Aprilmayfloridahorse2015 by Florida Equine Publications

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A six race series, plus 2-year-old and up supplementals

2-Year-Old Payment $250 by Jan 15 Yearling Payment $250 by May 15

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

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APRIL/MAY • 2015 • VOL 58/ISSUE 4

FEATURES 24

MARCH SUCCESS AT OBS OBS March sale of 2-Year-Olds —By Brock Sheridan

ELITE COMPANY

The 55th Annual FTBOA Florida Champions Awards Gala honored the 2014 Florida Thoroughbred industry's best of the best. —By JoAnn Guidry

FLORIDA DERBY

DIEM’S DERBY

EL KABEIR’S YEAR?

Familiar route for trainer Todd Pletcher —By Brock Sheridan OBS graduate Carpe Diem captures the Tampa Bay Derby in 2015 debut—By Brock Sheridan —By Mike Mullaney

ROCK THE OLDSMAR Revenge is sweet for Quality Rocks —By Brock Sheridan

ONE HOT GENTLEMAN Florida-bred Gentlemen’s Bet sprints

ADENA SPRINGS Adena Springs embraces Florida breeding industry —By Mike Mullaney

64 70 74 90

to win in Hot Springs Stakes at Oaklawn park —By Mike Mullaney

PLEASANT ACRES Joe & Helen Barbazon’s Pleasant Acres farm —By Brock Sheridan

RISING TO THE TOP Ocala consignors top inaugural Fasig-Tipton Sale at Gulfstream —By Patrick Vinzant

LATIN PRESENCE Florida’s breeding region a gateway for South America —By Ben Baugh

10 UNORDINARY QUESTIONS With Allison De Luca, Racing Secretary at Tampa Bay Downs —By Brock Sheridan

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 6 8 62 92 96 101 COVER PHOTO OF OBS MARCH SALE TOPPER: LOUISE REINAGEL CONTENTS PHOTO OF QUALITY ROCKS: SV PHOTOGRAPHY

4 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

102 104 106

THE BROCK TALK FLORIDA FOCUS

FTBOA MEMBER UPDATE —By Tammy A. Gantt

FTBOA GALA PHOTO SPREADS —Photos by L. DiMarco

AROUND THE COUNTRY Country-wide Florida-bred statistics NATIONAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Proposed Changes to Pari-Mutuel Wagering Regulations

DOWN MEMORY LANE: 1982 —By JoAnne Guidry

FARM MANAGEMENT —By Jamie Cohen NTRA NUGGETS —By Alex Waldrop

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801 SW 60th Avenue Fax: (352) 867-1979 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR-INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ART DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PRODUCTION PRINT TECH OPERATIONS & FACILITIES CEO & PUBLISHER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Ocala, Florida 34474 • (352) 732-8858 www.ftboa.com Brock Sheridan Mike Mullaney Tammy A. Gantt John D. Filer Antoinette Griseta Emily Mills, Nancy Moffatt Jeff Powell LONNY TAYLOR POWELL CAROLINE T. DAVIS PATRICK VINZANT Florida Equine Communications, Inc. (A corporation owned by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

© THE FLORIDA HORSE (ISSN 0090-967X) is published monthly except July by THE FLORIDA HORSE, INC., 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474, including the annual Statistical Review in February. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Florida Equine Communications or the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Publication of any material originating herein is expressly forbidden without first obtaining written permission from THE FLORIDA HORSE©.

Executive Office–801 SW 60th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34474 GEORGE RUSSELL, PRESIDENT/BOARD CHAIRMAN BRENT FERNUNG, 1ST VICE PRESIDENT PHIL MATTHEWS, 2ND VICE PRESIDENT JOSEPH M. O’FARRELL III, SECRETARY FRED BREI, TREASURER Statistics in the publication relating to results of racing in North America are compiled from data generated by Daily Racing Form, Equibase, Bloodstock Research Information Services, and The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc., the copyright owners of said data. Reproduction is prohibited. Advertising copy deadline 5th of month preceding publication. Subscriptions and change of address: Please mail to – Circulations Department. THE FLORIDA HORSE, 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474. Printed by PANAPRINT

AMERICAN HORSE PUBLICATIONS • FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION • MEMBER BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FIRST VICE PRESIDENT SECOND VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER DIRECTORS

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/ ASSISTANT TREASURER ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT/ BUSINESS & OPERATIONS MANAGER ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT/ MEMBER SERVICES & EVENTS DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/ ASSISTANT SECRETARY MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & EVENTS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AWARDS, REGISTRATIONS & PAYMENTS

George Russell Lonny Taylor Powell Brent Fernung Phil Matthews Joseph M. O’Farrell III Fred Brei Joe Barbazon, Barry Berkelhammer, Gilbert Campbell, George Isaacs, Milan Kosanovich, Roy Lerman, Diane Parks, Jessica Steinbrenner, Charlotte C. Weber, Greg Wheeler Caroline T. Davis Patrick Vinzant Tammy A. Gantt Becky Robinson Sally Moehring Sheila Budden THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 5

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the Brock talk

Remembering Brock Sheridan

Editor-in-Chief Florida Equine Publications

JOHN D. FILER PHOTO

Allen Jerkens H

all of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens passed away Mar. 18 in Aventura, Fla., after being hospitalized with a chronic infection for several weeks. He was 85. Born, April 21, 1929, Jerkens grew up on Long Island, N.Y., as the son of a riding academy owner and began training thoroughbreds in 1950. He won his first race with Populace at Aqueduct on July 4 of that year and in 1962, Jerkens began a long association with financier Jack Dreyfus Jr. as he began training for his Hobeau Farm, which was located in Ocala, Fla. Known as “The Giant Killer” for his many famous upsets of high profile champions, Jerkens much preferred to be called “The Chief ” around his barn. Jerkens and Dreyfus first became nationally prominent with Hobeau Farm homebred Beau Purple, who defeated five-time Horse of the Year Kelso three times—taking the 1962 Man o’ War, 1962 Suburban and 1963 Widener. They also teamed up to derail champion Buckpasser in the 1967 Brooklyn Handicap with Floridabred Handsome Boy before taking “winning as an underdog” to an entirely different level in 1973.

Writers Association in 2001. Ironically, however, Jerkens’ first champion would come years after Beau Purple, Handsome Boy, Onion and Prove Out as Sky Beauty earned the Eclipse Award as the champion older female in 1994. Perhaps his last epic upset came in 1998 when he defeated Florida’s all-time leading money earner and Horse of the Year Skip Away with Wagon Limit, giving Jerkens his third Jockey Club Gold Cup. And while those are the most remembered, other greats that fell to the hands of Jerkens include three- time Horse of the Year Forego, who lost to Florida-bred Step Nicely in the 1973 Suburban; champion Numbered Account, who lost to Florida-bred Blessing Angelica in the 1972 Delaware Handicap; Summer Guest and Numbered Account again with Poker Night in the 1973 Bed ‘o Roses Handicap; and Wajima, who lost to Group Plan in the 1975 Jockey Club Gold Cup. In 1975 at age 45, Jerkens became the youngest thoroughbred trainer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, a mark that would stand until 1988 when Bill Mott was inducted into the Hall only a few months younger. Last summer, he was also honored at Saratoga in only the second “Red Jacket Ceremony” at the New York track along with trainer D. Wayne Lukas and race caller Tom Durkin. Just three days after his passing, his former trainee Classic Point took the Inside Information Stakes with son Jimmy Jerkens saddling. More on this day is chronicled in the Florida Focus section of this issue on page 14. Jerkens’ son Steven is also a trainer. The last known interview with Jerkens was conducted by our Reg Lansberry and appeared in the February, 2015 issue of The Florida Horse along with the only known, published photo of Jerkens in his Red Jacket, taken by Liz Lamont. We were fortunate and proud to have featured Mr. Jerkens, just as the thoroughbred racing industry was fortunate to have H. Allen Jerkens as one of our stars. Godspeed Chief. ■

“We were fortunate and proud to have featured Mr. Jerkens, just as the thoroughbred racing industry was fortunate to have H. Allen Jerkens as one of our stars.” That is when Hobeau’s Florida homebred Onion defeated the legendary Triple Crown winner and multiple Horse of the Year Secretariat in the Whitney Handicap (G2), which was only a preface to yet a bigger upset. Dreyfus and Jerkens again took down Secretariat with Prove Out in the 1973 Woodward (G1). Prove Out then went on to defeat Secretariat’s stablemate, 1972 Kentucky Derby winner and 1973 Champion Older Horse Riva Ridge in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). That year, Jerkens earned an Eclipse Award as outstanding trainer. He was also voted outstanding trainer five times by the New York Turf Writers Association and was presented the Mr. Fitz Award by the National Turf 6 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

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Florida FOCUS by Mike Mullaney

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Florida-bred Parranda

Miles barely detail the journey of Parranda, the Florida-bred racemare who: as a juvenile was purchased for $13,000 out of the 2011 OBS sale; paid off at 67-1 after beating $35,000 maidens at Gulfstream in her career debut; won stakes in South Florida and Southern California; was purchased at Keeneland’s November sale for $800,000, and who, on Feb. 22, became a millionaire when she won the $2.24 million (U.S.) CECF Singapore Cup at Kranji Race Course. Bred in Marion County by Kinsman Farm, Parranda is a chestnut daughter of English Channel – Dynamic Feature, by Rahy. She was initially trained in South Florida by Rodolfo Garcia, who sent her out to win the Our Dear Peggy at Calder and the Millions Filly and Mare Preview, the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf and the Grade 3 Suwannee River at Gulfstream. Following a sixth in the Honey Fox, she was purchased by a group that included Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and sent west. The trip

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8 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

agreed with her, and it was with Hollendorfer that she won the Wilshire (G3) and Royal Heroine (G2) while becoming a fixture, and a force, in all grass-course graded events for older fillies and mares in Southern California. After the Keeneland sale, her new owners, the China Horse Club, announced that its focus fell squarely on the 1,800-meter Singapore Cup, a race for males as well as females, which had its first running Sunday. In preparation for that event, Parranda was handed over to Christophe Clement. “She’s a very classy mare,” Clement said. “I wish I had her a year ago. When she trains, when she works, she just looks like a classy horse.” Clement was so impressed with her talent and so pleased with her morning efforts that he decided to run her Jan. 10 in the Grade 3, $150,000 Marshua’s River before going to Singapore. A good call: She easily won the Marshua’s River by three lengths. Lobbied by his son Miguel, Clement gave the mount in the Singapore Cup to Belgian star jockey Christophe Soumillon. A stalking second until roused in the upper stretch, the 6-year-old mare picked off the front-running French-bred Summer Surprice on command, withstood a short-lived challenge from Ming Zhi Cosmos, spurted off again and finished a comfortable 2¼ lengths ahead of runner-up Zuzuland, who nosed Ming Zhi Cosmos for third. Thomas Brandebourger, who saddled Parranda for Clement, said, “The other mare came to challenge but our mare is tough and very genuine, and she kept straight at it all the way to the wire.” Parranda carried 125 pounds, spotting the Australian-bred Zuzuland five pounds and the French-bred Ming Zhi Cosmos, who is trained by Clement’s brother, Nicolas, two pounds. Parranda got the dis- Florida-bred C. Zee tance in 1:48.53.

Soumillon said after his first ride on Parranda, “I’m not surprised she won. We had a dream run right through the race. She jumped quite quickly from her gate and we were able to land in a good position. “She was very relaxed. I thought someone would give us a hard time, but she was able to come out and go after the leader who was weakening when we turned for home. She then just lengthened up very well. She looked around at the 100-meter mark, but she kept going all the way to the line for a very solid win.” Parranda’s career record reads 12-4-4 from 30 starts with earnings of $2,162,692. The Singapore Cup brought out a field of eight, all of whom were owned entirely or in part by the China Horse Club. The club has stated that it plans to leave Parranda in Singapore in anticipation of the May 17 Singapore Airlines International Cup at 2,000 meters, a plan that likely eliminates a berth in either the Dubai Turf or Godolphin Mile in Dubai. The club’s trainer in Singapore, Michael Freedman, will take over her training from Clement. ■

Florida-bred C. Zee Rewards Gold’s Faith You could easily get the feeling that Stanley Gold – who trains for one of Florida’s top owners/breeders, the Marion County-based

COGLIANESE PHOTO

Parranda Becomes a Millionaire in Singapore Score

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pacemaker, who had set blistering fractions of :21.96, :44.78 and :57.16 before succumbing to the winner. The final time was 1:09.92. David Hinsley trains You Bought Her, whose early career was compromised by an injury she suffered from a fall she had after clipping heels in the Grade 3 ArlingtonWashington Lassie. You Bought Her has a 6-6-5 record from 28 starts with earnings of $213,678. She returned $35.40 to her backers after giving her 23-year-old rider his first stakes victory. “This is a wonderful, hard-trying mare,” Pedroza said. “Turf, dirt, long, short, she runs her race. Mr. Hinsley told me to get her to the outside when I wanted run, so I was happy The patience of owners David and with the way the race unfolded. We were just Sharon Hinsley paid dividends, for them and three wide on the turn, and when I asked her for those who backed their 16-1 Florida-bred she really turned it on. She really wanted to You Bought Her in the Jan 21 Minaret Stakes get past the leader.” You Bought Her came into the Minaret off at Tampa Bay Downs. The $50,000, six-furlong Minaret, brought a second to Double Secret in the Lightning out a talented cast of 11 older fillies and mares. City over the Tampa turf on Jan. 24. You Bought Her, who was bred by C.L. and R.G. Delaplane and Shade, is a daughter of Graeme Hall out of Striking T, by Smart Strike. “The turf race sharpened her up for this one,” said Sharon Hinsley. “She is probably better going seven furlongs.” R Free Roll had 4 ½ lengths on third-place Florida-bred You Bought Her Puddifoot, a 27-1 chance R. Free Roll, another Florida-bred who who was third, capping an all-Florida-bred trihad earned more than $500,000 during his fecta. distinguished career, was made the evenAntonio Gallardo, who rode R Free Roll, said money favorite. of his mount, “She ran her race. She was still tryWinner of the Grade 2 Honorable Miss at ing late, but the winner just ran us down.” ■ Saratoga last year, R Free Roll grabbed the lead at the break and put away yet another talented Florida-bred, Wildcat Lily. She appeared to be home free until You Bought Her rolled up from far back. Racing ninth at the quarter pole under A pair of Floridians have become engaged Brian Pedroza, the 5-year-old You Bought Her in a heated rivalry far from home and the latrallied wide on the turn, engaged R Free Roll est installment played out Mar. 7 at Santa Anita inside the sixteenth pole and wore down the in the Grade 2, $250,000 San Carlos Stakes.

outside, he just started running and running.” The winner paid $14.20 and stopped the timer in 1:17.84. Happy My Way was easily second best, 3¼ lengths ahead of third-place Speechify. Mean Season finished last of seven and was vanned off. C. Zee is a son of Elusive Bluff out of the Distorted Humor mare Diamondaire. His record reads 14-4-5-3 with earnings of $363,902 and his previous victories include the Sir Bear and Cherokee Run last year at Gulfstream. ■

You Bought Her Tallies in Minaret

SV PHOTOGRAPHY

Jacks or Better Farms – was doing a lot of clock watching in anticipation of post time for the Grade 3, $100,000 Gulfstream Park Sprint Stakes on Feb. 21. While most pre-race analysts focused on the promise shown by Mean Season, the trap was sprung by Gold’s C. Zee, whose accomplishments, if not forgotten, had been unmentioned in the buildup to the 6½-furlong event. C. Zee’s 2¾-length victory led a Floridabred domination of the event: Fellow Floridians Happy My Way (second) and longshot Puntrooskie (fourth) also hit the board. First or second in six of seven Gulfstream starts, and graded-stakes placed last year as a 3-year-old in such major stakes sprints as the Hutcheson (G3) at Gulfstream, the Amsterdam (G2) at Saratoga and the Phoenix (G3) at Keeneland, C. Zee was dismissed almost as an afterthought at 6-1 for the GP Sprint. Weekend Hideaway broke quickest from the gate but willingly gave the lead to Happy My Way as Mean Season, off step slow, was rushed to the front tier. The first quarter belonged to Happy My Way, who tripped the timer in :22.63, but credit for the half-mile clocking of :45.11 goes to Mean Season. Happy My Way came again as Mean Season fell back and C. Zee, who had already made a few moves himself, was shifted into a different gear by jockey Edgard Zayas. Happy My Way and C. Zee came to the sixteenth pole together by the former was spent while the chase seemed to reinvigorate C. Zee, who easily drew off. A vindicated Gold said in the winner’s circle, “I knew he was capable. Look at the races he’s run and the things he’s done. He had a terrible trip last time; he was taken out of the race at the quarter-pole and by the time he recovered he was a [length] short. “I didn’t lose faith in him. [The GP Sprint] was a tough race, and he got it done.” Gold gave much of the credit to Zayas, who said, “We had a bad post position (2) and when they scratched the 1 [Prudhoe Bay] it got even worse. We decided that we had to get out of the gate fast and try to get a good position. I saved all the ground that I could, but coming into the stretch I saw Happy My Way open up a little bit. I got the opportunity to go outside a little bit and he came on strong. Once I took him

San Carlos Goes to Wild Dude

THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 9

Florida FOCUS Wild Dude, making his second start of the meeting and second since last April, turned the tables on nemesis Conquest Two Step to take the seven-furlong event in 1:21.91. Conquest Two Step had beaten Wild Dude to third when they met in the Jan. 31 Palos Verdes, a Grade 2, six-furlong test. Conquest Two Step got the jump on Wild Dude in the Palos Verdes, seizing the lead from Secret Circle near the sixteenth pole en route to his 1¼-length score. The Palos Verdes was Wild Dude’s first start since the April 12 Portero Grande (G2), in which he was nosed by the top-class Big Macher. With the Palos Verdes under his belt and some of the rust removed, Wild Dude was sharper in the San Carlos. Breaking well from the gate, he raced between horses early, took over from El Nino Terrible when asked by jockey Rafael Bejarano entering the stretch and held off

10 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

a late move by Kobe’s Back by three-quarters of a length. Conquest Two Step, favored at 4-5, made the same challenging move off the turn that worked so well for him in the Palos Verdes, but this time he was repelled and forced to settle for the show, another three-quarters of a length behind the runner-up. The fractions were :23.26, :46.11 and 1:09.79. Wild Dude was bred in Florida by Versatile Thoroughbreds and is co-owned by Green Smith and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. He is by the late Wildcat Heir out of Courtly Choice, by Doneraille Court. “I didn’t think we’d be that close early, but the horse broke real well and I’m glad Rafael went on with him,” Hollendorfer said. “He was in between horses – I was a little worried

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

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Florida-bred Wild Dude

about that – but turning for home it seemed like he still had a lot left and he opened up on them.” He paid $5.80 and increased his earnings to $494,220, winning his fifth race from 12 starts with three seconds and two thirds. There was a field of seven for the San Carlos; Conquest Two Step, ridden by Joe Talamo and assigned 123 pounds, gave each of them five pounds. ■

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OBS April Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training April 21-24 Hip Pedigree

2 10 102 129 138 147 167 205 249 303

f. First Dude – Kandy Kris c. First Dude – Key West Appeal c. First Dude – Marrakech Dawn c. First Dude – Miss Foreesta c. First Dude – Miss Thunderella f. First Dude – Mom’s Deputy f. First Dude – Musical Brew f. First Dude – Omi Diamond f. First Dude – Pico Cat f. First Dude – Rate Shock

Hip Pedigree

315 419 482 516 595 601 628 630 673 716

FIRST DUDE PHOTO: SERITA HULT

“Our First Dude colt is coming along nicely. He presents himself well and has a great mind. He looks the part, looking forward to taking him to New York this summer.”—Terry Finley

Hip Pedigree

c. First Dude – Red Beauty c. First Dude – She’s Enough c. First Dude – Song for Annie f. First Dude – Storm Flag f. First Dude – Tiz Twilight c. First Dude – Traum c. First Dude – Valid Invitation c. First Dude – Valid Reward c. First Dude – Wild Trial c. First Dude – Albany House

720 736 822 915 971 989 1008 1106 1201

c. First Dude – Alex the Groom c. First Dude – American Asset f. First Dude – Bungalow Eight f. First Dude – Culture Shock c. First Dude – Divine Sovereignty f. First Dude – Due to Shine c. First Dude – Escaping f. First Dude – Grazettes c. First Dude – Just for Kicks

“From what I have seen we are really impressed with the First Dude's, definitely a sire I’ll be looking at” Donald R.Dizney

—Tristan de Meric

https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Dude/130049330338431 Standing: First Dude • Contact Roger Brand, Jimmy Alexander or Melissa Anthony for stallion inquiries

899 S.W. 85th Ave., Ocala, FL 34481 • (352) 237-3834 Fax: (352) 237-6069 • visit-www.doublediamondfarm.com

Florida FOCUS Big Weekend for Russells Times are good for Karen and George Russell, having bred the winners of the Mar. 7 Gotham Stakes and the Mar. 8 Jimmy Winkfield Stakes. Both races were at Aqueduct in New York City, far from the cozy confines of the Russell’s Rustlewood Farm in Reddick. “It was a great weekend,” George allowed. Last seen Jan. 3 when trailing El Kabeir by 14 lengths in the Grade 3, 8½-furlong Jerome, Ackeret is, like his former nurserymate, a 3-year-old but, unlike those of El

Florida-bred Ackeret

Kabeir, his connections haven’t yet come down with Kentucky Derby fever. There is, however, plenty of reason for optimism. By Mach Ride out of Lady Zieg, by Touch Gold, Ackeret was third choice in the field of six that came out for the $100,000 Florida-bred Winkfield, a six-fur- El Kabeir long race that attracted Majestic Affair, who won his two previous starts – the Frank Whitely at Laurel and the Fred Capposella at Aqueduct – by identical 5¾-length margins. Apparently excelling in races named after leading personalities of the turf – he placed in Laurel’s James F. Lewis prior to his winning streak – Majestic Affair was made the 3-5 favorite while Ackeret was sent off at 6-1. Those two alternated running fourth and fifth

THOMAS NICHOLL LAW FIRM VETERINARIAN AND ATTORNEY OVER 20 YEARS IN EQUINE PRACTICE Legal advice from a person with knowledge and experience in all aspects of the horse industry TEL. 407-228-2131 • FAX. 407-641-8630 EMAIL. Tom@ThomasNichollLawFirm.com • WEB. www.ThomasNichollLawFirm 12 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

COGLIANESE PHOTOS

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through the early going as longshot Regal Minister and second-choice Lord Commander dueled up front. With Majestic Affair sitting off his flank, Ackeret made the first move, gaining the lead coming off the turn. But instead of wilting when challenged, Ackeret extended his advantage over Majestic Affair, hitting the wire 2¼ lengths in front. Fractions of :23.07, :46.66 and :58.98 led to a final time over a muddy track of 1:11.13. With his third win from five starts, Ackeret increased his earnings to $130,600. Jose Ortiz rode and Gustavo Rodriguez, saddling horses for his brother, Rudy, was in the winner’s circle along with representatives of the Florida-bred’s owners, Pick Six Racing and Silver Streak Stable. Ackeret, who paid $14.60, was one of three winners on the day for the Rodriguez brothers. The ridgling is expected to be pointed toward the Bay Shore Stakes, a Grade 3, $300,000 race at seven furlongs on April 4. The Bay Shore will be on the undercard of the $1 million Wood Memorial, the scheduled next start for El Kabeir. ■

Roman’s Strategy Works Unable to get to the lead in her last start, the Jan. 24 Forward Gal (G2), there was no mistaking the strategy for Florida-bred Taylor S heading into the Mar. 14 $75,000 Any Limit at Gulfstream Park. Trainer Dale Romans wanted the 3-year-old half-sister to stakes winner Liam’s Map in front, and fast, breaking from post one under jockey

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Corey Lanerie with the speedy and undefeated but untested Florida-bred Dogwood Trail to her outside. “I told Corey, ‘Try to get there at all costs the first eighth of a mile,’ ” Romans said. “There was a lot of speed outside her and I didn’t want her to get buried down on the inside. I knew she had enough speed to keep up with them, and she has stamina.” Albaugh Family Stable’s Taylor S broke on top and stayed there, leading from start to finish and dismissing a late bid from Dogwood Trail for a 3½-length victory. Dogwood Trail was a decisive second, 3¾ lengths in front of another Florida-bred, the 22-1 Coco’s Wildcat. Second choice at 2-1 in a field of seven, Taylor S ($6) ran six furlongs in 1:09.75 on a fast main track. Miss Wilby, 9-5 favorite Perchance, Spark and Unhindered completed the order of finish. Both Dogwood Trail and Perchance were unbeaten in two starts heading into the Any Limit. “It was good. We didn’t have anything in our path,” Lanerie said. “They had a little bit of speed in there but I thought if I could get out with a good, clean break she had enough speed to get to the front. I was just hoping it didn’t take too much out of her to get there. She proved that she was the best horse.” Chased by Coco’s Wildcat, Taylor S blazed through a quarter-mile in :21.99 and a half in :44.76, when Dogwood Trail crept to within a length

Florida-bred Taylor S

MARTIN PHOTO

Florida FOCUS

in second. Taylor S extended her lead to two lengths at the top of stretch and sprinted clear when Dogwood Trail came up to challenge. “I thought I was going fast. Going into the middle of the turn, I was in doubt that I would have enough left. I thought I had maybe used her a little bit too much,” Lanerie said. “When he came to me, I thought I was done. I thought they were going to run by her, but she’s got a lot of class and she does what she has to do.” The win was the third from six starts for Taylor S, a daughter of Grade 1 winner Medaglia d’Oro out of the Trippi mare Miss Macy Sue. The Any Limit was her fourth stakes attempt and first win, having finished third in the Rags to Riches as well as the Forward Gal, won by stablemate Birdatthewire. “I think she can rate. I think she can do whatever we want her to. Her pedigree says she can run long,” Romans said. “She’s the real deal. She’s a very talented filly, maybe the most talented I’ve had.” ■

Florida-bred Mares Sweep Stakes

14 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

Homebred state-breds dominated and sentiment shone through in Gulfstream Park’s two Grade 2, $200,000 stakes March 21. Joe Shields’ 6-year-old mare Classic Point warmed hearts when she held off another Florida-bred, You Bought Her, to win the sevenfurlong Inside Information by a neck. Classic Point’s victory, her third straight in a stakes, held special meaning as it came three days after the death of the revered trainer Allen Jerkens, the father of Jimmy Jerkens, the winner’s trainer. About an hour and 20 minutes after that emotional winner’s circle ceremony, Harold Queen’s 5-year-old Sheer Drama tallied by 6¼ lengths over the Jerkens-trained House Rules in the 1 1/16-mile Royal Delta. “Obviously, the circumstances made [the day] special,” Jerkens said. The elder Jerkens had been the trainer of record for both Classic Point and House Rules until Jimmy took over midyear from his ailing father.

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Wagon Limit was owned by Shields, who expressed strong support for the younger Jerkens. “[Classic Point] has had two wonderful trainers,” he said. “I think that Jimmy has the ability to continue on the same level as Allen. As far as I’m concerned personally – I’ve known him for 25 years – I think his career is really starting to blossom. “He’s learned from the master.” Classic Point hit the wire in 1:24.47 and paid $10.80. She has won eight of 30 lifetime starts and has earned $670,794. The 19-1 You Bought Her outran Sweet Whiskey to gain the place by a half-length. ■

LAMONT PHOTO

Florida-bred Classic Point

Classic Point had not run since taking the Grade 3 Go for Wand by a nose as an 8-1 shot Nov. 28 at Aqueduct. She had won the restricted Punkin Pie prior to that effort at nearly 5-1 Oct. 13 at Belmont, her first victory since winning an optional claimer at Gulfstream four starts prior under Paco Lopez. Lopez was back for the first time since then in the Inside Information and the reunion was a profitable one. He took the daughter of Flatter – Discerning, by Langfuhr, back to fourth after a smooth break, within easy reach of the battling leaders early – the longshot Best Behavior and the 1-2 favorite Merry Meadow – never falling back any more than two lengths off a sizzling pace that saw an opening quarter in :22.05 and a half in :44.60. The leaders were spent by the half-mile pole, fading out of the picture as Sweet Whiskey assumed control, however briefly. Lopez asked Classic Point for run on the turn and, with a wide move, she hooked Sweet Whiskey, put that rival away and had enough in reserve to hold off a late bid from You Bought Her, who rallied from last in the field of six. Jerkens said his father counseled patience in getting Classic Point ready for this race. “When she first came down here she didn’t do so well … she lost all her hair. My father said she did it to him last year around this time,” he said. “That’s why she hadn’t run until [Mar. 21]. She’s a very good workhorse, very willing. She’s an absolute dreamboat to train.” Jimmy Jerkens served as an assistant to his father until he went on his own in 1997. Adding to a day rich in irony, another assistant to Allen Jerkens, Leah Gyarmati, followed Jimmy into the winner’s circle after the next race, winning it with a horse she trains named “Dreamboat Annie,” who was making her first career start and paying $27. While the elder Jerkens is best remembered for upsetting Kelso, Buckpasser and Secretariat with horses he trained for Ocala’s Hobeau Farm, he also beat the Florida-bred superstar Skip Away in the 1998 Jockey Club Gold Cup with Wagon Limit.

Sheer Drama Breaks House Rules Jimmy Jerkens trained the odds-on choice in the Royal Delta, the 4-5 House Rules, but it was the Florida-bred Sheer Drama who wowed the crowd with her lengthy victory under Joe Bravo. Coming off a second-place effort at 22-1 to House Rules in her previous start, the Grade 3 Rampart on Feb. 21, and a runner-up performance to Dame Dorothy in the Sunshine Millions Distaff at 37-1, Sheer Drama was bet down to 3-1 in the Royal Delta. Swinger’s Party and Flores Island took the field of seven through a manageable :24.35 and :48.02 as Sheer Drama kept House Rules on her hip, those two running third and fourth,

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Florida FOCUS never far from the leaders. They both made their moves leaving the half-mile pole and, having gotten the jump on her rival, Sheer Drama effortlessly lengthened her advantage over her rival on the turn and through the stretch. House Rules was two lengths ahead of third-place Molly Morgan at the wire. As the case with the Inside Information, the leaders in the opening quarter finished last and second-last. Sheer Drama, a full sister to Florida-bred Breeders’ Cup and Sprint champion Big Drama, ran the distance in 1:43.85. Big Drama currently stands at stud in Florida at Bridlewood Farm. The siblings are by the Prestige Stallions’ stud Burning Roma out of Riveting Drama, by Notebook. “Her brother, we always thought he’d run long,” Fawkes said of Big Drama, whom he trained and whom Queen had bred and owned.

LAMONT PHOTO

LIKE US ON Florida-bred Sheer Drama

“It just happened that as he got older, he kind of liked sprinting, but he won stakes going long. He won the Florida Sire Stakes final [the In Reality at 11⁄16 miles]. He ran really big in the West Virginia Derby (G2) [finishing second and outfinishing Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mine That Bird], and that was a mile and an

eighth. He could run long, and she has no problem with it.” Bravo concurred that his mount had no difficulties with the distance. “She just loved it. She just kept accelerating through the lane,” he said. Sheer Drama, who paid $8, has won four of 15 starts and has earned $372,840. ■

www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse • www.ftboa.com

16 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

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Florida FOCUS by Mike Mullaney

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Florida-bred Parranda

Las millas apenas detallan el viaje de Parranda, la yegua de carrera criada en Florida que: fue comprada de joven por $13.000 de la venta OBS en 2011; fue pagada en 67-1 después de vencer a yeguas que jamas habían corrido carreras, valuadas en $35.000 en Gulfstream en el debut de su carrera. ganó las apuestas en el Sur de La Florida y Sur de California; fue comprada en la venta de Keeneland en noviembre por $800.000 y quien el 22 de febrero, se convirtió en millonaria cuando gano la Copa CECF de Singapur de $2,24 millones (USD) en el Hipódromo de Kranji. Criada en el Condado Marion por la granja Kinsman, Parranda es hija castaña de English Channel - Dynamic Feature, por Rahy. Inicialmente su entrenamiento en el Sur de La Florida estuvo a cargo de Rodolfo Garcia, quien la hizo ganar el Our Dear Peggy en Calder y el Millions Filly y Mare Preview, el Sunshine Millions Filly y Mare Turf y el Grade 3 Suwannee River en Gulfstream. A continuación de un sexto en el Honey Fox, fue comprada por un grupo que incluía al

• • • • •

18 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

famoso entrenador Jerry Hollendorfer y fue enviada al oeste. El viaje le sentó bien, y fue con Hollendorfer que ganó Wilshire (G3) y Royal Heroine (G2) mientras que se convirtió en la figura, en todos los eventos de grado para potras mas grandes y yeguas en el Sur de California. Después de la venta de Keeneland, sus nuevos dueños, el China Horse Club, anunció que se concentrarían por completo en la Copa Singapur de 1.800 metros, una carrera tanto para caballos como para yeguas, que tuvo su primer vuelta el Domingo. Ante los preparativos para este evento, Parranda estuvo a cargo de Christophe Clement. “Es una yegua con mucha clase“ dijo Clement. “Me hubiera gustado tenerla hace un año. Cuando entrena, cuando trabaja, simplemente se la ve con clase“. Clement estaba tan impresionado por su talento y satisfecho con sus esfuerzos matutinos que decidió llevarla el 10 de enero al Premio Marshua’s River de $150.000 de Grado 3 antes de ir a Singapur. Una buena decisión. Ganó el Marshua’s River con gran facilidad por tres cuerpos. Presionado por su hijo Miguel, Clement le dio la montura en la Copa Singapur a la estrella belga del jockey Christophe Soumillon. Casi en segundo lugar hasta que mejoro en el ultimo trecho, la yegua de seis años pasó al front-runner Summer Surprice de Francia, resistió un corto desafío de Ming Zhi Cosmos, y aceleró nuevamente, para terminar de manera cómoda 2¼ por delante de distancia de Zuzuland que le ganó el segundo puesto por una nariz a Ming Zhi Cosmos que quedó en tercer lugar. Thomas Brandebourger, quien montó a Parranda en lugar de Clement, dijo “La otra yegua nos presentó un desafío, pero la nuestra es fuerte y muy genuina y continuó hasta la línea de llegada.” Parranda llevaba 125 libras, advirtió a Zuzuland criada en Australia de 5 libras y Ming Zhi Cosmos criada en Francia de dos libras, entrenada por el hermano de Clement, Nicolas. Parranda recorrió la distancia en 1:48.53. Soullimon dijo después de su primera vuelta con Parranda “No me sorprende que

haya ganado. Teníamos el sueño de correr toda la carrera. Ella saltó de forma bastante rápida desde su portón y pudimos llegar en una buena posición. Estaba muy relajada. Pensé que alguien iba a dificultarnos la tarea, pero pudo salir atrás del que iba primero que se estaba debilitando cuando nos dirigíamos a la meta. Luego recorrió bien la distancia. Miró la marca de 100 metros, pero continuó hasta el final de la línea y logró una sólida victoria.” El récord de la carrera de Parranda es 12-4-4 de 30 comienzos con ganancias de $2.162.692. La Copa Singapur hizo notar a un campo de ocho, de los cuales todos pertenecen totalmente o en parte al China Horse Club. El mismo ha anunciado que planea dejar a Parranda en Singapur anticipándose a la Copa Internacional Singapur Airlines del 17 de Mayo de 2.000 metros, un plan que probablemente elimina el amarradero, ya sea en el Dubai Turf o Godolphin Mile en Dubai. El entrenador del club en Singapur, Michael Freedman, pasará a estar a cargo del entrenamiento. ■

C. Zee criado en Florida recompensa la fe de Gold Fácilmente usted podría tener la sensación de que Stanley Gold, que entrena para uno de los mejores dueños/criadores de Florida (Jacks o Better Farms en el Condado Marion), estaba mirando mucho el reloj en anticipación al momento siguiente a las apuestas Gulfstream Park Sprint

Florida-bred C. Zee

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Parranda se convierte en millonaria en la clasificación de Singapur.

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el segundo lugar, ubicándose a 3¼ de distancia más adelante del tercer lugar de Speechify. Mean Season terminó último de siete y fue apartado debido a una lesión. C. Zee es hijo de Elusive Bluff de Distorted Humor y la yegua Diamondaire. Su récord es 14-4-5-3 con ganancias de $363.902 y sus victorias previas incluyen el Sir Bear y Cherokee Run, el pasado año, en Gulfstream. ■

Puntuación de You Bought Her en Minaret

SV PHOTOGRAPHY

La paciencia de David y Sharon Hinsley, los dueños, pagó los dividendos, para ellos y para quienes patrocinaron 16-1 You Bought

Florida-bred You Bought Her

Her, criada en Florida en las apuestas Minaret el 21 de enero en Tampa Bay Downs. Minaret, de $50.000, 6 furlongs, presentó un talentoso grupo de 11 potras mayores y yeguas. R. Free Roll, otra criada en Florida, que obtuvo más de $500.000 durante su destacada carrera, se convirtió en la favorita por no generar perdidas ni ganancias a los apostadores. Ganadora de la Honorable Miss de Grado 2 en Saratoga el pasado año, R Free Roll tomó ventaja y le quitó la oportunidad a otra talentosa de Florida, Wildcat Lily. Parecía que iba a ganar hasta que You Bought Her apareció desde muy atrás. You Bought Her de 5 años, llegaba novena al poste 3/4 con Brian Pedroza y se recuperaba en la curva, entablada con R Free Roll dentro del poste N° 16 y desgastaba el marcapasos que macaba fracciones de 21.96, :44.78 y :57.16 antes de sucumbir ante la ganadora. El tiempo final fue 1:09.92. David Hinsley entrena a You Bought Her, cuya temprana carrera se vio comprometida por una lesión que sufrió al caer después de pisar las patas traseras de otro caballo en el

Arlington-Washington Lassie Grado 3 . You Bought Her tiene un récord de 6-6-5 de 28 comienzos con ganancias de $213.678. Devolvió $35,40 a sus patrocinadores después de darle la primera victoria al jinete de 23 años. “Esta es una maravillosa yegua que se esfuerza mucho“, dijo Pedroza. “En césped, en arena, corta o larga distancia, ella corre la carrera. El señor Hinsley me dijo que la sacara cuando quisiera correr, así que estuve feliz por como se fue dando la carrera. Estábamos muy alejados en la curva y cuando le indiqué pudo avanzar. Quería sobrepasar al que iba primero”. You Bought Her vino a Minaret segunda de Double Secret en Lightning City sobre el césped de Tampa el 24 de enero. You Bought Her, quien fue criada por C.L. y R.G. Delaplane y Shade, es hija de Graeme Hall de Striking T, por Smart Strike. “La carrera en pista de césped le dio mucha experiencia para esta“, dijo Sharon Hinsley. “Probablemente vaya mejor en siete furlongs“. R Free Roll tenía 4 ½ de distancia en el tercer lugar Puddifoot, una oportunidad de 27-1 de tercer lugar, haciendo que la apuesta trifecta este compuesta por todas yeguas criadas en Florida. Antonio Gallardo, que montó a R Free Roll, dijo acerca de ello que “Ella corrió la carrera. Lo intentaba tarde, pero el ganador nos venció“. ■

Gentlemen’s Bet tiene éxito en Hot Springs Stakes El entrenador Ron Moquette ha adoptado un enfoque relajado para su estrella Gentlemen’s Bet criada en Florida que se llevó el Hot Springs Stakes de $100.000 en Oaklawn el 7 de marzo en su segundo comienzo deFlorida-bred Gentlemen’s Bet

COADY PHOTO

de $100.000 de grado tres el 21 de febrero. Mientras que la mayoría de los analistas previamente a la carrera se concentraban en la promesa de Mean Season, la trampa estaba en C.Zee de Gold, cuyos logros no habían sido mencionados en los momentos previos al evento de 6½ de furlongs. C. La victoria de 2¾ de longitud de Zee llevó a una dominación de Florida en el evento: Otros de Florida como Happy My Way (segundo lugar y Puntrooskie (cuarto lugar) también llegaron a la tabla de puntuación. C. Zee, primero o segundo en seis de siete comienzos Gulfstream, y con apuestas a él el año pasado por sobrepasar a Hutcheson (G3) en Gulfstream, Amsterdam (G2) en Saratoga y Phoenix (G3) en Keeneland, fue desestimado como ocurrencia tardía al 6-1 por el GP Sprint. Weekend Hideaway salió más rápido del portón, pero con voluntad le dejo la ventaja a Happy My Way a medida que Mean Season, con más lentitud, se vio en apuro a la primer fila. El primer cuarto le perteneció a Happy My Way, que activó el cronómetro en :22.63, pero el crédito de :45.11 de media milla es para Mean Season. Happy My Way volvió mientras que Mean Season quedaba atrás, y C. Zee, que ya había hecho algunos movimientos, cambió la marcha acorde al jockey Edgard Zayas. Happy My Way y C. Zee llegaron al poste N° 16 juntos por el último. Mientras que la persecución parecía revitalizar a C. Zee quien se apartó con facilidad. En el círculo de ganadores Gold dijo, “Yo sabía que él era capaz. Vean las carreras que ha corrido, y las cosas que ha hecho. La última vez tuvo una jornada terrible. Lo sacaron de la carrera a la altura del poste de 3/4 y para cuando se recuperó estaba muy por detrás. No perdí la fe en él. Fue una carrera dura (la GP Sprint), y él lo logró“. Gold otorgó el crédito a Zayas, quien dijo, “teníamos una mala posición en el poste (2) y cuando anularon el 1 (Prudhoe Bay) empeoró.” Decidimos que debíamos salir del portón rápidamente y obtener un buen lugar. Trate de sacar ventaja, pero llegando al tramo vi a Happy My Way abrirse un poco. Tuve la oportunidad de salir un poco y él comenzó muy bien. Una vez que lo lleve hacia afuera, comenzó a correr y correr.” El ganador pagó $14,20 y detuvo el cronómetro en 1:17.84. Happy My Way obtuvo

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Algunos de Florida se han visto envueltos en una rivalidad lejos de casa y la última edición que fue San Carlos Stakes de $250.000 Grado 2 el 7 de marzo en Santa Anita.

20 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

Florida-bred Wild Dude

Wild Dude, que hizo su segundo comienzo del encuentro y segundo desde el pasado abril, le devolvió la jugada al archienemigo Conquest Two Step para obtener el evento de 7 furlongs en 1:21.91 Conquest Two Step había vencido a Wild Dude dejándolo en el tercer puesto al encontrarse el 31 de enero en Palos Verdes, en una prueba de 6 furlongs, Grado 2. Conquest Two Step le sacó ventaja a Wild Dude en Palos Verdes, aprovechando la ventaja sobre Secret Circle cerca del poste N° 16 encaminado a la puntuación de 1¼ de distancia. Palos Verdes fue el primer comienzo de Wild Dude desde el 12 de abril Portero Grande (G2), donde Big Macher, de clase mundial, le ganó por una nariz. Con la experiencia de Palos Verdes y menos deteriorado, Wild Dude estuvo más firme en San Carlos. Al salir bien del portón, sacó ventaja a otros caballos de forma temprana, pasó a El Niño Terrible cuando se lo pidió el jockey Rafael Bejarano, entrando al tramo y manteniendo un movimiento tardío de Kobe’s Back por tres cuartos de distancia. Conquest Two Step, favorecido 4-5, desafió una curva que lo benefició en Palos Verdes, pero esta vez fue ahuyentado y se vio obligado a conformarse con el espectáculo, otros tres cuartos de distancia detrás del segundo. Las fracciones fueron :23.26, :46.11 y 1:09.79. Wild Dude fue criado en Florida por Ver-

satile Thoroughbreds y sus dueños son Green Smith y el entrenador Jerry Hollendorfer. Es hijo del difunto Wildcat Heir de Courtly Choice, por Doneraille Court. “No creí que estaríamos tan cerca, pero el caballo salió del portón muy bien y estoy contento porque Rafael estuvo a la par“, dijo Hollendorfer. “Estaba entre dos caballos, yo estaba un poco preocupado por eso, pero cuando nos dirigíamos a la meta, pareció que aún tenía mucho por correr, y se abrió.” Él pagó $5,80 e incrementó sus ganancias a $494.220. Ganó su quinta carrera de doce comienzos con 3 segundos y dos tercios. Había un campo de siete en San Carlos; Conquest Two Step, montado por Joe Talamo y 123 libras asignadas, lo que le dio cinco libras a cada uno. ■

Un gran fin de semana para los Russells. Corren buenos tiempos para Karen y George Russell que criaron a los ganadores del Gotham Stakes el 7 de marzo y Jimmy Winkfield Stakes del 8 de marzo. Ambas carreras fueron en Aqueduct en Nueva York, lejos de los acogedores límites de la Granja Rustlewood de los Rusell en Reddick. “Fue un gran fin de semana“ dijo George. Visto por última vez el 3 de enero, cuando hacía perder a El Kabeir por 14 cuerpos en el 8½ furlong Jerome Grado 3, Ackeret tiene 3 años al igual que su antiguo compañero de guardería, pero, a diferencia de los de El Kabeir, sus conexiones no han caído aún con la fiebre del Derby de Kentucky. Sin embargo, hay motivos para ser optimista. Por Mach Ride de Lady Zieg, por Touch Gold, Ackeret fue la tercer opción en el

Florida-bred Ackeret

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spués de un descanso de 15 meses. Tras finalizar en tercer lugar con un reclamo opcional de $50.000 en Oaklawn el 14 de febrero, su primera carrera desde un final similar en el Breeders’ Cup Sprint de 2013, Gentlemen’s Bet cambió la marcha favoreciendo a Ivan Fallunovalot, y se quedó a cargo cuando el jinete Ramon Vazquez preguntó, y llegó a la meta a 1¼ de distancia delante de la opción 3-5 que le estaba dando siete libras al ganador (122-115). Vázquez dijo, “le ordené que redujera la marcha y lo hizo perfectamente. Cuando nos dirigíamos a la meta, le pedí que corriera, corrió para mí. Es un gran caballo“. El tiempo por fracción de la carrera fue :21.61, :44.58 y :56.89 con un tiempo final para 6 furlongs de 1:09.67. “(Esto) fue más para chequear la clase que el tiempo“, dijo Moquett. Juvenal Diaz crió a Gentlemen’s Bet, de 6 años de edad, hijo de Half Ours de Gentlemen y la yegua Lady of Sun. Harry Rosenblum es el dueño. Gentlemen’s Bet ganó el primero de los tres comienzos de carrera antes de terminar en tercer lugar tras Justin Phillip en el Count Fleet de 2013 en Oaklawn. Se recuperó con victorias consecutivas que incluyeron el Iowa Sprint, luego obtuvo el tercer lugar al encontrar a Justin Phillip nuevamente en el grado 1 A.G. Vanderbilt en Saratoga. Un subcampeón que muestra a Sum of All Parts en el Phoenix (G3), en Keeneland fue su carta de presentación en el Breeders’ Cup (Copa de Criadores), en Santa Anita en 2013. Un caballo exitoso “ahora”, pero en este entonces fue apartado a 9-1 para el Sprint, que perdió contra Secret’s Circle por 1½ de distancia. Gentlemen’s Bet ha ganado 7 de 12 comienzos con cuatro tercios y ha obtenido $543.200. Al preguntar acerca de planes para el caballo, Moquett dijo “él es quien responde esa pregunta. Simplemente vamos a hacer lo que sea más conveniente para él”. ■

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Florida FOCUS

Wild Dude obtiene el San Carlos

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COGLIANESE PHOTO

Florida-bred El Kabeir

y arribó a la línea de llegada 2¼ de distancia por delante. Los tiempos fueron :23.07, :46.66 y :58.98 que llevo a un tiempo final de 1:11.13 sobre una pista embarrada. Con su tercera victoria de cinco comienzos, Ackeret incrementó sus ganancias a $130.600. Jose Ortiz el corredor y Gustavo Rodriguez ensilla caballos para su hermano, Rudy, estaba en el círculo de ganadores junto a los representantes de los criaderos de Florida, Pick Six Racing y Silver Streak Stable. Ackaret, que pagó $14,60, era uno de los tres ganadores el día de los hermanos Rodriguez. Se espera que el caballo con criptorquidia se destaque en la carrera Bay Shore Stakes, Grado 3, de $300.000 de 7 furlongs el 4 de abril. Bay Shore estará en las preliminares de $1 millón del Memorial de Wood, programado el próximo comienzo para El Kabeir. ■

Any Limit: La estrategia de Romans funciona (titular) Sin poder ir primero en su último comienzo, Forward Gal (G2) el 24 de enero, no hubo un error de estrategia para Taylor S criada en Florida encaminándose a Any Limit de $75.000 en Gulfstream Park el 14 de marzo. El entrenador Dale Romans quería a la media hermana de 3 años en lugar de la ganadora clásica Liam’s Map, al frente y rápida, corriendo desde el poste uno, con el jockey Corey Lanerie, a velocidad e invicta, pero no probada en Dogwood Trail de crías de la Florida en su exterior. “Le dije a Corey ‘Trata de llegar como sea al primer octavo de milla‘ “ dijo Romans. “Había mucha velocidad alrededor y no quería que se entierre en su interior. Sabía que tenía suficiente velocidad para mantenerse a la par y tiene resistencia“. Taylor S, del establo Albaught Family, salió primera y se mantuvo allí, liderando de principio a fin y descartando una apuesta tardía de Dogwood Trail por una victoria de 3½ de distancia. Dogwood Trail fue un segundo lugar decisivo, 3¾ de distancia al frente de otro criado en Florida, Coco’s Wildcat 22-1. La segunda opción a 2-1 en un campo de siete, Taylor S ($6) corrió seis furlongs en 1:09.75 en una pista principal de gran velocidad. Miss Wilby, favorita 9-5 de Perchance, Spark y Unhindered completaron el orden de llegada. Tanto Dogwood Trail como Perchance salieron invictos en dos comienzos encaminados a Any Limit. “Estuvo muy bien. No teníamos nada en nuestro camino“ dijo Lanerie. “Tenían un poco de velocidad, pero pensé que en caso de poder salir con un buen corte limpio ella tendría su-

Florida-bred Taylor S

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campo de seis que vinieron por el Winkfield de $100.000, una carrera de seis furlongs que atrajo a Majestic Affair, que gano dos comienzos previos –el Frank Whitely en Laurel y el Fred Capposella en Aqueduct – por márgenes de distancia idénticos de 5¾. Aparentemente sobresaliendo en carreras nombradas en honor a grandes personalidades del turf, ubicó a James F. Lewis de Laurel previo a su racha de victorias, Majestic Affair fue el favorito mientras que Ackeret fue apartado con 6-1. Los dos se alternaron entre el cuarto y quinto lugar desde el principio, mientras que Regal Minister y Lord Commander se batían a duelo adelante. Con Majestic Affair sentándose de lado, Ackaret dio el primer paso, tomando ventaja y saliendo de la curva. Pero en vez de achicarse al ver un desafío, Ackaret extendió su ventaja por sobre Majestic Affair,

ficiente velocidad para llegar al frente. Sólo esperaba que no le consumiera mucho esfuerzo llegar. Ella demostró ser la mejor yegua“. Perseguida por Coco’s Wildcat, Taylor S arrasó un cuarto de milla en :21.99 y media milla en :44.76, cuando Dogwood Trail escaló a segundo lugar en la última distancia. Taylor S extendió su ventaja a dos cuerpos en la cima del tramo y aceleró cuando Dogwood Trail la desafió. “Pensé que estaba yendo rápido. Llegando a la mitad del giro, tuve dudas de si tenía energía todavía. Pensé que quizás la había usado demasiado“, dijo Lanerie. “Cuando vino hacia mí, pensé que estaba hecha. Pensé que iban a pasarla, pero ella tiene mucha clase, y hace lo que debe hacer“. La victoria fue la tercera de seis comienzos para Taylor S, hija del ganador de Grado 1 Medaglia d’Oro de Trippi y la yegua Miss Macy Sue. Any Limit fue su cuarto intento y la primera victoria, al terminar en tercer lugar en Rags to Riches así como también en Forward Gal, donde Birdatthewire, compañera de establo, ganó. “Yo creo que puede calificar. Creo que puede hacer lo que sea que queramos que haga. Su pedigree dice que puede correr largas distancias“, dice Romans. “Ella es la mejor. Es una potrilla muy talentosa, quizás la más talentosa que he tenido“. ■

Las yeguas criadas en Florida arrasan con l as apuestas Los criados localmente dominaron las apuestas y este sentimiento resaltó en las apuestas del Gulfstream Park’s Grado 2 de $200.000 el 21 de marzo. La yegua de 6 años de Jon Shields, Classic Point, acogió los corazones de muchos cuando desplazó a otra yegua de La Florida, You Bought Her, para ganar el Inside Information de siete furlongs por muy poca diferencia. La victoria de Classic Point, la tercera en las apuestas, tuvo un significado especial, ya que ocurrió tres días después de la muerte del entrenador Allen Jerkens, padre de Jimmy Jerkens, el entrenador del ganador. Una hora y 20 minutos después de la emotiva ceremonia del círculo de ganadores, THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 21

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Sheer Drama de 5 años de Harold Queen tuvo una puntuación de 6¼ por sobre House Rules entrenada por Jerkens en el Royal Delta de 1 1/16 millas. “Obviamente las circunstancias hicieron que fuera [un día] especial“, dijo Jerkens. El mayor de los Jerkens había sido el entrenador récord de Classic Point y House Rules hasta que Jimmy quedó a cargo a mitad de año por la enfermedad de su padre. Classic Point no había corrido desde que tomó el Go for Wand Grado 3 por una nariz como 8-1 el 28 de noviembre en Aqueduct. Había ganado el restringido Punkin Pie antes de ese esfuerzo casi a 5-1 el 13 de octubre en Belmont, su primera victoria desde que ganó el reclamo opcional en Gulfstream de cuatro

LAMONT PHOTO

Florida-bred Classic Point

comienzos previo, con Paco Lopez. Lopez había vuelto por primera vez desde aquel entonces en Inside Information y la reunión fue productiva. Llevó a la hija de Flatter -Discerning, por Langfuhr, de nuevo al cuarto lugar, después de salir suavemente con fácil alcance a los que llevaban la ventaja - Best Behavior y la favorita 1-2 Merry Meadow – nunca quedándose detrás más de dos cuerpos de una buena marcha que vio un cuarto de apertura en :22.05 y en la mitad :44.60. Los que llevaban la ventaja estaban agotados en el poste de mitad de milla, y salían del panorama a medida que Sweet Whisley asumía el control, aunque, de forma breve. Lopez ordenó a Classic Point correr en la curva y con un movimiento amplio, enganchó a Sweet Whiskey, dejando a esa rival lejos, y tenía suficiente en reserva para aguantar una apuesta tardía de You Bought Her, que avanzó en el campo de seis. Jerkens dijo que su padre aconsejaba 22 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

Sheer Drama gana a House Rules. Jimmy Jerkens entrenó en contra de las probabilidades en Royal Delta, House Rules 4-5, pero fue Sheer Drama criada en Florida quien impactó al público con su victoria con Joe Bravo. Después de un esfuerzo por el segundo lugar ante House Rules de 22-1 en su comienzo previo, el 21 de febrero, en el Rampart de Grado 3, y el rendimiento que le dio el

segundo lugar ante Dame Dorothy en el Sunshine Millions Distaff en 37-1, las apuestas de Sheer Drama bajaron a 3-1 en el Royal Delta. Swinger’s Party y Flores Island tomaron el campo de siete mediante un :24.35 y :48.02 mientras que Sheer Drama mantuvo a House Rules en su cadera, las dos en tercer y cuarto lugar, nunca lejos del primer y segundo puesto. Ambas hicieron sus movimientos dejando el poste de media milla y adelantándose de su rival, Sheer Drama sin esfuerzo tomó ventaja sobre su rival en la curva y a través de la pista. House Rules estaba dos cuerpos delante de Molly Morgan que ocupó el tercer lugar en la línea de llegada. Como fue el caso con Inside Information, los primeros en el primer cuarto terminaron últimos y anteúltimos. Sheer Drama, hermana de Big Drama criado en Florida campeona de Breeders’ Cup y Sprint corrió la distancia en 1:43.85. Big Drama actualmente está en Bridlewood Farm en Florida. Los hermanos son hijos del semental Prestige Stallions’ Burning Roma de Riveting Drama, por Notebook. “Su hermano, siempre creímos que correría grandes distancias“, dijo Fawkes de Big Drama a quien había entrenado y de quien Queen había sido dueña y criadora. “Ocurrió que a medida que creció, le gustó correr a velocidad, pero ganaba apuestas por distancia. Ganó la final Florida Sire Stakes (el In Reality a 1 1/16 millas). Corrió mucho en el West Virginia Derby (G2) (terminó en segundo lugar y superó al ganador de Kentucky Derby (G1) Mine That Bird) y eso era una milla y un octavo. Podía correr largas distancias, no tiene problema con ello”. Bravo concluyó que su montura no tiene dificultades con la distancia. ”Simplemente lo ama. Acelera continuamente a través de la pista”, dijo. Sheer Drama, que pagó $8, ha ganado cuatro de 15 comienzos y ha obtenido $372.840. ■ Florida-bred Sheer Drama

LAMONT PHOTO

Florida FOCUS

tener paciencia al dejar a Classic Point lista para esta carrera. “La primera vez que vino no le iba tan bien, perdió todo su pelo. Mi padre me dijo que ocurrió el año pasado a esta altura del año“, dijo. “Por eso no corrió hasta [el 21 de marzo]. Es una muy buena yegua, muy dispuesta. Es lo ideal para entrenarla“. Jimmy Jerkens fue asistente de su padre hasta que comenzó a trabajar por su cuenta en 1997. Si vemos la ironía, otro asistente de Allen Jerkens, Leah Gyarmati, siguió a Jimmy al círculo de los ganadores, después de la siguiente carrera, ganó con un caballo que ella entrena y se llama “Dreamboat Annie“ que estaba haciendo su primer comienzo de carrera y pagando $27. Mientras que el mayo de los Jerkens es recordado por hacer enojar a Kelso, Buckpasser y Secretariat con caballos que entrenó en Ocala para Hobeau Farm, también venció a la estrella criada en Florida, Skip Away, en el Jockey Club Gold Cup con Wagon Limit en 1998. Shields era dueño de Wagon Limit, quien expresó su gran apoyo para el menor de los Jerkens. “(Classic Point) ha tenido dos increíbles entrenadores“, dijo. “Creo que Jimmy tiene la habilidad para continuar el mismo nivel de Allen. Hasta donde yo sé personalmente, y lo conozco hace 25 años, creo que su carrera está empezando a florecer. Ha aprendido del maestro”. Classic Point llegó a la línea de llegada con 1:24.47 y pagó $10,80 Ha ganado 8 de 30 comienzos en su vida y ha obtenido $670.794. You Bought Her 19-1 sobrepasó a Sweet Whiskey para ganar el lugar por media distancia. ■

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By BROCK SHERIDAN Ocala, Fla.

JOE DIORIO PHOTO

24 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

he Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company started their 2-year-old sale season with a bang as they hosted their annual March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training Mar. 17 and 18. This year’s March sale produced gross sales of $55,682,000 from 326 sold which was up 47.9 percent over the $37,627,500 that was generated last year when 201 head passed through the ring. The average price of $170,804 was down slightly from $187,201 last year as was the median, going from $135,000 in 2014 to $105,000 this year. But those numbers did not detract from the success of the internationally acclaimed auction. OBS president Tom Ventura was very happy with the sale but was quick to give credit to the consignors, buyers and horses. “A horse sale is only as good as their catalogue and the horses that have graduated from that sale,” Ventura said. “And the catalogue for this sale was filled with horses that have Grade 1 stakes winners in their pedigrees. Also, when you have horses like (Tampa Derby [G2] winner and OBS March graduate) Carpe Diem out

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there winning big races, people take notice. Since 2014 through March 14 of this year, March Sale graduates have finished first, second and third in 188 stakes races on 49 different track surfaces.” Ventura also said a small modification of the sale format contributed to the success. “We opened up the sale a little,” Ventura said. “It was a challenge to tweek a sale that had set records the last two years, but we and the consignors we spoke with, thought that some buyers may not be as motivated to attend this sale because of the upward price range. So we relaxed our requirements a bit to attract a more diversified catalogue while assuming the consignors would still bring the crème of the crop, which they did.” Topping the sale with a $1.4 million final bid from Live Oak Plantation was Hip Number 285, a bay colt by champion 3-year-old and classic winner

Bernardini and out of the stakes winning mare Misty Hour, by Miswaki. Named Zero Hour, the colt is a half-brother to stakes winners India, Pilfer and Sing Softly. Pilfer is also the dam of multiple Grade 1 winner To Honor and Serve that campaigned with the red, white and black silks of Live Oak. Zero Hour was consigned by SGV Thoroughbreds (Steve Venosa), Agent. He worked two furlongs in :211⁄5 at the Under Tack program and was also a graduate of

2014 through March 14 of this year, March “SaleSince graduates have finished first, second and third in 188 stakes races on 49 different track surfaces. ”

—OBS President, Tom Ventura

the 2014 Keeneland September sale where he brought a final bid of $650,000 from Sallusto and Albina. Lane’s End was the consignor at Keeneland. “I think his catalogue page was one of the best pages in the sale,” Live Oak general manager Bruce Hill said. “And physically, he is as good or maybe

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OBS MARCH

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

OBS March sale of 2-year-olds sale topper of $1,400,000

better than the catalogue page. He is very sound. He has never missed a day and has never had even had a hiccup.” Topping the second day and the second highest-price in the sale was the $950,000 final bid from trainer Linda Rice, Agent on Hip Number 481, a bay colt by Broken Vow out of the stakes-placed mare Tale of the South, by Tale of the Cat. Tale of the South is also a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Futural. Consigned by Eisaman Equine, Agent, the colt worked an eighth of a mile in :94⁄5 at the Under Tack program. Hip Number 34 brought a final bid of $900,000 from Donato Lanni, Agent after working a quarter-mile in :204⁄5 at the Under Tack program. By champion sprinter Midnight Lute and out of the Vindication mare Circumstance, the dark bay or brown colt was consigned by Eddie Woods, Agent. Circumstance is a half-sister to stakes winners and graded stakes-placed Tres Coronas and Descapate. Hip Number 12 helped get the auction off to a fast start. M.V. Magnier & Stonestreet Stables went to $800,000 on the chestnut colt by Grade 1 winner Smart Strike and out of the stakes-winning mare Carolyn’s Cat, by Forestry. Consigned by Old South Farm LLC, he went

26 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

an eighth of a mile in :94⁄5 at the Under Tack program. Also hitting the $800,000 mark was Hip Number 139 from the consignment of Northwest Stud, Agent. She is a chestnut filly by Wood Memorial (G1) winner Bellamy Road and out of the stakes winning mare For Royalty, by Not for Love. For Royalty is a half-sister to stakes winners El Viento, Kiss To Remember and stakesplaced The Prince. Her Under Tack performance resulted in a :94⁄5 clocking at one furlong. Northwest Stud purchased her for $155,000 at the Keeneland September Sale last year from the consignment of Denali Stud. Hip Number 239 also sold for $800,000 as Conquest Stables LLC signed the ticket. Consigned by Eddie Woods, Agent, the dark bay or brown colt is by two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Tiznow and out of Lasting Appeal, by A.P. Indy. Lasting Appeal was a winner on the track and is also a full-sister to stakes winner Jump Start. The colt worked :214⁄5 at the Under Tack program and was also purchased for $320,000 out of the 2014 Keeneland September sale by Pegasus Bridge from the Lane’s End consignment. The two top-selling Florida-breds were both by Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie, consigned by Ocala Stud and both were bred by Ocala Stud connections. Hip Number 428 brought $675,000 during second day action when Narvick International’s Emmanuel de Seroux put in the final bid. The bay filly is a half-sister to stakes winner Puntrooksie as a daughter of the stakes-placed Montbrook mare Sire Cove. Bred in Florida by John David O’Farrell and J. Michael O’Farrell Jr., she worked two furlongs in :203⁄5 at the Under Tack program. The other high-priced Adios Charlie lit up the money board at $600,000 as trainer Mark Casse signed the ticket for Conquest Stables LLC on Hip Number 515. The dark bay or brown colt is out of the Valid Appeal stakes-placed mare Unlimited Pleasure and worked a quarter-mile in :212⁄5 at the sale. He is also a half-brother to three graded stakes-winners in Unlimited Budget, Jardin and Beacon Shine. He was bred in Florida by Ocala Stud. “We knew Adios Charlie was a nice stallion and was producing some very nice horses,” Ocala Stud’s David O’Farrell said. “And obviously there was a good amount of interest in [Adios Charlie offspring] at the sale. “We would very much like to thank Emmanuel de Seroux with Navrick, trainer Mark Casse with Conquest and owner Mike Repole,” O’Farrell continued. OBS will have their next auction April 21 – 24 when they present their Spring Auction of Two-Year-Olds in Training. The Under Tack session will be held over six days from April 13 – 18. ■

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The 55th Annual FTBOA Florida Champions Awards Gala honored the 2014 Florida thoroughbred industry's best of the best. By JOANN GUIDRY

28 THE FLORIDA HORSE â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL/MAY 2015

LESLIE MARTIN PHOTO

ildcat Red took his connections on a wild ride through the racing season, culminating with being named the 2014 Florida-Bred Horse of the Year. Raced by Salvatore Delfino's Honors Stable Corp., Wildcat Red captured the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2), Hutcheson Stakes (G3) and Quality Road Stakes on his way to banking $848,600 on the season. By D'wildcat out of the Miner's Mark mare Racene, Wildcat Red was bred by Moreau Bloodstock International and Winter Racing Enterprise Inc. In addition to Wildcat Red, all of the 2014 Florida-bred champions, as well as their breeders, owners and trainers were celebrated at the 55th Annual FTBOA Florida Champions Awards Gala on Monday, March 16, at the Circle Square Cultural Center Ballroom. Also honored was Ocala Stud, who was named 2014 Florida Breeder of the Year, and who also bred Calculator, the 2014 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old colt/gelding. Fred and Jane Brei's Jacks Or Better Farm collected the award as the 2014 Leading Florida Owner by Florida-bred earnings. Racene, the dam of Wildcat Red, was chosen as the 2014 Florida Broodmare of the Year. With Distinction, who stands at Hartley/De Renzo Thoroughbreds, was the 2014 Florida Stallion of the Year (Active). Wildcat Heir, who stood at Brent and Crystal Fernung's Journeyman Stud, was the 2014 Florida Stallion of the Year and Leading Florida Juvenile Sire (Posthumously). Kantharos, who stands at Ocala Stud, was the 2014 Leading Florida Freshman and Juvenile Sire (Active). Here's a look at all the 2014 honorees at the FTBOA Awards Gala.

2014 Florida-bred Horse of the Year Wildcat Red on his way to winning the Hutcheson Stakes.

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2014 FTBOA

CINDY MIKELL PHOTO

AWARDS

2014 FLORIDA BREEDER OF THE YEAR

2014 LEADING OWNER BY FLORIDA-BRED EARNINGS

OCALA STUD

JACKS OR BETTER FARM

(J. Michael O'Farrell Jr., President) For the fourth time in the last five years, Ocala Stud was named the Florida Breeder of the Year. Ocala Stud was the 2014 leading Florida breeder by Florida-bred earnings with $2,318,486. On the season, Ocala Stud was represented as a breeder by Florida-bred graded stakes winner Asia Express and Florida-bred multiple Grade 1 stakes-placed Calculator. Additionally, the partnership of Ocala Stud, Ebert Vans Inc. and Edward Wiest bred 2014 Florida-bred stakes-placed winner Schivarelli. Asia Express, a 2011 colt by Henny Hughes out of the Running Stag mare Running Bobcats, had another outstanding season racing in Japan. Asia Express won the Leopard Stakes (G3-JPN) by three and a half lengths on August 10. He was also second in the Fuji TV Sho Spring Stakes (G2-JPN) to earn $606,007 on the season. Asia Express was sold for $230,000 by Ocala Stud at the 2013 OBS March juvenile sale and currently races for Yukio Baba. Named the 2013 champion 2-year-old colt in Japan, Asia Express has career earnings to date of $1,464,947. Calculator, a 2012 colt by Ocala Stud stallion In Summation out of the Alphabet Soup mare Back to Basics, showed plenty of talent in 2014. He was twice second in Grade 1 stakes to American Pharoah, who went on to be earn the Eclipse Award as champion 2-year-old

(Fred & Jane Brei) Fred and Jane Brei’s Jacks Or Better Farm led all owners by Florida-bred earnings with $1,935,927. Jacks Or Better Farm runners posted 32 wins, 35 seconds and 32 thirds in 196 starts. Carrying the distinctive purple with gold polka dots Jacks Or Better Farm silks were six homebred stakes winners. That total also made Jacks Or Better Farm the 2014 leading breeder by number of

SERITA HULT PHOTO

The O’Farrells of Ocala Stud (above) and Jane & Fred Brei of Jacks Or Better Farm (at right)

colt. Calculator posted runner-up finishes to American Pharoah in both the Del Mar Futurity (G1) and Frontrunner Stakes (G1). He banked $133,500 on the season and was named the 2014 Florida-bred champion 2-yearold colt. Ocala Stud sold Calculator for $132,000 at the 2014 OBS April juvenile sale. Current trainer Peter Miller signed the ticket for current owner Richard Pell. Schivarelli, a 2011 colt by Montbrook out of the Trippi mare Alotofappeal, was third in the Millions Classic Preview Stakes at Gulfstream Park West. He earned $161,750 on the season. Kantharos, who stands at Ocala Stud, was the 2014 leading active Florida freshman and juvenile sire. A graded-stakes winning son of Lion Heart out of the Southern Halo mare Contessa Halo, Kantharos recorded 2014 progeny earnings of $868,968. He was represented by Florida-bred stakes winner Mr. Jordan and six stakesplaced horses. Ocala Stud was also named the Florida Breeder of the Year in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The historic operation was founded in 1956 by a nine-man syndicate that included the late Joe O'Farrell Sr.

30 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

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was also stakes-placed five times, including thirds in the Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) and Oklahoma Derby (G3). On the season, he posted three wins, three seconds and two thirds in 10 starts to earn $848,600.

2014 NEEDLES AWARD

SERITA HULT PHOTO

BEST A LUCK FARM

Florida-bred stakes winners. Leading the parade of Jacks Or Better Farm stakes winners was Sing Praises, who earned $408,370 on the season. He was joined by Leap Year Luck, Twotwentyfive A, C. Zee, Grande Shores and Best Plan Yet. The six stakes winners posted a combined 11 stakes wins at Gulfstream Park and all were trained by Stanley Gold. Sing Praises, a 2012 chestnut colt by Hear No Evil out of the Awesome of Course mare Sacred Psalm, posted a trio of stakes wins on the season. Sing Praises won the Birdonthewire Stakes, as well as the Dr. Fager Stakes and In Reality Stakes of the Florida Sire Stakes. Also in the FSS, Leap Year Luck won the Desert Vixen Stakes and closed out the year with victories in the Juvenile Filly Sprint Stakes and House Party Stakes. Jacks Or Better Farm was also represented in the FSS by Twotwentyfive A, who captured the Affirmed Stakes. C. Zee won the Sir Bear Stakes and Cherokee Run Stakes. Best Plan Yet took the Forty Niner Stakes and Grande Shores tallied a win in the non-blacktype Rapid Transit Stakes.

(Thomas & Lori Fackler) The 2014 NEEDLES AWARD was presented to Thomas and Lori Fackler's Best A Luck Farm, who as a breeder posted Florida-bred earnings of $533,830. As a breeder, Best A Luck Farm was represented by Floridabred Grade 1 stakes winner Dance With Fate. A 2011 colt by Two Step Salsa out of the Saint Ballado mare Flirting With Fate, Dance With Fate garnered attention when he won the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) by a length and three-quarters on April 12 at Keeneland. Dance With Fate was also second in the El Camino Real Derby (G3) to bank $524,800 on the season. Consigned by Best A Luck Farm to the 2013 OBS April juvenile sale, Dance With Fate sold for $120,000 to Josephy Ciaglia Jr. Trained by Peter Eurton, Dance With Fate is raced by Sharon Alesia, Bran Jam Stable and Ciaglia Racing LLC. The Needles Award was established by the FTBOA to honor Florida breeders who own small Thoroughbred operations and have made outstanding contributions to the Florida Thoroughbred industry.

Wilson Winter of Winter Racing Enterprise with Racene (above) and Thomas and Lori Fackler (at left)

2014 FLORIDA BROODMARE OF THE YEAR

RACENE 1997 bay mare by Miner's Mark – Vette, by Flying Paster

SERITA HULT PHOTO

Racene, the dam of Florida-bred multiple graded stakes winner Wildcat Red, was named the 2014 Florida Broodmare of the Year. Wildcat Red, bred by Moreau Bloodstock International and Wilson Winter’s Racing Enterprise Inc., won the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2), Hutcheson Stakes (G3) and Quality Road Stakes. The 2011 bay colt by D'wildcat

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AWARDS

Stanley Gold (top right), El Kabeir (right) and Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck of Summerfield Sales (below)

MARTIN PHOTO

FTBOA

2014 JOE O'FARRELL MEMORIAL AWARD Consignor: SUMMERFIELD SALES Horse: EL KABEIR The 2014 Joe O'Farrell Memorial Award was presented to Summerfield Sales (Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck), the original consignor of Florida-bred graded stakes winner El Kabeir. Bred by Rustlewood Farm Inc., sold for $250,000 at the 2013 OBS August yearling sale. By Scat Daddy out of the Unbridled's Song mare Great Venue, the gray/roan colt was purchased by current owner Zayat Stables, LLC. El Kabeir captured the 2014 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) and was second in the Nashua Stakes (G2). Trained by John P. Terranova II, El Kabeir earned $268,892 on the season. The Joe O'Farrell Memorial Award is presented annually by OBS to the original consignor of the year's best Flordia-bred racehorse offered at public auction in Florida. The award is named after Joe O'Farrell, who was part of the syndicate that founded Ocala Stud in 1956 and who was a pioneer in establishing public Thoroughbred auctions in Florida.

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

2014

2014 LEADING TRAINER OF FLORIDA-BREDS By Earnings/Blacktype Stakes Wins

STANLEY GOLD was the leading Florida trainer of Florida-breds at Florida tracks by earnings ($1,894,027) and blacktype stakes wins (10). Among the five stakes winners that Gold saddled was Sing Praises, who won the Birdonthewire Stakes, as well as the Dr. Fager Stakes and In Reality Stakes of the Florida Sire Stakes. Gold completed his sweep as trainer of a 2014 FSS division thanks to Twotwentyfive A, who won the Affirmed Stakes. He also tightened the girth on Leap Year Luck, who captured the Desert Vixen Stakes (FSS), Juvenile Filly Sprint Stakes and House Party Stakes. Other blacktype stakes wins for Gold came courtesy of C. Zee (Sir Bear Stakes & Cherokee Run Stakes and Best Plan Yet (Forty Niner Stakes). All of Gold's stakes wins were posted by Jacks Or Better Farm homebreds at Gulfstream Park. 2014 FLORIDA STALLION OF THE YEAR (Active)

WITH DISTINCTION

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

2001 bay horse by Storm Cat – Extravagant Woman, by Alydar

32 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

With Distinction was named the 2014 Florida Stallion of the Year (Active) with total progeny earnings of $4,588,992. He was represented by 111 winners, four stakes winners, including a graded stakes winner and nine stakes-placed runners. All earnings, wins, stakes winners and stakes wins totals for Florida stallions include North American and international progeny as provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc. The leading 2014 earner for With Distinction was Florida-bred stakes winner Decisive Moment with $170,727. The 6-year-old horse won the Presque Isle Mile Stakes on September 7 at Presque Isle Downs. The Just For Fun Stables homebred was also second in

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SERITA HULT PHOTO

the Memorial Handicap and Eight Miles East Stakes. With Distinction's second-leading earner was Florida-bred graded stakes winner Distinctiv Passion with a bankroll of $114,000. Bred by Harold J. Plumley, Distinctiv Passion won the Midnight Lute Stakes(G3) on December 27 at Santa Anita Park. The 4year-old colt was also second in the Katella Stakes. Trained by Jeff Bonde, Distinctiv Passion raced for the partnership of Edward J. Brown Jr., Alan Klein and Phillip Lebhere. Completing With Distinction's quartet of 2014 Florida-bred stakes winners were Merit Man and Nobody Catch Me. Merit Man, a 4-year-old colt, won the Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar on his way to earning $61,200 on the season. Nobody Catch Me won the Busan Mayor's Trophy in the Republic of Korea. With Distinction was also represented by nine stakesplaced runners, including: She's Spooky, No Distinction, Charlie's Brother, Mean Emma Jean, Jessethemarine, Monty Haul, Magic Lily, Padilla and Miss Hatter. A graded stakes winner, With Distinction earned $447,717 in three seasons of racing. By Storm Cat out of the Alydar mare Extravagant Woman, With Distinction won the El Conejo Handicap (G3) at Santa Anita Park. He was also stakes-placed six times, including three seconds in graded stakes. With Distinction, who was also the 2013 leading Florida juvenile sire, stands as property of a syndicate at Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds.

winner Coco's Wildcat to a Cassidy Stakes victory at Gulfstream Park. The 2012 bay filly by Wildcat Heir out of the Sword Dance (Ire) mare Coco's for Real posted two wins, two seconds and two thirds in seven outings. The Gilbert Campbell homebred banked $125,745 on the season.

With Distinction (above) and Kathleen O’Connell (below)

2014 LEADING FLORIDA FRESHMAN SIRE & JUVENILE SIRE (Active)

KANTHAROS 2014 LEADING TRAINER OF FLORIDA-BREDS By Wins

SHERIDAN PHOTO

KATHLEEN O'CONNELL was the leading trainer of Florida-breds at Florida tracks by number of wins with 56. O'Connell saddled Florida-bred stakes

2008 chestnut horse by Lion Heart – Contessa Halo, by Southern Halo Kantharos was the 2014 leading Florida juvenile and freshman sire by progeny earnings with a total of $868,968. He was represented by 17 winners, including one stakes winner and six stakes-placed runners. Kantharos' leading earner was undefeated Floridabred stakes winner Mr. Jordan, who banked $139,215 on the season. The 2012 gray/roan colt won the Juvenile Sprint Stakes by six and a half lengths on November 8 at Gulfstream Park West. He came back on November 29 to capture the Smooth Air Stakes by four and a half lengths. Out of the Cloud Hopping mare Miss Skeetd, Mr. Jordan was bred by Phil and Karen Matthews. He initially sold for $63,000 to Hubert Guy Bloodstock out of the Summerfield, agent, consignment at the 2013 OBS August yearling sale. Consigned by De Meric Sales to the 2014 OBS April juvenile sale, Mr. Jordan was bought for $155,000 by Eddie Plesa Jr. Trained by Plesa, Mr. Jordan raced in 2014 for the partnership of David Melin, Leon Ellman and Laurie Plesa. Stakes-placed runners representing Kantharos included: X Y Jet (2nd-Pasco Stakes); Brother Bobo (2nd-Buffalo

THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 33

2014 FTBOA AWARDS

Man Stakes); Savingtime (2nd – Juvenile Filly Sprint Stakes); Bucchero (2nd -Hillsdale Stakes); Duke of Luke (3rd – Inaugural Stakes); and Katie's Kiss (3rd – Desert Vixen Stakes). A graded stakes winning son of Lion Heart, Kantharos is out of the stakes-producing Southern Halo mare Contessa Halo. In addition to Kantharos, Contessa halo also produced graded stakes winner Ikigai and stakes winner Bonifacio. In 2010, Kantharos won the Saratoga Special (G2) at Saratoga and the Bashford Manor Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs. Kantharos stands stud as property of Stonestreet and Grapestock LLC at Ocala Stud. 2014 FLORIDA STALLION OF THE YEAR & LEADING FLORIDA JUVENILE SIRE (Posthumously)

WILDCAT HEIR 2000-2015 bay horse by Forest Wildcat – Penniless Heiress, by Pentelicus

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

Leading active Freshman & Juvenile Sire Kantharos (above) and Leading Sire and Juvenile Sire-posthumouslyWildcat Heir (below)

Wildcat Heir posted 2014 overall progeny earnings of $6,317,553 and juvenile progeny earnings of $945,431. On the general sire side of the ledger, he was represented by 136 winners, including eight stakes winners and 13 stakes-placed runners. Among his stakes winners were two graded stakes winners. In the juvenile sire category, Wildcat Heir was represented by 17 winners, including one stakes winner.

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LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

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Wildcat Heir's leading 2014 earner was Florida-bred graded stakes winner Daring Kathy, who banked $356,366. The John Eaton and Steve Laymon homebred won the My Charmer Handicap (G3), Honey Ryder Stakes, Starfish Bay Stakes and Cellars Shiraz Stakes. Trained by David Fawkes, she was also third in the Lake George Stakes (G2) and Ontario Colleen Stakes (G3). For her outstanding season, Daring Kathy was named the 2014 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old filly. Also representing Wildcat Heir was Florida-bred graded stakes winner Wild Dude, who won the Palos Verdes Stakes (G2). He was also second in the Potrero Grande Stakes (G2) on his way to earning $211,000. Florida-bred Coco's Wildcat, who was Wildcat Heir's leading juvenile earner, won the Cassidy Stakes. The Gilbert Campbell homebred was also stakes placed four times and banked $125,745 on the season. Rounding out the list of Wildcat Heir's 2014 stakes winners were Hot Heir Skier (Jimmy Winkfield Stakes); One More Wild Ride (Arizona Oaks); Rainbow Heir (Teddy Drone Stakes & New Jersey Breeders Handicap); Ramona's Wildcat (El Paso Times Stakes); and Tie Hand (Ven), who won the Clasico Grano De Oro. Wildcat Heir's 13 stakes-placed runners were led by graded stakes-placed winners Heir Kitty and Heir of Storm. A Florida-bred Grade I stakes winner of $424,460, Wildcat Heir was bred by New Farm. He won the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G1), Icecapade Stakes and Teddy Drone Stakes. Wildcat Heir entered stud in 2006 and stood property of Brent and Crystal Fernung's Journeyman Stud. He was the 2009 leading Florida freshman and juvenile sire. In addition to 2014, he was the leading Florida sire in 2010, 2011 and 2013. Wildcat Heir died from a severe bout of colic on January 5, 2015. ■

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2014 FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPIONS CALCULATOR

HAPPY MY WAY

2012 gray/roan colt by In Summation – Back to Basics, by Alphabet Soup

2010 bay gelding by Wilko – Holy Queen, by Holy Bull

Breeder: Ocala Stud Owner: Richard C. Pell Trainer: Peter Miller

MARTIN PHOTO

CHAMPION OLDER MALE/ SPRINTER

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD COLT/GELDING

Breeder: Mayo West/Liam Benson Owners: Sagamore Farm & Mel Paikoff Trainer: Joseph F. Orseno

PARRANDA

2012 bay filly by War Front – More Oats Please, by Smart Strike

2009 chestnut mare by English Channel – Dynamic Feature, by Rahy

Breeder: Sally J. Andersen Owner: Qatar Racing Trainer: Olly Stevens

COGLIANESE PHOTO

CHAMPION OLDER FEMALE/FEMALE TURF HORSE

PEACE AND WAR

COADY PHOTO

CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD FILLY

Breeder: Kinsman Farm Owners: Gillian Campbell, Dan Clark, Gatto Racing, Jerry Hollendorfer & Greg Skoda Lone Stable LLC Trainers: Jerry Hollendorfer/Rodolfo Garcia

CHAMPION FEMALE SPRINTER

WILDCAT RED

R FREE ROLL

2011 bay colt by D'wildcat – Racene, by Miner's Mark

2010 bay filly by Rockport Harbor – Jewels N Gems, by Acceptable

Breeders: Moreau Bloodstock International & Winter Racing Enterprise Inc. Owner: Honors Stable Corp. Trainer: Jose Garoffalo

COADY PHOTO

MARTIN PHOTO

CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD COLT/GELDING

CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD FILLY

CHAMPION TURF HORSE

DARING KATHY

REPORTING STAR

2010 bay gelding by Circular Quay – Classic Beauty, by Sword Dance (Ire)

BURNS PHOTO

2011 bay filly by Wildcat Heir – Dare to Mambo, by Kingmambo

FAWKES PHOTO

Breeder: Richard Averill Owners: Averill Racing LLC & Silver Oak Stable LLC Trainer: Kirk Ziadie

Breeders/Owners: John Eaton & Steve Laymon Trainer: David Fawkes

Breeder: Gilbert G. Campbell Owner: Copper Water Thoroughbred Company Trainer: Pat Parente

THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 35

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Familiar route for Pletcher By BROCK SHERIDAN HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – or the second consecutive year, trainer Todd Pletcher brought a horse with only two races on his career resume’ into the Grade 1 Florida Derby and left with a victory. With but a maiden-special-weight victory on Jan. 11 and a win in the $60,000 Islamorada Handicap on March 6, both at Gulfstream Park, making up his past performances, Materiality was bet down to 9-5 by the wagering public and responded with a win in the $1 million Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (G1) prep. 36 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

COGLIANESE PHOTOS

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Florida Derby

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Materiality is by Afleet Alex and out of Wildwood Materiality also earned 100 points towards qualifying for the Kentucky Derby to be run at Churchill Downs Flower, by Langfuhr, making him a half-brother to My on May 2, which is more than enough to earn a starting Miss Sophia, who was second in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and won the Gazelle Stakes (G2). spot in the Run for the Roses. After the race, Pletcher admitted he had concerns beWhile Materiality won the Florida Derby by 1½ lengths over even-money favorite Upstart, that was the fore the Florida Derby. “We talked about deciding to run [Materiality] back greatest distance between the two at any stage of the 1 in 22 days,” Pletcher said. “It was a give-and-take situ1/8-mile race. Jack Tripp broke on top from post 2 but Materiality was right at his side while coming out of post 3. Upstart was also right there but was racing three-wide as the field of nine 3-year-olds made their way around the clubhouse turn. Jack Tripp maintained the lead by just a head over Materiality as they began to straighten away for the run down the Gulfstream Park backstretch with Upstart just another length back in third after a first quarter-mile in a slow :23.89 over a track that was playing slow throughout the day. As they made their way toward the half-mile pole, Materiality got to the lead but was only a half-length in front of Jack Tripp, who was also a half-length in front of Upstart in third. After a half-mile in :48.24 Jack Tripp began to drop back but the running was just starting for Materiality and Upstart. “[Materiality] felt strong the whole way around,” winning jockey John Velasquez said. “[But] we hooked up with [Upstart] at the half-mile pole—that’s a lot of running.” ation. The positives were that you’re running over a track Those two matched strides around the far turn and where he’s two-for-two and you don’t have to ship. If down the stretch with Materiality you do well, then you get five on the rail and Upstart on the outweeks instead of four or three [Materiality] felt strong the [before the Kentucky Derby].” side. As they passed the eighth whole way around. [But] we pole, Materiality began to pull Materiality paid $5.60 to away when he suddenly veered hooked up with [Upstart] at the win and earned $595,000 in the out slightly, but no steward’s inFlorida Derby for owner Gil half-mile pole—that’s a lot of quiry was posted nor objection running. We got very close [to Moutray’s Alto Racing LLC. He lodged. is now undefeated in three starts Upstart], that’s for sure. There and has $655,828 in career “We got very close [to Upstart], that’s for sure,” Velasquez was a little brushing, maybe, but earnings. Upstart was second said. “There was a little brush- there was not contact. I was very and some 12½ lengths ahead of ing, maybe, but there was not third-place finisher Ami’s Flatconscious to pull back in. contact. I was very conscious to —jockey John Velasquez ter in third. pull back in.” Materiality was purchased for Materiality finished the Florida Derby in 1:52.30, $260,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September in 2013 giving both Velasquez and Pletcher their third Florida and was again sold at Fasig-Tipton May last year for Derby. Velasquez also won with Quality Road in 2009 $400,000 from the consignment of de Meric Sales, agent. and with Orb in 2013. Pletcher previously took the Steve Young signed the ticket to purchase him as a 2Florida Derby with Scat Daddy in 2007 and Constitu- year-old in training at the May auction in Timonium, Md. tion last year. The remaining order of finish was Itsaknockout, It was also the slowest Florida Derby since 1955 Dekabrist, Indianaughty, My Point Exactly, Quimet and when Nashua won in 1:53 2.5 over a sloppy track. Jack Tripp faded to ninth. ■

“

Materiality finished the Florida Derby in 1:52.30, giving both Velasquez and Pletcher their third Florida Derby.

”

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By BROCK SHERIDAN OLDSMAR, Fla. –

here were plenty of questions surrounding Tampa Derby (G2) favorite Carpe Diem before the $350,000 Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (G1) prep race Mar. 7. The Todd Pletcher trainee was making his first start in more than four months when second to Texas Red in the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita on Nov. 1. Sceptics wondered how he would come into the 1 1/16-mile event off such a layoff. They wondered if he had matured into his potential as a 3-year-old and of course they wondered if Carpe Diem could handle a solid field of challengers at Tampa Bay Downs that included hometown favorite and Sam Davis (G3) winner Ocean Knight. In the end, however, the Carpe Diem supporters outnumbered the skeptics as the good-looking son of Giant’s Causeway and the Unbridled’s Song mare Rebridled Dreams was bet down to even-money at post time. And Carpe Diem did not disappoint. Carpe Diem added a portion of drama just before the start of the Tampa Derby as he challenged the assistant starters during the loading process, eventually forcing jockey John Velasquez to dismount before stepping into his post 3. Carpe Diem was slow to load but was fast to break as he jumped out on top before Sam Davis runner-up Divining Rod got to the front as the field of eight went into the clubhouse turn. Longshots My Johnny Be Good and Moonlight Bandit loomed up to second and third as Carpe Diem settled into fourth before they went the first two furlongs in :23.10. Ocean Knight followed in fifth on the outside and slowly advanced on the leaders just behind Carpe Diem as they ran down the backstretch.

OBS graduate Carpe Diem captures the Tampa Bay Derby in 2015 debut After a half-mile in :46.65, Carpe Diem began to move while racing three-wide with Ocean Knight also giving chase as Divining Rod kept the lead around the far turn. As they raced into the stretch, Carpe Diem came out on top with Ocean Knight also making a move on the outside before suddenly slowing. By that time Carpe Diem was pulling away from Divining Rod in second with Ami’s Flatter trying to make a late run from far back. Carpe Diem hit the finish in 1:43.60 over the fast main track, five lengths ahead of Ami’s Flatter in second with Divining Rod another 2½ lengths further back in third. Ocean Knight finished seventh. Carpe Diem races for Bill Casner and Kenny Troutt’s Winstar Farm LLC of Versailles, Ky., and Barbara Banke’s 40 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

Stonestreet Stable LLC of Lexington, Ky. They picked up $210,000 in earnings and 50 points towards a starting position in the Kentucky Derby for the winning effort. Troutt was much more pleased with Carpe Diem’s performance than he was with the prize money or the points. “I tell you what. He just took off down the lane,” Trout said. “I was really shocked and so was Elliott [Walden, WinStar Racing Manager]. He kept yelling ‘Slow down, slow down,’ because he didn’t want to use him up.” Walden, too, was happy with the effort. “Wow! When they leave their 2-year-old season behind, you hope they come out like he did,” Walden said. “Everyone who has watched him train said he has been

training better than any horse in Florida, and it’s nice to see him put it together like that. He is just a natural athlete and has a great rhythm to him.” Carpe Diem has now won three of four races including the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity last year with his only loss coming in the Breeders’ Cup. Carpe Diem is a graduate of the OBS March sale in 2014 where he brought a co-sale topping $1.6 million from the consignment of Northwest Stud. “We missed him as a yearling,” Walden said. “But thankfully John [Moynihan, representative for co-owner Barbara Banke’s Stonestreet Stables] and I got together on him as a 2-year-old.” His career earnings are now $919,800. ■

SV PHOTOGRAPHY

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By MIKE MULLANEY

has all “theHeheart(ElinKabeir) the world. ” —Breeder George Russell

42 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

COGLIANESE PHOTO

SERITA HULT PHOTO

arly March was a particularly pleasant time at Rustlewood Farm in Reddick as George and Karen Russell enjoyed watching the 3-year-olds they bred, El Kabeir and Ackerite, win stakes on consecutive days at Aqueduct. “A really exciting weekend!” is how George Russell phrased it, and who could blame him for his enthusiasm. Ackerite, coming out of a 14-length drubbing by El Kabeir in the Grade 3, Jan. 15 Jerome, found the company much more to his liking in the $100,000 Jimmy Winkfield on March 8, when he upset five others in winning by 2¼ lengths. That victory came a day after his one-time nurserymate left longtime observers looking for the right words to describe his victory in the $400,000 Gotham (G3). The venerable turf writer Steve Haskin, in sizing up El Kabeir’s performance, called him “a fascinating colt” and “a fun horse to have in the barn” … “who is going to win a lot of races this year.” Russell’s appraisal of the Gotham was simply “his best race yet.” El Kabeir had shown a marked preference to run on or near the lead,

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El Kabeir

but circumstances were different in the Gotham as jockey Chuck Lopez brought the horse back to ninth in the 10-horse field, and brought the nerves of a few backers to the brink. “At first I was thinking ‘What the hell is that jock doing,’” Russell said. “It was the first time he had that much dirt kicked back at him, and he had to weave in and out through traffic.” El Kabeir was ninth of 10 after the opening quarter of the 11⁄16-mile Gotham, 12 lengths behind the pacesetting longshot Toasting Master and Blame Jim, one of a trio of Todd Pletcher-trained horses sent in to test El Kabeir, who was favored at 6-5. The 54-year-old Lopez, who has yet to win a Grade 1 race, has never had a mount anywhere near as promising and he now finds himself in a position not dissimilar to that once held by Jean Cruguet with Seattle Slew and Stewart Elliot with Smarty Jones: A journeyman rider, in the twilight of his career, awarded with the mount of a lifetime. Lopez felt some heat after an aggressive ride in the Withers, in which El Kabeir finished second: They engaged in a speed duel early in that race and had little left to hold

44 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

off Far From Over, losing by 1¾ lengths. “In the Withers, I was still just trying to find out more about what he’s about,” Lopez said. “I probably had to move a little bit earlier because I didn’t want Classy Class to beat us both so maybe that took him a little out of his element.” The heat returned after the Gotham, and Lopez would admit later that he was concerned about the position he and El Kabeir found themselves in just after the break. “I just tried not to panic,” he said. “All I could do was make it worse by panicking.” The colt’s trainer, John Terranova, said, “When [Lopez] and I had talked about it before the race, we said, ‘We have a fast horse here, the track is playing quick, let’s not get cute. ‘“If he breaks clean, go.’ We thought we’d be on the lead.” Over the muddy track, El Kabeir picked up horses after a quarter in :23 and a half in an honest :46.63, progressing on the far turn even as the pace trickled through six furlongs in 1:12.01. Lopez and El Kabeir gathered full steam on the turn and they made the lead straightening for home. No one was traveling with them and, once they struck the front, there

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COGLIANESE PHOTOS

was no one to interfere with when suddenly they leaned left. After straightening their course they hit the wire in 1:45.56 after a mile in 1:38.89. Owner Ahmed Zayat cheerfully shrugged off criticism voiced by some turf writers over the slow time for the Gotham. “Totally meaningless to me,” Zayat said. “I respect speed figures a lot, I use them in my handicapping as a tool – underline the word tool. What I saw [in the Gotham] was a horse go inside, outside, do everything possible.” Tiz Shea D was 2¾ lengths back in second with Classy Class third. The Pletcher brigade – Dontbetwithbruno, Uninfluenced and Blame Jim – finished sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively. The entry was the 3-1 second choice. While some may have questions about Lopez, the jockey said his queries about El Kabeir have been answered. “I knew I was riding the best horse,” he said. “When I called on him going to the half-mile pole I was able to sneak through on the fence and angle him out going to the three-eighths pole. From there, when he changed leads turning for home, he just exploded, so I’m not worried about the distance anymore.” Russell noted that the Kentucky Derby distance of 1¼ miles is a question that remains unanswered by any of the candidates, but as for El Kabeir, “He has all the heart in the world … He tries every time.” El Kabeir is one of three top classic prospects in the Zayat Stable barn: American Pharaoh, last year’s champion juvenile and impressive winner of the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn in his debut in mid March, and Mr. Zee are the other two. The three colts have three trainers: three-time Kentucky pets for my wife Karen.” Derby winner Bob Baffert handles American Pharaoh; El Kabeir, a son of 2008 Florida Derby and Fountain of four-time winner Wayne Lukas has Mr. Zee, and Terranova Youth winner Scat Daddy, out of the Unbridled’s Song – 19th with his lone Kentucky Derby starter, Falling Sky in mare Great Venue, was a $250,000 yearling purchase at the 2013 – has El Kabeir. turning for home, he just exploded, Perhaps this is his year. “He’s a tough, strong horse,” not worried about the distance anymore. —jockey Chuck Lopez Terranova said of the Florida-bred. “He’s got a great constitution. We’ve got a tremendous OBS August auction in 2013. foundation under him now, and I think the winter has toughThe Gotham was his fourth victory from eight starts. ened him up even more. Every race he’s gotten stronger.” He has earned $678,892. Terranova noted that El Kabeir underwent a decided Russell said that he and his wife, through Nick De change in attitude from age 2 to age 3. Meric, will be selling El Kabeir’s 2-year-old unnamed halfRussell noted a similar change when he had the gray brother by Tale of the Cat in the OBS April auction. colt in Reddick. But that will be the end of the line. “Looking at the pictures we have of him back then, you “It’s a very disappointing story,” he said. “One day we can see he had a nice conformation but he really matured found the mare dead in the field. We don’t have any idea the last three months we had him,” he said. “It was unbe- what happened to her. She just died. lievable, the change. Every week he kept getting better and “Just another example of the extremes in this business, how better, filling out really well.” you can go sky high and how you can come right back down. “We treat them all the same way, we give them all they “But this is certainly an exciting time for us. We’re keepneed, and then some. But at some point they all turn into ing our fingers crossed.” ■

“When he changed leads

so I’m

”

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Revenge is sweet for

Quality Rocks By BROCK SHERIDAN OLDSMAR, Fla. – uality Rocks picked up a bit of revenge and her first victory since September as the Florida-bred filly took the $200,000, Grade 3 Florida Oaks on grass Mar. 7. Finishing second was Consumer Credit, who had defeated Quality Rocks when they also finished first and second in the Grade 3 Sweetest Chant Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 24. Consumer Credit was bet down to 6-5 favoritism at post time of the 11⁄16-mile Oaks and Quality Rocks was second choice at 7-2 among the 11 fillies. Distorted Time, at 50-1, broke best of all while Quality Rocks also started in good order and settled in third as 10-1 choice Lismore also raced for the lead. Lismore and Distorted Time went the first quarter-mile in a steady :24.12 as Quality Rocks stalked those two while racing just to the inside of Nicky’s Brown Miss at 33-1 with Consumer Credit another length back in fourth. Lismore had a length on Distorted Type after a half-mile in :49.14 as Jose Lezcano on Quality Rocks remained patient while racing around the far turn on the rail in third. Approaching the quarter pole, Quality Rocks shot between rivals and lead the field for the run for home as Consumer Credit was also trying to get clear on the outside. Quality Rocks went under the finish line three-quarters of a length in front of Consumer Credit in second while Lismore hung on for third. The final time was 1:43.39 on the turf course rated firm. “She rated very well,” Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said of Quality Rocks after the race. “She wasn’t overly anxious and she finished good. Jose [Lezcano] did a great job. I didn’t really have any anxious moments other than going into the second turn. I could see Jose didn’t go around the two horses in front. It looked like he was staying tucked in right behind them, but he realizes how important it is to save ground.” Lezcano was more inclined to give credit to Quality Rocks. “This is a very nice filly,” Lezcano said. “And she just loved this surface. We had good position mid-race and I was able to wait with her on the inside. The rail opened up in the final turn and she really turned it on.” Quality Rocks was bred in Florida by Bill and Janet Grube’s Destiny Oaks of Ocala who continue to own a portion of the filly with partners Nils Brous’ Brous Stable of New York City, Adam Wachtel’s Wachtel Stable of Briarcliff, N.Y. and chef Bobby Flay’s Flavor Racing, also of New York City. The $120,000 first-place check increases her career bankroll to $455,200 from three wins in six starts with two seconds. Her only off-the-board finish came in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf when 10th behind Lady Eli on Oct. 31 at Santa Anita. The dark-bay or brown filly is by Rock Hard Ten out of Elusive Virgin, by Elusive Quality. ■

SV PHOTOGRAPHY

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Florida-bred Gentlemen’s Bet sprints to win in Hot Springs Stakes at Oaklawn Park 50 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

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By MIKE MULLANEY

COADY PHOTO

rainer Ron Moquette has adopted an ultra-laid-back approach to his star Floridabred sprinter Gentlemen’s Bet, who took the March 7, $100,000 Hot Springs Stakes at Oaklawn in his second start back from a 15-month respite. After finishing third in a $50,000 optional claimer at Oaklawn Feb. 14, his first race since a similar finish in the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Gentlemen’s Bet stalked favored Ivan Fallunovalot, took over when asked by rider Ramon Vazquez, and came home 1¼ lengths in front of the 3-5 choice. Fractions for the race were :21.61, :44.58 and :56.89 with a final time for the six furlongs of 1:09.67. “[This] was a class check more than it was a time check,” Moquett said. Vazquez said, “I asked him to settle behind the pace and he did it perfectly. When we turned for home, I asked him to run and he dug in and ran for me. He’s a really great horse.” Juvenal Diaz bred the 6-year-old Gentlemen’s Bet, a son of Half Ours out of the Gentlemen mare Lady of Sun. He is owned by Harry Rosenblum. Gentlemen’s Bet had won his first three career starts before finishing third to Justin Phillip in the 2013 Count Fleet at Oaklawn. He rebounded with consecutive victories that included the Iowa Sprint, then ran third when he met Justin Phillip again in the Grade 1 A.G. Vanderbilt at Saratoga. A runner-up showing to Sum of All Parts in the Phoenix (G3) at Keeneland was his lead-in to the Breeders’ Cup, which was at Santa Anita in 2013. A “now” horse back then, he was sent off at 9-1 for the Sprint, which he lost to Secret Circle by 1½ lengths. Gentlemen’s Bet has won seven of 12 starts with four thirds and has earned $543,200. Asked about plans for the horse, Moquett said, “He gets to answer that question. We’re just going to do whatever is best for him.” ■ THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 51

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LOVING Florida

Interesting

Quotes of Note Peter Miller, trainer of Calculator

I grew up in California. I live in “California and train in California. But I love Florida-breds. ”

Barbara Banke,

L. DIMARCO PHOTOS

Stonestreet Racing LLC

I love to race in Florida, where I was “ born and raised. I only buy Florida-breds and I only race Florida-breds. ”

had great success “withWe’ve Kantharos in Florida, first at the Vinery and now with Ocala Stud. We are excited to train in Florida. We are excited to breed in Florida and we’re excited to stand stallions in Florida.

”

52 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

Richard Averill, breeder and co-owner of R Free Roll (above)

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54 THE FLORIDA HORSE â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL/MAY 2015

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Adena Springs embraces Florida breeding industry By MIKE MULLANEY

arion County’s reputation as a seedbed for initiative in the thoroughbred industry has been furthered this breeding season due to a clever marketing plan for Frank Stronach’s revitalized Adena Springs South in Williston. Stronach – owner of Gulfstream Park, Santa Anita and the Maryland Jockey Club and recipient of a combined 30 Eclipse and Sovereign awards as the leading owner and/or breeder in the U.S. and Canada – has reinvested in the Williston stallion station, coupling his plans there to a unique partnership with Gulfstream Park, which is offering $5,000 toward payment of the $12,500 stud fee commanded by the promising young sire Fort Larned. Jack Brothers, Adena Springs’ director of marketing and stallion administration, said the philosophy that links the breeding and racing operations is simple: “Ultimately a vibrant Florida-bred program has positive long-term benefits for the racing community.” A major component in the health of the Florida breeding and racing program is the FTBOA’s Florida Sire Stakes series. The property of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, the series has traditionally been composed of three legs for 2-year-old state-breds. There are races for females and colts/geldings, with the first leg at six furlongs, the second leg at seven furlongs and the third leg at 11⁄16 miles. Lonny T. Powell, chief executive officer of the FTBOA, said that immediately following last year’s Florida Sire Stakes finale, he approached Tim Ritvo – the chief operating officer of the Stronach Group who oversees Stronach’s tracks – about “taking the series to a higher level in terms of finals purses for the

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

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■ double the purses of the seven-furlong second leg Florida-sired/Florida-bred 2-year-olds, while also rolling of the series to $300,000, and; out a new and lucrative program for 3-year-olds.” ■ raise the purses for the third leg, the 1 1/16-mile Such expansion, Powell said, would be part of the FTBOA’s “vision to continue to build the track’s races, from $350,000 to $500,000. And, beginning this year, those who have nominated Florida-bred racing program while economically rewarding the participating trainers, owners and, of their stallions to the program for 2-year-olds will also be able to participate in the inaugural program for 3-year-olds, course, breeders.” Gulfstream Park co-opted the series last year from for whom there will be six races valued at $150,000 each. Ritvo said “a good, healthy” business environment Calder Race Course, its moribund neighbor eight miles to the west, leasing the track and racing operations of calls for a plentiful population of well-bred, talented the series’ previous host while managing what had been horses competing for “decent” purses, which will create large fields, which horseplayers prefer, leading to a Calder’s late-summer and fall meeting. smooth-running economic engine. Gulfstream Park management “For Gulfstream Park to be rebranded the meet “Gulfstream and Capo healthy, we believe a healthy Park West.” Bastone both hail from the breeding program is important,” Thanks to considerable funding by the FTBOA and the Florida line of Mr. Prospector, who Ritvo said. “We want to incentivize more Horsemen’s Benevolent and Pro- started his illustrious career racing at Gulfstream Park. We tective Association, Gulfstream in Florida. Historically, that want to work with [the FTBOA] to Park recently agreed to: ■ double the purses for the two line has performed extremely raise the Florida Sire Stakes to national prominence, and we should six-furlong races that comprise the well here. City Wolf, by see growth in the Florida Sire first leg of the Florida Sire Stakes to Giant’s Causeway, and Stakes. That’s why we worked with $200,000;

“Fort Larned

Jack Brothers, Adena Springs’ director of marketing and stallion administration

Ghostzapper’s son Hunters Bay also fit the Adena Springs blueprint for standing leading sons of leading sires. —Jack Brothers

PHOTO BY Z

”

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LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

and will continue to work with the breeders … to grow this program.” Powell said the contributions Florida-breds make to Gulfstream Park’s success are indisputable. “Roughly more than 60% of the winners at Gulfstream are Florida-bred,” Powell said. “Our Florida-bred 2-yearolds are the key to putting on Gulfstream’s summer meet and – with a roughly $3 million Florida Sire Stakes program at Gulfstream for Florida-bred/Florida-sired 2- and 3-year-olds – you almost need to have competitive or promising Florida-breds in your barn now if you are planning to go after Gulfstream’s big-stakes money on a year-round basis. Also, we need to keep in mind that our Florida-bred 2- and 3-year-olds will eventually become the nucleus of Gulfstream’s older horse population for years to come. “All of this contributes to a strong Florida breeding industry. While it’s primarily based here in Marion County, the benefits extend statewide in major ways.” Adena makes no bones about the 7-year-old Fort Larned – winner of the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in addition to a pair of other Grade 1s, that same year’s Whitney (G1) and the 2013 Stephen Foster (G1) – as being the big man on its southern campus. On their own, those credentials would make Fort

Larned a much-desired commodity. Coupled with the $5,000 discount that Gulfstream is offering, his addition and availability to the state’s breeders is expected to be a boon to Florida’s thoroughbred industry, radiating outward from Marion County to Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs and beyond. “Looking at it from our situation, if Frank is supporting Adena South with his own mares, plus outside mares, this is ‘win’ for Florida,” Powell said. “It means more Florida-breds will be hitting the ground and campaigning here or elsewhere.” Fort Larned’s first foals have hit the ground this winter. “It’s a nice vote of confidence from Frank Stronach, Jack Brothers and the Adena Springs operation, which speaks to their belief in the state of the thoroughbred industry in Florida,” Powell said. “Ultimately, these Adena-sired foals should bolster the field sizes and quality of racing at both Gulfstream and Tampa.” The three stallions joining Fort Larned in the stud barn are: ■ Capo Bastone – winner of the Grade 1 King’s Bishop, runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and FrontRunner (G1), and earner of $731,756 during his rac-

Adena Springs stallion Fort Larned

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ing career. He’s standing his first year at stud for $4,000; ■ City Wolf – graded-stakes winner by champion sire Giant’s Causeway, he’s standing for $4,000 in his second year at stud, and, ■ Hunter’s Bay – Canadian champion older male and the only son of the Stronach-raced Horse of the Year and leading sire Ghostzapper at stud in Florida. In his second year at stud, he’s standing for $5,000. Brothers said considerable thought went into determining which stallions would be tasked with revitalizing Adena Springs South. “Even though we returned with a very diverse group, it’s fair to say that each has the credentials we look for in a stallion,” he said.

Adena Springs director of stallion seasons Declan Doyle

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“Fort Larned and Capo Bastone both hail from the line of Mr. Prospector, who started his illustrious career in Florida. Historically, that line has performed extremely well here. City Wolf, by Giant’s Causeway, and Ghostzapper’s son Hunters Bay also fit the Adena Springs blueprint for standing leading sons of leading sires.” Brothers said local breeders have expressed warm thoughts upon hearing the news of Adena’s return. “After a lengthy absence you’re never quite sure how the community will react to a return,” he said. “After the final stallion show I was very reassured that our return to the market would be a successful one. We hosted nearly 500 guests over the two-day open house and stallion show, and the comments and the feedback were

very positive across the board.” Declan Doyle, director of stallion seasons and sales, said that, as of early April, 110 different breeders had booked the four stallions at Adena Springs South. “The Stronach name and Adena brand mean a lot to the area,” Brothers said. Powell and Brothers both used the phrase “a high tide lifts all boats” in describing the ripple effects of Adena’s return. Powell said, “The thing about Frank is that he supports his stallions with an aggressive marketing campaign. Not only has he sent quality stallions to Adena Springs South, he’s also going to do everything he can to make sure they’re successful.”

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTOS

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Adena Springs stallion Hunters Bay

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Adena

You can’t succeed unless you have people taking bold “ steps and getting engaged like Adena and a number of our

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SPRINGS

”

Stronach began the due diligence that led to his original investment in Marion County in 1996 when he toured the area with an eye toward wintering his growing thoroughbred operations until the weather warmed in Kentucky and Ontario. By mid-autumn of that year he had purchased 454 acres from the old Lin-Drake Farm with the idea of providing a cold-weather respite for older horses as well as a place to break his yearlings, all of whom would be sent north in the spring. As those familiar with Stronach’s interests can attest, plans can change quickly, usually ex-

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

Stallion City Wolf

other hard-working and hard-promoting stallion operations. We hope to see it become an example, if not an inspiration, for other breeding and racing operations throughout the country who are considering expanding or relocating to Florida. —Lonny Powell, FTBOA CEO & Executive Vice President

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panding, and before long twice the number of yearlings as originally planned had arrived, along with nearly 50 broodmares and three stallions. To satisfy the growing band, more land was purchased over the next few years, bringing the property to what is now about 3,800 acres between routes 318 and 316. The land didn’t come cheap, either at the point of sale or in its development. Clay-bottom ponds were scattered throughout and random tree stumps littered the property. Brothers said that about 1,600 of the original acres had been timber and the remaining 2,200 acres had been cattle pasture. The numbers associated with the thoroughbred operation are staggering: 20 miles of wire-mesh fences; four 36stall broodmare and foal barns; eight 36-stall training barns; a 12-stall stallion barn; a one-mile, 60-foot wide training track, and a seven-furlong, 45-foot wide turf course. The sales pavilion, which had accommodated Adena’s 2-year-olds in-training sale, remains in good shape even as the action has moved south to Gulfstream Park, where the Stronach Group hosted Fasig-Tipton’s Florida Sale of 2-year-olds in training for the first time on March 4. The property also became home to what Brothers refers to as “substantial quality housing” in the form of 40 “well-appointed quads,” or apartments, and 18 single-family homes, with a pitch-and-chip golf course, community pool and soccer field for the roughly 80 employees. Also on the property is the Stronach Group’s livestock business, where the accent is on health (it’s entirely organic) and efficiency: the operation has its own 61,000-square foot abattoir, located in Fort McCoy, less than 35 miles away. Brothers cited “a variety of reasons” as to why Adena’s stallion division was pulled out of Florida in 2009, sending its studs to Kentucky and Ontario. The job of getting the Williston property back into presentable shape – and finished in time for the stallion shows – fell to him and his team. “Adena Springs South had remained a breaking and training center for all the farm yearlings, 2-year-olds and

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTOS

Capo Bastone also stands at Adena Springs South

JOVI PENNEY PHOTO

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layups,” he said. “The property was well maintained during our absence, but the usual fence mending, painting, etc., was required. Naturally, we had to give the stallion barn and surrounding paddocks a facelift to get them up to Mr. Stronach’s standards.” Powell said the FTBOA welcomes Stronach’s breeding division back to Marion County, viewing its return as both a lesson and an invitation for others. “You can’t succeed unless you have people taking bold steps and getting engaged like Adena and a number of our other hard-working and hard-promoting stallion operations,” he said. “We hope to see it become an example, if not an inspiration, for other breeding and racing operations throughout the country who are con-

sidering expanding or relocating to Florida. Powell also noted that the aggressive and competitive, yet fun-spirited advertising and promotional spends by stallion operations such as Adena, Journeyman, Ocala Stud, Pleasant Acres, Woodford, Hartley/DeRenzo, Double Diamond, Northwest and others, “particularly this time of the year, add a buzz and vibe that creates interest, awareness and excitement in the entire Florida breeding, sales and racing industry. “Those of us who are blessed to be here truly feel there is no better place to breed, raise, sell, own, train, and race thoroughbreds on a year-round basis than in the Sunshine State.” ■

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FTBOA MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

Keeping members informed MEMBER MOTIVATOR

As this issue goes to press, you may have seen the expansion from President Remarks and CEO Corner to our newest addition, Member Motivator. Member Motivator will provide thought provoking substance that will add value to your membership and your bottom line. The topic tidbits of the first installment are service and engagement and can be found at ftboa.com. We’ve designed them to be quick five minute reads so you can read and hopefully be inspired and then apply them quickly to your operation. You will find some will just remind you of what you already know, but it’s always helpful to revisit. UPCOMING FLORIDA SIRE STAKES DEADLINE

Yearlings (foals of 2014) have their first payment of $250 due May 15, 2015 (postmarked date) to the FTBOA, 801 SW 60th Ave, Ocala FL 34474. Payments may also be made by credit card by calling 352-629-2160 during office hours Monday- Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., note office is closed from noon to 1 p.m. Horses must be by an FTBOA registered stallion (the year conceived) and must be an FTBOA registered Florida-bred. Horses that miss the yearling deadline have until Nov. 15 to make a late payment of $500 to remain eligible. The 2-year old (second and final) payment is $250 due on Jan. 15, 2016. The FSS stakes series kicks off on Aug. 8, the second legs on Sept 5 and the finals on Oct 3, all at Gulfstream Park. VANESSA ROGERS GRADUATES INTERN PROGRAM

College of Central Florida equine student Vanessa Rogers completed a three month internship at the FTBOA where she learned about the industry and expanded her knowledge of association operations and management. Rogers also went behind the scenes with the Florida Thoroughbred Charities learning about the silent auction and sponsorship processes. An

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avid horse lover, Rogers is an accomplished equestrian who owns a retired thoroughbred named Absolute. Rogers follows in the footsteps of six other student in the last two years to complete the program. Students interested in the intern program should contact tgantt@ftboa.com to learn more. HORSE WEEK IN OCALA

FTBOA partnered with the On Top of the World Communities (OTOTW) in April to promote the industry to new people unfamiliar with the breeding region. The week kicks off on Monday, April 20 with a “Legendary Lady Jockeys” roundtable from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a $5 donation for the Permanently Disable Jockey’s Fund. On April 21, a presentation of “Historians & Horses of Ocala” features author of Florida Thoroughbred by University of Florida Press and Central Florida Thoroughbred by former Florida Horse magazine editor Charlene Johnson, along with history buff Kimberly Carp of Horse Country Carriage Company. A $5 charity donation goes to the Florida Thoroughbred Charities designated for historic preservation. On April 22, a sold-out behind the scenes at the Ocala Breeders’ sales tour will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Artist Dania Sierra will have a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 23 at the art facility at OTOTW featuring her contemporary stylized horse art of popular fan favorites at Florida racetracks. She also has cre-

ated several champions pieces for the exhibition including Florida-bred champions who were raised in Ocala. The final day of the program on Friday, April 24 is the 15th Anniversary Open House of the Second Chance Farm at the Lowell Correctional Institute. The event will showcase former program participants, prospective horses for adoption and include inspiring stories from current participants, Florida Thoroughbred Charities (FTC), FTBOA, Florida Department of Corrections and the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (see ad this issue). RSVP is required for all programs as space is limited. To RSVP for programs from April 20-23, please visit masterthepossibilites.com. To RSVP for the open house, please call FTBOA at 352-629-2160. FTC FUNDRAISER: A SUCCESS

On March 16, FTBOA held a silent and live auction for FTC at the annual Horse of the Year Awards Gala. The sold out event raised about $30,000 for the charity. The top selling item was World Series tickets bringing $4,700 donated by the Jessica Steinbrenner and the Yankees Foundation. Additional live auction items included a fishermen’s getaway donated by Kelly Tractor and black-tie VIP tickets for the Coates LPGA Gala in Ocala in January. A highlight of the evening was a set of rare Kentucky Derby glasses from 1948 to the 2000s. The 55 glasses were valued at over $3,300. Another highlight was a set of four pedigree posters which included a rare outof-print 1979 edition. In addition, famed artist Robert Clark painted the Horse of the Year Wildcat Red live and donated the proceeds to charity. Packages also included VIP event packages to the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness stakes, Tampa Bay Derby and the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. Live Oak Invitational donated full access VIP passes for the charity auction for their event weekend in Ocala. Two of the auction donors, the Yankees/Jessica Steinbrenner and Live Oak were also Diamond sponsors for the gala. ■

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By BROCK SHERIDAN hen Joe and Helen Barbazon (below) contemplated starting a stallion division to their Pleasant Acres operation just a few years back, they knew they were adding a lot of work to their already expansive operation. Joe and Helen had met in 1980 when both worked at Noel Hickey’s Irish Acres Farm near Ocala. At the time, Joe was the manager at the farm and Helen was working with thoroughbreds at the training barn. Three years later they married and purchased 10 acres on what is now 475A just south of Ocala. “When we started Pleasant Acres, we still had jobs,” Helen said. “Joe was working at Mockingbird Farm and I was the manager at Berryhill Farm, which was owned by [Harry T.] Mangurian’s daughter Tracy. After work every day, Joe and I would go home and work. We started [consigning horses at OBS] right from the start and Joe was training horses on the farm and we’d run them at different tracks all over.” One of the first thoroughbreds they purchased together was Sightseeing, a Florida-bred filly by Short Vote that Mike Stavola sold to them for $1,000. “When we first got her, they said she was finished with her racing career,” Helen said. “But we took her and rehabbed her and she went on to be a stakes horse for us. We would send her up to New Orleans to run and we’d go up there to watch her. It was great fun.” But the Sightseeing’s contribution to Pleasant Acres proved to be much more than trophies and win pictures. “When we began to breed her, we would take the foal, sell it and buy a piece of property,” Helen continued. “Then, we would breed her back, raise the foal, sell it and we would buy another piece of property. And we did that until we had 100 acres.” The Barbazons began to board broodmares, and other thoroughbreds for outside

SERITA HULT PHOTOS

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Joe & Helen Barbazon’s PLEASANT ACRES

clients while Joe also continued to train from the farm. The Gulfstream Park allowance race and four months later Pleasant Acres operation continued to expand through the the 2006 Jersey Derby at Monmouth Park. He became a graded stakes winner in September of years, eventually outgrowing to 100 acres on 475A. “We sold that property in 2001,” Joe said. “And we pur- the next year after taking the Grade 3 Cliff Hanger chased our current farm [located near Ocala in Morriston.] Stakes at the Meadowlands and first stepped onto the national stage when he won the 2008 United Nations It’s now 220 acres and we lease another 140 acres.” Today, that facility is home to some 200 broodmares Stakes (G1) at Monmouth. But it was in 2009 that Preand other thoroughbreds including one very special sious Passion became a star when he won the Grade 2 Mac Diamida Stakes at Gulfstream, the Monmouth Florida-bred champion. In 2002, the Barbazon’s bred their Marquestry mare, Stakes, his second United Nations and the Grade 1 Princesa’s Passion, to Royal Anthem and the resulting Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship Stakes foal was Presious Passion, who they eventually sold to during the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita. Presious Passion finished the year with a game seclongtime clients Frank and Patricia Generazo of ond to Conduit in the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Tequesta, Fla. After three dull efforts in the maiden special weight Turf (G1) and eventually lost the Eclipse Award as the ranks at the Meadowlands and Aqueduct at age two and champion turf horse to his Irish rival. However, Presious his first start at age three at Gulfstream, trainer Frank Passion was honored that year as the Florida-bred Horse Generazo dropped Presious Passion into a $62,500 of the Year, champion older horse and champion turf maiden claiming at Gulfstream which he won by a horse. Princesa’s Passion was named the 2009 Florida length and three-quarters. That would be the last time broodmare of the year and Joe and Helen were named Presious Passion would race in claiming company. In his next I can’t tell you how many people told me that Treasstart Presious Passion won a

“

ure Beach would never work in Florida, because he was a European turf horse. But he has been a very big success for us. —Joe Barbazon

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the 2009 Florida Breeders of the Year. That year the Barbazon’s were also ranked third nationally among breeders by average earnings per starter. Presious Passion raced for more than two more years, eventually retiring in 2012 with 14 wins from 52 career starts and earnings of $2,694,599. A gelding, Presious Passion now resides at the Barbazon’s Pleasant Acres where he regularly entertains visitors and fans. “Frank and Patricia Generazo have been clients for a very long time,” Helen said. “They are very good people who have given a lot to the Florida industry.” Shortly after Presious Passion retired, the Barbazon’s began to think about starting a stallion division for Pleasant Acres. With more than 200 broodmares either owned or cared for by the Barbazons’, they had a vested interest in the selection of thoroughbred stallions standing in Florida. “I think the thing that made us decide to get into the stallion business is once a stallion proved himself in Florida, often times they would leave for Kentucky,” Joe said. It was also during a time when The Vinery had closed their Florida stallion division and Bridlewood was for sale and pairing down their stallion roster. “We have some 200 mares that belong to us and our

Pleasant Acres stallion Treasure Beach

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Joe & Helen Barbazon’s PLEASANT ACRES

Architectural rendering of the future Florida Parade of Retired Equine Champions facility to be located at the Florida Horse Park

Helen Barbazon with Presious Passion

clients,” Joe continued. “At that time we were breeding a great many of our real good mares to Wildcat Heir and Leroidesanimaux in Florida but we still felt we were sending too many of our mares to Kentucky. “So we decided that it was a good time to bring additional quality stallions to Florida and that is when we set our sights on Treasure Beach and Poseidon’s Warrior. Treasure Beach is by Galileo and Poseidon’s Warrior is by Speightstown and we thought Florida breeders would respond to those new bloodlines.” The Barbazons were able to close the deal to bring both Treasure Beach and Poseidon’s Warrior to Florida for the 2014 breeding season so they felt they were off to a good start.

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“I can’t tell you how many people told me that Treasure Beach would never work in Florida, because he was a European turf horse,” Joe said. “But he has been a very big success for us.” Since then, the Barbazons have landed several other stallions including Anthony’s Cross, a grade 2 stakes winner by Indian Charlie; Beau Choix, a Grade 1-placed son of Elusive Quality; Brethren, a half-brother to top sire and Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Super Saver; Csaba, leading sire Kitten’s Joy’s top money earner on dirt; Handsome Mike, a multiple graded-stakes winner; and Pollard’s Vision, the sire of 2010 champion 3-year-old filly Blind Luck. But running their own businesses at two separate fa-

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“We all know why I’m involved in the project,” Helen cilities is not enough for Joe and Helen Barbazon as both said. “Because of Presious Passion. He is a gelding and are very active in their community. Joe will be ending his 3-year-term on the Florida he has a following. People love to come see him. They Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Board learn a lot from him and they enjoy listening to his story. of Directors in October and, according to the bylaws, is I just don’t think that is something that should be limited not eligible for reelection for at least one year. Of his to my house. I think the whole community will benefit from having a facility like that years on the board, Joe said he is proud that he has been a voice We call ourselves ‘the Horse where people can follow the for the small breeders in Florida. Capital of the World’, so we need a horses they loved, like him, that have retired. Let’s bring them all “We survive off the horse place where we can feature all the together and bring them to the business in Florida and I believe Florida is made up primarily of different breeds and champions in forefront of our community. “We call ourselves ‘the small breeders,” Joe said. “We need those small breeders and this area. And we need a museum Horse Capital of the World’, so we look out for them. If they to show what all these great cham- we need a place where we can feature all the different breeds can’t make it, then we’re not pions accomplished. and champions in this area. And going to make money. I don’t —Helen Barbazon we need a museum to show know for sure, but I would guess that Florida has more small breeders than any other state.” what all these great champions accomplished.” Joe and Helen Barbazon have been in Ocala working Helen is the founder and chief executive officer of the Florida Parade of Retired Equine Champions, Inc. and together with thoroughbreds for some 35 years now. is currently working on funding the construction and op- They have grown from a 10 acre parcel south of Ocala eration of a facility at the Florida Horse Park near Ocala. to having two facilities that make up some 360 acres not Plans include a building at the Park that will house and including the stallion station. They are multiple FTBOA care for retired equine champions of all breeds with ties award winners, including the 2008 Needles Award as to Marion County and Florida. The facility will also in- being the outstanding small breeder in Florida, and both clude a museum featuring many of the accomplishments are heavily involved in community affairs. Whatever maybe next for the Barbazons is, like and trophies of those equine champions and will offer public access to the famous horses. The 501(c)(3) non- everything, is unclear. But they continued to strive to profit plans to feature seminars and other educational improve the Florida thoroughbred and the Florida thoroughbred breeding industry. ■ events that promote the Florida equine.

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Ocala consignors top inaugural sale at Gulfstream BY PATRICK VINZANT HALLANDALE BEACH – asig-Tipton’s decision to return its Florida 2-YearOld in Training Sale to South Florida looks to have paid huge dividends with its inaugural sale at Gulfstream Park. A total of 89 juveniles sold for $20,095,500 with an average of $225,792. The median was $130,000. “We are happy with the results of the inaugural sale at Gulfstream

Park,” Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr. said “What we saw here tonight was the beginning of a major North American marketplace for quality 2-yearolds. It’s a great venue. It’s a great track. The barn area was fabulous. There was electricity and excitement here tonight.” Last year the sale was held at Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs South near Williston, Fla. “I don’t think the results are comparable (to last year). There was a pretty dramatic increase in gross, and I think that is what most sales companies are happy with,” said Browning. “What we saw was a healthy 2-year-old marketplace tonight. It was a competitive marketplace. We saw competitive bidding from a wide variety of bidders.” Ocala’s Crupi’s New Castle Farm lead all consignors 70 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

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selling seven juveniles for $3,820,000 lead by Hip Number 130, a colt by Scat Daddy, who was the sales topper at $1.4 million. Out of the Thunder Gulch mare Alittlebitearly, the Scat Daddy colt is a halfbrother to last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Bayern, who is a fellow Fasig-Tipton graduate. M.V. Magnier signed the ticket for Coolmore Stud. “He is a fantastic mover,” Magnier said. “His brother is a very good horse and his mother can obviously produce a good horse. Let’s hope she can do it again.” Magnier led all buyers with two purchases for $2.3 million. He also signed the ticket for a $900,000 Tapit colt from the first consignment of the new sales partnership of Becky Thomas and Justin Casse. The colt sold as Hip 120 as the property of Joe Minor’s JSM Equine. Out of the Gone West stakes winning mare West Coast Swing, the colt hails from the prominent Canadian family of Dance Smartly and influential sire Smart Strike. Ocala’s Northwest Stud sold the co-second highest priced offering at the sale at $900,000. Hip 111, a Bernardini colt, was purchased by John Moynihan for the partnership of Barbara Banke’s Stonestreet Stables and Coolmore Stud. The colt out of the Summer Squall mare Temporada worked a furlong in :101⁄5 at the under tack preview.

What we saw here tonight was the beginning of a major “ North American marketplace for quality 2-year-olds. It’s a great venue. It’s a great track. The barn area was fabulous. There was electricity and excitement here tonight. —Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr.

”

“They liked the horse and we liked the horse, so we decided to team up,” John Moynihan of Stonestreet said. “I thought he worked fabulous. He’s going to be a two turn horse and he went :101⁄5 as easy as a horse can do it. We are excited about him.” Stonestreet has already had success buying from THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 71

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Northwest Stud. At last year’s OBS March Sale, Ston- 172 got the overflow crowd going with a final bid of estreet bought the colt Carpe Diem for $1.6 million. $800,000 from Katsumi Yoshida. The Giant’s Causeway “They bought a horse from us last year (Carpe filly is the first foal out of Canadian champion Embur’s Diem),” Northwest stallion director Alfredo Lichoa Song by Unbridled’s Song. The second leading consignor at the sale was said. “They are trusting us again, and I think they have another very, very nice horse. We’re very happy with Adena Springs which offered 47 horses who open-galloped at the preview. Adena Springs sold 39 of the 47 the sale.” J.J. Crupi’s New Castle Farm also sold the highest priced offered for $2,353,500 lead by Hip 47, an Awesome filly of the sale, Hip 109, a daughter of Hard Spun, for Again colt out of Canadian champion Ginger Brew, $850,000. Trainer Todd Pletcher signed the ticket for Let’s who sold for $275,000. Go Stables of Kevin Scatuorchio and Bryan Sullivan. The filly is Great night for the fans to come out and experience out of the Scat Daddy mare something like this.This is what Frank’s vision was when Swaythisaway, who is a half-sishe built this place to hold events like this. Fasig-Tipton ter to sire Mutakddim. Two horses sold for has been a great partner. This has been our goal for a $800,000. Hip 55, a Smart long time to get this sale here at Gulfstream. Strike colt from Tami Bobo’s —Tim Ritvo of the Stronach Group Secure Investments consignment, and hip 172, a Giant’s Causeway filly consigned Tim Ritvo of the Stronach Group summed up the by Niall Brennan. Bruce Hill of Charlotte Weber’s Live night the best. “Great night for the fans to come out and Oak Stud signed the ticket on the Smart Strike colt, who experience something like this,” Ritvo said. “This is what Frank’s vision was when he built this place to hold is a full-brother to champion My Miss Aurelia. “He ticked all the boxes,” Hill said. “He just did every- events like this. Fasig-Tipton has been a great partner. This has been our goal for a long time to get this sale thing for us. Mrs. Weber was very pleased with that.” Selling as the next to the last horse in the ring, Hip here at Gulfstream.” ■

“

”

72 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

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A Gateway for South America By BEN BAUGH t’s a powerful presence, one that resonates with passion and pride and is making a significant impact on the Florida thoroughbred industry. The number of farms owned and operated by South American interests in Marion County has increased in the last several decades and markedly more in recent years. Florida serves as the gateway for South America making the expansion of operations into the breeding region a seamless one. It’s partly due to Florida’s close proximity to the region and partly due to a well-established international environment in Florida. And it’s those same farms whose influence and commitment with an emphasis on breeding, raising and campaigning the best thoroughbreds possible, has added to Ocala’s reputation of being the Horse Capital of the World®.

SALLY MOEHRING PHOTOS

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Gateway for SOUTH AMERICA

Plumley Training Center is example of one of the many thoroughbred management properties purchased by Latin Americans in recent years with the goal of keeping the farms intact.

NORTHWEST STUD

A Sunday afternoon spent with family seated around the television, watching thoroughbred racing. That was part of Northwest Stud’s Dr. Alfredo Lichoa’s weekly routine growing up in Venezuela. “I’ve been following the races since I was a kid,” Lichoa said. “’There was a wager that was very popular, very much like the pick six, that was only on Sundays, 40 or 50 years ago. Everyone paid attention when it came to the stakes races.” Lichoa’s uncle owned racehorses, and he would go to the track every morning, to see the horses’ work, their daily routine, fueling his passion for what would eventually become his life. The horseman first came to Ocala in 1996 to check on a horse for a client, and began thinking about moving to the United States in 2000. “I had been thinking about Ocala for a while,” Lichoa said. “Then in 2001, I met Dr. Rusty Young. I helped him a little bit at the sale, and I really liked it.” It was through those previous experiences that Lichoa began in earnest to look for a position in Marion County. He would go to work initially as a private veterinarian for Franks Farms and later for Hartley DeRenzo as the stallion manager. Giusseppe Iadisernia, the owner of Northwest Stud, purchased the Nelson Jones Training Center in 2010, and like Lichoa is from Venezuela. The facility sits on what was part of the historic Hooper Farms.

76 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

“They are very passionate about the horses,” Lichoa said. “They were looking to establish a new business in the United States. It’s not a luxury place but it’s a functional place. We train racehorses, we rent stalls, break and train horses, have lay-ups, breeding and foaling. It’s a fulltime operation.” The Iadisernias started to build their racing stable, and retired the graded stakes placed Flashstorm to stand in Ocala. “They reached out to me as a consultant and I consulted with them privately,” said Lichoa. “They bred a few mares to the stallion, but the foals from those mares were not for the commercial market.” It was also the Iadisernias idea to purchase the multiple graded-stakes winning millionaire Gone Astray, Lichoa said. “A friend of mine, David Seguias, has a huge bloodstock consulting agency, and was doing work for Northwest Stud too,” Lichoa said. “He found the stallion with the help of Archie George of St. George Sales and Adrian Wallace from Coolmore. We got together they bought the horse and started the commercial operation.” Flash Storm is the veteran of the Northwest Stud stallion roster, having sired five crops. United States, a son of the 1992 Horse of the Year A.P. Indy; Duke of Mischief, a millionaire and multiple graded-stakes winning son of Graeme Hall; Turbo Compressor a (G1) winning son of Halo’s Image and Wrote

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CYNTHIA MCFARLAND PHOTOS

(IRE), the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) winner compose the stallion roster at Northwest Stud. They have a broodmare band of about 80 head, and support their own stallions, but do their best to try to attract the best book of mares they can, said Lichoa. “We’re breeding our mares to United States because of his lack of commercial appeal, even though he was a $2 million yearling,” said Lichoa, who also manages the Nelson Jones Training Center. “Then we have Wrote, he’s by High Chaparral, the only High Chaparral standing in the United States. And then we have Gone Astray and his first crop is running this year. If a stallion becomes successful, they’ll stay at Northwest Stud.” Iadisernia conditions the Northwest Stud horses that campaign routinely at Gulfstream Park and Gulfstream Park West. “We have a group of horses that will be going to Keeneland this year and maybe Saratoga, but they race mainly in South Florida,” Lichoa said. Ocala, Marion County and Florida seem to be the ideal fit for Northwest Stud’s connections, with the Iadisernias living in South Florida and Lichoa residing in Ocala. The Iadisernias have refurbished the property, renovating the barn, the racetrack and roads leading back to the barns, and they also rent stalls, Lichoa said.

“We have the back part of the farm and we built a commercial breeding operation,” said Lichoa. Carpe Diem, the 2015 winner of the Tampa Bay Derby, was a successful pinhook for Northwest Stud. The son of Giant’s Causeway was the co-sales topper at the 2014 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company March sale of selected 2-year-olds in training, bringing $1.6 million. Carpe Diem was purchased by Northwest Stud at the 2013 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $550,000 from the consignment of Beau Lake Bloodstock. He is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner J.B.’s Thunder. GOLDEN LEGACY STABLES

It was a seamless transition. Three partners, two from Spain and the other from Venezuela, purchased a farm that had been a prominent fixture for decades on the Marion County landscape. Golden Legacy Stables now sits on the property that had once been Plumley Farm. Harold Plumley served as the president of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association from 2001-2004. Juan Rodriguez, who trains a division of horses at Gulfstream Park, is one of the owners. He enjoyed a successful career as a thoroughbred conditioner in his native Venezuela before moving his base of operation to the United States in 2012. The partners purchased the turn-key operation in April 2014. “It was a very smooth transaction,” said Elisa Torrealba, the realtor who showed the new owners the property. “I had been approached by people from Spain and South America, who were interested in purchasing a farm. One of the farms I had suggested and recommended was Plumley Farm. They immediately fell in love with the farm, and it was the only one they had wanted to see. ” Torrealba is also an attorney, and was asked to stay on by the current owners, to help with the transition, the paperwork and matters relating to law and language . A lifelong horsewoman, Torreabla exhibited show jumpers in her native Venezuela, and first came to the United States in 2001. Torrealba is married to Dr. Alfredo Lichoa. “This is a gorgeous place to work,” Torrealba said. “When they asked me to stay, I couldn’t have been happier.” As a realtor, Torreabla has seen the international community embrace Ocala and Marion County. When Torrealba first came to Marion County in 2001, Azpurua

I had been “ thinking about Ocala for a while. Then in 2001, I met Dr. Rusty Young. I helped him a little bit at the sale, and I really liked it.

”

—Dr. Alfredo Lichoa

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Gateway for SOUTH AMERICA

Stables was the only Venezuelan presence in the thoroughbred industry. But during the past few years, the Latin American presence has begun to flourish, she said. “Our community from South America has begun to expand markedly by the way of investors purchasing farms here,” Torreabla said. “Marion County is a quiet, peaceful and nice place. It’s a wonderful place to raise children. South Americans prefer Ocala to Kentucky because of the location. Kentucky is gorgeous, but it’s too far away. Ocala is perfect. They can fly into Orlando or Miami, be here in an hour or a couple of hours. The families that do purchase properties here can take advantage of all of the resources

Pan American Conference to be Held June 3-6 in New York City

The Jockey Club and the O.S.A.F., which promotes thoroughbred breeding and racing in nine Latin and South American countries, is hosting the Pan American Conference June 3 through 6 in New York City. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and Florida Equine Communications are among the North American international sponsors for the event. FTBOA and FEC will be showcasing the Florida industry at the conference with the new Florida thoroughbred industry video along with distributing The Florida Horse and Florida stallion directory to participants. “Florida is the gateway to Latin America for the thoroughbred industry. Many top jockeys, trainers, breeders and owners began their careers in North America at Florida tracks, farms and sales arenas after having success in their home countries. A number own farms, breed and train in our world renowned breeding region. FTBOA’s mission is to promote the Florida thoroughbred industry and it is a natural fit to do just that at this unique event that brings the industry together worldwide, “ said Lonny Powell, CEO and executive vice president of FTBOA. Among the topics are simulcasting, medication, harmonization of rules, international ratings and classifications, marketing, stud book issues, the importing and exporting of bloodstock, and thoroughbred ownership as selected by conference organizers Horacio Esposito, the president of the Latin American Racing Channel and special advisor to Marcel Zarour , the president of O.S.A.F., Pablo Kavulakian, director of the Latin American Racing Channel, and Jim Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. "The Jockey Club has been an active member of the international community on many fronts for many years, and we are proud to help organize and co-host this important event," said Gagliano. "The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities was built and thrives on communication and collaboration among racing nations, and we are very pleased to see the Pan American countries come together to share opportunities, challenges and best practices that will enhance thoroughbred breeding and racing," said Louis Romanet, chairman of the IFHA. "Thoroughbreds from South American countries continue to compete successfully throughout the world, and this conference will be educational not only for our various constituents but also for those from breeding and racing organizations from other parts of the world," said Zarour. O.S.A.F. is the South American Association for the promotion of Thoroughbred Race Horse Breeding in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. 78 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

Florida has to offer, and especially those in Marion County, which for horse lovers is the place to go.” Future plans call for Golden Legacy to expand their Ocala operation. Golden Legacy Stables currently has yearlings and 2-year-olds at the farm and recently consigned horses to the Fasig-Tipton Florida Sale and OBS March 2year-olds in training sale with Ocala-based Nick de Meric. “We have a wonderful team here,” Torrealba said. “The new owners asked Mr. Plumley to stay. He’s such an asset and a great resource. He was so happy that the farm was sold to a real horseman, and that the farm was going to remain a thoroughbred operation.” LOS SAMANES POLO AND RACING FARM

Carlos Silva is a well known name in the sport of polo in his native Venezuela. His passion for horses is palpable. He has been involved as a polo patron and a player, not only in his own country, but internationally. So, when he had the opportunity to purchase a farm in the Horse Capital of the World, the horseman didn’t hesitate for a moment. Los Samanes Polo and Racing is nestled in the quaint town of McIntosh in the northern part of Marion County. The nearly 200-acre facility is managed by Rafael Alfonzo. Los Samanes Polo and Racing has a 4½-furlong racetrack with a Polytrack surface. It was the existing community of Venezuelan horseman that helped influence Silva to make the decision to buy in Marion County, Alfonzo said. “The owner was very impressed with the area’s landscape, the rolling hills, the signature live oak trees and the success of the existing Thoroughbred industry,” said Alfonzo. Alfonzo obtained his trainers’ license at the age of 18 in Venezuela, and would later go onto study veterinary medicine. The horseman has worked with Thoroughbreds his entire life, and had the opportunity to come to the United States three years ago. Carlos Morales, Gustavo Delgado and Antonio Sano condition the Los Samanes horses at the racetrack. Los Samanes Polo and Racing’s focus is one of a commercial nature. They will be selling yearlings, twoyear-olds, and campaigning horses at the racetrack. They have a broodmare band of 25 mares that they send to Kentucky, said Alfonzo. Much of the operation’s success can be attributed to the staff that is in place at Los Samanes, said Alfonzo. Future plans to expand are contingent on meeting the goals of their current business model, said Alfonso. “We began here with 10 broodmares, and now we have 25,” said Alfonzo. “We believe we have a strong broodmare band. The results will be in the runners they produce.”

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GELFENSTEIN FARM

horses with Eddie Woods and Nick de Meric at the OBS March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. “The emphasis will be on breeding and racing,” said Gelfenstein. “This year, I realized I wanted to have a little piece of all facets of the equine industry. We’ll have a select number of horses for sale, but the emphasis will be on racing.” HARAS DE SANTA MARIA ARARAS

Julio Bozano recognized Ocala’s value as a great place to raise a horse nearly 30 years ago. Haras de Santa Maria Araras has been a fixture on the Marion County landscape placing its indelible imprint as a Thoroughbred breeder and owner. A leading breeder in Argentina and Brazil for more than 30 years, Bozano purchased the farm in Ocala in 1986, said Dr. Ignacio Leon, Haras de Santa Maria Araras’ farm manager. “He visited a mare he had in Ocala and loved the area,”

BURNS PHOTO

It’s a dream come true for Ivan Rodriguez Gelfenstein, who purchased a 68-acre parcel of land that was formerly part of Leprechaun Farm in February 2013, and is in the process of pursuing his passion by turning his vision into reality. “Now that I’ve realized my dream, I’m expecting more,” said Gelfenstein, whose interest in horses was encouraged from an early age by his aunt in his native Chile. “This is the start of a dream.” And as Gelfenstein grew older, he began to follow Thoroughbred racing more closely in his mid-to-late teens while living in Venezuela. It was through the encouragement of two close friends that his interest continued to flourish, inspiring a life-long passion that has evolved into its current state. “I bought my first horse at age 24, Asadon,” Gelfenstein said. “I bought more and more horses, and would go to the other farms in Venezuela who had thoroughbreds. I loved to go there to see the broodmares and horses.” However, it was while in Venezuela that Gelfenstein first heard of Ocala and it was Marion County’s allure that compelled him to direct his energies toward realizing a dream he thought was unattainable, to become the owner of a Thoroughbred farm. Gelfenstein Farm employs state-of-the-art technology, with cameras installed throughout the facility, so every facet of the operation can be monitored closely. The 5/8mile dirt training track has a teletimer, providing accurate and timely information to clients and the training operation. Owners have the ability to access video of their horses training and information about their horses on a 24 hour basis. The farm has been renovated and refurbished. The track was rebuilt, from the base up. There are three barns with 72 stalls, and a quarantine barn with an additional 14 stalls. A solid staff that includes Vidal Martinez, general manager and Juan Arnaldo Pacanins, chief operating officer, help make Gelfenstein Farm run seamlessly. “We spent a year-and-a-half remodeling the farm after we purchased it,” Gelfenstein said. “ Gelfenstein Farm also has a Euro-Gym, round pens and a pool that is salt water and sand filtered. There are 22 well-maintained paddocks of various sizes. They have a small broodmare band, and there are weanlings and yearlings in addition to the horses in training at the facility. An emphasis on data, statistical information, bloodlines and analyzing a horse’s gait, are among the variables that Gelfenstein routinely employs in identifying a horse’s potential. Gelfenstein Farm not only has horses in training that will go to the racetrack, but has a select number of horses that will be consigned to the sales. They had

said Leon, who has been passionate about horses from a young age. “I have four brothers and they also have horses. My older brother is a bloodstock agent, and sold Bayakoa, Paseana, Ibero and several other horses to Ron McAnally.” Bozano has a substantial breeding operation in Argentina, composed of 135 broodmares and two stallions, Campanologist and Heliostatic. The horseman also owns shares in two of the top stallions in Argentina, Orpen and Pure Prize, said Leon. “In Brazil, he has 205 mares and the stallions Put It Back, the leader the last two years; Wild Event, leader the three previous years; Adriano, whose first crop is racing and is the leading 2-year-old sire and Cisne Branco, a new stallion bred by Haras Santa Maria de Araras,” said Leon. Good Baba, a two-time Horse of the Year in Hong Kong; Palladio, a Grade 1 winner and the Sovereign Award winning 3-Year-Old Male; Wallenda, a (G1) winning millionaire and graded-stakes winners D’Hallevant; Hold Me Back; Pommes Frites, Quite a Bride, Strong Contender and Simmard are among the Haras Santa Maria de Araras graduates. ■

Florida-bred millionaire Palladio is an example of one of the many highquality horses bred by the farm.

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Una Puerta para América del Sur Por BEN BAUGH

SALLY MOEHRING PHOTOS

s una presencia potente la cual resuena con pación y orgullo y la cual está haciendo un impacto significativo en la industria de caballos de pura raza en la Florida. El número de granjas de dueños sudamericanos que operan en el condado de Marion ha aumentado notablemente en las últimas décadas y aún más notable en años resientes. Florida sirve como puerta para los sudamericanos poder expandir sus operaciones de reproducción y entrenamiento de los caballos pura raza. Esto en parte es causado por la proximidad inmediata y el bien establecido medioambiente de la Florida. Esto también ha contribuido a que Ocala sea la capital mundial de caballos de pura raza. Es una presencia poderosa, que resuena con pasión y orgullo y genera un gran impacto en la industria pura sangre de La Florida. El numero de granjas que son dueñas y están operadas por intereses sudamericanos en el Condado de Marion ha incrementado enormemente en la última década. Y son esas mismas granjas, cuya influencia y compromiso, con un énfasis en el criado, el crecimiento y la campaña de los mejores pura sangre posibles, las que han sumado a la reputación de Ocala para ser la mejor capital de caballos del mundo. THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 81

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Una Puerta PARA AMÉRICA DEL SUR

Plumley Training Center es un ejemplo de las muchas propiedades que manejan el negocio de caballos de pura raza adquiridas por latino americanos en años recientes con el propósito de mantener la industria intacta

NORTHWEST STUD

Una tarde de Domingo con la familia, sentados alrededor del televisor, mirando carreras de caballos pura sangre. Esa era parte de la rutina semanal del Dr. Alfredo Lichoa de Northwest Stud, cuando crecía en Venezuela. “Sigo las carreras desde que era un niño“, dijo Lichoa. “Había una apuesta que era muy popular, como el pick six que era solo los Domingos, hace 40 o 50 años“. Todos prestaban atención cuando se trataba de las apuestas de las carreras“. El tío de Lichoa tenía caballos de carrera e iba a la pista todas las mañanas para ver el trabajo de los caballos, su rutina diaria, esto alimentó su pasión para lo que finalmente se convertiría en su vida. Él llego por primera vez a Ocala en 1996 para ver un caballo para un cliente y comenzó a pensar en mudarse a los Estados Unidos en el 2000. “Estuve pensando en Ocala por un tiempo“, dijo Lichoa. “En 2001, conocí al Dr. Rusty Young. Lo ayude un poco con la venta, y me gustó mucho“. Fue mediante estas experiencias previas que Lichoa comenzó a buscar seriamente una posición en el Condado de Marion. Primero trabajó como veterinario privado para Franks Farms y luego para Hartley DeRenzo como representante de caballos. Giusseppe Iadisernia, dueño de Northwest Stud, compró el centro de entrenamiento Nelson Jones en 2010 y al igual que Lichoa es de Venezuela. El establecimiento se ubica donde antes estaba el histórico Hooper Farms. ”Tienen mucha pasión por los caballos”, dijo Lichoa. ”Estaban buscando establecer un nuevo negocio en los Estados Unidos. No es un lugar de lujo, pero es un lugar funcional. Entrenamos caballos de carrera, alquilamos

82 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

compartimentos, tenemos campos de descanso, criadero y establos para parir. Es una operación de tiempo completo.” Los Iadisernias comenzaron a construir su establo de carreras y se retiraron de las apuestas para asentarse en Ocala. Me contactaron como consultor y desempeñe mi trabajo de forma privada”, dijo Lichoa. ”Criaron a algunas yeguas para los sementales, pero las crías de esas yeguas no eran para el mercado privado.” También fueron los Iadisernias quienes tuvieron la idea de comprar al millonario ganador de múltiples apuestas Gone Astray”, dijo Lichoa. ”Un amigo mío, David Seguias, tiene un gran agencia consultora de caballos pura sangre y estaba haciendo trabajos para Northwest Stud también”, dijo Lichoa. ”Encontró el caballo con la ayuda de Archie George de St. George Sales y Adrian Wallace de Coolmore. Nos juntamos, ellos compraron el caballo y comenzó la operación comercial.” Flash Storm es el veterano del listado de sementales de Northwest Stud tras engendrar cinco crías. United States, hijo del Caballo de Año A.P. Indy de 1992, Duke of Mischief, un millonario y ganador de múltiples apuestas, hijo de Graeme Hall; Turbo Compressor (G1) hijo ganador de Halo’s Image y Wrote (IRE), ganador del Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) de 2011 forman el listado de caballos en Northwest Stud. Tienen una tropilla de aproximadamente 80 yeguas de cría y mantienen sus propios sementales, pero tratan de atraer a las mejores yeguas que pueden” dijo Lichoa. Estamos criando nuestras yeguas en Estados Unidos por su falta de atractivo comercial, aunque fuera una cría de $2 millones”, dijo Lichoa. ”También tenemos a

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CYNTHIA MCFARLAND PHOTOS

Wrote. Es el único High Chaparral de High Chaparral vivo en los Estados Unidos. Luego, tenemos a Gone Astray y su primera cría correrá este año. Si un caballo tiene éxito, se quedará en Northwest Stud”. Iadisernia prepara a los caballos de Northwest Stud que hacen campaña continuamente en Gulfstream Park y Gulfstream Park West. “Tenemos un grupo de caballos que irán a Keeneland este año y quizás a Saratoga, pero principalmente corren carreras en el Sur de La Florida“, dijo Lichoa. Ocala, el Condado de Marion y La Florida parecen ser el lugar ideal para las conexiones de Northwest Stud con los Iadisernias que viven en el Sur de La Florida y Lichoa, en Ocala. Los Iadisernias han re-modelado la propiedad, renovado el establo, la pista y los caminos que conducen a los establos, y también han alquilado los compartimientos, dijo Lichoa. “Tenemos la parte de atrás de la granja y construimos una operación comercial para criadero“, dijo Lichoa. Carpe Diem, el ganador del Tampa Bay Derby de 2015 fue una exitosa compra para Northwest Stud. El hermano de Giant’s Causeway fue la co-venta más importante en la venta de marzo de 2014 de Ocala Breeder’s Sales Company de una selección de potrillos con dos años de entrenamiento, por $1.6 millones. Carpe Diem fue comprado por Northwest Stud en la venta de Keeneland de potros en septiembre de 2013 por $550.000 de la consignación de Beau Lake Bloodstock. Es medio hermano del ganador de J.B.’s Thunder Grado 1.

GOLDEN LEGACY STABLES

Fue una transición estupenda. Tres socios, dos de España y uno de Venezuela, en colaboración han comprado una granja la cual ha sido por décadas una de las más prominentes en el condado Marion. Golden Legacy Stables está ahora situada en lo que una vez fue Plumley Farm. Harold Plumley sirvió como presidente de la Asociación de Dueños y Criadores de los Pura Raza de Florida (FTBOA, por sus siglas en inglés) desde el 2001 hasta el 2004. Juan Rodríguez, el cual entrena una división de caballos en Gulfstream Park, es uno de los dueños de la mencionada granja. Juan ya disfrutaba de una profesión muy exitosa en acondicionamiento de caballos de pura raza en su país natal, Venezuela, antes de mudar su base de operaciones a los Estados Unidos en el año 2012. “Fue una transición muy placentera,” comenta Elisa Torrealba, quien fue responsable por mostrar la propiedad a los ya mencionados dueños. “Una de las granjas que les recomendé fue Plumley Farm. Ellos inmediatamente quedaron fascinados con la propiedad y la compraron en Abril del 2014.” Torrealba, quien es abogada, fue solicitada para ayudar con todas las transacciones y documentos envueltos en la compra de la granja. Torrealba, quien también exhibe Jumpers en su tierra natal de Venezuela, vino a los Estados Unidos por primera vez en el año 2001. Torrealba es la esposa del doctor Alfredo Lichoa. “Este es un lugar hermoso y placentero para trabajar” dice Torrealba. Como agente de bienes raíces, Torrealba ha visto el abrazo de la comunidad internacional en Ocala y en el condado Marion. Cuando Torrealba vino por primera vez al condado Marion en el 2001, Azpurua Stables era la única granja de venezolanos en la industria de cría de pura raza, pero la presencia de los sudamericanos ha comenzado a crecer en el transcurso de los años. Torrealba añade, “El condado Marion es un lugar tranquilo y excelente para poder criar niños. Los sudamericanos prefieren a Ocala en vez de Kentucky por su localización. Kentucky es un lugar hermoso, pero es muy lejos. Ocala es perfecto, pueden tomar un vuelo hacia Orlando o Miami y estar aquí en unas cuantas horas. Las familias que compran propiedades aquí se benefician de todos los recursos que Florida ofrece y en especial lo que ofrece el condado de Marion, el cual es, para los amantes de caballos, el lugar adecuado.”

Estuve pen“ sando en Ocala por un tiempo. En 2001, conocí al Dr. Rusty Young. Lo ayude un poco con la venta, y me gustó mucho

”

—Dr. Alfredo Lichoa

THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 83

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Una Puerta PARA AMÉRICA DEL SUR

Los planes para el futuro de Goden Legacy es expandir sus operaciones en Ocala. Golden Legacy Stables actualmente tiene caballos de uno y dos años de edad, y recientemente han adquirido más caballos en las ventas Fasig-Tipton y OBS. “Tenemos un equipo maravilloso,” dice Torrealba. “Los nuevos dueños solicitaron que el señor Plumley se quedara, ya que él es una persona de mucha experiencia y su conocimiento es de gran valor. El señor Plumley quedó muy contento al saber que la granja continuaría promoviendo la operación de caballos de pura raza.

Conferencia Pan American Junio 3 al 6 en la ciudad de Nueva York

El Jockey Club y la O.S.A.F., la cual promuebe cria de pura sangre y las carreras en nueve paises de America del Sur, estara auspisiando la conferencia Pan American los dias del 3 al 6 de Junio en la ciudad de Nueva York. La FTBOA y La FEC estan entre los patrosinadores de este evento. FTBOA Y FEC expondran la industria en esta conferencia con videos y con la distribución de la revista Florida Horse y el directorio genealogico de caballos a todos los partisipantes. El Señor Lonny Powell , COE Y Ejecutivo Vice Presidente de la FTBOA comenta “ Florida es la puerta para America Latina para pomover la industria de cria de pura sangre. Muchos jinetes, entrenadores , criadores, y dueños han comenzado sus profesión en Florida la cual es la region de cria mas renomabrada , despues de ellos haber tenido tanto exito en sus paises de origen. La misión dela FTBOA es promover la industria de cria de pura sangre en Florida. En este evento se unira la industria mundialmente”. Los temas a discutir son medicación, armonización de las normas, clasificación internacional, mercadeo ,libro henealogico de caballos, imporatción y exportación de caballos de pura sangre y nuevos porpietrario. Estos temas han sido selccionados por el organizador de la confecencia Horaco Esposito, Presidente de Latin American Racing Channel y consejero especial a Marcel Zarour, el Presidente de O.S.A.F , Pablo Kavulakian, Director de Latin American Racing Channel y Jim Gagliano Presidente y Oficial de operaciones del Jockey Club. Gagliano comenta,” el Jockey Club a hasido miembro actiovo de la comunidad internacional por muchos años y estamos orgullosos de ayudar a organizar y colaborar en este evento tan importante”. La Federación Internacinal de Autoridad de Carreras fue constituida y prospera en la comunicación y colaboración entre las naciones de carreras y estamos muy satisfechos en veer como estos paises se unenen para compartir sus experiencias y mejorar la practica de cria de pura sangre. Comenta el Señor Louis Romanet, Presidente de la IFHA. El Señor Zarour añade, La cria de pura sangre en los paises de America del Sur continuan exitosamente y esta conferencia sera de educación no solo para algunos constituyentes sino tambien para aquellos criadores y organizaciones de carrerea de todas parte del mundo. O.S.A.F es la Asociacion de America del Sur para la promocion de cria de caballos de pura sangre en Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru Uruguay y Venezuela. 84 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

LOS SAMANES POLO AND RACING FARM

Carlos Silva es bien conocido en el deporte de polo en Venezuela. Su pasión por los caballos es palpable. Él ha sido patrocinador y jugador de polo no solo en su tierra natal pero internacionalmente. Así que, cuando tuvo la oportunidad de comprar una granja en la capital mundial de los caballos, no perdió ningún tiempo. Los Samanes Polo and Racing está localizada en Macintosh, en la parte norte del condado Marion. La facilidad cuenta con 200 acres y es dirigida por Rafael Alfonzo. Los Samanes Polo and Racing tiene una pista de entrenamiento con superficie Polytrack. “Fue la comunidad existente de Venezuela la cual influenció a Silva a tomar la decisión de invertir en el condado Marion,” dice Alfonzo. “El dueño quedó muy impresionado con los paisajes y con la industria tan exitosa de cría de pura raza,” añade Alfonzo. Alfonzo obtuvo su licencia de entrenador a la edad de los 18 años en Venezuela y luego estudió medicina veterinaria. El ha trabajado con caballos de pura raza por casi toda su vida, y tuvo la oportunidad de venir a los Estados Unidos hace tres años. Carlos Morales, Gustavo y Antonio son los que acondicionan los caballos de Los Samanes en las pistas de carrera. Los Samanes Polo and Racing mantiene un enfoque comercial. Esta estará vendiendo caballos de uno y dos años de edad. También tiene un grupo de 25 yeguas de cría que han sido enviadas a Kentucky. “El éxito de nuestra operación se atribuye al personal que opera en Los Samanes,” dice Alfonzo. Los planes para el futuro son de expandir. “Comenzamos con un grupo de cinco yeguas de cría y ahora tenemos 25 de ellas. Creó que posemos un grupo de yeguas de cría muy fuerte, y el resultado está en sus productos,” concluye Alfonzo. GRANJA GELFENSTEIN

Es un sueño hecho realidad para Ivan Rodriguez Gelfenstein, quien compró una parcela de 68 acres de terreno que antes formaba parte de la granja Leprechaun en febrero 2013 y está en proceso de seguir su pasión al convertir su visión en realidad. “Ahora que he concretado mi sueño, espero más“, dijo Gelfenstein cuyo interés en los caballos fue alentado desde una temprana edad por su tía en Chile, su país de nacimiento. “Este es el comienzo de un sueño“. Y a medida que Gelfenstein creció, comenzó a seguir las carreras de pura sangre más de cerca, en la mitad y en sus últimos años de adolescente, cuando vivía en Venezuela. Fue con el estímulo de dos amigos cercanos

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HARAS SANTA MARIA DE ARARAS

Julio Bozano reconoció el valor de Ocala como un gran lugar para criar un caballo hace aproximadamente 30 años. Haras Santa Maria de Araras ha sido una gran figura en el Condado de Marion dejando una huella imborrable como criador y dueño de caballos pura sangre. Bozano, criador líder en Argentina y Brasil por más de 30 años, compró la granja en Ocala en 1986, dijo el Dr. Ignacio Leon, gerente de la granja Haras Santa Maria de Araras. “Visitó una yegua que tenía en Ocala y le encantó la zona“, dijo Leon, que ha tenido pasión por los caballos desde una temprana edad. “Tengo cuatro hermanos y también tienen caballos. Mi hermano es un representante de pura sangre y vendió a Bayakoa, Paseana, Ibero y varios otros caballos a Ron McAnally“. Bozano tiene una operación de criadero en Ar-

BURNS PHOTO

que su interés continuó creciendo, inspirando una pasión duradera que ha evolucionado donde se encuentra ahora. “Compré mi primer caballo, Asadon, a los 24 años“, dijo Gelfenstein. Compré más y más caballos, e iba a otras granjas en Venezuela que tuvieran caballos pura sangre. Amaba ir allí a ver las yeguas de cría y los caballos“. Sin embargo, fue en Venezuela que Gelfenstein escuchó por primera vez acerca de Ocala y fue el Condado de Marion y su atractivo que lo convencieron de dirigir sus energías a cumplir un sueño, que parecía inalcanzable: ser dueño de una granja de caballos pura sangre. La granja Gelfenstein emplea tecnología de vanguardia, con cámaras instaladas en todo el establecimiento para que cada parte de la operación se pueda monitorear de cerca. La pista de entrenamiento de tierra de 5/8 de milla tiene un cronómetro que provee información precisa y oportuna a los clientes y a la operación de entrenamiento. Los dueños pueden acceder al video de los entrenamientos de su caballo y a la información acerca de sus caballos las 24 horas. La granja ha sido renovada y re-equipada. La pista fue construida nuevamente, desde la base. Hay tres establos con 72 compartimientos, y un establo de cuarentena con 14 compartimientos adicionales. Un personal sólido entre los que se incluye al Gerente General, Vidal Martinez, y al Gerente Operador, Juan Arnaldo Pacanins, colaboran a la hora de hacer funcionar a la granja Gelfenstein sin obstáculos. “Pasamos un año y medio intentando remodelar la granja, después de haberla comprado“, dijo Gelfenstein. La Granja Gelfenstein también tiene Euro-Gym, corrales circulares, una piscina con agua salada y arena tamizada. Hay 22 potreros de diferentes tamaños bien mantenidos. Tienen una pequeña tropilla de yeguas de cría y hay potros, además de los caballos que entrenan en las instalaciones. Entre las variables usadas rutinariamente para identificar el potencial de un caballo en la granja Gelfenstein se encuentra el énfasis en los datos, la información estadística, la línea de sangre y el análisis de paso del caballo. La granja Gelfenstein no solo tiene caballos que entrenan en la pista de carrera, sino que tiene un número de caballos destinados a la venta. Tenían caballos de 2 años de edad en entrenamiento con Eddie Woods y Nick de Meric en OBS en marzo. “El foco estará puesto en la cría y las carreras“ dijo Gelfenstein. “Este año, me di cuenta que quería tener una pequeña parte de todas las facetas de la industria equina. Tendremos un numero selecto de caballos a la venta, pero el énfasis estará en las carreras“.

gentina, compuesta por 135 yeguas de cría y dos sementales Campanologist y Heliostatic. Él también tiene acciones en dos de los mejores sementales en Argentina, Orpen y Pure Prize, dijo Leon. “En Brasil, tiene 205 yeguas y los sementales Put It Back, líder los últimos dos años, Wild Event, líder de los últimos tres años, Adriano, cuya primara cría está corriendo y es el progenitor del líder de dos años; y Cisne Branco, un nuevo semental criado por Haras Santa Maria de Araras”, dijo Leon. La granja de 190 acres está en proceso de cierre y hay solamente 4 potros y 2 yeguas en el lugar, dijo Leon, gerente de Granja del año 2007 de Granjas de pura sangres en La Florida. La mayoría de las yeguas han sido vendidas o exportadas. Good Baba, dos veces Caballo del Año en Hong Kong; Palladio (G1) ganador y el Sovereign Award 2005 para caballos de 3 años; Wallenda, ganador (G1) millonario y los ganadores de apuestas D’Hallevant; Hold Me Back; Pommes Frites, Quite a Bride, Strong Contender y Simmard están entre los graduados de Haras Santa Maria de Araras. ■

Palladio, un caballo criado en Florida, es un ejemplo de los muchos caballos de alta calidad procreados en esta granja.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 85

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Increased Purses

and Opportunities in 2015 2015 TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLY DIVISION August 8 - Desert Vixen Stakes - 6 furlongs-Dirt - $200,000 September 5 - Susan's Girl Stakes - 7 furlongs-Dirt - $300,000 October 3 - My Dear Girl Stakes - 11/16 miles-Dirt - $500,000

2015 TWO-YEAR-OLD COLT DIVISION August 8 - Dr. Fager Stakes - 6 furlongs-Dirt - $200,000 September 5 - Affirmed Stakes - 7 furlongs-Dirt - $300,000 October 3 - In Reality Stakes - 1 1/16 miles-Dirt - $500,000

2015 THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLY DIVISION August 8 - Three Ring Stakes - 7 furlongs-Dirt - $150,000 September 5 - Jewel Princess Stakes - 1 mile-Turf - $150,000 October 3 - Meadow Star Stakes - 1 1/16 miles-Dirt - $150,000

2015 THREE-YEAR-OLD COLT DIVISION August 8 - Unbridled Stakes - 7 furlongs-Dirt - $150,000 September 5 - Prized Stakes - 1 mile-Turf - $150,000 October 3 - Foolish Pleasure Stakes - 1 1/16 miles-Dirt - $150,000

AcceleratedEarningPower_April_May_Updated_Florida Horse_template 4/2/15 1:14 PM Page 87

For more information go to www.ftboa.com or e-mail floridasirestakes@ftboa.com

COGLIANESE PHOTO

FSS Bonus Races

AcceleratedEarningPower_April_May_Updated_Florida Horse_template 4/2/15 1:14 PM Page 88

Florida Sire Stakes Program (FSS) FSS purse supplement will be awarded to the

The FSS program consists of over $3 million in purse awards for 2-year-old, 3-yearold and older horses and includes the lucrative Florida Sire Stakes – a six race series for two-year-olds. In 2015, a six race series for three-year-olds was added.

winner of a maiden special weight race if the winner is fully FSS eligible. Foals are eligible for the Florida Sire Stakes series, and the two-year-old, three-year-old and up supplemental stakes program if:

Also included are a $5,000 FSS purse sup- 1. The foal’s sire was an FTBOA-registered stallion standing in Florida when the foal plement for each of 30 two-year-old maiden was conceived, AND special weight races, with 15 races for fillies and 15 races for colts/geldings. These 2. The foal is a Florida-bred registered with the FTBOA, AND 30 races typically start in April with at least two races per week, and each race at a dis- 3. The foal is kept eligible with payment of tance of at least 4.5 furlongs. The $5,000 eligibility fees by the deadline(s) required

FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner • 850-617-7341 • Fax 850-617-7331 e-mail: Christopher.denmark@freshfromflorida.com 407 S. Calhoun • 416 Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399

www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com

AcceleratedEarningPower_April_May_Updated_Florida Horse_template 4/2/15 1:14 PM Page 89

2015 Florida Sire Stakes Program 2016 Florida Sire Stakes Program Deadlines & Payments (Foals of 2013)

Deadlines & Payments (Foals of 2014)

Includes eligibility in Florida Sire Stakes series, two-year-old and 2016 three-year-old supplemental stakes

Includes eligibility in Florida Sire Stakes series, two-year-old and 2017 three-year-old supplemental stakes

2012 – Stallion registered with FTBOA 2013 – No weanling payment required 2014 – Yearling payment required

2015 – Two-year-old payment required:

Before/on Jan. 15 - $250; Jan. 16 through Feb. 28 - $500 If yearling payment was not paid in 2014, a one-time payment of $5,000 can be made by Jan. 15, 2015 for eligibility.

2013 – Stallion registered with FTBOA 2014 – No weanling payment required

2015 – Yearling payment required:

Before/on May 15 - $250; May 16 through Nov. 15 - $500

2016 – Two-year-old payment required:

Before/on Jan. 15 - $250; Jan. 16 through Feb. 28 - $500 If yearling payment was not paid in 2015, a one-time payment of $5,000 can be made by Jan. 15, 2016 for eligibility.

COGLIANESE PHOTO

For more information go to www.ftboa.com or e-mail floridasirestakes@ftboa.com

Questions_DeLuca_Florida Horse_template 4/2/15 1:19 PM Page 90

An ongoing series where The Florida Horse editor Brock Sheridan poses 10 “away from ordinary” business

10“Unordinary” Questions With

Allison De Luca, Racing Secretary at Tampa Bay Downs

Please tell us your name, organization and title. I work for Tampa Bay Downs, a thoroughbred track on the west coast of Florida. My responsibilities include recruiting competitive horses, issuing stalls to horsemen, writing condition books which contain the races offered at Tampa Bay Downs and overseeing the everyday operation of the racing department. In a nutshell, describe your organization and your responsibilities? I like it when you plan a special day of racing and it works out. I enjoy the comradery of the racing officials at Tampa and around the country. I enjoy talking to horsemen about racing, but also on subjects outside of racing. What specifically got you involved in the Florida thoroughbred industry? Becoming racing secretary at Tampa Bay Downs. What is your favorite sport outside horse racing? Baseball. What is one of your more fond memories to date in the Florida thoroughbred industry? Walking hots at Hialeah in the 80’s.

90 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

What are your favorite songs or musical artists? “The Way You Look Tonight” by Jerome Kern, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and “American Pie” by Don McLean. Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, The Beatles, James Taylor, Roy Orbison, Natalie Cole, the list goes on. What are your favorite movies or television programs? “Gone With The Wind”, “Auntie Mame”, “You’ve Got Mail”, “Glengarry Glen Ross”, “The Catered Affair”, “Little Miss Sunshine”, “Hair Spray”, “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner”, “Spanglish”, the list goes on and on. Television today is currently better than the movies. “Mad Men”, “Boardwalk Empire” (now concluded), “Girls”, “Downton Abbey”, “Nurse Jackie”, “Mom”, “The Daily Show”, “The Colbert Report” (also concluded) and “Last Week Tonight”. What are your favorite reads? “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is my favorite book. I read biographies most of the time. What are your favorite foods? Spaghetti.

Questions_DeLuca_Florida Horse_template 4/2/15 1:19 PM Page 91

COOLEY PHOTO

questions to a variety of Florida thoroughbred industry leaders

Allison De Luca Director of Racing and Racing Secretary at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, Fla.,

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FTBOA Awards 1

2 3

4 5

7 92 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

1) Karen and George Russell, Bonnie Rimel,Steve Johnson, Annabel and Bill Murphy 2) Accepting the award for Champion Two Year Old Filly Peace and War is breeder Sally Andersen, and on behalf of owner Qatar Racing and trainer Olly Stevens is Fergus Galvin. 3) Accepting the award for Kantharos, the juvenile and freshman sire of the year, was the horse’s owner Barbara Banke of Stonestreet Farm and Mike O’ Farrell of Ocala Stud and presenter FTBOA Second Vice President Phil Matthews. 4) FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell and his wife Karen greeted award winners along with Becky Robinson and FTBOA President George Russell 5) FTBOA board member Joe Barbazon with wife Helen 6) Happy My Way swept the older male and

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Gala

L. DIMARCO PHOTOS

11 12

male sprinter championships for his breeder Liam Benson of Mayo West Farm, Bob Feld of Sagamore Farm and Mel Paikoff, Bob Feld and Joe Orseno and elite sponsors Adena Spring’s Declan Doyle and Gregg Falk 7) Presenting for Calculator, the champion two-year old colt, is FTBOA exec board member Brent Fernung and Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn (far right) joined by Ocala Stud’s Mike O’ Farrell and trainer Peter Miller. 8) FTBOA Board member Phil Matthews presents Stallion of the Year for With Distinction to Donna Jordan and Gayle Frasier of Hartley DeRenzo 9) Famed artist Robert Clark painting live at the Gala 10) Gala emcee and OBS auctioneer Ryan Mahan and Thoroughbred Week host and voiceover talent John Henderson look to take bids 11) The Champion Turf Male Reporting Star was represented by breeder Marilyn Campbell of Stonehedge Farm, owner Chad Joe and family of Copper Water Thoroughbred Company out of British Columbia and trainer by Pat Parente. 12) The Horse of the Year honors went to Wildcat Red and was celebrated by owners Salvatore Delfino, Josie Delfino Martino, trainer Jose Garoffalo, guest Ron Spina, breeders Wilson Winter and Sherry Edwards, and Xavier Moreau and Jill McCoy. Winter also won leading broodmare of the year for Racene. 13) Jay Friedman presents Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck the Joe O'Farrell Consignor of the Year award for El Kabeir 14) Kim and Bonnie Heath

14 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 93

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FTBOA Awards Gala

1 2

4 5

6 7 1) Trainer David Fawkes, Melissa Anthony, Steve and Barbara Laymon, Kathy and John Eaton, Mayor Guinn and Brent Fernung 2) Phil Matthews presents Crystal and Brent Fernung with Wildcat Heir's Stallion of the Year award 3) University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program alumni are Brock Sheridan, FEC; Declan Doyle, Adena Springs South; Tammy Gantt, FTBOA, Fritz Widaman, The Blood Horse; Tom Ventura, Ocala Breeders’ Sales; and Lonny Powell, FTBOA CEO, and former program coordinator. 4) Run for the Ribbons award winner Kristin Ludington with her mom and Peggy Sprinkles 94 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

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8 10

5) Tim Brensen, Richard Averill and Jim Tipps accept the award for R Free Roll, champion female sprinter 6) Vivi Serena and Tania Heatherly 7) Second Chance Farm manager John Evans joined by Nikki Mason Suarez, Jennifer Barrett, Angie Delgiudice and Evelyn Cole 8) Mike O'Farrell accepts Ocala Stud's Breeder of the Year award for the fourth time in the last five years 9) The Getaway Farm Team 10) Mayor Guinn, Mr and Mrs Rodolfo Garcia, Kevin Adler on behalf of breeder Jessica Steinbrenner of Kinsman Farm, Jim Scott and Brent Fernung 11) Previous scholarship winner Adam Parker and his guest Ghazal Farajzadeh 12) Owner of the Year Fred Brei and wife Jane of Jacks or Better Farm 13) NTRA's Joe Bacigalupo with Needles Small Breeder of the Year award winners Lori and Tom Fackler, NTRA presenter Susan Parks and Bonnie Heath whose family campaigned Needles. 14) Platinum sponsor Stonehedge's Gil and Marilyn Campbell took home the top turf horse award with Reporting Star and Kathleen O'Connell took home leading trainer by wins THE FLORIDA HORSE â&#x20AC;˘ APRIL/MAY 2015 95

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■FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY ————By Race Type/Grade ————

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—STAKES RACES Win/Place/Show Horse Name

Sex Age Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Race Name

Amelia''s Wild Ride C

D'wildcat

Amelia Island

Red Oak Stable

2/7/15

Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint S.

C. Zee

Elusive Bluff

Diamondaire

Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

2/21/15

Gulfstream Park Sprint S.

Jewel of a Cat

Wildcat Heir

Marbleous Routine

Mr. & Mrs. Marty Hershe

2/21/15

You Bought Her

Graeme Hall

Striking T

CLDelaplane & RGDelaplane Trust UA 6/1/92 & Shade Tree Thoroughbreds

2/21/15

TAM

Earngs

$75,000

$44,640

3/$100,000

$60,760

Ladies Turf Sprint S.

$75,000

$43,245

Minaret S.

$50,000

$30,000

$74,284

$45,480

Distinctiv Passion

With Distinction

Dance Forthe Green

Harold J. Plumley

2/22/15

Joe Hernandez S.

El Kabeir

Scat Daddy

Great Venue

Rustlewood Farm Inc.

2/7/15

AQU

Withers S.

3/$250,000

$50,000

Grande Shores

Black Mambo

Sexy Stockings

Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

2/7/15

Fred W. Hooper S.

3/$100,000

$18,800

Cutty Shark

Old Fashioned

A Sea Trippi

Bridlewood Farm

2/16/15

LRL

General George H.

3/$250,000

$50,000

Sheer Drama

Burning Roma

Riveting Drama

Harold L. Queen

2/21/15

Rampart S.

3/$100,000

$19,600

Happy My Way

Wilko

Holy Queen

Mayo West Farm & Liam Benson

2/21/15

Gulfstream Park Sprint S.

3/$100,000

$19,600

Istanford

Istan

Aerocat

Hardacre Farm LLC

2/21/15

Bayou S.

$59,400

$12,000

R Free Roll

Rockport Harbor

Jewels N Gems

Richard Averill

2/21/15

TAM

Minaret S.

$50,000

$10,000

African Rose

Bwana Charlie

Darby Rose

Heiligbrodt Racing Stable

2/7/15

SUN

El Diario H.

$50,000

$5,000

A. P. Cino

Indy Wind

Bring Me Luck

Gary Lee Mahon & Jacqueline Diamond Mahon

2/14/15

LRL

John B. Campbell H.

$100,000

$10,000

Swinger''s Party

Medaglia d'Oro

Franscat

Farnsworth Stables LLC

2/14/15

TAM

Wayward Lass S.

$50,000

$5,000

Zamquick

Pomeroy

Zamsweet

Arlene M. Powell

2/21/15

Ladies Turf Sprint S.

$75,000

$6,975

Puddifoot

Red Giant

Theresa's Tizzy

Peachtree Stable

2/21/15

TAM

Minaret S.

$50,000

$5,000

Chief Lion

Wildcat Heir

Pretty Indian

Harold J. Plumley

2/22/15

Joe Hernandez S.

$74,284

$9,096

Earngs

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—ALLOWANCE Win/Place/Show Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Lucy E.

Pure Prize

Marquet Niche

Lucy Edwards & Randell Edwards

2/4/15

MVR

$15,000

$8,100

Daddy Loves Gold

Scat Daddy

Glitz N Gold

Emerald Pastures Corp.

2/5/15

CMR

$9,709

$5,990

Classic Salsa

Two Step Salsa

Wildcat Affair

McFarland Farm Inc.

2/7/15

AQU

$67,000

$40,200

Fabulous Kid

Congrats

Lemon Drop Girl

Dr. K. K. Jayaraman MD & Dr. Vilasini Devi Jayaraman MD 2/13/15

$63,500

$38,100

Ramonita M

Flatter

Cherokee Eyes

La Mulera

2/14/15

CMR

$6,472

$3,993

Gotta Get Paid

Pomeroy

Ashlee's Lady

Jean White & Brambly Lane Farm

2/14/15

DED

$35,300

$20,100

96 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

Jewel of a CatLadies Turf Sprint S.

COGLIANESE PHOTO

Amelia’s Wild Ride/Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint S.

COGLIANESE PHOTO

C. Zee/Gulfstream Park Sprint S. (G3)

Ad_Bleed_Check_Layout 1 4/2/15 2:08 PM Page 1

ELITE

Adena Springs South

DIAMOND

Live Oak Stud Jessica Steinbrenner/ New York Yankees Foundation

PLATINUM

Stonehedge Farm South

GOLD

Ag Pro All In Removal Awesome of Course/Fort Loudon/Hear No Evil Beautiful Moments Better@Home Bridlewood Farm Equine Medical Center of Ocala Florida Equine Communications Florida HBPA Getaway Farm Hartley/DeRenzo Jerry Parks Insurance Group John Deere Journeyman Stud National Thoroughbred Racing Association Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) Ocala National Golf Club Ocala Stud Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital Pleasant Acres Stallions Rustlewood Farm Smith, Bryan and Myers SunTrust

SILVER

Circle Square Cultural Center Daily Racing Form Double Diamond Farm Duggan, Joiner, & Company Summerfield Sales

BRONZE

Express Employment Metz, Husband and Daughton, P.A.

2015

FTBOA Awards Gala

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association

AroundCountry_April_May_Layout 1 4/2/15 2:06 PM Page 98

Florida-Breds Aro

The Country und

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—ALLOWANCE Win/Place/Show Horse Name Sex Age Sire

Dam

continued

Off Grade/ Date Track ID Pos Race Name

Breeder

Value

Earngs

My Secret Affair

Broken Vow

Mille Feville

Haras Santa Maria de Araras S.A.

2/14/15

TUP

$16,000

$9,722

Awesome Warrior

A. P. Warrior

Awesome Medicine

R. C. Van Voorhees & Liz Steinbach

2/16/15

CMR

$10,247

$6,323

Van Citra

Van Nistelrooy

Ahorita

Woodsfield Farm

2/16/15

CMR

$6,747

$3,993

Benny''s Bullet

Benny the Bull

Montana Jordana

William Beaty Shari Beaty & Joan Tennant

2/21/15

AQU

$67,000

$40,200

Habitually Golden

Yesbyjimminy

Golden Trumpet

Cheryl Janine McGuire & James P. McGuire

2/21/15

FON

$9,700

$5,820

Saint Patty Ann

Saint Anddan

Shezastormin

Norman G Houston III & Janis Tripp

2/4/15

MVR

$15,000

$2,700

By My Side

The Kaiser

Shaye Alone

Frank Bertolino

2/5/15

CMR

$9,709

$2,066

Lasamanamama

Sabre d'Argent

Looks Like a Lady

Gilbert G. Campbell

2/6/15

LRL

$42,000

$8,820

Gem City Gal

Mr. Sekiguchi

Indian Life

Jesse G. Valiente

2/6/15

PEN

$33,689

$5,900

Joe Pike

Benny the Bull

Allofeverything

Joanna Reisler

2/7/15

CMR

$9,089

$2,066

Distinctive Lady

With Distinction

Cool Cara

Robert D. Gibson

2/9/15

PRX

$57,300

$9,000

I''m the Lucky One

Value Plus

Beautiful Caroline

Thomas L. Croley

2/14/15

TAM

$20,600

$4,600

Gross Misconduct

Keyed Entry

Sea Witch

Marion G. Montanari

2/14/15

TUP

$16,000

$3,136

Yes

In Summation

Yeah Me

Robert A. Murphy & Dr. Sandy Price-Murphy

2/20/15

FON

$8,500

$1,700

Zloty

Exchange Rate

A. P. Reality

Centaur Farms Inc.

2/1/15

$42,000

$4,200

Xtra Luck

Exchange Rate

Miu Miu

Haras Santa Maria de Araras S.A.

2/7/15

$38,330

$4,180

Miticketcecilia

Maimonides

Cecile's Ticket

Mr. & Mrs. Grant Williamson & Iron Oak Farm

2/9/15

PRX

$57,300

$4,950

Babe''s Ruler

Roman Ruler

Leo's Gypsy Dancer

Bryan Hicks

2/25/15

TAM

$20,300

$2,300

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT Win/Place/Show Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Earngs

Westbrook Sunset

Montbrook

Western Tornado

Ocala Stud

2/1/15

TAM

$22,400

$13,700

Alliteration

Congrats

Royal Card

Woodford Thoroughbreds

2/6/15

AQU

$60,000

$36,000

Coral Point

Graeme Hall

Ruby Park

Eugene Melnyk

2/6/15

CMR

$10,683

$6,323

Northern Freeway

Northern Afleet

Freeway Fun

Liam Benson & Mayo West Farm

2/6/15

$25,000

$14,820

Charlie Mops

Bwana Charlie

Asi Soy (CHI)

Heiligbrodt Racing Stable

2/13/15

$43,500

$27,500

Rainy Night

Wildcat Heir

Bungalow Eight

Dr. & Mrs. Fred Yutani

2/15/15

$36,000

$21,600

Royal Squeeze

Wildcat Heir

Mop Squeezer

Gary Aiken

2/19/15

$36,000

$21,600

Fancy Man

Wildcat Heir

Clandestine

Allen Amato & Mike Galinski

2/19/15

TAM

$22,100

$14,100

Sea Warrior

Warrior's Reward

A Sea Trippi

Bridlewood Farm

2/21/15

CMR

$7,119

$4,393

La Luna Rouge

Leroidesanimaux (BRZ)

Tori's Portia

George De Benedicty

2/22/15

$37,000

$22,200

La Luna Rouge

Leroidesanimaux (BRZ)

Tori's Portia

George De Benedicty

2/1/15

$37,000

$7,400

Media Time

Mass Media

Noon Time Dancer

Roger Cimbora Richard D. Daniels Jr. & Cynthia Daniels

2/5/15

TAM

$20,000

$4,200

Doukas

Kantharos

Marquet Niche

Lucy Edwards & Randell Edwards

2/6/15

LRL

$48,160

$8,400

Saraguaro

Express Tour

Return of Mom

Karen Silva

2/7/15

$41,000

$8,600

Young and Hungry

Candy Ride (ARG)

Sly Storm

Glen Hill Farm

2/7/15

$58,086

$11,200

D'' lady Is Wild

D'wildcat

Ghostofalady

Y-Lo Racing Stables LLC

2/11/15

MVR

$12,500

$2,500

Another Chance

Survivalist

Oakshela

Luisa Degwitz & Ric-Deg Farm

2/13/15

LRL

$40,000

$8,400

Big Changes

Midshipman

Colorama

Joanne Crowe & Joe Pickerrell

2/14/15

$61,000

$12,200

Nevelee

Maimonides

Sally's Song

Arindel Farm

2/15/15

$36,000

$7,560

Abounding Legacy

Flashstorm

Abounding Truth

Northwest Stud

2/19/15

$36,000

$7,560

Have a Good Laugh

Graeme Hall

Very Laughable

Larry Foggle

2/19/15

$41,000

$9,400

98 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

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■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT Win/Place/Show Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Earngs

Indy Goer

Leading the Parade

Just Call Me Berty

Lambholm

2/21/15

CMR

$7,119

$1,515

Thoughtless

Rockport Harbor

Whistle Call

Peggy S. Dellheim Norman Dellheim & Darley

2/21/15

$39,000

$7,800

Dreaming of Gold

Unbridled's Song

Zehoorr

Rustlewood Farm Inc.

2/21/15

$41,000

$8,200

Great Majestic

Majestic Warrior

Great Humor

Kinsman Farm

2/22/15

$37,000

$7,400

B K Masterkey

Keyed Entry

Stay for the Storm

Mari George

2/22/15

TAM

$20,900

$4,600

Elcinico

Cowtown Cat

Bridge to Gold

Carlos Munoz

2/24/15

PRX

$45,500

$8,800

Revenue Virginius

Congrats

Hermione's Magic

English Range Farm

2/1/15

$57,750

$6,720

No Shanks

Exclusive Quality

Glory and Faith

Nathan Mitts & Mike Mareina

2/1/15

TAM

$22,400

$2,300

Salsa Queen

Two Step Salsa

Hop On It

Margaret Wetherington

2/4/15

TAM

$20,300

$2,300

Victory Wildcat

Wildcat Heir

Victory Pool

New Farm

2/6/15

$25,000

$2,500

Anytime Anyplace

Any Given Saturday

Ransom of Gold

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel H. Rogers Jr.

2/7/15

$58,086

$6,720

Passinaflash

Flashstorm

Lady Buckpasser

Northwest Stud

2/14/15

$27,044

$3,120

Old Fashioned King

Old Fashioned

Dearest Queen

Dr. K. K. Jayaraman & Dr. V. Devi Jayaraman

2/14/15

$61,000

$6,100

Sierra Squall

Grand Slam

Midway Squall

Donald R. Dizney

2/15/15

$36,000

$3,960

Tiger of Wales

D'wildcat

Cuckoo Sue

Carol Kemp

2/19/15

$36,000

$3,600

Flash Sonday''s

Flashstorm

Sonday's Cat

Northwest Stud

2/19/15

$61,000

$6,100

Not Guilty

Wildcat Heir

Sayes Court

Bill Rasco & Ben-D Farm South LLC

2/20/15

DED

$32,040

$3,465

My Love Venezuela

Scat Daddy

Gold Point Gal

Orlyana Farm

2/22/15

$37,000

$4,070

Amigo

Hard Spun

Dat You Miz Blue

Arindel Farm LLC

2/22/15

TAM

$20,900

$2,300

Island Cat

Cowtown Cat

Amelia Island

Red Oak Stable

2/24/15

PRX

$45,500

$4,840

See Through

Pollard's Vision

Ta Aruf

David J. Lavoie

2/26/15

$66,830

$6,720

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’s Association •Lonny Powell – CEO, Executive Vice President •Brock Sheridan – Editor-in-Chief •Tammy Gantt – Membership Services, Events Director, Contributing Editor, Industry and Community Affairs

Gulfstream Park •Michael Costanzo – Claims Clerk Hialeah Park •R. Peter Aiello IV – Director of Simulcasting, Track Announcer

Tampa Bay Downs •Allison DeLuca – Racing Secretary •Doug Murray – TRPB Agent

Adena Springs South •Declan Doyle – Director of Stallion Seasons & Sales

Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park •Heather Belmonte – Executive Assistant

Trainer •Todd Pletcher

Ocala Breeders’ Sales •Tom Ventura – President •Kevin Honig – Mutuels

THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 99

und The Country

Florida-Breds Aro

NationalNEWS-PariMutuelChanges_Florida Horse_template 4/6/15 4:39 PM Page 100

INDUSTRYNEWS

Feds Signal Intent to Propose Changes INTRODUCTION

Over the last few years, the horse racing industry has pushed legislation in Congress to change the current federal laws that require Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reporting on pari-mutuel winnings of $600 or more and 25% withholding on winnings of $5,000 or more. Both require the odds to be 300-to-1. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association and American Horse Council have also pursued an administrative solution by asking the Department of Treasury (Treasury) and the IRS to review the current federal regulations regarding how “wagering proceeds” are calculated to ensure that the reporting and withholding requirements on winnings from pari-mutuel betting are accurate and reflect the current state of wagering in the industry. The industry has suggested that winnings from combinations of bets into the same pool be calculated as total proceeds minus total wagers into that pool. The industry has argued that to be fair, the regulations should be updated to define a bet or wager to include the amount won less the amount wagered into each specific pool. RULE PROPOSAL

On March 4, Treasury proposed to update the regulations for reporting winnings form bingo, keno, and slot machine play. While the primary proposed changes dealt with circumstances surrounding those forms of gaming, the proposal also noted that Treasury and the IRS were aware that taxpayers required to report winnings from parimutuel gambling may have concerns similar to those addressed in the proposed regulation with respect to bingo, keno, and slots relating to when wagers with respect to horse races may be treated as identical. Identical wagers are combined and offset against winnings to determine proceeds from the wager for purposes of determining whether the reporting thresholds are satisfied. 100 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

Accordingly, the proposed rule announced that Treasury and the IRS “intend” to amend the regulations regarding pari-mutuel wagering under Section 31.3402(q)-1 in a manner consistent with these proposed regulations relating to bingo, keno and slot machine play. Treasury and IRS requested comments from the public on this topic with respect to other forms of wagering. This would include pari-mutuel racing. OPPORTUNITY

The request by IRS for comments on this issue provides the horse racing industry with an opportunity to make the broader case to the government that the reporting and withholding rules that currently apply to pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing are

NationalNEWS-PariMutuelChanges_Florida Horse_template 4/2/15 2:13 PM Page 101

to Pari-Mutuel Wagering Regulations not only outdated, but are unfair to racing’s patrons, horse owners, breeders, trainers, race tracks and states. All of these entities share in the amount wagered and withholding reduces this betting amount dramatically.

To Be Eligible for Reimbursement From the Grant Fund

THE JOCKEY CLUB: $250,000 IN GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR OUT-OF-COMPETITION TESTING IN 2015

Tests should be conducted on samples collected from nominees to graded stakes races no closer than seven days before the race.

With the large concentration of graded stakes races scheduled for spring and summer, The Jockey Club is reminding regRacetracks may apply for reimbursement upon written reulatory authorities and racetracks that it has budgeted another quest to The Jockey Club that includes invoices and other sup$250,000 in grants for out-of-competition testing to supplement porting documentation for the charges. the efforts of racetracks that will be hosting graded stakes races In addition, all requests for reimbursement must include the in 2015. following information: The funding is designed to encourage more out-of-competi■ The graded stakes race that the grant fund was used tion testing for the presence of blood doping agents as well as to test RCI Class 1 substances. ■ The number of horses sampled Racetracks in California, Florida, Kentucky and New York ■ The number of horses sampled that started in the graded as well the province of Ontario (Woodbine) participated stakes race in the program in 2014. Gulfstream Park was the first racetrack The graded stakes that are available for out-of-competition to use the Graded Stakes Out-of-Competition funding from The Jockey Club are those scheduled for March 28, Testing Grant Fund, which was announced at 2015, or later. The Jockey Club’s Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing in August 2013. At elect to participate in the fund may receive reimbursement to that time, The Jockey Club committed to out-of- defray some of the costs associated with out-of-competition testcompetition funding of $250,000 for both 2014 ing subject to certain criteria. Racetracks interested in participating in the Graded Stakes and 2015. “Out-of-competition testing has become standard Out-of-Competition Testing Grant Fund in 2015 should contact operating procedure for a growing number of amateur and The Jockey Club for more information. ■ professional sports, and we can further ensure the integrity of ThorOut-of-competition testing has become standard operatoughbred racing by following their example,” said James L. Gagliano, ing procedure for a growing number of amateur and propresident and COO of The Jockey Club. “We were pleased to see several fessional sports, and we can further ensure the integrity of groups use The Jockey Club funding to Thoroughbred racing by following their example. We were enhance their respective drug-testing programs last year, and we expect more pleased to see several groups use The Jockey Club funding of them to do so in 2015.” A Thoroughbred racetrack’s partici- to enhance their respective drug-testing programs last pation in the Graded Stakes Out-ofyear, and we expect more of them to do so in 2015. Competition Testing Grant Fund is voluntary. Thoroughbred racetracks that —James L. Gagliano, president and COO of The Jockey Club

“

”

THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015 101

MemoryLane_AprilMay_Florida Horse_template 4/6/15 4:39 PM Page 35

Memory Lane Down

1982

By JOANN GUIDRY

FILE PHOTO

onquistador Cielo, Gold Beauty and Fred W. Hooper all garnered Eclipse Awards while Aloma’s Ruler captured the Preakness Stakes to headline a stellar year for the Florida Thoroughbred industry. Not only was Conquistador Cielo named the Eclipse champion 3-year-old colt, but he became the fourth Florida-bred to be named North American Horse of the Year. That put him in the elite company of Roman Brother (1965), Dr. Fager (1968) and Affirmed (1978-79). And he did it in spectacular fashion, winning the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) on May 31 and the Belmont Stakes (G1) on June 5. Not only did he win two of the most important North American races within five days, he won them by a combined total of more than 21 lengths. Conquistador Cielo came into the Met Mile off three straight allowance wins at three different tracks. But still no one expected the performance he delivered that day. After posting 1:09 for six furlongs, the Mr. Prospector colt kicked into high gear and won by seven and a quarter lengths in 1:33 for the mile. The winning time was the fastest ever run at a New York track for a mile. Conquistador Cielo also became the first 3-year-old since 1969 to beat older horses in the Met Mile. Five days later, it was another eye-opening performance in the Belmont Stakes. Taking the lead at the half-mile pole, Conquistador Cielo galloped Florida-bred home through the rain to win by 14 lengths. His winning time Conquistador Cielo was 2:281⁄5 for the mile and a half over a very sloppy track. He closed out the season with victories in the Dwyer Stakes and Jim Dandy Stakes, as well as a third in the Travers Stakes. Owned by Henryk de Kwiatkowski and trained by Woody Stephens, Conquistador Cielo banked $424,660. During the week leading up to the Travers Stakes, the Mr. Prospector – K D Princess, by Bold Com102 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

mander, colt was syndicated for a world record $36.4 million. He was then retired to stud at Claiborne Farm. Conquistador Cielo was bred in Florida by the late Lewis Iandoli, who had owned Heather Hills Farm near Reddick. At the time Conquistador Cielo was conceived, Mr. Prospector had been standing stud at Savin Farm in Reddick. Mr. Prospector was moved to Claiborne Farm in 1980. Gold Beauty, also by Mr. Prospector, recorded an impressive season on the way to being named Eclipse champion sprinter. Bred and raced by Mr. and Mrs. Philip B. Hofmann, posted six wins and one second in but seven starts. Four of those wins were consecutive stakes victories on her way to earning $158,287. The stakes-winning skein began with tallies in the Rushland Stakes and Spring Valley Handicap a mere 12 days apart at Keystone. Next stop was the Test Stakes at Saratoga, where she won by a length in 1:224⁄5 for the seven furlongs. Gold Beauty then took on the boys in the Fall Highweight Handicap at Belmont on September 10. Carrying 126 pounds, she breezed to a six-length victory in 1:091⁄5 for six furlongs. In the Vosburgh Stakes at Aqueduct on October 16, Gold Beauty finished third. When Duke Mitchell was disqualified for lugging in and placed fourth, Gold Beauty was moved to second. It was also discovered later that she had fractured her cannon bone during the race. Aloma’s Ruler became the fourth Florida-bred to win the Preakness Stakes (G1). He did it in gate-to-wire fashion, winning by half a length over Linkage in 1:552⁄5 for the mile and three-sixteenths. Prior to the Preakness Stakes, he had won the Withers Stakes and would later win the Jersey Derby. He also posted seconds in the Haskell Invitational Handicap and Travers Stakes, as well as a third in the Suburban Handicap, on his way to earning $468,748. By Iron Ruler out of Aloma, by Native Charger, Aloma’s Ruler was bred by Silk Willoughby Farm. Florida breeder and owner Fred W. Hooper collected his second Eclipse Award as Outstanding Breeder. He had previously won the award in 1975. Hooper was the third-leading North American breeder by money earned with a total of $2,387,957. The Florida Thoroughbred industry lost two of its leaders when Joseph LaCroix (Meadowbrook Farm) died on January 21 and Joe O’Farrell (Ocala Stud) died on December 30. ■

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Call: 352.732.8858 www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

Cohen_FarmManagement_Florida Horse_template 4/6/15 11:44 AM Page 1

FARM MANAGEMENT

Lime Your Pastures What Does That Really Mean?

nutrients. A test kit can be obtained at your county’s Extension office. Soil testing is recommended every two to three years, unless you have not already established a baseline of the soil’s general data (obtained from previous year’s test results). If not, then an annual soil test should be done until a soil’s normal or average nutrient range and pH has been determined. Once test results have been obtained, then fertilization and liming needs can be determined. If the soil tests show that the soil is too acidic (a pH BELOW the 5.5) for Bahia to grow at its best, then the pastures should be limed. Calcitic lime or dolomite can be added to soils to raise pH. Dolomite may be preferred, because it has good magnesium (Mg) content, so it can raise low magnesium content when needed, but both contain calcium (calcium carbonate) and will increase the soil’s pH. It is important to note that the benefits of liming will not be seen immediately. It generally takes about three to six months for the soil’s pH to become less acidic. That means that if lime or dolomite is applied now, it can be some time until the benefits of liming become effective. The good side is that it’s seldom necessary to lime more often than every three years when growing about three to six months for the soil’s pH to pasture grass. Be sure not to become less acidic. That means that if lime or dolomite is applied now, over-lime the pastures to not make the soil too basic and it can be some time until the benefits of liming become effective. excessive liming can lead to a naturally very sandy base, proper buffering is simply not a reduction of manganese (Mn); many Florida soils already possible by just the soils alone. Although adding composted start a bit low in that nutrient. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or your local Extenmanure to your pastures is always an excellent way to increase the amount of organic matter in the soils, liming may sion agent to learn more about liming and soil testing, or to still often be necessary when the pH of a soil falls below 5.5 schedule a FREE, non-regulatory farm visit. As always, keep (the ideal pH to get the best from Bahia grass). Raising the up the good management practices! ■ pH to a more desirable level can also help enhance fertilizer efficiency and this is always better to help curb expenses. Jamie A. Cohen Farm Outreach Coordinator Soil testing is a critical first step for determining a soil’s jamiecohen@ufl.edu • UF/ IFAS Extension Service, pH and whether or not there needs to be an addition of any Marion County • 352-671-8792

ello to all! I speak for myself, but I eagerly await by Jamie Cohen, spring and am always thrilled when the warm Farm Outreach weather returns. Still, it’s hard to believe that hot sumCoordinator mer days and constant mowing are “just around the corner” so now is the perfect time to start helping pastures reach their highest potential. Although grass has started to grow, due to excellent spring rains and warm weather, the growing season won’t really be at its full potential and hit full stride until early summer. Regardless, fertilization and liming may be something that a farm should consider during this time of the year. I often hear, “I need to add lime to my pastures”, but what does that really mean and what is the benefit of its addition to the soils? Fertilizer contains nitrogen, potassium (potash) and phosphorus (phosphoric acid); nitrogen is a main ingredient needed by grass to help it achieve the desired nutrient value and health, but repeated applications of nitrogen fertilizer can cause soils to become more acidic. When soil becomes too acidic, nutrient uptake is severely limited, causing a reduction in the production of the forage (meaning less grass in the pasture). Often, parts of Florida tend to naturally have a more acidic soil, even when nothing has been done and the fact that Florida’s soils tend to have low organic matter and

It generally takes

104 THE FLORIDA HORSE • APRIL/MAY 2015

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Classified ADS Call (352) 732-8858

PHOTOGRAPHY

Louise E. Reinagel

LIKE HORSE PHOTOGRAPHER

Visit me at www.louiseereinagel.com E-Mail: limelightf@gmail.com

(352) 237-3809

LEGAL SERVICES PHOTOGRAPHY

Cell 352-427-9502 www.winningimages.biz

EQUINE SERVICES

THOMAS NICHOLL • Former State Prosecutor • In Ocala area regularly www.ThomasNichollLawFirm.com • Tom@ThomasNichollLawFirm.com

407-228-2131 CONSTRUCTION

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PAVING•800.709.1903

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O F

INDEX

A DV E RT I S E R S

ADENA SPRINGS SOUTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 BRIDLEWOOD FARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 DOUBLE DIAMOND FARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 FARM CREDIT. ACA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46, 47 FLORIDA EQUINE COMMUNICATIONS INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13, 73, 103 FLORIDA HORSE PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 FTBOA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, 97 JOURNEYMAN STUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108 NTRA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 OCALA STUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 OCALA BREEDERS SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 OCD EQUINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

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PLEASANT ACRES STALLIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17, 63 RACE TRACK INDUSTRY PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 THOMAS NICHOLL LAW FIRM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 WOODFORD THOROUGHBREDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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NTRA NUGGETS

Impact of NTRA Push to Modernize IRS Guidelines Estimated in Billions

Push to Modernize

By ALEX WALDROP by Alex Waldrop, he engine that drives every aspect of our business President and CEO and sport is pari-mutuel wagering. That’s why it is of the National extremely important for our industry that the Thoroughbred Racing Association United States Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have recently announced that they will examine the way winning pari-mutuel wagers are treated for tax reporting and withholding purposes. These communications from Treasury and the IRS were in part a response to ongoing efforts spearheaded by the NTRA. For some time, we have been working with our allies on Capitol Hill to modernize tax reporting and withholding guidelines for horseplayers. It started in June of 2014, when Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Ky., and Rep. It is important that the Treasury and Charles Boustany, R-La., IRS hear from individuals like those of authored a letter to Treasyou who read The Florida-Horse. Please ury seeking to modernize take a moment to visit NTRA.com to find tax reporting and without how you can help us in our effort to holding guidelines for bring fairness and equity to pari-mutuel horseplayers. A bi-partisan group of 15 other members reporting and withholding. of the U.S. House of Representatives joined in signing that letter including Florida Congressmen Tom Rooney, Rich Nugent and David Jolly. That letter prompted a meeting in January with a highranking official at the Treasury that we believe led to the recent Treasury and IRS announcements. The update we are seeking is relatively simple and straightforward. Currently, the IRS instructs tracks and ADWs to report any winning payoff using the following two-prong test: Is the payoff $600 or more? If so, is the payoff at least 300 times as large as the amount wagered? If the answer to both questions is yes, the payoff is reported to the IRS using Form W2-G, as every successful horseplayer knows. Similarly, the IRS mandates withholding from winning payoffs that meet a similar two-prong test: Is the winning payoff more than $5000? If so, is it at least 300 times as large as the amount wagered? If the answer to both questions is yes, then 25% of the winning payoff is withheld and sent to the IRS. Changing the law to modify the first prong of these

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tests - $600 for reporting or $5000 for withholding – could be a long and challenging effort. Instead we focused our strategy on working with Treasury and the IRS to modernize the second prong of each test – the 300:1 ratio - by accurately calculating the entire amount wagered into a pool for purposes of determining whether the second prong of the test has been met. This issue typically arises in the context of increasingly popular multi-horse or multi-race wagers. For example, the actual amount wagered by a Pick Six player who hits with one of 140 combinations on a $1-minimum wager is $140, which is the total amount bet by that player into the Pick Six pool. Because of an outdated tax ruling that dates back to a time before the advent of exotic wagering, the IRS ignores the full $140 amount wagered into the Pick Six pool and instead unfairly considers only the $1 bet on the single winning combination. Currently, the $140 wager in the example meets the 300:1 ratio if the winning payout is only $300. However, if allowed to include the entire amount wagered - $140 – then the 300:1 ratio is not reached until the winning payout is $42,000. Obviously, if the entire amount wagered is taken into consideration appropriately, the result will be far fewer reportable and withholdable winning tickets. More importantly, the reporting and withholding requirements applied to winning pari-mutuel payouts will reflect a modern approach that takes into account the fact that horseplayers are staking large sums to win multi-race and multi-horse pools and their tax liability should be calculated and reported accordingly. According to the Daily Racing Form, redefining the way the IRS calculates the amount wagered to include all money bet by an individual into a single pool would eliminate a high percentage of the reporting and withholding tickets and could increase pari-mutuel wagering by as much as 10%, or $1 billion, in year one alone. It is important that the Treasury and IRS hear from individuals like those of you who read The Florida-Horse. Please take a moment to visit NTRA.com to find out how you can help us in our effort to bring fairness and equity to pari-mutuel reporting and withholding. ■

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