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During the recent holiday season, I had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with my 13-year-old son, Max, about his future aspirations. As he approaches an age where decisions about higher education and career paths come into focus, we've delved into conversations about his collegiate preferences and professional ambitions.

It is not uncommon for adolescents at this stage to express a desire to emulate the occupational choices of family members. Max, in particular, has conveyed an interest in following in the footsteps of his father, cousin Norm, uncle Mark, and his late grandfather Norman.

Now over the past few days I have had time to reflect on the thoughts and proposals brought forward by Boyd Browning and Nick de Meric. I believe the appropriate route going forward is for American Racing to have a parallel initiative to that of AUSHORSE in Australia. AUSHORSE is the gold standard of Thoroughbred marketing globally. They are frequently advertising the amazing statistics regarding the most buoyant racehorse industry in the world. This is exactly what we need. An enterprise like this would aim to promote the American Thoroughbred industry, encourage investment from both domestic and international sources, and introduce new owners to the excitement of racehorse ownership. Funding the initiative would occur through a small percentage taken from purse structures, sales purchases, or commissions.

This type of initiative could bring several benefits to the American Thoroughbred industry:

• Promotion and Branding: A centralized marketing arm can effectively promote the industry, showcasing destinations for racing and sales. As well as the heartfelt stories that occur within our industry (i.e. Cody's Wish) and the amount of jobs it creates and economic impact it has.
• International Investment: By actively encouraging investment from overseas, the industry can attract a broader range of participants, boosting competition and raising the profile of American horse racing on a global scale. Again, American involvement in Europe both at their sales and at Ascot is at an all-time high. As well as Europeans shipping to Australia for the Melbourne Cup and other races. It's time we flip the script here.
• Introduction to Ownership: Helping newcomers navigate the world of racehorse ownership can foster increased participation and interest in the sport. This could include educational programs, networking events, and other initiatives to make ownership more accessible and enjoyable. I understand we've tried this in some capacity in the past but to include this under one uniform umbrella could create a stronger reputation via a name and likeness to refer to when speaking to the layman about our industry.
• Sustainable Funding: By allocating a small percentage from relevant revenue streams, the initiative can secure a consistent and sustainable source of funding for its activities. This ensures the longevity and effectiveness of the marketing efforts.

However, it's important to consider a few key factors in implementing such an initiative:

• Industry Collaboration: Success would likely depend on widespread industry collaboration. Ensuring that major stakeholders and participants are on board is crucial for the initiative's effectiveness. But making sure that the funding comes from a broader scale and not from a few wealthier individuals will insure a non-bias representation.
• Transparent Governance: As an independent, not-for-profit entity, transparency in governance is essential to maintain trust and credibility. Clear guidelines on fund allocation and decision-making processes should be established.
• Adaptability: The racing industry is dynamic, and the initiative should be adaptable to changing circumstances and market trends. Regular evaluations and adjustments may be necessary to ensure ongoing success.

If implemented thoughtfully, a marketing initiative like this one could contribute significantly to the growth and sustainability of the American Thoroughbred industry.

The post Promoting the American Thoroughbred Industry: Letter to the Editor, Justin Casse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Thoroughbred Charities of America will honor Greg Goodman with the Allaire du Pont Leadership Award and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope with the Ellen and Herb Moelis Industry Service Award at the 34th Annual Stallion Season Live Auction and Celebration presented by Mt. Brilliant Family Foundation on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, at Harper Hall in Lexington, Ky.

The Allaire du Pont Leadership Award is presented annually to an organization or individual whose philanthropic endeavors are consistent with TCA's mission.

Greg Goodman, a native of Houston, Texas, has been involved in Thoroughbred racing all of his life and has been a Thoroughbred owner and breeder for more than 20 years. He owns and runs the historic Mt. Brilliant Farm in Lexington, Ky.

The Ellen and Herb Moelis Industry Service Award is presented annually to an organization that works to uphold TCA's mission.

Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) was founded in 1981 as a collaboration between Dr. Peter Bosomworth, the then Chancellor of the University of Kentucky Medical Center and area horse enthusiasts. The original objective was to offer therapeutic riding as an alternative to traditional machine-based and table-top therapies by using the three-dimensional movement of the horse. CKRH's programming has evolved beyond therapeutic riding to include equine facilitated mental health and equine facilitated learning.

The TCA Stallion Season Auction opens with an online auction of stallion seasons at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 3 and continues through 4 p.m. EST on Friday, Jan. 5. Nearly 200 seasons will be available on Equiring.com. A full list of seasons is available here.

Most of the seasons will sell during the online auction, however select seasons to Constitution, Flightline, Good Magic, Elite Power, Taiba, Life is Good, Forte, Cody's Wish (with 2025 breed back), Nyquist (with 2025 breed back), and Quality Road will be sold at the Live Auction & Celebration on Sunday, Jan. 7.

Bidders or their authorized agents may bid on select seasons by attending the event in-person or they may email ehalliwell@tca.org to register to bid online or by telephone. Non-season items including a John Deere ZTrak mower, a vacation condo in St. Thomas, Triple Crown tickets, and a private meet and greet with Cody's Wish will also be offered in the live auction. Equine artist Robert Clark will “live paint” a custom piece only available at the live auction. Tickets can be purchased here.

An online silent auction of non-season items including halters worn by Justify, Gun Runner, and more will be offered. A list of silent auction items is available here. More items will be added.

The auction is sponsored by Mt. Brilliant Family Foundation, Peoples Bank, Ocala Breeders' Sales, Bourbon Lane Stable Retirement Fund, Coolmore America, Equine Medical Associates, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Top Line Sales, Equine Medical of Ocala, Julie Davies, Pick View LLC, Paul Sharp Stables, L.V. Harkness, Paulick Report, BloodHorse, Daily Racing Form, and Thoroughbred Daily News.

The post TCA to Honor Greg Goodman and Central Kentucky Riding for Hope appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Editor's Note: The TDN received this letter from Fasig-Tipton's Boyd Browning.

2023 was certainly a year of many challenges for the Thoroughbred industry. Much has been written and spoken about the issues we face, although very little action has taken place.

As we enter 2024, I believe it is imperative we make meaningful efforts to improve our sport. Every component of the industry must pledge to do a better job. We must find common ground and set aside our egos.

We must commit (at a minimum) to the following actions as an industry:

1) Establish a public relations plan that: (a) provides a spokesperson to speak for our industry in times of crisis; and (b) addresses the issues and concerns regarding equine safety and aftercare. This will require resources-money!

A new initiative, LIGHT UP RACING, is being launched to address these issues and Fasig-Tipton is committing $50,000 for the initial launch and proof of concept for this initiative. In addition, we will commit $200,000 over the next three years to support organized industry efforts regarding public relations.

2) Implement a plan to utilize wearable technology and install PET scan machines at major racetracks. We have no choice but to embrace these concepts and work together to provide these as cost effectively as possible.

Fasig-Tipton has no financial stake or interests in any providers/vendors of these products; however, we are willing to commit to an investment/expenditure of $250,000 over the next three years to assist in these efforts if joined by other industry interests.

3) Improve our betting product. On Christmas Day, my three sons-in-law and two of my daughters were wagering modest sums on NBA and NFL games in progress.

They wanted action and engagement and were easily able to make understandable wagers on their phones. They could bet on a team, the number of touchdowns, who would make three-point shots, etc. and try for parlays that would produce significant payouts.

Relevant statistical data is available for FREE to encourage participation. The gambling world has exploded–yet our game has not.

We have many extraordinarily talented and successful people involved in our great sport. In addition, we have institutions and organizations with significant financial resources that must make investments today for the good of tomorrow.

I urge the Breeders' Cup, The Jockey Club, HISA, racetracks, stallion farms, sales companies, owners, breeders and trainers to make a commitment of both talent and resources to invest in our future before it is too late.

–Boyd Browning, President & Chief Executive Officer, Fasig-Tipton Co.

The post Fasig-Tipton’s Boyd Browning Urges Industry To Join In Action In 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Forestry (Storm Cat–Shared Interest, by Pleasant Colony), winner of the 1999 GI King's Bishop S. at Saratoga and sire of GI Preakness S. winner Shackleford and fellow GISWs Discreet Cat, Forest Danger and Diplomat Lady, passed away at the age of 27 in Paraná, Brazil on Wednesday.

One of the longest-lived and most successful sires in all of South America, Forestry died due to health problems caused by old age, according to Dr. Joaquim Antunes, chief veterinarian of Haras São José da Serra.

Bred by Robert S. Evans in Kentucky, Forestry was purchased by Aaron U. and Marie D. Jones for $1.5 million as a yearling at the Keeneland July sale.

He entered stud in 2000 at Taylor Made in Kentucky. In 2014, Forestry was acquired by a group of Brazilian breeders and resided at Haras São José da Serra. He produced 18 black-type winners in Brazil, including the Grade 1 winners Oceano Azul, Itaperuna, Gata Y Flor, and Hembra.

—additional reporting by Victor Correa

The post Forestry Passes at 27 in Brazil appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) released its 2024 schedule, which includes 195 live racing days at Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course, the organization said in a release Thursday morning.

As previously announced, the ongoing construction at Belmont Park will require significant adjustments to the customary schedule. In addition to the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival being held at Saratoga Race Course from June 6-9, the fall and spring/summer meets traditionally held at Belmont will take place at Aqueduct Racetrack in 2024.

Following the conclusion of the 2023 Aqueduct fall meet on Dec. 31, the 47-day winter meet begins Monday, Jan. 1 and continues through Saturday, Mar. 30. Live racing will be conducted Thursday-Sunday for the first three weeks of January and Friday-Sunday from Jan. 26 through the first week of March. Aqueduct will host a Presidents' Day card on Monday, Feb. 19. Four-day race weeks resume on Mar. 7.

The 16-day Aqueduct spring meet will run from Thursday, Apr. 4 through Sunday, Apr. 28. The NYRA circuit will then remain at Aqueduct for the 31-day Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet, which will open on Thursday, May 2 and continue through Sunday, July 7. Racing will be conducted Thursday-Sunday throughout the spring/summer with the exception of a Memorial Day program on Monday, May 27.

The 40-day summer meet at Saratoga Race Course will open on Thursday, July 11 and continue through Labor Day, Sept. 2. Following the four-day opening weekend, live racing will be conducted Wednesday-Sunday with the exception of closing week, which will conclude on Labor Day, Sept. 2.

The NYRA circuit will then return downstate for the 31-day Belmont at the Big A fall meet, which will open on Friday, Sept. 13 and continue through Sunday, Nov. 3. Apart from the opening weekend, racing will be conducted Thursday-Sunday throughout the Belmont at the Big A fall meet.

The year will conclude with a 26-day fall meet at Aqueduct Racetrack, which will open on Thursday, Nov. 7 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 29. Apart from closing week, live racing will be conducted Thursday-Sunday throughout the Aqueduct fall meet.

Click here for the complete calendar.

The post NYRA Rolls Out 2024 Race Dates appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Champion 2-year-old male Classic Empire (Pioneerof the Nile) was purchased by the Korea Racing Authority and arrived Dec. 18 to continue his stud career for the 2024 breeding season, as first reported by The Paulick Report and confirmed by Ashford Stud.

The 9-year-old stood at the farm in Versailles, Kentucky, where he was shuttled to Chile on multiple occasions. As of 2023, his oldest foals are 4-year-olds, and his progeny have won 113 races with earnings of more than $13.5 million.

Angel of Empire is his most successful offspring, who won this year's GII Risen Star S. and like his sire, the GI Arkansas Derby. Serving as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby, the colt finished third. Classic Empire is also the sire of GISP Interstatedaydream, GSW Morello and GSW Classy Edition.

Bred in Kentucky by Steven and Brandi Nicholson and campaigned by John Oxley, Classic Empire won five of nine starts and earned $2,520,220. Named champion 2-year-old male, the Mark Casse trainee won the GIII Bashford Manor S., the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity and the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

At three, Classic Empire finished fourth in the 2017 Derby and was runner-up to Cloud Computing (Maclean's Music) in the GI Preakness S. After an abscess was discovered in his right front hoof, he was sidelined for the GI Belmont S. and never raced again.

Classic Empire joins GISW West Will Power (Bernardini) among U.S.-based newcomers to Korea for next season.

The post Champion Classic Empire Purchased By Korean Racing Authority appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.