JAY ROBBINS
BILL SPAWR
AMAZOMBIE WINS THE 2011 BREEDERS’ CUP SPRINT
From the EXECUTIVE CORNER
BURGE CTBA PRESIDENT
HIGHER PURSES FOR CAL-BREDS
California horsemen and horsewomen received dual doses of welcome news in late February when Santa Anita and Del Mar announced increased purses for their 2025 racing meets.
e purse increases are a tangible bene t from consolidation of racing in the south after the closure of Golden Gate Fields and the decision by the California Authority of Racing Fairs to not seek racing dates.
Santa Anita reported higher all-sources handle, on-track attendance, and average eld size with the addition of relocated northern horses. Despite being impacted by the Los Angeles County wild res, the improved business results in the opening weeks at Santa Anita allowed for overnight purse increases of an average of 8% for the ongoing winter Classic Meet and an average of 10% for the spring Hollywood Meet.
Santa Anita will also continue to work toward erasing its overpayment out of the purse fund.
Del Mar announced it would boost purses from last year by a blended 8% for its eight-week summer meet. e track projects that the upgrade means purses of $100,000 for open and Cal-bred maiden special weight races, which includes a maiden dirt bonus of 25% to non-winner races at the $62,500 level and above for trainers with fewer than 100 horses on
the Southern California circuit.
Bill Nader, president and CEO of the oroughbred Owners of California, was quoted in a Santa Anita press release that the purse increases are “only the beginning.” He further explained that a return to a balanced purse budget and anticipated further purse increases “for owners and breeders” are planned in a phased approach.
e opening-day crowd at Santa Anita on the day after Christmas was the largest in eight years, with betting of $21.4 million in all-sources handle and an increase of 17.4% over the previous opening day. Ontrack attendance was 41,562.
David Jerkens, vice president and racing secretary at Del Mar, also highlighted the state consolidation of racing as the impetus for the purse increases.
“Santa Anita is o to a strong start with the new single-circuit structure now in place for California racing, and we are looking forward to continuing this positive momentum for our summer meet,” Jerkins said in a release.
As a critical component of the consolidation, accommodations have been made to write race conditions exclusively for horses and trainers previously based in Northern California. ese will include restricted claiming and restricted starter claiming races with larger purses
than were available in the north last year. rough the end of March, complimentary vanning has been provided for those horses.
Meanwhile, other expanded opportunities for Cal-breds are in place. Among them is the second-look rst-condition allowance, for which any horse that wins a Cal-bred rst conditioned allowance race on turf will be eligible to run in the same condition on dirt. And any horse that wins a Cal-bred rst condition allowance race on dirt will be eligible to run in the same condition on turf. is is in addition to the second-look opportunity a orded to Cal-breds that win a state-bred rst-condition allowance, who then are still eligible to win a rst-condition open allowance.
Noting the success Santa Anita has had integrating northern horses into its racing program, Del Mar will o er similar racing opportunities to those horses at its summer stand.
Of course, signi cant challenges remain for our industry. e most urgent priority in California is eliminating the discrepancies with tracks in states that augment purses from alternative gaming revenue.
While state industry leaders aggressively pursue options for closing that gap, breeders should be reassured by the positive momentum and successes seen thus far.
DOUG
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
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16 TIZ MOLLY BROODMARE OF
Molly, the dam of California-bred superstar The Chosen Vron, was
From left, Amazombie, Jay Robbins and Bill Spawr
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
CONNIE SWINGLE SELLS FOR $290,000
Pleasanton Closing Stabling
The California Association of Racing Fairs announced in a press release that it will cease all Golden State Racing (GSS) stabling and vanning operations at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton “after its contract is fulfilled on March 25, 2025.” In addition, CARF CEO Larry Swartzlander’s retirement was announced in the same press release, with an effective date of Feb. 4, 2025.
“We recognize the significance of this transition for those directly affected and remain committed to assisting in the transition, however CARF can be helpful,” the press release stated. “CARF expresses our deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to Northern California horse racing over many years.”
The press release further reiterated that CARF is “undergoing a strategic reorganization to focus on supporting California fairgrounds and their satellite wagering operations.” The day-to-day CARF operations will be managed by the CARF executive committee, chaired by Dana Stoehr.
CARF previously announced that it would not seek 2025 racing dates for Pleasanton, Sacramento, Ferndale, and Fresno. The California Horse Racing Board as of mid-February had not allocated any racing dates in Northern California, though
California-bred stakes winner Connie Swingle brought $290,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky winter mixed sale Feb. 3. Mulholland Springs as agent bought the 6-year-old mare, sold as a broodmare prospect and consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency as agent.
Nick Alexander bred and raced Connie Swingle, a daughter of Alexander’s leading California sire Grazen out of the winning Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni. Connie Swingle never finished worse than third in 11 starts, winning seven races with three seconds and one third, for earnings of $509,564. Trained by Phil D’Amato, she won the 2021 Generous Portion Stakes, 2022 Unzip Me Stakes, and 2024 Daisycutter Handicap and placed in the 2022 Evening Jewel Stakes, Senator Ken Maddy Stakes, and Fleet Treat Stakes.
Connie Swingle is a full sister to stakes winners S Y Sky and Grazen Sky and to stakes-placed Violette Szabo.
it has been reported that the Humboldt County Fair at Ferndale will seek 2025 dates. The Sonoma County Fair at Santa Rosa is not expected to request 2025 dates, and reportedly Fresno has not yet made a definite commitment.
Connie Swingle, shown winning the 2024 Daisycutter Handicap, sold for $290,000
Stabling is closing March 25 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds
Santa Anita, Del Mar Increase Purses
Santa Anita Park and Del Mar have both announced purse increases for 2025.
Santa Anita was to begin increasing purses Feb. 28 for the Classic Meet, which runs through April 6. The purse increases are the result of collaborative discussions with the Thoroughbred Owners of California and were to take effect with the fourth condition book. Overnight purses, or the amount of money paid out to racehorse owners each day, are set to increase an average of 8%.
Additionally, purses for Santa Anita Park’s Hollywood Meet will increase an average of 10% over the 2024 season, track management announced, with increases ranging from 8-11%, depending on class level. The Hollywood Meet runs
from April 18-June 16.
Shortly after Santa Anita’s announcement, Del Mar management announced across-the-board increases to its overnight purse schedule, from its top allowance offerings down to the maiden-claiming ranks, for its summer racing season, which begins July 18 and runs through Sept. 7. Del Mar will present approximately 300 races with overnight purses projected to be $15.7 million, a blended increase of 8% over 2024’s purses.
Additionally, the track will offer 38 stakes races valued at $7,825,000. The highlight of that schedule will be the $1 million Pacific Classic (G1) Aug. 30.
Del Mar will again offer its Maiden Dirt Bonus, which provides a 25% increase to non-winner races at the
$62,500 level and above, meaning those conditioners with fewer than 100 horses on the Southern California circuit will be competing in those straight maiden affairs for more than six-figure prizes for their horses.
“The transition to a single circuit is the key enabler to the purse increases over the next four months, and it is only the beginning,” said Bill Nader, TOC president and CEO, following Santa Anita’s announcement. “The early results of the California transition are encouraging.”
After Del Mar made its purse announcements, Nader added, “The increase in overnight purses builds on the momentum we established early this year and is another clear indication that California racing is moving in the right direction.”
Veiga (626) 445-7800 ext. 227
TOC Honors California Owners
Reddam Racing, the owners of The Chosen Vron, and Hronis Racing are among those to be honored by the Thoroughbred Owners of California for 2024 accomplishments. For the fourth consecutive year, Reddam Racing led by purse earnings and topped the standings for most California starts. Hronis Racing led owners by number of California wins. Leading owner honor for most California stakes winners was shared in a two-way tie between The Chosen Vron partnership and Cuyathy LLC.
Reddam Racing, the second-leading California breeder of 2024, campaigns many homebreds. The stable earned $2,031,442 in 2024, with 32 wins from 252 starts. California-bred Stay and Scam, bred and raced by Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill, won the Irish O’Brien Stakes and Fran’s Valentine Stakes and placed in two other stakes. Reddam’s 2024 stakes-placed runners included Cal-breds Don’t Fight the Fed, Barely Funtional, Stolen Treasure, and Accidental Genius.
Cal-bred superstar sprinter The Chosen Vron was the top earner for Sondereker Racing, Eric Kruljac, Richard Thornburgh, and Robert Fetkin, who bred him in the name of Tiz Molly Partners. The Chosen Vron won five stakes in 2024, repeating in the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1), Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint Stakes, and Thor’s Echo Stakes, and adding the San Carlos Stakes (G3) and Kona Gold Stakes. Cuyathy’s top earner, Kentucky-bred Johannes, was also a winner of five stakes races.
Hronis Racing had 35 wins from 142 California starts for total purse earnings of $1,720,310. Their top runners included Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner Full Serrano and stakes winners Antifona and Tapalo.
TJC INTRODUCES NAMING AI TOOL
The Jockey Club in February introduced Naming AI, a new tool designed to assist customers with naming their horses. Naming AI enables users to generate five or 10 name options with a choice of one-, two-, or threeword names. Customers can use the tool to generate names based on words of their choosing or based on a foal’s pedigree.
The tool adheres to the naming rules outlined in Rule 6F of the Principal Rules and Requirements of The American Stud Book. As with all names being claimed or reserved, those generated by Naming AI are subject to approval by The Jockey Club Registry.
Developed by TJC Innovations, Naming AI uses OpenAI, which focuses on natural language processing and generation, and Pinecone, a database service that enables efficient similarity search and indexing of vector data, which is essential for natural language processing.
10 YEARS AGO
Trainer Eddie Truman had one of his best horses in California-bred GO WEST MARIE, who captured the $100,500 Irish O’Brien Stakes at Santa Anita March 14, 2015. The 4-year-old filly was coming off back-to-back victories in an allowance optional claiming race Dec. 28 and the Jan. 24 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint Stakes. Gary Stevens was back aboard for the Irish O’Brien, contested over Santa Anita’s downhill turf course of about 61⁄2 furlongs. Go West Marie, the 7-5 favorite, got stopped twice, yet she still managed to defeat Qiaona by a half-length in 1:12.90. Truman trained Go West Marie for owner Peter Redekop, and Summer Mayberry bred the daughter of Western Fame—Marie’s Rose, by Swiss Yodeler. Go West Marie started twice more, running second in the Las Cienegas Stakes (G3T) and winning the Fran’s Valentine Stakes, for lifetime earnings of $557,520.
25 YEARS AGO
BIG JAG represented his home state of California well in Dubai when he won the Gulf News Dubai Golden Shaheen March 25, 2000. Instead of a sprint around a turn, the Golden Shaheen was conducted on a six-furlong straightaway. Trainer Tim Pinfield advised jockey Alex Solis to get more involved in the race early, in order to avoid tiring runners late in the race. Solis
rode Big Jag perfectly, placing him near the front early on. The 7-year-old gelding powered home to score by four lengths over Bertolini in a record time of 1:08.10, breaking the previous track record by a second. Big Jag earned $600,000 for his effort, and he eventually banked a total of $1,800,329. Julius Zolezzi owned and bred the son of Kleven—In Hopes, by Affirmed. Big Jag was voted champion California-bred sprinter in 1998 and 1999.
50 YEARS AGO
STARDUST MEL had a fantastic Santa Anita meet in 1975 for owner Marjorie Everett and trainer Charlie Whittingham. In January, the California-bred won a division of the San Fernando Stakes (G2), and in February he added the Charles H. Strub Stakes (G1). The big one arrived March 9, as 4-year-old Stardust Mel met older runners in the 11⁄4-mile Santa Anita Handicap (G1). Ridden by Bill Shoemaker, Stardust Mel defeated fellow Cal-bred Out of the East by a nose in 2:062⁄5. The stewards conducted an inquiry into contact between the two horses but ultimately made no change. Everett had paid a world-record $225,000 for Stardust Mel at the 1974 CTBA horses in training sale, and the Big ’Cap enabled Stardust Mel to bank enough to pay for himself. He raced through 1977, winning 10 of 35 races and earning $475,625.
QUALIFYING CLAIMING LEVELS
The following claiming levels for California owners premiums and stallion awards are currently in effect:
ANITA PARK / $40,000
Go West Marie
Stardust Mel (inside) wins the Santa Anita Handicap
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 626-4457800, ext. 227. Additionally, photos can be submitted to Ken Gurnick at kgurnick@ ctba.com for free inclusion on the CTBA’s website.
NEW CTBA MEMBERS
George Coleman Paradise Valley, AZ
Laurie and Steve Hill Red Bluff, CA
HELP AVOID DEHYDRATION IN FOALS
THE PROBLEM
Dehydration poses a significant threat to the health of foals and significantly increases the expenses and labor required to care for the animals. Current products cannot help foals retain fluids quickly enough to avoid dehydration.
THE SOLUTION
Neonorm Foal helps to proactively retain fluid in foals helping the animals avoid dehydration. Foals that can avoid dehydration are better equipped to fight the challenging events of early life.
(Neonorm Foal is NOT an antibiotic nor an electrolyte.)
A NATURAL PRODUCT THAT IS EASY TO ADMINISTER
Neonorm Foal is a natural product that contains a standardized botanical extract derived from the Croton lechleri tree, which is sustainably harvested. The product acts locally in the gut and is minimally absorbed systemically.
Neonorm Foal is a mint-flavored paste designed to be given orally to foals once every 12 hours, as needed, for up to three days.
IT’S TIME TO
RETHINK THE MANAGEMENT OF FLUID RETENTION IN FOALS
Remember, it is fluid loss from the circulatory system of the animal into the lumen of the gut that places foals at risk of dehydration. Foals are particularly at risk because of their high body water content and surface-to-volume ratio.
DOSAGE
10 mL of Neonorm Foal, 2 to 3 times per day, for up to 3 days. Between 2 to 3 syringes for a full regimen. Compatible with electrolytes and other standards of care.
HOW SUPPLIED
Can be ordered from your local feed store or distributor.
30 - mL Syringe
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.
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 ($341,190) 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
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
Broodmare of the Year
Tiz Molly
DAM OF THE CHOSEN VRON HONORED
BY TRACY GANTZ
When several members of the Class Racing Stable partnership decided to keep Tiz Molly after her racing career ended in 2014, they never could have anticipated that it would lead to a Broodmare of the Year title.
A Kentucky-bred daughter of Tiz Wonderful and granddaughter of the great California-bred Tiznow, Tiz Molly had cost only $25,000 as a yearling and won two of her six starts for earnings of $74,900. But she has gone on to become the dam of The Chosen Vron, a millionaire Cal-bred who is still climbing the ranks of the all-time leading Cal-bred earners list.
Eric Kruljac trained Tiz Molly for Class Racing, and he owns her with Richard and Ly Thornburgh and Bob and Sheila Fetkin. John Sondereker was initially part of Tiz Molly Partners, which bred The Chosen Vron, and all those original partners own him.
Richard Thornburgh credits his wife with urging the group to breed Tiz Molly. They deferred to Kruljac on management of the mare.
“Tiz Molly has been very good to us,” Kruljac said.
Kruljac felt Tiz Molly would do well with stallions from the Northern Dancer line. He initially bred her to leading California sire Unusual Heat, a grandson of Northern Dancer. That produced Superhotamolly, a filly who placed once in four starts, and Tizhotndusty, a gelding who earned $241,833 while competing primarily in the claiming ranks.
Next, Kruljac bred Tiz Molly to Vronsky, also a grandson of Northern Dancer, resulting in The Chosen Vron. A sprinter of incredible consistency,
The Chosen Vron continually earns himself new fans every time he races.
Under Kruljac’s care, The Chosen Vron has twice put together incredible stakes-winning streaks. He began with three in a row at 3 in 2021. Then came eight straight stakes victories from late 2022 well into 2023 that included the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1). He repeated in the 2024 Bing Crosby, the sixth in another consecutive string that began in late 2023. Currently recuperating from an injury, The Chosen Vron has banked $1,709,678.
Vronsky died in 2021 before The Chosen Vron had developed into the superstar he is today. Since then, Kruljac has bred Tiz Molly to a variety of top California sires, most recently go-
ing several times to Clubhouse Ride. She currently resides at Legacy Ranch, where Clubhouse Ride stands.
“They have done a marvelous job with her at Legacy,” Kruljac said.
Because the cross of Tiz Molly with Northern Dancer-line stallions did so well, Kruljac said they also have Superhotamolly at Legacy and are breeding her to Clubhouse Ride.
Tiz Molly is now 15 and is not in foal for a 2025 baby.
“Hopefully, we’ll get a few more out of her,” Kruljac said. “We’ve been giving her a year off a couple of times. We’re going to take great care of her, and when it doesn’t make sense for her to carry foals anymore, we’ll just pension her.”
Tiz Molly, the dam of California-bred champion The Chosen Vron, resides at Legacy Ranch
LEGACY RANCH
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.
STARTERS/ FOALS 70%
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—
G1 winners in Puerto Rico in SMOKEN BOY and EL CATOLICO.
H ALL OF FAME
Class of 2024
JAY ROBBINS
J
ay Robbins will always be known as the trainer of Tiznow. But before Tiznow came Nostalgia’s Star and Flying Continental, giving Robbins the rare feat of training three millionaire California-breds.
“Most of the horses I trained were Cal-breds because I trained for breeders in California,” Robbins said.
Robbins to this day is the only trainer of a two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner, Tiznow having won it in 2000 and 2001. At the time of his retirement in 2013, Robbins was the only trainer to have won backto-back Breeders’ Cup Classics. Bob Baffert later won the race three consecutive years, though with three different horses: Bayern in 2014, American Pharoah in 2015, and Arrogate in 2016.
That Robbins would become a trainer was, in a way, pre-ordained. He is one of four sons born to Jack and Maggie Robbins. Dr. Jack Robbins was a renowned racetrack veterinarian, an owner/breeder, and a founder of the Oak Tree Racing Association. His four sons have all played major roles in the California racing industry. Tom is a longtime racing secretary and Del Mar executive; Don formerly served as president of Hollywood Park; and David as an attorney represented many in the racing industry.
A CTBA member for half a century, Jack Robbins was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
“I want to thank the board for electing me—it’s the only Hall of Fame I’ll be on with my father,” Jay said.
Jay also thanked and recalled others in the industry who gave him his start.
Jay Robbins, Bill Spawr, and Amazombie this year are being inducted into the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame
SKIP DICKSTEIN
Trainer Jay Robbins leads California-bred champion Tiznow and jockey Chris McCarron into the winner’s circle after the 2001 Breeders’ Cup Classic
“Bill Walters was the ranch manager at Conejo Ranch,” Jay said. “In my senior year in high school, I went up to Vallejo and worked the fair circuit for Bill, rubbing horses.”
Robbins later worked for trainer Gene Cleveland and Noble Threewitt in Southern California. He saddled his first winner, Kenavo, in 1971 at Hollywood Park, memorable also because “he paid over $100 in his second start for me.”
Robbins got his first Cal-bred millionaire in Nostalgia’s Star, bred by John and Betty Mabee.
“I was looking at 2-year-olds that might stretch out as 3-year-olds,” Robbins said. “John Mabee had a couple for sale, a Jungle Savage colt and a Nostalgia colt. The Nostalgia colt was Nostalgia’s Star. Mel Stute was training him and sent him over to Los Alamitos, where he won a little sprint stakes.”
Jay and Jack both examined Nostalgia’s Star, liked what they saw, and bought him privately. It was a wise move.
“He was very sound throughout his career,” Jay said.
That career lasted five seasons and 59 starts, most under Robbins’ care. Nostalgia’s Star earned more than $2 million, winning such races as the 1986 Charles H. Strub Stakes (G1). He was voted 1988 Cal-bred champion older male.
Flying Continental earned the 1990 Cal-bred older male title, the year he won the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) for Robbins and owner Elmendorf Farm. After being sold, Flying Continental later raced in the Midwest for other trainers, returning to California to stand at Harris Farms after racking up earnings of more than $1.8 million.
Though neither Nostalgia’s Star nor Flying Continental won the Breeders’ Cup Classic for Robbins, he succeeded spectacularly with Tiznow. Bred by Cecilia Straub-Rubens, Tiznow won the 2000 Classic three days before StraubRubens’ death. He captured the 2001 Classic racing for Cees Stable.
“Tiznow was very smart and had a
great personality,” said Robbins. Tiznow famously refused to train occasionally. It is a testament to Robbins that he figured out ways to cajole Tiznow into not only training, but putting together one of the finest careers any Cal-bred has ever had. Tiznow’s earnings of $6,427,830 led all Cal-breds until California Chrome. A two-time Cal-bred Horse of the Year, Tiznow was voted Eclipse Awards as the 2000 Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male and as 2001 champion older horse. He was elected to the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 2009.
—Tracy Gantz
BILL SPAWR
Asked what it means to him to be among the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, the 85-year-old former trainer Bill Spawr thought for a few moments, then chuckled.
“It’s pretty cool,” he finally responded. “It means now when I sit down to dinner with Laffit (Pincay Jr.), Mike (Smith), and Dick Mandella, I won’t be the only one at the table who’s not in the Hall of Fame.”
Then he added, “It’s pretty special. I mean it’s the goal, right, in any profession you choose, to be among the best. What else is there? And I couldn’t have made it any better than to go in with Amazombie.”
Spawr was, of course, referring to his Eclipse Award-winning sprinter Amazombie, winner of the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) and fellow 2025 inductee. Spawr trained the California-bred son of Northern Afleet and owned him along with partner Thomas Sanford.
Over a career spanning more than 45 years (1977-2023) while working almost exclusively with claiming-level horses, Spawr gained a reputation for spotting horse talent. After some time in his barn, many of his finds went on
Bill Spawr won many stakes with California-breds and an Eclipse Award with Amazombie
to much better success. It’s been said of Spawr that no horse trainer did more with less, and it’s easy to understand why.
That reputation may have hurt him in the long run, Spawr feels, preventing him from attracting more deep-pocketed clients.
“I think a lot of them thought of me as being just a claiming trainer,” he said.
Spawr began his career in racing as a veterinary assistant for Bob Baker, then worked as an assistant for trainers Joe Manzi, Jerry Fanning, and others before setting out on his own. He said he spent as much time as he could with Charlie Whittingham and learned quite a bit from him as well.
“Charlie taught me that no two horses are exactly alike,” Spawr said. To get their best, he added, “I always treated each of them as individuals.”
Pincay was also important to Spawr’s success. For many years, the Spawr/Pincay trainer and rider combination was one of the toughest to beat.
“We’ve remained good friends,” Spawr said. “The thing I loved about Laffit was that no matter the level of the race, he rode to win. He’s also a really good horseman.”
Spawr’s talent for spotting horses
to claim has kept him active in racing as a consultant since he retired from training two years ago. As a trainer, he was known for being one of the first to arrive each day, and his routine hasn’t changed much, he said. He’s still out of bed by 1:45 in the morning, does some exercising, then arrives at Santa Anita an hour later.
He recorded 1,709 lifetime winners from his 9,900 starters, with 1,489 seconds and 1,300 thirds, totaling more than $48.6 million in purses. Spawr topped more than $2.4 million in earnings for three consecutive seasons, 200002, taking two training titles during the Oak Tree meetings at Santa Anita in 2000 and 2001. He also won two Santa Anita winter/spring titles (1991, 1996) and a pair of Del Mar summer titles (1990, 1994).
Spawr captured 30 graded stakes, including eight in grade 1 events. The Sidney H. Craig-owned Canadian-bred chestnut mare Exchange—a $50,000 claim by Spawr out of her second lifetime start in 1991—was responsible for seven of his graded wins and three grade 1s.
Six of his nine graded winners—Mister Gennaro, Sensational Star, Enjoy the Moment, Bordonaro, Amazombie,
and Skye Diamonds—were bred in the Golden State. That’s a particular point of pride for Spawr.
“It was beating the big boys; we were running against the best and beating them,” he said. “And we did it a lot.”
—Jack Shinar
AMAZOMBIE
Once a throw-in as part of a minor horse deal, Amazombie—who captured the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) and an Eclipse Award—joins the Hall of Fame’s 2025 class.
Amazombie will be inducted along with his veteran trainer, Bill Spawr, who co-owned the horse with Thomas Sanford. The muscular bay gelding by Northern Afleet was a seven-time stakes winner, including three grade 1 victories, while earning more than $1.9 million over four seasons.
But it was all a happy accident. Spawr said he actually thought he was buying another son of Northern Afleet named Smoke No More for $5,000. Gregg Anderson, who had recently died, bred both horses and his family wanted them sold. Expecting the arrival of one horse, Spawr was informed the day before the colt’s arrival that he would be getting both.
Spawr said he knew from the start that Amazombie, out of the In Excess mare Wilshe Amaze, was loaded with talent. It took some time for the California-bred to produce it, however.
“He would get so hot and sweaty when he was going to the track, you couldn’t really train him,” Spawr said.
Amazombie debuted at Del Mar as a 3-year-old in the summer of 2009. Although competitive in his races, it took five starts for him to graduate in December. Following a sixth-place finish against allowance company in his initial start as a 4-year-old, Amazombie was gelded. After that, he was much easier to condition, Spawr said.
“He always acted like a good horse; he was very intelligent,” Spawr said.
As his confidence grew, Amazombie won four allowance-level races from nine starts in 2010, setting the stage for what was to come.
COURTESY OF BILL SPAWR
Spawr (right) at a recent dinner with friends Richard Mandella, Chris Aplin, Mike and Cynthia Smith, Edith Beyelia, and Laffit Pincay Jr.
Teamed with regular pilot Mike Smith to begin the 2011 campaign, Amazombie scored victories in the $200,000 Sunshine Millions Sprint, the $150,000 Potrero Grande Stakes (G2), and the $125,000 Tiznow Stakes. He also produced grade 1 placings when third in both the $250,000 Triple Bend Handicap and $250,000 Bing Crosby Stakes, while disqualified from a win in the $100,000 Los Angeles Handicap (G3) for interference in the stretch.
Given a nine-week freshening by Spawr, Amazombie returned to Santa Anita for the $250,000 Ancient Title Stakes, where he produced his first grade 1 win. He defeated a field that included odds-on choice The Factor, who faded after setting a sizzling pace.
Amazombie shipped to Kentucky for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, though he was hardly favored while going off at odds of nearly 8-1 in the six-furlong event at Churchill Downs. But Smith put his mount in a good stalking position in fifth
off a torrid early pace, advanced while on the outside through the turn, and challenged the leader Force Freeze midstretch. Amazombie got a slight lead in the drive and held off the stubborn Force Freeze to prevail by a neck in a time of 1:09.17.
The win wrapped up seasonal honors for Amazombie, who received 201 of 248 Eclipse Award votes for champion male sprinter.
Amazombie returned for his 6-yearold campaign, repeating in the Potrero Grande and also capturing the Bing Crosby for his third grade 1 triumph. But in his attempt to repeat in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita, he came up short in his final start.
Ending his career with 12 wins and 11 placings from 29 lifetime starts, Amazombie retired to Old Friends Equine in Georgetown, Ky. He died there in 2023 at the age of 17—about six months after Spawr’s retirement from training—as the result of a paddock accident.
“You could always count on him,” Spawr said. “You might beat him, but he was going to fight it out all the way. He was really dependable, a nice horse to train. He was special.”
—Jack Shinar
Amazombie and jockey Mike Smith prevail over Force Freeze to win the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint
A Moneigh “painted” by Amazombie was auctioned recently to raise funds for ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption and After the Finish Line’s aftercare programs
BIG CITY LIGHTS IS COUPLE’S LATEST CAL-BRED STAR
PAM AND NEAL CHRISTOPHERSON
BY JACK SHINAR
Approaching 50 years in the breeding and racing industry, Pam and Neal Christopherson likely would be considering retirement or at least cutting back. That doesn’t appear to be the case.
It’s foaling time for the owners of Bar C Racing Stables in northeastern Oregon, where the Christophersons currently oversee a dozen broodmares and their yearlings, as well as five stallions.
They’ve built an enviable regional breeding operation over the past 20 years, thanks to the success of their standout sire Harbor the Gold, who died in 2020. They sold a yearling for $1.35 million in 2023 at Keeneland to one of the world’s premier racing teams; that colt is now with the internationally recognized
Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien. And they bred one of the West Coast’s top current sprinters, the California-bred star Big City Lights.
Inducted into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame in 2023, the Christophersons, who will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in August, are enjoying the ride.
“We both hit 75, so I don’t know how much longer we can do this,” Pam admitted. “We’re taking it year-by-year. It depends on how long they continue to run up here. The Northwest isn’t doing so hot right now.”
“We’ve had some good luck and had some bad,” said Pam, who along with Neal operate the 40-acre ranch in Hermiston, just seven miles south of the Washington border on the Columbia River. In
spite of the obstacles created by the ever-shrinking racing and breeding environment around them, they’ve been at their present location for four decades. They moved there after 10 years in the Oregon outback, where they raised cattle and Quarter Horses on a 2,000-acre spread.
A 5-year-old son of Mr. Big out of their mare Champagne Exchange, Big City Lights is owned by William Peeples. The dark bay is the latest of the Christophersons’ Calbred success stories, following Golden State champions California Diamond and Galilean. They sold Galilean for $60,000 at the Barretts select yearling sale in 2017, and he later brought $600,000 from West Point Thoroughbreds and was a six-time stakes winner. Galilean earned the Christophersons the 2019 California Diamond Award for breeding.
Big City Lights, with $578,420 in earnings while winning seven of 13 starts, became the first graded stakes winner bred by the Christophersons when he claimed the Palos Verdes Stakes (G3) a year ago. He concluded last season with a pair of thirds in grade 2 events and a state-bred stakes victory in the Cary Grant at Del Mar in November. After Big City Lights began the 2025 season with a 73⁄4-length victory in the Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint Stakes Jan. 18, Peeples said trainer Richard Mandella was considering a trip to Dubai for the group 1, $2 million Golden Shaheen April 5.
Pam and Neal Christopherson, breeders of Big City Lights, visiting Santa Anita PHOTOS
“That would be nice,” said Pam. “But I’m not sure how he would do.”
Two stallions—Uncle Mo and Harbor the Gold—have been instrumental to the Christophersons’ success.
They favor Keeneland’s November breeding stock sale, searching for moderately priced broodmares already in utero to name stallions and selling the offspring as yearlings. They struck gold with a sturdy gray El Prado mare named Fresia, purchased for $35,000 in foal to Uncle Mo in 2015.
That resulted in Galilean. Though that didn’t produce the big dollar return later realized by Quarter Pole Enterprises and consignor Eddie Woods, it convinced the Christophersons that they were onto something good with Uncle Mo.
Fresia was bred to the champion again in 2020 in a foal-sharing deal. They sold that gray filly for $700,000 as a Keeneland yearling to Donald Adam’s Courtlandt Farms. They used their share of the proceeds to purchase a War Front mare named Forever For Now.
Forever For Now, whose third dam is a full sister to Galileo, cost them $210,000 from Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm. She foaled a yearling by Uncle Mo that sold for $1.35 million to M.V. Magnier. Now age 3 and named Example, the colt is with O’Brien in Ireland but has yet to start.
Since then, Forever For Now has produced a 2-year-old Caravaggio colt named Sacred Light, who sold for $110,000 as a yearling at Keeneland last September. The mare also birthed a yearling colt by Mystic Guide and was successfully bred back to Uncle Mo prior to the stallion’s death last December.
The couple keep Forever For Now at Pennland Farm in Kentucky and credit the Penn family for the mare’s success.
The Christophersons have been lucky, they are the first to admit. Consider the standout stud career of Bar C’s deceased Harbor the Gold, a half-brother to champion 2-year-old Boston Harbor, winner of the 1996 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).
A stallion that was practically forced on them, Overbrook Farm’s son of Seek-
ing the Gold arrived in 2005 without fanfare after a knee injury ended his racing career prematurely. Overbrook’s broodmare manager, Bo Davis, who had gotten to know the Christophersons in Kentucky, repeatedly tried to convince them to replace their top stallion, Tiffany Ice, with Harbor the Gold.
“He just wouldn’t stop trying,” Pam said. “He kept telling us that Tiffany Ice, who was 22, was too old, that he wouldn’t last forever.”
Neal finally gave in, telling Davis, “Okay, send him down.”
Pam noted that the first horse Harbor the Gold was bred to, a temperamental mare named Julia Rose, only happened because Tiffany Ice wanted no part of her. The mating resulted in Noosa Beach, a winner from the start who went on to take seven Washington divisional championships over four seasons. Jeffrey and Doris Harwood’s popular homebred
won 14 of 22 races, including the Longacres Mile (G3), and earned $524,472.
The Christophersons quickly recognized what the potential Harbor the Gold’s arrival meant, changing their small operation into a perennial leader in the Northwest region’s breeding industry. Harbor the Gold would become a 14-time leading stallion in Oregon and the sire of 29 Washington, Oregon, and California champions, according to the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association.
Pam says that the progeny of Harbor the Gold, who died at the age of 19, were responsible for 72 stakes wins at Emerald Downs, where he also is the track’s all-time leader in overall victories.
The list of successful runners produced by Harbor the Gold is long.
“He was a fun horse to have around,” Pam said. “He kept us busy, that’s for sure.”
Yearling colts graze in a paddock at their Oregon farm (above); Harbored Memories (left), a half brother to California-bred champion Galilean, is a 7-year-old son of Harbor the Gold— Fresia
JANUARY 27, 2025 – FEBRUARY 17, 2025
3-YEAR-OLDS & UP
Acclamation—Debbies Cute Ghost: Ghostly Act (13-2), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, ALW, 2/2, about 6 1/2f, 1:13.38, $36,600.
American Pharoah—Ready for Romance: Cali Cat (82-12), r, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 2/17, 6 1/2f (T), 1:16.06, $36,600.
Big Bad Leroybrown—Trappers Magic: Elegant Boy (6-2), g, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 1/29, 1mi, 1:36.15, $13,500.
Boisterous—Carrie Rose: Joe Don Looney (23-3), g, 7 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 2/4, 6f, 1:08.80, $14,100.
Danzing Candy—Hottestthingintown: All Jokes Aside (29-9), g, 5 yo, Turfway Park, AOC, 2/1, 6 1/2f, 1:18.51, $25,675.
Desert Code—Orange Cove: Sanger (11-2), g, 6 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 2/10, 1mi (T), 1:36.57, $12,980.
Distorted Humor—English Garden: Clouseau (35-7), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 2/14, 1mi, 1:39.11, $36,600.
Empire Way—Rugula: Twilight Empire (8-3), m, 8 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 2/8, 6f, 1:11.63, $12,960.
Grazen—Cielo Dulce: Wishtheyallcouldbe (58-18), m, 7 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 2/8, 6f, 1:10.10, $47,580.
Grazen—Stash: Lonesome Stew (58-18), g, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 2/15, 6 1/2f, 1:15.52, $36,600.
I'll Have Another—Brookys Star: Brookys Gal (18-4), f, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 2/12, 6f, 1:09.89, $13,500.
Kafwain—Babe I'm Ready: Babe's Got Appeal (3-1), m, 7 yo, Turf Paradise, STR, 2/5, 4 1/2f, 50.95, $8,845.
Lord Nelson—Sweet Treat: Petite Treat (59-9), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 2/8, 6f (T), 1:10.15, $36,600.
Mineshaft—Obey: Disobey (33-10), h, 6 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 2/13, 6f, 1:09.11, $13,500.
Om—Julie Napp: Can't Sleep (20-2), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/31, 6 1/2f (T), 1:15.90, $36,600.
Paynter—Sam's Sunny City: Positivity (43-12), g, 7 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/31, 6 1/2f, 1:16.03, $47,580.
Silver Max—She's Stella Marie: Blue Max (2-1), g, 7 yo, Mahoning Valley Race Course, ALW, 1/29, 6f, 1:13.30, $15,540.
Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Tiz Goldilux: Stormylux (40-11), f, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 2/6, 6f, 1:09.70, $13,420.
n The accompanying list includes runners that are both California-foaled and California-sired winners in 2024 of all recent North American races, except straight claiming races.
n Abbreviations used for the class of race are similar to those used by Equibase: Alw–allowance; Hcp–overnight handicap; names of stakes race are spelled out, with the grade of the race, when applicable, in parentheses.
Stanford—Rangey Lil: Midnite Musket (44-17), g, 4 yo, Tampa Bay Downs, ALW, 2/7, 5f (T), 55.91, $19,175.
Stanford—Alwazabridesmaid: Prayer of Jabez (44-17), g, 6 yo, Turf Paradise, AOC, 2/11, 6f, 1:08.12, $15,000.
Stanford—A Kiss for Maria: Long Mayshe Reign (44-17), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, STR, 2/16, 6f (T), 1:08.59, $25,920.
Sway Away—Jumanah: Windribbon (9-4), g, 9 yo, Santa Anita Park, SOC, 2/7, 6f, 1:10.81, $20,880.
Tamarando—Angel Diane: Tam's Little Angel (13-3), m, 6 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 2/8, about 6 1/2f, 1:13.46, $47,580.
West Coast—Sandi's Ready: Ashleys Sandcastle (48-7), m, 5 yo, Santa Anita Park, AOC, 1/31, 1mi (T), 1:35.79, $36,600.
MAIDENS
Bluegrass Cat—Looking Out: Sal Gal (11-1), m, 6 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 1/29, 4 1/2f, 52.30, $6,000.
Clubhouse Ride—Spiced Latte: Spicy Ride (47-7), f, 4 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 2/11, 6 1/2f, 1:16.91, $6,000.
Clubhouse Ride—C C's Pride: A Fleet Ride (47-7), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 2/14, 6f, 1:14.28, $36,000.
Danzing Candy—Soul Flyer: Danzing Flyer (29-9), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 2/7, 6f, 1:11.56, $36,000.
Grazen—Share the Sugar: Valerie (58-18), m, 5 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 2/1, 4 1/2f, 53.32, $4,680. I'll Have Another—Wandering Patrol: Chips (18-4), f, 3 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 2/15, 4 1/2f, 53.56, $3,870.
Nyquist—Albeit: Reason to Believe (102-27), g, 3 yo, Mahoning Valley Race Course, MSW, 1/30, 6f, 1:13.21, $14,580.
Nyquist—Frege: Bro Bro (102-27), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 2/15, 6f (T), 1:09.80, $36,000.
OM Harris Farms (800) 311 6211 www.harrisfarms.com
Om—Ring True: True Mantra (20-2), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 2/9, 5 1/2f, 1:06.74, $8,400.
Practical Joke—Caymanbird: Berlin Wall (155-29), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 2/1, 6f, 1:11.07, $36,000.
ROUSING SERMON
BG Thoroughbred Farm (951) 654 9100 www.bgthoroughbreds.com
Rousing Sermon—Moving Desert: Keep It Coming (8-3), g, 5 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 2/10, 6 1/2f, 1:17.02, $5,800.
Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Patti's Regal Song: Tiny Prancer (40-11), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 2/8, 6f, 1:11.74, $8,100.
Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Desert Steel: Sir Rocket (40-11), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 2/9, 6f (T), 1:09.09, $36,000.
Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Sienna Sky: Got Soul (40-11), c, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 2/17, 1mi (T), 1:36.57, $36,000.
Smiling Tiger—Chilukki's Song: Uncle Chilly (56-3), c, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 2/7, 6f, 1:10.38, $36,000.
STANFORD
Harris Farms (800) 311 6211 www.harrisfarms.com
Stanford—Jenny's First Gear: Hermelinda's Fancy (44-17), g, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 2/7, 6f, 1:12.39, $8,100.
Stanford—Starfire Mist: Stanford Holiday (44-17), f, 3 yo, Turf Paradise, MCL, 2/13, 4 1/2f, 52.50, $7,080.
Stanford—Elemental Metal: Naukanauka (44-17), g, 4 yo, Los Alamitos, MCL, 2/15, 4 1/2f, 53.24, $3,820.
Stay Thirsty—Primed for Passion: Thirst for Passion (76-6), f, 4 yo, Santa Anita Park, MSW, 1/31, 1mi (T), 1:37.38, $36,000.
Stay Thirsty—Kowboy's Gigi: Distant Fleet (76-6), g, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 2/15, 5 1/2f, 1:05.28, $19,800.
Tom's Tribute—Full Snow Moon: Kinky Moon (9-2), m, 5 yo, Sam Houston Race Park, MCL, 2/9, 6 1/2f, 1:19.79, $7,680.
Tough Sunday—Robin's Love: Robin's Tough Love (3-1), f, 3 yo, Santa Anita Park, MCL, 1/31, 5 1/2f, 1:06.81, $8,400.
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
DEAFNESS IN HORSES
THOUGH UNCOMMON IN HORSES, DEAFNESS CAN OCCUR AND TESTING IS AVAILABLE
BY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS
The horse’s ears are sensitive and delicate, well designed for excellent hearing. Horses are prey animals and evolved with keen senses to alert them to the approach of predators. Their vision is widerange and their hearing is well developed—to enable them to determine from which direction danger might be coming.
The funnel shape of the ear captures and conducts sound vibrations, and the short, stiff hairs inside the ears keep dirt and insects from getting down into the ear canal at the base of the ear. In all animals, the sense of hearing serves three major functions: to detect sounds, to pinpoint the location of the sound sources, and to help provide information that enables the animal to recognize the identity of those sources.
Hearing loss occasionally occurs in all animals, but in some there is also a genetic factor. Deafness associated with lack of skin/hair pigment has been reported in several species.
“Deafness isn’t a commonly recognized disorder in horses,” according to Dr. Gary Magdesian of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis. “First of all, it is difficult to recognize. Reported causes of deafness in horses include head trauma, middle or inner ear infection, brain diseases, and a syndrome called temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO). An adverse reaction to gentamicin, a commonly used antibiotic in hospitalized horses or those with serious infections, is another possible cause.
“Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy is a degenerative process in the joint between the hyoid apparatus (the bones that supports the tongue) and the skull. During this degenerative process, excessive bone builds up, which can cause inflammation and compression of the eighth cranial nerve, which is responsible for hearing.”
Another cause of deafness that probably occurs but has not had much research is age-related hearing loss in older horses. Since humans and other animals tend to lose hearing as they get older, we assume that horses may also. This has not yet been proven, though 14 years ago there was an Australian study on elderly horses that had suffered hearing loss.
GENETIC DEAFNESS
Deafness associated with lack of skin/hair pigment has been reported in dogs (Dalmatians and Australian Shepherds), white blueeyed cats, some laboratory animals, and a few humans. Deafness in horses with white face markings and blue eyes also occurs.
“Lack of hearing has been found in certain types of overo Paints, particularly the splashed patterns, and the frame/splashed combinations, and occasionally in frame overos,” said Magdesian. “Deafness is associated with those coat color patterns, particularly when the horses have blue eyes and white on the face and legs. This is a common phenotype in Paint horses.”
Some Paint color patterns have been seen occasionally in Thoroughbreds. However, unlike the American Paint Horse Association, The Jockey Club does not register such color patterns. (For information about Paint color patterns, go to apha.com under “register” and then “breed.”)
“The melanocytes—the pigment-producing cells in the skin—originate from the neural crest cells in the embryo, and so do the melanocytes that play a role in hearing,” explained Magdesian. “The inner ear needs melanocytes to help the specialized hair cells responsible for originating hearing develop and survive. Without them, the hearing-sensing cells degenerate. This is the link between coat color and hearing, since those supportive melanocytes originate from the same place.
“In overos, there is abnormal migration of some of the melanocytes, and this is why there are white spots (lack of color) in the coat—because the melanocytes did not migrate to those areas. If that individual did not have melanocytes migrate to the inner ear, that horse will be completely deaf if it happens in both ears.
“It should be noted that the lack of melanocytes in the inner ear cannot be seen outwardly and has nothing to do with white spotting of the external ear or ear canal. Rather, it is absence of these cells on a microscopic level. If deafness only occurs in one ear, you might not suspect a problem since the horse would still respond to sound.”
Coat color-associated deaf horses are born deaf, whether in one ear or both.
Magdesian’s first experience with equine deafness was with a Paint mare he raised when he was a teenager. She was calm as a foal and did not respond to loud noises. He owned that mare for 26 years, until her death, and no one else could tell that anything was wrong with her unless they spent a great deal of time with her and noted her reactions, or lack thereof, to loud noises. She was shown at halter and ridden until she was retired to pasture in old age.
Since then, Magdesian has examined other deaf Paints and began researching this syndrome, performing the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test on a number of horses, starting with his own mare. Magdesian ruled out other causes of deafness through careful ear and neurological examinations, blood work, and radiographs of her head.
In his study, Magdesian looked at 14 horses confirmed deaf by the BAER test and an additional 20 horses believed by their owners to be deaf. He documented
Paint color patterns and eye color. All of the deaf Paints were overos or toveros, and the most common pattern (65% of the horses) was splashed white—either by itself or in combination with frame overo. There were a few frame overos, solid white, tovero, and frame-sabino blends, but none of the horses were only tobiano or sabino. Even if the affected horses had only small white areas (such as a small belly spot and white socks), all of them had extensive white on the head and at least a partial blue eye. Most of them had two blue eyes—a trait that is also associated with deafness in other species.
To compare deaf Paint horses with hearing horses, Magdesian examined Paint and Pinto horses that could hear. Some of them had similar coat patterns.
“Phenotype alone cannot predict deafness,” Magdesian said. “Not all splash horses are deaf, but the prevalence of deafness is highest among horses with this pattern.”
He also tested frame overo horses for the gene mutation that causes lethal white overo syndrome (LWOS). This gene is found in frame overos and, if doubled up (one from each parent), will result in a foal that cannot survive. The majority of deaf horses in his study (91%) were positive for this mutation, while only 43% of the hearing Paints he tested carried this gene.
“While this does not imply that the LWOS gene alone is responsible for the deafness, it does show an association,” Magdesian said. “The presence of more than one white spotting allele appears to
increase the chances of deafness, but this hypothesis requires further study.”
Many of the deaf horses he examined that had classic splashed white overo phenotype (and no frame characteristics) also carried the LWOS gene.
“It should also be emphasized that the LWOS gene is not necessary for a horse to be deaf, as 9% of the deaf horses did not carry the mutation,” he said. “Interestingly, three lethal white foals were also hearing-tested prior to being humanely euthanized. All three were homozygous for the LWOS gene and all were completely deaf.
“Middle and inner ear infections are also known to cause deafness. Signs of ear infections include head shaking or tossing, rubbing the ears, and discharge or bleeding from the ears. Other causes of deafness include Equine Parasitic Myeloencephalitis (EPM), abnormal parasitic infestations of the brain, bacterial infections, brain tumors, as well as traumatic brain injury.”
LIVING WITH A DEAF HORSE
“A deaf horse moves its ears just like any other horse,” said Magdesian. “People generally think that the horse only moves its ears because it hears something, but ear movements are more tied to vision.” said Magdesian.
To determine whether the horse hears, you can make a noise outside his range of vision to see if he responds. For instance, if you clap your hands from a position behind him or shake a grain can from an area where the horse can’t see you do it, this might give a clue if he does not respond.
“A deaf horse may be lying down asleep, and a train or truck might go by—or some other loud noise occur—and all the other horses will jump up or freak out and the deaf one stays asleep,” said Magdesian.
Magdesian feels it is important to recognize these horses, regardless of the cause of deafness.
“If a person doesn’t know the horse is deaf, that person may think the horse is not responding properly and may mistake it for a behavioral issue,” he said.
These horses cannot learn voice cues nor respond to the trainer’s voice. The owner may think the horse is being stubborn. If the trainer realizes a horse is deaf, however, the horse can be easily trained with hand signals, other visual cues, and tactile cues.
A hearing test is being performed on an older horse
DR. GARY MAGDESIAN PHOTOS
Dr. Allison Stewart at Auburn University in Alabama has studied deaf horses and says it is important to recognize deafness early.
“It’s also important for people to realize that deaf horses can lead productive, normal lives,” Stewart said. “Many of the deaf horses in my study were being shown and used in a variety of different events, including cutting, driving, dressage, jumping, English, and western events.”
Some of the horses’ owners felt their deaf horses were less skittish than hearing horses, while others thought the deaf horses were more easily startled by visual stimuli. It is important for owners to be aware of a horse’s deafness and train/handle that horse accordingly.
Most people who have a completely deaf horse realize that. But if a horse has subtle hearing loss, most don’t notice it.
never approach the horse from a position where they can’t be seen.”
HEARING TESTS
Horses can be tested for hearing. Stewart, who studied hearing and deafness in horses for many years, also looked at genetic deafness in Paint horses after a young Paint gelding was brought to the veterinary clinic in Auburn. This horse was deaf, and Stew-
EXAMPLE OF BAER TEST
working there will also have this equipment. It is fairly common to test puppies of certain breeds of dogs for hearing, such as Dalmatians. Any place that does this can use the same machine to test horses.”
Stewart explained that such tests are easily and safely performed at many veterinary teaching hospitals or specialist referral centers. Auditory response-testing records the horse’s brain waves and looks at the wave patterns that change in response to noise.
“A twitch of the ears or turning of the head in response to sudden noise such as clapping will rule out complete deafness, if you take care to ensure that the horse did not respond to sight or air movement,” said Stewart.
Deaf animals become very good at partially compensating for their disability by relying more on other senses.
“Deaf horses can sometimes give their riders or handlers a great advantage because they do not get upset by the noise of crowds, cars backfiring, passing trains, gunshots, or sirens,” Stewart said. “It is important, however, that their owners or prospective buyers are aware of this disability and realize that they should
art had already been working on BAER testing in horses with neurological disorders or brain trauma. She realized these same testing methods could detect deafness.
This test examines the receptors, nerves, and nerve pathways within the brain that are necessary for hearing. On a horse with complete deafness, the BAER test shows a flat line rather than a wavy line consistent with hearing. In a horse with partial deafness, the peaks are smaller than normal, or some of the peaks may be absent.
“A number of universities offer the BAER test,” said Magdesian. “Some large veterinary practices that have neurologists
“This procedure does not require general anesthesia and is well tolerated by the horse—often with minimal restraint and no sedation,” Stewart said. “Headphones are held over the ears, or placed in the ears, and equipment capable of making a series of click noises of various intensities stimulates the auditory pathway from the ear to the brain. Several tiny electrode wires are inserted under the skin across the face to detect the brain’s response to the click noise.”
Stewart noted that a horse could shake its head and dislodge the leads because the electrodes and leads can create a tickling sensation.
“The occasional horse objects to having the ears touched,” Stewart said. “Light sedation may be required. There are no risks to the horse, however, and the procedure usually takes about 15 minutes to perform.”
In a horse with normal hearing, the resulting line on the chart will consist of five waves or peaks.
“In a deaf horse, no waves are observed,” said Stewart. “Both ears should be individually tested. Horses that are deaf in just one ear can be difficult to identify without this BAER test.”
At left, some Paint color patterns have been linked to deafness; at right, a hearing test on horses with linked color patterns can be helpful
2024 Statistical Review
BREEDERS OF CALIFORNIA-FOALED STAKES WINNERS IN 2024
An alphabetical listing by breeder of all the California-foaled runners that were stakes winners in North America during 2024.
NICK ALEXANDER
Connie Swingle, 2019 gr/ro. m. by Grazen
Father O’Flaherty, 2018 gr/ro. g. by Grazen
Johnny Podres, 2017 ch. g. by Grazen
Rose Maddox, 2019 gr/ro. m. by Grazen
Shea Brennan, 2022 ch. c. by Tough Sunday
Speedy Wilson, 2022 b. c. by Tough Sunday
THOMAS W. BACHMAN
Keep Movin’ On, 2021 b. g. by Sir Prancealot (IRE)
BALLENA VISTA FARM
Bluegrass Faith, 2017 dk.b. or br. g. by Bluegrass Cat
BAR C RACING STABLES, INC.
Big City Lights, 2019 dk.b. or br. h. by Mr. Big
RUSTY BROWN
Shady Tiger, 2021 b. g. by Smiling Tiger
DINO BATES & JOSEPHINE BATES
Grease Missle, 2021 ch. f. by Clubhouse Ride
B & B ZIETZ STABLES, INC.
Man O Rose, 2020 b. g. by Stanford
PETER S. BUSCH
El Chumelito, 2016 b. g. by Richard’s Kid
CARLIWOOD FARMS, LLC
Mala, 2022 ch. c. by Union Rags
COLE RANCH
Toolittletoolate, 2021 ch. g. by Clubhouse Ride
C-PUNCH RANCH INC.
Baby Got Rhythm, 2021 ch. f. by Uptown Rythem
ROB CREIGHTON
Shot of a Lifetime, 2015 ch. g. by Many Rivers
DP RACING, LLC
Tom’s Regret, 2020 b. f. by Tom’s Tribute
CHARLIE DUNN, AL HODGE & RAY MCCANNA
Duly Noted, 2021 ch. f. by Grazen
EAGLE RIDGE RACING, LLC & RANCHO
SAN MIGUEL
Mici’s Express, 2021 b. c. by Slew’s Tiznow
TERRI EATON & J. H. GIBSON
Barbiere, 2017 ch. g. by Last Draw
FLEMING THOROUGHBRED FARM LLC
Haynespun, 2018 ch. m. by Haynesfield
DR. & MRS. WILLIAM T. GRAY
Drop Um, 2022 dk.b. or br. c. by Far From Over
HARRIS FARMS
On the Whim, 2020 b. g. by Acclamation
HARRIS FARMS & JOHN NICOLETTI
Chancery Way, 2019 b. m. by Mr. Big
WILLIAM L. HEDRICK & JUDY HEDRICK
Clovisconnection, 2020 ch. g. by Vronsky
ROBERT HEINZ & MICHELLE MACHADO
Magic Tiger, 2018 ch. g. by Smiling Tiger
SCOTT HERBERTSON
Jasmine Chieftain, 2018 dk.b. or br. m. by Bold Chieftain
CHUCK KOWITZ
Sheza Delight, 2018 ch. m. by Gig Harbor
DARLYNE KRIEG
Si That Tiger, 2022 ch. c. by Smiling Tiger
GEORGE KRIKORIAN
Big Pond, 2020 b. f. by Mr. Big
KIM KUHLMANN
Kona Skye, 2017 b. g. by U S Ranger
LEGACY RANCH, INC.
Sunset Grazen, 2022 b. f. by Grazen
TERRY C. LOVINGIER
Bodacious, 2022 dk.b. or br. c. by Smokem
In the Air Tonight, 2022 dk.b. or br. f. by Stay Thirsty
MADERA THOROUGHBREDS
Sharp Warning, 2017 ch. g. by Elusive Warning
ELEANOR MARTIN
Alotaluck, 2021 dk.b. or br. g. by Sir Prancealot (IRE)
MELVIN MELLICK & LORI MELLICK
Mr. Stang, 2018 dk.b. or br. g. by Atta Boy Roy
OLD ENGLISH RANCHO
Kings River Knight, 2018 b. g. by Acclamation
FRANCIS O’LEARY
Miss Union, 2019 ch. m. by Unionize
PT SYNDICATE #1 LLC
Shining Tiger, 2021 ch. g. by Smiling Tiger
RAINMAKER RACING LLC, BEN & SALLY WARREN & BRET LEWIS
Moment’s Pleasure, 2021 ch. f. by Clubhouse Ride
REDDAM RACING, LLC
Anotherforbrooks, 2020 gr/ro. g. by I’ll Have Another
Stay and Scam, 2020 b. f. by Square
Eddie
Tequilaandtherapy, 2022 ch. f. by Mrazek
JAIME R RENELLA
Chismosa, 2020 dk.b. or br. f. by Clubhouse Ride
RICHARD BARTON ENTERPRISES
Bet On Dad, 2019 b. g. by Dads Caps
Hot Girl Walk, 2022 b. f. by Bodexpress Principe Carlo, 2016 dk.b. or br. h. by Coil
Pushiness, 2021 b. f. by Kantharos
Roberta’s Love, 2021 ch. f. by Collected Spitten Kitten, 2020 ch. f. by Air Force
Blue
KEN ROBINSON
Chiefs Lil Pearl, 2015 dk.b. or br. m. by Bold Chieftain
J. KIRK ROBISON & JUDY ROBISON
Only One America, 2021 b. f. by Marking
None Above the Law, 2018 gr/ro. g. by Karakontie (JPN)
SAY JAY RACING, LLC
Hey Jessie, 2022 gr/ro. f. by Grazen
JAMES SHENOUDA & ALFRED PAIS
Curlin’s Kaos, 2021 ch. g. by Clubhouse Ride
SLO RACING STABLE
Sunrise Mischief, 2021 b. g. by Curlin to Mischief
MEGAN STIEHR
Thief in the Night, 2017 b. r. by Hidden Blessing
ANDY STRONACH
Christine’s Jack, 2016 b. g. by Musketier (GER)
TIZ MOLLY PARTNERS
The Chosen Vron, 2018 ch. g. by Vronsky
2024 STAKES HORSES BY CALIFORNIA STALLIONS
An alphabetical listing of California sires that were represented by stakes winners or stakes-placed horses in North America during 2024.
A “California” stallion is one that is currently standing in the state or was based or is now based in another state or country but has at least one stakes performer of last year that was foaled in California.
Please note that those horses that are stakes winners are denoted in CAPITAL letters.
Acclamation
KINGS RIVER KNIGHT, ON THE WHIM
Bluegrass Cat
BLUEGRASS FAITH
Bodexpress
HOT GIRL WALK
Boisterous
Druidic, LOUD FUSAICHI
Bold Chieftain
CHIEFS LIL PEARL, Dontim, JASMINE
CHIEFTAIN
Capital Account
Unusual Account
Cat Burglar
Raspberry Wine, Stolen Halo
Catholic Boy
Barbratina, Destiny Star, EL CATOLICO, Faith Understood, JUST N JACK, Rock’n a Halo, SMOKEN BOY, Young Pope
Champ Pegasus
Seahawk Cody
Clubhouse Ride
Asada Fries, Baby Waylon, Brickyard Ride, CHISMOSA, Clubhouse Bride,
CURLIN’S KAOS, GREASE MISSLE, MOMENT’S PLEASURE, Scary Fast Ride, TOOLITTLETOOLATE, Two by Four
Coil
PRINCIPE CARLO
Curlin to Mischief
Curlin’s Lil Gal, Forest Echo, Good With People, Hey Jasper, Lmlooknformischief, See Through It, Style Cat, SUNRISE MISCHIEF
Daddy Nose Best
Califias Spirit
Dads Caps
BET ON DAD, Bottle Caps, Dads
Estrella, Pops Awesome
Danzing Candy
Flashin Aces, Grateful My Love, Moose
Mitchell
Desert Code
Maybe Sometime, Sawasdee
Dixie Chatter
Liberty Forever, Nautical Star
Eddington
Everleigh’s Queen, Unrivaled Queen
Editorial
Sports Editor
TOMMY TOWN THOROUGHBREDS, LLC
Loud Fusaichi, 2019 dk.b. or br. m. by Boisterous
MR. & MRS. LARRY D. WILLIAMS
Grand Slam Smile, 2021 ch. f. by Smiling Tiger
REGAN WRIGHT & EASTERBROOK
LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT
Stormylux, 2021 b. f. by Sir Prancealot (IRE)
Elusive Warning
SHARP WARNING
Empire Way
EMPIRE’S FIRE, Starship Defiant
Far From Over
DROP UM, R HEISMAN
Gallant Son
Fast Buck
Gervinho
Spanish Channel
Giacomo
Invincible Angel, Mo Sugafoot
Gig Harbor
Lighted Vessel, SHEZA DELIGHT
Graydar
Offlee Graysful
Grazen
BLAZINGBELLABLU, Buck Owens, CONNIE SWINGLE, Cornelia Fort, DULY NOTED, FATHER O’FLAHERTY, HEY JESSIE, Irish Wahine, JOHNNY PODRES, Loretta Lynn, Lovesick Blues, Old Pal, ROSE MADDOX, Sabertooth, Safa, SUNSET GRAZEN
Haynesfield
HAYNESPUN
Hidden Blessing
THIEF IN THE NIGHT
I’ll Have Another
Accidental Genius, ANOTHERFORBROOKS
Idiot Proof
Proof He Rides
Indy
Bobby Jr.
Jack Milton
Mi Vecino, RIDING PRETTY, Uncle Andrew
Jeranimo
Class Compounds
Jersey Town
Regal Patriot
Lakerville
Don’t Ask
Majestic Harbor
DIAMOND SOLITAIRE, Majestic Oops, Oops and Downs, X RAY VISION
Many Rivers
Many Ambitions, SHOT OF A LIFETIME
Merit Man
Geezer
Metaboss
Scary Cherry
Midnight Storm
Drenched, Great Escape, IRON SKULL, Reining Flowers, Runaway Storm, SHEZAWILDSTORM, Specialsortastorm, Stormy Blue, Well Imagine That Ministers Wild Cat
Alberta Sun, Daffodil Sweet, Minister of Soul, Victoria’s Charge
Misremembered
Forgotten Vows, I Recall, Jessebear
Mr. Big
BERNALINHO, BIG BOWIE, BIG CITY LIGHTS, BIG HUG, BIG POND, Big Soiree, Big Stretch, Big Summer, CHANCERY WAY, Hersabiggirl, My Man Biggie, Vincero Grande
Mrazek
Barely Funtional, TEQUILAANDTHERAPY
Northern Causeway
Northern Quest, Talbot Bay
Pavel Madison Rae, Stay On the Fence
Phantom Boss
Bossy Crown
Pontiff
Mirrored
Prospect Park
LITTLE J P
Richard’s Kid
EL CHUMELITO
Rocky Bar
KATAR, Maius, Rockin Marie
Roi Charmant
Charmant E
Saburo
SABURO’S GRACE, Snow Ghost
Sir Prancealot (IRE)
ALOTALUCK, Crusher, KEEP MOVIN’ ON, Pure Madness, STORMYLUX
Slew’s Saga
SAXON SAGA
Slew’s Tiznow
MICI’S EXPRESS, SLEW’S TIZ WHIZ
Smiling Tiger
Blevys Tiger, GRAND SLAM SMILE, J Dutton, KISS THE TIGER, MAGIC TIGER, Melanie’s Tiger, Princesa Del Tigre, SHADY TIGER, SHINING TIGER, SI THAT TIGER, Surroundedbyangels
Smokem
BODACIOUS
Square Eddie
STAY AND SCAM
Stanford
Bound for Heaven, CAUTION CARDINAL, MAN O ROSE, Narizon, Timty
Stay Thirsty
Arizona Davin, Court Snort, Here’s the Thing, I’m a Bad Boy, Im Still Thirsty,
IN THE AIR TONIGHT, Its Five Somewhere, Karaoke Hero, Last Call London, Pack Plays, Tapatio Leo, Thirsty in Vegas, Thirsty Mama, Thirsty Moe
Street George
McGeorge
Sway Away
LET HIM BE, MASSIVE ROAR
Tamarando
Lobdell Lake
Tannersmyman
El Chavo Del Ocho
Time to Get Even
Even Pandura
Tiz a Minister
Tizzy Twister
Tizbud
Emerald Sea
Tom’s Tribute
Disko Tribute, Speedy Tom, TOM’S REGRET, VIVACIOUS TRIBUTE
Tough Sunday
SHEA BRENNAN, SPEEDY WILSON
Typhoon Slew
Lady Cyclone, Trailers Bull Pen
U S Ranger
KONA SKYE
Uh Oh Bango
Bango Gal, First Call, MR NAVIGATOR, Sarah’s Big Bang, Top of the Rock
Unionize
MISS UNION
Uptown Rythem
BABY GOT RHYTHM
Vronsky
CLOVISCONNECTION, Dubronsky, Super Annie, THE CHOSEN VRON
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
CALIFORNIA-FOALED STAKES HORSES OF 2024
An alphabetical listing of all the California-foaled stakes winners and stakes-placed runners in North America during 2024.
Accidental Genius, 2022 ch. g. by I’ll Have Another—Radish
3rd Bay Meadows Juvenile S.
Airkita, 2019 b. m. by Air Force Blue— Fancy Fusaichi
3rd Don Hooker Jenck Memorial S. Aligato, 2017 ch. g. by Kitten’s Joy— Pretty Hard
3rd Unusual Heat Turf Classic S. Presented by City National Bank
ALOTALUCK, 2021 dk.b. or br. g. by Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Colinda Dawn
Won Mine That Bird Derby
2nd Riley Allison Derby, Sunland Park Derby [G3]
ANOTHERFORBROOKS, 2020 gr/ro. g. by I’ll Have Another—Dressed to a T
Won JR Malouff Marathon S.
2nd Billy Powell Claiming S. Asada Fries, 2021 ch. f. by Clubhouse Ride—Salty Fries
2nd Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks
BABY GOT RHYTHM, 2021 ch. f. by Uptown Rythem—It’sallyoursbaby
Won Clasico Diamante [G1]
2nd Clasico Esmeralda [G1]
3rd Clasico Olina
Baby Waylon, 2021 ch. c. by Clubhouse Ride—Ju Ju Baby
2nd Robert Dupret Derby
BARBIERE, 2017 ch. g. by Last Draw— Creme Rinse
Won Cam-Plex S.
2nd Jack Greer Memorial S.
3rd Au Revoir H., Richard Dick Tate Memorial S.
Barely Funtional, 2020 ch. g. by Mrazek—Walkingonadream
2nd Crystal Water S. BET ON DAD, 2019 b. g. by Dads Caps—Hanselina
Won George and Mavis Morely Memorial S.
BIG CITY LIGHTS, 2019 dk.b. or br. h. by Mr. Big—Champagne Exchange
Won Cary Grant S., Palos Verdes S. [G3]
3rd Pat O’Brien S. [G2], Triple Bend S. [G2]
BIG POND, 2020 b. f. by Mr. Big—Beside Still Water
Won Spring Fever S.
2nd Vagrancy S. [G3]
Big Soiree, 2022 gr/ro. f. by Mr. Big— Silver Soiree
3rd Golden Gate Debutante S.
Big Stretch, 2018 b. m. by Mr. Big— Baby Zito
3rd Coral Prospect Overnight S., Escape Clause S., Manitoba Matron S.
Big Summer, 2018 b. m. by Mr. Big— Ultimate Summer
2nd Betty Grable S., California Distaff H.
Blevys Tiger, 2021 b. f. by Smiling Tiger—Recoiling
3rd Governor’s Cup S.
BLUEGRASS FAITH, 2017 dk.b. or br. g. by Bluegrass Cat—Faith Colleen Won Derby Club Sprint S., Parker Speed H.
BODACIOUS, 2022 dk.b. or br. c. by Smokem—My Love Magnet
Won I’m Smokin S.
Boss Sully, 2020 ch. g. by Street Boss— Eternally
3rd Stormy Liberal S.
Bossy Crown, 2022 b. f. by Phantom Boss—Love Dare
2nd Clasico Debutantes [G3]
Bottle Caps, 2022 dk.b. or br. g. by Dads Caps—Awesome Forever
2nd Wyoming Downs Thoroughbred Futurity
Bound for Heaven, 2022 ch. f. by Stanford—Run for Retts
2nd Osiris S.
Brickyard Ride, 2017 ch. h. by Clubhouse Ride—Brickyard Helen
2nd Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint S.
Buck Owens, 2020 gr/ro. g. by Grazen—Carrie Rose
2nd Derby Club Sprint S., Hasta La Vista S., John Schiffer Memorial S. 3rd Inaugural H.
Califias Spirit, 2021 dk.b. or br. c. by Daddy Nose Best—Indy’s Lovey Dovey
2nd EISF Thoroughbred Derby
Carmelita’s Man, 2017 ch. g. by Mucho Macho Man—Carmelita
2nd Unusual Heat Turf Classic S. Presented by City National Bank
Case Hit, 2022 b. g. by Frosted—Stunning Ghost
2nd Graduation S. Cayucos, 2022 b. f. by Omaha Beach— My Due Process
3rd Generous Portion S.
CHANCERY WAY, 2019 b. m. by Mr. Big—This Means War
Won Governor’s Cup S.
2nd Irish O’Brien S., Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint S. Presented by John Deere
3rd Livermore Valley S., Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks
CHIEFS LIL PEARL, 2015 dk.b. or br. m. by Bold Chieftain—Medici Pearl (GB)
Won Ralph Garcia Memorial S. CHISMOSA, 2020 dk.b. or br. f. by Clubhouse Ride—You Can Dream
Won Betty Grable S., Desert Stormer S., Las Flores S. [G3]
2nd Rancho Bernardo H. [G3], Santa Monica S. [G2]
3rd Irish O’Brien S., Mizdirection S. CHRISTINE’S JACK, 2016 b. g. by Musketier (GER)—Kissamee Glitter
Won Open S.
2nd Millarville Derby, Prince S.
3rd B Cup Three Year Old and Up Classic S., Golden Triangle Thoroughbred S., Spring Overnite Sprint S. Class Compounds, 2019 b. g. by Jeranimo—Reality W ith Class
2nd Thoroughbred Maiden S. CLOVISCONNECTION, 2020 ch. g. by Vronsky—La Darling
Won Harris Farms S., Oak Tree Sprint S., Oakland S.
2nd Longacres Mile S. Presented by the National Thoroughbred League
3rd Sensational Star S. Clubhouse Bride, 2021 b. f. by Clubhouse Ride—Lets Get Frisky
3rd Evening Jewel S. Coalinga Road, 2017 b. g. by Quality Road—Coco Ecolo
2nd Bull Dog S.
3rd E.B. Johnston S. CONNIE SWINGLE, 2019 gr/ro. m. by Grazen—Sky Marni
Won Daisycutter H.
Cor nelia Fort, 2020 b. f. by Grazen— An Unusual Group
3rd Fran’s Valentine S. Court Snort, 2020 b. f. by Stay Thirsty—Frysland
3rd Solana Beach S. Crusher, 2021 b. g. by Sir Prancealot (IRE)—L’Ecriture (GB)
3rd Thoroughbred Maiden S. CURLIN’S KAOS, 2021 ch. g. by Clubhouse Ride—It’s Vengeance Won Real Good Deal S.
3rd Los Alamitos Derby
Daddysruby, 2020 gr/ro. f. by Frac Daddy—Youtheprizeandi
2nd Great Lady M S. [G2], Matron S. 3rd Spring Fever S. Dads Estrella, 2020 b. f. by Dads Caps—La Strada
2nd ATBA Sales S.
Daffodil Sweet, 2017 b. m. by Ministers Wild Cat—Easy On My Heart
2nd Washington State Legislators S. Disko Tribute, 2019 dk.b. or br. g. by Tom’s Tribute—Disko Dasko (FR)
2nd Harris Farms S.
Don’t Ask, 2018 ch. g. by Lakerville— Don’t Despair
2nd Good Old Boys S. Dont Fight the Fed, 2020 b. c. by Nyquist—Taffeta
2nd E.B. Johnston S.
3rd Bertrando S.
Dontim, 2020 dk.b. or br. g. by Bold Chieftain—Lady Vogue
3rd Norm Goeringer Memorial S.
DROP UM, 2022 dk.b. or br. c. by Far From Over—Behavioral
Won Everett Nevin S.
2nd Bay Meadows Juvenile S.
Druidic, 2020 dk.b. or br. g. by Boisterous—Shared Image
2nd C. J. Hindley Humboldt County Marathon H.
Dubronsky, 2017 ch. g. by Vronsky— Moonlight Tizzy
3rd Billy Powell Claiming S.
DULY NOTED, 2021 ch. f. by Grazen— Fragrant Harbor
Won Livermore Valley S.
El Chavo Del Ocho, 2015 b. g. by Tannersmyman—My Sis Liz
2nd Roger and Barbara Hanson Memorial S.
3rd EISF Thoroughbred Dash S. EL CHUMELITO, 2016 b. g. by Richard’s Kid—Dancingattheapollo
Won Art Smith Memorial S.
Even Pandura, 2018 dk.b. or br. m. by Time to Get Even—Pandura
3rd Canada S.
Fast Buck, 2018 dk.b. or br. g. by Gallant Son—Zorra Roja
2nd California Flag H.
FATHER O’FLAHERTY, 2018 gr/ro. g. by Grazen—Heat the Rocks
Won B Cup Three Year Old and Up Classic S.
2nd J.D.A. Raceway S., Open S.
Flashin Aces, 2020 dk.b. or br. r. by Danzing Candy—Sweet Dreamin
2nd Marathon Series S.
Forest Echo, 2019 ch. g. by Curlin to Mischief—Forestry’s Delight
2nd Dick Wasia Memorial S.
Forgotten Vows, 2019 ch. g. by Misremembered—Courtly Vow
3rd Marathon Series Leg 1 S. Geezer, 2020 dk.b. or br. g. by Merit Man—Pat Olcott
3rd Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint S.
Good With People, 2018 dk.b. or br. g. by Curlin to Mischief—Gator Prowl
2nd Ft. Bliss S.
GRAND SLAM SMILE, 2021 ch. f. by Smiling Tiger—Royal Grand Slam
Won California Distaff H., Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks, Melair S.
2nd Fleet Treat S., Livermore Valley S.
3rd Torrey Pines S. [G3]
Grateful My Love, 2022 b. f. by Danzing Candy—Miss Georgie Gal
2nd Golden State Juvenile Fillies S.
GREASE MISSLE, 2021 ch. f. by Clubhouse Ride—Midnighthush
Won ATBA Three Year Old Sales S., Princess Of Palms S.
HAYNESPUN, 2018 ch. m. by Haynesfield—Spinning Steel
Won Liz Byrd S.
2nd Parke Edwards Memorial Princess S.
3rd Nellie Tayloe Ross S.
Helen’s Sun, 2021 b. g. by Goldencents—Miss Rebound
2nd Amtote Open Derby
Hey Jasper, 2019 b. g. by Curlin to Mischief—Princess Amelie
3rd Sprint Series Leg One S. HEY JESSIE, 2022 gr/ro. f. by Grazen— Bea’s Cee
Won Soviet Problem S.
HOT GIRL WALK, 2022 b. f. by Bodexpress—Awesome Mama
Won Generous Portion S.
I’m a Bad Boy, 2022 dk.b. or br. g. by Stay Thirsty—Donita’s Ruler
2nd King Glorious S.
3rd Graduation S.
Im Still Thirsty, 2019 gr/ro. g. by Stay Thirsty—My Scarlett
2nd Woodward Memorial S.
3rd Cam-Plex S., Derby Club Sprint S. IN THE AIR TONIGHT, 2022 dk.b. or br. f. by Stay Thirsty—Angel Allie
Won California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association S.
2nd Generous Portion S., Soviet Problem S.
3rd Golden State Juvenile Fillies S. Irish Wahine, 2019 gr/ro. m. by Grazen—Irish Winnie
2nd Chillingworth S. [G3]
Its Five Somewhere, 2016 dk.b. or br.
g. by Stay Thirsty—Silk Or Satin
3rd Slim W illiams Memorial S. J Dutton, 2021 b. g. by Smiling Tiger— Cat Five’ O 2nd Canadian Derby [G3]
3rd British Columbia Derby [G3]
JASMINE CHIEFTAIN, 2018 dk.b. or br. m. by Bold Chieftain—Deputy Miss Won B Cup Fillies and Mares S., Distaff Series S., Farewell Fillies and Mares S
2nd Fillies and Mares Spring Sprint S. 3rd Distaff Series S., Distaff Series Leg 3 S., Fillies and Mares Spring Sprint S.
Jessebear, 2019 ch. m. by Misremembered—Cagey Girl
2nd Bart Heller S.
JOHNNY PODRES, 2017 ch. g. by Grazen—Malibu Holiday
Won Sensational Star S., Siren Lure S. 2nd Green Flash H. [G3]
Karaoke Hero, 2022 dk.b. or br. g. by Stay Thirsty—No Tunes
3rd Manzano S.
KEEP MOVIN’ ON, 2021 b. g. by Sir Prancealot (IRE)—My Due Process
Won Robert Dupret Derby
KINGS RIVER KNIGHT, 2018 b. g. by Acclamation—Seasontoperfection
Won Crystal Water S., Unusual Heat Turf Classic S. Presented by City National Bank
KONA SKYE, 2017 b. g. by U S Ranger—Squeeze Me Tight
Won Exacta S., Hasta La V ista S., John Schiffer Memorial S.
Last Call London, 2021 b. g. by Stay Thirsty—Zo Lo’s Lov 2nd Turf Paradise Derby
3rd California Chrome Cal Cup Derby
Liberty Forever, 2019 b. g. by Dixie Chatter—Back Seat Roll
2nd Budweiser Special S. Lighted Vessel, 2021 ch. g. by Gig Harbor—Church Avenue
3rd Sweetwater TB Derby
Lmlooknfor mischief, 2019 b. g. by Curlin to Mischief—Just Lookn Again
3rd Oak Tree Sprint S.
Loretta Lynn, 2021 b. f. by Grazen— Sunday Rules
3rd Melair S.
LOUD FUSAICHI, 2019 dk.b. or br. m. by Boisterous—Silent Fusaichi
Won Distaff Series Leg 3 S.
2nd B Cup Fillies and Mares Sprint S., Distaff Series S., Distaff Series S., Paint the Park Purple S.
Lovesick Blues, 2018 gr/ro. g. by Grazen—Queenofhercastle
2nd Bertrando S., Sensational Star S. Madison Rae, 2021 gr/ro. f. by Pavel— Taffeta
3rd Arizona Oaks
MAGIC TIGER, 2018 ch. g. by Smiling Tiger—Funny Gal
Won Gold Cup S.
Majestic Oops, 2020 b. f. by Majestic Harbor—Miss Oops
2nd Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff H., Northlands Distaff H.
MALA, 2022 ch. c. by Union Rags— Witchy One
Won Bay Meadows Juvenile S.
MAN O ROSE, 2020 b. g. by Stanford—Kathleen Rose
Won E.B. Johnston S.
2nd Cary Grant S.
Many Ambitions, 2019 b. g. by Many Rivers—Ambitoness
2nd Jim and Saundra Evans
Memorial S.
Maybe Sometime, 2018 ch. g. by Desert Code—Toomanytomorrows
3rd Farewell S.
McGeorge, 2018 ch. g. by Street George—McBoomer
3rd White Pine Racing and Elko S. Melanie’s Tiger, 2021 dk.b. or br. g. by Smiling Tiger—Melanie Rose
3rd Harris Farms S.
MICI’S EXPRESS, 2021 b. c. by Slew’s Tiznow—Harlan Express
Won California Chrome Cal Cup Derby
Minister of Soul, 2014 ch. g. by Ministers Wild Cat—Sensitive Soul
3rd KLAQ H.
MISS UNION, 2019 ch. m. by Unionize— Rachels Belle
Won Jeff & Jack Coady, Sr. Overnight S. 2nd Emerald Downs S.
MOMENT’S PLEASURE, 2021 ch. f. by Clubhouse Ride—Lamazone
Won Solana Beach S.
2nd Fran’s Valentine S.
Moose Mitchell, 2019 b. g. by Danzing Candy—Sunrise Avenue
3rd Cary Grant S., Thor’s Echo S.
MR. STANG, 2018 dk.b. or br. g. by Atta Boy Roy—Special Holiday
Won Free Press S. 2nd Rangatira S.
My Man Biggie, 2020 dk.b. or br. g. by Mr. Big—Twin Spirit
3rd Butch Gleason Classic S. Narizon, 2022 dk.b. or br. g. by Stanford—Zakar
3rd Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity
NONE ABOVE THE LAW, 2018 gr/ ro. g. by Karakontie (JPN)—Legally Blanca
Won Bertrando S.
3rd California Dreamin’ S., California Flag H.
Northern Quest, 2017 ch. g. by Northern Causeway—Pointed Question
2nd JR Malouff Marathon S.
3rd Con Jackson Claiming S. Old Pal, 2020 ch. g. by Grazen—Athina Lee
3rd Crystal Water S. ON THE WHIM, 2020 b. g. by Acclamation—Whimsy
Won California Dreamin’ S., California Flag H.
ONLY ONE AMERICA, 2021 b. f. by Marking—That’s the Idea
Won Island Fashion S. Oops and Downs, 2021 b. f. by Majestic Harbor—Miss Oops
3rd Chariot Chaser H., Sonoma H.
Pack Plays, 2021 dk.b. or br. c. by Stay Thirsty—Standard Deal
3rd Christopher Armond Sprint [G1] Pops Awesome, 2019 b. g. by Dads Caps—Watusi
3rd Parker Speed H.
Princesa Del Tigre, 2020 ch. f. by Smiling Tiger—Corazon de Leo
3rd She’s A Tiger S. PRINCIPE CARLO, 2016 dk.b. or br. h. by Coil—Princess Ezra (GB)
Won Hank Mills Sr. S.
Proof He Rides, 2018 b. g. by Idiot Proof—Ride the World
2nd California Dreamin’ S. Pure Madness, 2021 b. c. by Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Pure
2nd Real Good Deal S. PUSHINESS, 2021 b. f. by Kantharos— Imperial Pippin
Won Fleet Treat S.
3rd Betty Grable S. Raspberry Wine, 2021 ch. f. by Cat Burglar—Given Star
2nd Rod Galloway Thoroughbred Derby
3rd Borderplex S. Regal Patriot, 2020 dk.b. or br. g. by Jersey Town—Look to the Sky
3rd Oakland S.
ROBERTA’S LOVE, 2021 ch. f. by Collected—West Coast Gal
Won Evening Jewel S. ROSE MADDOX, 2019 gr/ro. m. by Grazen—Heat the Rocks
Won Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint S. Presented by John Deere
2nd Solana Beach S. Safa, 2021 ch. f. by Grazen—Hadarra 2nd Evening Jewel S., Melair S. 3rd Fleet Treat S. Sawasdee, 2018 ch. g. by Desert Code—Scary Fast
2nd Thor’s Echo S. Scary Fast Ride, 2019 ch. m. by Clubhouse Ride—Scary Fast
2nd Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks, Spring Fever S.
See Through It, 2017 dk.b. or br. g. by Curlin to Mischief—Crystal House
3rd Palos Verdes S. [G3], Santa Anita Sprint Championship S. presented by Estre lla Jalisco [G2]
SHADY TIGER, 2021 b. g. by Smiling Tiger—Divine Legacy
Won Echo Eddie S., Snow Chief S.
presented by City National Bank
3rd Real Good Deal S.
SHARP WARNING, 2017 ch. g. by Elusive Warning—Swiss Please Won Prince S.
SHEA BRENNAN, 2022 ch. c. by Tough Sunday—Carrie Rose
Won King Glorious S.
3rd Golden State Juvenile S., I’m Smokin S.
SHEZA DELIGHT, 2018 ch. m. by Gig Harbor—Forestry’s Delight
Won Micki Lee Memorial S.
SHINING TIGER, 2021 ch. g. by Smiling Tiger—Brooke’s Halo
Won Grande Prairie Derby, Amtote Open Derby
SHOT OF A LIFETIME, 2015 ch. g. by Many Rivers—Penuche Royale
Won Slim W illiams Memorial S.
2nd Prineville OHBPA S.
SI THAT TIGER, 2022 ch. c. by Smiling Tiger—Ros’s Girl
Won W.T.B.O.A. Lads S.
Signora Vittoria, 2021 dk.b. or br. f. by Bernardini—Pragmatic Princess
2nd Washington Oaks Presented by the National Thoroughbred League
Sir Laughalot, 2016 dk.b. or br. g. by Northern Afleet—Nada Joke
3rd Woodward Memorial S.
Spanish Channel, 2016 ch. m. by Gervinho—Elegant Trick
3rd Ralph Garcia Memorial S.
Speedy Tom, 2018 ch. g. by Tom’s Tribute—Speedy Cleaners (IRE)
2nd Oregon H.B.P.A. S.
SPEEDY WILSON, 2022 b. c. by Tough Sunday—Queenofhercastle
Won Golden State Juvenile S.
SPITTEN KITTEN, 2020 ch. f. by Air Force Blue—Zahrah
Won Canada S., Escape Clause S., La Verendrye S.
Starship Defiant, 2018 dk.b. or br. m. by Empire Way—Bossy Belle
3rd Correction S.
STAY AND SCAM, 2020 b. f. by Square Eddie—Puff Pastry
Won Fran’s Valentine S., Irish O’Brien S. 2nd Wilshire S. [G3]
3rd California Distaff H., Daisycutter H., Royal Heroine S. [G3], Senator Ken Maddy S., Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint S. Presented by John Deere
Stay On the Fence, 2021 b. g. by Pavel—Factor of Two
2nd Echo Eddie S.
Stolen Halo, 2019 dk.b. or br. m. by Cat Burglar—Fly Away Angel
3rd NDTA Open Filly Mare Speed S., NDTA Ladies Classic S.
Stolen Treasure, 2021 b. c. by Nyquist—Little Treasure (ITY)
2nd California Chrome Cal Cup Derby
3rd Snow Chief S. presented by City National Bank
STORMYLUX, 2021 b. f. by Sir Prancealot (IRE)—Tiz Goldilux
Won ATBA Three Year Old Sales S. Style Cat, 2022 dk.b. or br. g. by Curlin to Mischief—Kittens Trip
2nd I’m Smokin S.
SUNRISE MISCHIEF, 2021 b. g. by Curlin to Mischief—Pleasing Sunrise
Won Rod Galloway Thoroughbred Derby, Sweetwater TB Derby
3rd Exacta S.
SUNSET GRAZEN, 2022 b. f. by Grazen—Sausalito Sunset
Won Golden Gate Debutante S.
Super Annie, 2019 ch. m. by Vronsky— Perfect Annie
3rd Sue Wallis S.
Surroundedbyangels, 2021 gr/ro. g. by Smiling Tiger—Angel of Battle
2nd ATBA Three Year Old Sales Final S.
3rd Riley Allison Derby
Sushi Sticks, 2021 gr/ro. f. by Karakontie (JPN)—Renewed Energy
3rd Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks
Swift as I Am, 2018 b. g. by Danza—As I Am
2nd Elite Sprint Cup S.
Talbot Bay, 2019 b. h. by Northern Causeway—Swiss Gem
2nd Oak Tree Sprint S.
Tapatio Leo, 2020 dk.b. or br. g. by Stay Thirsty—Sweet Lips Pooh
3rd Eclipse S.
TEQUILAANDTHERAPY, 2022 ch. f. by Mrazek—Chexcess
Won Golden State Juvenile Fillies S.
3rd Soviet Problem S.
THE CHOSEN VRON, 2018 ch. g. by Vronsky—Tiz Molly
Won Bing Crosby S. [G1], Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint S., Kona Gold S., San Carlos S. presented by FanDuel TV [G3], Thor’s Echo S.
2nd Pat O’Brien S. [G2]
THIEF IN THE NIGHT, 2017 b. r. by Hidden Blessing—From the Clouds
Won EISF Thoroughbred Dash S., Jim and Saundra Evans Memorial S.
Thirsty in Vegas, 2022 dk.b. or br. f. by Stay Thirsty—Letsgotovegas
3rd California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association S.
Thirsty Mama, 2022 b. f. by Stay Thirsty—Easter Fever
2nd California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association S.
Thirsty Moe, 2021 ch. g. by Stay Thirsty—Show It N Moe It
3rd Sue Wallis Memorial Derby
Timty, 2022 b. g. by Stanford—Tribal Feathers
3rd Everett Nevin S.
Tizzy Twister, 2019 b. m. by Tiz a Minister—Hurricane Tiz
3rd Emerald Distaff S.
TOM’S REGRET, 2020 b. f. by Tom’s Tribute—Pure
Won Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks
2nd Governor’s Cup S.
3rd Desert Stormer S.
TOOLITTLETOOLATE, 2021 ch. g. by Clubhouse Ride—Jet Set Girl
Won Thoroughbred Maiden S., Great Falls Turf Club Derby
3rd Prince S.
Two by Four, 2021 b. g. by Clubhouse Ride—Sausalito Sunset
2nd Snow Chief S. presented by City National Bank
3rd Echo Eddie S.
Unusual Account, 2019 ch. g. by Capital Account—Cravin’ the Heat
2nd Marathon Series Leg 1 S.
V ictoria’s Charge, 2021 ch. f. by Ministers Wild Cat—Feel the Charge
2nd Seattle S.
Vincero Grande, 2019 dk.b. or br. m. by Mr. Big—Patsy G and Me
3rd Santa Barbara S.
Zzyzx, 2020 ch. f. by Goldencents— Margie’s Minute
2nd WPR Fillies and Mares S.
MILLIONAIRE CAL-BRED EARNERS
(US$)
1 California Chrome, 11 h by Lucky Pulpit
2 Tiznow, 97 h by Cee’s Tizzy
3 Best Pal, 88 g by Habitony (IRE)
4 Lava Man, 01 g by Slew City Slew
5 Snow Chief, 83 h by Reflected Glory
6 Bertrando, 89 h by Skywalker
7 Free House, 94 h by Smokester
8 General Challenge, 96 g by General Meeting
9 Budroyale, 93 g by Cee’s Tizzy
10 Thor’s Echo, 02 g by Swiss Yodeler
11 Nostalgia’s Star, 82 h by Nostalgia
12 Acclamation, 06 h by Unusual Heat
13 Amazombie, 06 g by Northern Afleet
14 Native Desert, 93 g by Desert Classic
15 Flying Continental, 86 h by Flying Paster
16 Big Jag, 93 g by Kleven
17 Grey Memo, 97 h by Memo (CHI)
18 Proud Tower Too, 02 h by Proud Irish
19 The Chosen Vron, 18 g by Vronsky
20 Bold Chieftain, 03 h by Chief Seattle
21 Brother Derek, 03 h by Benchmark
22 The Usual Q. T., 06 g by Unusual Heat
23 McCann’s Mojave, 00 h by Memo (CHI)
$14,752,650
$6,427,830
$5,668,245
$5,268,706
$3,383,210
$3,185,610
$3,178,971
$2,877,178
$2,840,810
$2,461,490
$2,154,827
$1,958,048
$1,920,378
$1,828,177
$1,815,938
$1,800,329
$1,736,683
$1,735,572
$1,709,678
$1,683,181
$1,611,138
$1,531,240
$1,513,565
24 Dancing in Silks, 05 g by Black Minnaloushe $1,500,401
25 Ashleyluvssugar, 11 g by Game Plan
$1,488,083
26 Super Diamond, 80 g by Pass the Glass $1,469,233
27 Men’s Exclusive, 93 g by Exclusive Ribot $1,451,126
28 Moscow Burning, 00 m by Moscow Ballet $1,417,800
29 Continental Red, 96 g by Flying Continental $1,383,788
30 Fran’s Valentine, 82 m by Saros (GB) $1,375,465
31 Unusual Suspect, 04 h by Unusual Heat $1,361,522
32 Alert Bay, 11 g by City Zip $1,342,813
33 Brown Bess, 82 m by Petrone $1,300,920
34 Idiot Proof, 04 h by Benchmark $1,294,484
35 California Flag, 04 g by Avenue of Flags $1,288,825
36 Silveyville, 78 h by Petrone
37 Slow Down Andy, 19 c by Nyquist $1,276,600
Dream of Summer, 99 m by Siberian Summer $1,191,150
King Glorious, 86 h by Naevus
(STATISTICS THRU FEB. 17, 2025) Bold face indicates active runners Indicates female runners Name
Lazy Slusan, 95 m by Slewvescent $1,150,410
52 Valentine Dancer, 00 m by In Excess (IRE) $1,144,126
53 Richter Scale, 94 h by Habitony $1,139,958
54 Somethinaboutlaura, 02 m by Dance Floor $1,129,365
55 Flying Paster, 76 h by Gummo $1,127,460
56 Sky Jack, 96 g by Jaklin Klugman $1,115,127
57 Excessivepleasure, 00 g by In Excess (IRE) $1,081,615
58 Greg’s Gold, 01 g by Lake George $1,067,923
59 Megan’s Interco, 89 g by Interco $1,062,465
60 Echo Eddie, 97 g by Restless Con $1,044,354
61 Fali Time, 81 h by Faliraki (IRE) $1,033,179
62 Native Diver, 59 g by Imbros $1,026,500
63 Soi Phet, 08 g by Tizbud $1,023,917
64 Cost of Freedom, 03 g by Cee’s Tizzy $1,018,799
65 Halo Dolly, 08 m by Popular $1,016,466
66 Ultra Blend, 06 m by Richly Blended $1,015,646
67 Letthebighossroll, 88 g by Flying Paster $1,014,377
68 Richard’s Boy, 12 g by Idiot Proof $1,011,872
69 Closing Remarks, 18 m by Vronsky $1,000,320
2025 LEADING BREEDERS IN CALIFORNIA BY EARNINGS
Leading California Sires Lists
2025 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS PER RUNNER
1 Jersey Town, 2006, by Speightstown
2 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark
3 Mrazek, 2013, by Square
4 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando
5 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy
6 Conquest Farenheit, 2014, by Scat Daddy
7 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon
8 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)
9 Ministers Wild Cat, 2000, by Deputy Minister
10 Passion for Gold, 2007, by Medaglia d’Oro
12
13
16
2025 LEADING TURF SIRES IN CALIFORNIA
1 Grazen, 2006,
2 Sir Prancealot (IRE),
3 I’ll Have Another,
4 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon
5 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy
6 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)
7 Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig
8 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando
9 Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat
10 Om, 2012, by Munnings
11 Curlin to Mischief, 2011,
13
2025 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY MONEY WON
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
Fri, Jul 25
Fri, Aug 1
Sat, Aug 2
Sun, Aug 3
Fri, Aug 8
Sun, Aug 17
Mon, Sep 1
Fri, Sep 5
September October
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
F
1/2
$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
2025 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA
1 Grazen, 2006,
2
3 Danzing Candy,
4 Curlin to Mischief,
5
6
7
8
9 Tom’s Tribute,
11
12
13
14
15 Southern
16
2025 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS PER START
1 Grazen,
4
5 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando
6 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer
7 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)
8 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon
9 Conquest Farenheit, 2014, by Scat Daddy
10 Ministers Wild Cat,
11
12 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause
14
15
16
2025 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF WINNERS
7 Catholic Boy, 2015, by More Than Ready
Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile
2025 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF RACES WON
Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer
Jersey Town, 2006, by Speightstown
Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando
Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger
Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin
Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song
17 Ministers Wild Cat, 2000, by Deputy Minister
Conquest Farenheit, 2014, by Scat Daddy
Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor
Way, 2009, by Empire Maker
Rousing Sermon, 2009, by Lucky Pulpit
2025 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 Bluegrass Cat, 2003, by Storm Cat
5 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini
6 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)
7 Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor
8 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley
9 Straight Fire, 2014,
12
18 Misremembered, 2006, by Candy Ride (ARG) 11
19 James Street, 2007, by El Prado (IRE)
20 Passion for Gold, 2007, by Medaglia d’Oro 5
Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid
Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando 6
23 Desert Code, 2004, by E Dubai 13 15 192
Slew’s Tiznow, 2005, by Tiznow
25 Danzing Candy, 2013, by Twirling Candy
26 Anthony’s
45
49
2011, by Curlin
50 Boat Trip, 2009, by Harlan’s Holiday
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 Oct. 30-Nov. 30
Los Alamitos Race Course, Los Alamitos Dec. 3-16
2025 REGIONAL SALE DATES
SEPTEMBER 23
FASIG-TIPTON FALL YEARLINGS & HORSES OF RACING AGE
POMONA, CALIF. (ENTRIES CLOSE JULY 7)
California-Bred/California-Sired STAKES RACES
March – May
SANTA ANITA
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)
SATURDAY, APRIL 5
$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
MARCH / APRIL 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
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