Thoroughbred Daily News

News this week out of the Maryland state legislature has mainly concerned lawmakers moving oversight of the rebuilding of Pimlico Racecourse (among other industry operations) from the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) to the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation.

What garnered far less coverage was the successful passage of another bill that designates $250,000 annually for the next two fiscal years towards needed services for the backstretch staff living and working at Laurel Park.

“I think this is unique,” said Mary Kay Vavasour, who volunteers in the office of state delegate Mary Lehman, and is a long-time advocate for backstretch workers and Thoroughbred aftercare. She said she is unaware of another state legislature having funneled such significant state funds for racetrack workers.

“It reaffirms Maryland's seriousness about its embrace of racing and support for racing,” said Vavasour. “It also shows that when a state gets involved, it can also create another source of funds for some of the more neglected parts of racing.”

HB 337 provides $250,000 for the next two fiscal years to Anne Arundel County, Howard County, and the City of Laurel to be used for programs and services in the communities in and surrounding Laurel Racecourse. The funding is for Laurel Park's backstretch workers and their families only.

More specifically, these grant monies can be used for health and mental health services, counseling and social services, drug and alcohol addiction awareness and treatment, and nutrition and wellness programs, as well as transportation to off-site programs.

According to Vavasour, there are an estimated 1,000 backstretch workers and their families living at or near Laurel Park. The funds are designed to cover the remaining tenure of Laurel Park, before it's closed for good as part of a major reshuffle of the state's racing furniture.

Possible grantees need only apply if they've an established history of helping the backstretch community at Laurel. They must also employ Spanish-speaking staff, or else provide translation services.

Among some of the individuals and programs that provided testimony in support of the bill was Ronald Singh and Will Humphry of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of Maryland, as well as representatives from two local food distribution programs, including the Anne Arundel County Food Bank.

Aside from Lehman, the bill's sponsors include state delegates Sandy Bartlett (D), Pam Guzzone (D), Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D), Deni Taveras (D), and Jen Terrasa (D).

The funds, said Vavasour, will shore up needed services for the backstretch community at Laurel Park, the vast majority of whom are workers who have come to the state to work in racing over multiple generations from just five or six small Mexican villages.

“This is like a family business. These are people that are raised to do this. They are taught horsemanship from one generation to the next,” she said, stressing the need of fostering a strong backstretch community to help this familial connection thrive. “If this community were to go away, racing would collapse here.”

The post Maryland Legislature Passes `Unique’ Bill to Support Backstretch Workers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

9th-Gulfstream, $43,000, Msw, 4-10, 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:35.60, fm, 2 1/4 lengths.
OBEISSANTE (f, 3, Into Mischief–Lucky Folie {SW, $118,292}, by Distorted Humor) was unveiled on the Gulfstream turf in a sprint Feb. 15 and finished fifth. Drawn along the rail for her first two turn test and as a 7-2 shot here, the homebred settled midpack under a firm hold heading to the initial call. Obeissante bided her time up the backstretch, but around the far turn she began to get into gear by executing a sweeping move to the five path. With a strong turn of foot, the Todd Pletcher trainee suddenly jetted down the lane and seized the day by 2 1/4 lengths over the pacesetting favorite Bojaca Blessing (Cairo Prince). A half-sister to Ambitieuse (Medaglia d'Oro), GSP, $86,920, the winner is her dam's last registered foal of record. Lucky Folie visited Curlin for this term. Digging into Obeissante's extended female family, we find Gulfstream Park turf sprint specialist & MSW Coppola (Into Mischief). Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $26,500. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O/B-Wertheimer Et Frere (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.

#1 OBEISSANTE ($9.20) surges down the outside with an explosive kick to easily get up and win race 9 at Gulfstream Park. The daughter of Into Mischief (@spendthriftfarm) was ridden by @zayas_edgardo and is trained by Todd Pletcher. pic.twitter.com/UJarc7O8CN

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 10, 2025

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Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services sold four broodmares–along with their foals–and a yearling colt as part of a major reduction of Merriebelle Stable during the Fasig-Tipton Digital April Sale which concluded Wednesday. Crimson Frost (Stormy Atlantic) (hip 12), who sold with her Forte colt, brought the group's top price when selling for $240,000 to Gracie Bloodstock.

“A few weeks ago, I learned we needed to address our budget for the next year or two rather aggressively,” Bluegrass Thoroughbred's Sandy Stuart said of the Merriebelle reduction. “My first call was to an appraiser we have always used, John Donaldson, and his advice was, 'You need to call [Fasig-Tipton President] Boyd [Browning] and use their new digital system. That's where you are going to save a lot of time and generate the demand you need.”

The decision was made to offer mares from the Merriebelle band in three phases, beginning with mares with young foals who had not yet been bred back.

“In talking with Fasig-Tipton and learning about the whole process at this time of year, what we needed to do was offer a mare who has not foaled, or has recently foaled and not yet been bred back, or wait until about 45 days pregnancy and offer them. So we have three rounds of sales in mind. We are going to use the May sale and the June sale.”

Stuart admitted to some anxious moments ahead of a somewhat atypical time on the calendar to be selling mares.

“Offering foals that are one to three weeks old, I worried that the normal immaturity in angular limb conformation angles could be a significant detractor to buyers,” he said. “But not in Kentucky with the depth of experienced horseman. During a call about a mare and foal that had RNA'd, I texted a foal's walking video taken that morning to a buyer who has raised thousands of foals in his career and within a minute, we had a deal.”

While actors are cautioned never to work with animals and children, Stuart said these young foals learned the drill quickly.

“Theatrical is a good way to describe two- to three-week-old foals performing for the camera,” he said. “It was fun to see the difference from the day we did the first photos and videos and then the final day. I got a couple videos of foals to send to people and it would have taken five inspections to get a video this good on day one and in a short amount of time, these little foals became trained sales horses. It was really cool.”

The massive storms that tore through Kentucky over the weekend made showing the mares and foals more difficult, but Stuart credited the team at Merriebelle's Chanteclair Farm base with getting the job done. Merriebelle partner Charlie Noell and his family now race under the name Bell Tower Stable, which owns Chanteclair Farm.

“Once the weekend downpour slowed, Declan Burke and his team at Chanteclair accommodated about 30 mid-day inspections of yearlings, mares and foals,” Stuart said. “It was helpful that Fasig-Tipton postponed the sale by one day.”

The Merriebelle breeding operation received a boost even as the online auction was underway when its graduate Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy) finished second in the GI Ashland Stakes at Keeneland Monday.

“The Ashland result was neat,” Stuart said. “It helps highlight that some of the goals for the program are to support stallion shares like Take Charge Indy. We enjoyed a little bit of a celebration Monday. It was a rewarding race on a weekend where we were otherwise getting into something of a dispersal.”

The highlight of the April offerings was stakes winner and graded-placed Crimson Frost, who received her own timely update when her first foal, 'TDN Rising Star' Crimson Light (City of Light) returned to the winner's circle at Aqueduct Saturday and is now two-for-two in his career.

“She makes very good physicals,” said Chris Gracie, who purchased the mare on behalf of an undisclosed client. “The Forte at her side was exceptional. She is a mare with a bit of pedigree and she has a very nice foal at her side. And she makes a very good physical. So when you want horses that can make those kind of babies, you have to pay for them.”

Of the result, Stuart said, “Crimson Frost drew a lot of visitors to the farm and the colt showed great. It turned out to be a good result.”

Buyers will get another chance to purchase mares from the Merriebelle reduction next month with the Fasig-Tipton Digital May Sale. Among the offerings will be the 4-year-old mare Bonaqua (Tonalist), who is in foal to Justify.

“I am just trying to offer any mares that I think will have commercial appeal and will bring a significant amount of revenue,” Stuart said. “Fasig was pretty great about making it all happen. We will hope we can get some good results in the May and June sales.”

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A quartet of juveniles shared the fastest time during the fifth session of the under-tack show held Thursday ahead of next week's Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. Freshman stallion Yaupon, whose first runners hit the track this year, had another standout breeze session held under “ideal” conditions when a filly (hip 788) from his first crop worked in :9 4/5 for Joe Pickerrell's Pick View LLC.

“She's been lightning fast all year,” said Pickerrell of the filly he picked up for just $100,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale. “The wind turned around a little bit later in the day and probably affected some of the gallop outs but I thought she was one who would go fast no matter what time of day she went. She went out there and did her thing.”

The first foal out of a multiple stakes-winning first dam in Big Time, the filly was on Pickerrell's radar early after she brought $190,000 as a weanling at Keeneland November but failed to meet her reserve for $240,000 ten months later.

“We actually loved her at [Keeneland] September and they didn't get her sold,” said Pickerrell. “Then we followed her to on to [Fasig-Tipton] October and bought her there. We got lucky enough to get her.”

Spendthrift stallion Yaupon, who was a hit at the yearling sales with his first crop, has set another high bar heading into OBS April.

“I think we had 12 [Yaupon's] on the farm one point this year,” said Pickerrell of the GI Forego Stakes winner. “I've been telling anyone with a set of ears about Yaupon since we started training. I've got just a couple of broodmares personally but one has already been booked back to him for this year.”

Pick View had another Yaupon (hip 817) in their consignment work in :10 earlier in the day.

“I expect big things out of him,” Pickerrell continued. “I always watch Steve Asmussen's stallions because they always seem to show up when you start seeing babies. I think [this crop] is going to come out running.”

With the tariffs (at least temporarily) on pause, Pickerrell was hopeful that would provide both consigners and buyers some relief ahead of next week's sale.

“There's of course uncertainty with the tariffs,” he said. “But I think we bought a little bit of time and we'll get some stability here. There's a lot of momentum, the purses are awesome and the horses are still valuable if they're successful. So I think there's a lot of positives to buy horses right now.”

Three other juveniles shared the fastest time with colts by first-crop sire Essential Quality (hip 775) and Maximus Mischief (hip 792) joining a Justify filly (hip 741) atop the board. An additional four runners shared the co-fastest quarter-mile time with three of the four coming from Ciaran Dunne's Wavertree Stables consignment including a colt by Honest Mischief (hip 734), a filly by Bolt d'Oro (hip 799) and a filly from the first crop of runners by Horse of the Year Knicks Go (hip 736). Sharing the accolade with that trio is a Vekoma colt (hip 787) consigned by Ocala Stud.

Maclean's Music Colt A Bright Spot For Kinsman Farm

Also breezing later in the day, a colt by Maclean's Music (hip 704) was the sole worker on the day for Ocala-based Kinsman Farm and trainer Emily Dawson. Out of a half-sister to Champion Older Dirt Female Letruska (Super Saver), the colt worked in :10 flat and is already a half to pair of winners in Mischievous Doll (Into Mischief) and American Forces (American Pharoah).

“He had prepped quite well for us so we were really expecting [a good breeze],” said Dawson. “He galloped out quite well and we've been really pleased with how he went. He's been a straightforward colt all season and super professional.”

Kinsman Farm purchased the colt, who also counts MSW/GISP Trigger Warning and GISW J P's Gusto (Successful Appeal) as family members, for just $120,000 at Keeneland September last year with the intention of pinhooking him as a 2-year-old.

“He looked like the type of horse that could handle getting to a 2-year-old sale,” Dawson said of her fastest worker thus far. “He has a hard, fast look to him and a really strong hind end. Add in that he's perfectly clean on x-rays with a good scope and we hope he'll generate some attention.”

First dam American Doll, stakes placed herself, has seen sales-rings success for her foals already as her 3-year-old Constitution colt, now named Only in America, went the way of Robert and Lawana Low for $700,000 at Keeneland in 2023. And, like Pickerrell, Dawson was hopeful that her seven-strong consignment would be well-received at market next week.

“March was quite strong,” she said. “So I'm hopeful that that will continue.”

The under-tack show continues through Saturday with sessions beginning daily at 8 a.m. The Spring sale will be held next Tuesday through Friday and bidding begins each day at 10:30 a.m.

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Jill Byrne has been named Executive Director of The Virginia Thoroughbred Association (VTA), according to a release Thursday. Debbie Easter will remain with the VTA, serving on a wider range of industry initiatives with the Virginia Equine Alliance (VEA) of which she is President. Byrne will also continue to serve in her existing role as Vice-President of Marketing & Strategic Planning for the VEA.

A Virginia native and graduate of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Byrne served as an on-air host and handicapper with TVG in addition to holding positions as Senior Director of Industry Relations with the Breeders' Cup and Director of Broadcast Operations with Churchill Downs. She returned to Virginia to serve as VP of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs during the 2019 “Racing Revival” season and remained in that capacity for three more years before joining the VEA in 2023. With her combined VEA and VTA responsibilities, Byrne is once again based in Charlottesville where she works and resides.

“I look forward to continue to represent the Virginia horsemen and women, and work with all stakeholders as our racing and breeding programs in the state are growing and prospering,” said Byrne. “Virginia has a renowned history in the thoroughbred industry and our future is brighter than ever.”

Easter, added, “Our Virginia Equine Alliance team has accomplished so much over the last 7 years, but we need to continue to keep our foot on the gas if we are going to see continued growth for our Thoroughbred and Standardbred industries. Jill has done a fantastic job heading up marketing for the VEA and I am so pleased that she is willing to also take on a roll with the VTA. With her marketing knowledge and passion for Virginia's Thoroughbred industry, the VTA will be in very good hands.  This move will allow me to enhance my role as President of the Virginia Equine Alliance.  I can work even closer with Jeb Hannum (VEA Executive Director) to concentrate on the larger industry initiatives that will keep us moving forward into the future.”

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The schedule for the Horse Racing Women's Association's 2025 season will be headlined by the fourth annual HRWA Conference, previously known as the Summit, taking place for the first time in Lexington, Kentucky, Oct. 8-9. The event, sponsored by FanDuel TV, will be hosted at the Limestone Hall, located in the historic remodeled courthouse downtown.

“The 2025 HRWA events and conference are planned with great intention to engage, elevate, and invest in the women (and men) of our great sport as we strive to make constructive impact within our community,” said Stephanie Hronis, HRWA Executive Committee Chair. “Our collective goal is to cultivate opportunities that increase business connections, build and expand networks, and provide opportunities for professional and personal development that will ultimately benefit the workplace.”

In addition to the two-day conference in October, the HRWA will host several regional events across the country.

Full event list below:

June 27 – Day at the races: Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Canada

Oct. 8-9 – HRWA Conference: Lexington, Kentucky

Oct. 30 – Day at the races: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California

Tickets are on sale for our meet-ups at Woodbine and Del Mar via Eventbrite, and all HRWA members have access to discounted pricing. Tickets for the HRWA conference in Kentucky will be launched in the coming weeks.

“We're excited to bring the main conference to Lexington this year while expanding meetups at Gulfstream Park, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and internationally at Woodbine Racecourse–continually striving to expand the reach and impact,” said Jodie Vella-Gregory, Chair of the HRWA Event Logistics Committee.

The theme for the 2025 HRWA conference in October is “Racing Ahead: Empowering Women Through Connection And Collaboration,” with programming, speakers, and panel topics to be announced in the coming months.

For more information, visit www.horseracingwomen.com.

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There are more than three weeks to go before the running of the GI Kentucky Derby, but it wasn't too early for the TDN Writers' Room Podcast team to dive into last weekend's preps and look ahead to the first Saturday in May. The podcast is presented by Keeneland.

The team of Randy Moss, Bill Finley and T.D. Thornton, all thought the best race of the week was the GI Santa Anita Derby, won by Journalism (Curlin). He overcame trouble to win the race and earned a solid 102 Beyer in the process. All agreed that he deserves to be the favorite in the Derby.

Santa Anita Derby runner-up Baeza (McKinzie) was also the subject of a lively debate. Moss called the half-brother to Classic winners Dornoch (Good Magic) and Mage (Good Magic) the second best 3-year-old in the country, behind only Journalism. But, at this time, he may not have enough points to get into the Derby field since the points were reduced for the Santa Anita Derby because of its small field, and he got only 37 1/2 points for finishing second. All agreed that he belongs in the Derby field, but there was also agreement that finding the perfect system for finding the 20 best 3-year-olds in training was an exercise in futility.

The team also went over the results of the GII Wood Memorial Stakes and the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. Moss was particularly impressed with Blue Grass runner-up East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro), but worried that the Brendan Walsh-trainee might be part of what could be a vicious speed duel.

Thornton went over the latest developments concerning the decoupling situation in Florida, where a Senate committee has said that Gulfstream cannot decouple for seven years. In a prior bill, the time frame was five years.

The Gainesway Guest of the Week was TDN European and International editor Emma Berry, who talked about how Donald Trump's proposed tariffs might affect European and U.S. racing. The podcast segment with Berry was taped before Trump called for a 90-day pause on implementing most tariffs.

In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment, which is sponsored by WinStar, the team  went over the many reasons there are to breed to WinStar stallion Cogburn. The fastest horses of the week were Journalism and Santa Anita allowance winner Wound Up (Mendelssohn). Both earned figures of 102.

The podcast, is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, 1/ST Racing and 1/ST TV.

Click here to watch the podcast and click here for the audio version.

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The 2025 Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: 'Win and You're In' will feature 93 races in 15 countries, the most in the history of the event. Each winner receives an automatic berth into a corresponding race, with all fees covered.

In 2025, Breeders' Cup Challenge races have been or will be contested at premier tracks in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Dubai, England, France, Ireland, Japan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, the United States and Uruguay.

While several international qualifiers–a record 49 overseas races are scheduled–have already been staged, the 44-strong domestic component of the series kicks off during the Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga June 6 and 7, with the GI Odgen Phipps Stakes (Distaff), GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap (Dirt Mile) and GI Jaipur Stakes (Turf Sprint) offering Breeders' Cup spots to their winners.

Ten automatic berths are to be awarded for the $7-million GI Breeders' Cup Classic. Three horses have already qualified for the centerpiece of the weekend–Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}, G1 Saudi Cup); Costa Nova (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}, G1 February Stakes); and Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}, G1 Dubai World Cup). The other qualifying races, all Grade I/Group 1 contests, include the Stephen Foster Stakes; Haskell Stakes; Whitney Stakes; Juddmonte International Stakes; Pacific Classic Stakes; Jockey Club Gold Cup; and the Goodwood Stakes.

As part of the benefits to horsemen, Breeders' Cup has allocated a record $6.51 million in free entry fees and $480,000 in domestic foal nominator awards for this year's Challenge Series and will pay the entry fees and guarantee a starting position in a corresponding Championships race for all Challenge Series race winners. If not already nominated, the Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 20 to receive the rewards.

In addition, Breeders' Cup will provide a $10,000 travel allowance for all starters within North America that are stabled outside of California, and a $40,000 travel allowance to the connections of all Championship starters based outside of North America.

“It is immensely gratifying to see trainers and owners leverage the many opportunities offered by the Challenge Series, the leading pathway to a coveted spot in the World Championships,” said Dora Delgado, Chief Racing Officer at Breeders' Cup Limited. “We thank the racing authorities close to home and abroad for their crucial partnerships, and look forward to watching the world's best competitors prioritize the Challenge Series as their path to the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar.”

This year's running of the Breeders' Cup World Championships will take place Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1. Click here for the complete Breeders' Cup Challenge schedule.

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The Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of Kentucky is now under the ownership of Eagle Diagnostics, according to a release from the school. The newly branded Equine Integrity and Anti-Doping Sciences (EQIAS) Labs will continue to serve as a leader in anti-doping testing for the equine and competition animal industries, while expanding opportunities for research and innovation, the release said.

EQIAS Labs utilizes state-of-the-art analytical equipment to detect performance-enhancing drugs in horses and other animal species to ensure fairness, integrity and animal welfare. The laboratory also performs routine analytical tests, such as an equine prepurchase drug screen, to serve the equine industry.

EQIAS will maintain a collaborative partnership with the university to perform research studies to advance analytical testing capabilities, detect new and emerging threats and support the equine industry's initiative of ensuring equine safety and integrity.

The new director of EQIAS Labs is Travis Mays, Ph.D., a 20-year veteran of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory where he oversaw the daily operations of the drug testing and toxicology sections. His extensive background includes antidoping testing in racing and exhibition animals, veterinary toxicology, pharmacology and analytical chemistry.

“We are excited about this new partnership and the opportunities it brings,” said Chris West, CFO of Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, representing Eagle Diagnostics. “EQIAS Labs looks forward to continuing our strong collaboration with the University of Kentucky, fostering future research initiatives and advancements in equine science.”

Leaders from the university echoed how this transition can increase the lab's impact through research collaborations that support its drug testing operations and open new avenues for impactful scientific discovery.

“This transition underscores our commitment to meeting the highest industry standards for equine drug testing and expanding innovation and collaboration in equine research,” said Jamie Matthews, associate dean of research at UK's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “We look forward to working closely with EQIAS Labs to ensure that the regulatory needs of the equine industry continue to be served.”

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

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

Date: 04/08/2025

Licensee: Cathal Lynch, trainer

Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 9, 2025; 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 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Saxton, who won at Laurel Park on 2/14/25.

Date: 04/07/2025

Licensee: Michael Matz, trainer

Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 8, 2025; 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: Medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Carentan, who won at Gulfstream Park on 1/19/25.

Date: 04/04/2025

Licensee: Kasey Ray Kemper, trainer

Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.

Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from El Siete Leguas on 2/24/25.

Pending ADMC Violations

04/09/2025, Scooter Davis, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Uncaptured Star, who won at Tampa Bay on 3/15/25.

04/08/2025, Victor Barboza, trainer: Pending medication violation for the use or attempted use of a Class C controlled medication on Gayles Evening during the race period, an event dated 3/2/25.

04/08/2025, Antonio Meraz, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Cobalt Salts—a banned substance—in a sample taken from First Kitten, who won at Mahoning Valley on 2/12/25.

04/07/2025, Greg Green, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine and Xylazine—both controlled substances (Class B)—in a sample taken from Ogailala on 3/7/25.

04/07/2025, Aldana Spieth, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Breath Deeply, who won at Tampa Bay on 2/1/25.

04/04/2025, Mark Simms, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from With Full Honors on 3/4/25.

04/04/2025, Sherry Janice Armstrong, trainer: Pending medication violation for the use or attempted use of a Class C controlled medication on Truckin during the race period, an event dated 2/13/25.

04/04/2025, Ben Colebrook, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Ibuprofen—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Interlock Empire, who finished second at Oaklawn Park on 1/24/25.

Violations of Crop Rule

Gulfstream Park

Edwin Gonzalez – violation date April 4; $1,000 fine, four-day suspension

Mahoning Valley

Brandon Tapara – violation date April 7; $250 fine, one-day suspension

The post National Regulatory Rulings, Apr. 3 – 9 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Fresh off a pair of wins to launch her sophomore campaign, D J Stable's Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) closed from off the pace to annex Tuesday's GII Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland.

Content to survey a moderate opening pace of :23.31 and :47.45 set by longshot Fast Market (Volatile) from near midpack, the 6-5 choice began to mount her challenge while swinging to the outside turning for home. Gaining control midstretch, the favorite drifted out slightly, however, drew clear and was able to maintain a comfortable advantage late, finishing 2 1/4 lengths ahead of fellow Mark Casse trainee Vixen (Vekoma). Fionn (Twirling Candy) rounded up the Trifecta.

“It was very easy to get her in full stride down the lane,” said winning rider Jose Ortiz. “When I asked her to go, I kept her on the outside and then little by little she got into that stride.”

Irad Ortiz Jr., who was accompanying 2-1 second choice Vixen, indicated his filly ran a winning race in defeat.

“It was a beautiful trip,” he said. “I wish I could have moved earlier but was boxed in for a little bit. After that I got through really clear, and she was running down the lane, so I'm happy with her.”

Last season, Nitrogen finished second in her career debut at Woodbine in August before finishing a close-up third behind And One More Time Omaha Beach and Vixen in that oval's GI Natalma Stakes Sept. 14. The homebred rounded out her juvenile campaign with a third behind European invader Lake Victoria (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar Nov. 1. Victorious in the Gulfstream's Ginger Brew in January, she added a score in the Mar. 8 GIII Florida Oaks at Tampa last time out.

“She's really good,” affirmed Casse following Tuesday's win. “I just kind of come along for the ride. She's an amazing filly. I think she's getting better and better, so we're going to keep our fingers crossed and hope she stays healthy. She's got a bright, bright future.”

As for what's next for the developing filly, he added, “The [GII] Edgewood [at Churchill Downs on May 2) is next. As long as everything's good, we'll go to the Edgewood and try to win that one.”

Pedigree Notes:
Tuesday's Appalachian victory gives Darley's versatile sire Medaglia d'Oro his 206th group/graded win. The winner's dam SP Tiffany Case–in foal to Violence–was purchased by D. J. Stable for $320,000 at Keeneland November in 2019. Ultimately named Love to Shop, the resulting filly brought $200,000 at Keeneland September and went on to win at the stakes level and also place in graded company for Repole Stable and St. Elias. Barren in 2023, Tiffany Case produced a Gun Runner filly in 2024 and was not bred back for 2025.

Tuesday, Keeneland
APPALACHIAN S. PRESENTED BY JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION-GII, $500,000, Keeneland, 4-8, 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:37.00, gd.
1–NITROGEN, 118, f, 3, by Medaglia d'Oro
1st Dam: Tiffany Case (SP), by Uncle Mo
2nd Dam: Biblical Point, by Point Given
3rd Dam: Bibical Sense, by Blushing Groom (Fr)
O-D. J. Stable LLC; B-D. J. Stable, LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse;
J-Jose L. Ortiz. $302,250. Lifetime Record: MGISP, 6-3-1-2,
$617,804. *1/2 to Love to Shop (Violence), SW & MGSP,
$240,778. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*
 Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free
 Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Vixen, 118, f, 3, Vekoma–Top Mission, by Noble Mission
(GB). ($57,000 Ylg '23 KEEJAN; $22,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP;
$200,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-D. J. Stable LLC and Eclipse
Thoroughbred Partners; B-Jason Edward Howard (KY);
T-Mark E. Casse. $97,500.
3–Fionn, 118, f, 3, Twirling Candy–Gaelic Gold, by Giant's
Causeway. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($75,000 Ylg '23
KEESEP). O-George Messina and Michael Lee; B-Dixiana
Farms LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $48,750.
Margins: 2 1/4, 1 1/4, NK. Odds: 1.20, 2.16, 8.20.
Also Ran: Foxtastic, Totally Justified, Fast Market, Table Flirt. Scratched: Good Temper, Liam in the Dust, Lush Lips (GB).

Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs.

#1 NITROGEN ($4.40) rallied down the center of the track to win the $500,000 Appalachian Stakes (G2) at @keenelandracing and win her third straight race. The daughter of Medaglia d'Oro (@DarleyAmerica) was ridden by @jose93_ortiz and is trained by @markecasse. pic.twitter.com/G9xaYLGAvp

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 8, 2025

The post Medaglia d’Oro’s Nitrogen Remains Unbeaten in 2025 in Keeneland’s Appalachian appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Among the some 170 catalogued horses expected to breeze during Wednesday's fourth session of the under-tack preview for the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training, one colt stands out on paper thanks to his famous grandmother. Shuggy (Twirling Candy) (hip 668) is the first foal out of champion Zenyatta's unraced daughter Zellda (Medaglia d'Oro). Mayberry Farm is consigning the bay colt on behalf of Ann Holbrook Moss, who campaigned Zenyatta with her ex-husband, the late Jerry Moss.

“Everything Zenyatta is hers,” April Mayberry said of Holbrook. “When Jerry passed away, everything reverted back to her solely.”

Zenyatta is now retired from breeding, but Holbrook has two broodmares out of the famous mare, whose final foal, the 2-year-old Nymue (War Front), has been training with Shuggy this spring at Mayberry Farm.

“Zenyatta had a bunch of fillies and Ann is breeding them,” Mayberry said. “I think her plan is to keep the fillies and see about selling the boys. And this is the first grandchild, the first colt, that came up. It's testing the waters. Let's see how he is accepted. If not, she's going to end up with 20 horses in her racing stable. She has no racehorses right now and if she is not careful, she is going to blink and she's going to have 10 in two years.”

Mayberry acknowledged his famous grandmother has created a certain amount of buzz around the colt.

“The whole farm knows him as Zenyatta's grandson,” she said with a chuckle. “That's how we all know him. Shuggy is such a great name and it suits him so well. He actually looks like his mother. She was a little on the smaller size. He's just kind of a small, average size, but he has his grandmother's heart, let me put it that way. He's professional. He loves to train. He wants to do it. And it looks like he has some ability.”

The colt was an Apr. 27 foal and looks like he still has some growing up to do, according to Mayberry.

“He is still very immature,” she said. “So there is so much upside on him improving as time goes on. But unfortunately, it's the April sale and here we are.”

Mayberry added, “If he doesn't bring what we all think he should, definitely, he will be the first in that generation to go to the races for [Holbrook]. But I think Ann is going to be very fair in what she is thinking. She will be down here and we will discuss it and we will go from there.”

Zellda's second foal is also a colt and already named Just Sayin (Justify). He will also likely be heading to the sales ring.

“Whether he goes to the yearling sale or 2-year-old sale, I'm not sure,” Mayberry said of the chestnut colt.

The 8-year-old Zellda was bred to Practical Joke last year. Zenyatta also has an unraced 5-year-old daughter, Zilkha (Candy Ride {Arg}).

For the second day in a row, a filly from Tom McCrocklin's consignment claimed the fastest quarter-mile work when a daughter of Mitole (hip 363) completed her drill in :20 2/5 some two hours into Tuesday's third under-tack session ahead of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. The filly is out of multiple stakes-placed Sadie Be Good (Big Drama) and is a half-sister to stakes-placed Cairama (Cairo Prince) and Maverama (Cairo Prince). She was purchased by Mustang Farm for $36,000 at last year's OBS October sale.

McCrocklin, who topped last year's Spring sale with a $1.9-million daughter of Tiz the Law, also sent out the second fastest quarter-mile worker Tuesday when a son of the GI Belmont Stakes winner (hip 508) out of Taboo (Forestry) worked in :20 3/5. He was purchased by McCrocklin for $150,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale.

“Both horses today, they are fast horses,” McCrocklin said. “I was not surprised, but I was certainly pleased. They had trained well at the farm and prepped well here. They both have standard things I like in a horse: big deep shoulder, big deep heart girth, long, pretty neck and a strong hind leg.”

During Monday's second session of the under-tack show, McCrocklin sent out a filly by Yaupon (hip 181) to work in :20 2/5.

“We're very happy and we've had a really good breeze show so far,” McCrocklin said. “We still have other cakes in the oven.”

Two horses shared Tuesday's bullet furlong time of :9 4/5. A colt by Into Mischief (hip 416) hit the bullet time for Kings Equine. Bred by Scot and Evan Dilworth and Randy Andrews, the juvenile RNA'd for $375,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. He is out of Silk Route (Empire Maker) and is a full-brother to multiple stakes-winner Taraz.

Also earning the furlong bullet Tuesday was a colt from the first crop of Galilean (hip 356). Consigned by Next Level Thoroughbreds, the bay is out of graded winner Royale Michele (Elusive Quality). He was purchased by Vincent Conanan for $24,000 at last year's OBS October sale.

“He's been showing us that he could really run from the beginning,” said Next Level's Abraham Gardea. “He always showed he had a lot of speed and ever since I put the blinkers on him, he's just turned into a different horse. He's more focused. He's got a good personality, a good mind. He's just a good horse to be around.

“The is my first year for the consignment, so it's really nice to have a horse like that.”

Through three sessions of the under-tack show, 13 horses have shared the :9 4/5 bullet time for the furlong.

The under-tack show continues through Saturday with sessions beginning each day at 8 a.m. The Spring sale will be held next Tuesday through Friday with bidding starting at 10:30 a.m.

The post Zenyatta’s Grandson Takes to OBS Track Wednesday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

G2 UAE Derby winner Junko Kondo's Admire Daytona (Jpn) (Drefong) and runner up Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P.) Are amongst five additional 3-year-olds made eligible to compete in the 2025 Triple Crown through a late $6,000 payment that was due Monday.

The other late nominees are Brereton's Baytown (Upstart), 'TDN Rising Star' Colloquial (Vekoma) and Just a Fair Shake (Laoban). In total, 378 3-year-olds are now eligible for the Triple Crown series. Horses not originally nominated can be supplemented for $200,000 to become eligible for all three races, or $50,000 for the Kentucky Derby only. After the Derby, supplemental nominations are $150,000 for eligibility to the Preakness and Belmont Stakes or $50,000 for the Belmont only.

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1st-Keeneland, $110,000, Msw, 4-8, 3yo, 7f, 1:23.51, ft, 2 1/2 lengths.
INVICTUS (c, 3, Into Mischief–Serengeti Empress {MGISW, $2,175,653}, by Alternation) had not been seen since finishing a well-beaten seventh in the 6 1/2-furlong Saratoga maiden race won in 'TDN Rising Star' style by Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie) last July. The 8-5 second choice was hustled out to the early lead, but allowed favored Camp Hale (Mo Town) to take control and then settled in third as longshot Ship Ship Hooray (Midshipman) shot up the rail to lead as the quarter went up in :22.43. Invictus looked to be going the wrong way as Camp Hale moved to challenge Ship Ship Hooray nearing the stretch after a half in :45.30. Camp Hale took the lead out of the turn, but Invictus was finding renewed energy, striding to the lead and powering clear to a 2 1/2-length victory. Camp Hale was second and Ship Ship Hooray was third. Invictus, the first foal out of GI Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress, was a $1.2-million Keeneland September yearling. The mare has a yearling colt by Curlin and was bred back to Not This Time. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $64,538.
O-CHC, Inc. and WinStar Farm LLC; B-Joel Politi (KY); T-Brad H. Cox.

#8 INVICTUS ($5.46) by Into Mischief (@spendthriftfarm) and out of Serengeti Empress breaks his maiden in his second career start in the opener today at @keenelandracing. Flavien Prat was up for @bradcoxracing.

The early pick 4 is up next! Wager here https://t.co/CPMab3CMlx pic.twitter.com/EmqaJy43lt

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 8, 2025

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Two days after shipping in following a third in the GI Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn, Norman Stables' Coal Battle (Coal Front) began his preparation for the GI Kentucky Derby with a half-mile breeze in :48.40 Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs.

With trainer Lonnie Briley's assistant, Bethany Taylor, aboard, the GII Rebel winner clicked off an opening quarter-mile in :24 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:02.40, according to clocker Adam Wallace.

“He was too fresh in the Arkansas Derby,” Briley said of the four-time stakes winner. “I usually never have to saddle him on the walk, but I had to do that day. Then after he broke, and [TDN Rising Star] Cornucopian [Into Mischief] and [GIII Southwest winner] Speed King [Volatile] went blazing to the lead, we were in third. He was just too fresh. We have a plan now going forward for the Derby to get him in the right place.

“It was a long drive getting to Churchill but we're getting settled in. He's a pretty laid-back horse. If he's not lying down, he's usually at the back of his stall just relaxing. He knows when it's game time.”

Coal Battle, who is based in Barn 42, arrived at Churchill Downs around 6 p.m. Sunday with three stablemates, Dashin' Diva ((Caracaro), Go Captain (Mo Town) and True Passion (Audible), who are also scheduled to race during Kentucky Derby Week.

Briley confirmed Juan Vargas will ride Coal Battle in the Kentucky Derby.

The post Rebel Winner Coal Battle Preps for Kentucky Derby With Half-Mile Breeze at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Journalism (Curlin), winner of last weekend's GI Santa Anita Derby, moved to the top of Week 11's rankings of the 2025 NTRA Top Three-Year-Old Thoroughbred Poll conducted by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). Two-for-two this season, this year's GII San Felipe winner concluded the period with 269 points and 26 first-place votes by members of the national media. Racing performances run through Apr. 6. Journalism stands well ahead of GI Arkansas Derby scorer Sandman (Tapit), who has amassed 209 points.

Heading the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll, last season's champion older mare Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) led with 251 points and 17 first-place votes. The 4-year-old filly is currently ahead of White Abarrio (Race Day), who has 243 points to date.

For complete rankings, click here.

The post Journalism Moves to the Top of the NTRA Thoroughbred Polls for Week of Apr. 7 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Churchill Downs and the Louisville Bats have joined forces to bring fans the Traveling Kentucky Derby Experience ahead of the 151st running of the May 3 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. The event, which will be held Wednesday, Apr. 9, will also feature the Indianapolis Indians at Slugger Field. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. ET.

Fans will have the opportunity to take a photo with the Kentucky Derby 151 trophy and enter to win tickets to Derby Week at Churchill Downs. Also featured, 1978 Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Steve Cauthen will throw out the first pitch. Select fans will compete in a stick horse race, with prizes for the top three finishers. Kids can enjoy “Design Your Own Jockey Silks” activity sheets from the Kentucky Derby Museum and photo opportunities with jockey silks, goggles and helmets.

For more Information, visit www.milb.com/louisville to purchase tickets for Saturday's game. Tickets for the 151st Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby on May 2-3 are available by visiting www.KentuckyDerby.com and www.DerbyExperiences.com.

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With Western Canadian race meets kicking off in May, the 2025 Western Canadian Derby Series returns this season, highlighted by the $100,000 Derby Bonus. The series offers any 3-year-old that sweeps the Manitoba Derby, Canadian Derby and BC Derby a $100,000 bonus. Additionally, a $25,000 Owner/Trainer Bonus will further stoke the competition.

The 2025 series begins Aug. 4 at Assiniboia Downs with the $125,000 Manitoba Derby (1 1/8 miles), continues Aug. 23 with the $200,000 Canadian Derby (10 furlongs) at Century Mile, and concludes Sept. 13 with the $125,000 BC Derby (nine furlongs) at Hastings Racecourse.

Points for the Owner/Trainer Bonus are awarded per race: 6 for 1st, 4 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd, 2 for 4th, and 1 for 5th or lower. Horses must start in at least two races to qualify. Owners earn points based on each horse's total, while trainers tally points from all their starters' totals. A 3-point All Derby Bonus is added for horses that run in all three races. Following the BC Derby, the bonus will be split, with $12,500 awarded to the top three owners and $12,500 to the top three trainers:

• 1st Place: $7,000
• 2nd Place: $3,500
• 3rd Place: $2,000

For more information, click here.

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Steve Asmussen, Stewart Elliott and owner Richard Chandler lead their respective divisions at the conclusion of the 42-day meet at Sam Houston Race Park that wrapped up Sunday.

Asmussen won his 17th training title at the northwest Houston racetrack. He was honored as top trainer here in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005; 2014 -2025.

Asmussen started 210 runners, finishing with a record of 41 wins, 39 seconds, 24 thirds and earnings of $1,309,988. He added a record-setting sixth victory in Grade 3, $300, Houston Ladies Classic with Winchell Thoroughbred, LLC's Recharge.

Mindy Willis had an outstanding meet, finishing second in the standings with 26 victories.

Elliott, who rode first call for Asmussen and Willis, rode 56 winners from 223 mounts, earning $1,375,921 and finishing in the money at a 56% clip. DeShawn Parker returned to Sam Houston Race Park this year, finishing second with 36 wins.

In a competition that went down to the final race of the season, Dallas resident Richard Chandler secured his first leading owner title with nine victories.

Willis accepted the trophy on behalf of Chandler, who clinched the title with In Open Court in Sunday's second race, after the 5-year-old mare rallied for a neck victory under Elliott in the second race of the Apr. 6 program.

Karl Broberg, who announced his retirement as a trainer last year, finished second in the standings with eight wins Four owners: Carl Moore Management, LLC, Mansfield Racing, Century Acres Farm and Steve Asmussen tied for third in the standings with six wins each.

“We appreciate the Texas Horsemen and Horsemen for their support throughout our meet,” said Bryan Pettigrew, Sam Houston Race Park's Vice President and General Manager. “We had some challenges with weather and working on the new purses and stakes awards, but the Thoroughbred Industry came together and worked through the challenges. I would like to give a special shout out to our Sam Houston Team Members who implemented a new customer service program as we continue to attract new sports fans and horse racing fans. Sam Houston will continue to focus on safety for the horses, jockeys, and patrons. We look forward to welcoming back the Quarter Horses for our live racing season.”

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The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA), which was created in 2023 by the state to oversee the rebuilding of the 'Home of the Preakness' at Pimlico, will be terminated as of June 30, according to an article published in the Maryland Daily Record Apr. 4 .

The piece says that a provision tucked into the state budget bills during final negotiations put the authority on ice and shifts its responsibilities to the Maryland Stadium Authority and the Maryland Economic Development Corporation.

As previously reported by the TDN, the MTROA was tasked with overseeing the transition of the industry from a heavily-subsidized but privately run sport into an entity that was intended to be managed by the state.

The Stronach Group that owned Pimlico agreed to turn over the property to the state, which will soon embark on a massive, taxpayer-financed renovation once next month's Preakness is run. A state-created nonprofit that adopted the historic name Maryland Jockey Club took over the responsibility of running races in the state beginning in January, though no board was serving in an oversight capacity.

The Daily Record article goes on to state that the MTROA–a volunteer panel led by attorney Greg Cross from the Venable law firm–was expected to officiate racing until 2029. However, it will end operations this summer, which the piece says will remove nearly $3.5 million in annual salary and operating costs from the state budget.

The article relates that the change is not expected to have any impact on the state's renovation plans at Pimlico.

Maryland House Ways and Means Chair Vanessa Atterbeary was quoted in the Daily Record as saying, “We just wanted some more oversight to be able to understand and know what's going on in real time, which wasn't happening.”

Neither top lawmakers nor Gov. Wes Moore's office explained how–or why–the provision was inserted into the budget.

In an Apr. 6 article published by The Baltimore Banner, State Senator Guy Guzzone, a Howard County Democrat who is chair of the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, said, “There is a belief that we will get a lot better results and more accomplished by shifting some of the authority to some known entities, and that's what we're doing,”

As for Greg Cross, he told The Banner that the timing was right because the MTROA had “almost totally completed” the tasks it had to accomplish.

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