California Thoroughbred Magazine February 2025

VERSATILE, PRECOCIOUS, ALL CLASS

A Graded stakes winner on dirt and turf at 2. Grade 1 winner on dirt and turf at 3—won the Travers S. (G1) and Belmont Derby Inv. S. (G1). More than $2.1 million in earnings.

7 STAKES HORSES,

From two crops to race, including Les Is Best, runner-up in this year’s Gowell S. at Turfway Park, and graded stakes-placed Faith Understood, 3rd in the Honeymoon S. (G3) at Santa Anita.

2 STAKES WINNERS— STARTERS/ FOALS 70%

G1 winners in Puerto Rico in SMOKEN BOY and EL CATOLICO.

From the EXECUTIVE CORNER

DOUG BURGE CTBA PRESIDENT

CALIFORNIA-BREDS BLAST OUT OF THE GATE IN 2025

The California Cup showcase of stakes races at Santa Anita on Saturday, Jan. 18, followed by the CTBA’s Winter Mixed Sale at Fairplex three days later, provided a juicy January Exacta for the state’s resilient oroughbred industry.

Shocking Grey was a star of both events. e 6-year-old daughter of Grazen won the $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint on Saturday and was the sale-topper of the Winter Mixed Sale, purchased for $170,000 by Francoise Dupuis, agent, for Rockingham Ranch.

Shocking Grey, and her Corniche yearling half sister selling for $75,000, were bred by Donald Valpredo, the late industry stalwart and CTBA former president whose dispersal, consigned by Checkmate oroughbreds, helped the sale

blow away averages from the 2024 edition.

e average sale price of $14,799 for 83 horses sold compared to $8,568 from 111 sold last year, an increase in price of 73 percent. e median rose 23 percent, from $6,500 to $8,000.

Meanwhile, the Cal Cup card distributed more than $1 million in purses to California horsemen, not counting breeder and stallion awards, with $777,500 of that total for the ve stakes races. With ideal weather, handle on the day was nearly $10 million, despite the one-week week delay and continued disruption caused by devastating Southland wild res earlier in the month.

Fittingly, Valpredo’s familiar silks were seen twice in the winner’s circle on Cal Cup Day. In addition to

Shocking Grey, the Valpredo-bred Mayacama won a maiden claiming race. Reddam Racing also bred and owned a pair of winners on the day, Take Another Card in the $177,000 Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks and Check’s On the Way in a maiden claimer.

January at Santa Anita also bene ted by the in ux of horses from Northern California, as races were written with conditions speci cally tailored to t those horses, including one exclusively for Cal-breds on Cal Cup Day.

Only one month is in the books for 2025, but January provided reason for optimism in the coming months. e next big Cal-bred date to circle on the calendar is Sunday, May 24, Gold Rush Day at Santa Anita, with ve stakes restricted to state-breds worth $550,000.

The official magazine of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, a non-profit corporation dedicated to the production of better Thoroughbred horses for better Thoroughbred racing, published by Blood-Horse, LLC.

Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect policies of the CTBA or this magazine. Publication of any material originating herein is expressly forbidden without first obtaining written permission from California Thoroughbred. All 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

JUSTIN OLDFIELD

PRESIDENT

DOUG BURGE

VICE CHAIRPERSON TY GREEN

TREASURER

GEORGE SCHMITT

SECRETARY

ADRIAN GONZALEZ

DIRECTORS

John C. Harris, Gloria Haley, Pete Parrella, Sue Greene, Terry C. Lovingier, George F. Schmitt, Ty Green, Justin Oldfield, 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 COORDINATOR

CHRISTY CHAPMAN

ADVERTISING MANAGER/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

LORETTA VEIGA

WEBSITE MANAGING EDITOR KEN GURNICK

LIBRARIAN/RECEPTIONIST/SUBSCRIPTIONS/ MEMBERSHIP

VIVIAN MONTOYA

RACETRACK LIAISON

SCOTT HENRY

California Thoroughbred (ISSN 1092-7328) is published monthly, except for two combined issues in June/July and Aug/Sept, plus one special issue in December, in Lexington, KY by Blood-Horse LLC, 821 Corporate Dr., Lexington, KY 40503. Periodicals postage paid at Lexington, KY and at additional mailing offices.

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CONTRIBUTING

EDITOR

TRACY GANTZ

COPY EDITOR

MARY SCHWEITZER

ART DIRECTOR

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PRODUCTION FORREST BEGLEY

ARTIST

CATHERINE NICHOLS CREATIVE SERVICES DIRECTOR

PHILIP TRUMAN

Old Pal

Big City Lights

BIG RUNNUER

Stormy Atlantic – Elusive Luci, by Elusive Quality Fee: $1,500 LFSN

KING OF JAZZ (ARG)

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

Fee: $1,000 LFG

ORIGINAIRE (IRE)

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

Fee: Complimentary

GATO DEL ORO

Medaglio D’oro – Funny Feeling, by Distorted Humor Fee: $1,000 LFG

MO

THE BEHOLDER

Uncle Mo – Leslie’s Harmony, by Curlin Fee: $2,500 LFSN

OSCAR NOMINATED

Kittens Joy – Devine Actress, by Theatrical (IRE)

Fee: $1,500 LFSN

ROUSING SERMON

Lucky Pulpit – Rousing Again, by Awesome Again

Fee: $1,500 LFSN

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NewsBits

CAL-BRED MARES SELL AT KEENELAND

California-bred mares Cashing Big Checks and Uncontrollable sold at the Keeneland January mixed sale. Cashing Big Checks brought $105,000, and Uncontrollable went for $95,000.

Listed as a private sale in the results, Cashing Big Checks was sold to Titletown Racing Stables out of the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment. She is a 6-year-old daughter of Mr. Big—Palisades-

princess, by Indian Charlie, making her a full sister to California-bred champion and grade 1 winner Ceiling Crusher.

Cashing Big Checks, bred by George Krikorian, was sold in foal to two-time Eclipse Award-winning sprinter Elite Power. She won four of 22 races, including the 2021 Blue Hen Stakes, and earned $213,760.

Claiborne Farm consigned Uncon-

Truman Library Established

The Eddie Truman Library, named for the late trainer, who conditioned many good California-breds, is the most recent addition to the Santa Anita backstretch. Truman died Dec. 11 at age 77.

Truman, an advocate for literacy as well as someone who was always quick to help anyone on the backstretch, helped establish a small, informal library on the Santa Anita backstretch. Following his death, the library was expanded to a dedicated space that is part of the recreation center and dining hall that serves Santa Anita backstretch workers. The library includes educational materials, an array of fiction and non-fiction, and titles in both English and Spanish. It has a lounge area with couches, tables, and chairs.

The naming of the Eddie Truman Library was made public Jan. 24 during Truman’s celebration of life at Clockers’ Corner.

Anyone wishing to donate books to the Truman Library can drop them off at the guard booth inside Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue. Please mark the books “Eddie Truman Library.”

GLEN ELLEN RECEIVES GRANTS

The Glen Ellen Vocational Academy Inc. (GEVA), a Thoroughbred retirement and rehabilitation foundation and sanctuary based in Northern California, has recently received grants from the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) and California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), as well as a donation from the Fund 4 Habitats.

Founded in 1995 by Pam Berg on her Glen Ellen Farms, GEVA is an equine retirement and rehabilitation sanctuary accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries and TAA. GEVA caters primarily to off-track Thor-

oughbreds but does also have a few unraced Thoroughbreds.

As in the past, GEVA received grants from TAA and CARMA to help provide for the horses’ health and welfare in terms of feed, hay, veterinary and farrier work, and medications and supplements. The funds received from Fund 4 Habitats are a first-time donation.

In addition to being a retirement operation, GEVA was also founded as a bilingual vocational school to teach people the skills necessary to work with horses in a safe, humane, and confident manner.

trollable to the sale, and Jessamine Ireland purchased her. Racing for Repole Stable, Uncontrollable won once, ran second four times, and ran third three times in 13 starts for earnings of $200,030. In 2022, she placed in the Starlet Stakes (G1), Chandelier Stakes (G2), and Generous Portion Stakes. Uncontrollable was sold as a broodmare prospect.

IN Memoriam

Ed Bowen, an Eclipse Award-winning journalist and a major historian of racing nationally, died Jan. 28 in Versailles, Ky. He was 82.

A turf writer for more than 60 years, Bowen was a former editor-in-chief of The Blood-Horse and author of more than 20 books on Thoroughbred racing. He also served as editor of the Canadian Horse magazine from 196870 and 24 years as president of the Grayson-Jockey Club research Foundation.

Born in West Virginia, Bowen grew up in Florida. He worked with Thoroughbreds at Ocala Stud and as a hot walker and groom at Monmouth Park in between attending college at the University of Florida and the University of Kentucky.

During his time at The Blood-Horse, Bowen mentored many people who went on to long careers in the Thoroughbred industry, including Tracy Gantz, the West Coast contributing editor to this magazine. He gave Gantz her first job in the racing industry, hiring her at The Blood-Horse after she graduated from the University of Kentucky.

While at Grayson, Bowen helped raise millions of dollars for equine research. His vast knowledge of the industry’s history made him a valuable asset to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, where he was a trustee, chair of the Hall of Fame nominating committee, and chair of the Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor selection committee and historic review committee.

In addition to his Eclipse Award for writing, Bowen won numerous other awards, including the National Turf Writers Association’s Walter Haight Award. He was recognized in 2022 as the Thoroughbred Club of America’s Honor Guest.

COURTESY OF RANCHO

The new library on the Santa Anita backstretch is named for trainer Eddie Truman

Ed Bowen

CARF Will Not Seek Summer Dates

The California Authority of Racing Fairs Jan. 28 issued a press release regarding 2025 dates for the fair racing meets it oversees, which is Pleasanton, Sacramento, Ferndale, and Fresno. Santa Rosa operates separately.

The release reads as follows:

“After making the difficult decision not to submit future race meet applications, the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) announces that it has directed staff to reorganize operations to focus on addressing current obligations and future efforts to support California Fairgrounds and their Satellite Network. This difficult decision was based upon an assessment of financial challenges incurred in the

STALLION NEWS

■ Bolden’s First Foal

Bolden, a dual-surface undefeated California-bred son of Square Eddie, was represented by his first foal Jan. 4. The bay colt was foaled at Rancho San Miguel in California, where Bolden stands.

The colt is the second foal out of the eight-time winner and $144,010-earner Trina, a Cal-bred daughter of Peppered Cat. He was bred by Rancho San Miguel.

Racing exclusively on the Southern California circuit, Bolden won all four of his career starts by a combined margin of 21 lengths: two victories on dirt at five and six furlongs and two victories on turf at the same distances. Highlighting these wins was a 7 3⁄4-length romp in a final time of 1:07.50 for six furlongs on the grass at Santa Anita. Phil D’Amato trained Bolden, who was bred by Reddam Racing and raced by Rockingham Ranch.

■ Finnegan’s Wake to Wyoming

Northern California-based stallion Finnegan’s Wake has been moved to Wyoming. He is scheduled to stand the 2025 season at Wolfpaw Stables’ breeding farm in Bear River.

A 16-year-old son of Powerscourt—Boat’s Ghost, by Silver Ghost, Finnegan’s Wake won five graded stakes, including the 2015 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (G1T) and 2014 Hollywood Turf Cup (G2T). He earned $1,594,665 with eight wins in 37 starts.

QUALIFYING CLAIMING LEVELS

The following claiming levels for California owners premiums and stallion awards are currently in effect: SANTA ANITA/$40,000

GSR race meet as well as current obstacles facing the horse racing industry.

“While this marks a difficult and challenging moment for the Northern California live racing community, CARF will continue to support its satellite wagering members and explore all possible avenues to support the California Horse Racing industry. CARF remains dedicated to serving all of our member fairs and their communities.”

The release also noted monies generated by California fairgrounds from 1987-2024 that includes $963 million in purses, $15 million in owners’ incentives, and $92 million in breeders’ incentives.

10 YEARS AGO

California-bred WARREN’S VENEDA became Benjamin Warren first homebred graded stakes winner when she captured the $200,750 Santa Maria Stakes (G2) Feb. 14, 2015, at Santa Anita. The 5-year-old had most recently won the Paseana Stakes and would go on to add that season’s Santa Margarita Stakes (G1). In the 11⁄16-mile Santa Maria, Warren’s Veneda raced in last early for jockey Tyler Baze and scored by 23⁄4 lengths in 1:43.18. “It takes a very good horse to overcome that trip,” said Craig Lewis, who trained Warren’s Veneda. “But Tyler knew what he had and didn’t want to get stopped. She’s an Amazon.” Warren had raced Affirmative and More Cal Bread, the sire and dam of Warren’s Veneda, who was voted the 2015 champion Cal-bred older female. She retired at the end of the year with $932,112 in earnings, and her foals have included Cal-bred champion Warren’s Showtime.

25 YEARS AGO

In her first graded attempt, California-bred SCHOLARS STUDIO captured the $200,000 La Canada Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Feb. 6, 2000. Piloted by Corey Nakatani for trainer Marty Jones, Scholars Studio led from right after the start of

the 11⁄8-mile race to score by three-quarters of a length over the odds-on favorite, Cal-bred Smooth Player, in 1:49.14. It was a one-two finish for daughters of Cal-bred champion Bertrando. Jones trained Scholars Studio for the King Edward Racing Stable of Ed Nahem, who bred the filly with Marshall Naify from the Graustark mare Inola Gray. Scholars Studio had won her two previous races, for a three-in-seven record, and the La Canada was her final start. She retired with earnings of $197,614. Scholars Studio was sold at that year’s Keeneland November sale for $430,000 to Frank Stronach. She produced just two foals and starters, neither of whom won.

50 YEARS AGO

Though NATIVE DIVER is well-known for winning three editions of the Hollywood Gold Cup, he annexed just about every other major stakes in California as well. At Hollywood Park June 20, 1964, “The Diver” captured his second consecutive Inglewood Handicap. He took the 11⁄16-mile race by three-quarters of a length over Mustard Plaster. “I think this race was even better today than when he won it a year ago,” said owner-breeder L.K. Shapiro. Jerry Lambert rode the 5-year-old Cal-bred gelded son of Imbros—Fleet Diver, by Devil Diver, for trainer Buster Millerick.

First reported foal for Bolden

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY

CTBA working for you

To further assist the membership of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) and subscribers of its official 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.

Spotlighting Foals of 2025

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 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: March 3 (April issue), April 1 (May/June issue), and June 2 (July/August issue).

For additional information please contact the magazine’s Advertising Manager, Loretta Veiga, at Loretta@ctba.com or at 626-445-7800, ext. 227. Additionally, photos can be submitted to Ken Gurnick at kgurnick@ctba.com for free inclusion on the CTBA’s website.

Grey Avery Modesto, CA

Dominic DeBellis Redlands, CA

NEW CTBA MEMBERS

Peter Nehf Fort Myers, FL

Pete Parker Ventura, CA Jerry and Norhett Wallace Lake Matthews, CA

CTBA DATES TO REMEMBER

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

Names for foals of 2023 must be claimed. After Feb. 1, a naming fee of $105 will apply.

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

Annual registration of stallions is due at a fee of $1,250. Deadline to nominate California-bred/California-sired 2-yearolds (foals of 2023) to the Golden State Series; $300 fee applies.

•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

• Bred 90 mares his first year at stud

•First foals will arrive in 2025

LFSN

CTBA working for you

Naming deadline with TJC for 2yos

Stallion registration deadline

Golden State Series nomination deadline for 2023 foals

Gun Runner – Kathballu, by Bluegrass Cat

OUTSTANDING CONFORMATION

$1,150,000 KEENELAND SEPTEMBER YEARLING BY THE LEADING SIRE LIFETIME BY A.E.I. GUN RUNNER

THE SIRE OF 24 GSW / 10 GRADE 1 SW • HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE, SIRE OF 13 MILLIONAIRES

Second Leading Sire by 2024 Earnings

OUTSTANDING FEMALE FAMILY

Out of Multiple SW / Twice Graded SP Winner $482,007 • Sister KATHMANBLU Multiple Graded SW $584,327

Half-siter to dam of Paynt Battle MSP, established course record at Louisiana Downs. $52 MILLION IN EARNINGS FROM ONLY FOUR CROPS OF RACING AGE

CORPORAL raced for Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. Trained by Brad Cox. Won maiden special weight at 3 in 2nd start One mile dirt at Oaklawn Park.

2025 FEE: $5,000 LF

Property of a partnership

DEHESA FARMS LLC (Formerly Easterbrook Livestock Management) San Miguel, California

Inquiries to: Shane Easterbrook (805) 610-9861 Email: dehesafarms@gmail.com Web Site: www.dehesafarms.com

BOLDEN

SQUARE EDDIE – BAS, by FLOWER ALLEY

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

$3,500 LFSN

EDITORIAL

WAR FRONT – PLAYA MAYA, by ARCH

Half-brother to leading sire Uncle Mo touts an incredible $99,000 average earnings/starter, plus two 2024 Group 3 winners in South America

$3,500 LFSN

RICHARD'S KID

LEMON DROP KID – TOUGH BROAD, by BROAD BRUSH

Dual Pacific Classic (G1) winner and 2024 Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame inductee offers $57,000 average earnings/starter

$2,500 LFSN

BRICKYARD RIDE

CLUBHOUSE RIDE – BRICKYARD HELEN, by SOUTHERN IMAGE

Speedy heir to the hot Candy Ride (Arg) sire line won eight stakes races — three graded — and earned $925,477 in Southern California

$4,000 LFSN

MO FORZA

UNCLE MO – INFLAMED, by UNUSUAL HEAT

Grade 1-winning millionaire is #1 California stallion by mares bred in 2023 (102) and 2024 (90). First-crop 2-year-olds race in 2025!

$7,500 LFSN

SIR PRANCEALOT (IRE)

TAMAYUZ (GB) – MONA EM (IRE), by CATRAIL

Proven elite sire has worldwide progeny earnings of $22 million, with three 2024 stakes performers from his first California crop

$8,500 LFSN

DANZING CANDY

TWIRLING CANDY – TALKIN AND SINGING, by SONGANDAPRAYER

Multiple graded stakes winner and proven sire of precocious runners boasts back-to-back California Champion 2-Year-Olds in 2022/2023

$4,000 LFSN

NORTHERN CAUSEWAY

GIANT’S CAUSEWAY – GETAWAY GIRL, by SILVER DEPUTY

Grade 3 winner from the immediate family of Grade 1 sires Ghostzapper and City Zip. Sire of 2024 stakes performer Talbot Bay.

$2,500 LFSN

THE STREET FIGHTER

STREET BOSS – SILVER SWALLOW, by ALPHABET SOUP

Versatile black-type performer by a multiple Grade 1-winning sprinter out of a Santa Anita Oaks (G1) runner-up

$2,500 LFSN

Unusual Heat Turf Classic Presented by City National Bank OLD PAL

GRAZEN GELDING GETS SECOND STAKES SCORE

BY TRACY GANTZ

City National Bank may need to adopt Old Pal as its unofficial mascot. The 5-year-old has won two stakes during his career, both presented by the sponsor. As a 3-year-old he captured the 2023 Snow Chief Stakes presented by City National Bank, and on Cal Cup Day 2025 he added the Unusual Heat Turf Classic, also presented by City National Bank.

Old Pal epitomizes the offspring of leading California sire Grazen. He is getting better with age, and while Grazen’s runners do well on all surfaces, they often excel on turf. Old Pal relishes two turns on the grass.

“He can win going a mile or a mile and a sixteenth, for that matter, but he needs that good, hot pace,” said trainer Mark Glatt.

The Turf Classic ultimately didn’t give Old Pal that kind of pace. But the extra distance in the 11 8-mile race helped, according to Glatt, jockey Antonio Fresu, and Scott Sherwood of Blinkers On Stable.

Greg Gilchrist bought Old Pal for Blinkers On from Critter Creek Farm for $160,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton California yearling sale. Ken Miles and Sheridan Jones bred Old Pal in California out of the winning English Channel mare Athina Lee.

Blinkers On put together a partnership on Old Pal and currently owns him with Carolyn Corbett, Jai Desai, Frederick Dizonno, Chris Garcia, Cheryl Harris, Craig Hocevar, Tom Lewis, Garrett Pate, James Titus, and Les Wagner.

Old Pal won the Snow Chief as a colt. While he has always been a well-mannered individual, Glatt and Sherwood decided that he might focus on racing better if they gelded him, which they did this past summer.

“He’s actually taken another step forward once the gelding kicked in,” Sherwood said. “He’s just trained better in the mornings—not that he ever trained poorly. He’s all business now.”

Glatt added, “As consistent as he is, I felt he wasn’t giving us everything. After the Del Mar meet, it was good timing. I would never call him a lazy horse in the morning but maybe going through the

motions as a colt. We were kind of seeing that a little bit in his races.”

After gelding, Old Pal ran second and third in open allowance/optional claiming company prior to the Turf Classic. Those performances set him up well for the stakes, both in the minds of his connections and the betting public, which made him the 9-5 favorite in the 11-horse field.

When the gate opened, Fresu let Old Pal settle into mid-pack. Fast Buck went to the front in an easy quarter-mile of :24.18. Takes Three then went to the front, and he put in a half-mile in :47.42, a pace that definitely wasn’t as swift as Glatt would have liked.

But Old Pal didn’t need the swift pace.

“He came up from the middle of the pack, found the lane, and just did an amazing job,” Fresu said.

Old Pal closed ground in the stretch, especially in the final yards, as “a true professional,” according to track announcer Frank Mirahmadi.

“At the sixteenth pole, I was wondering if he was actually going to get there,” Glatt said. “But he grabbed them late.”

Old Pal gets his second lifetime stakes win after being gelded this past summer

Jockey Antonio Fresu, co-owner Scott Sherwood, and trainer Mark Glatt accept the trophy

GRAZEN

Benchmark – Hazen, by Rubiano 2025 Fee: $6,000 LF

CALIFORNIA’S 2024 LEADING SIRE BY STAKES WINNERS & PROGENY EARNINGS OF $4.3 MILLION LIFETIME EARNINGS IN EXCESS OF $26 MILLION

Leading the way for 2025 GRAZENS’ OLD PAL ($334,940) Captured the Unusual Heat California Cup Turf Classic and SHOCKING GRAY was victorious in the Sunshine Millions Turf Sprint before going on to be the sale topper at the CTBA Winter Mixed Sale

GRAZEN’S Progeny are led by LIEUTENANT DAN ($923,740) 6-Time SW incl. Grade 2 Eddie D S., Grade 2 Green Flash H.-twice, 2nd to GOLDEN PAL in Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, etc.;

S. Y. SKY ($709,540) Multiple SW incl. Grade 3 Monrovia S., etc.; Grade 3 SW JUST GRAZED ME ($506,332); Siren Lure SW at Santa Anita and Sensational Star SW JOHNNY PODRES ($540,150) 2nd Green Flash H.-G3; 2024 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint S. winner ROSE MADDOX ($567,264); 2024 Daisycutter H. winner CONNIE SWINGLE ($509,564); Snow Chief SW OLD PAL ($244,940) 3rd 2024 Crystal Water S.; Sabertooth Multiple Graded SP at 2, 2024; G3 2nd at SA in 2024 Irish Wahine ($312,456);

Cornelia Fort ($254,780) 3rd 2024 Fran’s Valentine S.; MSP 3YOs Safa ($276,760), Loretta Lynn ($117,700); etc. Winner of the Grade 3 Affirmed H. posting a 103 Beyer, El Cajon SW GRAZEN broke his maiden in the NTRA Stakes posting a Triple Digit Beyer over Grade 1 SW M ONE RIFLE

(805) 769-6685 | www.eclipse-equine.com/stallions

Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint

BIG CITY LIGHTS

SON OF MR. BIG DOMINATES BY 73⁄4 LENGTHS

BY TRACY GANTZ

Don Valpredo not only played a major role in creating the California Cup, but he also lent his name to one of the best stakes in the program. It takes a fast horse to win the Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint, with Brickyard Ride and The Chosen Vron each scoring back-toback victories in recent editions.

Only a neck kept Big City Lights from the winner’s circle in the 2023 Cal Cup Sprint, but he absolutely dominated the 2025 edition, conducted Jan. 18 at Santa Anita. It was the kind of performance Don Valpredo would have appreciated.

Valpredo passed away Oct. 31. Several members of his family, friends, and longtime work colleagues represented him in the winner’s circle. His wife, Sally, and daughter, Alexis Moseley, presented the trophy to trainer Richard Mandella.

“It is an honor, and we are here to honor Don because his heart and soul were here,” Sally said. “He was very special to us, and we are happy to be here.”

Mandella has done his usual superior job managing California-bred Big City Lights for owner William Peeples, who snagged the horse for only $22,000 at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton California yearling sale. Big City Lights has beaten every Cal-bred sent against him except one—The Chosen Vron. In 13 lifetime starts, Big City Lights has never finished worse than third, and his two thirds came in graded company. He has a graded victory as well, in the 2024 Palos Verdes Stakes (G3).

Big City Lights’ victories are often impressive. In his first two starts, he scored by 121⁄2 and 71⁄4 lengths. In his last start prior to the Cal Cup Sprint, he crushed the competition by 81 2 lengths in the Nov. 9 Cary Grant Stakes.

Cal Cup originally was slated for Jan. 11 but was postponed a week due to the Los Angeles County wildfires. The delay may have actually helped with Big City Lights’ preparation. Instead of running Jan. 11, Big City Lights worked five furlongs in 1:001⁄5 Jan. 12.

“I got a good work in him—I think

I might have had him short last week,” Mandella said.

Given how Big City Lights performed Jan. 18, being short wouldn’t have mattered. Sent away at 1-10 under jockey Flavien Prat, the 6-year-old pressed the pace briefly in the early going of the six-furlong Sprint. Once he took command at the five-sixteenths pole, the race was over. He continued to widen his lead, ultimately defeating Clovisconnection by 73⁄4 lengths in 1:09.46, with Smiling Beast third.

“He has a classy head, great balance— just a classy-looking horse,” Mandella said.

Peeples was unable to attend the Sprint, as he was recovering from shoulder surgery.

“He and this horse have been a pleasure all along,” said Mandella, who added that he might nominate Big City Lights to the $2 million Golden Shaheen April 5 in Dubai “and daydream a little bit.”

Big City Lights, a son of Mr. Big— Champagne Exchange, by Exchange Rate, bred by Bar C Racing Stables Inc., has now earned $578,420 and has won five stakes. A win in Dubai would vault him into millionaire status.

Alexis Moseley and Sally Valpredo in the trophy presentation with jockey Flavien Prat and trainer Richard Mandella (right)

Big City Lights runs away with the Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint

THANK YOU

Checkmate Thoroughbreds sold the Top 5 Horses of the CTBA Winter Mixed Sale , including stakes winner SHOCKING GREY , who sold to Francoise Dupuis , agent for Rockingham Ranch , for $170,000 to top the sale.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Valpredo Family Trust (Complete Dispersal), all our valued clients, and buyers for their trust in our consignment. We are honored to have presented such exceptional horses.

- Adrian Gonzalez

Shocking Grey winning the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint S. at Santa Anita.

California Chrome Cal Cup Derby

WHISKYGINANDBRANDY

BUMPING INCIDENT LEADS TO DQ OF SHEA BRENNAN

BY JACK SHINAR

It took a successful appeal to make outsider Whiskyginandbrandy the toast of the $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby Jan. 18 at Santa Anita.

The Terry Lovingier-bred son of top sire Stay Thirsty actually crossed the wire second, beaten a neck by Shea Brennan in the 11⁄16-mile dirt test for state-bred or -sired 3-year-olds. But stewards, following an objection lodged by jockey Tiago Pereira, conducted an inquiry into a bumping incident involving the first two finishers leaving the far turn. They unanimously decided to switch the order of finish.

Their call shook up the payoffs, giving 20-1 chance Whiskyginandbrandy ($42.20) his first stakes win for trainer Steve Knapp. It was also the first black-type victory for his dam, Appealing Susan, a daughter of Successful Appeal.

Even so, it was not the most satisfying of triumphs for Lovingier.

“Nick Alexander (owner and breeder of the disqualified Shea Brennan) is a very good friend of mine, and nobody wants to win a race like that,” Lovingier said from the winner’s circle afterward. “He’s got a very good horse, and I think (the stewards) made the right call. I think we were going to win the race. But it is difficult to win a race like that because he is such a good friend and a great man for all of horse racing.”

Eight signed on for the Cal Cup Derby, with stakes winner R Heisman as the 3-2 choice. Shea Brennan was second pick at 3-1 after defeating many of these same rivals in the King Glorious Stakes Dec. 15 at Los Alamitos. But the Phil D’Amato-trained colt had to deal with the rail starting post, and jockey Antonio Fresu opted to take him off the

pace, racing seventh while saving ground through the opening half-mile.

Style Cat took the lead from Drop Um on the backstretch, maintaining a half-length edge through an easy three-quarters in 1:13.30, with Drop Um, Got’m Cot’m, and R Heisman tracking closely. Whiskyginandbrandy, racing on the outside as the field rounded the final turn, was contending as well. Shea Brennan, tugging at Fresu for much of the race, was moving best of all while easing out for the drive. Fresu attempted to pass Whiskyginandbrandy on the inside of his rival but ran out of room and made solid contact.

Whiskyginandbrandy lost stride while

being forced out, recovering quickly at the head of the stretch. Shea Brennan kept the pressure on, heading Style Cat a furlong from home with Whiskyginandbrandy another head back. They battled gamely to the wire, with Shea Brennan narrowly prevailing. Style Cat held third, three-quarters of a length behind, with R Heisman, in tight quarters and slightly altering course in deep stretch, finishing fourth. The final time was 1:46.12.

Whiskyginandbrandy had finished a close but troubled fourth in the King Glorious at 46-1, his stakes debut after collecting a maiden win in his sixth start Nov. 3 at Del Mar. The Cal Cup purse, worth $96,250, boosted his lifetime total to $161,340.

“He got scared (in the King Glorious), and he has really been training great since,” Knapp said.

“I knew he was ready for another great race.”

Lovingier co-owns the chestnut colt with Anthony Chacon and Victor Flores. Whiskyginandbrandy was originally purchased by another Lovingier client, Thomas Halasz, for $55,000 from the Lovacres Ranch consignment at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton California yearling sale.

Whiskyginandbrandy (left) and Shea Brennan battle it out in the Cal Cup Derby

PHOTOS

Breeder and co-owner Terry Lovingier (fifth from left) and trainer Steve Knapp (fourth from right) join others in the winner’s circle after the Cal Cup Derby

Grazen – Sunday Dress, by General Meeting

From 5 starters, 4 winners, 2 Stakes Winners 80% Winners, 40% Stakes Winners

Average Earnings Per Starter $87,000

Including Two-Year-Old Stakes Winners

SPEEDY WILSON ($156,150.00) Golden State Juvenile Stakes and SHEA BRENNAN ($177,800) King Glorious Stakes 2nd in the California Chrome California Cup Derby, January 18, 2025

TOUGH SUNDAY, Winner of the Sensational Star S. at Santa Anita Four Times Stakes Placed, Twice Graded incl. 2nd Grade 3 Midnight Lute S.

By California’s Leading Sire of 2024 GRAZEN

Leading Active Lifetime Sire in the State, Sire of the Winners of Over $26M, 22 Stakes Winners, 37 Stakes Horses, 4 Graded Stakes Winners

TOUGH SUNDAY is out of SUNDAY DRESS (GENERAL MEETING), also dam of SUNDAY RULES (dam of Loretta Lynn), SUDDEN SUNDAY (dam of ROSE DAWSON and RUBY BRADLEY), etc.

2025 FEE: $2,500 LF

ECLIPSE THOROUGHBRED FARM

Inquiries to: (805) 769-6685 801 E. Hwy 246, Buellton, CA, 93427 E-mail: horserehab@gmail.com | www.eclipse-equine.com/stallions

Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks

TAKE ANOTHER CARD

REDDAM RACING PLAYS MAJOR CAL CUP ROLE

BY TRACY GANTZ

Reddam Racing is a staple in California breeding. Paul and Zillah Reddam stand major stallions and annually rank among the leaders on the breeders’ list. Thus, seeing the Reddam name among many entrants throughout the Jan. 18 California Cup card surprised no one, and they came away with two victories, including with homebred Take Another Card in the Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks.

Simon Callaghan trains both Reddam winners. He first saddled Check’s On the Way, a 3-year-old gelded son of deceased Mrazek, to win a $50,000 California-bred maiden claiming race at 9-1. But

Callaghan had much more ammunition with Take Another Card in the Oaks.

Take Another Card didn’t make her first start until two days before the end of her 2-year-old season.

“She just took some time to come together,” Callaghan said. “She’s a big, beautiful filly. We were going to run her at Del Mar initially, and then she got a little shin. We were patient and backed off, and she

just really came around.”

Take Another Card debuted in a six-furlong Cal-bred maiden turf race and broke awkwardly to come away from the gate last of nine. She moved up professionally for jockey Frankie Dettori to score by 21 4 lengths. Bettors took note, sending her off as the 19-10 favorite in the Cal Cup Oaks.

As originally scheduled Jan. 11, the Oaks came up quickly for Take Another Card, who ended up in post 12 when they first drew the race. The extra week and a better post position—six—in the redraw served the Reddam filly well. Dettori was riding at Fair Grounds in Louisiana that day, and Hector Berrios took over.

Berrios rode a canny race, moving Take Another Card to the rail in fifth around the first turn in the mile Oaks.

“Hector gave her a lovely ride, saved every inch of ground,” Callaghan said.

Coming around the second turn, Take Another Card and Berrios found themselves behind a wall of horses. They had to withstand some bumping to get through a narrow opening between horses, but Take Another Card “was very brave,” said Callaghan. She stormed to the front, coming to the wire a neck in front of Miso Phansy in 1:36.98. Tequilaadtherapy, a stakes-winning daughter of Mrazek bred by the Reddams, finished third.

“She broke perfectly out of the gate,” Berrios said. “I told her to go, and she was comfortable and settled perfectly. The last quarter, there was a little contact with the filly (Less Is More), but she came through no problem and beat her. In the stretch, her stride was very nice. She is a very classy filly.”

Take Another Card is by the Reddams’ Eclipse Award-winning I’ll Have Another, who stood at their Ocean Breeze Ranch before being pensioned at Old Friends in Kentucky. At Old Friends, I’ll Have Another was reunited with Cal-bred champion Lava Man, who ponied I’ll Have Another throughout his racing career.

The Reddams bred Take Another Card from their Lookin At Lucky mare You Missed It. Racing for the Reddams, You Missed It finished second in the 2017 Providencia Stakes (G3T) and 2016 Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf.

Take Another Card, by I’ll Have Another, scores in the Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks

Samantha Siegel presents the trophy to jockey Hector Berrios and trainer Simon Callaghan

California’s Only Son Of Triple Crown Winner American Pharoah

Multiple Graded Stakes Winner Of $683,660 2025 FEE: $5,000 LF

American Pharoah – Just Louise, by Five Star Day

Del Mar maiden special weight debut winner at 2. 2nd Grade 3 Bob Hope S., 3rd Speakeasy S. at Santa Anita.

Three-Time Grade 2 Winner at 3. $400,000 San Felipe S. by 5 ¾ lengths - $200,000 San Vicente S. by 2 ½ lengths – $200,000 Joe Hernandez S.

2nd $300,000 Grade 1 Malibu S., defeating Hoist the Gold, Nakatomi, etc.

At 4 Won $200,000 Joe Hernadez S. in 1:14 4/5. 2nd $200,000 Grade 3 San Carlos S. at Santa Anita.

Out of Grade 2 SW JUST LOUISE, half-sister to Multiple SW SARA LOUISE, dam of G2 placed Nash ($380,000 to 3, 2024), Grade 2 Gazelle S. runner-up Sara Street, the dams of KALIK-G2, AIROSA, Bringer of Rain-G3, etc. • By Horse of the Year, Champion 2YO and 3YO colt – AMERICAN PHAROAH, sire of 2 Champions, 7 Grade 1 Stakes Winners, 20 Graded, 45 Stakes Winners.

SHOCKING GREY

GRAZEN MARE WINS FOR THE LATE DON VALPREDO

BY JACK SHINAR

The late Donald Valpredo would have undoubtedly enjoyed all the tributes to him on California Cup Day, held Jan. 18 at Santa Anita. The accolades followed decades of Valpredo’s leadership in the horse racing industry and his pivotal part in creating the annual race program for California-breds.

But Valpredo, who died Oct. 31 at the age of 85, probably would have gotten a bigger kick watching as his homebred mare Shocking Grey rocketed to a 21⁄4-length upset victory in the $126,500 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint Stakes.

The stakes victory in the hillside turf event at about 61⁄2 furlongs (at odds of 8-1) was the first for the

6-year-old daughter of Grazen, as well as for Valpredo’s 19-year-old Unbridled’s Song broodmare Seoul Unbridled. And it happened only because the annual Cal Cup card was delayed a week due to the horrendous Los Angeles County fires. Shocking Grey was not entered in the race the first time around but was supplemented for $25,000 and added to the lineup by trainer Jeff Mullins when it was redrawn.

In snapping an eight-race losing streak, Shocking Grey was ridden to victory by Antonio Fresu, who was aboard the gray mare for the first time in her 14-race career. Shocking Grey was shortening up to

the sprint distance after seven consecutive unsuccessful tries around two turns.

It was an emotional day for the many Valpredo friends and family members who were on hand, including his wife, Sally. They also saw Valpredo’s homebred 4-year-old filly Mayacama come home an easy winner in a $50,000 maiden claiming event a few races earlier.

“I just got done crying,” said Alexis Moseley, Don’s daughter, after Shocking Grey’s win. Reflecting on her father’s passion for racing, Moseley recalled mornings on the backstretch with the exercise riders and horses—and many trips to the winner’s circle in the afternoons.

“It’s such an honor to be representing (him) today and have two wins in our pocket,” she added.

Fresu positioned Shocking Grey outside of rivals coming down the hill while racing midpack in the field of eight older fillies and mares. Barbera opened up quickly on the front end after the break. The pacesetter then posted even fractions of :22.70 and :45.32 for the first half-mile as hillside specialist and even-money favorite Stay and Scam moved to challenge. Shocking Grey, on the outside of the leaders, put in her own bid crossing the dirt portion of the course. She briefly battled Stay and Scam for the advantage in upper stretch but proved much the best through the lane. Second-choice Moment’s Pleasure finished third. The final time was 1:13.42.

It was just the second start for Shocking Grey on the hillside course, but Mullins didn’t think that had much to do with her victory.

“It was just the jockey did what I told him to do, which was stay on the outside,” the trainer said.

Both of Valpredo’s winners on the day are no longer in the Mullins barn. Mayacama was claimed for $50,000 and moved to trainer Steve Knapp. Shocking Grey, who boosted her career earnings to $250,750 with her third win from 14 starts, was sold to Rockingham Ranch for $170,000. The sale came three days after the race as part of the Valpredo family’s dispersal at the CTBA’s winter mixed auction Jan. 21.

Valpredo’s family represents the longtime breeder in the winner’s circle

Shocking Grey, bred by the late Don Valpredo, scores in Sunshine Millions

UNDEFEATED IRON SKULL, A PUERTO RICAN-BRED SON OF CALIFORNIA STALLION MIDNIGHT STORM, WON WEDNESDAY’S $85,200 GRADE I CLASICO NAVIDAD STAKES FOR 2-YEAR-OLDS AT HIPODROMO CAMARERO IRON SKULL, OUT OF THE SCAT DADDY MARE ANGELA’S SMILE, WAS COMING OFF A DEBUT WIN NOV. 7.

HE RAN THE 1 1/16 MILES ON A MUDDY TRACK IN 1:46.66 AND WON BY 9 1/4 LENGTHS AS THE 3-2 FAVORITE. HE HAS CAREER EARNINGS OF $59,276.

MIDNIGHT STORM (GR1)

PIONEEROF THE NILE – MY TINA, BY BERTRANDO

Leading 4th Crop Sire in CA

PASSION FOR GOLD

MEDAGLIA D’ORO – C’EST L’AMOUR (G2), BY THUNDER GULCH

2025 FEE: $3,000 LFSN GOLD CURRENCY, TALENTED DAUGHTER OF PASSION FOR GOLD WON FIRST TIME OUT IN A MSW AT SANTA ANITA PARK JAN 16,

G1 Champion In France

Graded Stakes Winners In 2024 In Chile

Also Standing: DOSIFICADO, GRAYDAR, MOQUEST, TIZAMAGICIAN, WIN THE SPACE, CIRCUMFERENCE (IRE) AND WINNING CAUSE

Leading Breeder

RICHARD BARTON ENTERPRISES

TEAMWORK LEADS TO SECOND CONSECUTIVE LEADING BREEDER TITLE IN 2024

BY TRACY GANTZ

Topping the California breeder list takes hard work and determination. Several breeders make it a competitive race every year, which is why four different breeders led from 2020-2023. Richard Barton Enterprises emerged at the head of the list for the first time in 2023, and they did so well that they repeated in 2024.

Teamwork plays a crucial role in that success. Richard Barton Enterprises consists of much more than Richard Barton. He brings his wife, Beth, and their daughter, Kate Barton Penner, into the mix, along with a top-flight crew at the 200acre farm in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Penner serves as the executive vice president of the entire operation, and she is the first to hand credit to the rest of the team, headed by farm manager Kevin Dickson.

“We are honored to be the leading breeder in California for the second year in a row,” said Penner. “We couldn’t have done it without our amazing team at the farm in Santa Ynez. Kevin has done a great job overseeing all the daily operations, and he also plays a big role for us when consigning our horses at the two California sales.”

The California sales, along with regional sales in other states, serve as a major conduit for the Barton team to get their California-breds into a wide variety of racing programs around the country. Barton in 2024 led all consignors at the

Thoroughbred Enterprises

California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Northern California sale and the Fasig-Tipton California yearling sale.

Barton offers all its yearlings for sale, and so the vast majority of horses they

breed race for others.

“With our business model, we end up offering our top yearlings at public auction,” Penner said. “So, we hope that our best horses can compete and win for other owners.”

And they do. Pushiness, sold for $115,000 to Repole Stable at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton sale, continued to do well in 2024. Following her victory in the 2023 California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stakes at Del Mar, she added the 2024 Fleet Treat Stakes, also at Del Mar. Pushiness earned $163,696 in 2024, bringing her total earnings to $272,046.

Principe Carlo added to his bankroll, which now stands at $577,514 going into his seventh year of competition. In 2024 he won the Hank Mills Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise and most recently has been competing at Oaklawn Park.

Roberta’s Love, a $30,000 purchase at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton sale, won the

Kate Barton Penner with her husband, Blair Penner, is a key component to her family’s Barton

CECLIA GUSTAVSSON

Richard and Beth Barton began the operation and remain involved

Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita for owners BG Stable and Royalty Stable. She earned $131,800 in 2024, her first season of competition.

Spitten Kitten has taken the Barton Cal-bred banner to Assiniboia Downs in Canada. Marvin and Deb Buffalo bought her for $2,500 at the 2021 Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association fall mixed sale, and she has now racked up earnings of $155,015. For the past two seasons Spitten Kitten has strung together three consecutive stakes victories at Assiniboia. In 2024, she captured the La Verendrye Stakes, Canada Stakes, and Escape Clause Stakes.

Cat Burglar, Dads Caps, One Bad Boy, Shaaz, and Tap Back stand at the farm. Bet On Dad, a son of Dads Caps, won the George and Mavis Morely Memorial Stakes at the Elko Fair in Nevada. But some of the other stallions are

just getting started.

“We are looking forward to seeing Shaaz’s first foals, which hit the ground this year,” Penner said. “Also, Tap Back and One Bad Boy will have their first runners this spring/summer, so there is always something new and exciting to look forward to.”

Occasionally, Barton will race a homebred, and that brought excitement to the program in 2024 when Hot Girl Walk captured Generous Portion Stakes at Del Mar.

“Hot Girl Walk was an extra special stakes winner for us this year, since we raced her ourselves,” Penner said. “She really surprised us, as we offer all of our yearlings up for sale and she was one that happened to scratch out of the Fasig-Tipton sale due to a superficial laceration.”

Barton maintains a large broodmare band to support its stallions. For many years they purchased in-foal mares at

Kentucky sales and brought them to California to produce Cal-breds. Now those mares are part of the breeding program, and they often spend every other year in Kentucky being bred and returning to California to go to a stallion at the farm.

“It has been a neat addition to our breeding program to alternate years in Kentucky and California with our quality mares in order to really enhance their produce record and add in some exciting sire power,” Penner said.

With the 2025 racing season now under way, the Barton team is hard at work producing the next generation of runners, with the possibility of a third consecutive leading breeder title.

“Our goal is to get better every year and produce quality foals every year,” Penner said. “We are so thankful for a great 2024 and look forward to 2025 and what it may bring for Barton Thoroughbreds.”

Hot Girl Walk is one of the rare homebreds to race for Barton, winning the Generous Portion Stakes

Principo Carlo, winner of the Hank Mills Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise, is in his seventh year of racing

Pushiness, who sold for $115,000 in 2022, captures the Fleet Treat Stakes at Del Mar

Roberta’s Love scores in the Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita

© BENOIT PHOTOS

© BENOIT

PHOTO

ANNE M. EBERHARDT

Leading Sires GRAZEN AGAIN

FOR THE SECOND YEAR, GRAZEN TOPS CALIFORNIA SIRES BY EARNINGS AND AS TURF SIRE

BY TRACY GANTZ

Grazen and Stay Thirsty never met on the racetrack, but they battle ferociously for leading sire rights in California. The state’s breeding industry benefits from these tussles, as the two stallions continually produce outstanding California-bred runners.

Grazen emerged victorious in 2024, holding off Stay Thirsty to become California’s leading sire by money won for the second consecutive year. Grazen had knocked Stay Thirsty off his perch in 2023, following two consecutive seasons in which Stay Thirsty took the crown by money won. That could set up an exciting contest for 2025: Can Grazen take the title a third consecutive season or can Stay Thirsty wrest it away?

The 2024 race ended up neck-and neck. Both Grazen and Stay Thirsty went over $4 million in progeny earnings, Grazen’s runners amassing $4,394,584 to Stay Thirsty’s $4,240,307.

Not only did Grazen top the overall money won list, he also led all turf sires in California. This too was for a second consecutive year. He led California sires by lifetime Average-Earnings Index (AEI) with a 1.39. The AEI examines how well a stallion moves up his mares. It was the fifth consecutive season that Grazen has headed up that list.

Nick Alexander bred and raced Grazen in California, and the stallion has spent his entire stud career in his home state. Thus, he topped the list with virtually all his runners accumulating their earnings in California. Grazen currently stands at Eclipse Thoroughbred Training and Sports Therapy in Buellton.

Alexander is justifiably proud of Gra-

zen, especially the stallion’s versatility.

“Grazen also had most stakes wins, including Johnny Podres, a 7-year-old gelding winning two open Santa Anita grass stakes, and two 2-year-old fillies winning on the dirt (Hey Jessie and Sunset Grazen),” Alexander said.

While many people now breed their mares to Grazen, Alexander has gone to him from the very beginning. The horse ensures that each year Alexander will rank high on the list of leading California breeders, and in 2024, Alexander was fourth, with a total of $2,549,404.

Yet in 2024, Grazen’s top runner did not come from Alexander’s program. Safa, bred by Derek Lawson, took those honors. A 2021 daughter of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Hadarra, Safa raced for Souheil Bisharat and Khalil Khoury. She earned $230,500 during

2024, placing in the Evening Jewel Stakes, Melair Stakes, and Fleet Treat Stakes. Gary Stute, who bought Safa for $23,000 from Easterbrook Management at the 2023 CTBA winter mixed sale, trains her.

Grazen was represented by eight stakes winners in 2024, and Alexander bred half of them. Johnny Podres and Father O’Flaherty were both bred by Alexander and now race for other owners. The breeder still owns Rose Maddox, winner of the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint Stakes, and Connie Swingle, winner of the Daisycutter Handicap. Grazen stakes winners bred by others were Hey Jessie, Sunset Grazen, Duly Noted, and Blazingbellablu.

Grazen is passing his talent on to the next generation as well. Alexander

Leading sire Grazen keeps winning for owner/breeder Nick Alexander

stands Grazen’s son Tough Sunday, also at Eclipse. A second-crop sire in 2024, Tough Sunday was represented by stakes winners Speedy Wilson and Shea Brennan.

Though Stay Thirsty finished second by money won, he led in five other categories, including topping the list of sires of 2-year-olds by money won. The prolific stallion, who stands at Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Farm, also led general sires and sires of 2-year-olds by number of winners and number of races won.

Lovingier breeds many of Stay Thirsty’s runners and campaigns them in various partnerships. He bred the stallion’s top earner of 2024, In the Air Tonight, and raced the filly with Anthony Chacon and Victor Flores. In the Air Tonight, a 2-year-old of 2024, earned $161,400. She won the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Stakes and placed in four other stakes, including the Oak Leaf Stakes (G2).

Two California sires went over progeny earnings of $3 million in 2024. Smiling Tiger finished third, with $3,734,122, and Clubhouse Ride was fourth with $3,399,688. Clubhouse Ride was the second-leading turf sire, while Smiling Tiger was second by number of winners and number of races won.

Cal-bred Mrazek, who died in 2021 before his stud career really got started, has nevertheless left an impression on the California breeding industry. In 2024, his runners led by average earnings per runner, average earnings per start, and median earnings per runner. His 2-year-olds put him atop the list of average earnings per runner for that crop.

Paul and Zillah Reddam’s Reddam Racing bred and raced Mrazek, and they also bred and raced Barely Funtional, a 2020 son of Mrazek—Walkingonadream, by Tapit. In 2024, Barely Funtional finished second in the Crystal Water Stakes. Reddam Racing also bred Tequilaandtherapy, owned by Here We Go Brothers. Out of the In Excess mare Chexcess, Tequilaandtherapy in 2024 won the Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes and ran third in the Soviet Problem Stakes.

The Reddams stood Mrazek at their Ocean Breeze Ranch, where Pavel stands. Pavel’s first foals raced in 2023, and with his second crop he led all California sires of 2-year-olds by median earnings per runner.

Far From Over is another California stallion who died in 2021 before getting his full chance at stud. Nevertheless, he led California sires of 2-year-olds by average earnings per start. He stood at Dr. William Gray’s Gray Farms. Far From Over’s foals included Cal-bred Drop Um, winner of the 2024 Everett Nevin Stakes, and Kentucky-bred R. Heisman, winner of the 2024 Graduation Stakes.

Pavel with his second crop led by 2-year-old median earnings

CECILIA GUSTAVSSON/COURTESY OF LOVEACRES RANCH

COURTESY OF HARRIS FARMS/RON MESAROS

Stay Thirsty led in five categories, including juvenile sire by money won

Mrazek, who died in 2021, led in three categories

© BENOIT PHOTO

VALPREDO DISPERSAL DRAWS BUYERS

SHOCKING GREY TOPS

SALE AT $170,000

Just three days after Shocking Grey stood in the Santa Anita winner’s circle after winning the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint Stakes on California Cup Day, the 6-year-old mare made headlines again. As part of the complete dispersal of the late Don Valpredo, Shocking Grey topped the CTBA winter mixed sale at $170,000.

Initially, California Cup Day was to have been held Jan. 11, but it was delayed until Jan. 18 because of the Los Angeles County fires. The inadvertent proximity to the sale may have worked to its advantage.

“I think the future dates of the January sale should remain immediately following the Cal Cup,” said Adrian Gonzalez, whose Checkmate Thoroughbreds handled the Valpredo dispersal. “There was definitely more buzz. Obviously, having a Cal Cup stakes winner in the sale was unique. I’d like to try and recruit a few of the Cal Cup runners into this sale next year.”

The Valpredo dispersal added considerably to the sale’s numbers. A total of 83 sold for a gross of $1,228,200. The sale averaged $14,799, with a median of $8,000. In 2024 the average was $8,568 and the median was $6,500.

Francoise Dupuis bought Shocking Grey as agent for Rockingham Ranch, and George Pappaprodromou will now train the mare. Jeff Mullins conditioned her to win the Sunshine Millions for the Valpredo Family Trust.

“I liked the way she won last time—she was very impressive,” Dupuis said. “I think she has a lot of class. She has the most beautiful eyes. I think she can run two turns, the way she won that race.”

For Gonzalez, acting as agent for the Valpredo dispersal was emotional.

“Don was a friend and mentor to me, and I hope I represented his program to reflect the quality it truly consisted of,” Gonzalez

said. “It was an incredible day Saturday at the Cal Cup, having two winners in Mr. Valpredo’s silks and having the final runner of his historic stable winning the Sunshine Millions Cal Cup race. Those kinds of days don’t happen often; it just gives me chills thinking about it. To cap off the week with the sales-topper just put a bow on it.”

The dispersal also included a $75,000 yearling half sister to Shocking Grey by Corniche. She was the second-highest price of the sale. Gayle Van Leer bought the filly as agent for K.D. Kennedy’s RL Racing, and Pappaprodromou said that he would likely train her as well when she reaches the races.

“It will be nice to have sisters,” said Pappaprodromou.

Checkmate consigned the thirdhighest-priced horse, Trojan Mafia, who was not part of the Valpredo dispersal. Mullins bought the colt for $65,000. A 2-year-old son of Smiling Tiger, Trojan Mafia is out of the graded stakes-winning Southern Halo mare Brooke’s Halo. He is a half brother to stakes winner Rock and Glory and to stakes-placed Gorgeous Ginny.

The principals in Smiling Tiger, a major California sire who died last year, purchased 2-year-old Sissel from the Valpredo dispersal for $62,000. The filly is a daughter of Authentic—Silver Slivers, by Arch. Mersad Metanovic signed the ticket on behalf of Lebherz Racing LLC, which Metanovic said consisted of Phil Lebherz and Alan Klein, who raced Smiling Tiger, along with Rusty Brown and Richard Meister.

“She’s a good-looking individual with a good walk,” Metanovic said. “By Authentic—we’re going to give it a shot.”

The same partnership also bought a 2-year-old son of Stay Thirsty—Miss Athena, by City Zip, for $55,000 from the consignment of Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Farm.

“We rated him as the #1 colt of the 2-year-olds that were available,” Metanovic said.

Dennis O’Neill bought a Stay Thirsty for $55,000 from Lovacres. The 2-year-old filly is out of the stakes-placed Munnings mare Katalust.

Shocking Grey wins on Cal Cup Day and then tops sale for $170,000

Adrian Gonzalez’s Checkmate Thoroughbreds handled the Don Valpredo dispersal

QUIRKY YET ENDEARING

GENERAL CHALLENGE ATTRACTED FANS THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE

BY TRACY GANTZ

Racehorses leave behind their statistics and memories of their finest performances. Some are even better known for their personalities. General Challenge was an outstanding California-bred whose exploits on the track will always be remembered. He also endeared himself to the Bob Baffert barn and to the Golden Eagle Farm staff through his charisma and quirks.

After General Challenge won the 1999 Pacific Classic, artist Christine Picavet painted his portrait for Del Mar

1), 2) and 3) Gary Stevens rode General Challenge to victory in the 1999 Santa Anita Derby and Santa Catalina Stakes

4) Blinkers came off of General Challenge in the 1999 Affirmed Handicap at Hollywood Park

5) General Challenge traveled to Gulfstream Park in Florida for the 1999 Breeders’ Cup

He had a lot of personality. He could run. He was just so gifted. He ran so effortlessly.”

—Bob Baffert

Perennial leading California breeders John and Betty Mabee bred General Challenge, a 1996 son of General Meeting— Excellent Lady, by Smarten, and raced him in the name of their Golden Eagle Farm. The Mabees had already gone down in Cal-bred history for the great Best Pal, and then along came the flashier General Challenge.

Color means nothing when assessing a racehorse’s ability. Best Pal’s plain bay coat didn’t detract one iota from his popularity. General Challenge, however, sported a big blaze face and four white stockings, with a chestnut coat that recalled the likes of Secretariat and presaged the coming of California Chrome.

“He looked like he’d stepped in a bucket of white paint; he had so much chrome on him,” Baffert recalled. “He was a tall, slender horse. He was very narrow through his poll—he had a small head. I had to have a special racing bridle made for him because a regular bridle would fall off his ears.”

General Challenge came along two years after Silver Charm and one year after Real Quiet, Baffert’s first two Kentucky Derby (G1) winners, but long before the trainer’s Triple Crown juggernauts of American Pharoah and Justify. The Cal-bred gelding gave Baffert a significant first—his initial victory in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1).

“He was sort of flighty,” Baffert said. “He had a good mind when it came to racing tactics. He wasn’t rank. He was easy to train, but he could not ship for some

SKIP

DICKSTEIN

© BENOIT

PHOTOS

Above and at right, Corey Nakatani was General Challenge’s pilot in the 2000 Santa Anita Handicap

reason. He could not cross the Colorado River.”

General Challenge started off spectacularly—three for three through his early 3-year-old season, including the 1999 California Breeders’ Champion Stakes and Santa Catalina Stakes (G2). He traveled out of town for the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Kentucky Derby, both resulting in rough trips in the races. In between, though, he turned in a spectacular performance to capture the Santa Anita Derby (G1) by 31 2 lengths. Gary Stevens rode him in all three stakes wins.

It was just the beginning. Later in the year General Challenge gave the Mabees their second win in Del Mar’s Pacific Classic (G1) under jockey David Flores. That followed Best Pal in the 1991 inaugural running. John Mabee had spearheaded the creation of the race, which made the second one especially gratifying.

“He had a lot of personality,” said Baffert. “He could run. He was just so gifted. He ran so effortlessly.”

General Challenge finished second to fellow Cal-bred and older runner Budroyale in the Goodwood Handicap (G2) and then had another disappointing foray out of town when unplaced in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Gulfstream Park.

He finished the year with a victory in the Native Diver Handicap (G3) at Hollywood Park and was voted champion Calbred 3-year-old male.

While an entrapped epiglottis would compromise his later career, General Challenge nevertheless put together back-toback wins in early 2000 under jockey Corey Nakatani. As the 3-5 favorite in a field of four, he annihilated the competition by 91⁄2 lengths in the Strub Stakes (G1). He followed that with his Big ’Cap, scoring by 11⁄4 lengths over Budroyale.

“He ran the way he was supposed to run,” Baffert said after the race. “This horse is finally showing that he’s the great horse I’ve been bragging about.”

Voted Cal-bred champion older male of 2000, General Challenge was away from the races for nearly three years after running fourth in that season’s Pacific Classic. In those intervening years, John Mabee passed away. When General Challenge could not win in three races back, Betty Mabee decided to retire him for good. With total earnings of $2,877,178, he today ranks #8 on the all-time list of leading Cal-bred earners.

“My husband really loved this horse, and it’s a tribute to John’s memory that he’s coming back to the farm perfectly sound,”

General Challenge in 2005 at Golden Eagle Farm painted a Moneigh with the help of Julie Sarno and Debra Giglio

Betty Mabee said when General Challenge retired. “He’ll spend the rest of his life being spoiled with carrots and peppermints.”

That’s exactly what happened. General Challenge enjoyed life at Golden Eagle, where he greeted his adoring fans—when he was in the mood.

“He was quirky, silly, a bit of a rogue,” wrote Janine McCullough, Golden Eagle’s manager at the time, in this magazine. “He loved visitors, but he also loved standing in the corner of his pasture alone. He made you think he didn’t need any equine friends, but every time you moved a nearby foal away from him, he would cry out.”

General Challenge participated in farm activities, including “painting” his own Moneigh in 2005 as part of an effort to raise funds for retired racehorses. He outlived Betty Mabee, who died in 2010. But Feb. 4, 2014, at age 18, his time also came, and California lost one of its best.

In her tribute to General Challenge upon his passing, McCullough wrote that he was still receiving fan mail in the form of emails, Facebook messages, and Christmas cards.

“He touched the hearts and souls of the young, the old, the aspiring, and the dying,” McCullough wrote. “To remember General Challenge is to love him both on and off the track.”

TRACY GANTZ PHOTOS

DECEMBER 29, 2024 – JANUARY 26, 2025

3-YEAR-OLDS & UP

Bodexpress—Quick Wampum: Going Deep (13-1), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/3, 6f (T), 1:10.62, $36,600.

Boisterous—Carrie Rose: Joe Don Looney (16-3), g, 7 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 1/23, 6 1/2f, 1:15.56, $13,275.

Cat Burglar—Windy O: Laws of Man (13-3), g, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 12/30, 6f, 1:09.55, $13,800. Clubhouse Ride—Jen's Tribe: Quick Kate (40-3), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/1, 6f (T), 1:08.80, $36,600.

Curlin to Mischief—Roses for Joni: Fowler Blue (18-2), g, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/24, 1 1/8mi (T), 1:48.17, $36,600.

Curlin to Mischief—Hekawi: Princess Hekawi (18-2), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 1/26, 1mi, 1:41.17, $12,960.

Danzing Candy—Storm Lamp: Lamporghini (22-7), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, STR, 1/20, 6f (T), 1:08.23, $25,920.

Grazen—Hadarra: Safa (46-14), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/5, 6 1/2f, 1:17.68, $47,400.

Grazen—Speedy Shimmer: Speed Grazy (46-14), g, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/16, 1mi, 1:39.42, $36,600.

Grazen—Athina Lee: Old Pal (46-14), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Unusual Heat Turf Classic S. presented by City National Bank, 1/18, 1 1/8mi (T), 1:47.93, $96,250.

Grazen—Seoul Unbridled: Shocking Grey (46-14), m, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint S. presented by John Deere, 1/18, about 6 1/2f, 1:13.42, $75,000.

Grazen—Sudden Sunday: Clayton Delaney (46-14), g, 8 yo, Turf Paradise, STR, 1/22, 1mi, 1:36.95, $8,555.

Grazen—Shikhara: Wishes to Riches (46-14), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 1/25, 6f, 1:11.14, $24,480.

Grazen—Patsy G and Me: Crown Magic (46-14), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 1/26, 1mi, 1:39.42, $12,960.

I'll Have Another—You Missed It: Take Another Card (18-2), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks, 1/18, 1mi (T), 1:36.98, $96,250.

James Street—Grantmartyamiracle: Dirt Flirt (3-1), m, 7 yo, Turf Paradise, SOC, 12/31, 7 1/2f (T), 1:29.16, $13,115.

Jersey Town—Love You So: Love Our Family (10-3), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/17, 1mi, 1:39.31, $36,600.

Lemon Drop Kid—Lorelei's Song: Lite Ranchin Kid (11-2), g, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 1/9, 4 1/2f, 50.52, $13,200.

Ministers Wild Cat—Devilish Pro: Devil Among Us (10-3), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/18, 6f, 1:10.30, $36,600.

Mr. Big—Novel Twist: Big Beauty (24-5), m, 7 yo, Turf Paradise, SOC, 1/16, 6f, 1:09.70, $14,100.

Mr. Big—Champagne Exchange: Big City Lights (24-5), h, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint S., 1/18, 6f, 1:09.46, $75,000.

Practical Joke—Julie Napp: Afternoon Nap (116-19), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/4, 6f (T), 1:07.82, $36,600.

Rousing Sermon—Mother Luck: Mother's Prayer (5-2), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 1/3, 1mi, 1:38.46, $12,960.

Rousing Sermon—Lady Railrider: Lady's Sermon (5-2), m, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 1/19, 5 1/2f, 1:06.05, $12,960.

Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Profiterole (FR): Lady Monclaire (30-7), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/3, 1mi (T), 1:36.08, $36,600.

Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Florentine Diamond: Triple Diamonds (30-7), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/19, 6f (T), 1:09.25, $36,600.

Stanford—Rangey Lil: Midnite Musket (34-9), g, 4 yo, Tampa Bay Downs, STR, 1/4, 5f (T), 56.06, $14,750.

Stanford—Joyce and Me: Nene Diamond (34-9), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/23, 6f, 1:10.96, $36,600.

Stay Thirsty—Appealing Susan: Whiskyginandbrandy (61-3), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, STK, California Chrome Cal Cup Derby, 1/18, 1 1/16mi, 1:46.12, $96,250.

Tamarando—Halo Darlin: Halo Rando (12-3), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 1/3, 5 1/2f, 1:03.74, $12,960.

Tamarando—Halo Darlin: Halo Rando (12-3), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 1/25, 6f, 1:11.00, $12,960.

MAIDENS

American Pharoah—Marks Mine: America's Mark (63-5), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/25, 6 1/2f (T), 1:15.19, $36,000.

Boisterous—Unstoppablepassion: Getemdusty (16-3), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/16, 5 1/2f, 1:07.35, $8,100.

Cairo Prince—Cecileabration: Princess Pom Pom (68-12), m, 5 yo, Fair Grounds, MCL, 1/16, 6f, 1:13.51, $9,600.

Cat Burglar—Whispers of War: Midevil Mayhem (13-3), g, 4 yo, Sunland Park, MCL, 1/17, 1mi, 1:40.99, $6,240.

Cat Burglar—Vercellana: Missionary Mary (13-3), m, 5 yo, Sunland Park, MCL, 1/23, 5 1/2f, 1:05.89, $6,900.

Conquest Farenheit—Missmachupicchu: Mr. Machupicchu (6-1), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/1, 5 1/2f, 1:04.78, $36,000.

Danzing Candy—Melanistic: Danzingwith Maxine (22-7), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/3, 6f (T), 1:10.57, $36,000.

Empire Way—Alpine Echo: Trotsky (4-2), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/26, 6 1/2f, 1:19.03, $19,800.

Goldencents—Leveler: Three Georges (110-12), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/18, 6f (T), 1:09.42, $36,000.

Govenor Charlie—Forthe Lovof Patty: K P Spirit (3-1), f, 3 yo, Camarero Race Track, MCL, 1/4, 1mi, 1:42.96, $3,770.

Grazen—Humming Beethoven: Lita Way (46-14), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/1, 1mi (T), 1:37.38, $36,000.

Grazen—Desert Steel: Desert Rocket (46-14), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/16, 1mi (T), 1:35.34, $36,000.

Grazen—Dim Lights: P Twentytwo (46-14), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/18, 6f, 1:12.59, $8,400.

Grazen—Following a Dream: Now and Zen (46-14), g, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 1/24, 5 1/2f, 1:04.19, $5,800.

Grazen—Carrie Rose: Billy Joe Shaver (46-14), c, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/25, 6 1/2f, 1:18.71, $12,000.

Karakontie (JPN)—Sandy Cheeks: Miso Phansy (27-5), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/4, 6f (T), 1:09.87, $36,000.

Karakontie (JPN)—Surf: Last Elizabethan (27-5), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/5, 1mi (T), 1:35.50, $19,800.

Klimt—Westline: Mayacama (62-9), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/18, 6f, 1:12.49, $19,800. Majestic Harbor—Floating Sky: Scarlet Red Sky (13-1), f, 3 yo, Turfway Park, MCL, 1/2, 1mi, 1:41.10, $14,211.

Mendelssohn—Ringmistress: Lady Mendelssohn (94-19), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/23, 1mi (T), 1:37.06, $36,000.

Mrazek—Taffeta: Check's On the Way (7-2), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/18, 6f, 1:10.99, $19,800. Mucho Macho Man—Brave Journey: Mucho Suerte (38-5), g, 4 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 1/12, 4 1/2f, 52.78, $4,630.

Pavel—How About Zero: How About Pavel (10-2), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/23, 1mi (T), 1:37.91, $36,000.

Point Piper—Skoals Bay: Three Plus One (4-1), g, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 1/22, 5 1/2f, 1:04.75, $7,080.

Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Cape Alava: Desert Breeze (30-7), g, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, MOC, 1/2, 7 1/2f (T), 1:31.85, $12,600.

Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Disko Dasko (FR): Cullen J (30-7), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/18, 6f (T), 1:09.03, $36,000.

Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Bellsblade: No Poking Around (30-7), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/19, 1mi (T), 1:36.70, $36,000.

Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Saint Mamie: Prancing Matilda (30-7), f, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 1/24, 5 1/2f, 1:04.58, $7,200.

Smiling Tiger—Kittens Trip: Dont Be Shy Say Hi (42-1), f, 4 yo, Sunland Park, MSW, 1/9, 5 1/2f, 1:06.16, $15,624.

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

Stanford—Take Another Look: Glory N Thehighest (34-9), f, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 1/2, 6 1/2f, 1:17.94, $7,440.

Stanford—Devilish Pro: Spotted Haze (34-9), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/23, 5 1/2f, 1:05.88, $19,800.

Stanford—Bella Be Ready: Lula Bella (34-9), f, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 1/23, 5 1/2f, 1:05.62, $7,080.

Stanford—Del Cielo: Kalyx Del Cielo (34-9), g, 4 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 1/26, 4 1/2f, 52.43, $4,455.

FIRST AID ESSENTIAL WITH WOUNDS

KNOW BASIC WOUND CARE AND WHEN TO CALL THE VET

BY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS

Injuries need prompt and proper care to ensure optimum recovery. Horse owners or trainers must be able to assess the seriousness of the wound and determine whether they can deal with it or need help from a veterinarian. Even in serious injuries, what you do for the horse as you wait for the vet can often make a significant difference in the final outcome. Knowing what to do and what not to do can affect the horse’s future.

Tia Nelson, DVM, a veterinarian in Helena, Mont., says horses are amazingly tough, yet very fragile. Some seemingly minor wounds can be career-ending or life-threatening. Lower leg wounds, for instance, may affect tendons, joints, or ligaments and affect future soundness, whereas wounds on the upper body, once healed, don’t impair the horse.

HEAD WOUNDS

“With head wounds, there are many blood vessels and nerves close to the surface and crucial structures that can be badly damaged, depending on the location of the injury,” said Nelson.

Head wounds can include blunt trauma, lacerations, and slices, and these must be handled differently.

Trailer injuries often involve the head and can be serious. A horse may strike the top of its head rearing up in a van or trailer, or go over backward in refusal to enter, fatally fracturing the poll.

“Blunt trauma to the head can cause all sorts of injuries—from death to simple swelling and bruising,” explained Nelson.

At one point she treated a horse that went over backward and hit the side of his head.

“He ended up with air bubbles in the

tissues due to the wound on his jaw, but swelled more from trauma than from the air,” Nelson said. “He had done so much damage we were concerned about possible fracture of the nasal bone and kept him on antibiotics and Bute for a while. We made sure his hay was in a net, so he didn’t have to put his head down to eat and kept his water up off the ground (to minimize swelling),” she said.

Any wound or injury near an eye should be seen by a veterinarian to make sure the eyeball itself isn’t damaged and that the lids can function and close normally.

“If the eyelids can’t close, the horse is at risk of losing the eye because it will dry out,” Nelson said. “If there is a laceration through the lid, it must be repaired.”

Any swelling on the lower part of the face puts a horse at risk for suffocation if the nasal passages are occluded, since he cannot breathe through his mouth.

BODY WOUNDS

Most upper body wounds are not as serious as leg wounds unless a body cavity such as chest or abdominal cavity is punctured.

“I’ve seen horses that died from fractured ribs because they ended up with pleural pneumonia,” said Nelson.

“In most cases, upper body wounds are simply lacerations, as when a horse snags himself on a fence. The skin is laid open and needs to be stapled or sutured. These heal nicely if repaired quickly.”

Some upper body wounds look horrific because so much skin has been peeled off. But they can end up healing with little scarring.

“On the other hand, I’ve seen tiny puncture wounds on the lower leg that go into a tendon and that’s the end of the horse’s career,” said Nelson. “These have a tendency to infection.”

How big a wound is, or how terrible it

looks is not necessarily an indicator of how damaging it will be, regarding the future of the horse, especially if it can be taken care of properly early on.

Nelson once took care of an injured weanling that ran into a paddock fence.

“He had a wound starting at his elbow, running across his chest, and then up his neck in a big L shape,” she said. “The skin flap had pulled away, leaving an area of about 16 by 14 inches in a triangle that had no skin covering it. This was a huge area for a weanling, and this was a colt they planned to send to the racetrack.

Even a tiny wound in some areas can be catastrophic and life threatening if it goes into a tendon or tendon sheath, ligament, or joint.”

—Dr. Tia Nelson

“I brought him to the clinic and put him on IV fluids, antibiotics, pain management, etc. By the next year there was just a tiny little scar on his shoulder, and he went to the track and did well.

“I spent hours suturing that all together. I knew it wouldn’t stay together, but it needed to be covered. More of it stayed in place than I expected, and he only lost about half the skin at the injured site. When it finished healing, he had a scar about the size of a half dollar.”

BLEEDING

For a wound that’s open and bleeding, some kind of pressure bandage should be applied.

“A horse can lose a lot of blood before bleeding to death,” Nelson said. “It may look like a lot when it’s in a puddle on the ground or running down a leg, but he can lose quite a bit before he’s in danger. If a major artery has been cut, like the carotid artery, the horse will bleed to death, and you aren’t going to stop it. But even a serious bleed has some leeway, giving you

time to try to halt the flow.”

Try to control the bleeding while you wait for the vet. Apply a pressure bandage first, whether the wound is clean or not. For an instant pressure bandage for a spurting artery, place clean towels or a folded shirt (several layers) over the wound and wrap it in place with a support bandage or leg wrap. It may take several layers. For a leg wound, several layers of clean towel directly over the wound, held in place with a stretchy bandage or leg wrap, will usually halt bleeding.

For a serious hemorrhage, a more effective pressure bandage can be created by placing something solid, such as a piece of wood, padded with bandaging material, against the wound. Secure it with several layers of wrap, but don’t make the bandaging too tight or it will cut off circulation. If that doesn’t stop blood flow, apply another pressure bandage over the first one. Just keep layering until there’s enough pressure to slow the bleeding. If the wound is on the body in a place that’s hard to bandage, put a clean towel over it and apply pressure with your hands until the vet arrives. If you need to secure the bandage to the horse’s torso, fold a towel into layers and hold it in place with blanket straps, bungee straps, or other strapping around the horse’s body.

Disposable diapers are a good thing to have in your first aid kit. They are absorbent, don’t stick to the wound, and can be used as part of a pressure bandage. They tend to hold the blood so it’s not dripping down the leg. A diaper can be secured in place with Elasticon, Vetrap, or duct tape.

LEG WOUNDS

The lower legs contain many important structures—veins, arteries, nerves, tendons, ligaments, and bones—that are all close to the surface because there are no muscles in the lower leg.

“Even a tiny wound in some areas can be catastrophic and life threatening if it goes into a tendon or tendon sheath, ligament, or joint,” said Nelson.

With a heel bulb laceration, it’s important to have your vet treat it as soon as it happens.

“These don’t do well if left unattended

Cold hosing of wounds can be beneficial and flush away debris

Lower legs contain many important structures close to the surface

KATIE SEABAUGH. HEATHER SMITH THOMAS

TETANUS

Whenever there’s a break in the skin in which bacteria can enter the underlying tissues (especially with a puncture wound), the horse should have a tetanus booster within 24 hours if his vaccinations are not up to date. Tetanus should always be included in your annual vaccination program.

“It’s wise to protect horses from tetanus because these bacteria are ubiquitous in the environment, and horses are very susceptible to it,” said Dr Tia Nelson.

You don’t always know when the horse might have a small injury that could introduce this pathogen. A tiny little wound may end up killing the horse. If a horse had a booster shot in the spring against tetanus, along with his annual vaccination, and gets injured later in the year, he does not need another booster.”

Tetanus toxoid gives long-lasting protection. Tetanus antitoxin, by contrast, gives very temporary immunity and can also be dangerous to the horse.

“It can in some instances cause disease that affects the liver and can kill the horse,” said Nelson. “It’s much safer to just keep the toxoid vaccinations up to date.”

Annual vaccination is always a good idea, since there are instances in which you don’t even know the horse has suffered a wound. It could be a small puncture that quickly closed over.

for several days,” Nelson said. “If I see it as soon as it happens, I usually sedate the horse, clean it out very well, suture it, and cast it—for total immobilization. Usually, when I take the cast off two weeks later, healing is well started.

“It’s difficult to immobilize most of the other joints of the leg, but the hoof is easy to put in a boot cast. Otherwise, if there’s some movement, the cut won’t heal without a big scar.

“I’ve treated some really nasty heel bulb lacerations that healed without any scarring of the hoof wall if they are sutured almost immediately and cast. I’ve sutured some coronary bands back together and seen heel bulb lacerations that have gone well into the hoof. But if you get them repaired well—bringing those tissues back together and immobilizing them—there may be a small line that grows down, but nothing like those big, nasty scars that disrupt hoof growth.”

ROPE BURNS

Rope burns can be deceptive in that they may not cut through the skin, but the friction of the rope against the skin produces heat and acts like a burn. Fragments of the rope may be embedded in the damaged skin, causing irritation, and delaying proper healing.

A serious rope burn needs treatment by your vet, plenty of aftercare, and it takes a while to heal. A small-diameter or hardtwist rope or nylon rope may saw clear through the skin.

CLEANING A WOUND

“Don’t use hydrogen peroxide (to clean a wound),” Nelson said. “If you need to clean it out, lots of water from a hose is much better.”

Pressure from a hose is adequate to clean out any dirt, debris, and discharges from a wound, and is not irritating to the skin and raw tissue. As long as it’s not a puncture wound, where you could be driving foreign material in deeper with the water pressure, cold-water hosing helps a lot with wound healing. The cold feels somewhat soothing, reducing pain and swelling, and flushes away any dead material that needs to come off.

A fresh wound (less than two or three hours old) can be considered contami-

nated but not infected. A contaminated wound merely has germs and dirt on the surface, and you can wash this away. An infected wound has had more time, or was immediately contaminated with dirt and manure, for bacteria to penetrate the tissue and start multiplying.

If a wound is really dirty, some veterinarians suggest rinsing it out with a saline solution or by adding a little tincture of iodine to warm water. Dilute the mix until it looks like root beer. The water dilutes the iodine, so it’s not harsh or irritating.

“Betadine and sugar (as a poultice/ dressing) can be used later in the healing process, to draw out infection, but not at first,” said Nelson. “Its best use is in an older wound that wasn’t discovered right away.

“Don’t wrap a leg below the knee or hock after the first 24-48 hours. Once bleeding has stopped, get the wraps off. Leg wounds heal best, with less chance for proud flesh, if left open, unless your vet is putting a cast on. The cast is rigid enough that even if proud flesh does start forming, it can’t go anywhere.”

If you have a horse with a wound and it doesn’t look like a bad injury, but he’s limping, have your vet look at it. There may be a problem you can’t see. It’s always wise to get a proper diagnosis, to know how best to treat it and for the best chance of optimal healing and future soundness.

Bacteria can enter from a break in the skin

KATIE SEABAUGH.

Wrapping a leg below the knee or hock can be done early, but not after the first 24-48 hours

2024 LEADING BREEDERS IN CALIFORNIA BY EARNINGS (THRU

Leading California Sires Lists

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS PER RUNNER

Sire

1 Mrazek, 2013, by Square Eddie

2 Editorial, 2014, by War

3 Grazen,

4 Empire Way, 2009, by Empire Maker

5 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)

6 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

7 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart Strike

8 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig

9

10 Pavel, 2014, by

11 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

12 Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor

13 Gallant Son, 2006, by Malabar Gold

14 I’ll Have Another,

15

16

17

18

19

2024 LEADING TURF SIRES IN CALIFORNIA

Rnrs

1 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

2 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)

3 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

4 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley

5 Catholic Boy, 2015, by More Than Ready 66 188 8 13 $913,347

6 Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat

7 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

8 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart Strike

9 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini

10 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile

11 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

12 Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY MONEY WON

Ideal for sales and pedigree research

BlueGrassMary 05/13/2017:22:29EDT BayMare;Apr22,2011

ByBLUEGRASSCAT (2003).Stakeswinnerof$1,761,280,1stHaskellInvitationalS. [G1] (MTH, $600,000),etc.Sireof11cropsofracingage,1010foals,807starters,38stakeswinners,1 champion,605winnersof2487racesandearning$48,934,315USA,includingNoorhom(Champion inSaudiArabia,$112,011USA),Sabercat($898,662,1stDeltaDownsJackpotS. [G3] (DED, $600,000),etc.),Percussion($644,830,1stAlbertTheGreatS.(BEL,$54,000),etc.),Kathmanblu ($584,327,1stGoldenRodS. [G2] (CD,$99,525),etc.),ChrisandDave(to6,2019,$567,656,1st JimRasmussenMemorialS.(PRM,$39,000),etc.).SireofdamsofstakeswinnersBellamyV. (champion),Henley'sJoy,SweetLoretta,Shotski,GoOnMary,AncientLand,NoParole,Trafalgar, Thatlookonyerface,WatchMeBurn.

RACERECORDforBlueGrassMary:At2,unraced;at3,unraced;at4,twowins,once2nd,once3rd;at 5,twowins,twice2nd,once3rd;at6,threewins,4times2nd,5times3rd;at7,unplacedin2starts. Totals:7wins,7times2nd,7times3rd.Earned$110,630.

PRODUCERECORDforBlueGrassMary: 2019Unnamed,c.byConnect. 2020Unnamed,f.byTwirlingCandy.(LiveFoalReported)

1stdam FASTANDEARLY,byCarsonCity.Winnerat2,$36,870.(SPR=82)Half-sisterto NATURAL SELECTION ($477,310,1stIllinoisDerby [G2],etc.,sire).Damof13foals,9torace,6winners--

SHARPIMPACT (2000c.bySiphon(BRZ)).4winsat2and3,$206,568,inNA,1stLexingtonS. [G3] (BEL,$90,000),SpectacularBidS.[L](AP,$45,000),3rdSaranacH. [G3] (SAR,$11,968), PeteAxthelmS.[L](CRC,$11,000);4winsat6and7,6,170BAR$($3,101USA),inBarbados; unplacedin1startinUnitedArabEmirates.SentfromUnitedStatestoUnitedArabEmiratesin 2001.ReturnedtoUnitedStatesfromUnitedArabEmiratesin2002.SentfromUnitedStatesto UnitedArabEmiratesin2002.ReturnedtoUnitedStatesfromUnitedArabEmiratesin2003. SentfromUnitedStatestoBarbadosin2004.ReturnedtoUnitedStatesfromBarbadosin2004. SentfromUnitedStatestoBarbadosin2004.(SPR=98) SpeedHunter (1999g.byAlydeed).11wins,2to7,$392,334,2ndTaylor'sSpecialH.[L](FG, $20,000).(SPR=89) FastIncluded(2004f.byInclude).Winnerat3,$22,067.(SPR=70)Damof5foals,5torace,5 winners-GIFTEDJUSTICE (2014g.byHaynesfield).6wins,2to5,2019,$198,264,1stHillsdaleS.-R (IND,$60,946).(SPR=71) FastJustice (2013f.byRegalRansom).5wins,2to4,$154,107,2ndFirstLadyS.-R(MVR, $15,000).(SPR=76) Lucygotgame(2009f.byProudCitizen).3winsat3and4,$53,774.(SPR=42) DistortedJustice(2015f.byLantanaMob).Winnerat3,$21,330.(SPR=50)Damof1foal-Unnamed(2020c.byMuchoMachoMan).(LiveFoalReported) RunawayRed(2010f.byRunAwayandHide).Winnerat3,$7,676(USA)($7,882(CAN)). (SPR=27) Wabbajack(2010g.byMidnightLute).Winnerat3and4,$129,347.(SPR=66)

Copyright©2020TheJockeyClubInformationSystems,Inc. Page1of3

Leading California Sires Lists

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA

MEDIAN EARNINGS PER RUNNER

1 Mrazek, 2013, by Square Eddie 18 18 $858,256 $33,635

2 Editorial, 2014, by War Front

3 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

4 Gallant Son, 2006, by Malabar Gold

5 Gato Del Oro, 2014, by Medaglia d’Oro 13 16 $301,723 $20,175

6 Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor 25 20 $626,604 $19,691

7 Lakerville, 2008, by Unusual Heat 20 15 $358,697 $18,943

8 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

9 Straight Fire, 2014, by Dominus

10 Far From Over, 2012, by Blame

11 Idiot Proof, 2004, by Benchmark 33 34 $754,968 $16,480

12 Desert Code, 2004, by E Dubai

13 Gig Harbor, 2008, by City Zip

14 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart Strike 41 43 $1,203,532 $14,824

15 Rousing Sermon, 2009, by Lucky Pulpit

16

17 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause

18

19

20 V. E. Day, 2011, by English Channel

21

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA

START

1 Mrazek, 2013, by Square Eddie

2 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark 114 687 $4,394,584

3

4

5

6 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig

Cause

7 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

8 Om, 2012, by Munnings

9 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger

10 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

11 Square Eddie, 2006, by Smart

12 Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor

13 Catholic Boy, 2015, by More Than Ready

14

15

16

17

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF WINNERS

2024 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF RACES WON

2025 GOLDEN STATE SERIES - 3.975 MILLION

Sat, Jan 11

Sat, Jan 11

Sat, Jan 11

Sat, Jan 11

Sat, Jan 11

Sun, Mar 16

Sun, Mar 30

Sat, Apr 5

Sat, Apr 5

Sun, May 24

Sun, May 24

Sun, May 24

Sun, May 24

Sun, May 24

June

June

June

August

August

August

August

August

Unusual Heat Turf Classic

Sunshine Millions F/M Turf Sprint

California Chrome California Cup Derby

California Cup Oaks

California Cup Sprint

Irish O’Brien Stakes

Sensational Star Stakes

Echo Eddie Stakes

Evening Jewel Stakes

Crystal Water Stakes

Snow Chief Stakes

Fran’s Valentine Stakes

Thor’s Echo Stakes

Melair Stakes

Mary Clare Schmitt Stakes

Bertrando Stakes

Fleet Treat Stakes

Real Good Deal Stakes

California Dreamin’ Stakes

CTBA Stakes

Graduation Stakes

Solana Beach Stakes

Generous Portion Stakes

I’m Smokin Stakes

Harris Farms Stakes

California Distaff Handicap

California Flag Handicap

Golden State Juvenile Fillies

Golden State Juvenile

Betty Grable Stakes

Cary Grant Stakes

Soviet Problem Stakes

King Glorious Stakes

4-Yr-Olds & Up

4-Yr-Olds & Up

3-Yr-Olds

3-Yr-Olds

4-Yr-Olds & Up

4-Yr-Olds & Up

4-Yr-Olds & Up

3-Yr-Olds

3-Yr-Olds

3-Yr-Olds & Up

3-Yr-Olds

3-Yr-Olds & Up

3-Yr-Olds & Up

3-Yr-Olds

3-Yr-Olds & Up

3-Yr-Olds & Up

3-Yr-Olds

3-Yr-Olds

3-Yr-Olds & Up

2-Yr-Olds

2-Yr-Olds

3-Yr-Olds & Up

2-Yr-Olds

2-Yr-Olds

3-Yr-Olds & Up

3-Yr-Olds & Up

3-Yr-Olds & Up

2-Yr-Olds

2-Yr-Olds

3-Yr-Olds & Up

3-Yr-Olds & Up

2-Yr-Olds

2-Yr-Olds

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

Leading California Sires Lists

2024 LEADING SIRES OF TWO-YEAR-OLDS IN CALIFORNIA BY MONEY WON

1 Stay Thirsty,

2

3

4

5

6

7

8 Mrazek,2013, by

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

LEADING SIRES OF TWO-YEAR-OLDS IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS

RUNNER

1

2

3

4

5

7 Square Eddie, 2006, by

8 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig

9 Acclamation, 2006,

10

11

12 Majestic Harbor,

13 Gallant Son,

14

15

16

17

Have

SIRES OF

Leading California Sires Lists

2024 LEADING SIRES OF TWO-YEAR-OLDS IN CALIFORNIABY MEDIAN EARNINGS PER RUNNER

1 Pavel,

2

3

6

8 Smiling

9

2024 LEADING SIRES OF TWO-YEAR-OLDS IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS

2024 LEADING LIFETIME SIRES IN CALIFORNIA

Stallion (Foreign Foaled), Year, Sire

1 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark

2 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)

Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer

4 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig

5 Bluegrass Cat, 2003, by Storm Cat

6 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini

7 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)

Street Hero, 2006, by Street Cry (IRE)

9 Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor

10 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley

12

13

18 Ministers Wild Cat, 2000, by Deputy Minister

20 Graydar, 2009, by Unbridled’s Song

Misremembered,

22 James Street, 2007, by El Prado (IRE)

33 Catholic Boy, 2015, by More Than Ready

Surf Cat, 2002, by Sir Cat

35 Bold Chieftain, 2003, by Chief Seattle

39 Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song

42 Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet

44

45

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.

Stakes & Sales Dates

2025

REGIONAL RACE MEETINGS

Santa Anita Park, Arcadia

Dec. 26-June 15

Los Angeles County Fair at Los Alamitos, Los Alamitos June 18-July 8

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar July 18-Sept. 7

Los Alamitos Race Course, Los Alamitos Sept. 10-23

Santa Anita Park, Arcadia Sept. 24-Oct. 28

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar July 18-Sept. 7

Los Alamitos Race Course, Los Alamitos Dec. 3-16

Second half of Northern schedule for 2025 pending

2025 REGIONAL SALE DATES

AUGUST 11

CTBA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

YEARLING & HORSES OF RACING AGE SALE

Pleasanton, Calif.

SEPTEMBER 23

FASIG-TIPTON FALL YEARLINGS & HORSES OF RACING AGE

Pomona, Calif.

(ENTRIES CLOSE JULY 7)

California-Bred/California-Sired STAKES RACES

March – April

SANTA ANITA

SATURDAY, APRIL 5

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

$100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes

Four-Year-Olds & Up, Fillies & Mares abt. 61⁄2 furlongs (Turf)

SUNDAY, MARCH 30

$100,000 Sensational Star Stakes Four-Year-Olds & Up abt. 61⁄2 furlongs (Turf)

$125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes ree-Year-Olds 61⁄2 furlongs

$125,000 Evening Jewel Stakes ree-Year-Old Fillies 61⁄2 furlongs

SATURDAY, MAY 24

$125,000 Snow Chief Stakes presented by City National Bank ree-Year-Olds 11⁄8 mile (Turf)

$125,000 Melair Stakes ree-Year-Old Fillies 11⁄16 miles

$100,000 Crystal Water Stakes ree-Year-Olds & Up 1 mile (Turf)

$100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes ree-Year-Olds & Up, Fillies & Mares 1 mile (Turf)

$100,000 or’s Echo Stakes ree-Year-Olds & Up 6 furlongs

FEBRUARY/ MARCH 2025 REGIONAL STAKES RACES

BUSINESS CARDS

Janet Del Castillo

3708 Crystal Beach Road Winter Haven, FL 33880

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT TRAINING BUT DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO ASK!

Read BACKYARD RACE HORSE, a comprehensive off-track program for owners and trainers. Call or write for info on Book, Newsletter and Seminars! (863) 299-8448 backyardracehorse.com NEW! TRAINING DVD! janet.delcastillo@gmail.com

Tizamagician is the complete package: conformation, disposition, intelligence, and speed he could carry over a route of ground. I am very happy with the two yearlings I have by him. We booked those mares back and are sending more!”

– STARLENE MARIE JUSTICE

Introducing Graded Stakes Winner

Quality Road - Hot Spell, by Salt Lake

CHAMPION BLOODLINES

PROVEN PERFORMANCE

GRADED STAKES WINNER OF $379,700

2025 Fee: $5,000 LFG

HOPKINS

By QUALITY ROAD – Sire of multiple Grade 1 winners. Out of the Multiple Stakes Winner, Graded Stakes producing mare HOT SPELL (by SALT LAKE) – A fast, durable mare from a proven family of sprinters and middle-distance horses.

HOPKINS is a Graded Stakes winner, with a brilliant racing career that demonstrates his natural talent, durability, and competitive Spirit, Speed, Stamina & Versatility – Whether sprinting or stretching out in distance. An impressive pedigree and performance on the track make him an excellent choice for California’s breeding program. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the next generation of champions—book your mare to HOPKINS today!

FINNEUS

Stay Thirsty – My Fiona, by Ghostzapper

California Two-Year-Old Champion of 2022. First crop will arrive in 2025.

2025 Fee: $4,000 LFSN

SMOKEM

Union Rags – One Smokin’ Lady, by Smoke Glacken

A Leading Sire in 2023, California’s Leading Second Crop Sire in 2022. 2025 Fee: $2,500 LFSN

STAY THIRSTY

Bernardini – Marozia, by Storm Bird

#1 Leading Sire in CA. Broodmare Sire of Leading Earner: FIERCENESS ($3,856,350).

2025 Fee: $10,000 LFG