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'Stigma and Suicide: Breaking the Silence to Save Lives' will be held at Eastern Kentucky University Perkins Conference Center on Friday, Sept. 26.

Panelists from a variety of professional backgrounds, including Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, will discuss the problem of stigma as a barrier to help-seeking and what we can do to address it. Smith will also talk about the significance of stigma in the Thoroughbred industry and how it threatens the lives of jockeys and trainers alike.

September is Suicide Prevention Month with Sept. 10 recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day.

“At the EKU Psychology Clinic and Trauma and Suicide Prevention Specialty Clinic, our mission is to save lives—one client, one family, and one community at a time,” EKU Psychology Clinic Director, Dr. Theresa Botts said.

“From comprehensive trauma assessments to specialized therapies, and outreach trainings, our clinicians help others become more trauma informed and responsive. Through suicide intervention treatments such as CAMS, and suicide prevention programs like ASIST, safeTALK, and QPR, we not only support individuals in crisis but also empower families and communities to recognize signs of suicidality, respond with courage and support, and bring hope where it feels lost. Every service we provide carries one unwavering promise: no one should face their darkest moments alone and our clinicians are here to help.”

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Edited Press Release

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Jockeys' Guild, in partnership with the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, co-hosted a mental health roundtable on Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the U.S. Capitol. The event brought together jockeys and professional athletes from women's soccer and football to share their personal experiences and highlight both the common and unique mental health challenges they face.

“We are committed to keeping the dialogue going on mental health challenges for professional jockeys,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “The more we talk about it, the more jockeys feel they can reach out for help. We want them to know that mental health is as important as physical health—and that support is available.”

“The well-being of our members extends far beyond the racetrack,” said Terry Meyocks, President and CEO of Jockeys' Guild. “By bringing jockeys together with athletes from other sports, we can shed light on shared struggles, reduce stigma and ensure riders know that resources and support are within reach.”

Roundtable participants included Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez; retired jockeys Trevor McCarthy and Rosie Napravnik; retired NFL player and recovery advocate Montee Ball, Jr.; and Ashley Hatch, forward for the Washington Spirit of the National Women's Soccer League.

U.S. Representatives Paul Tonko (NY-20) and Andy Barr (KY-06), both long-time supporters of HISA, also delivered remarks. Rep. Tonko, whose district includes Saratoga Race Course, spoke about his work as a member of the Congressional Mental Health Caucus. Rep. Barr, whose district includes Keeneland, highlighted the interaction of recovery and workforce development within the equine world by presenting Frank Taylor with a statement entered into the Congressional Record. The statement recognized Taylor's organization, Stable Recovery, for its extraordinary work helping people achieve sobriety and build careers in the equine industry.

The post HISA and Jockeys’ Guild Host Professional Athlete Mental Health Roundtable in the U.S. Capitol appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Ken Freirich, who was part of the ownership group behind Horse of the Year Flightline, has made a $500,000 gift to Breeders' Cup Charities in an effort to positively impact the Thoroughbred industry's culture of giving by illustrating the importance of long-term commitments, the Breeders' Cup said via a press release on Friday.

Funds from Freirich will be released over a 3 1/2-year period. This major gift is in addition to the $100,000 match the international philanthropist provided to Breeders' Cup Charities in July during the organization's Annual Day of Giving, which raised a total of $200,963.

From the gift, Freirich will utilize $50,000 for a match this fall for funds raised during Breeders' Cup Charities' “Champions Give Back” campaign, which kicks off Oct. 1 and runs through the World Championships on Oct. 31-Nov. 1. In addition to the unprecedented donation of all royalties received on Breeders' Cup merchandise, the campaign will include several fundraising initiatives which will be announced in the coming weeks.

In addition to his financial commitment, Freirich will take on an advisory role with Breeders' Cup Charities.

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Hip 2977, a colt by City of Light bred by Lambholm South, sold for $95,000 to highlight the start of Book 5 at the Keeneland September sale. Photo courtesy of Summerfield.

Colts by City of Light and Yaupon led the way for New York-breds sold during the first two Book 5 sessions of the Keeneland September yearling sale Wednesday and Thursday in Lexington.

Hip 2977, a colt by City of Light out of the unraced Blame mare Rose’ to Blame, led the way on a $95,000 bid from Arch Bloodstock, agent.

Bred by Lambholm South, foaled at Mill Creek Farm in Stillwater and consigned by Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield, agent, the colt is the third foal out of Rose’ to Blame.

Rose’ to Blame is the dam of the unraced 2-year-old New York-bred Liam’s Map colt who sold for $200,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale, and the multiple placed 3-year-old Twirling Candy filly Mobula.

Hip 2911, a colt by Yaupon bred by Hidden Lake Farm and 3C Stables, sold for $85,000 at Keeneland September. Photo courtesy of Highgate Sales.

Hip 2911, a colt by Yaupon out of the Grade 3-winning More Than Ready mare More Than Love, commanded a final bid of $85,000 from HTC/Voric Stables.

Bred by Hidden Lake Farm LLC and 3C Stables LLC, foaled at Hidden Lake in Stillwater and consigned by Highgate Sales, agent, the colt is the seventh foal out of the Grade 3 Miesque Stakes winner More Than Love. She’s the dam of three New York-bred winners – $295,321-earner Bar Fourteen, $129,099-earner National Honor and Nicky Jolene.

Keeneland reported sales on 33 of the 38 New York-breds offered Wednesday and Thursday for $1,004,500, an average price of $30,440 and median of $23,000. Overall, 57 New York-bred yearlings have sold for $5,686,500, an average price of $99,764 and median of $40,000.

The sale continues with the final two sessions at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

The post Colts by City of Light, Yaupon highlight start of Book 5 at Keeneland September appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

An Ashview Stud-consigned colt by Liam's Map (hip 3681) became the last of 29 horses to breach the $100,000 threshold during the second of two sessions in Book 5A of the Keeneland September Sale in Lexington Thursday afternoon, selling to bloodstock agent Chad Schumer, agent, for $480,000. And when the dust had settled on the 10th session of the auction, gross receipts had nudged past $500 million, extending the record for the sale.

“Surpassing $500 million at the September Sale marks a pivotal moment for our sport–a milestone the entire industry can celebrate together,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “This is a powerful testament to the health of the sport, and it reflects the remarkable energy, optimism and momentum we've been experiencing together across this entire sale.”

“New buyers are stepping in and making a tangible impact, which is truly a win for everyone connected to the game,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “But just as important are the breeders and consignors who have continued to entrust their horses to us year after year. Their confidence is the foundation of these results, and this moment is undeniable proof of what we can achieve as a community. We're so proud that Keeneland continues to be the stage where we see this growth and enthusiasm come to life.”

Also in the final 30 minutes of trade, a colt by the evergreen Ghostzapper took a short-lived lead at the top of the leaderboard when hammering for $200,000, equaling the best price from the corresponding day of trade 12 months ago, when a respectable 13 horses were knocked down for six-figure pricetags.

For the session, Keeneland reported sales on 299 horses for in-ring turnover of $12,600,500, a towering increase of 35.40% over the corresponding session in 2024. The average of $42,149 leaped by 25.89%, while the session median settled at $30,000, an improvement of 15.38%.

“I have never seen a market like this,” said Schumer, who signed the ticket on the day's dearest horse on behalf of KGS. “I have followed up some horses to do some breezing in Europe and I wasn't just getting outbid, I was getting completely blown out of the water. Not even close. This market is unreal. It's wonderful to see.”

The September Sale continues Friday with the first of two sessions of the rebranded Book 5B, with bidding to commence at 10 a.m. ET. The auction concludes on Saturday.

Schumer was making his seventh and by far most expensive September purchase for an entity called KGS, described by the agent as 'foreign-based clients that are starting to ramp up what they are doing in the States.' Schumer, who frequently represents Saudi Arabian interests at auction, indicated this ownership group is based elsewhere overseas.

Schumer said he was duly impressed with hip 3681 and fully expected the colt to be popular in addition to being pricey.

“He's a beautiful colt, he vetted well and it's a nice pedigree,” he said. “I thought he was the best colt on the day. He was very correct and a tremendous mover with a great walk on him and loads of quality. He's a horse that wouldn't have been out of place in Book 2 or Book 3, but just a really beautiful colt and we are delighted to have him.”

The Apr. 20 foal was bred by Richard Santulli's Colts Neck Stables and is the latest produce from Introduced (El Padrino), a three-time stakes winner and earner of better than $400,000 in turf sprints. The colt's third dam was the popular New Jersey-bred turf distaffer Who Did It And Run (Polish Numbers), who beat the boys in the GII Jersey Derby in 1998.

Like many other sales professionals, Schumer has been overwhelmed with what has transpired in the Keeneland sales pavilion over the last 10 days.

“Everyone is talking about the bonus depreciation and the stock market, but I really think there is a renewed interest in horse racing, culturally,” he opined. “[Social media influencer] Griffin [Johnson] brought a lot of interest to racing, I think the documentary that Netflix did brought a ton of interest and suddenly there is a surge. When you couple that with purses the way they are, it's real money. An allowance horse can earn $200,000 or $300,000 and I think that elevates the value of all horses, especially Kentucky-breds.”

When the curtain dropped on the 2024 September Sale, gross receipts were just shy of $412 million. Schumer was having a difficult time comprehending the figures from this year.

“It's a staggering number, but what's even more noteworthy…imagine an extra $100 million injected into the market,” he said, emphasizing, 'A hundred million!'

“It's mindboggling. I think if this sale was up $20 million, we'd all be congratulating ourselves. Kudos to Keeneland, they've done a great job and to the breeders that have brought these horses to market. This particular horse was bred by the Lysters, they're excellent breeders and the horses are raised very naturally and that's attractive.”

As recently as 2022, the Lyster Family's Ashview Farm were responsible for a seven-figure seller at the September Sale, consigning a $1.05-million filly by Justify–Fully Living (Unbridled's Song). While the sale of Thursday's session topper was somewhat less flashy, in relative terms, the farm's Gray Lyster was extremely enthusiastic nevertheless.

“This horse could have been in Book 2 or Book 3, he was a very nice colt,” said Lyster, echoing Schumer's assessment. “Multiple people told me he was the nicest horse on the day and we're just very pleased that the money is still here.

He continued, “I think it's a testament to the market. If you bring a nice horse up there, they're going to pay you and nobody is a fool. You bring a really nice colt to any session and you're going to get paid in a really good market.”

There was plenty to recommend the colt, Lyster said.

Bryan, Wayne and Gray Lyster | ThoroStride

“He's just super athletic, everyone liked him,” he said. “He was always on his toes, everything fits. He's well-balanced and well-made. He showed himself very well and showed his athleticism. He vetted perfectly and the stars lined up.”

There were multiple bidders at higher levels, according to the consignor.

Ashview has had a long and fruitful relationship with Colts Neck Stables' Rich Santulli, and Gray Lyster expressed his gratitude for the successful businessman at the close of the session.

“Rich Santulli is a friend before he's a client. He is the greatest client a farm could ever hope to work for,” he said. “He never questions anything you say, he has opinions, but he is the most supportive guy and you just want to do well for him.

“He's a throwback owner in the sense that you never question his loyalty,” Lyster added. “He is easy to give bad news to because he feels worse for you than he does for himself. He is the greatest, literally. I'd do anything for him.”

This year's class of freshmen yearling sires is an extremely classy group, with the young offspring of Flightline, Life Is Good, Jackie's Warrior and Corniche all averaging better than $200,000 through Book 5. But Gainesway freshman Drain the Clock (Maclean's Music) has created some buzz of his own, with 36 horses selling at an average of just under $85,000. Fully a third of those have fetched prices in excess of $100,000, with a top result of $250,000 for a colt out of Outkickthecoverage (Hard Spun).

During Thursday's 10th session, the 7-year-old stallion was responsible for a pair of six-figure sellers, each returning a sound profit on weanling-to-yearling resale.

“We are very excited with what he's throwing,” said Gainesway Stallion Director Ryan Norton. “They're very well-balanced individuals, everyone is very excited about him. Obviously the sales results show that. He's replicating himself. He is a very well-balanced horse himself, a fast-looking horse and his offspring reflect those qualities.

“He is a good-sized horse and he's putting good size into his offspring,” Norton added. “I've had several people approach me to say that these Drain the Clocks are some of the most consistent-looking foals of any stallions on the sales grounds.”

Drain the Clock | Sara Gordon

With the aforementioned Jackie's Warrior making his mark with his first crop at the sales and with Complexity punching above his weight, Norton believes that Maclean's Music is making the offspring of his sire sons that much more attractive. But he also feels the Drain the Clocks could have some scope.

“Maclean's Music is definitely speed, but him being out of an Arch mare and with some Pivotal (GB) down there [in the pedigree] as well, these horses should be able to stretch out as well.”

Norton is looking forward to next year's breeze-up sales and the racetrack beyond that for the progeny of Drain the Clock, who have appealed to end-users and 2-year-old pinhookers alike thus far.

“They're in high demand and this time next year we'll know where we are at, but we are very excited for the future,” he said.

Norton said that Drain the Clock covered 136 mares this past season.

Together, we made history. Thank you. #KeeSept pic.twitter.com/zOuETnlO93

— Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) September 18, 2025

The post A-Plus Finish For Book 5A As Turnover Exceeds A Half-Billion Dollars at Keeneland September appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park came into Thursday's Illinois Racing Board (IRB) after having considered and swapped back and forth 12 different versions of racing calendars for 2026 that the two tracks hoped would dovetail for the benefit of all racing in the state.

But as the Sept. 18 meeting approached the three-hour mark and differences remained over many of the same issues that have complicated the Illinois calendar the past several seasons–chief among them the state's tenuous Thoroughbred population and the fact that Hawthorne also must switch its racing surface twice in the year to accommodate Standardbred meets–stakeholders from both tracks took more than an hour's recess to hammer out a compromise that more or less will preserve the status quo from 2025 into 2026.

Hawthorne, just outside of Chicago in Stickney, will race 63 dates between Mar. 29 and Nov. 1 with 2:40 p.m. (Central) post times on Sundays and Thursdays.

Fairmount, 280 miles southwest of Hawthorne and just over the Mississippi River from St. Louis, Missouri, will race 57 dates between Apr. 14 and Oct. 27 with 1:30 p.m. (Central) post times on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The 2026 schedule that the IRB approved by a 9-0 vote represents a slight reduction in dates from 2025. This year, Hawthorne had been awarded 80 race dates, but it has already lopped 15 programs off that schedule. Fairmount had been assigned 55 dates for 2025.

Much as TDN reported one year ago when the issue of race dates was last addressed, Illinois is still struggling to recover from the twin blows of the 2021 closure of Arlington International Racecourse and the inability of the state's two surviving Thoroughbred venues to follow through with building their proposed racinos that the state legalized back in 2019.

While Fairmount already has a temporary casino in the grandstand open and track officials told the Illinois Gaming Board last month that owner Accel Entertainment has contracts in place to break ground in November with the goal of having additional gaming space ready by the start of the 2026 meet, Hawthorne's racino has been plagued by setbacks.

“We came in here last year with the hope of announcing our project,” Tim Carey, Hawthorne's president and general manager, said on Thursday. “We had an internal issue to Hawthorne that we weren't able to overcome with our investor. We unfortunately had to go back out to the [financing] market.

“We have done that,” Carey said. “We're committed to doing this project. We're in a very, very good position. Again, this year, we anticipate that we will be able to make an announcement sometime in the fourth quarter in terms of where we are in the project. We anticipate that if we announce [details about racino construction] in the fourth quarter [of 2025], we would be open by the fourth quarter of 2027.”

Executives with the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA), which represents horsemen at Hawthorne, stressed to IRB commissioners that the racino can't come fast enough.

“In 2022 at Hawthorne, we raced for $14 million on the Thoroughbred side,” said David McCaffrey, the ITHA's executive director, noting that Hawthorne currently has a horse population of about 650. “In 2023 we raced for $13 million. In 2024 we raced for $11.5 million. This year, the meet's not over, but if we stay on the same clip, and there's not any reason to suggest that we won't, we'll have raced for $9 million. So we're already almost $2.5 million lower than we were last year.”

McCaffrey continued: “There is a readily available, legal, proven, dramatically effective antidote to our problems. It's a racino. And Tim acknowledges it. It has to be done. There has to be a deal that gets the casino built, or we're going to disappear.”

Added ITHA president Chris Block, “This upcoming year is absolutely pivotal. The term 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' is pretty rampant on our backstretch. Guys are really struggling to pay the bills. Owners are really struggling to stay in the game.

“I told this to Tim,” Block said. “I just hope there's an industry left here to save. We don't have any [Chicago-area track] left to tie ourselves to. It's Hawthorne, and it's the Carey family. I told Tim I'm here. I'm not going anywhere. I'm going to hope that he can see it through. But it's got to come really quick here, because the balance [of survival] is falling way on the other side.”

At Fairmount, the outlook is slightly healthier, according to Illinois Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association president Jim Watkins, who represents horsemen there.

“We're not on life support. We're in the ICU. We're still growing,” Watkins said.

But, Watkins added, “Our ecosystem is still quite fragile.”

Vince Gabbert, the general manager at Fairmount Park, said that with regard to the compromises made to the overall state racing schedule, “There's things that we're giving up on our end, knowing that everybody's got a little pain in this as we work through this and try to solve some of the problems.”

The post With Illinois Still Awaiting Racinos Legalized In ’19, Hawthorne And Fairmount Opt For Status-Quo Schedules In ’26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.