The Florida Horse - March 2024

ONE OF EVERY FOUR LIFETIME

THEIR MAIDEN IN THEIR FIRST OR SECOND START AT 2

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT

George Isaacs

CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Lonny Taylor Powell

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

George Russell

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Francis Vanlangendonck

TREASURER

Joseph M. O’Farrell III

SECRETARY

Nick de Meric

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Valerie Dailey

DIRECTORS

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

PAST PRESIDENTS

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

ADMINISTRATIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & ASSISTANT TREASURER

Peggy Yost

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTMEMBER SERVICES & EVENTS

Tammy A. Gantt

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTOPERATIONS

Steve Koch

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & OFFICE MANAGER & ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Elaine K. Ansbacher

REGISTRATIONS & PAYMENTS COORDINATOR

Sheila Budden

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Kerrie Riber

ACCOUNTING CLERK

Faith Davis

ADMINISTRATIVE/MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANT

Vicki Davis

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association

Executive Office – 801 SW 60th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34474 (352) 629-2160

Fax: (352) 629-3603

e-mail: info@ftboa.com

www.ftboa.com

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Closed 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm & Federal Holidays

FLORIDA EQUINE COMMUNICATIONS

PRESIDENT/BOARD CHAIR

George Isaacs

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

George Russell

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Francis Vanlangendonck

TREASURER

Joseph M. O’Farrell III

SECRETARY

Nick de Meric

CEO & PUBLISHER

Lonny Taylor Powell

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Peggy Yost

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Brock Sheridan

ASSISTANT EDITOROPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT

Steve Koch

CONTRIBUTING EDITORSALES & INDUSTRY AFFAIRS

Tammy A. Gantt

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/ADVERTISING

Vicki Davis

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nancy Moffatt

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Cynthia M. Harper

BROCK SHERIDAN Editor-in-Chief Florida Equine Communications

Hottest Ever FTBOA Racing Incentives

Through the first two month of 2024, owners of 19 different Florida-bred stakes horses running at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs have earned $137,500 from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association—dollars that are in addition to the purse money earned in 21 different black-type races this year.

Each Gulfstream Park open stake throughout 2024 offers $20,000 in Florida-bred bonus money paid to the top three finishers on a 50%-30%-20% scale ($10,000 - $6,000 - $2,000). The same amount and schedule is offered to Florida Sire Stakeseligible runners in Florida-bred stakes during the winter season.

Four horses have raked the $10,000 win-boost this year at Gulfstream. Grade 3 Holy Bull-victor Hades and R Harper Rose, winner of the Grade 3 Forward Gal, both earned their bonuses as Floridabreds. Sweet Dani Girl and Lure Him In took down Florida Sire Stakes bonuses as the winners of the $75,000 Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf and $75,000 Sunshine Classic, respectively. We anticipate the Florida-bred open win-rate will only accelerate as the Gulfstream meet continues into the 2024 calendar.

The Grade 1 Curlin Florida Derby presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa offers $100,000 in Florida-bred bonuses and $100,000 in Florida Sire Stakes bonuses. The Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks presented by Rood and Riddle similarly offersto Florida-breds $50,000 with an additional $50,000 for FSS, all to be paid on the same 50%-30%-20% schedule.

This money comes in addition to the $5,000 per Florida-bred winner in any handicap, maiden

special weight or allowance race. Florida-breds annually win 40% of Gulfstream races and we anticipate earnings from this fund will climb proportionally.

Later this year, as the midday sun gets hotter, so too will the Florida overnights incentives. Floridabred 2-year-olds will be eligible once again for $10,000 maiden special weight win bonuses on top of $5,000 added for FSS-eligible winners in that same condition. Finally, FTBOA and Gulfstream Park have partnered on up to $6,000 per race Florida-bred incentives spread across many divisions in the summertime condition book.

FTBOA incentives at Tampa Bay Downs have been especially impactful this meet. FTBOA and Tampa Bay have partnered to offer an extra $18,000 for top-three finishing Florida-breds in all maiden special weight and allowance conditions. Tampa Bay recently reported year-on-year average field size increases significantly driven by Florida incentives.

Several stakes at Tampa Bay Downs offer additional FTBOA Florida-bred bonuses, including the Grade 3 Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby ($50,000), Grade 3 Florida Oaks ($50,000) and Hillsborough ($25,000). The six $100,000 stakes for Florida-breds on Florida Cup Day in late March – a partnership with Tampa Bay Downs and the Tampa Bay HBPA – additionally each offer a $10,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Win Bonus.

C 2 Racing Stable LLC and Stefania Farms LLC’s Mystic Lake leads the pack among bonus-earners this year with a $25,000 FTBOA Florida-bred win bonus earned while victorious in the $125,000 Gasparilla at Tampa Bay Downs on Jan. 13, a day

FLORIDA FOCUS

Compiled by Brock Sheridan

Popular Florida-bred Mystic Lake Wires Gasparilla For First Stakes Victory

Filly Earns $25,000 FTBOA Florida-bred Win Bonus

Florida-bred Mystic Lake appeased her many backers on Jan. 13 at Tampa Bay Downs, galloping to an easy three-length victory in the $75,000 Gasparilla as the odds-on favorite in the seven-furlong test. In addition to earning the winner’s share of the Gasparilla purse, the dark bay or brown filly also picked up a $25,000 Florida-bred win bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association for owners C2 Racing Stable LLC and Stefania Farms LLC.

Trained by Saffie Joseph Jr. and ridden by Edgard Zayas from post one in the field of seven 3-year-old fillies, Mystic Lake started quickly and was never seriously threatened in winning her first career black-type race.

She had a length lead leaving the backstretch chute and extended that margin to a length-and-a-half over second-running longshot Corinth on the outside with Gorgeous Girl third between horses. They finished a quarter-mile in :22.98. Under a motionless Zayas, Mystic Lake stretched her lead to two lengths around the turn as Corinth remained determined on the rail in second with Georgeous Girl to her outside in third.

Mystic Lake raced down the stretch with little concern before Gorgeous Girl made a late run to get within three-quarters of a length to finish second with Corinth another two lengths back in third. Florida-breds Genuine Peril and Girvin’s Princess were

fourth and fifth respectively followed by D’lightful Summer and Runaway Diva. Copper Bound was scratched.

The final time for the seven furlongs was 1:24.69 on the fast track and Mystic Lake paid $3.60 to win at odds of 4-5.

“She took the lead and we never looked back,” Zayas said. “She might have been stopping a little late, but she went quick early and the track was a little deep. All I had to do was hold on and she kept trying even when [Gorgeous Girl] came up on the outside.”

Joseph said he has considered Mystic Lake a talent from the beginning.

“We’ve thought a lot of her all along and we figured that first start just wasn’t her day,” Joseph said from Gulfstream Park. “She’s a very honest filly and this shows she can get seven furlongs. I’ll talk it over with Mark [Cornett, the owner of C2 Racing Stable] and come up with a game plan from here. I think she’ll go turf, too.”

It was the second career victory from five starts for Mystic Lake, who has a second and a third with earnings of $92,446.

After breaking her maiden in her second career start over six furlongs on the synthetic main track at Woodbine in September, Mystic Lake graduated to finish second to A Little Frisky in the $140,000 Glorious Song going seven furlongs on synthetic at Woodbine on Oct. 15. In her previous race, she remained on the Woodbine main track to finish third in the Grade 3 Mazarine won by Witwatersrand going a mile-and-a-sixteenth on Nov. 4.

Mystic Lake is by Mo Town out of the unraced Salty Soul, by Itsmyluckyday and was bred in Florida by Peggy Constanzo. Mystic Lake is the only foal out of Salty Soul.

She is a two-time graduate of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company having first sold for $3,500 to Tom McCrocklin as agent from Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield consignment at the 2022 October Yearling Sale. McCrocklin then pinhooked her back through last year’s March Sale where Turf Express Racing Partners selected her for $130,000. n

Sweet Dani Girl Wins Second Straight Sunshine Filly & Mare Turf as Heavy Favorite Mare Also Takes $10,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Bonus

In search of running room coming out of the far turn, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. steered Sweet Dani Girl off the rail and the 5-yearold mare responded with a dominating stretch run to win the $89,000 Sunshine Filly & Mare Turf by a length-and-a-half over Baby Steps in second at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 14. It was the

Florida-bred Mystic Lake | SV Photography

second consecutive victory in the Sunshine Filly & Mare Turf for the popular Sweet Dani Girl, who won as the 3-5 favorite in the one-mile turf event for seven Florida-bred fillies and mares.

Sweet Dani Girl produced a $55,570 payday for owners Michael Dubb, Steven Bouchey, New Phoenix Stable and America’s Pastime Stables LLC which included a $10,000 Florida Sire Stakes bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Third-place finisher Charlie’s Wish earned a $4,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes bonus to push her check to $11,350.

Baby Steps, who was making her first start since winning the $60,000 Starfish Bay overnight handicap at Gulfstream on Sept. 30, set the pace in the Filly & Mare Turf, leading Tracy’s Ann’s Legacy by a length through the first quarter-mile in :23.23. Behind those two, Ortiz had Sweet Dani Girl tracking in third on the rail from about a length-and-a-half back with Time Passage, who broke through the starting gate before the race, to her outside in fourth.

Baby Steps continued to lead through a half-mile :48.41 as Time Passage moved up to challenge her heading into the far turn while Thelastbulletsmine advanced three-wide to box in Sweet Dani Girl on the inside.

Baby Steps stepped away from her rivals at the top of the stretch which cleared the way for Sweet Dani Girl to find her best stride from second as Time Passage and Thelastbulletsmine began to fade on the outside.

Baby Steps still had a length-and-a-half on Sweet Dani Girl passing the eighth pole but could not fight off the heavy favorite

who shot past the frontrunner to win in 1:35.25 on the firm turf. Baby Steps held on for second, a half-length ahead of Charlie’s Wish. They were followed, in order, by Thelastbulletsmine, Both Sides, Time Passage and Tracy Ann’s Legacy.

Trained by Christophe Clement, Sweet Dani Girl paid $2.60 to win.

It was the first victory for Sweet Dani Girl since winning the $110,000 Pleasant Acres Stallion Distaff Turf at Tampa Bay Downs in March. She was graded stakes-placed twice with a second to Didia in the Grade 3 Modesty in May and a third in the Grade 3 Mint Julep won by Henrietta Topham in June, both on the Churchill Downs turf.

Sweet Dani Girl improved her lifetime record to five wins in 14 starts with two seconds and two thirds and earnings of $437,410.

She is by Jess’s Dream out of My Sweet Dani Girl, by Scat Daddy and was bred in Florida by J&J Stables LLC and Carlo Vaccarezza. Sweet Dani Girl is the only winner from three starters for My Sweet Dani Girl, who has an unnamed 2-year-old colt by Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie, a yearling colt by Dak Attack and a weanling filly by Code of Honor. n

Florida-bred Sweet Dani Girl | Photo by Ryan Thompson

FLORIDA FOCUS

Trainer Ronald Coy Saddles First U.S. Winner at Gulfstream

Trainer Ronald Coy saddled his first winner in the U.S. on Jan. 10 at Gulfstream Park.

The longtime assistant to Juan Andres Rodriguez in his native Venezuela and in the U.S., scored with his 12th starter since going on his own.

Sandpiper Memorie’s ($4.80) stalked the early pace before kicking in

OBITUARY

John Michael Cummings

Oct. 17, 1958 — Jan. 6, 2024

John Michael Cummings, age 65, of Ocala, Fla., passed away Jan. 6, 2024 at Ocala Regional Medical Center. He was born on Oct. 17, 1958, in Miami, Fla.

He moved to the Ocala area in 1970, later graduating from St. John Lutheran School. Johnny started working at local horse farms at age 15. He was a farrier by trade for 40 years, specializing in racehorses.

He helped to build his own home and remodeled many others. He was an avid fishman and boater. He would drag his boat everywhere. Johnny was passionate about his friends and black lab dogs. It was his life’s passion to help others, accepting every challenge. Johnny worked hard and played hard.

He was the son of Joseph Cummings Jr. and Patricia (Gravatt) Bartell. He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas “Tommy” Cummings. He leaves behind his father Joseph, step-mother Sandra, mother Pat, sisters Londa Palmer (Jody) and Marla Getford (April McDowell), step brother Donald Pelton III and Uncle Richard Cummings (Charlotte).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Humane Society of Marion County, P.O. Box 1542, Ocala Fla. 34478. n

through the stretch to win the seventh race, a $20,000 claiming going a mile-and-70-yards for fillies and mares, by two lengths under Ivan Pimentel Jr.

“I’m so happy. It’s a blessing from God” the 51-year-old Coy said in the Gulfstream winner’s circle.

Coy, who is currently training a stable of nine horses at Gulfstream Park, claimed Sandpiper Memories for $12,500 on Oct. 13. The daughter of Mohaymen overcame a bumping start to finish second in an optional claiming starter allowance at Gulfstream Dec. 14 in her first start for Coy. n

-- Gulfstream Park Press Office

Lure Him In Battles Octane to Win Sunshine Classic

Lure Him In, Octane, The Skipper Too Each Earn FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Bonus

Lure Him In pounced on 1-2 favorite Octane around the far turn but had to fight that rival for the entirety of the short stretch to win the $95,000 Sunshine Classic at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 20. Octane finished second in the field of seven older Floridabreds who went a mile-and-a-sixteenth on the main track.

Included in the $55,570 Sunshine Classic winner’s check earned by Lure Him In was a $10,000 Florida Sire Stakes bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Octane earned a $6,000 FSS bonus to push his second-place check to $20,700 while third-place finisher The Skipper Too picked up $4,000 in FSS Bonus money for a $11,350 payday.

Ronald Coy | Photo by Coglianese

Florida-bred Lure Him In | Photo by Ryan Thompson

John Michael Cummings

Slim Slow Slider was fourth followed, in order, by Cashier Check, Khozeiress and Granted Success.

Lure Him In and jockey Edwin Gonzalez were sixth, less than four lengths behind Octane after the half-mile in :47.70 with longshot Granted Success tracking in second and Cashier Check another half-length back in third. Octane and jockey Edgard Zayas continued to lead around the far turn as Lure Him In circled the field while three-wide to challenge for the lead with a quartermile to the finish.

Lure Him In took a short lead on the outside turning for home before Octane battled back on the rail for a half-length lead approaching the eighth pole. Lure Him In came back at Octane inside the final furlong to put a nose in front under the wire and finish in a final time of 1:43.22 on the fast track.

Sent to the post at 7-1, Lure Him In paid $16.20 to win.

Lure Him In is trained by Herman Wilensky for Double B Racing Stables.

The 6-year-old gelding won for the eighth time in 41 career starts with eight seconds and seven thirds with earnings of $468,658. Lure Him In won the 2022 Sunshine Turf and was fourth in last year’s Sunshine Turf won by Roaring Forties when racing for different connections.

“We thought we would be sitting closer early. [Octane] came out sending early and we didn’t break as good as we thought we would,” Wilensky’s son and assistant, Sam Wilensky, said. “We ran the longest race. We were four and five wide on the turn and still had enough horse left to win the race.”

Lure Him In had been running on turf and synthetic when he was claimed by Wilensky and Double B Racing for $40,000 in September at Del Mar.

Wilensky returned him to Gulfstream Park and immediately put him back on the dirt where he captured an upper level, $62,500 optional claiming going a mile on Nov. 25 at Gulfstream. He then got caught wide when ninth in the Grade 3 Harlan’s Holiday won by O’Connor (Chi) going a mile-and-a-sixteenth in his last start on Dec. 30.

“It looked a little rough at first. We claimed him for $40,000 and he ran second to last that day,” Wilensky said.

“In our eyes, he’s not necessarily a turf horse. He runs on anything. The turf may not be his thing, especially out there at Del Mar. It was nice to get him back on the dirt here and not run 11-wide like we did in the Harlan’s Holiday.”

Lure Him In is by Journeyman Stud’s leading Florida sire Khozan out of Alluring Lady, by Indygo Shiner and was bred in Florida by Stonehedge LLC. Lure Him In is the second foal and only black-type winner for Alluring Lady, who has three winners

from four starters. Lure Him In has a 2-year-old, unraced full sister, Wink of an Eye; and an unnamed yearling full sister. Alluring Lady was bred to Khozan in 2023 and is a second-generation product bred by the late Gilbert G. Campbell, who later bred under his Stonehedge banner.

Campbell bred Alluring Lady’s dam, Queen Kaboom, by Sword Dance (Ire), and purchased her second dam, the future graded stakes-placed Terrible Terri T., for $30,000 out of the Lasater Farm consignment at the 1983 Florida Breeders Sales Company Hialeah Sale of Selected Two Year Olds in Training. n

Forever Souper, Souper Blessing Give Live Oak One-Two Finish in Sunshine Turf

Live Oak Plantation homebred Forever Souper lacked room coming out of the turn but was able to tip out at the top of the lane and catch stablemate Souper Blessing inside the final sixteenth of a mile to win the $75,000 Sunshine Turf at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 21. A field of seven older Florida-breds went a mile-anda-sixteenth on the grass in the Sunshine Turf, which also offered a $20,000 Florida Sire Stakes bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

It was the first career stakes victory for the Michael Trombettatrained Forever Souper, who won by a length ahead of Souper Blessing in second with 44-1 longshot Space Runner third. Sunshine Turf defending champion Roaring Forties, Boppy O and Me and Mr. C completed the order of finish. None of the top three finishers qualified for the Florida Sire Stakes bonus money.

Forever Souper and jockey Paco Lopez broke a step slow from

Florida-bred Forever Souper | Photo by Ryan Thompson

FLORIDA FOCUS

post two in the Sunshine Turf as Roaring Forties went straight to the front from post four and took a clear lead around the clubhouse turn.

Roaring Forties finished the first two furlongs in :24.12 as Forever Souper raced just to the inside of Boppy O in a joint second from about a length-and-a-half back with Me and Mr. C chasing in fourth behind them.

Roaring Forties kept his clear lead down the backstretch and remained unchallenged into the far turn after a half-mile in :43.18. Souper Blessing and Boppy O picked up the pace approaching the quarter-mile marker, bracketing Forever Souper on the rail.

Roaring Forties and Souper Blessing hit the top of the stretch noses apart as Forever Souper switched to the outside and Space Runner used a ground-saving trip to become a factor on the inside. Those four all had a chance passing the sixteenth pole when Forever Souper shot to front in the four path to finish in 1:40.01 on the firm turf.

“Paco save the ground and Edwin was forced wide. Luckily, we ran 1-2,” said Chris Aro, Trombetta’s assistant trainer.

Forever Souper paid $11.60 to win.

REMI CARTOON

It was the third win in five starts by Forever Souper, who had won an allowance race and a second condition, $30,000 optional claiming in consecutive starts over the Monmouth Park turf in September and October respectively. Forever Souper finished off the board over a sloppy mile in an off-the-turf allowance race at Keeneland on Oct. 20 then returned two months later to run second to Candidate in an upper level, $100,000 optional claiming at Tampa Bay Downs on Dec. 24—his last race prior to the Sunshine Turf.

“Forever Souper, he came into this race at the right time. He needed that last race at Tampa and had a very solid workout last weekend,” Aro said.

By American Pharoah out of Mighty Souper, by War Front, Forever Souper now has five wins in 12 starts with a second and two thirds with earnings of $212,255. The 5-year-old gelding is the first stakes-winner for Mighty Souper, who has produced two winners from two starters and five foals. She has an unraced 2-year-old, Souper Gin Can Win, by Lookin At Lucky; an unnamed yearling colt by Lookin At Lucky and a weanling colt, Mighty Yaupon, by Yaupon. Mighty Souper was bred to Ocala Stud stallion Roadster in 2023. TFH

Photo by Nicole Thomas

Upsets Champion Fierceness to Win Holy Bull

Earns $10,000 FTBOA Florida-bred Bonus

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Florida-bred Hades repelled 2-year-old-champion Fierceness coming out of the far turn to upset the Grade 3 Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 3 and earn 20 qualifying points for the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. Winning at odds of 9-1, Hades was the best of seven 3-year-olds who went a mile-and-a-sixteenth in pursuit of the winner’s share of the $250,000 purse.

Hades also picked up a $10,000 Florida-bred bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Hades and jockey Paco Lopez broke best of all from the inside post one and took a clear lead into the clubhouse turn with 18-1 longshot Inveigled giving chase in second. Fierceness and jockey John Velazquez got caught four-wide going in the first turn but were able to accelerate into third for the run down the backstretch.

Hades powered down after a moderate :25.03 quarter mile as Inveigled moved up to even terms between horses with Fierceness just off his hip in the three path.

Hades completed the half-mile in :50.53, Fierceness advanced to a short lead into the far turn as Domestic Product, Inveigled and Sea Trek raced together in third from a length-and-a-half back.

Fierceness tried to put away his rivals coming out of the far turn but Hades would not give in as those two began to separate from their rivals at the top of the stretch.

Approaching the eighth pole, Hades shook free from a tiring Fierceness then Domestic Spending took over the second spot inside the final sixteenth of a mile. Hades pulled away to win by two lengths in 1:46.07 on the fast track.

Domestic Spending finished second to earn 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points while Fierceness finished third for six Derby points. Inveigled finished fourth and picked up four Derby points while Dancing Groom gets two points for fifth. Otello and Sea Streak completed the order of finish and No More Time was scratched.

Trained by Joe Orseno, Hades paid $20.40 to win.

“The plan was to go to the lead, but if somebody was pushing him, he was going to rate him. It looked like he started to do that when that other horse went up to him, and then Paco had to go. He knew it,” Orseno said. “When the horse accelerates, he’s just got another gear at the top of the stretch. He showed it to us last time. Of course, a champion eyeballs him and he dug in and took off. He ran away from a very good horse. It was our day today. We’ll see next time, but right now we’ll enjoy the moment.”

Although Hades was under pressure throughout the Holy Bull, Lopez said he relished the challenge.

“He likes to fight. He beat [Fierceness], the Breeders’ Cup winner. Maybe the Breeders’ Cup winner wasn’t 100 percent ready, but I know my horse and ran very good today,” Lopez said.

Hades remains undefeated in three starts after winning a $50,000 maiden optional claiming after a slow start on Dec. 9 and a first level allowance against fellow Florida-breds on Dec. 31.

“I don’t think we’ve gotten to the bottom of him yet. If you know me, I didn’t have him peaked today. I know what it takes if you’re going to campaign a horse,” Orseno said. “It was like, we’ll have him ready for today and this was our plan today. It’s not the ideal plan if you’re trying to win the Derby or even get there, but

for today it worked.”

By Ocala Stud stallion Awesome Slew out of the unraced Quality Road mare, The Shady Lady, Hades was bred in Florida by Ocala Stud, Joseph M. O’Farrell III, David O’Farrell, et. al. Ocala Stud also consigned Hades to the 2023 Ocala Breeders’ Sale Spring Sale where he was purchased for $130,000 by Leonard and Lois Green’s D.J. Stable. The Greens have since partnered with Robert Cotran on the colt who now has a career bankroll of $225,000.

“The [Greens] have been with me for a long time and their partner, Robert Cotran, he’s been with me just as long,” Orseno said. “It’s great. We put the two of them together. They didn’t know each other when it happened but they know each other now.”

When asked by the Gulfstream Park publicity staff if the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth on March 2 was next for Hades,

Orseno did not commit on the final prep for the Grade 1 Curlin Florida Derby on March 30.

“I’m going to let the horse tell us. Right now, I would say no, but if the horse is sharp …,” Orseno said. “He’s lightly raced. He’s run five and a half and seven furlongs. It’s not like he’s been pushed.”

The Shady Lady has produced four winners from four starters, including the stakes-winning Florida-bred Devious Dame, who took the 2022 Astoria at Belmont Park. The Shady Lady also has an unnamed 2-year-old colt by Awesome Slew, a yearling filly by Girvin and was bred to Ocala Stud stallion Win Win Win in 2023.

Hades is the eighth Florida-bred winner of the Holy Bull joining Hey Byrn in 2008, Closing Argument (2005), Second of June (2004), Booklet (2002), Radical Riley (2001), Hal’s Hope (2000) and Arthur L. (1997). TFH

Photo by Ryan Thompson

$4.6 MILLION

INCENTIVESFlorida-bred

at Gulfstream Park 2024

$20,000 added in all Stakes

$5,000 MSW, Allowance and Handicap win bonus, all ages

$10,000 open MSW 2yo win bonus, plus $5,000 FSS

SUMMER MEET: Up to $6,000 in many overnight conditions

SUMMER MEET:-

Florida Derby - $100,000 FL-Bred, $100,000 FSS

Gulfstream Park Oaks - $50,000 FL-Bred, $50,000 FSS

$1.2 million Florida Sire Stakes 2yo Series

September - $100,000 FSS Desert Vixen | $100,000 FSS Dr. Fager

October - $200,000 FSS Susan’s Girl | $200,000 FSS Affirmed

December - $300,000 FSS My Dear Girl | $300,000 FSS In Reality

$150,000 FTBOA Gil Campbell Memorial Handicap

Florida-breds $100,000 plus $50,000 FSS, 3yo-and-up, 1 mile

Participants must be FTBOA registered and/or eligible for the Florida Sire Stakes (FSS). FTBOA and FSS races and incentives are subject to change. While funds last. See condition book.

FLORIDA

R Harper Rose TOPS

Florida-Bred Trifecta in Forward Gal

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Florida-bred R Harper Rose made an easy task of winning the Grade 3 Forward Gal at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 3 with a two-length victory ahead of fellow Florida-breds Fiona’s Magic in second and thirdplace finisher Chi Chi.

R Harper Rose banked $86,725 in winning the seven-furlong test against five other 3-year-old fillies, including the winner’s share of the $125,000 purse and a $10,000 Florida-bred bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Fiona’s Magic earned $30,750, including $6,000 in Florida-bred bonus money while Chi Chi took down $16,375, including $4,000 in FTBOA Florida-bred cash.

R Harper Rose, Fiona’s Magic, Chi Chi Split $20,000 FTBOA Florida-bred Bonus Money

Jockey Edgard Zayas had R Harper Rose sharp out of post three and went immediately to the front before being challenged on the inside by Fiona’s Magic and Tyler Gaffalione. Fiona’s Magic maintained a half-length advantage on R Harper Rose down the backstretch as they finished the first two furlongs in :22.63 with Witwatersrand third and Chi Chi fourth in the compact field.

Fiona’s Magic led the fillies around the far turn with R Harper Rose applying pressure to her outside. 9-5 favorite Scalable momentarily took third in the three-path. Zayas sent R Harper Rose to the front at the top of the stretch and she was never seriously challenged by Fiona’s Magic in second as Chi Chi resumed the third spot.

R Harper Rose finished in 1:24.34 on the fast track and paid $6.40 to win.

“I just let her break out of there natural and see where she was sitting,” Zayas said. “I had a great post position where the speed was on the inside, so there was no rush to take the lead.

“I think, sprinting, she can go against any filly. She’s really fast out of there. She could have been on the lead if I let her go.”

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. agreed while revealing that he will likely keep R Harper Rose in one-turn races.

“She’s so fast but she can settle, and go back to doing what she wants to do—going one turn,” Joseph said.

Continued on page 22

Photo by Coglianese

R HARPER ROSE

Continued from page 20

“I’m just proud of her today. Everything went right into this race and she showed it today. Edgar [Zayas] was very patient. They broke well, [Fiona’s Magic] wanted the lead and he didn’t force the issue. I think the first three-eighths of the race it worked to our advantage. It wasn’t a crazy pace.

“This is it for her, one turn. We’re not going to experiment. Last time things didn’t go right but we’re going to keep her to one turn. There’s a lot of races for her at one turn.”

Scalable finished fourth with Nikitis and Witwatersrand completing the order of finish.

It was the fourth win in five starts for R Harper Rose, whose only loss came when second to Honey Dijon in the $300,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes My Dear Girl in her previous race on Dec. 2.

R Harper Rose broke her maiden by six-and-aquarter lengths in August then won a non-winners of two, $75,000 optional claiming in September. She then dominated the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl in October, winning by four lengths.

The Forward Gal is her first graded stakes victory.

R Harper Rose increased her earnings to $344,025 from her five career starts for owners Rich Averill and Jayson Werth, both of Bradenton, Fla. Averill races in the name of his Averill Racing LLC while Two Eight Racing LLC is the nom du cours for Werth.

Averill purchased R Harper Rose for $60,000 out of the 2023 Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale where she was consigned by GOP Racing Stable. She also sold as a yearling to Pro Racing Stable at the 2022 OBS October Yearling Sale where she was consigned by Richard Kent.

Bred in Florida by the late Sally J. Andersen, R Harper Rose is by Journeyman Stud’s leading Florida sire Khozan out of True Bliss, by Yes It’s True. True Bliss has four winners from six starters and an unnamed yearling filly by Leinster, who stands at Pleasant Acres Stallions. R Harper Rose is her only stakes winner.

The Forward Gal also presented a sweep for Journeyman Stud stallions as Fiona’s Magic is from the first crop by their St Patrick’s

R Harper Rose is the 15th Florida-bred winner of the Forward Gal and the first since Pomeroy’s Pistol in 2011. Other Florida-bred Forward Gal winners are Frolic’s Dream (2009), Bsharpsonata (2008), Madcap Escapade (2004), Miss Inquistive (2000), Glitter Woman (1997), Mindy Gayle (1996), Chaposa Springs (1995), Spinning Round (1992), Charon (1990), On To Royalty (1988), Added Elegance (1987), Noranc (1986), and All Matters (1982). TFH

Nicole Thomas

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Economic Impact Study Reaffirms Strength of the Florida Equine Industry

Florida Thoroughbreds Up in Economic Impact, Jobs

BY TAMMY A. GANTT

The American Horse Council Foundation released the results of its 2023 Equine Economic Impact Study on Jan. 31 confirming the Florida Thoroughbred industry contributes $3.24 billion to the Florida economy.

To put it into perspective, the $3.24 billion Florida Thoroughbred industry sits just ahead of the average annual total economic impact of $3.1 billion (inflation adjusted) for all collegiate athletics in Florida according to two-year Florida Sports Foundation estimates released in December, 2022.

The equine industry as a whole contributes $12.8 billion to the Florida economy, with Florida Thoroughbreds contributing to more than one-quarter of that total.

The study commissioned by the American Horse Council reaffirmed the status of the Florida equine industry, and specifically Thoroughbred horse racing, as a major sports and agricultural industry within the state.

One in every four horses in Florida or 87,600, are Thoroughbreds, while Florida continues to be the third-leading equine state by population with 335,000 head. Texas and California, with larger land footprints, rank first and second respectively.

The equine industry creates more than 112,000 jobs in Florida, with 30% or 33,500 of those jobs attributed to the Thoroughbred industry.

The report also noted that Florida has produced more stakes winners (by foal crop) and Kentucky Derby champions, beginning with Needles in 1956, than any other jurisdiction outside of Kentucky,

“Even better, Sunshine state Thoroughbreds are consistently a top-three leading producer of Thoroughbred runners and second-ranked source of national stakeswinners,” Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association CEO Lonny Powell said.

One-in-five Florida households participate in equine activities and more than 30% identify themselves as horse enthusiasts having owner, participant or spectator status.

Florida land dedicated to equine and equine-related activities is 561,000 acres.

Marion County is Horse Capital of the World®

The AHC also provided a county level economic impact study for Marion County and its Ocala Metro revealing once again the county has more horses and ponies than any other county in the United States with 75,000 horses. Nearly 50% are Thoroughbreds.

The county’s equines contribute more than $4.3 billion in total economic impact, and an estimated 22% of the county’s gross domestic product (GDP). Included in that total is Ocala Breeder’s Sales. Renowned as the worldwide leader for racing prospects via its two-year-old in training sales, with 74% of the marketplace, OBS generates $180 million annually through five sales.

Approximately 28,500 county jobs, equivalent to one in five, are attributed to the equine industry with Thoroughbred-related jobs accounting for a majority, or 56%, of those jobs.

Acres used for horse-related purposes in Marion County total 210,000, or 20%.

“Florida, and specifically Marion County, has clearly maintained its rightful position as Horse Capital of the World® by population, participation and economic value,” Powell said.

The county report noted Marion County is one of the world’s leading centers for horse breeding and horse activity, particularly Thoroughbreds.

Equine Tourism is Big Business

The report identified that the opening of the World Equestrian Center in 2021 lead to increased equine activity, attracted horse enthusiasts and owners from out of state, and grew the polo market that did not exist when the 2017 report was conducted.

The report also identified high profile and well attended equine competition events including the longtime hunter-jumper season at Horse Shows in the Sun, Live Oak International combined driving and show jumping, the North American Reining Stakes, CONFEPASO Youth Equitation Mundial, WEC’s Winter Spectacular horse shows, and the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup jumping series.

Economic Impact

ALL EQUINEMarion County/Ocala Metro, Florida

75,000 Horses in Marion County

Nearly 1 in 2 Horses are Thoroughbreds

28,500

Total Employment Effect

56% of equine jobs are Thoroughbred related

1 in 5 Jobs

$4.3 Billion Total Economic Impact

OBS Thoroughbred auctions generate $180 million

210,000 acres used for horserelated purposes

20% of Marion County

Non-horse owning event participants and spectators spent $2.7 billion in Florida on travel, dining and lodging while participating on and attending events, with an estimated 34.4% in Marion County.

22% of county GDP t

IMPACT

Report Makes Case for Equines

The purpose of each survey is to demonstrate the value of the equine industry in the national and state economies by analyzing the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of horse ownership, recreation, and equine-related services.

The American Horse Council has identified ways to impactfully use these studies including:

• Use in conjunction with previous studies to help identify trends, and project/forecast indicators

• To pinpoint areas of growth in the industry to foster and identify gaps that need attention

• To assess the demographics of the industry (age, income levels, etc.)

• To educate decision makers on the impact of an industry to the national or local economy

• Identify the monetary impacts the industry has on a community through tourism, jobs, etc.

• Identify under-served geographic areas where riding lessons, veterinaries or other professionals might set up or expand their businesses

• To help determine the need for equine studies programs at community colleges, universities

• To inform young equestrians of various careers and organizations within the industry

• To help inform general public of the level of involvement with horses in the US (owners, participants, spectators, etc.)

• To help identify the impact of alternative revenue sources (slot machines, etc.) on live racing and the economic impacts that flow from that.

• To identify the impacts of recessions on breeding and horse populations

• To help inform business development such as construction or renovation of venues and trails, and determine viability of events

• To help inform viability of product development and possible marketing plans and strategies

• To help provide context to arguments and cases for legal defense, adverse legislation or regulation, or development or expansion that may negatively impact the industry

• To identify prospective markets for membership, buyers, attendees

• To help fight for green space and public lands

Economic Impact

FLORIDA

THOROUGHBREDS

87,600 Thoroughbreds

1 in 4 Horses in Florida are Thoroughbreds

33,500 Total Employment Effect

Thoroughbred Auction Sales $180 million

Top 2 U.S. Producer of Stakes Winners

Economic Impact

335,000 Horses - Ranks 3rd in U.S. horse population

Total Employment

Effect:

112,000 Jobs

561,000 acres used for horse-related purposes

take aim at an issue, this data is invaluable in helping us paint the picture of the contributions the industry makes and the breadth and depth of its composition.”

FTBOA Sets the Pace

2024

Powell agrees. He was a key speaker for the presentation, From Data to Dollars - Understanding Horse Racing’s Economic Impact As Racing’s Future is Questioned, presented at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program 49th Symposium on Racing in December in Tucson.

“Marion County has clearly maintained its rightful position as Horse Capital of the World® by population, participation and economic value.”

$12.8 Billion

Total Economic Impact

1 in 5 households participate in equine activities

–Lonny Powell

The session delved into ways to craft compelling arguments to garner state support for the racing industry by quantifying its existing economic contributions. The panel of seasoned veterans shared strategies for articulating the industry’s scale and how to secure financial incentives, bolster racing programs and modernize facilities. To view the presentation, visit the FTBOA Youtube channel. Studies are conducted by a third party economics analysis firm, The Innovation Group, who utilized the IMPLAN data and software model, in addition to AHC surveys, U.S. Census data and accounting conventions of the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The FTBOA funded the Florida and Marion County reports.

Data from each study is available under the Horse Capital of the World® header on the FTBOA website at FTBOA.com and members from FTBOA management are available to present study results to Associations and community groups. The FTBOA also produces three takeaway cards with key data, 1) state equine impact, 2) Florida Thoroughbred impact and 3) Marion County equine impact. Cards are sent to FTBOA members upon membership renewal, available at the offices, and for distribution.

For more information on the national study, go to horsecouncil.org. TFH

BY BROCK SHERIDAN

A Florida-bred filly by Omaha Beach topped the two-day Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company Winter Mixed Sale with a $100,000 final bid from Discovery Bay Bloodstock during the sale’s Open Yearling Session conducted on Wednesday, Jan. 24, the second day of the two day sale.

The OBS Winter Mixed Sale began Tuesday, Jan. 23 with a Consignor Preferred Session and a Horses of Racing Age Session.

Consigned by Fly By and selling as Hip 409, the Omaha Beach filly was bred in the Sunshine State by Dominique Damico and is out of the Curlin mare Gardenista, whose dam is the multiple graded stakes-winner Valbenny (Ire).

Hip 87, a colt by Mitole, topped the Consignor Preferred Session after dropping the gavel at $95,000 on a final bid from Calumet Farm. The bay colt is by Mitole out of the Terrell mare Wild Hickory, a half-sister to multiple graded stakes-winner Alert Bay, and was consigned by Danielle Loya’s Silver Oaks Farm as agent.

Selling for $90,000 was Hip 494, Sweet Mitole, a Florida-bred filly by Mitole out of Pointe du Hoc, by Soldat consigned by Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield. Point du Hoc is a half-sister to stakes producer Crooked Answer and the filly was bred in Florida by Susan Kahn.

Selling for $85,000 to Love’s Equine as agent for Classic Automations LLC was Hip 30, Mighty Yaupon, a Florida-bred colt from the first crop by Yaupon out of the stakes-placed mare Mighty Souper, by War Front. Mighty Souper is the dam of Floridabred Forever Souper, who just won the $75,000 Sunshine Turf Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Consigned by Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield, the colt was bred in Florida by Dominique Damico.

Also bringing a final bid of $85,000 was Hip 110, a bay filly from the first crop by Charlatan out of the Distorted Humor mare Charge of Angels, a full sister to stakes-winner Dramedy and stakes-placed Cal Nation and a half-sister to Grade 1-winner Bluegrass Cat, Grade 2-winner Lord of the Game, stakes-winner Sonoma Cat and stakes-producers Showpiece and Cool Storm. Consigned by Francis and Barbara Vanlanendonck’s Summerfield, the filly is a half-sister to stakes-placed Winning Number. The filly was purchased by Latinos y Mas.

Hip 610, a Florida-bred filly by the late Florida sire Uncle Chuck, dropped the gavel at $80,000 on a final bid from Grade One Investments LLC. Consigned by Fly By the filly is out of the Daredevil mare Champina, a half-sister to stakes-placed Payday Too and Forty Nine Watts. The filly was bred in Florida by

Dominique Damico.

Latinos y Mas also went to $75,000 to acquire Hip 80 from the Beth Bayer as agent consignment. The Florida-bred colt is by Practical Joke out of the Yes It’s True mare Valley Oak, a full sister to stakes-winner Little Rocket. The colt was bred in Florida by Nature Coast Thoroughbreds.

Hip 79, a bay filly from the first crop by Charlatan, went for $72,500 to Supernova Stables from Richard Kent’s Kaizen Sales as agent consignment. The filly is out of the stakes-winning Langfuhr mare Ullapool, a half-sister to stakes-winner John Barleycorn.

Selling for $72,000 was Hip 125 from Danielle Loya’s Silver Oaks Farm as agent consignment. Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt purchased the dark bay or brown filly by first crop sire Silver State out of Home Again, by Speightstown. Home Again is a half-

Hip No. 87 Colt by Mitole | Photo by Judit Seipert

OBS SALE

sister to stakes-placed Game Fair.

The top seller from the Horse of Racing Age Session was Hip 227, a 3-year-old filly by Enticed out of Pyrite Storm, by Formal Dinner, who was purchased for $70,000 by Emerald Sales, agent for K E M Stables. The filly was consigned by Gutierrez Sales as agent and Pyrite Storm is a half-sister to stakes-placed runners Rachel Lynn B C and Kira’s Wink.

The Open Session sold 168 yearlings for gross sales of $2,033,400 compared to last year’s Open Session that sold 186 yearlings for $2,065,700. The average price rose 8.9% to $12,104 when compared to last year’s Open Session average of $11,106. The median dropped to $5,000 from $7,500 a year ago.

The Consignor Preferred Session sold 83 head for $1,913,400 for an average of $23,053 and a median price of $16,000. That compared to 99 juveniles generating gross sales of $2,696,700 during the Consignor Preferred Session in 2023 when the

average was $27,239 and the median was $20,000.

The Horses of Racing Age Session sold 31 head for gross sales of $545,000 for an average of $17,581 and a median of $11,000. The average was a 5.45% increase compared to last year’s Horses of Racing Age average of $16,672 and the median was a 10% jump above the $10,000 median last year.

Cumulative totals for the two-day auction reflect 282 head bringing $4,491,800 for an average of $15,928 and a median of $8,000. Last year’s Winter Mixed Sale sold 380 head for $6,346,200, averaging $16,701 and a median of $9,500.

Summerfield was the leading consignor during both days, selling 43 head for $808,800. Beth Bayer sold 51 head for $608,400.

The sale’s leading buyer was Latino y Mas, who purchased two yearlings for $160,000 while Arindel took home six head for $156,000. TFH

Hip No. 494 Filly by Mitole | Photo by Judit Seipert

Hip No. 30 Colt by Yaupon | Photo by Judit Seipert

By Heather Smith Thomas

Managing Foal Growth With Nutrition

Foals grow fastest during the first few months of life. Genetics, nutrition and environment all play a role in growth and skeletal development.

The important thing for the young equine athlete is optimal growth rather than maximum growth. If we push young horses too fast we may damage growing bones, with too much weight on an immature skeleton. If we aren’t careful in feeding and in monitoring growth rate, we may also contribute to growth spurts that may be detrimental to bone strength and soundness.

Brian Nielsen, PhD (Professor of Animal Science, doing research in equine exercise physiology and nutrition at Michigan State University) says “It’s important to feed the young horse properly to optimize growth, without going overboard and causing problems. Big is not everything.

“Most people tend to be cautious about feeding for fast growth rate, because of concerns about developmental problems.

Some studies were done, looking at yearlings fed a balanced commercial concentrate and hay, versus just oats and hay. “At the end of the study, all the horses weighed the same, but the horses fed the commercial concentrate that was balanced for all nutrients were taller and leaner. The horses fed oats and hay, taking in a similar amount of calories, were fatter and shorter. They all had the same weight but it was a different type of growth,” he said.

The skeletal growth was quite different.

“We could do a comparison, looking at young children, and the importance of having the correct amount of calories related to the amount of nutrients. If you feed them meals that are fairly well balanced in nutrients but then you let them drink soda pop all day long, that skews the balance. If a growing child is drinking five or six cans of pop per day in addition to regular meals, the result is usually a child that is carrying extra fat. That child might not be as good an athlete as the child on a more balanced diet,” Nielsen said.

Visual appraisal won’t always tell you if you are feeding a young horse correctly. “If you look at the body condition score of young, growing

horses, a body condition 5 is great; the horse is consuming the correct amount of calories. You might be providing the right amount of calories but you don’t know about the other nutrients. You may not be optimizing growth of skeleton and muscle,” he said.

“The only thing you can see visually and get a good idea regarding whether the horse is consuming the correct amount is calories. Body condition score will tell you whether that horse is taking in too much, too little or just the right amount. For the rest of the nutrients, however, you have to analyze what you are feeding,” he explains.

“People often look at the concentrates and grain, and know what’s in that, but don’t have any idea what’s in the hay. If it’s a foal, you also don’t know the amount or nutrient content of mama’s milk or the pasture being eaten. It becomes complicated,” he said.

Pasture is a great source of proper nutrition for foals, and if they are on pasture they are also running around and getting exercise—which is also crucial for proper skeletal development.

“One of the worse things you can do for a young, growing horse is keep it in a stall without adequate exercise. A lot of research has shown that it doesn’t matter what you feed them, if you are not allowing them to run around and be a horse, you are not stimulating the skeleton enough to become strong. The skeleton will be weak, no matter what you do, nutritionally,” he explains.

Young horses need to be out on pasture, able to run and play.

“Exercise stimulates the skeleton, but the trick is how to determine what nutrients the growing young horse is getting from the pasture. You can analyze forage in the pasture, but three days later it will be different. It is constantly growing, constantly changing, during the day.” Sunshine, temperature changes, etc. all affect growth rate, which affects nutrient levels of the plant.

“You also don’t know which plants the horses are eating. You might be sampling the pasture but what you take as samples may be different from what

EQUINE CARE

Continued that young horse is actually eating,” Nielsen said.

“What you need to know is whether the feed you are providing is fairly well balanced. If you feed raw grain [like straight oats] with the hay or pasture, this usually skews things with inverted calcium/phosphorus ratios. Even the protein level of oats is not the greatest for a growing young horse and it’s a relatively lowquality protein in terms of amino-acid blends. By contrast, if you

feed a commercial concentrate, it has been properly balanced for the important nutrients,” he explained.

Nielsen encourages horse breeders to analyze what they feed, particularly any grain mix, and the hay. A large Thoroughbred farm, buying hay in bulk, usually has the hay tested, to know what the nutrient levels are so they can balance it properly with the rest of the diet such as concentrates or supplements. Someone buying hay in small amounts fairly often probably

can’t benefit as much by having it analyzed; each batch will be different.

“Until you have it analyzed, however, you really don’t know how good it is. We’ve done a lot of research analyzing hay, and looking at micronutrients. The hay may look great—leafy and green—and you find it deficient in copper, or some other nutrient. Unless you had it analyzed, you wouldn’t know. If you were feeding that to a young, growing horse you may be setting that youngster up for skeletal problems because you are not providing enough of certain nutrients,” he said.

Providing a balanced commercial concentrate is usually best, to provide some of the micronutrients that might be lacking in the hay. “If you are trying to optimize growth with limitless access to feed, you might be getting good rate of gain—which is desirable—but unless you have things balanced appropriately you might not be getting proper structural growth to go along with it,” Nielsen said.

Mother Nature can be very forgiving.

“Some deficiencies can end up permanently stunting a horse, yet even if diets are not perfect, young horses can often reach their destined mature size—just not as quickly. In some instances body structure may not be as strong as it would have been if diets had been better formulated. The big problem comes when trying to grow yearlings to exhibit their best potential early on so they will sell well or be ready to begin training early,” he said.

“This is a bit trickier, so it is always helpful to consult a nutritionist. If you have a large breeding farm and are not visiting with a nutritionist or have someone on staff who is very familiar with equine nutrition, you may be taking some risks. Also keep in mind that some nutritionists are better than others. It’s like any profession. Some veterinarians are better than others. Everyone who graduates and passes their board exams is considered a veterinarian but they are not all equal!

“We often want to blame nutrition when things go wrong, but there are other factors involved, including genetics. The intricacies of interaction between genetics and nutrition can be difficult to determine. Certain bloodlines are very forgiving; you won’t have a problem with growth regardless of what you feed. Other horses may be programmed for fast growth and if you don’t have the nutrients balanced correctly you will have a wreck,” Nielsen said.

“If you are not getting the right nutrients in, you can’t expect a good outcome, especially with the growing horse. It’s like building a wall. If you don’t have mortar, the bricks won’t hold together,” he concluded. TFH

Florida Equine Communications Advertising Opportunities

Advertising rates and ad sizes: 352-732-8858 or vdavis@ftboa.com

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Florida Horse Stallion Register – Promotes stallions standing in Florida

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Florida Horse Farm and Service Directory – Directory of equine related businesses

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Wire to Wire Racing Digest – Concentration on Florida racing and breeding news and advances

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– Average open rate: 40%

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – STAKES RACES

•

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING

THE BROCK TALK

Continued from page 7

in which she increased her bankroll by a total of $55,000—$45,000 more than non-Florida-bred runner-up Gorgeous Girl’s $10,000 payday.

Maryquitecontrary and Fulminate have the distinction of earning two stakes bonuses each this year and with ten months remaining on the calendar, still have plenty of time for more.

Maryquitecontrary twice earned $4,000 bonuses with third-place finishes in the Grade 2 Inside Information and Grade 3 Royal Delta, both at Gulfstream.

Fulminate kicked off 2024 with a $5,000 Florida-bred allowance bonus at Gulfstream. Acquiring a taste for the cash, she quickly followed up with a $4,000 added to her third in the $100,000 Ladies Turf Sprint at Gulfstream and $500 for finishing sixth in the $75,000 Leinster Lightning City at Tampa Bay Downs.

FTBOA has scheduled record-setting racing incentives for Florida-breds at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs in 2024. Racing incentives will total an estimated $7 million – more than 66% increased over prior years. This, on top a 52% swell on gross breeder and stallion awards, rewards more than $15 million to Florida Thoroughbred supporters. Now is the best time ever to invest in Florida racing. Raise your hand high on those Ocala Breeders’ Sales 2-year-olds – they’re bound to be in hot, hot demand. TFH

“Our

59 Asia

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63 Smile, 1982 H In Reality

64

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72 Big

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

TAMMY A. GANTT Associate Vice President Director of Membership Services & Events FEC Contributing Editor & FTC Industry & Community Affairs

Dear FTBOA Members,

I am excited to announce the FTBOA Member Day at the races will be on Sunday, March 24 on Florida Cup Day at Tampa Bay Downs at 11225 Race Track Road in Tampa. Through a progressive partnership of Tampa Bay Downs, FTBOA, and HBPA, we present to you a special day to celebrate the finest Florida-breds in competition for an estimated $750,000 in purses. Members who have renewed by March 1 will receive an invitation via e-mail and in the mail, which admits a member and their guest complimentary to the paddock’s North end hospitality tent for a luncheon buffet served from noon to 3 p.m. 12:00 p.m. along with refreshments. Each member and guest will also receive a free race day program. Children under 12 admitted free, additional adult tickets $15 each. General parking is free. Valet parking is $10.

Gates open at 11 a.m. and the first race post time is 12:15 p.m. Races include the NYRABets Sprint for four-year-olds and upwards at six furlongs, the Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies for three-year-old fillies going seven furlongs, the Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf for fillies and

mares three-year-old and upwards going a mile and a sixteenth, the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Sophomore for three-year-olds going seven furlongs, the Equistaff Sophomore Turf for three-year-olds going a mile and a sixteenth, and the Esmark Turf Classic for four-year-olds going a mile and an eighth.

Sponsors of the event include Equistaff, Esmark, NYRA Bets, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, Pleasant Acres Stallions and Stonehedge Farm South.

See you at the races,

Tammy A. Gantt

DEADLINES

March 24 FTBOA Member Day at Florida Cup

April 15 FTBOA Gala, advance reservation required by March 15

May 15 Florida Sire Stakes yearling deadline

Florida-bred Munnys Gold set a seven furlong track record of 1:20.09 with a 17 ¼length victory in the 20th edition of the Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies Stakes in 2023.

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Florida-bred Munnys Gold | Photo by SV Photography

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