Thoroughbred Daily News

The University of Kentucky has terminated the employment of former lab director Scott Scanley following what they call “a serious breach of ethics and policy violations related to misconduct and mismanagement of the institution's former Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab (EACL), which provided drug testing for the equine industry,” according to a Sept. 11 press release from UK.

After the initial findings from a UK Internal Audit investigation, the university announced last September that it had begun the process to revoke Scott Stanley's tenure as a faculty member, with the intention of terminating him as a university employee.

The press release says that among the audit findings was confirmation that a test commissioned by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU)–a result that Stanley reported-was never performed. The findings also indicate that some other test results may have been compromised by Stanley's actions, according to UK.

UK says that Stanley exploited vulnerabilities in technology, governance and oversight, the audit concludes. Additionally, they say that investigation found that Stanley potentially engaged in business and employment relationships that constitute conflicts of interests. Specifically, Stanley purposefully chose not to disclose external work, violating university rules requiring disclosure, UK says.

Stanley was charged with the following violations:

1. Failure to perform duties: Misrepresentation, falsification of test results and fraudulent billing
2. Failure to perform duties and/or incompetence: Lack of internal controls (to prevent tampering and manipulation of data) and lack of oversight of EACL operations
3. Failure to perform duties and/or incompetence: Conflicts of interest/commitment and improper hiring practices

The decision made Thursday by the Board of Trustees concluded a year-long process in accordance with the university's Administrative Regulations, which included:

• Charges presented by the provost to Stanley and the opportunity for him to respond
• A review and recommendation by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Privilege and Tenure to the president to initiate dismissal proceedings
• The opportunity for Stanley to be heard by the Faculty Advisory Committee on Privilege and Tenure
• A report from the committee to the president confirming adequate cause for dismissal has been established
• An additional opportunity for Stanley to respond before the case was sent to the Board of Trustees
• And, prior to a final decision to dismiss Stanley from the university, the right to a hearing before the Board of Trustees. Stanley waived that right, according to the press release.

In lieu of the hearing before the Board of Trustees, the process concluded with a board special session on Sept. 11. Board members questioned both Stanley's attorney and the university's attorney on the matter and reviewed university and legal filings. They subsequently voted to revoke his tenure and dismiss him from university employment.

“At the University of Kentucky, we are committed to advancing Kentucky through research and service of the highest quality,” said UK Board Chair Britt Brockman. “We must uphold the highest ethical standards and comply fully with university and industry regulations. Any violations of these policies are taken seriously and addressed to maintain the integrity of this work – the work of thousands of people across this institution.”

In February 2024, the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) first began investigating Stanley's management of the lab. At the same time, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) and Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) met with the college to raise concerns about the lab's management and customer service. Soon after that meeting, HIWU informed the college that they had evidence that Stanley lied about analyzing a sample. Once university officials became aware of these concerns, the university launched a thorough investigation through its Internal Audit office, working in parallel with HIWU to uncover facts and remedy issues.

In the early stages of the investigation, UK auditors, based on information systems evidence, said they had confirmed that Stanley had not performed at least one contracted test and, in other cases, had not followed certain protocols in accordance with industry standards as established by HISA.

In March 2024, Stanley was removed from his administrative role as director of the lab. Stanley's tenured faculty position is distinct from his role as lab director and disciplinary action with respect to his employment at the university was a separate process.

In September 2024, following a months-long investigation, UK Internal Audit published its draft report and the university announced it was initiating the tenure termination process.

When reached for a statement, Scott Stanley's legal representative said, “Dr. Scott Stanley strongly rejects the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees' decision to revoke his tenure, calling the process 'deeply flawed and fundamentally unfair.'

“Dr. Stanley categorically denies the University's allegations and disputes the conclusions of both the UK Internal Audit and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) Report. Despite repeated requests, he was never granted access to the underlying evidence, data, or witness notes, only the reports that, he says, 'confuse speculation with proof.'

“He points to an email obtained through subpoena in connection with his on-going defamation suit against Dr. Cecily Wood, Stanley v. Wood, 24-CI-4027, Fayette Circuit Court, between HISA CEO, Lisa Lazarus, and Nancy Cox, Dean at UK CAFE in which HISA instructed the University that it 'cannot possibly allow Dr. Stanley to work in any way, shape or form in the horseracing industry,' a directive made before either the internal audit or the HIWU investigation were complete.

“I have devoted my career to science, integrity, and transparency,” Stanley said as part of the statement. “Tenure exists to protect due process, yet that principle has been disregarded. I am considering all legal remedies to ensure fairness is upheld.”

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Charlie Appleby and William Buick have teamed to take the GI Rogers Woodbine Mile–a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Mile–two out of the last three years, and in the form of Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) they appear well positioned to add to that total Saturday afternoon in suburban Toronto.

When Team Godolphin raid from Europe, you can rest assured that it isn't just for the Tim Horton's. They mean business and their record bears that out. Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) stole away with the 2022 Woodbine Mile by better than five lengths and though he returned to England for a start in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes on British Champions Day, he jetted back across to take the GI Breeders' Cup Mile at just short of 7-5. Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) returned 2-5 when scoring by 3 3/4 lengths here in 2023 and was just touched off in the GI Coolmore Turf Mile before getting up on the line to win the BC Mile at Santa Anita.

Notable Speech was a cracking third as the favorite in last year's Mile and, as Appleby told Bill Finley in Friday's TDN, he can make excuses for the colt's first three runs this term. The homebred would have backed up that opinion when last seen in the G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois, as he savaged the line hard against the outside rail to just miss.

Graham Motion elects to allow One Stripe (SAf) (One World {SAf}) to make his U.S. debut in an apparently ambitious spot, and that can be viewed as a confident move. Slashing winner of the G1 L'Ormarins King's Plate this past January, diving through between horses late, he can be excused his last in which he was creamed while trying to thread the needle at the rail, losing all chance.

Win for the Money (Mohaymen) returns to Woodbine for the first time since causing a 13-1 upset in last year's Mile and he enters in good form, having finished third in the GIII Kelso Stakes in July and in the GI Fourstardave Stakes Aug. 2.

Juvenile males and fillies compete for automatic Breeders' Cup berths in the GI Summer Stakes and GI Natalma Stakes, respectively. Appleby holds strong hands in both races, as he'll send out 'TDN Rising Star' Wild Desert (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), the morning-line selection in the Summer despite having just a Haydock conditions victory from three starts under his belt. His last appearance in the G2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket July 12 going a straight seven furlongs is probably better than it looks on paper, as he had a horse laying all over him in the final stages and was forced to settle for a close third.

Don't sleep on the 'other' Euro, Thesecretadversary (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), who's done very little wrong in four starts since mid-May. Part-owned by South African interests, the chestnut decisively accounted for an odds-on favorite from Ballydoyle in the Listed Churchill Stakes at Tipperary in Ireland last time and this slightly longer trip should suit. He's got a big, bald face, so it won't be hard to follow him.

'TDN Rising Star' Two Out Hero (War Front) looked very good running his record to two-from-two in the Soaring Free Stakes last time and it would be no shock to see him maintain that unbeaten record here.

Dance to the Music (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) represents Appleby in the Natalma, a race won by Godolphin in 2018 and 2021. A full-sister to Grade I Breeders' Cup Mile hero Space Blues (GB), Dance to the Music was green-lighted for this trip after staying on strongly to take out the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes over the straight seven furlongs at Newmarket. She's an obvious player with Buick at the controls.

Deep Learning (Cairo Prince) could scarcely have been more impressive when whooshing home (final 2 1/2 furlongs in :28.92) to graduate by open lengths and become a 'TDN Rising Star' at first asking. She just needs a trip from the high draw in gate 10 and a genuinely run contest would suit.

Hot Mash (Not This Time) raced right on top of a sizzling pace on Ellis Park turf sprint debut last month–to be fair, the track was very fast and hard–and she raced away to score by over seven lengths, good for an 80 Beyer Speed Figure. She's a threat, but she is liable to have some company on the engine.

Saturday's GIII Iroquois Stakes and GIII Pocahontas Stakes signify the beginning of the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Road to the Kentucky Oaks, respectively. Each is to be contested over the one-turn mile configuration at Churchill Downs.

A field of 10 heads to the post for the Iroquois, topped by the field's lone stakes winner, Comport (Collected). A debut winner over 5 1/2 furlongs here on June 1, the $135,000 Keeneland September purchase was runner-up in the June 29 Bashford Manor Stakes before bouncing back with a popular two-length tally over Spice Runner (Gun Runner) in the Ellis Park Juvenile Stakes Aug. 10. Nothing Personal (Violence) earned a lofty 76 Beyer Speed Figure when graduating by 8 3/4 lengths over the Colonial main track Aug. 9, earning 'TDN Rising Star' honors.

Dazzling Dame (Girvin) is the 2-1 choice on the morning line for the Pocahontas and is perfect from her two tries to date, a daylight defeat of fellow Maryland-breds at Laurel June 27 before wiring the field in the Aug. 17 Sorority Stakes going a two-turn mile at Monmouth Park. Nothing Personal's stablemate Embrace the Moment (Yaupon) owns the field's highest figure, a 69 Beyer earned for a front-running score at odds-on at Delaware Park Aug. 28. Despite being a two-start maiden, Miss Complicated (Complexity) will have her backers off a runner-up effort to Our Two Girls (Caravaggio) over the Ellis main track Aug. 2.

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7th-Churchill Downs, $123,202, Alw, 9-12, (NW2L), 2yo, 6f, 1:10.37, ft, 5 1/4 lengths.
GANAAS (c, 2, War Front–Shurakaa, by Tapit) rewarded his backers with a debut score by four lengths at Horseshoe Indy July 10. As a 7-1 shot here, the homebred raced between runners up the backstretch, but around the far turn the colt was ready to flash his speed. Ganaas pointed towards the wire, shifted into overdrive and then was steadily geared down as he cleared the condition by 5 1/4 lengths over Just Deeds (Liam's Map). The winner's dam produced a filly by Curlin last year and a filly by Gun Runner back in the spring. Shurakaa was bred to Nyquist for 2026. Out of French stakes winner Lahudood (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}), Shurakaa's half-sister is also a French Listed victress in Aghareed (Kingmambo), who notably produced full-brothers & English Group 1 winners by Sea The Stars (Ire), Hukum (Ire) and Baaeed (GB). Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $92,484. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O/B-Shadwell Farm, LLC (KY); T-Andrew McKeever.

Ganaas wins 2 in a row with Edgar Morales aboard for Andrew McKeever! pic.twitter.com/ojo4MHwgeN

— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) September 12, 2025

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Marc Gunderson and his team at Twin Oaks Bloodstock have been among the most prolific buyers during the first four sessions of the Keeneland September sale. Through Thursday's session of the 12-day auction, Gunderson's MWG, LLC has purchased 21 yearlings for $8,545,000. Leading the group's purchases was a City of Light half-sister to Vahva who was acquired for $850,000 and a colt by Justify purchased for $800,000.

“Wow. I hadn't even counted,” Gunderson said with a laugh when asked about his newly acquired yearlings.

Gunderson said he had a specific plan coming into the September sale this year.

“We wanted 12 top-end, high-quality competitive yearlings,” he explained. “And then we wanted to go ahead and get some precocious–bred fast, look fast, and conditioned fast–pinhooks for the top of the pinhook market. So we are going right back in the 2-year-old sales on five of them. The rest of them we are going to race.”

Gunderson's purchases so far include 15 fillies and six colts.

“We are filly centric,” he said. “We stay hard on the fillies. But if we find a colt that is bred well enough to stand later in life, if he wins a couple of graded races and we are fortunate enough to be the owners at that time, we will be very pleased.”

Strangely enough, standing a stallion is what got Gunderson–a self-described serial entrepreneur based in Fort Worth, Texas, entrenched in the racing game nearly 30 years ago.

“Back in 1997, I saw a stud, his name was Raykour and the Aga Khan had owned him,” Gunderson recalled. “He told me he was prepared to sell him and I was enamored with this beautiful animal. He acted better than my Labrador. I had run some Quarter Horses with D. Wayne Lukas and the whole group out there that was in the Quarter Horse business, but nothing at the level that this Thoroughbred was bred.”

Raykour was second in the 1998 G1 St James's Palace at Royal Ascot for his breeder before transferring stateside where he was runner-up in the GI Hollywood Derby.

“I was trying to develop the stallion and it wasn't going to work with a grass horse in Texas,” Gunderson admitted. “Nobody wanted that. So I moved the stallion to Maryland. I found tremendous friendship in Ronny and Carolyn Green from Green Willow Farm. I stood him at Green Willow Farm and we had far better luck, but not nearly the luck we needed.”

In the process of supporting his stallion, Gunderson had built up an extensive broodmare band when his wife decided she was happier on the family's cattle ranch in Texas than with the expanding Thoroughbred population.

“I decided–I really think my wife decided–we should probably get out of the business for a little while,” Gunderson said. “And it was mainly because she was operating the farms while I was traveling. Of course, I called her bluff. I didn't think she would get out because she loved the horses so much. But she didn't necessarily love the job. She came to my office in Arlington, Texas one day and asked for some of the guys to help her unload boxes of stuff. I was pretty sure at that point she was ready. So we sold out completely. That would have been in 2003 or 2004.”

After a sabbatical of some 20 years, Gunderson eventually found his way back into racing.

'We came back to Keeneland one year and my son, Will, seemed to have the same passion for the sport that I did,” Gunderson said. “And we decided we would get back in the business, but we were just going to take all of the fundamental steps of crawling before we walked.”

With the advice and support of people like Ledgelands' Shelley and Andrew Ritter, and Shane Ryan of Castleton Lyons, the Gundersons were soon building again.

“Shelley Ritter and her husband are just super people,” Gunderson said. “I said, 'Look, I want you to take the forthright position of guidance and I am going to go ahead and do whatever it takes to be successful. But I am not going to go out here and buy a large farm until I am sure that this is something we want to do this time. We started with some yearlings. And then we sat down and discussed the concept of being in the business with yearlings or do we really want broodmares. Now we have a long-term relationship going on.

“It all kind of happened around this time of year three years ago because all the sales came up. We decided to take a run at some broodmares. And Shelley was foaling out the babies. And we then we became really good friends with Shane Ryan over at Castleton. The concept of truly meeting the right people and good people in the industry got us excited to keep going.”

One thing, as it often does, led to another and some eight months ago, the Gundersons purchased a 100-acre farm in Paris, Kentucky. The farm is currently home to eight broodmares and Gunderson said he could see that number increasing slightly in the future.

“The concept is to keep it at the stakes-winning, stakes-producing level of broodmares,” he said. “We want to stay in the 15 range. Some of those will be homebreds and some of them will have to come from purchases. We have never really backed off from purchasing good broodmares. They have always been stakes winners or in foal to stallions like Flightline or Into Mischief, a very distinct pattern.”

Gunderson refuses to be tied down to any one side of the race or sell debate.

“Two questions I hate in interviews, do you want to raise or race?,” he said, even before the question can be asked. “My question back is always, 'Why am I picking?' I can afford to do both, why am I limited to having only this much fun, when I can have twice as much fun.”

While still in its early days, Gunderson's Twin Oaks Bloodstock broodmare band seems filled with promise. Through Ledgelands' Twin Oaks sold a filly by Girvin for $180,000 at the 2023 Keeneland November sale. The filly sold again for $240,000 at the Keeneland September sale before topping this year's Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale on a bid of $1.1 million. Named Ornellaia, she was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following her debut win at Saratoga in August.

Gunderson recalled another streak with pride.

“We bred five first-time starters and won five races, from here to California,” he said. “I don't know the odds of that, but from a small farm perspective, that is a big success.”

Gunderson's yearling purchases this year include the $525,000 co-sale topping son of Practical Joke at the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearling Sale in Saratoga last month.

“My perception of this market is that it is fantastic,” Gunderson said. “I run across friends here at Keeneland who are asking how they can afford to stay in this marketplace. I think as long as you are prepared to pay the price, and the quality is there, and the purses stay where they are at or above, it's going to create a marketable product. As far as economics go, global economics isn't any different than horse economics. Supply and demand and good product and large outcome–meaning the purses–it will stay together. It will be successful.”

Despite the competitive market the first week of the Keeneland September sale, Gunderson still said he was finding value, thanks largely to the bonus depreciation made permanent in this year's tax bill.

“We knew coming in, because we planned as a group, to identify and understand the 20% differential that is going to be built into the market,” Gunderson explained. “And again, that's just global economics. If you are looking at $1 million and you are looking at an accelerated depreciation, then you take all of your opportunity out on the front, it's 28%. Well, if you have to pay over 20% for your product, and you have an 8% margin of deductible depreciation, how does this not work?”

He continued, “I researched that tax code about eight months ago and, I hate to use the term 'I bet the farm on it,' but they told me it was passing and I went full throttle on all of my businesses, my real estate, my reinvestments, my improvements, my horses. And if it didn't pass, I wouldn't have time to sit here and talk to you today because I would be scrambling to get out of all of those poor mistakes. We built it in in all of our businesses.”

As would be expected from someone who has started and operated over 45 businesses, Gunderson has a plan for his racing project.

“I do have a definite business plan,” he said. “And I do have a growth plan. And I do analyze it predicating it like some of my businesses. A, B, or C. If I don't have C, I don't really have a business plan because I have to have three ways in and three ways out. And we will figure out what goes on from there.”

Gunderson, who got into Thoroughbred racing thanks to one stallion 30 years ago, admitted there was one aspect of the game that is not in play for his Twin Oaks Bloodstock.

“I will never stand a stallion,” he said with a broad smile. “But I know a couple of really good farms right across the street from me who would love to stand my stallions.”

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Irad Ortiz, Jr., a five-time Eclipse-champion jockey and this country's leading rider by races won in each of the last eight seasons, will relocate from New York to Kentucky for the fall season. He will join a riding colony that also includes his brother Jose Ortiz, who is also represented by agent Steve Rushing.

“My agent and I have talked about this for a little while now,” Ortiz Jr. said. “There's a lot of business in Kentucky and the racing is really strong.”

The veteran reinsman had four rides on opening night of the September meet on Thursday and won two of those, new 'TDN Rising Star' On Time Girl (Not This Time) for Brad Cox in race four and Show Time (Into Mischief) in the evening's finale for Norm Casse.

Ortiz, Jr. is named to ride 21 horse this weekend, including Taken by the Wind (Rock Your World) for Ken McPeek in the GIII Pocahontas Stakes, favored Alpine Princess (Classic Empire) in the GII Locust Grove Stakes for Cox and the McPeek-trained No More Cents (Goldencents) in the GIII Iroquois Stakes.

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The Gun Runner show continued to roll on at the Keeneland September sale when Coolmore's M.V. Magnier went to $1.55 million to acquire a son of the Three Chimneys stallion (hip 969) Thursday. The yearling, bred by Three Chimneys and consigned by Four Star Sales, is out of graded winner Twenty Carat (Into Mischief). His third dam, Silk n' Sapphire (Smart Strike), produced Grade I winner Shared Account, dam of another Grade I winner in Sharing.

Yearlings by Gun Runner have attracted the top price at the first three days of the September sale and the stallion has been represented by 12 million-dollar yearlings so far at the 12-day auction. Magnier and Peter Brant's White Birch Farm purchased the top-priced $3.3-million colt during Monday's first session of the sale.

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Charlie Appleby says it's not easy to come over to North America and win major stakes, even though he makes it look that way. On Saturday at Woodbine, Appleby will send out three horses, all of them in Grade I competition, and each one looks to have an excellent chance. He usually does well when he ships to anywhere in North America, but has been particularly tough at Woodbine, where he is 9-for-17 (53%). All nine of his Canadian winners have come in Grade I stakes.

“We have sent the right horses to Woodbine to be competitive and we have had a lot of luck there,” Appleby said. “They have to ship there first and foremost and you hope they get there in good condition and that they adapt to the surroundings. Because of all the traveling we do, we feel like we've been choosing the right horses because we've seen it so much of late.”

And is it easy? Are European turf horses simply better than North American turf horses?

“It's far from easy,” he said. “I can assure you of that. We have had a lot of success, but I think that's because we've brought some good horses to the U.S., first and foremost. The experience we have gained over the years has helped us do the right things when we get there. You want to get there in the best shape and get a performance that you hope will put you in a competitive position. I feel that the turf horses in North America are improving year after year, so it's becoming harder. There are more turf races in the U.S. now than there have been historically. People are buying and training more with turf horses in mind than they were 20 years ago. It becomes more competitive every year. That just means we have to up our game and bring a better horse.”

Appleby will start three horses at Woodbine Saturday. All three are morning line favorites.

A look at Appleby's trio of starters:

Wild Desert (Ire) (Too Darn Hot [GB}) will go in the Grade I Summer S. for 2-year-old colts. He is 1-for-3 in his career but was at his best last out when finishing a troubled third in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket.

“He hasn't run since July,” Appleby said. “But after he ran so well in his last start it was our target to come to Canada. That's the only reason why he hasn't run lately. He's doing well. He drew stall 10, which might make things tricky. They'll be running on the inner turf course so it will be tight out there for an inexperienced horse who has been running in straight seven-furlong races. He encountered a turn in his first start at Haydock, but it is nowhere near as sharp as what he'll be facing at Woodbine. He's doing well physically, he's in a good level of form and he had spin around the grass there (Thursday) morning and seemed to handle it fine. Everyone was pleased with that. He should be live player. He had some trouble in his last race, but I don't mind. There should be some hustle and bustle in this race. He's been through that and I hope that experience will benefit him Saturday.

Dance ToThe Music (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) will run in the Grade I Natalma Stakes. She's 2-for-2 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 9 G3 Sweet Solera S. at Newmarket.

“She's a full sister to Space Blues (the winner of the 2021 GI Breeders' Cup Mile) so she has the pedigree to, hopefully, be a Breeders' Cup contender,” Appleby said. “She's 2 from 2. She had a nice break after breaking her maiden in the spring. In her last performance, she showed some grit to get the job done and I have to say she's probably improved physically since. She got a nice draw. When you get those nice draws you have to use them to your advantage and hopefully she can break well enough to get a good position. I feel stepping up to the mile should suit her on that style of track.”

Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a class horse with two wins in Group 1 company, in the 2024 Sussex S. and the English 2000 Guineas. He was also third as the favorite in the last year's GI Breeders' Cup Mile. He has not won since the Sussex 16 months ago, but looked like his old self when second last time out in the G1 Prix Jacques Le Marois in France (see below). He is the 8-5 morning line favorite in the Group I Woodbine Mile.

“Notable Speech is a Guineas winner and a Sussex winner and you can't get much better than that,” Appleby said. “He's been such a good horse for us. In the Lockinge he needed the run off a big layoff. The Queen Anne was one of those races that if William (Buick) could do it over again he would have sat where he was and waited for the gap to come at the end. The jocks have to make split-second decisions and sometimes in doing so you might lose that momentum. In the July Cup, we thought we would take a crack at six furlongs. The thing we did in the Jacques Le Marois was to drop him in and ride him like he's a good horse and ride him so that he could show that good turn of foot that he has. We just came up short. The most important part of that is that we saw the real Notable Speech that day. He's got a nice draw and he will probably be ridden more forwardly than he has because I expect coming off that straight could be a problem. He's got an electric turn of foot but you still need to be in a position where you can use it.

“It's a competitive race, as one would expect. But he's been there and done it at the top level. He's got the experience of running at Del Mar under his belt. I think he ticks all the boxes going into the Woodbine Mile. As for the juveniles, they are unexposed types. We feel confident we're coming over there with the right kind of horses to be competitive.

“Of our three, Notable Speech has done it at a top level. Until you actually run the juveniles you don't know. They shipped in fine and they went around the turf track (Thursday) morning and the lads were pleased with what they saw. You may think you're bringing over the right kind of horses for these races but until they actually run you just don't know. We'll be showing up Saturday with the right horses that we think will be competitive.”

All three Grade I features are Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' Challenge races for their respective divisions.

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The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) has approved an amended awards plan that fixes in-state breeder and stallion awards at 15% of gross purses, down from the 20% rate established in 2024, according to a release from the Florida Thorougbbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA). The new rates are effective as of Sept. 1, 2025.

The adjustment reflects industry funding streams legislation, the release said, but despite the cut, total awards in 2026 for Florida breeders are expected to remain level thanks to the launch of new Florida-Bred 'Export' Incentives.

With the objective of promoting Florida-bred horses that race out of state, the FTBOA will dedicate as much as $1 million to reward the breeders of registered Florida-breds that win in selected conditions beyond the borders of the Sunshine State. Under the new program, breeders will receive $7,500 for a Grade I win and $5,000 for wins at Grade II or Grade III level. Breeders are eligible for 15% of earnings in non-graded stakes races (up to $4,000) and for 15% of earnings up to $3,000 in allowance and maiden special weight races.

According to the release, the FTBOA estimates that Florida-bred incentives in 2026 will total more than $20 million, not including money earmarked for purses for Florida-bred races.

“This initiative shows gratitude to our longtime Florida breeders and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the industry wherever our nationally competitive horses succeed,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “State legislation redirected $5 million of Florida-bred purses and owner incentives to the racetracks and injected another $2 million through the FTBOA. We are grateful to the Florida Senate and Governor DeSantis for their continued support of Florida Thoroughbred breeding. Florida-bred owners and breeders can anticipate unprecedented total awards in 2026.

“Florida-breds perennially stand out amongst all regional producers across the nation, both on the racetrack and in the auction ring. These all-new incentives acknowledge that equine speed is a major Florida agricultural export,” Powell continued.

The 2026 programs build upon FTBOA's recent elimination of most registration fees for Florida-bred and -sired foals of 2025, further reducing costs for breeders while maintaining comprehensive support programs. Combined with the Export Incentives, these initiatives demonstrate FTBOA's commitment to supporting Florida's Thoroughbred industry through multiple avenues, the release said.

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Set to begin Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27 and run through Mar. 29, Gulfstream Park's 2025-2026 Championship Meet will offer a schedule with 68 stakes, 27 graded, worth $15.2 million in purses, 1/ST Racing said in a Thursday press release.

The signature South Florida meet is highlighted by the $3 million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational and the $1 million GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Jan. 24, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. On closing weekend, the $1 million GI Curlin Florida Derby is scheduled for Mar. 28. The key Kentucky Derby prep is in its 75th installment.

Stall applications for the 84-day meet are due Sunday, Sept. 28. Click here to view the entire schedule.

The post Gulfstream’s ’25-’26 Championship Meet Offers 68 Stakes Worth $15.2 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Jockey Club and The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) will host a state breeder organization workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. ET in the Oaks Room at Churchill Downs to share current programs to help identify best practices and areas of growth, according to a press release from the club on Thursday morning.

Topics include everything from an overview of national trends to perspectives from various breeder programs. For more information, please contact Jamie Haydon at jhaydon@jockeyclub.com or (859) 224-2750.

The post The Jockey Club And TOBA To Hold State Breeders Workshop At Churchill Nov. 12 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The million-dollar parade at the Keeneland September sale continued early in Thursday's fourth session of the auction when April Mayberry went to $1.4 million to acquire a colt by Flightline (hip 794). The bay colt, bred and consigned by Dixiana Farms, is out of Layla (Union Rags), a full-sister to Grade I winner Express Train. Mayberry was bidding on behalf of C R K Stable's Lee Searing.

The colt was the 49th of the auction to bring seven figures and the eighth from the first crop of Lane's End's champion Flightline to reach the mark.

The post $1.4-Million Flightline Colt Kickstarts Keeneland Thursday Session appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

As a former professional jockey, I reached a point where I had to step away from the sport and change professions to prioritize my mental health. Because I know what it feels like to be in that position, I never want another jockey to feel they are without support or options. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month–a time to shine a light on mental health, share hope, and remind people that reaching out for help is a sign of strength. I've been working with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Jockeys' Guild to address the unique mental wellness challenges jockeys face and drive change across the sport.

I spent 12 years as a jockey before retiring due to mental health struggles. What the public sees on race day often hides a much harsher reality–one that nearly destroyed my life and family.

Being a jockey means putting your life on the line every day while also maintaining incredibly demanding physical standards. At 5'9″, I had to keep my weight at 114 pounds through strict dieting and constant self-discipline. Even as I won 253 races in 2019, the strain on my body and mind was mounting, and by 2024, my win total had dropped to just 42. The combination of physical strain and injuries took a real toll on my mental health.

Like many professional athletes, I tried to push through and keep everything bottled up. For a long time, I saw therapy as a sign of weakness, something that went against the toughness and resilience the sport demands. But the stress became overwhelming, and it was affecting both my career and my family life. With the encouragement of my wife, jockey Katie Davis, I finally sought help, and that decision changed everything. Instead of losing what mattered most, I found the tools to cope, heal, and continue forward with a healthier perspective.

Therapy changed my life. It gave me a safe space to express my problems to someone who truly understood. I learned to sort out what I could and couldn't control, practiced meditation, and focused on positivity. These tools taught me how to stay strong and calm through the toughest situations. I started eating healthier and taking ice baths to help with pain management. Most importantly, I realized that seeking help wasn't weakness, it was the strongest thing I could do.

My decision to retire was not just about leaving racing. It was about choosing to be a better father and husband. Walking away from the only profession I had ever known was scary, but it was also the clearest decision I have ever made. Now, working with HISA and Jockeys' Guild, my goal is to make sure other jockeys do not have to go down the same destructive path I did and are able to remain in the sport while safely and effectively managing their mental health.

This is where Congress can make a real difference. We need federal funding to develop comprehensive support systems: therapists who understand the unique pressures of our sport, nutritionists who can help jockeys maintain weight safely, personal trainers for injury prevention, education programs, and recovery equipment – all the things most other professional athletes already have access to. The industry has made progress in recognizing these needs, including new initiatives like HISA and the Jockeys' Guild's partnership with Onrise, which gives jockeys access to confidential, athlete-specific mental health care. But we still need greater, well-funded support that reaches every corner of the racing community.

HISA and Jockeys' Guild, along with the congressional Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, will host a Professional Athlete Roundtable on mental health at the United States Capitol on September 16. The goal is to raise awareness of the issues jockeys face by bringing together jockeys and other professional athletes to discuss our unique mental health challenges and the importance of access to appropriate resources. The stigma around mental health in sports is slowly breaking down, but lasting change requires real, institutional support.

Jockeys, like other professional athletes, have long provided the American public with entertainment and relaxation, and the racing industry provides economic value to communities all over the country. Now it is time for policymakers to provide its athletes with support in return. I made the difficult decision to step away from racing to focus on my well-being and my family. With congressional funding and industry commitment to mental health, future jockeys can access the support they need without facing that same difficult choice.

–Trevor McCarthy is a retired jockey, winner of 1,871 races and member of the Jockeys' Guild who now works with HISA and the Guild on mental health initiatives.

The post Letter To The Editor: Congressional Action Needed to Support Jockeys’ Mental Health appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Of course, my Dad introduced me to the Thoroughbred business. Both of my parents did. They met each other in the Thoroughbred business at Walmac where my Mom worked.

I remember from my childhood, if only vaguely, running around Johnny Jones's offices, pretending to be a cowboy like he was. I dressed as Zorro for Halloween one of those years and couldn't wait to show off to Johnny!

My Dad was working at Vinery or maybe Watercress at that time. I remember his red Toyota truck and I remember his work boots. They didn't fit me yet, but I sure tried to wear them. What a stinging and emblematic memory trying to fit into his boots. My feet are bigger now, but he was still the better man.

My Dad didn't take me along too often during his workdays. They were too long for me and I was too impatient as a child to tolerate looking at a hundred or more horses a day. But I remember a few trips. I remember visiting Castleton Lyons to see Malibu Moon. I wore that yellow Malibu Moon hat for years until it was bleached white by the sun. It was so stretched out and rancid that I simply could not be seen in public with it!

I remember scurrying across the street to Taylor Made after a junior golf tournament at what was known then as the Highpoint Golf Course or more affectionately the 'Goat Patch.' I didn't even know if my Dad was there that day, but if I got to walk around the property to soak it all in that was fine with me. If I could see my Dad it would be even better. If John Hall was around too that would be the best, even though he was a Red Sox fan.

I remember jumping up and down in our living room with my Mom, watching Mine That Bird win the Kentucky Derby. I knew it was a big deal for my Dad, but I don't think I really understood the gravity of that win. I was especially excited because I had placed a $2 win bet on that 50-1 gelding and was about to have $100. That was a lot of money for a 14-year-old kid.

My Dad's phone was swamped from all the calls before the race even went off. That was a better excuse than the time he ruined his phone dropping it into a bowl of sausage gravy at Paula Deen's restaurant.

My Dad taught me golf and the sport sent me to college. For years as I was growing up he told me, “Keep your left arm straight, and your right elbow in your side.” Not perfect advice, but it served me well for a long time. At least long enough to start beating him at the game we loved and enjoyed together.

Of all my Dad's horse friends, I met many of them on the golf course for the first time. I cherish those memories from Cabin Brook, Houston Oaks, and Widow's Watch. He carried my bag as my caddie in our first Lexington Junior City Championship when I was maybe 12, and he helped me get over myself when I didn't break 100 that year.

He almost certainly gave me a good dressing down over my temper too. We won two consecutive father-son outings at The Bull when I was in high school. He surprised me in Bowling Green in my senior year at the KHSAA State Championships. Golf was what we did together.

I still prefer Quarter Pounders and Diet Coke because that's what he got us for lunch on the way to Avon Golf Course when I was just a kid.

I'm sure I could fill pages and maybe even a book. Maybe I will.

What can I say is that he was my Dad. I share his name. He's the senior and I'm the junior. My wife Alexa and I have a foster daughter and son. If we have the opportunity to adopt them, the son will be Stuart Andrew Angus III.

I like tradition and I appreciate legacy–my Dad left a legacy. The stories being shared about him are a tremendous and powerful testament to that. I thought he was larger than life and I'm pleased now to discover by all your accounts that it was true.

These 'Stu Stories' will be a treasure to me forever and I very sincerely appreciate every single one that is contributed.

–Drew Angus (a.k.a. Rooster)

Editor's Note: Stuart Angus, a Senior Thoroughbred Advisor for Taylor Made, passed away Aug. 28 at the age of 60. His friends are encouraging those he touched to submit `Stu stories' to the TDN. Please email suefinley@thetdn.com if you have a story to share.

The post Stu Story #11 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

A colt by Hill 'n' Dale's Curlin out of SW & GISP Cherry Lodge (Bernardini) sold for $1.4 million to Mike Ryan Wednesday during the third session of the Keeneland September yearling sale. Consigned by Gainesway and sold as hip 652, the chestnut was bred in Kentucky by Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD. The March colt's dam is a full-sister to GSW Gala Award and a half-sibling to GISW Stormello (Stormy Atlantic) and to additional GSW My Best Brother (Stormy Atlantic), as well as to the dam of Canadian champion Curlin's Voyage (Curlin).

The post Mike Ryan Picks Up Curlin Colt for $1.4 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Chris Heyde is the founder of Blue Marble Strategy and is a Washington D.C. lobbyist who has dedicated his career to animal welfare issues. Along the way, he has had some important successes, including effectively ending horse slaughter in the U.S. But one main goal remains and has been elusive. Heyde has been fighting for passage of the Save America's Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, which would prohibit the slaughter of horses in the U.S. as well as ban the shipping of them to slaughterhouses in the Mexico and Canada.

Heyde joined this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland to discuss his work and why it has been so difficult to get the SAFE Act across the goal line. He was the Gainseway Guest of the Week.

“It is frustrating because we have done well,” Heyde said. “We've passed it out of the House of Representatives several times. Even in the last Congress, we moved it out of there. It's just kind of getting all of those parts lined up is to get it out of the House and get it out of the Senate. Because if you've ever watched the old Schoolhouse Rock, they always knew it. The Senate was set up to be a lot slower. It's where things kind of get bogged down. They're a little bit more deliberative.

“Unfortunately, we've been caught up with that, even though the bills always enjoy strong support,” he said. “I say bills because there have been several over the years. We've tried different committees, different bills, different avenues to get this done. And they've always had support. It's just the frustration that comes with animal issues. Everybody likes them. Everybody supports them. But when it comes down to that last thing, are you going to take the tax break commitment or are you going to try to ban horse slaughter?”

He said that one problem is that he does not have anyone with political connections or the wherewithal to make campaign contributions to key U.S. Senators. John Hettinger was his main advocate, but he passed away in 2008.

“John Hettinger, he could pick up the phone and he would get members of Congress on the phone or he would get other major business leaders to get on the phone and tell them that this is a priority,” Heyde said. “And that's really what we need. We really haven't kind of had that leadership since John passed away.”

When Heyde started his work he would often hear that the end of slaughter would mean thousands of horses would be abandoned and left to walk the streets. That obviously hasn't happened.

“When we started this, the excuse we would hear from everybody was, 'My God, there are 400,000 horses (going to slaughter each year),” Heyde said. “'What are you going to do with them all?' And then two years later, oh, there are 200,000 horses. 'What are you going to do with them all?' Now there's around 20,000. 'Oh my God, what are you going to do with them all?' We still hear that.

“If that's ultimately an issue, then euthanize them,” Heyde said. “But do it humanely, 99 percent of horse owners do it right. They'll take their horse out and euthanize them, bury them on the property.  So it was always just a red herring, because it's a great argument. It's a great way to scare people. I remember our sponsor in Illinois, when we banned (slaughter) in 2007 in that state. He was like, 'My God, you'd think I'm driving down from Chicago to Springfield and horses would be bouncing off the hood of my cars if I'd listened to everybody. Because I saw a lot of cows, but I didn't see any horses. So there isn't an argument put up for this that's justifiable.”

The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was Post Time (Frosted) a 17-length winner of the Polynesian Stakes at Laurel. He got a 103 Beyer figure. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar.

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by 1/ST TV,  the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association and West Point  Thoroughbreds, the team of Bill Finley, Zoe Cadman and Randy Moss wrapped up the Del Mar meet, focusing on the two Grade I's over the weekend, the GI Del Mar Debutante and the GI Del Mar Futurity. As has happened so often, Bob Baffert won both stakes. The team also looked at the overall 2-year-old picture and gave their predictions for which ones have the brightest future.

Taped on Tuesday, after the first day of the Keeneland September sale, we looked at the record numbers on the opening night and projected that this, from beginning to end, would be a very strong sale.

To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To view the show as a podcast, click here.

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Spendthrift's first-crop yearling sire Jackie's Warrior cracked the seven-figure barrier Wednesday at the Keeneland September sale when a bay colt out of the placed Taking Aim (Trappe Shot) sold for $1.3 million to West Bloodstock, agent for Robert and Lawana Low. A half-brother to GSW Taking Candy (Twirling Candy), while his dam is a half to GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Tapizar (Tapit), hip 546 was bred by Dixiana Farms and consigned by Woods Edge Farm, agent. He had previously gone through the Keeneland November ring for $385,000 when selling to Bolter Bloodstock.

The post Jackie’s Warrior Colt Sells for $1.3M to West Bloodstock appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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: 09/08/2025
Licensee: George Papaprodromou, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on September 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 2 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Capsaicin—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from Sneaker, who won the Fran's Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita on 5/24/25.

Date: 09/08/2025
Licensee: Saffie Jospeh Jr., 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 of internal adjudication panel.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Ranitidine—a Class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Whiskey Park, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 4/20/25.

Pending ADMC Violations
09/10/2025, Michael Moore, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from One More Scoop on 8/15/25.

09/09/2025, Elias Lopez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Late Blacksmith, who won at Belterra Park on 8/6/25.

09/09/2025, Richard Joseph Hendriks, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from Overspent on 8/3/25.

09/08/2025, Michael V. Pino, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole (Gastrogard)—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Et's Moon Maiden on 8/8/25.

09/05/2025, John Garner Vinson, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Lidocaine—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from Money Trail, who finished third at Gulfstream Park on 7/25/25.

09/04/2025, Carrie Jo Robertson, trainer: Pending alleged violation concerning Rule 3510(b), “Refusal/failure to cooperate promptly and completely with HISA/HIWU under the ADMC Program Rules.” The horse in question is Witsec.

09/04/2025, Erin Thompson, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol—a banned substance except in specific circumstances—in a sample taken from Motion to Adjourn, who finished fifth at Belterra Park on 6/5/25.

Violations of Crop Rule
Colonial Downs
Gavin Ashton – violation date September 4; $500 fine, one-day suspension

Del Mar
Juan Hernandez – violation date September 5; $500 fine, one-day suspension
Ricardo Jaime – violation date September 5; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Prairie Meadows
Alredo Triana – violation date September 5; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Thistledown
Joam Toledo – violation date September 8; $250 fine, one-day suspension

The post National Regulatory Rulings: Sept. 4-10, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

A Not This Time colt out of the winning Ridingwiththedevil (Candy Ride {Arg}) sold to Albaugh Stable, St Elias, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Railbirds for $1.35 million Wednesday during the first session of Keeneland September's Book 2. The chestnut colt, consigned by Gainesway, is a half-brother to MGISP Reinvestment (Upstart). Bred in Kentucky by Whisper Hill Farm, LLC, Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD, and Brian Graves, the April-foaled colt went through the ring as hip 480.

Taylor Made's Not This Time had an additional six yearlings top the $1-million mark during Book 1.

The post Albaugh, St. Elias, West Point, and Railbirds Join Forces, Going to $1.35M for Not This Time Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Fred Maas, who has served in myriad roles in industry, politics, sports and development and is a self-proclaimed horse racing fan, has been named the 10th member of the Board of Directors of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, the track announced in a release Wednesday.

Maas, 68, is the current Chief of Staff and Counselor for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League, overseeing all business and legal functions. A cum laude graduate of Syracuse University, he has worked in state and local politics alongside the likes of Senators Bob Dole and John McCain, Jack Kemp and Governor Mitch Daniels.

He headed up MRV Systems LLC, a manufacturer of marine robotic vehicles for the oceanographic and defense industries, and also served as a partner at Potomac Sports Properties, the exclusive developer of the PGA TOUR Inc. He also represented the TOUR on marketing, regulatory, legislative and tax matters.

Maas was appointed by former California Governor Jerry Brown to a term on the California Horse Racing Board in 2017 and regularly attended races from Belmont Park to Del Mar.

“Like so many opportunities in my life,” Maas said, “work has allowed me to practice in areas I care deeply about, and hopefully, make a difference.”

Added DMTC President Josh Rubenstein: “Fred's energy, extensive executive experience and love for horse racing make him a wonderful fit for our Board. We're delighted to have a man of his stature and ability join us in our quest to make Del Mar and horse racing better and better.”

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The third day at Keeneland's September sale, the first of two Book 2 sessions, kicked off with a bang Wednesday when April Mayberry signed for a Tapit colt to the tune of $1.3 million before the first hour had passed. Consigned by Gainesway as hip 413, the gray colt is out of the placed Manki (Arch). The mare has already produced GI Woody Stephens Stakes winner Drain the Clock (Maclean's Music), a young stallion who has his first yearlings this year and stands alongside Tapit at Gainesway.

Bred by Nick Cosato and Tapit Syndicate in Kentucky, hip 413 is also a half-brother to MGSP Corposo (Vino Rosso). Mayberry signed the ticket for Lee Searing's CRK Stables.

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