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King’s Plate Highlights Woodbine’s 2024 Stakes Schedule

Wed, 2024-03-06 11:23

Anchored by the 165th running of the King's Plate, Woodbine's 2024 stakes schedule features 38 graded races, four of them Grade I events. The track's stakes schedule this year is missing the GI Canadian International, which was put on hiatus, “after review and consideration of industry and logistical challenges,” according to a Woobine press release.

In another change to the track's traditional line-up of stakes, the $750,000 GI E. P. Taylor S. will be moved up three weeks and will be run on a Sept. 14 card which also includes the $1-million GI Woodbine Mile, $500,000 GI Johnnie Walker Natalma S. and $500,000 GI bet365 Summer S.

The $1-million King's Plate will be run Aug. 17, while the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks will be held July 20. The Oaks is the first leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara, which is completed by the Aug. 10 $250,000 Bison City S. and Sept. 8 $250,000 Wonder Where S.

The Canada Day Racing Festival will be held June 29. The stakes-filled card includes the GII Highlander S., GII Nassau S., GIII Dominion Day S., GIII Selene S. and GIII Marine S.

To view the entire 2024 Thoroughbred stakes schedule, click here.

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TAA Named Official Charity Partner of NTRA NHC

Wed, 2024-03-06 10:17

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has been named the official charity partner of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's National Horseplayers Championship, which will take place at the Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel and Casino Mar. 14-17. Throughout the weekend, TAA will have a booth set up where horseplayers are encouraged to stop by and learn more about accredited aftercare.

Branded merchandise will be available in exchange for a donation and there will be an opportunity to donate and enter for a chance to win various prizes. Winning prizes include a table for four at Maryland Million on Oct. 1, a private tour of Old Friends Equine Retirement with Michael Blowen, or exclusive TAA merchandise.

The TAA will also be on-site for NTRA's Last Chance First Chance NHC qualifier, which is held the Thursday of the event.

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HISA, HIWU Open Investigation into UK Lab

Tue, 2024-03-05 19:05

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) have opened an investigation into the University of Kentucky's Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory's performance, according to a joint statement Tuesday by the agencies.

On the 16th of last month, HIWU stopped sending samples to the UK Lab. Prior to that, the laboratory had been one of six drug testing facilities used under HISA's anti-doping and medication control (ADMC) program.

Last week, Scott Stanley officially stepped down from his position as the UK Lab's director and has been reassigned within the university.

HISA and HIWU are also cooperating with the university's own investigation into the matter, according to Tuesday's joint statement.

“On Tuesday, February 13, leadership from HISA, HIWU, and the University of Kentucky met in person to discuss concerns with the performance of the University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (UK Lab),” reads to the joint statement.

“At this time, HISA and HIWU were informed by the university that it was conducting an ongoing personnel investigation relating to Dr. Scott Stanley, the director of the UK Lab, and Dr. Stanley was not permitted to be in direct communication with the other staff at the laboratory,” the joint statement read. “The university also expressed staffing concerns related to the laboratory's operations.”

It is currently unclear, however, what the specific nature of the investigations entail.

Earlier on Tuesday, Stanley told the TDN that he stepped down from the position in part due to delayed turnaround times of samples, issues with the chain of custody handling of samples, along with communication issues with HIWU.

“There were ongoing communication problems, getting data from the client and communicating results back,” Stanley said, about the UK lab's working relationship with HIWU.

According to Stanley, HIWU stopped sending samples to the UK Lab with no prior notification given.

In a statement, a university spokesperson wrote that Stanley remains a member of the UK faculty and that his position has been reassigned for him to “expand the scope of his research program and focus on industry priorities.”

The spokesperson added, “We are moving quickly to name an interim director as part of our commitment to the important work conducted at the lab. During this interim period, we have taken the appropriate steps to refer samples to other equipped laboratories for a complete analysis.

“We will, in the near future, announce plans for how we will search for a permanent director. Our commitment is to provide outstanding service on behalf of the horse industry. That commitment is something we are continually striving to honor.”

According to Stanley, the UK lab handled roughly 800 blood and 800 urine post-race samples a month, and approximately 600 additional blood samples monthly, associated with TCO2, vets' list and out-of-competition testing.

Since Feb. 16, all samples collected in Kentucky and Florida that previously would have been analyzed by the UK Lab have been redirected to Industrial Laboratories in Colorado “indefinitely,” according to HISA and HIWU's joint statement.

“Going forward, HISA and HIWU are fully confident in the ability of Industrial Laboratories to handle the increased volume of samples and ensure that all samples are processed and analyzed in compliance with the ADMC Program,” the statement read.

These developments mark the latest twist in HISA's efforts to build an efficient and uniform drug testing program from a previously fractured lab testing environment.

The TDN reported last year that a variety of differences between the laboratories–from different testing equipment to different testing methodologies to different sets of staff interpreting the results–mean that they screen for different numbers of substances, and have varying abilities to screen for the same substances, outside of some 300 core analytes.

“HISA and HIWU remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting the highest levels of safety, integrity, and welfare in Thoroughbred racing. As part of this commitment, we continually evaluate our partner laboratories through an external quality assurance program, as well as internal assessments,” their joint statement read, on Tuesday.

“For the benefit of all human and equine stakeholders, laboratories who fail to satisfy our requirements will be removed from service in the ADMC Program.”

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Bush Tracks, Host Of Other Investigative Topics Covered On ORI Day Two

Tue, 2024-03-05 19:00

The Organization of Racing Investigators opened the final day of its Parx conference with another set of timely presentations.

Topics included the impact of bush track racing, and a variety of legal and scientific case studies, which were all geared for the investigator's toolkit.

With varied backgrounds in law enforcement and security, many attendees have experience growing up around horses. Investigators work for tracks and racing commissions, but they can never turn their backs on the chance to improve their techniques and plug into the ORI network fiber.

Kassie Creed, a Safety and Compliance Associate who works at Keeneland under Dr. Stuart Brown in equine safety, attended her second ORI meeting. She is part of the up-and-coming generation who is learning from those with decades of experience.

ORI Conference at Parx | Bill Denver/Equi-Photo

“Something I've noticed as a woman, thinking about my age, things that are relevant now will hit my generation in a different way,” she said. “I'm a small-picture person and my local horse population is my chief concern. So, when I came last year to ORI I added new skills and was able to apply what I learned here to my day-to-day processes, which really helps.”

The group began the day by hearing a talk on unregulated horse racing in North America by the USDA's Dr. Angela Pelzel-McCluskey. The epidemiologist has found 191 'bush tracks' across 30 states, and though all of them are racing Quarter Horses, she said that it is entirely possible that Thoroughbreds could be present too.

“Every time I go looking for these unregulated places, I find more, and if you think they are not in your backyard, like in New England, you'd be wrong,” she said. “The spread of diseases, the use of dirty needles, is a crisis, and there is no federal law that makes this racing illegal.”

The Association of Racing Commissioners International's Ed Martin added during his session, “We are being lumped in with unsanctioned racing and the public sees the videos and they share them. We are going to have to deal with this. It's here. This industry needs to be talking to one another. We need to get together. We need certainty.”

Presenter Ismael Navarreto | Bill Denver/Equi-Photo

Other presentations were offered by seasoned experts who work with Comisión de Juegos de Puerto Rico and from across the state of Pennsylvania. Their specialist's view concerning case studies went to the heart of equine health by examining everything from how pathology can be utilized in court cases, illegal horse ownership, and situational awareness when conducting interrogations.

The conference wrapped with Ann McGovern, the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Authority's Director of Racetrack Safety. Her presentation addressed last year's catastrophic injuries at Churchill Downs by highlighting the techniques which were implemented during the assessment.

“The process led us to found the HISA Track Surface Advisory Committee and expand on tools like an individual horse's exercise signature and their past performances,” she said.

As for ORI's next conference location, Keeneland was named as the site for 2025 with Dr. Brown serving as the conference chair.

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Keeneland Trustee Louis Lee Haggin III Dies

Tue, 2024-03-05 18:42

Louis Lee Haggin III, hailing from an illustrious racing family and a longtime fixture at Keeneland, died Mar. 5, according to Keeneland Tuesday. He was 88.

A lifelong Thoroughbred owner and breeder, Haggin III managed his family's Sycamore Farm. A great, great grandson of legendary horseman James Ben Ali Haggin, who was also the founder of Elmendorf Farm, Haggin III's grandfather, Hal Price Headley, was among the founders of Keeneland. His father, Louis Lee Haggin II, served as the track's second president and subsequently its chairman.

“Keeneland mourns the loss of Louis Lee Haggin III, a beloved figure in Thoroughbred racing and breeding and a pivotal member of the Keeneland family. Mr. Haggin, who served as both a Director and Keeneland's longest-serving Trustee, leaves a legacy of leadership and service to Keeneland, the horse industry and the Central Kentucky community,” read a statement from Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “Mr. Haggin's roots at Keeneland run deep. He followed his father, former Keeneland President and Chairman Louis Lee Haggin II, in his commitment to preserve the best of Keeneland's rich traditions. From his mother, Alma Headley Haggin, daughter of Keeneland co-founder and inaugural President Hal Price Headley, who is credited with developing the “Keeneland look,” Mr. Haggin developed a love of the land and showcasing its beauty. He spent countless hours walking the grounds with esteemed landscape architects George Betsill and Robert Sanders and worked throughout his life to continue his mother's legacy at Keeneland. We do not make a decision about touching a branch of a tree on our grounds without thinking about Mr. Haggin and whether he would approve.

“He joined the Keeneland Board in 1971 and served as a Keeneland Trustee from 1980 until his retirement in 2015. Mr. Haggin was truly devoted to Keeneland and had a special love for this institution. He was a dear friend to Keeneland and to me, and we will miss his presence and guidance.

He is survived by his wife, Bettie Boswell, and three children: Louis Lee Haggin IV (Elizabeth); Margaret Gay Haggin Van Meter; and James Ben Ali Haggin (Mary Wis); grandchildren Louis Lee Haggin V (Charlotte), William Cabot Potter Haggin, Chenault Browning Van Meter Tuck (Michael), George Headley Van Meter (Leonie), James Ben Ali Haggin II; great grandson John Pehr Haggin; sisters Martha Broadbent, Alma Ethington, and Anne Graham; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held Mar. 8 at 11a.m. at the Lexington Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Sayre School.

“Keeneland extends our love and deepest condolences to Mrs. Haggin, Louis, Ben, Gay and the entire Haggin family.”

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Wagering on U.S. Races Declines in February

Tue, 2024-03-05 12:02

Wagering on U.S. races dipped 2.85% in February, with 11 fewer racing dates, in year-to-year comparisons released Tuesday by Equibase, while through two months of 2024, wagering is down 6.83% with 59 fewer race days than the same period in 2023. Wagering in February totaled $838,195,585, compared to $862,782,585 in February, 2023. Through two months, a total of $1,618,055,698 was wagered in U.S. races. That figure was $1,736,625,054 after two months of 2023.

While available purse money increased 6.44% to $86,413,218 in February, that figure year-to-date is down 4.03% to $164,357,301.

There were 252 race days in February, compared to 263 in 2023, bringing the year-to-date total to 469 versus 528 a year ago. There were 4,007 races in January and February, compared to 4,508 during that period in 2023.

Average field size rose slightly during the first two months of the year, from 7.66 in 2023 to 7.77 in 2024.

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Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit to be Held at UK

Tue, 2024-03-05 09:26

The 11th Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit will be held June 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Longship Room at Kroger Field on the campus of the University of Kentucky. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be co-hosted by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and The Jockey Club.

Annise Montplaisir, equine education coordinator of the Kentucky Equine Education Project Foundation and president of Amplify Horse Racing, will emcee the event, which will be livestreamed.

Topics for the summit include a presentation by Dr. Tim Parkin on the latest statistics from the Equine Injury Database, work being done by state veterinarians, harmonizing pre-race inspections, track surfaces, and other issues affecting horse safety.

“Keeneland has always been a great host. When its construction coincided with this year's summit, Dr. Nancy Cox, dean of the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, immediately stepped up to host the summit,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and deputy executive director of The Jockey Club. “Dr. Cox and UK have been great partners with The Jockey Club and Grayson on multiple projects, and we look forward to working with them on our 2024 summit. I am certain they will be an excellent host.”

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Investigators Tradecraft Displayed On Day One At Parx Conference

Mon, 2024-03-04 20:46

With a strong first day program which ran the gambit from the centrality of horse racing's societal license to the destructive use of xylazine to an update from the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, horse racing investigators at the annual Organization of Racing Investigators were immersed in some of the most pressing issues affecting the sport.

Hosted by Parx Racing and sponsored by everyone from Keeneland to the Breeders' Cup, over 100 specialists who protect racetracks in America and several other countries, listened, asked questions and made connections, all in the service of equine athletes.

As one investigator said about why he was in attendance, “We are here to protect those who cannot protect themselves and being in a room with like-minded individuals on our 24/7 mission is how we stay ahead.”

Each year conference participants swap tradecraft and those conversations lead to communication which crosses jurisdictions. It is a network behind the scenes, and that is why industry afficionados and the public do not necessarily have the opportunity to see the machinery at work.

“What we talk about here isn't secret, but our members need to have a degree of anonymity as they liaise with various groups of law enforcement, and that is one of the reasons why we don't open this conference to just anyone,” said this year's conference chairman Jason Klouser.

The morning sessions included several case studies about a variety of topics including horse welfare and how investigations have yielded important results. Members of the FBI's Philadelphia Office presented how xylazine used to sedate horses can enter the drug trade on the street illegally.

A highlight was the University of Kentucky's Dr. Camie Heleski, who spoke about the need for all horse sports to improve their optics by directly addressing its societal license to operate.

In other words, developing categorical areas to focus studies like recognizing physical and emotional stress in horses, what happens to them during the other 23 hours in a day when they are not performing and how tack and equipment can be used differently to improve the overall health of the sport.

HIWU's Shawn Loehr and Shaun Richards | J.N. Campbell

HIWU's Shawn Loehr and Shaun Richards gave an update concerning their investigative operations. The pair now have four investigators on staff, along with a pair of analysts, and they will be adding more soon. Concerning states that do not have a voluntary agreement with HIWU–like New York or Oklahoma–they explained how they have come to rely on independent contractors and that their developing relationship with ORI members continues to be significant to their operations.

“Our mission is to catch doping, protect the horses, serve the Thoroughbred industry, and for instance, our 150 plus barn searches and tip lines continue to yield results,” Loehr said. “ORI is such a valuable resource and being able to talk with them during this conference is essential to our mission.”

During the evening, which shifted venues from the Parx racetrack to the casino, an awards banquet included the TDN's CEO/Publisher Sue Finley, who delivered the keynote over the power of integrity and the precarious position news outlets find themselves in when it comes to coverage of horse racing.

“Some organizations and individuals accuse us of being pro-HISA,” said Finley, speaking about the importance of independent journalism in horse racing. “The only thing we're accused of more? Is being ANTI-HISA. Sometimes, we write an article which generates complaints from some that we are pro-HISA, while others write us and say we're showing an obvious anti-HISA bias. All from the same article.”

The first day activities ended with the awarding of the organization's most prestigious honor which is named for longtime investigator John F. Wayne. The lifetime membership award went to Tampa Bay Downs's Deanna Nicol.

ORI's 28th meeting continues on Tuesday, Mar. 5. Click here to access the schedule.

 

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Oaks Winner Plum Pretty Dies At 16

Mon, 2024-03-04 16:31

2011's GI Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty (Medaglia d'Oro) died Monday at Gainesway Farm according to a release from the farm. The 16-year-old was a multiple Grade I winner throughout her career for Peachtree Stable and trainer Bob Baffert and ultimately captured the lilies before retiring in 2012 with earnings of over $1.7m and a final record of 12-5-2-3.

A $130,000 OBS yearling, Plum Pretty would last secure a final bid of $4.2m from Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm at KEENOV in 2012.  She produced a total of 8 foals and still has a 2-year-old Speightstown filly and a yearling Charlatan filly to represent her on the track.

“She was a pleasure to be around and always a great mom.” Pope remembered. “We are blessed to have several fillies out of her still to race and one that has already produced a foal. The colts have gone on to secondary careers in the show world and have her awesome personality.”

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NY Governor Hochul Provides Belmont Park Update

Mon, 2024-03-04 16:12

Edited Press Release

New York Governor Kathy Hochul provided a project timeline and additional updates Monday on the construction of new racing facilities at Belmont Park. The New York Racing Association, which will oversee construction, also released a series of architectural renderings to bring the project's vision to life. Expected to be completed in late 2026, the multi-year project to build a new Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs. Following the return of thoroughbred racing to Belmont in 2026, additional racing and non-racing activities at the new facility will generate $155 million in annual economic output and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year.

“The redevelopment of Belmont Park is a critical investment in one of New York's most historic sporting venues,” said Governor Hochul. “The new facility will support year-round racing, thousands of new jobs for Long Islanders and provide an enhanced experience for customers attending the iconic Belmont Stakes for generations to come.”

The demolition of the current Belmont Park grandstand/clubhouse is expected to begin in March and continue through early July with the new building beginning to take shape in early 2025.

NYRA has developed a project plan that will allow for the Belmont S. to return to Belmont Park in June of 2026 prior to the full opening of the new building, which is scheduled for September of 2026. Although a venue for the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships has yet to be determined, the new Belmont Park will be complete and ready to host the 2026 Breeders' Cup should the opportunity arise. The Breeders' Cup has announced its commitment to add Belmont to the rotation of host venues following NYRA's modernization of the facility.

NYRA will also make further investments to improve the quality of life in the backstretch community, including:

–Improvements to the on-site medical facility

–Installing a modern Blue Light security system

–Upgrading the Recreation Hall and Track Kitchen facilities

–Renovating the on-site Gymnasium

–Implementing new flood mitigation strategies

–Ensuring access to reliable Wi-Fi

–Replacing fencing throughout the backstretch

–Improving multi-modal travel through constructing bicycle storage sheds

–Assess the feasibility of subsidized assistant trainer efficiency apartments

While the new Belmont Park will have the same 50,000-person capacity as the existing venue, the layout of seats, suites, and standing spaces has been adjusted to accommodate flexible seasonal attendance. The addition of a winterized building paired with new racing surfaces and a synthetic track will result in a facility suitable to host thoroughbred racing on a year-round basis. As required by the 2024 Enacted Budget, NYRA will consolidate all downstate racing and training activities at the new Belmont Park to unlock 110 acres of New York State-owned land at Aqueduct Racetrack for development opportunities.

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Six New Board Members Join Thoroughbred Owners Of CA BOD

Mon, 2024-03-04 14:35

Six new members were elected to the Board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California the organization announced Monday. Owner and trainer Mark Glatt, owner/breeder Ty Green, owner/trainer Ryan Hanson, owner/breeder John Harris, current finance committee member Stephanie Hronis and 2021's California Trainer of the Year Andy Mathis will begin their respective terms July 1, 2024. They will join current members Nick Alexander, Gary Barber, Joe Ciaglia, Tim Cohen, Matthew Dohman, Gary Fenton, Bob Liewald, Terry Lovingier and Samantha Siegel for the 2024-2025 year.

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Lone Star Park Holds National Anthem Auditions

Mon, 2024-03-04 14:05

The annual National Anthem auditions at Lone Star Park will be held Monday, Mar. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for any soloists, duets, choirs, instrumentalists and groups wishing to perform during the 2024 Thoroughbred racing season, the track announced via press release.

Auditions will be held outdoors, weather permitting, on a walk-up basis only and anyone interested must audition in person. Hopefuls must perform the 'The Star-Spangled Banner' a cappella in two minutes or less and must have the lyrics memorized.

All participants will be notified via email by Apr. 5 of their results, and if chosen to perform, the date and all relevant information will be included. Each selected person will receive four (4) reserved seats on their performance date. Lone Star's season runs Apr. 18 to July 14.

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Sixth Annual Photo Finish Exhibit Accepting Submissions

Mon, 2024-03-04 12:53

The sixth annual Photo Finish juried exhibition hosted at the National Museum of Racing is now accepting submissions from professional and amateur photographers.

Hopefuls are encouraged to submit up to two entries relating to Thoroughbred racing in America. These include, but are not limited to, racing and training scenes, backstretch shots, life on the farm, and crowd emotions. Creative and unique perspectives are also encouraged. Applications are available at the Museum's visitor services desk as well as digitally here.

A panel of judges from racing and arts communities will select the photographs for the von Stade Gallery, which will open in November.

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Keeneland Hiring Center Opens Tuesday to Recruit for Spring Meet

Mon, 2024-03-04 12:38

Keeneland will open its hiring center Tuesday, Mar. 5 and invites interested parties to apply either in person or online for the 2024 Spring meet to run Apr. 5-26. Positions to be filled include concessions, culinary dining, guest services, parking, retail, security, track kitchen and other areas at the racecourse.

The majority on offer are entry level and do not require formal training beyond the paid training provided by Keeneland. The hiring center is located on the second floor of the grandstand and will be open every Tuesday and Thursday in March from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Mar. 5. On-site interviews will be conducted, and applicants are encouraged to bring two forms of identification with them.

In addition to employment opportunities, Keeneland also offers the Volunteer Group program for certified groups with a tax identification number. For every hour a member works during the Spring meet, a contribution of $10 will be made to the organization. Information on the Volunteer Group program is available here.

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Tim Tebow to be Keynote Speaker at Race for Grace

Mon, 2024-03-04 12:16

The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow will be the keynote speaker at the 2024 Race for Grace Gala and Auction, the Kentucky Chaplaincy announced via a release Monday.

Held in conjunction with Kentucky Derby 150 week celebrations Monday, Apr. 29 at Churchill Downs on Millionaires' Row, a silent and live auction including items such as 2025 Kentucky Derby and Oaks boxes, halters from Derby 150 contenders, sign Tebow items, horse racing art, etc., look to be the feature. Along with the keynote speaker, WinStar Farm's Elliott Walden and Hall of Famer Pat Day will host the evening events.

Race for Grace tickets are limited and sponsorships are welcome with more information available here.

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Jayson Werth Hits It Out of the Park with Dornoch

Mon, 2024-03-04 11:27

Plagued by injuries and getting up there in age, Jayson Werth announced his retirement from baseball on June 28, 2018. He finished with 229 career home runs, was an All-Star in 2009 and won a World Series in 2008 with the Philadelphia Phillies. It had been a great run, but when it was over Werth wasn't exactly ready to move on. He never lost the feelings that baseball gave him, the excitement, the ups and downs, the camaraderie with his teammates and the pride that comes with knowing that you have succeeded at the highest level.

There was golf but he needed something else. And in horse racing Jayson Werth has found exactly what he was looking for. Running under the name of Two Eight Racing (Werth wore number 28 during his playing days), the 44-year-old native of Springfield, Illinois has enjoyed remarkable early success. Involved in the sport only since 2021, Werth could be on his way to the GI Kentucky Derby. He is the co-owner of Dornoch (Good Magic), the winner of the GII Fountain of Youth S., as well as recent maiden winner Drip (Good Magic), who will be out to pick up Derby points in this Saturday's GII Tampa Bay Derby. Then there's R Calli Kim (Revolutionary), who won the GIII Very One S., which was part of the Fountain of Youth card.

“On some level, horse racing has filled a really large void in my life that has been created by my retiring from baseball,” he said. “Horse racing picked up where baseball left off. Its's a great industry for me to be in. Professional baseball, when you do it for 22 years, it takes over your whole life. My wife has a sign in the kitchen that says 'We interrupt this family for baseball season.' Then it's over and you think 'what do I do now?'

Werth lived near a Standardbred farm when he was growing up and befriended the owner and helped out with the horses, something that he enjoyed. But his family moved when he was 13 and Werth would soon be immersed in baseball. He didn't have time for anything else.

He soon found out that the passion he had for horses when he was young had never disappeared. Werth began playing golf with Richard Averill, who runs under the name of Averill Racing, and the owner introduced him to Thoroughbred racing.

Dornoch after winning the Fountain of Youth | Ryan Thompson

“I started picking Richard's brain and then partnered with him on some horses,” Werth said. “Racing became a passion and a love really fast for me. It started out with me thinking this is fun, let's claim this horse for $8,000. But I found out that's like playing in the minor leagues. It's not where you want to be.”

When asked to compare the feeling of winning a big race like the Fountain of Youth with his accomplishments in baseball, Werth said the biggest difference is that when it comes to racing he is a nervous wreck.

“I never got nervous playing sports,” he said. “Even before big games, the morning of, the day of, I never felt pressure or nervous. I was very comfortable, very calm. Horse racing has been the exact opposite. I get sick to my stomach before a race. I'm experiencing emotions I never knew existed. The winning and losing when it comes to racing is very comparable to winning in the divisional series, winning in the World Series. Having success or failure in racing, that feels very familiar to me. It's the lead-up into the race that gives me panic attacks.”

Dornoch may be his best horse, but he is most passionate about R Calli Kim. After a 55-week layoff, she came back in July and won a $35,000 claimer at Saratoga. That began a four-race win streak that included a victory in the GIII Long Island S. After finishing second in the GIII La Prevoyante S. she returned to the winner's circle in the The Very One.

“She got hurt and then didn't run for a whole year,” he said. “We thought she was done racing and then all of a sudden, she was doing really well and we sent her back to (trainer) Brendan (Walsh) and she has won six of seven. She's such a great horse, so sweet and nice. After my wife, she's my favorite girl in the whole world.”

Werth has been in the sport for just a little over three years and already has a GII Remsen S. winner, a Fountain of Youth winner and could have two horses in this year's Kentucky Derby. The game is supposed to be a lot tougher than that. Werth gets that.

“I've been in the right place at the right time,” he said. “Here we are, just a couple of years into it, and we are having unbelievable luck and success. I'm torn. Yes, I love horse racing but if we tried to do this again I don't know if we'd be this lucky or have a chance of doing some of the stuff we are doing. We're enjoying the fruits of our success. It's been such a great run and we're having a lot of fun with it. It's hard to believe and I tell people that. I could do this for the rest of my life and invest $10 million a year and not be in this position. It's storybook stuff and I am cherishing every second of this. I can guarantee you that isn't lost on me.”

Dornoch, the full brother to 2023 Derby winner Mage (Good Magic), did his job in the Fountain of Youth, but the race became a lot easier Speak Easy (Constitution), Victory Avenue (Arrogate), Merit (Mastery) and Locked (Gun Runner) were all scratched.

“I would not discount Dornoch on any level just because those horses weren't in there,” Werth said. “If they were, I think we would have seen the same result.”

Dornoch will go next in either the GI Florida Derby or the GI Blue Grass S. Trainer Danny Gargan has yet to decide. The Derby, of course, is the main goal. It's the toughest race in the world to win, but one of his owners has one of the hottest hands in the sport. He has that going for him.

“I understand why people spend millions of dollars on chasing this dream,” Werth said. “That's exactly what it is, a dream. What's happening, I think it is incredible.”

The post Jayson Werth Hits It Out of the Park with Dornoch appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Hallway Feeds an Official Sponsorship Partner of TOBA

Mon, 2024-03-04 11:12

Hallways Feeds is now an official sponsorship partner of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), the organization announced via press release Monday.

Founded in 1964, Hallways Feeds and the Hall family have a long history in Bluegrass and whose products can be found throughout Kentucky, at all major equine population centers throughout the country and in more than one dozen countries globally.

“The team at Hallway Feeds is proud to serve as a partner to those involved in the Thoroughbred industry; from supplying feed to the stallions and mares on the farms, playing a role in the development of young, growing horses, preparing horses for the sale, horses in training and racing, and careers after racing,” said Hallway Feeds' director of sales and marketing Anthony H. Koch .

“It is only natural that we support the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association in their mission to improve the sport.”

The post Hallway Feeds an Official Sponsorship Partner of TOBA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Mine That Bird Showcased During 2024 Legend Series

Mon, 2024-03-04 10:55

Kentucky Derby 135 winner Mine That Bird (Birdstone) will begin a temporary residence in the Kentucky Derby Museum's stable March 27 and will be showcased as part of the final event of the 2024 Legends Series with Maker's Mark, announced via press release by the Kentucky Derby Museum.

The Legends Series brings together horseracing and bourbon enthusiasts for an exclusive lineup of five tastings, and is considered a highlight on the Museum's annual calendar. Tickets for the event, held Mar. 27 from 5-8:00 p.m., are available for purchase. Mine That Bird will be at the Museum through mid-April.

“We are thrilled to bring Mine That Bird to the Museum's Stable for this extraordinary Legends event,” said owner Mark Allen. “It's a unique opportunity for fans to get close to a living legend and explore the captivating history of long shots in the Kentucky Derby.”

Other highlights include dinner on the newly renovated Oaks Terrace, a sneak peek at the brand new Long Shots display before it opens to the public, and the opportunity to purchase bottles of the limited supply of the Museum's Private Barrel Selection. There will be a live auction for a prize package that includes several rare memorabilia items from Derby-winning long shots, and the funds raised will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Museum.

The post Mine That Bird Showcased During 2024 Legend Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Ruby Nell Sparkles in Frontrunning Buena Vista Score

Sun, 2024-03-03 20:33

Ruby Nell (Bolt d'Oro) returned from her trip to Florida like many do–refreshed and ready to get back to work. And back to work she went, wiring the field impressively as the 4-5 favorite in the GII Buena Vista S. at Santa Anita. Shipped East by Richard Mandella for Pegasus weekend, the daughter of Bolt d'Oro did well to race against her normal style in coming off the pace to  finish third beaten just 1 3/4 lengths in the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational Jan. 27.

Back on California soil Sunday, it was back to business as jockey Edwin Maldonado, reunited with this runner after Frankie Dettori was aboard in Florida, did all he could to restrain Ruby Nell on the front end, keeping her under a tight hold even as she opened up a sizeable gap on the run into the first turn. Left alone on the lead through fractions of :25.55 and :46.88, the favorite gradually let a trio of pursuers eat into the gap with a quarter left to run but had more than enough in the tank to keep Mouffy (Uncle Mo) at bay and pick up her second graded-stakes win.

“I just let her do her thing,” Maldonado said. “She wants it her way and even if you fight her, she's going to do it her way, so I just let her do her thing.”

“I never had a doubt that Ruby would win, but the training schedule on all these horses the last couple weeks has been difficult,” added Mandella. “Keeping their minds right is pretty tough. I'm very proud that she handled it as well as she did.”

Pedigree Note:

Owner Spendthrift Farm went to $1,200,000 to secure Ruby Nell as a 2-year-old after she brought just $85,000 as a yearling at Keeneland in 2021. One of 10 stakes winners for Bolt d'Oro, a Spendthrift stallion, Ruby Nell is out of the winning Not For Love mare Rich Love who herself last saw the auction ring late last year when she brought $500,000 from Fast Fillies at FTKNOV. A producer of fives winners from as many to race, Rich Love is a half to MSW/GSP Concealed Identity (Smarty Jones) and SW/GSP Peach of a Gal (Curlin). After producing back to back foals by Good Magic, Rich Love went to Curlin for 2024.

 

RUBY NELL ($3.60) DOES IT AGAIN!!

She lead wire-to-wire in the $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes (G2) at @santaanitapark. The daughter of Bolt d'Oro was trained by Richard Mandella with @MaldonadoJockey in the irons! Congrats to owners – @spendthriftfarm! pic.twitter.com/A2vK68enzj

— TVG (@TVG) March 4, 2024

Sunday, Santa Anita Park
BUENA VISTA S.-GII, $202,000, Santa Anita, 3-3, 4yo/up, f/m, 1mT, 1:35.01, gd.
1–RUBY NELL, 122, f, 4, by Bolt d'Oro
   1st Dam: Rich Love, by Not For Love
   2nd Dam: Richetta, by Polish Numbers
   3rd Dam: Riscay, by Rahy
($80,000 Wlg '20 KEENOV; $85,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; $1,200,000 2yo '22 FTFMAR). O-Spendthrift Farm LLC; B-Solana Beach Sales (KY); T-Richard E. Mandella; J-Edwin A. Maldonado. $120,000. Lifetime Record: 12-6-2-2, $491,520. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Mouffy, 120, m, 5, Uncle Mo–Truly Together, by Smart Strike. O-Augustin Stables; B-George Strawbridge (KY); T-Jonathan Thomas. $40,000.
3–Nadette (Fr), 120, m, 5, Outstrip (GB)–Ciboulette (Ire), by Pivotal (GB). (€50,000 Ylg '20 ARQDOY; €17,000 2yo '21 ARQSRM; $340,000 RNA 4yo '23 KEENOV). O-Team Valor International, LLC; B-Herve Dardenne (FR); T-Neil D. Drysdale. $24,000.
Margins: 3/4, 1HF, 1. Odds: 0.80, 5.80, 25.50.
Also Ran: Be Your Best (Ire), Bellabel (Ire), Closing Remarks, Lucky Girl (Ire), Justique, Lakota Spirit. Scratched: Kissed by Fire, Thirty Carats.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Ruby Nell Sparkles in Frontrunning Buena Vista Score appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Newgate claims the Big Cap for Dettori, Baffert

Sun, 2024-03-03 19:19

The stormy forecast that delayed the Big 'Cap card originally scheduled for Saturday at Santa Anita and the scratching of his sophomore sensation Nysos (Nyquist) did little to dampen Bob Baffert's day as Newgate (Into Mischief)'s last-jump victory in the GI Santa Anita H. gave the trainer three graded wins–plus, the exacta in the GII San Felipe S.–in Arcadia Sunday. The stallion-making partnership of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, et al, co-owners of Newgate, doubled up on graded scores with Imagination (Into Mischief)'s win in the San Felipe.

“What a day, I am just blessed and happy that I have a hard-working crew that just works hard to get these horses ready,” Baffert said. “Today they got rewarded with their wins. Those grooms, I've never seen them happier.”

Newgate, sent off a slight second choice behind last-out GII San Pasqual S. winner Newgrange (Violence), settled just off the pace as longshot Subsanador (Arg) (Fortify) sprinted out to the early lead and took the field through fractions of :23.23 and :47.09. The field was bunching up approaching the far turn as the three-quarters went up in 1:12.15 and a three-wide Newgrange was the pacesetter's nearest pursuer as Newgate shadowed the favorite into the stretch. Subsanador showed he wasn't done yet, scampering clear into the lane and, still some two lengths in front with a furlong to run, the Argentinian invader looked set to spring the upset, but Newgate had all the momentum late to just get up for a narrow victory.

“I followed Victor [Espinoza aboard Newgrange] and I sat pretty low until the quarter pole,” said winning rider Frankie Dettori, who also road Imagination to victory earlier on the card. “I took my horse to the outside, I had a bit of weight pull with some of the horses. I thought I would get to the line okay and, in fairness, Subsanador gave me a good fight. The last 20 yards we got out in front, and I couldn't believe it. I could not believe that I had done it.”

Dettori admitted winning the Big 'Cap was a special moment in his storied career.

“When I was a kid here in the late '80s, there were 60,000 people here to see Ferdinand and Alysheba and you just couldn't move,” he said. “I was in awe. I rode in the Big 'Cap the first time last year and it was a dream. And to win it, I couldn't ask for anything more. It is a big feather in my cap, they don't get bigger than the Santa Anita Big 'Cap.”

Newgate was bridesmaid to a pair of stablemates in the 2022 GIII Bob Hope S. and 2023 GIII Sham S. before breaking through with his first graded victory in the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. last February. Sidelined after that effort, the $850,000 Keeneland September purchase returned with a runner-up effort in a Jan. 6 optional claimer and was second behind Newgrange in the Jan. 27 San Pasqual last time out.

“We always thought that he was going to be a better horse as he gets older and we've been patient, just getting races into him and today was supposed to be his coming out party kind of race,” Baffert said. “I was getting a little worried there turning for home it looked like that other horse got away but he just dug in.”

 

Pedigree Notes:

Newgate gave Into Mischief his second graded win Sunday following stablemate Imagination's win in the GII San Felipe S. He is the 18th top-level victor for the Spendthrift stallion.

Graded stakes-placed Majestic Presence, a half-sister to graded winner Victress (Include), has a 2-year-old daughter by Authentic–who sold for $300,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale–and she produced a filly by Life is Good this year.

Town and Country Horse Farm purchased Majestic Presence, in foal to Runhappy, for $360,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November sale.

 

#5 NEWGATE ($8.40) runs down pacesetter Subsanador (Arg) in the final jump to win the $400,000 G1 Santa Anita Handicap under @FrankieDettori! pic.twitter.com/s1FJYiZfaQ

— TVG (@TVG) March 4, 2024

Sunday, Santa Anita Park
SANTA ANITA H. PRESENTED BY YAAMAVA' RESORT & CASINO-GI, $401,000, Santa Anita, 3-3, 4yo/up, 1 1/4m, 2:03.49, ft.
1–NEWGATE, 121, c, 4, by Into Mischief
           1st Dam: Majestic Presence (GSP-USA, MSP-Can, $227,896), by Majestic Warrior
           2nd Dam: Shining Victory, by Victory Gallop
           3rd Dam: Phoenix Sunshine, by Encino
1ST GRADE I WIN. 'TDN Rising Star'. ($850,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Town & Country Horse Farms, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $240,000. Lifetime Record: 9-3-4-0, $535,775. *Full to Denim and Pearls, MSP, $212,535. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Subsanador (Arg), 120, h, 5, Fortify–Save the Date (Arg), by Hurricane Cat. O-Stud Facundito; B-El Mallin (ARG); T-John W. Sadler. $80,000.
3–Reincarnate, 119, c, 4, Good Magic–Allanah, by Scat Daddy. ($775,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Woods Edge Farm, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $48,000.
Margins: HD, 2HF, HD. Odds: 3.20, 22.30, 3.80.
Also Ran: Highland Falls, Mixto, Newgrange, Salesman (Ire).
Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

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