation was among numerous tax... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 20, 2019) — Horse trainers who utilize the H-2B guest worker visa program to fill various backstretch positions are expected to have increased access to H-2B visas as a result of language included in the 2020 spending bill passed by Congress this week and expected to be signed by the President today. The bill gives the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) the discretion to release additional visas above the statutory cap and also includes related labor provisions that have been in place for several years.   “Many horse trainers are unable to secure enough H-2B visas to fulfill their work force needs due to the limited availability of these visas,” said NTRA President and Chief Executive Officer, Alex Waldrop. “This bill gives trainers a better chance to obtain the guest worker visas they need.”   The H-2B non-immigrant visa program allows U.S. employers who meet specific statutory and regulatory requirements to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary non-agricultural jobs. There is a... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2019) – California-bred longshot Blue Diva, claimed out of her winning last race for $25,000, paid immediate dividends by winning Sunday’s $50,000 Miss America Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate with a late surge. The 3-year-old filly is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Quiet American mare Farmers Wife, was bred by BKB Stables, is owned by Frances Rainin and trained by Ari Herbertson. She has six wins in 17 starts and earnings of $127,769. She won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 6-1 in the field of nine. ...