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This summer, Valerie Buck and the off-track Thoroughbreds of ACTT Naturally are increasing the number of American veterans benefitting from its Hearts in Harmony program. On Saturday, June 14, in observance of Women Veterans Recognition Days, the New York State Department of Veterans' Services (NYS DVS), in partnership with ACTT Naturally, will host “Wrap Yourself in Wellness” at Long Shadows Farm in Cambridge, N.Y. Between 30 and 45 women veterans are expected to attend.

In addition to equine-assisted emotional therapy, participants in the day-long retreat will hear from “Patriot Hills of New York” CEO Jeannine Mannarino, focus on healing through movement with Laura Laz, and learn healing through mindfulness with Dr. Rachel Magnel of “Kairos Center for Change”. The organizers hope the event will bring more awareness and attention to the resources available to veterans and others suffering from PTS and the positive impact of working with Thoroughbreds.

“Connecting military members and first responders with therapeutic horse programs offers a powerful pathway to healing and reintegration for both the horses and the humans,” said Melissa Balan of NYS DVS. “Working with the horses allows the veterans to engage in a calming, non-judgmental environment where trust is built naturally and silently.”

“I am thrilled, not just by the interest and enthusiasm from Melissa and the NYS DVS on behalf of women veterans, but also by the unique opportunity to present the horse-centered program together with other healing activities,” said Buck. “It deepens and expands awareness of what many of us already know is the special power of Thoroughbreds in emotional healing and how it should become a funded mainstream treatment.”

ACTT Naturally Thoroughbreds of all ages and experiences will be participating with the women on Saturday. Veteran therapy horses Three Lions '04 (Hennessy), Traffic Chief '00 (Colonial Affair), Fly Ride '09 (Street Sense) and Fuhrious Warrior '12 (Langfuhr) will be joined by newcomers Open Mic Night '22 (Practical Joke), Platform Company '20 (Cloud Computing) and Indemnify (FR) '19 (Invincible Spirit). In addition to providing the Hearts in Harmony program, ACTT Naturally focuses on retraining and adoption of sound former racehorses.

Working with the veterans, teens, first responders and other Hearts in Harmony participants has become an integral part of ACTT Naturally's training protocol.

“Connection is the most important part of a horse-human relationship and successful adoption match,” said Buck. “The programs teach the horses how to make a positive connection with the person in their presence and these interactions make the Thoroughbreds better partners for their adopters.”

For Buck and Long Shadows Farm, starting the 2025 summer season with a collaborative event– fostered by the NYS DVS and Patriot Hills of New York–is especially exciting because it brings government recognition, as well as new faces, to the well-established program. Launched in 2017, Hearts in Harmony has grown steadily in support and reach, despite losing a year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Buck is striving to help more people and horses.

“With people who have experienced trauma, the challenge has always been to facilitate that first visit,” said Buck. “Gaining trust and having the women and men feel comfortable and confident enough to come out and experience the joy is the first step. Partnering with organizations and leaders who have already established the relationship with the veterans needing the program is key to expanding our reach.”

Balan understands what the horses have to offer and is in a good position to facilitate program attendance among the veterans that NYS DVS serves.

“The intuitive nature of horses offers immediate feedback, encouraging mindfulness, patience, and a renewed sense of self,” said Balan. “For veterans who often carry invisible wounds, equine therapy is not just therapeutic–it is transformative.”

For more information about ACTT Naturally, including how to sponsor veterans and horses in the program, click here.

The post ACTT Naturally Kicks Off Summer Season With New Event For Women Veterans appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Royal Ascot-bound juvenile Miss Yechance sold to Royal Chance Bloodstock for 250,000 guineas (US$356,587) during the Tattersalls Online June Pop-Up Sale June 12.

Basher Watts and his syndicate have turned down a $2.5 million offer for Shes Perfect ahead of her bid for classic redemption in the June 15 Prix de Diane (French Oaks, G1).

The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-old fillies features a George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) rematch with Paris Lily and Kinzie Queen, second and third, respectively, behind Margie's Intention, who enters as the 5-2 morning-line favorite.

The June 7 Epsom Derby (G1) resulted in turnover on World Pool bet types of HK$54,403,320 (approx. US$6,931,130) up on 2024's figure of HK$51,760,276, a 5% jump.

Following his victory in the Belmont Stakes (G1), Sovereignty (125) has joined the top 5 in the fourth edition of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2025 and is currently the highest-rated 3-year-old in the world.

Leading sprinter Satono Reve will carry the hopes of a nation as he looks to provide Japan with an historic first victory at Royal Ascot in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1) June 21.

A letter sent by CDI's Bill Carstanjen to the Louisiana Racing Commission and state political leaders, noting CDI's intention to surrender its racing license at Fair Grounds, appears unlikely to result in immediate regulatory or legislative relief.

Augustin Stables' Mrs. Astor, a three-time stakes winner in Southern California, faces the opposite sex for the first time in the June 15 $100,000 San Juan Capistrano Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.

Ramona S. Bass and Perry R. Bass II's Goliad will get a break from facing grade 1 milers when he drops in class and shortens in distance June 14 in the $100,000 Daytona Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.

The second day of the under tack show for the Ocala Breeders' Sales June 2-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age Sale took place June 11 with two fillies breezing a quarter-mile in :20 4/5.

Sandal's Song, an intended starter in the June 19 Norfolk Stakes (G2), has become the latest pre-Royal Ascot purchase by Wathnan Racing.

Jack Keller, the longtime clerk of scales at Finger Lakes, will be inducted into the track's Hall of Fame June 13.

Bishops Bay appears primed to land his fourth consecutive victory when he visits the Jersey Shore in the $150,000 Salvator Mile Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park.

The star of her division last fall, 2-year-old champion filly Immersive is finally set to make her 3-year-old debut June 14 at Churchill Downs in the $175,000 Monomoy Girl Overnight Stakes.

Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing's 'TDN Rising Star' Shred the Gnar (Into Mischief), “a little off” and scratched from last Friday's GI Acorn S. at Saratoga, will receive 30 days off, according to Hunter Rankin, president of Travis Boersma's operation.

“She's doing fine,” Rankin said. “We had Dr. Bramlage (at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital) go over her, bone scan and everything else. But it turns out, she's just gonna need 30 days. Her front, high-suspensories are bugging her a little bit, but it's nothing that we can't deal with. She'll get 30 days on the farm, then she'll be back and ready to go.”

Shred the Gnar looked like a potential star in the making for trainer Brian Lynch heading into the Acorn, which was won in front-running fashion by La Cara (Street Sense) over a sloppy-and-sealed track.

A debut second, beaten a neck, sprinting at Gulfstream Feb. 9, the $610,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate and full-sister to millionaire Owendale won her next two starts by a combined 13 1/2 lengths, including a runaway, wire-to-wire victory while making her two-turn debut in an optional claimer at Churchill Downs May 2, good for a 94 Beyer Speed Figure.

“We were so excited to bring her up there and showcase her,” Rankin said. “She's really turned into a very nice filly. She's got a lot of talent.”

The post Scratched from Acorn, 30 Days Off for ‘Rising Star’ Shred the Gnar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

1st-Belmont The Big A, $85,000, Msw, 6-12, 2yo, f, 6fT, 1:08.34, fm, 3 lengths.
NONNA'S LOVE (f, 2, Caravaggio–Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty) was the lone previously raced member of the seven-strong field that loaded the stalls for the first race back down at the Belmont at the Big A meeting Thursday afternoon and made the most of her experience advantage, leading past every pole to get the program off on a high note for the favorite backers. Drawn two, the 5-4 chalk–making her first start on the grass after finishing third on the Keeneland dirt Apr. 23–was quickly away but soon had company to her outside in the form of Flaxman Stables' well-meant Chrysalism (Liam's Map x Pachattack) and the duo matched motors through an opening quarter in :21.80. More or less inseparable for the run around the turn, Nonna's Love began to get the better of the battle in upper stretch, was clear into the final furlong and easily held sway to take it by three lengths. Maiora (Speightstown) was difficult to load, rearing twice pre-start and nearly unseating Joel Rosario before ultimately acquiescing. Slowly away once the gates flew, she raced in the second half of the field, was steered out for the drive and finished with interest for second. Nonna's Love is the half-sister to 'TDN Rising Star' and Eclipse Award winner Fierceness (City of Light), MGISW, $4,515,320; and to Mentee (City of Light), GSW, $148,000, who took the GIII Futurity Stakes over this course and distance last fall. The winner's dam is a daughter of GI Frizette Stakes third Nonna Mia (Empire Maker), whose four winners from five to race include GI Wood Memorial Stakes hero Outwork (Uncle Mo) and MSP Nonna's Boy (Distorted Humor). The SW & GSP third dam Holy Bubbette(Holy Bull) produced MGSW sire Cairo Prince (Pioneerof the Nile) as well as the dam of recent Mike Lee Stakes winner Train the Trainer (Dialed In). Nonna Bella is also responsible for a yearling by the late Uncle Mo and a Curlin filly foaled this past Apr. 1. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $55,188. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O/B-Repole Stable Inc (KY); T-Todd A Pletcher.

 

NONNA'S LOVE, a @RepoleStable homebred and half-sister to Fierceness and Mentee, takes the opener at BAQ, breaking her maiden going 6F on the turf in 1:08.34 for trainer @PletcherRacing with @ljlmvel aboard!

Nonna's Love is a 2yo filly by Caravaggio out of Nonna Bella. pic.twitter.com/sdPrmC4K4n

— Equibase (@Equibase) June 12, 2025

The post Beautifully Bred Nonna’s Love Graduates At the Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

TwinSpires.com will hold an inaugural Royal Ascot Challenge Series, which will offer horseplayers opportunities to compete for cash prizes as well as potential seats at upcoming tournaments, the company announced Thursday.

The first four tournaments, scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, through Friday, June 20, will serve as Royal Ascot “feeders” for the grand finale, the Royal Ascot Challenge held Saturday, June 21. Prizes for the Royal Ascot Challenge include cash and a potential seat in the upcoming Stephen Foster Betting Challenge June 28.

“Each year American horseplayers have become increasingly interested in the Royal Ascot meet, and at TwinSpires we have seen that enthusiasm reflected in both player engagement and wagering handle on Ascot,” said Darin Zoccali, Director of Loyalty and Retention at TwinSpires. “We hope the players are as excited as we are as this has the potential to expand TwinSpires Tournaments even further into the international racing landscape.”

For full details and tournament registration, click here.

The post TwinSpires.com To Hold Inaugural Royal Ascot Challenge Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Initially released by The New Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, INc. (NYTHA)

Winner to be Announced on New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Thursday, July 17

New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course will be held on Thursday, July 17, and once again the presentation of the Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award will highlight the event. Named for the first horse to retire through the TAKE THE LEAD Program back in 2013, the Down Broadway winner is decided by a vote of the fans. Voting opens today, Monday, June 9.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) will host the fifth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day, which showcases retired racehorses demonstrating the skills they’ve learned in second careers, and interviews with members of New York’s aftercare community. The $150,000 Rick Violette Stakes, named for the late trainer and NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program, will anchor the racing card.

“We have a collective responsibility to provide our equine athletes with the best of care not only when they are at the racetrack, but into their retirement as well,” said Andrew Offerman, NYRA Senior Vice President for Racing & Operations. “New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day is an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together to demonstrate our dedication to aftercare. NYRA takes great pride in hosting this event for the fifth straight year on July 17 at Saratoga Race Course.”

“Thoroughbred aftercare has become an increasingly important element of New York’s racing community since TAKE THE LEAD was launched a dozen years ago,” said Rick Schosberg, president of that organization. “Ensuring racehorses have the happy, healthy, and purposeful retirement they deserve is paramount. All of us—owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, and racetracks—are thoroughly committed to providing for our horses after they leave the track, and together we contribute over $1.2 million a year to aftercare.”

“We’re proud to partner with NYTHA, NYRA, and each participating organization for New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day,” said New York Thoroughbred Breeders Executive Director Najja Thompson. “This day helps highlight our efforts and awareness to racing fans and the public to ensure New York remains a leader in Thoroughbred aftercare, and second career opportunities for our equine athletes.”

In addition to TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD, representatives of ACTT Naturally, Akindale, Lucky Orphans, New Vocations, Old Friends at Cabin Creek, ReRun, Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will be on hand in the Community Booth behind the jockeys’ quarters to talk about their efforts on behalf of New York’s retired racehorses.

The Down Broadway Award was inaugurated last year and honors went to My Boy Tate (pictured above), a popular New York-bred retired through ReRun who is now learning to be a show horse.

The Down Broadway Award was inaugurated last year and honors went to My Boy Tate (pictured above), a popular New York-bred retired through ReRun who is now learning to be a show horse. Photo credit: NYTHA

Bred and trained by Michelle Nevin, My Boy Tate was campaigned by Little Red Feather Racing.

“We love being a part of Aftercare Day,” My Boy Tate’s adopter, Kendra Richardson, said after the award ceremony. “It really is our favorite thing to do every year. What we enjoyed most this year was meeting the previous owners, or people who knew the horses when they were racing, and making that connection. We are all working together for the horses, but we rarely get to meet and talk to people from the racing side. Not only are we showing the public what these horses can do, we are bringing these two communities together.”

Four retired Thoroughbreds have been nominated for this year’s Down Broadway Award by the organizations who participate in Aftercare Day. They include a true war horse who earned $342,783 in his 89 starts and was the leading Colorado-bred earner for a time; the hero of the 2008 Maryland Million Turf; a filly raced by Hall of Fame football coach Bill Parsells; and a gelding whose lone career win was a 14-1 upset in the mud at Belmont Park.

The winner of the Down Broadway Award will be decided by a vote of racing fans, with the voting open June 9 through June 26. ONE VOTE PER PERSON.

Wristbands for each nominee will be given away on Aftercare Day so that fans can show their support, and the presentation of the award will be made in the Saratoga winner’s circle after the first race that day.

Click HERE to cast your vote for the 2025 Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year!

Profiles of each of the finalists are available here or individually here: Broadway Producer (New Vocations), Cut of Music (Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation), Flag is Flying (Second Chance Thoroughbreds), Mel’s Baby Sister (ReRun).

 

The post Voting Opens for Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

Voted on by the fans, the Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award will be presented on New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course on Thursday, July 17, the New York Horsemen's Association said in a Thursday release.

Casting a ballot–one per person–is open to the public now through Thursday, June 26. Wristbands for each nominee will be given away on Aftercare Day so that fans can show their support, and the presentation of the award will be made in the Saratoga winner's circle after the first race.

The nominees are:

• Broadway Producer–New Vocations
• Cut of Music–Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
• Flag Is Flying–Second Chance Thoroughbreds
• Mel's Baby Sister–ReRun, Inc.

Click here to vote for your favorite nominee.

The post Voting Open For Retired New York Racehorse Of The Year Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.