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Updated: 1 week 2 days ago

Tickets On Sale For Horse Racing Women’s Summit

Thu, 2024-03-14 15:56

Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Horse Racing Women's Summit (HRWS) Annual Summit and HRWS Events. Events at Keeneland (Apr. 18) and at Saratoga (July 23) kick off the year, all leading up to the third annual Horse Racing Women's Summit at Santa Anita Sept. 25-26. There will be another gathering prior to the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar Oct. 31. Attendance at each event is limited and it is expected that events will sell out. Click here to purchase tickets.

“Coming into our third year of the HRWS, it is incredible with the encouragement of our supporters, sponsors, and volunteers that we can expand our reach nationally,” said Jodie Vella-Gregory, HRWS executive committee member. “With a tremendous lineup of events from California to Kentucky to New York, the momentum is palpable and we are excited to bring robust programming and a sense of community to multiple jurisdictions.”

Programming for the regional events at Keeneland and Saratoga includes featured speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities on topics relevant to the region and the HRWS community as a whole. Attendees at the Keeneland event will have the option to 'stay and play' on Apr. 19 for special farm tours in conjunction with Visit Horse Country, and Saratoga attendees are invited to 'stay and play' for a day of racing in the 1863 Club on July 24. Each event has been planned in conjunction with regional representatives to allow for authentic expansion and connection within the HRWS community.

The third annual Horse Racing Women's Summit Sept. 25-26 will be highlighted by a powerful keynote in addition to robust panel discussions, workshops and a celebration of the 2024 Jane Goldstein Award winner. In addition to a full day of programming on Sept. 26, attendees will gather at Santa Anita Park for a welcome reception and networking activity the evening of Sept. 25 and have the opportunity to 'stay and play' on Sept. 27 for opening day of the autumn meet.

The post Tickets On Sale For Horse Racing Women’s Summit appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Remi Bellocq Original Featured Among Jockey Bar Barrel Art Auction

Thu, 2024-03-14 15:10

An auction of 10 original hand-painted bourbon barrels by Lexington, Ky. artists will raise funds for the Fayette Alliance at The Jockey Bar at 131 Cheapside in downtown Lexington. 'Art, Ales, and Advocacy' is a charitable event hosted by The Jockey on May 10, where the 10 horse racing-themed, hand-painted barrels will be auctioned. The proceeds will benefit the Fayette Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable and equitable growth in Lexington-Fayette County through advocacy, education, and research. The event is presented by the Lexington Event Company, with support from Alltech Brewing and Longwood Antique Woods, and promises an evening brimming with art, entertainment, and philanthropy.

The 10 barrels will be unveiled at the bar March 15 at 5 p.m. at an event where the artists will be on hand to discuss their work.

TDN cartoonist Remi Bellocq is one of the artists chosen to participate. “Just when I thought I'd drawn or painted on every conceivable surface, an old bourbon barrel found its way to my home studio needing a paint job!” said Bellocq. “I'm very honored to have been selected as one of 10 Lexington-area artists commissioned.”

Tickets for the May 10 event, where the winning bidders will be announced, go live at 4 a.m. Friday, March 15, coinciding with the day of the art unveiling, and may be purchased online here. The barrel auction is a live auction, with no online bidding. Bidders must be present at The Jockey Bar on May 10 to bid.

The post Remi Bellocq Original Featured Among Jockey Bar Barrel Art Auction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Win Win Win Filly Brings $1.8 Million at OBS

Thu, 2024-03-14 15:05

A filly from the first crop of Grade I victor Win Win Win brought a sale-topping bid of $1.8 million from bloodstock agent Donato Lanni, bidding on behalf of Amr Zedan, late in Thursday's final session of the OBS March sale. Bred and consigned by the O'Farrell family's Ocala Stud, the bay filly announced her presence at last week's under tack show with a track-record equaling quarter-mile work in :20 1/5. She is out of Unanimity (Union Rags) and from the family of Discreet Cat.

The post Win Win Win Filly Brings $1.8 Million at OBS appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Report: The Stronach Group Agrees To Donate Pimlico To State of Maryland

Thu, 2024-03-14 14:48

The Stronach Group has entered into a 'binding commitment' to donate Pimlico Race Course to the state of Maryland, a move that will allow the state to take over operations at the track, the Baltimore Banner reported Thursday afternoon.

According to the report, the transfer could occur as early as this summer, per state officials, with the state taking over racing operations in 2025.

The report says that the transfer will enable the state of Maryland to earmark hundreds of millions of dollars towards modernizing the track as well as the construction of a new training center at a location yet to be determined. On Thursday, a bill was introduced in the Maryland General Assembly that would pave the way for the construction and for the state to run racing in the state on a daily basis.

“This is a new day … We get to bet on ourselves. We're going to control our own destiny,” said Baltimore attorney Greg Cross, who heads a state authority that came up with the plan and negotiated the deal with The Stronach Group, told the Banner.

The Stronach Group and The Maryland Jockey Club issued the following statement from Craig Fravel, Executive Vice-Chairman, 1/ST RACING & GAMING.

“Since the announcement in early January, which outlined a framework for an agreement in principle between The Stronach Group, The Maryland Jockey Club (MJC), and the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA), the parties have engaged in extensive negotiations directed at finalizing a comprehensive agreement. That agreement aims to secure a sustainable future for the Maryland Thoroughbred racing industry and ensure the successful operation of Pimlico Race Course and the Preakness in Baltimore.

“We thank Greg Cross and the MTROA board. We look forward to the legislative consideration process and collaborating with the MTROA and Maryland stakeholders to usher in a new era for racing in the State.”

The post Report: The Stronach Group Agrees To Donate Pimlico To State of Maryland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings: Mar. 5-14

Thu, 2024-03-14 14:36

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country.

Among this most recent set of rulings, by far the most portentous was the 15-year ban doled out to trainer Milton Pineda, who trained seven different horses that tested positive post-race for the banned substance, Diisopropylamine, between June 2 and July 4 last year. The seven horses started at Los Alamitos and Santa Anita. Pineda was also accused of program training during the period of his provisional suspension.

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit classifies Diisopropylamine as a vasodilator, which is a substance that dilates the blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely through them. Diisopropylamine is also found in several everyday items like tobacco and beauty products, and hand sanitizer.

The arbitrator in Pineda's case fined the trainer $180,000 and ordered him to pay an additional $15,000 towards HIWU's share of the legal costs for the proceedings. A more detailed account of the case can be read here.

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

Resolved ADMC Violations

Resolution Date: 03/14/2024

Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer

Penalty: 15-year-ban, $180,000 fine and $15,000 towards HIWU's share of the arbitration costs of the proceedings.

Explainer: Read more on the story here.

 

Resolution Date: 03/11/2024

Licensee: Dr. Donald J. McCrosky (currently unclear in what specific role McCrosky is a responsible party)

Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on March 12, 2024; a fine of $2,500. Admission.

Explainer: For the possible breach of Rule 3510(a)—Disruptive or Offensive Conduct that does not rise to Tampering. The ruling involves the horse Madelyn Attack, who McCrosky bred. HIWU has not yet publicly posted a more detailed explainer of the ruling.

 

Resolution Date: 03/11/2024

Licensee: Carlos Morales, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Moose Wilson. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

 

Resolution Date: 03/11/2024

Licensee: Patrick Biancone, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Infinite Diamond. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

 

Resolution Date: 03/08/2024

Licensee: Juan Guerrero, trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Crypt, who won at Parx Racing on 11/13/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

 

Resolution Date: 03/08/2024

Licensee: Frank Santillana, trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Mi Gusto Es, who finished tenth at Tampa Bay on 1/26/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

 

Resolution Date: 03/08/2024

Licensee: Peter Walder, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Final decision by the internal adjudication panel.

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Hello Jack. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

 

Resolution Date: 03/07/2024

Licensee: George Arnold II, trainer

Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on March 8, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: For the presence of Tramadol—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Figgy, who won at Turfway Park on 12/27/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

More on the story here.

Pending ADMC Violations

Resolution Date: 02/14/2024

Licensee: Efren Loza Jr., trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Clenbuterol—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Mexicoffee, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 2/14/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 02/06/2024

Licensee: Robert Fiesman, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Zipsy Rose Lee, who finished second at Mahoning Valley on 2/6/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

 

Date: 02/11/2024

Licensee: Gary House, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Callas, who won at Tampa Bay on 2/11/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

 

Date: 01/25/2024

Licensee: Alejandro Gomez, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Tamanrassett on 1/25/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

 

Date: 02/24/2024

Licensee: Jose Jimenez, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection violation

Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Just Katherine. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

 

Date: 02/12/2024

Licensee: John Shirreffs, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Sully on 2/12/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

 

Date: 01/30/2024

Licensee: Curt Ferguson, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Cidstayinurlane, who won at Turf Paradise on 01/30/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

 

Date: 02/21/2024

Licensee: Brandon Kulp, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the potential breach of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)—on Seeking the Dream, who finished third at Penn National on 2/21/2024. This is also a possible violation of Rule 3313—Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period.

 

Date: 02/19/2024

Licensee: Monte Gelrod, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Cobalt Salts—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Ratified, who won at Parx Racing on 2/19/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).

More on the story here.

 

Date: 02/03/2024

Licensee: Leon Minott, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Slender Slipper on 2/3/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

HIWU had previously listed trainer Howard Love as the responsible party in this case.

 

Date: 01/06/2024

Licensee: Derek Ryan, trainer

Penalty: Pending

Alleged violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Charging Aero, who finished second at Tampa Bay on 01/06/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

 

Date: 12/29/2023

Licensee: Sergio Morfin, trainer

Penalty: Provisionally suspended

Alleged Violation: Medication violation

Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Wishtheyallcouldbe, who finished second at Santa Anita on 12/29/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Violations of Crop Rule

One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

Aqueduct

Jose Gomez – violation date March 9; $250 fine and one-day suspension

 

Santa Anita

Diego Agustin Herrera – violation date March 8; $390 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

Drayden James VanDyke – violation date March 9; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes

 

Turfway Park

Juan Gabriel Lagunes – violation date March 6; $250 fine and one-day suspension

OTHER KEY RULINGS

The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

California

Track: Santa Anita

Date: 03/08/2024

Licensee: Robert Henie, owner

Explainer: Owner Robert Henie having failed to respond to written notice to appear before the Board of Stewards at Santa Anita Park on or before March 7, 2024, is suspended for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1547 (Failure to Appear) pending an appearance at a hearing before the Board of Stewards to answer to charges alleging violation of CHRB rule #1876 (Financial Responsibility). Suspension to commence on March 15, 2024.

New York

Track: Aqueduct

Date: 03/09/2024

Licensee: Jose Gomez, jockey

Explainer: For having waived his right to an appeal Jockey Mr. Jose (Antonio) Gomez is hereby suspended 3 NYRA racing days March 16th 2024, March 17th 2024, March 21st 2024 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 3rd race at Aqueduct Racetrack on March 8th 2024.

The post Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings: Mar. 5-14 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

HISA Invites Applications To Join Horsemen’s Advisory Group

Thu, 2024-03-14 13:48

Edited Press Release

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is now accepting new applications for experienced industry experts to join HISA's Horsemen's Advisory Group. The Advisory Group was formed by HISA in 2022 to provide formal feedback to HISA's executive team and standing committees on the implementation and evolution of its Racetrack Safety and Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) regulations. The Advisory Group has been responsible for recommending a number of substantive modifications to the HISA Rules that were ultimately approved by the HISA Board.

Now that 18 months have passed since the Advisory Group's establishment, HISA is beginning the process of rotating members off to allow new perspectives to join. Five members will rotate off on May 1, 2024, and another five will rotate off on Nov. 1, 2024.

HISA is inviting all racing participants who wish to be considered for membership in the Advisory Group to email horsemensadvisory@hisaus.org indicating their interest and qualifications by Friday, Apr. 5, 2024. Applicants should also indicate whether they would like to be considered for the next round of openings in November 2024, should they not be selected to join in May 2024.

The Advisory Group's membership includes trainers, owners, veterinarians, backstretch employees and representatives of racing offices and aftercare initiatives who collectively represent a wide variety of viewpoints across racing. Advisory Group members are expected to join monthly virtual (and occasionally in-person) meetings with HISA leadership to provide feedback on HISA's rules and processes, as well as be available to weigh in on time-sensitive issues affecting horsemen as needed.

The post HISA Invites Applications To Join Horsemen’s Advisory Group appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

David Hanley on Improbable’s Encouraging Start

Thu, 2024-03-14 13:19

WinStar will launch four new stallions with first two-year-olds in 2024: Global Campaign, Improbable, Promises Fulfilled, and Tom's d'Etat, and it's Improbable who has come out swinging first at the sales. At OBS March, four of his colts brought six figures, selling for $475,000, $400,000, $300,000, and $250,000 and a first-crop filly fetched $140,000. The $400,000 colt, out of Libby's Tail, who breezed in 9.4 for Eddie Woods-one of three Improbables to hit that mark–was purchased in partnership by David Hanley, the Senior Vice President of Bloodstock Services at WinStar Farm, which stands Improbable. We talked to Hanley about the young sire.

TDN: What has the reaction to Improbable's first two-year-olds been like at the sale this week?

DH: People have liked them. We're extremely bullish on this horse because he was such a sound, top racehorse, having won four Grade Is over three years of training. He was also second in the Arkansas Derby and in the Breeders' Cup Classic. So he was a really exceptional athlete. The thing about him was how sound and how good a mover he was on the racetrack. He ran for three years and had 85 works in between all those races, and he never came back to the farm except to be freshened on one occasion. So he was an extremely sound and tough racehorse. He wasn't the biggest horse. But once we got him under tack, his athleticism on the racetrack was incredible. And when you looked at his works, every one was a carbon copies of the previous one. He worked five furlongs in a minute, and was so consistent. So we were waiting to see if he transferred that athleticism to his two-year-olds. And we're very happy to see that out of the ones he had here, there were four or five of them really showed up as very, very athletic horses. So we're really excited about the future with them.

TDN: You bought one yourself.

DH: We gave $400,000 for one (hip 395) and we were underbidder on another one. This horse was a leggy horse with a lot of scope and his breeze was really, really exceptional. His gallop out was spectacular. I was on the backside and he went by me like he could go around again after going in :9 4/5. And that's really what impressed us. I had seen him at Eddie Woods's and I was impressed with how he breezed out there. He had that tremendous bounce off his back end, and he did his breeze with ease. He wasn't under stress to do it. So, what we felt when we saw him was that he was very, very athletic and looked like he'd go two turns.

TDN: What is Improbable like himself, and is he stamping these two-year-olds?

DH: He wasn't the biggest horse himself in being by City Zip. What is very encouraging is that he seems to be throwing progeny with leg and stretch and with his motion and his athleticism. He got a great book of first mares. On the class performance index, his first book of mares was second only to what Authentic got. So these are the two-year-olds we're seeing now. The way the stallion business is right now, people wait and see. So, at $15,000 (from an initial stud fee of $40,000), I think he's great value right now and based on what his two-year-olds are like, we're really excited about what runners he's going to have. Obviously, he's in that third year and people are just waiting to see what happens.

TDN: He won Grade Is at two and four. What does that say to you?

Improbable (#2) rearing up in the gate before the start of the Whitney | Sarah Andrew

DH: He was a very good, undefeated two-year-old, winning the Los Al Futurity, and also the Street Sense at Churchill on the Breeders' Cup undercard, as well as his maiden. And then at three, quite honestly, he lost his way a little bit. He was second in the Arkansas Derby, but he had an incident in the gate in the previous race, the Rebel. That was in the spring of his three-year-old year. He was always an uptight horse, and after that, he was a little bit tentative in the gate and I think it affected his performance. But then he matured and relaxed and really showed just how good a horse he was as a four-year-old. So I think that was kind of how his career developed. It wasn't through any unsoundness or ability. But then we really saw what he was when he overcame all of that as a four-year-old, winning the Hollywood Gold Cup, Whitney, and Awesome Again and running second in the Breeders' Cup Classic to Authentic. Bob Baffert, the incredible horseman that he is, did such a good job getting him back to his best form.

All the trainers were saying these two-year-olds were beautiful movers. But we had to wait and see if they were going to show you that speed and, and he's answered that question with these :9 4/5 breezers. So that's very encouraging.

The post David Hanley on Improbable’s Encouraging Start appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

National Treasure And Senor Buscador Atop The Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings

Thu, 2024-03-14 12:36

Edited Press Release

Now sitting atop the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings on 121, National Treasure (Quality Road) and Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) both began their 2024 campaigns in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. in January, which saw the former defeat Senor Buscador by a neck.

Following that effort, they both travelled to the Middle East to compete in the G1 Saudi Cup. Senor Buscador raced in the back of the field before rallying to defeat Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) by a head, who was weighted on 120 for this week's list. Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), who was three-quarters of a length back in third, came next on 119, while National Treasure finished fourth.

Ushba Tesoro shares the joint-second position in the rankings, along with G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup winner Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won the Listed HH The Amir Trophy in Qatar Feb. 17.

Joining them with 120 points is Private Eye (Aus) (Al Maher {Aus}). He finished second by a head in the G1 Black Caviar Lightning S. to Imperatriz (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}), who made the list with 119.

Click here for the full list of ranked horses.

The post National Treasure And Senor Buscador Atop The Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

$1-Million Authentic Colt to Resolute at OBS

Thu, 2024-03-14 12:16

A colt from the first crop of champion Authentic sold for $1 million to an online bid from John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock. Consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, the chestnut colt worked a furlong last week in :9 4/5. He is out of stakes-placed Ruby Trust (Smart Strike), a daughter of graded winner Queen of the Catsle (Tale of the Cat). Randy Hartley and Dean DeRenzo purchased the colt for $260,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale.

The post $1-Million Authentic Colt to Resolute at OBS appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Newgrange To Pass Dubai World Cup

Wed, 2024-03-13 12:33

Newgrange (Violence), a head-scratching sixth behind Newgate (Into Mischief) in the GI Santa Anita H. Mar. 3, will bypass the Mar. 30 G1 Dubai World Cup, trainer Phil D'Amato said via text message Wednesday.

The decision was finalized after the 5-year-old worked five furlongs in 1:01.20 (13/27) Wednesday morning at Santa Anita.

“Newgrange is not going to Dubai,” D'Amato texted. “We will regroup and race him stateside down the road.”

Winner of the GIII Sham S. and GIII Southwest S. for the SF Racing/Starlight/Madaket et. al. partnership while under the care of Bob Baffert in 2022, the dark bay was purchased by  Kim Lloyd's Sweetwater Trading for $250,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Horse of Racing Age Sale on behalf of David A. Bernsen, Rockingham Ranch and Little Red Feather Racing.

Winner of the 2023 GII San Pasqual S., Newgrange was subsequently seventh in the Big 'Cap, but had returned to his best form following a seven-month absence this winter, with an easy score in the GII San Antonio S. and a successful defense of his title in the San Pasqual. Connections had also been considering an appearance in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. the same afternoon, but with an eye on the World Cup and in an effort to minimize travel, elected not to make the trans-continental trip.

Four American-based horses remain in the prospective field of 12, including Newgate, G1 Saudi Cup hero Senor Buscador (Mineshaft), Pegasus World Cup third Crupi (Curlin) and GII Lukas Classic hero Clapton (Brethen).

The post Newgrange To Pass Dubai World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Milton Pineda Banned 15 Years, Fined $195,000

Tue, 2024-03-12 21:19

Southern California-based trainer Milton Pineda has been banned for 15 years and ordered to pay a total of $195,000 in fines and legal fees after an arbitration panel found him guilty of seven rule violations under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Unit (HIWU)'s Anti-Doping and Medication Control (AMDC) program, according to a final decision dated Mar. 12.

Between June 2 and July 4 last year, seven different Pineda-trainees tested positive for Diisopropylamine—a banned substance under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)—after running at Santa Anita and Los Alamitos. During that period, the Pineda-trained Bella Renella (Clubhouse Ride) ran and won twice at Santa Anita.

The ruling followed a full in-person evidentiary hearing at the JAMS Resolution Center in Irvine, California, on Feb. 27, presided over by arbitrator Nancy Holtz.

“One of the arguments that I made but that I believe in is that the punishment should fit the violation or the crime. But in this case, there is no connection between the conduct or the alleged conduct of Mr. Pineda and the 15 years and the nearly $200,000 in fines,” said attorney Darrell Vienna, who represented Pineda.

“This is just another example of the overreach and the unfairness of HISA and HIWU,” said Vienna, adding that he was unsure whether Pineda would appeal the decision.

Holtz's ruling is by far the harshest penalty meted out since the federal ADMC program went into effect last May.

HIWU classifies Diisopropylamine (DIPA) as a vasodilator, which is a substance that dilates the blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely through them. Diisopropylamine is also found in several everyday items like tobacco and beauty products, and hand sanitizer.

Indeed, according to the final ruling, Pineda argued that he had “never knowingly or intentionally administered DIPA to his horses,” and that the positive tests likely resulted from the use of certain feed supplements, or cross-contamination through the use of hand sanitizers by official testing barn personnel at Santa Anita Park or Los Alamitos.

Among other claims, Pineda argued that the chain of custody of certain samples “was not done in a way to preserve the integrity of the samples,” and that the testing conducted on one of Bella Renella's B-Samples “was not properly conducted” either, according to the final ruling.

Holtz dismissed these arguments.

“Mr. Pineda has failed to establish no fault or negligence or no significant fault or negligence,” the ruling states, arguing that Pineda failed to prove that the “source was contamination of feed supplements,” and that “there is unrefuted evidence that the hand sanitizer at the test barn of Santa Anita Park and Los Alamitos was not used” by the official personnel.

Holtz also found that Pineda's challenges to the proper chain of custody of the samples failed “at the first step, as he has not established any departure from the Laboratory Standards,” and that questions surrounding the validity of Bella Renella's B-Sample analysis is moot due to the positive findings of the other samples.

A maximum first anti-doping rules violation under HISA for a Diisopropylamine positive is two years. Holtz determined that the seven separate rules violations came to 14 years to be served consecutively.

On the back of his provisional suspension, Pineda transferred care of his horses to trainer Salvador Naranjo, who in turn hired Filberto Alvarado, a former employee and groom of Pineda.

Holtz's rulings finds Pineda guilty of “program training” in breach of his provisional suspension, for which HIWU sought an additional one year ban and $5,000 fine for aggravating circumstances.

“There is evidence that Mr. Pineda has flagrantly disregarded the ADMC Program by breaching his Provisional Suspension and prior Ineligibility, and also exhibited deceptive or obstructive conduct by refusing to allow HIWU investigators to search his phone,” the rulings states.

“Throughout his Provisional Suspension (September 15, 20, 22, 26 and October 19), Mr. Pineda was seen on multiple occasions attending at Los Alamitos watching his Covered Horses train and meeting with both Mr. Naranjo and Mr. Alvarado,” the ruling states.

According to the final ruling, Pineda admitted that he went to the track regularly, “but not to 'program train' (i.e. not to provide instructions to Mr. Naranjo or Alvarado on how to train his former horses), but rather only to pass the time.”

Aside from Bella Renella, the other six Pineda trainees who tested positive for Diisopropylamine were Flatterwithjewels (Flatter), Big Splash (Mr. Big), Chollima (Paddy O'Prado), Catbernay (Sapphire Cat), Keep Your Coil (Coil) and Wegonahavagoodtime (Big Bad Leroybrown).

These trainees all won the respective races for which they subsequently tested positive, except Flatterwithjewels, who finished second at Santa Anita on June 9 last year.

Holtz fined Pineda $180,000 and ordered him to pay $15,000 towards HIWU's share of the arbitration costs of the proceedings. His 15-year suspension began Mar. 12.

Pineda has worked in the racing industry as a groom, exercise rider, pony rider, assistant trainer, and trainer for most of his life, the ruling states. According to Equibase, Pineda has been training since 2019, winning 49 races from 333 runners.

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$1.2-Million Tapit Colt Paces OBS March Opener

Tue, 2024-03-12 19:07

by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis

The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale opened Tuesday with a solid session, and while the 2-year-old sales are usually all about speed, the day was topped by a colt by Tapit who galloped during last week's under-tack show. From the Lothenbach dispersal, the youngster sold for $1.2 million to the partnership of West Point Thoroughbreds and D. J. Stables. He was consigned by Tom McCrocklin.

“I think it points to the fact that the under-tack show is one metric,” said OBS Director of Sales Tod Wojciechowski. “There are a lot of different metrics that people use to buy horses. The under-tack shows get talked about a lot, but it's not the only thing. There were obviously people here who felt like they could get a good read on the horse and liked what they saw at the barn and what they saw on the racetrack in the way he moved. Everybody focuses on the time because it's an easy touch point, but there are a lot of other variables and intangibles that go into that decision-making process.”

During the session, 152 horses sold for $20,844,000 for an average of $137,132 and a median of $73,500. The average was down 11% from a year ago and the median dipped 18.3%. The buy-back rate for Tuesday's session was 26.9%. It was 32.1% a year ago.

“It's hard to compare day to days after the first day, but I thought it was pretty on line with last year overall,” Wojciechowski said.

Showing the breadth of the buying bench, the top 10-priced lots were purchased by 10 different buyers.

“The buying bench was pretty varied,” Wojciechowski said. “There were a lot of different people buying horses. I felt like we have good horses spread out through the entire catalogue. We obviously had some highlights today and I think we will continue to have highlights over the next two days.”

Of the top 10 sellers Tuesday, two were from the first crop of Gainesway stallion McKinzie, with Bill Childs going to $750,000 for a colt from the Wavertree Stables consignment and Belmar Racing, R.A. Hill and Gargan going to $450,000 for a colt from the King's Equine consignment. Both colts shared bullet furlong work times of :9 4/5.

The OBS March sale continues through Thursday with sessions beginning daily at 11 a.m.

West Point, DJ Stable Unite for Tapit Colt

Proving that value rarely goes unnoticed among the savvy juvenile market buyers, Hip 173, a colt by leading sire Tapit, realized $1.2 million on the OBS March Sale's opening day. With the tempo picking up noticeably as the session progressed, West Point Thoroughbreds and D J Stable teamed up to land the opening session's sole seven-figure offering. Consigned by Tom McCrocklin, the Feb. 27 foal was a member of the Lothenbach Stables Dispersal.

Jonathan Green & Terry Finley | Photos by Z

“He's the kind that we look for. We figured he'd bring a lot of money, but I think he's got plenty of upside,” said West Point's Terry Finley. “The Tapits can be across the board in terms of their mental disposition, but he has a very cool mind and acted the right way. With these expensive horses, we tend to say the same things and just keep our fingers crossed. You just hope they live up to that expectation.”

Out of Distorted Music, herself a $190,000 Keeneland September purchase in 2011, the gray is a half-brother to Grade III winner She Can't Sing (Bernardini). The colt represents the family of GI CCA Oaks heroine Music Note, dam of G1 Dubai World Cup winner Mystic Guide, in addition to French Classic scorer Musical Chimes.

“Obviously, we have a soft spot for Tapit,” explained Finley. “We love the fact that this [colt] is big and raw.”

The dispersal came up after Bob Lothenbach died suddenly at the age of 64 last fall. All of the Lothenbach horses galloped during last week's breeze sessions.

“I didn't know [Lothenbach] but I know he had a beautiful breeding program and ran a great operation,” said Finley. “We knew we were buying something from a very effective program.”

D J Stable's Jon Green was equally enthused with Tuesday's purchase.

“You look at these dispersals, and it seems like every year one jumps out of that program. We hope it works out that way. But we really thought he was the best of that group. The fact that he was galloping and not breezing, for a big horse like that, it only added to his appeal because we felt it would be more beneficial to his development. The world is his oyster.”

Partnering on a handful of horses in the past, including Grade III winner Turned Aside (American Pharoah), longtime friends Len and Jon Green and Finley thought it seemed like the right time to take the relationship to the next level.

“We have had a couple of horses with the Greens in the past, but this is by far the best we've ever got our hands on together, so we're excited to go forward,” said Finley.

Green echoed the sentiment.

“The important thing about this horse are the people behind it. Terry and I have been talking and we were just waiting for the right horse and we felt this was absolutely the right athlete to go after. He looks like he has two-turn ability and we're going to take our time with him. This was just the right opportunity.” —@CBossTDN

Not This Time Colt Heads to Japan

A colt by Not This Time (hip 183) will be heading to Japan after selling for $850,000 to the bid of bloodstock agent Shingo Hashimoto, acting on behalf of Katsumi Yoshida. The dark bay colt was consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds on behalf of trainer Tom Durant. He worked a furlong last week in :10 flat.

“His workout was really good and his appearance was really nice,” Hashimoto said. “We really liked the colt and we are very excited about him. We will bring him back to Japan and see how he goes.”

The colt is out of Dos Vinos (Twirling Candy), a half-sister to stakes winner China Grove (City Zip) purchased by Durant for $230,000 at the 2017 Keeneland September sale.

Hashimoto, who purchased a $1.05-million son of Arrogate on behalf of Yoshida at last year's March sale, was making his second purchase of the 2024 auction with hip 183. He went to $310,000 for a filly by Take Charge Indy (hip 110) earlier in the session.

Of the March sale's appeal, Hashimoto said, “It's good to know how the horses change from what we saw at the yearling sale and how they train. I think the level of training that they do in the U.S. is very high.” @JessMartiniTDN

Colts Group Adds an Uncle Mo Juvenile

The BSW/Crow Colts Group and Spendthrift Farm partnership, which has been active at the yearling sales the last few years, supplemented its 2024 roster heading to the barn of trainer Brad Cox with the purchase of an Uncle Mo colt (hip 106) for $750,000 during Tuesday's first session of the OBS March sale. The bay colt, consigned by Pick View, is out of Canteen (Candy Ride {Arg}).

Hip 106 | Photos by Z

“Everybody on the team liked him,” Liz Crow said after signing the ticket on the juvenile. “Katelyn Jackson, Ned Toffey and his son Daniel and Seth [Semkin] and then Brad Cox, everybody on the whole team felt like he fit what we were looking for.”

The partners had success buying at OBS last year, purchasing Jimmy Winkfield S. winner Bergen (Liam's Map) for $375,000 at the OBS April sale.

“It was hard to buy yearlings last year,” Crow said. “We have a small number, we only have 10, and so this will be our 11th horse for the group.”

Stock Thoroughbreds purchased the colt for $270,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. He worked a furlong during last week's under-tack show in :10 2/5. @JessMartiniTDN

Childs Jumps into the Fray Early at OBS

Bill Childs sat chilly until the closing moments of last year's OBS March Sale to land a Justify colt for $700,000. This year, the Texas businessman reversed course and extended to $750,000 for Hip 89, a son of freshman sire McKinzie, early in the sale.

The bay recorded a :9.4 move for Wavertree Stables during last Wednesday's breeze session.

“I really liked everything about him,” said Childs. “I liked the way he worked–that was an obvious reason. But I also liked him because I thought he'd want to go two turns.”

Bill Childs | Photos by Z

Out of Breech Inlet (Holy Bull), the Ontario-bred is a half-brother to Canadian multiple stakes winner and graded placed Merveilleux (Paynter). The colt's 14-year-old dam, a granddaughter of GISW By Land By Sea, is a half-sister to GSW Bauble Queen (Arch). In foal to Olympiad, she brought $50,000 at Keeneland November last season.

“He doesn't look like a horse that should work that fast going that short,” added Childs. “But when they do, they'll often turn out to be good.”

According to Ciaran Dunne, the colt has flourished since his arrival in September.

“He's a beautiful horse and worked really well,” he said. “He is one of those rare things, he was well sold and well bought. I think it hurt him a little bit being so early in the sale. People might have been expecting him to bring a little bit more or they weren't quite ready. But I think it was a fair price for him.”

According to Childs, the colt will go to trainer Bob Baffert, who also trained the youngster's sire, McKinzie.

“It's his first crop, so we don't know how that'll go,” he added. “But based on the way they worked here, it looks like they will be good.”

Offered at last year's Keeneland September sale, the Feb. 26 foal was secured by Ron Fein's Superfine Farm for $205,000.

Asked about the feel of the market halfway through Tuesday's session, Childs said, “It was actually a little softer than I thought. I saw a few that I thought would have brought a little more money. However, I do think it will probably get stronger as the sale goes along.”–@CBossTDN

Mischief Returns to OBS

Rarely absent from the leaderboard at any sale in the country, Into Mischief was represented by Hip 202, a colt that realized a $700,000 final bid from Muir Hut Stables. Out of GSW Electric Forest (Curlin), the bay colt is a grandson of MGSW and MGISP Forest Music (Unbridled's Song), herself responsible for graded winner Uncle chuck (Uncle Mo). Spendthrift Farm was among the underbidders on the colt.

“Muir Hut Stables has put a lot into the game,” said Southern California-based trainer Mark Glatt, stationed alongside the Muir Hutt team during the bidding. “I have been trying to get them to buy an Into Mischief for some time now. We were able to get this one, so we're excited.”

The Mar. 19 foal breezed an eighth in :10.1 during the initial breeze session last week.

“We are high on the sire, of course, but also on [broodmare sire] Curlin. This colt is a very athletic horse and seems to have talent. We hope he stays sound so we can get him to the races.”

Bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, the bay was consigned by Old South Farm on behalf of Bow River Ranch.

“I bought him for a new group of guys. That's their first pinhooking venture,” confirmed consignor Hoby Kight, who signed for the colt after the Oregon-based group paid $250,000 at last September's Keeneland sale.

When asked what drew him to the colt, Kight explained, “Everyone knows what I like–I like a horse with angles. I like a stretchy, big and fast horse with just enough pedigree. That's what it takes. If they can run, you're good. That's what I like to buy and this colt fit the bill.”

According to Kight, the fledgling partnership also sold Hip 19, a colt by Munnings, for $250,000, in addition to a Gun Runner colt (Hip 155) for $100,000.

“For me, the sale has been very fair so far,” Kight added. “The Munnings could have been anywhere from $250,000 to $400,000, depending on the breeze. He worked with a headwind [10.1], so that might have affected things a bit, but I thought it was fair overall.”–@CBossTDN

Munnings Filly Jump Starts March Sale

With the March sale less than half-an-hour old, a filly by Munnings (hip 26) kick started the action in Ocala Tuesday when selling for $700,000 to the bid of trainer Will Walden, acting on behalf of John Sykes's Woodford Thoroughbreds. The bay filly, consigned by Niall Brennan Stables, shared the :9 4/5 bullet on the first day of last week's under-tack show.

“I thought she had all of the parts,” Walden said. “She is a little bit on the smaller side, but with plenty of muscle. She had a great walk and temperament at the barn. I thought the breeze was outstanding. It was the best gallop out of the day and it was on the toughest day. She did it into a 10 mph headwind.”

Will Walden & Niall Brennan | Photos by Z

The filly is the first foal out of the unraced Ansaam (Bernardini), a half-sister to Grade I winner Denman's Call (Northern Afleet) and from the family of multiple Grade I winner Evening Jewel. She was a $95,000 Keeneland September purchase by Ryston Stables.

“She's probably a filly who is going to be early,” Walden said. “We will get her back to Turfway and then Keeneland and start looking for starts around Churchill. We are really excited to have her.”

Walden has been buying horses for Sykes across the globe over the last several months.

“He has been a great supporter of ours,” Walden said of Sykes. “He supported us when we went overseas when we bought some out of Tattersalls. We are just trying to buy runners and get in the winner's circle. He has a breeding operation, so with this filly's pedigree and hopefully with what she does on the track, she will hold some residual value as a broodmare.”

Walden agreed, with the juvenile sales season just minutes old, it could be difficult to anticipate prices.

“I had her between $600,000 and $800,000,” he said. “I would have liked to pay six instead of seven, but she is a quality filly and we are happy we got her. But you have to trust your gut. If you like the horse, the horse speaks to you and, on numbers and on paper it works out, you have to take a swing.”  @JessMartiniTDN

All Dreams Equine Absent from OBS

Juan Centeno's All Dreams Equine consignment, which was pulled into controversy when a filly it sold at last year's OBS June sale broke down at Finger Lakes in November and subsequently tested positive for Clenbuterol, had six horses catalogued to the OBS March sale, but the entire group was scratched from the auction.

“There was some publicity about me and my consignment and I just felt like it wasn't going to be a fair judgement on the horses,” Centeno said of the decision to withdraw his horses from the auction. “I could feel the energy wasn't all there. So the best thing for the horses and for everybody else was to scratch them for now.”

Two of the horses from Centeno's March consignment were involved in incidents during last week's under-tack show, with a filly collapsing on the track following her breeze and a colt getting loose before breezing and galloping around the infield.

OBS sales officials confirmed that Centeno had voluntarily scratched his horses from that sale and that the All Dreams horses were all tested before the under-tack show, but that results of those tests were not yet available.

“Yes and he welcomed it,” OBS President Tom Ventura said when asked about testing the horses in the consignment. “We did hair samples and additional blood samples. We don't have the results to share back at this point, but whatever he had here, he welcomed any additional scrutiny that might show that they had nothing in their systems.”

Of the additional testing, Centeno said, “All of my horses were tested, I don't know the results because they have them. But I have nothing to hide. I have always been honest and I have a good record. My tests have always been clean. And anybody who has questions or wants to test the horses, they are available to be tested or inspected. Not a problem.”

He continued, “I was happy to be tested. I have nothing to hide. I treat my horses with the highest standards. I am very dedicated to my horses. I am attached to my horses. And I am very proud of what we do together.”

Trainer Jeffrey Englehart was facing a two-year suspension after the Classic Empire colt he purchased from the All Dreams consignment last summer tested positive for Clenbuterol after breaking down in November. The case against him was dropped when segmented test of the colt's hair sample revealed that the drug had been administered before Englehart had become the horse's trainer.

“I was surprised when I was accused about that,” Centeno said of speculation that he had given the colt the drug. “I never gave anything to my horses. I wanted to prove that. And for that reason, the horses are available to be tested, to show the buyers I am honest and I play by the rules.”

Of the filly that collapsed after breezing during last week's under-tack show, “The horse was fine and we asked him to keep it here so that everybody, including us, could go and inspect the horse,” Ventura said. “And we talked to the vet and we aren't sure exactly what caused it, but she came out of it fine.”

The horse that got loose on the track was also uninjured in the mishap.

“If he had gotten loose on Wednesday, he would have had the opportunity to come back and breeze on Saturday, but given that he got loose on the last day at the under-tack show, there was no opportunity for him to come back,” said OBS Director of Sales Tod Wojciechowski. @JessMartiniTDN

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Law Professor Tops Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale at $230,000

Tue, 2024-03-12 17:57

The Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale closed Tuesday evening with 66 horses sold for $2,011,200. The catalogue featured horses of racing age, breeding stock, and yearlings.

Law Professor (Constitution), a 6-year-old horse of racing age, sold for $230,000 to JTH Racing to top the sale. Offered as Hip 4 by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, he was a winner in his last two starts, earning a career-high Beyer Speed Figure last out Feb. 23. Law Professor is a four-time stakes winner, including the GII Santa Anita Mathis Mile S., and was runner up to Life Is Good in the GI Woodward S. To date, Law Professor has eight wins, two seconds, and three thirds from 22 career starts and has earned $1,004,565.

Other top sellers included:

Queens Command (Ire) (War Command) (Hip 11), a 5-year-old racing/broodmare prospect sold for $200,000 to Shannon Potter, agent for Town and Country Racing and George Saufley, from the consignment of Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. A winner in Ireland and the United States, Queens Command was runner up in the GIII Santa Ana S. in her most recent start Feb. 24.

Cairo Sugar (Cairo Prince) (Hip 27), a stakes winner, sold for $200,000 to SF Bloodstock LLC from the consignment of Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Offered as a broodmare prospect, Cairo Sugar is a daughter of MGISW Spun Sugar and is a half-sister to the dams of graded stakes winner Best Actor and stakes winner Arham.

Bless America (Into Mischief) (Hip 25), a 4-year-old horse of racing sale sold for $145,000 to MV from the consignment of Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Bless America has won or placed in all three of his career starts, breaking his maiden in maiden special weight company in his most recent start Feb. 24.

“It was a very solid sale,” said Leif Aaron, Fasig-Tipton's Director of Digital Sales. “It was a workmanlike sale. Six horses brought six figures or more and the market was very fair.”

Overall, 66 horses sold for $2,011,200, good for an average of $30,472.

Full results are available online.

The next Fasig-Tipton Digital sale will be the April Digital Sale, which opens for bidding on Thursday, Apr. 4 and closes on Tuesday, Apr. 9.

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LA-Breds To Race For Nearly $6m In Stakes Purses This Year

Tue, 2024-03-12 16:11

The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will have a nearly $6,000,000 stakes schedule this year the LTBA announced Tuesday. Offered over 67 stakes races, of which 33 will offer a purse of over $100,000, the purses are part of a continuing program to support accredited Louisiana-breds along with incentives for breeders and stallion owners.

“We are proud to offer a dynamic stakes program that provides a year-round schedule for Accredited Louisiana breds,” said LTBA secretary-treasurer Roger Heitzmann III. “Our owners and trainers have found this to be a tremendous benefit, and we are thankful to have four tracks that do great job of supporting Louisiana breds”

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Stable Recovery Honored With William Cooper Faith And Community In Action Award

Tue, 2024-03-12 16:00

The William Cooper Faith and Community in Action award was bestowed upon Stable Recovery Tuesday according to a release from the organization. Honored at the Annual Governor's Prayer Breakfast, Stable Recovery was celebrated for their support of individuals and families affected by substance abuse.

“We are humble and grateful to receive the Faith and Community in Action Award,” said CEO of Stable Recovery Christian Countzler. “We wake up every day and try to make a difference. Our mission is challenging but worthwhile, and it is heartening to be recognized by the governor and the state for all the hard work we do.”

More information about Stable Recovery and their mission can be found at their website.

 

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Monte Gelrod Latest Parx Trainer to Have Cobalt Positive

Tue, 2024-03-12 15:53

Parx-based trainer Monte Gelrod has been notified by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) that a horse he trains named Ratified (Constitution) tested positive for Cobalt after racing Feb. 19 at Parx. His suspension has been put on hold while HIWU awaits the results of a B sample test. If the B sample also shows the presence of Cobalt, Gelrod faces a suspension of up to two years.

Gelrod's positive was the second recorded at Parx in a short period of time. On Feb. 6, the Patricia Farro-trained Deplane (He's Had Enough) tested positive for the banned substance after winning a $7,500 claimer. As is the case with Gelrod, Farro has continued to train while HIWU awaits the results of the B sample.

Since HIWU took over the role of drug testing and issuing punishments against offending trainers, there have been three positives for Cobalt. The third trainer involved is Mario A. Dominguez, who had a horse test positive following a May 24 race, one that also took place at Parx. Dominguez's case has been resolved and he has received a two-year suspension.

Cobalt has been proven to stimulate the production of EPO and red blood cells in mammals which explains why some have turned to it as a potential performance-enhancer in horses. With greater blood cell production comes better endurance and decreased muscle fatigue.

Gelrod is a relative newcomer when it comes to Thoroughbred racing. Gelrod was a close associate of top Standardbred trainer Bill Robinson, who was banned at Woodbine Entertainment Group's tracks for more than 11 years for repeated drug violations. Gelrod trained Standardbreds on his own from 1991 to 2015 and won 676 races. According to a 2003 story in the Daily Racing Form, he received a five-year suspension in New Jersey after a fourth positive for milkshaking. He began training Thoroughbreds in 2023 and has amassed a career record of 4-for-20.

The case of Farro includes an unusual twist. The horse was claimed out of the race in which he tested positive by trainer Harold Wyner for owner John Fanelli and Longball Stables. HISA rules allow two business days for new owners to consider returning claimed horses to the previous connections after an alleged drug violation. Fanelli and Longball decided to keep the horse even though the horse itself is under a six-month suspension, the result of the Cobalt finding. The new owners ran him back Feb. 14, before the Cobalt positive was made public. He finished third in that race and the owners had to return the $4,928 they picked up in purse earnings because the horse should have been declared ineligible to run in the race.

Farro did not return a call from the TDN seeking comment.

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Breeders’ Cup Classic and Turf Both Receive $1-Million Purse Increases

Tue, 2024-03-12 15:34

The GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic and the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf will both receive individual $1-million purse increases, Breeders' Cup Limited announced Tuesday.

Beginning with this year's 41st World Championships at Del Mar, the purse of the 1 1/4-mile Longines Breeders' Cup Classic will increase from $6 million to $7 million, while the purse of the 1 1/2-mile Longines Breeders' Cup Turf will increase from $4 million to $5 million. This raises total purses and awards for the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing's most prestigious two-day event, to more than $33 million. The increases were approved at the March meeting of Breeders' Cup Limited's Board of Directors.

“These purse increases reflect a key mission of the Breeders' Cup World Championships: to attract the best-of-the-best from around the world to compete in a spectacular international showcase,” said Drew Fleming, President and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “We are proud that the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic and Longines Breeders' Cup Turf continually rank among the top races in the world and these purse increases demonstrate our Board of Directors' commitment to further enhancing the international stature of the World Championships.”

The 2024 Breeders' Cup World Championships, featuring 14 Grade I Championship races, will be held Nov. 1-2 at Del Mar.

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West Point, D J Stable Strike for $1.2M Tapit Colt from Lothenbach Dispersal

Tue, 2024-03-12 14:35

West Point Thoroughbreds and the Green family's D J Stable went to $1.2 million to acquire a colt by Tapit from the Lothenbach dispersal Tuesday at OBS. Bred by the late Bob Lothenbach, the gray colt is out of Distorted Music (Distorted Humor) and is a half-brother to graded winner She Can't Sing (Bernardini). He was consigned by Tom McCrocklin. The result was the third million-dollar sale from the dispersal. She Can't Sing sold for $1.1 million at the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale where Bell's the One sold for $1.3 million.

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Nysos to Miss One Month of Training After `Minor’ Setback

Tue, 2024-03-12 13:34

Nysos (Nyquist), the top-ranked horse in the NTRA's poll of top three-year-olds, will miss one month of training after a `minor' setback, said the colt's trainer, Bob Baffert, by text Tuesday afternoon.

“(Nysos) will be out of training,” Baffert texted. “Tack-walking for 30 days. No plans.” Asked exactly what the setback was, Baffert replied, “minor.”

Nysos is a perfect three-for-three, breaking his maiden at Santa Anita in October, winning the GIII Bob Hope S. in November, and then winning the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. in February. HIs combined margin of victory is 26 3/4 lengths.

The colt has not worked since Feb. 25, raising questions about his condition.

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Public Voting Open For Preakness-Inspired Art Contest

Tue, 2024-03-12 12:33

A collection of Preakness-inspired artworks are now on display for public voting at The Art of Racing, an online gallery which showcases art by those inspired by racing both on and off the track. Public voting will last two weeks with the winning piece featured on specially-created Preakness merchandise. Proceeds from the sales of the art will support Park Heights Renaissance, a non-profit dedicated to creating employment and housing in the Park Heights community. View the entire collection of The Art of Racing and vote here.

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