Thoroughbred Daily News

Godolphin's Sovereignty (Into Mischief), a smashing winner of the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes on seasonal debut Mar. 1, drew widest in a field of 10 and was made the 8-5 favorite on the morning line for the GI Curlin Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on Mar. 29.

Trained by Bill Mott, looking for his first victory in the Kentucky Derby stepping-stone, Sovereignty is a homebred son of Crowned (Bernardini), whose dam Mushka (Empire Maker) was a Grade II winner of the Demoiselle Stakes as a juvenile and added the GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes for Mott in 2009. Sovereignty is the mount of jockey Junior Alvarado.

Somewhat remarkably, Bob Baffert also lacks a win in the Florida Derby, and the Hall of Famer will try to right that wrong with Madaket Road (Quality Road) next weekend. A $650,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate, the gray colt is winless in his two outings this season, but ran with credit when third to his Eclipse Award-winning stablemate Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) in the GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes Feb. 1 ahead of a runner-up effort to Coal Battle (Coal Front) in the GII Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn three weeks later. Madaket Road is the 7-2 second choice on the morning line and will leave from the eight hole.

Disruptor (Gun Runner), a $1.15-million Keeneland September purchase, gets the litmus test for trainer Todd Pletcher, who has saddled the last two winners of this race and seven out of the last 11. Fractionally disappointing when a money-burning third on seven-furlong debut on the Pegasus World Cup undercard Jan. 25, he put it all together last time to graduate by 9 1/4 lengths en route to 'TDN Rising Star' honors. The chestnut is drawn four and is pegged at 7-2 to begin the wagering.

The post Sovereignty Favored From Outside Alley In Curlin Florida Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Kosta, Stephanie, and Pete Hronis of Hronis Racing have been named the recipients of the 2025 Ed Friendly Industry Service Award, also known as the TOC Chairman's Award, according to the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC). The annual award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Thoroughbred racing.

Not only did Hronis Racing lead all California owners in wins in 2024, but they have regularly campaigned top horses around the nation, including 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline, and are dedicated philanthropists.

“The Hronis family truly embodies the spirit of California horse racing,” said TOC Chairman Gary Fenton. “Their unwavering commitment to the sport is matched by their deep compassion for our equine athletes and the dedicated horsemen and horsewomen who make racing possible. Their contributions continue to elevate California racing, both on and off the track.”

Kosta Hronis has been a member of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Board of Directors since 2018, while his wife, Stephanie, serves on the boards of the TOC, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), the California Thoroughbred Horsemen's Foundation (CTHF), the NTRA Horse PAC, and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. She also co-founded the Horse Racing Women's Summit, now the Horse Racing Women's Association (HRWA).

The Hronis family will be honored at TOC's Southern California Annual Meeting at Del Mar on Saturday, Aug. 16.

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Featuring 29 horses and stallion seasons, the catalogue for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA March Sale is headlined by the half-sister to the dam of the reigning Horse of the Year, the auction house announced Friday.

Among the notables on offer is Lady Eliana (Tapizar), a half-sister to the dam of 'TDN Rising Star' 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), who is being offered as a broodmare prospect. Other notable names include SW Bank On Anna (Central Banker); Fleet Frost (Frosted), who hails from a busy female line which includes the likes of the late great English Channel; SW Professors' Pride (Bayern), from the family of an Argentinian champion; and SW Tequila Kiss (Competitive Edge), who is out of a half-sister to the multiple Grade I-placed dam of Japanese champion G1SW-Jpn Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}).

Also in the catalogue is Giant Bird (Colonel John), a half-sister to GISW Mucho Gusto (Mucho Macho Man) and GISP Go With Gusto (Medaglia d'Oro). The broodmare hails from the immediate female family of Canadian Horse of the Year Peaks and Valleys, who was among leading sires in Canada, and his half-sister MGSP Alternate (Seattle Slew), dam of GISW Higher Power (Medaglia d'Oro) and MGSW Alternation (Distorted Humor). This is the extended family of GSW & G1SP-Fr, GSP-Ire, GSP American Sonja (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), who was last seen running sixth in the 2024 G1 Prix de l'Opera Longines at ParisLongchamp. She is offered in-foal to Bolt d'Oro.

The broodmare offering Princess Tine (Fr) (Pastorius {Ger}) has a no-guarantee season to Raging Bull (Fr) for after she foals her Demarchelier (GB) foal while Lookin at Grace (Lookin At Lucky) is being sold with her Feb. 25 Tapwrit filly at foot.

Breeders with late-season plans for mares will find no-guarantee seasons to Flameaway, Modernist, Messier, Mind Control, and Great Notion.

“We're thrilled to get our March sale underway with a strong collection of breeding stock along with quality racehorses and some no-guarantee seasons if you're still looking for a

match for your mare,” said Kyle Wilson, senior director of Sales and Recruiting for Inglis Digital USA. “Our entire team is ready to assist in any way.”

To view the full catalogue and register to bid, registration and a bidding limit are both required to start placing bids, visit the Inglis Digital USA website.

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Led by leading scorer Drayden Van Dyke, a team of Santa Anita jockeys defeated the Holy Angels Middle School basketball team Thursday night to break a lengthy losing streak in the 55th annual charity game.

With coach Luis Jauregui at the helm and former jockey Darrell Haire serving as assistant, the jockeys came out on top with a score of 28-22. The team consisted of Van Dyke, Kent Desormeaux, Edwin Maldonado, Armando Ayuso, Abel Lezcano, Ricky Gonzalez, Diego Herrara, Geovanni Franco, Kevin Orozco and Sofia Barandela.

Prior to the game, Hall of Famers Laffit Pincay Jr. and Mike Smith were available to the fans for an autograph session. Proceeds went to support the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and Holy Angels athletics.

“Everyone played great,” said Jauregui, who was making his coaching debut. “They were really hustling.”

The post Santa Anita Park Jockeys Break Lengthy Losing Streak in Charity Hoops Game appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The sales pavilion at Lone Star Park has been renamed in honor of retiring Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) executive director Mary Ruyle, the group announced Friday afternoon.

Ruyle has a long history with the association since she began as a bookkeeper in 1988 and moved her way up the ranks until she ultimately became the executive director. Her 36-year tenure with the TTA made her the longest-employed member in the history of the association.

“There is not enough we can do to show Mary how much the Texas thoroughbred industry appreciates her years of hard work and dedication,” said Phil Adams, the TTA board member who coordinated the renaming effort.

After Fasig-Tipton withdrew from Texas in 2015, Ruyle was instrumental in establishing the TTA Sales division and its two annual auctions. She also helped establish programs like The Paddock Foundation for retired racehorses and the Texas Thoroughbred Educational Fund for scholarships as well as the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes series and special races for TTA sale graduates. The first event to be held in the newly renamed pavilion will be The Texas Thoroughbred Association Two-Year-Old In Training Sale Apr. 2.

“I was surprised and touched by this gesture from the board of directors,” said Ruyle. “I love the sales, for me it is old home week where I get to see so many of the people that make horse racing special.”

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Lucky Seven Stable and Sharaf Mohamed Alhairi's Rattle N Roll (Connect), who rallied from the back of the back to finish a creditable fifth to Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the G1 Saudi Cup on Feb. 22, has officially been invited to participate in the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse Apr. 5, trainer Ken McPeek tweeted Mar. 21.

The 6-year-old failed to draw into last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic and was rerouted for the GII Clark Stakes Nov. 29, where he duly obliged by 3/4 of a length, defeating a field that included fellow World Cup invitee Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}). Sent to Riyadh for the Jan. 25 G3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup–a Saudi Cup qualifier–Rattle N Roll streaked home 4 3/4 lengths to the good and was beaten about two lengths for third last time in the main event while adding $1 million to his bankroll.

Rattle N Roll remained at King Abdulaziz Racetrack on the outskirts of the Saudi capital immediately following the race before shipping to Dubai to continue his training about two weeks ago. The $210,000 Keeneland September yearling has displayed good energy in his morning gallops since his arrival and is scheduled to breeze five furlongs beneath veteran horseman Danny Ramsey on Mar. 22, McPeek tweeted.

The addition of Rattle N Roll takes the World Cup field to 11, with Forever Young heading the ante-post markets at 4-5 over the Bhupat Seemar-trained pair of G2 Al Maktoum Classic hero Imperial Emperor (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}, 11-2) and Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}, 8-1), who defeated his stablemate in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge in January, but was a distant 12th in the Saudi Cup. Rattle N Roll is quoted as a 25-1 chance.

Rattle N Roll getting stronger everyday in Dubai. Scheduled to breeze Saturday 5 furlongs under Danny Ramsey. Still no rider assigned. We are optimistic and the accommodations are amazing. @DubaiWorldCup @RacingDubai @DubaiRacingTV pic.twitter.com/TvMgklKAoy

— Kenny McPeek (@KennyMcPeek) March 20, 2025

In other World Cup-related news:

• Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) breezed five furlongs in 1:00.13 (1/5) Friday morning at Gulfstream Park for trainer Antonio Sano. The World Cup riding assignment for the dual Grade III winner has yet to be confirmed.

• Trainer Doug O'Neill said Thursday that Frankie Dettori rides Calumet Farm's GI Pacific Classic upsetter Mixto (Good Magic) in the World Cup and retains the call on GI Malibu Stakes hero Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief), who heads the market for the G2 Godolphin Mile. O'Neill has won the Mile twice, including last year's renewal with Two Rivers Over (Tamarkuz). At Santa Anita Friday morning, Mixto went a half-mile in :48.60 (9/36) and Raging Torrent the same distance in :50.80 (35/36). The third of the O'Neill-trained invitees, Katonah (Klimt, World Cup), covered four furlongs in :50.60 (33/36).

The post Rattle N Roll Invited To Dubai World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Churchill Downs has officially rebranded the Wednesday of Kentucky Derby Week to be known as “Winsday: Greater Thrills for the Greater Good, presented by Resolute Racing” in honor of supporting local nonprofit organizations in the Kentuckiana community, the organization announced Friday.

With a total of 50 area nonprofits who have emailed unique ticket links to their supporters, Churchill Downs will donate $5 to the respective organization for every “Winsday” box seat ticket sold. Individual seats on the 100 level are $32 and the 300 level box seats are $39 with the reserved boxes being communal seating with other guests unless they are purchased in full. The event will also provide participating organizations with multiple ways to raise funds including special cash prizes and increasing awareness for their work on race day.

A full list of the organizations is available here. Listed in alphabetical order on the site, ticket purchases made through the links will also unlock a randomly selected drawing for an additional $2,000 prize to the nonprofit. In addition to various Thoroughbred-centered charities, others participating include groups providing assistance for the spiritual, mental, and living needs of their communities. “Winsday” will take place Wednesday, Apr. 30 before the GI Kentucky Derby is run May 3.

“Winsday is a new Kentucky Derby Week event that will make a direct impact on the lives of many across Louisville and the Kentuckiana region,” said Casey C. Ramage, vice president of Marketing and Partnerships, Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Churchill Downs is thrilled to partner with Resolute Racing and the Community Foundation of Louisville for this incredible celebration of the pivotal role nonprofits play in our community.”

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The New York Racing Association (NYRA)and Spendthrift Farm have entered a multi-year agreement for the stallion operation to serve as the title sponsor of the $300,000 GI Spendthrift Farm Hopeful Stakes, announced NYRA Friday morning.

The seven-panel dirt sprint for juveniles anchors the closing day program of the 40-day summer meeting Monday, Sept. 1 at Saratoga. One of the oldest races for 2-year-olds, the Hopeful had its inaugural running in 1903, and several winners of the contest would go on to enjoy victory in the GI Belmont Stakes, including the likes of Triple Crown winner Secretariat.

Most recently, several stallions on (or who once stood on) the Spendthrift roster have claimed the race including Basin in 2019; Jackie's Warrior in 2020, who set the race record of 1:21.29 (run at seven furlongs) that stands today; and 2022 champion juvenile Forte.

As one of three Grade I races on closing weekend at the Spa, the Hopeful will proceed the GI Spinaway Saturday, Aug. 20 and the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Sunday, Aug. 31. A full list of the Saratoga stakes schedule may be found here.

“The Hopeful is one of America's most storied races for 2-year-olds, and we are honored to be its sponsor,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift Farm general manager. “For generations, this race has played a key role in shaping champions–many of whom have gone on to stand at Spendthrift, including Forte and Jackie's Warrior today.”

“This partnership allows us to support a race that embodies the excitement, promise, and rich tradition of 2-year-old racing. We also commend NYRA for its steadfast commitment to the sport, ensuring that Saratoga remains the pinnacle of racing and a launching pad for the next generation of great horses.”

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The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages retraining Thoroughbreds into other disciplines after their racing or breeding careers end, has revealed winners and other placings from its 2024 Performance Awards Program, the group announced Friday morning.

Created to recognize the Thoroughbreds who accumulated the most points at all horse shows at a wide variety of disciplines and experience levels, the program counted 691 horses from 44 states and five Canadian provinces in 2024. They competed in more than 14,000 classes, divisions, and events with division awards being calculated in 16 categories as well as 99 discipline divisions and nine junior rider divisions.

Among the awards were the Green OTTB category for Thoroughbreds that last raced in 2022, 2023, or 2024 with a sponsorship for those provided by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA). In addition to the category and division awards, a performance award sponsored by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) for horses adopted from TAA-accredited organizations was given out as well as one provided by the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) for top-placing RRP Makeover alumni.

Winners will receive ribbons, prize money, and a variety of other prizes including coolers, halters, bags, tumblers, and apparel.

Category winners included:

• Dressage – Triple Magic (Bernardini–Triple o'Five)
• Equitation General – Runforprofit “Profitable” (Runhappy–Goodprofit)
• Eventing/Combined Test – Swing Hard (Hard Spun–Play Ballado)
• TCA Green OTTB – Last Raced 2022 – Touch of Prince “Touchstone” (Cairo Prince–Ravionetta)
• TCA Green OTTB – Last Raced 2023 – Igottahabeit (Giant Surprise–Ginger Quill)
• TCA Green OTTB – Last Raced 2024 – Fox Red (Mineshaft–Egot)

Performance awards will be available again in 2025 and will be based on show results from Dec. 1, 2024 through Nov. 30, 2025. A full list of the winners and participants along with their state registration, rider and owner names, etc. may be found here. Deadline for next year's submissions is Dec. 20, 2025.

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Thoro-Graph, the creator of North American handicapping products, and 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, operator of the online betting platforms 1/ST BET and Xpressbet, have partnered to bring the Thoro-Graph Player Services program to horseplayers around the country, the Stronach Group said via a release Thursday.

Thoro-Graph Player Services is a free, membership-based online portal that links users to wagering with the online platforms.

“By partnering with Thoro-Graph, we have created a powerful alliance for horseplayers,” said 1/ST TECHNOLOGY President, Keith Johnson. “By linking these great brands, Thoro-Graph Player Services members can maximize their perks, benefits, and winnings by utilizing two of the most trusted names in horse racing.”

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

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

Resolved ADMC Violations
Date: 03/19/2025
Licensee: Curt Ferguson, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 20, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Star Entry, who won at Turf Paradise on 1/25/25.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Naoise Agnew, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 20, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. Both instances treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on I don't See Colors on 7/12/23; and Justice or Appeal on 8/2/23.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: James Crotts, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 19, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Jonas' Dream, who won at Turf Paradise on 2/17/25.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Charles Essex, trainer
Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 19, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Willing to Burn, who won at Turf Paradise on 1/30/25.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Paulina Sinnefia, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 19, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on Fast Freeze Kaz on 9/20/23.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Dimitrios Synnefias, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 19, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. All four instances treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on Zealous Legacy on 6/15/23; Kaz Munnings on 7/6/23; Athena Beach 4/18/24; and El Policia 6/25/24.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Jose Aguila, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Vet list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Sawyer's Speed on 2/9/25.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Mario Lopez, 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-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sam Stormy, who finished second at Tampa Bay on 2/2/25.

Date: 03/17/2025
Licensee: David Geist, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 18, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. All five instances treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on Diggers Diamond on 11/2/23; Harvey Specter on 3/1/24, 5/10/24, and 6/27/24; and Romantic Gamble on 6/27/24.

Date: 03/14/2025
Licensee: Jacinto Lopez, 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 DMSO–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Hot Princess, who finished third at Mahoning Valley on 2/6/25.

Date: 03/14/2025
Licensee: Kimberly Graci, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 15, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a combined fine of $5,500. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time 66 different times between 5/28/23 and 7/5/24; and for an intra-articular injection within 7 days of a timed and reported workout on I See the Stars on 2/20/24, and Cricket West on 5/9/24.

Date: 03/14/2025
Licensee: Erin Carpio, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 15, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. All six instances treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on Shoyyookh on 6/28/23; Sir Steele on 7/19/23; Bejuco on 11/22/23, 1/10/24; and Nazareno on 5/31/24, 6/26/24.

Date: 03/14/2025
Licensee: Marlin (Joe) Miller, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 15, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. All six instances treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on Highway Queen on 6/16/23, 7/13/23, 8/16/23, 12/28/23, 1/12/24, and 2/23/24.

Date: 03/13/2025
Licensee: Gary Greiner, 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 by internal adjudication panel.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Man Overboard, who finished sixth at Pleasanton on 12/18/24.

Pending ADMC Violations
03/19/2025, Jabdiel Castillo, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Play Ball, who finished seventh at Mahoning Valley on 2/11/25.

03/19/2025, Shivananda Parbhoo, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol–a banned substance permitted under certain circumstances–in a sample taken from American Speed, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 1/5/25.

03/13/2025, Andrew McKeever, trainer: Pending vet list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Viley Lane on 2/10/25.

03/13/2025, Mark Glatt, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Metformin and Gabapentin–one banned and one a controlled substance (Class B) respectively–in a sample taken from Vanzzy, who finished second at Los Alamitos on 12/6/24.
More on the story here.

03/13/2025, Michael Zalalas, trainer: Pending medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on ATM Awesome on 9/1/23; and Secret Spell on 3/14/24.

Violations of Crop Rule
Aqueduct
Christopher Elliott–violation date Mar. 14; $250 fine, no other information
Manuel Franco–violation date Mar. 14; $250 fine, no other information

Colonial Downs
Weston Hamilton–violation date Mar. 15; $1,000 fine, two-day suspension
Xavier Perez–violation date Mar. 14; $750 fine, three-day suspension
Jevian Toledo– violation date Mar. 13; $500 fine, one-day suspension
Jean Briceno–violation date Mar. 13; $1,500 fine, six-day suspension
Weston Hamilton–violation date Mar. 13; $500 fine, one-day suspension

The post Weekly National Regulatory Rulings, Mar. 13-19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Puerto Rico Horse Owners Association, Inc. (PRHOA) has agreed to drop a year-old federal lawsuit over allegedly unsafe surface conditions at Camarero Race Track after the owners of the island's only racing venue finally agreed to a long-sought demand by the plaintiffs to allow John Passero, the noted track-safety consultant who once served as the track superintendent at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, to inspect the track.

After a Feb. 10-12 inspection by Passero deemed that Camarero's dirt surface “was generally in good condition [and] not suffering at the time of the inspection of the safety issues raised by PRHOA in its complaint,” and after Camarero management agreed to pursue “several recommendations” made by Passero, both the PRHOA and the defendants (Camarero's owners and the Gaming Commission of Puerto Rico) entered into a “confidential” settlement agreement that included jointly dropping the lawsuit.

“[I]n view of Mr. Passero's conclusions, there was no need to continue with the instant litigation,” stated a court document jointly filed by plaintiffs and defendants Mar. 13.

No further details about Passero's findings or suggestions were documented in the court filings.

On Mar. 19, six days after the joint request to drop the lawsuit, the judge handling the case in United States District Court (District of Puerto Rico) signed an order and judgment “dismissing this action with prejudice in its entirety,” further noting that, “No attorneys' fees or costs are levied upon any party. This case is now closed for statistical purposes.”

In its initial Apr. 26, 2024, version of the lawsuit, the PRHOA alleged a “present and clear danger” because of a decade's worth of purportedly uncorrected safety issues at Camarero.

The group sought $500,000 in horse-injury damages stemming from “dangerous conditions…in particular [in the] final stretch in the mile and one sixteenth area…due to having consistency problems, unevenness, problems of humidity, lack of compaction and lack of effective maintenance, among others.”

View from the Camerero grandstand | T.D. Thornton

Before initiating its lawsuit, the PRHOA, on Apr. 2, 2024, had filed an “urgent petition” with the gaming commission asking for Passero to be allowed to commence investigatory work on the track surface.

But, according to the initial complaint, “To make things worse, on Apr. 22, 2024, making evident its obstinacy and disregard for the well-being of the riders and Thoroughbreds in use of the Racetrack, Camarero answered the Urgent Petition [by] sustaining that since it is a private entity it doesn't have any legal obligation compelling it to share the requested information with third parties and that the revealing reports are confidential in nature and their disclosure is not supported by any legal provision requiring its submittal to PRHOA.”

After the lawsuit was filed, both the Camarero owners and the Gaming Commission of Puerto Rico filed responses that didn't specifically contest the alleged safety hazards. Instead, they pleaded that the case should be dismissed for failure to state a claim and because a federal court is not the proper jurisdiction to decide the issue.

The PRHOA, in turn, then filed written opposition to dismissing the case.

“The lack of action by the Commission and its members [in] in concert with Camarero [constitute] an illegal violation of PRHOA and its members' civil rights, in violation of the Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution and 42 USC section 1983. Said acts and omissions are grossly negligent or intentional and taken in reckless disregard and deliberate indifference of the rights of PRHOA and its members,” the PRHOA's June 24 filing stated.

The PRHOA had claimed that despite several years of official complaints lodged to address the alleged safety issues, the gaming commission and track management purportedly ignored the horse owners' repeated calls for safety upgrades. The PRHOA also cited a history of cancelled racing and training on both dry and wet tracks dating to 2016.

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Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be onsite during Florida Derby Week as they partner with 1/ST RACING and are designated the beneficiary of a golf tournament, according to a press release from the non-profit on Thursday.

TAA will be honored with a named race on the Mar. 29 Derby undercard. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a TAA gift bag.

A representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be host the winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction. 1/ST RACING has donated the Florida Derby Day VIP Experience where the winners will enjoy premium dining, access to the paddock, and much more.

Finally, TAA will be the beneficiary of the Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament. Hosted by 1/ST RACING, the event will be held on Monday, Mar. 24 at the Plantation Preserve Golf Course.

Interested participants can contact Stacy Nicks at Gulfstream Park by email or phone: stacy.nicks@gulfstreampark.com or (954) 457-6284.

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For the second time at the current Oaklawn Park meet, jockey Rafael Bejarano has been fined $200 for misjudging the location of the finish line in a one-mile race.

At Oaklawn, one-mile races end at the sixteenth pole under the track's long-established configuration for races at that distance.

In this second instance of the season, Bejarano actually won the third race Mar. 16 by a length aboard 8-5 favorite Moon Over Choctaw (Malibu Moon).

But according to the stewards' ruling, the 42-year-old jockey kept riding past the first wire at the sixteenth pole, and his penalty included “striking his mount after the finish” as Bejarano continued to drive the 3-year-old filly to the second wire.

Back on Jan. 25 in the $150,000 Fifth Season Stakes, Bejarano was fined $200 for mistiming his ride on 6-1 closer Henro (Collected). In that stakes, Bejarano drove his mount after the official finish like there was still half a furlong to go. Henro finished fourth, beaten a neck for third and 3 1/4 lengths for the win.

It was not clear at deadline for this story whether Bejarano, a veteran jockey of 22 years who has been riding regularly at Oaklawn the last three seasons, plans to appeal his second fine of the year. He is currently second in both earnings and victories at the current Oaklawn meet.

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Pleasant Acres Stallions has introduced a Florida-Bred Excellence Program with three financial options designed to give Florida breeders flexibility and support for the 2025 breeding season.

The program's three options are:

DOUBLE PLAY, LIFETIME STAY: Allows breeders to choose a preferred stallion from a selection of five standing at Pleasant Acres and then breed one or more mares in consecutive years (2025-2026) to that stallion, pay stud fees within 30 days of foals standing and nursing, register the foals with The Jockey Club, and then receive a lifetime breeding right to the selected stallion, offering one breeding season annually at no cost, beginning in 2027.

The stallions offered in the program are: Doppelganger, Mr Fisk, Simplification, Chess Chief, and Curlin's Honor.

PROCEEDS PRIORITY PROGRAM: Allows for the deferment of stud fee payments until the foal sells–whether as a weanling or yearling–with all fees to be paid by Dec. 31, 2027. This program is designed to help breeders maintain positive cash flow during crucial foal development periods and aligns payments with sales revenue.

25/25 SAVINGS SUCCESS: Offers an immediate 25% reduction on published 2025 breeding fees for Bodexpress, Chess Chief, Curlin's Honor, Doppelganger, Gunnevera, Leinster, Magic on Tap, Mr Fisk, Neolithic, Simplification, and Verifying, if fee is paid in full within 30 days of foal standing and nursing.

“We recognize that successful breeding programs require both exceptional bloodlines and smart financial planning,” said  Christine Jones, Director of Stallion Services at Pleasant Acres Stallions. “Our new Florida-Bred Excellence Program demonstrates our commitment to supporting breeders with solutions that make sense for their operations, whether they're looking for long-term breeding rights, flexible payment terms, or immediate savings.”

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NBC Sports will present live coverage of the GII Louisiana Derby from Fair Grounds Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on CNBC and Peacock. The hour-long program will also feature coverage of the GII Fair Grounds Oaks and the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks from Turfway Park.

Ahmed Fareed will host Saturday's coverage alongside analysts Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss.

The Louisiana Derby begins three consecutive Saturday afternoons with Kentucky Derby prep coverage live on CNBC and Peacock, continuing with the GI Florida Derby and GI Arkansas Derby Mar. 29 and the GI Santa Anita Derby Apr. 5.

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Unraced since finishing second in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic, 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) is nearing his 4-year-old debut, which will most likely come in the May 4 GIII Westchester S. at Aqueduct.

His comeback was put on temporary hold because he was turned out for 60 days after undergoing an elective surgical procedure on a hind ankle. He had his first published workout this year when breezing three furlongs in :36.23 Mar. 13 at Palm Beach Downs.

“He's come back very well,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “What we are thinking at the moment is the Westchester on May 4 at Aqueduct. Hopefully, that will be a lead-in to the Met Mile. The important Grade I's this summer and fall are what we are targeting.

“He had a little surgical procedure on a hind ankle that took place a couple of weeks after the Breeders' Cup. He needed a recovery period after that, but since then everything has gone according to plan.”

Fierceness, the 2023 champion 2-year-old male, is one of many Pletcher-trained stars that will be returning to the track shortly. Another is 'TDN' Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution), who won the Mar. 1 GII Gulfstream Park Mile. It was his 4-year-old debut.

“Mindframe came out of the Gulfstream Mile in good order and right now we are strongly considering the Churchill Downs Handicap,” Pletcher said. “It's seven furlongs on Derby Day and is a Grade I. As you know there are limited Grade I opportunities and we feel the horse is versatile enough to handle multiple distances. That's why we are thinking seven-eighths might work.”

Mindframe accomplished a lot in a short period of time last year, finishing second in the GI Belmont S. in just his third lifetime start. He followed that with another runner-up finish in the GI Haskell S.

“He always trained really, really well,” Pletcher said of the Maryland-bred. “When you look at what he did as a 3-year-old, going from an allowance race at Churchill and then just getting beat in the Belmont and Haskell, it shows that we asked a lot of him in a short period of time. He was relatively inexperienced while we were doing that. That showed me that he is a special talent. Now, we have to get the Grade I and keep building from there.”

Mindframe is owned by the partnership of Repole Racing and St. Elias Stables. Repole is the sole owner of Fierceness. Will Pletcher be able to keep his two 4-year-old stars apart before the Breeders' Cup?

“We'll have to play it by ear,” Pletcher said. “Mike [Repole] owns all of one and half of the other, so we will try to keep them apart as much as we can. There could be a situation, like, say, in the Whitney, where we might run the two of them against one another. We hope we'll have those decisions to make.”

Some five or six weeks ago, it appeared that Pletcher might not have a starter in this year's GI Kentucky Derby. But a trio of his 3-year-olds have developed quickly and Pletcher, if things break his way, could be well represented in the Derby.

'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music) won his first two starts before finishing second, beaten a neck in the GII Fountain of Youth S. Grande (Curlin) is 2-for-2 and is coming off a win in a Gulfstream allowance. Disruptor (Gun Runner) romped in a Mar. 1 maiden at Gulfstream, winning by 9 1/4 lengths.

“They'll all breeze on either Friday or Saturday and that will firm up their spots,” Pletcher said. “Right now, if everything goes according to plan the most likely scenario is that Disruptor will go in the Florida Derby, River Thames in the Blue Grass and Grande in the Wood Memorial. We're not there yet. But we're looking a lot better than we did a month ago.”

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The Texas Thoroughbred Association's Texas Summer Yearling Sale will be held Aug. 26, beginning at 10 a.m., at Lone Star Park. A limited mixed session will follow the yearling session.

“We've already had people asking about the yearling sale, so we are pleased to get the date set and start preparing for another successful auction,” said Sales Director Foster Bridewell. “The yearling sale has produced some tremendous racehorses over the years, including the latest example in Coal Battle.”

A $70,000 graduate of the 2023 yearling sale, Coal Battle is already a millionaire and currently tops the Road to the Kentucky Derby point standings after taking the GII Rebel Stakes last month at Oaklawn Park.

The consignment deadline for the yearling sale is June 24 and forms are now available online.

The TTA will host its 2-year-olds in training sale Apr. 2 at Lone Star Park, with an under-tack preview Mar. 31.

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Always ready to open up a lane with a crisp pass or poised to hold for the last shot by spreading the floor, Fasig-Tipton announcers Jesse Ullery and Frank Alosa form a March Madness-like backcourt as they host the latest digital sale on the auction house's platform.

For Ullery it is all about channeling the excitement of an online sale with his partner and informing would-be buyers about something they may not have heard. In other words, have a seat on the couch and stay awhile.

“I don't know that any of us thought that it was going to be like this as quickly as it has materialized,” said Ullery. “But when we made the investment to start doing the consignor interviews and build out the studio, it just took off. It's part Manning Cast with some our our own personal references thrown in for good measure and we will talk about everything from pedigrees to country songs.”

On Tuesday, the pair emceed yet another successful broadcast during the March event which saw 100 head on offer and 88 sell through the virtual ring. With a strike rate of 85% and a total gross of $3,627,500, the format is doing more than just advancing to the next round–it's a Cinderella.

A huge part of that growth rests squarely on the dynamic ability of Ullery and Alosa–especially if 'overtime' is in effect–because in lieu of a traditional 'caller' it is their job to maintain the tempo and keep tabs on multiple 'shot clocks' as the time on all of them wind down.

“Jesse and Frank are consummate professionals,” said Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “I joke with Jesse about how he is the busiest guy at Fasig-Tipton, and the addition of Frank came along at the perfect time.”

Running the platform going on three years, Fasig-Tipton built an in-house studio in Lexington, Kentucky last April with spots for Ullery and Alosa behind the camera. Normally you will find the pair trading chair positions on the stand next to the auctioneer during any given in-person Fasig-Tipton sale. Tradition dictates that the announcer's role is to introduce the horse as they enter the ring by reading from the pedigree chart. To be sure, that takes finesse and a certain deftness when it comes to time management, but rarely do they have the opportunity to expound on a hip.

Ullery and Alosa during a broadcast | courtesy of Fasig-Tipton

During a Fasig-Tipton online sale like they one that just closed, elaborating is everything. Like a point guard, Ullery brings the ball up the court while Alosa sets a screen or two as he waits to handle the rock. Neither of them knows exactly which pieces of information that they compiled beforehand will be useful, but Aaron said that the chemistry the two have built both professionally as colleagues and privately as friends is what works. That type of trust on-air goes a long way to helping the team achieve their goals.

“I've known Frank a long time and we work well together,” Ullery said. “We are cut from the same cloth. We both enjoy being air traffic controllers and commentators all at the same time. In my former life as a track announcer I had to instantly forget a batch of horses because the next race was coming up. Well, here I have to remember them because a particular sale could still be active, but that is what makes this so fun.”

Where things get tricky for the duo is when clocks come down to the wire at once. The pressure of the buzzer looms. Ullery and Alosa are forced to pick and roll which lot has the potential to be extended into an overtime situation. Based on each other's facial expressions and intonations they have developed a rapport.

“We want this to operate just like an in-person sale,” said Alosa. “It's a live broadcast so you have to be on your toes as time is expiring and know which lots are in overtime. We want this to be something that everyone can tune into, even if you aren't actively bidding, and that is what makes digital sales so special. You can be anywhere and hopefully we are a bit informative and entertaining along the way.”

On Fasig-Tipton's site viewers can watch Ullery and Alosa offer commentary and be on the couch for what is constructed to be a convivial atmosphere. Of course, this is serious business as the seconds peel away, but both said that they understand what is at stake for those involved.

“Fasig-Tipton is always going to try to find ways to be innovative and grow the sport just like we are with our digital platform,” said Ullery. “I mean we're the oldest sales company in North America for Thoroughbreds, and here we are selling horses online. So, that impetus is going to lead to something special and we are going to see where this takes us.”

R Harper rose topped the Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale | Lauren King

After a record-setting one-horse flash sale for the site earlier this month which saw Champion Female Sprinter Soul of an Angel (Atreides) go for $2.6 million, Tuesday's March sale was once again chock full with different options.

Leading the way was GSW R Harper Rose (Khozan) who brought $400,000 and MGSW Spirit Wind (Bahamian Squall) was sold post-RNA for $500,000.

As the year anniversary approaches for Ullery and Alosa, the platform's unique approach continues to grow. Aaron said he expects the announcers to find more undiscovered territory.

“When we put this team together with Jesse and Frank, then added key I.T. and A.V. support with Isaac Wagner and Thad Kesten we knew we had something special brewing,” Aaron said. “We're basically on new ground. I mean, no one else is doing this when it comes to live broadcasting. I get messages from our customers all the time and they talk about how much they enjoy watching the sale closings with these guys.”

Armed with a succinct alley-oop to his partner, Ullery and Alosa continue to diversify the Fasig-Tipton Digital space. The backcourt will be at it again when the next sale hits Apr. 3-8 as this Cinderella story continues.

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The Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association voted Tuesday evening to pursue a race meet this summer, according to several sources. This is in contrast to a January vote by the California Association of Racing Fairs (CARF) to not apply for race dates in 2025.

Tuesday's closed session vote launches a flurry of key details and obligations to be nailed down before a race-meet can go ahead at the track, all within a relatively short amount of time.

This includes a response to the facility's long-standing regulatory wastewater and stormwater discharge problems; determining funding for extended stabling, training and vanning after Mar. 25 when the current agreement ends; arranging and paying for key equipment to conduct the meet; determining the specifics around a managerial entity now that CARF no longer conducts fair meets in Northern California; along with a likely bolstering of the current horse population at the track.

Long-time California owner George Schmitt and owner-breeder John Harris have devised a business plan to essentially bankroll the proposed summer meet at Pleasanton. This would be under the banner of a newly formed company called Bernal Park Racing.

On Wednesday afternoon, Schmitt said that he and Alameda County Fair CEO Jerome Hoban were working together on sorting out the specifics after Tuesday's vote.

“We're continuing with negotiations, and hopefully everything will work out for the horsemen as well as the horses,” said Schmitt.

Schmitt would like to see Pleasanton host a meet there this summer between June 13 and July 6. No such race dates have yet been officially allocated by the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB).

According to state statute, licensees must submit their application to conduct a race meet at least 90 days before the start of a race meet. As such, of course, the dates are typically allocated before the application is submitted.

According to Schmitt, any such license application would be submitted under the Bernal Park Racing banner.

One of the key questions to arise from Tuesday's vote is who pays for an extension to the stabling and training at the facility, the contract for which is set to expire on Mar. 25.

Currently, 50% of the stabling and training expenses at Pleasanton come from purses, while Santa Anita and Del Mar pay the other half. According to Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) president and CEO Bill Nader, it will have cost some $2 million to stable and train the horses at Pleasanton since Dec. 26 through the end of March, along with shipping costs.

As originally proposed, the TOC had outlined a six-month stabling plan at the track until June. Earlier this year, the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association decided to end the stabling agreement on Mar. 25, citing wastewater discharge and financial concerns.

When asked if Southern California racing interests would continue to pay for Pleasanton to remain open after Mar. 25, Nader was ambivalent, citing potential statutory obstacles and financial concerns.

“If we were to receive an application, which we have not [as yet], we would first have to be satisfied that we have the statutory purview to consider such an application, which is unclear at this point, because it's transferring money from one zone to another zone,” said Nader.

There are currently around 340 to 350 horses stabled at the track, say officials–down from nearly 800 at the end of last year. When asked if continued funding was also incumbent upon a minimum threshold of horses stabled at the track, Nader said he would have to speak with the stabling and vanning committee.

“Right now, of the horses that are stabled there, less than 100 have made a start at Santa Anita. Based on what the rate is now, which is something like $40 a horse per-day that we're paying, this is a big number,” said Nader.

“We've got to be fiscally responsible,” Nader added. “And again, coming into something that we would label good governance, or statutorily correct, it's a little bit dodgy as it is. And to consider continuing that would be a big question mark.”

One of the reasons CARF gave for not applying for race dates this summer were large operational deficits left from the prior year's Golden State Racing meet at Pleasanton. The purse overpayment at the end of the meet was around $800,000.

There also exist questions over the facility's long-standing wastewater management and stormwater discharge problems.

Last week, the Alameda County General Services Agency wrote a damning letter to the Alameda County Fairground Association criticizing their handling of an inspection last July by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) leading to the issuance of a notice of violation (NOV) related to “waste management, stormwater discharge, and unpermitted horse racing operations.”

The NOV required a swift corrective action response by the fairground. “While documents were submitted by the dates, they were and continue to be found inadequate by the RWQCB and numerous meetings and communications with the agency took place to rectify the situation. Nearly eight months later, the corrective actions to comply are still not complete,” the letter states.

At the same time, the manager of the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board reportedly told NBC Bay Area last week that the agency is willing to come up with a water plan to keep the racetrack open and have not set any strict deadlines.

Alameda County Fair's Hoban did not respond before publication to a request for comment.

David Haubert, the Alameda County Supervisor for the Pleasanton area, was on his way to Mexico when reached Wednesday morning via text. “Still a lot of work to do to get permission from the water board and the sanitation district, but there is a clear path forward, if they take it,” Haubert wrote.

In a letter last week to Hoban, Haubert asked for an extension to the stabling agreement to the end of September, primarily to give the families living there time to reorganize. Haubert said his request had the support of other major politicians in the area, including state senator Jerry McNerney.

“Forcing them to leave prematurely would create undue stress and crisis, needlessly exacerbating homelessness and unemployment for an already vulnerable population. Additionally, pulling their children out of school mid-year could disrupt their education, potentially preventing them from completing the school year,” wrote Haubert, in the letter.

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