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Centennial Farms' Donald V. Little, Jr. has been named president of the Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) Board of Directors, a position long held by Libby Imperio, who is stepping down, according to a release from the organization. Imperio's new role will be as immediate past president and advisor to the executive committee.

Imperio has been a part of the BCCA board since 2009 and was named president in 2014. A vital part of BCCA and a champion of the backstretch community, she was responsible for several innovative means of supporting backstretch workers, including a college scholarship program which is awarded annually at the Anna House graduation. Under her tenure, the BCCA added a Women's Literacy Program and went from providing annual Christmas gifts for 50 families to 300 families.

“My 12 years as president have brought with it so much success and growth to BCCA, and I will be forever grateful for all the support I received from the BCCA board, BCCA staff, and most importantly, the donors for what we have accomplished together,” said Imperio.

Little has served on the BCCA board since 2016 and as vice president since 2019. President and co-owner of Centennial Farms since 1990, Little is also Chairman of the United States Polo Association (USPA) Club and holds a number of other equine-related positions.

“When I was asked to become president of such an outstanding and important organization for the children and families of the New York Thoroughbred racing backstretch community, it was an easy yes! I am honored to serve and will do my best to help BCCA thrive,” said Little.

Learn more about the BCCA at belmontchildcare.org.

The post Little to Succeed Imperio at Belmont Child Care Association appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

New York's Rockridge Stud has welcomed the first foal by Chewing Gum, a hard-knocking son of Candy Ride (Arg) with 35 starts under his belt and wins including the GII Joe Hernandez Stakes at Santa Anita. His additional four black-type placings include a runner-up performance in the GI Jaipur Stakes to Casa Creed.

Chewing Gum's first foal is a filly born Jan. 14 out of Hatta's Appeal (Miracle Man), a winning mare who hails from the extended family of Dayjur and Maplejinsky.

Chewing Gum will stand for a private fee at Rockridge in 2026.

The post Chewing Gum’s First Foal is a Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Senza Parole (Gun Runner) made light work of six overmatched rivals in what was most assuredly a prep for a return to stakes competition over the coming weeks.

The 4-5 favorite was off alertly from the two hole and was allowed to find her footing before creeping closer midway up the backstretch. Kept well out into the track while clocking the pacesetters, Senza Parole went from the fence into the three path in the blink of an eye at the five-sixteenths and the race was all but parceled up. Edging towards the front under a hold turning into the lane, the chestnut went farther clear with each stride to crush.

Named a 'Rising Star' when thumping Saratoga maidens in the summer of 2024, Senza Parole was a comebacking second off a 366-day absence at the Spa Aug. 24, was fifth in the GII Gallant Bloom Stakes and gutted out a narrow allowance victory sprinting at Aqueduct Nov. 13. The form of that event was flattered when runner-up Grammy Girl (Mastery) returned to take the Willa On the Move Stakes at Laurel.

Senza Parole is the lone starter out of a daughter of three-time graded winner Sacristy (Pulpit), herself the dam of SW & GSP Catiche (Arrogate) and SW & GISP Flor de la Mar (Tiznow). Sacristy's half-sister Mozu Superflare (Speightstown) earned better than $3.7 million in Japan, including a victory–via DQ–in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen.

Senza Parole has a 3-year-old half-sister named Senza Piu (Good Magic) and a yearling half-sister by Tacitus. Her dam is due to produce a full-sibling to Senza Parole this season.

7th-Gulfstream, $71,360, Alw (C), Opt. Clm ($62,500), 1-15, 4yo/up, f/m, 1m, 1:38.01, gd, 7 1/4 lengths.
SENZA PAROLE (f, 4, Gun Runner–Senza Te, by Street Cry {Ire}) Sales history: $120,000 RNA Ylg '23 KEESEP; $240,000 RNA 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 5-3-1-0, $178,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Don Alberto Stable; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Chad C Brown.

 

Senza Parole and @iradortiz in front in race 7 for trainer Chad Brown. #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/OE2N3GFWhx

— Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 15, 2026

The post Gun Runner ‘Rising Star’ ‘Senz’-ational On Seasonal Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced the dates of their annual Off to the Races online benefit auction.

John Velazquez, who served as chairman of the Jockeys' Guild for more than 20 years and as co-chair with Mike Smith since 2018, will be stepping down from that role. However, Velazquez will remain actively involved with the Guild as a board member. 

After Bush fractured his back in three places and breaking a rib last August, he decided to go out his own way by riding one more race at Tampa Bay Downs.

Ocean Bear stretches out to a route for the first time in kicking off his 3-year-old season in the $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby.

Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 248 entries for its January Digital Sale. Bidding opened Jan. 15 and will close Jan. 20, beginning at 2 p.m. ET. The catalog features nearly 130 broodmares or broodmare prospects available just ahead of the breeding season.

Oaklawn Park is raising the stakes for the weekend of the Jan. 31 Southwest Stakes (G3), announcing major enhancements to its high-profile horseplayer contests that will bring top players together for a premier national competition.

Progeny of the late, great Snitzel ensured a third buoyant day in succession at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale Jan. 15, topped by a Snitzel filly who went the way of Eugene Chuang’s Hermitage Thoroughbreds for AU$1.6 million.

After the Finish Line's Charity Auction of Breeders' Cup Caps starts Jan. 18 and runs for one week. Proceeds will help care for, rehabilitate, retrain, rehome, and/or retire off-track Thoroughbreds.

A collection of 307 lots has been cataloged for Tattersalls February Sale, highlighted by Brazilian group 1 winner Namasse, who is offered in foal to Cracksman on a Southern Hemisphere cover.

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races canceled its card Jan. 15 due to wind chills in the single digits. Track and state racing officials met Jan. 15 with members of the jockey colony and decided to cancel racing for human and equine safety.

The grade 1-placed, multiple grade 3 winner by Complexity will stand for $2,500.

Expressing concerns that it could not responsibly approve fair Northern California race dates amid unresolved legal, regulatory, and logistical issues, the CHRB agreed to reconvene next month to consider allocating race dates for several fairs.

As it did in 2025, a Florida House of Representatives bill seeking to decouple racing and gaming licenses for Thoroughbred operators unsurprisingly passed its first committee.

The recommended increases in breeder bonuses, presented at the Jan. 14 Maryland Racing Commission meeting by the Maryland Fund Advisory Committee, were passed for the period of Jan. 1-June 30. 

BCCA announced Jan. 14 that Libby Imperio is stepping down from her role as president of the board of directors, with Donald Little Jr. named as her successor.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's annual Off to the Races online benefit auction opens Thursday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m. ET and closes Friday, Jan. 30 at 10 p.m. ET, it was announced Thursday.

The online auction provides a chance to bid on 20 VIP racing experience packages, granting access to major race days at renowned racetracks across North America in 2026.

“We are thrilled to open the fifth annual edition of the Off to the Races VIP auction,” said Emily Dresen, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, Director of Fundraising & Events. “We can't wait to share these opportunities with race fans and industry participants-there is something for everyone! Thanks to our generous donors, we have the unique opportunity to celebrate the sport of horse racing and provide critical funding to support Thoroughbred aftercare.”

Visit thoroughbredaftercare.org/offtotheraces to view and bid on all VIP experiences.

The post Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s Off to the Races Auction Begins January 22 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Johnny Velazquez, who has served as Chairman of the Jockeys' Guild for more than 20 years and as Co-Chair with Mike Smith since 2018, will be stepping down from that role, the organization announced Thursday.

The members have elected Smith and Javier Castellano as Co-Chairs; Joe Bravo, James Flores, and Julien Leparoux as Co-Vice Chairs; Tyler Gaffalione as Secretary; and Julien Leparoux as Treasurer. In addition, Alex Birzer, James Graham, Rodney Prescott, and Velazquez will serve on the Board of Directors.

Velazquez will also remain actively involved with the Guild as a Board member.

“There are absolutely no words to adequately recognize Johnny Velazquez and all that he has done,” said Hall of Fame jockey and longtime Guild Co-Chair Smith. “On behalf of the Guild and our members, we cannot thank him enough for his unwavering commitment, endless time, and relentless effort, not only on behalf of the jockeys and the Guild, but the industry as a whole. Although Johnny is stepping down as Co-Chair, he will remain on the Board and be active in the organization.”

“I am proud of the strides that have been made in the areas of respect for the riders and the benefits that have been achieved over the years I presided as Chairman and as Co-Chairman of the Guild,” said Velazquez. “I look forward to being a part of the Guild and helping any way I can as a new generation takes the helm.”

“I am so honored and appreciate Johnny, along with our Board, for having the confidence in me to join Mike as Co-Chair,” said Castellano. “Every single jockey is forever indebted to Johnny for where we are today. I am committed to representing the jockeys and the Guild in the best way possible.”

“It has been my privilege to know Johnny personally for more than 30 years and worked with him closely for almost two decades as Chairman of the Guild,” said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO. “Through his leadership, the Guild was able to overcome many challenges and regain the respect of the industry leaders. I admire him and hold him in the highest regard and greatly appreciate all he has done for the jockeys and the industry. He has been, and will continue to be, an integral member of the Guild.”

The post Velazquez Stepping Down as Chairman of the Jockeys’ Guild appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.