Thoroughbred Daily News

A vote scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 8 in New Jersey's Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee appears to threaten Thoroughbred racing dates in the state, cutting the required number from 50 to 25. The story was first reported by DRF's Matt Hegarty.

Michael Campbell, the executive director for the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association of New Jersey, sent out a letter to Association members Tuesday warning breeders of “serious threat” to the New Jersey Thoroughbred breeding industry if the bill is passed.

“This drastic reduction would effectively eliminate the foundation necessary to sustain Thoroughbred breeding in New Jersey,” said Campbell.

Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of Darby Development LLC, which operates Monmouth Park, said he disagreed with that assessment.

“It's not a requirement in the law that we run 50 days,” said Drazin Wednesday evening. “It's in order to be eligible for account wagering money and off-track wagering money that we're required to run the days.

“But,” Drazin emphasized, “we have no intention to cut days. We've already applied for our days for this year. We have no intention of ever cutting days unless we're forced do so because we don't have revenue. If we don't have revenue, then our choice is do we close down the operation or do we go to the horsemen and ask them to reduce days?”

The state of New Jersey is slated for 60 race dates in 2026. Currently, Monmouth Park has 50 scheduled programs this year, with another nine cards in New Jersey at the Meadowlands and one date at Far Hills. The law currently allows–with written consent from the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NJTHA)–the actual number of dates to total 50 annually. If passed, Senate Bill 5028 and Assembly Bill 6301 would allow those 50 race dates to be cut in half to just 25 days.

“This was not a management decision of Monmouth Park,” said Drazin. “The horsemen came to us, not the breeders–they have two separate organizations in the state–and the NJTHA came to us and asked us to protect them by floating a bill that would give us the option if they consent of doing fewer days.”

Drazin said race dates are dependent on purses and racing in the state relies upon a number of different sources to pay purses.

“Part of that purse structure that we have is based upon a subsidy that we get from the state that goes through the budget process each year. And it's been difficult over the past years,” said Drazin, who added that New Jersey subsidizes $10 million for Thoroughbred purses that can only be used for purse money.

“We go through this process, where each year the subsidy gets cut back from $10 million to $5 million,” continued Drazin. “Our legislative friends go to our aid and negotiate and get us back to $10 million. But we don't know from year to year whether or not the state will have sufficient revenues to give us the subsidy.

“If you wait until you have a crisis to have a safeguard legislation, you're going to be closing a racetrack. So this bill was always intended to give the Thoroughbred horsemen the control of this. We can't reduce days below 50 unless the horsemen sign in writing that they want us to do that. And the only we'd ask them to do that and the only way they'd agree to do that is if the option is to stay open or to close.”

The Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal (District 11) and Senator Paul Sarlo (District 36), and the Assembly bill (A6301) is sponsored by District 11 Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul. The Assembly has not yet scheduled a hearing, but has the freedom to do so with little to no notice, according to Campbell's letter.

“Frankly, this was really just trying to enable the future, not hurt anybody,” said Drazin. “The only intention of this bill was to protect ourselves so at the last minute, if we did not get a subsidy in some year going forward or we get a reduced subsidy, we have means of trying to handle that situation. Then we would go to the horsemen, we would say given these revenues, here is what the gross looks like, and we need to figure out how much to pay every day [in purses].”

He continued: “I want as many days as possible but this is a defensive mechanism. We have to protect ourselves. What I like to do each year is look at the gross revenues we have, look at the purse structure required to be competitive in the region, and figure out how many days we can run in that situation.”

Drazin said he and his team are working on casino expansion, a deal pending with NYRA Bets and United Tote, and other possible revenue streams.

“As long as we can continue to pay purses that are competitive, there is no intention whatsoever to reduce days.”

Campbell's letter to breeders promised a threat far more dire. “If this bill is approved, it will end Thoroughbred breeding in New Jersey.”

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On the heels of winning a preliminary injunction last month in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platform TwinSpires on Tuesday scored a victory in its overall federal lawsuit against the state of Michigan.

On Jan. 6, the lower-court judge in charge of the case issued a summary judgment in favor of TwinSpires, meaning Michigan can't make that ADW partner with a brick-and-mortar racetrack in order to do business in that state.

The operator of TwinSpires, Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company (CDT), has been arguing for a year that the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 preempts a Michigan licensing requirement requiring that ADW providers be linked to a licensed racetrack and live race meeting.

Judge Hala Y. Jarbou of U.S. District Court in the Western District of Michigan (Southern Division) wrote in the Jan. 6 order that, “the Sixth Circuit's reasoning for affirming the preliminary injunction also warrants granting summary judgment to TwinSpires. Thus, the Court will convert its preliminary injunction into a permanent injunction and enter final judgment in this case.”

Jarbou wrote that the defendants in the case, the Michigan Gaming Control Board, its director, and the state attorney general “shall not enforce the Michigan Horse Racing Law (MHRL) licensing requirement–or issue sanctions under the MHRL–against Plaintiff for accepting wagers from individuals in Michigan on races that take place outside Michigan.”

TDN reached out to both the plaintiffs and defendants on Wednesday requesting their comments on the judgment. No replies were received prior to deadline for this story.

It is possible that the Michigan defendants might appeal the lower court's order to a federal appeals court.

Citing precedents, Judge Jarbou wrote in the order that, “Summary judgment is appropriate 'if there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and if the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.'

“Here there are no relevant disputed facts, so the resolution of the motions for summary judgment is dictated by the Sixth Circuit's legal reasoning,” the order stated.

“As to TwinSpires's request for a permanent injunction, the factors that the Court must consider essentially overlap with the preliminary injunction factors addressed by the Sixth Circuit,” the order stated.

Again quoting from a precedent, Jarbou wrote that TwinSpires “is entitled to a permanent injunction [because] it can establish that it suffered a constitutional violation and will suffer continuing irreparable injury for which there is no adequate remedy at law.”

For a more detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to the year-long standoff, click the following link to TDN's reporting from Dec. 17.

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The TDN Writers' Room presented by Keeneland returned this week with its first podcast of 2026, and the guest was John Sikura, the owner of Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa. Sikura was the Gainesway Guest of the Week.

While there were several subjects to discuss with Sikura, the prominent farm owner largely focused his attention on racing in California, its problems and what he sees as the industry's obligation to improve the situations at Santa Anita, Del Mar and Los Alamitos.

“We need to fix this today,” he said.

While admitting that fixing the problems in California will not be easy because it is the last major racing state that does not receive alternative revenues from casinos, slot machines or HHR machines, he called on the Breeders' Cup to step up and help the sport there.

According to Sikura, the Breeders' Cup has set aside $100 million in nominators' awards in what he called a “rainy day” fund. He believes that some of that money should be allocated to improving the purses in California.

“I've always been a huge critic of the fact that the Breeders' Cup keeps $100 million of nominators' awards for a rainy day fund,” he said. “My joke was that if you think the flood was bad for the Noah's Ark, well, what about this? In order to have a rainy day fund that needs a hundred million dollars, there will have to be a torrential flood of epic proportions. I might be a loner in the minority so far as my critique goes, but I don't believe the founders of the Breeders' Cup, in their original statement and in their original mission, believed it was necessary to put away $100 million. When you have current crippling issues in our business that are affecting the validity of breeding programs in states and, maybe even the existence of some markets, that money, in my strong opinion, should be put into use to help the Thoroughbred industry. And if there's a cause more important than the survival of California racing, I don't know what it is.”

Sikura recalled that it wasn't that long ago that the Breeders' Cup supplemented purses for several stakes races. He called on the organization to revisit that policy.

“This is the proposal that I had made to the Breeders' Cup: let's supplement the Grade I races in California and make sure the purses for them are at least $500,000,” he said. “Let's work to restore prestigious races like the Santa Anita Oaks to Grade I status. Let's have a moratorium on downgrading races there for three years. And by doing so for three years, that hopefully would give some time and a spark of enthusiasm to come up with a solution for California. Obviously, it's a legislative one. They need Historical Horse Racing machines. That's a challenge because of Indian gaming. How do we tackle that? You have to boost, you have the supplement, you have to have a bottom underneath you for three years, and that would really give an incentive for somebody to try to work out a solution.”

Sikura, not exactly one to mince his words, said that a “rainy day” fund should be unnecessary because the Breeders' Cup should be making money on what is such a prestigious event that takes in millions in betting handle and nominators' awards.

In response to Sikura's proposal, the Breeders' Cup said that they maintain an endowment that, as of their last publicly reported fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2025, had a  balance of $98.5 million, at least 85% of which is investment income. They said that the endowment is managed by an investment committee, and that all decisions regarding the endowment were evaluated and approved by the board of directors.

They added that as a non-profit whose mission is to conduct the Breeders' Cup World Championships and to maintain the highest levels of quality, safety and integrity and to promote the growth of Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and sales, they must exercise prudent fiscal stewardship while leveraging the endowment and related income to enhance the World Championships and advance their mission.

Sikura also discussed his acquisition of 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and his breeding plans for the superstar mare. Another subject he touched on was the promotion of his son, Jes, who was recently named to the position of director of bloodstock at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa.

The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was Stiglets (Spun to Run). Trained by Phil D'Amato, the sprinter earned a 107 Beyer figure in a Jan. 3 allowance race at Oaklawn Park. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar, which stands the stallion Straight No Chaser.

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the PHBA, 1/ST TV and West Point Thoroughbreds, Randy Moss, Bill Finley and Zoe Cadman discussed what made them optimistic about the sport in 2026 and what made them pessimistic. Cadman, who won 311 races during her riding career, gave a moving tribute to the pioneering female jockey Diane Crump, who passed away last week at the age of 77.

To watch the TDN Writers' Room podcast click here. To listen to the podcast click here.

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Edited Press Release

In a plan to transition for the future, WinStar Farm announced Wednesday that Gerry Duffy will return to become President on Apr. 1. Elliott Walden will remain CEO until Oct. 1, with Duffy taking over as CEO and President effective Oct. 1.

“I have been blessed to work for Kenny Troutt for the last 25 years,” said Walden. “Under his visionary leadership we've won a Triple Crown, two Kentucky Derbies, three Belmont Stakes, five Breeders' Cups, and four Eclipse Awards. Kenny has tremendous instincts and together we built a team with a wealth of experience. The success we've achieved has been a collaborative effort and I have loved my time supporting Kenny's vision.

“Timing is everything with a transition of this magnitude,” Walden added. “Early last year, I told the Troutt family my plans of stepping down. Five years ago, I wrote in my journal my number one pick to become the next CEO of WinStar, and that name was Gerry Duffy. I couldn't be happier that he has accepted the role and I look forward to supporting Gerry, David (Hanley), and the entire team during this transition and into the future.”

Regarding the leadership transition and long-term vision for WinStar, Kenny Troutt expressed his gratitude for Walden and the team, as well as his optimism for the years ahead.

“I am so grateful for the team at WinStar, and what they have done for my family,” said Troutt. “We have had tremendous success over the years and are just getting started. I hope to have the farm in the family for years to come. I want to thank Elliott for his leadership over the last 25 years and look forward to the next chapter at WinStar.”

Recognizing the strong foundation already in place, Duffy shared his excitement about the partnership and his respect for the Troutt family's enduring impact on the industry.

“Kenny's vision has always been the driving force at WinStar,” said Duffy. “He calls us to 'Dream Big' and we plan to continue doing just that. I am excited to come back to work with Kenny, Lisa, Preston, the entire Troutt family, and the team at WinStar. It really is the privilege of a lifetime to lead a farm as prestigious as WinStar.”

Reflecting on a tenure marked by significant achievements, Walden, who will remain involved with WinStar in a consultative capacity, shared his thoughts on the farm's evolution and the bright path ahead.

Elliott Walden with Florent Geroux in the WinStar silks | Sarah Andrew

“I am proud of the milestones we've achieved,” Walden said. “The trophies are symbolic of the years of dedication and hard work put forth by the entire WinStar team. I will always be eternally grateful for the relationships we've built, the lives we've changed, and the careers we've helped to launch. Anytime a season ends, there is always an element of uncertainty, however, one thing I am very certain about is WinStar Farm is in great hands. The future couldn't be brighter. As for me, I am excited about the next chapter in my life, and to be able to consult with WinStar into 2027. I am at a career stage where I want to use my skills, knowledge, and experience in a different way, and I look forward to what is next.”

The move is the next step to continue supporting Preston Troutt, who has stepped into a larger role at the farm alongside his father, Kenny. The senior leadership team will consist of: Duffy, CEO/President; David Hanley, senior vice president of bloodstock, who will continue to play a key role in bloodstock decisions; Dr. Natanya Nieman, general manager; and Michael Holmes, CFO.

Duffy began his career in nomination sales with Darley America. Duffy first joined the WinStar team in 2011 when he spent two years as stallion seasons director. His home country of Ireland beckoned, however, and he was hired by Godolphin as its general manager. A return to Kentucky came in 2018, when Duffy assumed the role of farm manager at Stonerside and Raceland Farms prior to his most recent role as CEO of Modon Equestrian in Abu Dhabi, where he was focused on the development of equestrian lifestyle communities.

“What my father, Elliott, and the entire WinStar team have built over the last 25 years is truly remarkable,” said Preston Troutt. “Elliott's leadership has positioned WinStar as one of the premier operations in the industry, and we are deeply grateful for his commitment. As Gerry steps into an expanded leadership role, I have tremendous confidence in what lies ahead. With the team we have in place and the strength of our current roster, WinStar is exceptionally well positioned for the future. I couldn't be more excited about what the next 25 years will bring.”

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The online portion of Thoroughbred Charities of America's (TCA) annual Stallion Season Auction presented by the Goodman Family is underway and runs through Friday, Jan. 9, with staggered closing times starting at 4 p.m. ET., the non-profit said via a release on Wednesday.

The TCA's largest fundraiser during the year includes 175 seasons with sires such as Army Mule (by Friesian Fire), Life is Good (by Into Mischief), Flightline (Tapit), and McKinzie (Street Sense) all available for online bidding on Salering.net. The majority of seasons will sell 'no guarantee' however a few will be offered with a 2027 breed back.

A silent auction will also be in the offing.

For a full list of seasons click here and for tickets to the event click here.

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

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

Among this week's rulings, trainer Jose R. Gonzalez has been suspended 18-months and fined $12,500 as a result of his trainee Discovery N Sight testing positive for the banned bronchodilator Albuterol from an out-of-competition hair sample collected on July 23. His suspension began on January 3.

Other than that the hair sample was collected from Discovery N Sight at Albuquerque Downs at Albuquerque, New Mexico, the case resolution contains few other details.

Though classed a banned substance, Albuterol is permitted only if given as an inhaled bronchodilator, and only if prescribed by a licensed veterinarian in the context of a valid veterinarian-patient-client relationship, according to HISA rules.

As per Equibase, Gonzalez has been training since 2005. He has 441 wins to his name from 3,080 starts.

Resolved ADMC Violations
Dates: 01/06/2026
Licensee: Blaine Wright, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on January 7, 2026; Disqualification of Covered Horses' 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. The following cases treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for the presence of Cannabidiol (CBD)–a class B controlled substance–in samples taken from Mr. Executive, who won at Emerald Downs on 8/16/25; from Si That Tiger, who finished second in the Muckleshoot Derby Presented by 1/ST Bet Stakes at Emerald Downs on 8/17/25; and from Clovisconnection, who finished second in the Longacres Mile S. Presented by 1/ST Bet Stakes at Emerald Downs on 8/17/25.

Dates: 01/05/2026
Licensee: Hugo Andrade, 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 HIWU.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Outkissed, who finished sixth at Mahoning Valley on 11/11/25.

Dates: 01/05/2026
Licensee: Vladimir Ceron, 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 HIWU.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Betamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Doncic, who won at Santa Anita on 10/3/25.

Dates: 01/02/2026
Licensee: George Lopez, trainer
Penalty: A written Reprimand (per 9/26/23 HISA Guidance); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole and Methocarbamol–both class C controlled substances–in a sample taken from Tiz Lissett on 11/26/25.

Dates: 01/02/2026
Licensee: Kieron Magee, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on January 3, 2026; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Neolithica, who won at Laurel Park on 10/11/25.

Dates: 01/02/2026
Licensee: Randy Lee Morse, 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 Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Allequin Summer, who finished sixth at Keeneland on 10/15/25.

Dates: 01/02/2026
Licensee: Jose Roberto Gonzalez Sr., trainer
Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on January 3, 2026; 60-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Horse, beginning on July 23, 2025; a fine of $12,500. Admission.
Explainer: Vets' list medication violations for the presence of Albuterol–a banned bronchodilator–in a sample taken from Discovery N Sight on 7/23/25.

Pending ADMC Violations

01/06/2026, Matthew P. Sims, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Le Bien Le Mal, who finished fifth at Turfway Park on 12/4/25.

01/06/2026, Steve Davis, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Flunixin–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Diamonds R Lucky on 12/2/25.

01/05/2026, Anna Decker, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Long Shorts, who finished seventh at Mahoning Valley on 11/10/25.

01/02/2026, Louis Linder, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Gabapentin and Tramadol–both class B controlled substances–in a sample taken from Yorkville, who finished third at Penn National on 11/19/25.

01/02/2026, Charles Frock, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Gabapentin–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Bond's Belle, who finished second at Laurel Park on 11/16/25.

Violations of Crop Rule
Turf Paradise
Blake Nunnally– violation date January 1; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Oaklawn Park
Johan Roberto Rosado–violation date January 1; $250 fine, no other information

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Global Tote, in partnership with the Monmouth Park racetrack, has launched of a new multi-state–and soon-to-be national–Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) platform called MonmouthBets, according to a press release from BetMakers Technology on Wednesday.

Live and available in 12 states, the new ADW was designed with both casual fans and experienced bettors in mind, and is a site that delivers a modern, intuitive wagering experience supported by industry-leading technology.

Packed with high-quality professional data, including ratings, race comments, individual runner insights, speed maps and free past performances, these tools–previously accessible mainly to sophisticated bettors–are now available free to the broader wagering public.

The platform is currently live in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming, with additional states expected to come online regularly as the rollout continues toward a national footprint.

Customers in eligible states can sign-up and receive a 50% bonus in free bets, up to $200, along with a range of additional promotions planned as the platform continues to evolve.

“We are excited to launch the MonmouthBets brand and give horseplayers across the country more choice, a new technology platform, and greater exposure for the sport of racing,” said Dennis Drazin, CEO of Darby Development, operator of Monmouth Park. “Our partnership with Global Tote and the launch of this new platform represent our commitment to innovation and to delivering the best possible experience for our customers.”

Click here to learn more and access the site's features.

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Coinciding with the United States of America's national celebration of the 250 th anniversary of the nation's founding, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will mark the occasion with a special exhibition, Racing at the Dawn of the United States. The presenting sponsor is Adirondack Trust Co. The exhibition will be open through December.

The exhibition opens Saturday, Jan. 10 in the Museum's Link Gallery.

Racing at the Dawn of the United States explores the foundation of thoroughbred racing in America from the colonial period to the emergence of the United States as a new republic in the early 19 th century. The exhibition will invite visitors to learn about the early history of the sport, highlighting key figures, racecourses, and horses of the time. It will feature selections from the Museum's collection in addition to loans from Keeneland Library and other collections.

Some of the exhibition's highlights include:

• A letter referencing a horse race from 1793
• Portraits of notable pioneering racing figures Tregonwell Frampton, Samuel Ogle, and John Tayloe III
• A painting of 20-year-old American Eclipse by Edward Troye
• An advertisement for the sire Bold Briton from 1797
• A selection of early racing trophies, prints, sporting journals, and Revolutionary War items

The Musuem will also offer a behind-the-scenes tour of the exhibit, hosted by the Museum's curator Jessica Cloer, which will be held Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Cloer will detail the process of how the new exhibition was researched and designed to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary through the lens of racing's roots in America.

For tickets, click here. Tickets are free to all members.

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Godolphin has topped the individual breeders list in North America for 2025 with $27,288,066 in earnings, according to statistics released Wednesday by TJC Innovations. Godolphin, which also topped the list in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, bred 228 starters with 218 wins, 168 seconds, and 183 thirds out of 1,294 starts.

Brereton C. Jones was second for the year with earnings of $11,552,109 with 226 wins out of 1,494 starts.

Godolphin also led the breeders list that includes partners with $28,590,307 in earnings and 263 wins from 1,598 starts. WinStar Farm LLC was second with $13,185,006 in earnings and 246 wins out of 1,530 starts.

Rounding out the top 10 individual breeders were WinStar Farm LLC, $11,428,977 (188 wins / 1,201 starts); Don Alberto Corporation, $10,959,009 (132/782); Calumet Farm, $10,569,545 (300/2,187); Spendthrift Farm LLC, $7,796,784 (144/823); Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, $6,620,664 (118/789); Gary & Mary West Stables Inc., $5,747,255 (133/754); Juddmonte, $5,532,656 (47/249); and Dixiana Farms LLC, $5,174,892 (70/517).

Completing the list of the top 10 breeders including partnerships were Brereton C. Jones, $11,803,757 (235 wins / 1,567 starts); Don Alberto Corporation, $11,395,309 (137/844); Calumet Farm, $10,638,647 (301/2,232); Spendthrift Farm LLC, $7,800,487 (144/825); Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, $6,958,891 (126/821); Fred W. Hertrich III, $6,939,154 (139/1,067); Machmer Hall, $6,013,472 (159/1,033); and Gary & Mary West Stables Inc., $5,747,255 (133/754).

The complete lists of the top 100 breeders of 2025 are accessible through www.equineline.com.

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The Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) released its full 2026 schedule in addition to the opening of registration for the 2026 Pedigree & Conformation Clinic, sponsored by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association which takes place Mar. 9-10, 2026, at Ocala Breeders' Sales (OBS) in Ocala, Florida.

Registration is now open on the TOBA website, and to view the full clinic schedule, click here.

The 2026 clinic will feature Mark Casse, a Hall of Fame trainer, who will be presenting during the clinic and sharing his expertise on selection for the sales and evaluating young Thoroughbreds.

Casse will be joined by a distinguished lineup of speakers representing every facet of the industry, including: Niall Brennan, Niall Brennan Stables; Tammy Gantt, Florida Breeders' and Owners' Association; Kriss Eisaman, DVM; Marette Farrell, Exhale Enterprises; Dr. Richard Kent, Kaizen Sales; Donato Lanni, Lanni Bloodstock; Tim Leith, Jockey Club Information Systems; David O'Farrell, Ocala Stud; Larry Oxenham, American Society for Asset Protection; Tod Wojciechowski, Ocala Breeders' Sales Company; and Eddie Woods, Eddie Woods Stable.

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In support of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, the Continuing Stallion Auction kicks off Friday, Jan. 9 and continues through Wednesday, Jan. 14.

Bidding opens at 9 a.m. on Friday and closes in the afternoon of the 14th.

The online auction offers seasons to 21 Thoroughbred and Standardbred horses, all CHRHF inductees or have Hall of Fame horses in their pedigrees.

Among the stallions represented this year, Amie's Flatter, Collusion Illusion, Frac Daddy, Proxy, Reload, Tapiture, Senor Buscador, Tamarkuz and Weyburn.

For the complete roster of stallions, click here.

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Submissions are now open for local charitable organizations to participate in “Winsday” presented by Resolute Racing on Wednesday, Apr. 29, part of Kentucky Derby Week at Churchill Downs.

In partnership with the Community Foundation of Louisville, “Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good” is dedicated to supporting local nonprofit organizations.

Up to 50 area nonprofit organizations are invited to join the Winsday celebration. Organizations have the opportunity to fundraise, unlock cash prizes, network with community partners and amplify its mission to a wider audience at no cost.

Selected organizations will receive a unique ticket link to distribute to supporters. For every box seat ticket sold through the links, Churchill Downs will donate $5 to that organization, directly contributing to their vital funding and benefiting their incredible work.

“'Winsday' makes a direct impact on the lives of many across Louisville and the Kentuckiana region,” said Claire Simms, senior director of corporate social responsibility at Churchill Downs Incorporated. “Churchill Downs is thrilled to partner with the Community Foundation of Louisville again for this incredible celebration of the pivotal role nonprofits play in our community.”

Individual box seats start at $39 and can be purchased in complete boxes of six and eight seats.

Registration will close at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 21 and a live drawing will be held Friday, Jan. 23 to choose the 50 participating organizations.

Ticket sales links unique to each of the 50 registered nonprofits will be issued by Friday, Feb. 13.

For eligibility and to register for the “Winsday: Great Thrills for the Greater Good” at www.cflouisville.org/events/winsday.

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Thomas Hudnut and Damascus Castellanos have been re-appointed to the California Horse Racing Board by California Governor Gavin Newsom, according to a CHRB report on Wednesday.

Hudnut of Beverly Hills has served on the CHRB since 2021. Hudnut was President and Chief Executive Officer at Harvard-Westlake School from 1987 to 2013. He was Headmaster at The Branston School from 1982 to 1987. Hudnut earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Diplomatic History from Tufts University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Princeton University.

Castellanos of Pico Rivera has served since 2020. Castellanos has been a Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer at Teamsters Union Local 495 since 2021 where he was a Business Representative from 2005 to 2021. He was a Business Representative at Teamsters Union Local 630 from 2001 to 2012. Castellanos is a Member of the California Thoroughbred Horseman's Foundation.

Both positions require Senate confirmation.

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5. LONESOME ROAD, LRL, 12/26-7th, 6 furlongs (video)
Beyer Speed Figure- 93
(g, 3, by Maclean's Music-Walk of Stars, by Street Sense)
O-Estate of R Larry Johnson. B-R Larry Johnson (Va). T-Michael Trombetta. J-Mychel Sanchez.
The now-4-year-old gelding took a massive leap forward when Trombetta shifted him from grass to dirt, scoring by a widening 8 1/2 lengths as the latest success from the breeding program of late Maryland-based owner/breeder Larry Johnson. Lonesome Road traces back four generations to Johnson's foundation mare Ran's Chick through her daughter Special Kell–the same family tree progression that has also produced graded stakes stars Mindframe and Future Is Now.

4. SALVATION, AQU, 12/4-2nd, 1 mile (video)
Beyer Speed Figure- 94 (2nd)
(g, 3, by Palace Malice-Lovely Rate, by Exchange Rate)
O-Robert Bruno. B-Three Chimneys Farm (Ky). T-Linda Rice. J-Jose Lezcano.
Based on numbers, he can rightfully be called a $45,000 bargain from the Fasig-Tipton October Taylor Made consignment even though he remains a maiden after eight starts (which have included five runner-up finishes). This was his seventh race and his second straight 94 Beyer, coming on the heels of his second in November behind Life and Times. However, after this effort he ran back Dec. 28 at Aqueduct and finished a disappointing fourth with an 80 Beyer.

3. IRON HONOR, AQU, 12/13-3rd, 6 furlongs (video)
Beyer Speed Figure- 95
(c, 2, by Nyquist-Orencia, by Blame)
O-St. Elias Stable, William Lawrence and Cathi Glassman. B-Mike and Pat Freeny (Va). T-Chad Brown. J-Manny Franco.
Despite his lofty debut Beyer, when a Brown first-timer is 5/1 fourth choice in a seven-horse field in December at Aqueduct, it's a safe bet the barn didn't consider him at the head of the class. Iron Honor had a string of mostly mediocre breezes, but there was nothing mediocre about the way he ran down talented Crossingthechannel, a next-out winner in New York (and another bred by Larry Johnson). He was a $230,000 Taylor Made Keeneland January graduate, who went on to sell for $475,000 in September.

2. D'CODE, OP, 12/14-4th, 6 furlongs (video)
Beyer Speed Figure- 99
(c, 2, by Speightstown-Dos Vinos, by Twirling Candy)

D'code | Coady Media

O/B-Tom R. Durant (Ky). T-Ray Ashford Jr. J-Cristian Torres.
Longtime owner Tom Durant is a self-made billionaire who was once (and maybe still is) America's No. 1 Chevrolet dealer. The Texan has had numerous stakes winners over the years, including millionaire Silver Dust, Wooden Phone and Awesome Humor, and bred $1.6 million earner Tejano Twist. But Durant has never had a youngster earn a debut 99 Beyer, a performance that has put 8 1/2-length winner D'code on the map for the GIII Southwest Stakes Jan. 31.

1.TIME TO WIN, AQU, 12/4-2nd, 1 mile (video)
Beyer Speed Figure- 103
(r, 3, by Not This Time-Nagamble, by Flatter)
O-Spendthrift Farm, William Lawrence, Big Easy Racing, Titletown Racing Stables, Winners Win, Golconda Stable, Ali Goodrich and Mark Parkinson. B-Fred Hertrich III. T-Chad Brown. J-Flavien Prat.
Time to Win becomes our first three-timer in Five Fastest Maidens. He made the list for his debut runnerup finish Sept. 1 at Saratoga with an 87 Beyer, regressed slightly in his next second-place finish at BAQ, then bounced back with a 94 Beyer in November. He finished third behind Life and Times and Salvation (see above). In his fourth start, the half-brother to Grade I winner Juju's Map put it all together, storming off by 5 1/2 lengths to soar into triple-digit Beyer-land and please his many owners. He was a $650,000 Taylor Made September grad, by their stallion Not This Time.

The post The Five Fastest Maidens, Presented By Taylor Made Stallions: Dec. 1 – Jan. 4 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The first two reported foals for Gainesway Farm's MGSW Charge It (by Tapit) were born Jan. 5, with one arriving at the Brogden family's Machmer Hall in Paris, Kentucky, and the other being delivered at Darby Dan Farm outside of Lexington, Kentucky, the stallion outfit said via a Tuesday release.

Machmer Hall oversaw the arrival of a bay colt, the first foal out of SP Six Sense (Violence). A half-sister to SW Xanthique (Into Mischief), out of the GSP mare Qualia (Saarland), Six Sense was a $105,000 purchase at the 2025 Keeneland November sale with the Charge It colt in utero.

“The colt is healthy and doing great,” said Machmer Hall's Carrie Brogden. “He is the first of three Charge It babies expected here at Machmer Hall this year. When I first laid eyes on this beautiful stallion, I knew we had to have a share in him. We are delighted to support him with multiple mares in 2025, 2026, and beyond.”

At Darby Dan Farm, the Ghostzapper mare Overt had a filly for breeder Healthy Wood Co. Ltd. This is the third foal out of Overt, a daughter of GSW Antipathy (A.P. Indy) and from the immediate family of Grade I winners, Scat Daddy (Johannesburg) and Likeable Style (Nijinsky II).

A son of cornerstone Gainesway sire Tapit, Charge It was a Mandy Pope Whisper Hill Farm homebred under the care of trainer Todd Pletcher.

The gray's 3-year-old campaign was highlighted by an eye-popping 23-length victory in the GIII Dwyer Stakes, where he earned a career-best 111 Beyer figure. At four, Charge It had another dominant victory with a 4 3/4 length win in the GII Suburban Stakes. In the race, his 106 Beyer tied for the highest figure at the classic distance in 2023.

Charge It hails from one of the modern stud book's most prominent families. He is bred on the same cross as Horse of the Year, Flightline being out of the Indian Charlie mare, I'll Take Charge, herself a $2.2-million yearling. His second dam is the MGISW & Broodmare of the Year, Take Charge Lady (Dehere), who is the dam of champion Will Take Charge (Unbridled's Song), plus GISWs Take Charge Indy (A.P. Indy) and As Time Goes By (American Pharoah). She is also the granddam of champion Take Charge Brandi (Giant's Causeway) and GISW Omaha Beach (War Front).

In his debut season at stud, Charge It covered 235 mares–fifth most of any North American stallion. In 2026, the Gainesway sire will stand for an advertised fee of $12,500.

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An open house starting at 1 p.m. CT will be held at the LACER stallion complex on Friday, Jan. 9 at Aztec Equine in Sunset, Louisiana, and feature a talk by Lane's End Farm's Bernie Sams, according to a release from the Louisiana breeder on Tuesday.

Stallions who will be shown include Carpe Diem (by Giant's Causeway), Unified (by Candy Ride (Arg) and Bobby's Wicked One (by Speightstown).

Light refreshments and stallion season drawings will be held. The address is: 545 Muscadine Road, Sunset, LA 70584. Inquires can be directed to David Tillson at (337) 315-2439.

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Oaklawn Park welcomed a total attendance of 104,250, hosted average Saturday crowds of more than 13,000, featured 132 races–including 15 stakes races over 13 race days–and had an average field size of 9.78 horses per race during it's new Holiday Meet, the Hot Springs track said in a Tuesday press release.

“The Holiday Meet delivered exactly what we strive for at Oaklawn–great racing, strong fan engagement, and meaningful momentum,” said Louis A. Cella, President of Oaklawn. “The competitiveness of our fields and the enthusiasm from both on-track and off-track players reinforce Oaklawn's position as a premier winter racing destination.”

Total wagering and purses paid reached $10,052,000, averaging $773,230 per day. The on-track handle was up 17 percent while the total handle for the thirteen-day meet totaled $93,484,232, representing a nearly 27 percent increase year-over-year, despite being conducted over one fewer race day. By comparison, the handle from Dec. 6, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, totaled $73,765,539 across 14 days, underscoring the continued growth in wagering engagement from both on-track fans and horseplayers nationwide.

Competition remained deep with 52 jockeys participating in at least one race and 30 earning a victory. One hundred forty-nine trainers started a horse during the meet, with 64 trainers represented in the winner's circle. Ownership participation was equally robust, as 661 owners started a horse, and 117 earned at least one victory.

A total of 1,066 horses made at least one start during the meet, with 223 horses going out twice. One hundred thirty horses found the winner's circle, including three that recorded multiple victories.

Oaklawn returns to action with the Classic Race Meet beginning Friday, Jan. 30.

The post Turnstiles And Betting Slips: Oaklawn Concludes A Record Holiday Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

You probably won't find the name Touchuponastar (Star Guitar) on anyone's 2025 Eclipse Award ballot. Fanfare just doesn't come easily for a Louisiana-bred who has spent most of his career competing against fellow state breds. But the 7-year-old gelding is unquestionably one of the fastest horses in the sport. Is he fast enough to win the Jan. 24 GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes at Gulfstream Park? It appears he may just be given that chance.

When the names of horses invited to the $3 million race were released, Touchuponastar was included on the list. According to the horse's owner, the former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme, who starred with the Carolina Panthers, it was Gulfstream Vice President of Racing Operations Mike Lakow who reached out to the connections and told them the track would be thrilled to have Touchuponastar compete in one of Gulfstream's signature races.

“Mike Lakow reached out to us, probably over two months ago,” Delhomme said. “He said that he wanted to throw out the idea of our running there.”

Touchuponastar is trained by Delhomme's brother, Jeff. The team has yet to decide whether or not it will point for the Pegasus, but Jake Delhomme said the race is definitely under consideration.

“There's a chance that we will run,” Delhomme said. “We told [Lakow] we would consider it. There's no definitive answer yet. We'll see.”

Some skeptics might conclude that Touchuponastar would be outclassed in the Pegasus. But adherents of the Beyer speed figures are likely to look at it differently. Touchuponastar has run Beyer figures of 101, 108 and 104 in his last three starts. His best figure of the year came when he turned in a 109 after winning the GII New Orleans Classic. Only six horses posted faster numbers in 2025.

By way of comparison, White Abarrio (Race Day), the winner of the 2025 Pegasus, who will likely be among the favorites in this year's race, has run numbers of 97, 103 and 97 in his last three starts. One of the other big names being pointed for the race, Tappan Street, (Into Mischief), recorded a 90 Beyer in a Dec. 19 allowance that served as a prep for the Pegasus.

Disco Time | Joe Labozzetta

“I think he would be very competitive with those horses,” Delhomme said. “I follow this sport religiously. It's not something I just do on the side. I feel very confident in saying that I stay abreast of what's going on. Tappan Street is an unbelievably talented horse and I loved what he did last year. Disco Time (Not This Time) is training lights out for Brad [Cox]. You have Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator), White Abarrio… there are so many good horses pointing for this race. It's an honor to have been invited.”

Should he go in the Pegasus, it will not be the first time that the Delhommes have gone outside their comfort zone, which has been races for Louisiana-breds. Eighteen of his 26 starts have come against horses also born in the Bayou State, and his record in those races is 16-for-18. But he proved his bona fides in last year's New Orleans Classic, defeating, among others, Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). Delhomme said that race is also a possible target for this year.

“I'll be very honest and won't give you any fluff,” Delhomme said. “Our horse can compete at many levels and he's doing extremely well and is very, very sound. That was proven last year against Sierra Leone and Hall of Fame when he ran against those two. To run in the Pegasus would be something very different for us. I played football for 15 years and I learned then that you have to take things one week at a time. We'll keep this under consideration.”

The post Can The Louisiana-Bred Sensation Touchuponastar Topple The Big Boys In The Pegasus? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Amplify Horse Racing is accepting applications until Tuesday, Jan. 27 for the Spring 2026 session of its mentorship program, an educational initiative connecting youth and young adults with experienced professionals across the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, the organization said via a press release on Tuesday.

Designed as a three-month hybrid experience for ages 15 to 25, the Amplify Mentorship Program provides structured career exploration, individualized guidance, and direct exposure to the Thoroughbred industry. No prior horse experience or specific academic criteria are required. Applicants must reside in the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada.

Click here for more information.

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Amsterdam Two Farm in Middleburgh, New York will hold its inaugural stallion show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10.

Arzak (Not This Time–Delightlful Melody, Tapit), the farm's multiple Grade II winner and track record setter, will be available for inspection in Amsterdam Two's new stallion barn in advance of his first season at stud in 2026.

A $575,000 OBS Spring 2-year-old who went gate-to-wire second time out as a juvenile going six furlongs over Woodbine's all-weather surface, Arzak also won stakes races at 3, 4, 5 and 6–recording 90-plus Beyer speed figures on 17 occasions.

“We're thrilled to be standing New York's only son of Not This Time, arguably the hottest stallion on the planet right now,” said Amsterdam Two manager Ken Williams. “Arzak has the pedigree and race record to be an elite stallion, and as breeders will see at our open house, an incredible physical to back it up, as well.”

Arzak's career highlights included wins in the GII Woodford Stakes, earning a 101 Beyer figure, and GII Shakertown Stakes–both times going 5 1/2 furlongs on turf at Keeneland. He also scored victories in the GIII Jacques Cartier Stakes and Thorncliffe Stakes at Woodbine–setting a new track record of 1:02.62 in the latter. He also won the Tom Ridge Stakes going 6 furlongs at Presque Isle Downs.

Arzak, who is out of the Tapit mare Delightful Melody, also ran second in the GI Jaipur Stakes at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf at Saratoga, just behind Cogburn (Not This Time). He retired with a record of eight wins from 36 starts and earnings of $1,081,294.

“This horse was so sound and so willing–never had a moment's problem with him, and I say that with 100% sincerity,” said Michael Trombetta, who trained the horse throughout his career for owner Sonata Stables. “Arzak was as clean-legged on retirement as the day he came to the barn. And I think based on his sire's accomplishments and Arzak's own win going a mile at Tampa Bay in his third career start, his offspring will be well-suited to most distances and all three surfaces offered at the new Belmont Park.”

For more information on Arzak or the farm, call Amsterdam Two at (570) 604-3657.

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