24 FOALS
29 FOALS
From 13 2-year-old runners, nine have won or placed, including Gentle Breeze, winner of his career debut and runner-up in the Proud Man S. at GP in second start.
Sire of: ZYDECEAUX - Won first start at 2, SW at 3 Cajun Hope - Winner and SP at 2 Cajun Tease - Won first start, SP at 2 Girl Bye - Won first start at GP, SP at BEL at 2
16 FOALS
15 FOALS
7 FOALS
Sire of: BREEZE ON BY - Won or placed in all three divisions of the FTBOA FSS. Top Ten 2YO Colt of 2020 (by Earnings) Breilla - Winner and SP at 2
Sire of: CAJUN BROTHER - Won first start at 2, SW, G3PL at 3 CAJUN CASANOVA - Winner and SW at 2, on the board in nine stakes, 9 wins 2 to 6 Go Gator Girl Go - Winner and SP at 2
Sire of: CAJUN FIRECRACKER - Won first start at 2, SW/SP in two divisions of the FTBOA FSS; SP winner at 3
CAJUN BREEZE Congrats / Cajun Dawn, by Awesome Again | $5,000 LFSN
24 FOALS Sire of: DEAN DELIVERS - Won first start, SW at 2; multiple GrPL at 3; GSW at 4, 3rd, A. G. Vanderbilt H-G1 at SAR CAJUN’S MAGIC - Won or placed in all three divisions of the FTBOA FSS, SP winner at 3 Full Disclosure - Won first start, SP winner 2 to 4, NTR at Gulfstream Park (5 fur. in :55.40) Runaway Breeze - Winner 2 to 4, SP at 2
P.O. Box 87 • Williston, FL 32696
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JANUARY 2024
| VOL 67 | ISSUE 1
DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS
7 THE BROCK TALK 8 FLORIDA FOCUS 12 REMI BELLOCQ CARTOON 36 EQUINE CARE: PREPARING MARES FOR BREEDING — By Heather Smith Thomas
40 FLORIDA-BRED ALL-TIME LEADING MONEY EARNERS 42 FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY NATIONAL FLORIDA-BRED STATISTICS
46 FLORIDA-BRED LEADING SIRES 48 STAKES WINNERS BY STATE 49 ADVERTISER INDEX 50 FTBOA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE — By Tammy A. Gantt
FEATURES
18 GULFSTREAM PARK PRESS RELEASE 20 FSS WINNER SEMINOLE CHIEF — By Brock Sheridan
22 FSS WINNER HONEY DIJON — By Brock Sheridan
24 Q & A WITH FTBOA PRESIDENT GEORGE ISAACS — By Brock Sheridan
28 FSS WINNER SHAQ DIESEL — By Brock Sheridan
29 FSS WINNER BLUEFIELD — By Brock Sheridan
30 GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM ON RACING
Understanding Horse Racing’s Economic Impact Panel
34 FTBOA MEMBER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
COVER PHOTO: Florida-Bred Seminole Chief by Ryan Thompson CONTENTS PHOTO: Florida-Bred Honey Dijon by Coady
4 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
2-Year-Old Payment* $250 by Jan. 15 Late 2-Year-Old Payment* $500 by Feb. 28 *Yearling payment must have been paid.
Yearling Payment $250 by May 15 LAUREN KING PHOTO
Late Yearling Payment $500 by Nov. 15 After Nov. 15 – $5,000 by Jan. 15 Last chance payment option of $10,000 by May 1 of 2-year-old year (horse must not have started) * All terms of FSS races and FTBOA purse supplements, 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 FSS racing schedule for a particular year is announced.
2023 FSS In Reality Winner Seminole Chief Girvin/Secret Song Breeder: Brad & Misty Grady Owner: Brad Grady & David Grund
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6 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
© 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 Wire is the digitally by Florida Equine Communications, 801 S.W. 60th Ave., hereinto areWire those of authorspublished and do notdaily necessarily reflect those of Florida Equine Communications or the Florida Ocala, FloridaBreeders’ 34474. Advertising available upon request. All rights reserved. Reproduction of conThoroughbred and Owners’ rates Association. Publication of any material originating herein is expressly forbidtents withoutfirst permission prohibited. Opinions in Wire to WireStatistics are those of the individual authors den without obtaining written permission fromexpressed THE FLORIDA HORSE©. in the publication relating to and areofnot necessarily those ofare thecompiled editors from and owners of this by publication. WeForm, are not responsible if the results racing in North America data generated Daily Racing Equibase, Bloodstock Research Information TheStatistics Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.,totheresults copyright ownersinofNorth said Amerdata. information reportedServices, to us is inand error. in the publication relating of racing Reproduction is prohibited. ica are compiled from data generated by Daily Racing Form, Equibase, Bloodstock Research Information copy deadline 5th of said monthdata. preceding publication. Subscriptions and change Systems Advertising Inc., the copyright owners DRF content: Copyright 2004 Daily RacingofForm, LLC address: Please mail Circulations Department. THE FLORIDA HORSE, 801 SW 60th Ave., and Equibase Company LLC,toall–rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited. Ocala, Florida 34474. Printed by PANAPRINT
THE BROCK TALK
BROCK SHERIDAN
Editor-in-Chief Florida Equine Communications SERITA HULT PHOTO
Khozan Joins Elite Group of Florida Stallions
F
or the fourth consecutive year, Journeyman Stud’s Khozan will be named the Florida Stallion of the Year having led the Sunshine State’s roster of sires with more than $6 million in progeny earnings for 2023. He will join Ocala Stud’s Montbrook (2002-‘03, 2008-’09) and Journeyman Stud’s Wildcat Heir (2010-’11, 2013’14) as the only stallions to be honored four times since the FTBOA began presenting the award in 1991 but will be the first to take the title in four consecutive years. Khozan has also been the state’s leading producer of 2-year-olds in 2019, 2020 and 2023 and ranked third in 2022. This year he was the leading sire of all-weather surface runners and was second in that category in both 2021 and 2022. Among turf sires, Khozan is second this year to Double Diamond Farm’s First Dude by just more than $2,000 as of Dec. 21, third in 2022 and second in 2021. First Dude and Arindel’s Brethren, who ranked third and fourth, respectively, among Florida stallions in 2023—each with more than $2 million in
KHOZAN Florida General Sire Rank History YEAR RANK 2023 . . . . . . . . . . 1 2022 . . . . . . . . . . 1 2021 . . . . . . . . . . 1 2020 . . . . . . . . . . 1 2019 . . . . . . . . . 12
progeny earnings—both are longtime residents among the top four leading Florida sires. Both are longtime residents among the top three leading Florida sires. After First Dude took the title as the state’s leading first crop sire in 2015, the now 16-year-old son of Stephen Got Even cracked the top three in Florida stallion progeny earnings in seven of the last eight years including in 2018 when he was the state’s leading sire. Brethren first turned heads when he was the state’s second leading first crop sire in 2017. He first joined the top three on Florida’s general sire list in 2019 then ranked second in three consecutive years from 2020-2022 before dropping to fourth in 2023. Brethren has been among the leading Florida sires of 2-year-olds since 2017 when he first cracked the list at no. four in the rankings. He was the state’s leader among 2-year-old sires in 2018, second in 2019, third in 2020, led in 2021, ranked second in 2022 and third in 2023 (as of Dec. 21). Other consistent juvenile producers among Florida sires are Stonehedge Farm South stallion Cajun Breeze, who has ranked in the top 10 in five of the last six years including in 2020 when second; Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie, who was second in 2023 and has ranked in the top 10 in each of the last four years; and Pleasant Acres Stallions’ Neolithic, who was third in 2023, second in 2021 and in the top 10 in 2022. TFH
THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2023 | 7
Florida Focus Compiled by Brock Sheridan
Time Passage Rolls on in Cellars Shiraz
Florida-bred Time Passage | Photo by Lauren King
Laurie Plesa and Glassman Racing LLC’s Time Passage scored her fourth straight victory and third stakes victory in a row at Gulfstream Park in the $65,000 Cellars Shiraz on Nov. 3. The Eddie Plesa Jr.-trained Time Passage led throughout the mile-and-one— sixteenth on synthetic, prevailing by a neck to live up to her 3-5 favoritism. The daughter of Bridlewood Farm stallion Tunwoo earned a $25,000 bonus offered by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for a registered Florida-bred winner in addition to the winner’s purse. “Since they stretched her out on the Tapeta, she’s been awesome,” jockey Edgard Zayas said. “She has speed, and she uses it. I feel like she gets everyone out of their own pace. She’s pretty quick and at the end she keeps fighting.” Florida-bred Coco finished second, two-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of To Thyself B True. They were followed in order by Batucada, Writteninthestars and Florida-bred Flakes. Time Passage completed the distance in 1:43.83 and paid $3.40 to win. Time Passage is out of Savingtime, by Kantharos and was bred by Baoma Corp. Savingtime has also produced multiple stakes-winning Florida-bred Champion Outfoxed and has two winners from three starters. She has an unnamed yearling colt by Bridlewood Farm stallion Valiant Minister and an unnamed weanling filly by Candy Ride (Arg). She was bred to Valiant Minister in 2023. Time Passage was purchased by Karl and Cathi Glassman as a yearling for $85,000 at the 2021 Ocala Breeders’ Sales October Yearling Sale where she was consigned by Stuart Morris. n
Florida-bred Dancing N Dixie Wins Our Dear Peggy
Florida-bred Dancing N Dixie | Photo by Sonny Hughes
8 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
Quintessential Racing Florida LLC’s Dancing N Dixie scored a half-length upset victory over 4-5 favorite Bubbly Champagne in the $65,000 Our Dear Peggy, a co-featured mile-and-70-yard stakes for 2-year-old fillies on the Gulfstream Park all-weather course on Nov. 3. The Mark Casse-trained daughter of Pleasant Acres Stallions’ Neolithic, who graduated in her last start on Oct. 1 at Gulfstream at Friday’s distance on the all-weather track, made a three-wide run to take the lead on the backstretch before Bubbly Champagne retook the lead and showed the way into mid-stretch. Dancing N Dixie kicked back in under Miguel Vasquez late to secure the victory. De Regreso finished third while Alcohol, Kiss and Florida-bred Singing Sandra completed the order of finish. Cat One was scratched. Florida-bred Dancing N Dixie returned $9.20 on a $2 win ticket. Dancing N Dixie was timed in 1:42.54 and earned a $25,000 FTBOA win bonus in addition to the lion’s share of the purse. She is out of the unraced Florida-bred mare Foolhearted Woman, by Uncaptured and was bred by the late Freddie Hyatt. Dancing N Dixie went through the auction ring at this year’s OBS June Sale of 2-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age where White Type Stables purchased her for $35,000 out of the
Blue River Bloodstock consignment. Dancing N Dixie is the first stakes-winner and only starter from four foals for Foolhearted Woman. n
Chess Chief to Stand at Pleasant Acres Stallions
Invitational and Grade 2 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, who earned $744,499. She is a half-sister to 1999 Eclipse Award Champion Grass Mare Soaring Softly, an earner of $1,270,433 and a multiple graded-stakes winner of the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf and Grade 1 Flower Bowl Invitational Handicap. Chess Chief joins stallions Bodexpress, Curlin’s Honor, Gone Astray, Gunnevera, Leinster, Magic On Tap, Mutasaabeq, Neolithic, No Never No More and Sweetontheladies at the 220acre farm located just northwest of Ocala. n
Journeyman Stud Announces 2024 Fees
Chess Chief | Photo by Lou Hodges Jr.
Pleasant Acres Stallions announced the arrival of Chess Chief, the 2021 Virginia-bred Horse of the Year, champion older horse and a son of Into Mischief out of Un Blessed, by Mineshaft, who will stand in Florida for the 2024 breeding season for a $5,000 fee. “Chess Chief is a wonderful addition to our stallion barn,” Director of Stallion Services Christine Jones said. “He was a talented athlete who beat Grade 1 winners Mucho Gusto, Long Range Toddy and twice he beat Roadster—all in graded events.” Chess Chief is a graded-stakes winner and multiple graded stakes-placed son of Into Mischief, the four-time champion general sire who stands for $250,000 at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky. Chess Chief won the $99,000 Tenacious and the $400,000 New Orleans Classic (G2) and had career earnings of nearly $1 million. He placed in four graded-stakes events including the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby, Grade 3 Oklahoma Derby, Grade 3 Mineshaft and Grade 2 Alysheba. Un Blessed, who is a half-sister to stakes-producer Bonnie Byerly, dam of Diabolical, a $300,000 2-year-old at Ocala Breeders’ Sales and a multiple graded-stakes winner of $1,467,401. On the board in 22 of 32 races, Diabolical won the Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, Grade 3 Emirates Airline Maryland Sprint Handicap and was multiple Grade 1 placed. Chess Chief’s second dam, Plenty of Grace, was a multiple graded-stakes-winner, including the Grade 1 Yellow Ribbon
Brent and Crystal Fernung’s Journeyman Stud announced that Florida’s leading sire, Khozan, will stand the 2024 season for $6,500. Khozan, an eleven-year-old son of national leading sire Distorted Humor, was the leading two-year-old sire in Florida when his first crop ran in 2019 and has been Florida’s leading general sire every year since. This year he has been represented by twelve blacktype runners including Delaware Oaks (Grade 3) winner Foggy Night, Me and Mr. C, winner of the $250,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Stakes and R Harper Rose, winner of the $200,000 FSS Susan’s Girl Stakes. Through October 31, Khozan’s progeny have earned $5.1 million dollars in 2023. Standing the 2024 season for $3,500 is American Pharoah’s full brother St Patrick’s Day whose first crop is racing this year. Sire of four winners to date, St Patrick’s Day is the sire of stakesplaced winner Jive as well as Emblem Bomb, an impressive winner in Japan recently. Rounding out the roster for 2024 is Florida-bred Champion Chance It, the multiple stakes winning and Grade 1 placed son of Currency Swap whose first foals will be yearlings of 2024. Chance it will stand for $2,000 again in 2024. The Florida Horse Podcast is fearueing a Florida Stallion series and the first episode in the series focuses on Journeyman Stud. The Podcast is available at ftboa.com and all popular podcast platforms. n
Chi Chi Wins Second Straight Stakes in Juvenile Fillies Sprint Under a well navigated ride from Edwin Gonzalez, Chi Chi split horses inside the final furlong then jetted away from her rivals with ease to win the $60,000 Juvenile Fillies Sprint as the oddsTHE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 9
Florida Focus Continued
Ocala Stud Announces 2024 Stallion Roster and Fees
Florida-bred Chi Chi | Photo by Ryan Thompson
on favorite at Gulfstream Park on Nov. 11. Chi Chi defeated six other Florida-bred 2-year-old fillies going six-and-a-half furlongs to capture her second consecutive added-money test. The Juvenile Fillies Sprint also offered a $25,000 win bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for Florida Sire Stakes-eligible runners, but Chi Chi was not eligible. By Audible out of Simply Confection, by Candy Ride (Arg), the half-sister to 2022 Florida-bred Horse of the Year Simplification won the $50,000 E.L. Gaylord, also at six-and-a-half furlongs, at Remington Park on Sept. 24 for trainer Herman Wilensky in her previous start. As they straightened for home in the Juveniles Fillies Sprint, Gonzalez waited patiently for a seam that eventually opened to the right of Avelino on the inside and with little encouragement, pushed Chi Chi to the lead. Chi Chi darted clear to win by twoand-three-quarter lengths in 1:18.44 on the fast track. Hepburn was second, three-quarters of a length ahead of Miss Sayley in third. Avelino, Epona’s Hope, Florindia and Genuine Peril completed the order of finish. Chi Chi paid $3.20 to win. Bred in Florida by France Weiner, Chi Chi improved her record to two wins in four starts with earnings of $71,840. The bay filly went through the auction ring at Ocala Breeders’ Sales as a short yearling in the Winter Mixed Sale in January of 2022 where she was consigned by Stuart Morris but did not meet her reserve. With graded stakes-winner Simplification, Chi Chi is the second black-type performer for Simply Confection, who has one other runner, an unnamed yearling colt by Union Rags and an unnamed weanling filly by Not This Time. Simply Confection was bred to Into Mischief in 2023. n 10 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
Ocala Stud has set 2024 stud fees for its roster of nine stallions for the upcoming breeding season, led by Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby—winner Roadster who will stand his second season at stud for $7,500 S&N. Colonel Liam, a three-time Grade 1-winning millionaire, will also stand his second season for a fee of $6,500 S&N. Seeking the Soul and Win Win Win were each represented by first yearlings in 2023 and will once again stand for $5,000 S&N. Roadster, a son of perennial leading sire Quality Road, proved an impressive winner of the $1 million Santa Anita Derby in 2019. In a determined win, he defeated stablemate Game Winner—the previous year’s Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male champion—with a sustained stretch rally after circling his rivals three-wide on the far turn. In addition to his signature victory, Roadster finished second to Omaha Beach in the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes, second in the Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes and was runner-up to Grade 1-winner Mucho Gusto in the Grade 3 Affirmed Stakes. Roadster is out of the stakes-winning and stakes-producing Silver Ghost mare Ghost Dancing and is a half-brother to Grade 1 winner and Keeneland track-record setter Ascend. Roadster was sold by his breeder— Arthur Hancock III’s Stone Farm—at the Keeneland September Sale for $525,000. Colonel Liam is a back-to-back winner of the $1 million Pegasus Turf Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park. He also won the $1 million Turf Classic Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs, recording a 102 Beyer Speed Figure. Colonel Liam was a $1.2 million graduate of the OBS Spring Sale, where he was purchased by Jacob West on behalf of Robert and Lawana Low after breezing a quarter in an eye-catching :20.80. A son of Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile—winner Liam’s Map, a half-brother to leading sire Not This Time, Colonel Liam is produced from the Bernardini mare Amazement and hails from the family of multiple Grade 1-winner Wonder Again, his second dam. All told, Colonel Liam amassed earnings of more than $1.8 million in a sensational racing career. Win Win Win has been represented this year with in-demand first yearlings commanding up to $250,000 at Keeneland September and $150,000 at the Fasig-Tipton July Sale. During his racing career, Win Win Win captured the Grade 1 Forego Stakes at Saratoga in 2020, defeating four Grade 1 winners. He set a new track record as a 3-year-old, winning the seven-furlong Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in 1:20.89, running a 2 on the Ragozin Sheets. Win Win Win hails from a deep Live Oak family
and is a descendant of the influential Halo sire line. He stands as the property of a partnership between Live Oak Stud, Airdrie Stud and Ocala Stud. Seeking the Soul, a Charles Fipke homebred, enjoyed an illustrious racing career. He won the 2017 Clark Handicap (G1), the 2018 Ack Ack Stakes (G3) and the 2019 Stephen Foster Stakes (G2). He won or placed in eight graded stakes, including runner-up finishes in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and the $9 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1), banking more than $3.4 million. Seeking the Soul is represented by first yearlings this year. Awesome Slew, the leading Freshman Sire in Florida in 2022, is the No. 2-ranked Second-Crop Sire in the Sunshine State this year with progeny earnings of $1,021,161. His overall leading earner is multiple stakes winner Awesome Strong with earnings of $473,200, followed by multiple stakes-placed Awesome Pic who has banked $153,985. Awesome Slew has been represented in the auction ring this year with 2-year-olds up to $700,000, $150,000, $130,000, etc. The complete roster with fees for Ocala Stud is as follows: Stallion S&N Fee Adios Charlie $3,000 Awesome Slew $4,000 Battalion Runner $2,500 Colonel Liam 56,500 Dak Attack $2,500 Gretzky the Great $3,000 Seeking the Soul $5,000 Roadster $7,500 Win Win Win $5,000
Florida-bred Loyalty Wins Bessarabian in Second Attempt Third in last year’s Grade 2 Bessarabian won by fellow Floridabred Our Flash Drive, Antony Beck’s Gainesway Stable and LNJ Foxwoods’ Loyalty avenged that loss with a length-and-a-half victory in the 2023 edition of the CA$181,700 stakes at Woodbine on Nov. 11. Trained by Josie Carroll and ridden by Kazushi Kimura, Loyalty ran down 18-1 longshot Love to Shop and Our Flash Drive with an outside rally in deep stretch to win against a large field of 13 fillies and mares going seven furlongs over the all-weather main track and keeping the Bessarabian title among Florida-breds for the second consecutive year. Loyalty broke well from post six then settled mid-pack in seventh as Owen’s Tour Guide led down the backstretch to finish
the quarter-mile in :23.11 while a half-length in front of Miss Dracarys, Collecting Flatter and Love to Shop in a joint second. Loyalty began to pass horses around the turn while seven-wide as Owen’s Tour Guide maintained the advantage until the top of the stretch. Turning for home, Our Flash Drive used a groundsaving trip on the rail to take a short lead with Love to Shop also
Florida-bred Loyalty | Photo by Michael Burns
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THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 11
Florida Focus Continued
making a bid while three-wide when Loyalty burst on the scene on the far outside. Loyalty used her momentum to surge past Love to Shop in deep stretch and went on to win in 1:22.27. Love to Shop finished a neck in front of a late-running Dolce Sopresa, who was a half-length faster than Our Flash Drive in fourth. They were followed in order by Awesome Treat, Time for an Angel, Artie’s Princess, Ready to Venture, Miss Dracarys, Spun Glass, Owen’s Tour Guide, Florida-bred Midnight Stroll and Collecting Flatter. Baby No Worries was scratched. Loyalty went off as the 3-1 favorite and paid $8.10 to win. The victory was the second graded stakes at Woodbine for Loyalty, who won the Grade 3 Hendrie going six-and-a-half furlongs on the main track in July. She also vindicated a third-place finish behind Spun Glass and Awesome Treat, who were first and second respectively, in the Grade 3 Ontario Fashion in their previous start on Oct. 14 racing six furlongs at Woodbine. “Last time, there were only a few horses in the front and she was aggressive from the beginning,” Kimura said of Loyalty in the Ontario Fashion. “But today, there were so many frontrunners that fortunately we could set up behind and she was so comfortable from behind and she finished up strong.” With a victory in the CA$125,000 Duchess at the Toronto oval last year, Loyalty is now six for eight at Woodbine with two thirds. She has won seven of 11 races overall with two thirds and
REMI CARTOON
12 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
a lifetime bankroll of US$398,647. Loyalty is by Hard Spun out of Slew’s Quality, by Elusive Quality and was bred in Florida by Thomas and Lori Fackler’s Best A Luck Farm LLC and Godolphin LLC. Loyalty is a half-sister to 2018 Eclipse Award Champion Sprinter and Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint-winner Shamrock Rose, by Double Diamond Farm stallion First Dude; and stakes-placed Bet On Mike, by Biondetti. Slew’s Quality has produced seven winners from nine starters and has an unnamed yearling colt by Authentic. She was bred to Yaupon and Jackie’s Warrior in 2023. n
Squints Uses Inside to Upset Juvenile Sprint Florida-bred Colts Earns $25,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Win Bonus Jockey Hector Diaz Jr. used a ground-saving trip aboard Screen Door Stables LLC’s Squints to win the $85,000 Juvenile Sprint at odds of 28-1 against six other Florida-bred 2-year-olds at Gulfstream Park on Nov. 11. It was the first stakes victory for the son of Journeyman Stud’s leading Florida sire Khozan, who won by a length-and-three-quarters after six-and-a-half furlongs on the main track. In addition to the winner’s share of the $60,000 purse, Squints earned a $25,000 bonus as a Florida Sire Stakes-eligible winner presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. After breaking from post two, Squints was pinched back after the first furlong and was forced to race in sixth, about three lengths behind early leader Saint No More down the backstretch. Saint No More took a short lead into the far turn after a quarter-mile in :22.37 as recent maiden-winner Lace Up, 7-2 second choice Big Effect and 3-5 favorite General Ledger were in close pursuit with Squints still fifth, about three lengths from the front. As they straightened away into the run for home, Squints drew even with Saint No More, Big Effect and Lace Up and those
four battled for the lead as they raced past the eighth-pole. Sound of the Beast seemed to get a short lead on the far outside before Squints found his best stride on the rail and pulled away to win in 1:17.56 on the fast track. Sound of the Beast was a length clear of third-place finisher Big Effect with Saint No More fourth. Private Thoughts, Lace Up and General Ledger completed the order of finish. Trained by Kelly Breen, Squints paid $58.20 to win. It was the third career start for Squints, who won a state-bred maiden special weight by a head going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park on Sept. 16 in his first start. He then jumped into stakes company in the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes
Florida-bred Squints | Photo by Ryan Thompson
Affirmed at seven furlongs at Gulfstream on Oct. 21, but finished seventh after an eventful trip behind winner Bentornato. Squints earned $60,280 for the victory to push his lifetime bankroll to $94,280. Bred in Florida by Brent and Crystal Fernung, Squints is out of the Corinthian mare Ephyra, who has produced five winners from five starters including Grade 3 Longacres Mile-winner Background. She also has Backtrack, a yearling full brother to Squints and an unnamed weanling filly by Journeyman Stud’s Uncle Chuck. She was bred to Corniche in 2023. The Fernungs sold Squints last year through their Journeyman Bloodstock Service consignment for $50,000 to his current owners at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales October Yearling Sale. n
OBITUARY James “Jimmy” Alexander, a known and resuccumbing to his short illness. spected horseman, passed away peacefully surJimmy additionally loved playing golf with rounded by family on Friday, Nov. 24. his diverse group of friends. He could often be Born to Russell and Mattie Alexander in Lexfound heading to or on the golf course. An avid ington, Ky., on Oct. 15, 1948, Jimmy was a proud and knowledgeable sports fan he followed the third generation horseman. Jimmy was raised on Kentucky Wildcats and Florida Gators sports the prestigious Bwamazon Farm in Winchester, teams. Ky., where he thoroughly enjoyed learning from Jimmy’s positive outlook and kind personand working with his father as he grew up. ality will forever live through memories and The family later relocated to Ocala, Fla., when stories from all that loved him. Jimmy Alexander Jimmy was in his teens. His love for working with Jimmy is survived by his wife Deni AlexanDouble Diamond Photo horses continued in Ocala where he also enjoyed der of Ocala; two fourth generation horseman playing baseball into his adult years. He graduated from Ocala sons Chris, and his wife Lisa, with McKathan Brothers in OcHigh School in 1967 and after graduation he proudly served his ala; and Kevin, and his wife Lori, with Middlebrook Farm in country by joining the United States Air Force. Jimmy served in Lexington; grandchildren Ashton Alexander, Justin Alexander, the Vietnam War and after his four year enlistment was com- Matthew Alexander and step-grandson Brandon Kessel; step plete he returned to the Thoroughbred industry. great-grandson Bryson Kessel; step-children Kris Spencer and Over the years while involved in the Thoroughbred industry Bethany Spencer-Smith; cousins Rusty Arnold (trainer), Terry he was a manager with the notable Franks Farm, Bwamazon Arnold (trainer), Debbie Arnold, Lenny Arnold, Scott McClene, Farm and Live Oak Plantation before becoming Farm Manager and Steven McClene. of Double Diamond Farm. Jimmy resided at Double Diamond In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in his name to the for more than 30 years and was very active in his role before Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. n THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 13
t
James “Jimmy” Alexander
Florida Focus Continued
Bodexpress to Stand at Pleasant Acres Stallions Pleasant Acres Stallions has announced the arrival of Bodexpress, who will stand in Florida for the 2024 breeding season for a $3,500 fee. “We are excited about the arrival of Bodexpress to our stallion barn,” Director of Stallion Services Christine Jones said. “It’s always impressive when we can bring a Grade 1 winner into the Florida breeding program.” Bodexpress is a Grade 1 winner and multiple graded stakesplaced son of Bodemeister, winner of the Grade 1 Arkansas Derby and second in the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby presented by Yum!
Florida-bred Bodexpress | Photo by Coady
Brands, who averaged more than $200,000 per start during his racing career. To date, Bodemeister has sired two champions, 12 graded black-type winners, 28 stakes winners and 27 black type-placed runners. Earning three triple digit Beyer Speed Figures during his racing career, Bodexpress won or placed in five stakes—four graded. In the 2019, Grade 1 Expressbet Florida Derby, Bodexpress was runner-up to multiple grade 1-winner Maximum Security and beat Code of Honor. He defeated Code of Honor a second time, along with multiple graded stakes-winner By My Standards, in the Grade 1 Clark presented by Norton Healthcare. Bodexpress is out of the City Zip daughter Pied a Terre, who is a half-sister to Grade 1-winning millionaire Stormy Lord and stakes-winner Incredicat. The immediate family also has produced multiple Grade 1 winner and course record-setter Influent, Grade 1-winner Whadjathink and six-time black type stakes-winner Explosive Kate, the third dam of Bodexpress. Bodexpress joins Amira’s Prince (Ire), Chess Chief, Curlin’s Honor, Gone Astray, Gunnevera, Leinster, Magic On Tap, Mutasaabeq, Neolithic, No Never No More and Sweetontheladies on the stallion roster at the 220-acre farm located just northwest of Ocala. n
OBITUARY Danzel Brendemuehl
American Oaks (G1)-winner Wonder Lady Anne Danzel Brendemuehl had tons of home runs; L., were the impressive Strub Stakes (G2)-winner she had a keen eye for spotting horses that few Monterey Jazz and Grade 2-winner Fridays A looked at twice. One of her biggest was when she Comin. purchased a colt for $19,500 on the last day of Others in Danzel’s repertoire are Munny’s the Keeneland sale. She sold the horse to Ken Gold, Cara’s Time, Uncle Sigh, Bobby Bo, Fort Ramsey through Linda Sims at the OBS sale for Worth, but one of her favorites was Fleetstreet $115,000. Ramsey renamed the horse Roses in Dancer, who she purchased for $22,000 and sold May and that horse finished second in the Grade for $150,000. Everyone laughed at him because 1 Breeders Cup Classic and then went on to win he walked like a duck, not for long. the Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (G3) and Danzel’s career was racing horses, pinhooking Danzel Brendemuehl Fasig Tipton Photo the Whitney. and breeding. She was a firm believer that Aside from horses consigned by Brendemuehl, respect, kindness and patience brought the best results in any including Roses in May as stated above and Coaching Club animal. She had a special affinity for horses all her life. n 14 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
Florida-bred Let Them Watch Resumes Winning Form in Sandpiper A winner of her first two career starts at Gulfstream Park before suffering her first loss in the $198,000 Mytlewood at Keeneland last out, Case Chambers’ Let Them Watch resumed her winning ways Dec. 2 at Tampa Bay Downs in the $50,000 Sandpiper. The Sandpiper also offered a $50,000 win bonus for Florida Sire Stakes-eligible runners but Let Them Watch did not qualify. Ridden by Hector Diaz Jr., Let Them Watch led at every pole in the six-furlong Sandpiper, clicking off quarter-mile splits of :22.05 and :44.34 before winning by three-quarters of a length in 1:10.64 on the fast track. Florida-bred Chi Chi, who was riding a two-race winning streak into the Sandpiper, both in stakes, rallied from fifth to get second, three-and-three-quarter lengths ahead of 6-5 favorite Toupie in third. Florida-bred Genuine Peril was fourth followed by A Primera Vista and Betsylicious. Let Them Watch paid $7.60 to win. “The game plan today was to let them come and catch us,” Diaz said. “She was the fastest horse in the race, so I took advantage of that. She always breaks well and I was confident she was going to give her all when I asked her. She kicked on in the stretch and kept going, and when [Chi Chi] started coming, my filly never quit.” Diaz was aboard Let Them Watch for her two victories on July 7 and Aug. 13. The bay daughter of Maximus Mischief won a state-bred maiden special weight for fillies by six-and-a-quarter lengths in her first out going five-and-a-half furlongs then took the $90,000 Sharp Susan by two-and-three-quarter lengths going six furlongs before shipping to Keeneland. Let Them Watch is out of the Proud Accolade mare My Rolex and has now earned $129,095 in her three starts. Bred in Florida by Tracy Pinchin, Let Them Watch is a half-sister to 2015 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen winner It’s High Time, by Gone Astray and two other winners from five starters and eight foals out of My Rolex. My Rolex has an unraced yearling filly, Wiggle An’ Wine, by Ocala Stud stallion Awesome Slew; and was bred to Journeyman Stud stallion Uncle Chuck in 2023. Let Them Watch twice went through the auction ring at Ocala Breeders’ Sales. She did not meet her reserve in last year’s October Yearling Sale when consigned by Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield then Chambers bought her for $55,000 at this year’s Spring Sale out of the Randy Miles consignment. TFH
Florida-bred Let Them Watch | Photo by SV Photography
THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 15
2024 Florida-Bred
INCENTIVES
at Gulfstream Park Announced
Ocala, FL–The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, Gulfstream Park and the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association announced on Dec. 20 an unprecedented $2.1 million Florida-Bred Incentive Fund for overnight race conditions beginning Jan. 1, 2024. Independently, the FTBOA has announced an additional $1.3 million of Florida-bred race incentives on Gulfstream Park stakes and selected overnights to complement the expanded FBIF and longstanding Florida Sire Stakes 2-year-old series. The combined programs, totaling $4.6 million, are substantially enabled by HB 7063, a 2023 Florida tax package directing more than $55 million into the Thoroughbred industry over two years. Florida Bred Incentive Fund Quadruples The Florida-Bred Incentive Fund offers up to $1.8 million to 18 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
FTBOA-registered Florida-breds in selected open overnight conditions. The popular 2-year-old maiden win bonus program – that includes $10,000 for Florida-breds in open maiden special weight races and up to $5,000 per 2-year-old Florida-bred maiden claiming race – has been extended to a full-year offering. Beginning in April with the Summer meet, up to $6,000 will be added for Florida-breds of any age that finish first, second or third in unrestricted handicaps, maiden special weights, allowance races, claiming or maiden claiming races $25,000 or higher and $16,000 or higher starter conditions. In addition to the FBIF, the total pool of $5,000 bonuses for 2-year-old Florida Sire Stakes eligible winners in maiden special weights will triple to $300,000 from the $100,000 total bonus pool offered in prior years. The $2.1 million 2-year-old and FBIF incentives for Floridabreds nearly quadruples the $550,000 program of 2023.
“The 2024 Florida-bred Incentive Fund is a win-win situation for our FTHA membership,” FTHA president Joe Orseno said. “The agreement will help our owners and trainers benefit and achieve their objectives. In the collaboration with all sides, we found common ground to reach this mutually beneficial agreement.” Gulfstream Park’s Executive Director of Florida Racing Operations Bill Badgett emphasized state legislative support that enabled the expanded incentives. “All of us at Gulfstream Park are excited over the additional purse money available to our Florida-bred owners,” Badgett said. “We need to give special thanks to all the legislators up in Tallahassee who support our industry.”
round Florida incentives enabled by 2023 legislation investing in Florida Thoroughbreds across the board set the bar at its highest ever. I appreciate the efforts of FTBOA’s Steve Koch and Gulfstream Park’s Vice President of Racing Mike Lakow for working out a robust and impactful incentives package in cooperation with the FTHA – everyone wins.”
FTBOA Adds $1.3 Million for Florida-Breds in Allowances and Stakes
Established in 1948, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association is a not-for-profit association with the mission of promoting the Florida Thoroughbred. The FTBOA represents more than 1,300 Thoroughbred breeders and owners internationally who breed, raise, sell, train and race Thoroughbreds born in the state of Florida. The FTBOA is located at 801 SW 60th Avenue in Ocala, Fla., the heart of one of the top equine regions worldwide and recognized as the Horse Capital of the World®. TFH
The FTBOA independently announced an additional $1.3 million FTBOA-registered Florida-bred incentives in Gulfstream Park stakes and selected overnights to complement the expanded FBIF. Beginning Jan. 1, the FTBOA offers up to $20,000 for Floridabreds in open stakes or Florida Sire Stakes eligible runners in restricted stakes. The $20,000 incentive will distribute $10,000 to winners, $6,000 for place and $4,000 to show. In overnight conditions, the FTBOA will boost maiden special weights, allowances and handicaps with $5,000 win bonuses for Florida-breds in open races and Florida Sire Stakes eligible winners in restricted races. The win bonuses apply to all ages except 2-year-old winners already benefiting from lucrative FBIF incentives. “FTBOA has a long, generous history of bonusing Floridabred stakes winners and juveniles at Gulfstream Park. The magnificent expansion of Florida-bred incentives in 2024 – both from the FTBOA and in partnership with the track and horsemen – are certain to drive entries and grow Florida racing,” FTBOA’s Steve Koch said. “Our emphasis on open-company conditions acknowledges that Florida-breds shy from no one.” The FTBOA additionally has renewed its $200,000 incentives for Florida-breds in the Grade 1 Curlin Florida Derby ($100,000 to Florida-breds, $100,000 to Florida Sire Stakes eligibles) and $100,000 in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks ($50,000 to Florida-breds, $50,000 to Florida Sire Stakes eligibles). The bonuses respectively offer 60% to win, 30% to place and 10% for show finishers. “The partnered programs mean Florida maidens and allowance starters, for example, will contend for as much as $11,000 extra in the summer meet,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “That is a major boost that should fill the starting gate. We applaud this summer emphasis and look forward to a breakout season for the track and horsemen. Our record-setting, year-
Florida Sire Stakes Two-Year-Old Series Returns The FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes 2-year-old stakes series is set to return to Gulfstream Park in 2024 for its 11th season. The six-race schedule, with total purses of $1.2 million, tentatively replicates the 2023 format, to be announced at a later date.
About the FTBOA
$7 Million Record FLORIDA-BRED Racing Incentives in 2024 $4.6 Million at Gulfstream Park n n
FTBOA’s $1.2 Million FSS 2yo Stakes Series $3.4 Million FTBOA and Florida-bred Incentive Fund
$2.4 Million at Tampa Bay Downs n
n n
$18,000 added per MSW or Allowance, all ages $660,000 Florida Cup $800,000 in Stakes incentives
Increased Breeder/Stallion Awards (+52%) and Racing Incentives (+66%) are enabled by Florida HB7063, a bill championed by the FTBOA.
Participants must be FTBOA registered Florida-breds and/or eligible for the Florida Sire Stakes (FSS). FTBOA, FSS and FBIF races and incentives are subject to change. While funds last. See condition book.
THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 19
In Reality Upset Winner in FSS Finals
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BY BROCK SHERIDAN
HALLANDALE BEACH, FL—Seminole Chief wore down 1-5 favor- of Mattingly in front through a :46.69 half-mile. Jockey Emisael Jaramillo sent Bentornato at Mattingly and ite Bentornato in deep stretch to win the $300,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes In Reality on Dec. 2 at Gulfstream Park at odds of 12- Seminole Chief around the far turn and those three hit the top 1, validating trainer Jack Sisterson’s long range strategy with the of the stretch together. Mattingly dropped back and it appeared Bentornato might get the lead in midstretch. A determined SemiFlorida-bred colt. Ridden by Paco Lopez for owners Brad Grady of Grandview, nole Chief eventually pulled away to win a half-length ahead of a Tex., and David Grund of Chicago, Seminole Chief was the best of late-running Secret Lover in second in a final time of 1:45.59 on seven 2-year-olds by registered Florida stallions who went a mile- the fast track. Bentornato finished another half-length back in third as Matand-a-sixteenth in the third leg of the series. After training at Sisterson’s Saratoga barn during the summer, tingly, Lasso, Cajun Fool and Brawn completed the order of finish. Seminole Chief paid $27 to win. He was longest shot to win Seminole Chief started his career with an eight-length victory in a five-furlong maiden special weight at Finger Lakes Racetrack in the In Reality since Reprized Halo defeated 3-5 favorite Gourmet Dinner at odds of 46-1 in 2010 and paid $94.60. Farmington, N.Y. on Sept. 11. Seminole Chief has now won two of three career starts and “This is about development. If a horse doesn’t win a race, he doesn’t move forward,” Sisterson said after the In Reality vic- the $180,000 first-place check increased his lifetime bankroll to tory. “[Seminole Chief] trained great at Saratoga. But was he $195,960. Bred in Florida by Brad and Misty Grady, Seminole Chief is by Girvin out good enough to win first time at Saratoga? This victory means a lot. Winning a Florida Sire Stakes of Secret Song, by Dunkirk. Probably not. So I said race in a penultimate moment for me and I’ve had a lot of Secret Song has we’ll take this horse four winners from six to Finger Lakes. The horses and won a lot of races. We just love Florida. prize money is not as –David Grund foals and Seminole Chief is her first stakes much, but this is about winner. Secret Song a bigger picture. He’s a Florida-bred, so I wanted to get his confidence going in the right has an unnamed yearling filly, who is a full sister to Seminole Chief, and she was bred to Girvin again in 2023. direction and then come down for the [Florida Sire Stakes].” Seminole Chief was sent through the Ocala Breeders’ Sales After dominating in his first start as Sisterson hoped, Seminole Chief disappointed in the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire June Sale by consignor Bobby Dodd and eventually sold for Stakes Affirmed going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park on Oct. $80,000 to HND Bloodstock for Brad Grady. But it took some determination from Sisterson and Grund to 21, finishing sixth under jockey Sonny Leon, 12 ½ lengths behind partner with Brady Grady, who had purchased him. winner Bentornato. “I was working the sale with Justin Casse and I was actually But Sisterson saw enough promise that he thought some miflying to England for my best friends’ wedding,” Sisterson said. “I nor changes may move the colt forward in the In Reality. “Sonny Leon said [after the Affirmed] this is a nice horse. Once think we bid $75,000 as the phone cut out and we didn’t get him. he got dirt kicked in his face, he dropped out of it. But once he So Mr. Grund said ‘oh no, he’s a nice horse.” So I asked Justin got clear, he came running again. So I said, let’s shoot for the if would find out who bought the horse and find out if we could potentially buy the horse. So Brad [Grady] and Mr. Grund came to $300,000 [In Reality] on Dec. 2. “I put blinkers on him and tried to keep him in the clear and an agreement and here we are now. “I have to give a lot credit to Mr. Grund.” he was game today.” Grund, however, was just as quick to praise Sisterson. Seminole Chief broke well in the In Reality and ran to the out“Jack Sisterson is a fantastic trainer. He is a great communicator side of frontrunning Mattingly, who had finished second in the Affirmed, around the far turn with Bentornato tracking those two and makes owning horses a lot of fun,” Grund said. “This victory means a lot. Winning a Florida Sire Stakes race from third through the first quarter-mile in :23.43. As instructed by Sisterson, Lopez kept Seminole Chief in the in a penultimate moment for me and I’ve had a lot of horses and clear, racing four-wide down the backstretch and a half-length off won a lot of races. We just love Florida.” TFH
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THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 21
Ryan Thompson Photo
22 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
Gives Grady, Girvin a Florida Sire Stakes Double With My Dear Girl Score BY BROCK SHERIDAN HALLANDALE BEACH, FL—A few hours after owner Brad Grady and partner David Grund saw their Seminole Chief upset the $300,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes In Reality at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 2, his Honey Dijon defeated 3-5 favorite R Harper Rose to win the $300,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl, also at Gulfstream. Both Seminole Chief and Honey Dijon are by Grady’s stallion Girvin and both were bred in Florida by Grady with his wife Misty Grady. Jockey Paco Lopez also pulled off the Florida Sire Stakes double aboard Seminole Chief and Honey Dijon. Trained by Joe Sharp, Honey Dijon ran down the frontrunning R Harper Rose to win the mile-and-a-sixteenth third leg of the filly division of the Florida Sire Stakes, besting six other 2-year-old fillies by registered Florida stallions. As expected, R Harper Rose went right to the front from post five in the My Dear Girl and led by a length-and-a-half ahead of Fields of Green in second with Honey Dijon patiently stalking in third through the first half-mile in :46.78. Around the far turn, R Harper Rose showed the way by a length-and-a-quarter as Honey Dijon took second from a tiring Fields of Green. Honey Dijon and R Harper Rose came out of the turn in tandem but Honey Dijon got the advantage in the run for home and eventually finished up in 1:45.60 on the fast track. R Harper Rose was two-and-three-quarter lengths behind in second with Haunted more than seven lengths farther back in third. Reina Mar, Fields of Green, Unrelentless, Pardy Pleaser and Dancing N Dixie completed the order of finish. Honey Dijon paid $8 to win. “I was really happy to see her be able to stretch out like that. It looks like she’s an improving filly,” Sharp, who watched Honey Dijon’s triumph from Fair Grounds, said. “This opens up a whole new door for us. We’re going to give her a little freshening for her 3-year-old campaign.” Honey Dijon evened the score with R Harper Rose, after finishing second, four lengths behind the Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained filly in the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl going seven furlongs on Oct. 21. Despite the loss in the My Dear Girl,
Joseph said he had no excuses for his previously unbeaten filly. “We got beat. [R Harper Rose] ran her race and just got beat. That’s all you can say,” Joseph said. “She got beat fair and square, no excuses. We’ll give her a little break and then backtrack with her.” Honey Dijon improved her record to two wins in five starts with one second and boosted her lifetime earnings to $284,450. Her first victory came in her second start in a five-and-a-halffurlong maiden special weight for fillies taken off the turf at Saratoga on Aug. 10. She then finished sixth, but beaten less than three lengths, in the $499,000 Pepsi Untapable on the undulating turf course at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 13 before returning to Florida for the Susan’s Girl. Honey Dijon is out of Empire Maker mare Archangelus, who has two winners from four starters and six foals. Honey Dijon is her first black-type performer and Archangelus was bred back to Girvin in 2023.
Florida Sire Stakes Notes Only two other stallions have sired the winners of the My Dear Girl and In Reality in the same year. In 1994, Fortunate Prospect sired My Dear Girl-winner Fortune Pending and In Reality-winner Sea Emperor. In 2011, Awesome of Course sired My Dear Girlwinner Awesome Belle and In Reality-winner Fort Loudon. Only once before Brad Grady this year have the winners of the My Dear Girl and In Reality been owned and bred by the same entity in the same year. In 2009, Fred Brei’s Jacks or Better Farm owned and bred My Dear Girl-winner Awesome Feather and In Reality-winner Jackson Bend. Total Handle at Gulfstream Park on Dec. 2 was $10,654,273, a record for My Dear Girl/In Reality day since the Florida Sire Stakes was moved to Gulfstream Park in 2014 and eclipsing the $9,852,148 handle on My Dear Girl/In Reality day on Sept. 29, 2018. The record handle for any Florida Sire Stakes day at Gulfstream Park is $11,834,119 on Susan’s Girl/Affirmed day on Aug. 29, 2020. TFH THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 23
TFH – Congratulations on your reelection as president of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. What are your initial thoughts heading into your second term as FTBOA president? GI – Having served many years on the board, I have witnessed great dedication from the staff, board members and general membership in making our organization flourish. The officers of the board serve additional duty on the executive committee and—along with key staff—give their time and energy to keep our organization focused and vibrant. I’d like to give these folks some deserved recognition. They are first Vice President George Russell, Second Vice President Francis Vanlangendonck, Treasurer Joe O’Farrell, and Secretary Nick de Meric. I would also like to recognize our entire board for being vital to the association and the industry as key stakeholders and leaders. And, we had three outgoing board members – Bobby Jones, Dr. Fred Yutani and Richard Kent. They have been 24 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
B. Sheridan Photo
Q& A
George Isaacs The Florida Horse Editor-in-Chief Brock Sheridan spoke with FTBOA President George Isaacs about past year and his thoughts on what might be ahead in 2024.
committed, inquisitive and thoughtful additions to our board. With sadness, we lost a longtime board member and past president of the organization for many years, and a leader in the Florida Sire Stakes program, Fred Brei. He represented us on the national stage with his Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies-winner Awesome Feather, among many other top horses. He was dedicated to Florida-breds through and through. He began with a plan to ‘breed to sell’, but when he felt his horses at sale were not bringing what he thought they should, he changed tactics to ‘breed to race’ and history was made as he marched through more than a decade of Florida Sire Stakes wins. He will be missed. Our newest board member, Beckie Cantrell, is a breeder and well-known in the agriculture and banking industry. Her husband is a veterinarian at Ocala Equine Hospital in Marion County. I am pleased that Beckie accepted the challenge of joining our board. She is a smart and savvy horsewoman and will challenge us all to reach a higher bar. While I am recognizing leaders, Florida native David
so we are looking beyond to funding for 2026 and 2027. Unfortunately, it requires more than talent and hard work – which we’ve had plenty of – but it also requires money. It is the responsibility of every Florida breeder and Thoroughbred stakeholder to support the Florida Thoroughbred Political Action Committee and its efforts. Beginning now, January 2024, breeder award earners automatically send 5% as a financial contribution to our political action committee – better known as an ‘opt-out’ program. We’ve had the breeder awards contributions in place for years, as an ‘opt in.’ The automated option makes it as easy as possible for breeders to deliver their support. Breeders who elect to expand their support, or choose to stop their industry support by opting out, can contact the Florida Thoroughbred PAC offices in Tallahassee. Legislators are bombarded every session by voters, organizations, businesses, etc., trying to be heard and get their individual message across. We are just one of many and our PAC is essential if we are to educate legislators on the economic impact of Florida Thoroughbreds. We are a $2.7 billion industry, sustaining more than 23,000 jobs, that preserves the scenic vistas of beautiful farmland within our state. TFH – Also significant in 2023 was the schedule for the lucrative FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes. The races are now later in the year and there is more time between each leg in the series. How have those changes been received by horsemen and what impacts have you seen as a result of these changes?
Fasig Tipton Photo
O’Farrell was named the chairman of the board for the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). Being the third generation at Ocala Stud, our oldest active Thoroughbred farm in the state, he brings experience, history and dedication to the top leadership position. TFH – Florida State House Bill 7063 providing $55 million for the Florida Thoroughbred industry in 2024 and 2025 is a major achievement for FTBOA and the industry. GI – Decades of work culminated in this legislative success for the industry and the Association. CEO Lonny Powell and his team, with our lobbyists Matt Bryan and Jon Rees and our legal-mind Warren Husband were at the heart of it. Our advance planning and educational efforts with legislators got us there. HB7063 funds enable us to maximize breeding incentives at 20% of purses, and racing incentives grow 90% at Gulfstream and over 50% at Tampa Bay Downs in 2024. We’ve been able to expand racing incentives, both alone and in partnership with the tracks and horsemen, to more stakes earners and far more being offered in overnight race conditions. My reaction to the money infused into purse incentives, breeder awards, stallion awards, and the Florida Sire Stakes, is that, simply put, those in our industry should be energized as we provide more opportunities than ever before in Florida. What does that mean? Breeders should see higher selling prices at auction and more eyeballs on Florida racing. We’ve got a great product in our horses and this infusion of cash that kicks off in January 2024 drives two or more years of growth for those already in our business and it attracts new investors. As a historic property at Bridlewood that stands stallions, trains race horses and raises a crop of more than 50 Floridabreds for ourselves and clients, these are all positive to our business. Bridlewood has been here for more than four decades and we believe this legislative support to be a game changer. TFH – HB 7063 is a two-year tax package. What can FTBOA members do to help FTBOA ensure state leadership continues this critical support for Florida Thoroughbreds. GI – The pathway goes through Tallahasee. That is why the FTBOA has focused on creating, cultivating and strengthening the strongest network possible in our state capital. Even better, it is our fervent hope that we continue that work side-by-side with industry partner-stakeholders. Our goal now will be adding onto our two years of incentives to hopefully correspond with equine production cycles. It takes four years to go from conception to racehorse,
THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 25
Q&A Continued
B. Sheridan Photo
GI – Yes, there has been shift in dates for our Florida Sire Stakes program, the first shift since the FTBOA first administered the program in 2012. In that time the purses have grown, the number of eligible horses has increased and many Florida Sire Stakes incentives have been added at both Florida racetracks. This year the first leg of the Florida Sire Stakes was set a month later on Sept. 9. The second legs were run Oct. 21 and the final legs were conducted on Dec. 2, six weeks between each leg instead of the historical four weeks. We believe the move later and six-week spread enables more FSS horses that have won elsewhere to come back to the state to compete, and better establishes runners for the winter/ spring campaign into the Florida Derby. The success of the Florida Sire Stakes program is thanks to the dedication of breeders, who are committed to breed to Florida Stallions and to make horses eligible for the program. I will note here that each Florida foal crop year of 2021 and 2022 produced far more registered Florida breds than preliminarily reported by the Jockey Club each fall. The Jockey Club reports come out very early, so when we see the final numbers they are always much higher. This is important to be aware of. Florida breeding has held steady and we remain shoulder-to-shoulder with California as the number two and three-ranked producers of Thoroughbreds in the U.S. Also of note, Florida-breds at Gulfstream Park won 40% of the races – year around – and 72% of those winners were sired by Florida stallions. At Tampa Bay Downs 35% of the winners are Florida-breds, of which 78% are sired by Floridabased stallions. Florida-breds are significant to each track and Florida sires are producing more than their share of winners. TFH – FTBOA supports community projects related to the betterment our industry, of which several FTBOA board members spearhead. Can you point out some of those
26 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
important efforts? GI – The FTBOA Farmland Preservation Task Force, chaired by former FTBOA president George Russell, is an important group. The task force monitors and offers feedback to the Association, management and stakeholders regarding land rezoning and transportation developments that may impact Marion County and surrounding Thoroughbred farm operations, particularly as it may pertains to the farmland preservation area. It’s fairly obvious why the task force is important in protecting central Florida’sfarmland footprint, the Horse Capital of the World®. In recent months the task force has been active in writing letters and attending county meetings to ensure our voice is heard. The independent Task Force works closely with Horse Farms Forever, a fellow county farmland preservation watchdog. We also have immediate past president Valerie Dailey who after six years is still serving as the charity committee chair. She has continued the tough task of raising funds for Thoroughbred retirement programs, youth education and student scholarships. This year, the committee launched a new fundraising tactic with participation in Give4Marion which raises funds and creates awareness for the Florida Thoroughbred Charities mission. Board member Laurine Fuller-Vargas founded Run for the Ribbons in 2014, with the goal of showcasing the versatility of Thoroughbreds after racing. Her efforts have led to the Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo, now in its eighth year. Her commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare is one we all share and we congratulate and support her in her efforts. Laurine recently spearheaded an effort to establish a “Ring the Bell” program at Tampa Bay Downs. Each race, the winning owner or winning jockey may ‘ring the bell’ declaring a donation to Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance certified aftercare/retirement programs in Florida. TFH – During your term, you have overseen some significant innovations at Florida Equine Communications, the media subsidiary owned by the FTBOA, of which we must disclose The Florida Horse is the flagship product. GI – I congratulate all the advertisers who accepted our vision to first move Wire to Wire Racing Digest to a digital product several years ago. And now in 2023, Wire to Wire has renewed itself into a mobile-friendly platform with more timely delivery especially emphasizing proprietary Florida news, editorial and statistics. This evolution, by the numbers, is remarkable. The printed Wire to Wire of
yesteryear served 600 industry members in Marion County five days a week. The digital Wire to Wire has nearly 4,000 daily subscribers concentrated in Florida with readers across North America. FTBOA has also launched The Florida Horse Podcast. Now only a year in, the podcast series has had more than 500,000 views and counting. And all of our Florida content, including The Florida Horse, the podcast and Wire to Wire are neatly accessed through the Association’s all-new website, at FTBOA.com. The new site has proven a time-saver for breeders needing forms, Florida racing news and timely registration information. The mobilefriendly design has certainly been valuable to our on-the-go users. Many thanks to you – Brock Sheridan – association vice presidents Steve Koch and Tammy Gantt, art director Nancy Moffatt, production’s Cindy Harper, and the entire Florida Equine Communications team for making these projects happen. TFH – George, thank you for recognizing our efforts. We
enjoy being able to deliver our content to readers in new ways and we’ve been fortunate to produce award-winning content through the support of FTBOA. GI – Speaking of award-winning, this is the first year the Association has been recognized for video production. The video award from American Horse Publications joins the many won for design, features and art design throughout the years. FEC has been blessed with incredible creative writers and a production team that performs at the highest level for the Association. Congratulations to Florida Equine Communications. As I wrap up, I’d like to say 2023 can be defined as a year of legislative success after decades of groundwork being laid. 2023 also marks the successful growth of our media footprint with Wire to Wire, the website, The Florida Horse podcast, and video capabilities. I am honored to be working together with our board, our membership and our industry as we always raise the bar for Florida Thoroughbreds. Thank you all for giving me this opportunity. TFH
All Time 2024 Florida Breeder Incentives
20% FTBOA Breeder and Stallion Awards BREEDERS: 20% of purse earnings for win, place and show finishers in Florida races $8M • Win: 12.5% of purse, up to $12,500 • Place: 5% of purse, up to $5,000 • Show: 2.5% of purse, up to $2,500
STALLIONS: 20% of Florida black-type stakes win purse, up to $20,000 per race
+52%
Total Awards increasing 52%, to more than $8 million.
Increased Breeder/Stallion Awards (+52%) and Racing Incentives (+66%) are enabled by Florida HB7063, a bill championed by the FTBOA. 47256
THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 27
SHAQ DIESEL
Edges Dean Delivers to Win Florida Sire Stakes Marion County BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Veteran jockey Joe Bravo produced a well-timed ride aboard Shaq Diesel to nose out Dean Delivers at the wire and win the $100,000 Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Florida Sire Stakes Marion County at Tampa Bay Downs on Dec. 9. It was the first victory in a Florida Sire Stakes race for Bravo and the first stakes victory for Shaq Diesel as they bested a field of seven eligible colts and geldings, 3-years-old and older by registered Florida stallions who went seven furlongs. Odds-on favorite Dean Delivers led the field of seven down the backstretch while pressed by 35-1 longshot Zydeceaux to the inside as Shaq Diesel had one horse beat while racing five lengths off the pace. Dean Delivers blazed through a :21.65 quarter-mile then pulled away for a clear lead around the far turn as Big Martini took second while three-wide and Bravo began to pick-up the pace on Shaq Diesel while still far back. Dean Delivers finished the half-mile in :43.79 then turned for home alone on the lead as Zydeceaux and Big Martini gave chase in second with Willy Boi and Shaq Diesel launching their bids on the far outside. Dean Delivers was still more than a length in front past the sixteenth pole when Shaq Diesel suddenly challengeed on the outside and those two hit the wire in a photo finish. Shaq Diesel took the narrow victory in 1:22.24 on the fast track with Dean Delivers a length-and-three-quarters ahead of Big Martini in third. Willy Boi was fourth followed by The Skipper Too, Khozieress and Zydeceaux. Sent to the post as the third choice at 8-2, Shaq Diesel paid $11.20 to win. Trained by David Fawkes for Chester A. Bishop, Anthony Hinkson, Alvin Rampaul, Patrick Biggs and Donovan Stanford, Shaq Diesel earned $60,000 to push his career earnings to $151,130. “I didn’t think we’d get there, to be honest with you,” Fawkes said. “For a second, I had to go back and watch the replay to be sure. He got bothered on the backside and on the turn he was so wide, but thank God he was able to get up on the
crown of the track and finish strong.” It was the fourth win in 12 lifetime starts for Shaq Diesel, who has one second and one third. It was the third start at Tampa Bay Downs for the Gulfstream Park-based Shaq Diesel, who was fourth in last year’s $50,000 Inaugural won by Super Chow on Dec. 3 and third in the $125,000 Pasco won by Zydeceaux on Jan. 14 when trained by Renaldo Richards. His connections tried the Triple Crown trail without success, as Shaq Diesel finished tenth in the Grade 2 Risen Star presented by Lemarque Lincoln and Lamarque Cresent City Ford won by Angel of Empire at Fair Grounds on Feb. 12 and last of 12 after checking in the Grade 1 Curlin Florida Derby presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa won by Forte at Gulfstream on April 1. After another poor effort against allowance horses on April 28, Shaq Diesel was given six months to recover from a minor injury then sent to Fawkes. In his first start back, Shaq Diesel responded with a strong second to Florida-bred Classic Car Wash in a first level, $25,000 optional claiming going seven furlongs at Gulfstream on Oct. 21 in his last race before the Marion County. Shaq Diesel is by Journeyman Stud’s leading Florida sire Khozan and is the first stakes-winner for the Tiznow mare Kleodora, who has two winners from three starters. Kleodora has an unnamed yearling filly by Instagrand and an unnamed weanling filly by Volatile, both bred in Florida by Bishop Racing Inc. She was bred to Volatile in 2023. Shaq Diesel recieved his early training in Ocala at Pick View LLC. TFH
Florida-bred Shaq Diesel | SV Photography
28 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
BLUEFIELD
Chases Down Dream Concert to Win FSS City of Ocala BY BROCK SHERIDAN Ed Pendray and Edward A. Seltzer’s Bluefield used a ground saving trip around the far turn, tipped out to the two path turning for home then arrested front-running Dream Concert in the final strides to win the $100,000 Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Florida Sire Stakes City of Ocala at Tampa Bay Downs on Dec. 9. The 7-year-old mare won her first stakes race in defeating six other eligible fillies and mares by registered Florida stallions going seven furlongs. Ridden by Samy Camacho from post two, Bluefield broke evenly as 48-1 longshot Delta Charm shot to the front from post five but was quickly joined on the front by Dream Concert on the far outside. Bluefield came away sixth of seven coming out of the backstretch chute but was hustled into contention by Camacho after racing onto the main track. Delta Charm took a length advantage down the backstretch to finish the first two furlongs in :21.91 before Dream Concert went to the front with a half-mile to the finish while Bluefield continued to track those two on the rail in third. Dream Concert and jockey Antonio Gallardo took a length advantage around the far turn as Delta Charm surrendered and Atomically took second while three-wide and Bluefield kept her position on the inside. Gallardo guided Dream Concert to the inside turning for home, forcing Camacho to steer Bluefield into the two path as they approach the final furlong. Dream Concert was still clear past the sixteenth pole but Bluefield closed the gap and got to the front in the final strides to win by neck in 1:22.47 on the fast track. Dream Concert was four-and-a-quarter lengths ahead of Atomically in third followed by Pacific Princess, Charlie’s Wish, Hihellohowareyou and Delta Charm. “When I hit the three-
sixteenth-mile marker and hit her on the left side, she gave me a lot of kick and I said ‘I can get it,’ ” Camacho said. “I’m real happy because I told my valet and my agent I wanted to ride this horse. All the credit goes to Bluefield and [trainer] Saffie Joseph.” Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., Bluefield paid $5.80 as the 8-5 favorite. “At the top of the stretch I thought she had a chance, but then (Dream Concert) kicked clear and I thought, ‘second place again,’ ” Joseph said. “Samy did a great job getting the rail when it presented itself, and I think that might have been the difference between winning and losing. “This mare keeps getting better with age. She is in the best form of her life, and we’re going to continue to race her.” Bluefield had most recently finished fourth in the Grade 3 Princess Rooney won by Three Witches going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park on Oct. 7. Her most recent victory came in the $60,000 Musical Romance overnight handicap going six-and-a-half furlongs at Gulfstream on July 7 just prior to finishing second to millionaire Yuugiri in the $100,000 Saylorville at Prairie Meadows going six furlongs on July 7. The $60,000 first place check increased Bluefield’s career bankroll to $323,000 from eight wins in 20 starts with eight seconds and three thirds. Bred in Florida by Seltzer, Bluefield is by Field Commission out of Floridabred mare Imtheblues, by Pentelicus. Bluefield is a half-sister to Grade 3 Winning Colors-winning Florida-bred Beat the Blues, by Great Pyramid (Ire) and two other winners from six starters out of Imtheblues. TFH
Florida-bred Bluefield | SV Photography
THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 29
Amid Daunting Industry Issues, A Message to Symposium Students:
“You’ve got to know it. You’ve got to believe it. You’ve got to have
confidence in it. And you really have to care about the industry you’re talking about. Otherwise, it’s just a study. Make your story relatable to those that aren’t in our industry. – Lonny Powell
”
Coady Photo Photo by James S. Wood
30 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
BY T.D. THORNTON Reprinted with permission from Thoroughbred Daily News TUCSON, AZ—A Dec. 6 panel discussion titled “From Data to Dollars: Understanding Horse Racing’s Economic Impact As Racing’s Future is Questioned” during the Global Symposium on Racing hosted by the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program led off with moderator Alan Foreman confronting “the elephant in the room that we dodge.” Foreman, the chairman and chief executive officer of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, said racing is facing an “existential moment” at a time when industry stakeholders increasingly must make the case for the sport’s so-called social license to exist in the face of intense pressure from anti-racing activists and a younger generation of Americans who hold the belief that animal-based entertainment is more cruel than cool. “It’s not about foal crop. It’s not about field size. It’s not about whether we have a core product,” Foreman said, ticking down the list of the common concerns that industry insiders often debate. “The single biggest issue right now [is] should the federal government, and should our state legislatures, continue to support our business?” Foreman said. Foreman then rephrased his rhetorical question more bluntly so there would be no misunderstanding: “Is it time to end horse racing in this country?” Foreman certainly doesn’t think so, and neither did the panelists who joined him at the podium. But the group did try to offer pearls of wisdom as to how industry stakeholders might fight back when confronted with that question. Their answers largely centered on the sharing of strategies for getting across the industry’s far-reaching scale and the potential ramifications of ceasing racing, and several speakers even articulated how some entities in the sport have effectively lobbied their respective states to secure financial incentives, bolster racing programs, and modernize facilities, like the currently underway rebuild of Belmont Park and the planned re-imagining of Pimlico Race Course.
Foreman pointed out that even though there is now federal oversight in the form of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, racing in the United States remains primarily a statesanctioned business, and how much of the industry operates under laws that were enacted for vastly different economic reasons decades ago than what we face now. Every year at about this time when applying for next season’s racing dates, Foreman said, track operators increasingly have to defend why their states should support our sport’s way of doing business. “The point is, what the state giveth, the state can taketh,” Foreman summed up. And demonstrating that we are upholding that “social license” must take the form of deeds and not just words, Foreman said. He and the other panelists also concurred that the sport’s narrative also must be backed up by accurate economic data, which helps to drive home points to legislators and regulators. What we need to successfully convey, Foreman said, is “if you talk about the economics of this business; the value of horse racing to the economies, of our local communities, of our states, of our country… I think that we can overcome this very challenging environment that we are in.” Julie Broadway is the president of the American Horse Council, a national organization whose work and data helps not only racing stakeholders, but everything equine-centric in the country, under a scope that ranges from broad national issues to smaller initiatives at the local government level. “You cannot sit still and sit back and wait for people in [government] to figure out what goes on in our industry and what it’s all about,” was Broadway’s assessment of how to approach dealing with politicians who can help usher through changes via legislation. Regardless of the level of government, Broadway said the approach is largely the same. Getting your message across means 1) educating decision-makers; 2) setting context and dispelling THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 31
UA SYMPOSIUM Continued
misinformation and inaccuracies about your position; 3) stating the positive and pointing out unintended and/or negative consequences, and 4) making the overall narrative relatable and personal. Those points are all underpinned by being armed with the proper data, Broadway said. Najja Thompson, the executive director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, said that a lot of times when racing people go in to make their cases to legislators, they have to be aware that they’ll be dealing with a lower-level staffer at first. “And they’re not listening to me unless I have the data to implore them to get their representative to speak to me directly on why racing is important in New York,” he said. But, Broadway added, racing industry stakeholders can’t benefit from that data if they don’t join in to help compile it. Broadway gave the example of a recently undertaken AHC economic impact study that sought to include feedback from the racing industry. The data will eventually be used to underscore the importance of horse racing within America’s larger equine population, and it will be available for anyone who wants to cite it in making their case for support from legislators. Yet only four Thoroughbred tracks responded. “This survey was out for more than six months,” Broadway explained. “I’m sad to say that the Thoroughbred racing industry had a really low response rate. I mean, we really had to beg for data.” Broadway contrasted that with participation from the harness racing industry, “because they really stepped up. They are getting their own breakout report just on Standardbred racing [that will]
cut across all states where Standardbred racing occurs.” Lonny Powell, the chief executive officer of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, said he was stunned to hear that support from Thoroughbred tracks was so low. “That’s amazing. That’s tough. How are we going to tell our story if nobody’s even trying?” Powell said. “I’m always a track guy,” Powell continued, alluding to his years in track management prior to a career turn toward executive jobs with industry entities. “And I just don’t get it. I don’t get why you wouldn’t want to tell the story.” Tom Rooney, the president and chief executive officer of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, pointed out that being a reliable broker of data is important, but that you need to also skillfully be able to tell the story of those numbers in a narrative form to get your point across to non-racing listeners. “Clearly, the data is about jobs. It’s about farms. It’s about these things that we’re used to going away, and maybe having to change the way that we work,” Rooney said. “If you work in the horse racing industry, you’re kind of the subculture of skills that’s probably applicable [in] very few other places. So we live in our own world, and we wouldn’t be here if we didn’t think that world was a good and beautiful endeavor to belong to.” Added Powell: “You’ve got to be able to tell somebody what the consequences are if your industry goes away.” Powell also pointed out that reams of data are great, but that time in front of legislators is limited, so racing stakeholders need to distill it into manageable, relatable chunks.
“And you really have
to care about the industry you’re talking about. Otherwise, it’s just a study. Make your story relatable to those that aren’t in our industry. – Lonny Powell
”
32 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
View Presentation on the FTBOA YouTube page
Continued on page 48
FINCENTIVES lorida-bred $4.6 MILLION
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FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION WWW.FTBOA.COM
47276
FTBOA Member Ag Pro reps and Becky and Larry Robinson Janelle and Paul Bulmahn, FTBOA board member, with Ann, Dori and Geoff Morgan
Police sergeant Eric Hooper and Horse Capital TV host Barbara Hooper, Kaplan Media’s Sean Kaplan, Gina England, Katie Glynn and event’s title sponsor NTRA Equine Discounts’ Tannis Primm Liz Adorno and husband Angel FTBOA board president George Isaacs and newest board member Beckie Cantrell
Karen Smith and Debbie Green
Ashley Godwin Mirarchi
Miriam Gonzalez, Pat Bosley and James Chicklo Corporate sponsor Horse Farms Forever’s Sara Fennessey and Joey Yost
Photos by John Nevarez 34 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
Jody Veitch (right) and Friend
Holiday Open House FTBOA executive board members George Russell and Francis Vanlangendonck with CFO Peggy Yost
James Pine, Brian Smith, Billy Hunt and Art Green
FTBOA president George Isaacs, executive board member George Russell and board member Mike Hall
Karen and Lonny Powell, FTBOA CEO, board member Brent Fernung, Sean Powell and board member Mary Lightner
Corporate sponsor Legacy Building Solution’s Susan Fowler and husband Mark
Mr. and Mrs. Brent Woods and Lori and Bobby Jones Willy Simms, Ender Jiminez and Carla Carter Eldridge
FTBOA intern volunteer Faith Davis FTBOA’s Steve Koch, FTBOA board member Mary Lightner and Lisa Goodin
Sponsored by Equine Discounts/NTRA Advantage
Sharon Hayes, Gus Gray and Jeanne Roy THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 35
Preparing Mares for Breeding
Rectal Ultrasound | Photo by Claire Freeman
36 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
EQUINE CARE By Heather Smith Thomas
To get mares safely in foal, it pays to prepare them well ahead of when you plan to breed them. This means an assessment of health, nutrition and body condition, a breeding soundness examination, to be able to address any problems early enough to correct them before you try to breed the mare. Jeff Danford, farm manager at Pin Oak Stud in Versailles, Kentucky (after being broodmare manager at WinStar Farm from 2013 through 2022) says much of this can be accomplished between breeding seasons. “With mares that didn’t get in foal the past season, you have time to think about this before the next breeding season. You can have a plan in place, so things can go smoothly during that busy time of year,” he says. Barren mares should be evaluated at the end of the season if they don’t get pregnant. Do any necessary biopsies or uterine scoping during the off season, starting barren mares and maiden mares under lights the end of November to get them cycling. Do pre-breeding biopsies on all mares, and put some of them on a hormonal program if necessary. “I make sure we get a clean uterine culture on all mares before we are done for the year. If uterine infection is the reason they didn’t get in foal, I try to get them cleaned up. They are still cycling, at that point, which makes it easier to work with them to get cultures,” he says. It’s impossible to get cultures on mares in anestrus when their cervix is closed. “Cultures can be gotten when they are starting to come into their cycles again after anestrus, but the most accurate cultures are when they are on a more normal cycling schedule. It makes us scramble, if we’re trying to do this just ahead of breeding season,” says Danford. “I like to start mares under lights the Monday after Thanksgiving. They will get 16 hours of light and 8 hours of darkness, trying to mimic mid-summer, regarding light intensity. Mares are photosensitive and cycling is determined by the length of daylight,” he says. “With an artificial lighting program, it’s generally the end of January or beginning of February before mares are cycling regularly. Some mares will tease before then, and a few mares don’t stop cycling during winter; they cycle year round. But most mares go through anestrus and need to be restarted unless they’re in an artificial lighting program.” After they are cultured clean in June or July, they are turned out to pasture. “They are done with breeding until winter when they go under lights, unless it’s a mare that needs some off-season work. I just let them be horses. I try to let the mares and foals be horses year round, and keep them outside as much as I can,” he says. “With any problem mares, we have time to think about reasons they didn’t get in foal. Some foaled late and we only had one shot at it, and they didn’t get pregnant. Sometimes when they foal late, the owner decides to give them a year off and those mares aren’t even bred,” he says. “There are problem mares Culture Sample we need to follow, such as a THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2023 | 37
EQUINE HEALTH Continued
mare that is chronically dirty. There are many reasons why a mare gets dirty. The mare may have poor conformation and feces drops though the vulva—and she gets an e-coli infection from feces unless she is sutured. Most fillies on the racetrack are sutured. Once they’ve been sutured you have to keep re-doing it, because they’ve lost that natural seal. Older mares may eventually need a Caslicks at some point,” says Danford. “With some problem mares, I might tease and follow them through summer and fall. We can do some of the more invasive types of procedures like biopsy or scoping in the off season, since you usually can’t breed a mare within 30 to 60 days after something like that. You want to do it before the next season, but while the mare is still cycling.” This gives you a better chance for next year. “You know what you are dealing with, and can make a game plan. We might have a specialist at Hagyard scope the uterus and take a look inside. This can be helpful to determine if a mare has uterine cysts, or some other problem, or to confirm a suspicion of what you already think might be there.” “Some older mares have various problems and become more difficult to get in foal. Uterine scoping and biopsies are just two examples of things that can help us take a closer look at a mare and make a better game plan for breeding season. Biopsy gives a sampling of the tissue and we can score it, to know the chances of getting her in foal. A poor biopsy might be a reason to retire the mare,” he says. All the mares are started under lights the end of November. “I start teasing them at that point, which gives me a feel for which ones are cycling and which ones are not. As they start to show,
I take a look at them, with our reproductive vet. This helps me understand if they are cycling normally or if they are transitional, in that intermediate stage between anestrus and estrus cycles,” Danford says. “Transitional mares are erratic, not the normal 21 day cycle that’s like clockwork when cycling during breeding season. They may be making a follicle but might not ovulate. They might make a follicle and are teasing, showing heat, but the cervix isn’t open. They may take a long time to make a follicle. Not everything is clicking all at once, and it takes a little more time to get everything working properly.” A plan is made for each mare. “I go over it with the reproductive vet, looking at the list of mares and their reproductive history as broodmares. Some have had foals for 10 to 15 years and gives us a lot of history to know what they’ve done—and what we need to do to be successful for getting an early cover in February or March,” he says. “You want to get them cycling, get them bred and in foal so you can focus on the foaling mares that need to be bred back. We make a game plan for all mares, but not much is needed for the maiden mares. The focus is simply to have them healthy and cycling. They are usually younger mares and don’t have very many problems. Once in a while you’ll run into an issue with a maiden mare but about 95% of the maiden mares will get pregnant with a cover or two, and very few complications,” he says. “We require a clean culture on every mare before she is sent to the breeding shed—whether she is a barren mare or maiden mare. Some pop up as dirty in the summer or fall, or even in winter, and those need to be treated before they go to the shed,” says Danford.
HORMONAL TREATMENTS
Taking Biopsy Sample
38 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
“We deal with each mare as an individual. Artificial lighting is not 100% effective for making every mare cycle. A certain number will still be transitional as we get into February, even after 60 days of lighting. One thing that helpa with maiden mares, but also with some of the younger barren mares, is to program them with certain hormones. They do need to be cycling, to some extent, for this to work. You can’t take a mare that’s in anestrus and program her,” he says. “This helps you regulate their cycles if they are still transitional, and helps with some of the maiden mares cycling for the first time. One way of doing this is to give them 10 days of progesterone (estradiol), which we call a P & E shot. When they are transitional they are making follicles, regressing follicles, sometimes ovulating and sometimes not.
Nothing is synchronized to work properly, so we try to suppress any follicular activity for a certain period. “We don’t want them to grow a follicle, because they might ovulate. We don’t want them to do that just yet; we want to stop follicular growth so we can get them on a good baseline. After 10 days of treatment we’ve usually accomplished that goal, and made sure they don’t have any fresh CLs (old corpus luteal tissue). Then we give them a shot of prostin. If they have any lingering CLs the prostin will clean up. Then we are starting fresh; follicles are all small and the mares are cycling. Now they can grow a follicle that can ovulate properly.” The system is good to go. “This kind of program works well with maiden mares and I get about 80 to 85% of them in foal with their first cover. I also do this with about half the barren mares. We evaluate them individually. If they are already cycling nicely there is no need to manipulate them,” says Danford. “Older mares don’t seem to respond as well to this program. If an older mare is transitional she often just stays transitional if we try to program her. If I have older barren mares, such as 14 years or older, I may not be trying to get a February cover on them and might give them until March--and try to let them come into normal cycles on their own. Older barren mares can be the hardest group to get to cycle, and sometimes trying to manipulate them makes it worse. We’re usually aiming for February cover on the young barren mares and all maiden mares, but the older barren mares I am happy to wait until March, and try to let them do it on their own,” he explains. It’s always an individual decision on how to manage each mare. “As they start to cycle and we’re teasing, and checking them when they are in heat, we can be flexible if we need a change in plan,” he says. When it’s time for breeding, the mares are managed pretty much the same. “We tease them and use our veterinarian—who utilizes ultrasound and checking follicles--to determine when they are close to ovulating. We breed as close to ovulation as we can. We also use a speculum and check the cervix to see how open it is, and what kind of color it has,” says Danford.
BREEDING MARES THAT JUST FOALED
“You need a little time to deal with some of the foaling mares, especially any that had problems breeding in previous years. You want to be on top of these situations, because many things can go wrong,” he says. The main thing is to allow them enough time to recover from
Urine Biopsy Sample
foaling. Some mares can be bred at foal heat, but most of them should not try to re-breed that soon. “She’s had a 120-pound foal in that uterus, and it takes 60 days to shrink back down to normal. You are trying to breed the mare before that. There will be edema, there is usually some bruising, and the uterus also needs to clean out, even after passing the placenta,” he says. At foaling, the cervix is wide open; there will always be some contamination. “Some mares need flushed after they foal, while others clean themselves out. We take a look at them after they foal, and always look at them during foal heat, as well. We can learn a lot from that,” says Danford. “We don’t breed very many at foal heat, less than 10%. Most of them I short cycle after foal heat or breed them on their 30-day heat, but some mares when checked at 10 days have a great follicle and everything looks good in the uterus, and no bruising on the cervix. You can’t think of a reason not to breed her. A lot of those mares get in foal; they sometimes settle more readily at foal heat than on the next one. Some mares have cleaned themselves up after 10 days, and some take up to 60 days. There are things you can do, to help with that process. You can give oxytocin to help them clean the uterus and get it shrunk back down. You can flush them, and if they are prone to infection you can infuse with antibiotics, or give anti-inflammatories if they are swollen.” If a mare isn’t ready, you are wasting everyone’s time, with a return trip to the stallion. “The mare might have had some lingering inflammation and needed more chance to recover, and you pushed it too soon and now you’ve made her dirty, and lost another cycle! If you do your best to get them right, you have fewer problems and complications.” TFH THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2023 | 39
ALL-TIME FLORIDA-BRED LEADING MONEY EARNERS STARTS WINS SECONDS THIRDS
HORSE YOB SEX SIRE BREEDER EARNINGS 1 Skip Away, 93 h by Skip Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anna Marie Barnhart 38 18 10 6 $9,616,360
Rank
STARTS WINS SECONDS THIRDS
Rank
Statistics provided by The Jockey Club through December 6, 2023 Bold type = Active
HORSE YOB SEX SIRE BREEDER EARNINGS 51 Jackson Bend, 07 h by Hear No Evil . . . . . . . . . . Jacks or Better Farm Inc. 37 9 9 6 $1,806,750
2 Silver Charm, 94 h by Silver Buck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Lou Wootton 24 12 7 2 $6,944,369
52 Silver Tree, 00 h by Hennessy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vegso Racing Stable 47 14 10 5 $1,781,654
3 Mucho Macho Man, 08 h by Macho Uno . . . . John D. Rio and Carole A. Rio 25 9 5 6 $5,625,410
53 Express Tour, 98 h by Tour d’Or . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Silva 14 5 1 1 $1,767,515
4 South Vigorous, 96 h by End Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Samuel H. Rogers Jr. 33 16 8 2 $4,596,196
54 Stallwalkin’ Dude, 10 g by City Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maria M. Haire 65 20 12 11 $1,741,397
5 Unbridled, 87 h by Fappiano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tartan Farms Corp. 24 8 6 6 $4,489,475
55 Frisk Me Now, 94 h by Mister Frisky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farnsworth Farms 36 12 5 6 $1,727,707
6 David Junior, 02 h by Pleasant Tap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur I. Appleton 13 7 1 1 $4,116,358
56 Extravagant Kid, 13 g by Kiss the Kid . . . . . . . . . . . . Vincino Racing Stable 56 15 18 7 $1,704,683
7 Flat Out, 06 h by Flatter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nikolaus Bock 29 9 5 5 $3,645,383
57 Proper Reality, 85 h by In Reality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mrs. James A. Winn 19 10 3 1 $1,701,650
8 Medina Spirit, 18 h by Protonico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Rice 10 5 4 1 $3,545,200
58 Sheer Drama, 10 m by Burning Roma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harold L. Queen 24 7 8 2 $1,691,040
9 Little Mike, 07 g by Spanish Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carlo A. Vaccarezza 30 14 2 1 $3,543,392
59 Asia Express, 11 h by Henny Hughes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ocala Stud 12 4 3 0 $1,684,875
10 Precisionist, 81 h by Crozier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F.W. Hooper 46 20 10 4 $3,485,398
60 Musical Romance, 07 m by Concorde’s Tune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ocala Stud 41 12 6 8 $1,681,885
11 X Y Jet, 12 g by Kantharos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Didier Plasencia 26 12 7 2 $3,096,513
61 Forbidden Apple, 95 h by Pleasant Colony . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur I. Appleton 31 8 6 9 $1,680,640
12 Peace Rules, 00 h by Jules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Newchance Farm 19 9 2 2 $3,084,278
62 Pistols and Roses, 89 h by Darn That Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Happy Alter 44 10 4 6 $1,680,506
13 Ginger Punch, 03 m by Awesome Again . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adena Springs 22 12 6 2 $3,065,603
63 Smile, 82 h by In Reality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frances A. Genter Stable Inc. 27 14 4 3 $1,664,027
14 World Approval, 12 g by Northern Afleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Live Oak Stud 27 12 2 4 $3,062,363
64 Toyo Rainbow, 94 h by Deputy Minister . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stanley M. Ersoff 17 7 3 2 $1,626,700
15 Go Between, 03 h by Point Given . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Go Between 27 8 7 6 $2,908,880
65 Kissin Kris, 90 h by Kris S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Franks 35 4 8 5 $1,616,936
16 Ron the Greek, 07 h by Full Mandate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack T. Hammer 38 14 6 4 $2,769,557
66 Sultry Song, 88 h by Cox’s Ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Live Oak Stud 23 9 3 5 $1,616,276
17 Afleet Alex, 02 h by Northern Afleet . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Martin Silverland 12 8 2 1 $2,765,800
67 Revved Up, 98 g by Sultry Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Live Oak Stud 43 20 9 1 $1,548,653
18 Big Drama, 06 h by Montbrook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harold L. Queen 19 11 4 1 $2,746,060
68 Smok’n Frolic, 99 m by Smoke Glacken . . . . . . . . . . . Cherokee Farms Inc. 33 9 8 2 $1,534,720
19 Beautiful Pleasure, 95 m by Maudlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farnsworth Farm 25 10 5 2 $2,734,078
69 Cherokee Run, 90 h by Runaway Groom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . George C. Onett 28 13 5 5 $1,531,818
20 Firenze Fire, 15 h by Poseidon’s Warrior . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Amore Stable 38 14 7 3 $2,730,350
70 Jeranimo, 06 h by Congaree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brylynn Farm, Inc. 40 11 6 5 $1,525,364
21 Presious Passion, 03 g by Royal Anthem . . . . . Joseph and Helen Barbazon 52 14 7 2 $2,694,599
71 Soldier’s Dancer, 04 g by Lost Soldier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Franks Farm 33 12 8 4 $1,524,780
22 Miesque’s Approval, 99 h by Miesque’s Son . . . . . . . . . . . . . Live Oak Stud 41 12 10 5 $2,648,879
72 Big City Man, 05 h by Northern Afleet . . . . . . . . . . Four Horsemen’s Ranch 8 6 2 0 $1,521,505
23 Sir Bear, 93 g by Sir Leon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. L. Smolin 71 19 12 14 $2,538,422
73 Cosmo Bell, 04 m by Formal Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. D.W. Frazier 37 5 4 4 $1,514,325
24 Gate Dancer, 81 h by Sovereign Dancer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William R. Davis 28 7 8 7 $2,501,705
74 Wekiva Springs, 91 h by Runaway Groom . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald R. Dizney 21 10 4 2 $1,512,575
25 Holy Bull, 91 h by Great Above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pelican Stable 16 13 0 0 $2,481,760
75 Dubai Majesty, 05 m by Essence of Dubai . . . . . . . . . . . . Harold J. Plumley 34 12 7 6 $1,509,243
26 Mecke, 92 h by Maudlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farnsworth Farms 40 12 7 9 $2,470,550
76 Machikane Allegro, 91 h by Kris S. . . . . . . . . . . . Meadowbrook Farms Inc. 13 4 2 2 $1,487,872
27 Marlin, 93 h by Sword Dance (Ire) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gilbert G. Campbell 26 9 3 5 $2,448,880
77 Diamond Stripes, 03 g by Notebook . . . . . Mr. & Mrs. Samuel H. Rogers Jr. 16 6 0 4 $1,478,014
28 Affirmed, 75 h by Exclusive Native . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harbor View Farm 29 22 5 1 $2,393,818
78 Halo America, 90 m by Waquoit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Franks 40 15 8 2 $1,460,992
29 Gamdonguibada, 09 m by Werblin . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael & Judy Crowe, Karen & Jim Perrone 42 15 6 10 $2,357,640
79 Sound Gaga, 09 m by Roman Ruler . . . . . . Peggy S. & Norman Delheim & The Roman Ruler Syndicate 29 8 2 1 $1,458,186
30 Benny the Bull, 03 h by Lucky Lionel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tomoka Farms, Inc. 20 9 3 2 $2,353,430
80 Equalize, 82 h by Northern Jove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tartan Farms Corp. 43 13 9 8 $1,455,298
31 Prized, 86 h by Kris S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meadowbrook Farms Inc. 17 9 2 3 $2,262,555
81 Discreet Lover, 13 h by Repent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Woodford Thoroughbreds 49 7 7 7 $1,452,735
32 Parranda, 09 m by English Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kinsman Farm 31 12 4 5 $2,252,633
82 Bet On Sunshine, 92 g by Bet Big . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janet Gomez 47 22 7 10 $1,449,882
33 Imperial Hint, 13 h by Imperialism . . . . . . . . . . . Shade Tree Thoroughbreds 25 14 2 4 $2,209,055
83 Meadow Star, 88 m by Meadowlake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jamie S. Carrion 20 11 1 2 $1,445,740
34 C Z Rocket, 14 g by City Zip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farm III Enterpirses 44 13 9 6 $2,134,941
84 First Dude, 07 h by Stephen Got Even . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donald R. Dizney 17 4 5 4 $1,442,140
35 Val’s Prince, 92 g by Eternal Prince . . . . . . . . . . . . Four Horsemen’s Ranch 52 13 12 5 $2,118,785
85 Shake You Down, 98 g by Montbrook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ocala Stud Farm 65 22 9 8 $1,442,014
36 Starship Jubilee, 13 m by Indy Wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William P. Sorren 39 19 5 3 $2,093,069
86 Hollywood Wildcat, 90 m by Kris S. . . . . Irving Cowan and Marjorie Cowan 21 12 3 3 $1,432,160
37 Lost Code, 84 h by Codex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mareinvest 83 Ltd. 27 15 5 2 $2,085,396
87 Buzzards Bay, 02 h by Marco Bay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jay Shaw 26 7 1 4 $1,428,141
38 Zafolia, 93 h by Gone West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gilman Investment Co. 44 4 9 3 $2,029,028
88 A Shin Bullseye, 11 h by Belgravia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Elijah Bailey 26 5 3 1 $1,408,935
39 Pure Sensation, 11 g by Zensational . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patricia Generazio 38 14 5 7 $2,004,050
89 Best of the Rest, 95 h by Skip Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bea Oxenberg 32 16 8 2 $1,407,796
40 Itsallgreektome, 87 g by Sovereign Dancer . . . . . . . . . . Sugar Maple Farm 29 8 10 2 $1,994,618
90 Cutlass Reality, 82 h by Cutlass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jaime S. Carrion 66 14 12 9 $1,405,660
41 Ladies Din, 95 g by Din’s Dancer . . . . . . . . . . . . Meadowbrook Farms Inc. 37 1 6 6 $1,966,754
91 Honor Glide, 94 h by Honor Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bonnie Heath Farm 38 11 5 2 $1,397,187
42 Rocky Appeal, 98 h by Valid Appeal . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mockingbird Farm Inc. 56 10 6 5 $1,942,217
92 Black Bar Spin, 03 h by Put It Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur I. Appleton 26 5 3 3 $1,391,999
43 Awesome Feather, 08 m by Awesome of Course . Jacks or Better Farm Inc. 11 10 0 0 $1,912,746
93 Solar Splendor, 87 g by Majestic Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Live Oak Stud 42 11 3 6 $1,386,468
44 Duke of Mischief, 06 h by Graeme Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marilyn McMaster 30 7 5 0 $1,905,747
94 Fatal Bullet, 05 g by Red Bullet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adena Springs 39 12 5 8 $1,377,256
45 Jewel Princess, 92 m by Key to the Mint . . . . . . . . . . . . . Farnsworth Farms 29 13 4 7 $1,904,060
95 Eishin Dansville, 97 h by Rizzi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Harry T. Mangurian Jr. 54 6 4 6 $1,354,303
46 A Shin Wezen, 07 h by Trippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A Shin Wezen 30 7 7 2 $1,849,668
96 Comma to the Top, 08 g by Bwana Charlie . . . . Richard & Linda Thompson 33 14 3 2 $1,349,406
47 Southern Image, 00 h by Halo’s Image . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur I. Appleton 8 6 1 1 $1,843,750
97 Dry Martini, 03 g by Slew Gin Fizz . . . . . . . . . Carol Hershe & Marty Hershe 36 9 7 5 $1,344,006
48 Hi Friend Code, 95 m by Tunerup . . . . . . . . Norman E. Casse & Harry Katz 25 7 3 4 $1,836,186
98 Surplus Singer, 04 h by Songandaprayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MGG Holdings 24 5 5 0 $1,338,683
49 Macho Again, 05 h by Macho Uno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Milan Kosanovich 24 6 6 0 $1,825,767
99 Supah Blitz, 00 h by Mecke . . . . . . . . . Bee Bee Stables Inc. & Equitor Inc. 41 8 13 6 $1,324,330
50 Golden Pal, 18 h by Uncle Mo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Randall E. Lowe 13 8 2 0 $1,825,131 100 Richman, 88 h by Bet Big . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Savin 33 14 5 5 $1,314,360
40 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
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Coglianese Photo | 41 THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY
November 2023
Stakes, Allowance, Allowance Optional Claiming and Maiden Special Weight statistics below are listed for the month of Nov. 2023 for win, place and show, alphabetically by horse name.
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – STAKES RACES Horse Name
Sex Age Sire
Dam
Breeder
Date Track Finish
All That Magic
F
4
Fast Anna
Hermione’s Magic
English Range Farm
11/17/23 AQU
3
Autumn Days S.
Race Name
Grade/Value Earnings $150,000
Big Effect
C
2
The Big Beast
Holiday Flare
Ocala Stud
11/11/23
GP
3
Juvenile Sprint S.
$85,000
$7,056
Chi Chi
F
2
Audible
Simply Confection
France Weiner
11/11/23
GP
1
Juvenile Fillies Sprint S.
$60,000
$35,280
Coco
F
3
Munnings
Queen of Connaught (GB)
Arindel
11/3/23
GP
2
Cellars Shiraz S.
$90,000
$12,870
Damon’s Mound
C
3
Girvin
San Antonio Stroll
Cliff Love
11/20/23 MVR
2
Steel Valley Sprint S.
$300,000
$57,600
Dancing N Dixie
F
2
Neolithic
Foolhearted Woman
Freddie Hyatt
11/3/23
GP
1
Our Dear Peggy S.
$90,000
$63,610
Halina’s Forte
F
2
Mitole
Lunarlady
Bill & Corinne Heilegbrodt & A.F. & B. Vanlangendonck
11/25/23
CD
2
Fern Creek S.
$215,000
$32,900
Hepburn
F
2
Dialed In
Sally’s Song
Arindel
11/11/23
GP
2
Juvenile Fillies Sprint S.
$60,000
$11,760
2/$181,700
$105,000
Loyalty
F
4
Hard Spun
Slew’s Quality
Best A Luck Farm LLC & Godolphin LLC
11/11/23 WO
1
Bessarabian S.
Miss Sayely
F
2
Maximus Mischief
Lady Halite
Beth Bayer
11/11/23
GP
3
Juvenile Fillies Sprint S.
Mystic Lake
F
2
Mo Town
Salty Soul
Peggy Costanzo
11/4/23
WO
3
Mazarine S.
Prevent
C
2
Neolithic
Bossy Gal
Katia Perez Ozuna
11/4/23
GP
2
Reminder
C
2
Audible
Mom’s Deputy
Courtney L. Meagher
11/4/23
GP
3
Sister Otoole
M
6
Amira’s Prince (IRE) O’ Toole
Helen Barbazon & Joseph Barbazon
11/23/23 DMR
Sound of the Beast C
2
The Big Beast
Sound Defence
Peter A. Lawson
11/11/23
Souper Blessing
C
3
Temple City
Bird of Paradise
Live Oak Stud
11/4/23
Squints
C
2
Khozan
Ephyra
Brent Fernung & Crystal Fernung
11/11/23
Sugar Boy
C
2
Khozan
E B Ryder
Time Passage
F
3
Tunwoo
Savingtime
$18,000
$60,000
$7,056
3/$150,000
$16,500
Armed Forces S.
$65,000
$12,740
Armed Forces S.
$65,000
$7,644
3
Red Carpet S.
3/$101,000
$12,000
GP
2
Juvenile Sprint S.
$85,000
$11,760
GP
2
Showing Up S.
$65,000
$12,740
GP
1
Juvenile Sprint S.
$85,000
$60,280
Champion Equine LLC
11/5/23 CMR
1
Clasico Angel T. Cordero Jr S.
2/$60,000
$34,800
Baoma Corp
11/3/23
1
Cellars Shiraz S.
$90,000
$63,610
GP
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE Sex Age
Sire
Dam
Breeder
Date
Track Finish
Value Earnings
Advance Cash
G
5
Handsome Mike
Erin’s World
Just For Fun Stable Inc.
11/22/23
CT
3
$27,400
$2,740
Atlantic Vaquero
G
3
Bucchero
Sudden Snowstorm
Blue River Bloodstock
11/22/23
MNR
1
$17,484
$10,904
Atlantic Vaquero
G
3
Bucchero
Sudden Snowstorm
Blue River Bloodstock
11/9/23
MVR
3
$25,900
$2,590
Aztec
G
4
Khozan
Ephyra
Brent Fernung & Crystal Fernung
11/8/23
MNR
2
$23,324
$4,760 $4,760
Bankx Turbo
G
7
Turbo Compressor
Lady Untouchable
Mighty White Stallion LLC
11/15/23
MNR
2
$22,848
Banyan Breeze
G
7
Cajun Breeze
Expect a Check
Shadybrook Farm Inc
11/15/23
FL
2
$26,000
$5,200
Biloxi
G
4
Jess’s Dream
Echo Bluff
Stonecliff Farm
11/2/23
DED
1
$38,000
$22,800
Cant Attack Arch
F
3
Cordon
Hidden Attack
Glockenburg LLC
11/21/23
DED
2
$36,000
$7,200
Cyberviking
G
4
The Big Beast
Wildcat Affair
Wayne McFarland
11/7/23
ZIA
3
$65,000
$6,500
Full Time Strutin
F
3
Tathqeef
Part Time Model
Ruben Valdes
11/7/23
MVR
3
$25,900
$2,590
Goodbyellowbrickrd G
4
Paynter
A Day in Oz
Jennifer Johnson & Gillian Johnson
11/21/23
MVR
2
$26,400
$5,280
Gracie Diamond
F
3
Can the Man
Diamond Back Lil
Marablue Farm LLC
11/21/23
DED
1
$36,000
$21,600
Here Comes Eli
G
3
Girvin
Princess Two
Michelle Redding
11/22/23
MNR
2
$17,484
$3,760
Hey Boots
$16,959
G
2
Bucchero
Winning for Sarah
Lance Colwell & Janice M. Clark
11/16/23
CT
1
$28,400
Jack’s Yacht Queen F
3
Uncle Vinny
Hines Farley Rules
Jack Treadway
11/1/23
MVR
2
$26,400
$5,280
Magna Massa
3
The Big Beast
Offlee Sheikh
John Grossi
11/9/23
IND
1
$36,000
$21,600
Squints/Juvenile Sprint S.
MICHAEL BURNS PHOTO
Loyalty/Bessarabian Stakes Grade 2
42 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
Dancing N Dixie/Our Dear Peggy Stakes
RYAN THOMPSON PHOTO
F
LAUREN KING PHOTO
Horse Name
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE (cont’d) Horse Name
Sex Age
Sire
Dam
Breeder
Date
Track Finish
Value Earnings
O Romeo
G
3
Gary D
Romantic Juliet
Don Ming
11/1/23
MNR
3
$20,776
$2,120
Poseidon’s Son
G
4
Poseidon’s Warrior
Forest Retreat
Orlyana Farm
11/21/23
MNR
2
$18,236
$3,760
Rain
M
6
Brethren
Mocita
Arindel
11/22/23
DED
2
$36,000
$7,200
Rainbow’s Pride
G
3
Uncaptured
Circular Rainbow
Thomas Equels
11/9/23
MVR
1
$25,900
$15,540
Ray Arewethereyet M
5
First Dude
Bernie’s Gold
Raymond Mamone
11/14/23
RP
3
$40,000
$4,391
Rhythmia
7
Majestic Warrior
Mystic Rhythms
Vegso Racing Stable
11/5/23
UNI
1
$17,600
$12,000
G
Risk Vs Reward
G
4
Practical Joke
Honest Gold
Palm Beach Racing III LLC
11/16/23
CMR
2
$11,000
$1,650
Royal Mahogany
G
4
Speightster
High Soprano
Loren Nichols
11/2/23
CT
1
$27,400
$16,278
Runaway Jack
G
4
Not This Time
Melody Girl
Westbury Stables LLC
11/1/23
DEL
1
$47,700
$27,000
Spanish Delight
M
5
Global Response
Spanish Slew
Carlos Giraldo
11/11/23
DED
3
$38,000
$4,180
Stone Silent
F
3
Adios Charlie
Travelator
William J. Terrell & Frank De Savino
11/3/23
CD
3
$127,260
$9,300
Sutton Breeze
G
4
Cajun Breeze
Sutton Reese
Stonehedge LLC
11/21/23
MNR
1
$18,236
$10,904
Tap Secret
G
4
Tapitgold
Kat of Kilkenny
Joel Covarrubias
11/29/23
CT
3
$28,400
$2,827
Tator Made
F
3
Bahamian Squall
Kirembe
Taylor Smith
11/3/23
CT
1
$27,400
$16,440
Wicked Sight
F
4
Wicked Strike
Spectacular Sight
Y-Lo Racing Stables LLC
11/5/23
AQU
3
$90,000
$10,800
Willy the Cobbler
G
5
Jess’s Dream
East Lake Classic
Sherry R. Mansfield & Kenneth H. Davis
11/7/23
ZIA
1
$52,500
$31,500
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING Horse Name
Sex Age
Sire
Dam
Breeder
Date
Track Finish
Value Earnings
Ambassador Luna
M
7
Brethren
Spanish Ambassador
Voodoomon Racing
11/9/23
WO
1
$78,672
American of Course M
6
Awesome of Course
Indy Standard
Jacks or Better Farm Inc.
11/24/23
GP
3
$51,000
$5,100
Atomically
3
Girvin
Shesunbelievable
Tracy Pinchin & Michael Bernard
11/24/23
GP
1
$51,000
$31,300
Awesome Sunday
F
3
Awesome of Course
My Sunday Best
Amy E. Dunne & Ciaran G. Dunne
11/14/23
FAN
2
$21,450
$3,300
Baby Yoda
G
5
Prospective
More Than Speed
Kathleen Amaya, Alexandro Centofanti & Raffaele Centofanti
11/17/23
AQU
3
$95,000
$11,400
Backchat
G
5
Will Take Charge
My Best Ten
Rustlewood Farm Inc
11/12/23
GP
3
$43,000
$4,300
Big Louie
C
3
Ami’s Flatter
Featured Item
Cheri Abner & Michael Bossio
11/22/23
TAM
2
$53,000
$10,600 $5,540
Big Martini
G
3
The Big Beast
Dirty Martini
Bett Usher & Elaine Daughtery
11/18/23
GP
3
$46,100
Boca Boy
G
5
Prospective
Baliwink
Carol Hershe
11/25/23
GP
3
$50,600
$5,650
Both Sides
F
3
Bucchero
Pick the Double
Elaine M Vinson & Lee E. Vinson
11/25/23
TAM
1
$53,000
$33,200
Bring Theband Home G
3
Into Mischief
Tizatude
Live Oak Stud
11/22/23
TAM
3
$53,000
$5,300
C Z Rocket
G
9
City Zip
Successful Sarah
Farm III Enterprises LLC
11/25/23
DMR
1
$74,200
$42,000
Call Me Spicy
F
3
Speightster
Danessa Again
Dr. Steven Laymon
11/17/23
GP
2
$46,100
$10,640
Caricia
F
4
Valiant Minister
St Ballado’s Lady
Saul Rosas
11/18/23
FAN
1
$14,580
$8,100
Demar’s Legacy
F
2
Enticed
Mooji’s Empire
CESA Farm and New Horizon farm Inc
11/24/23
GP
1
$48,900
$31,300
Divine Connection
F
4
Connect
Archangelus
Brad & Misty Grady
11/3/23
GP
3
$42,250
$4,730
Emirates Affair
M
5
Handsome Mike
Emirates Girl
Helen Barbazon & Joseph Barbazon
11/21/23
PRX
3
$62,250
$5,500
Extendo
C
3
Handsome Mike
Jeekers
Helen & Joseph Barbazon, Edward Seltzer & Beverly Anderson
11/5/23
GP
1
$49,600
$31,300
Face the Music
F
3
Kantharos
Orchid Isle
Dr. Derek Paul
11/25/23
GP
2
$34,000
$8,600
Feast
G
6
Twirling Candy
Corinthian Luck
Farm III Enterprises LLC
11/22/23
TAM
1
$53,000
$33,200
Fish Mooney
F
4
Lookin At Lucky
Gotham City Girl
Red Oak Stable
11/18/23
WO
1
$82,402
$44,400
Full Disclosure
G
4
Cajun Breeze
Theladysaidno
Shadybrook Farm Inc.
11/4/23
GP
1
$51,300
$31,900
Girvin Girl
F
3
Girvin
Gray Hart’s Girl
Hart Breeders LLC
11/3/23
GP
2
$42,250
$9,030
Gracie Diamond
F
3
Can the Man
Diamond Back Lil
Marablue Farm LLC
11/1/23
DED
3
$37,300
$4,070
Happyisashappydoes G
3
First Dude
Nightfury
Eddy R. Martinez & Linda Martinez
11/12/23
GP
2
$43,000
$8,600
Hashtag Lucky
M
5
Speightster
Bern Legacy
Barbazon Racing and Bloodstock & Pedigree Partners
11/2/23
DEL
1
$39,300
$23,400
Hihellohowareyou
F
3
Awesome Slew
Additional Prayer
Janet Erwin
11/24/23
GP
2
$51,000
$10,200
I’m Into Mischief
F
4
Into Mischief
Paradise Alley
Bridlewood Farm
11/11/23
WO
1
$79,792
$44,400
• Ambulatory Care • Internal Medicine • Reproduction • Sports Medicine • Surgery • 24/7 Emergency Services
Ocala, FL
352.237.6151
PetersonSmith.com
THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 43
t
F
$45,600
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (cont’d) Horse Name
Sex Age
Sire
Dam
Breeder
Date
Track Finish
Value Earnings
Ima Beast
M
6
The Big Beast
Eclectic Run
Jocelyn Dickey McKathan
11/4/23
WO
3
$91,706
$8,140
J P Hellish
G
7
J P’s Gusto
Rakehellish
Jan Alan Meehan & John Petika
11/19/23
WO
3
$106,164
$8,360 $10,640
King Cab
G
4
Noble Bird
Alotofappeal
Ocala Stud & Edward Wiest & William J. Terrill
11/18/23
GP
2
$46,100
Kozy’s Wildcat
G
4
Khozan
Karen’s Wildcat
Stonehedge LLC
11/15/23
MNR
2
$17,860
$3,760
Kozy’s Wildcat
G
4
Khozan
Karen’s Wildcat
Stonehedge LLC
11/5/23
MNR
3
$20,564
$2,120
Lady Cha Cha
F
2
Vino Rosso
Peisinoe
English Range Farm
11/10/23
GP
3
$44,700
$5,540
Little Demon
G
5
Awesome of Course
Evil Dame
Jacks or Better Farm Inc.
11/12/23
AQU
3
$92,000
$11,040
Loyal Louie
G
5
Country Day
Dream Come True
Mary K. Haire
11/25/23
GP
3
$43,000
$4,300
Lure Him In
G
6
Khozan
Alluring Lady
Stonehedge LLC
11/25/23
GP
1
$50,600
$31,900
Major Pryce
F
3
Bucchero
Groove Maker
Judy Bassett & Debora Morgan
11/25/23
GP
3
$34,000
$4,300
Makemebelieve
F
4
Mucho Macho Man
Believe Again
Bishop Racing Inc.
11/4/23
DEL
1
$38,800
$23,100
Mamba On Three
$10,850
G
5
Big Drama
Miss Grandiose
Carl Bowling & Hallmarc Stallions LLC
11/4/23
GP
2
$51,300
Maureenlovesfrank M
5
Wicked Strong
Regal Betty
Janet Erwin
11/29/23
MNR
2
$18,236
$3,760
Michele M.
F
3
West Coast
Juliamarie
Milan Kosanovich
11/11/23
WO
2
$79,792
$14,800 $3,179
Midnight Act
G
7
Midnight Lute
Act Quickly
Glen Hill Farm
11/8/23
PEN
3
$28,900
Miles of Smiles
F
4
Prospective
Oasis At Midnight
David L. Rousso
11/25/23
TAM
3
$53,000
$5,300
Miss Vyvyanne
F
3
Rainbow Heir
Caribean Beat
Tom McCrocklin & Gerald Martin
11/25/23
WO
2
$103,140
$14,800
Mor Tequila
C
3
Mor Spirit
Cat Be Nimble
Beth Bayer
11/23/23
DMR
3
$78,200
$7,800
Musical Design
F
4
Maclean’s Music
Design Mine
Green Lane Farm South LLC
11/17/23
GP
3
$46,100
$5,100
My Sunny Valentine M
5
Lookin At Lucky
Sunnyridge Bride
Dennis A. Drazin
11/11/23
WO
1
$79,460
$44,400
Olga
F
3
Brethren
Sweet Khaleesi
Arindel
11/3/23
GP
1
$42,250
$25,800
Rachel’s Rock
F
4
Jess’s Dream
Diamondaire
Jacks or Better Farm Inc.
11/24/23
AQU
1
$92,000
$50,600
Real Talk
G
5
Gemologist
Woodland Park
Ocala Stud
11/19/23
GP
2
$47,100
$10,850
Red Wren
F
2
Jess’s Dream
Jacqueline Gail
Kevin Rice
11/29/23
TAM
2
$36,600
$11,250
Ritabook
F
4
Uncaptured
Four White Legs
Frank Bertolino
11/25/23
TAM
2
$53,000
$10,600
Riveting Spirit
M
6
Csaba
Queen Drama
Harold L. Queen
11/12/23
GG
2
$38,146
$6,200
Rolling On
G
3
Uncaptured
My Coastie
Lybby F. Gay & Ronald Gay
11/25/23
GP
2
$43,000
$8,600
Royal Poppy
F
3
Classic Empire
M’Dearest
Orlyana Farm
11/24/23
AQU
2
$92,000
$18,400
Ruda
F
4
First Dude
Mass Invasion
Harvey Morris
11/25/23
LRL
3
$63,520
$5,800
Secret Operation
F
3
Belomor
I’m So Beautiful
Glockenburg LLC
11/29/23
TP
2
$65,883
$6,229
Shez Stuck Up
M
6
Graydar
Malibu Style
Four Horsemen’s Ranch
11/18/23
FAN
1
$22,400
$12,000
Signora Minister
F
4
Valiant Minister
Signora Gina
Juvenal L. Diaz
11/25/23
DMR
1
$69,926
$37,800
Space Runner
G
4
Brody’s Cause
Brilliant Humor
Farm III Enterprises LLC
11/18/23
GP
3
$44,700
$5,100
Spy Hunter
C
3
Bucchero
Yoly Luckey
Yolanda Gonzalez
11/25/23
GP
1
$43,000
$25,800
Star Hawk
G
7
To Honor and Serve
Successful Song
Live Oak Stud
11/14/23
MVR
3
$27,500
$2,750
Starship Aurora
F
3
Khozan
Realgoodlookin
Rustlewood Farm Inc.
11/18/23
GP
3
$44,700
$5,100
Starship Wizard
C
4
Treasure Beach (GB)
Multipass
Orlyana Farm
11/12/23
GP
1
$43,000
$25,800
Startonahighnote
C
3
Girvin
Shelby’s Song
Brad Grady & Misty Grady
11/5/23
GP
3
$49,600
$5,540
Top Boss
G
5
Khozan
Arealhotlover
Stonehedge LLC
11/23/23
LRL
2
$59,470
$11,600
Walks Like a Lady
M
5
Vancouver (AUS)
Lizzie K
Darsan Inc.
11/25/23
GP
1
$34,000
$16,800
Willy Boi
G
5
Uncaptured
Shining Moment
Ocala Stud & William J. Terrell
11/19/23
GP
3
$47,100
$5,650
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT Horse Name
Sex Age
Sire
Dam
Breeder
Date
Track Finish
Value Earnings
Andylithic
G
3
Neolithic
Tequila Light
Ian Parsard
11/21/23
MNR
3
$16,005
$1,650
Andylithic
G
3
Neolithic
Tequila Light
Ian Parsard
11/12/23
MNR
2
$15,675
$3,300
Azteca Girl
F
3
Munnings
Royal Septor
Donald R. Dizney LLC
11/4/23
CT
3
$26,500
$2,650
Bernie’s Mitts
C
2
First Dude
Precious Lady
Julie Ann Jackson
11/27/23
PRX
3
$67,000
$5,500 $24,000
Breezero
F
2
Bucchero
Breezing Bye
Dominique Damico
11/25/23
GP
1
$40,000
Cab Beef
G
6
Mineshaft
Ournaughtyescapade
Bulldog Racing
11/29/23
MNR
3
$16,005
$1,650
Cable Boss
C
3
Quality Road
Song of Bernadette
Bridlewood Farm
11/14/23
IND
1
$34,000
$20,400
Cajun Joe
C
2
Cajun Breeze
Concerted Effort
Shade Tree Thoroughbreds Inc
11/10/23
CT
2
$26,500
$5,246
Catrianna
F
3
Tourist
Mykindacat
Jennifer Irelan
11/14/23
ZIA
1
$45,000
$27,000
Citrus Belle
F
2
Lemon Drop Kid
Bella Collina
Vegso Racing Stable
11/10/23
GP
3
$48,000
$4,600
44 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT (cont’d) Horse Name
Sex Age
Sire
Dam
Breeder
Date
Track Finish
Value Earnings
Cool Tricks
F
2
Practical Joke
Charlie B
Nicksar Farms
11/25/23
GP
2
$40,000
$8,400 $15,000
Dazzlemesilver
C
3
Tapwrit
Indian Goddess
Bridlewood Farm
11/17/23
CD
2
$107,625
Derby Hangover
F
2
Violence
Hunt Breakfast
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Glenn Lofley Jr.
11/19/23
GP
3
$48,000
$5,000
Don’t Answer
G
3
Uncaptured
Who’s Calling
Kathy Machesky
11/19/23
GP
3
$43,700
$5,430
Drewmania
G
2
St Patrick’s Day
Cowgirl Lass
Holley Rice
11/15/23
DED
1
$35,000
$21,000
El Bandido
G
3
Field Commission
Kitten Squared
Edward Seltzer
11/27/23
MNR
3
$16,005
$1,650
Escalation Clause
C
3
Awesome Slew
Genau
Ocala Stud
11/11/23
AQU
1
$85,000
$46,750
Fairway to Heaven
C
2
Girvin
Absoulute Heaven
Tim Ahearn
11/19/23
WO
3
$81,980
$7,920
Fiona’s Magic
F
2
St Patrick’s Day
Mollie’s Magic
Stonehedge LLC
11/19/23
GP
1
$48,000
$31,000
For Your Pleasure
C
2
Enticed
Tranquil Song
Beth Bayer
11/24/23
AQU
3
$85,000
$10,200
Genetics
F
2
Tapit
Points of Grace
Helen Barbazon Joseph Barbazon & Tapit Syndicate
11/11/23
CD
3
$117,750
$7,500
Gullfaxi
F
2
Mitole
Procuradora
Carlos Rafael
11/12/23
GP
3
$40,000
$4,400
Halina’s Forte
F
2
Mitole
Lunarlady
Bill & Corinne Heilegbrodt & A.F.& B. Vanlangendonck
11/5/23
CD
1
$88,095
$42,000
Halon
G
2
Flameaway
Aunt Tinsey
Cynthia Cauffman
11/18/23
GP
2
$42,000
$10,000
Hero’s Return
G
6
To Honor and Serve
City Empress
Live Oak Stud
11/5/23
UNI
3
$15,000
$1,500
Holiday Pay
C
2
Awesome Slew
Dreaminofauntantil
Amalio Ruiz Lozano
11/3/23
GP
1
$40,000
$24,000
Jayana
F
2
Khozan
Genau
Ocala Stud
11/10/23
GP
1
$48,000
$31,000
Jocasta
F
2
Bucchero
Jenazalea
SCF Inc
11/2/23
DED
1
$35,300
$21,000
Khoolzan
C
2
Khozan
Twocatsintheyard
J.A.G. Racing Inc & Jettany Thoroughbred Corp
11/11/23
GP
2
$40,000
$8,000
Leftlaneoutlaw
G
3
Rainbow Heir
Belle’s Cachet
Kathryn Lombardi
11/29/23
MNR
1
$16,005
$9,570
Lightnin Queen
F
2
Bullsbay
My Lightnin Strike
Mr. & Mrs. George Nyren
11/17/23
CT
1
$26,500
$15,900
Maybelly
F
2
Mo Town
Quality Bella
Carlos Munoz
11/25/23
GP
3
$40,000
$4,400
Millie Jean
F
3
Uncaptured
Zooming By
John Ropes
11/5/23
GP
3
$43,700
$5,430
Neom City
F
2
Handsome Mike
Annabella Hall
Judy Karlin
11/12/23
GP
2
$40,000
$8,400
One Sharp Cookie
C
2
Sharp Azteca
Peppermint Fire
Karen J. Silva
11/25/23
GP
2
$42,000
$10,400
Opus
F
2
Brethren
Miso Blue
Arindel
11/12/23
GP
1
$40,000
$24,000
Perfect Edge
C
3
Competitive Edge
Purrfect Diva
Marablue Farm LLC
11/16/23
DED
3
$35,300
$3,850
Pure Class
C
2
The Big Beast
I’mclassyandsassy
Alex Lieblong & JoAnn Lieblong
11/3/23
GP
2
$40,000
$8,400
Raging Whirlwind
H
5
Baletmeister
Queen Bassa
Glockenburg LLC
11/12/23
MNR
1
$15,675
$9,570
Roar Ready
C
2
Do the Roar
Crown Ready
Just For Fun Stable Inc.
11/11/23
GP
1
$40,000
$24,000
11/11/23
Secret Lover
C
2
Khozan
Wave Bye Bye
Brent Fernung & Crystal Fernung
GP
3
$40,000
$4,000
Sergeant Molly
F
3
Field Commission
Baby Doll
Edward Seltzer Beverly Anderson & Helen Barbazon & Joseph Barbazon11/24/23 GP
1
$47,900
$30,700
Sir Mason
G
2
St Patrick’s Day
Azasecret
Pedro Gonzalez
11/29/23
MVR
2
$24,300
$4,860
Smokin Jack Flash G
2
Bucchero
Smoke Out
Pamela J Ontiveros
11/3/23
GP
3
$40,000
$4,000
Test Factor
C
2
The Factor
Azimuth
A. Francis Vanlangendonck & Barbara Vanlangendonck
11/11/23
GP
3
$41,000
$4,600
Valued Cajun
C
2
Cajun Breeze
Becausei’mworthit
Shadybrook Farm Inc.
11/18/23
GP
2
$42,000
$10,000
Victory Badge
F
2
Medaglia d’Oro
Victory to Victory
Live Oak Stud
11/10/23
LRL
1
$52,300
$31,200
Wildwood Enough
F
4
He’s Had Enough
Ellenville
Deborah Shaffer
11/11/23
FAN
1
$12,000
$7,200
You Have No Idea
F
3
American Freedom
Call Me Baba
Tonya K. Jurgens
11/10/23
RP
2
$34,000
$6,749
Introducing the all new Wire to Wire Wire to Wire & FTBOA.com
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THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 45
LEADING FLORIDA SIRES OF 2023
The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Dec. 6, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.
Rank
NA Stk Gr Leading Stallion Farm Sire Name Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW’s Wins SW’s Earnings
Leading Earner
Yrlg Yrlg Earnings Sold
2yo 2yo Avg Sold
Avg
1 Khozan
Journeyman Stud
Distorted Humor
$5,585,174 183
99
5
8
1
$5,805,074
Foggy Night
$378,800
26 $23,500 25 $39,720
2 Brethren
Arindel
Distorted Humor
$2,692,902 106
52
3
4
1
$2,713,082
Clapton
$530,560
4
3 First Dude
Double Diamond Farm
Stephen Got Even
$2,647,873
41
4
4
1
$2,654,837
Maryquitecontrary $277,300 5 $23,400
88
$3,550 1 $40,000
4 Adios Charlie
Ocala Stud
Indian Charlie
$1,980,501
90
38
2
2
0
$1,988,773
Bouncer
$171,675
5
$8,940 12 $37,625
5 Social Inclusion
Briardale Fale
Pioneerof the Nile
$1,759,021
57
30
2
3
0
$1,764,922
Gordian Knot
$178,160
5
$2,940 1 $35,000 $37,250 1 $100,000
6 Cajun Breeze
Stonehedge Farm South Congrats
$1,705,890
64
33
2
4
1
$1,720,795
Dean Delivers
$237,560
4
7 Valiant Minister
Bridlewood Farm
Candy Ride (ARG)
$1,341,986
41
22
1
3
0
$1,344,967
Bentornato
$311,830
13
$9,077 5 $45,400
8 Neolithic
Pleasant Acres Stallions Harlan’s Holiday
$1,244,058
56
31
1
1
0
$1,265,096
Poiema
$93,583
7
$11,714 9 $17,722
3
$6,333 18 $76,261
9 Awesome Slew
Ocala Stud
Awesome Again
$805,287
42
24
0
0
0
$805,287
Awesome Pic
$84,285
10 Big Drama
Deceased
Montbrook
$751,181
37
13
2
3
1
$754,356
Drama Chorus
$112,020
11 Awesome of Course Deceased
Awesome Again
$748,041
29
18
0
0
0
$748,122
Little Demon
$131,196
1
$14,000
12 Chitu
Bridlewood Farm
Henny Hughes
$732,165
45
20
0
0
0
$740,370
Cruzin Man
$103,230
1
$4,000 2 $95,500
13 Field Commission
Deceased
Service Stripe
$709,019
36
16
0
0
0
$709,019
Mish
$146,470
14 Bahamian Squall
Double Diamond Farm
Gone West
$638,251
42
17
0
0
0
$657,320
Hay Hay Paula
$88,050 2 $18,500
15 Tunwoo
Bridlewood Farm
Medaglia d’Oro
$417,492
6
5
1
2
0
$417,492
Time Passage
$261,255 1 $30,000
16 St Patrick’s Day
Journeyman Stud
Pioneerof the Nile
$286,845
27
6
1
2
0
$338,159
Jive
$57,243
17 Fort Loudon
Deceased
Awesome of Course
$321,816
11
6
1
1
0
$321,816
Swan Lake
$123,310
18 Amira’s Prince (Ire) Pleasant Acres Stallions Teofilo (IRE)
$297,492
13
8
1
1
0
$297,940
Sister Otoole
$101,000
19 Fury Kapcori
Deceased
Tiznow
$296,517
11
9
0
0
0
$296,517
Spoiled Rotten
$59,240
20 Wildcat Heir
Deceased
Forest Wildcat
$234,029
13
7
1
1
0
$240,684
Cat’s Rhythm
$84,453
21 Katz My Song
Champagne Farm
Unbridled’s Song
$216,223
19
8
0
0
0
$216,223
Katz That Gal
$41,840
22 Gary D
Ming Farm
Successful Appeal
$185,898
7
5
0
0
0
$185,898
O Romeo
$49,038
23 Young Brian
Stormeborne Stallions
Hard Spun
$182,818
8
5
0
0
0
$182,818
Danzig Chips
$48,380
24 Iqbaal
Ward Ranch
Medaglia d’Oro
$170,004
7
4
0
0
0
$170,004
Bledsoe
$63,705
25 Backtalk
Stormeborne Stallions
Smarty Jones
$122,755
9
6
0
0
0
$122,755
Nick the Cardshark $43,368 1 $20,000
26 Greatness
Solera Farm
Mr. Prospector
$118,670
6
3
0
0
0
$118,670
Dizzy Gillespie
$52,540
27 Tapitgold
First Turn Farm
Tapit
$96,473
4
2
0
0
0
$96,473
Tap Secret
$51,162
28 Battalion Runner
Ocala Stud
Unbridled’s Song
$95,905
6
2
1
1
0
$95,905
Lightnin Runner
$74,441
29 No Never No More
Pleasant Acres Stallions Scat Daddy
$94,546
8
2
0
0
0
$94,546
Dr. Snyder
$30,550
30 High Cotton
Pensioned
Dixie Union
$92,794
4
3
0
0
0
$92,794
Warp Speed Baby $38,610
31 Winslow Homer
Pensioned
Unbridled’s Song
$91,865
9
4
0
0
0
$91,865
Making Me Crazy $25,264
32 Finale
Stormeborne Stallions
Scat Daddy
$47,192
10
2
0
0
0
$47,192
Masterclass
$14,424 1
33 Black Stash
Good Beginnings Farms Bernardini
$38,480
8
1
0
0
0
$38,480
Denying
$25,470
34 Rogueish
Solera Farm
$33,760
5
1
0
0
0
$33,760
Pardy Pleaser
$27,950
Into Mischief
8
$11,575 21 $43,129 1
1 9
$3,500
$10,000 $5,144
$5,000
11 $18,000 3 $91,667
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The Florida Horse Farm & Service Directory Your competition is. It’s easy than ever and it’s FREE! Already in? Help us keep your info current.
• Go to www.ftboa.com and click on FORMS/SEARCH in the bar at the top • Find “Farm & Service Directory” in the list. For more information: 352-732-8858 • Click NEXT & just fill out the form. 46 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
The ONLY Directory of it’s kind in the area
LEADING FLORIDA JUVENILE SIRES
The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Dec. 6, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.
Stallion Farm Sire Name
NA Stk Gr Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW’s Wins SW’s Earnings
Leading Earner
Leading Yrlg Yrlg Earnings Sold Avg
2yo Sold
1 Khozan
$1,350,541
R Harper Rose
$257,300
26 $23,500
25 $39,720
Journeyman Stud
Distorted Humor
58
22
3
3
0
$1,425,405
2yo Avg
2 Adios Charlie
Ocala Stud
Indian Charlie
$467,298
25
6
1
1
0
$467,298
Welcome Back
$91,300
5
$8,940
12 $37,625
3 Brethren
Arindel
Distorted Humor
$449,756
20
6
1
1
0
$449,756
Reaper
$111,566
4
$3,550
1 $40,000
4 Neolithic
Pleasant Acres Stallion
Harlan’s Holiday
$405,837
16
8
1
1
0
$405,837
Dancing N Dixie
$89,610
7 $11,714
9 $17,722
5 Social Inclusion
Briardale Farm
Pioneerof the Nile
$400,912
15
5
0
0
0
$400,912
Dancing Spirit
$110,550
5
$2,940
1 $35,000
6 Valiant Minister
Bridlewood Farm
Candy Ride (ARG)
$342,630
8
1
1
3
0
$342,630
Bentornato
$311,830
13
$9,077
5 $45,400
7 St Patrick’s Day
Journeyman Stud
Pioneerof the Nile
$286,845
27
6
1
2
0
$338,159
Jive
$57,243
8 $11,575
21 $43,129
8 Cajun Breeze
Stonehedge Farm South Congrats
$141,898
12
2
0
0
0
$153,928
Rye’s My Guy
$39,310
4 $37,250
1 $100,000
9 Awesome Slew
Ocala Stud
$92,457
13
2
0
0
0
$92,457
Holiday Pay
$29,000
3
$6,333
18 $76,261
1
$9,000
Awesome Again
10 Gone Astray
Pleasant Acres Stallion
Dixie Union
$70,873
2
2
0
0
0
$70,873
Florindia
$63,685
11 Gary D
Ming Farms
Successful Appeal
$65,890
2
2
0
0
0
$65,890
Everdoit
$34,650
12 Iqbaal
Ward Ranch
Medaglia d’Oro
$63,705
1
1
0
0
0
$63,705
Bledsoe
$63,705
13 Fort Loudon
Deceased
Awesome of Course
$59,680
2
1
0
0
0
$59,680
Northshore Drive
$57,850
14 Chitu
Bridlewood Farm
Henny Hughes
$54,600
1
1
0
0
0
$54,600
Esperon
$54,600
$4,000
2 $95,500
15 Bahamian Squall
Double Diamond Farm
Gone West
$44,916
8
1
0
0
0
$44,916
Survival Rose
$16,410
1
2 $18,500
$43,000
16 Awesome of Course Deceased
Awesome Again
$43,430
2
1
0
0
0
$43,430
Stiletto Heels
17 Brooks ‘n Down
Deceased
Montbrook
$41,830
2
2
0
0
0
$41,830
Down in the Valley $25,750
1 $14,000
18 Big Drama
Deceased
Montbrook
$34,140
3
2
0
0
0
$34,140
Miguel’s Belle
19 Rogueish
Soldera Farm
Into Mischief
$33,760
5
1
0
0
0
$33,760
Pardy Pleaser
$27,950
11 $18,000
3 $91,667
20 First Dude
Double Diamond Farm
Stephen Got Even
$28,931
6
1
0
0
0
$28,931
Sister Skye
$15,751
5 $23,400
1
$1,700
1
$3,500
$18,150
LEADING FLORIDA 1ST CROP SIRES
The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Dec. 6, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.
Stallion Farm Sire Name
NA Stk Gr Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW’s Wins SW’s Earnings
Leading Earner
Leading Yrlg Yrlg Earnings Sold Avg
2yo Sold
2yo Avg
1 St Patrick’s Day
Journeyman Stud
Pioneerof the Nile
$332,790
29
6
1
2
0
$384,104
Fiona’s Magic
$87,400
8 $11,575
21 $43,129
2 Rogueish
Solera Farm
Into Mischief
$44,620
6
1
0
0
0
$44,620
Pardy Pleaser
$27,950
11 $18,000
3 $91,667
LEADING FLORIDA 2nd CROP SIRES
The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Dec. 6, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.
Stallion Farm Sire Name
NA Stk Gr Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW’s Wins SW’s Earnings
Leading Earner
Leading Yrlg Yrlg Earnings Sold Avg
2yo Sold
1 Awesome Slew
Awesome Again
$805,287
Awesome Pic
$84,285
$6,333
18 $76,261 1 $30,000
Ocala Stud
42
24
0
0
0
$805,287
3
2 Tunwoo
Bridlewood Farm
Medaglia d’Oro
$417,492
6
5
1
2
0
$417,492
Time Passage
$261,255
3 Battalion Runner
Ocala Stud
Unbridled’s Song
$95,905
6
2
1
1
0
$95,905
Lightnin Runner
$74,441
4 No Never No More
Pleasant Acres Stallions Scat Daddy
$94,546
8
2
0
0
0
$94,546
Dr. Snyder
$30,550
9
2yo Avg
$5,144
LEADING FLORIDA 3rd CROP SIRES
The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Dec. 6, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.
Stallion Farm Sire Name
NA Stk Gr Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW’s Wins SW’s Earnings
Leading Earner
Leading Yrlg Yrlg Earnings Sold Avg
2yo Sold
2yo Avg
1 Valiant Minister
Bridlewood Farm
Candy Ride (ARG)
$1,359,535
41
23
1
3
0
$1,367,004
Bentornato
$311,830
13
$9,077
5 $45,400
2 Neolithic
Pleasant Acres Stallions Harlan’s Holiday
$1,286,178
56
31
1
1
0
$1,310,724
Poiema
$104,818
7 $11,714
9 $17,722
3 Black Stash
Good BeginningS Farm
$38,645
8
1
0
0
0
$38,645
Denying
$25,470
Bernardini
THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 47
STAKES WINNERS BY STATE
The following list updated through Dec. 3, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc. State or Province Kentucky Florida New York California Ontario Pennsylvania Louisiana Maryland Ohio West Virginia Texas Indiana British Columbia Oklahoma Minnesota Iowa Virginia New Mexico Illinois New Jersey Arkansas Washington Alberta South Carolina
Grade 1 Winners
Grade 2 Winners
Grade 3 Winners
Total Graded Stakes Winners
Black Type Winners
Listed Winners
75 0 2 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
103 8 1 5 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
178 9 5 4 12 1 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
356 17 8 13 17 5 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
237 30 6 21 5 15 2 8 1 1 4 3 11 0 1 4 2 0 3 2 0 3 2 0
164 13 7 1 7 5 1 3 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0
Listed Restricted Restricted Winners Winners 9 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 22 58 40 34 31 48 19 23 23 16 14 4 16 14 9 3 11 6 6 6 4 0 0
Total Stakes Winners 778 82 79 75 64 56 51 32 24 24 21 19 17 16 15 13 11 11 10 9 7 7 2 1
UA SYMPOSIUM Continued from page 32
“You’ve got to know it. You’ve got to believe it. You’ve got to have confidence in it. And you really have to care about the industry you’re talking about. Otherwise, it’s just a study,” Powell said. “Make your story relatable to those that aren’t in our industry.” Several panel participants underscored that people in racing have to take the time to forge personal bonds with legislators so the sport’s stakeholders can be viewed as trusted sources. In other words, don’t go seeking help from politicians for the first time only when “your back’s against the wall,” Powell cautioned. “Are you kidding me? You’ve got to develop relationships. That takes years,” Powell said. Foreman stressed that the racing industry needs to hone (and often repeat) the message that the sport is an economic engine, and that the money it generates often gets reinvested back into the community in ways that aren’t apparent to legislators. “Here’s something that very rarely gets talked about, but legislators love to hear this,” Foreman said. “Racing is a community. We take care of our people,” he continued, giving examples of how in his home state of Maryland, the horsemen’s health system provides full health care for the people who work in racing. “That is something that doesn’t fall back on the local 48 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
economy, that doesn’t fall back on social services. It doesn’t fall back on the state,” Foreman said. “It’s the racing industry that supports that. We take care of the people who work with us, [and] that resonates with legislators. And that’s why they’re willing to support the industry, because they understand the local impact that it has.” To get that story across to political decision-makers, Foreman said, “we combined the economic impact with the social license aspects of it, and that’s the takeaway.” Powell, however, had a different message to impart, speaking directly to RTIP students. He prefaced his comments by letting the RTIP majors know that he is a graduate of that program who was attending his 41st edition of the annual symposium, and that he understood how some of the presentations over the past two days that focused primarily on industry problems might be giving students second thoughts about pursuing a career in the sport. “Don’t change your major,” Powell implored them, his voice at times cracking with emotion. “That’s exactly why you’re needed in leadership. That’s exactly why you’re needed in this business. Because we need people that believe you can make progress versus ‘ride it all out.’” “It’s difficult. It’s changing,” Powell said of horse racing. “But you can’t give up.” TFH
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• Michael Costanzo – Racing Secretary • Peter Aiello IV – Track Announcer • James Pelrine – Vice President, Business Operations
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• Tom Ventura – President • Kevin Honig – Mutuels
• Allison DeLuca – Racing Secretary • Autumn Charley – Stakes Coordinator • Todd Pletcher • Chuck Simon • Matthew O’Connor
Paribet LLC • Michael Weiss THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024 | 49
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
TAMMY A. GANTT
Associate Vice President Director of Membership Services & Events
It’s Membership Renewal Time!
FEC Contributing Editor & FTC Industry & Community Affairs JOHN D. FILER PHOTO
Dear Members and Prospective Members, We are so proud you are in the industry we love. It’s time to watch your e-mail and postal mail for your membership application or you can pay online at https://www.ftboa.com/forms/. Be sure to select your desired membership category and then submit the application along with your payment. Upon renewal, your membership packet and membership card will be sent. Our new website, https://www.ftboa.com/, contains a host of resources including important dates and deadlines, foal registration forms, Florida Sire Stakes payment forms, incentive program highlights, member discounts, scholarship applications, industry impact studies, and Thoroughbred retirement program information. Also, you can access The Florida Horsepodcast from the site or via leading podcast platforms. Each renewing and new FTBOA member is automatically subscribed to Wire to Wire Racing Digest, the voice of the Florida Thoroughbred industry, which is delivered via e-mail daily. Readers have reported enjoying the original content promoting Florida Thoroughbreds. We have received positive feedback from advertisers who appreciate the additional distribution and increased exposure that our digital editions provide. If you would like to go from reader to advertiser, reach out to me, I’d be happy to assist you in promoting your endeavors. If you are a relatively new member to our industry, I encourage you to call or set up an appointment to meet, so I can answer your questions one-on-one and provide resources to meet your goals. I am available by e-mail at tgantt@ftboa.com or by calling 352-629-2160. If you prefer to drop off your membership payment, our offices are open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon-1 p.m.) We also provide contactless drop off with our Northeast side exterior drop box after hours. Thank you for your involvement in the Florida thoroughbred industry and let’s enjoy all the additional incentives and awards that 2024 and 2025 will provide. Tammy A. Gantt, Associate Vice President, Membership Services/Events
DEADLINES Jan. 15 - FSS 2YO - $250 If missed, Feb. 28 - $500 Visit FTBOA.com for additional deadlines 50 | THE FLORIDA HORSE | JANUARY 2024
Thank you to our 130 members and guests who attended the FTBOA Member Holiday Open House and thank you to our event’s title sponsor Equine Discounts.
Won the 2022 Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1) with a 102 BEYER SPEED FIGURE and the $1 million Turf Classic (G1)
at Churchill Downs, recording a 100 BEYER. A son of
BREEDERS’ CUP DIRT MILE (G1) winner LIAM’S MAP, a half-brother to leading sire NOT THIS TIME out of MISS MACY SUE , a near-millionaire-earning daughter
of TRIPPI from a paternal line loaded with influential runners. Hails from the female family of multiple
G1 WINNER WONDER AGAIN, his second dam.
A $1.2 MILLION 2YO PURCHASE AFTER WORKING A QUARTER IN :20 4/5.
Liam’s Map—Amazement, by Bernardini 2024 FEE: $6,500 S&N
Inquiries to David O’Farrell: david@ocalastud.com P.O. Box 818, Ocala, FL 34478 (352) 237-2171 | www.OcalaStud.com