Skip to:

Thoroughbred Daily News

Subscribe to Thoroughbred Daily News feed
Thoroughbred Horse Racing’s Leading Worldwide Source of News & Information
Updated: 3 weeks 1 day ago

Dettori Unseated at Starting Gate in Big A Finale, Taken to Hospital for Further Evaluation

Thu, 2024-09-19 17:47

Globe-trotting jockey Frankie Dettori was unseated from his mount at the starting gate prior to the start of the ninth race at Aqueduct Thursday and has been taken to Jamaica Hospital for further evaluation. NYRA publicity also reported that he was able to walk himself over to the ambulance.

His mount, the 2-year-old filly Pretty Liza (Kantharos), was scratched and ponied back to the barn area. She is trained by Rudy Rodriguez. The race, a six-furlong maiden special weight on grass, was won by the Mike Maker-trained first-time starter Miriam's Fire (GB) (Showcasing {GB}).

Pretty Liza unseated Frankie Dettori at the gate before the start of the @TheNYRA 9th. The horse was scratched and walked off. Dettori walked to the ambulance and will attend Jamaica Hospital for further evaluation

— Keith-TripleDeadHeat (@TripleDeadHeat) September 19, 2024

The post Dettori Unseated at Starting Gate in Big A Finale, Taken to Hospital for Further Evaluation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Injured Jockey Asmussen Set For Return At Churchill

Thu, 2024-09-19 14:32

Jockey Keith Asmussen is set for his return to the saddle Saturday afternoon at Churchill Downs following more than three months on the sidelines because of a fractured femur and broken ribs, the track said in a press release Thursday.

The rider began getting back on horses in early August, and continued to regularly gallop and breeze horses for his father, Steve Asmussen.

The native Texan is named aboard Payne (Paynter) in the third race on Saturday and Vittorio (Ghostzapper) in the ninth on Sunday. Asmussen's riding career began in 2020 and he's amassed 131 wins from 946 starts with $8.8 million in purse earnings.

The post Injured Jockey Asmussen Set For Return At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Former Owner Ron Paolucci Sentenced To 52 Months For Tax Fraud And Evasion

Thu, 2024-09-19 13:03

According to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Texas, Ron Paolucci, once among the winningest owners in the sport, has been sentenced to 52 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $38.9 million in restitution to the IRS.

The story was first reported by the Blood-Horse.

Paolucci, the 55-year-old co-founder of American Management Staffing (AMS), was charged by felony information in January 2023 and pleaded guilty a month later to conspiracy to defraud the United States and making and subscribing a false tax return. He was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Sam A, Lindsay. The prosecution alleged that–over a seven-year period–Paolucci failed to turn over more than $13 million to the Treasury Department that came from withholdings he took from employees for taxes, Medicare and Social Security taxes.

Paolucci's employees allegedly received false W-2 statements from Paolucci's companies that showed that taxes had been withheld from their pay and sent to the IRS. Instead, Paolucci pocketed the money.

“We are proud to partner with IRS-CI on this important case,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “We stand ready to prosecute any employer who pockets employees' payroll taxes and those who otherwise refuse to meet their tax obligations.”

According to court documents, AMS provided temporary staffing services to business clients. Paolucci was employed by AMS from approximately 2011 through 2020 and had control over the business's affairs, including, approving payments and controlling AMS bank accounts.

“Nearly 70% of total U.S. revenues collected by the IRS are collected through employment taxes. When the employer withholds the payroll taxes but fails to pay the taxes over to the IRS, they may be criminally investigated and prosecuted for failing to withhold, collect, and pay over the tax. This was the case with Mr. Paolucci, his failure to remit withheld taxes is not only a breach of trust but a serious crime with severe consequences,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., special agent in charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Dallas Field Office. “In addition to failing to meet payroll tax obligations, Mr. Paolucci failed to report his personal compensation and was ordered to pay approximately $10 million in restitution for his personal tax obligations. Let this sentence serve as a stark reminder: tax compliance is not optional; it is the law.”

In February 2023, Paolucci pled guilty to two counts of tax fraud and tax evasion in a federal court in Texas. He could have been sentenced to as many as eight years in prison.

Paolucci's Loooch Racing Stables finished second nationally in wins in 2017 and 2018. The outfit operated from 2011 to 2018 and piled up hundreds of wins, many of them on the Ohio racing circuit. He had 160 victories in 2017 and 215 in 2018. Loooch won a total of 871 races. At times, Paolucci branched out and was a partner on a handful of top horses, among them Ria Antonia (Rockport Harbor), the winner via disqualification of the 2013 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies.

The post Former Owner Ron Paolucci Sentenced To 52 Months For Tax Fraud And Evasion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Freehold Raceway To Cease Operations

Thu, 2024-09-19 12:47

Freehold Raceway, which has hosted harness racing on its New Jersey site since the 1830s, making it the oldest operating racetrack in the country, will cease operations Dec. 28, according to a press release from the track on Thursday.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, especially given the historical importance of Freehold Raceway to the local community and the New Jersey horse racing industry,” said Howard Bruno, the raceway's general manager.

“Unfortunately, the operations of the racetrack cannot continue under existing conditions, and we do not see a plausible way forward,” he said. “We are incredibly thankful for our dedicated employees, horsemen and fan base for their support and patronage for so many years.”

“Freehold officials are working proactively with the New Jersey Racing Commission, state and local officials, and industry stakeholders on all necessary items related to the closure of the facility,” track officials said.

Freehold Raceway is the nation's oldest and fastest daytime half-mile harness racing track, according to its website. It first opened in 1853.

The post Freehold Raceway To Cease Operations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Richard Rigney Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast

Wed, 2024-09-18 17:00

It's early, but maybe not too early to start dreaming of the GI Kentucky Derby. At least it's not for owner Richard Rigney. Rigney is the owner of 'TDN Rising Star' Jonathan's Way (Vekoma), the winner of last Saturday's GIII Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs, the first of many races that award Derby points to the top five finishers. Making his second career start after overcoming trouble to win a maiden at Saratoga, Jonathan's Way was an impressive winner, suggesting there could be bigger and better triumphs in his future.

To discuss Jonathan's Way and the recent success his stable has had, Rigney was this week's guest on the TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland.

So does he already have a case of Derby Fever?

“Absolutely,” he said. “I had Derby Fever about a year ago with this horse. So I'm real excited about him. He's quite a horse. The horse was purchased as a weanling by John Moynihan in the November sale at Keeneland. While we've always liked the horse, we were at one time considering maybe doing some pinhooking, selling him as a yearling or maybe at a 2-year-old sale. But this was such a nice physical for us that we decided that there was no way that we were going to put the horse up for sale, which is actually kind of unusual for us.”

Rigney did not get off to a good start in this business. With Phil Bauer as his private trainer, he launched Rigney Racing LLC in 2013. In the first four years of its existence Rigney won only 17 races. In 2023, Rigney won 33 races with earnings of $3,924,319, and now the stable includes one of the most highly-regarded 2-year-olds in the game. Rigney said the turnaround came when he hired bloodstock agent John Moynihan to pick out his horses at the sales.

“John's made a world of a difference,” Rigney said. “When I was starting in this business and when Phil and I went out together, I figured I was a successful business man, with a successful business. I make flavors [for liquor] and I've done well. I've been doing this for 30-some-odd-years and I've never had a salesperson working for my business. I figured I could do just as well in the racing business. But Phil and I were just miserable about picking horses. We were terrible.

“When it comes to adding John to the team, I felt a little bit bad about it at first because I was a little concerned that it was going to diminish my value as part of the Rigney Racing. Here's this guy who's going to take over and be in charge of picking out our yearlings. But it was the best thing that ever happened. John can really pick out an athlete.”

Bauer, of course deserves credit, as well. A former assistant to Kenny McPeek, he has blossomed as Rigney's private trainer.

“Phil and I, we have very similar personalities,” Rigney said. “So it was easy for us to be close friends. I thought that I wouldn't mind growing this business, but if I'm going to grow this business I would like to do it with you, Phil. So he agreed to come to work for me. We had some rough years at first. This business can be really difficult. Our first five years we were doing terrible and I was getting phone calls from other trainers asking if I'd let Phil go and hire them. I never would have done that. I will always be with Phil.”

In our breeding spotlight section, we looked at the WinStar stallion Independence Hall.

TDN European Editor Emma Berry gave an overview of the major upcoming yearling sales in Europe in the 'News You Can Use' segment sponsored by Darley.

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar, XBTV.com and Darley, the team of Randy Moss, T.D. Thornton and Bill Finley reviewed the major races from last week and zeroed in on the four Grade I events offered at Woodbine. They also previewed the upcoming GI Pennsylvania Derby and GI Cotillion Stakes at Parx, and caught up with the latest news on the Keeneland September Sale.

Click here to watch the Writers' Room and here to view the show as a podcast.

The post Richard Rigney Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

GSW Zozos Headed For Keystone Stud Duty At Equistar

Wed, 2024-09-18 16:23

In a deal that came about unexpectedly for Rodney Eckenrode's Equistar–the training and breeding operation east of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that stands Smarty Jones and Brody's Cause–GSW Zozos (by Munnings) will join the farm's stallion roster for 2025 with a stud fee of $2,500 in the offing.

The dark bay who was bred and campaigned by Minnesotans Barry and Joni Butzow recently retired from trainer Brad Cox's shedrow after a career which began at three.

Zozos's career highlights include a runner-up finish in the GII Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds and a 10th-place showing in the 2022 GI Kentucky Derby. The next season, the homebred won the Knicks Go Stakes and later the GIII Ack Ack Stakes–both at Churchill Downs.

In May of this year, Zozos was third in the GI Churchill Downs Stakes, and finished his career over the summer with 15 starts, seven wins and over $1 million in earnings.

Eckenrode, who has been on the hunt for a new stallion, heard from an agent friend of his that the 5-year-old was coming on the market.

Zozos | Coady Photography

“It normally can take a couple of years to find the right fit,” said Eckenrode. “This horse is really going to get people excited here in Pennsylvania and what he is going to do is really help the breed. That is always my focus regionally. The depth of the pedigree here and the Munnings connection were just a few of the reasons that we jumped at the chance.”

The breeder acknowledged that with over 70% of races in the state drawn up as sprints, Zozos will make a fine addition because of the types of runners who Munnings already claims.

Eckenrode believes that the Ashford Stud stallion has versatility in his blood to handle different surfaces. There is also the potential to be a break-out sire of sires in his own right, which to him only makes the argument stronger to bring Zozos to Equistar.

“I've already spoken to a number of folks and they are really interested,” he said. “The number was right for us and setting the fee where we have will entice folks once the season starts.”

The Butzows will retain a piece of Zozos's stallion rights according to Eckenrode.

The post GSW Zozos Headed For Keystone Stud Duty At Equistar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Locked Gearing Up at Saratoga, Keeneland’s Perryville a Potential Comeback Target

Wed, 2024-09-18 15:24

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm's 'TDN Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner–Luna Rosa, by Malibu Moon), one of the early-book favorites for this spring's GI Kentucky Derby following an impressive win in the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity and third-place finish as the favorite in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile last fall, could return to action in the GIII Perryville Stakes at Keeneland Oct. 19.

Locked missed a pair of intended starts earlier this spring, including the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park Mar. 2, and was subsequently taken out of training by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher due to a knee injury.

“Locked was sidelined prior to the Fountain of Youth with a rare injury to a ligament at the back of his left knee,” Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners President & Founder Aron Wellman said.

“Some of the most renowned vets had never seen this type of injury before, and thanks to Todd Pletcher and his staff for catching some ever so subtle occasional missteps Locked took intermittently, along with modern medical technology, we were able to identify the issue before it became a more serious problem.

We gave Locked ample time to heal and Ian Brennan and his team did their usual first-class job rehabbing Locked at Stonestreet Farm in Ocala before he returned to Todd at Saratoga in early August.”

Locked has posted six workouts at Pletcher's Saratoga base, including a pair of four-furlong breezes in :50 (9/23) and :49.49 (19/71) over the Oklahoma training track Sept. 8 and Sept. 15, respectively.

“He most recently really stepped up his game with a pretty serious half-mile move with a big-time gallop-out,” Wellman said.

“We never want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but we're on the brink of circling a comeback race target. Locked is a Grade I winner, but he's still eligible for a 2x allowance. Unfortunately, unless there's an extra put up in New York or Kentucky, none of the current allowance races are at the right time or the right distance, so we may have to get a bit creative.

“Although we know he wants two turns and then some, a race like the Perryville going seven furlongs against 3-year-olds is on our radar. We'd love to have Locked primed for the Pegasus World Cup in January, so if we use the Perryville to get him going it puts the Cigar Mile or the Harlan's Holiday in play as next steps to accomplishing our goal of the Pegasus.”

Wellman concluded, “Naturally, this all hinges on Locked's cooperation. We know he has the talent, so it will all boil down to executing the game plan, but for now, we're very pleased with his condition and progress.”

Hailing from the third crop of leading young sire Gun Runner, Locked was produced by a winning half-sister to MGISW Gabby's Golden Gal (Medaglia d'Oro) and MGSW & GISP Always a Princess (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}). The Gun Runner/Malibu Moon cross is already responsible for GISW Sierra Leone and GSWs Shotgun Hottie and Runninsonofagun. Locked, a $425,000 Keeneland September yearling, is also bred similarly to MGISW and 'TDN Rising Star' Taiba (Gun Runner), who is out of a Flatter mare.

The post Locked Gearing Up at Saratoga, Keeneland’s Perryville a Potential Comeback Target appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Weekly Rulings: Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Sept. 12-18

Wed, 2024-09-18 13:42

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

 

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the HIWU “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

Resolved ADMC Violations
Date: 09/12/2024
Licensee: Robert James Gherardi, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Vet list medication violation for the presence of Firocoxib–controlled medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Kell's Kiss on 8/6/24.

Date: 09/12/2024
Licensee: Bill Mott, 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. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Flunixin–controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Authorize, who was euthanized after pulling up in a race at Aqueduct on 4/26/24.
Read more on the story here.

Pending ADMC Violations
09/18/2024, Christopher Fung, trainer: Provisional suspension for a medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol–classed as a banned substance but permitted under tightly controlled circumstances–in a sample taken from Anointed King, who finished second at Finger Lakes on 8/20/24.

09/18/2024, Chris Englehart, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–controlled medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Hypnocurrency, who won at Finger Lakes on 7/30/24.

09/18/2024, Jesse Compton, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD)–controlled medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Sisaway Now, who finished second at Prairie Meadows on 7/14/24.

09/16/2024, Dawn Fontenot, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–controlled medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Molly's Little Lue, who won at Horseshoe Indianapolis on 7/10/24.

09/12/2024, Dr. Nicola Hardgrove, veterinarian: Provisional suspension for possession of Arsil–a banned substance–for an event dated 7/23/24.

09/12/2024, Joseph Davis, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–controlled medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Mr Discount, who won at Horseshoe Indianapolis on 7/6/24.

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

Delaware Park
Jose Batista–violation date Sept. 13; One-day suspension, $250 fine
Jonathan Lloyd–violation date Sept. 13; Three-day suspension, $500 fine

Fresno
Adrian Castellanos–violation date Sept. 13; Two-day suspension, $500 fine

Hawthorne
Travis Wales–violation date Sept. 12; One-day suspension, $250 fine

Horseshoe Indianapolis
Andres Ulloa–violation date Sept. 12; One-day suspension, $250 fine

Los Alamitos
Edwin Maldenado–violation date Sept. 13; One-day suspension, $250 fine

Remington Park
Rene Diaz–violation date Sept. 13; Two-day suspension, $500 fine
Ezequiel Lara–violation date Sept. 13; One-day suspension, $250 fine

Thistledown
Angel Diaz–violation date Sept. 12; One-day suspension, $250 fine

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

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

California
Los Alamitos
Francisco Ramirez–violation date Sept. 15; Seven-day suspension, careless riding

The post Weekly Rulings: Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Sept. 12-18 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

TAA To Attend Santa Anita Park’s California Crown

Wed, 2024-09-18 10:40

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be in attendance to present awards and promote horse care at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, Sept. 28, for the inaugural California Crown Day, the non-profit said in a release Wednesday.

Following the running of the Unzip Me Stakes presented by the TAA, winning connections will be presented with a branded blanket and gift bag in the winner's circle, and a check presentation will be made from 1/ST to the aftercare organization.

“This event spotlights the best of California racing, and collaborating with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance provides a great opportunity for race fans and participants to learn more about the mission to support Thoroughbreds after racing,” said Nate Newby, general manager, Santa Anita Park.

TAA will also present the Best Turned-Out awards, which are sponsored by LRF Cares, for the entire card.

“Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to be part of the inaugural California Crown,” said Emily Dresen, director of funding & events. “Presenting the Best Turned Out awards with LRF Cares is a great way to showcase the importance of horse care both before and after the track.”

The post TAA To Attend Santa Anita Park’s California Crown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Werth Lands Nyquist Filly to Top Book 4 Finale at Keeneland

Tue, 2024-09-17 19:50

Colts have dominated much of the activity at the top of the leaderboard at the Keeneland September Sale in Lexington. However, the fairer set had their day Tuesday with fillies filled five of the six top slots, headed by a daughter of Nyquist who brought $375,000 from Legion Bloodstock, buying on behalf of the new venture Icon Racing.

Icon Racing is a partnership launched by MLB All-Star and World Series-winning Jayson Werth, who made racing's headlines earlier this spring with a horse he co-owned, Dornoch (Good Magic), winner of the GI Belmont Stakes before adding the GI Haskell Invitational Stakes.

“It's basically his friends and family that he's bringing into this,” said Legion Bloodstock's Kristian Villante. “Before, he ran under his Two Eight [Racing] banner, but the Icon venture is new so we're shopping for that. It's something new that he has going forward that he's pretty excited about.”

The leading yearling of the Book 4 finale was consigned by St George Sales. Offered as Hip 2611, she is out of Raise the Flag (Awesome Again).

“From a physical standpoint, the first time we saw her, she was a queen to us,” explained Villante. “She was the one we really wanted today.”

He added, “We showed her to Jayson and his son Jackson, they loved her too. Really the whole team really loved her.”

The Mar. 9 foal is a granddaughter of GI Coaching Club American Oaks heroine My Flag, herself a half-sister to Grade I winners Makers Mark and Traditionally. That daughter of Easy Goer is also responsible for juvenile champion filly and MGISW Storm Flag Flying (Storm Cat).

“We have been focusing on horses with physicals first and not necessarily on pedigrees. But in her case, she was an opportunity to get the physical and she also has the pedigree from one of the best Phipps families,” explained Villante. “It's a great producing family top to bottom.”

Nyquist kind of speaks for himself with the fillies he has gotten over the last few years.”

Jayson Werth at the Keeneland September Sale

In regard to the final price on the day's top yearling, Villante added, “The price was where we kind of pegged her, but she was the one that Jayson and the whole team really loved so we are really happy to add her to the horses that we have put together here.”

During the eighth session, Legion signed for four yearlings in total–a pair secured for Icon and an additional two on behalf of Bob Hahn. On Tuesday, Icon also purchased Hip 2469, a colt by Raging Bull (Fr) for $75,000. The son of Hearts of Red was consigned by Four Star Sales.

“We are looking for athletes naturally, with Jayson being an athlete himself,” Villante said. “It's not so much about the pedigree but more about the physical, that's what he likes. We try to identify horses that look like those we can bring to the races.”

Through Book 4, Icon purchased four yearlings individually, including a Maclean's Music colt [Hip 816] for $260,000 and a Yaupon filly [Hip 498] for $190,000.

“We purchased both colts and fillies here for the new venture Icon,” confirmed Villante. “In Book 1, we bought a Yaupon filly and then we added a couple of colts that [Werth] partnered on with one of our clients, Hoolie Racing [Andrew Hudson].”

He explained, “We have been focusing on physicals first and foremost and then bringing the pedigree in after that to help determine how far we're going to stretch on each horse.”

In tandem with Hoolie Racing, Werth partnered on an additional two yearlings–a colt by Charlatan for $350,000 [Hip 1856] and a colt by McKinzie for $160,000 [Hip 1330].

“We really liked the McKinzie,” said Villante. “He was the star for us on that day. He actually came in under budget which was nice. We also bought a Charlatan for Hoolie and Icon. They were both beautiful colts that the physical came first with them but they also both have the pedigree that suggests they will go two turns.”

Who will train Werth's initial purchases for the new Icon partnership?

“We haven't decided on trainers at this point, but right now they will go to Travis Durr Training Center and then we can make decisions on trainers when they get further down the line,” said Villante.

According to Villante, the market has proven tough for the most sought after prospects, regardless of their placement in the sale.

“We tried for about 40 horses here for [Jayson] and we only got a few, but we stuck to our guns,” he admitted. “Sometimes at the price point that we are at, and if we can't get them at that price, we move on to the next. But we are very happy with the group he's put together at this sale and, hopefully, we can have some luck for him.”

And while some owners might be content to watch from the sidelines as the team is recruited, Villante affirmed that Werth is certainly not one of them.

“He's had a lot of success in a short time in the industry and he wants to keep that going,” he said. “He's very passionate. He's been here the last week going through everything with us and he's been very involved with the whole thing.”

“Jayson loves the industry and loves the game so he has been very involved in [the management] of this venture. We all put our heads together, but ultimately it all falls upon Jayson and with what he wants to do with things. We put in our two-cents, but he really is he manager in all this. We're just part of the team and we are thankful to be part of it.”

At the conclusion of Book 4, a total of 1740 yearlings sold for gross receipts of $382,469,500, up 4.52% from 2023. The average closed out at $219,810 (+8.42%) with a median of $150,000 (+20%). For the eighth session, 286 yearlings sold for $20,827,500, down 3% from one year ago. The day averaged $72,823 (+2%) with a median of $55,000 (+10%).

Taylor Made Sales Agency was the session's leading consignor by selling 32 yearlings for $2.54 million.

Selling resumes Wednesday at 10a.m.

The post Werth Lands Nyquist Filly to Top Book 4 Finale at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Fierceness Continues To Top Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings

Tue, 2024-09-17 17:47

'TDN Rising Star' and GI Travers Stakes winner Fierceness (City of Light), owned by Repole Stables, has stayed in the top spot in the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic Rankings for the fourth consecutive week, in front of fellow 3-year-olds City of Troy (Justify) and Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) after the eighth week of voting.

Fierceness, trained by Todd Pletcher, rose to the top ranking following his dramatic Travers Stakes win at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 24. Last year's GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner and champion 2-year-old male earned 322 votes. Mrs. John Magner, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith's Betfred Derby (G1) and G1 Juddmonte International Stakes winner City of Troy, trained by Aidan O'Brien, sits second with 282 votes. Susumu Fujita's Forever Young (Jpn), winner of the G2 UAE Derby and third in the GI Kentucky Derby, remains in third place with 223 votes for trainer Yoshito Yahagi.

West Paces Racing LLC, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, LLC, Two Eight Racing, LLC, and Pine Racing Stables' Dornoch (Good Magic), winner of both the GI Haskell Stakes and the GI Belmont Stakes, jumped from sixth place to fourth this week with 163 votes for trainer Danny Gargan.

Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), the Chad Brown trainee who finished third in the Travers and was second in the Kentucky Derby, remains in fifth place (162 votes).

Godolphin's 4-year-old Highland Falls (Curlin), winner of the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga Sept. 1, dropped from fourth place to sixth with 154 votes for trainer Brad Cox.

Ryotokuji Kenji Holdings Co. Ltd.'s 7-year-old Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), second in the G1 Saudi Cup and in the G1 Dubai World Cup, stayed in seventh place with 121 votes for trainer Noboru Takagi. Glassman Racing's 4-year-old GI Whitney Stakes winner Arthur's Ride (Tapit), trained by Bill Mott, remained eighth with 94 votes.

Rounding out the top ten, Hiroyuki Asanuma's 4-year-old Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), who finished second in last year's Longines Breeders' Cup Classic, is ninth with 86 votes, while Peacock Family Racing Stable, LLC's  6-year-old Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) remains in 10th place with 85 votes for trainer Todd Fincher.

The post Fierceness Continues To Top Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Frederic Heyman Named New President Of Team Valor International

Tue, 2024-09-17 17:10

Frederic Heyman, a Baltimore-based lawyer, has been named the new President of Team Valor International, the company's CEO Barry Irwin announced Tuesday.

Heyman is active in the Mid-Atlantic, having managed the racing and operations of the late Baltimore Orioles' owner Peter Angelos's Marathon Farms. He also sat on the board of Fair Hill training center.

Irwin noted that he has no plans to step back or retire.

“I plan to spend more time each summer and fall abroad, where we source most of our stock. I want to focus on the stable in Ireland, England and Europe. Being able to eyeball what we buy is an advantage,” Irwin explained. “Running a stable domestically and internationally makes prospecting abroad difficult. Having Fred on board will free me up to do what I do best. Fred initially will learn the administrative ropes of TVI, gradually take over operating the domestic branch of our international stable and eventually move into a role as my successor.”

The post Frederic Heyman Named New President Of Team Valor International appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

White Abarrio Nearing A Work, But Won’t Make Breeders’ Cup

Tue, 2024-09-17 16:48

White Abarrio (Race Day), the winner of the 2023 GI Breeders Cup Classic, is close to his first workout after being given a freshener by his connections. However, co-owner Mark Cornett reports that the now 5-year-old horse will not be ready in time to defend his title in this year's Breeders' Cup.

“The Breeders' Cup Classic is not in our plans,” Cornett said. “We're not going in that direction. There's no way he can be ready for that and we want to get a good race in him off this layoff. We'll start looking for a race and races we will consider are the Harlan's Holiday and the Pegasus.”

White Abarrio has not run since finishing fifth in the GI Metropolitan Handicap June 8. After that race, he was sent back to his original trainer, Saffie Joseph Jr., after being in the Rick Dutrow barn. He has not worked since the Met Mile.

“He's doing great,” Cornett said. “He is scheduled to breeze either Friday or Monday in Saratoga. He's ready to come back after we gave him a little breather on the farm. He's been galloping and doing super and it's time for his first breeze back. Then we'll be on our way with him.”

Cornett said that while there was nothing wrong with White Abarrio, he and his partners decided he could benefit from a lengthy rest.

“I just gave him time off,” Cornett said. “He ran just so so in the Met Mile and then I switched from Rick to back to Saffie. The horse had never been away from the track since he was a 2-year-old. We let him freshen up, get some sun, some pasture time and then brought him back.”

White Abarrio's other big win last year came in the Whitney Stakes, but he was not the same horse after his Breeders' Cup victory.  He finished tenth in the GI Saudi Cup before failing to hit the board in the Met Mile.

White Abarrio will be six at the time of next year's GI Pegasus World Cup. Cornett said that if he returns in good form he will have likely have a full campaign in 2025 rather than going off to stud.

“We'll take it race by race and see,” he said. “If he were to come back like he ended last year we'd seriously consider running him another year.”

The post White Abarrio Nearing A Work, But Won’t Make Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Fifth Circuit Issues Swift Denial Of Authority’s Request To Stay HISA Constitutionality Mandate

Tue, 2024-09-17 15:48

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit required fewer than 24 hours to shoot down a request made Monday by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) to delay the issuance of that court's mandate that the Horseracing and Safety Integrity Act is unconstitutional.

The Authority had asked the appeals court to hold off on making the mandate official while the Authority petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to step in and decide the current HISA constitutionality conflict that exists because of clashing opinions out of two separate federal appeals courts.

The Fifth Circuit responded right away the very next morning, Tuesday, Sept. 17, by issuing a two-paragraph order that stated, without elaboration:

“IT IS ORDERED that Authority Appellees' opposed motion to stay the mandate pending disposition of petition for writ of certiorari is DENIED.

“IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Authority Appellees' opposed alternative motion for a 21-day administrative stay to seek stay relief from the United States Supreme Court is DENIED.”

In Sept. 16 court documents, the Authority had signaled its intent to ask the Supreme Court to intervene.

But until that Fifth Circuit mandate issues–perhaps within the next several days–no one knows the scope of its reach.

Thus, it's possible the Authority's petition could go before the Supreme Court with HISA nullified in either the Fifth Circuit states alone (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi), or maybe even across the entire nation.

The Fifth Circuit panel opined July 5, 2024, that HISA's enforcement provisions are unconstitutional, while a Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals panel opined in a different case Mar. 3, 2023, that Congressional changes to the law in 2022 made HISA completely constitutional.

When two federal appeals courts issue opposing opinions on the same legal matter, it's called a “circuit split,” and the Supreme Court generally takes heightened interest in resolving such conflicts.

The 3 1/2-year-old lawsuit that led to the Fifth Circuit's opinion is headed by the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (NHBPA) and 12 of its affiliates.

The losing legal entities in the Sixth Circuit case, led by the states of Oklahoma, West Virginia and Louisiana, have already asked the Supreme Court to have another look at the conflicting appeals court opinions.

Eric Hamelback, the chief executive officer of the NHBPA, told TDN on Tuesday that his organization expects the Authority to abide by the Fifth Circuit's ruling.

“The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, with extraordinary speed, denied the HISA Authority's motion requesting a stay being issued for the mandate of its judgement dated July 5, 2024,” Hamelback wrote in an email. “The Authority's request for the motion for stay to be heard by all the Fifth Circuit Judges ('en banc') was also denied [back on Sept. 9].

“The Fifth Circuit decision finding HISA unconstitutional is now final and the HISA Authority should immediately stop enforcing this unconstitutional Act before additional harm is done, or additional litigation becomes necessary to stop this unlawful activity,” Hamelback wrote.

“As was said before, the Authority should not be able to enforce federal law and run over the constitutional rights of horsemen and women by allowing a private corporation to bypass their constitutional protections,” Hamelback wrote.

TDN requested comment from an Authority spokesperson, but that query did not yield a reply prior to deadline for this story.

The post Fifth Circuit Issues Swift Denial Of Authority’s Request To Stay HISA Constitutionality Mandate appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Strong Numbers For Woodbine Turf Champions Day

Tue, 2024-09-17 14:43

This year's Woodbine's Turf Champions Day, held Saturday, Sept. 14, saw a 9 percent increase in total wagering from last year. The all-sources handle for the day, which was headlined by the GI Rogers Woodbine Mile and a trio of Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' races, was $13,339,206, up from last year's $12.1 million. The $13.3 million handle is also the second highest ever for a Woodbine Mile card.

Additionally, wagering in the local Ontario area also saw an 8.9 percent increase from the previous year and a strong crowd helped push on-track wagering up significantly by 26.1 percent.

“We couldn't have asked for a better day to showcase racing at Woodbine,” said Woodbine CEO Michael Copeland. “A lot of factors played into a successful Turf Champions Day, including the world-class competition of our top stakes races, the influx of top jockeys and trainers from around the world, and outstanding weather, which we were certainly due to receive.”

With an average field size of 9.3, the average per-race handle was $1.1 million and $1.3 million on the stakes.

“We want to thank all the participants that ran their horses on Saturday's Turf Champions Day, whether local or traveling from overseas,” said Copeland. “We're always ready or these big moments and our racing team did a great job putting together a deep and competitive day of racing.”

The post Strong Numbers For Woodbine Turf Champions Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Dept. of Labor Webinar Available on HorsemenU

Tue, 2024-09-17 12:32

The recent Dept. of Labor webinar is now available on HorsemenU for Continuing Education (CE) credits.

Featuring representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage & Hour Division and the New York State Department of Labor, the webinar covered topics such as employer requirements for the H-2B visa program, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and investigative processes, along with labor law specifics for New York State Employers.

Speakers included:

  • Sarah Decker, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist – DOL/Wage & Hour Division
  • Cynthia Spahl, Regional Enforcement Coordinator for the H-1B and H-2B programs – DOL/Wage & Hour Division
  • Reyna Moreno, Deputy Director of the Division of Compliance and Education – NYSDOL

For more information or to register, visit www.HorsemenU.com.

The post Dept. of Labor Webinar Available on HorsemenU appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

UK Lab Report Demonstrates `Intentional Misrepresentations;’ UK Moves to Fire Stanley

Tue, 2024-09-17 09:43

A report issued by Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) and Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) into HIWU's investigation of the University of Kentucky Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (UK-EACL) cites multiple failures on the part of the lab and the lab director, Dr. Scott Stanley, including “intentional misrepresentations” of positive tests as negative.

In a press conference Tuesday, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said that HISA was “cooperating” with federal law enforcement, and that possible criminal charges could be leveled against Stanley for some of the alleged offences detailed in the report, which can be accessed here.

“It's in their hands whether or not they determine if there's anything criminal to take forward,” she said, about federal law enforcement's involvement. “It'll obviously be subject to their investigation and their discretion.”

Shortly after the report was released, UK said that it was taking steps to terminate Stanley. The university has also reportedly referred the matter to UK Police for further review of any possible criminal wrongdoing.

The report details the events leading up to the investigation, “including UK-EACL's persistent delays in reporting results, unprofessional staff behavior, and unresponsiveness to HIWU communications.” Ultimately, “the catalyst for the commencement of the investigation was the discovery by HIWU of intentional misrepresentations that were made about Sample analysis,” the report states.

When asked Tuesday if there was any suspicion that Stanley had communicated with industry stakeholders about any testing the laboratory was or was not conducting, Lazarus described it as “a tremendous concern to us.” She said that HISA has shared those concerns with law enforcement, “who are investigating them.”

According to the press release, key findings of the six-month long investigation include:

  • UK-EACL's failure to comply with mandatory testing specifications and instructions, including its standard operating procedures and sample analysis methods.
  • UK-EACL's misrepresentation about both its ability to test for specific substances, including erythropoietin (EPO), and the completion of analysis for certain substances on specific Samples.
  • At the direction of UK-EACL Director Dr. Stanley, the laboratory's failure to perform confirmatory analysis on 91 samples whose initial screening showed the potential presence of a prohibited substance and therefore required follow-up, instead reporting the samples as negative.

As a result of these findings, HIWU re-analyzed and reconciled all remaining potentially affected Samples, and HISA has sought repayment from the University of Kentucky for the laboratory's non-compliant services, the press release says.

In Tuesday's press conference, Lazarus said that amount is over $1 million.

“The university has agreed to work with us to reimburse this money. They've taken responsibility and they've acknowledged it,” she said. “This is industry money. So, it's something that we have a fiscal responsibility for and a duty to recover.”

The report states that in November of 2023, HIWU requested a confirmation that a sample from another program lab contained EPO. Two months later, Dr. Stanley reported that the sample had been tested twice, but did not contain EPO. The following month, HIWU was told by UK-EACL staff that the sample had never been analyzed, and was still sealed in the storage refrigerator.

The investigation also found that they failed to follow the specifications for testing for methamphetamine and cobalt, testing for the latter on only a few days per month. They also failed to follow procedures for glaucine and triamcinolone, the report says, and that there was evidence of Lasix in horses who were not eligible for it. Those findings were not reported to HIWU, the organization said.

Furthermore, the report alleges, HIWU was billed for “numerous analyses of samples that were not in fact performed by the laboratory.”

The HIWU investigation involved more than 15 current and former lab employees, and a comprehensive laboratory performance and staff review, the release says.

Upon re-examination, two samples were confirmed as Adverse Analytical Findings for controlled medications, and will be processed under the ADMC program. Two others were found not to be positives, as previously reported by the UK lab, and HIWU said they would withdraw all sanctions, and refund fines, costs, and purses to the parties in question. Neither resulted in a suspension.

In Tuesday's press conference, Ben Mosier, HIWU's executive director, explained that the identity of the two trainers charged falsely with positives will be made public soon on HIWU's website, after first being notified directly.

“Both of the false positives were controlled medications, as well as both of the false negatives–they were controlled medications,” Mosier said. “At the time that the rules require public disclosure, those names will be made public on our website.”

In a press release, Mosier said that, “through our decision to investigate UK-EACL and consequent discovery of ongoing deceitful activities, we're proud to have uncovered and halted these unacceptable practices that were unfair to our horsemen and put horses at risk.”

Lazarus also issued a statement Tuesday. “HISA's and HIWU's actions to uncover these wrongdoings and quickly remedy them is a testament to how the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program is enhancing the integrity of our sport and ensuring fairness in competition,” she said. “We also thank the University of Kentucky for their partnership and cooperation in the investigation.”

To provide further assurance that the other Program Laboratories are in compliance with the ADMC Program requirements, HIWU said, they have bolstered their Negative Sample Exchange Program and is preparing to implement HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory (HEAL) accreditation on January 1, 2025.

HEAL accreditation will include enhanced compliance oversight by HIWU and a more robust Equine Quality Assurance Scheme sample program. Currently, in a transitional phase, lab accreditation is handled by the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium. HISA/HIWU were initially required to utilize the services of UK-EACL under the requirements of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.

HEAL accreditation will give HIWU a strengthened ability to ensure strict compliance by all Program Laboratories with all ADMC Program requirements, the report says.

On March 5, 2024, HIWU and HISA announced that HIWU was investigating the performance of the UK lab under HISA's ADMC program. The UK lab was one of the original six program laboratories selected by HISA and HIWU.

But from the outset of the program on May 22, 2023, the report states, “the behavior of Dr. Stanley and some of his staff at UK-EACL was challenging.

They failed to acknowledge emails from HIWU staff with respect to matters critical to the operation of the ADMC program…In addition, “there was a level of incivility in their communications to HIWU staff that was frequently unprofessional.”

The report says they lab failed to meet the agreed-upon deadlines for reporting of results, and that Dr. Stanley's conduct on weekly calls with HIWU was “often disruptive and disrespectful to colleagues.” HIWU stopped sending samples to the UK lab of February 16, 2024.

The investigative report identified a lab employee who was a close relative of a “Covered Person” working in the industry. While the lab employee's position represented an opportunity for sample manipulation,” according to the report, “HIWU found no evidence that Samples collected from the Covered Person's horses were handled inappropriately.”

HIWU executive director Ben Mosier declined to reveal the identities of the lab employee and the covered person, saying that was a matter for the university to disclose.

A call to Dr. Stanley's mobile phone was not answered, and the phone's voice mail was not activated.

U.K. Takes Steps to Terminate Stanley

“After a months-long internal investigation into the EACL, UK has concluded that the lab's former director-Scott Stanley, who is currently a professor in the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Martin-Gatton CAFE)-did not follow appropriate business practices in reporting equine drug tests and did not honor certain standards and obligations,” the school said in a press release Tuesday.

“In March, Stanley was removed from his administrative role as director of the lab,” the release continues. “Stanley's tenured faculty position is distinct from his role as lab director and disciplinary action with respect to his employment at the university is a separate process. University officials have determined that these initial findings warrant the additional disciplinary measure of tenure revocation, with the intention of terminating him as a university employee.”

“We appreciate our partners HIWU and HISA bringing forth concerns so that we could investigate the problem and act decisively to take corrective action,” said Martin-Gatton CAFE Dean Nancy Cox.

The university said they would continue to investigate Stanley's management of the lab. They said he “exploited vulnerabilities in technology, governance and oversight. Additionally, the 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.”

The press release said that the university had referred the matter to UK Police for further review of any possible criminal wrongdoing.

“Given the serious breach of ethics and policy violations, we have now initiated the process to revoke Stanley's tenure as a faculty member, with the intention of terminating him as a university employee,” said Cox. “In accordance with university rules and regulations, and working with the university's Provost, we are preparing a specific set of findings that will be presented as part of a case to revoke Dr. Stanley's tenure.”

Additional reporting by Dan Ross

The post UK Lab Report Demonstrates `Intentional Misrepresentations;’ UK Moves to Fire Stanley appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Record Purses, Handle, at 2024 Kentucky Downs Meet

Tue, 2024-09-17 09:33

Kentucky Downs's seven-day meet that ended Wednesday again set records for wagering and purses paid out to horse owners for the 12th straight year.

Purses totaled $34,624,472 for 76 races, including $13.6 million from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund available only to registered Kentucky-bred thoroughbreds. That reflects an increase of 38 percent over last year's total purses of $25.06 million paid out for 76 races. Sixteen of the 18 stakes winners were foaled in Kentucky, taking full advantage of the KTDF funding.

All-sources wagering totaled $90,181,408, up eight percent over last year's $83,640,261. In the six meets with the ownership group headed by Ron Winchell and Marc Falcone at the helm, total betting has increased 148 percent. While that reflects going from five days in 2018 to the current seven days, the per-day average has gone from $7.28 million for five days to the $12.88 million daily average this year.

The signature Saturday Sept. 7 card–this year packaged as the FanDuel TV U.S. Open Turf Championships featuring six graded stakes paying out $2 million apiece to Kentucky-breds and $1 million to others–attracted track-record betting of $21,184,941.

The average field size was 10.89 horses per race, up from the 10.42 last year that led America, and Kentucky Downs's highest average since 2019.

“We are extremely happy with the results of the meet,” said Ted Nicholson, Kentucky Downs's Vice President for Racing. “We continue to see positive growth in every metric we look at, and l am already excited for next year's meet.”

Frankie Dettori, riding for the first time at Kentucky Downs, won eight races, one fewer than meet-leaders Irad Ortiz Jr. and Tyler Gaffalione. Four of those were stakes, including the meet's new signature race, the $3.1 million DK Horse Nashville Derby, and sweeping the pair of closing-day stakes. That ballooned his mounts' earnings to $3.86 million, topped only by Ortiz's $4.1 million.

“Listen, it's amazing,” Dettori said during the meet. “There's a great incentive to the owners, a great incentive to the European horses to come over. Great incentive for the turf horses in America to race for this kind of money. I am very pro what they have done here at Kentucky Downs.”

The post Record Purses, Handle, at 2024 Kentucky Downs Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Old Friends to Host Keeneland Library Exhibit `The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers’

Tue, 2024-09-17 08:25

Old Friends will host The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers, a traveling exhibit sponsored by the Keeneland Association and developed and shared by the Keeneland Library, from Oct. 2 to 31, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, the retirement organization announced Tuesday.

The exhibit, which highlights the lives and careers of 100 African American horsemen and horsewomen from the mid-1800s to the present, will be held in the Josephine Abercrombie Center at Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, Ky. It will run seven-days a week from Oct. 2 through Oct. 31.

Those interested in seeing the exhibit may stop in the Old Friends office for information and viewing details. The exhibit is free to the public, but reservations are required. Phone 502-863-1775 or email alyssa@oldfriendsequine.org to make a reservation.

“We at Old Friends are very privileged to host this most special and meaningful exhibit,” said John Nicholson, President and CEO of Old Friends. “We are proud to be a part of the Keeneland Library's exploration and celebration of the extraordinary contributions of Black horsemen and women to the Thoroughbred industry. All who love this sport should be forever grateful to the countless African Americans over many generations whose knowledge and skills built racing into what it has become today.”

“We are thrilled to have Old Friends as a hosting site for Keeneland Library's traveling exhibit that is now making its way across Kentucky to reach as many people as possible with its stories of the contributions of African Americans in the industry from enslavement to today,” said Roda Ferraro, Keeneland Library Director and Exhibit Curator. “Visitors are likely to see some familiar names, like Isaac Murphy, Will Harbut, and Kendrick Carmouche. But they will also encounter lesser known and never-before published stories and photographs spanning nearly 200 years. The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers exhibit showcases select stories of countless African Americans who forged their way in Kentucky and beyond, making the racing industry what it is today.”

The exhibit comprises interpretive panels with one-of-a-kind photographs from Keeneland Library collections, as well as biographical vignettes spanning nearly two centuries, which include four future Racing Hall of Famers that once lived in Lexington's East End: jockeys Issaac Burns and Jimmy Winkfield, trainer Ansel Williamson, and trainer/owner Edward Dudley Brown. Each exhibit panel has a QR code for ready access to the exhibit's audio guide with life and career highlights of behind-the-scenes caretakers and racetrack superstars alike.

During the exhibit's run at Old Friends, there will be two special events.

The opening program will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at the Josephine Abercrombie Center at Old Friends. Ferraro will be on hand for an exhibit opening discussion, and Q&A. Also, the exhibit's companion book, The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers, the first comprehensive chronicle of its kind, will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting Old Friends and the Keeneland Library.

Family Day: Meet & Read to Old Friends Retirees will be held Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at the farm.

Old Friends and the Keeneland Library are partnering to bring the story of Cheryl White, the first Black woman jockey to ride and win a professional race in the United States, to Family Day at Old Friends. Keeneland Library will donate copies of the acclaimed children's book The Jockey & Her Horse to young readers of all ages, who will meet Old Friends retirees and read the story to Old Friends horses.

The post Old Friends to Host Keeneland Library Exhibit `The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

McKinzie Colt Sets the Mark at Keeneland September Monday

Mon, 2024-09-16 20:19

Continuing spirited trade for yearlings by young stallions, Monday's seventh session of the Keeneland September Sale was led by freshman sire McKinzie, who has his first crop of 2-year-olds this season. Leading the fray was Hip 2197, a colt that brought $475,000 from Reeves Thoroughbred Racing. The second highest priced yearling of the session, also the day's topping filly, was Hip 2116, by Maxfield. Offered by Runnymede Farm, the daughter of Marwa (GB) was purchased by AMO Racing USA.

At the conclusion of Monday's session, a total of 288 head sold for gross receipts of $25,234,000, up 2.57% from one year ago. The median was $70,000 (+7.69%) while the average was $87,618 (+8.62%). The gross through seven days of selling was $361,642,000 for 1454 head sold, up 5% from 2023. RNA's rose to 83 from 67 last year.

Monday's leading consignor was Gainesway, which sold 25 yearlings for $4,082,000. The session's leading buyer was Kenny McPeek, agent, who acquired six yearlings for $935,000.

Fortune Runs Deep for Reeves

Consigned by his breeder Gainesway Thoroughbreds, the colt is out of SP Ruby Trust (Smart Strike), a daughter of Grade III winner Queen ofthe Catsle (Tale of the Cat). Agent Jimmy Gladwell signed the ticket on the session-topping colt.

“I told Jimmy to tell me which ones were the must-haves. And this one was a must have,” said Dean Reeves. “He was drop-dead gorgeous. I also like the Smart Strike on the bottom side. I've always neem a fan of that family.”

He continued, “His pedigree wasn't over-the-top like they are in Book 1, but I think as a physical, he was the type of horse we look for. We can't really get into that $1-million price range, but if we can find a horse that is a really solid physical and the dam has [some black-type], then we feel like we have done as good as we can do.”

Through seven sessions, the Gainesway stallion was represented by 30 yearlings that sold (in the ring) for gross receipts of $6.69 million. His yearlings averaged $223,000 with a median price of $162,500. The top-priced yearling by the Grade I winning stallion was Hip 644, out of Take Charge Angel, that brought $950,000 from agent Donato Lanni on behalf of SF/Starlight/Madaket.

“The stallion was a big draw because he has done really well,” explained Reeves. “All the horses by McKinzie that we looked at looked really good. He is putting out some really good foals. He was very accomplished on the track. He won the big races. He was a quality runner and I like to go to some stallions that have really shown it on the track before they retired.”

According to Reeves, the colt's breeder Gainesway will stay in for 25% on the colt.

“We were thrilled that Gainesway wanted to come in on the McKinzie,” Reeves confirmed. “I respect Antony Beck and everyone at Gainesway. Any time somebody like them wants to stay in on a horse, they must like him. It would be an honor to have them as partners.”

During Monday's session, Reeves also secured Hip 2223, a colt by Liam's Map. Consigned by Claiborne Farm, the Apr. 30 foal is out of unraced Side of Sass (Mineshaft), a half-sister to Grade II winner Dynamic One (Union Rags). This represents the Phipps family of champion juvenile filly Storm Flag Flying (Storm Cat) through GI CCA Oaks heroine My Flag (Easy Goer).

“[Gladwell] really loved Liam's Map,” said Reeves. “That yearling was another one that we felt was as good as the McKinzie. Danny [Gargan] really liked the McKinzie and Miguel Clement liked the Liam's Map, so it really worked out for us. We can try and keep the trainers happy.”

In all, Reeves purchased six yearlings, including a trio in partnership, led by Hip 955, a colt by Good Magic, purchased by Jones/Everett/Reeves, Vekoma, Belmar, Pine and Legendary. In partnership, Reeves also purchased Hip 540, a colt by Good Magic who brought $550,000 and Hip 501, a Charlatan colt that realized $500,000.

“We took 25% of some of those horses,” said Reeves. “That way we could get up into higher price range. We do a lot of business with the partners of those horses. That's been the fun part for Patti and I. Partnering with them takes a lot of the pressure off. So we were able to buy some of the horses we might not have been able to buy without these partners. It made sense.”

Reeves confirmed that he would also take on partners on Hip 1012, a colt by Good Magic purchased on Day 4.

“We had to stretch every time,” Reeves said when asked about the strength of the middle market. “It's been very competitive. We had another one we tried to get Monday but we just couldn't keep going.”

Despite all the buying activity at Keeneland last week, Reeves was notably absent. However, he had a very good reason with Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio), a filly he owns in partnership, running at Leopardstown in last Saturday's G1 Matron Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' for the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Returning off a two-month break, the Donnacha O'Brien-trainee collected her third straight Group 1 score following victories in Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes and Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket. Despite her free entry into the Filly & Mare test at Del Mar, Reeves said it looks likely that the four-time Group 1-winner will face the boys at Del Mar in her next start.

“This is some kind of talented filly,” he said. “This is the third race in a row that I went over to watch her run. She is so determined and so talented.

“We go in with a lot of confidence, and now we're going to run against the boys in the Breeders' Cup Mile. That'll be another huge challenge for her but she is a special filly.”

The post McKinzie Colt Sets the Mark at Keeneland September Monday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Pages