Member Profle Norman Tavares

CTBA Member PROFILE

LOVE AT LOVE AT LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT FIRST SIGHT FIRST SIGHT NORM TAVARES

BY EMILY SHIELDS

Norm Tavares was getting good at piecing together work—so good, in fact, that his accountant told him to f nd a way to write some of his earnings of .

“He said I’m working too many jobs,” Tavares recalled.

One of those jobs was selling copies of Daily Racing Form. A friend suggested Tavares get involved in racehorse ownership and introduced him to David and Dennis Landucci, who owned horses on the Northern California circuit.

“Bless them, they took good care of me,” Tavares said. “T ey helped me get in and learn about the business.”

Tavares ultimately branched of to have his own string of runners with trainer Greg Gilchrist.

“He was a super guy, and I was sad when he retired,” Tavares said. “We claimed some; we bought some. But then things got a little hairy, and I decided to get out of the business.”

Years passed without a Tavares runner on the track, but before long he felt the itch again.

“I decided to buy a couple of horses and went to the Northern California sale. T en I got involved with Little Red Feather, with (managing partner) Gary Fenton.”

One of the horses that Tavares was involved in was Marckie’s Water, a California-bred gelding by Tribal Rule—Russian River, by Stravinsky. T e chestnut was always classy, winning the 2017 Snow Chief Stakes at 11-1 odds and running third in the 2019 San Luis Rey Stakes (G2T).

He defeated the likes of United and Ashleyluvssugar when he won the $200,702 Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita in 2019. United went on to f nish second by a head in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T). T e ownership group eventually lost Marckie’s Water for a $40,000 tag. T e consistent gelding has a r e cord of seven wins, a second, and two thirds in 24 starts for earnings of $543,634.

Around the time Marckie’s Water was winning on the track, Tavares was becoming interested in the breeding end of the operation.

“I got a couple mares that just weren’t going to run, and f gured I would breed them,” he said. “But it didn’t pan out.”

Tavares was frustrated at the amount he was spending in stud fees to get decent stock of quality mares. Enter Rumpus Cat.

A 2015 son of Kentucky Derby (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) hero

YOUGENG WANG

Rumpus Cat drew Norm Tavares back into the horse business

Street Sense, Rumpus Cat is out of the millionaire and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) winner Sweet Catomine. In addition to her Breeders’ Cup score, that strapping Eclipse Award-winning flly won the Del Mar Debutante (G1), Santa Anita Oaks (G1), and two other graded stakes before her retirement in the spring of 2005.

Rumpus Cat, a Pam and Martin Wygod homebred, couldn’t get out of his own way at frst. He ran in fve maiden races before being dropped in for a tag and claimed by Slam Dunk Racing in 2018. He fnally broke his maiden at Del Mar at the $62,500 level, then added a starter allowance at Santa Anita over some remarkably talented horses, including future graded winners Acclimate and Blitzkrieg. Rumpus Cat was claimed for $35,000 in May 2019, and Norm Tavares fell in love.

“I saw this horse at the barn,” Tavares said. “With his looks and breeding? I had to have this horse, so I bought him.”

Rumpus Cat was the solution to Tavares’ dilemma.

“I decided to take a crack at breeding him,” the owner said. “Tere was a big write-up in Te Blood-Horse about him when he retired, basically saying that he had one of the best pedigrees in North America. I have to admit I pufed my chest out a little bit at that.”

Tavares kept Rumpus Cat at the late Joe Daehling’s Daehling Ranch in Elk Grove.

“Joe, bless his soul, was so very kind,” Tavares said. “He ofered for me to stand Rumpus at his ranch and got me started owning my frst stallion.”

After Daehling died, his daughter and son-in-law, Justin and Julia Oldfeld, took over.

“Tey are very kind, very helpful,” Tavares said.

Rumpus Cat stood his frst season in 2020, covering just 15 mares, including stakes winner Fairway Road, dam of graded stakes winner Just Grazed Me.

“I bought that mare (Fairway Road) of Nick Alexander,” Tavares said, “But I didn’t want to keep her because she didn’t match perfectly with Rumpus. I didn’t want to go out and have to pay the stud fee on just that one mare.”

Tavares has eight of his own Rum-

pus Cat weanlings. Of the original 15 mares bred, 13 produced live foals. “We have some outstanding youngsters on the ground,” Tavares said. “I’m a little excited. From my perspective, COURTESY OF DAEHLING RANCH/RON MESAROS the people who don’t breed to him now are going to want to give him a shot one day.” Tavares has 13 mares—including two entered for the California Toroughbred Breeders Associ-

Norm Tavares’ well-bred stallion Rumpus Cat stands at Daehling Ranch ation January mixed sale—and is constantly looking to improve his stock for Rumpus Cat. “I do go to the sales in Kentucky to Horses are my fnd mares in foal, so that they can then be bred to Rumpus,” he saidwhole life. I’m forced Although his basic goals of improving to live day to day, his stock and making his stallion are common, Tavares has an added twist to but my horses make his story. He has been battling cancer for more than two decades. up for that.” “I want to live life to the fullest,” the 81-year-old breeder said. “I’m just a little — Norm Tavares guy, but I fgure if Rancho San Miguel can do it and Harris Farms can do it, why can’t I do it?” Tavares has had plenty of help and is grateful for it. “Linda Madsen from Milky Way has been a really big helper for me,” he said. “I call her to pick her brain all the time. Sue Greene of Woodbridge Farm gave me a lot of pointers. Gayle Van Leer purchased a lot of horses for me and gave me plenty of advice.” With Rumpus Cat, who stands for $2,500, set to have frst crop of yearlings next year, Tavares certainly has something to look forward toward. “Horses are my whole life,” he said. “I’m forced to live day to day, but my horses make up for that.”

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 – OCTOBER 24, 2021

3-YEAR-OLDS & UP

Acclamation—Silver Swallow: Silver Claim (47-22), g, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, ALW, 10/3, 5f, 56.70, $24,180. Atticus—Beijio: Iz Invincible (7-4), g, 7 yo, Golden

Gate Fields, STR, 10/22, 1 1/16mi, 1:46.33, $7,500. Bluegrass Cat—Bella Roja: King Parker (84-30), g, 5 yo, Arapahoe Park, STR, 10/6, 6f, 1:11.28, $7,320. Boisterous—Sky Diver: June Gloom (51-34), g, 3 yo,

Grants Pass, STK, Jetboat S., 10/5, 6f, 1:10.81, $7,865. Champ Pegasus—Vola: Bottle Neck (67-42), f, 4 yo,

Grants Pass, ALW, 10/17, 5 1/2f, 1:3.93, $3,960. Clubhouse Ride—Scene Queen: Clubhouse Saint (54-27), f, 3 yo, Grants Pass, ALW, 9/28, 6f, 1:11.48, $3,960. Clubhouse Ride—Scene Queen: Clubhouse Saint (54-27), f, 3 yo, Grants Pass, STK, Drift Boat S., 10/4, 6f, 1:11.19, $8,195. Clubhouse Ride—Warren's Veneda: Warren's

Showtime (54-27), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK,

California Distaff H., 10/16, about 6 1/2f, 1:13.76, $60,000. Clubhouse Ride—Wild Caroline: Hapi Hapi (54-27), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 10/17, 1mi, 1:38.75, $37,800. Comic Strip—Ms. Booty: Indian Peak (17-10), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, California Flag H., 10/17, about 6 1/2f, 1:12.52, $60,000. Creative Cause—Grand Yodeler: Allie's Pal (176-87), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 10/22, 5f, 58.25, $12,540. Dads Caps—Sea of Red: Chief Jackson (11-2), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 10/23, 1 1/16mi, 1:44.07, $13,680. Empire Way—Just Details: Just Classy (58-23), f, 4 yo, Grants Pass, AOC, 10/12, 1 1/16mi, 1:46.00, $4,235. Fullbridled—Satin Dolly: Wine and Whisky (8-7), c, 4 yo, Fresno, AOC, 10/8, 1 1/16mi, 1:44.03, $21,060. Fullbridled—Satin Dolly: Wine and Whisky (8-7), c, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, AOC, 10/23, 1 1/16mi, 1:44.25, $24,180. Grazen—Excusabull: Lieutenant Dan (100-51), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Eddie D S. (gr. IIT ), 10/1, about 6 1/2f, 1:11.74, $120,000. Grazen—Excusabull: Grazen Valor (100-51), f, 4 yo,

Grants Pass, SOC, 10/12, 5 1/2f, 1:4.29, $4,015. Grazen—Tribal Dress: Clem Labine (100-51), g, 5 yo,

Fresno, AOC, 10/17, 6f, 1:9.39, $21,060. Heatseeker (IRE)—You Can Dream: Queen Carmelita (24-11), m, 5 yo, Fresno, WCL, 10/17, 5 1/2f, 1:4.48, $6,300. James Street—Rossi Reserve: Parking Permit (16-6), g, 5 yo, Century Mile, AOC, 10/23, 1 1/8mi, 1:51.67, $10,200. Lakerville—Margot Machance (GB): Big Coupe (30-11), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 10/24, 1mi (T), 1:35.40, $25,920. Lucky Pulpit—Fall Fashion: Fashionably Fast (58-35), g, 6 yo, Fresno, STK, Harris Farms S., 10/9, 6f, 1:9.90, $42,750. Maclean's Music—Secret Scheme: Whiskey Sis (188-97), f, 4 yo, Belterra Park, SOC, 10/5, 6 1/2f, 1:17.84, $8,742. Mucho Macho Man—Carmelita: Carmelita's Man (88-38), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 10/1, 1mi (T), 1:32.89, $37,800. Musketier (GER)—Kissamee Glitter: Christine's Jack (23-10), g, 5 yo, Grants Pass, SOC, 10/11, 6f, 0.00, $3,960. Paynter—Sam's Sunny City: Positivity (185-109), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 10/16, 7f, 1:21.92, $49,140. Richard's Kid—Boehle: Lolly Express (31-13), g, 6 yo, Grants Pass, STR, 10/11, 1 1/16mi, 1:45.97, $4,235. Salute the Sarge—Ice Tiz Nice: Interesting Times (12-5), m, 5 yo, Century Mile, AOC, 10/8, 6f, 1:9.62, $10,200. Shackleford—Miss Nicolie: Southern Warlord (206-109), g, 6 yo, Century Mile, SHP, 10/9, 5 1/2f, 1:3.31, $12,000. Smart Bid—So Posh: So Very Smart (31-10), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 10/22, 6f, 1:11.16, $37,800. Southern Image—Shezamusing: Nova Star (22-12), f, 3 yo, Zia Park, AOC, 9/28, 6f, 1:9.52, $19,800. Southern Image—Awesome Liberty: Awesome Image (22-12), g, 8 yo, Grants Pass, AOC, 10/12, 5 1/2f, 1:3.99, $4,235. Square Eddie—Walkingonadream: Eddie's New

Dream (89-40), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 10/3, 1 1/8mi (T), 1:47.79, $37,800. Square Eddie—Electric Daze: I'll Stand Taller (89-40), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 10/9, 6 1/2f (T), 1:15.10, $37,800. Super Saver—Belvedera: Super Game (216-105), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 10/10, 6 1/2f (T), 1:15.31, $37,800. Unusual Heat—Helluva Hooley: New Heat (27-13), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 10/16, 1 1/8mi (T), 1:48.06, $49,140.

2-YEAR-OLDS & UP

Dixie Chatter—West Ruler: I Know Cash Flow (15-7), g, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 10/8, 6f, 1:11.87, $25,920. Shaman Ghost—Daddy's Duo: Dendera (31-12), f, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 10/22, 1mi (T), 1:35.82, $37,800. Stanford—Curvy Cat: Stanford Bay (26-12), c, 2 yo,

Golden Gate Fields, STR, 10/22, 5 1/2f, 1:5.13, $13,680. Unionize—Rachels Belle: Miss Union (14-10), f, 2 yo,

Fresno, AOC, 10/10, 6f, 1:10.45, $21,060.

MAIDENS

ACCLAMATION Harris Farms (800) 311 6211 www.harrisfarms.com

Acclamation—Twelve Folds: Ayrton Senna (47-22), g, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 10/3, 5 1/2f, 1:5.40, $6,600. Ball Bearing—Ready for Crowds: Tommy Special (3-2), g, 2 yo, Fresno, MCL, 10/10, 5f, 59.31, $5,225. Blame—Holler: Scream and Shout (113-57), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 10/17, 6f, 1:12.36, $10,200. Boisterous—Swiftly Risen: Shout It Out (51-34), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 10/2, 5 1/2f, 1:5.09, $7,800. Brave Cat—Summer Rouge: Rouge Sunset (6-5), g, 4 yo, Arapahoe Park, MCL, 9/29, 5 1/2f, 1:5.43, $5,880. Carpe Diem—Sabi Sands: Lila At the Beach (149-70), f, 3 yo, Fresno, MSW, 10/8, 6f, 1:12.12, $20,280. Champ Pegasus—On Broadway: Packrat Brant (67-42), g, 4 yo, Grants Pass, MCL, 10/11, 5 1/2f, 1:7.10, $3,300. Champ Pegasus—Little Rooster (IRE): My Mane

Champ (67-42), c, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 10/15, 1mi (T), 1:36.47, $36,600. Clubhouse Ride—Warren's Veneda: Warrens Candy

Man (54-27), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 10/11, 1mi, 1:39.74, $21,000. Curlin to Mischief—Just Lookn Again: Lmlooknformischief (33-12), c, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields,

MSW, 10/3, 6f, 1:11.20, $23,400.

DESERT CODE Harris Farms (800) 311 6211 www.harrisfarms.com

Desert Code—Royal Enclosure: Royal Danielle (30-14), f, 4 yo, Grants Pass, MCL, 10/12, 5 1/2f, 1:5.75, $3,300. Gallant Son—Kind of Naughty: Kind of Gallant (20-9), g, 4 yo, Remington Park, MCL, 10/2, 5 1/2f, 1:6.64, $6,000. Grazen—Acategoryfvestorm: Grazeninstilettos (100-51), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 10/1, 6f (T), 1:8.08, $36,600. Haynesfeld—Key Lime Pie: Divalicious (67-32), f, 3 yo, Zia Park, MCL, 10/3, 1mi, 1:44.10, $8,100. Heatseeker (IRE)—Vendetta: Amity Harbor (24-11), g, 5 yo, Fresno, MCL, 10/17, 1mi, 1:39.00, $4,675. He Be Fire N Ice—Ridge Kitten: Kiton (14-8), g, 2 yo,

Century Mile, MSW, 10/1, 5 1/2f, 1:5.65, $9,900.

IDIOT PROOF Victory Rose Thoroughbreds (707) 678 6580 www.victoryrose.com

Idiot Proof—Real Paranoide: Proof of Paranoia (27-12), g, 4 yo, Mountaineer Casino Racetrack &

Resort, MCL, 10/17, 5f, 1:0.17, $4,466. Idiot Proof—Crystalize: Crystal Proof (27-12), f, 4 yo,

Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 10/23, 5 1/2f, 1:4.39, $23,400. Indian Evening—Lady Vogue: Lady Mohican (20-9), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 10/1, 5f, 59.36, $5,500. Indian Evening—Phantom Ali: Phantom Indian (20-9), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 10/1, 5 1/2f, 1:4.66, $23,400. Kitten's Joy—Pretty Hard: Aligato (243-108), g, 4 yo,

Santa Anita Park, MSW, 10/10, 6 1/2f (T), 1:15.21, $36,600. Maclean's Music—Tiz Tigress: Good Vibes Only (188-97), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 10/22, 6f, 1:10.47, $19,200. Majestic Harbor—Starry Skies: Harbor Sky (13-7), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 10/10, 1mi, 1:39.10, $13,200. Mr. Big—Sensational Nikki: Big Cali Girl (63-32), f, 3 yo, Grants Pass, MCL, 9/28, 6f, 1:14.60, $3,300. Mr. Big—Steamy Novel: Big Novel (63-32), f, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 10/2, 6f, 1:11.20, $36,600.

The accompanying list includes runners that are both California-foaled and Californiasired winners in 2021 of all recent North American races, except straight claiming races.

Abbreviations used for the class of race are similar to those used by Equibase: Alw–allowance; Hcp–overnight handicap; names of stakes race are spelled out, with the grade of the race, when applicable, in parentheses.

Mr. Big—Two Faced Moon: Big Moon (63-32), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 10/11, 1mi, 1:40.70, $10,200. Mr. Big—Ultimate Summer: Big Summer (63-32), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 10/23, 6 1/2f (T), 1:15.60, $36,600. Northern Causeway—Jeanie's Game: Dartmoor (37-19), g, 4 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 10/3, 4 1/2f, 51.74, $3,760. Not This Time—Masterful Lass: Vivacious Vanessa (109-56), f, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 10/16, 1mi (T), 1:36.04, $36,600. Nyquist—Edwina E: Slow Down Andy (101-42), c, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 10/9, 5 1/2f, 1:4.17, $36,600. Oh Tanner—Elegant Miss: Rowdy Oh (4-2), g, 3 yo,

Fresno, MCL, 10/17, 6f, 1:11.14, $8,400. Reagan Republican—Spanishsugarrr: Alesha (1-1), f, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 10/22, 6f, 1:12.66, $8,400. Shaman Ghost—Electro Peg: Lewd (31-12), f, 2 yo,

Thistledown, MSW, 9/28, 6f, 1:13.62, $14,400. Shaman Ghost—Velvet Jones: Velvet Ghost (31-12), g, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 10/2, 1mi, 1:42.39, $21,000. Shaman Ghost—Suite Sue Etta: Sue Ettas Ghost (31-12), f, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 10/16, 6f, 1:12.66, $19,200. Shaman Ghost—I Ain't Gonna Lie: Lying Ghost (31-12), g, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 10/23, 6f, 1:12.08, $8,400. Smart Bid—Sweetnearlypic: Pick Your Bid (31-10), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 10/15, 6f, 1:11.72, $13,200. Smart Bid—So Posh: So Very Smart (31-10), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 10/16, 6f, 1:10.42, $21,000.

SMILING TIGER Harris Farms (800) 311 6211 www.harrisfarms.com

Smiling Tiger—She's So Vain: Sen Sen (100-49), f, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 10/2, 6f, 1:12.01, $23,400. Smiling Tiger—My Gal Fatale: Smiling Tony (100-49), g, 4 yo, Fresno, MSW, 10/9, 6f, 1:11.46, $20,280. Street Boss—Intoitagain: Gritty Girl (184-104), f, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 10/10, 5f (T), 57.15, $36,600. Street Boss—Tuesdays With P: Ellamira (184-104), f, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 10/23, 5f, 58.56, $23,400. Street Life—Dixieland Holiday: My Bella Chick (18-4), f, 4 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 10/23, 4 1/2f, 53.37, $4,095. Tom's Tribute—Speedy Cleaners (IRE): Speedy Tom (25-12), g, 3 yo, Grants Pass, MCL, 9/28, 6f, 1:11.71, $3,300. Tom's Tribute—Lady Katfsh: Smilin Evie (25-12), f, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 10/24, 6f, 1:12.76, $36,600. Unusual Heatwave—Generals Promise: Billy's Bet (9-4), g, 2 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 10/11, 5f (T), 56.25, $36,600. U S Ranger—Precious Time: P T Ranger (47-21), f, 2 yo, Fresno, MCL, 10/8, 5f, 1:0.56, $5,225. Victory Cup—My Sis Liz: My Sis Cindy (1-1), f, 4 yo,

Los Alamitos, MCL, 10/2, 4 1/2f, 52.74, $3,820. Vronsky—Divine Josephine: Vronsky Feint (78-40), f, 2 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 10/1, 1mi (T), 1:40.12, $23,400. Vronsky—She's Got Style: Auspicious Style (78-40), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 10/23, 1 1/16mi, 1:45.86, $7,800. Winning Cause—Valarta: Winning Valle (6-1), f, 3 yo,

Fresno, MCL, 10/9, 5 1/2f, 1:6.34, $4,675.

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