The Florida Horse - August 2023

AUGUST 2023 | VOL 66 | ISSUE 6

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS

7 THE BROCK TALK

8 FLORIDA FOCUS

10 REMI BELLOCQ CARTOON

40 FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY National Florida-bred Statistics

53 FLORIDA-BRED LEADING MONEY EARNERS

55 FLORIDA-BRED LEADING SIRES

57 ADVERTISER INDEX

58 FTBOA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

— By Tammy A. Gantt

FEATURES

22 $55 MILLION WIN TICKET FOR FLORIDA THOROUGHBREDS

HISA Funded, Purses Preserved, 2024-2025 Record Florida-bred Incentives

— By Brock Sheridan

28 BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING

Ocala’s Jens Antonucci became the first woman to train a Triple Crown race winner — By JoAnn Guidry

36 SEMINOLE GAMING DEAL GETS BIG WIN

— By Dara Kam

39 EQUINE RESEARCH - USE OF HAIR IN THE DETECTION OF BISPHOSPHONATES

By Grayson-Jockey Club Press Office

CONTENTS

COMPOSITE COVER PHOTO: Jena Antonucci by Susie Raisher

PHOTO: Florida-Bred Dean Delivers in the Smile Sprint by Ryan Thompson

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, Laurine Fuller-Vargas, Mike Hall, Bobby Jones, Richard Kent, Milan Kosanovich, Mary Lightner, Dr. Fred Yutani

PAST PRESIDENTS

Phil Matthews, DVM, Brent Fernung, 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 ACCOUNTANTS

Liz Adorno

Kerrie Riber

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

Horse Capital of the World® is a registered trademark of The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association

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 EDITORINDUSTRY & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Tammy A. Gantt

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Antoinette Griseta

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nancy Moffatt

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Cynthia M. Harper

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mari Black

Published

Horse

World

© THE FLORIDA HORSE (ISSN 0090-967X) is published monthly except May & July by THE FLORIDA HORSE, INC., 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474, including the annual Statistical Review in February. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Florida Equine Communications or the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Publication of any material originating herein is expressly forbidden without first obtaining written permission from THE FLORIDA HORSE©. Statistics in the publication relating to results of racing in North America are compiled from data generated by Daily Racing Form, Equibase, Bloodstock Research Information Services, and The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc., the copyright owners of said data. Reproduction is prohibited. Advertising copy deadline 5th of month preceding publication. Subscriptions and change of address: Please mail to – Circulations Department. THE FLORIDA HORSE, 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474. Printed by PANAPRINT

said data. DRF content: Copyright 2004 Daily Racing Form, LLC and Equibase Company LLC, all rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

BROCK SHERIDAN Editor-in-Chief Florida Equine Communications

Florida Sire Stakes Move Proving Quite Popular

There will be a significant change in the 2023 summer/fall Florida Thoroughbred racing program as the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and Gulfstream Park have altered the schedule for the $1.2 million Florida Sire Stakes series of races.

The six-race series for 2-year-olds sired by Florida-based stallions has for years been made up of three divisions for colts and geldings and three for fillies, typically starting around the first week of August with the Dr. Fager and the Desert Vixen, both at six furlongs. The series would continue a month later with two seven-furlong divisions—the Affirmed for colts and geldings and the Susan’s Girl for fillies—before concluding around the first of October with the My Dear Girl for fillies and the In Reality for males at a mile-and-a-sixteenth.

This year, however, the $100,000 Dr. Fager and the $100,000 Desert Vixen will be run Sept. 9 at Gulfstream Park before resuming six weeks later at the Hallandale Beach oval with the $200,000 Affirmed and the $200,000 Susan’s Girl on Oct. 21. The series concludes another six weeks later, Dec. 2, with the $300,000 In Reality and the $300,000 My Dear Girl.

The calendar change appears to be popular— especially among horsemen with the more promising Florida-breds in the freshmen class of 2023.

Joe Orseno, president of the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and trainer of impressive maiden special weight winner Mattingly, gave his stamp of approval after the son of Pleasant Acres Stallions resident Bucchero dominated in his second start on June 24 by nearly six lengths.

“I think moving the [Florida] Sire Stakes back

was one of the wisest decisions made,” Orseno said. “It gives us a chance to buy a horse in June, train them and keep them healthy and then plan for the Sire Stakes.”

Also giving initial approval was Brian Cohen, manager of Arindel and BC Racing Stable who has several young Florida-breds showing promise including $100,000 Prairie Gold Juvenile-winner Reaper, a son of Arindel’s exceptional stallion Brethren.

“With the Sire Stakes changes, what I’m most happy about is the distance between the races. I think getting the six weeks between races gives the horses a good amount of time to recover and run their best [in subsequent Florida Sire Stakes] races,” Cohen said.

In addition to Reaper, Cohen also has in his BC Racing Stable Jive, an impressive son of Journeyman Stud’s first crop sire St Patrick’s Day who won his five furlong debut in 1:00.20—the fastest time for the distance at Gulfstream this year among 70 previous winners, including older horses during the prestigious winter Championship Meet.

Cohen said he had planned to run Jive against some of the nation’s best at the acclaimed Saratoga Race Course before returning later for the Florida Sire Stakes.

“I’m very happy about moving the races back. It gives horses a chance to develop and run in some of the prestigious 2-year-old races around the country before coming back to the Sire Stakes.”

And looking at just a few of the promising Florida-bred juveniles so far this year—one does not want to miss the new 2023 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes. TFH

Florida Focus

Compiled by Brock Sheridan

Swan Lake Wires English Channel for First Stakes Win

Florida-bred Earns $25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus

Elizabeth L. Dobles and Imaginary Stables’ Swan Lake led from start to finish to win the $100,000 English Channel at Gulfstream Park on May 6, earning a $25,000 win bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. The FTBOA bonus was in addition to the $75,00 purse for the one mile turf event for 3-year-olds.

Also trained by Dobles, Swan Lake and jockey Edgar Perez topped a Florida-bred exacta in a time of 1:34.79 on the firm turf with Boppy O finishing second.

Swan Lake broke a step slow from post eight but was quickly into stride and jumped away from his rivals to finish the first quarter mile in :23.79 and was a length-and-a-half clear of Haruki and Cosmic Speculation in a joint second heading down the backstretch.

Haruki and Cosmic Speculation tried to muster a challenge early in the far turn but Swan Lake put them away before he turned for home and drew off in the stretch as Boppy O joined Haruki in second. But Swan Lake was much the best and was never threatened in the lane. Boppy O held off the late-running People Force, who was half-length farther back in third. Haruki finished fourth followed by Ordinary, Sea Hunter, Cosmic Speculation with Florida-breds Ticking and Devils Only Friend completing the order of finish.

Let go at 9-1, Swan Lake paid $20.80 to win.

Bred by Jacks or Better Farm Inc., Swan Lake is a son of Fort Loudon out of the multiple stakes-winning mare Ballet Diva, by Hear No Evil and earned his first career stakes victory in the English Channel. The chestnut gelding now has three wins in 10 career starts with two seconds and a third and the $68,200 payday increased his bankroll to $144,600.

Swan Lake is the first stakes winner for Ballet Diva, who also has an unraced 2-year-old, Entendre, by Awesome of Course. She was bred to Candy Ride (Arg) in 2022.

Swan Lake entered the English Channel after English Painter nabbed him at the finish of a first level, $75,000 optional claiming going a mile-and-a-sixteenth on the turf at Gulfstream on April 8. Prior to that he had finished third behind winner Otago in the $100,000 Equistaff Sophomore Turf on Florida Cup Day, March 26 at Tampa Bay Downs, also at eight-and-a-half furlongs.

His last victory prior to the English Channel came in a $35,000 optional claiming starter allowance at seven-and-a-half furlongs on the turf on Jan. 1 after he won against $35,000 maiden claimers in his previous start on Dec. 9 at Gulfstream. n

Our Flash Drive Returns With Emphatic Victory in Whimsical

Live Oak Plantation’s homebred Our Flash Drive returned after six months away from the track to win the Grade 3 Whimsical at Woodbine on May 13 and build upon her graded-stakes success at the Toronto oval.

The 4-year-old daughter of Ghostzapper has now won at least one graded stakes at Woodbine in each of her three years on the

Florida-bred Swan Lake | Photo by Lauren King

Florida-bred Our Flash Drive | Photo by Michael Burns

track going back to victories in the Grade 3 Selene and Grade 3 Ontario Colleen during her juvenile year in 2021 and Grade 2 Bessarabian on Nov. 12 in her final start of last year.

It was also her first career victory at six furlongs as she won the US$116,835 Whimsical by a length-and-a-half against seven other fillies and mares.

Trained by Mark Casse and ridden by Patrick Husbands, Our Flash Drive sat third in the early going as 43-1 longshot Forest Drift and 4-1 second choice Hard Edge battled together on the front end through quarter-mile fractions of :22.57 and :45.03 on the synthetic course.

With little urging from Husbands, Our Flash Drive swung out three-wide turning for home and cruised by the front-runners while galloping to a clear lead down the lane, eventually crossing the wire a length-and-three-quarters in front of the late-running second-place finisher and Casse stablemate Miss Speedy while covering the distance in 1:10.12.

Baby No Worries was another half-length farther back in third with Owen’s Tour Guide, Forest Drift, Hard Edge, Florida-bred Ambassador Luna and Basalt Street completing the order of finish.

“She’s legit,” Husbands said of Our Flash Drive. “Anything you want her to do, she’ll do. She broke sharp and I was just behind the speed and I didn’t want the speed to come back and get stopped behind it. So, by the three-eighths pole I tipped her out into the clear and she got the job done.”

It was the 100th career graded stakes victory for Husbands and his 350th stakes win overall.

Out of the unraced Dynaformer mare Dyanmotor, Our Flash Drive has now won six of 15 career starts with three seconds and a third while banking $523,344.

Our Flash Drive also won the $135,000 De La Rose last year at Saratoga on her way to being named the 2022 champion older mare and champion turf mare by the FTBOA.

Our Flash Drive paid $3.40 to win as the odds-on 3-5 favorite.

Charlotte Weber purchased Dyanmotor in the name of her Live Oak Plantation for $650,000 as a yearling at Keeneland in 2012 and Our Flash Drive was her second foal after winner Gearhead, by City Zip. Dynamotor also has an unraced 3-year-old filly who is a full-sister to Our Flash Drive in Bell Witch and an unraced 2-year-old filly named Flashy Motor, from the first crop by Omaha Beach. She has an unnamed weanling colt by Mendelssohn. Our Flash Drive is her only black-type winner from three starters of five foals with two winners. n

Veteran Max K. O. Breaks Through for First Stakes Win in Mr. Steele Also Takes $25,000 FTBOA Florida-bred Win Bonus

Second in the 2021 Mr. Steele, the 7-year-old Florida-bred Max K. O. won this year’s version of the $75,000 Mr. Steele on May 14 for the first black-type victory of his career with jockey Edwin Gonzalez aboard. In addition to the winner’s share of the Mr. Steele purse, Max K. O. also took down a $25,000 win bonus for Florida-breds presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for a $69,100 payday for owner Ten Twenty Racing.

Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Max K. O. ran down 9-5 favorite and stablemate Saratoga Flash in the final strides of the mile-andone-sixteenth turf test against six other 3-year-olds and older to win by a nose in 1:42.51.

Florida-bred Me and Mr. C, who won the 2022 Mr. Steele, was another length-and-a-half back in third followed by Value Proposition, Candy Tycoon, Fredo and Grand David. Florida-bred Hot Blooded was scratched.

“I thought Saratoga Flash would win but Max dug in. He was [very] patient covering him up. He’s always been a decent horse.

Florida-bred Max K.O. | Photo by Ryan Thompson

Continued

Florida Focus

We changed his running style. He used to lead and stop. Now he’s sustaining it more,” Joseph said.

Max K. O. paid $8.80 to win.

Fifth behind winner Roaring Forties in his last try against stakes horses in the $75,000 Sunshine Turf Classic at Gulfstream on Jan. 1, Max K. O. was also second to Drama Chorus in the 2022 Grey Goose Turf Classic on Florida Cup Day at Tampa Bay Downs in his only other runner-up performance against added-money company. In 43 career starts, 17 of which came in stakes, Max K. O. now has 12 wins with six seconds and two thirds while earning $532,780.

Max K. O. is by J P’s Gusto out of Funky Fraulein, by Sligo Bay (Ire) and was bred in Florida by Span Investments. Funky Fraulein has six winners from seven starters and 10 foals with Max K. O. her only black-typer winner. She also has an unraced 3-year-old filly by Soldat in Fraulein Victoria and an unnamed yearling filly by Protonico.

Max K. O. is a two-time graduate of Ocala Breeders’ Sales having first passed through the ring as a yearling in the 2017 October

Sale where he did not meet his reserve. He then sold for $13,000 to Rohan Crichton out of the Sante Fe Thoroughbreds consignment at the 2018 June Sale. n

Jive First Winner for St Patrick’s Day

Journeyman Stud freshman sire St Patrick’s Day was represented by his first winner in his first starter on May 19 at Gulfstream Park as BC Racing LLC’s Jive took a $65,000 maiden special weight for 2-year-olds. The purse includes a $5,000 FTBOA bonus for Florida Sire Stakes eligible runners presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and $10,000 from the Florida-bred Incentive Fund.

Trained by Juan Alvarado and ridden by Edwin Gonzalez, Jive was third down the backstretch of the five-furlong test as Jigsaw and Paisan set the early pace.

Jigsaw and Jive went past the quarter-pole in tandem but the latter took a narrow lead into the stretch while three-wide with Paisan remaining a threat with an inside trip.

Paisan tried to get by Jive down the stretch but Jive kept the advantage to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:00.20. Paisan was second with Jigsaw making a late run to finish just a neck farther back in third. They were followed, in order, by Dontbesoogrouchy, Z Races and Echo Lane. Saint No More was scratched.

Jive paid $7.60 to win.

Jive is out of the Sky Mesa mare Skylarbdancing and was bred in Florida by Jennifer A. Johnson and Gillian K. Johnson. Jive earned $43,000 for the victory and is eligible for the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series of races to be run later this year at Gulfstream Park.

Jive is a graduate of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Winter Mixed Sale where Brian Cohen purchased the bay colt for $23,000 out of Richard Kent’s Kaizen Sales consignment.

By Pioneerof the Nile out of Littleprincess Emma, by Yankee Gentleman, St Patrick’s Day is a full brother to 2015 Triple Crown-winner American Pharoah and was second to Unfortunately (Ire) in the Group 3 Renaissance at Nass as a 3-year-old and third in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire Celebration won by I’m So Fancy (Ire) at the Curragh during his juvenile campaign. He stood the 2023 breeding season for $3,500. n

Dean Delivers Breaks Through with Big Drama Score Earns $25,000 FTBOA FSS Bonus

Stonehedge LLC Dean Delivers, who has been second five times against stakes company, took home his first top black-type prize on May 20 at Gulfstream Park with a convincing victory in the seven-furlong Big Drama against older Florida-breds. Trained by Michael Yates, Dean Delivers also earned a $25,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Win bonus in addition to the winner’s share of the $65,000 purse.

Dean Delivers and jockey Emisael Jaramillo broke well from post three as Avant Glory darted to the early lead from post five with Picking Up Pennies to his inside. Dean Delivers set up just behind the top two in third.

Passing the three-eighths marker, Dean Delivers took a subtle cue from Jaramillo and shot to the front with a three-wide move as Picking Up Pennies followed to take second as they went by the five-sixteenths pole. Dean Delivers then sprinted away from his rivals turning for home and was well clear at the top of the stretch.

Dean Delivers finished up in 1:23.11 on the fast track and was three-and-three-quarter lengths in front of Starship Renegade in second with Avant Glory another length-and-a-quarter farther back in third. Picking Up Pennies was fourth followed, in order, by Gangly and Stormy Pattern. Big and Classy was scratched.

Continued on page14

Florida-bred Jive | Photo by Ryan Thompson

Florida-bred Dean Delivers | Photo by Lauren King

Florida Focus

Dean Delivers paid $3.80 to win as the odds-on choice and won for the first time since taking a first condition, $75,000 optional claiming on Aug. 14 and a first condition, $20,000 optional claiming the race before on July 15, both at Gulfstream.

Since those wins, Dean Delivers had four seconds—three in stakes—and a third and fourth against graded-stakes foes, all at Gulfstream. He was a runner-up to Clapton in the $150,000 FTBOA Gil Campbell Memorial Handicap on Oct. 1 and was second to Sibelius in the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector on Dec. 31. Just prior to the Big Drama, he was a neck short of Weyburn in the $105,000 Sir Shackleton on April 1. In that span he was also third in the Grade 3 Fred Hooper on Jan. 28 and fourth in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Mile on March 4, both won by Endorsed.

The other two runner-up performances in his career came in the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager to stablemate Cajun’s Magic in 2021 and in the Grade 3 Claiborne Farm Swale won by My Prankster in February of last year.

The $63,610 payday in the Big Drama increased his career revenues to $347,860 from four wins, seven seconds and a third in 15 starts.

Dean Delivers is by Stonehedge Farm South stallion Cajun Breeze and his bottom side goes back three generations of broodmares owned by the late Gilbert Campbell and his wife Marilyn Campbell. His first dam is Florida-bred Slick and True, by Yes It’s True out of the Campbell’s stakes-winning Florida-homebred mare Slick Lady—by Florida-bred Unreal Zeal—and winner of the 2001 Columbus Day at Suffolk Downs. His third dam is the Deputy Minister mare Beaty Sark, who Gilbert Campbell purchased for $40,000 out of the 1987 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Summer Yearling Sale.

Slick and True has also produced stakes-placed Zimba Warrior, by Journeyman Stud’s leading sire Khozan; an unraced 2-year-old colt, Hayahlookatme, by Khozan; and an unnamed yearling filly by Gentlemen’s Bet. She was bred to Lone Sailor in 2023. n

Uncashed Wires Golden Circle For Third Straight Win

Patricia’s Hope LLC’s Florida-bred Uncashed went wire-to-wire while dominating four other 3-year-olds in the $49,000 Golden Circle at Prairie Meadows on May 20, winning by eight-and-a-half lengths in 1:10.13 over six furlongs.

Trained by Larry Rivelli, Uncashed has now won four of five career starts including three consecutive races while winning his first stakes. His only defeat came in his second career start when

second to Hand Party in a first level, $62,500 optional claiming going six furlongs at Hawthorne in the final start of his 2-year-old campaign. In his two previous races this year, he won a five-anda-half-furlong non-winners of two allowance by five-and-a-quarter lengths on April 20 and a non-winners of three allowance by nearly three lengths after six furlongs on May 7, both at Hawthorne. He won on debut last year by 11 ½ lengths against special weight maidens at Louisiana Downs going six furlongs on Sept. 13 when trained by Tina Hurley.

Ridden by Orlando Mojica from post three, Uncashed broke best of all and took a short lead out of the six-furlong chute and drew off to a two-length lead into the turn. He stretched that margin to three lengths past the quarter-pole and continued to improve down the stretch to dominate in his stakes debut with Ocean of Storms finishing second, two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Kyandi in third. Arizona Andrew and Call Me Ice Man completed the order of finish. Florida-bred Toddchero was scratched.

Uncashed was sent to the post as the 1-5 favorite and paid $2.60 to win.

Uncashed is by Uncaptured out of Charlie B, by War Chant and the dark bay gelding was bred by Nickstar Farms. He has earned $86,000 in his five career races. Uncashed in the first stakes-winner for Charlie B., who has one other winner from three starters and five foals. She also has an unraced 2-year-old filly, Cool Tricks, by Practical Joke; a yearling filly, Miss Zelenskyy, by West Coast; and a weanling filly by Connect. n

Florida-bred Uncashed | Photo by Coady

Third Straight Graded Victory for Determined Our Flash Drive

Live Oak Plantation homebred Our Flash Drive won her third consecutive graded-stakes victory as the Florida-bred mare took the Grade 2 Royal North at Woodbine on June 3. In a relentless effort down the stretch of the six-and-a-half furlong turf contest, Our Flash Drive had to wear down 34-1 longshot Forest Drift but, but once clear in the final sixteenth, was never seriously threatened by eventual second-place finisher Sweet Enough. Our Flash Drive won by a length-and-a-quarter as the even money favorite of the US$134,972 Royal North in 1:13.88 on the firm turf.

The 5-year-old daughter of Ghostzapper out of Dyanmotor, by Dynaformer went into the Royal North after winning the Grade 2 Bessarabian at seven furlongs on Nov. 12 and the Grade 3 Whimsical going six furlongs on May 12, both on Woodbine’s synthetic main track. Her last stakes victory on grass was the one-mile De La Rose at Saratoga in August.

In the Royal North, Our Flash Drive and jockey Patrick Husbands raced in second, two lengths behind initial leader Forest Drift before closing to within a half-length into the turn. Our Flash Drive could not get by the stubborn Forest Drift until deep stretch but won with authority once clear.

Second-place finisher Sweet Enough (GB) was a neck faster than Millie Girl in third with Forest Drift another neck back in fourth. Adaay in Asia (GB), Baby No Worries, Imagery, Floridabred Ambassador Luna, Owen’s Tour Guide and Demodog completed the order of finish.

Our Flash Drive paid $4.30 to win as the even-money favorite.

“When [morning line 3-1 second choice Bay Storm] scratched, I said, ‘You know what? Get in the clear and keep your eyes on the horse on the lead,’” Husbands said. “And [Forest Drift] on the lead, she was doing it so easy. Her ears were pricked, and she was doing it so easy. I said, ‘I’ve got to go after this filly now.’ She [Our Flash Drive] is a class horse and when you go into these races, you have to ride them with confidence.”

Trained by Mark Casse, Our Flash Drive increased her career earnings to $601,536 from seven wins, three seconds and a third in 16 starts. She also counts the Grade 3 Selene on synthetic and the Grade 3 Ontario Collen on turf, both at Woodbine in 2021, among her six career stakes victories. She was the FTBOA Champion Older Mare and Champion Female Turf Horse of 2022. n

Continued on next page

Florida-bred Our Flash Drive | Photo by Michael Burns

Florida Focus

Cuban Cobra Opens 2023 With Third Career Stakes Victory

Cuban Corbra is the second black-type winner for A E Phi Sensation, who also produced 2021 Century Mile Handicap and Don Getty Handicap-winner Greek Geek, by Misremembered. She has produced four winners from four starters and has an unnamed yearling filly by Sungold.

Cuban Cobra was bred in Florida by Moonshine Meadow Ranch and he has now earned $94,567 in his six career starts.

Boppy O Rallies to Win Jersey Derby in Mild Upset

John C. Oxley and Breeze Easy LLC’s Boppy O came from off the pace to win the $100,000 Jersey Derby at Monmouth Park on June 3. The $100,000 Jersey Derby offered a field of seven three-year-olds who went one mile on the grass and Boppy O won for the first time since taking the Grade 3 With Anticipation going a mile-and-a-sixteenth on the inner turf at Saratoga in August.

Second to last early in the Jersey Derby, Boppy O and jockey Isaac Castillo were about five lengths off of fellow Florida-bred Cosmic Speculation, who set quarter-mile fractions in :22.69, :46.77 at odds of 110-1 while being chased by Florida-bred Swan Lake in second.

Cosmic Speculation and Swan Lake were heads apart with a

Making his first start since finishing second to It’s a Fact in the US$36,013 Birdcatcher at Century Mile on Oct. 29, Florida-bred Cuban Cobra started his 2023 campaign with a two-and-a-quarterlength score in US$36,862 Western Canada Handicap on June 3.

Ridden for the first time by Dane Nelson for new trainer Gonzalo Anderson, who owns Cuban Cobra with Crystal Cates, Cuban Cobra led from start to finish to win for the fourth time in six career starts while carrying the co-highweight of 122 pounds. He covered the six furlongs in 1:09.88 after setting quarter-mile splits of :22.10 and :44.80 with a two-length margin most of the way.

Odds-on favorite American Blaze was second followed by Readytotapnsing, Flashin Aces, Mohamad, Money Muncher and It’s A Fact.

Cuban Cobra paid $5 to win as the second choice.

It was also the third career stakes victory for the 3-year-old son of Flat Out out of A E Phi Sensation, by Johannesburg who also won the US$38,619 Canadian Juvenile in August at Century Mile and the US$37,874 Winnipeg Futurity in September at Assiniboia Downs. His only other career loss came when second to Readytotapnsing in the US$39,042 Martin Dearline Juvenile at Century Mile in July.

Florida-bred Cuban Cobra |

Photo by Ryan Haynes

Florida-bred Boppy O |

Photo by Bill Denver/EquiPhoto

quarter mile to the finish before 2-5 favorite Talk of the Nation took a clear lead in the run for home. But Boppy O was in full stride in deep stretch and raced by Talk of the Nation to win by a length in 1:34.02 on the firm course.

Talk of the Nation finished two-and-a-quarter lengths in front of third-place finisher Turf King (Ire) followed by Swan Lake, Cosmic Speculation, People Force and Sherlock’s Jewel. Activist Investing (GB), Ironsides and Offaly Cool scratched.

Trained by Mark Casse, Boppy O paid $18.80 to win at odds better than 8-1.

“I talked to Isaac Castillo in the paddock and I thought he’d be closer to the leaders this race,” Casse assistant Shane Tripp said. “After the break, he wasn’t. He was shuffled back.

“Today we learned something about him. He can let the speed go and get his feet under him and come late like he did today. I was a little concerned he was too far back early on. I thought he’d be keener early. Isaac just had to adjust and call an audible.”

Boppy O was second in his previous two races, both against stakes horses. He was second to Otago in the $100,000 Equistaff Sophomore Turf at Tampa Bay Downs on Florida Cup Day in March and second to Jersey Derby foe Swan Lake in the $100,000 English Channel over the Gulfstream Park grass on May 6.

Boppy O has now won three of 10 career starts with two seconds and a third while banking $268,978.

By Bolt d’Oro out of the stakes-winning mare Pappascat, by Scat Daddy, Boppy O was bred by George and Karen Russell’s Rustlewood Farm Inc., and is a half-brother to their graded stakes-winner Pappacap. Pappascat has four winners from four starters plus an unnamed 2-year-old colt by first crop sire Omaha Beach and an unnamed yearling colt by War of Will. She was bred to Candy Ride (Arg) in 2022.

The current ownership team purchased Boppy O for $190,000 as a yearling at Keeneland in September out of Francis and Barbara Vanlangendock’s Summerfield consignment.

“I think after today he can get another graded stakes,” Tripp said. “He has tried a few and won one. I think with what he showed today he can win another.” n

Tape to Tape Wires Ed Skinner for First Stakes Score

Dominic Larocca’s 5-year-old Florida-bred Tape to Tape earned his first career stakes victory June 9 at Prairie Meadows with a wire-to-wire victory in the $50,000 Ed Skinner while winning for the seventh time in his last eight starts. In a race riddled by six scratches, Tape to Tape won the six-furlong test for 3-year-olds and older by three-quarters of a length as the even-money favorite under jockey E. T. Baird.

Breaking from post four, Tape to Tape went right to the front and led by a length ahead of Tiger Dad in second through the first quarter mile. Tiger Dad could not keep up around the turn as Kneedeepinsnow tried to challenge Tape to Tape with an outside run but Tape to Tape spurted away to a two-length advantage down the stretch. Ultimate made a late run but could not catch Tape to Tape at the wire and they finished in 1:09.62 on the fast track.

Trained by Larry Rivelli, Tape to Tape’s only other appearance against stakes horses came when third to Chasing Artie in the $100,000 Bob Umphrey Sprint going five-and-a-half furlongs on synthetic at Gulfstream Park in July of last year.

By Uncaptured out of Trippi Honor, by Trippi, Tape to Tape was bred in Florida by Honors Stable Corporation and has now won eight times in 24 career starts with earnings of $278,304. He sold for $85,000 to Michael Lay at the 2020 Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale where he was consigned by Ocala Stud. n

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Learn more about our Florida Thoroughbred industry: the horses and the people that make an impact.

Brought to you by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association.

Florida-bred Tape to Tape | Photo by Coady

Florida Focus

Popular Me and Mr. C Rallies to Win Soldier’s Dancer Scores $25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus

also won the $110,000 Grey Goose Turf Classic in 2021 at Tampa Bay Downs and the $75,000 Mr. Steele on the grass at Gulfstream Park in May of last year.

Me and Mr. C was stakes-placed in his three starts prior to the Soldier’s Dancer having finished third in the $75,000 Sunshine Turf at Gulfstream on Jan. 23, second to Drama Chorus in the $110,000 Grey Goose Turf Classic on March 26 and third in Max K. O.’s $100,000 Mr. Steele on May 14.

His career mark now stands at eight wins, six seconds and five thirds from 31 starts with earnings of $398,925.

A 6-year-old son of Journeyman Stud’s Khozan out of Abiding, by Dynaformer, Me and Mr. C was bred by Stonehedge LLC. He garnered a final bid of $50,000 as a 2-year-old at OBS March, but was an RNA from the Paul Sharp consignment.

The unraced Abiding has also produced multiple stakeswinner Abiding Star, by Uncle Mo and has five winners from six starters. The late Gilbert Campbell purchased Abiding for $85,000 out of the 2010 Keeneland November sale for $85,000 from the Lane’s End as agent consignment. n

Tamarindo Upsets Beth’s Dream in Ginger Punch

Sent to the post as the 6-5 favorite, Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher’s Me and Mr. C went five-wide around the far turn before running down Lure Him In inside the final furlong to win the $65,000 Soldier’s Dancer by a length-and-a-half at Gulfstream Park on June 11. The mile-and-70-yard Soldier’s Dancer featured a field of eight 3-year-olds and older who were bred in Florida. Me and Mr. C cashed in on an additional $25,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes win bonus.

Trained by Mike Maker, Me and Mr. C also gave jockey Edgard Zayas his fourth win of the day, including both stakes on the card.

Indy Lyon and jockey Edwin Gonzalez set the pace with a length-and-a-half margin on Souper Legacy in second through the first half-mile. Me and Mr. C raced in fourth along the rail from about four lengths back. Approaching the far turn, Zayas eased Me and Mr. C to the outside for a clear run at the trio of Indy Lyon, Souper Legacy and Lure Him, who were three across the track on the lead. Lure Him emerged from the turn with a slight edge but could not hold off Me and Mr. C., who finished in 1:40.97.

Lure Him In held second, three-quarters of a length in front of Souper Legacy in third. Cashier Check, Uno Tiger, Merlin, Sociallongdistance and Indy Lyon finished in the order.

Me and Mr. C returned $4.60 to win.

It was the third career stakes victory for Me and Mr. C, who

Coming off an eighth-place finish in the Grade 3 Orchid won by Amazing Grace going a mile-and-a-half at Gulfstream on April 1, Stefania Farms LLC’s Tamarindo ran past 1-5 favorite Beth’s Dream in deep stretch to win the $65,000 Ginger Punch at Gulfstream Park on June 11.

Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. and ridden by Edgard Zayas, Tamarindo defeated five other fillies and mares bred in Florida going a

Florida-bred Tamarindo | Photo by Ryan Thompson

Florida-bred Me and Mr. C | Photo by Ryan Thompson

mile-and-70-yards over the synthetic course for her second career victory.

Tamarindo tracked in fourth during the first two furlongs as Prudent Song sprinted to a two-length lead ahead of Beth’s Dream in second. Beth’s Dream closed the gap to a half-length after a half-mile and drew even with the leader around the far turn as Tamarindo chased in third from two lengths back. Beth’s Dream took the edge inside the final sixteenth but her lead was short lived as Tamarindo shot past her in the final yards to win by a length-and-a-half in 1:42.66.

Beth’s Dream finished a half-length faster than Prettykeen in the show spot followed by Chick’s Shadow in fourth. Prudent Song was fifth followed by Treasure Tails. Battle Cry was scratched.

Tamarindo was let go at odds of 7-1 and paid $17.40 to win.

The daughter of Into Mischief out of the unraced Love Mia (Arg), by El Sultan (Arg) won on debut against maiden $40,000 optional claimers going a mile-and-a-sixteenth on synthetic in September but in five starts since, her best finish was a second to Riveting Spirit in a first level, $20,000 optional claiming going a mile-and-a-sixteenth on the grass at Gulfstream on Feb. 3.

Tamarindo was bred by Craig L. Wheeler, who consigned her to the 2021 OBS April Sale where she did not meet her reserve after a final bid of $290,000. She was also a $145,000 RNA at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale of 2-year-olds a month later from the Cary Frommer consignment.

Tamarindo now has two wins and two seconds in 10 starts with earnings of $93,020.

Love Mia has also produced multiple-stakes-winner Wild Mia, by Wildcat Heir and has five winners from seven starters. n

Flakes Holds Off Charlie’s Wish for Florida-bred Exacta in Game Face Takes $25,000 FTBOA Florida-bred Bonus

Owned by Brian Cohen’s BC Racing LLC, Flakes held off a late challenge by 8-5 favorite Charlie’s Wish to complete a Florida-bred exacta in the Game Face over a muddy six-and-a-half furlongs at Gulfstream Park on June 17. In addition to taking the winner’s share of the $75,000 purse against seven other 3-year-old fillies, Flakes earned a $25,000 Florida-bred win bonus presented by Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for a $68,650 payday.

Third in the early going behind leaders Queen Karima and It Takes Heart, Flakes and jockey Edgard Zayas glided around those two in the turn for a short advantage past the quarter pole and a clear lead at the top of the stretch. However, Charlie’s Wish made

a persistent run in the final furlong only to finish a neck short at the wire as Flakes won in 1:17.96 as the 9-5 second choice. Pachuca was third followed by Arella Star, It Takes Heart, Jellicle Katz, Queen Karima and Florida-bred Girvin Girl.

Trained by Juan Alvarado, Flakes returned $5.80 in winning her first stakes race. The $1 exacta with the two Sunshine State natives also paid $5.80.

Flakes won her first career start by three lengths against $50,000 maiden optional claimers going six furlongs in December at Gulfstream before jumping into Grade 3 company in her second race on Feb. 4. Flakes finished sixth behind winner Red Carpet Ready in the Forward Gal, but bounced back to win a first level allowance over seven furlongs against Florida-bred fillies on Feb. 22. Alvarado then entered Flakes in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks at a mile-and-a-sixteenth on April 1 where she was a respectable third behind winner Affirmative Lady before finishing second to Imonra in a first level, $75,000 optional claiming over a muddy mile at Gulfstream on May 26 just prior to the Game Face.

“We always thought seven-eighths would be her best distance, but she was training well and we just figured we’d try [the Gulfstream Park Oaks],” Cohen said. “I think six-and-a-half or seven furlongs, especially if she gets an outside post so she can stalk the pace, is nice for her.”

Bred in Florida by Arindel, Flakes is by Frosted out of the graded-stakes-placed stakes-winner Tell a Great Story, by Bluegrass Cat. She now has three wins with a second and third in six starts with earnings of $173,330. Flakes was purchased by Cohen under his BC Racing banner at last year’s Ocala Breeders’ Sales Spring Sale for $50,000 out of the Arindel consignment.

Florida-bred Flakes (inside #7) | Photo by Ryan Thompson

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Florida Focus

Tell a Great Story won the $75,125 Go for Wand at Delaware Park in 2013 and a month later was third to Dancing Afleet in the Grade 3 Delaware Oaks. Arindel purchased Tell a Great Story for $60,000 out of the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment at the 2019 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale in foal to Frosted and sold her at the 2019 OBS Winter Mixed Sale to Watershed Bloodstock. She has four winners from five starters with Flakes as her only stakes performer. Tell a Great Story has a yearling colt, Maupansant, by Florida-bred stallion Thousand Words and a weanling filly by Higher Power. n

Jockey Gabriel Maldonado

Notches First Win at 29-1

Gabriel Maldonado registered the first victory of his career June 17 at Gulfstream Park while guiding trainer Daniel Pita’s Sir Kahn, a 29-1 outsider, to a last-to-first win.

The 10-pound apprentice saved ground aboard Sir Kahn in race 4, a $6,250 claiming race going seven furlongs on a sloppy track, sending the 6-year-old gelding by Bayern inside on the turn into the homestretch on his way to a length-and-a-half victory. Major King finished second with Sun Viking third.

The 24-year-old native of Puerto Rico had 14 previous mounts, all this year at Gulfstream. n

Lightning Tones Nabs Khozeiress in Last Jump to Upset Carry Back Outsider Earns $25,000 FTBOA Florida-bred Win Bonus

Longshot Lightning Tones came flying late to nip fellow Florida-bred Khozeiress at the finish to upset the $75,000 Carry Back at Gulfstream Park on June 24 at odds of 28-1. The seven-furlong Carry Back featured a field of seven 3-year-olds.

In addition to the winner’s share of the purse, Lightning Tones earned a $25,000 Florida-bred win bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Lightning Tones and jockey Marcos Meneses were last early,

more than 17 lengths behind front-running Swirvin and Sound Doctrine after two furlongs in :21.81 as even-money favorite Super Chow tracked those two in third while three wide.

As they raced past the half-mile pole, Super Chow shot to the front as Swirvin and Sound Doctrine retreated with Lightning Tones still far back. Super Chow was two lengths in front of Florida-bred Zydeceaux after a half-mile in :44.27 as Lightning Tones began to pass tired horses coming out of the turn with ten lengths still to make up.

Florida-bred Khozeiress began to wear down Super Chow inside the final sixteenth when Lightning Tones appeared in a flash on the far outside. Khozeiress hit the front just yards from the finish but could not hold off the high-powered Lightning Tones, who won in a final time of 1:23.18 on the fast track.

Khozeiress finished three-quarters of a length in front of Super Chow in third followed by Swirvin, Mr. Peeks, Florida-bred Zydeceaux and Sound Doctrine.

“I had no expectations, but I never gave up,” jockey Marco Meneses said. “There was so much speed, I just relaxed my horse and at the three-eighths [pole] he just flew.”

Lightning Tones paid $58.40 to win and the $1 Florida-bred exacta returned $110.20.

Lightning Tones was making his second start for owner and trainer Daniel Hurtak, who had claimed the dark bay or brown gelding for $12,500 out of a five-length victory over seven furlongs at Gulfstream on May 5. In his first start for Hurtak, Lightning Tone finished second to Coppermaster in a $25,000 optional claiming starter allowance going seven furlongs on June 11 before making his stakes debut in the Carry Back.

Lightning Tones has now won three of 10 starts with two seconds and a third and the $70,570 Carry Back payday pushed his career earnings to $120,490.

Florida-bred Lightning Tones | Photo by Ryan Thompson

Gabriel Maldonado | Photo by Ryan Thompson

Lightning Tones is by Tonalist out of the Florida-bred mare Rosesandlightning, by Lightning and Thunder and was bred in the Sunshine State by H & A Stables LLC. He is a graduate of the early training program at Eddie Woods Stables in Ocala.

Lightning Tones is the second foal out of Rosesandlightning and the only winner. She also has an unnamed yearling filly by Maximum Security who was bred by H & A Stables LLC as well.

Lightning Tones is the first Florida-bred winner of the Carry Back since Take Command in 2019 and is the 28th Florida-bred winner of the race first run in 1976. The Carry Back is named for the Florida-bred millionaire and winner of the 1961 Kentucky Derby and a Preakness. n

Determined Mohawk Trail Finds Room to Upset Alywow

six. Mohawk Trail settled into fourth, about two-and-a-half lengths behind Collecting Flatter and held that position behind the frontrunners around the turn. Ryder Ryder Ryder gained a narrow advantage at the top of the stretch as Mohawk Trail looked for room in the run for home. With a furlong to the finish, Mohawk Trail found a gap in the four path and darted to the front for the victory in 1:15.66 on the firm turf.

Up and Down finished second, a head faster than Last Call in third with Ryder Ryder Ryder another head farther back in fourth. Secret Money, Fearless Angel and Collecting Flatter completed the order of finish. Renegade Rebel and Florida-bred Star Candy were scratched.

Mohawk Trail paid $23.10 to win.

“She was doing everything a lot more forward than I really wanted to or anticipated,” Beschizza said after winning for the first time at Woodbine in his second appearance. “She broke right on top of the gate and was almost vying for the lead for the first furlong. Kelsey had her perfect for today and she’s really done a good job with her. She was in perfect condition coming into this, almost too ready. All she wanted to do was please. She was there very early from the beginning and almost there too soon. So, at the last eighth of a mile there, she was almost easing up, waiting for company.”

After finishing eighth in Mission of Joy’s Grade 3 Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs over a mile-and-a-sixteenth on the turf in March, Mohawk Trail improved to finish third behind winner Breath Away in the $104,000 Sanibel Island going seven-and-ahalf furlongs on the Gulfstream Park grass on April 1. Just prior to the Alywow, Mohawk Trail just missed in the $150,000 Horseshoe Indianapolis Handicap when second, a half-length short of winner Safeen going a mile on the turf on May 17.

Florida-bred Mohawk Trail lacked room at the top of the stretch but split rivals a furlong out on her way to a three-quarterlength score in the US$75,782 Alywow at Woodbine on June 25. The Kelsey Danner trainee defeated six other 3-year-old fillies over six-and-a-half furlongs on the grass to earn her first stakes victory with jockey Adam Beschizza aboard at odds of 10-1.

Mohawk Trail broke best of all from post four before longshot Collecting Flatter sprinted to the front on the inside and 8-5 favorite Ryder Ryder Ryder took second after starting from post

Bred by Westbury Stables LLC, Mohawk Trail is by Pioneerof the Nile out of the stakes-placed Iroquois Girl, by Indian Charlie and has now won three with a second and a third in eight starts. The US$45,469 first-place check in the Alywow increased her career earnings to $136,839 for owner NBS Stables LLC.

Mohawk Trail is the second foal and first winner for Iroquois Girl, who was third behind Richies Sweetheart in the 2015 Lightning City at Tampa Bay Downs. Iroquos Girl also has an unraced 2-year-old filly, Justify Charlie, by Justify, who was also bred in Florida by Westbury Stables. TFH

Florida-bred Mowhawk Trail | Photo by Michael Burns

$55 Million Win Ticket for Florida Thoroughbreds

HISA Funded, Purses Preserved 2024-25 Record Florida-bred Incentives

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

OCALA, FL—When Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 7063 on May 25, he approved a $1.3 billion tax package that provides sweeping benefits for millions of Floridians. He also punched a win ticket at long odds for the Thoroughbred industry that secured a welltimed and significant boost.

The legislation championed by Florida House Ways and Means chairman Stan McClain (R-Ocala) injects more than $55 million into the Florida Thoroughbred industry over the next two fiscal years plus approximately $12 million in tax credits that will recover Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act assessments.

“The Florida Thoroughbred breeding, farms and industry are a vital part of the economy of Marion County and the state,” Rep. McClain said. “Nothing in Tallahassee is done alone and I was glad to have been part of a team effort to give a needed boost to the industry.”

Florida breeders benefit most directly from $5 million provided to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for awards and incentives while those who own and train Florida-bred racehorses will see an additional $2.5 million for Florida-bred stakes and purse bonuses.

Gulfstream Park will be allocated $15 million and an additional $5 million will go to Tampa Bay Downs for purses and

Rep. Stan McClain (R-Ocala) | File Photo

“The Florida Thoroughbred breeding, farms and industry are a vital part of the economy of Marion County and the state.”

– Rep. Stan McClain

facility improvements pursuant to agreements with their respective horsemen’s associations. As much as or more than a $7.5 million increase to Gulfstream Park purses may be anticipated while Tampa Bay Downs horsemen may benevolently receive up to a full $5 million increase in prize money.

FTBOA’s very early presence in Tallahassee set the course towards this monolithic infusion. Last fall and into January; FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell, who provided leadership and spirited encouragement; lobbyists Matt Bryan and Jon Rees, and FTBOA general counsel Warren Husband had already paced the first furlongs in Tallahassee. This early, focused spade-work set the table with framework bill language, legislative briefings and engagement recognizing the $3 billion Florida Thoroughbred economic engine.

“This industry is extremely fortunate to have some very determined supporters and leaders in Tallahassee who appreciate our nearly $3 billion economic impact to the Sunshine State,” Powell said.

Powell and Bryan said they were gratified for the support from McClain, House Speaker Paul Renner (R-Palm Coast) and Rep. Lawrence McClure (R-Plant City) and backing from Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, (R-Naples) Senate Finance and Tax chair Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill) and Sens. Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) and President Pro Tempore Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake). Powell also recognized the ongoing support and counsel from longtime Thoroughbred breeding friend and supporter Wilton Simpson, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“On something as meaningful as this, it doesn’t happen just because one or two people want it to happen,” Bryan said. “It happens because you’ve convinced a large segment of the House, the Senate, the staff, the Governor’s office. You’ve convinced a lot of people to make it happen. One or two people just can’t do that. We had a lot of help and it’s good to recognize that help.”

Powell eagerly recognizes Bryan for his masterful advancement of this package through the legislative process over the last many years.

“Matt [Bryan] gets our collective ‘Session MVP Award’ for his incredible determination and energy,” Powell said. “This amazing legislative victory could not have happened without him with big assists from Jon Rees and the Smith, Bryan & Meyers firm. FTBOA general counsel Warren Husband played his usual ‘A-game’ and we had quality support via our office in Ocala from executives Peggy Yost and Steve Koch, FTBOA president George Isaacs and his offi-

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“I’ve never seen anything remotely as beneficial out of Tallahassee for horse racing and breeding as this legislative package. This package can be a real game changer for our industry.

– Brent Fernung Journeyman Stud

FTBOA Lobbyist Matt Bryan | File Photo

“

Without the sustained and consistent investment of time, energy and resources by the FTBOA, we would now likely be picking through the ruins of a ‘decoupled’ racing environment, just like our Standardbred and Quarter Horse friends.”

– George Isaacs Bridlewood Farm & FTBOA President

“The current legislative success that the Florida Thoroughbred industry has received is a collective effort of the staff and board of directors of the FTBOA in the last 10 years.

– Francis Vanlangendonck Summerfield Sales

cer team all contributing greatly to this collective effort that ultimately included both tracks and horsemen leadership groups.”

FTBOA past president Brent Fernung, who owns Journeyman Stallions and Journeyman Bloodstock with his wife Crystal Fernung, said the significance of the legislation cannot be overstated.

“I’ve been actively working in the Florida Thoroughbred industry for more than 40 years and have been a member of the FTBOA board for most of the last fifteen. During that time, I’ve never seen anything remotely as beneficial out of Tallahassee for horse racing and breeding as this legislative package,” Fernung said. “All the participants, from the racetracks to the horsemen to the breeders owe Matt Bryan and CEO Lonny Powell a huge debt of gratitude. This package can be a real game changer for our industry.”

While the 2023 legislative session lasted the usual 60 days from early March through May 10, Isaacs said it was important to recognize the longtime effort from the FTBOA legislative team.

“Make no mistake, this landmark win was not just a lucky break,” Isaacs said. “It was the product of literally years of groundwork laid by the FTBOA in countless meetings with legislators and staffers to educate them about the importance of the Florida Thoroughbred industry and its internal dynamics. Without the sustained and consistent investment of time, energy and resources by the FTBOA, we would now likely be picking through the ruins of a ‘decoupled’ racing environment, just like our Standardbred and Quarter Horse friends. This remarkable legislation never would have crossed the finish line.”

Koch reiterated the important role played by the FTBOA team in garnering support in Tallahassee.

“Tallahassee’s enthusiastic embrace of the Florida breeders presents an eye-opening case study that Thoroughbred industries in other states may want to notice,” Koch said. “FTBOA presented a compelling economic story to true friends throughout the legislative process. This obviously built on years of thoughtful groundwork. Our breeders deserve this patient, hard-earned breakthrough. Let’s do it again!”

The new legislation enables a record $3.3 million in Florida-bred racing incentives at Gulfstream Park in 2024 and 2025, adding nearly 90% to the previous $1.75 million program.

In addition to cementing the lucrative $1.2 million FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes program through 2025, $5,000 win bonuses for Florida-sired 2-year-olds in maiden special weight races at Gulfstream expands to a $300,000 full-year program and the Florida-bred Incentive Fund (FBIF) increases to an unprecedent-

“I was thrilled to hear that Governor DeSantis and the state legislators passed a tax package that was definitely needed to keep racing in Florida alive.”

Lonny Powell | Veronica Cabranson Photo

”

– Marilyn Campbell Stonehedge Farm South

“People that are breeding their mares now, those horses will not be racing for three years or they’re going to sales in two years or maybe one year. But this solidifies the future. It gives us a big boost going forward.”

– David O’Farrell Ocala Stud

ed $1.8 million in purse supplements.

“This package will offer an exciting array of financial advancements to Florida Thoroughbred breeders and owners,” Yost said. “I look forward to seeing the many additional monies that will be distributed to those connections behind our Florida-bred Thoroughbreds through existing and significant new programs.”

Florida-bred incentives at Tampa Bay Downs expand to $1.56 million, a 47% increase. The additional $500,000 initiates FBIF incentives for the first time at Tampa Bay Downs.

FTBOA board member Marilyn Campbell, who owns Stonehedge Farm South in Williston and races and breeds Thoroughbreds in the name of her Stonehedge LLC, said the legislation was key to the future of her longtime Thoroughbred operation.

“I was thrilled to hear that Governor DeSantis and the state legislators passed a tax package that was definitely needed to keep racing in Florida alive,” Campbell said.

“I along with many were thinking about where to go next. We could not have stayed and supported Florida racing without this tax package. As an owner/breeder, the Florida program has been something that we have supported for many years and now we can continue to do so.”

Ocala Breeders’ Sales president and FTBOA board member Francis Vanlangendonck, who along with his wife Barbara operates Summerfield, a sales representation and preparation agency in Williston, said this package provides a building block for future legislative efforts.

“The current legislative success that the Florida Thoroughbred industry has received is a collective effort of the staff and board of directors of the FTBOA in the last 10 years,” Vanlangendonck said. “The goal now is to build on that and continue that success.”

Eddie Woods, who operates Eddie Woods Stables and is a leading consignor of 2-year-olds nationally, said the legislative package will benefit the Thoroughbred industry on many fronts.

“It will be good for our area in general,” Woods said. “Hopefully it gives our breeding end a boost and puts money back into our area. It’s going to help [horse auctions and consignors] because anytime there is a huge injection of cash into anything, there’s always a trickle-down effect. There really is no downside to it.”

Ocala Stud’s David O’Farrell said the landmark package sets a course for the Florida breeders and owners by crystalizing an optimistic future.

“I think this legislation is extremely important to keep the industry viable and moving forward. It gives everybody a boost from stallions, trickling down to help all of the breeders,” O’Farrell said. “I think it is important for the entire industry.”

“People that are breeding their mares now, those horses will not be racing for three years or they’re going to sales in two years or maybe one year. But this solidifies the future. It gives us a big boost going forward.” TFH

“Hopefully it gives our breeding end a boost and puts money back into our area. It’s going to help [horse auctions and consignors] because anytime there is a huge injection of cash into anything, there’s always a trickle-down effect.”

“I think this legislation is extremely important to keep the industry viable and moving forward. It gives everybody a boost from stallions, trickling down to help all of the breeders.”

David O’Farrell Ocala Stud

– Eddie Woods Eddie Woods Stables

Trophy photo by Susie Raisher Bbackground race photo by Hugh Ducey

Ocala’s Jena Antonucci Became First Woman to Train a

When Arcangelo Took the 2023 Belmont Stakes

BY JOANN GUIDRY

Triple Crown Race Winner

Prior to this year’s $1.5 million Belmont presented by NYRA Bets (Grade 1) on June 10, 43 women trainers had run horses in Triple Crown races with none managing to come away with a victory in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Preakness (G1) nor Belmont.

For Ocala-based trainer Jena Antonucci, being number 44 changed all that when Arcangelo captured the 155th Belmont Stakes. She became the first woman trainer to saddle the winner of a Triple Crown race, smashing one of the oldest glass ceilings in sports.

And the subsequent video footage of Antonucci, owner Jon Ebbert of Blue Rose Farm and Arcangelo’s entourage watching the race unfold on a monitor in their grandstand box – with Antonucci ardently cheering on Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano and Arcangelo during the stretch run of the mile-and-a-half classic–became part of racing lore.

In the final moments of the mile-and-a-half Belmont, FOX Sports television cameras caught Antonucci ardently encouraging Castellano aboard Arcangelo.

“Come on Javy! Come on Javy! Come on Javy!,” Antonucci yelled at the monitor between glances down the track as Arcangelo surged to the lead in deep stretch. In the instant Arcangelo and Castellano raced under the wire, Antonucci suddenly collapsed to one knee, grabbed, and for a brief moment, rested her head on the back a nearby chair in an apparent rush of emotion, gratification and joy before erupting into the hugs and elation of all nearby.

Moments later, while racing through the Belmont grandstand to meet Castellano and Arcangelo in the winner’s circle, Antonucci provided another memorable moment of inspiration when stopped by FOX Sports’ Tom Rinaldi.

“Never give up,” Antonucci said to Rinaldi. “And if you can’t find a seat at the table, build your table.”

Moments later, a jubilant Antonucci raised the Belmont Stakes trophy above her head in triumph.

“I actually went to my knees on purpose. I needed a moment to catch my breath,” Antonucci, 47, later said to The Florida Horse. “We had a plan with Arcangelo, executed that plan and it all came to fruition. It was all so special.”

And following Antonucci’s historical victory, the media blitz began immediately with post-Belmont Stakes interviews.

“Despite our confidence in our plan, I had arranged to fly back home on Sunday,” Antonucci admitted. “I drove from the airport to Ocala, unpacked my bag, repacked my bag, drove back to the airport and flew right back to New York for a Monday morning television interview.”

“

Never give up, and if you can’t find a seat at the table, build your table.

– Jena Antonucci

BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING

In the days following her Belmont Stakes win, Antonucci logged dozens of interviews with print, television and online media. She graciously gave of her time and in the process became an ambassador for the Ocala-based Thoroughbred industry. Among Antonucci’s interviews were those with such media outlets as FOX, CBS, NBC, News Nation, Newsmax, USA Today, Thoroughbred Daily News, BloodHorse, Paulick Report, Ocala Gazette and Horse Capital TV.

“I am, we are, grateful and appreciate what happened,” said Antonucci, who with Katie Miranda owns and operates horseOlogy based at Paul Bulmahn’s GoldMark Farm. “I’ve been proud to share our story.”

FLORIDA ROOTS & BEAUTIFUL BEGINNINGS

Born and raised in Hollywood, Florida, Antonucci was such a horse-crazy kid that she was riding by the time she was three.

“Where I grew up was rural at the time and there were a lot of horses around. I would annoy my mother while we drove up and down those roads where I could see horses,” Antonucci recalled. “There was a riding stable nearby and when I was three, my mother finally stopped and signed me up for lessons.”

Antonucci was a quick study and showed on leadline before she was four years old. When she was nine, her parents bought her an appendix Quarter Horse mare named A Hidden Star.

Competing at shows in the south Florida area and along the East Coast, Antonucci began riding off-track Thoroughbreds that she had retrained.

“When I was about 10, my grandfather was racing Thoroughbreds at Belmont Park and Saratoga. It was his Thoroughbreds that I first began retraining and showing,” Antonucci said. “I continued to show on retrained Thoroughbreds through high school and beyond. And as time went on, I became increasingly curious about the Thoroughbred racing industry and that led me to Ocala.”

In 2001, Antonucci moved to Ocala to work at Satish and Anne Sanan’s Padua Stables, which was located in south Marion County. The showplace Thoroughbred operation had previously been David Hutson’s Silverleaf Farm.

“D. Wayne Lukas had moved his California-based breaking and training operation to Padua and I was put in charge of that program,” Antonucci said. “Now I was training young horses to become racehorses and that gave me a whole new perspective. It was all valuable experiences to add to my continuing education about racehorses.”

Antonucci also worked with Nadia Sanan and her Padua Stables-based retraining Thoroughbreds for second careers program.

“It was a continuation of what I had been doing since I was kid. I thought I was important to help these off-track thoroughbreds find new homes and careers,” Antonucci said.

After leaving Padua Stables, Antonucci spent four-and-a-half years as an equine veterinary assistant with Ocala Equine Hospital.

“Those years were key to learning more about horses and their health. I was accumulating more valuable experience,” noted Antonucci. “Finally, I felt like I was ready for another chapter and established my Bella Inizio Farm. Bella inizio means ‘beautiful beginning’ in Italian and that’s what it was for me.”

Antonucci’s initial focus at Bella Inizio Farm was broodmares, foals, weanlings and yearlings. She also began her own breeding program and joined the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. While she shifted what she offered at her farm to clients, she continued to breed horses and currently has two broodmares.

“After awhile, I did miss that racetrack connection and started doing rehab work at my farm,” Antonucci said. “Then I got my trainer’s license in 2010.”

“Star was green-broke, not the best horse for a kid. But I learned a lot from Star and we grew together,” Antonucci said. “We became a great team and competed in equitation and hunter/jumper classes for years. Then I leased her out to other young riders, so they could learn from Star too. For years, I loved hearing from riders about the impact Star had had on their riding careers.”

Fittingly enough, Antonucci’s first career win as a trainer was with Florida-bred Irish Wildcat on March 7, 2010, at Tampa Bay Downs. She recorded her first stakes winner when Flattermewithroses won the 2012 Voodoo Dancer at Belmont Park. In addition to Flattermewithroses, Antonucci has also to date trained stakes-winners Five Star Momma, Gemonteer, Grade 3-winner Doctor J Dub and, of course, Grade 1 stakes-winner Arcangelo.

A young Antonucci and A Hidden Star

A BIT OF HORSEOLOGY MAGIC

In November, 2022, Antonucci partnered with Katie Miranda to establish horseOlogy. Fiona Goodwin is part of the horseOlogy team as the assistant trainer.

“Katie and I were looking to merge and expand what we each were doing. We needed more space to do that and we were fortunate that Paul Bulmahn worked with us to make that happen at GoldMark,” Antonucci explained. “We call it a conception-to-retirement operation. We handle everything related to raising, training and racing Thoroughbreds. We also offer bloodstock advising, pinhooking and micro-investing in racehorses.”

In addition to the horses at horseOlogy and Antonucci’s Bella Inizio Farm, the partners maintain a string at Gulfstream Park.

“We’re very fluid in our approach and dividing up our work duties,” Antonucci said. “We do what’s needed to take care of business, whether it’s at the farm, at the sales or at the racetrack.”

Antonucci and Miranda were at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale when they met Jon Ebbert, a Pennsylvania-based real estate investor who races as Blue Rose Farm.

“We were in the back ring checking out yearlings. Katie whistled as one went by and that got Jon’s attention,” Antonucci recalled. “We introduced ourselves and exchanged a few sarcastic comments, so we hit if off.”

Jon Ebbert and Jena Antonucci escort Arcangelo and jockey Javier Castellano to the winners circle | Adam Coglianese photo

Jena Antonucci and Katie Miranda at Belmont

Continued on next page

BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING

The next day, Ebbert paid $35,000 for a 2020 gray ridgling by Arrogate out of Modeling, by Tapit. A May foal, the yearling was sent to a farm to grow. In February 2022, Ebbert sent the ridgling, soon to be known as Arcangelo, to horseOlogy.

“We take a horse-first approach. I don’t like to place the burden or expectation on a horse. And I don’t like to disappoint people along the way into thinking we might have the next big horse,” Antonucci explained. “With Arcangelo, wanted to give all the time we could to develop and planned out his training accordingly. We obviously saw all his breezes and how he was doing his work in the mornings. We could see him coming together.”

Arcangelo made his first start on December 17, 2022, finishing second to Aaraj in a maiden special weight at Gulfstream Park. On Jan. 14, 2023, he finished fourth in a maiden special weight won by Kingsbarns, who would win the Grade 2 Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby two races later, before rebounding to break his maiden on March 18 at Gulfstream Park.

“His maiden win showed us that he was putting it all together. He found his gear, got low and stretched out coming down the stretch,” Antonucci said. “It all just seemed to click for him.”

In his next start, Arcangelo did indeed prove that things had

clicked for him. In only his fourth career start, Arcangelo won the Grade 3 Peter Pan by a determined head on May 13 at Belmont Park.

“When you’re an underdog, you have nothing to lose by asking questions,” Antonucci said. “The Peter Pan Stakes was the opportunity to ask the question about Arcangelo. He showed us he wanted it, and you can’t teach that as much as we think we can.”

Next came the Belmont Stakes and the rest is history. Literally. Arcangelo, whose earnings stood at $1,067,400, following the Belmont, is, at this writing, stabled at Saratoga Race Course with a possible start in the Grade 1 Travers there on Aug. 26.

“We know what the calendar is and what’s where, but we’ll let Arcangelo tell us what’s next,” Antonucci said. “The Travers is on our radar, but we’ll just see how it plays out. That was the approach leading up to the Belmont Stakes and that’s what we’re going to do again.”

While Antonucci gives a big generous nod to the horseOlogy team for the history-making victory in the Belmont, she also gives credit where credit is due.

“It’s Arcangelo. It’s the horse, his honesty to us and his heart,” Antonucci said. “I will forever be indebted to him. It’s always all about the horse.” TFH

2024 STALLION REGISTER ADVERTISING CONTRACT

Prepay by October 1, 2023, and receive an early booking discount for all-color presentation

Complete all information (one contract per stallion and return to The Florida Horse at: 801 S.W. 60th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474

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E-mail: agriseta@ftboa.com

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with five-cross pedigree, half page color, inset photo (optional), write-up and additional statistical and ownership information.

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with five-cross pedigree, 2 3/4 x 3 3/4-inch color photo, complete statistical and ownership information.

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SIRE DAM

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HEIGHT YEAR OF BIRTH

PHOTOGRAPHS:

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Seminole Gaming Deal

GETS BIG WIN

BY DARA

TALLAHASSEE, FL—In a move that could remake Florida’s gaming landscape, a federal appeals court on June 30 overturned a ruling that blocked a deal giving the Seminole Tribe control over sports betting throughout the state.

The unanimous ruling by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia reversed a November 2021 decision by a federal judge who halted the agreement. Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. in 2021 signed the 30year deal, which the Legislature ratified.

Owners of Magic City Casino in MiamiDade County and Bonita Springs Poker Room in Southwest Florida filed a lawsuit alleging the sports-betting plan violated federal laws and would cause a “significant and potentially devastating” impact on the pari-mutuels’ businesses.

The “hub-and-spoke” sports-betting plan was designed to allow gamblers anywhere in the state to place bets online, with the bets run through computer servers on tribal property. The deal, known as a compact, said bets “using a mobile app or other electronic device, shall be deemed to be exclusively

conducted by the tribe.”

U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich ruled that the plan ran afoul of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act which regulates gambling on tribal lands, because it would allow gambling off property owned by the Seminoles.

Friedrich, calling the setup a “fiction,” also invalidated other parts of the compact, finding that U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland was wrong when she allowed the deal to go into effect in summer 2021. The Department of the Interior oversees tribal gaming.

But siding with the department, Friday’s ruling said the Washington, D.C.-based judge erred when she found that the compact violated the federal law, known as IGRA, because it authorized gambling “both on and off” Indian lands.

“We see the case differently,” Judge Robert Wilkins wrote in a 24-page opinion joined by Judges Karen Henderson and J. Michelle Childs.

A gambling compact “can legally authorize a tribe to conduct gaming only on its own lands,” Wilkins wrote. “But at the

Continued on next page

KAM | ©2023 The News Service of Florida.

SEMINOLE GAMING DEAL

same time, IGRA does not prohibit a gaming compact — which is, at bottom, an agreement between a tribe and a state — from discussing other topics, including those governing activities ‘outside Indian lands.’”

While Friday’s ruling was a major victory for the Seminoles and the state, the appellate panel also emphasized that questions about whether the compact violates a Florida constitutional amendment remain a matter for state courts to consider.

“Whether it is otherwise lawful for a patron to place bets from non-tribal land within Florida may be a question for that state’s courts, but it is not the subject of this litigation and not for us to decide,” Wilkins wrote.

A DeSantis spokesman called the decision “great news” for the state.

“While we are not surprised the lower court’s perplexing ruling was unanimously overturned, this is great news for Florida. We will continue working with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to ensure the success of this historic compact — the largest gaming compact in U.S. history — which will lead to over $20 billion in revenues for the people of Florida,” Jason Mahon, a spokesman for the governor, said in an email.

Critics of the compact have argued that the sports-betting arrangement would not comply with a 2018 constitutional amendment that requires statewide voter approval of gaming expansions in Florida. Under what is known as Amendment 3, expansions of gaming must be placed on the statewide ballot through the citizens’ initiative process.

The appeals-court panel noted that its ruling “only” verified that Haaland’s decision to allow the compact to go into effect “was consistent” with federal law.

“In reaching this narrow conclusion, we do not give our imprimatur to all of the activity discussed in the compact. And particularly, for avoidance of doubt, we express no opinion as to whether the Florida statute ratifying the compact is constitutional under the 2018 amendment”, the ruling said.

Hamish Hume, an attorney who represents the pari-mutuel industry, criticized the panel’s ruling.

“The court correctly recognized that IGRA does not and cannot authorize gambling off of Indian lands, but then upheld a compact that purports on its face to do exactly that. We respectfully disagree

with that decision, and are evaluating our possible next steps,” Hume said in an email.

Along with giving the Seminoles control over online sports betting, the compact allowed the tribe to offer craps and roulette at its casinos. Also, the deal would allow the Seminoles to add three casinos on tribal property in Broward County.

In exchange, the tribe pledged to pay the state a minmum of $2.5 billion over the first five years and possibly billions of dollars more throughout the three-decade pact. The deal also added Florida to numerous states that jumped into sports betting after a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for such wagering in New Jersey.

The Seminoles issued a statement saying the tribe was pleased with Friday’s unanimous decision.

“It is a positive outcome for the Seminole Tribe and the people of Florida, and for all of Indian Country. The tribe is fully reviewing the decision to determine its next steps,” spokesman Gary Bitner said in an email.

The Seminoles briefly rolled out the Hard Rock SportsBook mobile app amid the legal wrangling but stopped accepting wagers and deposits on the app in December 2021 after the three-judge panel refused the tribe’s request to put Friedrich’s ruling on hold.

It was not immediately clear Friday whether the tribe would quickly relaunch the app. Also, it was not clear if the pari-mutuels would ask the full appellate court or the U.S. Supreme Court to take up the issue.

Daniel Wallach, an attorney who specializes in gambling law, called Friday’s decision “an outlier” among other court rulings and agency opinions, which have concluded that the federal Indian gaming law is not broad enough to allow internet-based gaming.

“That’s the kind of ruling that will get the attention of the U.S. Supreme Court,” Wallach said.

John Sowinski, president of the Central Florida-based group No Casinos, told the News Service that Friday’s ruling “is not the final word” on the issue, pointing to the 2018 constitutional amendment.

“At the end of the day, the will of 72 percent of the people in Florida is going to be respected, and that is that voters, not politicians, have the final say on whether we expand gambling in Florida,” he said. TFH

Study Confirms Hair Use for Long-Term Detection of Bisphosphonates

BY GRAYSON-JOCKEY CLUB PRESS OFFICE

LEXINGTON, KY—A new study was published on the use of hair as a matrix for the long-term detection of bisphosphonates in horses. The study was in response to a special call for bisphosphonate research by Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation in 2019.

“Over the past few years, bisphosphonate use has become a concern with regard to the welfare of Thoroughbred racehorses,” Grayson President Jamie Haydon said. “We are very thankful for the generous support by Vinnie and Teresa Viola’s St. Elias Stables and their ability to recognize the importance of this research in promoting equine safety and welfare.”

“Bisphosphonates are labeled for horses 4-year-olds and older to manage navicular symptoms,” A. Gary Lavin Grayson Research Chair Dr. Johnny Smith said. “Unfortunately, people were using them in young horses, which is detrimental because bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption, can stay in a horse’s system for years, and can have long-term effects on bone.”

The new study found that hair testing can be used to consistently detect bisphosphonates for up to six months after administration. Previously published studies, including one conducted by the same group and funded under the same special call, demonstrated that in some cases bisphosphonates can be detected in blood and urine for extended periods of time, but

detection using these matrices can be unpredictable and less consistent.

“Our study from 2020 showed that clodronate and tiludronate reside in the bone for extended periods,” the study’s principal investigator Dr. Heather K. Knych said. Dr. Knych is with the K.L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab’s Pharmacology section and the Department of Molecular Biosciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis. “This can lead to lasting pharmacologic effects and increase the risks of injury to racehorses. Being able to detect bisphosphonates long term in hair benefits the athletes and increases the integrity of the sport.”

Bisphosphonates are considered a banned substance for covered horses under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control program. A covered horse that tests positive is subject to lifetime ineligibility.

The study was conducted by Knych; D.S. McKemie, Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis; S. Yim, K.L. Maddy Equine Analytical Pharmacology Lab, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis; S.D. Stanley, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, MH Gluck Equine Research Center, Lexington, Kentucky; and R.M. Arthur, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis. TFH

FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY

April 2023

Stakes, Allowance, Allowance Optional Claiming and Maiden Special Weight statistics below are listed for the month of April 2023 for win, place and show, alphabetically by horse name.

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – STAKES RACES

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY

May 2023

Stakes, Allowance, Allowance Optional Claiming and Maiden Special Weight statistics below are listed for the month of May 2023 for win, place and show, alphabetically by horse name.

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – STAKES RACES

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE

MICHAEL BURNS PHOTO

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT

FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY

June 2023

Stakes, Allowance, Allowance Optional Claiming and Maiden Special Weight statistics below are listed for the month of June 2023 for win, place and show, alphabetically by horse name.

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – STAKES RACES

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE

2 Boppy O/Jersey Derby Lightning Tones/Carry Back Stakes

Our Flash Drive/Royal North Stakes/Grade

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT

ALL-TIME FLORIDA-BRED LEADING MONEY EARNERS

ALL-TIME FLORIDA-BRED LEADING MONEY EARNERS | Continued

LEADING FLORIDA SIRES

The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through July 2,2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

Florida-bred Foggy Nights-Khozan’s Leading Money Earner | Photo by Hoofprints

Florida-bred Sweet Dani Girl-Jess’s Dream’s Leading Money Earner | SV Photography

LEADING FLORIDA JUVENILE SIRES

The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through July 2, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

LEADING FLORIDA 2nd CROP SIRES

The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through July 2, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

STAKES WINNERS BY STATE

The following list updated through July 2, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

TAMMY A. GANTT Associate Vice President Director of Membership Services & Events

FEC Contributing Editor & FTC Industry & Community Affairs

Industry Urged to Complete Important Survey

The American Horse Council’s (AHC) National Economic Impact Study is the most comprehensive and widely used study showcasing the industry’s contributions to GDP, employment, equine population and acreage. It is broken down by sectors including recreation, racing, competitions, and working horses.

The last economic impact study in 2018 was a critical asset to drive interest in the equine industry, educate legislators and enhance media relations. The study helped identify the Florida industry as a megaplayer in the local (Ocala, Marion County), state and national economies.

The 2018 survey confirmed our industry’s leadership with significant contributions such as the most populous U.S. horse state by square mile and the largest single-county equine population in the United States (Marion County). Thanks to new venues such as the World Equestrian Center (a $1 billion equine development in Ocala) and everincreasing economic incentives, the equine, and especially the Thoroughbred industry, has flourished since 2018. The survey renewal is critical to substantiate this growth.

This time, there are several states that have commissioned breakout reports including California, Florida, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, and Texas. Community level surveys include Marion County, FL and Long Island, NY.

To put the importance of the survey into perspective, recent legislation providing over $55 million to the Thoroughbred industry hinged on the quantified economic impacts of our industry and the jobs it provides. Seeing this, Florida state legislators ensured incentives would power growth of Thoroughbreds in Florida.

To sustain such support it is more important than ever that every industry member from supplier, to horse owner, to horse show participant be counted in 2023.

All participants completing the survey will be eligible to win one of 15 incentive prizes valued from $180 to $7,500 plus all receive a 15% discount on purchases at horseandriderbooks.com.

The survey is available for horse owners and for suppliers at https://horsecouncil.org/economicimpact-study/. TFH

RYAN THOMPSON PHOTO ©