California Thoroughbred Magazine April 2024

2023 CALIFORNIA-BRED HORSE OF THE YEAR

2023 CALIFORNIA HORSE OF THE YEAR

THE CHOSEN VRON – Older Male/Sprinter

Foaled and raised at Harris Farms

Owners: Sondereker Racing, Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, & Richard Thornburgh

Breeder: Tiz Molly Partners

Trainer: Eric Kruljac

GRAND SLAM SMILE – 2YO Filly Champion

Foaled at Harris Farms

Owners & Breeders: Larry & Marianne Williams

Trainer: Steve Specht

CLOSING REMARKS – Older Female/Turf Horse

Bred, raised, and owned by Harris Farms

Owner & Breeder: Harris Farms

Trainer: Carla Gaines

CEILING CRUSHER – 3YO FILLY CHAMPION

Bred and raised by Harris Farms

Owners: Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff, & Ty Leatherman

Breeder: Harris Farms

Trainer: Doug O’Neill

HORSE INDUSTRY IS ESSENTIAL TO CALIFORNIA’S ECONOMY

The California Horse Power Coalition is proud to report the results of the American Horse Council’s 2023 Economic Impact Study. Te California breakout study surveyed horse owners and suppliers throughout the state to determine the industry’s impact on the California economy.

While the state faces a critical budget defcit of at least $45 billion, the numbers from the report tell a powerful story of the impact the equine industry has on the California state economy, with a direct contribution by the equine ecosystem of $11.6 billion, a nearly 40% increase from fve years earlier. Additionally, the horse industry contributed $6.5 billion to the state’s Gross Domestic Product.

Racing alone adds $2.5 billion in total economic impact to the state, $1.5 billion in direct value to the state economy, and a total of 24,860 direct jobs, up from 17,798 in 2018.

Te horse industry also contributes $4.1 billion annually in tourism and creates 132,496 jobs, with 93,467 of those direct industry jobs. Tere are 4.1 million households in California with a horse enthusiast and 477,426 horses in the state. Additionally, 410,000 acres of California land is owned or leased for horse-related purposes and 220,000 Californians volunteer for horse-related activities.

It is the coalition’s goal to educate the public about these benefts, while highlighting the hard-working individuals— trainers, backstretch workers, jockeys, breeders, and mare owners—dedicated to working with and caring for our horses and contributing to our community and culture in countless ways.

Te California breakout study surveyed thousands of horse owners and suppliers across the state, making it the most comprehensive state industry study to date. Data collected were

analyzed to determine the impact of the industry’s distinct sectors, including competition, recreation, racing, equine-assisted therapy, and equine rehabilitation and sanctuaries.

advertising copy is submitted subject to approval. We reserve the right to reject any copy that is misleading or that does not meet with the standards set by the publication.

Acknowledgment: Statistics in this publication relating to results of races in North America are compiled by the Daily Racing Form Charts by special arrangement with Daily Racing Form Inc., the copyright owners of said charts. Reproduction forbidden.

OFFICERS

CHAIRPERSON TERRY C. LOVINGIER

PRESIDENT DOUG BURGE

VICE CHAIRPERSON GEORGE F. SCHMITT

TREASURER PETE PARRELLA

SECRETARY SUE GREENE

DIRECTORS

John C. Harris, Gloria Haley, Pete Parrella, Sue Greene, Donald J. Valpredo, Terry C. Lovingier, George F. Schmitt, Ty Green, Justin Oldfeld, Adrian Gonzalez, Dan Harralson, Dr. Stacy Potter, Jonny Hilvers

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

CONTROLLER

THOMAS R. RETCHLESS SALES

LORETTA VEIGA

REGISTRAR/INCENTIVE PROGRAM MANAGER

MARY ELLEN LOCKE

ASSISTANT REGISTRAR

DAWN GERBER

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/EVENT

Te

30 CTBA

34 Golden State Series: Sensational Star Stakes

36 Golden State Series: Irish O’Brien Stakes

38 Te Chosen Vron’s

40

44

FIGHTING HUSSAR

Rockport Harbor – Lightning Pace, by Regal Classic

Fee: $1,000 LFG

BIG RUNNUER

Stormy Atlantic – Elusive Luci, by Elusive Quality

Fee: $1,500 LFSN

OSCAR NOMINATED

Kittens Joy – Devine Actress, by Theatrical (IRE)

Fee: $1,500 LFSN

MERIT MAN

With Distinction – Precise Strike, by Precise End

Fee: $1,500 LFSN

GATO DEL ORO

Medaglio D’oro – Funny Feeling, by Distorted Humor

Fee: $1,000 LFG

ORIGINAIRE (IRE)

Zofany (IRE) - Polly Perkins (IRE) by Pivotal (GB)

Fee: Complimentary

MO THE BEHOLDER

Uncle Mo – Leslie’s Harmony, by Curlin

Fee: $2,500 LFSN

ROUSING SERMON

Lucky Pulpit – Rousing Again, by Awesome Again

Fee: $1,500 LFSN

KING OF JAZZ (ARG)

Giant’s Causeway – Kiss Me Sweet (ARG), by Lode

Fee: $1,000 LFG

A Full Service Thoroughbred Facility

Centrally Located to All Southern California Racetracks

OFFERING

Breeding, Boarding, Mare & Foal Care, Lay-Ups, Breaking, Training, Sales Prep, 5/8 Mile Race Track

Marcos Menjivar, Manager

3001 W. Esplanade Ave

Hemet, CA 92545

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E: bgfarminc@gmail.com

NewsBits

CHRB APPROVES PLEASANTON DATES

In the wake of the upcoming closure of Golden Gate Fields in Northern California, the California Horse Racing Board at its March meeting approved a new Pleasanton meet. Te California Authority of Racing Fairs will run the “combined fair meet,” whose allocated dates are Oct. 25-Dec. 25.

Te 6-0 CHRB decision followed three hours of discussion, with more

than 20 Northern California stakeholders speaking in favor of the allocation.

Prior to the CHRB meeting, Santa Anita had issued a letter indicating that its future is largely dependent on obtaining increased revenue and that one source could be simulcast revenue from wagering in the north if the new meet was not approved.

Te new Northern California meet-

I’ll Have Another to Old Friends

Paul Reddam has pensioned I’ll Have Another from stud duty and has retired him to Old Friends in Georgetown, Ky. Te double classic winner had been standing at stud at Ocean Breeze Ranch in Bonsall, Calif. He arrived at Old Friends March 20, the birthday of another Old Friends resident, California-bred champion Lava Man.

I’ll Have Another is 14, while Lava Man just turned 23. For the Reddams and trained by Doug O’Neill, who also trained Lava Man, I’ll Have Another won the 2012 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1). Prior to that, the son of Flower Alley— Arch’s Gal Edith, by Arch, captured the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2), earning a total of $2,693,600. He was voted an Eclipse Award as champion

3-year-old male.

Te Reddams sold I’ll Have Another to Japan, where he frst stood at stud. He returned to the U.S. to stand the 2019-20 seasons at Ballena Vista Farm in California, moving to Ocean Breeze for the 2021 breeding season.

“It is fantastic that he will have a permanent home at Old Friends where everyone can visit him,” said Paul Reddam.

QUALIFYING CLAIMING LEVELS

The following claiming levels for California owners premiums and stallion awards are currently in effect:

SANTA ANITA/$40,000

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS/$20,000

ing will still have to go through the normal process of submitting a meet application, which will likely come in August. Several commissioners noted that important details were missing from the northern plan and asked for more details of such things as environmental-related permitting, purse projections, and funding availability and mechanisms.

Grease Missle Scores Stakes Double

California-bred Grease Missle won back-to-back stakes at Turf Paradise when she captured the $60,000 Princess of Palms Stakes Feb. 26 and the $47,636 ATBA Tree-Year-Old Sales Stakes March 19. Ridden in both events by Geovanni Franco, Grease Missle went of as the 1-20 favorite each time. In the 61⁄2-furlong Princess of Palms, she vied for the lead early and then took over to win by 41⁄2 lengths in 1:15.45. She dominated even more in the six-furlong ATBA, breaking third, but taking over quickly and triumphing by 81⁄4 lengths in 1:09.88.

Bart Hone trains Grease Missle for owner Jeremy Ramsland. Dino and Josephine Bates bred the daughter of Clubhouse Ride from the Midnight Lute mare Midnighthush. Dino Bates bought the mare carrying Grease Missle for $4,200 from Havens Bloodstock Agency at the 2016 California Toroughbred Breeders Association January mixed sale.

I’ll Have Another

Grease Missle

COURTESY OF BIG RED FARM

JUNIOR ALVARADO SELECTED FOR WOOLF AWARD

Junior Alvarado, the regular rider of 2023 Horse of the Year Cody’s Wish, has been selected to receive Santa Anita’s 2024 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award.

Alvarado, 37, rode Cody’s Wish to seven stakes victories in nine starts, including the 2022 and 2023 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). Alvarado also piloted Senor Buscador to victory in the Feb. 24 Saudi Cup (G1).

A son of Venezuelan-based jockey Rafael Alvarado, Junior Alvarado was born in Barquisimento, Venezuela. He rode his frst winner near Caracas at age 19 in 2005. Alvarado immigrated to the U.S. in 2007 and his frst U.S. winner at Gulfstream Park Feb. 17 of that year.

Alvarado’s top horses include 2022 Jockey Club

Gold Cup (G1) winner Olympiad, 2023 Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) winner Art Collector, and 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) winner Just F Y I. He has ridden more than 2,100 winners for purse earnings of more than $134 million.

Presented annually by Santa Anita since 1950, the Woolf Award can only be given to an individual jockey once. It is named for the late Hall of Fame jockey who rode regularly at Santa Anita and piloted Seabiscuit to defeat Triple Crown Champion War Admiral in a match race at Pimlico Race Course Nov. 1, 1938. The award, determined by a vote from fellow riders, recognizes those jockeys whose careers and personal character garner esteem for the individual and the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

CAL MAIDEN BONUS ADJUSTED

Beginning with the start of Santa Anita’s spring meet, the bonus for registered California-breds or California-sired horses winning maiden special weight races in restricted and open company will be reduced from $17,500 to $15,000. The popular program has been in place since 2009, and the bonus is offered in races run at 4 1/2 furlongs or longer.

“The reduction is due to the growing success of the California-bred program, which is producing winners at an exceptionally high rate,” said Doug Burge, president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

Owners of Cal-breds that win an open maiden special weight race also receive the beneft of the current Cal-bred bonus available in open company in addition to the maiden bonus.

The maiden bonus program is funded jointly by the Thoroughbred Owners of California and the CTBA to increase the value of investing in Cal-bred and California-sired horses.

Beginning April 19, the maiden special weight bonus at participating California tracks will be: Santa Anita and Del Mar, $15,000; Los Alamitos, $10,000; and Golden Gate and the Northern Fairs, $10,000.

Alan Magerman

Longtime Thoroughbred owner Alan Magerman, co-owner of California-bred Horse of the Year King Glorious, died March 2 in Carlsbad. He was 88.

Bred by Ted Aroney’s Halo Farms in 1986, King Glorious raced for Magerman’s Four M Stables and Halo. Jerry Hollendorfer trained the son of Naevus—Glorious Natalie, by Refected Glory.

King Glorious won eight of nine starts, with one second, and earned $1,175,650. He won seven stakes, including the 1988 Hollywood Futurity (G1) and 1989 Haskell Invitational Handicap (G1), and was named the 1988 Cal-bred Horse of the Year and champion 2-year-old male and 1989 Cal-bred champion 3-year-old male.

The late Buster Millerick, who trained Cal-bred millionaire Native Diver, trained for Magerman during the 1960s and 1970s.

Magerman’s survivors include sons Joel and Michael, sister Janet Widra, and fve grandchildren.

Memoriam (CONT.)

Mr. Big

California lost one of its leading sires when Mr. Big had to be euthanized Feb. 27 at age 21 due to complications from laminitis. Owner George Krikorian developed Mr. Big into a sire of 12 black-type winners, including California-bred champions Big Fish and Ceiling Crusher, with more crops still to come.

“I’m heartbroken—Mr. Big was a very special horse,” Krikorian said.

Mr. Big had been standing at Pete and Evelyn Parrella’s Legacy Ranch in Clements, Calif., and had just begun the 2024 season.

“Mr. Big has become a major infuence in the breeding industry in California, and his loss is not just our loss but a big loss for the entire state,” said Pete Parrella. “We are honored that Mr. Krikorian had the confdence in Legacy Ranch to have Mr. Big stand here for the last two seasons. He’s going to be sorely missed.”

Krikorian bought Mr. Big as a weanling for $220,000 at the 2003 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. By champion Dynaformer, Mr. Big was out of the stakes-winning Fappiano mare Fashion Delight.

From a racing career limited to nine starts due to injury, Mr. Big won twice at Hollywood Park, the second time by 8 3⁄4 lengths. Krikorian retired Mr. Big to his Kentucky farm in early 2010. Mr. Big’s frst foal, Big Break, won for Krikorian frst time out by 7 3⁄4 lengths at Santa Anita. Claimed out of that start for $50,000, Big Break went on to earn $236,699.

Ceiling Crusher, the 2023 champion Cal-bred 3-year-old female, is Mr. Big’s leading earner to date, with $938,400. In 2023, the flly won the Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes at Parx, beating eventual Eclipse Award winner Pretty Mischievous. Ceiling Crusher also captured the Torrey Pines Stakes, Melair Stakes, and Evening Jewel Stakes in California.

Mr. Big got his frst graded winner when Kentucky-bred Big Score won the 2017 Transylvania Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. Big Score earned $702,792, won the 2016 Zuma Beach Stakes, and placed in seven other stakes, including the 2017 Hollywood Derby (G1).

Krikorian-bred Big Fish won the 2020 Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes and was named co-champion Cal-bred 2-year-old male of 2020. The stallion’s other stakes winners have included $392,420-earner Big Switch, $367,958-earner Big Sweep, $367,958-earner Big Summer, and $345,770-earner Chancery Way. In 2024, Big City Lights won the Palos Verdes Stakes (G3), and Big Pond captured the Spring Fever Stakes.

Cistron

Stakes-winning Cistron, a California stallion whose frst foals are yearlings of 2024, died March 18 due to complications from colic. The 10-year-old had been standing his third season at John Harris’ Harris Farms in Coalinga.

A son of The Factor, Cistron was out of Major Allie, a daughter of California-bred Offcer. Cistron sold for $180,000 at the 2015 Keeneland September yearling sale, and he raced throughout his career for Hronis Racing while trained by John Sadler.

Cistron’s biggest win came in the 2019 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar. He also won the 2019 San Simeon Stakes (G3T) and Kona Gold Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita and the 2017 Northern Spur Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Cistron earned $768,719, with six wins, seven seconds, and six thirds in 30 starts.

Cistron’s frst crop numbers 12 yearlings. He was bred to 18 mares in 2023.

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY

General Challenge

10 YEARS AGO

With a three-stakes winning streak going, CALIFORNIA CHROME added the $1 million Santa Anita Derby (G1) April 5, 2014. Building upon wins in the 2013 King Glorious Stakes and 2014 California Cup Derby and San Felipe Stakes (G2), the popular California-bred chestnut colt sat in second for six furlongs under jockey Victor Espinoza and then powered home by 51⁄4 lengths in 1:47.52 for 11⁄8 miles over Hoppertunity. The Santa Anita Derby victory made California Chrome a millionaire, and he would go on to win two-thirds of the Triple Crown and a host of other major races en route to record earnings of $14,752,650. Art Sherman trained the son of Lucky Pulpit—Love the Chase, by Not For Love, for his breeders, Perry Martin and Steve Coburn. California Chrome stood at stud in Kentucky before moving to Japan, where he currently resides at Arrow Stud in Hokkaido.

25 YEARS AGO

Twenty-fve years ago, April 3, 1999, the 11⁄8-mile Santa Anita Derby (G1) went to California-bred GENERAL CHALLENGE. Racing wide on the frst turn, General Challenge took command nearing the far turn and drew clear to win by 31⁄2 lengths in 1:48.92. Gary Stevens rode the gelding for trainer Bob Baffert, who was winning his third edition of the race. Baffert’s frst two also came with Calbreds—Cavonnier in 1996 and Indian Charlie in 1998. John and Betty Mabee bred General Chal-

lenge and raced him in the name of their Golden Eagle Farm. By General Meeting, General Challenge was out of the Smarten mare Excellent Lady. The Santa Anita Derby was his third stakes victory, and General Challenge went on to win fve more stakes, including the 1999 Pacifc Classic (G1) and 2000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1), before earning a total of $2,877,178.

50 YEARS AGO

Though California-bred LUCKY SPELL spent most of her racing career in Southern California, she got her frst two stakes victories at Golden Gate Fields. After taking the Linita Stakes at Golden Gate Feb. 15, 1974, and running third in the Feb. 27 Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita, Lucky Spell returned north for the April 19 Time to Leave Stakes. The race was named for another top Cal-bred, and Lucky Spell scored by three lengths over Cal-bred Still Blazing, with another Cal-bred, Acknowledge Me, third. Lucky Spell and jockey Dale Long completed the mile on turf in 1:363⁄5. Henry Moreno trained Lucky Spell for Burris & Wilder. Mike Schloessman bred the 3-year-old daughter of Lucky Mel—Incantation, by Prince Blessed. Lucky Spell produced eight winners from 12 starters, including stakes winners Merlins Charm and Goldspell. She is the second dam of leading California sire Lucky Pulpit.

© BENOIT PHOTO

RON MESAROS

STALLION NEWS

■ Touched by Autism to Daehling

California-bred sire Touched by Autism, who was named to bring awareness of those living with autism, has moved to Daehling Ranch in El Grove to stand the remainder of this breeding season.

George and Mary Clare Schmitt bred Touched by Autism in California and consigned him in the name of Sierra Sunset Ranch to the 2014 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association yearling sale. Johnny Taboada bought the son of Sierra Sunset—Beau’s Gem, by Beau Genius, for $2,700.

Racing from 2015-20, Touched by Autism won eight of 37 races, with fve seconds and four thirds, for earnings of $307,230. He won the 2018 Oakland Stakes and fnished third in the 2019 All American Stakes (G3) at Golden Gate Fields.

John

■ Tizamagician Gets First Foal

Multiple graded stakes winner Tizamagician, a son of champion Tiznow, had his frst foal Feb. 26. The flly was born at Milky Way Farm in Temecula. Bred and owned by Starlene and David Justice’s Vendetta Racing Stables, the flly is the third foal out of 9-year-old Esfera, a winning daughter of 2013 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Orb. Esfera is booked to return to Tizamagician this year.

A 7-year-old son of California-bred two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner and 2000 Horse of the Year Tiznow, Tizamagician entered stud at Milky Way in 2023 with career earnings of $741,851. He won fve of 25 starts from ages 3 to 5, including the 2021 Cougar II Stakes (G3) at Del Mar and Tokyo City Cup (G3) at Santa Anita. Conditioned by Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella, Tizamagician also ran second in the 2021 Pacifc Classic Stakes (G1) among his seven graded stakes-placings.

Tizamagician is out of graded stakes-placed Magic Union. That daughter of Dixie Union has also produced multiple graded stakes-placed Avenue and stakes-placed Exact Estimate.

■ Visitant’s First Foal Arrives

Visitant was represented by his frst foal when a colt out of the Mutkaddim mare Miss Graziella arrived March 4 at John Harris’ Harris Farms in Coalinga.

Bred and raced by Williamson Racing, Visitant stood his frst season at Arroyo Vista Farms in 2023. The multiple stakes winner then returned to the track, starting four times with a third in the Del Mar Mile (G2T), before resuming stud duty in 2024 at Arroyo Vista.

Now an 8-year-old, Visitant is by Ghostzapper— Peppermint Lounge, by Distorted Humor. He won the 2019 Alcatraz Stakes at Golden Gate Fields and four stakes at Turfway Park, An earner of $714,427, Visitant set a track record of 1:15.07 for 6 1/2 furlongs at Turfway in 2021.

Miss Graziella is out of stakes winner Graziella and is a half sister to stakes winners Room for Me and Uncle B.

■ California Stallions Sire Washington Champs

California sires Slew’s Tiznow and Grazen were represented by consecutive Washington-bred champions in Slew’s Tiz Whiz and Blazingbellablu, respectively. Slew’s Tiz Whiz, Horse of the Year for a second consecutive time, and Blazingbellablu, getting her third consecutive older distaff title, were honored Feb. 24 at the annual Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association dinner, held at Emerald Downs.

Slew’s Tiz Whiz was also honored as the Washington champion sprinter and older horse of 2023. The 2018 gelding last year won the Governor’s Stakes and Muckleshoot Tribal Classic, ran second in the Budweiser Stakes, and ran third in the Longacres Mile, all at Emerald.

Blazingbellablu, the 2021 Horse of the Year, was again voted champion older flly or mare. Last year as a 5-year-old, Blazingbellablu won the Washington Cup Filly and Mare Stakes and Hastings Stakes at Emerald and placed in three other stakes.

Retired California stallion Misremembered was represented by Washington champion 2-year-old flly Special Diva, while Cal-bred Moscow Symphony, a daughter of Moscow Ballet, was named Washington’s Broodmare of the Year.

• Grade 3-placed winning son of Uncle Mo

• Out of a Graded Stakes producing Mineshaft mare

• Won debut for trainer Bob Baffert at Santa Anita by half a length over eventual Grade 3 Winner Hopkins

• Won next two starts

• Highest Equibase Speed Figure of 110 in the G3 Steve Sexton Mile Stakes

CTBA working for you

To further assist the membership of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) and subscribers of its offcial publication, California Thoroughbred, this monthly editorial page provides readers with updates about the association’s current policies, latest news, and upcoming events in the Golden State.

NORTHERN SALE SLATED FOR AUG. 13

The CTBA Sales Northern California Yearling & Horses of Racing Age Sale is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13. It will be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Entries will close Monday, June 3.

For further information, contact Loretta Veiga at 626-445-7800 ext. 227, or email loretta@ctba.com.

SPOTLIGHTING FOALS OF 2024

With foaling season upon us, now is the time to spotlight your foals in California Thoroughbred. The April through August issues will feature Thoroughbreds foaled in California, with advertorials consisting of six to eight photos of foals per page.

The cost to publish a full-page insertion will be discounted down to $500. This represents a discount of more than 50% off the regular full-page advertisement price. Insertions should include a caption with each foal’s sire, dam, broodmare sire, sex, date

NEW CTBA MEMBERS

of birth, and breeders, as well as the details, including a logo, of their farm location.

Photos need to be submitted by the following deadlines: April 1 (May/June issue) and June 3 (July/August issue).

For additional information please contact the magazine’s Advertising Manager, Loretta Veiga, at Loretta@ctba.com or at 626-4457800, ext. 227. Additionally, photos can be submitted to Ken Gurnick at kgurnick@ ctba.com for free inclusion on the CTBA’s website.

Dianne L. Bashor La Jolla, CA

Greg Brous Santa Ynez, CA

CTBA Joins Ag Day

As it has for many years, the California Toroughbred Breeders Association hosted a booth at California’s Ag Day March 19 at the state capitol. Loretta Veiga of the CTBA brought information to educate legislators about the importance of the Toroughbred industry to the state’s agricultural economy. Te CTBA is also part of the California Horse Power Coalition, which recently reported on the American Horse Council’s 2023 Economic Impact Study (see page 3).

Richard T. Carson San Diego, CA

Kristin Mulhall Fresno, OH

John Sondereker Las Vegas, NV

LORETTA

VIEGA PHOTOS

Senator Shannon Grove

Senator Brian Jones and State Treasurer Fiona Ma

Senator Bob Archuleta

Senator Steve Padilla

Nancy Easton, Secretary of Department of Food and Agriculture Karen Ross, and Assemblymember Juan Alanis

Assemblymember Damon Connolly

CTB A working for you

APRIL 2024

To further assist the membership of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) and subscribers of its offcial publication, California Thoroughbred, this monthly editorial page provides readers with updates about the association’s current policies, latest news, and upcoming events in the Golden State.

CTFoundation

OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES

PRESIDENT

Ada Gates Patton

VICE-PRESIDENT/TREASURER

Gail Gregson

SECRETARY

Noreen Sullivan

Jeff Blea, DVM

Mary Forney

Tracy Gantz

Jane Goldstein

Thomas S. Robbins

John W. Sadler

Larisa Wick

Amy J. Zimmerman

Rowan Fellowship to Gordon

Te California Toroughbred Foundation has awarded the 2023 Louis R. Rowan Fellowship Award to Shadira Gordon, a PhD student in the epidemiology graduate group at the University of California, Davis.

During the frst two years of her PhD, Shadira conducted a case-control study to evaluate the efect of host characteristics, diet, and biosecurity protocols in California performance horses during a equine-alphaherpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) outbreak. Her results pinpointed such crucial factors infuencing EHV-1 susceptibility as how often horses attend competitions, the number of horses attending from the same facility, and the nature of competitive activities.

Currently, Shadira is working on identifying and categorizing the strains isolated during the ongoing EHV-1 outbreak, which has afected more than 15 California counties. Her goal is to integrate potential prevention strategies, the genetic characteristics of EHV-1 and EHM, and social network analyses of Toroughbred horse movements between events.

Beyond her research, Shadira strongly advocates for One Health initiatives. She has been a regular participant and discussion leader at events like the UC Davis Education Conference on One Health, and she won frst place in the One Health Case Competition organized by the One Health Institute. Shadira envisions her research making a practical impact by fostering collaboration among horse trainers, stakeholders, and veterinarians. Her work aims to develop efective strategies for performance horses, potentially serving as a model for addressing other equine infectious diseases locally and internationally.

memorial donations

The CTF accepts donations in memory of relatives and friends, with all such donations allocated to Scholarship Funds of the Foundation. Please remember members of our industry with a donation to the CTF memorial fund. Donations may be sent to CTF, 201 Colorado Place, Arcadia, CA 91007.

THE CHOSEN VRON

BY TRACY GANTZ

“Better with age” should be Te Chosen Vron’s mantra. Every year, the talented California-bred goes out and accomplishes more than he did before. And he’s not done yet.

At 2 in 2020, Te Chosen Vron broke his maiden in his frst and only start. He became a graded stakes winner at 3 and won his frst California-bred championship. At 4 he began an incredible eightstakes winning streak and earned two Calbred championships.

Ten in 2023 he outdid himself. He continued that stakes-winning streak. He became a grade 1 winner. He became a millionaire. And he won three Cal-bred titles that included Horse of the Year.

“What a cool horse,” said Josh Rubinstein, president of Del Mar, in presenting Te Chosen Vron’s divisional titles. “He lays it down every time—15 wins from 20 lifetime starts, including the grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar.”

Te Chosen Vron’s trajectory is taking him close to the likes of another outstanding Cal-bred millionaire gelding a half century ago: Ancient Title. Both received

THE CHOSEN VRON

Vronsky— Tiz Molly, by Tiz Wonderful

Breeder: Tiz Molly Partners

Cal-bred championships at 3 and 4, adding a Horse of the Year title in their 4-year-old seasons. Ancient Title went on to a second Horse of the Year and older male title at 5 and a third older male trophy at 6—aspirations not beyond Te Chosen Vron’s capabilities.

Trainer Eric Kruljac has guided Te Chosen Vron from the very beginning. When the gelding’s dam, Tiz Molly, was

Chestnut gelding (March 28, 2018)

Owners: Sondereker Racing LLC, J. Eric Kruljac, Robert S. Fetkin and Richard Thornburgh

The Chosen Vron successfully segues from his Horse of the Year season into 2024 by taking the Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint

© BENOIT

PHOTOS

HORSE OF THE YEAR

1 THE CHOSEN VRON

2 KINGS RIVER KNIGHT

3 CEILING CRUSHER

OLDER MALE

1 THE CHOSEN VRON

2 KINGS RIVER KNIGHT

3 SLOW DOWN ANDY

SPRINTER

1 THE CHOSEN VRON

2 LORD PRANCEALOT

3 YO YO CANDY

injured, several of her owners stayed in with Kruljac on her, including Richard and Ly Tornburgh. Ly urged them to breed Tiz Molly, and Kruljac selected Vronsky as a sire.

Te partnership also includes John Sondereker’s Sondereker Racing and Robert Fetkin. Sondereker recalls Te Chosen Vron as a youngster at John Harris’ Harris Farms.

“I saw him when he was a baby,” Sondereker said. “He was so cute running around the mare. He is the kindest horse. He’s like my wife’s Quarter Horse. He’s just so tame. Nothing upsets him.”

Tat personality has continued throughout Te Chosen Vron’s career. As Kruljac said at the March 12 awards banquet, “I wish I could share his personality in the shedrow. When he’s not making money, he’s just the coolest dude in the world.”

Tat cool dude entered 2023 of of a three-stakes winning streak that he proceeded to extend to eight. He had ended 2022 by winning the Cary Grant Stakes, a feat he repeated in 2023. But in between Te Chosen Vron seriously upped his game.

By this point, Big City Lights must have been sick of seeing Te Chosen Vron, having previously run second to him in the 2022 E.B. Johnston Stakes and Cary Grant. Big City Lights would lose the 2023 Cary GranttoTeChosenVronaswell.Trough mid-March of 2024, Big City Lights had a record of nine starts, with fve wins, including the 2024 Palos Verdes Stakes (G3), and four seconds, Te Chosen Vron being the only horse to outfnish him.

Te Chosen Vron remained in Golden State Series races for his next three starts, rattling of victories in the Feb. 20 Tiznow Stakes at a mile on dirt, March 19 Sensational Star Stakes at about 61⁄2 furlongs on turf, and May 28 Tor’s Echo Stakes at six furlongs on dirt. He nosed out multiple stakes winner Kings River Knight in the Sensational Star, and the excellent sprinter Brickyard Ride was among the vanquished in the Tor’s Echo.

Tough Kruljac primarily stuck with sprints last year, he knew Te Chosen Vron had the versatility for longer distances. On California Cup day, the trainer had

until the six-furlong Bing Crosby. He came from sixth to win a three-way photo with Anarchist and Dr. Schivel in what Kruljac has called the most exciting race in which he’s been involved.

“Te rider had to take him up severely just as he was beginning to make his move,” Kruljac said. “Ten he had to practically re-break in the middle of the fnal turn. It was impressive that he was able to overcome it, then tough out a hard-fought three-way photo fnish for the head victory over two really good stakes winners.”

Kruljac also praised regular rider Hector Berrios, saying, “He gets along with him well and regularly works the horse in the mornings.”

Te Bing Crosby made Te Chosen Vron a millionaire and came with a Win & You’re In berth to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), though the connections still had to supplement Te Chosen Vron because he was not Breeders’ Cup eligible. Te Chosen Vron fnished ffth behind winner and two-time Eclipse Award champion Elite Power.

He began with his frst-ever attempt at a California Cup race. In the $150,500 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint Jan. 7, he led throughout the six furlongs to hold of a gutsy Big City Lights by a neck.

cross-entered him in the Unusual Heat Turf Classic Presented by City National Bank at 11 8 miles on turf. Te day of the Tor’s Echo, Kruljac had also entered Te Chosen Vron in the Crystal Water Stakes at a mile on turf.

Te Chosen Vron had become a grade 3 winner twice as a 3-year-old in 2021, but he had never tackled grade 1 company—

“I over-freshened him up,” Kruljac said. “So when we ran him in the Breeders’ Cup, what we unknowingly did was we set him up for the Cary Grant.”

Te Chosen Vron emerged from the Breeders’ Cup in such fne form that he not only was able to come back in two weeks for the Cary Grant, he scored by 234 lengths over his old nemesis Big City Lights.

“I’d love to keep him around for a couple more years,” Kruljac said.

Tose additional years began quickly, as Te Chosen Vron opened his 2024 campaign with a repeat victory in the Cal Cup Sprint. Brickyard Ride, in what would be his fnal lifetime start, sped to the front, as he had done successfully so many times. But Te Chosen Vron swept past Brickyard Ride in the stretch to win by 214 lengths in 1:09.06.

All of Te Chosen Vron’s owner/breeders are enjoying every moment of the gelding’s fantastic career.

“For us, it was like hitting the equine lottery,” Tornburgh said.

The champ wraps up 2023 with a second Cary Grant victory

CTBA AWARDS 2023

Older Female, Turf

CLOSING REMARKS

BY JACK SHINAR

Things fnally came together in 2023 for the hard-hitting mare Closing Remarks, victorious in four grade 2 turf events during a 10-race campaign.

Te Harris Farms homebred earned $601,000 for the year while taking on the best female turf competition in Southern California. For her terrifc season, Closing Remarks was voted the champion California-bred champion older female and turf horse.

She also earned retirement, which was announced March 7 by owner John Harris, who said the 6-year-old chestnut mare was being sent to Kentucky to be bred to an as yet unnamed stallion this spring. She retires with seven wins in 27 lifetime starts and $1,000,820 in purse earnings.

“Closing Remarks is one of the best mares we have ever raced,” the prominent California breeder said in a state-

ment. “Carla Gaines did a sensational job with (her) racing career.”

Te daughter of the Danzig stallion Vronsky tested graded company in 15 consecutive stakes to close her career, a remarkable streak dating back to March 2022. She produced four wins, a second, and three thirds in those races.

In all, 21 of Closing Remark’s starts were in graded events. She was repeatedly denied victory, however, owing to her closing running style and a penchant for fnding trouble. Her breakthrough graded stakes triumph came one year ago in the Royal Heroine CLOSING

OLDER FEMALE

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2 FUN TO DREAM

3 CHANCERY WAY

TURF

1 CLOSING REMARKS

2 KINGS RIVER KNIGHT

3 THE CHOSEN VRON

(G2T) at Santa Anita.

Te one-mile Royal Heroine was her third start of the season following consecutive third-place fnishes in the Megahertz (G3T) and Buena Vista (G2T) stakes.

“She so deserved it,” said Gaines after Closing Remarks rallied on the outside through the stretch to post a 11⁄2-length tally with Joe Bravo aboard. Gaines called Closing Remarks “my little overachiever.”

“I don’t know if we’re lucky or smart, but we’re happy with the way it’s going,” said Harris at the time.

But that was just the beginning.

Following a fourth in the Wilshire Stakes (G3T) as the favorite and a sixth in the Gamely (G1T)—when she lacked running room and clipped heels while making a move at the head of the stretch—Closing Remarks returned to Del Mar for the Yellow Ribbon Handicap (G2T) Aug. 12 as a slight favorite.

It was the frst start at the seaside oval for Closing Remarks since running second to Going Global in the $302,000 Del Mar Oaks (G1T) two years earlier.

New jockey Umberto Rispoli kept Closing Remarks closer to the pace in

Vronsky— Orange Cove, by Unusual Heat Breeder: Harris Farms

Owners: Harris Farms, Inc.

Chestnut mare (Feb. 21, 2018)

Closing Remarks proves victorious in the Goldikova Stake, one of her four graded wins in 2023 © BENOIT PHOTOS

the 11⁄16-mile Yellow Ribbon, saving ground at the rail in third through the fnal turn before tipping out for the drive. Closing Remarks passed pacesetter Ganadora midstretch, then dug in for the fnal sixteenth of a mile to hold of Irish-bred Spirit and Glory by a neck.

An elated Gaines credited Rispoli for a splendid ride.

“(Closing Remarks) didn’t have to make up quite as much ground as in her previous races, and she loves this turf course,” she said.

Less than a month later, Closing Remarks was back at Del Mar for the John C. Mabee Stakes (G2T) at nine furlongs. Te mare was once again sent of as the favorite, this time at 7-5 in a feld of six. Rispoli patiently placed Closing Remarks toward the rear outside of a rival, then asked her to swing into gear on the fnal turn. Closing Remarks advanced smartly while three wide, seizing the lead from Turnerloose leaving the eighth pole, and kicked clear to win by 13⁄4 lengths.

Back at Santa Anita Oct. 7 for the $300,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes (G2T), Closing Remarks was victimized by a slow pace and fnished fourth with Juan Hernandez aboard.

With Closing Remarks doing so well after that race, Gaines and Harris pondered running her in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) at Santa Anita. Tey pre-entered her in the 11⁄4-mile event but opted instead for the onemile Goldikova Stakes (G2T) Nov. 5.

“She’s been very efective at a mile before, but basically the competition,” Gaines explained of their decision.

Unhurried while breaking from the rail for Hernandez, Closing Remarks raced along the inside while ffth in the feld of six, well of a blistering pace set by Hamwood Flier. At the quarter pole, Closing Remarks trailed the feld, nearly seven lengths behind. As heavily favored Queen Goddess took the lead midstretch, Closing Remarks surged under encouragement from Hernandez to collar the leader in the fnal strides. Closing Remarks won by a half-length

in a time of 1:32.69, one second of the course record.

“Juan did give her a lot to do, but the pace was horrid up front,” Gaines said of the victory.

“Tis mare tries all the time,” Hernandez said afterward. “She’s a really nice, honest mare. She knows what she is doing on the track. She is a professional and always shows up.”

Closing Remarks completed her year with a sixth-place fnish in Del Mar’s Matriarch Stakes (G1T). Following two lackluster eforts to begin 2024, the decision was made to retire her.

Closing Remarks previously was voted California’s champion 3-year-old female of 2021. Tat year, she won the Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks and ran second in four consecutive open stakes—the listed China Doll, Providencia (G3T), Senorita (G3T) and Del Mar Oaks.

Harris’ homebred mare Orange Cove, by Unusual Heat, produced Closing Remarks. Harris sold Orange Cove in 2020. Te 12-year-old broodmare’s only other foal to race for Harris is the winning Desert Code gelding Sanger, also in the Gaines barn.

Gaines told bloodhorse.com that the mare had lost her focus.

“She’s 100 percent healthy and sound,” she said. “I think she’s thinking of other things, kind of over this racing thing.”

Speaking at the March 12 awards banquet, Gaines said, “She took us all on an incredible journey. I’m just super proud and super thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of that journey.”

Second dam Aspen Gal, a graded stakes-placed mare by Talkin Man, was a $42,000 Harris buy at the Keeneland 2005 November breeding stock sale.

Harris said he intends to breed Closing Remarks in Kentucky and bring her back to his Coalinga ranch for foaling. After that, he said he plans to mate her with one of the stallions on his farm.

“I look forward to many nice horses from her,” he said

At Del Mar, Closing Remarks captures the John C. Mabee Stakes as the favorite

YO YO CANDY

BY TRACY GANTZ

Adrian Gonzalez has wholeheartedly embraced the California breeding industry. His Checkmate Toroughbreds is a major consignor to California sales, and he buys and sells horses throughout the country. Gonzalez has brought stallions to the state, and he supports them with his own mares.

So, it isn’t surprising that Checkmate Toroughbreds has produced a California-bred champion. Yo Yo Candy, the 2023 champion 2-year-old male, is by Danzing Candy, a California multiple graded winner Gonzalez worked to keep in the state for stud duty, and the colt is out of the Two Punch mare Yolanda B. Too, a Checkmate purchase Gonzalez has since bred to several California sires. Yo Yo Candy is also a graduate of the California Toroughbred Breeders Association Northern California sale.

Yo Yo Candy benefted from Gonzalez’s belief in how to raise young racing prospects. Tat includes giving the youngsters plenty of room to run, play, and even roughhouse.

“I have huge pastures, and they are learning how to be racehorses,” Gonzalez said. “Tat’s so important. We very rarely have horses that were raised here that end up having shins or any kind of baby stuf that 2-year-olds get. I think it’s because they can run for as far and long as they want.”

Yo Yo Candy developed quickly enough to be pinhooked into the 2023 Ocala Breeders’ Sales March 2-year-old sale, selling to Tom Lamont. Racing in Lamont’s Happy Tenth Stable colors, Yo Yo Candy debuted at Parx in May, breaking his maiden by three lengths for trainer Daniel Velazquez.

From there, Velazquez and Lamont took Yo Yo Candy to New York, where he ran third in the June 11 Tremont Stakes at Belmont Park. His connections continued

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1 YOYOCANDY

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LORDPRANCEALOT

to dream big and next traveled to historic Saratoga for the Sanford Stakes (G3).

Very few people gave Yo Yo Candy a chance in the Sanford, as his 46-1 odds demonstrated. But Gonzalez and his wife, Erin, along with their two children weren’t about to miss watching a homebred race at Saratoga, even when a baseball game pre-empted the telecast and they had to watch it from their home on an iPhone.

Under jockey Angel Castillo, Yo Yo Candy survived a bump at the start of the six-furlong Sanford, came wide into the stretch, and scored by 21∕4 lengths over odds-on favorite Gold Sweep. Yo Yo Candy stopped the timer in 1:11.83, and he gave the Gonzalez family a day to remember.

“It’s gratifying that we can produce, not just horses that can win in California, but we want to have horses that can compete anywhere in the world,” said Gonzalez.

Since Yo Yo Candy, Yolanda B. Too has foaled a 2022 colt by Danzing Candy and a 2023 colt by Sir Prancealot, another stallion who came to California through Gonzalez’s eforts. Gonzalez then bred the mare to Eight Rings, still another California stallion in which Checkmate is involved.

Gonzalez believes strongly in Checkmate’s program, and he nominates every foal to the Breeders’ Cup.

“We’ve never had one run in the Breeders’ Cup, but we believe that they all will and that’s why we nominate them,” he said. “We’re doing everything we can so that when they get there, they are ready.”

YO YO CANDY Dark bay/brown colt (March 4, 2021)

Danzing Candy— Yolanda B. Too, by Two Punch Breeder: Checkmate Thoroughbreds LLC Owner: Happy Tenth Stable

Yo Yo Candy surprised the field at 46-1 in winning the six-furlong Sanford Stakes at Saratoga SKIP DICKSTEIN

GRAND SLAM SMILE

BY JACK SHINAR

She’s always been a wild child, but there is no denying Grand Slam Smile’s ability—aptly demonstrated during a standout juvenile campaign in 2023 for prominent California owners and breeders Larry and Marianne Williams.

Teir chestnut daughter of Smiling Tiger won three of fve starts with a pair of seconds, including stakes victories in the Fasig-Tipton Debutante and Golden State Juvenile Fillies, to secure the title as California-bred champion 2-year-old female for trainer Steve Specht.

But getting Grand Slam Smile to the racetrack was no easy task, noted Dan Kiser, longtime ranch manager for the Williamses’ racing and breeding operation in Parma, Idaho.

“She’s a smart flly, but that didn’t make her any easier to handle,” he said. “Nothing was easy with her. She’d strike out at you.”

Grand Slam Smile especially didn’t like having her feet trimmed, Kiser explaining, “I do the trimming myself, and I had to be really careful around her and go really slow.

You had to watch her close.”

Since she transferred to Specht’s barn at Golden Gate Fields, Grand Slam Smile’s attitude has improved. Noting the patience Specht is known for, Kiser added, “We knew Steve would be the right guy for her. And it’s worked out really, really well.”

But Grand Slam Smile still has her moments. Prior to her frst start as a 3-yearold, in the $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks Jan. 13, she dumped jockey Frank Alvarado in the paddock. She then proceeded to win the race, her frst start on grass and initial try around two turns, by a widening 21∕4 lengths.

She is the last foal from her dam, Royal Grand Slam, who died last year at age 18. By Grand Slam, the broodmare produced four other black-type winners, including

TWO-YEAR-OLD FEMALE

stakes winners Luck’s Royal Flush and Royal ’n Rando. All eight of her starters were winners.

Grand Slam Smile, ridden in all of her races so far by Alvarado, started her career in style by beating maidens at frst asking at Golden Gate Fields May 14 by four lengths. She returned a month later at Santa Anita in the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Debutante, defeating the French-bred Becky’s Dream in the fve-furlong dash by half a length.

Grand Slam Smile lost for the frst time in the $125,500 California Toroughbred Breeders’ Association Stakes at Del Mar Aug. 6. After being bumped at the start of the 51 2-furlong dash, Grand Slam Smile fnished willingly in second, unable to catch odds-on favorite Pushiness, who went gate-to-wire to win by 13∕4 lengths.

Specht lost some training time with Grand Slam Smile following the CTBA Stakes due to a leg infection. But she came roaring back in her next start Nov. 3, trouncing her nine rivals in Santa Anita’s $177,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes by 71∕4 lengths.

She was upset in her fnal start of the season three weeks later in the $55,850 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes at six furlongs, unable to make headway on the pacesetting Charlene’s Dream while fnishing second.

Grand Slam Smile, who boosted her career earnings to $329,900 with her win in the Cal Cup Oaks, is currently sidelined with a hind ankle injury, Kiser said. She is expected to return in early May.

“I know the Williamses are really happy with her,” Kiser said. “She’s a special flly.”

GRAND SLAM SMILE Chestnut filly (Feb. 14, 2021)

Smiling Tiger— Royal Grand Slam, by Grand Slam

Breeders: Larry D. and Marianne Williams

Owners: Larry D. and Marianne Williams

Grand Slam Smile and jockey Frank Alvarado win the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies

© BENOIT PHOTO

ONE IN VERMILLION

BY JACK SHINAR

One in Vermillion won fve stakes in his career, three of them in 2023, including the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) over a muddy track at Saratoga last August.

But a severe fetlock injury sustained during a workout at New Mexico’s Zia Park in November for trainer Estaban (Steve) Martinez cut short the speedy chestnut’s promising career. His eventual foundering and laminitis in the opposite foreleg led to the colt’s death Feb. 2.

One in Vermillion, by Kentucky stallion Army Mule—Given Star, by Any Given Saturday, was foaled at Barton Toroughbreds in Santa Ynez. Leading California breeder Richard Barton Enterprises purchased the dam in foal for $4,500 at the 2019 Keeneland November sale.

Besides the seven-furlong Jerkens, which was marred by the tragic breakdown of New York Tunder, One in Vermillion captured the Riley Allison Derby at Sunland Park and the listed Lazaro

Barrera Stakes at Santa Anita. He also fnished second in both the Canterbury Derby and the listed Iowa Derby and ran third in the West Virginia Derby (G3). He earned $564,220 during a nine-race 2023 campaign.

For his accomplishments prior to his untimely decline, One in Vermillion has been recognized as the California-bred champion 3-year-old male of 2023.

Kate Barton Penner, Barton’s executive vice president for operations, expressed gratitude for One in Vermillion, the breeder’s frst grade I winner and Calbred champion.

“His earnings are a big part of our being the leading breeder in the state last year,” she said.

Jonathan Kalman purchased One in

ONE IN VERMILLION

THREE-YEAR-OLD MALE

1 ONEINVERMILLION

2 CLOVISCONNECTION

3 BUSBUZZ

Vermillion as a yearling for $26,000 at the Arizona fall mixed sale. Te well-traveled colt won six of 12 starts—racing at seven diferent racetracks—and $653,840 for Kalman while trained throughout his career by Martinez.

“He provided a great ride for everyone connected with him, and we were glad to have been a part of that,” Penner said.

One in Vermillion ran only twice in California, fnishing ffth in last year’s Santa Anita Derby (G1) in April, a month prior to winning the Barrera.

Atwo-timestakeswinneratTurfParadise as a 2-year-old, One in Vermillion started his 2023 campaign with a front-running victory in the Riley Allison, then was ffth in the $600,000 Sunland Park Derby (G3) at nine furlongs. Following his California races, he shipped to Canterbury Park in Minnesota, where he won a six-furlong allowance before running second in the Canterbury Derby on June 21.

In his next start, at Prairie Meadows in the $250,000 Iowa Derby, One in Vermillion led throughout and fnished in a dead heat for frst but was disqualifed and placed second for interference in deep stretch. Following his third in the $500,000 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Park, One in Vermillion traveled to Saratoga for the Jerkens.

At 19-1 under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., One in Vermillion dropped to last in the small feld, 11 lengths behind undefeated New York Tunder at the three-eighths pole.

New York Tunder was clear by fve lengths in the stretch before suddenly falling. One in Vermillion, closing with a rush on the far outside, blew past his rivals to win by 134 lengths.

Chestnut colt (March 22, 2020)

Army Mule— Given Star, by Any Given Saturday

Breeder: Richard Barton Enterprises

Owner: Jonathan Kalman

The well-traveled One in Vermillion won the Lazaro Barrera Stakes in his native California © BENOIT PHOTO

Benchmark – Hazen, by Rubiano 2024 Fee: $6,000 LF

Grazen has sired 19 90 + Beyers Runners and 24 $200k earners #1 IN STAKES WINS

’s .

RELOCATED

Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm 801 E. Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427 (805) 769-6685 | www.eclipse-equine.com/stallions

#1 GRASS SIRE #1 IN WINS

#1 IN AEI

CEILING CRUSHER

BY JACK SHINAR

The sky was the limit for the standout flly Ceiling Crusher in 2023, as she capped a highlight-flledseasonwithherfront-running victory in the $1 million Cotillion Stakes (G1) in Pennsylvania.

Te bay daughter of recently deceased sire Mr. Big, bred by John Harris’ Harris Farms, was voted California’s champion 3-year-old female after winning fve of six starts during the year for trainer Doug O’Neill.

Ceiling Crusher demolished her California rivals in 2023, including a six-length romp in Del Mar’s Torrey Pines Stakes (G3), before shipping east to Bensalem Township for Parx Racing’s Cotillion. Tere she faced a star-flled feld that included Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner and eventual Eclipse Award champion Pretty Mischievous.

But Ceiling Crusher—guided by Edwin Maldonado over a sloppy, sealed main track—controlled the pace throughout. She opened up a substantial 21 2-length lead in the stretch before staving of the deter-

mined charge of Pretty Mischievous in the fnal furlong to win by a half-length in a mild upset.

Te victory was worth $564,000 to her connections, bringing her career earnings to $938,400 with six lifetime wins from seven races.

“She brought everything that she was showing us back home on the road,” O’Neill said afterward. “She has that high cruising speed, and she carried it all the way to the wire.”

Not nominated for the Breeders’ Cup, Ceiling Crusher instead went to auction. Japan’s Katsumi Yoshida purchased her for $750,000 as a broodmare or racing prospect at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November sale.

Ceiling Crusher started her year in Janu-

CEILING CRUSHER

THREE-YEAR-OLD FEMALE

1 CEILINGCRUSHER

2

3

CHISMOSA

TOM’SREGRET

ary by winning a six-furlong allowance race for California-breds at Santa Anita. Next came three consecutive Golden State Series flly stakes in which she was the odds-on favorite each time. To say she dominated the frst two would be an understatement. She tallied by 151∕2 lengths in the $150,000 Evening Jewel at 61 2 furlongs April 8. Ten, in her frst route try, the $150,000 Melair on May 28 at 11∕16 miles, she romped by 17 lengths.

However, she tasted defeat for the only time in the $175,000 Fleet Treat Stakes. Cutting back to seven furlongs, she was bumped and steadied away from the gate and bumped again on the backstretch. Hemmed in between rivals through the turn, she fnished willingly but checked in third, beaten 21∕4 lengths by the well-regarded Big Pond.

Her fnal start in California came in the $151,500 Torrey Pines at one mile. With Maldonado aboard her for the frst time, she led gate to wire, turning away a couple of challenges before drawing of in the fnal furlong.

Ceiling Crusher raced for Wonderland Racing Stables (Lisa Fedick), Todd Cady, Tim Kasparof, and Ty Leatherman, who purchased her privately following a debut maiden triumph at Santa Anita as a juvenile in June 2022.

Out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, Ceiling Crusher was a graduate of the California Toroughbred Breeders Association Northern California 2021 yearling sale and went for $22,000 to Tari Brocklebank from the Harris Farms consignment. She was originally owned by Dan Northrup and trained by Luis Medina.

Bay filly (April 28, 2020)

Mr. Big— Palisadesprincess, by Indian Charlie Breeder: Harris Farms

Owners: Wonderland Racing Stables LLC, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff and Ty Leatherman

Ceiling Crusher #2 with Edwin Maldonado riding won the $1,000,000 Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes © BENOIT PHOTO

CTBA

TWO-YEAR-OLD MALE

TWO-YEAR-OLD FEMALE

THREE-YEAR-OLD MALE

THREE-YEAR-OLD FEMALE OLDER MALE OLDER FEMALE SPRINTER TURF HORSE HORSE OF THE YEAR

1992 Moscow Changes Incindress Bertrando Charm a Gendarme Best Pal Bountiful Native Answer Do Blaze O’Brien Best Pal

1991 Bertrando Don B’s Princess Best Pal Teresa Mc Bruho SomethingmerryLetthebighossroll Somethingmerry Best Pal

1990 Best Pal Theresa’s Pleasure Real Cash Materco Flying Continental Brown Bess Sensational StarCacoethes Best Pal

1989 Individualist Dominant Dancer King Glorious Kool Arrival Stylish Winner Brown Bess King Glorious – Brown Bess

1988 King Glorious Approved to FlyAloha Prospector Super Avie Nostalgia’s Star Brown Bess Calestoga – King Glorious

1987 Purdue King Variety Baby Something LuckyPerchance to DreamSnow Chief Fran’s Valentine Zany Tactics – Snow Chief

1986 Flying Lieutenant Saros Brig Snow Chief Melair Super DiamondFran’s Valentine Melair – Snow Chief

1985 Snow Chief Lady Maxine D.Slew the DragonFran’s Valentine Barberstown Capichi Debonaire Junior – Snow Chief

1984 Right Con Fran’s Valentine Fali Time Vagabond Gal Silveyville Fancy Wings Debonaire Junior – Silveyville

1983 Fali Time Boo La Boo/ Bright Orphan Billy Ball Fabulous NotionPrince Spellbound Avigaition Expressman – Fali Time

1982 Aguila Fabulous NotionPrince Spellbound Avigaition Silveyville Frieda Frame/ Past Forgetting Remember John – Prince Spellbound

1981 Racing Is Fun A Kiss for Luck Silveyville Past Forgetting Eleven StitchesPrincess Karenda I’m Smokin – Eleven Stitches

1980 Bold and Gold Astrious Jaklin KlugmanPrincess Karenda Beau’s Eagle Wishing Well Beau’s Eagle Jaklin Klugman

1979 The Carpenter Hazel R. Golden Act Variety Queen Jumping Hill B. Thoughtful – – Golden Act

1978 Flying Paster Tourulla Capt. Don B. Thoughtful Bad ’n Big Grande Brisa – – Flying Paster

1977 Chance Dancer B. Thoughtful Bad ’n Big Don’s Music Crystal Water Dancing Femme – – Crystal Water

1976 Fleet Dragoon Special Warmth Crystal Water Any Time Lady Ancient Title Just a Kick – – Crystal Water

1975 Telly’s Pop Walk in the SunMessenger of SongOur First Delight Ancient Title Modus Vivendi – – Ancient Title

1974 The Bagel Prince Hot n Nasty Stardust Mel Modus Vivendi Ancient Title Impressive Style – – Ancient Title

1973 Century’s EnvoyGentleman’s SketchAncient Title Sandy Blue/ Windy’s Daughter Royal Owl Minstrel Miss – – Windy’s Daughter

RECIPIENTS LISTED IN GOLD ARE REPEAT WINNERS ➧

California-bred Champions

CHOOSING THE BEST

THE CHOSEN VRON LED A STELLAR GROUP OF STATE-BRED STARS

BY TRACY GANTZ PHOTOS BY RON MESAROS

By just about every measurement, 2023 was a terrifc year for California-breds. Millionaires Te Chosen Vron and Closing Remarks each won multiple championships, and California Toroughbred Breeders Association President Doug Burge introduced the March 12 banquet proceedings by pointing out that fve diferent Cal-breds won grade 1 races during the year.

A large crowd of breeders and industry leaders celebrated at Le Méridien in Arcadia near the CTBA ofce and Santa Anita. All awards except Horse of the Year had been announced in advance, though few, if any, were surprised that Te Chosen Vron was named to his frst Horse of the Year title, bringing his championship total—so far—to six.

Frank Mirahmadi, Santa Anita’s announcer, emceed the proceedings, and he delighted the crowd by calling a race between the Horse of the Year fnalists: Te Chosen Vron, Kings River Knight, and Ceiling Crusher. Mirahmadi drew upon his vast arsenal of impressions to begin as Harry Henson and segue to Alan Buchdahl, Dave Johnson, Luke Kruytbosch, Ed Burgart, and Trevor Denman—all memorable California racetrack announcers.

Prior to the Horse of theYear announcement, Te Chosen Vron’s connections accepted his divisional titles of champion older male and sprinter. Te entire owner/breeder group of trainer Eric Kruljac, Richard Tornburgh, John Sondereker, and Robert Fetkin came to the stage.

“I just want to thank Eric Kruljac,” Fetkin said. “Tere is a whole lot of painstaking efort that goes into getting that winner. Eric has always said it’s the horse, but really and truly this man deserves a lot of credit because he’s been patient with the horse. He’s navigated this championship run for Te Chosen Vron through the last several years.”

Kruljac repaid the compliment when accepting the Horse of the Year trophy, saying, “What a great group of people always. Tey got involved early. Tey knew the horse was special.”

Te CTBA also honored Kruljac as the Trainer of the Year, and Kruljac paid tribute to his mentors, including his grandfather.

“He told me always breed to soundness,” Kruljac said. “I was 26 when I bought my frst Toroughbreds. My grandfather said to start with fllies and mares because you can do something with them after they’re done running.”

Kruljac said that he had good luck buying fllies and mares from top California breeders.

“Stick with Cal-breds,” he said. “Once in a while go to Kentucky, but stick with Cal-breds.”

Te CTBA honored many others who contributed to the breeding of Cal-breds, including returning leading sires Grazen and Stay Tirsty, Lutess as Broodmare of the Year for a second time, and—making

THE CHOSEN VRON Horse of the Year

CTBA Chairperson Terry Lovingier (third from left) presents The Chosen Vron’s Horse of the Year trophy to Robert and Sheila Fetkin, Jane Ottenstein, Eric Kruljac, Dorita and John Sondereker, and Richard and Ly Thornburgh

GRAZEN

• Leading California Sire of California-Conceived Foals by Earnings

• Leading California Sire of California-Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings

Nick Alexander accepts Grazen’s two leading sire awards from CTBA President Doug Burge

STAY THIRSTY

• Leading California Sire of California-Conceived Two-Year-Olds by Earnings

• Leading California Sire of California-Conceived Foals by Number of Winners

Terry Lovingier and Amanda Navarro receive Stay Thirsty’s award from Thoroughbred Owner of California’s Bill Nader (center)

RICHARD BARTON ENTERPRISES

Leading Breeder of California-Foaled Thoroughbreds by Earnings

Fasig-Tipton’s Mike Machowsky presents the leading breeder award to Kate Barton Penner of Richard Barton Enterprises

LUTESS

Broodmare of the Year

Jonny Hilvers accepts Lutess’ award from CTBA board member

Dan Harralson

ERIC KRULJAC

Trainer of the Year

Kruljac accepts Trainer of the Year trophy from California Thoroughbred Trainer’s Alan Balch (left)

CTBA AWARDS 2022

California-bred Champions

their frst appearance as leading breeders—the Barton family of Richard Barton Enterprises.

“It’s truly an honor to accept this on behalf of my father,” said Kate Barton Penner. “It’s been such a privilege to get to do this with him, and it’s something that we both truly love. A special thanks to Kevin (Dickson), our farm manager. Everyone on the farm are such team players—we couldn’t be here without them. I’d like to also say thank you to my mom. She does a lot behind the scenes.”

Richard Barton Enterprises also received a championship as breeder of One in Vermillion, champion 3-year-old male.

As always, the Hall of Fame inductions were a highlight of the evening. Even though the four inductees—Russell Drake, Clay Murdock, Soviet Problem, and Tribal Rule— are no longer with us, their connections celebrated their eforts.

Dena Murdock spoke movingly about her husband, saying, “His entire life was horse racing, from chariot racing with his dad, to jockeying, from Quarter Horse training and managing to Toroughbreds, which he truly loved.”

Don Valpredo and John Harris not only appreciated the induction of their homebred Soviet Problem, they celebrated an association that dates back more than four decades.

“We’ve been friends and partners—farming friends, horse friends, and social friends,” Valpredo said. “John, for 43 years, I thank you.”

THE CHOSEN VRON

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

RUSSELL DRAKE

CLAY MURDOCK

SOVIET PROBLEM

TRIBAL RULE

Older male, Sprinter

Del Mar’s Josh Rubinstein (right) presents The Chosen Vron’s divisional awards to Sondereker, Kruljac, Thornburgh, and Fetkin

Andre Lobanoff, who worked many years with the late Russell Drake, accepts Drake’s Hall of Fame plaque from CTBA’s Sue Greene

Ty Green (right) of the CTBA presents the late Clay Murdock’s Hall of Fame plaque to Murdock’s wife Dena and children Cindy and Cody

Don Valpredo and John Harris, owner/breeders of Hall of Fame inductee Soviet Problem

Mike Jimenez accepts Tribal Rule’s Hall of Fame plaque from CTBA’s Adrian Gonzalez

CEILING CRUSHER

Three-year-old female

YO YO CANDY

Two-year-old male

Adrian Gonzalez

GRAND SLAM SMILE

CLOSING REMARKS

Older female, Turf Pete Parrella of the CTBA presents Closing Remarks’ trophies to Harris, trainer Carla Gaines, and Hilvers

ONE IN VERMILLION 3-year-old male

Two-year-old female

Cory Williams (right), on behalf of his parents, owner/breeders Larry and Marianne Williams, with presenter Larry Swartzlander of the California Association of Racing Fairs

with presenter Dr. Stacy Potter of the CTBA

CTBA board member and presenter Jonny Hilvers (right) with the Ceiling Crusher ownership group of Todd and Judi Cady, John Ferguson, Lisa Fedick, Ty Leatherman, and Tim Kasparaoff

John Harris, breeder of Ceiling Crusher, and Cookie Hackworth

Left, Penner receives One in Vermillion’s championship trophy from presenter Justin Oldfeld of the CTBA

One in Vermillion’s owner Jonathan Kalman with Gina Sciara and Oldfeld

VETERAN PITCHES PERFECT GAME

JOHNNY PODRES DOES HIS NAMESAKE PROUD

BY JACK SHINAR

In his 36th lifetime start, veteran Johnny Podres fnally became a stakes winner, surging past Lovesick Blues in the fnal strides to win the $101,000 Sensational Star Stakes by a head March 24 at Santa Anita.

Both the frst two fnishers in the Sensational Star are gelded sons of Grazen bred by Nick Alexander. Te breeder owns the runner-up but lost Johnny Podres in a claim at Santa Anita last May for $40,000 to David Bernsen and Mia Familia Racing Stable.

Johnny Podres’ new trainer, Librado Barocio, believed in the potential of the 7-year-old and was undeterred by fve previous stakes disappointments since the claim that led up to the Sensational Star. Te best race in the bunch for the late-running sprinter came in a second to Kings River Knight in the California Flag Handicap last October over the same hillside turf course distance of about 61 2 furlongs as the Sensational Star.

“Mr. Alexander did a great job; he breeds so many great horses,” Barocio said after winning his frst stakes race at Santa Anita. “My partner David Bernsen, he believes in me and lets me put him where I feel he could win. To have an owner and a partner like that is just heaven sent because there’s no pressure. Tis horse just wants to win.”

Barocio prepped Johnny Podres for the Sensational Star with a head victory in a $50,000 claiming race at six furlongs on the turf March 1. Tat snapped the chestnut’s eight-race losing streak that began the day he was claimed.

“I was praying that nobody would take him,” the 59-year-old trainer said. “When he came back to the barn (after winning last time out), he kind of pufed up

and it was like he got his confdence back.”

Te Sensational Star is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for California-bred or California-sired horses. Six other older runners were in the contest with Johnny Podres, ridden by Geovanni Franco, the fourth choice at odds of 5-1.

Johnny Podres, breaking from post 6, got away well before gradually easing back to near the rear of the pack. Second-choice Clovisconnection cleared the feld from his outside post to lead coming down the hill. Catalina Eddy, the 2-1 favorite under Kazushi Kimura, was in close attendance

along with Disko Tribute and Lovesick Blues, as Clovisconnection set a solid pace for the opening half-mile of :44.66.

Clovisconnection led into the stretch, confronted on his outside by Catalina Eddy. However, Lovesick Blues and Johnny Podres, foated out on the dirt crossing, were charging from the far outside. Clovisconnection remained steadfast in his battle with Catalina Eddy, but Lovesick Blues snatched the lead near the sixteenth pole. Te runner-up could not hold of Franco’s perfectly timed ride aboard Johnny Podres ($12.80), winning in 1:12.57. Clovisconnection held on for third over Catalina Eddy.

Alexander has named a few of his horses for Dodger greats such as Podres, best remembered for shutting out the New York Yankees in Game 7 of the 1955 World Series for Brooklyn’s frst championship. Alexander’s Pee Wee Reese won the Sensational Star in 2019.

Out of Malibu Holiday, by Harlan’s Holiday, Johnny Podres notched his eighth career win and boosted his earnings to $422,870.

Johnny Podres captures his frst stakes in the Sensational Star Stakes at Santa Anita

© BENOIT PHOTOS

Sensational Star’s trainer Bill Spawr (center) presents the trophy to jockey Geovanni Franco and trainer and co-owner Librado Barocio

STAY AND WIN

STAY AND SCAM LOVES SANTA ANITA’S HILLSIDE TURF COURSE

BY TRACY GANTZ

Though Square Eddie has sired plentyofprecocious2-year-olds, Stay and Scam has instead matured into an excellent 4-year-old. She collected her frst stakes trophy for owner/breeders Paul and Zillah Reddam in the $101,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes March 17 at Santa Anita.

“She’s so game and tries every time,” said trainer Doug O’Neill. “Paul and Zillah have been patient with her, and I’m just so proud of her.”

Paul Reddam said that the flly is relaxing more for regular rider Mario Gutierrez.

“Te frst few times he rode her, she pulled pretty hard,” Reddam said. “She’s fgured it out.”

Stay and Scam debuted in May 2023 as a 3-year-old at Horseshoe Indianapolis, scoring by a neck. Back in her native California, she won three of her next eight races, including a 11⁄2-length triumph down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in open allowance/optional claimer company Feb. 10. Over the same course, she had fnished third in the Jan. 13 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint behind Rose Maddox and Chancery Way.

“She loves the down-the-hill

course,” O’Neill said.

Te Irish O’Brien is over the same course of about 61⁄2 furlongs. Stay and Scam’s affnity for it attracted bettors, who sent her of as the 6-5 favorite against six rivals that included Rose Maddox, Chancery Way, and graded stakes winner Chismosa.

Stay and Scam broke on top, but Chancery Way quickly took over, setting the fractions of :22.48 for a quarter-mile and :44.56 for a half-mile. Stay and Scam stuck with Chancery Way, never getting more than 11 2 lengths behind. Tat positioned the Reddams’ flly perfectly to challenge the leader as they crossed the dirt.

Chancery Way tried valiantly to maintain her lead, but Stay and Scam passed her to win by a half-length in 1:12.66.

Chismosa closed for third, a neck behind Chancery Way.

“I was going to go to the lead, but I wasn’t going to push her either,” Gutierrez said. “When the other horse took the lead, I settled behind her pretty nicely. I was just waiting to make my move. When I asked her to go, she went.”

Not only is Stay and Scam by the Reddams’ Square Eddie, she is out Cal-bred Puf Pastry, a daughter of Momentum. Paul bought Farnham, the second dam, for $80,000 at the 2003 Barretts 2-year-old sale. Zillah raced Farnham and Puf Pastry, both winners.

Paul likes to have fun naming their horses, and he had poked some gentle fun at the Del Mar racing ofce’s Ship and Win program by naming a Cal-bred Mrazek gelding Ship and Scam.

“Apparently, the racing ofce at Del Mar really hated that name,” Reddam said. “So we named this one Stay and Scam. Ironically, she made her frst start at Indiana.”

Puf Pastry has produced two other winners by Square Eddie and another winner by the Reddams’ California-based stallion Pavel. She has a 2-year-old colt by I’ll Have Another and a 2024 flly by Listing, a son of Square Eddie.

Stay and Scam (right) gets her initial stakes victory by capturing the Irish O’Brien

© BENOIT PHOTOS

Joe Steiner presents the trophy to owners Zillah and Paul Reddam, jockey Mario Gutierrez, and trainer Doug O’Neill

FIFTEEN AND COUNTING

THE CHOSEN VRON ADDS STAKES

VICTORY #15

BY TRACY GANTZ

It was quite a week for the connections of Te Chosen Vron.

Tuesday, March 12, they collected a slew of trophies on behalf of their champion California-bred. Four days later, he repaid them with a resounding triumph in the $100,500 San Carlos Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita.

Even though he was stepping out of Calbred competition, Te Chosen Vron went of as the heavy 2-5 favorite. It would be his fourth graded victory if he could defeat his fve rivals. Tose included two rising stars, Elwood Blues and Ghost of Midnight, each coming of three consecutive victories and making their stakes debuts.

Eric Kruljac, who trains Te Chosen Vron and bred and owns him with partners John Sondereker, Richard Tornburgh, and Robert Fetkin, was a little concerned because bad weather had lost him some training time.

“But everybody pretty much did,” Kruljac pointed out.

Originally, the plan called for Te Chosen Vron to compete in the one-mile Tiznow Stakes against Cal-breds Feb. 19. Very few wanted to take on the champ, though, and the race didn’t go.

Te Chosen Vron drew the rail in the seven-furlong San Carlos. Te 6-year-old gelding usually lays of the pace a bit, but with that post position, regular rider Hector Berrios sent him to the lead. Te Chosen Vron won last year’s Tiznow by setting the pace, and he had dueled with Principe Carlo in the Nov. 18 Cary Grant Stakes before defeating Big City Lights by 23⁄4 lengths.

Elwood Blues tussled with Te Chosen Vron in the early stag-

es, but Te Chosen Vron set all the fractions. He completed the frst quarter-mile in :22.27 and sped a half-mile in :44.42. Ghost of Midnight and jockey Antonio Fresu made a run at Te Chosen Vron into the stretch, but couldn’t catch him, as Te Chosen Vron scored by a length in a sharp 1:20.96.

Sondereker admitted in the winner’s circle that he was a little nervous in the fnal sixteenth but called their horse “amazing.”

“I was not very worried,” Berrios said. “I felt Antonio Fresu come up around the turn, so I asked my horse to pick it up and he responded really well.”

Berrios has ridden Te Chosen Vron in 13 consecutive starts dating back to mid2022.

“I thought he was going so easy, but never say never,” Kruljac said. “I was on my toes till he passed the wire. When he went to the lead, I was a little bit concerned about seven-eighths of a mile of a pretty long respite. You just wonder, can he sustain it? And he did.”

Te partners bred the son of Vronsky— Tiz Molly, by Tiz Wonderful, in the name of Tiz Molly Partners. Tey aren’t the only ones who adore the gelding. Kruljac says he has quite a few fans who come out and cheer him on.

With every victory, Te Chosen Vron climbs the list of leading Cal-bred earners as well. Te San Carlos marked his 15th stakes win and raised his lifetime earnings to $1,299,678. Tat vaulted him another 10 spots higher on the Cal-bred earners list to 33rd, past the likes of another champion gelding, Ancient Title, and just a few dollars below Eclipse Award winner Brown Bess.

The Chosen Vron takes his fourth graded event in the San Carlos at Santa Anita

©

BENOIT PHOTOS

Four days after receiving The Chosen Vron’s Cal-bred trophies, his connections celebrate again

SIX-S TRANSLATES TO SUCCESS

MURREY SEIDNER

BY JACK SHINAR

Murrey Seidner didn’t aspire to anything more than a small family operation when he formed Six-S Racing Stable to indulge his passion. But his star Clubhouse Ride put him in the spotlight anyway.

First as a multiple graded stakes winner of more than $1.3 million and since then as one of the top stallions in California, the 16-year-old son of undefeated Pacifc Classic (G1) winner Candy Ride has been a hit-maker since his frst foal crop reached the track.

Among the state’s top 10 stallions since 2020 with standout runners such as Brickyard Ride and Warren’s Showtime, Clubhouse Ride, standing at Legacy Ranch, ranked frst on the California general sire list for 2024 with progeny earnings of $1,103,943 as of March 20.

Seidner, 83, is a successful businessman who owns a car dealership, Toyota of Glendora, and an automobile repair business, Seidner’s Collision Center. He started the latter in Rosemead in 1964, and it has grown to 13 locations in California’s San Gabriel Valley. Seidner has owned horses, initially in partnerships, since

at least the early 1980s, according to his son Rick, who described his father as “a very quiet guy.”

Rick Seidner said the stable name came from the fact that there are six Seidners (including his two brothers and a sister) in the immediate family.

“If you say it over and over, ‘Six-S’ sounds like success,” Rick said.

Rick is a partner in Clubhouse Ride’s stallion career along with Murrey; Rick’s mother, Sue; and their longtime trainer and advisor Craig Lewis. According to Rick, acquiring Clubhouse Ride was just a case of good fortune.

Bred by Sidney and Jenny Craig from the Irish-bred Seeking the Gold mare Seeking Results, the Kentucky-bred Clubhouse Ride was ofered as a 2-year-old at the Barretts January 2010 mixed sale.

“We are the defnition of a small operation; $50,000 was our maximum spend for a horse,” Rick said.

As such, he and Lewis didn’t have much expectation they would land their prospect, one of fve they had targeted at the sale. Clubhouse Ride’s second dam, Immediate Impact, had produced River Keen, a $1.6 million earner and winner of the Woodward Stakes (G1) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) in 1999.

“Craig always is a very, very good judge of what a horse will sell for,” Rick said. “If he says a horse will go for between $150,000 to $200,000, it will probably sell for $175,000. He’s always right. And he thought Clubhouse Ride’s price would be around

Clubhouse Ride makes it consecutive wins in the Californian Stakes in 2014 when the race moved to Santa Anita

©

BENOIT PHOTO

Murrey and Sue Seidner brought their family into their businesses and racing stable

COURTESY OF RICK SEIDNER

$120,000 to $150,000.

“We had a slight advantage that day, though. It was pouring down rain and people hadn’t done their homework. Te horse was late in the sale. By the time he came out (to the sales ring), most of the buyers had left. We bid $22,000 and that was enough to get him. Craig and I looked at each other and he said, ‘I think we’re in trouble. Te horse must have a hole in him.’

“It was an incredible buy, especially for a Candy Ride. He wasn’t that well known at the time, but he was still a great stallion even back then. We got real lucky there.”

Tere was no hole, but Clubhouse Ride was not precocious, taking six starts to break his maiden for Lewis. Racing for Six-S and a partner, Nikolas Petralia, he then won the Barretts Juvenile Stakes and was third in both the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot (G3) and the $750,000 CashCall Futurity (G1).

Clubhouse Ride’s major successes didn’t come until his 5- and 6-year-old seasons. He won the Californian Stakes (G2) in 2013 at Hollywood Park and in 2014 in Santa Anita and placed in several other graded stakes. He ran second in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), as well as the Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G1), San Antonio (G2), and Charles Town Classic (G2). He retired in early 2015 after 43 starts over fve seasons with fve wins and 19 placings.

“Boy, it was a great run,” said Rick, who witnessed all of Clubhouse Ride’s races. “He would have won more, but we were unfortunate because of the presence of another horse named Game On Dude.”

Tat Bob Bafert trainee put together a seven-race win streak in 2013, and Clubhouse Ride ran second in three of those stakes victories—the San Antonio, Santa Anita Handicap, and

We’ve got a lot of 2-year-olds coming up later this year. We are just getting rolling.”

— Rick Seidner

Charles Town Classic. It was after his second Californian win that the Seidners considered a stud career for Clubhouse Ride. Te family had owned a horse ranch in Bradbury when Rick was a youngster, but their breeding attempts hadn’t worked out very well and they sold the property after fve years.

Since then, they had only “dabbled” in breeding, he said.

But after Lewis told them that his major clients Ben and Sally Warren were interested in supporting Clubhouse Ride as a sire, Seidner said, “Te lightbulb went on. It was an easy decision to give this breeding opportunity another try.”

Clubhouse Ride began his stud career at Harris Farms but moved to Legacy Ranch, located in San Joaquin County near Lodi, for the 2020 breeding season. He’s been popular from the start; he was the state’s leading second- and third-crop sire in 2019 and 2020 thanks in great part to the success of California-bred champion Warren’s Showtime. Trained by Lewis for the Warrens, the multiple graded stakes winner retired in 2022 with earnings of $843,431.

Alfred (Sonny) Pais’ homebred speedster Brickyard Ride retired in February as Clubhouse Ride’s top earner with $925,477 in earnings and three graded stakes wins among his 13 victories from 31 starts. Tere have been many others, among them graded stakes winner Chismosa, Warrens Candy Girl, Asada Fries, and Margot’s Boy.

Rick believes that the best is still to come for Clubhouse Ride, whose success has led to an improved book of mares.

“Moving to Legacy was the best thing we could have done; it has been a great ft,” Rick said. “Pete and Evelyn Parrella have been tremendous to work with.

“(Ranch manager) Terry Knight and his wife Drew—we give them all the credit. Tey have worked so hard. (Clubhouse Ride) has had a couple of great seasons, but with some so-so mares. In the past two years, he’s gotten the best mares he’s ever had. We’ve got a lot of 2-year-olds coming up later this year. We are just getting rolling.”

Six-S homebred Ruff Ride, a daughter of Clubhouse Ride, prompted this paddock photo of Rick Lake, Brad Thompson, Ron Walton, Denise Walton, Rick Seidner, Todd Seidner, and Gary Woodward with jockey Juan Hernandez

Clubhouse Ride has developed into one of California’s leading sires

COURTESY OF RICK SEIDNER

COURTESY OF LEGACY RANCH/RON MESAROS

3-YEAR-OLDS & UP

Acclamation—Seasontoperfection: Kings River Knight (28-11), g, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 2/24, 1mi (T), 1:34.40, $53,820.

Acclamation—Mesaatmimiscafe: Table for Two (28-11), g, 5 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 3/12, 1mi (T), 1:36.55, $18,290.

Bucchero—Deputy Miss: Yvonne's Miss (63-15), f, 4 yo, Sam Houston Race Park, ALW, 3/1, 6 1/2f, 1:18.53, $20,880.

Cat Burglar—Shared Image: Baby Kristen (23-9), m, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, AOC, 3/10, 5 1/2f, 1:04.37, $18,720.

Cat Burglar—Fight Again: Come Out Fighting (23-9), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 3/16, 1mi, 1:39.06, $11,880.

Clubhouse Ride—Midnighthush: Grease Missle (50-17), f, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, STK, Princess Of Palms S., 2/26, 6 1/2f, 1:15.45, $36,600.

Clubhouse Ride—Oscillator: Ruff Ride (50-17), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/1, 1 1/4mi (T), 2:01.79, $52,260.

Clubhouse Ride—Salty Fries: Asada Fries (50-17), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/3, 1mi (T), 1:36.71, $40,200.

Clubhouse Ride—Camille C: Magnifcent Ride (50-17), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, WCL, 3/9, 6f, 1:12.00, $15,000.

Clubhouse Ride—Wild Caroline: Abhita (50-17), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/15, 1mi (T), 1:34.92, $40,200.

Clubhouse Ride—Irish Winnie: Shamrockin (50-17), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/16, 6 1/2f (T), 1:15.39, $40,200.

Clubhouse Ride—Midnighthush: Grease Missle (50-17), f, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, STK, ATBA Three Year Old Sales S., 3/19, 6f, 1:09.88, $24,198.

Curlin to Mischief—Sunpenny: Royal Halo (29-10), g, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 3/19, 6f, 1:09.67, $18,600.

Dads Caps—Sea of Red: Chief Jackson (21-7), g, 6 yo, Golden Gate Fields, SOC, 2/24, 1mi, 1:38.63, $6,900.

Dads Caps—La Strada: Dads Estrella (21-7), f, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 2/29, 5 1/2f, 1:03.42, $19,500.

Danzing Candy—Storm Lamp: Lamporghini (40-13), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/1, 1mi (T), 1:36.34, $40,200.

Desert Code—Jumanah: Code Ribbon (14-7), m, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, SOC, 3/15, 5 1/2f, 1:04.51, $7,500.

Desert Code—Scary Fast: Sawasdee (14-7), g, 6 yo, Golden Gate Fields, ALW, 3/22, 6f, 1:09.94, $18,330.

The Factor—Singn On Themoon: Andy Can U Hear Me (93-15), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 2/25, 6f (T), 1:08.52, $40,200.

Gem Heist—Grayson's Star: Gypsy Tears (3-1), h, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, ALW, 3/23, about 6 1/2f, 1:13.47, $40,200.

Gig Harbor—Becky Lou: Sonoma Dreaming (14-7), f, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 3/16, 6f, 1:11.24, $11,880.

Grazen—Irish Winnie: Irish Wahine (59-16), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 2/23, 6f, 1:09.85, $40,200.

Grazen—Malibu Holiday: Johnny Podres (59-16), g, 7 yo, Santa Anita Park, WCL, 3/1, 6f (T), 1:07.92, $34,560.

Grazen—Malibu Holiday: Johnny Podres (59-16), g, 7 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Sensational Star S., 3/24, about 6 1/2f, 1:12.57, $60,000.

Informed—Wedding Note: Lucy L (3-1), m, 5 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 2/27, 1mi, 1:36.95, $18,900.

James Street—Grantmartyamiracle: Dirt Flirt (5-3), m, 7 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 3/6, 1mi (T), 1:35.49, $18,585.

James Street—Lady From Shanghai: Shanghai Mist (5-3), m, 6 yo, Golden Gate Fields, SOC, 3/22, 1mi, 1:39.20, $6,900.

Jersey Town—Look to the Sky: Regal Patriot (15-4), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 2/23, 5 1/2f, 1:03.73, $11,880.

Lakerville—Chamonix Surprise: Chamaville (14-5), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, STR, 3/15, 6f, 1:12.09, $11,880.

Mineshaft—Obey: Disobey (62-21), h, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 3/23, 6f, 1:10.45, $23,760.

Mr. Big—Belloma: Big Bell (39-11), m, 6 yo, Turf Paradise, WCL, 3/13, 6f, 1:10.75, $8,260.

Mr. Big—Steamy Novel: Big Novel (39-11), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/22, 1 1/16mi, 1:45.21, $52,260.

Mrazek—Walkingonadream: Barely Funtional (5-3), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 2/23, 1mi (T), 1:36.10, $40,200.

Mrazek—Walkingonadream: Barely Funtional (5-3), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/8, 1mi, 1:39.88, $40,200.

Pavel—Redo It: Refocus (9-2), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/4, 6f, 1:11.36, $40,200.

Prospect Park—Peg's Journey: Back On Track (12-3), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/22, 6f, 1:11.17, $40,200.

Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Enola Gray: Tom Seaver (27-5), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/17, 6 1/2f (T), 1:15.47, $40,200.

Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Disko Dasko (FR): Lord Prancealot (27-5), c, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, AOC, 3/22, 6f, 1:10.33, $18,330.

Smiling Tiger—Corazon de Leo: Princesa Del Tigre (78-22), f, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, ALW, 2/25, 1mi, 1:38.07, $18,330.

Smiling Tiger—Seekitana: Imperial Hornet (78-22), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, SOC, 3/9, 5 1/2f, 1:03.84, $6,900.

Smiling Tiger—Yerevan Sky: Respectfully (78-22), m, 6 yo, Parx Racing, AOC, 3/11, 1mi 70yd, 1:43.91, $30,000.

Smiling Tiger—Lutess: Cowboy Mike (78-22), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/23, 1 1/16mi, 1:44.60, $52,260.

Southern Image—Oh the Joy: Enjoy It Strait (6-2), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/22, 1mi (T), 1:34.58, $40,200.

Square Eddie—Frege: Catalina Eddy (26-9), c, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, ALW, 2/24, about 6 1/2f, 1:12.28, $52,260.

Square Eddie—Puff Pastry: Stay and Scam (26-9), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Irish O'Brien S., 3/17, about 6 1/2f, 1:12.66, $60,000.

Stanford—Kathleen Rose: Man O Rose (56-18), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 3/10, 6 1/2f, 1:14.76, $40,200.

Stay Thirsty—One Smokin' Lady: Cocktail Princess (94-28), f, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, WCL, 2/20, 6f, 1:09.81, $9,600.

Stay Thirsty—Discreet Dee: Thirsty John (94-28), g, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, ALW, 2/22, 6f, 1:09.09, $19,840.

Stay Thirsty—Santa Lucia: Miss Shady (94-28), m, 5 yo, Mahoning Valley Race Course, STR, 3/5, 6f, 1:13.18, $10,912.

Stay Thirsty—French Alps: French Onion (94-28), c, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 3/5, 6f, 1:10.16, $19,220.

Tom's Tribute—Lady Katfsh: Ecologist (9-3), g, 7 yo, Golden Gate Fields, SOC, 3/16, 1mi, 1:38.39, $6,900.

Uncle Mo—Abou: Mobou (125-34), g, 8 yo, Golden Gate Fields, ALW, 3/24, 1 1/16mi, 1:44.59, $18,330.

Unionize—Heat Wave: Union Wave (6-3), g, 6 yo, Golden Gate Fields, ALW, 3/3, 1mi, 1:38.10, $18,330.

Vronsky—Tiz Molly: The Chosen Vron (25-5), g, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, San Carlos S. presented by FanDuel TV (gr. III ), 3/16, 7f, 1:20.96, $60,000.

MAIDENS

ACCLAMATION

Harris Farms

(800) 311 6211

www.harrisfarms.com

Acclamation—Glorious Luck: As Luck Happens (28-11), g, 6 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 3/19, 5 1/2f, 1:03.88, $7,320.

Blame—Miss Star Maker: Final Storm (74-18), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 3/10, 5 1/2f, 1:04.72, $22,200.

Boat Trip—Intoxicating Move: Westport Captain (10-2), g, 5 yo, Turf Paradise, MOC, 3/14, 6f, 1:09.33, $18,000.

Bold Chieftain—Topper's Smiling: Topper's Chieftess (14-6), f, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 2/23, 6f, 1:12.72, $6,600.

Cat Burglar—People Power: Grumpy Bay (23-9), c, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 2/28, 6f, 1:10.80, $9,150.

Cat Burglar—Big Break: Cat On the Run (23-9), f, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 3/5, 5 1/2f, 1:05.86, $9,000.

Champ Pegasus—Voler Les Coeurs: Rocky Champs (5-2), g, 5 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 2/25, 4 1/2f, 53.30, $4,260.

City of Light—Chicalelee: City of Angels (83-24), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 2/23, 1mi (T), 1:36.82, $39,000.

Clubhouse Ride—Grandiose Tactics: Clements Ride (50-17), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 2/25, 1mi (T), 1:36.81, $39,000.

Collected—West Coast Gal: Roberta's Love (88-35), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 3/17, 6f, 1:10.82, $39,000.

Conquest Farenheit—Call Betsy: Hot Betty (11-3), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 3/17, 5 1/2f, 1:05.79, $17,550.

Dads Caps—Whispers of War: Stardust Dreams (21-7), f, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, MOC, 2/22, 6f, 1:09.14, $18,000.

Danzing Candy—Azia Brown: Danzing Rebel (40-13), g, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 3/15, 5 1/2f, 1:04.50, $17,550.

Danzing Candy—Salty Fries: Hungry Hearts (40-13), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 3/24, 6f, 1:12.62, $13,800.

DESERT CODE

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

Desert Code—Lady Deputy: Mirage Code (14-7), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/16, 5 1/2f, 1:06.46, $6,300.

Desert Code—Alphabet Kisses: Alphabetical Order (14-7), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/17, 5 1/2f, 1:04.75, $6,000.

Dominus—Thursdays Angel: Lisa's Angel (30-11), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/8, 5 1/2f, 1:05.91, $7,800.

English Channel—Carocuore (ARG): Lady Mary Lou (88-16), f, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, MOC, 3/4, 1mi, 1:40.31, $18,300.

Far From Over—Nada Joke: No Beaches (14-5), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/22, 1mi, 1:42.23, $6,300.

Gallant Son—Quick Glory: Lone Mountain Girl (8-3), f, 4 yo, Sunland Park, MSW, 3/21, 5 1/2f, 1:04.01, $16,800.

G. G. Ryder—Hand Tricks: Right Hand Ryder (2-1), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/3, 1mi, 1:39.17, $6,300.

Gig Harbor—Church Avenue: Lighted Vessel (14-7), g, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 3/18, 6f, 1:10.97, $9,000.

Goldencents—Awesome Exchange: High Infation (187-53), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/2, 6f, 1:12.33, $6,600.

Goldencents—Snap Out of It: Known Idea (187-53), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 3/15, 6f, 1:10.67, $39,000.

Graydar—Picture Perfect (IRE): Perfect in Gray (26-9), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, WMC, 3/15, 5 1/2f, 1:04.89, $22,200.

Grazen—Big Easy: Guide My Steps (59-16), f, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/9, 5 1/2f, 1:05.14, $6,600.

Idiot Proof—Mood Route: A Perfect Path (15-3), m, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 2/24, 5f, 59.02, $5,500.

KING OF JAZZ

BG Thoroughbred Farm (951) 654 9100 www.bgthoroughbreds.com

King of Jazz (ARG)—Miss Beastmode: Funky Grey (6-1), m, 6 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 2/25, 4 1/2f, 53.26, $4,260.

Many Rivers—Mary Contrary: Many Silver Bells (10-4), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/1, 6f, 1:12.49, $6,600.

Many Rivers—Lady in Love: Lady of the River (10-4), f, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 3/6, 5 1/2f, 1:05.80, $7,200.

Mr. Big—Minute Mile (IRE): Big George (39-11), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/3, 1mi, 1:40.07, $7,200.

Munnings—Heavenly Candy: Ann (174-49), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/1, 1mi, 1:43.33, $6,300.

Northern Causeway—Elegant Trick: Selsae (29-5), m, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 2/23, 6f, 1:12.32, $7,800.

Nyquist—Radish: Takes Three (109-28), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 3/24, 1mi (T), 1:36.62, $39,000.

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

Om—Elusive Holiday: Headed for Om (7-2), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 3/9, 5f (T), 57.72, $39,000.

Orb—Quizzical: Whimsical Heir (27-7), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 3/22, 6f, 1:11.29, $22,200.

Oscar Performance—Lime Beach: Sneaker (51-18), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 3/23, 1mi (T), 1:37.02, $39,000.

Pavel—How About Zero: Lovin the Pavels (9-2), f, 3 yo, Gulfstream Park, MSW, 2/25, 7 1/2f (T), 1:28.98, $42,000.

Point Encounter—Bettor Knot: Bold Encounter (3-1), g, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/16, 5 1/2f, 1:05.76, $6,300.

Prospect Park—Starring Role: Sanger Style (12-3), f, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 2/24, 5f, 59.78, $6,300.

Richard's Kid—Ancient Holiday: Lilly's Journey (21-6), f, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/15, 5 1/2f, 1:04.93, $5,500.

Richard's Kid—Candy Causeway: Giant Kid (21-6), f, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/23, 5 1/2f, 1:05.06, $7,800.

ROUSING SERMON

BG Thoroughbred Farm (951) 654 9100 www.bgthoroughbreds.com

Rousing Sermon—Linda Lou: After My Own Heart (8-1), f, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/15, 1mi, 1:41.34, $6,300.

Sharp Azteca—Transact: Deo (82-19), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 3/1, 1mi, 1:40.34, $6,300.

Silent Name (JPN)—Maeve: Whiskey Vision (10-4), g, 6 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 3/18, 6 1/2f, 1:17.53, $7,200.

Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Tiz Goldilux: Stormylux (27-5), f, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, STK, ATBA Three Year Old Sales S., 3/19, 6f, 1:12.17, $24,197.

Sky Mesa—Cuddle Alert: Supernal (57-12), c, 3 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 2/23, 5f, 59.21, $6,300.

Slewcious—Asong for Cynthia: North Country (1-1), g, 4 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 2/25, 6f, 1:11.51, $6,300.

SMILING TIGER

Harris Farms

(800) 311 6211

www.harrisfarms.com

Smiling Tiger—Sheaparoux: Hey Demps (78-22), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 3/1, 1mi (T), 1:36.15, $39,000.

Smiling Tiger—Sensational Nikki: Petesoldfashioned (78-22), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 3/8, 6 1/2f, 1:19.90, $22,200.

Square Eddie—Too Much Excess: Finally an Eddie (26-9), g, 4 yo, Sunland Park, MCL, 3/8, 6 1/2f, 1:17.30, $7,680.

Square Eddie—Octogarian: Hot Legs Romolo (26-9), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 3/22, 1mi (T), 1:35.70, $39,000.

STANFORD

Harris Farms

(800) 311 6211

www.harrisfarms.com

Stanford—Seekitana: Pars and Birdies (56-18), g, 5 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 2/29, 6 1/2f, 1:18.27, $7,200.

Stay Thirsty—Bold Kiss: Infnite Love (94-28), m, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MCL, 2/23, 1mi, 1:40.30, $6,300.

Stay Thirsty—Dan's Irish Cop: Real Thirsty (94-28), g, 4 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 3/16, 4 1/2f, 54.01, $4,310.

Stay Thirsty—Rocky Top Girl: Beer With Ice (94-28), g, 3 yo, Fair Grounds, MCL, 3/24, 1mi 70yd, 1:44.99, $10,800.

Twirling Candy—Candy Causeway: Candy On Top (147-42), m, 5 yo, Golden Gate Fields, MSW, 3/9, 6f, 1:11.96, $17,550.

U S Ranger—Meredith Bee: Forty Niner Gold (5-1), c, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 3/16, 6f (T), 1:09.20, $39,000.

Win the Space—Time for Luck: Lucky Vegas (2-1), f, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 3/20, 6f, 1:10.40, $8,850.

HOP ON

FROG HEALTH

FOOT CARE SHOULD BEGIN WITH CARE FOR THE HORSE’S FROGS

ABY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS

horse is only as sound as his feet, and a healthy frog is the foundation for a healthy hoof. Steve Sermersheim, a master farrier who for many years was lead farrier for the University of Illinois, teaches veterinary students about hoof care. Te university purchased his horseshoeing school and uses it as part of its veterinary teaching program.

Sermersheim says the frog is crucial to the hoof’s base of support and serves as a shock absorber.

“A healthy frog looks like the dermal frog (the inner layer beneath the outer epidermal surface),” Sermersheim said. “A healthy frog is obviously bacteria-free, and should be big, bold, and robust with a smooth surface—and no faps where thrush can get in underneath. It should be wide at the heels. When a frog is narrow at the heels, that foot is usually contracted.”

Trimming the frog will keep it cleaned so there are no pockets where bacteria can proliferate. Trimming is also important to balance the frog.

“We talk about balancing the hoof and medial/lateral balancing, but I don’t hear very many people talk about balancing the frog,” Sermersheim said. “When you have a balanced frog, however, it is healthier. You also need to make sure the commissures are clean. You don’t want any moisture and muck collecting in there to cause problems.

“When people are picking the foot and cleaning it out, the central sulcus of the frog (the narrow groove that starts between the heel bulbs and runs toward the frog’s apex) needs to be addressed and cleaned as well as the outer edges. If those edges are not cleaned out, they collect a lot of bacteria, sand, manure, etc. Te central sulcus frog needs to be checked—at least picked out with a hoof pick or scraped gently with the back of the hoof knife.

“Sometimes it looks healthy on the external surface, but if you scrape it a little you may fnd bacterial pockets the frog has grown over. Just a little scrape with the back of your hoof knife or with a hoof pick will show whether it’s healthy. You don’t want to get too aggressive, but it does need to be checked. Otherwise, you might think the frog is healthy but the next time you come back to trim the feet, the frog has a slit all the way back to the heel bulbs.”

With the external surface sealed over, the central sulcus creates a perfect place for thrush and other pathogens to grow.

“I don’t get overly aggressive with trimming the frog; I like it big and healthy because it needs to bear weight, touching the ground,” Sermersheim said. “Tis helps with proper blood circulation throughout the foot. Frog pressure creates more blood fow, and this is also why regular exercise is important. It not only enhances blood circulation in the foot, but enables the foot to clean out when the horse is moving around. Constant exercise is the natural condition for horses; free-roaming horses are always moving around, grazing, traveling to water. Tey have healthier feet than horses standing in stalls or small pens.

“Many horses are in stalls 23 hours a day, and that’s the worst thing for the health of their feet. Tey need to be outside. Lack of movement and a poor environment can be unhealthy. Even when the stall gets picked four or fve times a

day to keep it cleaner, the horse can get thrushy frogs due to lack of exercise.”

Shoeing techniques also make a difference regarding frog pressure. Even when horses are shod for work in rocky terrain—using shoes with toe and heel calks for better traction to help prevent sole bruising in the rocks and to keep the shoe from wearing away quickly on rocky ground—the frog still takes weight and gets some pressure much of the time because of uneven terrain.

When people ask how to get rid of

thrush, often Sermersheim’s advice is to simply give that horse more exercise.

“Tat’s the main key to healthy frogs; it’s not some kind of topical medication or magic potion,” he said. “It’s usually exercise—to gain more blood fow and hence more nutrients to the foot. We can apply a lot of topical treatments to retard thrush, and they all work—as long as horse owners commit to doing it every day. But regular exercise is even better. Trush is often a problem in retired horses or some that can’t be worked or ridden, and they may

If a horse is primarily kept in a stall, it is even more important to be sure the frogs in the feet are kept clean and healthy GETTY IMAGES

STEVE SERMERSHEIM PHOTOS

A healthy frog (left) should resemble the dermal frog (right)

need some forced exercise.

“Some people look at a prolapsed frog and think it is healthy just because it is big and fat, But that’s not a good thing. We see this in a lot of older horses or laminitic horses that have a sunken cofn bone, or horses that don’t have enough heel. Te frog protrudes down below the level of the hoof wall.

“On the opposite end of the spectrum we see necrotic frogs—composed mainly of dead tissue. We see this a lot at the horseshoeing school because the horses we get to work on are usually not on a regular trimming schedule. In the spring we see many frogs that are necrotic and full of thrush.

“Te shape and balance of the frog should look like the dermal structure beneath it. I think we often try to make it look like a pyramid instead of what it really should look like. Te dermal structure is nicely rounded.

“When you have a nice balanced frog, you usually have a nice balanced hoof. Te frogs look great on the horses we trim/shoe that get ridden several times a week. Ten if we’re working on a backyard horse or pasture pet, the frogs may look unhealthy. Part of that might be lack of hoof care, but the other part is lack of exercise.

“You might see one front foot on a horse with a healthy frog and one without, and it’s usually a high/low horse—with one club foot. Te frog in the club foot doesn’t touch the ground and looks contracted. If you dissect those feet, usually the mass of those frogs is the same, but the one in the

club foot isn’t touching the ground and it looks worse and the heels are contracted. When you see this situation, you need to get some sort of frog pressure/contact— something to touch the frog so it takes weight.

“Sometimes we have to simulate frogs to get them healthy again. In some cases, we use a frog pad to provide contact and support—at least temporarily until the frog can become healthy and robust again. Tis may not always work, however, depending on the management of that horse. But is quite useful in some cases when we want to provide better frog pressure. I don’t like to leave those pads on forever, but they help the frog regain its shape and health.”

Part of the role of a healthy frog is to take some of the extra load of the hoof wall if necessary.

“If the horse has a quarter crack or a

hoof evulsion or a problem with laminitis, if you can load the frog and take some of that weight of the laminae and the hoof wall, it helps a lot,” said Sermersheim.

“I work at several veterinary clinics, and I often use the frog to help support other parts of the foot or take weight of other parts of the foot that need a chance to heal or regrow. All too often, a person just treats the symptom and not the cause.

“When we see horses with a displaced digital cushion, there is also a displaced frog. Tose frogs become elongated and come out the back of the heel bulbs. A lot of times we can’t get those frogs healthy, as in a negative palmer angle horse. Te digital cushion is so displaced that the frog has to follow it, being connected with it.

“Ilookatdigitalcushionsbecauseeveryone is so worried about the palmar-plantar angle of the cofn bone now. If the digital cushion gets displaced out the back of the foot, then everything drops.

“Tere is current research looking at negative plantar angles on foals, with x-rays the day they are born, then taking measurements as they grow. A lot of them are born with negative plantar angles. I think the ones with that condition have a weak frog and digital cushion, especially if you can see the change in the back of the heel bulbs and the frog gets elongated. Te cushion is also elongated and comes out the back of the foot.

“Sometimes people use the point of the frog to map the hoof. I think you need to trim and balance the frog before

A healthy frog (left) can beneft from conservative trimming (right)

Farrier students can learn from examples of a dermal frog from necropsy (left) and also from unhealthy frogs (right)

STEVE SERMERSHEIM

STEVE SERMERSHEIM

TRAVIS BURNS

TRAVIS BURNS

you use it as a landmark or it may lie to you. We talk about fnding the true apex and then going of it as your guide. It can be a useful tool, but if you don’t trim it (if it’s trimmable), you don’t really see it. If the frog is not trimmable, we have to leave it alone.”

Te frog should be situated in the center of the sole, pointing toward the center of the toe. But sometimes it will be of to one side. Many of those horses have some sort of limb deviation. Te leg’s conformation afects how the hoof grows, and it may not be symmetrical. Te horse may be splay-footed or pigeon-toed and the hoof grows a bit crooked.

If you see that on a young horse or foal, you can help it with corrective trimming, altering the way the limb grows and possibly have it grow straighter as the horse grows. But once the leg bones stop growing, you can’t correct a crooked limb.

Te old frog material is naturally shed each year, with new healthy tissue underneath it.

trimmed two or three times a year because those are the horses that people will let the students work on.

“When we talk about trimming to the widest, highest point of the frog, if there’s not a healthy frog there, it gets people in trouble. I always say trim the heels back to

horses to the widest point of the frog’ and they didn’t have much frog and they all went lame. Horse owners need to understand what the healthy bottom of the hoof looks like—what is healthy, what’s not healthy, and when to be alarmed.

“Te key to a healthy frog is the owner or trainer. We might see the horse every four to six weeks, and if the owner or trainer doesn’t take care of the feet in between, we can’t keep the feet healthy.”

“We see a lot of shedding frogs in the spring and get phone calls from people who say their horse’s frog is falling of,” said Sermersheim. “It is just shedding the old, dead tissue. Often owners don’t see that because the farrier is trimming it regularly and taking of the dead tissue. So when they do see it, they become alarmed.”

Te main thing Sermersheim teaches his students and apprentices is that when the foot is picked up and cleaned out, they should examine it before trimming.

“Look at it carefully before you use your knife,” he said. “Often the frst thing we do is grab our knives and start trimming. Sometimes we over-trim because that’s our frst step (to trim the frog) and we didn’t take time to evaluate it. We need to examine the bottom of the foot before we touch anything, especially the frog.”

Horse owners need to know what a healthy frog looks like.

“At the school, we post pictures showing healthy frogs because we don’t see them very often here,” Sermersheim said. “We see many horses that only get

I always say trim the heels back to the widest, highest healthy part of the frog.”

—Steve Sermersheim

the widest, highest healthy part of the frog. Sometimes at the horseshoeing school we had to try to envision a healthy frog because those horses don’t have healthy feet.

“It’s difcult to illustrate this. So I used to post pictures around the school—all over dorm rooms, lounge areas, and even in the bathrooms—so students can see healthy frogs and understand what they look like. A farrier from California, Don Gustafson, said this at a clinic one time— the widest point of the HEALTHY frog.

“A veterinarian called me one day and said, ‘I am in trouble. I trimmed these

If broodmares don’t have their feet handled and trimmed now and then, they may also become harder to work on.

“I’d rather trim three yearlings than one broodmare,” said Sermersheim. “Sometimes they don’t want their feet handled if it hasn’t been done for a while.”

Te way a horse is shod can afect the health of the hoof and frog.

“Toroughbreds, for instance, have a reputation for having bad feet, but a lot of this is man-made because retired racehorses that go into other disciplines generally have good feet,” Sermersheim said. “I shoe some of-the-track horses like eventers, jumpers, and other sport horses and generally fnd good healthy feet and frogs. At the track however, their shoes are often more narrow without enough room for hoof expansion.

“Over time, if you shoe them with enough horseshoe, those horses’ feet come back nicely and the frogs come back. I see a lot of prolapsed frogs in Toroughbreds if their hoof walls deteriorate. Tey tend to get more fat-footed and sink into their foot. Tey can recover, however, with time and diferent shoeing.”

Most of the time, when you see a healthy frog, you see a healthy hoof.

“It’s very rare to have a really bad frog and a nice healthy hoof wall, sole, and bars with nice angle,” Sermersheim said.

“And if one of my clients is planning to buy a horse, I recommend taking photos of the horse’s feet to send to me. Most people have a pre-purchase exam, and the feet should be thoroughly checked along with every other aspect of conformation and soundness.”

The frog should be situated in the center of the sole, pointing toward the center of the toe

GETTY IMAGES

2024 LEADING BREEDERS IN CALIFORNIA BY EARNINGS

Leading California Sires Lists

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY MONEY WON

2024 LEADING TURF SIRES IN CALIFORNIA

The statistics shown here are compiled by The Jockey Club Information Systems (TJCIS). While every effort is made to prevent errors and omissions, California Thoroughbred cannot guarantee their complete and total accuracy. Earnings are from all available Northern Hemisphere racing and include adjusted money from Japan and Hong Kong. Adjusted earnings are put on par with average North American earnings from the previous year. The average North American purse in 2022 was $30,508 or 73% of the average purse in Japan. To put earnings on par, Japanese earnings are multiplied by 73% before being applied to the total earnings above. Hong Kong

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY

OF WINNERS

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF RACES WON

2024 LEADING LIFETIME SIRES IN CALIFORNIA

These statistics are for active California-based sires with a minimum of 50 foals of racing age, ranked here by their lifetime Average Earnings Index (AEI.) The statistics shown here are compiled by The Jockey Club Information Systems (TJCIS). While every effort is made to prevent errors and omissions, California Thoroughbred cannot guarantee their complete and total accuracy. Sires that are dead, pensioned, or no longer standing in California remain on these lists until their last Cal-bred crop turns 3 years old. Statistics are from all available Northern Hemisphere racing with earnings adjusted for Hong Kong and Japan. Stakes winners and wins follow TJCIS stakes rules. Percentages are based upon number of named foals of racing age.

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Three-Year-Olds & Up

Three-Year-Olds

Three-Year-Olds & Up

Three-Year-Olds & Up

Three-Year-Olds

Three-Year-Olds

Three-Year-Olds & Up

Two-Year-Olds

Two-Year-Olds

Three-Year-Olds & Up

Two-Year-Olds

Two-Year-Olds

Three-Year-Olds & Up

Three-Year-Olds & Up

Three-Year-Olds & Up

Two-Year-Olds

Two-Year-Olds

Three-Year-Olds & Up

Three-Year-Olds & Up

Fillies

Two-Year-Olds

Two-Year-Olds

11∕8 M, Turf

6 F, Turf

11∕16 M

1 M, Turf

6 F

6 F

1 M, Dirt

6½ F, Turf

6½ F, Turf

6½ F

6½ F

1 M, Turf

11∕8 M, Turf

1 M, Turf

6 F

11∕16 M, Dirt

6 F, Dirt

1 M, Dirt

7 F, Dirt

7 F, Dirt

11∕16 M, Turf

5½ F, Dirt

5½ F, Dirt

1 M, Turf

6 F, Dirt

6 F, Dirt

6 F, Turf

$200,000 $150,000 $200,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $125,000 $125,000 $100,000 $125,000 $100,000 $100,000 $125,000 $75,000 $100,000 $175,000 $175,000 $150,000 $125,000 $125,000 $150,000 $125,000 $125,000 $75,000 $100,000 $100,000 $175,000 $175,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000

Mary Clare Schmitt

REGIONAL RACE MEETINGS

Santa Anita Park, Arcadia Dec. 26, 2023-June 16, 2024

Golden Gate Fields, Berkeley Dec. 26, 2023-June 10, 2024

Pleasanton, Alameda County Fair, Pleasanton June 12-July 9

Los Angeles 3ounty Fair at Los Alamitos, Los Alamitos June 19-July 9

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar July 20-Sept. 8

California State Fair (Cal Expo), Sacramento July 10-30

Sonoma County Fair, Santa Rosa July 31-Aug. 20

Humboldt County Fair, Ferndale Aug. 21-Sept. 10

Los Alamitos Race Course, Los Alamitos Sept. 11-24

Santa Anita Park, Arcadia Sept. 25-Oct. 29

Big Fresno Fair, Fresno Oct. 2-15

Pleasanton, CARF Combined Fair Meet Oct. 16-Dec. 25

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar Oct. 31-Dec. 1

Los Alamitos Race Course, Los Alamitos Dec. 4-17

$125,000

REGIONAL SALE DATES

AUGUST 13

CTBA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA YEARLING & HORSES OF RACING AGE SALE Pleasanton, Calif. (ENTRIES CLOSE JUNE 3)

SEPTEMBER 24

FASIG-TIPTON FALL YEARLINGS & HORSES OF RACING AGE Pomona, Calif. (ENTRIES CLOSE JULY 5; SUPPLEMENTAL ENTRIES CLOSE SEPT. 9)

$100,000

21 SA Santa Maria Stakes (Gr. II)

27 SA Royal Heroine Stakes (Gr. III)

27 SA Kona Gold Stakes (Gr. III)

5

BLUE SKY TRAINING CENTER, LLC

BREAKING – TRAINING AND LAY-UPS

TRANSPORTATION ANYWHERE IN THE US.

31101 HWY 166, MARICOPA CA. 93252

RAMON GONZALEZ –(661) 699-5527

ROBINS RANCHES

SPECIALIZING IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HORSE RANCHES BIG OR SMALL PLEASE GIVE ME A CALL.

ROBIN HAS BEEN SELLING EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES FOR OVER 25 YEARS.

PLEASE CALL ROBIN AT (925) 550-2383 OR EMAIL AT ROBIN FROST1@YAHOO.COM

WWW.ROBINSRANCHES.COM

AGENT BRE #01039978

EvERytHing

Rancho San Miguel

20 24 STALLION ROSTE R

BOLDEN

SQUARE EDDIE • $3,500 LFSN

Undefeated winner on dirt and turf by a dominating 21 lengths. Southern California Speed: 6 furlongs in a blazing 1:07.50!

EDITORIAL

WAR FRONT • $3,500 LFSN

Uncle Mo half-brother boasts 15% black-type performers in U.S. & 2024 G3 winner in Peru. First California foals arriving in 2024!

NORTHERN CAUSEWAY

GIANT'S CAUSEWAY • $2,500 LFSN

G3 winner from the immediate family of major G1 sires Ghostzapper & City Zip, plus 2024 Santa Anita G1 winner Du Jour.

SIR PRANCEALOT (IRE)

TAMAYUZ (GB) • $8,500 LFSN

First California-bred crop features 2023 Del Mar stakes winner Lord Prancealot & 2024 Sunland Park Derby (G3) second Alotaluck.

DANZING CANDY

TWIRLING CANDY • $4,000 LFSN

Sire of back-to-back California Champion 2YOs! 2022: Multiple stakes winner Giver Not a Taker 2023: Saratoga G3 winner Yo Yo Candy.

MO FORZA

UNCLE MO • $7,500 LFSN

Grade 1-winning millionaire is #1 son of Uncle Mo standing outside Kentucky. Bred 99 mares in 2022 & 102 mares in 2023!

RICHARD'S KID

LEMON DROP KID • $2,500 LFSN

Dual Pacific Classic (G1) winner offers value: $57,000+ average earnings/starter. Sire of 2023 stakes-performing 3YO Cousin Richie.

SURF CAT

SIR CAT • $2,500 LFSN

Multiple G2-winning millionaire has six graded stakes performers under his first dam, including 2024 G2 runner-up Tawny Port.