From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Friday, February 21, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park. This meeting will begin at 9 a.m.  The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only Webcast of the meeting can be heard through the “Webcasts” link on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov). The agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the CHRB website through the following links: agenda, package. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2014) – California-breds Dancingtothestars and Unusual Hottie are entered in Monday’s $200,000 Grade II Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dancingtothestars is by Good Journey, out of the In Excess mare A Lil Excess, was bred by owner Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $400,872 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 18 Megahertz. Unusual Hottie is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ski Champ mare Branca Como Neve, was bred by Ali Nilforushan, is owned by Seyyed Nilforushan and is trained by Jeff Mullins. She has seven wins in 18 starts, earnings of $397,278 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 25 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2014) – California-breds Mah Gellin and Ourwestcoastghost are entered in Monday’s $50,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate Mah Gellin is by Skimming, out of the Maheras mare Mahrin, was bred by Racing Edge, is owned by Joe and Lola Sample and trained by Duane Offield. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $122,078 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 18 optional claimer. Ourwestcoastghost is by Muqtarib, out of the In Excess mare Xpress Xcess, was bred by owners Ron and Lillian Lang and D. Wayne Baker and is trained by Baker. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $135,462 and is coming off a ninth in the Jan. 25 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2014) – Unbeaten Grazen’s Hope is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II San Vicente Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Grazen’s Hope is by Grazen, out of the Bartok mare Chelcee’s Hope, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steve Miyadi. He has won both career starts with earnings of $43,680. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2014) – California-breds Gangnam Guy, Red Outlaw and Life Is a Joy are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Gangnam Guy is by Roi Charmant, out of the Unusual Heat mare The Toast of Troy, was bred by B&B Zietz Stables, is owned by Richard Barton and trained by Mike Machowsky. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $113,420 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 16 optional claimer. Red Outlaw is by Tribal Rule, out of the Slewpy mare Anachristina, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Aurelio, Bizovi, Coons, Dizonno, Gaylord, et al and is trained by Peter Miller. He has won both career starts with earnings of $54,600. Life Is a Joy is by Globalize, out of the Indian Charlie mare Tadita, was bred by owners Jerry and Janet Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in seven starts, earnings of... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2014) – Grade I winner Tamarando and fellow California-bred Infosec are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate   Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $505,120 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 25 California Cup Derby.   Infosec is by Heatseeker, out of the Vindication mare Sistine, was bred by Kaleem Shah, is owned by Remmah Stable and trained by Frank Lucarelli. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $40,020 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 18 California Derby. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2014) – California-breds Sprague River, Susans Express, Harlington’s Rose and Smoove It are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.   Sprague River is by Tribal Rule, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Tina’s Love, was bred by Carl Asadurian, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $59,440 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks.   Susans Express is by Decarchy, out of the In Excess mare Excessive Susan, was bred by Ed Delaney, is owned by Elliston Black, Saul Carrillo, Ed Delaney and Jorge Periban, et al, and is trained by Periban. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $143,140 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks.   Harlington’s Rose is by Harlington, out of the Orientate mare A Rose for You, was bred by Y-Lo Racing Stable, is owned by Thomas Halasz,... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 12, 2014) – California-breds Spirit Rules, Goodbye Charlie and L. A. Weekend are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap at Turf Paradise.   Spirit Rules is by Tribal Rule, out of the Danzatore mare Heavenly Lady, was bred by John and Allegra Ernst, is owned by Barbara Accardy, Paul Aguirre, Craig Siedler, Jim Xitco, et al and is trained by Aguirre. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $135,598 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 25 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint.   Goodbye Charlie is by Old Topper, out of the Relaunch a Tune mare Musical Girl, was bred by owner Pete Gallegos and trained by Dan McFarlane. He has four wins in 22 starts, earnings of $74,411 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 25 Swift Stakes.   L. A. Weekend is by Tribal Rule, out of the Avenue of Flags mare Storybook Fair, was bred by Dennis Johnston, is owned by Rick Wiest and trained by... ...

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2014) — Eight 3-year-olds, including Grade 1 stakes-winner Tamarando, are confirmed to start in the Grade 3 $200,000 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields Saturday.      Entries for Northern California’s official Kentucky Derby prep will be taken Wednesday morning and the following horses are scheduled to start: Craftsman (Dennis Carr will ride), Dance With Fate (Aaron Gryder), Enterprising (Gary Stevens), I’ll Wrap It Up (Juan Hernandez), Infosec (Isaias Enriquez), Neverwherecauseway (Alex Bisono), Puppy Manners (Frank Alvarado), and Tamarando (Russell Baze).      Grazen’s Hope, Life Is A Joy and Pearl Spectre are listed as possible entrants.      The El Camino Real Derby is a 1 1/8-mile contest and is part of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” a 34-race series that awards points to the top four finishers in each race.  The top 20 point earners nominated to the Triple Crown will get a spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs.... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2014) — Kris Furillo is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Kris Furillo is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Chetten County, was bred by owners Carliwood Farms, Bari Amadio and Peter Amadio and is trained by Michael Larson. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $21,310 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 1 Blue Norther. ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 4, 2014) – Wine Thief is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 El Diario Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park Wine Thief is by Benchmark, out of the French Parliament mare Malbay Slew, was bred by Robert Osaki, Eileen Osaki and West 12 Ranch, is owned by SEJ Stables and trained by Justin Evans. She has seven wins in 24 starts, earnings of $155,035 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 21 Bold Ego. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2014)—Away 17 months, 6-year-old Lakerville smoked late under Corey Nakatani to take Sunday’s $75,000 Clockers’ Corner Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths, getting 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:11.75. Well in-hand approaching the dirt crossing at the top of the lane, Nakatani was about five lengths behind a three-horse spread consisting of early leader Ankeny Hill, El Commodore and 2-1 favorite Ready for More.  Nakatani set after the leaders crossing back to the turf and overhauled Ankeny Hill and Edwin Maldonado inside the sixteenth pole to comfortably hold off a late run from Sweet Swap and Rafael Bejarano. Off at 8-1, Lakerville, a California-bred horse by Unusual Heat, paid $19.60, $8.40 and $6.40. Idle since Aug. 15, 2012 at Del Mar, Lakerville made his seventh career start in the Clockers’ Corner. “He was ready to come back two or three times, but he just got away from us in the mornings,” said trainer and co-owner/breeder Barry Abrams.  “When... ...

LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 23, 2014) – She’s Holy and She’s Ordained, California-bred daughters of Ministers Wild Cat, are entered in Saturday stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. She’s Holy goes in the $100,000 Wide Country Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. She is out of the Pulpit mare Rector’s Lady, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Johnnie Nall. She is coming off a maiden win in her fourth start Sept. 29 with earnings of $22,113. She’s Ordained runs in the $100,000 What a Summer Stakes for fillies and mares. She is out of the Not For Love mare Whole Lotta Love, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Ronald Ulrich and trained by Timothy Kreiser. She has 14 wins in 30 starts, earnings of $330,685 and is coming off a a win in the Dec. 28 Willa On the Move Stakes. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014)—Multiple stakes winning Summer Hit, fresh off a front-running six length score in the Grade III Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate Fields Nov. 29, looms strictly the horse to beat in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic, which attracted a field of 14 older horses at 1 1/8 miles on grass. An important component to the Golden State Series for horses bred or sired in California, the Turf Classic is part of a newly created Sunshine Millions Cal Cup Day at Santa Anita that will offer fans six stakes and 10 races overall. A 5-year-old gelding by Bertrando, Summer Hit has three wins, a second and a third from six starts on turf.  A dedicated speedster, Summer Hit has been a marvelous claim for trainer and co-owner Jerry Hollendorfer, who took him out of a nine-length first-out maiden $12,500 score on Jan. 21, 2012. In addition to the Berkeley, in which he earned a 103 Beyer Speed figure, Summer Hit took the... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2014) – When the fairy-tale racing career of Teddy’s Promise ends Saturday at Santa Anita, owners Ted and Judy Nichols might shed a tear before they say goodbye. “I’m already starting to get sad and tear up a little,” Ted Nichols said this week. “She was my first horse. I can’t believe how fantastic she has been.” Teddy’s Promise, a 6-year-old, can top the million-dollar mark by winning the Grade 2, seven-furlong Santa Monica Stakes for female sprinters a second straight time. And it would be a fitting finale for the only California-bred in the lineup. The $200,000 Santa Monica is race 4 on a card otherwise devoted to statebreds. The Sunshine Millions California Cup program includes five stakes, finishing with a pair of $250,000 races – the California Cup Turf Classic (race 9) and the California Cup Derby (race 10). Teddy’s Promise faces six rivals in the Santa Monica – La Brea Stakes upset winner Heir Kitty, stakes-winning comebacker Iotapa, the allowance-caliber Scherzinger and... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014)—California-bred Teddy’s Promise, a seven-time stakes winner owned by her breeders, Ted and Judy Nichols, seeks millionaire status in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes at seven furlongs, her final career start before a planned mating to top Kentucky-based stallion Smart Strike this spring.  A winner of last year’s Santa Monica, “Teddy” heads a field of seven older fillies and mares competing in the prestigious sprint that will be run for the 57th time. A winner of the Grade I La Brea Stakes on Dec. 31, 2011, Teddy’s Promise comes off a dominant 1 ¼ length win in six furlong Playa Del Rey Stakes on Dec. 15, which followed a disappointing run in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Nov. 2. A 6-year-old mare by Salt Lake, Teddy’s Promise made her first eight starts for David Hofmans, and has been expertly managed by trainer Ron Ellis over the past 2 ½ years. Both Ellis and regular rider Victor... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2014) — Longevity is a strong suit at the Bruce Headley barn. The veteran trainer is rare among horsemen when it comes to elderly stakes winners, counting Softshoe Sure Shot and champion Kona Gold among his former trainees that captured stakes victories at advanced ages. Kona Gold won the 2003 El Conejo Handicap at nine, racing four times at that age. Softshoe Sure Shot won the Grade II San Carlos Handicap at nine in 1995, when he ran twice. For good measure, toss in Son of a Pistol, who raced once at nine and won his last race—the San Carlos in 2000—at the age of eight. Fast forward to Saturday, when Headley will send out 6-year-old Cyclometer in the $125,000 California Cup Sprint at six furlongs. A chestnut horse by Cyclotron, Cyclometer counts the Midnight Lute on Jan. 4 among his five career victories. “He’s a stud but you would never know it,” said Bruce’s daughter, Karen, a trainer in her own... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2014) – California-bred Dancingtothestars employed a perfect tracking trip to take the lead turning for home and win Saturday’s $91,000 Megahertz Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dancingtothestars is by Good Journey, out of the In Excess mare A Lil Excess, was bred by owner Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds, is trained by Doug O’Neill and was ridden by Mario Gutierrez. “I thought she ran a great race,” said O’Neill.  “I thought Mario did a good job at keeping everyone honest, at keeping the pace honest.  I thought he made another good move going down the backside when he made sure Fanticola didn’t get a chance to catch a breather.  She’s a game, gutsy filly but I thought his ride won the race for us.” She has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $400,872 and was coming off a second in a Dec. 5 allowance. Dancingtothestars ran the mile on turf in 1:33.77 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-2. For Dancingtothestars’... ...

HOUSTON, Tex. (Jan. 21, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Unusual Way is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday night’s $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic Stakes for fillies and mares at Sam Houston Race Park. Unusual Way is by Unusual Heat, out of the Great Above mare Way Up, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Edward Brown Jr. and Philip Lebherz and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $588,360 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 27 Zia Park Oaks. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2014)  — Two horses based at Santa Anita with trainer Tim Yakteen have tested positive for equine herpesvirus, the California Horse Racing Board and the trainer confirmed on Friday. Yakteen identified the horses as Santa Fe Belle and Easy Ten. They have not raced. The health of the horses is not considered to be in danger, according to Yakteen. Santa Fe Belle was diagnosed with equine herpesvirus, commonly known as EHV-1, on Jan. 10. The case was confirmed by an equine clinic in San Diego County. Easy Ten was diagnosed on Friday and is under isolation in a stall at the end of Yakteen’s shed row, away from other horses in the barn. In a brief statement, the racing board said the horses identified have the “non-neuropathogenic strain of the virus, which is generally considered less virulent. Biosecurity measures recommended by the CHRB are being taken to ensure a safe environment.” Yakteen said that Santa Fe Belle has “shown improvement” in recent days. “She’s moving... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2014) — California-bred multiple graded stakes winner Teddy’s Promise is on course as she prepares for her final race, the $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica Stakes Jan. 25. “That’s her swan song,” trainer Ron Ellis said. “She’ll be bred to Smart Strike (who stands at Lane’s End for $100,000). If she can win the Santa Monica, it will put her over a million dollars (in earnings), so that would be pretty neat.” Teddy’s Promise is by Salt Lake, out of the Capote mare Braids and Beads and was bred by owners Ted and Judy Nichols. She has 11 wins in 28 starts and earnings of $882,397. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2014) – Unbeaten Elmonte Cristo is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s 75,000 San Pedro Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Elmonte Cristo is by Don’tsellmeshort, out of the Yankee Victor mare Reina Xochilt, was bred by Al Diaz, is owned by Mark DeDomenico, Jerry Hollendorfer, Mark Schlaich and George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. He has won both of his starts with earnings of $20,040. ...

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 16, 2014) — Dan Eidson has been hired as the racing secretary for Aqueduct, one of two racing secretaries the New York Racing Association will employ in 2014, according to Martin Panza, senior vice president of racing operations for the organization. Panza said the announcement of a racing secretary for the Belmont Park and Saratoga meets is still about two weeks away. Panza, who came here from Hollywood Park in November, believes that having one person writing condition books for 52 weeks a year of racing is “too much to ask of one person.” Typically, NYRA has employed only one racing secretary, most recently P.J. Campo, who last month left NYRA to join the Stronach Group as vice-president of racing. From 1995-97 NYRA employed Howard Battle as racing secretary during the Saratoga meeting. “Hats off to P. J. and [Mike] Lakow for doing it for all these years. I think it’s better to split it up,” Panza said. “Certainly, the salary is split up too.” Eidson... ...

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2014) — HRTV will again provide live coverage of the 43rd annual Eclipse Awards ceremony at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla., from 8-11 p.m. (EST) Saturday, Jan. 18. HRTV will also air on-site interviews during its “Grandstand” show Saturday, beginning at 4 p.m. EST (1 p.m. PST) and offer a half-hour Eclipse Awards recap show, hosted by Scott Hazelton, beginning at 11 p.m. EST. Live coverage of the ceremony will also be available via Racetrack Television Network (RTN), DRF.com, and HRTV.com. For the third consecutive year, Jeannine Edwards of ESPN will host the ceremony. Voting was conducted among designated representatives of the NTRA, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. Awards also are given to recognize members of the media for outstanding coverage of Thoroughbred racing. Read more on BloodHorse.com:  http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82815/hrtv-to-air-eclipse-awards-ceremony#ixzz2qPYAH2ij ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2014) – Dancingtothestars is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Megahertz Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dancingtothestars is by Good Journey, out of the In Excess mare A Lil Excess, was bred by owner Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $340,872 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 5 allowance. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2014) — Infosec is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 California Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Infosec is be Heatseeker, out of the Vindication mare Sistine, was bred by Kaleem Shah, is owned by Remmah Racing and trained by Frank Lucarelli. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $28,020 and is coming off a win in a Dec. 15 starter’s allowance. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Thursday, January 16, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park beginning at 9:30 a.m.  The Medication and Track Safety Committee will conduct a meeting in the same location on Wednesday, January 15, beginning at 2 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend both meetings. An audio-only Webcast of the Board meeting on Thursday can be heard through the “Webcasts” link on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov). The agenda and supporting packages of materials for both meetings can be accessed on the CHRB Website through the following links: agenda, package. ...

From American Horse Council WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 13, 2014) — During 2013 horse owners, breeders, and businesses enjoyed a number of favorable tax provisions that have now reverted to lower levels or expired. The American Horse Council reported Jan. 13 more than 60 tax provisions expired; some applied to all businesses, including the horse industry, and one was specifically applicable to owners of racehorses. While the Tax Extender Act of 2013 has been introduced to extend various tax provisions, legislation will not be passed quickly or easily, the AHC said. In addition, the AHC said any extension is affected by the desire in Congress to deal with broader, fundamental tax reform involving much of the current tax code. For the last few years, the so-called Section 179 business expense deduction was set at $500,000, meaning anyone in the horse business, or any business for that matter, could immediately depreciate up to $500,000 of the cost of any investment in business assets, including horses. The deduction was reduced dollar-for-dollar once investment... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2014) — California-breds Halo Dolly and Warren’s Veneda are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Paseana Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Halo Dolly is by Popular, out of the Comic Strip mare Spanish Halo, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, is owned by Hoefflin, Hoefflin, Hollendorfer, O’Farrell, Robin, Todaro, Schneider et al, and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has 17 wins in 35 starts, earnings of $910,256 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 11 allowance. Warren’s Veneda is by Affirmative, out of the Flying Continental mare More Cal Bread, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has five wins in 11 starts, earnings of $300,064 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 7 Bayakoa. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2014) — California-breds Spud Spivens and Rousing Sermon are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita. Spud Spivens is by Tizbud, out of the Cutlass Reality mare Oceans Reality, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Vincent and Audrey Marchionno and Henry Moreno and trained by Henry Moreno. He has four wins in 24 starts, earnings of $269,044 and is making his first start since a fourth in the July 7, 2012 Hollywood Gold Cup. Rousing Sermon is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Awesome Again mare Rousing Again, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has five wins in 24 starts, earnings of $705,842 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 14 Native Diver. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2014) – Life Is a Joy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Sham Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Life Is a Joy is by Globalize, out of the Indian Charlie mare Tadita, was bred by owners Jerry and Janet Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $131,330 and is coming off a second in the Dec. 22 King Glorious Stakes. ...

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2014) — A memorial service will be held Friday in Fresno for former trainer Eldwin ‘Tex’ Burch, 78, who died of pancreatic cancer on Dec. 18 in his home in Fresno. The service will be at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of the Light, 1620 W. Belmont, Fresno. Burch, who also enjoyed success with roping and cutting horses, trained and raced horses in Northern California for 47 years at Golden Gate Fields, Bay Meadows and the fair circuit. His wife, Audrey, was his assistant. In addition to his wife, Burch is survived by stepchildren Bobby Burns and Cindy Wilfer, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2014) – Empty Headed and Huntsville, California-bred sons of Unusual Heat, are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita. Empty Headed is out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach  & David Abrams, is owned by Auerbach and trained by Barry Abrams. He has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $143,450 and is coming off a seventh in a Dec. 13 optional claimer. Huntsville is out of the Jade Hunter mare Lethal Hunter, was bred by David Abrams & Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Barry Abrams and Auerbach and is trained by Barry Abrams. He has three wins in 36 starts, earnings of $281,521 and is coming off a sixth in the Dec. 14 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2014) – Uzziel is the lone California-foaled entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Ynez Stakes in a field of four 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord at War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by William Morey. She broke her maiden in her second start Nov. 23 with earnings of $19,440. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2014) – Cyclometer is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Midnight Lute Stakes at Santa Anita. Cyclometer is by Cyclotron, out of the Eastern Echo mare Moana Loa, was bred by owners Bruce Headley, and Irwin and Andrew Molasky and is trained by Headley. He has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $270,554 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 24 On Trust. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2013) – Kris Furillo is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Kris Furillo is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Chetten County, was bred by owners Carliwood Farms, Bari Amadio and Peter Amadio. She won her lone start Nov. 24 and has earnings of $21,060. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 26, 2013) — The 24th annual Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) Stallion Season Auction will be held Thursday, January 2 – Saturday, January 4 and will offer a wide variety of seasons, trips, tickets, unique experiences and other auction items. The three-day fundraiser consists of a telephone and online auction that culminates with a live Select Stallion Season Auction on January 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Keeneland Entertainment Center in Lexington , Ky. The majority of TCA’s seasons will be offered and sold during the telephone and online auction. Online bidding will open at 9 a.m. on January 2 and continue through 10 a.m. (EST) on Saturday, January 4. Telephone bids will be accepted January 2-3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and January 4, 9 a.m.–10 a.m. (EST). Approximately 200 seasons representing stallions in 12 states and Canada are available in the auction. A link to the list of seasons and bidder registration is available by visiting www.tca.org. Seventeen seasons and all non-season items will be sold in the live... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2013) — Golden Gate Fields opens its 2013-14 racing season Thursday and is caught up in the ripple effect of the makeover of the Southern California racing calendar. With the closing of Hollywood Park, Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita, both owned by the Stronach Group, hold all the state’s racing dates until the start of the Northern California fair season at Pleasanton on June 19. Tom Ludt, the former president of Vinery Farm and chairman of Breeders’ Cup Ltd., is now a senior vice president of the Stronach Group and is focusing on the company’s relationships with horsemen and bettors. Golden Gate is squarely in his plans, including getting more live races on TVG. “Our industry is struggling,” Ludt said. “I used to tell people, ‘This is what I’d do if I ran a track.’ If things were working, you might try to tweak them. If not, you have to try bigger things. I’d like to tell you everything will work, but only some will... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2013) – Thursday represents more than the cherished opening day of the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting. It starts a new era of racing in California. http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-opens-long-meet-takes-larger-role-racing   ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2013) – Ain’t No Other is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Daytona Stakes at Santa Anita. Ain’t No Other is by Old Topper, out of the Shadeed mare Miami Margie, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has nine wins in 31 starts, earnings of $541,765 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 16 Oakland Stakes. He was third in this race last year. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2013) – California-breds Lucky Views and Flagman are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Eddie Logan Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Lucky Views is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Forest Camp mare Deja Views, was bred by David & Marion Christensen, is owned by Richard Barton and trained by Michael Machowsky. He won his lone start Nov. 17 and has earnings of $27,000. Flagman is by The Good Life, out of the Tychonic mare Tychonics Mistress, was bred by Jose Naranjo, is owned by Joseph Shoneff and trained by Thomas Valenzuela. He is coming off a maiden win Nov. 10 in his fourth start with earnings of $25,532. ...

LAUREL, Md. (Dec. 22, 2013) — California-breds She’s Ordained and Popalicious are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Willa On the Move Stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. She’s Ordained is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Not For Live mare Whole Lotta Love, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Ronald Ulrich and trained by Timothy Kreiser. She has 13 wins in 29 starts, earnings of $270,685 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 27 Lady in Waiting Stakes. Popalicious is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Forestry mare Sea Poppy, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Todd Beattie. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $94,190 and is coming off a Nov. 29 optional claiming win. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2013) — Stakes winners Tiz a Minister and Gervinho are entered in Thursday’s $200,000 Grade II Sir Beaufort Stakes for 3-year-olds on the Opening Day card at Santa Anita. Tiz a Minister is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Tiz a Mistress, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Sayjay Racing and trained by Paul Aguirre. He has three wins in 17 starts, earnings of $480,780 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 19 California Flag. Gervinho is by Unusual Heat, out of the Out of Place mare Foreverinthegame, was bred by Barry Abrams and Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Keith Brackpool and trained by Carla Gaines. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $302,140 and is coming off a fourth in the Dec. 1 Hollywood Derby. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2013) — Journey On is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $300,000 Grade I La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on the Opening Day card at Santa Anita. Journey On is by Good Journey, out of the American Chance mare Miss Del Mar, was bred by Leatherman Racing, is owned by Neil Haymes and Robert Master and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has four wins in six starts, earnings of $139,050 and is coming off a Nov. 29 optional claiming win. ...

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2013) — In a 2009 article published in Harper’s magazine, the cultural essayist Richard Rodriguez dwelt on the looming end of a local institution, the San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-after-75-years-its-closing-time-hollywood-park ...

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2013) – Stakes winners Swiss Lake Yodeler and Sprouts are among the entries in Saturday’s $200,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for 2-year-old fillies eligible to the Golden State Series at Betfair Hollywood Park. Rovenna is by Vronsky, out of the Northern Afleet mare Amadamprez, was bred by owner Donald Dizney and is trained by Michael Machowsky. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $52,960 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 22 allowance. Meinertzhageni is by Stormin Fever, out of the Peaks and Valleys mare Hot Desert, was bred by Robert Harmon, is owned by Jeff Bonde, Miguel Carranza, Stephen McGovern and Mersad Metanovic and is trained by Bonde. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $93,300 and is coming off a Nov. 22 allowance win. Casey’s Clem is by Papa Clem, out of the Wall Street Dancer mare Three Star Casey, was bred by Marie Goda, is owned by Michael Groscost and is trained by Richard Baltas. She won her... ...

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2013) –California-breds Teddy’s Promise and Warren’s Blossom are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Playa del Rey Stakes for fillies and mares at Betfair Hollywood Park. Teddy’s Promise is by Salt Lake, out of the Capote mare Braids and Beads, was bred by owners Ted and Judy Nichols and is trained by Ron Ellis. She has 10 wins in 27 starts, earnings of $822,397 and is coming off an eighth in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Warren’s Blossom is by Extra, out of the Present Value mare Past ‘n Present, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Jorge Gutierrez. She has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $185,950 and is coming off a second in an Oct. 26 optional claimer. ...

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2013) – California-breds Tamarando and Electric Eddie are entered in Saturday’s $750,000 Grade I Cash Call Futurity at Betfair Hollywood Park. Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamrack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $355,120 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 23 Real Quiet. Electric Eddie is by Square Eddie, out of the Gilded Time mare Electric Daze, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. He is a maiden making his sixth start with earnings of $65,630. ...

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2013) – Huntsville is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes at Betfair Hollywood Park. Huntsville is by Unusual Heat, out of the Jade Hunter mare Lethal Hunter, was bred by David Abrams & Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Barry Abrams and M. Auerbach and is trained by Barry Abrams. He has three wins in 35 starts, earnings of $281,271 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 9 optional claimer. ...

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2013) – On Trust Handicap winner Rousing Sermon and fellow California-breds Soi Phet and Mobilized are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Native Diver Handicap at Betfair Hollywood Park. Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Gerald Benowitz and Sandra Powell, mathilde and Paul Viskovich and is trained by Leonard Powell.  He has five wins in 22 starts, earnings of $266,526 and is coming off a fourth in the Oct. 31 Big Bear. Mobilized is by Soul of the Matter, out of the Red Ransom mare Valleyofthebells, was bred by Robert Reseigne, is owned by Double JH Stable and Reseigne and is trained by Gary Mandella. He has six wins in 31 starts, earnings of $427,840 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 24 On Trust. Rousing Sermon is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Awesome Again mare Rousing Again, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2013) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Thursday, December 12, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park beginning at 10 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only Webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through the “Webcasts” link on the CHRB Website (http://www.chrb.ca.gov/). The agenda and supporting packages of materials for this meeting can be accessed on the CHRB Website through the following links: agenda, package. ...

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2013) – Jonny’s Choice is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Hollywood Turf Express Stakes at Hollywood Park. Jonny’s Choice is by Unusual Heat, out of the Boundary mare Knows No Bounds, was bred by Old English Rancho & Berumen, is owned by Patsy Berumen, E.W. Johnston, Jonathan Hilvers and Judy Johnston and is trained by Donald Warren. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $105,966 and is coming off a Nov. 23 allowance win. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2013) – Unusual Americaine is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. Unusual Americaine is by Unusual Heat, out of the Loup Solitaire mare Riche Americaine, was bred by William Preston, is owned by Malibu Valley Farms, Prestonwood Racing and William Morey and is trained by Morey. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $33,460 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 9 Golden Nugget Stakes. ...

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2013) – California-breds Warren’s Veneda and Curvy Cat, 1-2 finishers in the recent Cat’s Cradle, are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade II Bayakoa Handicap for fillies and mares at Betfair Hollywood Park. Warren’s Veneda is by Affirmative, out of the Flying Continental mare More Cal Bread, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $282,064 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 17 Cat’s Cradle. Curvy Cat is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Distorted Humor mare Curvy Girl, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has seven wins in 21 starts, earnings of $292,425 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 17 Cat’s Cradle. ...

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2013) – Tiz Flirtatious, runner-up in the race last year, is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Grade I Matriarch Handicap for fillies and mares at Betfair Hollywood Park. Tiz Flirtatious is by Tizbud, out of the Victory Gallop mare Masquerade Belle, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Martin Jones. She has eight wins in 13 starts, earnings of $774,800 and is coming off a sixth in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. She was second in this race last year. ...

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2013) – Gervinho is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Grade I Hollywood Derby at Betfair Hollywood Park. Gervinho is by Unusual Heat, out of the Out of Place mare Foreverinthegame, was bred by Barry Abrams and Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Keith Brackpool and trained by Carla Gaines. He has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $287,140 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 1 Twilight Derby. ...

                INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Nov. 27, 2013) – Aotearoa is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Generous Stakes for 2-year-olds at Betfair Hollywood Park.                 Aotearoa is by Good Journey, out of the Lil Tyler mare Madera Royal, was bred by owner Paul Viskovich and is trained by Leonard Powell.                 He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $114,000 and is coming off a seventh in the Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2013) – Moving Desert is the leading earner of 10 entered in Friday’s $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies for 2-year-old fillies eligible to the Golden State Series at Santa Anita. Cal Gal is by Tapit, out of the Royal Academy mare Scenery Change, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Cam Allard and trained by Doug O’Neill. She is coming off a maiden win Oct. 5 in her third start with earnings of $46,690. Harlington’s Rose is by Harlington, out of the Orientate mare A Rose for You, was bred by Y-Lo Racing Stables, is owned by Halasz, or Johnson or Newhart et al and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $79,640 and is coming off a fourth in the Sept. 28 Chandelier Stakes. Meinertzhageni is by Stormin Fever, out of the Peaks and Valleys mare Hot Desert, was bred by Robert Harmon, is owned by  Bonde, Carranza or McGovern, et al and is trained by... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 24, 2013) — For those attending the 2013 breeding stock sales, it is worth looking at a tax incentive that may apply to purchases this year. The Expense Provision allows the purchaser to expense (write-off) all or a portion of the purchase price of a horse or horses, including broodmare prospects.  This incentive can apply to a single purchase provided the horse qualifies and is placed in service in 2013. Since, like most tax provisions, there are technicalities which must be met, a purchaser who wants to use this provision should consult with their tax advisor to make sure it applies to their situation. Below are some details. A purchaser can deduct up to $500,000 of the cost of a horse or horses purchased in 2013, provided (1) the total of all purchases of horses and other depreciable business property does not exceed $2 million and (2) the horse is placed in service by the purchaser in 2013. If the purchase exceeds $2 million, the... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 17, 2013) — The Jockey Club today released Report of Mares Bred (RMB) statistics for the 2013 breeding season. Based on RMBs received through October 10, 2013, The Jockey Club reports that 1,698 stallions covered 34,174 mares in North America during 2013. The annual statistics represent approximately 90% of the mares that eventually will be reported as bred in 2013. According to historical trends, The Jockey Club expects to receive RMBs representing an additional 3,000 to 4,000 mares bred during the 2013 breeding season. The number of stallions declined 8.8% from the 1,861 reported at this time in 2012, and the number of mares bred fell 3.4% from the 35,391 reported at this time last year. The number of stallions covering 100 or more mares increased by one, from 87 in 2012 to 88 in 2013. These stallions accounted for a greater percentage of the total mares reported bred this year — 34.0% of all mares bred in 2013 versus 31.9% of all mares bred in 2012... ...