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After Long-Sought Independent Inspection, Camarero Horsemen Drop Lawsuit Over Alleged Track Safety Issues

Thoroughbred Daily News - Thu, 2025-03-20 15:14

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.

The post After Long-Sought Independent Inspection, Camarero Horsemen Drop Lawsuit Over Alleged Track Safety Issues appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

TAA To Benefit From Florida Charity Golf Tournament During Gulfstream’s Big Week

Thoroughbred Daily News - Thu, 2025-03-20 13:59

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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Despite Winning, Bejarano Again Fined for Misjudging Oaklawn Finish

Thoroughbred Daily News - Thu, 2025-03-20 12:42

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.

The post Despite Winning, Bejarano Again Fined for Misjudging Oaklawn Finish appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Pleasant Acres Unveils Savings Programs to Support Florida Breeders

Thoroughbred Daily News - Thu, 2025-03-20 12:01

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 Road to the Derby Coverage Continues Saturday

Thoroughbred Daily News - Thu, 2025-03-20 11:38

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.

The post NBC Sports Road to the Derby Coverage Continues Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Pletcher Maps Out Plans for His Stable’s Stars

Thoroughbred Daily News - Thu, 2025-03-20 10:32

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.”

The post Pletcher Maps Out Plans for His Stable’s Stars appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Texas Summer Yearling Sale Set for Aug. 26

Thoroughbred Daily News - Thu, 2025-03-20 09:53

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.

The post Texas Summer Yearling Sale Set for Aug. 26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Ullery And Alosa Turn Fasig-Tipton Digital Sale Into Cinderella

Thoroughbred Daily News - Thu, 2025-03-20 09:49

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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Vote Opens Door to Summer Meet at Pleasanton, Big Hurdles to Clear First

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 19:44

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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Jockeys Take on Holy Angels Middle School in Charity Basketball Game Thursday

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 17:57

The 55th annual Santa Anita Jockeys vs. Holy Angels Middle School Charity Basketball Game is set for Thursday at La Salle High School in Pasadena. The La Salle High gymnasium will open to the public at 6 p.m. and tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

The Santa Anita jockeys' roster includes five of the top 10 riders at the Classic Meet: Juan Hernandez, Hector Berrios, Armando Ayuso, Kyle Frey and Edwin Maldonado. Leading the squad is coach Luis Jauregui, a veteran of the Holy Angels match-ups when a Santa Anita jockey and now a steward at the Arcadia track.

In addition to Santa Anita's current jockeys competing on the hardwood, a distinguished group of Hall of Fame riders will be on-site for an autograph session starting at 6:30 p.m. Among the legendary riders scheduled to attend are Laffit Pincay Jr., Corey Nakatani and Mike Smith.

Admission is $5 with proceeds going to support the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and Holy Angels athletics. Tickets can be purchased on-site the day of the event or online at Santaanita.com.

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Canadian Owner-Breeder Dave Anderson Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 17:32

The tariffs that will be placed on goods coming into the U.S. from Canada, and elsewhere, don't go into effect until Apr. 2. But they're already producing dire forecasts for what they will mean for the Canadian breeding industry. For instance, if someone brings a Canadian-bred to a U.S. yearling sale, the purchaser will have to pay a 25% tariff on top of the purchase price. That will probably mean that the Canadian breeder will disappear from the U.S. sales.

No one has paid closer attention to this situation than Dave Anderson, who operates Anderson Farms in St. Thomas, Ontario. Anderson was this week's guest on the TDN Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland. He was the Gainesway Guest of the Week.

Anderson has already sent most of his horse to the U.S. to beat the Apr. 2 deadline, but says that is something that will hurt his bottom line because of the extra costs involved, which include finding a place to board the horses.

“It's going to cost people a lot of money,” he said. “As you know, I have my own farm in Canada. With the infrastructure and all, I have lots of money invested, as do others. Having to send them somewhere else is going cost me a lot of money. We're hoping that something will happen on Apr. 2 and cooler heads will prevail and this will all go away and everything will be merry again.”

Anderson is taking nothing for granted. His horses will be in the U.S. prior to Apr. 2.

“When a horse is sold, whether it's transferred privately or publicly at auction, they're going to be subject to a tariff if they're not in the United States by Apr. 2,” he said. “Otherwise, those horses selling at Saratoga or at Keeneland September, they're all subject to a 25% tariff. I can tell you personally, with my own horses, they're all on their way to Kentucky. I'm not going to risk a 25% tariff on my entire yearling crop. But this will just cripple my operation. All my profit is gone. A lot of other Canadians are making the same arrangements and people that aren't doing it, they're running the gauntlet.

The tariffs could also affect the November breeding stock sales. Last November, Moira (Ghostzapper), who was based in Canada, sold for $4.3 million at Fasig-Tipton November. Had the tariff been in place, the buyer would have had to pay an extra $1.075 million.

With Moira, the government would have known what she was worth because of the sale price. But what about other horses? How can you put a value on an unraced horse that crosses the border into the U.S.?

“Sadly, I think with our industry we're really just collateral damage for bigger issues, steel, aluminum, oil, gas, all the big ones,” he said. “And how do you value a horse? Just because the horse is by Into Mischief doesn't mean it doesn't have OCDs in the stifles and is standing on three legs and it's worth 500 bucks. It's going to be a bit of a Kreskin routine at the border. If they check values, how are they going to check them? I don't know. These are the unknowns.”

Anderson said he never pictured a time when U.S. horses and Canadian horses would be looked upon differently and subject to different rules.

“Canadians, Americans, to me, it's no different,” he said. “I don't differentiate. This industry, the horse business, we're all in it because we're passionate. We don't do this because it's a great business model. It's because we love the animal and that's why we're in it. And if we can make a little money along the way, then terrific. But there have never been political or economic boundaries like this before. We're allowed to go to places like Australia or Europe, race, breed and have fun. This isn't fun right now.”

In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment, which is sponsored by WinStar, we went over the many reasons there are to breed to WinStar stallion Independence Hall. The fastest horse of the week was Booth (Mitole), who got a 107 when winning the GIII Whitmore S.

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, the KTOB, 1/ST Racing and 1/ST TV, the team of Randy Moss, Zoe Cadman and Bill Finley reviewed the encouraging numbers released last week by The Jockey Club and HISA regarding the rate of equine fatalities. There was a review of the upcoming major stakes this weekend, which include the GII Louisiana Derby and the GIII Jeff Ruby S. Wayne Lukas was also part of the discussion as the Hall of Fame trainer unveiled his Derby horse when American Promise (Justify) romped by

7 3/4 lengths in the Virginia Derby.

Listen to the podcast here or watch it here.

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Curlin’s Curlaine Wins Turf Debut at Tampa

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 15:42

5th-Tampa Bay Downs, $32,000, Msw, 3-19, 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:37.21, gd, nose.
CURLAINE (f, 3, Curlin–Demimondaine, by Tapit) was caught late and had to settle for second in her career debut going six panels on the Tampa dirt Jan. 11 and broke from the inside and never found her best stride, finishing fifth when adding a sixteenth of a mile Feb. 8. Sent off at 3-1 while stretching to a mile on the grass for the first time, the bay settled in an rail-hugging tracking third as Cottage Garden (Frosted) cut out tepid opening splits of :24.13 and :49.36. Mounting her attack three wide as the Chad Brown-trained firster Marketplaceofideas (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) forged to the front in early stretch, the daughter of Curlin forged ahead of the favorite late and held off the other Brown first-time starter, Midway Memories (Cairo Prince), by a nose at the wire. Demimondaine, a $900,000 buy while in foal to Speightstown at Keeneland November in 2020, produced a filly by Street Sense in 2023 followed by a Munnings colt last year. She RNA'd for $485,000 at Keeneland in January of 2024. A daughter of GSW Colonial Flag (Pleasant Tap), the 9-year-old mare hails from the family of Grade I winners Shared Account (Pleasant Colony) and Sharing (Speightstown). Lifetime Record: 3-1-1-0, $25,920. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O/B-Manzanita Stables, LLC (KY); T-Christophe Clement.

 

 

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Tom Reynolds Joins Gregson Foundation Board

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 15:28

Tom Reynolds, a horse owner and long-time racing fan, has been named to the board of directors of the Gregson Foundation, the organization's president Jenine Sahadi announced Monday.

The Gregson Foundation, named for the late Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Eddie Gregson, provides scholarships for the children of backstretch workers in California. The 501(c)(3) charity has been in existence for nearly 25 years.

“I greatly admire what the Gregson Foundation accomplishes for the backstretch families,” Reynolds said. “I strongly believe that, as a society, our biggest mission is to educate our children.”

Reynolds retired after working for nearly 35 years as a sales and marketing executive for the Quaker Oats Company, Gatorade, and PepsiCo. An avid Thoroughbred racing fan since his teens, he enjoys traveling to racetracks all over the world, including an annual trip to Royal Ascot. He has become an active partner with Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners over the past six years.

“Tom has been a passionate and long-time supporter of the Gregson Foundation, and we are thrilled to have him join our board,” Sahadi said.

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Resolute Racing Joins Horse Country

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 15:13

John Stewart's Resolute Racing has joined Horse Country and will begin offering tours of its Midway farm starting Mar. 25.   Tours of Resolute Racing will be offered three days a week through the spring and will include everything from the foaling barn to Resolute's efforts in aftercare.

Notable broodmares residing at the farm include two-time Eclipse champion Goodnight Olive; Puca, the dam of GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage and GI Belmont Stakes Dornoch; Queen Caroline, the dam of Eclipse champion Forte; and Resolute's first Grade I winner Didia (Arg).

Tours at Resolute Racing can be booked online at visithorsecountry.com/resolute-racing/ or by calling Horse Country at 859-963-1004.

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Joshua Kerin Joins Inglis Digital USA

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 13:38

Joshua Kerin has joined the staff at Inglis Digital USA as a sales and recruitment associate. Kerin will focus on helping the auction company recruit horses, with a focus on building and maintaining relationships in the bloodstock sector. He will be based at the company's Lexington office and he will work with Senior Director of Sales and Recruitment Kyle Wilson.

“I'm thrilled to be joining the Inglis Digital USA team,” Kerin said. “Having grown up in Australia, I witnessed firsthand the influence and respect Inglis holds in the sales market. Having been immersed in the U.S. market for the past nine years, I believe I can contribute to strengthening the Inglis reputation and expanding its presence in the United States.”

Kerin began his life with racehorses on the Standardbred side, working on his grandfather's farm. He made the switch to Thoroughbreds at age 13, when he went to work for Cox Plate-winning trainer Colin Little. He also spent time working with trainer Ciaron Maher before moving to the U.S. to continue his education at Colorado State University.

Kerin graduated from CSU with a degree in equine science, with a minor in business management, and he was also a punter on the school's football team. After graduating, Kerin moved to Kentucky to intern at Three Chimneys Farm before taking a full-time job with Hidden Brook Farm in 2021.

In 2023, Kerin moved into a dual role with Vinery Sales and Silver Springs Training Center. He is a member of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club's board of directors.

“Josh brings a wealth of knowledge and years of experience with him to the Inglis Digital USA team,” Wilson said. “We're thrilled to have him on board and ready to get him started working with our existing and future clients.”

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Preakness Print/Photography Awards Accepting Entries

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 12:52

Entries are now open for the David F. Woods Memorial Award, presented for the best Preakness story print, television and multimedia from 2024, and the Jerry Frutkoff Photography Award, presented to the photographer of the best Preakness image from 2024.

Recipients of the David F. Woods and Jerry Frutkoff Award will be honored at the Alibi Breakfast Thursday, May 15 at Pimlico Race Course. The Alibi Breakfast, which started in the late 1930s, features a gathering of media, owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, and celebrities to celebrate the Preakness and solicit interesting and humorous race predictions.

Along with the Woods and Frutkoff, the Maryland Jockey Club will also recognize the recipient of the Old Hilltop Award, a tribute to selected media members who have covered Thoroughbred racing with excellence and distinction, and a Special Award of Merit will be given to one who has made a positive impact on the racing industry.

Entries for the Woods and Frutkoff must be submitted by April 15.

Submissions for the Woods must include an attachment or link of the story with name and date. Submissions for the Frutkoff must include an attachment of the image as well as the media outlet it appeared. Submissions can be sent to david.joseph@gulfstreampark.com or phil.janack@gulfstreampark.com.

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MGSW Spirit Wind Brings $500k In Fasig-Tipton March Digital Post-Sale

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 12:46

Spirit Wind (Bahamian Squall), a multiple graded stakes winner of more than $730,000, was sold post-RNA for $500,000 to Willingham Stud, Fasig-Tipton announced Wednesday. Spirit Wind was initially not sold on a final bid of $450,000 in Tuesday's Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale.

Taylor Made Sales Agency consigned the 6-year-old mare, whose marquee win came in the GII Honorable Miss Handicap at Saratoga last summer.

Her $500,000 sale makes Spirit Wind the highest-price horse offered in the March Digital Sale, which concluded Tuesday with gross receipts now in excess of $3,600,000. She led a trio of graded or group stakes-winning fillies or mares offered in the auction, which accounted for the three highest-price horses sold. R Harper Rose (Khozan), winner of the GIII Hurricane Bertie Stakes last year, sold for $400,000 to Australia's Chatsworth Stud and French group stakes winning 2-year-old Laulne (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) sold for $320,000 to Franklin Finance, Haras D'Etreham and Madaket Stable.

“Fasig-Tipton Digital is the proven online sales platform to offer high profile breeding and racing stock to a global audience, with graded and group stakes winners now sold to entities operating on three different continents,” said Leif Aaron, Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales.  “Our success with these graded stakes winners in our March sale comes on the heels of selling champion Soul of an Angel for $2,600,000 earlier this month, a record price for a North American online auction and the second highest price ever achieved digitally worldwide.”

Fasig-Tipton Digital's next scheduled auction is the April Digital Sale, to take place April 3-8.  Entries close this Monday, March 24.

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Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance On Site At Turfway For Jeff Ruby Day

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 12:35

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be present at Turfway Park for the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks Saturday, March 22, the organization announced Wednesday.

Turfway Park will highlight accredited aftercare throughout the event including Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, who will be honored with a named race. Following the conclusion of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections, which will include a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance blanket and gift bag.

“Turfway Park is excited to welcome back Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for our Jeff Ruby Steaks Day,” said Tyler B. Picklesimer, Director of Racing & Racing Secretary, Turfway Park. “Hosting Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and honoring them with a named race are great opportunities to raise awareness for accredited aftercare.”

“Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance is thrilled to be part of Jeff Ruby Steaks Day for another year,” said Emily Dresen, Director of Funding & Events, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. “The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance race is a fantastic way to highlight our shared goal, and we are grateful for Turfway Park's continued support in promoting accredited aftercare on such a significant day of racing.”

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Jockey Club Creates New Off-Track Thoroughbred Profile

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 11:22

The first equineline.com report centered on Thoroughbreds in their second careers, Off-Track Thoroughbred Profile, is now available through the Jockey Club, the organization announced Wednesday.

The report, 9OT, provides information customized to off-track Thoroughbred owners and those shopping for a Thoroughbred. Based on feedback received from off-track Thoroughbred owners, the report contains a bespoke summary of the horse's race record, including comments, owners, and trainers for each race; the last 10 workouts; a list of the horse's siblings; auction history; and, if applicable, the subject mare's produce record.

To encourage the promotion of Thoroughbreds in their second career, this report is shareable through SMS messaging and email and across multiple platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Equineline product 9OT is available for purchase for any registered Thoroughbred at equineline.com.

The report will be available for free to all off-track Thoroughbreds with a T.I.P. number as a benefit to those participating in The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.). OTTB Profiles for existing T.I.P. numbers can be accessed through the associated account; new T.I.P. numbers will have access to the associated OTTB Profile in the account 30 days after application.

“Helping Thoroughbreds thrive in a second career and communicating their value and talent outside of the industry should be a priority of everyone in our sport,” said Kristin Werner, deputy general counsel and director of Industry Initiatives, The Jockey Club. “We want the OTTB Profile to be the ultimate information source for equestrians seeking their next Thoroughbred, and we hope owners of the nearly 40,000 Thoroughbreds registered in the T.I.P system will enjoy this information and share it with others.”

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National Museum Of Racing And Hall Of Fame To Hold 2025 Tour Series

Thoroughbred Daily News - Wed, 2025-03-19 11:16

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame is partnering with seven regional farms and Rood & Riddle for tours to be held from April through October. The Museum's tour series will kick off Saturday, April 12, at Sugar Plum Farm. Other available tours include Mill Creek Farm (May 10), Greentree Stables (June 14), McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds (July 12), North Country Farm (Aug. 17), Old Tavern Farm (Sept. 13) and Song Hill Thoroughbreds (Oct. 11). Additionally, there will be three opportunities to visit the Saratoga location of Rood & Riddle equine hospital (June 24, July 22, Aug. 26).

Guests will enjoy a 90-minute experience at each location, where a knowledgeable guide will provide a comprehensive look at the day-to-day operations and what makes each place unique. Guests will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with resident thoroughbreds, farm staff, and experts in horse care at Rood & Riddle. Finally, at the close of the tour, guests will have the opportunity to ask their guide any questions they may have about the care and keeping of these beautiful animals and aspects of life on the grounds.

“These tours always sell out and they offer a wonderful educational experience that will truly resonate with race fans and horse lovers,” said Cate Masterson, the Museum's director. “Visiting these beautiful farms and Rood & Riddle are incredible opportunities to learn about the daily life there, the care and routine of the horses, and the chance to meet the people who make these operations so successful and vital to the community and racing.”

All tour purchases include complimentary Museum admission. To book a tour, click here.

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