THE FLORIDA HORSE - APRIL/MAY 2024

2023 FTBOA Horse of the Year

Congrats / Cajun Dawn, by Awesome Again

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT

George Isaacs

CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Lonny Taylor Powell

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

George Russell

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Francis Vanlangendonck

TREASURER

Joseph M. O’Farrell III

SECRETARY

Nick de Meric

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Valerie Dailey

DIRECTORS

T. Paul Bulmahn, Jerry D. Campbell, Marilyn Campbell, Beckie Cantrell, Brent Fernung, Laurine Fuller-Vargas, Mike Hall, Milan Kosanovich, Mary Lightner

PAST PRESIDENTS

Phil Matthews, DVM, Greg Wheeler, Don Dizney, John C. Weber, MD

ADMINISTRATIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & ASSISTANT TREASURER

Peggy Yost

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTMEMBER SERVICES & EVENTS

Tammy A. Gantt

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTOPERATIONS

Steve Koch

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & OFFICE MANAGER & ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Elaine K. Ansbacher

REGISTRATIONS & PAYMENTS COORDINATOR

Sheila Budden

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Kerrie Riber

ACCOUNTING CLERK

Faith Davis

ADMINISTRATIVE/MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANT

Vicki Davis

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Executive Office – 801 SW 60th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34474 (352) 629-2160 • Fax: (352) 629-3603 • e-mail: info@ftboa.com • www.ftboa.com Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Closed 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm & Federal Holidays

FLORIDA EQUINE COMMUNICATIONS

PRESIDENT/BOARD CHAIR

George Isaacs

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

George Russell

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Francis Vanlangendonck

TREASURER

Joseph M. O’Farrell III

SECRETARY

Nick de Meric

CEO & PUBLISHER

Lonny Taylor Powell

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Peggy Yost

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Brock Sheridan

ASSISTANT EDITOROPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT

Steve Koch

CONTRIBUTING EDITORSALES & INDUSTRY AFFAIRS

Tammy A. Gantt

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/ADVERTISING

Vicki Davis

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nancy Moffatt

FLORIDA FOCUS

Compiled by Brock Sheridan

Stone Silent Victorious in Second Straight Stakes With Ladies Turf Sprint Score

Stone Silent Earns $10,000 FTBOA

Top 3 Florida-bred Bonus

Fulminate Takes Down $4,000 in FTBOA

Top 3 Florida-bred Bonus Money

Stone Silent chased fellow Florida-bred Fulminate down the backstretch and around the far turn before hitting the front at the top of the stretch and drawing clear to win the $115,000 Ladies Turf Sprint at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 11. In winning her second consecutive added-money event, Stone Silent bested seven other fillies and mares, 4-years-old and older, who sprinted five furlongs on the grass.

Choose Joy rallied for second with Fulminate finishing third. They were followed in order by Shasta Star, Florida-bred Baby Steps, Glitter Up, Canadiansweetheart and The Arcadian Way. Florida-bred Boo Boo Kitty was scratched.

In addition to the winner’s share of the purse, Stone Silent earned a $10,000 Florida-bred Top 3 bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Fulminate earned $13,700, including $4,000 in Florida-bred Top 3 bonus money.

There was an even start to Ladies Turf Sprint before Fulminate and jockey Paco Lopez shot to a clear lead from post three as Stone Silent and rider Junior Alvarado gave chase in second from a length-and-a-half back with Baby Steps to her outside in third.

Fulminate finished the first quarter mile in :20.96 as Stone Silent edged closer on the outside around the turn and those two turned for home heads apart.

Stone Silent was much the best in the run for home as she pulled away to finish two-and-a-half lengths in front in a time of :54.56 on firm turf.

Stone Silent went off as the even-money favorite and paid $4 to win.

“She was ready for me the whole way around. I was just biding my time until we turned for home to let her loose and she did the rest,” Alvarado said. “She was very impressive.”

Trained by Brian Lynch for Victoriam Farm LLC, Stone Silent had won the $125,000 Abundantia by a length-and-three-quarters sprinting five furlongs on the Gulfstream Park turf on Dec. 31 in her previous start. Victoriam Farm recently purchased Stone Silent for $170,000 at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. She had previously been trained by Steve Asmussen, for whom she finished second to LJ’s Emma in the $150,000 Galway at Saratoga in August; and by John Sadler, who saddled her to victory in the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Debutante at Santa Anita in June of 2022.

“I was a little concerned about the one-hole today, but she certainly seemed to overcome that. It seems like she’s trying to get good, and it’s a nice time a year for a filly trying to get good,” Lynch said.

Lynch said he will point Stone Silent toward the $100,000 Captiva Island, a five-furlong turf dash for older fillies and mares scheduled for March 10 at Gulfstream.

A 4-year-old daughter of Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie out of Travelator, by A.P. Jet, Stone Silent was bred by William J. Terrell and Frank De Savino. She now has four wins, two seconds and a third in 10 starts and the $71,140 payday increased her career earnings to $290,838.

Travelator has nine winners from 10 starters including Hollywood Jet, by Uncaptured, winner of the 2022 Fishtown at Parx Racing. She also produced stakes-placed Sweetheart Deal, by Kantharos and has an unnamed yearling colt by Girvin. She was bred to Ocala Stud’s Colonel Liam in 2023.

Stone Silent is a graduate of the 2022 Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale where she was purchased for $410,000 by West Point Thoroughbreds/Talla Racing out of the Ocala Stud consignment.

Stone Silent is the fifth Florida-bred and the third in four years to take the Ladies Turf Sprint, first run in 2010. Other Floridabred winners include Believe in Charlie in 2014, Jewel of a Cat (2015), Lady’s Island (2021) and Miss Auramet (2022). n

Florida-bred Stone Silent | Photo by Lauren King

Lauren Robson Saddles First Winner on Feb. 15 at Gulfstream

Trainer Lauren Robson saddled her first winner on Feb. 15, bringing a rather extensive resume with her into the Gulfstream Park winner’s circle.

“I came over from England in 2004. I worked for various really good trainers. I was an assistant for Jonathan Sheppard, Wesley Ward and Jerry Hollendorfer,” Robson said. “I galloped for Todd Pletcher. I rode many good horses for him. There were other good trainers I worked for also, like Richard Mandella.”

Robson saddled Jabran ($5.60) to a three-and-a-half-length victory under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez in the second race, a five furlong maiden claiming event for 3-year-olds on the synthetic course.

“I’m really happy Johnny rode him. He’s been a longtime friend, he and his wife Leona,” Robson said. “It’s great to get the first one under my name.”

James Robert Cavanaugh

James (J.R.) Cavanaugh was born in Detroit, Mich., on Sept. 1, 1934, and died peacefully at home on Feb. 6, 2024, whose father was George Cavanaugh.

J.R. attended Notre Dame on a basketball scholarship and played football, then went on to play tennis and graduated from Marquette University with a BA in Business and a minor in Philosophy. Prior to that he served as a Lieutenant officer in the United States Marine Corp, where he won The Sharpshooter Award. He excelled in several sales jobs and owned several businesses. He met his wife, Marguerite and became Sales Manager for one of her companies, which manufactured Bugatti and 1923 Mercedes Benz kit cars. In 1992, after Pan Am closed where Marguerite was employed, they chose to move to Ocala,

A tragic accident that left her husband, former jockey Rudy Delguidice, paralyzed led Robson into training a small stable at Gulfstream.

“I was in Ocala. We were breaking and training horses, and my husband had an accident and broke his neck in July 2022,” Robson recalled. “So, we came down here for him to do his rehab and I thought to myself, ‘Well, since I have these couple horses, I just may as well train them myself.’”

Following her first training success on her own, Robson doesn’t aspire to build a large stable in the future.

“This is fun for me and my husband. He comes out in the morning to watch the horses train. It keeps him involved,” she said. “I’m hoping to get a few more, but I’m not looking to have too many. I’d like to be kind of small and be hands-on, get on my own horses and just do good with what I’ve got. I’d like young horses. I’ve learned from some good people. It makes me happy to get the best out of each individual.”

Robson owns Jabran, a son of Munnings, and co-owns British Empress, a 4-year-old maiden daughter of Classic Empire. Jabran was only Robson’s 10th starter dating back to Sept. 30.

“When you only have two horses, it seemed to take a while,” Robson said. “I guess if you had 20 horses, it would be a week’s worth of runners.”

-- Gulfstream Park Press Office n

Fla., bought a farm to breed Thoroughbred racehorses. He still ran the business at 89 years of age. In 1999, he and Wicklow Farm received the honor of being voted the eighth best Thoroughbred horse breeder of the year in the World. It is prestigious to be mentioned in the top 100. Horsemen have referred to him as a legend and a genius in the horse industry, as was his brother George A. Cavanaugh, in Ocala. When he first started, stud farms turned him down because he was unknown and his horses not good enough for them. It didn’t take long before the stud farms were calling J. R. to ask to breed to his mares.

He enjoyed playing recreational baseball to the end of his life.

J.R. was survived by his wife Marguerite, his daughters Erin and Colleen, and son James, Kevin, Casey, and George. n

Lauren Robson | Photo by Ryan Thompson

J. R. Cavanaugh | File Photo

OBITUARY

FLORIDA FOCUS

Veteran It’s Sizzling Time, Trainer Smith Get First Stakes Win

Florida-bred It’s Sizzling Time had to wait until his 40th career start to take on stakes horses but the 6-yearold gelding made the most of his added-money debut with a victory in the $100,000 John B. Campbell at Laurel Park on Feb. 17. In a determined effort, It’s Sizzling Time won the mile-and-an-eighth test by a slim nose against seven other 4-year-olds and older with jockey Jean Briceno aboard.

It was also the first career stakes victory for trainer Valrie Smith, who conditions It’s Sizzling Time for Chuckie Inc. and Mona Bowley. Smith owned and trained It’s Sizzling Time for Mona Bowley through his first 11 starts before Chuckie Inc. joined the ownership team by taking Smith’s share in September of 2021. Smith purchased It’s Sizzling Time for $1,000 out of the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Eastern Midlantic Fall Yearlng Sale in 2019.

REMI CARTOON

Florida-bred It’s Sizzling Time (inside) | Photo by Jim McCue

“I’m so excited, I’m lost for words,” Smith said. “It’s my first [stakes victory], so it’s exciting.

It’s Sizzling Time raced mid-pack throughout most of the John B. Campbell and was as much as 12 lengths behind even-money favorite Bob Marco through quarter-mile splits of :23.77 and :46.94.

Bob Marco continued to lead second-running Double Crown by more than two lengths around the far turn as It’s Sizzling Time began to close the gap with a ground-saving trip from four lengths back. Double Crown took over from Bob Marco in deep stretch as It’s Sizzling Time continued with purpose on the rail.

Double Crown and It’s Sizzling Time hooked up with a sixteenth of a mile to the finish when It’s Sizzling Time appeared to get a neck advantage inside the final 50 yards. However, Double Crown battled back on the outside to force a photo finish as they crossed under the wire together in a final time of 1:52.64 on the fast track.

Be Better was five lengths farther back in third followed by Martini Martin, Vance Sanders, Ain’t Da Beer Cold and Yodel E. A. Who. Forewarded was scratched.

It’s Sizzling Time was let go at odds of 11-1 and paid $25.40 to win. n

Halina’s Forte Wins Ruthless for First Career Stakes Victory

After finishing second in her last two starts against stakes competition, Florida-bred Halina’s Forte broke through with a convincing length-and-three-quarters score in the $100,000 Ruthless against six other 3-year-old fillies going seven furlongs at Aqueduct on Feb. 17.

Trained by Philip Bauer for Rigney Racing LLC, Halina’s Forte had previously finished second to Youalmosthadme in the $215,000 Fern Creek at Churchill Downs on Nov. 25 and second to Leslie’s Loot in the $98,000 Letellier Memorial at Fair Grounds on Dec. 23.

“[Extra time between races] never hurts them. Hindsight is such a big player in this game when you can look back and realize what you probably did wrong,” Bauer said. “When they run such hard efforts, you have to give them ample time. We made sure we did it this time and I think it was a good enough cast to recognize she has plenty of quality. I’m excited about her moving forward.”

Sent to the post as the slight 2-1 favorite in the Ruthless, Halina’s Forte and jockey Eric Cancel broke best of all from post four but were quickly passed by 3-1 shot Reconcile to her inside and 2-1 second choice Ghalia’s Princess on the rail leaving the

backstretch chute. Cancel took Halina’s Forte back to fourth, four lengths behind the frontrunning pair of Ghalia’s Princess and Reconcile through the first two furlongs in :23.10 before taking a four-wide trip into the far turn.

“I told Eric [Cancel] this morning, ‘she has such great gate speed, don’t let her fool you into thinking you have to get hooked into something,’” Bauer said. “He played it well and let the speed develop.”

Ghalia’s Princess shook off Reconcile for a length lead through the half-mile in :46.94 and had a clear advantage turning for home as Halina’s Forte began to find her best stride on the far outside.

Ghalia’s Princess held the lead until the final sixteenth of a mile when Halina’s Forte shot to the front to win going away in 1:26.26 on the main track labeled good. Ghalia’s Princess was second, two-and-a-half lengths in front of Value Area in third. They were followed, in order, by Low Society, Reconcile, Tiarella and Most of All.

Halina’s Forte paid $6.20 to win. n t

Florida-bred Halina’s Forte | Photo by Chelsea Durand

FLORIDA FOCUS

Florida-bred Millionaire C Z Rocket Retired

Florida-bred millionaire C Z Rocket was retired from racing following his last start at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 19.

The multiple stakes-winning 10-year-old finished sixth in a $62,500 optional claiming starter allowance, capping off a career with 13 wins, nine seconds and seven thirds from 46 starts. His career earnings of $2,144,691 rank him 34th on the list of alltime leading Florida-bred money earners.

“It was just time to retire him,” trainer Peter Miller said. “He’s sound, but after his last race, he’s lost a few steps, so we thought it was time to retire him.

“There was nothing about him I didn’t like. He is just a gem. Always trained well, always worked well. Always ran well. Just an iron horse. Really just an iron horse. I love Florida-breds. They’re just solid sound horses and I’m a big fan.”

Bred by Vincent Perez’s Farm III Enterprises LLC, C Z Rocket was a star before he made it to the track having sold for $800,000 to Frank Fletcher Racing Operations at the 2016 Ocala Breeders’ Sales June Sale where he was consigned by John Stephens’ Stephens Thoroughbreds. The price was a record for the OBS June Sale at that time.

Fletcher campaigned C Z Rocket through his first 17 races before Miller and owner Tom Kaegle claimed him for $40,000 at Oaklawn in April of 2020. He would win his next five starts for his new connections, including the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien at Del Mar and Grade 2 Santa Anita Championship before finishing second to Whitmore in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Keeneland.

Sol Kumin’s Madaket Stables and Gary Barber then joined the ownership team with Kaegle and C Z Rocket started 2021 with

victories in the $200,000 Hot Springs and Grade 3 Count Fleet at Oaklawn, defeating runner-up Whitmore in both races.

By City Zip out of Successful Sarah, by Successful Appeal, C Z Rocket made two more starts in the Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint, first when finishing seventh after a slow start in the 2021 version won by Aloha West.

In the 2022 Breeder’s Cup Sprint, the then 8-year-old C Z Rocket took the lead inside the final furlong but was passed in the final yards by the late-running winner Elite Power. C Z Rocket finished second at odds of 30-1 in a race Miller considers to be among the gelding’s best.

“When he won the Count Fleet, that was really, really big,” Miller said. “And then his second to Elite Power in Breeders’ Cup. He gave us the thrill of a lifetime at a huge price. It looked like he was going to win it and just got nailed.”

C Z Rocket is one of 12 Florida-breds with at least three starts in Breeders’ Cup races including Aikenite, Beautiful Pleasure, Bet On Sunshine, Bridgetown, Firenze Fire (five BC starts), Flat Out, Forbidden Apple, Golden Pal, Jeronimo, Precisionist (four BC starts) and Pure Sensation (four BC starts). n

Florida-bred Sister Otoole Brings $190,000 Through Fasig-Tipton February Digital Sale

Two Florida-breds brought six-figure prices through the Fasig-Tipton February Digital Sale that closed Feb. 20 including multiple stakes-winner Sister Otoole, who sold for $190,000 as a broodmare prospect to Willow Park Stud-Scone. Florida-bred Boppy O also proved popular, going to new owner D J

Florida-bred Sister Otoole | Photo by Jamie Newell

Florida-bred C Z Rocket | Photo by Coady

Stable and Gary Barber for $145,000 as a racing/stallion prospect. Cataloged as Hip 12 and consigned by Bluewater Sales as agent, Sister Otoole is by Amira’s Prince (Ire) out of O’Toole, by Distorted Humor and won the $100,000 CTT and TOC at Del Mar in 2022 and 2023 when trained by Graham Motion for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. She was five times graded-stakes placed, including when third in both the Grade 3 Red Carpet at Del Mar on Nov. 23 and in the Grade 3 Waya during the Belmont at Big A meet on Oct. 7 in her last two starts.

The 6-year-old mare is a half-sister to stakes-winner Lady O’Toole and stakes-placed Frosty O Toole, who on Feb. 17 was a timely second in the $100,000 Nellie Morse at Laurel Park. She is also a half-sister to stakes-producer Plenty O’Toole and is from the family of Group 1 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airlines-winner Well Armed and recent Grade 1-winners Cyberknife and Played Hard.

Bred in Florida by Helen and Joseph Barbazon, Sister Otoole has four wins, five seconds and six thirds with earnings of $431,470.

Octane Passes Million Dollar Mark with Razorback Score

Selling from the Taylor Made Sales Agency as agent and cataloged as Hip 21, Boppy O won the Grade 3 With Anticipation at Saratoga in 2022 and last year took the $102,000 Jersey Derby for trainer Mark Casse and owners John C. Oxley and Mike Hall’s Breeze Easy LLC. He has won three with two seconds and two thirds in 13 starts with earnings of $286,580

The 4-year-old son of Bolt d’Oro out of Pappascat, by Scat Daddy is a half-brother to Grade 2 Best Pal-winner Pappacap and was bred in Florida by George and Karen Russell’s Rustlewood Farm.

Highland Yard LLC went to $80,000 to acquire Florida-bred Miss Bellimbusto, a daughter of Bucchero out of Bellimbusto, by First Dude consigned by Danny Eplin and Partners as Hip 2.

Miss Bellimbusto hails from the family of graded stakesplaced, stakes-winner Identity and stakes-winner Storm Flag and earned $81,840 from four wins with a second and a third from 10 starts while racing exclusively at Golden Gate Fields for trainer O.J. Jauregui and owner Jauregui Racing Stables Inc., Danny A. Eplin Charles E. Gerson and Angel D. Valadez. She was bred in Florida by Blue River Bloodstock. n

Florida-bred Octane and jockey Julien Leparoux went head and head with Notary at the top of the stretch before racing clear in the final furlong to win the Grade 3 Razorback Handicap by threequarters of a length at Oaklawn Park on Feb. 24 and becoming the most recent Florida-bred millionaire. It was the fifth career stakes victory, but first against open company, for the 5-year-old Arindel homebred who defeated nine other 4-year-olds and older going a mile-and-a-sixteenth for a purse of $600,000.

Octane broke best of all from post three and chased Fifth Season Stakes-winner Promise Keeper around the clubhouse turn through a quarter-mile in an honest :23.30. Promise Keep led by a length-and-a-half ahead of Octane down the backstretch and finished the half-mile in :47.33 before showing the way around the far turn.

Octane and Notary shot past Promise Keeper coming out of the turn with Notary putting a head in front as they straightened for home. Octane fought back on the inside and began to pull away inside the final furlong as Notary drifted out and 2-1 favorite Magic Tap made a late run for second, two-and-a-quarter lengths clear of Notary in third.

Bolzy, O P Firecracker, Escapologist, Speed Bias, U. S. Army, Promise Keeper and Frosted Departure completed the order of finish.

Carrying the co-highweight of 118 pounds, Octane paid $13 to win after finishing in 1:43.57 on the fast track. t

Florida-bred Octane | Photo by John Gallagher

FLORIDA FOCUS

Trained by Juan Alvarado, Octane went into the Razorback off a second-place finish to Lure Him In in the $95,000 Sunshine Classic for Florida-breds on Jan. 20 and a fifth-place finish after being bumped at the start of the Grade 3 Harlan’s Holiday won by O’Connor (Chi) on Dec. 30, both at a mile-and-a-sixteenth at Gulfstream Park.

The 5-year-old son of Arindel’s Florida-based stallion Brethren won for the eighth time in 18 starts with four seconds and a third. The $315,000 first-place check increased his earnings to $1,011,355.

His previous black-type victories include the Affirmed and In Reality divisions of the 2021 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes, the 2022 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Marion County and the Gil Campbell Memorial Handicap in October.

Octane is out of the Aldebaran mare Star Recruit, who with Brethren has also produced 2022 Sunshine Sprint-winner Gatsby and stakes-placed Jellybean. n

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Earns 1,000th Career Win at Gulfstream Park

Bridlewood Farm homebred Palace Zip, a first-time starting Florida-bred by Palace Malice, came with a steady run down the center of the track to surge past Florida-bred Reina Mar and Mi Amore and give trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. 1,000 career wins at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 25.

“It’s amazing,” Joseph said after being recognized and posing for photos in a winner’s circle ceremony. “I remember the first one and here we are at 1,000. The first probably 200 took five or six years and it was a struggle, and the last 800 have come pretty

quickly. We’ve gotten the opportunities from the owners and that’s what you need. Without the owners, you can’t do it. There’s no trainer without horses, and the owners produce the horses.”

A native of Barbados, the 37-year-old Joseph has won eight consecutive titles at Gulfstream Park since finishing second during the 2020-2021 Championship Meet. He has led the nation’s premiere winter gathering each of the past two years, dethroning 18-time winner and Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher.

Married with two children, Joseph is a third-generation horseman following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. At the age of 22, he became the youngest trainer to win the Barbados Triple Crown with Areutalkintome in 2009.

Joseph came to the U.S. two years later and finished seventh with his first starter, Go Zapper, April 10, 2011 at Tampa Bay Downs. His first win came June 19, 2011 at Calder Race Course with Artefacto, and he saddled his first stakes winner, Saraguaro, in the 2015 Foolish Pleasure at Gulfstream Park.

-- Gulfstream Park Press Office n

Apprentice Scores Her First Stateside Win

Apprentice Mariangelys Almedina won her first career victory on the mainland at Tampa Bay Downs on March 16 in virtual gate-to-wire fashion on the 4-year-old filly Whatchamacall for owner Beverly Sierra and trained Xavier A. Rivera.

The 22-year-old won with her first career mount with Big Rinne on Jan. 1 at Camarero in Canovanas near her hometown of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Almedina thanked trainers Rivera, Kevin Rice, and Teresa Connelly for helping her launch her business at Tampa Bay Downs.

Almedina wasn’t the only competitor to win for the first time on March 17 at Tampa Bay Downs. In the fourth race, Abraham Gardea earned his first training victory with Ain’t Noncents, a 5-year-old mare owned by his father, Francisco Gardea. Jorge Urdaneta was the jockey.

Florida-bred Stone Silent Continues Win

Streak With Captiva Island Score

Victoriam Farm LLC’s Stone Silent won her third consecutive stakes on March 10 at Gulfstream Park as the Florida-bred filly took the $114,000 Captiva Island, a five-furlong sprint on the turf featuring eight fillies and mares, 4-years-old and older.

Ridden by regular rider Junior Alvardo from the inside post, Stone Silent broke sharply but relinquished the early advantage to recent allowance-winner Future Is Now and jockey Luis Saez

Saffie Joseph Jr .1000th win | Photo by Ryan Thompson

to her outside for the short run down the backstretch.

With less than a half-mile to run, Future Is Now and Stone Silent put two lengths on the vanguard of Accomplished Girl, Florida-bred Sold Hope and longshot The Arcadian Way as Florida-bred Fulminate tried to join the fray on the far outside after a slow start.

Alvarado had to check Stone Silent briefly around the far turn after a :21.69 first quarter-mile as Future Is Now sprinted away briefly. Accomplished Girl and Fulminate went on the attack to her outside approaching the quartermile marker.

Future Is Now again put distance on her rivals turning for home when Stone Silent began to make up ground with an inside run. Stone Silent found a small opening along the rail and drew even with the leader approaching the sixteenth pole.

Stone Silent put away her rival in the final strides to cross the wire a half-length in front of Future Is Now in second in a final time of :55.16 on the firm turf. Sol Hope rallied for third followed by Secret Money, Accomplished Girl, Sara Mia, The Arcadian Way and Fulminate.

Stone Silent paid $3.40 as the 3-5 favorite. t

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Florida-bred Stone Silent | Photo by Lauren King

FLORIDA FOCUS

“It was a good trip all the way until the quarter pole,” Alvarado said. “I was trying to find my way through and didn’t have any choice but to go on the rail. She got a little intimidated when I first tried to go in there, but after that, she pushed through it and she was probably much the best in this race. I knew she was going to keep going. She’s just all class, very professional and straightforward.”

After being purchased by Victoriam Farm for $170,000 at the 2023 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, Stone Silent won the $125,000 Abundantia on Dec. 31 and the $115,000 Ladies’ Turf Sprint on Feb. 11, both going five furlongs on the Gulfstream Park grass.

“She’s been very exciting this meet, that’s for sure,” trainer Brian Lynch said. “We lead her over here each race and she lays it down for you. Today, I thought she was up against it with the trip she got but she seemed to find a way to squeeze through that little hole and come up trumps. I’m very proud of her.”

Stone Silent has now won five of her 11 career starts with two seconds and a third with earnings of $360,978, $30,000

Lee Becker

Knan Lee Becker, a horsewoman, school teacher, yoga instructor, and longtime resident of Ocala, Fla. passed peacefully in her home on March 13, 2024 at the age 76 after an 18 month battle with cancer.

She was born in Santa Rosa, Calif. on Aug. 12, 1947. She came to Florida in 1977 when she discovered that people were paid to ride Thoroughbreds. She found work as an exercise rider at local horse farms.

Knan then enrolled as a student at the University of Florida where she eventually earned a Master’s degree in English, education, and special education. She purchased property in Ocala and lived in a small trailer for seven years until she could save the money to build her dream log home.

In 1984 she ordered a log home kit and over the next year, built the home she lived in until the day she died. She loved horses and always owned at least one horse. She loved all animals.

She met her husband, Ernest Becker at a business meeting near Orlando and they were married in Asheville, N.C. in July of 2011. Knan and her husband spent six years traveling the country in their fifth wheel RV, camping in all 48 states and

of which has come from Florida-bred bonus money in her three victories during the Gulfstream Championship meet. In addition to the winner’s share of the Captiva Island purse, Stone Silent earned a $10,000 Top 3 Florida-bred bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Sol Hope earned $4,000 in FTBOA Florida-bred Top 3 bonus money for finishing third.

By Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie out of the multiple stakes-winning mare Travelator, by A.P. Jet, Stone Silent was bred in Florida by William J. Terrell and Frank De Savino. She is a half-sister to stakes-winner Hollywood Jet, by Uncaptured and Travelator has produced nine winners from 10 starters. Travelator also has an unnamed, yearling colt by Girvin and was bred to Ocala Stud stallion Colonel Liam in 2023.

She sold to West Point Thoroughbreds and Talla Racing for $410,000 as 2-year-old at the 2022 Ocala Breeders’ Sale March Sale where she was consigned by Ocala Stud.

Stone Silent is the third Florida-bred winner of the Captiva Island, first run in 2015. Other Florida-bred winners were Blue Bahia in 2018 and a Bit of Both in 2021 n

four of the Canadian Provinces with their three dogs and cat. Knan had a soft spot for her furry friends, treating each and every one like the valuable family member they were.

She had one Thoroughbred who lived to the age of 34 who she cared for like her own child. She loved Jack Russel Terriers and German Shorthair Pointers and took great pride in fostering German Shorthair Pointers for the Southeastern German Shorthair Pointer Rescue organization.

Knan lived a full life. She was passionate about her yoga practice and welcomed many friends to her yoga studio and yoga sessions. She was well respected as a friend and mentor. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. She is preceded in death by her mother, father and sister and survived by her loving husband, Ernest Becker of Ocala, Fla, her brothers Timothy Lee and Peter Lee of California and her stepchildren Jorell Laube and Jenna Laube.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Knan’s favorite charity, the Southeastern German Shorthair Pointer Rescue, Segsprescue.org, a worthy organization saving the lives of these precious dogs. n

Knan

OBITUARY

Exercise Rider McNamara Helped Shape Several Top Horses

Joanne McNamara—the first to be dubbed by the turf media as “Exercise Rider to the Stars” for the long list of champions and world-class horses she rode in morning training—died Feb. 4 in Ocala, Fla., after a short battle with cancer. She was 67.

McNamara was born May 17, 1956, to Edward and Mary McNamara in the town of Bedford, N.Y., where she and her sister Patricia began showing ponies and finding a niche in the hunter jumper world. Joanne McNamara ultimately found her true calling in the world of Thoroughbred racing, where she excelled.

From the beginning McNamara proved she knew how to pick out talent.

Working for Hall of Fame trainer MacKenzie Miller and Rokeby Stables in her first racetrack job, she galloped her barn favorite Rokeby Rose, a multiple stakes winner who closed out her career with a win in the 1981 Flower Bowl Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park.

Rokeby Rose also became a prominent broodmare, producing 1999 Kentucky Oaks (G1)-winner, $3 millionearner and racing Hall of Famer Silverbulletday.

McNamara trained a small stable for her dad and a few other clients for several years, one memorable win being her dad’s homebred Campbell Hall in a maiden claimer at 67-1

odds in 1984 at Aqueduct Racetrack.

But the lure of working with top horses won out and she returned to riding and working to help develop horses in the mornings.

“She was more interested in riding than running a training business,” Patricia McNamara said. “So she went back to what she truly loved: galloping fast horses.”

McNamara went to work for record-setting D. Wayne Lukas in the late 1980s in what proved a long and fortuitous association for both.

Some of the outstanding horses McNamara got on for Lukas were classic winners Thunder Gulch (1995 Kentucky Derby [G1] and Belmont Stakes [G1], 3-year-old champion male), Grindstone (1996 Derby), 1999 Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old colt Charismatic (1999 Derby and Preakness Stakes [G1]), Tabasco Cat (1994 Preakness and Belmont), 1994 2-year-old champion colt Timber Country (1995 Preakness) and Editor’s Note (1996 Belmont). She also worked with 1995 champion 3-year-old filly Serena’s Song (2002 Hall of Fame inductee) and Breeders’ Cup-winners Cat Thief (1999 Breeders’ Cup Classic [G1]) and Cash Run (1999 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies [G1]). TFH

Stonehedge Homebred Fiona’s Magic Climbs Kentucky Oaks Leaderboard With

Davona Dale Victory

First Stakes Winner for St Patrick’s Day also earns $10,000 FTBOA Florida-bred Bonus

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Florida-bred Fiona’s Magic shot out of the starting gate first and never looked back in a wire-to-wire score in the Grade 2 Davona Dale at Gulfstream Park on March 2, earning 50 points on the Road to the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. Fiona’s Magic defeated five other 3-year-old fillies going a mile while earning the winner’s share of the $200,000 purse plus a $10,000 Florida-bred bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

A homebred for Marilyn Campbell’s Stonehedge LLC, Fiona’s Magic is the first stakes-winner for Journeyman Stud’s St Patrick’s Day and now has 60 points on the Kentucky Oaks Leaderboard. She earned her initial 10 Kentucky Oaks points with a secondplace finish to fellow Florida-bred R Harper Rose in the Grade 3 Forward Gal at Gulfstream on Feb. 3.

Last year, Wonder Wheel was the final filly to qualify for the Kentucky Oaks starting gate with 48 points.

Fiona’s Magic and jockey Tyler Gaffalione had a length advantage on Queen’s Martini and Into Champagne down the backstretch while controlling the pace with a :24.59 quarter-mile. She extended her lead to a length-and-a-half around the far turn when Into Champagne launched her bid on the outside and 1-5 favorite Leslie’s Rose closed with a ground saving trip on the rail.

showed a lot of potential. You never know what is going to happen. We all know that. But she did it. It was a big day for Stonehedge, a big day for St Patrick’s Day and a big day for Florida breeding.”

It was the second consecutive Davona Dale victory with a Florida-bred for trainer Michael Yates after taking last year’s version with John Ropes’ Dorth Vader.

“I didn’t give Tyler [Gaffalione] any instructions,” Yates said. “I said, ‘ride the race how it comes up.’ I thought [Fiona’s Magic] was very capable of it. She’s been coming along steadily.”

Gaffalione said the experience of riding her in the Forward Gal proved beneficial and credited Yates with having Fiona’s Magic in top form for the Davona Dale.

“She did what she had to do and at the end she was still going. That was pretty impressive and it was wonderful. She is not a big filly either.”

“[Fiona’s Magic] put in a huge effort last time [in the Forward Gal]. I was able to get familiar with her,” Gaffalione said. “The team did a great job bringing her over ready. Mr. Yates has done a fabulous job last year with Dorth Vader, this year with her. She was there for me every step.”

– Marilyn Campbell

The $132,760 pay day for Fiona’s Magic increased her career earnings to $250,910 from three wins in five starts with two seconds, all at Gulfstream Park.

Fiona’s Magic maintained a short lead turning for home after the half-mile in :47.47 as Leslie’s Rose raced up to her inside and Into Champagne threatened on the outside.

Fiona’s Magic shook off her rivals to win by a half-length in 1:37.16 on the fast track. Into Champagne was second, a lengthand-three-quarters ahead of Leslie’s Rose in third. They were followed, in order, by Queen’s Martini, Whocouldaskformo and New Diamond. Morning line favorite Just F Y I and Florida-bred Miss Sayely were scratched.

Fiona’s Magic paid $20.20 to win.

“She did what she had to do and at the end she was still going,” Marilyn Campbell said. “That was pretty impressive and it was wonderful. She is not a big filly either.

“I had a lot of confidence today. In all of her four races, she

After finishing second to My Shea D Lady in her first start in July, Fiona’s Magic won a six-furlong maiden special weight by seven lengths on Nov. 19. She then won a first level, $75,000 optional claiming by two-and-a-half lengths going six-and-a-half furlongs on Dec. 7 before the aforementioned Forward Gal.

Fiona’s Magic is out of the unraced Factum mare Mollie’s Magic, who has produced four winners from four starters including Cajun’s Magic, by Stonehedge Farm South stallion Cajun Breeze, winner of the 2021 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager. She also has an unraced 2-year-old, Blazing Hot, by Journeyman Stud stallion Khozan and an unnamed yearling colt by Cajun Breeze.

Fiona’s Magic is the 14th Florida-bred winner of the Davona Dale. In addition to Dorth Vader, the list includes Miss Legality in 1992, Lunar Spook (1993), Cut the Charm (1994), Mia’s Hope (1995), Plum Country (1996), Glitter Woman (1997), Three Ring (1999), Miss Brookski (2002), Bsharpsonata (2008), Amen Hallelujah (2020), R Heat Lightning (2011) and Yara (2012). TFH

Florida-bred Win Win Win Filly Tops OBS March at $1.8 Million

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

A Florida-bred filly by Ocala Stud’s first crop sire Win Win Win electrified the Ocala Breeders’ Sales pavilion on March 14 when bloodstock agent Donato Lanni went to $1.8 million to purchase her for Saudi Arabian businessman Amr Zedan in the name of his Zedan Racing Stable. Consigned by Ocala Stud as Hip 788, the filly topped the three-day March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training that saw five juveniles exceed seven-figure price tags.

Lanni said the filly will be sent to Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert in Southern California.

The striking bay filly drew the attention of potential buyers during the final day of the March Sale under tack shows on March 9 when she worked a quarter-mile in an OBS record-tying :20.20.

“She’s just a cool filly and every time we went to see her, she was always out of her stall,” Lanni said. “To [breeze like] she did was pretty remarkable. [Bob Baffert] loved her. He looked at her after the breeze show and loved her. She’s easy to like.

“I knew she was one of the best. The price does not surprise me. Nothing at this sale surprises me. The people here, if they want one, they’ll keep trying.

“I’m just happy we got her. She is just one of the kind that we try to come home with and we were just lucky to get her. We’re happy and confident and we’re pretty excited.”

The bay filly is out of the Florida-bred Union Rags mare Unanimity, a half-sister to The Shady Lady, the dam of Holy Bull (Grade 3)-winning Florida-bred Hades. Unanimity is also a halfsister to Grade 3-placed, stakes-winner Courtesan, stakes-winning, stakes-producer Chary and stakes-producer Lady Carlotta.

“We’ve been involved in 2-year-old sales a long time and she has just been a spectacular filly,” Ocala Stud’s David O’Farrell said. “She performed every time we sent her to the racetrack and she always came back beautifully and the sky’s the limit with her.

“We’re super excited about [Win Win Win]. We love what we’re

seeing and we have more to come in later sales and later crops and we think he has a huge future. [Win Win Win progeny have] just a ton of athleticism. Super versatile and good looking horses with big rear ends. Very smart.”

Win Win Win was bred in Florida by Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Stud and raced under her Live Oak Plantation banner. The son of Hat Trick (Jpn) won the Grade 1 Forego, was second in the Toyota Blue Grass (G2) and third in the Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G3). He set a track record at Tampa Bay Downs while winning the 2019 Pasco, covering seven furlongs in 1:20.89.

Thursday’s star filly was bred in Florida by Ocala Stud, Joseph M. O’Farrell III, David O’Farrell, et. al. and is eligible for the $1.2 million Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Florida Sire Stakes series of 2-year-old stakes to be run this summer and fall at Gulfstream Park.

“Everybody knows Ocala Stud and they have been around a long, long time,” Lanni said. “Everybody is familiar with their program and the horses they produce. They do a great job.”

Two millionaire colts created a buzz on March 13 during the second day of the March Sale.

Hip 533 was the top-selling 2-year-old on the second day with a final bid $1,500,000 by Pro Racing Stable LLC as agent after working an eighth mile in :9.80 at the under tack show on March 8. Consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds LLC as agent, the bay colt is by Not This Time out of Pammy Whammy, by War Front and is a half-brother to stakes-placed Pammy’s Ready. Pammy Whammy is a half-sister to stakes-placed Clearance Clarence.

Hip 494 was hammered down at $1,300,000 on a final bid by Marquee Bloodstock. The dark bay or brown colt consigned by Sequel Bloodstock as agent is by Flatter out of Napier, by Midnight Lute, a half-sister to Grade 1-winner Obligatory. The colt worked an eighth mile in :9.80 at the under tack show.

Hip 173, a gray or roan colt by Tapit, drew a final bid of $1,200,000 to top action on the first day of the auction as West Point Thoroughbreds, D J Stable, C J, Lane’s End Bloodstock as agent outlasted all bidders. Out of Distorted Music, by Distorted Humor, the colt, who galloped at the first under tack show Wednesday, is a half-brother to Grade 3-winner She Can’t Sing while Distorted Music is a half-sister to Grade 3-placed, stakesproducer Zinzay. Tom McCrocklin as agent for the Complete Disperesal for Lothenbach Stables Inc. was the consignor.

Resolute Bloodstock paid $1,000,000 for Hip 601, a chestnut colt by first crop sire and Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1)-winner Authentic out of stakes-placed Ruby Trust, by Smart Strike. Consigned by Hartley / DeRenzo Thoroughbreds LLC as agent, the colt’s second dam is Grade 3-winner Queen Of the Catsle and he worked an eighth-mile in :9.80 at the under tack show.

The cumulative totals for the March Sale saw 459 head generate $67,569,100 in gross sales for an average of $147,209 and a median of $72,000. The buy-back rate was 30%. Last year’s March Sale sold 464 juveniles for $71,473,500 for an average of $154,038 and a median of $75,000.

Cumulatively, de Meric Sales led all consignors with 42 head selling for $6,880,100 while Ciaran Dunne’s Wavertree Stables sold 15 head for $5,310,000. Hartley / DeRenzo Thoroughbreds LLC sold five 2-year-olds for $4,700,000.

Hideyuki Mori of Japan led all buyers, signing the tickets for 10 horses for a total of $2,695,000. Donato Lanni as agent for Zedan Racing purchased two head for $2,500,000 while Resolute Bloodstock purchased five juveniles for $2,375,000. TFH

All Photos by Judit Seipert

Florida on the Rise at OBS March

BY STEVE KOCH

Florida-bred entries set new high marks at last week’s Ocala Breeders’ Sales Two Year Olds in Training March edition. Timely news that Florida state legislators had approved ongoing renewals of $66 million annual Florida breeding and racing incentives, a package championed by the Florida Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, no doubt helped fuel that enthusiasm.

The ongoing incentives helped establish a 22% year-on-year jump in the foaled-in-Florida sales average to $137,991, up from $113,474 in March, 2023. That increased average was only partly induced by a Florida-produced juvenile by Florida sire Win Win Win hammering at $1.8 million, doubling last year’s $900,000 Floridaproduced top seller. The remaining effect derives from a total of five Florida speedsters landing at or above $500,000, compared to two and three such exhibits in 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Gross foaled-in-Florida hammer prices topped at $7,578,500, a 17% lift from last March’s $6,468,000. The median Florida sales price settled at 9% growth to $60,000, verifying a robust marketplace for all participants.

Five Year Uptrend Continues

Even as the 2024 results show new high marks, a five-year review of foaled-in Florida trends at OBS March point only upwards.

Average prices have more than tripled, beginning at $44,186 in 2020. The Sunshine median prices, ever a model of steady progress, have managed to more than double in that same period. (See Chart 1)

March price-toppers have gained exponentially to contribute many miles of four-board fence in the Ocala region. It seems that national buyers prefer a Florida winner over a Florida chaser. (See Chart 2)

Across-the-board increases mean the Florida gross at OBS March must rise proportionally. The 17% gain year-on-year owns only a portion of the 58% sum of gains since 2020. (See Chart 3) TFH

Chart 1

Chart 2

Chart 3

Forever Souper Sets Stakes Record in Turf Classic

Giving Live Oak Plantation Two Florida Cup Victories

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Plantation won two of the six Florida Cup stakes on March 24 at Tampa Bay Downs highlighted by a stakes-record performance by homebred Forever Souper in the $100,000 ESMARK Turf Classic. Her Crystal Quest also won $100,000 Equistaff Sophomore Turf.

The 21st edition of the Florida Cup featured six stakes for FTBOA-registered Florida-breds, each with a $100,000 purse plus a $10,000 win bonus for Florida Sire Stakes eligible runners. First run in 2003, the Florida Cup has been run at Tampa Bay Downs every year since, except in 2020 when canceled due to the pandemic.

Living up to his credentials as the 1-2 post time favorite, Forever Souper and jockey Paco Lopez overtook the frontrunning Happyisashappydoes in deep stretch to win the Turf Classic by a length-and-a-quarter, covering the mile-and-one-eighth on the firm grass course in 1:46.87, missing the course record set by Tepin in the 2016 Hillsborough (G2) by :0.61.

“[Trainer] Michael [Trombetta] had him ready, and the horse did it very well,” Lopez said, “I wasn’t really worried [about Happisashappydoes] stealing the race, because it’s a long stretch and I had plenty of horse.”

Happyisashappydoes and jockey Antonio Gallardo led the field of seven Florida-bred 4-year-olds and older by a length through fractions of :23.88, :47.75 and 1.11.71 as Forever Souper tracked in fourth on the rail with Otago and Merlin running in second and third respectively to his outside.

Lopez and Forever Souper went on the attack alone around the second turn and were even with Happyisashappydoes in the run for home before pulling away to win by a length-and-a-quarter. Happyisashappydoes held on for second, three-quarters of a length ahead of Me and Mr. C, who got underway late to finish third. Otago was fourth followed in order by Merlin, Lord Eddard Start and Seven Bridges Road. Knox was scratched as a “main-track-only” entrant.

Forever Souper paid $3 to win.

It was the second consecutive stakes victory against fellow Florida-breds for the 5-year-old Forever Souper, who won the $95,000 Sunshine Turf going a mile-and-a-sixteenth at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 21.

“We are very fond of him. He’s been a lot of fun,” Trombetta said to the Tampa Bay Downs press team via telephone. “He’s a cool cat, this horse. It would be awfully hard to beat Tepin’s course record, but the stakes record is really great.

“We were looking forward to this race with him. He came through really well. Paco rides this horse really well and [Forever Souper] seems to run right out from underneath him.”

By American Pharoah out of Mighty Souper, by War Front, Forever Souper has now won six of 13 career starts with one second and two thirds with earnings of $272,255.

Forever Souper is the only black-type winner for the multiple stakes-placed Mighty Souper, who was purchased by Live Oak for $275,000 at the 2013 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Live Oak since sold her at the 2021 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale.

Forever Souper produced the fifth victory in the Turf Classic by a Live Oak homebred, joining Slew’s Answer in 2011 and millionaires Revved Up (2005), World Approval (2017) and March to the Arch (2019).

World Approval would go on to win the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Mile (Grade 1) at Del Mar and become that year’s Eclipse Award-winning Champion Turf Male.

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Crystal Quest Continues Live Oak Success in Sophomore Turf

Live Oak Plantation won the Equistaff Sophomore Turf for the fifth time and for the third time in the last six runnings when Crystal Quest made a big stretch run to win the mile-and-one-sixteenth test by three-quarters of a length with jockey Javier Castellano aboard for the first time.

A field of six 3-year-old Florida-breds went to the post in the $100,000 Sophomore Turf with jockey Edgard Zayas sending Prevent directly to the front from the start. Prevent led by as much as four lengths through quarter-mile fractions of :23.38 and :47.85 as Castellano allowed Crystal Quest to settle in fourth from about six lengths back.

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Around the far turn, Crystal Quest followed And Uwish and Lord Knows while four-wide as they began to close in on Prevent, who continued to show the way through six furlongs in 1:12.13. Those four were within two lengths from front to back at the top of the stretch as a resilient Prevent endured on the rail and Crystal Quest began to find his best stride on the far outside.

Crystal Quest made the lead inside the final sixteenth to finish in 1:41.86 on the firm turf with Prevent holding on for second, threequarters of a length ahead of a late-running Ninja Star in third. And Uwish, Lord Knows and Lena’s Jazz completed the order of finish.

“I liked the way he finished. He is learning a lot and I think this win is huge for him,” Castellano said. “I think he can go on from here to the graded [stakes level].

“I didn’t want to rush my horse out of his style. He’s a come-frombehind horse no matter what the pace is, so I just picked out a good target and encouraged him a little at the three-eighths-mile pole and I asked him turning for home. I liked the way he responded.”

Crystal Quest paid $4 to win as the even-money favorite.

It was the third consecutive win for Crystal Quest, whose only career loss came in a $50,000 maiden optional claiming on the Gulfstream Park synthetic on Dec. 3. Trained by Michael Trombetta, the bay colt then won under those conditions going a mile on the turf before returning to the synthetic to win a first condition, $50,000 optional claiming at a mile-and-70-yards last out on March 9, all at Gulfstream.

Crystal Quest has now earned $122,830 in his four lifetime starts.

Bred by Live Oak Plantation, Crystal Quest is by Uncle Mo out of Giant Crystal, by Giant’s Causeway. Live Oak Plantation purchased Giant Crystal for $450,000 at the 2012 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale and she has since produced multiple stakes-winner American Giant, by More Than Ready and one other winner from three starters and six foals. Crystal Quest has a yearling filly, Covered in Crystal, by Quality Road; and an unraced 2-year-old colt, Uncle’s Gold, a full-brother to Crystal Quest.

Live Oak Plantation first won the Sophomore Turf in 2008 with El Sultry Sun and then with World Approval (2015), He’s Bankable (2018) and Global Access (2019). Trombetta also trained Global Access. t

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Mystic Lake Cruises to Victory in Sophomore Fillies

C2 Racing Stable LLC and Stefania Farms LLC’s Mystic Lake broke best of all from post two and was never seriously threatened throughout in an easy victory in the $100,000 Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies. A field of six Florida-bred 3-year-old fillies went seven furlongs in.

Ridden Edgard Zayas and trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Mystic Lake took a length lead down the backstretch through a :22.62 quarter-mile with Hopesndreams and Miss Sayely giving chase together in second. Hopesndreams attempted to apply pressure from the outside after passing the half-mile pole but Mystic Lake repelled the challenge and began to extend her margin around the bend, finishing the halfmile in :46.09.

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Mystic Lake hit the top of the stretch three lengths clear of Girvin’s Princess in second then broadened her lead with every stride in the lane to win by three-and-a-half lengths in 1.23.37 on the fast track.

Girvin’s Princess was second, another five-and-a-half lengths ahead of Hopesndreams in third. Miss Sayely, Gullfaxi and Evanora completed the order of finish.

Mystic Lake returned $3.20 to win as the 3-5 favorite and is now undefeated in two starts at Tampa Bay Downs after winning the $75,000 Gasparilla going seven furlongs there on Jan. 13.

“She broke super sharp out of the gate and as soon as she took the lead, she kind of relaxed and from there I knew I was in a good spot,” Zayas said. “She can be a little nervous, but she relaxed so good today and when I asked her, she really kicked on and kept on rolling.”

“She ran well. I thought Edgard was very smart,” Joseph said. “He broke well and was able to keep Paco [Lopez, on Miss Sayley] on the inside and not put on too much pressure. She showed up and ran a big race, and she was very professional.”

Mystic Lake has now won three of seven career starts with a second and a third with earnings of $183,266.

Bred in Florida by Peggy Constanzo, Mystic Lake is by Mo Town and is the only foal out of Salty Soul, by Itmyluckyday. She is a two-time graduate of Ocala Breeders’ Sales having sold for $3,500 to Tom McCrocklin as agent at the 2022 October Yearling Sale where she was consigned by Summerfield. McCrocklin then pin-hooked her through the OBS March Sale where Turf Express Racing Partners purchased her for $130,000.

Mish Sprints to First Gold Stakes Win in Sprint

Second three times against stakes horses, including when a neck shy of Sibelius in the $75,000 Pelican at Gulfstream Park last out on Feb. 10, 7-year-old Mish was impressive in winning his first black-type event with a three-and-a-quarter-length victory in the $100,000 NYRABets Sprint. The nearly white gelding defeated five other 4-year-old and older Florida-breds while carrying Samy Camacho going six furlongs.

The field started evenly with Zydeceaux taking a short lead out of the chute, Bouncer to his inside and Mish applying pressure after breaking from the outside post six. Zydeceaux sprinted to a length advantage on Mish down the backstretch with Bouncer third through the first quarter-mile in :22.29 before Mish began his assault as they raced around the turn.

Mish went by Zydeceaux while passing the five-sixteenths marker and was two lengths in front turning for home after a :45.30 half-mile.

Mish drew off in the stretch to finish in 1:09.82 with If Not for Luck getting up for second. Zydeceaux finished another length-anda-half back in third with Dean Delivers fourth. The Distractor and Bouncer completed the order of finish. Impacto was scratched.

“It’s a huge win. He’s a beautiful horse, and he came in sharp today like he did [in the Pelican]. I was in a perfect spot from the outside, in the clear, and when we turned for home he took off,” Camacho said.

Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. for C2 Racing Stable LLC, Mish paid $4.20 to win.

“This horse is the gift that keeps on giving, most definitely,” Joseph said. “He lost some form last year so we backed off of him and went back to some easier races. Once he found his form again, he’s been ultra-consistent.”

Mish is by Field Commission out of Wicked Great, by Greatness and was bred in Florida by Joyce Mary Kielty. He has now won nine of 28 lifetime starts with six seconds and three thirds with earnings of $473,682.

Mish is the first stakes winner for Wicked Great, who has two winners from two starters and three foals.

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Pure Class Rallies to Win OBS Sophomore

Alex and JoAnn Lieblong’s homebred Pure Class split horses in the run for home and was a length-anda-half the best under the wire to win his stakes debut in the $110,000 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Sophomore, giving jockey Paco Lopez his third win and second stakes victory of the day.

Pure Class defeated seven other 3-year-old Florida-breds over seven furlongs to earn a $70,000 firstplace check that included a $10,000 win bonus for being FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes eligible.

Saybrook and Snowname went at each other on the lead down the backstretch as Lopez and Pure Class bided their time between horses in fifth less than two lengths back.

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Saybrook and Snowname finished the first quarter-mile in :22.32 before Saybrook got clear around the far turn. Jigsaw took up the chase midway around the bend but could not keep up as Saybrook finished the half-mile in :45.31 and was well clear Sugar Boy in second coming out of the turn. Pure Class was still two-anda-half lengths behind Saybrook at the top of the stretch but began to quickly make up ground inside the final furlong, eventually winning by a length-and-a-quarter in 1:23.77. Sugar Boy finished second, a length faster than Everdoit in third. Saybrook, Jigsaw, Banded Rocket, Squints and Snowname finished in that order.

Trained by David Fawkes, Pure Class was let go with 7-1 odds coming off of a two-length allowance score at Gulfstream on Jan. 26 and paid $16.20 to win.

“This horse is still just learning. He’s not a slow learner and he’s doing great, but he’s still a big baby,” Fawkes said.

The consistent son of The Big Beast improved to three wins and three seconds in seven starts with earnings of $176,140. His only finish out of the top three came two starts back after being pinched back at the start against Florida-bred allowance horses at Gulfstream on Dec. 31.

Pure Class is out of the stakes-placed mare I’mclassyandsassy, by Master Command, making him a full brother to 2023 Andy Guest-winning Florida-bred Sassy Beast and multiple stakes-placed Florida-bred Big and Classy. I’mclassyandsassy has produced seven starters, all-winners, from nine foals. She has an unnamed 2-year-old filly by The Big Beast, an unnamed yearling colt by Violence and was bred to Girvin in 2023.

I’mclassyandsassy was an $85,000 purchase by Ocala Stud at the 2022 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale.

Lopez Wins Third Cup Race as Charlie’s Wish Upsets Distaff Turf

Jockey Paco Lopez continued his hot streak with his fourth victory of the day and third Florida Cup score on Charlie’s Wish in the $110,000 Pleasant Acres Distaff Turf. Charlie’s Wish upset the mile-and-onesixteenth Distaff at odds of 6-1 while earning $70,000, including the $10,000 win bonus for being eligible to the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes.

The field of six Florida-bred fillies and mares were led by Baby Steps and Daniel Centeno around the clubhouse turn with Time Passage in close pursuit in second. After a :23.61 quarter-mile, Baby Steps extended her lead on Time Passage to four lengths heading down the backstretch as Charlie’s Wish saved ground on the rail in a joint third with last year’s Distaff Turfwinner Sweet Dani Girl.

SV Photography

Charlie’s Wish and Mohawk Trail closed in on Baby Steps midway on the second turn but Baby Steps fought them off to maintain an advantage at the top of the stretch. Lopez took Charlie’s Wish to the two path, passing Baby Steps and holding off Mohawk Trail to win by a half-length in 1:40.95.

Baby Steps crossed the wire three lengths back in third with Sweet Dani Girl fourth. Prettykeen was fifth and Time Passage sixth. Alexa’s Dream, Dream Concert and Frosty O Toole were scratched.

Charlie’s Wish paid $14.60 in winning for the first time since taking the $100,000 Azalea by nearly five lengths going seven furlongs on the Gulfstream Park main track in July.

Trained by David Fawkes, Charlie’s Wish is owned by Royalight Racing LLC and improved to four wins with five seconds and three thirds in 14 starts with earnings of $296,474.

By Double Diamond Farm stallion First Dude, Charlie’s Wish is out of the Werblin mare Superior Sarah and was bred by Three Gin Guys Stable. Charlie’s Wish is the only stakes winner for Superior Sarah, who has two winners from four starters and six foals. Superior Sarah has an unraced 3-year-old filly, Sarahs Dream, by Big Drama and a unnamed yearling filly by Rushie. She was bred to Pleasant Acres Stallions’ Magic On Tap in 2024. TFH

Florida Legislature Parlays $66 Million Win Ticket into Historical Industry Stimulus

Promotes Long Run Stability, Investment in Florida’s Signature Thoroughbred Industry

BY THE FLORIDA HORSE STAFF

TALLAHASSEE, FL—The Florida Legislature passed a sweeping omnibus tax package (HB 7073) March 8 that includes the extension of Florida’s all-time strongest Thoroughbred breeding and racing incentives and maintains state funding of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) federal regulatory assessments.

“We were excited to be able to expand Florida’s investment supporting the Florida Thoroughbred Industry on a long-term basis,” House Ways and Means Committee Chair Stan McClain (R-Ocala) said. “I’m looking forward to watching how this investment helps the industry thrive in upcoming years. It takes a team to accomplish such a monumental achievement. This would not have happened without the hard work and dedication from Matt Bryan, Jon Rees, and Lonny Powell. It was my honor to serve as the bill sponsor and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. I look forward to supporting the Thoroughbred industry in Tallahassee in the years to come.”

In 2023, the Florida Legislature enacted a two-year breeding and racing stimulus package totaling more than $66 million. This year’s bill, HB 7073, removes a two-year statutory sunset and extends critical industry funding that annually includes:

n $15 million in purses and/or facility improvements at Gulfstream Park, with a similar $5 million going to Tampa Bay Downs

n $5 million for the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association breeding and racing incentives and/or promotions; and

n $2.5 million in additional Florida-bred racing incentives

Coupled with more than $5.5 million in annual racetrack tax credits to offset HISA funding assessments, the recurring annual stimulus combines to about $33 million for Florida Thoroughbreds.

The extended annual funding provides long-term stability and enhances a Florida industry already on the upswing in 2024 thanks to new programs such as 20% statutory maximum breeder awards for Florida-breds in Florida races, $18,000 added for Florida-breds in maiden special weight and allowance races at Tampa Bay Downs, and all-time high FTBOA and Florida-bred Incentive Funds in Gulfstream Park races. Overall breeder and stallion incentives increased more than 50% in 2024 while racing incentives gained 66%, combining for more than $15 million in FTBOA-backed incentives.

“We were excited to be able to expand Florida’s investment supporting the Florida Thoroughbred Industry on a long-term basis...I’m looking forward to watching how this investment helps the industry thrive in upcoming years.”

– House Ways and Means Committee Chair Stan McClain (R-Ocala)

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank stalwart industry supporters Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) and House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast). Without their leadership and commitment, the continuation of this economic development program would not be possible. I also give a huge salute to our Smith, Bryan and Myers lobby team, led by our rock stars Matt Bryan and Jon Rees.”

– FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell

The FTBOA expresses sincerest gratitude to the Florida Legislature for its passage of HB 7073.

“First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to thank stalwart industry supporters Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) and House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast),” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “Without their leadership and commitment, the continuation of this economic development program would not be possible. I also give a huge salute to our Smith, Bryan and Myers lobby team, led by our rock stars Matt Bryan and Jon Rees. Florida is a rare jurisdiction in managing and navigating challenges and turning them into meaningful successes.”

“Once again, the legislative sponsors of last year’s breeding and racing development program stepped up in a big way,” FTBOA president George Isaacs said. “I’d like to personally thank Marion County’s very own Representative Stan McClain (R-Ocala) and Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill) for continuing their support of this program. We have also enjoyed support from the state’s legislative and industry leaders, including Representative Lawrence McClure (R-Dover).

“Led by CEO Lonny Powell, lobbyists Matt Bryan and Jon Rees, general counsel Warren Husband and a very talented staff and dynamic board, we collectively are helping shape the vibrancy of the Florida breeding and racing industry through legislative efforts and good leadership decisions,” Isaacs added. “This will go a long way in ensuring a healthy industry for the future.”

The Florida equine industry drives an estimated $12.8 billion contribution to the Florida economy, one-quarter of which comes from the $3.24 billion economic impact generated by Florida Thoroughbreds—an impact larger than the total combined contribution from all of Florida’s collegiate athletics. Florida is a perennial top producer of Thoroughbred runners, second-ranked source of national stakes-winners, and the global leader in racehorse training and juvenile sales.

“This is a huge accomplishment for our industry. We’ve spent more than 10 years traveling the roadways, pressing the flesh, attending hearings, and negotiating to finally get the recognition our beloved industry needs to continue to grow and thrive,” FTBOA immediate past president Valerie Dailey said. “It’s been a long haul, but we now have a lot to look forward to revitalizing our industry.”

FTBOA lobbyist Jon Rees emphasized investment spurred by stability of funding. “The Florida legislature held up its end of the bargain, removing the statutory sunset of the two year program passed in 2023. I’m excited to see how the industry

“Once again, the legislative sponsors of last year’s breeding and racing development program stepped up in a big way. “I’d like to personally thank Marion County’s very own Representative Stan McClain (R-Ocala) and Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill) for continuing their support of this program. We have also enjoyed support from the state’s legislative and industry leaders, including Representative Lawrence McClure (R-Dover).

– FTBOA president George Isaacs

“The Florida legislature held up its end of the bargain, removing the statutory sunset of the two year program passed in 2023. I’m excited to see how the industry will respond to the call, expanding its investment in Florida breeding and racing to cement Florida as the Horse Capital of the World®”

– FTBOA immediate past president Valerie Dailey

“It’s an exciting time to be in the Florida Thoroughbred industry, our incentives are competitive with any other state. Look at what this legislation has done at Tampa Bay Downs. Their commitment to the racing program has increased field sizes. This is a great time to be buying or selling Florida 2-yearolds at OBS.”

–FTBOA past president and current board member Brent Fernung

“What an incredible encore to last year’s legislative success. The benefits to all participants in the Florida Thoroughbred industry are tremendous. Success of this magnitude is hard to achieve.”

– FTBOA past president and board member George Russell

will respond to the call, expanding its investment in Florida breeding and racing to cement Florida as the Horse Capital of the World®”

“Continued enhanced incentives will lead to growth in new members getting into the Florida industry and further investment within the state, including the purchase of bloodstock and farms. From breeding to the racetrack, it’s a three-year cycle and the early feedback I am receiving from our members is they appreciate this visionary approach,” associate vice president, membership and events Tammy Gantt said.

“HB 7073 funds Florida’s HISA obligations 100 percent, preserving industry purses and other resources for growth,” said FTBOA’s Steve Koch. “A fully funded HISA, robust Florida-bred racing incentives and maximum breeder awards set three pillars upon which Florida remains a national benchmark of stability.”

“It’s an exciting time to be in the Florida Thoroughbred industry, our incentives are competitive with any other state,” FTBOA past president and current board member Brent Fernung said. “Look at what this legislation has done at Tampa Bay Downs. Their commitment to the racing program has increased field sizes. This is a great time to be buying or selling Florida 2-year-olds at OBS.”

“The legislative package known as HB7073 is a great stimulus for the Florida horse racing industry,” FTBOA board member Jerry Campbell said. “It is good for breeders, owners and racetracks in Florida. Florida is a great horseracing state and HB7073 made it even better. The boost of the Thoroughbred industry is $33 million, plus a large multiplier impact. Based on this positive factor I went out and purchased 16 additional fillies and broodmares. FTBOA was a prime mover in this great effort. Lonny Powell, our leader, made a great impact on behalf of the horse racing industry.  believe the Florida Thoroughbred industry future is looking good.”

“Due to the outstanding leadership of Representative Stan McClain and Senate President Passidomo, the Florida Thoroughbred industry has been significantly recognized for the substantial economic impact it has in our state. This legislation is a game changer,” said FTBOA past president Phil Matthews.

“What an incredible encore to last year’s legislative success,” FTBOA board member and past president George Russell said. “The benefits to all participants in the Florida Thoroughbred industry are tremendous. Success of this magnitude is hard to achieve. Of course, it took many years of documenting the significance of the industry to the state, educating legislators about that fact, and year after year meetings one on one with key legislators.

“Thanks to Lonny and FTBOA staff, our lobbyist Matt Bryan and Jon Rees and our legislators since none of this would have been possible without them.”

“It is mind settling to know that we are on the right path for the industry,” FTBOA board member and owner of Stonehedge Farm South Marilyn Campbell said. “The extra incentives are encouraging for the Florida Breeder. I would like to thank all our representatives, Lonny and his team, Matt Bryan and Warren Husband for their perseverance. It’s a win-win situation for the tracks, the breeders and owners.

“I’m very excited about the landmark passing of HB 7073 and the significant contributions it provides the Florida thoroughbred industry,” FTBOA board member and Shooting Star Thoroughbreds’ Mary Lightner said. “Its passage represents a vote of confidence and assurance that acknowledges the steadfast commitment of the Thoroughbred community. It is also vital to multi-faceted thoroughbred entities and their ability to operate and thrive.” TFH

Deadlines Important Dates

FTBOA Info Center at OBS .............................. Jan. 23-24

Info Center at OBS ........................... March 12-14 FTBOA Member Florida Cup Day ...................... March 24

FTBOA Gala ........................................................ April 15

Florida Sire Stakes Yearling Payment ...... May 15

Application Deadline ....... June 15 Late Stallion Registration Deadline ......... Aug. 1 Florida-bred Foal Registration Deadline ....... Aug. 31 Stallion Directory Page Deadline .......... Oct. 1 Last Chance Stallion Registration Deadline .... Nov. 15 Late FSS Yearling Payment ........... Nov. 15 Late Foal Registration Deadline ............ Dec. 31

A registered trademark of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association promoting FTBOA goods and services. Meta OcalaMarionCountyHorseCapitaloftheWorld X @horse_capital X @ocala_the (Ocala HCOTW)

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

Lonny T. Powell, CEO Tammy A. Gantt, AVP Membership Services & Events www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com

Florida Sire Stakes Finals (Gulfstream) ........ Nov. 30

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ALL-TIME FLORIDA-BRED LEADING MONEY EARNERS

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3 Mucho Macho Man, 2008 H

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1992 H Maudlin

27 Marlin, 1993 H Sword Dance (IRE) Gilbert G Campbell 26 9 3 5 $2,448,880 28 Affirmed, 1975 H Exclusive Native Harbor View Farm 29 22 5 1

29 Gamdonguibada, 2009 M Werblin Michael & Judy Crowe, Karen & Jim Perrone

30 Benny the Bull, 2003 H Lucky Lionel Tomoka Farms, Inc

31 Prized, 1986 H Kris S Meadowbrook Farms, Inc

32 Parranda, 2009 M English Channel Kinsman Farm

33 Imperial Hint, 2013 H Imperialism Shade Tree Thoroughbreds

38 Zafolia, 1993 H Gone

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Photo 1 Ashley Godwin

Photo 2 by Judit Seipert

Photo 3 by Ryan Thompson

Role Models Role Models

FLORIDA-BRED HORSE OF THE YEAR

Grade 1 stakes winner

Speed Boat Beach and multiple graded-stakes

millionaire Isolate lead the 2023 Florida-Bred champions parade

Florida-bred Speed Boat Beach

Photo by Benoit

BY JOANN GUIDRY

It was a full year for the nine runners who made up the 2023 Florida-bred champions class. All totaled, they won 15 black-type stakes races, including five graded stakes. Four of the nine champions are graded stakes winners with Speed Boat Beach joining the elite company of Grade 1 stakes winners. Millionaire Isolate, Dorth Vader and Maryquitecontrary are all Grade 2 stakes winners.

Honey Dijon, Dorth Vader, Maryquitecontrary and Sweet Dani Girl are homebreds raced by their breeders. Bentornato, R Harper Rose and Speed Boat Beach are Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company sales graduates.

Four of the nine champions are by current Florida-based stallions: Bentornato (Valiant Minister/Bridlewood Farm); Me and Mr. C and R Harper Rose (Khozan/Journeyman Stud); Maryquitecontrary (First Dude/Double Diamond Farm). Four champions are by stallions who previously stood in Florida: Honey Dijon and Dorth Vader (Girvin/ Ocala Stud); Isolate (Mark Valeski/Woodford Thoroughbreds) and Sweet Dani Girl (Jess’s Dream/Ocala Stud).

The 2023 Florida-bred champions are determined by points accumulated in black-type stakes competition during the year-long FTBOA Chase To The Championship. The FTBOA-registered Floridabred with the most points in each division on Dec. 31 is deemed the champion of that division. Bonus points are awarded for special Florida-bred stakes races and an FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes sweep. Year-end point ties are broken by graded-stakes earnings. Any Eclipse Award and/or Breeders’ Cup winner is automatically recognized as division champion regardless of point standings. Horses must win at least one race during the year to be eligible for Florida-bred championship honors. t

BENTORNATO

2021 bay colt by Valiant Minister –Her Special Way, by Put It Back

Breeder: Tanma Corp.

Owner: Leon King Stable Corp.

Trainer: Jose Francisco D’Angelo

2023 RACE RECORD/EARNINGS

5-4-0-1/$311,830

BENTORNATO

FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD COLT

Bentornato, whose name means “welcome back” in Italian, was not a welcome sight for his racing rivals. The precocious and speedy juvenile won four of his five seasonal starts by a combined winning margin of nearly 20 lengths. Three of those four wins came in black-type stakes on his way to a Florida-bred championship title.

Raced by Leon King Stable Corp., Bentornato broke his maiden at first asking on July 1 at Gulfstream Park. He prevailed by a neck over Big Effect with Dewy’s Beast third. The Jose Francisco D’Angelo trainee flashed his speed, stopping the clock in :58.21 for the five-furlong dash.

Six weeks later, Bentornato moved into stakes company in but his second career start and he proved up to the task. In the $90,000 Proud Man Stakes on August 12 at Gulfstream Park, Bentornato took command of the race soon after leaving the gates. He cruised to victory by four and a quarter lengths over Gentle Breeze with Reaper third. Winning time for the six furlongs was 1:10.28.

Next up was the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Dr. Fager Stakes on Sept. 9 at Gulfstream Park. Bentornato ran true to form, breaking sharply and setting fractions of :22.33, :45.51 and :58.26. He widened his lead down the stretch, winning by seven and a half lengths over Dickens with Jive third. Coming home in a gallop, Bentornato’s winning time for the six furlongs was 1:11.44.

The $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed on Oct. 21 at Gulfstream Park yielded the same results for Bentornato. He quickly took the lead out of the gates, posting fractions of :22.59, :45.50 and 1:10.12. The undisputed leader in the stretch, Bentornato maintained that position to win by two and threequarters over Mattingly with Hurrican Nelson third. Winning time for the seven furlongs was 1:23.50.

Bentornato went into the $300,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes In Reality on Dec. 2 at Gulfstream Park eyeing an FSS sweep. But it was not to be as he finished third to Seminole Chief with Secret Lover second.

On the season, Bentornato banked $311,830 on four wins, including three black-type stakes, and one black-type third in five starts.

2023 BLACK-TYPE STAKES RECORD

1st – FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed

1st – FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager

1st – Proud Man Stakes

3rd – FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes In Reality

A 2021 bay colt by Bridlewood Farm stallion Valiant Minister out of Her Special Way, by former Bridlewood Farm stallion Put It Back, Bentornato was bred by Tanma Corp. Consigned by Stuart Morris to the 2022 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s October yearling sale, Bentornato was purchased for $45,000 by Pro Racing Stable. Golden Rock Thoroughbreds then consigned him to the 2023 OBS March 2-year-olds in training sale, where Champion Equine signed the ticket for $170,000.

Photo by R. Thompson

HONEY DIJON

CO-FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD FILLY

Honey Dijon did indeed have a sweet and spicy juvenile season on her way to nabbing a Florida-bred championship divisional title. And as fate would have it, she would share the Florida-bred champion 2-year- old filly crown with her tit-for-tat rival R Harper Rose.

In her second career start for owner Brad Grady, Honey Dijon broke her maiden impressively at Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 10. She was much the best, winning by five and three-quarter lengths over Into Stars with Permed third. The Joe Sharp trainee posted a winning time of 1:05.31 for the five and a half furlongs.

Shipped to her home state, Honey Dijon made her presence known in the final two legs of FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series at Gulfsteam Park. First up in the $200,000 Susan’s Girl, she and R Harper Rose bumped shortly after the break with the latter recovering to take the lead. Honey Dijon raced three wide while gamely racing on. Honey Dijon had to settle for second to R Harper Rose; Fields of Green was third.

But Honey Dijon would have her revenge in the $300,000 My Dear Girl on Dec. 2. Once again R Harper Rose gained the early advantage, going to the lead out of the gates while Honey Dijon settled into a stalking third. Angled into the three path near the three-eighths pole, Honey Dijon made her move and took the lead in deep stretch. She went on to win by two and threequarter lengths over R Harper Rose with Haunted third. Winning time for the mile and one-sixteenths was 1:45.60.

Bred by Brad and Misty Grady, Honey Dijon is a 2021 bay filly by former Ocala Stud stallion Girvin out of Archangelus, by Empire Maker. On the season, she posted two wins, including one black- type stakes. and one black-type second in five starts to earn $284,450.

HONEY DIJON

2021 bay filly by Girvin – Archangelus, by Empire Maker

Breeders: Brad and Misty Grady Owner: Brad Grady Trainer: Joe Sharp

2023 Race Record/Earnings 5-2-1-0/$284,450

2023 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl 2nd – FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl

Photo by R. Thompson

R HARPER ROSE

2021 bay filly by Khozan – True Bliss, by Yes It’s True

Breeder: Sally J. Andersen (Deceased)

Owners: Averill Racing LLC & Two Eight Racing LLC

Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.

2023 Race Record/Earnings 4-3-1-0/$257,300

2023 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl

2nd – FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl

R HARPER ROSE

CO-FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD FILLY

R Harper Rose’s championship season saw her lose but once, putting together a three-race winning streak where she amassed a cumulative winning margin of 16 lengths. Her only loss on the season came to rival and co-Florida-bred juvenile filly champion Honey Dijon.

Flashing her talent from the start, R Harper Rose broke her maiden at first asking. Owned by Averill Racing LLC and Two Eight Racing LLC, R Harper Rose won by six-and-a-quarter lengths in a maiden special weight on Aug. 5 at Gulfstream Park. On Sept. 22 at Gulfstream Park, she would add a convincing win by five and three-quarters in an allowance optional claiming.

Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., R Harper Rose then took the stage in the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl on Oct. 21 at Gulfstream Park. Bumped soon after the start by Honey Dijon, R Harper Rose was undeterred and quickly took the lead. Never relinquishing that lead, R Harper Rose went on to win by four lengths over Honey Dijon. Her winning time for the seven furlongs was 1:25.35

In the $300,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl on Dec. 2, it looked to be a replay of the Susan’s Girl. Once again R Harper Rose took the lead out of the gates with Honey Dijon in pursuit. But this time, Honey Dijon turned the tables and bested R Harper Rose by two and three-quarters length. Haunted was third.

R Harper Rose wrapped up her juvenile season with three wins, including one black-type stakes, and one black-type second to bank $257,300.

A 2021 bay filly by Journeyman Stud stallion Khozan out of the Yes It’s True mare True Bliss, R Harper Rose was bred by the late Sally J. Andersen. Consigned by Richard Kent’s Kaizen Sales to the 2022 OBS October yearling sale, R Harper Rose was bought for $16,000 by Pro Racing Stable. She was then consigned by GOP Racing Stable to the 2023 OBS March 2-yearolds in-training sale, where Averill Racing purchased her for $60,000.

Photo by L. King

SPEED BOAT BEACH

FLORIDA-BRED HORSE OF THE YEAR

FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD COLT

FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION MALE SPRINTER

Speed Boat Beach earned a dual championship crown and was named the Florida-bred Horse of the Year thanks to his speed and class, including notching an impressive Grade 1 stakes win on the season.

Raced by Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, also known as the Three Amigos, Speed Boat Beach had a short but productive season. He opened it on Sept. 30 in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2), where he battled the highly-regarded Dr. Schivel. The latter bobbled at the start while Speed Boat Beach chased after early leader Sir Atticus. Speed Boat Beach took the lead in the upper stretch and was soon challenged by Dr. Schivel. The duo raced to the wire with Dr. Shivel prevailing by a head over Speed Boat Beach.

The Del Mar track record holder for five-and-a-half furlongs, Speed Boat Beach would then finish fourth to 2022 Eclipse Award Sprint Champion Elite Power in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). But in his next attempt at annexing a Grade 1 victory, Speed Boat Beach achieved his goal.

In the Malibu (G1) on Dec. 26 at Santa Anita, the Bob Baffert trainee broke well and battled Hejazi and fellow Florida-bred Damon’s Mound in the early going. Opening fractions were :22.21, :44.42 and 1:08.65. When Damon’s Mound dropped back, the race became a duel between Speed Boat Beach and Hejazi up the backstretch. But by the upper stretch, Speed Boat Beach took the lead and crossed the finish line a length and a half ahead of Hejazi. Giant Mischief was third. Winning time for the seven furlongs was 1:21.70.

With the Malibu Stakes win, Speed Boat Beach entered the elite company of Grade 1 winners. On the season, he made three starts with one Grade 1 win and one Grade 2 second to earn $320,000.

SPEED BOAT BEACH

Bred by Caperlane Farm, Speed Boat Beach is a 2020 bay by Bayern out of Sophia Mia, by Pioneerof the Nile. He was consigned by Stuart Morris to the 2021 OBS October yearling sale and sold for $12,000 to Rubin M. Sanchez. Really and Truly Thoroughbreds then consigned him to the 2022 OBS March 2-year-olds in-training sale, where Three Amigos bought him for $200,000.

Breeder: Caperlane Farm

Owners: Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson & Paul Weitman

Trainer: Bob Baffert

2023 Race Record/Earnings 3-1-1-0/$320,000

2023 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – Malibu Stakes (G1)

2nd – Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2)

Photo by Benoit

2020 bay colt by Bayern – Sophia Mia, by Pioneerof the Nile

DORTH VADER

Breeder/Owner: John Ropes

Trainer: George Weaver

2023 Race Record/Earnings 6-1-1-0/$297,530

2023 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – Davona Dale (G2) 2nd – Acorn (G1)

DORTH VADER

FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD FILLY

Dorth Vader, whose name is a clever twist of a well-known Star Wars villain, incorporating owner and breeder John Ropes’ significant other, Dorothy, was more like a heroine during the racing season. She took on the challenge of racing against the best sophomore fillies in the country and garnered a Florida-bred championship title.

Dorth Vader made what would be a season-defining start in the Davona Dale (G2) on March 3 at Gulfstream Park. Breaking well, she stalked early leader Red Carpet Ready in early fractions of :23.01 and :45.06. Dorth Vader took over the lead in midstretch and rolled to a victory by four and three-quarter lengths. Guns n’Grace was second with Red Carpet Ready third. Winning time for the mile was 1:37.23. It was the first graded stakes victory for Dorth Vader.

Dorth Vader particularly showed the depth of her class in the Acorn (G1) on June 9 at Belmont Park, facing the formidable Pretty Mischievous. Dorth Vader chased early leader and fellow Florida-bred Munny’s Gold down the backstretch. At the top of the stretch, Dorth Vader moved into second and was soon joined by Pretty Mischievous. The two battled down the stretch with Pretty Mischievous winning by a head over Dorth Vader. The latter was a head better than Occult.

Trained by George Weaver, Dorth Vader banked $297,530 on one graded win and one graded second in six starts. The 2020 bay filly is by former Ocala Stud stallion Girvin out of the Yonaguska mare Hardcore Candy.

2020 bay filly by Girvin – Hardcore Candy, by Yonaguska

Photo by L. King

ISOLATE

FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION OLDER MALE

Isolate carried the Florida-bred banner well in Dubai, winning a pair of graded stakes on his way to becoming a millionaire champion.

Carrying the silks of Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi’s RRR Racing, Isolate began his season in Dubai with a second to Tuz in the Al Shindagha Sprint (G3) on Feb. 3 at Meydan. He followed that with a second to Sound Money in the Mahab Al Shimaal (G3) on March 4 at Meydan.

A mere three weeks later, Isolate would finally find the winner’s circle in his new home. On March 25 in the Godolphin Mile (G2) at Meydan, Isolate was much the best by five and a half lengths over Law of Peace (GB). His winning time for the 7.95 furlongs was 1:35.71. Already a black-type stakes winner in the United States, Isolate was now a graded stakes winner in Dubai.

Isolate would not make another start until December 22 in the Al Maktoum Mile (G2) at Meydan. He returned after the nine-month layoff just as he had began it with another graded stakes win. This time he won by three and a half-lengths over Golden Goal (Ire). Isolate stopped the clock in 1:37.21 for the 7.95 furlongs.

Trained by Doug Watson, Isolate earned $823,380 on two graded wins and two graded seconds in four starts. His outstanding season made him a Florida-bred millionaire with career earnings as of April 2 is $1,850,395.

Bred by Woodford Thoroughbreds, Isolate is a 2018 bay horse by former Woodford Thoroughbreds stallion Mark Valeski out of Tranquil Song, by Unbridled’s Song. Consigned as a weanling by John Syke’s Woodford Thoroughbreds to the 2018 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, Isolate was purchased by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing for $70,000. He campaigned for Reeves Thoroughbred Racing until late 2022 when he was sold privately to current owner RRR Racing.

ISOLATE

2018 bay horse by Mark Valeski – Tranquil Song, by Unbridled’s Song

Breeder: Woodford Thoroughbreds

Owner: RRR Racing

Trainer: Doug Watson

2023 Race Record/Earnings

4-2-2-0/$823,380

2023 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – Godolphin Mile (G2)

1st – Al Maktoum Mile (G2)

2nd – Mahab Al Shimaal (G3)

2nd – Al Shindagha Sprint (G3)

Photo by M. Kelly / Goldolphin

MARYQUITECONTRARY

FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION OLDER FEMALE

2019 bay mare by First Dude – Mary Kate ‘n Kelly, by Mecke

Breeder/Owner: Rodney G. Lundock

Trainers: Edward Plesa Jr./Joseph Catanese III

2023 Race Record/Earnings

6-2-2-0/$379,025

2023 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – Inside Information (G2)

1st – Rampart (L)

2nd – Madison (G1)

2nd – Princess Rooney Invitational (G3)

FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION FEMALE SPRINTER

Maryquitecontrary very willingly raced her way to a pair of Florida-bred championship titles. The highlight of her outstanding season included winning her first graded stakes and scoring her second consecutive victory in another black-type stakes.

On Jan. 28 in the Inside Information (G2) at Gulfstream Park, Rodney G. Lundock’s homebred began the New Year in the best possible way. After a rough start, getting bumped and squeezed slightly between rivals, Maryquitecontrary settled off the pace in the sixth path. At the top of the stretch, she was even wider in the seventh path and began to make her rally. She closed with a rush in deep stretch to win by two and a half lengths over Colorful Mischief. Early leader Fire On Time finished third. Winning time for the Joseph Catanese III trainee was 1:23.64 for the seven furlongs.

Maryquitecontrary added a second to Goodnight Olive in the Madison (G1) at Keeneland and a second to Three Witches in the Princess Rooney Invitational (G3) at Gulfstream Park.

Then just as Maryquitecontrary had begun the season on a winning note, so did she close it out in the same fashion. In the listed Rampart on Dec. 30 at Gulfstream Park, she displayed her comingoff-the-pace style to win by a length over Imonra. Unifying was third. Now trained by Edward Plesa Jr., Maryquitecontrary’s winning time for the mile was 1:38.16. Maryquitecontrary has also won the 2022 Rampart.

In 2023, Maryquitecontrary notched a graded stakes win, a black-type stakes win and two graded stakes seconds in six starts. She banked $379,025 on the season. A 2019 bay mare by Double Diamond Farm stallion First Dude, Maryquitecontrary is out of the Mecke mare Mary Kate ‘n Kelly.

Photo by A.Coglianese

ME AND MR. C

FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION MALE TURF HORSE

A consistent competitor throughout his career, Me and Mr. C’s best season ever earned him a Florida-bred championship title. He captured a trio of black-type stakes at three different tracks, was black-type stakes placed three times and equaled a course record on the season.

Me and Mr. C opened the season with a third to Roaring Forties in the Sunshine Turf at Gulfstream Park, a second to Drama Chorus in the Grey Goose Turf Classic at Tampa Bay Downs and a third to Max K. O. in the Mr. Steele at Gulfstream Park. Primarily a turf runner, Me and Mr. C showed his versatility when he found the winner’s circle in a stakes on a different surface.

On June 11 in the $90,000 Soldier’s Dancer at Gulfstream Park, Me and Mrs. C broke well and then tracked early leaders Indy Lyon and Lure Him In. Moved out to the six path entering the stretch, Me and Mr. C made his move to overtake Lure Him In. His winning margin was a length and a half in 1:40.97 for the mile and 70 yards on the all-weather track.

Raced by Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher, Me and Mr. C returned to the turf for the listed Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial on July 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Racing mid-pack, Me and Mr. C saved ground through the turns and into the lane. He began his rally deep stretch, engaging leader Underdressed to the wire. Me and Mr. C won by a determined nose with Underdressed a nose bob better than Verstappen. Winning time for the mile and one-sixteenths course was 1:44.39.

The Michael J. Maker trainee shipped to Ellis Park for the listed Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup on Aug. 6. Content to let the early leaders battle it out, Me and Mr. C raced comfortably well off the pace near the back of the pack. His was picking off rivals as he moved up into contention. Still sixth at the top of the stretch, Me and Mr. C made a furious charge in the final sixteenth to prevail by a neck over Cellist. The latter was a neck better than third-placed Siege of Boston. Me and Mr. C’s winning time of 1:57.94 for the mile-and-a-quarter on the turf was a track record for Ellis Park.

ME AND MR. C

2017 bay gelding by Khozan – Abiding, by Dynaformer

Bred by Stonehedge LLC, Me and Mr. C is a 2017 bay gelding by Journeyman Stud stallion Khozan out of Abiding, by Dynaformer. On the season, Me and Mr. C banked $278,689, his career earnings best, on three black-type stakes wins, two seconds, including one black-type, and two black-type thirds in nine starts.

Breeder: Stonehedge LLC

Owners: Paradise Farms Corp. & David Staudacher

Trainer: Michael J. Maker

2023 Race Record/Earnings 9-3-2-2/$278,689

2023 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup (L)

1st – Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial S. (L)

1st – Soldier’s Dancer Stakes

2nd – Grey Goose Turf Classic

3rd – Mr. Steele Stakes

3rd – Sunshine Turf Stakes

Photo by Coady

SWEET DANI GIRL

FLORIDA-BRED CHAMPION FEMALE TURF HORSE

Sweet Dani Girl compiled a Florida-bred championship-worthy season, scoring two black-type stakes wins and a pair of graded stakes placings.

Raced by J & J Stables LLC and Nicholas Vaccarezza, Sweet Dani Girl signaled right from the start of the season that she was in prime form. In the Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf Stakes on January 14 at Gulfstream Park, the flashy chestnut filly went to the lead right out of the gate. Headed by Sugar Fix near the five-sixteenths pole, Sweet Dani Girl was having none of it and quickly regained the lead. She would not relinquish it again, winning by a length in 1:34.93 for the mile turf test.

Sweet Dani Girl next victory came in the Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on March 26. Once again, she took control of the race at first jump and made her rivals chase her. When Prudent Song got within a head of her around the far turn, Sweet Dani Girl dispatched her with ease. It was a gallop home to win by four lengths over Prudent Song with Alexas’s Dream third. Sweet Dani Girl stopped the clock in 1:40.87 for the mile and one-sixteenths on the turf.

SWEET DANI GIRL

2019 chestnut filly by Jess’s Dream – My Sweet Dani

Trainer Carlo Vaccarezza then shipped his charge to Churchill Downs, where Sweet Dani Girl made her presence known in graded stakes turf company. She finished second to Didia (Arg) in the Modesty Stakes (G3) and third to Henrietta Topham in the Mint Julep Stakes (G3).

Breeders: J & J Stables LLC & Carlo Vaccarezza

Owners: J & J Stables LLC & Nicholas Vaccarezza

Trainer: Carlo Vaccarezza

2023 Race Record/Earnings

8-2-2-1/$217,380

2023 Black-Type Stakes Record

1st – Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf

1st – Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf

2nd – Modesty Stakes (G3)

3rd – Mint Julep Stakes (G3)

In eight starts on the season, Sweet Dani Girl logged two black-type stakes wins, two seconds, including one graded stakes placing, and one graded stakes third. She earned $217,380, the seasonal best of her career.

Bred by J & J Stables LLC and Carlo Vaccarezza, Sweet Dani Girl is a 2019 chestnut filly by the late Ocala Stud stallion Jess’s Dream out of My Sweet Dani Girl, by Scat Daddy. Consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa to the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Mixed Sale, Sweet Dani Girl sold for $350,000 to MLD Racing.

Photo by L. King

Girl, by Scat Daddy

KATHLEEN O’CONNELL

CO-LEADING FLORIDA TRAINER OF FLORIDA-BREDS

By Wins (tie)

KATHLEEN O’CONNELL is the co-leading 2023 Florida trainer of Florida-breds by wins at Florida racetracks with 49. This is the 15th time that O’Connell has been the leading Florida trainer by Florida-bred wins at Florida racetracks.

O’Connell, who garnered the 2022 Bruce Campbell Award presented by The Florida Horse magazine, is the most honored trainer of Florida-breds with 19 year-end awards to her credit.

SAFFIE A. JOSEPH JR.

LEADING FLORIDA TRAINER OF FLORIDA-BREDS

By Florida-Bred Earnings, Black-Type Wins (tie) & Wins (tie)

SAFFIE A. JOSEPH JR. is the 2023 leading Florida trainer of Florida-breds by earnings ($2,038,032) at Florida racetracks. He tied for black-type wins (4) and wins (49). Joseph trained Florida-bred black-type stakes winners R Harper Rose, Bluefield, Max K.O. and Tamarindo.

R Harper Rose, a 2021 bay filly by Khozan out of True Bliss, by Yes It’s True, won the FTBOA Florida Sire Susan’s Girl Stakes at Gulfstream Park. R Harper Rose campaigned for Averill Racing LLC and Two Eight Racing LLC and earned $257,300 on the season. Bred by Sally J. Andersen, R Harper Rose was named the 2023 co-Florida-bred champion 2-year-old filly.

Bluefield won the FTBOA City of Ocala Florida Sire Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. She earned $158,495 on the season for owner Edward A. Seltzer. Bred by Seltzer and Ed Pendray, Bluefield is a 2016 bay mare by Field Commission out of Intheblues, by Pentelicus.

Max K.O. captured the Mr. Steele Stakes at Gulfstream Park for owner Ten Twenty Racing and banked $114,472 on the season. A 2016 bay horse by J P’s Gusto out of Funky Fraulein, by Sligo Bay (Ire), Max K.O. was bred by Span Investments.

Tamarindo was victorious in the Ginger Punch Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Raced by Stefania Farms LLC, Tamarindo earned $85,870 on the season.

JOSE D’ANGELO

CO-LEADING FLORIDA TRAINER OF FLORIDA-BREDS

By Black-Type Wins (tie) & Wins (tie)

JOSE D’ANGELO is the 2023 co-leading Florida trainer of Florida-breds by black-type wins (4) and wins (49) at Florida racetracks. D’Angelo was represented by two Floridabred black-type stakes winners in Bentornato and Welcome Back.

Bentoranto won the FTBOA Florida Sire Dr. Fager Stakes, the FTBOA Florida Sire Affirmed Stakes and the Proud Man Stakes, all at Gulfstream Park. Owned by Leon King Stable Corp., Bentoranto banked $316,830 on the season. The 2021 bay colt by Valiant Minister out of Her Special Way, by Put It Back, Bertonato was bred by Tanma Corp. Bertonato was named the 2023 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old colt/gelding.

Welcome Back, a Soldi Stables homebred, won the FTBOA Florida Sire Desert Vixen Stakes at Gulfstream Park on her way to earning $91,300 on the season. The 2021 bay filly is by Adios Charlie out of Lady Marchella, by Afleet Alex.

Photo by L. King

KATHLEEN O’CONNELL

SAFFIE A. JOSEPH JR JOSE D’ANGELO

Photo by L. King

KHOZAN

FLORIDA STALLION OF THE YEAR

2012 bay horse by Distorted Humor –Delta Princess, by A.P. Indy

KHOZAN is the leading 2023 Florida sire by progeny earnings with $6,294,608. It is the fourth consecutive year that Khozan is the leading Florida sire by progeny earnings. He had progeny totals of $4,513,950 in 2022, $3,671,794 in 2021 and $3,521,813 in 2020.

Khozan is also the leading 2023 Florida juvenile sire by progeny earnings with $1,551,382. This is the second time that Khozan has topped that list as he posted $1,275,632 in 2019 to nab that title. In 2023, Khozan was represented by 188 starters with 105 winners (56%), including 15 Florida-bred black type horses.

Of that latter number, Khozan recorded six black type stakes winners, including one graded-stakes winner, and nine black-type stakes-placed winners. Graded stakes winner Foggy Night led Khozan’s black-type stakes winners parade, which also included Me and Mr. C, R Harper Rose, Shaq Diesel, Squints and Sugar Boy. Khozan’s leading 2023 earner is Florida-bred graded-stakes-winner Foggy Night, who earned $378,800 on three wins and two seconds in seven starts. Raced by Pine Brook Farm and trained by Robert Reid, Foggy Night won the Delaware (G3) at Delaware Park and the Cathryn Sophia Stakes at PARX Racing. Foggy Night was also third in the Monmouth Oaks (G3) at Monmouth Park.

A 2020 chestnut filly out of Settling Seas, by Stormy Atlantic, Foggy Night was bred by Brent and Crystal Fernung.

Me and Mr. C won three stakes and was stakes-placed three times on his way to banking $278,689 on the season. Carrying the silks of Paradise Farm Corp. and David Staudacher, Mr and Mr. C won the listed Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup at Ellis Park, the listed Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial at Horsesshoe Indianapolis and the Soldier’s Dancer at Gulfstream Park. In winning the Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup, the Mike Maker trainee set a course record for a mile and a quarter in 1:57.94. Bred by Stonehedge LLC, Me and Mr. C is a 2017 gelding out of Abiding out of Dynaformer. Me and Mr. C was named the 2023 Florida-bred champion turf male.

R Harper Rose is Khozan’s leading 2023 juvenile earner with $257,300, posting three wins and one second in four starts. Raced by Averill Racing LLC and Two Eight Racing LLC, R Harper Rose captured the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl at Gulfstream Park. Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., the precocious filly was second in the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl. Bred by the late Sally J. Andersen, the 2021 bay filly is out of True Bliss, by Yes It’s True. R Harper Rose was named the 2023 co-Florida-bred champion 2-year-old filly.

Rounding out Khozan’s black-type stakes winners in 2023 were: Shaq Diesel (FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Marion County at Tampa Bay Downs); Squints (Juvenile Sprint at Gulfstream Park) and Sugar Boy (Clasico Angel T. Cordero and Clasic Agustin Mercado Reveron, both at Camarero Race Track in Puerto Rico).

A 2021 by horse by Distorted Humor out of the A.P. Indy mare Delta Princess, Khozan was purchased for $1 million by Al Shaqab Racing at the 2014 Fasig-Tipton select 2-year-olds in training sale. He broke his maiden at first asking and followed that up with a victory by 12 ¾ lengths. While training for the 2015 Florida Derby (G1), Khozan suffered a career-ending injury. Khozan entered stud in 2016 at Brent and Crystal Fernung’s Journeyman Stud. In 2019, he was the leading Florida juvenile and freshman sire. Khozan stands property of a syndicate.

Photo by S. Hult

MATT BRYAN DISTINGUISHED ADVOCACY AWARD

The MATT BRYAN DISTINGUISHED ADVOCACY AWARD is named in honor of Matt Bryan, FTBOA’s lobbyist for more than 30 years. Bryan has been instrumental in numerous key legislative successes during his tenure, capping it off this past March with a $32.5 million annual state breeding incentives package. He will be retiring as a lobbyist at the end of 2024.

This honor is presented to key FTBOA non-member leaders who have positively impacted the Florida Thoroughbred industry through substantial legislative efforts.

STAN MCCLAIN STAN M c CLAIN

Our first honoree is the HONORABLE STAN McCLAIN with the Florida State House of Representatives (R). Rep. McClain’s leadership, including the last two sessions as House Tax and Finance Chair, championed the most lucrative incentive program for the Florida Thoroughbred industry in history. In 2024, he coled the incredible legislative extension of HB 7063, expanding a two-year package into annually reoccurring incentives.

House Bill 7073, one of the biggest legislative wins in Florida and U.S. Thoroughbred history, allocates $32.5 million annually for Florida breeding and racing incentives.

Matt Bryan

Rep. Stan McClain

ST PATRICK’S DAY ST PATRICK’S DAY

2015 bay horse by Pioneerof the Nile –Littleprincessemma, by Yankee Gentleman

ST. PATRICK’S DAY is the 2023 leading Florida freshman sire by progeny earnings with $426,163. He is represented by 30 starters in 2023 with eight winners, including one Florida-bred black-type stakes placer.

Jive, owned by BC Racing LLC and trained by Juan Alvarado, was third in the FTBOA Florida Sire Dr. Fager Stakes at Gulfstream Park. On the season, he banked $57,243. The 2021 bay colt out of Skylarbdancing, by Sky Mesa, was bred by Jennifer A. Johnson and Gillian K. Johnson. St. Patrick’s Day’s leading earner was Fiona’s Magic, who earned $87,400 on two wins and one third in three starts. A Stonehedge LLC homebred, the 2021 bay filly is

Rounding out St. Patrick’s Day’s juvenile winners and their seasonal earnings are: Miss Miezie ($52,488), who won the non-black type Princess Margaret Stakes at Century Mile and the non-black type Sturgeon River Stakes at Century Downs; Emblem Bomb ($48,301); Immaculate Spirit ($28,570); Sir Mason ($27,939); Drewmania ($25,750) and Mumayaza ($13,680).

A full brother to 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, St. Patrick’s Day was a graded stakes-placed winner in Ireland. Raced by Mrs. John Magnier and trained by Aidan P. O’Brien, St. Patrick’s Day was second in the 2018 Renaissance Stakes (G3) at Naas. He was also third in the 2018 listed Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Celebration Stakes at Curragh. St. Patrick’s Day earned $69,300 on one win, two seconds and one third in 10 career starts. He entered stud in 2020 at Brent and Crystal Fernung’s Journeyman Stud and stands as property of a syndicate.

NEEDLES AWARD

CAPERLANE FARM CAPERLANE FARM

THE 2023 NEEDLES AWARD was presented to Richard Heysek’s Caperlane Farm, which as a breeder posted Florida-bred earnings of $533,970 on the season. Caperlane Farm was represented by four starters, who recorded six wins, five seconds and two thirds.

Caperlane Farm is the breeder of Grade 1 Florida-bred stakes winner Speed Boat Beach. The 2020 bay colt by Bayern out of Sophia Mia, by Pioneerof the Nile, won the Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park. Trained by Bob Baffert, Speed Boat Beach was also second in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2) and earned $320,000 on the season. Speed Boat Beach was campaigned by Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman.

Speed Boat Beach was named the 2023 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old colt/gelding and champion male sprinter.

The Needles Award was established by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association to honor small Thoroughbred operations that have made outstanding contributions to the Florida Thoroughbred industry.

The award is named after Needles, who was the first Florida-bred national champion (1955 champion 2-year-old colt) and the first Florida-bred to win the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes (1956).

Photo by S. Hult

RichardHeysek

JOSEPH M. O’FARRELL MEMORIAL AWARD

STUART MORRISS REALLY AND TRULY THOROUGHBREDS STUART MORRIS REALLY

AND TRULY THOROUGHBREDS

Presented by Ocala Breeders Sales

THE 2023 JOSEPH M. O’FARRELL AWARD was presented to consignors Stuart Morris and Really and Truly Thoroughbreds, who sold Grade 1 Florida-bred stakes winner Speed Boat Beach.

Consigned by Stuart Morris to the 2021 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company October yearling sale, Speed Boat Beach was bought for $12,000 by Rubin M. Sanchez. Really and Truly then consigned the colt to the 2022 OBS March 2-year-olds in-training sale, where Three Amigos bought him for $200,000.

Bred by Richard Heysek’s Caperlane Farm, Speed Boat Beach won the Malibu Stakes (G1) and was second in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (G2). Raced by Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, Speed Boat Beach won $320,000 on the season. The Bob Baffert trainee was named the 2023 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old colt/gelding and champion male sprinter.

The Joseph M. O’Farrell Memorial Award is presented annually by OBS to the consignor (s) of the year’s best Florida-bred racehorse offered at an OBS auction. The award is named after Joseph M. O’Farrell, who was part of the nine-man syndicate the established Ocala Stud in 1956. O’Farrell was also a pioneer in establishing public Thoroughbred auctions in Florida and was a founding member of OBS.

LEADING OWNERBY FLORIDA-BRED EARNINGS ARINDEL ARINDEL

ARINDEL is the 2023 leading owner by Florida-bred earnings with $1,691,906. As an owner, Arindel was represented by three Florida-bred black-type stakes winners. Leading the way was graded stakes winner Clapton and he was joined by black-type stakes winners Octane and Reaper. All three runners were also bred by Arindel and are by Brethren, who stands at Arindel.

Graded stakes winner Clapton won the Ghostzapper (G3) at Gulfstream Park, The Juan Alvarado trainee was also third in the Pimlico Special (G3) and second in the Suburban (G2). Shortly after his Suburban runner-up finish, Clapton was sold privately to RRR Racing Inc. He won the Lukas Classic Stakes (G2) on Sept. 30 at Churchill Downs for his new owner. Clapton banked $530,560 on the season.

Octane captured the FTBOA Gil Campbell Memorial Handicap at Gulfstream Park. The 4-year-old gelding was also second in the Fred W. Hooper (G3) at Gulfstream Park and his way to seasonal earnings of $157,175.

Juan Alvarado, Brian Cohen and Luis C. Morfin

Reaper won the Prairie Gold Juvenile at Prairie Meadows and was second in the Proud Man at Gulfstream Park. The 2-year-old colt banked $111,566 on the season.

Alan Cohen established 500-acre Arindel in 2004 on what had previously been a southwest Marion County cattle operation. In 2022, Arindel was named the Florida Breeder of the Year and was also the leading owner by Florida-bred earnings.

Photo by S. Hult

Rubin M. Sanchez

Photo by S. Hult

Stuart Morris

Photo by B. Sheridan

FLORIDA BROODMARE OF THE YEAR

2015 dark brown mare by Pioneerof the Nile –Amie’s Dini, by Bandini

SOPHIA MIA, the dam of Grade 1 Florida-bred stakes winner Speed Boat Beach, was named the 2023 Floria Broodmare of the Year by the FTBOA board of directors.

SOPHIA MIA SOPHIA MIA

Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm LLC, the unraced Sophia Mia was consigned to the 2018 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale by James B. Keogh. She was purchased for $4,000 by Richard Heysek’s Caperlane Farm.

Speed Boat Beach, a 2020 bay colt by Bayern, captured the Malibu (G1) for owners Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman. Trained by Bob Baffert, Speed Boat Beach was also second in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship and banked $320,000 on the season.

For his outstanding season, Speed Boat Beach was named the 2023 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old colt/gelding and champion male sprinter.

BRUCE CAMPBELL AWARD

Presented by The Florida Horse Magazine

JENA ANTONU_CCIJENA ANTONUCCI

THE 2023 BRUCE CAMPBELL AWARD was presented to Ocala-based trainer Jena Antonucci, who became the first woman trainer to win a Triple Crown race when Arcangelo captured the 155th Belmont (G1) on June 10, 2023. Antonucci also became only the second woman trainer to win the Travers (G1), which she did with Blue Rose Farm’s Arcangelo on August 26, 2023, at Saratoga Race Course. Arcangelo garnered the 2023 Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old colt.

The Bruce Campbell Award is presented by The Florida Horse magazine for outstanding achievement when deemed appropriate to individuals or groups who have brought honor and prestige to Florida’s Thoroughbred industry. The award is named in honor of Bruce Campbell, who headed the nine-person syndicate which bought Dickey Stables in 1956 and renamed it Ocala Stud.

Following her historic Belmont Stakes (G1) victory, Antonucci gave dozens of print, television and online media interviews. Among Antonucci’s many interviews were those with such media outlets as FOX, CBS, NBC, News Nation, Newsmax, USA Today, Thoroughbred Daily News, Blood-Horse, Paulick Report, Ocala Gazette, The Florida Horse and Horse Capital TV. The interviews continued following the Travers (G1) win and throughout the year. Subsequently, she became an advocate for women in the racing industry and an ambassador for the Ocala-based Thoroughbred industry.

Antonucci was honored with the 2023 Big Sport of Turfdom award, which recognizes a person or group who enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists. The award is presented by the Turf Publicists of America.

Born and raised in Hollywood, Fla., Antonucci moved to Ocala in 2000 and would soon establish her Bella Inizio Farm. She became a licensed trainer in 2010, posting her first win with Florida-bred Irish Wildcat on March 7 of that year at Tampa Bay Down. Antonucci recorded her first stakes winner when Flattermewithroses won the 2012 Voodoo Dancer Stakes at Belmont Park.

Antonucci, with business partner Katie Miranda, owns and operates HorseOlogy, which is based at Paul Bulmahn’s GoldMark Farm and where Arcangelo received his early training.

JENA ANTONUCCI

Photo by R. Thompson

FLORIDA BREEDER OF THE YEAR

STONEHEDGE LLC STONEHEDGE LLC

MARILYN CAMPBELL’S STONEHEDGE LLC was named the 2023 Florida Breeder of the Year by the FTBOA Board of Directors and was the leading Florida breeder by Florida-bred earnings with $3,338,867. Stonehedge LLC also led all Florida breeders by most Florida-bred wins with 103.

Stonehedge LLC was represented as a breeder by Florida-bred graded stakes winner Dean Delivers and black-type stakes winner Me and Mr. C. Florida-bred graded-stakes winner Dean Delivers won the Smile Sprint Stakes (G3) and Big Drama Stakes, both at Gulfstream Park. He was also graded stakes-placed twice on the season with thirds in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1) at Saratoga and Fred W. Hooper Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park. Dean Delivers also notched seconds in the FTBOA Marion County Florida Sire Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and Sir Shackleton Stakes at Gulfstream Park. A 2019 chestnut gelding by Stonehedge Farm South stallion Cajun Breeze out of Slick and True, by Yes It’s True, Dean Delivers was also raced by Stonehedge LLC. Trained by Michael Yates, Dean Delivers posted two wins, two seconds and two thirds in eight starts to bank $257,560 on the season.

Me and Mr. C, a 2017 bay gelding by Journeyman Stud stallion Khozan out of Abiding, by Dynaformer, captured three stakes at three different tracks. He won the Soldier’s Dancer Stakes on the synthetic surface at Gulfstream Park, the Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial Stakes on the turf at Horseshoe Indianapolis and the listed Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup Stakes at Ellis Park. Me and Mr. C was also second in the Turf Classic Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and posted thirds in the Mr. Steele Stakes and Sunshine Turf Stakes, both at Gulfstream Park. Owned by Paradise Farm Corp and David Staudacher, the Mike Maker trainee earned $278,689 on three wins, two seconds and two thirds in nine starts on the season.

The late Gilbert G. Campbell and his wife Marilyn established Willistonbased Stonehedge Farm South in 1988. In the ensuing decades, Stonehedge Farm South became a perennial leading Florida breeder and has been a Top 10 Florida breeder by Floridabred earnings annually since 1996.

Campbell/Stonehedge LLC have bred 12 winners of the Florida Sire Stakes (FSS), which have notched 18 wins. In 2013, Campbell homebred Scandalous Act won the Desert Vixen Stakes, Susan’s Girl Stakes and My Dear Girl Stakes to sweep the FSS fillies division.

Ninety Florida-bred stakes winners have been bred by Campbell/Stonehedge LLC including 14 graded stakes winners, and Florida-bred millionaires Marlin ($2,448,880) and Blazing Sword ($1,184,055).

Gilbert Campbell was named the Florida Breeder of the Year in 1997, 2013 and 2016. In 2017, the Campbells began breeding and racing under the Stonehedge LLC name. Gilbert Campbell, who died on September 16, 2021, at the age of 91, served three terms as board president of the Florida Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Marilyn Campbell serves as a director on the FTBOA board.

by

Photo

R. Crawford

MARILYN CAMPBELL

Legends of the Sport

a woman wants to be a legend, she should be a legend.”

–CalamityJane

Behind the scenes in Florida for more than fifty years, trailblazing women have been setting milestones and quietly becoming power players in the game. Their efforts have changed the trajectory of the sport forever. The Legends of the Sport series features these history-making trainers, executives, owners, breeders, and jockeys.

TRAINERS

BY GARY WEST

Years ago in Livonia, Mich., a suburb of Detroit, on a morning that was more or less like any other, a young woman rode her bicycle to look for—well, she didn’t exactly know what she was looking for, which must have been a strange situation for her since she wasn’t desultory by nature. She was looking for anything, or maybe nothing, simply responding to an internal cry of restlessness. She had recently been turned away by Michigan State’s college of veterinary medicine despite having a sterling record that included high grades and the imprimatur of the National Honor Society. Yes, in those days, even academia was controlled by old, white guys embarrassingly short on clues. Young women just weren’t expected to apply to a veterinary school. Or very welcome, apparently. That was a harsh reality for this daughter of a Detroit policeman. She had been resolute and unwavering: Plan A was to pursue a career as a veterinarian. That was why she strived for good grades, why she participated so heartily in 4-H, why she had taken those extension classes in animal husbandry. She never imagined and nobody ever told her that she might have need for another plan, something to tuck away in the back pocket of her jeans, just in case. And so as she rode her bike that day—and we can assume she took the high road because that’s how she travels—she might have been lamenting the wayward flimsiness of plans in general or, more likely, regretting the void in her back pocket, when suddenly and unexpectedly out of nowhere a Plan B appeared, trotting headlong in the direction of busy Middlebelt Road. She caught the runaway, an escapee from nearby Detroit Race Course, and returned the horse to its ownertrainer, who introduced her to another trainer and, as it turned out, to the racetrack. That young woman went on to become the winningest female trainer in the history of horse racing, with nearly 2,500 victories and purse earnings approaching $50 million.

But just pause for a moment to imagine the world she stepped into those many years ago. It was a world not very long removed from Hialeah in 1969, where Diane Crump became the first woman to ride in a pari-mutuel race. She needed a police escort just to make her way to the racetrack. Hecklers, she would recall, screamed for her to go back to the kitchen and cook dinner. And in Kentucky, at Churchill Downs, rather than ride with Penny Ann Early, the other jockeys had boycotted, forcing cancellations.

Of course, Kathleen O’Connell didn’t know about any of that unpleasantness when she saved a racehorse from rushing into traffic, not that her knowing would have made an ounce of difference. When she first started working at DRC, she recalls, she saw no female trainers, no female jockeys, no female exercise riders—oh, yes, there was that English girl named Jane who ponied horses, but that was the extent of a feminine presence. O’Connell’s first license identified her as a “Pony Boy.”

And now allow your thoughts to fast-forward to today’s horse

racing industry in Florida. Look around; survey the landscape. Women operate the state’s two major racetracks, Belinda Stronach at Gulfstream Park and Stella Thayer at Tampa Bay Downs; two of the top breeders in the state are Charlotte Weber at Live Oak and Marilyn Campbell at Stonehedge; Valerie Dailey is the immediate past president of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association; and the sport’s all-time leading female trainer, O’Connell, as well as the first woman to win a Triple Crown race as a trainer, Jena Antonucci, are both based in Florida.

Every major sport in the United States segregates competitors by gender—the NBA and the WNBA, the PGA and the LPGA, the NHL and the PWHL, the MLS and the NWSL, the ATP and the WTA, the PBA and the PWBA, the men’s tournament and the women’s tournament, the men’s this and the women’s that — except horse racing. This is the only sport that invites men and women to compete against each other. Breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys compete without reference to gender. No allowances, no concessions, no differences, but genuine, head-to-head competition on, as they say, a level playing field. Does that appeal to anybody? In a hightech, digitized, industrialized world where fewer and fewer people connect with land or heritage or horses, horse racing’s genderneutrality could become a point of connection and coalescence. It could become a significant strength. And Florida leads the way. In Florida, women have become pillars of support.

Antonucci and O’Connell are exactly who they intend to be and where they want to be, and they’re doing precisely what they prefer to do. In other words, they’re self-assured—preternaturally so—but they wear their confidence quietly, as if it’s their everyday uniform, which it is. Although impressive, they don’t seem very impressed with themselves. That’s all apparent within a few moments of meeting them; they make a first impression that renders any second impression irrelevant. They know who they are, and if you don’t know… well, they’re too busy to toot horns. Stan “The Man” Musial, it’s said, never used his popular nickname. One of baseball’s all-time great players, Musial never referred to himself as “The Man.” Similarly, Antonucci and O’Connell seem much more comfortable talking about their horses or their teams than themselves. About becoming the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race, Antonucci expresses gratitude for her opportunities, but then adds, “Somebody had to do it, and it happened to be us.”

About becoming the all-time winning female trainer, O’Connell says she’s pleased and proud to have won so many races, but then adds, somebody will pass her soon, and that’s as it should be. In all of that, they’re alike, and in this too: Where some people see obstacles, they see only challenges, and that’s especially true about working in what traditionally has been a male-dominated environment.

Jena Antonucci

The first woman to win an American Triple Crown Classic

Sitting at her desk in her office at GoldMark Farm in Ocala, Antonucci jokes about being an “overnight success,” but, of course, that success was two decades in developing, or three or four, depending on when you start the meter. Strange, isn’t it, how the Triple Crown races can confer instant credibility, and even stranger, since it’s rife with delulu opinions, that television can do the same.

As Arcangelo advanced along the inside at Belmont Park and a television camera focused in on her, Antonucci became increasingly animated. “Go on by now,” she called, urging Arcangelo to pass the leader, National Treasure, “go on by.” And then, as the big gray pushed to the lead, Antonucci called out, “Come on, buddy, come on, …. Let’s go.” And then, her voice rising and cracking, as if conveyed through static, she yelled to jockey Javier Castellano: “Come on Javy, come on Javier.” With each utterance, she bounced, and then hopped, and then jumped, a little higher and faster each time as her credentials and access passes, hanging from a lanyard, danced with her in celebration. “Oh, my God. Oh, my God,” she called out, as Arcangelo approached the finish a length-and-half ahead of Forte and Tapit Trice. “Oh, my God,” she said again, exhausted and bending under the weight of all the excitement and pressure. Turning to Arcangelo’s owner, Jon Ebbert, she said, hoarsely, “We just won a Triple….” and her voice failed, swallowed up by the emotion of the moment.

And so last June, for the first time, after 30 had tried and missed, a female trainer won a Triple Crown race, specifically the 155th Belmont Stakes (Grade 1). Instantly, Antonucci became a star, her photo adorning the cover of The Florida Horse, Trainer Magazine, and Equus Magazine; she appeared in the New York Times holding aloft the Belmont trophy as if it were the heavyweight championship title belt. Even from the pages of The Guam Daily Post, she smiled engagingly. The sport’s publicists honored her with the Big Sport of Turfdom Award and The Florida Horse with the Bruce Campbell Award. All of this must have been disconcerting for somebody who insists she prefers to work if not in shadow, then at least in the background because suddenly she found herself staring into the kleig lights. She was indeed an overnight success.

Antonucci chuckles, knowing, of course, that no success can be realized overnight and that horse racing doesn’t hand out participation trophies. Her journey to success began, in fact, when she was a child growing up in what was then an undeveloped, rural area of South Florida. She first found herself astride a horse

at three, she recalls, and from there it was a short ride to becoming “a barn brat.” Before she could write her own name and long before she wore the maroon and plaid uniform of the St. Thomas Acquinas Catholic School, she could put bandages on a horse. She knew even then that at the barn she had found her comfortable place, and she soon realized that she also had discovered something extraordinary within herself, a talent for listening, perhaps in silent communion, with a powerful, 1,100-pound animal.

“The connection with the horse is so special; what the horse does for the inside of a person is real,” she says, alluding to Winston Churchill (who once said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”) “When you have a chance to do it, a chance to connect with a horse, that’s such a gift. That connection—it’s the most precious gift they offer. You just have to slow down and listen to them to appreciate it.”

So she grew up in “show horse land,” as she describes it, and graduated to the “moving circus” of high-level competition. Sometimes she worked with Thoroughbreds, and they impressed her so much with their athleticism and intelligence, intrigued her even, that she eagerly desired to learn more. And so she took a job as an exercise rider at Satish Sanan’s Padua Stables farm in Summerfield, Fla., where young race horses were being prepared to join Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas at the racetrack.

“Everybody respected her ability and her talent and what she was doing,” remembers Bruce Hill, who was the farm manager. “She’s hands-on. Nobody ever questioned whether she would do a good job or whether she would show up for work…. She’s a strong personality, a straight shooter, and she cuts through the bull… I have the greatest respect for her.”

Antonucci’s desk is covered with patches of layered paperwork, reminders that there’s a business to run here. A few yards away, Katie Miranda, an Ocala native, leans back in her chair as she sorts through the notes and papers on her desk. The women are business partners in HorseOlogy, the company they started two years ago that takes a comprehensive and transparent approach to everything equine, from conception to retirement, including various options and paths along the way: Breeding, foaling, breaking, pinhooking, rehabilitation, sales, training, racing, all culminating with Encore HorseOlogy, a non-profit for retired and repurposed horses. Miranda, whose father was a successful jockey in the 1980s, generally stays at the farm; another member of the

team, assistant trainer Fiona Goodwin, remains at the racetrack, meaning Gulfstream Park for the moment, by way of Ireland; and Antonucci’s everywhere. And then there’s Lucy, a.k.a. Lucy the Terrorist, a diminutive terrier-type of unknown provenance who moves anxiously back and forth like a metronome between the two desks, beseeching the women for attention. Smiling at Lucy, Antonucci tries not to encourage terrorism.

“I think it’s really important to listen to the wind,” she says, pointing out that the show horse world simply wasn’t her “forever.” And so in 2010, Antonucci took out her trainer’s license. It was an acorn of a beginning. On March 7, Irish Wildcat became her first winner, proving best in a maiden-claiming affair at Tampa Bay Downs. Antonucci had two starters that year; they raced eight times, with two wins and three thirds.

In 2012, when she took her small stable to New York, she got “her brains beat out,” as she puts it. At Saratoga, in 12 starts, she didn’t get into the winner’s circle, never got close. Despite the slow start and Saratoga’s humbling tutorial, she refused to be discouraged— “I don’t process fearful,” she explains; “I’m just not wired that way”—and so moved on to Belmont Park in the fall. There, she continued to collect short straws, but at least had a couple of runner-up finishes. And then, in her 30th start in New York, on Oct. 5, in the Voodoo Dancer Stakes, with a lightly raced maiden, Antonucci stunned the great announcer Tom Durkin, as well as every other racewatcher.

“It’s Flattermewithroses,” Durkin called, his voice rising with surprise, “coming away with the lead at huge odds. On the wire, Flattermewithroses is going to pay one-hundred and eight dollars to win.”

That was Antonucci’s first victory in New York, as well as her first stakes victory. Sometimes moving quickly isn’t nearly as important as moving in the right direction, and her career was definitely moving forward. Over the next several years, she enjoyed minor but meaningful successes, with, for example, stakes winners Five Star Momma and Gemonteer, as well as an erstwhile claimer named Doctor J Dub.

When he moved to her barn in 2016, Doctor J Dub had spent most of his career running near the bottom of the claiming ranks, twice being offered for $8,000. Sure, he had some issues, Antonucci explains, such as refusing to train around a turn — yes, that’s an issue — but most of all, she says, “He had been lied to, and people didn’t know how to deal with him and wouldn’t listen to him.” In his third start for his new trainer, Doctor J Dub won the Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint at Gulfstream Park at 281. A few months later, in the Grade 3 Turf Monster (Grade 3) at Parx, he gave Antonucci her first graded stakes victory. Known as the “Harem Boss” or simply “Dub,” the 14-year-old gelding occupies a special place in her affection; a special place, too, at GoldMark, where he’s comfortably retired. With the creation of HorseOlogy, Antonucci began stepping back, however slightly, from training. The industry didn’t seem to appreciate horsemanship, in her view, as much as it probably should; the mega-stables and the billionaire owners seemed to dominate, which wasn’t healthy for the game. It seemed like a perfect time to step back from training and focus more on mirific outcomes. And then Arcangelo came along.

At the Keeneland September sale in 2021, Antonucci met Jon Ebbert, a Pennsylvania businessman who purchased a son of Arrogate for $35,000. Named for St. Michael the Archangel, the young horse was a late foal

Photo by Susie Raisher

(May 11) and was going to require some patience.

It’s impossible to know, of course, what would have happened if Ebbert and Antonucci had never met or if somebody else had purchased the gray ridgling. But speculation can enhance appreciation. For one thing, the horse might have been named for a K-Pop band—Monsta X, for example, or Exo—instead of for the guardian prince who battles Satan on behalf of justice and mankind. The youngster probably would have raced at Saratoga as a 2-year-old, and since he was too immature for such an early start to his career, he probably would have become either speed happy or totally discouraged. And even if he didn’t race early at two, he probably would have been pushed onto the road to the Kentucky Derby after he won for the first time, in March, in his third start at Gulfstream Park, where he drew clear by more than three lengths and completed a mile in 1:34.82. There was still time to squeeze in a major prep, earn some points, and make a roseate appearance for the gratification of all the egos and investors involved, for surely by this point there would be investors. That’s the thing about high expectations: They can soar higher and higher and take you too close to the sun. Or take a young racehorse there.

But none of that happened—or almost none of it. Arcangelo did go to Saratoga, but only for an educational experience. He “was such a kid he needed to grow up and learn,” Antonucci recalls. Neither she nor Ebbert intended to race Arcangelo until he was three, and they didn’t expect to see his best until, well, this year.

As it turned out, he developed more quickly than expected. Making his debut in December at Gulfstream, Arcangelo hesitated at the gate, dropped back and then rallied from last to finish second. In his next outing, in January, he had the nightmarish experience of a crash course, getting stopped, bumped, checked, and stopped

again before finishing fourth. He never lost again. And while some owners and trainers feverishly pursued roses and Blackeyed Susans, Antonucci and Ebbert went to Belmont Park, where Arcangelo won the Grade 3 Peter Pan. A month later Antonucci became an overnight success and Arcangelo a classic winner.

“After the Belmont,” Ebbert recalls, “I wanted to save him [Arcangelo] for the Travers. I asked her [Antonucci] if he’d be fit enough, … and she said, ‘Absolutely.’”

With 11 weeks between the Belmont and Grade 1 Travers, many observers questioned the move. No, that’s not quite right: Just about everybody questioned the move, except those who knew Arcangelo’s trainer. There’s too much time between races, and the horse won’t possibly be ready, the critics carped; he can’t maintain fitness for 11 weeks without a race, and wasn’t she just an overnight success… and so went the skepticism. But Antonucci knew the horse, and Ebbert knew Antonucci.

“Everybody questioned it, but she was never in doubt,” Ebbert says, recalling his trainer’s confidence.

In what turned out to be the final race of his career, Arcangelo gave his best performance. Everything before this had been preparatory, even the Belmont, for the Travers attracted what was arguably the best field of 3-year-olds to meet in 2023. Everybody agreed, all the pundits and ersatz pundits, that the Travers would determine the championship. Forte, the juvenile champ of the previous season who was the runner-up in the Belmont, was the betting favorite again; Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1)-winner Mage, who skipped the final event in the Triple Crown, and Preakness (G1)-winner National Treasure, who faded after leading for more than a mile at Belmont Park, could argue with a victory that they deserved the title. Graded stakeswinners Disarm and Tapit Trice also lined up in the starting gate.

The Travers became Arcangelo’s coronation. The late foal that wasn’t expected to race at two or to find his best stride until he turned four had improved in every race, each time taking a step forward in his development and each time lifting his level of performance up a notch or two, and then it all came together on August 26, fittingly it now seems, in the race his sire won by 13 1/2 lengths while setting a track record. Castellano put Arcangelo in the clear on the outside during the early running, a couple lengths behind the leaders, and then advanced four-wide in the second turn. When called upon at the top of the Saratoga stretch, the big gray quickly spurted away from the best horses of his generation and then held his advantage to the wire, emphatically proclaiming his superiority, securing the championship and inspiring track announcer Frank Mirahmadi to call, “Congratulations, Jena Antonucci. What a training job!”

Photo by Ryan Thompson

Kathleen O’Connell

Winningest female Thoroughbred trainer in American history

Success, like greatness, can present itself in various garments and can play Sousa or Pachelbel. Antonucci worked inconspicuously and quietly for many years until she burst in on the national awareness during the summer of 2023. Kathleen O’Connell, on the other hand, has been a mainstay in Florida racing for decades.

On a recent morning at Tampa Bay Downs, O’Connell explains that yes, of course, she’s proud of all the victories and all the horses she has developed, but most proud of her consistency and reliability. Ask anybody in Florida horse racing: She’s reliable as the sunrise. Rain or shine. Well or ill. She’s there, with her horses: in the paddock to saddle, at the barn to feed, on the rail to supervise. Her stable has averaged 87 victories and $2.14 million in earnings each year for the last 10. Look back even further, and she has averaged 83 wins and $1.8 million each year for the last 20. That’s how you get to be the all-time leader.

She arrived at the racetrack this particular morning at 4:45. At Gulfstream, where the track opens earlier for training, she generally walks into the shedrow at 3:45. She splits her time between the two, putting in many hours and countless miles.

“It’s my choice,” she says. “I’ve sacrificed relationships, family time, free time... I get maybe three days off a year. This is a very demanding business. It’s seven-days-aweek; it’s holidays. Even when you’re away, you’re on the phone dealing with something. You can get to the barn at 3:30 in the morning and work your ass off all day long, and it still might not happen for you. No guarantees. But this is my choice, and I love it… Some

Photo by Coady

show-horse experience, O’Connell was soon galloping horses and eventually made her way to Florida to break babies for Sugar Hill Farm and Sherman Armstrong. Looking back on those days and knowing circumstances could have blown her in other directions, she says she was “very, very blessed” to always work with “really good people.” As an exercise rider in 1976, she first came to Tampa Bay Downs, only then it was called Florida Downs, and in the 1980s she began training.

O’Connell cites many owners who have contributed to her success, such as Vicki and Larry Stumpf of Blackacre Farm in Davie, Fla., and the late John Franks, a five-time Eclipse Award winner. But it was the late Gilbert Campbell, along with his wife, Marilyn, who first “trusted” her, she says, to train the kind of talented horses that would get her noticed.

As they were developing Stonehedge in Williston, Fla., and looking for a trainer, Marilyn recalls, farm manager Larry King recommended a young woman who had a knack with young horses. Symbiotic fireworks resulted; the partnership thrived spectacularly. As Stonehedge became one of the state’s leading farms, O’Connell became the sport’s all-time leading female trainer.

Blazing Sword produced the first salvo of fireworks. In August of 1996, a month after his maiden victory, Blazing Sword won the Florida Stallion Stakes Dr. Fager division by six-and-a-half lengths and a month later the Florida Stallion Stakes Affirmed. At Keeneland in October, he ran second in the Breeders’ Futurity (G2), a halflength behind Boston Harbor, the eventual juvenile champion. The next season, Blazing Sword and O’Connell travelled around the country with the Campbells to

take on some of the best horses in the country. Blazing Sword finished second to Pulpit in the Fountain of Youth (G2), skipped a trip to Kentucky because of illness, and later journeyed to Saratoga, where he ran fourth in the Travers (G1), behind Deputy Commander, Behrens, and Awesome Again. The Campbells’ home-bred finished third in the Super Derby (G1), as well as the Hollywood Derby (G1), and when he took the Calder Derby (G3), he gave O’Connell the first graded stakes victory of her career. He later won the Widener (G3) and the Washington Park Handicap (Grade 2) and finished his career with $1,184,055 in earnings.

As a 2-year-old in 2002, Ivanavinalot won five of her first six outings, her only loss occurring in her second start when she hit the gate before the break, left there tardily and then got stopped attempting to recover. Still, her career began with a dazzling display of talent. The homebred by the Campbell’s West Acre had seemed an unlikely candidate for either stardom or fireworks. A diminutive filly, she was named for a grandchild’s mispronounced effort to express a heartfelt desire for victory, and she was, well, crooked.

“She was so crooked, God bless her, she walked like a duck,” O’Connell says, remembering one of her favorite horses.

“I must have had eight X-rays taken of her knees.”

Nevertheless, Ivanavinalot was a jet, with three consecutive stakes victories for contrails. That’s three stakes wins by a total of 29 lengths — just to clarify what a jet’s contrails look

Photo by Ryan Thompson

like. And so all the arrangements were made for a pilgrimage to the Breeders’ Cup at Arlington International near Chicago, Ill. Transportation and hotel rooms were booked. The Campbells had prepared for a catered party at the farm, something appropriate for a jet that’s about to take off. And then the telephone call came.

“It was one of the toughest calls I’ve ever made,” O’Connell remembers. Ivanavinalot hadn’t emptied her feed tub that morning, which was unusual. She didn’t have a temperature, but when she went to the track for her routine gallop, she didn’t seem herself. That’s when O’Connell made the phone call; a blood test revealed an elevated white blood cell count.

In her 2003 debut, Ivanavinalot finished second in the John Deere Oaks at Santa Anita. Returning to Florida, she was the runner-up in the Davona Dale (G2) before winning the Bonnie Miss (G2). Again, speculation can enhance appreciation: Had she been in different hands and traveled to Arlington, what might have happened? The decision not to go to Chicago was obviously the right one. Now, though, Ivanavinalot probably isn’t so much remembered for being a juvenile jet as for being the dam of the great Songbird.

Danny Mellul has been a successful jockey’s agent for many years. He met O’Connell long ago at Calder, when she was winning her first training title and becoming the first woman ever to top the standings there. She also has sat atop the standings at Tampa Bay and for several years has been the leading trainer of Florida-breds, but, Mellul says, she’s so focused on caring for her horses that he doesn’t know if “winning titles means anything to her.” And when she’s in the winner’s circle with her horse, even if it’s a claimer, “she’s full of bubbles,” as if she’s winning for the first time and not the all-time leader.

“I’ve never seen anybody so focused,” he says. “She watches everything, sees everything. She’s very professional, she takes care of business, and everybody respects her. She wins wherever she goes.”

In 2015, O’Connell took eight horses to Keeneland for the Breeders’ Cup meeting, where they all ran well, recording two wins, three seconds, and a third in eight starts. One of those runner-up finishes was especially noteworthy, for it was Lady Shipman’s narrow loss in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1).

“She was a plain Jane kind of horse,” O’Connell recalls, “a very small, nondescript chestnut. Her greatest asset was probably her mind.”

Breaking sharply but getting jostled around, Lady Shipman dropped back to fourth, but she advanced in the turn, angled out from the rail and narrowly missed, losing by a short neck

to Mongolian Saturday.

“After the race, these [media] people were shoving microphones in my face and asking how disappointed I must be,” O’Connell recalls. “Hell, I wasn’t disappointed; I was proud. That little 3-year-old filly had just run second against older males. I was so proud of her.”

Prior to the Breeders’ Cup, Lady Shipman had won six stakes, including the Smart N Fancy at Saratoga. After the Breeders’ Cup, strangely enough, O’Connell received an email informing her that Lady Shipman was moving to the barn of trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. Tough game.

Training horses, O’Connell says, is like raising children. They’re all unique, and there’s no infallible roadmap revealing a highway to distinction. But O’Connell knows the way. She has been the reliable guide-parent for many stakes winners, such as Well Defined, who won the Sam F. Davis (G3), Stormy Embrace, who won the Princess Rooney (G2), and Watch Me Go, who took O’Connell and the Campbells to the Kentucky Derby after winning the Tampa Bay Derby (G2).

Antonucci and O’Connell share many values. They share a work ethic and a hands-on holistic approach — that is, they appreciate all the parts and pieces that contribute to success, and they heap praise on those that work with them. Antonucci and O’Connell also share many concerns for the future of a sport that they acknowledge is shrinking. Regulatory confusion, costs, purses, work force, stewarding, education, disconnection — they’re all concerns.

“If we don’t compel people to know why horse racing matters and let them understand it on a different level,” Antonucci says, “[the sport] will continue to shrink…. Our biggest challenge in this industry is that we have too many executives who literally could not clean a stall, and this is a very difficult business to run and to grow if you don’t understand the horse.”

Dedicated and passionate, O’Connell and Antonucci have overcome every obstacle in their paths to become hugely successful and, even more, to become legends in Florida racing. But they can offer even more than support, they can offer guidance. TFH

Next in the series: Executives

Bill Could Clear Way for Farmworker Housing

BY JIM TURNER, NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE – Florida’s agriculture industry hopes a newly passed bill that would limit local regulations on farmworker housing will bolster efforts to bring in more non-immigrant foreign workers.

The bill (SB 1082), which lawmakers unanimously passed, would prevent cities and counties from taking steps to “inhibit” construction of housing for farmworkers on agricultural land. The bill has not been formally sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who can sign, veto or allow the legislation to become law without his signature.

The industry says some growers have cut back on planting this year, and might again next year, in part because of a labor shortage related to the state’s crackdown on undocumented migrants.

The bill could help with bringing in temporary, nonimmigrant foreign workers through what is known as the federal H-2A visa program. The program places housing requirements on employers.

“There are some farmers who did not plant as much this season because they couldn’t get the workers they needed,” Jim Spratt, a lobbyist for the Florida Ag Coalition, said. “One of the big reasons they couldn’t is they could not secure housing quick enough or at the level they needed for the number of guest workers they needed.”

Spratt said the process can take up to eight months for farmers’ applications to be processed. The hope is that clearing the way for housing on agricultural land will help. But even that will take time to ramp up.

“We still may see some acres not planted in 2026,” Spratt said. “But I think, assuming the bill is signed into law, I think that gives a producer, it gives a farmer some certainty that they would be able to put housing on some of their ag land per the requirements of the bill. So, maybe the fall-off won’t be as bad as it could have been.”

The industry anticipates enough housing will go up for 52,000 workers statewide.

Construction would need to follow federal, state and local building standards, including Florida Department of Health standards.

The Florida League of Cities and the Florida Association of

Counties did not take positions in support or opposition of the bill.

But Hendry County Commissioner Emory “Rowdy” Howard in a March 7 editorial in the News-Press newspaper in Southwest Florida raised concerns that the legislation could affect local property values.

“Hendry County cannot support a bill that prevents our local officials from managing and enforcing common sense planning and zoning so the ordinary homeowner is not at risk of losing significant home value because migrant housing had a negative impact on their property value,” Howard wrote.

Howard also contended that the H-2A program has been “crafted and watered down to the point it will allow many of those crossing the border illegally to be participants in this proposed program.”

During a Senate Agriculture Committee meeting in January, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Chairman David Hill said the proposal was intended so that farmers would not be “at the whim of the different municipalities and counties, or whoever governs wherever they’re trying to build.”

“We can grow our crop, but without harvesting it we might as well not grow the crop,” said Hill, an owner of Southern Hill Farms in Clermont. “No one is going to pick the crops that we grow except for the people we’re trying to bring over, in H-2A in particular.”

The bill would require housing structures to have a minimum 10 feet of separation and also includes other restrictions, such as that the housing could not be within 250 feet of a property line adjacent to residential property. Any structure within 500 feet of neighboring residential property would need to have trees, walls, berms or fences to provide “screening.”

Also, the housing structures would have to be removed if they are not used for at least a year or if the property ceases to be classified as agricultural.

The bill came after DeSantis in 2023 signed a law that requires all businesses with 25 or more employees to use the federal E-Verify system to check the immigration status of workers. The state has increased its focus on undocumented immigrants the past several years.

The 2023 law also cracked down on people who bring undocumented immigrants into Florida. TFH

Photo 1 by Serita Hult

Photo 2 by Ashley Godwin

Photo 3 by Serita Hult

FTBOA Member Day at Florida Cup

Jay Friedman and Jordan Rosser

Stella Thayer, Tom Ventura and Richard Kent

Joan DiLibero and Ender Jiminez

Faith Davis and Abbie Fuller

Fred and Sarah Yutani and guests

Karen and Tim Mawhinney t

Photos by Tammy A. Gantt

Pete Reynolds and his wife

Croix Chandler Lee and son Scottie

Michelle Landry and a friend t

Corrin Walker and Andrew Vanlangendonk

Art and Jeanne Roy

Courtney and Chad Meagher t

Mary Thomas, Katie Veilkamp and CJ Snyder t

Bill and Sherry Churly t

AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Establishes Equine Worker Health Initiative

Industry Members Invited to Support Program

BY TAMMY A GANTT

Reducing barriers to health care for equine workers in Marion County is a top priority for AdventHealth Ocala and has led to the establishment of the Harnessing Health: Equine Worker Health Initiative.

The health initiative program will include a bilingual healthcare navigator to assess needs, build services, and bridge gaps of care for equine workers. The navigator will travel to various locations, including farms, to provide outreach and enrollment assistance to help workers navigate the health care system, in coordination with other agencies.

The hospital-funded health care navigator will operate a mobile clinic van to travel to local farms and provide onsite health care services to equine workers. These clinics will bring health care directly to workers, making the process more accessible and efficient.

Care provided by the mobile clinic van may include typical primary care such as well visits and physicals, common acute and chronic health issues, point of care tests for blood glucose, pregnancy, rapid strep, etc., and immunizations, as well as wellness education. Equipment that can be included in the van includes exam tables, a standing exam light, privacy screen, a portable blood pressure machine, a portable pulse oximeter and defibrillator AED.

Starting in 2025, as part of AdventHealth Ocala’s first graduate medical education program, primary care residency training will include clinicians collaborating with the navigator to provide services to local equine workers.

“AdventHealth Ocala has stepped up to assist our farm workers in a way that I believe will impact their physical and emotional well being for years to come,” said George Isaacs, AdventHealth Ocala Foundation board member and Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association president.

In addition to the Harnessing Health: Equine Worker Health Initiative, the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation is investing $10,000 to seed the hospital’s Care 360°

Coady Photo

program fund. Care 360° is a no-cost program that coordinates transportation, meal delivery, and more for underserved patients, including the equine worker population.

As the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation continues to advance whole-person health, there is an importance to expand services to include health promotion interventions, accessible care, and proactive outreach to the community’s equine workers. The initiative will provide crucial resources for a population of people who are disproportionally impacted by lack of access to equitable health care.

“AdventHealth Ocala has stepped up to assist our farm workers in a way that I believe will impact their physical and emotional well being for years to come”

– George Isaacs

AdventHealth Ocala, the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation and members of the equine industry including the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, Ocala Farm Ministries, and equine farms invite industry stakeholders to help support the initiative to make healthcare more accessible and to provide services for equine workers and their families by contributing to the program expense.

“Every donation makes a difference to help our non-profit hospital deliver accessible healthcare to those who need it most on our farms,” said Jacqui de Meric, Ocala Farm Ministries board member.

In order for the program to launch, the cost of the mobile clinic van and medical equipment is $350,000.

Future needs include supporting the medical residents who will travel with the mobile clinic by providing educational resources and medical equipment necessary for their involvement. This expands AdventHealth Ocala’s opportunity to increase capacity to train future physicians, nurses, and other staff, encourage an environment in which clinicians can collaborate and intersect education and health outcomes. The AdventHealth Ocala Foundation will continue to seek support for these additional needed resources.

AdventHealth Ocala’s strategic steps include establishing a two-year strategic plan and rollout which began in 2023, providing quarterly status updates with key performance indicators, engaging agency partners, assessing needs and gaps, hosting equine worker health fair, hiring a bilingual health care navigator, establishing health outreach and partnerships, and purchasing a mobile clinic van and medical equipment. The AdventHealth Ocala Foundation will provide seed funding for the Care 360° program fund and secure additional funds to develop Harnessing Health Initiative.

“As we continue to advance whole-person health, it is important to expand our services to include health promotion interventions, accessible care, and proactive outreach to our community’s equine workers. The Harnessing Health: Equine Worker Health Initiative will provide crucial resources for a population of people who are disproportionally impacted by lack of access to equitable health care. We invite you to help us support this initiative by making it more accessible and better equipped to provide services for equine workers and their families,” said Amy Mangan, Executive Director, AdventHealth Ocala Foundation.

Industry stakeholders and community leaders interested in contributing to the program can contact Mangan by phone at 352857-5388 or email amy.mangan@adventhealth.com. Interested donors can also go to the website at yourgenerosityhealsocala. com and add the level of giving you would like to donate.

AdventHealth Ocala offers uncommon compassion and unparalleled expertise to our patients in the moments it is needed most. AdventHealth Ocala is committed to providing equitable access to whole-person care, a key pillar underpinning our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ. TFH

Mobile Clinic Naming Opportunities

• Harnessing Health Program - $500,000

• Mobile Clinic and Medical Equipment – $350,000

• Mobile Clinic vehicle only - $250,000

• Medical Equipment - $100,000

• Exam Tables –$50,000

• Standing Exam Lights - $25,000

• Privacy Screens – $15,000

• Defibrillator AED – $10,000

• Portable Blood Pressure Machines –$5,000

• Portable Pulse Oximeters –$1500

FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY February 2024

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT

FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY March 2024

RACES (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN OPTIONAL CLAIMING

TAMMY A. GANTT

Associate Vice President Director of Membership

Events

FTC Scholarship Application Deadline Is June 15

Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Inc. (FTC) is the charitable arm of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA). Each year students may apply for FTC scholarships available for any accredited university, college or technical institution for two to four-year programs. Typically, the scholarships cover the current Fall semester and the following Spring semester. Students that would like to be considered for a scholarship for the upcoming school year must submit the application by June 15.

Scholarships are based on the following criteria:

AFFILIATION - Applicant MUST be a child, employee, or a child of an employee of a current FTBOA Regular Member in good standing.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT - High school GPA must be 3.0 and above, or college GPA must be 2.8 and above during scholarship period. An official transcript must accompany the application (unofficial transcripts may be attached and official transcripts mailed by deadline). Full-or part-time students may apply. Dual enrolled students (high school/college) are not eligible for this scholarship.

FINANCIAL NEED – A copy of Student Aid Report (SAR) from Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must accompany application. For more information regarding FAFSA, visit:  https://fafsa. ed.gov.

The application can be mailed or dropped off at the Florida Breeders’ & Owners’ Association offices at 801 S.W. 60th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34474. For questions, please contact the FTBOA at 352-6292160.

Florida Thoroughbred Charities awarded four scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year to students pursuing a wide variety of fields.

Since 1990, FTC has strengthened the community by raising more than $4 million for charitable organizations within the Thoroughbred industry, the City of Ocala, Marion County and the State of Florida.

Scholarships are made possible through FTC fundraisers, the Quail Roost Foundation, endowments at the College of Central Florida, and through donations. TFH

JOHN D. FILER PHOTO

Jessica (Lombardi) Smith (pictured here with daughter Morgan) is a past scholarship recipient.

Buyer: Donato Lanni, agent for Zedan Racing Stables

Consignor: Ocala Stud

Breeders: Ocala Stud, Joseph O’Farrell, David O’Farrell, et al

Hat Trick (JPN)-Miss Smarty Pants, by Smarty Jones