A look at 2024 with FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell
COVER PHOTO: Florida-Bred Rated by Merit by Lauren King
2024 FLORID A-BREDS
FLORIDA-BREDS
Topped All Regional Breeding States by
•Combined Breeder, Stallion and Open-Race Owner Awards,
•Starters, Starts, WINS,
•Open Stakes Wins and
•GRADED STAKES WINS
Equine Speed is a Major Florida Export
FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION
PRESIDENT
George Isaacs
CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Lonny Taylor Powell
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Valerie Dailey
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Francis Vanlangendonck
TREASURER
Joseph M. O’Farrell III
SECRETARY
Beckie Cantrell
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Valerie Dailey
DIRECTORS
Beth Bayer, Colin Brennan, Jerry D. Campbell, Marilyn Campbell, Brent Fernung, Mike Hall, Richard Heysek, 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 • 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
Valerie Dailey
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT
Francis Vanlangendonck
TREASURER
Joseph M. O’Farrell III
SECRETARY
Beckie Cantrell
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
BROCK SHERIDAN Editor-in-Chief Florida Equine Communications
Florida-breds Continue Padding Breeders’ Cup Stats in 2024
Florida-breds added to their hefty Breeders’ Cup statistics with five Thoroughbreds from the Sunshine State making the trek to Southern California for the Thoroughbred World Championships, this year held at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Nov. 1-2.
The 2024 Florida contingent included Arthur’s Ride in the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (Grade 1), Bentornato and Federal Judge in the $2 million Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), Nooni in the $2 million NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) and Cagliostro in the $1 million Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).
That brings the all-time number of Floridabred Breeders’ Cup starters to 395 during the 41-year history of the event, more than any other state, province or country outside of Kentucky and Ireland.
Great Britain sits behind Florida with 280 Breeders’ Cup starters followed by California (135), Canada (131), France (100), New York (94) and Virginia (54).
In fact, breeders from Florida with their five participants and New York (with two starters in 2024) are alone among states and provinces with more than one Breeders’ Cup starter this year.
Further illustrating the dominance of Florida breeders at the Breeders’ Cup, there are 59 Floridabreds with more than one start in the World Thoroughbred Championships, led by Firenze Fire with five Breeders’ Cup appearances.
Firenze Fire sits behind only Channel Maker (Ont) with six Breeders’ Cup starts and is tied for second with Better Talk Now (Ky), California Flag
(Ca), Kona Gold (Ca) and Obviously (Ire).
Florida-breds also maintain a similar position in Breeders’ Cup victories with 30, behind only Kentucky and Ireland. Runners bred in Great Britain have won 26 Breeders’ Cup races followed by Canada, Argentina and Maryland with seven each; and California and Pennsylvania with six each.
Florida-breds have won the Distaff, Sprint and Juvenile Fillies five times each followed by the Mile, Juvenile and Classic three times, Turf and Filly and Mare Sprint twice and the Juvenile Turf and Turf Sprint once.
Golden Pal is the lone Florida-bred with more than one Breeders’ Cup victory, having won the Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2) in 2020 and the Turf Sprint (G1) in 2021.
Led by Leon King Stable Corp.’s Bentornato and his second-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Florida-breds racked up $470,000 in Breeders’ Cup earnings this year, pushing the total Breeders’ Cup earnings by Sunshine State runners to $46,733,538 for average earnings per Breeders’ Cup starter of $118,313.
Bentornato also became the 184th Florida-bred millionaire with his $340,000 Breeders’ Cup Sprint paycheck and now stands at $1,131,830 in career earnings. (See full story on page 21 of this issue.)
So with another Breeders’ Cup in the books, Florida breeders can—and should—continue to boast of their excellence on any stage—regional, national or international. Florida-breds this year not only maintained their lofty position among Breeders’ Cup leaders, but stretched their lead in many categories. TFH
FLORIDA FOCUS
Compiled by Brock Sheridan
Keeneland Names David O’Farrell to its Board of Directors
Keeneland announced on Oct. 11 the appointment of David O’Farrell, general manager of Ocala Stud, to its Advisory Board of Directors.
“David brings a wealth of expertise and a deep-rooted commitment to the Thoroughbred industry,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “His leadership at Ocala Stud, coupled with his involvement in numerous industry organizations, makes him a valuable addition to the board and to Keeneland’s continued success. We are grateful for David’s service in advancing the sport we all love.”
David O’Farrell serves as general manager of his family’s Ocala Stud, the oldest active Thoroughbred farm in Florida and one of the leading stallion, breeding and training operations in the country. He is a steward of The Jockey Club, member of Breeders’ Cup Limited and a director of Ocala Breeders Sales Company. O’Farrell also is chairman of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, where he is a member of the American Graded Stakes Committee and currently TOBA’s representative to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. n
Floridians Take Four TIE Awards
The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards presented by Godolphin USA had a Sunshine State influence Oct. 15 during a
ceremony held at the Keeneland Sales Pavilion in Lexington, Ky., as four of the honorees hail from Central Florida. Winners were announced in a total of seven categories with a total of $122,000 awarded.
Tom Law, managing editor of the Saratoga Special and this year’s judging panels chair congratulated all of the finalists.
“This is my fourth year on the judging panels and each year I am truly inspired and moved by the special individuals who sincerely care for our industry and our equine athletes. To all the finalists, as well as all of the nominees, please know that we appreciate you and what you do.”
Lauren Marks, assistant director of sales at Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, was honored with the Katherine McKee Administration Award sponsored by Keeneland
“She has been a critical part of our success and we’re very proud of the accomplishments we have made as a company and very honestly, we could not have done it without her effort,” OBS President Tom Ventura said regarding Marks.
Christine Jones, director of stallion services with Pleasant Acres Stallions, was honored with a Managerial Award sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.
“She puts her whole heart and soul into everything she does for her job,” said Tandra Downs with Oxygen Advertising. “Not only for her job, but for the stallions and for the breeders. She is very encouraging for new breeders to come into the industry. And we all need that.”
Steve Vargas, broodmare manager at John and Leslie Malone’s historic Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, was given the Dedication to Breeding Award sponsored by Hallway Feeds.
“We bought our first mares in 2015 and I needed a guy who could really get in the trenches and really had a deep resume,” Bridlewood General Manager George Isaacs said of Vargas. “Steve is here a lot of hours every day and always has a smile on his face. He is the first guy at the job every day and the last guy to leave. He is a huge asset to the farm.”
Julianne Stowell with Niall Brennan Stable was presented the Newcomer Award sponsored by NYRA.
“I become involved in the equine industry through the TRF Second Chances Program at the Lowell Correctional Institute,” Stowell said. “There’s an old adage that says something like ‘If you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life.’ And that is the perfect saying for me.”
Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation COO Maggie Sweet said Stowell made a positive impression when they first met.
Continued on page 10
TIE Award Winners | Photo by Godolphin
David O’Farrell | Photo courtesy of TOBA
FLORIDA FOCUS
“She is very straight forward. She does not hide her past,” Sweet said. “Her empathy was very obvious to me in that she shares her story. She knows that by sharing her story, she is helping a lot of people and a lot of horses.”
Other award finalist from Florida included Francisco D’Angelo with D’Angelo Racing Team, a finalist for the Dedication to Racing Award sponsored by NTRA; Francisco “Pancho” Sanchez with
Craig Wheeler Thoroughbreds Inc., a finalist for the Dedication to Breeding Award; and Bob Miller with Ocala Farm Minstry, a finalist for the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award sponsored by Churchill Downs.
The TIEA Awards are now in their ninth year in the United States. n
Florida-bred Rookie Card Jumps to Victory
Florida-bred Rookie Card leaps the finish line with jockey Dylan Davis aboard, winning a maiden special weight by five lengths during the Belmont at Big A meet at Aqueduct Oct. 26.
Rookie Card is by Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie out of Glamalert, by Vindication and was bred in Florida by Ocala Stud & Centaur Farms Inc. The 2-year-old colt is trained by Danny Gargan for R. A. Hill Stable and Gatsas Stables. He paid $3 to win as the 1-2 favorite in the field of seven going six furlongs. n
Florida-bred Federal Judge Lays Down the Law in Phoenix
Federal Judge made it clear to the opposing parties from the start in producing a commanding victory in the Grade 2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix at Keeneland Race Course on Oct 4. In winning the Phoenix for owner WinStar Farm LLC and Siena Farm LLC, the Florida-bred gelding earned a “Win and You’re In” fees paid berth into the $2 million Cybergames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G2) run at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Nov. 2.
Breaking from post one with jockey Flavien Prat aboard, Federal Judge put a length on fellow Florida-bred Comedy Town and longshot Swirvin in a joint second during the initial strides before stretching his advantage to a length-and-a-quarter through a rapid :21.62 quarter mile. Comedy Town tried to get even with Federal Judge around the far turn but was unable to keep up turning for home after Federal Judge went the half-mile in :43.97. Federal Judge was three lengths clear past the furlong pole then cruised home to win by five-and-a-half lengths in 1:08.20 on the fast track, missing the track record of 1:07.89 set by Nashville in 2020. Nakatomi, winner of the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap in July, rallied from sixth to get second, a half-length in front of Florida-bred
Continued on page 12
Florida-bred Rookie Card | Photo by Chelsea Durand
Florida-bred Federal Judge | Photo by Coady Media
DEADLINES
*Florida Sire Stakes 2YO Payment ........ Jan. 15
Last Chance FSS Yearling Payment ........ Jan. 15
Stallion Registration Deadline ........ Feb. 15
*Late FSS 2YO Payment ........ Feb. 28
Membership Renewal Deadline ..... March 31
Late Chance 2YO FSS Payment .......... May 1
Florida Sire Stakes Yearling Payment ........ May 15
Scholarship Application Deadline ....... June 15
Last Chance 2YO FSS Payment ....... June 30
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 2 0 2 5
*Prior yearling payment required Additional dates added as they are scheduled
IMPORTANT DATES
FTBOA Info Center at OBS ............................ Jan. 28-29
FTBOA Info Center at OBS March 11-13
FTBOA Member Florida Cup Day March 23
FTBOA Gala April 14
FTBOA Info Center at OBS April 15-18
FTBOA Info Center at OBS June 17-19
Election Candidate Forms available June TBD
Election Candidate Forms due July TBD
FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes (Gulfstream) Sept. TBD
Florida Thoroughbred PAC Golf Tournament Oct. 3
FTBOA Info Center at OBS Oct. 7-8
FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes (Gulfstream) ............ Oct. TBD
Annual Meeting ............................................... Oct. TBD
FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Finals (Gulfstream) . Nov. TBD
Holiday Open House .......................................... Dec. 5
FSS Races at Tampa ........................................Dec. TBD
All terms of FSS and FTBOA racing incentives, including number of races, purse levels, race conditions, racing dates and the host track may change from year to year and may change at any point after the racing schedule for a particular year is announced.
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FLORIDA FOCUS
Comedy Town in third. They were followed in order by Here Mi Song, My Buddy B, Manny Wah and Swirvin.
“He made it look simple. He broke very well today,” Prat said. “I was a little worried with the one [post position] but he broke sharp and got himself into the race and did the rest.
“I thought he was going at a good clip but he was doing it the right way,” Prat said referring the quick fractions. “So I thought he was comfortable.”
Federal Judge paid $5.48 to win as the 8-5 second choice behind even-money favorite Nakatomi.
Federal Judge debuted last year as a 3-year-old, winning a maiden special weight at Oaklawn Park in April before taking a first level, $100,000 optional claiming at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Derby (G1) undercard on May 6. He was then fourth in the Grade 1 Woody Stephens won by Arabian Lion at Belmont Park in June in his last start of the year.
He returned under trainer Brad Cox at Saratoga in July, finishing second to Full Screen in a second condition, $62,500
THE ART OF REMI
optional claiming going six furlongs. He then romped under the same conditions, winning by six lengths on Aug. 31 at Saratoga.
“We loved him all along,” WinStar President and CEO Elliott Walden said. “He needed a little break. He’s such a beautiful horse and he got real big on us so we gelded him [in April] to lighten him up and it really did the trick.”
Federal Judge has now won four of six career starts with a second. The $181,350 first-place check increased his earnings to $402,960.
Bred in Florida by Richard Heysek’s Caperlane Farm in Morriston, Federal Judge is by Army Mule out of Congarette, by Congaree. Federal Judge is the only starter from five foals for Congarette. She has an unraced 2-year-old filly, Red Velvet Cake, by Lord Nelson; an unnamed yearling colt by Raging Bull (Fr) and a weanling full sister to Federal Judge. Congarette was purchased by Catherine Perez at the 2013 Ocala Breeders’ Sales August Yearling Sale for $7,000. She raced for Caperlane Farm, winning two of 13 career starts, earning $94,040. TFH
CEO Corner A Look at 2024
BY FTBOA CEO LONNY POWELL
Our priority every December is to update our membership on the issues and events of the past year that have impacted the Florida Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry.
All will recall that in 2023 the Florida Legislature enacted a two-year breeding and racing stimulus package, totaling more than $66 million across two years, referred to as House Bill 7063. This program produced Florida’s all-time strongest Thoroughbred breeding and racing incentives and provided state funding for HISA federal regulatory assessments.
This year’s bill, HB 7073, removes the two-year statutory “sunset” provision that would have phased out this program in 2025, thereby extending indefinitely critical industry funding, which includes:
• $15 million in purses and/or facility improvements at Gulfstream Park, with a similar $5 million going to Tampa Bay Downs;
• $5 million for the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) breeding and racing incentives and/or promotions;
• $2.5 million in additional Florida-bred racing incentives.
Coupled with more than $6 million in annual racetrack tax credits to offset HISA assessments, the recurring annual stimulus combines to about $33.5 million for Florida Thoroughbreds.
Continued on next page
“
“ It is undeniable that equine speed is a major Florida export.
Lonny Powell | Photo by Serita Hult
The extended annual funding provides long-term stability and enhanced 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.
This legislation passed due to the herculean efforts of Marion County’s own Senator-elect Stan McClain, Speaker Paul Renner, and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. We also appreciate the strong support of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson during our effort and many thanks to Governor DeSantis for signing the bill into law.
But let there be no mistake – this legislation would not have ever cleared the launchpad without the FTBOA taking the leadership role as a trusted, honest broker among the various parties. The work of our Smith, Bryan and Myers lobbyist team of Matt Bryan and Jon Rees, combined with the talents of our general counsel Warren Husband and our strong FTBOA support base of president, board and staff, were all absolutely essential to helping me and our Tallahassee team get this impactful Legislation across the finish line.
For further details on this program and its economic impact, as well as all the thank you’s for this game-changing legislation, please refer to April’s episode 41 and to March’s episode 37 of The Florida Horse podcast, available at ftboa.com.
The reality is Florida’s modern Thoroughbred racing industry relies heavily on Florida-breds to fill the starting gate.
In fact, between Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs across the last 12 months our highly competitive Florida-breds represented 40% of all starters, 40% of winners, 40% of purses earned and 75% of these winning Florida-breds are Florida-sired.
Total breeder and stallion awards have seen an amazing increase of 52% and combined racing incentives at Florida racetracks gained about 66%.
Tampa Bay Downs was especially artful in applying HB7063 funding to race purses, alongside a joint effort with FTBOA, to enhance overnight race purses by a collective 36% and leading to increased fields and wagering growth.
Florida emerged in 2024 as the leading state outside Kentucky for combined breeder, stallion and open race owner awards. Florida maintains its edge as the leading regional producer by total national starters, starts and wins. And, finally, Florida perennially outruns ALL regional breeder-states by number of open and graded stakes wins. (See page 40) It is undeniable that equine speed is a major Florida export.
Please be reminded that all of this good news would not be possible without HB 7073 and its 2023 precursor, HB 7063.
Florida leads all regional breeders by combined Breeder, Stallion and open-race Owner Awards
SOURCE: JOCKEY CLUB FACT BOOK 2023
So, lest there be any doubt, with the newly created enhancements for the Florida Thoroughbred industry there has never been a better time to own, buy, sell and breed Florida-breds.
Of course, none of this would have mattered if FTBOA hadn’t managed to deflect the aggressive and ill-conceived spring, 2021 legislative efforts of some – including our largest racetrack, and its’ horsemens’ association board and officers – to decouple Thoroughbred racing from all other forms of gaming offered at the tracks. That initiative, had it succeeded, would have enabled racetracks to eliminate purse payments from gaming revenues and discontinue live racing entirely. To date we remain flabbergasted, unable to explain to the inquiring national industry, how horsemen leadership’s sacrifice of race dates and purses is good for Florida Thoroughbred owners.
Before I leave the topic of our legislative and legal resources, we will be seeing two of our best—chief lobbyist Matt Bryan and general counsel Warren Husbands—transitioning to retirement at the end of this year. Each of these Tallahassee professionals has served 30-plus years with our Association and are owed a debt of gratitude by the entire Florida Thoroughbred industry for their good work, particularly in our State’s Capital on behalf of not only the FTBOA and Florida breeders, but more often than not, the racetracks and horsemen as well.
JOCKEY
As tough as it is to see Matt and Warren go, we are very excited about the deeply experienced and already transitioned legal and lobby team that will assist us in moving this industry forward. Our lobby team will be led by FTBOA veteran lobbyist Jon Rees, along with Smith, Bryan and Myers principal Jeff Hartley. Our legal team will now include Lisa Hurley of SBM as our association counsel and Steve Menton of the Rutledge Ecenia firm as our gaming and administrative law counsel.
Not only does it take a great lobby team, legal counsel, management team, staff, board and officers to make great things like our 2023-24 legislation happen—it takes a supportive, empathetic, calm, cerebral and selfless volunteer board chairman and president to set the tone and facilitate the necessary discussions, all while supporting me as CEO and this association, as well as my team of executives and advisors. As is usually the case with FTBOA presidents, we seem to be particularly blessed to have the exact right person for the exact right time. FTBOA’s second-year president, longtime board member and officer George Isaacs has continued that proud leadership tradition.
During his past two years our President George Isaacs, has presided over a tremendous, historic time of legislative and economic success. If you know George, you know he is “all in” when it comes to Bridlewood Farm, the FTBOA, the Florida breeding industry and his community. It is an honor to work at his side. TFH
R ATED BY MERIT
REMAINS UNDEFEATED WITH VICTORY IN FSS AFFIRMED
Photo by Ryan Thompson
MERIT
WITH AFFIRMED
BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Pressured throughout the first half mile by Neoequos, Rated by Merit shook off that rival with ease to keep his undefeated record intact with a nearly four-length score in the $200,000 Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed at Gulfstream Park on Oct 19.
The highly regarded Rated by Merit defeated five other 2-yearold colts and geldings by accredited Florida stallions while covering seven furlongs in 1:22.55, just .09 of a second off the stakes record of 1:22.46 set by Soutache in the 2017 Affirmed. This also equated to a 99 Beyer Speed Figure, the best Beyer number by a North American 2-year-old in 2024 as of Oct. 27.
This is the second time this year Rated by Merit has produced the best Beyer number among all juveniles. He fired a 92 Beyer in his first start with a nearly 10-length victory against special weight maidens at Gulfstream Park on July 13—at the time, best among 2-year-olds in North America.
He improved on that performance in his second race, winning the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager by six-and-aquarter lengths while covering six furlongs in a stakes record time of 1:09.45. That equated to a 93 Beyer number that ranked in the top five as of Oct. 27.
Ridden from post two by Jesus Rios in the Affirmed, Rated by Merit went the first quarter mile in :22.74 while racing to the inside of Neoequos with Big Paradise, Zizka and Classic of Course giving chase together in third from a length back. Neoequos and jockey Drayden Van Dyke kept up around the far turn before Rated by Merit sprinted clear down the stretch.
Neoequos finished second, seven-and-a-quarter lengths in front of Classic of Course in third. Big Paradise, Lou and Zizka completed the order of finish.
Sent to the post with 1-5 odds, Rated by Merit paid $2.40 to win.
“The race went as we expected. I thought we would be on the lead and [Neoequos] would be pressing us,” Rios said. “I am very impressed with the horse. I trust him a lot. When I asked the horse to run, I know he is going to respond.”
In contrast to Rios and his confidence, Yates said he had some concerns until Rated by Merit drew off in the stretch.
“When I saw [Rios] cue him a little bit on the turn to check
him out, he had horse, and I felt a lot better,” Yates said. “He made him work hard. He needs to work hard to move forward.”
Rated by Merit is owned and was bred in Florida by Vincent and Teresa Viola’s St. Elias Stable and is trained by Michael “Bo” Yates. The son of Battalion Runner has now earned $220,000 in his three races.
“We’re extremely excited. He’s such a special horse,” St. Elias Executive Director of Racehorse Development Monique Delk said. “He’s a homebred and kind of a passion project with the sire [Battalion Runner], who was also a very good horse for Mr. and Mrs. Viola. We’re just thrilled.
“He ran his race and he’s the utmost professional, very classy. He just did everything you could ask for. [We are] looking forward to [him racing at longer distances]. I think he shows in his training in the morning that he’s ready. I don’t think that it’ll be an issue, and we’re excited for that.”
After his first two starts, Rated by Merit was considered for other stakes around the country before his connections decided to keep him in the Florida Sire Stakes for the Affirmed.
“Really Bo [Michael Yates] and Monique really sort of made that decision [to run here] for Teresa and I,” Vincent Viola said. “They make it very easy. I think this is the right path for him, to get him enough time to show us where he wants to wind up.
“I just want to thank Bo. He’s done a phenomenal job with the horse. He’s really balanced and it looks like he could be something, so it’s exciting.”
Rated by Merit is the only black-type performer for the winning Speightstown mare Banner Waving, who has two winners from three starters. She was purchased by St. Elias Stable for $19,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale.
“We’re tickled to death. He’s very talented,” Yates said. “He just seems to take everything in stride. Today, he had his ears up, pricking his ears back and forth. He knew it was race day.”
Rated by Merit is trying to become the eleventh colt or gelding to sweep the Florida Sire Stakes. He would join Smile (1984), Naked Greed (1991), Seacliff (1995), Express Tour (2000), Sir Oscar (2003), Big Drama (2008), Jackson Bend (2009), Fort Loudon (2011), Three Rules (2016) and Awesome Strong (2022). Four fillies have swept the female division including Nancy’s Glitter (1997), Aclassysassylassy (2004), Awesome Feather (2010) and Scandalous Act (2013). TFH
WIn N Your In
Returns to Winning Form With Impressive Susan’s Girl Score
by
Photo
Lauren King
BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Third as the odds-on favorite in the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen won by R Morning Brew last out, Win N Your In avenged that loss with a convincing four-and-a-halflength victory in the $200,000 Susan’s Girl, the second leg of the Florida Sire Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Oct. 19. Trained by Carlos David and ridden by Miguel Vasquez, Win N Your In defeated six other 2-year-old fillies by accredited Florida stallions in the seven-furlong contest.
Rogue Diamond and jockey Leonel Reyes sprinted to a lengthand-a-half advantage for the run down the backstretch while 3-5 morning line favorite R Morning Brew and Win N Your In raced in a joint second from a length-and-a-half back.
After a quarter-mile in :22.39, Rogue Diamond continued to show the way into the turn as R Morning Brew closed in on the outside and Win N Your In remained patient on the inside in third. Midway around the bend, Vasquez found an opening on the rail and sent Win N Your In quickly to the front while finishing the half-mile in :46.10. Once clear past the quarter-mile marker, Win N Your In began to increase her lead and was never challenged in the stretch, eventually winning in a final time of 1:25.23 on the fast track. Longshot Kip the Distance battled with R Morning Brew at the top of the stretch before prevailing to finish second by nearly three lengths. R Morning Brew held on for third followed in order by Don’t Fool With Me, I’malwaysthinking, Rogue Diamond and Wiggle An’ Wine.
Win N Your In paid $6.80 to win.
David said weather played a part in Win N Your In returning to win after disappointing in the sixfurlong Desert Vixen on Sept. 7.
“It was the heat. It was really hot that day,” David said. “Some horses don’t handle it well and she’s one of them. She just doesn’t like it. I told the guys that as long as we have good weather, she’s going to rock it. And she did. Thank God for the good weather today.
“The initial plan was to go to the lead. Her best performances have been on the lead, so I told Miguel, ‘I would encourage you to go to the lead if you can get it and just kind of set the pace. But if they go, just stay back a little bit and let them do their thing and come around.’
“She does well taking back a little bit, too, and
stalking,” he added. “I was a little worried coming around the turn because [Rogue Diamond] was stopping a little bit and I was like, ‘We’re going to get stopped.’ She’s gone to the rail before and she does well doing it, so we got lucky there. She drew off and she’s just great. She’s little, but she can run.”
Win N Your In started her career with a third against Floridabred special weight maiden fillies at four-and-a-half furlongs on June 6 but returned a month later to win by seven-and-a-half lengths under the same conditions but going a furlong farther.
Win N Your In then won the $200,000 Susan’s Girl by nearly five lengths on Aug. 10 before going in the Desert Vixen. She has now earned $218,950 for owners Troy Johnson and Maritza Weston while winning three of five races with two thirds.
Johnson purchased Win N Your In for $12,000 at the 2023 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Winter Mixed Sale on the advice of Maritza Weston’s husband, Charles Weston. She was consigned by Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield.
Win N Your In is by Ocala Stud’s Win Win Win, the current leading first crop sire in the Florida. She is out of Hello Rosie, by Yes It’s True and was bred in Florida by Marion G. Montanari. Hello Rosie has six winner from seven starters including multiple stakes-winning Florida-bred Miss Auramet.
“She was a very, very nice mare and I sold [Win N Your In] early on,” Montanari said. “I guess I’m the breeder but I sure wish I still owned her.”
Montanari said the decision to breed to Win Win Win was based on the advice of Michael O’Farrell with Ocala Stud.
“I always go with Mike O’Farrell to see the different stallions he has and he knows my mares. Plus Win Win Win is a very handsome horse.” TFH
Maritza Weston (left) and Win N Your In | Photo by G. Sonny Hughes t
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4 South Vigorous,
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FLORIDA-BRED LEADING MONEY EARNERS
Approval,
H
Miesque’s
22 Sir Bear, 1993 G by Sir Leon A L Smollin 71 19 12 14 $2,538,422
23 Gate Dancer, 1981 H by Sovereign Dancer
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25 Mecke, 1992 H by Maudlin Farnsworth Farm
26 Marlin, 1993 H by Sword Dance (IRE) Gilbert G Campbell 26 9 3
H
28 Gamdonguibada, 2009 M by Werblin Michael Crowe, Judy Crowe, Karen Perrone & Jim Perrone 42 15
29 Benny the Bull, 2003 H by Lucky Lionel Tomoka Farms, Inc 20 9 3 2 $2,353,430
30 Prized, 1986 H by Kris S Meadowbrook Farms,
31 Parranda, 2009 M by English Channel Kinsman Farm
32 Imperial Hint, 2013 H by Imperialism Shade Tree Thoroughbreds Inc
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34 Val’s Prince, 1992 G by Eternal Prince Four Horsemen’s
Jubilee,
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Bentornato Becomes Newest Florida-bred Millionaire With Second in Breeders’ Cup Sprint
BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Leon King Stable Corp.’s graded stakes-winner Bentornato became the newest member of the Florida-bred millionaire’s club with a second-place finish to Straight No Chaser in the Grade 1 Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Nov. 2.
Trained by Jose D’Angelo and ridden by Luis Saez, Bentornato was a half-length in front with an eighth-of-mile to finish before surrendering to Straight No Chaser near the wire to lose by a halflength.
“I thought for one moment that we got it. This horse ran huge,” D’Angelo said. “He put his heart on the on the track today. I’m so happy. I’m proud of him. I thought that we got the race, but it was close.
“I knew that the race had so much speed, but always in this kind of races, the people are afraid to get the lead. So, I said to Luis [Saez], ‘the horse is ready. If he breaks good and you can go, go. If you see like two or three horses there, try to sit and wait and make our own move.’ But he raced good and we went from the gate.”
Bentornato earned $340,000 for finishing second and increased his bankroll to $1,131,830 to become the 184th Floridabred Thoroughbred millionaire. He ranks as the 149th richest
Florida-bred behind Swept Overboard with $1,137,200.
Prior to the Breeders’ Cup, Bentornato won the Grade 2 Gallant Bob at Parx Racing on Sept. 21, a race in which he topped a Floridabred trifecta with runner-up Sunny Breeze and Buccherino in the show spot. He began the year finishing third to Forever Young (Jpn) in the US$1.5 million Boutique Group Saudi Derby, a Group 3 test at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh; and second to Valentine Candy in the $500,000 Robert Hilton Memorial at Charles Town Races on Aug. 23.
Last year, Bentornato won the $90,000 Proud Man and the first two legs of the male division of $1.2 million FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes with victories in the $100,000 Dr. Fager and $200,000 Affirmed.
By Bridlewood Farm stallion Valiant Minister, Bentornato is out of Her Special Way, by Put It Back and was bred by Tanma Corp. He has now won five of nine career starts with two seconds and two thirds.
“[Bentornato] all but won the [Breeders’ Cup Sprint] and is a heck of a competitive horse,” Bridlewood Farm General Manager George Isaacs said. “Anybody who has had success with Valiant Minister would be drawn to breed back to him.” TFH
Bentornato (right) | Alex Evers/Eclipse Sportswire
Withstands Claim of Foul to Win Gil Campbell Memorial
Photo by Ryan Thompson
BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Loco Abarrio withstood a claim of foul to win his first stakes race in the $150,000 FTBOA Gil Campbell Memorial Handicap on Oct. 19 at Gulfstream Park. The one-mile contest featured a field of six 3-year-olds and older bred in Florida. The purse included a $50,000 bonus for Florida Sire Stakes-eligible runners presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.
Longshot Rouki and odds-on favorite Octane started fastest of all before Loco Abarrio raced up on the inside to join them coming out of the backstretch chute. After a leisurely quarter-mile split in :24.60, jockey Edwin Gonzalez allowed Loco Abarrio to take a short lead as they hit the main track when Big Martini raced up between rivals to join him on the lead.
After a half mile in in :47.42, Loco Abarrio, Big Martini and Octane went around the far turn in tandem before Loco Abarrio used his ground-saving position to take a three-quarter-length advantage with two furlongs to the finish.
Loco Abarrio increased his lead at the top of the stretch as Big Martini chased in second and Octane dropped back. Loco Abarrio drifted out just past the eighth pole, forcing jockey Emisael Jaramillo to shift Big Martini to the inside with less than a sixteenth of a mile to the finish.
Big Martini made another run nearing the wire but Loco Abarrio held on to win by a half-length in 1:37.65 on the fast track. Big Martini finished second, four lengths clear of Awesome Train in third. Secret Lover, Rouki and Octane completed the order of finish. Classic Car Wash was scratched.
Emisael Jaramillo on Big Martini claimed a foul saying Loco Abarrio had come over on them in the stretch. After several minutes of deliberation, the track stewards did not allow the claim and kept the original order of finish.
Loco Abarrio won under the second highweight of 122 pounds and paid $9.80 to win.
Loco Abarrio is trained by Ronald Spatz for Mad Dog Racing Stable and Joseph H. Parker. He has now won
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six of 22 career starts—all at Gulfstream Park—with 10 seconds and two thirds and the $89,400 first place check, which included a $30,000 Florida Sire Stakes bonus, increased his earnings to $393,320.
“Long steward’s review,” co-owner Joseph H. Parker said in relief after the race. “I saw [Loco Abarrio] come out, but the bottom line is, he didn’t impede [Big Martini]. We were pretty confident but at the same time, you never know.
“He is an amazing horse. He’s such a consistent horse, always finishing second four out of seven times [this year], but [trainer] Ronny [Spatz] had him ready. Just an amazing feeling.”
Loco Abarrio came into the Campbell off three runner-up performances starting in August when a half-length shy of Of a Revolution in an upper level, $62,500 optional claiming. He was then less than two lengths behind Comedy Town in the $96,000 Benny The Bull in the mud on Aug. 24 before finishing a length-and-aquarter behind winner Big Effect in a second condition, $62,500 optional claiming on Aug. 4.
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“The first mare we bred when we got into this, we lost on Christmas Even in 2017 and we lost the baby too. So it was heartbreaking of course,” Godwin said.
“The next month, we go to the OBS Sale and buy two mares— one was Ballyhoo Kat (Ire), who is the dam to Ballyhoo Moon. Because of that connection, I watch Ballyhoo Moon go through the ring at the [2019] Fasig Tipton [Kentucky February] Sale and it didn’t look like anybody was bidding on her.
“So I had a friend there call me and said ‘hey Ballyhoo Kat’s baby just went through the ring. Do you want me to go make an offer on her?’ My friend suggested $3,500 dollars and I said if they’ll take that I’ll buy her.
“So we ship her to Ocala and we send her directly to Valiant Minister and voilá, we have Loco Abarrio, her first baby.”
“ He is an amazing horse. He’s such a consistent horse. [Trainer] Ronny [Spatz] had him ready. Just an amazing feeling.
–– Co-owner Joseph H. Parker
Loco Abarrio had two seconds and a third in five previous tries against stakes company. In addition to the Benny the Bull, he was second to Octane in the $100,000 Big Drama going seven furlongs at Gulfstream in May and third in the $129,000 Gulfstream Park Sprint won by Run Classic going six furlongs in February.
Loco Abarrio is by Valiant Minister out of Ballyhoo Moon, by Malibu Moon and is also the first stakes winner for breeder Ashley Godwin’s Rivermont Farm in Ocala.
“It’s going to go down as one of the happiest days of my life. I am just so excited,” Godwin said.
She purchased Ballyhoo Moon for $3,500 in a private sale transaction out of the 2019 Fasig Tipton Kentucky February Mixed Sale.
Ballyhoo Moon has since produced two other foals including an unnamed filly by St Patrick’s Day who sold for $60,000 to Sea Warrior Stables LLC at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales October Yearling Sale where she was consigned by Richard Kent’s Kaizen Sales. Ballyhoo Moon has a weanling colt by Ocala Stud stallion Colonel Liam and was bred to Pleasant Acres Stallions’ Verifying in 2024.
“It’s been a long road and a lot of work. I’m glad it’s finally paying off,” Godwin said. “I want everybody to know I much I appreciate them including my husband Vince Mirarchi. I have a great team of vets, a great blacksmith and my consignor is Richard Kent. My [assistant at the farm] is Luis Ortiz and it is a team sport for sure.
“I’m a strong supporter of the Florida stallions and the Florida program and I want racing in Florida to do well.”
Loco Abarrio was purchased by Carlos L. Perez/Clap Embroidery for $15,000 out of the Beth Bayer consignment at the 2021 OBS October Yearling Sale. TFH
Bluefield Winner of 2023 City of Ocala Florida Sire Stakes n Ryan Thompson Photo
Florida-breds at the Breeders’ Cup
Arthur’s Arthur’sRideRide
Breeder Cup Classic (G1)
Breeder Cup Sprint (G1)
B. SHERIDAN PHOTO
CARLOS J. CALO/ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTO
KATIE VORDENBERG/ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTO
CARLOS J. CALO/ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTO
B. SHERIDAN PHOTO
Cagliostro Cagliostro Federal FederalJudgeJudge
Breeder Cup Dirt Mile (G1)
Breeder Cup Sprint (G1)
SCOTT SERIO/ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTO
JOHN VOORHEES/ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTO
B. SHERIDAN PHOTO
KATIE VORDENBERG/ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTO
KATIE VORDENBERG/ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTO
Nooni Nooni
Breeder Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1)
Brock Sheridan interviews Jose D’Angelo, trainer of Bentornato
Nooni trainer Bob Baffert speaks to the press
JOHN VOORHEES/ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTO
TERE POPLIN/ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTO
PHOTO
Photo by Tre Wheway
Photo by Tre Wheway
Photo by Sally Moehring
EQUINE CARE
By Heather Smith Thomas
Foaling First Aid Kit
Before your mares are due to foal, it pays to do a thoughtful check of what you might need to have on hand to facilitate safe delivery. Some of the things you used last year may need replenished or replaced, such as if certain medications have expired. A foaling kit containing routine and emergency supplies should be ready and in a handy place in the barn.
Kristina Lu, VMD, DACT, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, has a basic list she gives clients.
“One thing that I stress to every new client is that we tailor the foaling kit to the client’s skills and location,” Lu said. “Some things people need to have on hand may vary, depending on whether the veterinarian could be there in 10 to 15 minutes. If the client is an hour or more away, this might change what needs to be in that kit.
“The kit might also change or include more things, based on the owner’s or mare manager’s skills, and whether they’ve foaled out a lot of mares,, and I feel comfortable with their skills. I also tailor it to the mares that will be foaling. With a high risk mare, the foaling kit might be quite different than if the client is foaling out the average veteran broodmare.”
This might happen if there is a hole in the uterus,” Lu said. “Don’t use J-Lube if there is any possibility that the mare might need a C-section delivery.
“I generally just tell clients to have a basic user-friendly sterile
Lu’s basic list of foaling kit items includes what everyone should have on hand and then she encourages people to talk with their veterinarian to determine what more should be added.
“First, include the things necessary to get the mare ready for foaling, such as a tail wrap and some kind of mild, gentle soap for cleaning her. Select a clean bucket to designate for clean items— not a container that may have had something already in it. Some people just line that bucket with a clean trash bag, and then whatever is inside of it will stay clean. You can yank it all out of the bucket when you need it. Include a clean tail wrap and obstetric sleeves. You don’t need sterile sleeves, just the new clean ones out of the box or package—not something that has been collecting dust on a shelf,” Lu said.
“Include a lubricant to apply to the sleeve. Ideally it should be a sterile lubricant. Some people keep the powdered J-Lube that you simply mix with warm water. The only concern with J-Lube is that if it gets into the abdominal cavity it can cause severe peritonitis.
lubricant that you could get at any pharmacy. If the client has a high skill level with foaling problems and might have to resolve a dystocia on their own, we might have a different conversation about lubricants,” Lu said.
“If the mare has a Caslick’s or might possibly red-bag [placenta coming ahead of the foal], I suggest having some lidocaine. If the mare is foaling ahead of expected date and the Caslick’s has not
Foaling
EQUINE CARE
been opened—and the client has to quickly open it before it tears—lidocaine will make it less painful for the mare,” Lu said.
“Every foaling kit should have scissors. If the mare red-bags, you can’t wait for your veterinarian. You have to cut the placental open so you can get through it to reach the foal.
“The foaling kit should include soft towels for drying the foal.
“I also make sure people have something to tie the umbilical cord if it bleeds. I feel that if it’s not bleeding you should leave it alone. In some situations, however, you need a clamp or tie it, to halt bleeding. Talk with your veterinarian and have whatever the veterinarian recommends for doing this,” Lu said.
“You will need some latex gloves. The kind of gloves, however, would depend entirely on the skin allergy of the human.
“I suggest a clean garbage bag to put the placenta in. If the bag is in the foaling kit, this is a reminder to save the placenta for your veterinarian to examine. The placenta may hang down for a few hours before the mare passes it. Have some clean string to tie it up, so she won’t step on it,” Lu said.
“Iodine or chlorhexadine [whichever your veterinarian prefers] can be used for this purpose,” Lu said.
“Many people put foal enemas in their foaling kit but I remind them that it’s not good to give a foal more than one [or two, at most] commercial enema because this can cause electrolyte abnormalities. If the foal needs more than two enemas, a veterinarian should be consulted,” Lu said.
“I advise people to put a card in the kit containing phone numbers they might need. This should include the veterinarian, and if it’s a team of veterinarians who use another practice for emergencies on certain days, all those phone numbers should be included,” Lu continued. “It’s also good to have the phone number of someone they could call if they run into a problem and need another pair of hands. If they don’t have a trailer hooked up and ready to go, also have phone numbers for someone they could call to get a trailer or van if it becomes necessary to take the mare to a veterinary hospital.”
After the foal is born, it’s also nice to have a colostrometer to measure colostrum quality.
“Have a cup to collect the colostrum [milking a little from the mare] in your foaling kit,” she says.
Many people now include an Udderly EZ mare milker in a foaling kit, in case they need to obtain colostrum for a foal that can’t nurse for some reason. You also need a cup or small jar for dipping the navel of the foal as soon as the cord breaks.
“Another thing I like my clients to have [and be trained to use,] is a foal oxygen mask or a large dog anesthetic mask with a connection to an Ambu bag or a commercial foal resuscitator. The client could potentially keep the foal on oxygen or breathing until I get there. Many people in our area rent oxygen tanks for the foaling season and have oxygen available if they need it,” Lu said.
A complete foaling kit includes obstetrical chains or straps in case a foal needs to be pulled in a difficult birth.
“These can do harm if they are not applied correctly,” Lu said. “Some people are comfortable using these and assisting a foaling and have probably seen more foalings than I have. But I don’t recommend having chains in a kit for someone who has never used them before. A demonstration can help. The veterinarian can do a simple demo on a person’s arms, for instance. Chains/ straps are a very important tool, if used correctly,” Lu said.
“Most of my clients are accustomed to giving some sort of pain relief to the mare, such as Banamine™ [flunixin meglumine]. Many people will have this in their foaling kit, but it may depend on whether their veterinarian feels comfortable prescribing this,” Lu said.
“I also recommend something to minimize hemorrhage. In older mares, we may see prepartum and postpartum hemorrhage. I utilize some Eastern medicine and suggest an herb called Yunnan Baiyao [though sometimes this is not available]. This treatment
Foaling
Expanding lungs with EZ Breather
may be controversial because some people don’t feel herbal medicine is effective, but there is some scientific evidence to support its use. My clients generally have a vial of this and a dose syringe ready to go. If they think a mare might be hemorrhaging, they can give this to her orally. It does no harm and may help. They can give one dose and call me as they are giving it, letting me know they are concerned about their mare hemorrhaging,” Lu said.
need them,” Lu said. These would not be a standard thing to have in a foaling kit, because they do expire, but if a client has a mare that does this every year, it would be good to have on hand. There are a few other things that might be in the foaling kit.
Some farms may have mares that are high risk for hemorrhage. If the veterinarian doesn’t routinely carry blood collection bags or bottles in his/her truck, it may be wise to have these in the foaling kit.
“There must be a donor horse to provide the blood, but it can be handy to have the collection bags on hand if you suddenly
“These would include things like sedatives. If I feel comfortable with a client using sedatives if they have a mare experiencing a dystocia, I’ll prescribe these. Some mares strain very hard at foaling and if they run into trouble, the client may need to sedate the mare for the 10 to 15 minutes it might take for a veterinarian to get there. The sedative would be administered after a phone call/consultation with me,” Lu said.
“Drugs will require a veterinarian’s prescription and a valid veterinary patient-client relationship,” Lu said. TFH
Feeding colostrum
FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY October 2024
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – STAKES
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE (cont’d)
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT
LEADING FLORIDA SIRES OF 2024
The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Oct. 31, 2024.
LEADING FLORIDA JUVENILE SIRES OF 2024
LEADING FLORIDA 1st CROP SIRES OF 2024
2024 STAKES WINS BY STATE OR PROVINCE
OPEN STAKES TOP 5
GRADED STAKES TOP 5
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
TAMMY A. GANTT
Associate
Santa’s Tropical Open House – Dec. 6
Members join us at the FTBOA office for food, drinks, music and an auction on Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bring a toy (value $10) for entry for the youth of the Marion County Boys and Girls Club. RSVP you and your guest by Dec. 3 to 352-629-2160 or e-mail tgantt@ftboa.com. Tropical, casual attire encouraged. Event is indoors/outdoors.
Florida Sire Stakes 2-year-old payment deadline
Jan. 15 is the deadline for FSS 2-year-olds for $250. If missed, the next deadline is Feb. 28 for $500. The yearling payment must have been paid. If the yearling payment was missed, a $5,000 payment can be made by Jan. 15. If missed, check FTBOA.com for additional deadlines.
Membership Renewals
Membership renewals for 2025 begin in late December. Members who are renewing will have an online payment option available at FTBOA.com. Members will receive a mailed renewal form and also a renewal form via e-mail.
Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo
Held Dec. 13 through 15, the 8th annual expo at the Florida Horse Park features competition in a variety of disciplines. Each discipline is composed of off-track and unraced thoroughbreds. Expo events includes the show, food trucks, a vendor fair, and educational seminars. Visit runfortheribbons.com
The Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Exposition is presented by the charitable organization Run For The Ribbons Inc., founded by Laurine Fuller-Vargas, a breeder and FTBOA member, who dedicates time to providing off- track Thoroughbreds the foundation needed for their next career.
Wire to Wire Racing Digest Updates
If you haven’t been opening your Wire to Wire Racing Digest coming to your e-mail inbox five nights per week, you have missed the new features that have been added in 2024. Brock Sheridan, editor-in-chief, produces original feature content and each issue lists Florida-breds in weekend stakes and their results, area connections, enhanced coverage of Florida-breds in the sales, and consignor successes.
These join the proprietary Florida-bred lists that are available only in Wire to Wire or our website (and nowhere else!) which includes Florida stallion progeny in races and the list of breeders with progeny in races.
We send Wire to Wire to industry stakeholders, FTBOA members and licensees. If you are not receiving Wire to Wire, please notify our offices so we can confirm your email and/or ensure your server or e-mail provider is not blocking delivery.
Horse Capital TV App/The Florida Horse Podcast
On your phone or your Smart TV platform, download the free Horse Capital TV app to watch episodes of Horse Capital TV featuring all breeds and disciplines in Central Florida, with a focus on Florida Thoroughbred farms. In addition, the app is great to listen to or view FTBOA’s The Florida Horse Podcast, featuring topics and personalities related to the Florida Thoroughbred industry.
