Florida-breds in Demand at Keeneland September Sale
*
IN 2024 SIRE OF GRADED PERFORMERS:
DEAN DELIVERS - Four consecutive stakes wins in ’24 before placing in the Vosburg S-G3, 9/28 (GSW/G1PL, $817,660).
SUNNY BREEZE - Undefeated in first three starts at 3 before finishing 2nd in the Gallant Bob S-G2, 9/21 (SW/G2PL, $192,950).
FEATURES
COVER PHOTO: Florida-Breds Bentornato, Sunny Breeze & Buccherino in the Gallant Bob Stakes by Joe Labozzetta/EQUI-PHOTO
Forever Souper winning the Presque Isle Mile by Renee Torbit/Coady Media
BENTORNATO
2023 FSS Affirmed & Dr. Fager winner
Breeder: Tanma Corp
Owner: Leon King Stable Corp
Sire: Valiant Minister, Bridlewood Farm R HARPER ROSE
2023 FSS Susan’s Girl winner
Breeder: Sally J. Andersen
Owner: Averill Racing (Richard Averill) and Two Eight Racing LLC (Jayson Werth)
Sire: Khozan, Journeyman Stud
Valiant Minister Serita Hult Photo
Lauren King Photo
Khozan Loiuse Reinagel Photo
Ryan Thompson Photo
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
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
President’s Remarks from George Isaacs
Having served many years on the board of directors for the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, I have witnessed great dedication from the staff, board members and membership in making our organization flourish. The officers of the board serve additional duty on the executive committee and, along with key staff members, invest considerable time and energy to keep our organization focused and vibrant.
Acknowledgements
I will take this opportunity to give our outgoing officers some well-deserved recognition. They are First Vice President George Russell, Second Vice President Francis Vanlangendonck, Treasurer Joseph O’Farrell III and Secretary Nick de Meric. We also recognize our outgoing board members Paul Bulmahn and Laurine Fuller-Vargas, who served the past six years as committed, thoughtful additions to our board.
Continued on page 14
GEORGE ISAACS President Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association
George Russell First Vice President
Francis Vanlangendonck Second Vice President
Joseph M. O’Farrell III Treasurer
Nick de Meric Secretary
T. Paul Bulmahn Director
Laurine Fuller-Vargas Director
FLORIDA FOCUS
Compiled by Brock Sheridan
Florida-bred Forever Souper Sets Track
Record, Wins Fifth Stakes This Year in Presque Isle Mile
Live Oak Plantation homebred Forever Souper continued to build on a spectacular 2024 as the Florida-bred gelding won his fifth stakes this year while setting a track record in the $150,000 Presque Isle Mile at Presque Isle Downs Sept. 20. Sent to the post as the odds-on favorite with jockey Antonio Gallardo, Forever Souper outlasted 5-2 second choice K. C. Chief while covering the mile-and-one-sixteenth in 1:41.23 against seven 3-year-olds and older on the synthetic main track.
K. C. Chief and rider Irad Ortiz Jr. set quarter-mile fractions of :24.73 and :48.93 while under pressure from Forever Souper to his outside with longshot Rondure trying to keep up just behind them in third.
Forever Souper confronted K. C. Chief with three-eighths-ofa-mile left and those two left the second turn heads apart with Rondure a length back in third. Forever Souper took a short lead past the furlong marker but could not put away the resilient K. C. Chief. They went at each other to the wire with Forever Souper winning by a head. Rondure was another length-and-a-quarter back in third followed by Anamnestic, Twilight Dancer, He’s a Mess, Underhill’s Tab and Fortune Seller. Fierce and Strong and Franz Josef were scratched.
Forever Souper paid $3.80 to win at odds of 4-5.
Forever Souper started the year winning the $95,000 Sunshine Turf at Gulfstream Park in January and the $100,000 ESMARK Turf Classic at Tampa Bay Downs in March, both against Floridabreds on the turf. A nightmare trip resulted in a third-place finish behind winner Dataman in the $99,000 Henry Clark at Laurel in April before another third in the $110,000 Cliff Hanger at
Monmouth in May, also won by Dataman.
The Michael Trombetta-trained son of American Pharoah bounced back to win the $96,000 Prince George County at Laurel by a convincing four-and-three-quarter lengths on July 14 then cruised to a two-and-a-quarter-lengths score in the $79,000 Avery Whisman Memorial at Presque Isle on Aug. 12.
Forever Souper improved to nine wins, a second and four thirds in 18 career starts and the $90,000 first-place check increased his earnings to $490,255.
Forever Souper is out of the War Front mare Mighty Souper, who was campaigned throughout her multiple stakes-placed career by Live Oak Plantation. Forever Souper is the only stakes horse of Mighty Souper’s two starters, both winners from five foals. She has an unraced 3-year-old filly, Souper Gin Can Win, by Lookin At Lucky; an unnamed 2-year-old colt by Lookin At Lucky; a yearling colt, Yo Paul, by Yaupon and an unnamed weanling filly by Ocala Stud’s Roadster. n
Florida-bred Charlie’s Wish Comes From Off the Pace to Win Ginger Punch
Charlie’s Wish advanced four-wide on the second turn and shot to the lead at the top of the stretch to win the $94,000 Ginger Punch going away at Gulfstream Park Sept. 21. The 4-year-old Florida-bred daughter of Double Diamond Farm stallion First Dude won in her first try on synthetic after the mile-and-a-sixteenth Ginger Punch was taken off the turf.
In defeating 12 other fillies and mares, Charlie’s Wish earned a $10,000 Florida-bred bonus presented by the Florida
Florida-bred Forever Souper | Photo by Renee Torbit/Coady Media
Florida-bred Charlie’s Wish | Photo by Lauren King
Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. It was her first win since taking the $110,000 Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf for Florida-breds at a mile-and-a-sixteenth on Florida Cup Day at Tampa Bay Downs on March 24.
Jockey Miguel Vasquez used a patient and ground saving tactic into the first turn on Charlie’s Wish as Edgar Perez sent longshot Swoonatra to the front from post 11. Swoonatra showed the way alongside Boston Rose (Ire) through quarter-mile splits of :23.63 and :47.30 while Charlie’s Wish was ninth and more than six lengths back.
Majestic Venezuela took over coming out of the far turn but her lead was short lived as Charlie’s Wish powered to the front from between horses and drew off in the final sixteenth to win by two-and-a-half lengths in 1:42.95. Majestic Venezuela held second, a length-and-three-quarters ahead of Florida-bred Chick’s Shadow, who rallied from tenth to get third. Show Off, Towser, Cindylouwho, Angel Nadeshiko, Swoonatra, Boston Rose, Violet Gibson (Ire) and Florida-bred Friendlypersuasion completed the order of finish. Katies a Lady and Strand of Gold scratched.
Charlie’s Wish paid $8.40 to win.
It was the second stakes victory on the day for trainer David Fawkes and Velasquez, who earlier teamed up to win the $95,000 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint at Gulfstream with Florida-bred Reef Runner.
It was her fifth career win with six seconds and four thirds in 18 career starts. The $57,300 payday for owner Royalight Racing LLC increased her lifetime earnings to $385,979.
Charlie’s Wish is now a stakes-winner on three different surfaces having won the $100,000 Azalea in July of last year going seven furlongs on the main track at Gulfstream.
Charlie’s Wish is out of Superior Sarah, by Werblin and was bred in Florida by Three Gin Guys. Superior Sarah has two winners from four starters with Charlie’s Wish her only black-type runner. Superior Sarah has an unraced 3-year-old filly, Sarahs Dream, by Big Drama and an unnamed yearling colt by the Florida-bred stallion Rushie. She was bred to Ocala Stud’s popular stallion Win Win Win, the current leading first crop sire in Florida, in 2024. n
Reef Runner Rallies to Top Florida-bred Trifecta in Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint
Florida-bred Reef Runner executed his patented late kick in the stretch to win the $95,000 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint by twoand-a-half lengths ahead of runner-up Takecareofbusiness in second with Oh Darlin third, completing a Florida-bred trifecta. Moved off the grass to the synthetic course, the Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint featured six 3-year-olds and older going five furlongs at Gulfstream Park on Sept. 21.
In addition to the $44,550 winner’s check, Reef Runner earned a $10,000 Florida-bred bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Takecareofbusiness received $6,000 in FTBOA bonus money while a $4,000 Florida-bred bonus went to Oh Darlin.
After breaking well from post four, jockey Miquel Vasquez allowed Reef Runner to take back and settle in fourth, about twoand-a-half lengths behind Florida-bred Hope in Him and High Limit Room, who sprinted for the lead together.
Hope in Him and High Limit Room turned into the stretch heads apart while Vasquez kept Reef Runner on the outside with a length-and-a-half to make up. Reef Runner kicked in gear with a furlong to the finish and effortlessly raced to the front to win in :56.54. Takecareofbusiness came from last to get second and finish a half-length ahead of Oh Darlin. High Limit Room, Hope in Him and Omaha City completed the order of finish. Wide West (Ire) and Xy Speed were scratched.
Reef Runner paid $4.20 to win as the even-money favorite. It was the first stakes victory for Reef Runner, a homebred son of The Big Beast trained by David Fawkes. The 3-year-old colt is out of Paradise Bay, by Blame and has now won four of 10 starts with two seconds and a third and earnings of $223,205.
Reef Runner is the second foal out of Paradise Bay, both are winners. She has an unraced 2-year-old full brother to Reef Runner and an unnamed yearling filly by Street Sense. n
Florida-bred Reef Runner | Photo by Ryan Thompson
FLORIDA FOCUS
Apprentice Micah Husbands
Notches First U.S. Win at Gulfstream
Apprentice jockey Micah Husbands guided The Dove Rules to victory on Sept. 27 at Gulfstream Park, notching his first win in the U.S.
A winner of 11 races in Canada, the 21-year-old Barbados native is the nephew of eight-time Sovereign Award-winning jockey Patrick Husbands.
“It’s a thrill, a dream come true. I grew up watching races here, watching Joel Rosario, Mike Smith, Johnny Velazquez,” Husbands said.
Husbands and The Dove Rules closed from well off the pace to prevail by a neck in a first condition, $20,000 optional claiming for Florida-bred fillies and mares going five-and-a-half furlongs on the synthetic course. Bodacious Bren was second with favored American of Course third.
The Dove Rules paid $15.60 to win.
The Dove Rules is trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., a Barbados native who also provided Husbands with his first U.S. mount, Clay Soldier, who finished third in the previous race.
-- Gulfstream Park Press Office n
GENE CORBIN PASSES
Gene Gray Corbin passed away Aug. 15, 2024. He was born May, 21, 1941 in Old Town, Fla., to Willie Orbie Corbin and Willie Mae Long Corbin.
Corbin discovered a love for horses at an early age. This passion led him to pursue a lifelong career as a Thoroughbred horseman. He started at Rosemere Farm, the first Thoroughbred farm in Marion County. He worked at Quail Roost Farm as well as Hobeau Farm for many years before he began training for Shade Tree Thoroughbreds until he retired in his late 70s.
Corbin made a significant impact in the Thoroughbred industry in Marion County. Known for his deep understanding and strict training regiment, he guided many horses to success including Florida-breds Three Rules, the FTBOA Horse of the Year in 2016; and Imperial Hint, the FTBOA Horse of the Year in 2018, to name a couple.
Gene’s dedication to the craft earned him respect and admiration from all who had the privilege of working with him. He was even a finalist for the 2018 TIEA leadership in racing award.
Beyond his professional life, he was a cherished member of the community. He was known for his warm heart, his willingness to share knowledge with others and his love for college football. Go Gators!
Gene always had a song in his head and enjoyed playing guitar and singing country music tunes. He was an avid fisherman but most importantly a loving father, grandfather, brother and friend.
He is preceded in death by his parents Orb and Willie Mae Corbin, siblings Billy Corbin, Catherine Worley, Thomas Corbin and granddaughter, Tiffany Tate.
He is survived by his sister Ruth Mitchell, daughters Rene Ricks (Steve), Regena Panek (Rich), Teresa Corbin Bach, (Greg Miller) and Kimberlie Corbin; as well as seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, who will forever cherish the memories of his wisdom, guidance and love.
He leaves behind a legacy not only in the horses he trained but in the lives he touched along the way.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 at Cherrysink Church of Christ in Trenton, Fla. n
Gene Corbin | File Photo
Micah Husbands | Photo by Ryan Thompson
Most Handsome Wins Hollywood Beach in Photo Finish
Post time favorite Most Handsome took a two-length lead into the run for home but had to hold a late charge by Mila’s Wish to win a narrow photo finish and the $95,000 Hollywood Beach for 2-year-olds at Gulfstream Park on Sept. 28. Most Handsome remained undefeated in two starts as Florida-breds took the top four spots in the fivefurlong Hollywood Beach, originally scheduled for turf but switched to the synthetic course.
“I was happy about the [change in surface]. Why wouldn’t I be? He already won on Tapeta,” winning trainer Ronald Spatz said. “But I think he’ll run on turf too.”
“He broke running and I was telling Ronnie that he was wanting to lean in a little bit with me today,” Van Dyke said. “He did that a little bit his first time out, but he’s a 2-year-old, so he’ll grow out of that. But he’s got talent. He’s got a nice future ahead of him.”
In addition to the $43,650 winner’s check, Most Handsome earned a $10,000 Florida-bred bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Mila’s Wish picked up a $6,000 FTBOA bonus while third-place finisher Noble N Magical took down $4,000 in FTBOA bonus money.
Most Handsome broke a bit tardy from the outside post eight but was quickly hustled into contention by jockey Drayden Van Dyke. Most Handsome raced on the lead with Moon Factor to his inside while passing the half-mile post then scooted away to a length advantage around the far turn. Noble N Magical made a three-wide move midway on the turn while Mila’s Wish chased the leaders from two-and-a-half lengths back in fourth.
Van Dyke sent Most Handsome to a clear advantage on Noble N Magical coming out of the bend while jockey Marcos Meneses guided Mila’s Wish six-wide to make his run. Most Handsome was still two-and-a-half lengths in front with a sixteenth-of-a-mile to run when Mila’s Wish suddenly advanced to hit the wire in a very tight finish.
Most Handsome was a head faster than Mila’s Wish in second in a final time of :57.60. Noble N Magical was a length back in third. Florida-bred Ghostly Rose was fourth followed by Nostalgia’s Smile, Discreet Dancer, Moon Factor and Florida-bred Lazio.
Co-owned by Spatz with David Romanik, Most Handsome paid $5.60 to win.
With his debut victory going five-anda-half furlongs on the all-weather course at Gulfstream on Aug. 31, Most Handsome has now earned $98,650. He was sent through the auction ring by consignor On Track at this year’s Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale but did not meet his $45,000 reserve.
Most Handsome is a gelded son of Neolithic, who stands at Pleasant Acres Stallions, out of the Songandaprayer mare Precious Lady. He was bred in Florida by Julie Ann Jackson. Precious Lady has eight winners from eight starters with Most Handsome her only stakes winner. She has an unnamed Florida-bred weanling filly by Mutasaabeq and in 2024 was bred to Simplification, who also stands at Pleasant Acres Stallions. n
Continued on next page
Florida-bred Most Handsome | Photo by Lauren King
FLORIDA FOCUS
Florida-Bred Fan Favorite Noble Drama Retired at Nine
THE ART OF REMI
Multiple stakes-winning 9-year-old gelding Noble Drama, who thrilled fans for six seasons with his dramatic late-running style, has been retired from racing.
Gulfstream Park owner-trainer David Fawkes made the decision after Noble Drama, bred in Florida by Harold Queen, breezed three furlongs in :37.05 on Sept. 22. It was the first timed work for the son of Gone Astray since May 10, which came six days before what would be his final start.
“Mr. Queen gave him to me a little over a year ago and I won one race with him. He ran huge. Then he just kind of got quiet on me and wasn’t performing the way he should,” Fawkes said. “So, we kicked him out for a little while and brought him back. Those older horses, they never have hard bone problems, and he just got a little thick in his legs. He’s 9-years old, and I just wasn’t going to do that to him. I just
Florida-bred Noble Drama | Photo by Lauren King
thought it was time. He’s been great to all of us.”
Helping in the decision-making process was a win that Noble Drama had during his 2-year-old season in the 2018 FTBOA Silver Charm Florida Sire Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, which included a certain long-range condition.
“About four months ago Sherry Queen, one of Harold’s daughters, reminded me that he won a ‘Win and You’re In’ for Old Friends, so I called them on [Sept. 23] and they were thrilled. They said, ‘This is great. We’re so happy to have him,’” Fawkes said. “It’s a great deal.
“He’s still here. He may be here for two months. They said they’d call me when they’ve got an opening,” he added. “We’re glad to have him around. We’ll unwind him here and I might put the tack on him and shedrow him just to let him do something.”
Noble Drama earned nine of his 10 career wins at Gulfstream, including stakes victories in the 2018 and 2020 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Wildcat Heir, 2020 Sunshine Classic and Benny the Bull, and 2021 My Name’s Jimmy and City of Dania handicaps. His last win came in a one-mile optional claiming allowance Nov. 12 at Gulfstream, where he ran last for four furlongs and trailed by as many as 10 ¾ lengths before making his familiar late run to get up by a halflength.
Revved Up Dies
Florida-bred millionaire Revved Up passed away peacefully at Live Oak Plantation Saturday due to complications of old age as reported by the farm. He was 26.
Named the Florida-bred Champion Older Male in 2005 as a
“He won a bunch of races here. He was a little onedimensional, but he still made a lot of money. And he made the races exciting. He was great to watch run,” Fawkes said. “I really wanted to make him a millionaire, and he was so close. He was a lot of fun and he was so easy. He never had a thing wrong. He had ice cold legs every single day of his career. So when you get any sign of anything it’s just time to stop.”
Out of the Burning Roma mare Queen Drama, Noble Drama is retired with 10 wins, 12 seconds, six thirds and $876,562 in purse earnings from 48 lifetime starts. In additions to his wins, he placed in 11 other stakes and faced graded competition four times, his best finish being a fourth in the one-mile Fred Hooper (G3) last winter Gulfstream.
“He’s so kind. People go in and put hats on him and he likes to sit there and eat carrots all day long. He’s a very friendly horse,” Fawkes said. “If I didn’t already have Posse, my pony, who I have now and has been good to us for 20 years, Noble would be here. He had that [Old Friends] certificate, so we decided to take advantage of it. He deserves it. He’s been great, great fun.”
-- Gulfstream Park Press Office n
7-year-old by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owner’s Association, Revved Up raced until age 10, finishing his career with a two-length win in the 2008 Chris Thomas Turf Classic at Tampa Bay Downs, a race he also won in 2006.
He retired with earnings of $1,548,653 from 20 wins, nine seconds and a third from 43 starts.
By Live Oak Plantation’s homebred millionaire, Sultry Song, Revved Up was the first foal out of the farm’s blue hen mare Win Approval, by With Approval, making him a half-brother to 2006 Eclipse Award Champion Grass Horse Miesque’s Approval, 2017 Champion Turf Male World Approval and multiple graded stakeswinner Za Approval.
Revved Up counted among his many graded stakes victories the Grade 2 Niagara Breeders’ Cup Handicap at Woodbine, the Grade 3 Sycamore Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland and the Grade 3 Stars and Stripes Breeders’ Cup Turf Handicap at Arlington International.
He won the Bonnie Heath Turf Cup Handicap at Calder Race Course three consecutive years from 2005-‘07 and four other stakes during his distinguished career. TFH
Florida-bred Revved Up | Photo by Bill Denver
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS
Continued from page 7
And I am grateful to our entire board for being vital to the association and the industry as key stakeholders and leaders.
Decades of work have culminated in a recent string of beneficial legislation for the Florida Thoroughbred industry and the Association. Lonny Powell and his team, our outgoing lobbyist Matt Bryan and our outgoing legal-mind Warren Husband, were at the heart of it.
Our advance planning with legislators once again provided the roadmap. We thank all our Tallahassee supporters for recognizing the tremendous value of a strong Thoroughbred breeding industry in Florida. The fruits of the recurring $33.5 million in annual state funding have already been felt in the pocketbooks of Florida breeders, stallion owners, racehorse owners and at the tracks and in the sales arenas.
At our gala in March, we honored longtime FTBOA lobbyist Matt Bryan with the creation of the Matt Bryan Distinguished Advocacy Award. For more than three decades, Matt has been instrumental to numerous legislative wins for the Florida Thoroughbred industry. Matt’s many achievements with the FTBOA’s Tallahassee team include simulcast tax reductions and the advent of full-card and nighttime simulcasting, breeder award increases, clarified medication reporting at the horse sales, tax free track admissions, stallion awards eligibility for dual hemisphere stallions, Florida owner awards, uniform medication rules, and repeatedly beating back decoupled gaming at Florida Thoroughbred racetracks for nearly the last decade. To capstone his career, Matt helped land $33.5 million in annual state incentives to render highest-ever
Florida state breeder, stallion and owner incentives.
Sharing the decades-long call to arms with Matt, outgoing FTBOA legal counsel Warren Husband, spent bottomless energy reviewing and crafting legislation for the best of our industry. Warren further served the Association by working closely with the board, CEO and management on a wide variety of mission-critical initiatives to keep this organization and its leadership focused on our core mission.
Advancements
In the last two Florida legislative session, we have secured an unprecedented $33.5 million in recurring incentives to enhance purses, sustain breeder and stallion awards and defray costs of federal regulation. I believe we have leveled the national playing field. This means, for our breeding business—both broodmares and stallions, the potential for higher auction prices, and more national and international, attention on Florida racing.
As the manager of a historic property at Bridlewood Farm that stands stallions, trains racehorses and raises a crop of 50-plus Florida-breds for ourselves and clients; this critical infusion is the start of many years of meaningful growth for those in our business and for those poised to invest with us.
The FTBOA’s goal will forever be to continue these incentives for years to come. Most of that pathway goes through Tallahassee, and that is why the FTBOA has focused so much effort on creating, cultivating, and strengthening the strongest network possible in our state capital.
Lonny Powell and Matt Bryan
Warren Husband
Welcome Aboard
At the FTBOA’s annual meeting in October we announced four new board members for the 2024-2027 three-year seats. There were five board-nominated candidates for the five director vacancies as provided in the Association’s bylaws, and no self-nominated candidate submitted an application. As a result, no member vote was required.
You can refer to the October issue of The Florida Horse magazine (pages 24-26), which includes photos and biographies for each continuing and incoming director on the Slate.
As a current director, I will be serving another term, and I am happy to be joined by four new board members: Beth Bayer, Dr. Tiffany Atteberry, Richard Heysek, and Colin Brennan.
Beth Bayer has been a longstanding and well-respected member of our industry and will provide valuable insight to our discussions. She was a 2022 Joseph O’Farrell Memorial honoree for her success in selling top Florida-breds.
Dr. Tiffany Atteberry brings experience as a veterinarian and breeder to our boardroom.
Richard Heysek took home an armful of FTBOA honors in 2023, including Small Breeder of the Year and breeder of Horse of the Year—Speed Boat Beach. Heysek’s knowledge of the industry and his successful nonprofit that helps veterinarians fund “in need” cases will provide excellent reference points for us.
And, Colin Brennan, part of the Brennan family dynasty, brings horsemanship, international experience and insights from the various advisory boards he serves on.
Communications
Through 2024 our award-winning Florida Equine Communications has posted record distribution and readership for our Florida-bred original content—in print, digital, at FTBOA.com, through The Florida Horse Podcast and on social media. The podcast has more than 750,000 views and counting. The proprietary
newsfeed at FTBOA.com, driven by the 3,000-strong daily Wire to Wire distribution and our unique Florida-bred entries-results news service, generates more than 17,000 page views every month. And, our social media numbers have exploded as we’ve expanded into the Spanish-speaking marketplace, a rapidly growing owner/breeder demographic.
Keep the Watch
We’ve enjoyed a clean trip in 2024, but as we round the turn into a new legislative season, I remind my fellow horsemen to be forever vigilant against the ominous specter of decoupling—that oft-recurring legislative push enabling racetracks to offer gaming without regard for live horse racing.
The last major push for decoupling in 2021 was defeated—I hope forever. Through that victory, however, we uncovered that some leadership in the horsemen’s groups had been misled into support for decoupling or remaining significantly silent.
Let’s make no mistake, decoupling means that a Florida track would have no requirement under state law to offer a single day of live racing even as they continue to operate and profit from slot machines and poker rooms.
That road inevitably leads to only one place—a dramatic reduction in live Thoroughbred racing in Florida, up to and including the potential for no live racing at all, with total purses and breeder awards dropping off a cliff.
No one has yet explained to me how a dramatic decrease in Florida racing opportunities and purses is good for trainers, for owners, for breeders, for the state, or for the horse racing fans that make our industry work.
Florida Thoroughbreds are an industry on the rise with record incentives and the FTBOA at the helm. The FTBOA will keep up the watch for lurking threats, such as decoupling, so that you may invest with alert confidence. TFH
Beth Bayer
Dr. Tiffany Atteberry
Richard Heysek
Colin Brennan
Judit Seipert Photo
File Photo
File Photo
Serita Hult Photo
FSS SWEEPS
Florida Sire Stakes – Horses Who Have Swept the Series
(Known as Florida Stallion Stakes 1982 – 2013)
Key: AFF = Affirmed, DV = Desert Vixen, DF = Dr. Fager, IR = In Reality, MDG = My Dear Girl, SG = Susan’s Girl
1984
Smile DF Div. 2 St. Leon, Gene Gomez, Frank
Smile AFF St. Leon, Gene Gomez, Frank
Smile IR St. Leon, Gene Gomez, Frank
Owner: Frances A. Genter Stable
Breeder: Frances A. Genter Stable
1991
Naked Greed DF Div. 2 Velez Jr., Jose Gomez, Frank
Naked Greed AFF Velez Jr., Jose Gomez, Frank
Naked Greed IR Velez Jr., Jose Gomez, Frank
Owner: Jill E. Robinson
Breeder: Don Dee Farm, Top Notch Farm and Leland Parker
1995
Seacliff DF Douglas, Rene Kaplan, William
Seacliff AFF Douglas, Rene Kaplan, William
Seacliff IR Douglas, Rene Kaplan, William
Owner: Ione and H. J. Elkins
Breeder: Ione and H. J. Elkins
1997
Nancy’s Glitter DV Rodriguez, Pedro Knibbs, Frederick
Nancy’s Glitter SG Rodriguez, Pedro Knibbs, Frederick
Nancy’s Glitter MDG Rodriguez, Pedro Knibbs, Frederick
Owner: Elbert R. and Cecilia Dixon
Breeder: Don J. Tattoli and Rick V. Tattoli
2000
Express Tour DF Garcia, Julio Wolfson, Martin
Express Tour AFF Garcia, Julio Wolfson, Martin
Express Tour IR Garcia, Julio Wolfson, Martin
Owner: A. Clare Silva Jr.
Breeder: Karen Silva
2003
Sir Oscar DF Garcia, Julio Azpurua, Manuel
Sir Oscar AFF Garcia, Julio Azpurua, Manuel
Sir Oscar IR Garcia, Julio Azpurua, Manuel
Owner: International Fair Play Inc.
Breeder: Oscar Novo
2004
Aclassysassylassy DV Aguilar, Manuel Vivian, David
Aclassysassylassy SG Aguilar, Manuel Vivian, David
Aclassysassylassy MDG Aguilar, Manuel Vivian, David
Owner: Barbara Vivian and Dominic Vittese
Breeder: Arthur I. Appleton
2008
Big Drama DF Lopez, Paco Fawkes, David
Big Drama AFF Lopez, Paco Fawkes, David Big Drama IR Lopez, Paco Fawkes, David
Owner: Harold L. Queen
Breeder: Harold L. Queen
2009
Jackson Bend DF Sanchez, Jeffrey Gold, Stanley
Jackson Bend AFF Sanchez, Jeffrey Gold, Stanley Jackson Bend IR Sanchez, Jeffrey Gold, Stanley
Owner: Jacks or Better Farm Inc.
Breeder: Jacks or Better Farm Inc.
2010
Awesome Feather DV Sanchez, Jeffrey Gold, Stanley
Awesome Feather SG Sanchez, Jeffrey Gold, Stanley
Awesome Feather MDG Sanchez, Jeffrey Gold, Stanley
Owner: Jacks or Better Farm Inc.
Breeder: Jacks or Better Farm Inc.
2011
Fort Loudon DF Jurado, Luis Gold, Stanley
Fort Loudon AFF Jurado, Luis Gold, Stanley
Fort Loudon IR Jurado, Luis Gold, Stanley
Owner: Jacks or Better Farm Inc.
Breeder: Jacks or Better Farm Inc.
2013
Scandalous Act DV Nunez, Eduardo O’Connell, Kathleen
Scandalous Act SG Gallardo, Antonio O’Connell, Kathleen
Breeder: Shade Tree Thoroughbreds Inc., Roy Geoff & Tom Fitzgerald
2022
Awesome Strong DF Miguel Vasquez Jorge Delgado
Awesome Strong AFF Miguel Vasquez Jorge Delgado
Awesome Strong IR Miguel Vasquez Jorge Delgado
Owner: CSLR Racing Partners
Breeder: John B. Penn
Nancy’s Glitter Express Tour
Sir Oscar
Big Drama
Photo by Tre Wheway
Photo by Tre Wheway
Photo by Sally Moehring
BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Despite the threat of Hurricane Milton approaching Florida and some last-minute rescheduling by sale officials, the Ocala Breeders’ Sales October Yearling Sale held steady with an average price of $19,816 for the two-day auction. That compared to $19,976 a year ago.
Originally planned for Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 8-9, OBS officials pushed the sale to Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 7-8 to avoid the potentially dangerous weather.
“I think one of the great things about OBS is the fact upper management and the team, they recognize when they need to alter a path and try and make things better not only for the buyers and the sellers but most importantly for the horses,” Jon Green of D. J. Stable said in an OBS press release. “I think that in a perfect world, the sale would have gone off without a hitch. But we’re not in a perfect world and sometimes you have to pivot and be flexible.”
Gross sales fell during the two-day action as 293 yearlings sold for $5,806,100 compared to 384 generating $7,670,600 last year. The median price fell from $13,000 a year ago to $11,000 this year and 173 were listed as not sold. The buyback percentage was 37.5% compared to 34.6% a year ago.
OBS officials reduced commissions on the RNAs to 2.5% after the rescheduling.
A Florida-bred filly by Complexity topped the auction, selling for $150,000 to Top Line Sales LLC as agent. Cataloged as Hip 459 from the consignment of Thoroughstock as agent, the dark bay or brown filly is out of the Badge of Silver mare Silver Lantana and is a half-sister to stakes-placed Six the Hard Way. Silver Lantana is a half-sister to multiple Grade 3-winner Lantana Bob and stakes-producer Speed Has Value. The top selling filly was bred in Florida by Norman Dellheim and Katie Leibe.
“This is my first time selling a horse like this. I’m from the hunter/jumper world and this is my first homebred, the first one where I had the mare and everything,” Liebe said. “I just think she has flawless conformation, and her dam line is really hot right now, as well as Complexity so it was just the perfect match. She does look the part, she’s a very classy filly. She’s like a puppy dog. Even my 4- and 6-year-old could lead her around. We’re very happy.”
Tori Gladwell of Top Line Sales said plans are already being made for the top-selling filly.
“She was our pick for the whole sale,” Gladwell said. “She was our favorite individual: early, fast, sound for a pinhook. We bought her for a partnership so some of our partners are really excited about buying into her. It will probably be March (that she’ll sell) if she’s early enough, maybe April. That’s where she’ll probably end up.”
Hip 385, a Florida-bred colt by Ocala Stud’s Win Win Win, the leading freshman sire in Florida, went for $135,000 on a final bid from No Money No Honey as agent.
Continued on next page
Photo by Judit Seipert
OBS SALE
Consigned by Richard Kent’s Kaizen Sales as agent, the gray or roan colt is out of stakes-winning Marciano mare Prize Informant, a half-sister to stakes-winner Wise Answer. The colt was bred in Florida by Ashley Godwin’s Rivermont Farm.
“He was just a very athletic individual,” Kent said. “His 3-year-old halfbrother Jasper Robusto is running extremely well in Japan right now and running in a stakes race on the weekend. But it was the individual that sold. He is very well balanced for a big colt and people liked his athletic look.”
Selling for $130,000 was Boujify, a filly by Justify cataloged as Hip 280. Leonard Green’s D. J. Stable LLC purchased Boujify out of the Colin Brennan Bloodstock as agent consignment. Boujify is out of the stakes-winning Street Cry (Ire) mare Financial Recovery, a half-sister to stakes winner and graded stakes-producer Blue Heart, stakesplaced and graded stakes-producer Diamondaire; Grade 3-placed Henshin Hero, stakes-placed Final Redemption, graded stakes-producer By Golly Mis Molly and stakesproducer Diamondesque.
Hip 448 went to Golf 24/25 for $130,000 out of the Darsan Inc. consignment. The Florida-bred colt is by Girvin out of The Big Beast mare She Can’t Help It, a half-sister to multiple Grade 1-winner World of Trouble, stakes-winner Money or Love and stakes-placed Alfie Solomons. The colt was bred in Florida by Daryl and Sandy Clark’s Darsan Inc.
D. J. Stable also purchased Hip 462, a filly by Vekoma consigned by Lisa McGreevy’s Abbie Road Farm, for $130,000. The filly is out of the Empire Maker mare Sinister Siren, a half-sister to stakes-placed Unanimously. She is from the family of Grade 2-winner Delightful Kiss and Grade 3-winner Delightful Mary.
A Florida-bred colt topped Monday action, selling as Hip 78 for $75,000 to Pick View LLC from consignment of Colin Brennan Bloodstock as agent. The colt is from the first crop by Yaupon out of Bride Street, by Street Cry (Ire). Bride Street is a half-sister to multiple Grade 3-winner Conveyance, stakes-placed Atlantic Bull and graded stakes-producer Cashing Tickets. The colt was bred in Florida by Leroy McClug.
Lisa McGreevy’s Abbie Road Farm led all consignors, selling 30 head for $841,600 while Richard Kent’s Kaizen Sales consigned 26 yearlings for $684,700.
The leading buyer was D. J. Stable LLC, who purchased four yearlings for $355,000. K.O.I.D. Co., Ltd. bought 10 head for $218,000.
The next sale on the OBS calendar is the 2025 Winter Mixed Sale to be held Jan. 28-29. TFH
Photo by Judit Seipert
Bentornato Proves Best As Florida-breds
BY MICHAEL COMPTON
Making just his third start of the season, Florida-bred Bentornato found the winner’s circle for the first time as a 3-year-old, taking down top prize in the $400,000 Gallant Bob Stakes (Grade 2) at Parx Racing on Sept. 21.
Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Bentornato utilized his speed to duel along the inside with fellow Florida-bred Sunny Breeze through the early stages of the six-furlong fixture. After an opening quarter in :22.01 and a half mile in :45.08, the pair had the race to themselves in the lane. Neither runner gave an inch, but Bentornato gamely surged clear from his stubborn foe late to score by a neck, stopping the clock in 1:09.92. Buccherino rallied late to finish third, completing a Florida-bred trifecta. Maximus Meridius, Alwaysintomishief, and Florida-breds Practically Dark and One Sharp Cookie completed the order of finish.
Florida-breds have a history of success in the Gallant Bob Stakes.
The race has been won in recent years by such Sunshine State products as Damon’s Mound (2023), Firenze Fire (2018)—who was also ridden by Ortiz—City of Weston (2013), and Royal Currier (2011) to name a few.
With the determined score, Bentornato is now a winner in five of eight career starts for owner Leon King Stable Corp., and trainer Jose D’Angelo. The $231,000 winner’s share of the lucrative purse increased Bentornato’s lifetime bankroll to $791,830.
The Gallant Bob marked the fourth stakes win for Bentornato. He rattled off three consecutive stakes scores last year as a juvenile, winning the Proud Man, the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Dr. Fager and the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Affirmed in succession. Bentornato was denied a sweep of the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series, finishing third in the $300,000 FTBOA Florida Sire In Reality last December to conclude his successful 2-year-old campaign. A
Florida-breds Sweep Gallant Bob
winner in four of five starts last year, Bentornato was named Florida’s 2-Year-Old Male Champion at season’s end.
Bentornato kicked off his sophomore season in the Middle East with a third-place finish behind Forever Young (Jpn) in the $15 million Saudi Derby (G3) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in February. He returned in August with a second-place finish to Valentine Candy in the $500,000 Robert Hilton Memorial at Charles Town in his most previous outing.
Bred in Florida by Tanma Corp., Bentornato is the leading earner this year for his sire, Valiant Minister, who stands at Bridlewood Farm. Bentornato is produced from the winning Put It Back mare and Florida-bred Her Special Way. Originally sold for $45,000 to Pro Racing Stable from the Stuart Morris consignment at the 2022 OBS October Yearling Sale, Bentornato was acquired by Champion
Equine for $170,000 out of last year’s OBS March Sale where he was consigned by Golden Rock.
Bentornato is the only black-type runner for Her Special Way, who has one other winner from three starters and six foals. She has an unnamed 2-year-old colt by Valiant Minister and an unnamed yearling filly by Saketini. She was bred to Oscar Performance in 2024.
Gallant Bob Stakes runner-up Sunny Breeze, a Stonehedge homebred trained by Edward Allard, just missed in a game effort. The 3-year-old son of Stonehedge stallion Cajun Breeze captured the $99,000 Concern at Laurel in July and is a three-time winner this year. The chestnut gelding is now twice stakes-placed, having finished third in the $75,000 Salvatore M. DeBunda Sprint at Parx on Aug. 24, a race won by Buccherino. Sunny Breeze is out of the Khozan mare Love My Sunshine. TFH
Photo by Joe Labozzetta | EQUI-PHOTO
Bentornato (far right) and Sunny Breeze turn for home in Gallant Bob | Photo by Taylor Ejdys EQUI-PHOTO
Florida-bred Colt by Nyquist Brings $525,000, Scharbauer
BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Florida-bred yearlings were in high demand during the Keeneland September Yearling
Sale led by a Nyquist colt purchased by bloodstock agent Donato Lanni as an agent for SF Racing, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stable.
The Keeneland September Yearling Sale was conducted during a dozen sessions from Sept. 9-21 in Lexington, Ky.
Donato Lanni went to $525,000 to get the Floridabred Nyquist colt, cataloged as Hip 1322. The colt is out of the stakes-placed Quality Road mare Oola Gal and was consigned by Eaton Sales as agent. The colt is from the family of multiple Grade 1-winner Strategic Maneuver and was bred in Florida by Peter Vegso’s Vegso Racing Stable.
Second in the 2018 Barely Even at Gulfstream Park, Florida-bred Oola Gal was a homebred for Vegso. She has three other foals including an unnamed 3-year-old colt by Nyquist; Miss Ocala, an unraced 2-year-old filly by Hard Spun; and a weanling filly by Nyquist. She was bred to Up to the Mark in 2024.
Vegso purchased second dam Geisha Gal for $180,000 as a weanling at the 2009 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale and saw her earn $121,365 from two wins in 11 starts with a second and two thirds.
Texan Douglas Scharbauer spent $950,000 on a pair of Florida-bred yearling fillies, both bred by John and Leslie Malone’s Bridlewood Farm.
On Sept. 9 during the first of two sessions featuring yearlings from the prestigious Book 1, Scharbauer went to $500,000 to acquire Hip 153, a bay Florida-bred filly by Gun Runner.
Consigned by Denali Stud as an agent for Bridlewood Farm, the filly is out of the stakes-winning mare Osare, by Medaglia d’Oro, a half-sister to champion 3-year-old colt and multiple Grade 1-winner Arrogate and stakes-placed Diamond Ore.
Osare was purchased by Bridlewood Farm as a yearling for $300,000 at the 2016 Keeneland September Sale. Racing in the colors of Bridlewood, Osare earned $234,605 while winning two of six starts including the $300,000 Fifth Third Insurance Dueling Grounds Oaks in 2018.
Osare is the dam of two other registered Florida-breds by Into Mischief, including 3-year-old winner Quester; and Curved, an unraced 2-year-old colt by Into Mischief.
Three days later, Scharbauer went to $450,000 to acquire Hip 879, a Florida-bred filly by Not This Time and a half-sister to Florida-bred Scotland Yard, a multiple stakes-winner at King Abulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.
Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency as an agent for Bridlewood Farm, the bay filly is out of Leslie’s Harmony, by Curlin. Leslie’s Harmony is a half-sister to leading sire Into Mischief and Beholder, the multiple Grade 1-winner and 2022 Hall of Fame inductee. Leslie’s Harmony is also a half-sister to Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf-winner Mendelssohn, graded stakesproducer Daisy Mason and stakes-producers Judy B. and Victory Party.
Bridlewood purchased Leslie’s Harmony for $1.1 million at the 2014 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
Prospecting Time, a Florida-bred colt by Not This Time, garnered a final bid of $350,000 during Session 3. Centennial Farms signed the sales ticket on Hip 447, a dark bay or brown colt out of the winning Mineshaft mare Ib Prospecting, a half-sister to stakes-winning, graded stakes-producer Frolic’s Revenge and stakesproducer Fashionable Frolic. Prospecting Time was bred
Donato Lanni
Douglas Scharbauer
September Yearling Sale
Spends Nearly $1 Million For Two Florida-bred Fillies
in Florida by Wind Hill Farm.
A Florida-bred filly by Liam’s Map was purchased for $350,000 by Bloodstock agent Steven W. Young as agent during the Session 4. Selling as Hip 777, the filly was bred in Florida by Westbury Stables LLC and is half-sister to stakes-winner Lights on Broadway.
Consigned by Four Star Sales as agent for Westbury Stables, the filly is out of the Florida-bred mare Drinks on Broadway, by Stay Thirsty. Drinks on Broadway is a half-sister to multiple graded stakeswinner Broadway’s Alibi, the dam of twotime champion sprinter and multiple Grade 1-winner Elite Power; multiple Grade 3-winner Golden Lad and Grade 1-placed, stakes-winner R Gypsy Gold.
Westbury purchased Drinks on Broadway for $150,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale where she was consigned by Upson Downs Farm.
Trainer Cherie DeVaux as an agent for Belladonna Racing signed the ticket on a Girvin filly who sold for $300,000 as Hip 1116 from the Airdrie Stud Raised and Offered consignment. The filly is out of the unraced Brother Derek mare Cara Sorella, making her a full-sister to stakes-winner Swirvin.
Cara Sorella is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes-winner Siphon City, graded stakes-placed, Bronx City Girl and stakesproducers That’s a Trick and My Indian. Both Cara Sorella and the Girvin filly were bred by the late Brereton C. Jones.
Preferred Equine as agent and Lindy Farms bid $180,000 to purchase Hip 1078, a Florida-bred filly by Justify. The filly is out of Ashlee’s Lady, by the Florida-bred stallion Gilded Time and was bred in Florida by Jean E. White and Justify Syndicate. Ashlee’s Lady is a full-sister to stakes-placed Langoureuse and a half-sister to Grade 2-winner Yara, stakes-placed Gotta Get Paid and graded stakesproducer Petunia Face.
John Ballantyne and NBS Stable put in a final bid of $180,000
for Hip 1406, a Florida-bred filly by Maclean’s Music out of stakes-winner Southern Girl, by Tapit. Southern Gal is a full sister to Grade 2-winner Marconi and a half-sister to multiple Grade 1-winning Florida-bred millionaire Mucho Macho Man and stakes-placed Mucho Mans Gold. The filly was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency as an agent for John Malone’s Bridlewood Farm, who is also the breeder.
Hip 2222, a filly by McKinzie, went to trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. for $170,000. Consigned by Paramount Sales as agent, the bay filly is out of the winning Trappe Shot mare Shotdowninflames, a halfsister to Grade 3-winner Luan Time. The filly was bred by in Florida by Castle Gate Farm LLC.
Hip 1272, a Florida-bred colt by Vekoma, sold for $150,000 on a final bid from Equinox Inc., as agent for George Sharp. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency as agent, the colt is out of Maymont, by Unbridled’s Song, a half-sister to Euro Platinum. The colt was bred in Florida by Dominique Damico.
S.O.K. Racing and Tareq Moubarek as agent purchased Hip 1942, a bay filly from the first crop by the late Florida stallion Uncle Chuck for $150,000. The filly is out of the winning Daredevil mare Champina, a half-sister to stakes-placed runners Payday Too and Forty Nine Watts. She was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency as agent and was bred in Florida by Dominique Domico.
Ocala Stud’s Win Win Win, the current leading first crop sire in Florida, continued to build on his successful year with a six-figure colt at Keeneland. Hip 2580, a Florida-bred colt sold for $100,000 to Louis Dubois as agent. Consigned by Airdrie Stud Raised and Offered, the bay colt is out of One More Minute, by Istan, a half-sister to stakes-winner Chief Istan, stakes-placed Hay Field and stakesproducer True Martha. The colt was bred by the late Brereton C. Jones. TFH
Florida-bred Nyquist colt
ALL-TIME FLORIDA-BRED LEADING MONEY EARNERS
Statistics provided by The Jockey Club through September 30, 2024.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
15
18
21 Miesque’s Approval, 1999 H by Miesque’s Son .
22 Sir Bear, 1993 G by Sir Leon A L Smollin 71 19 12 14 $2,538,422
23 Gate Dancer, 1981 H by Sovereign Dancer William R Davis 28 7 8 7 $2,501,705
24 Holy Bull, 1991 H by Great Above Pelican Stable 16 13 0 0 $2,481,760
25 Mecke, 1992 H by Maudlin Farnsworth
26 Marlin, 1993 H by Sword Dance (IRE) Gilbert G Campbell
1975 H by Exclusive
37
38
40
42
43
44
45
46
THE POWER OF ONE MORE
Golf Tourney Showcases
The Florida Thoroughbred PAC golf tournament held on Friday, Oct. 4 at Stone Creek Golf Club in Ocala was won by Peterson and Smith veterinarian Dr. Kevin Hahn’s team which included Paul Sharp, Kevin Keenan, and Jeff Faulkner. Recently retired, Hahn fielded the team in the scramble event to produce a score of 22 under par, while second place team, the Bruner family with Seminole Fence, finished 20 under par.
In addition to excellent play in the scramble event, scores reflected the use of fundraising
promotions including mulligans, a long driver promo, and hula hoop holes that knocked strokes off.
Beth Bayer was closest to the center of fairway line on hole 10 and Jeff Faulkner was closest to the pin on hole 12, followed in second on both by Tom DiCillo of Pyranha Animal Health. Ty Wolfe had the longest drive on 18 followed by Travis Bruner.
The promo driver hole raised $12,000 which half, $6,000, goes to the program. Breda Dean supporting Showcase Properties of Central
Camelot Acres Racing & Sales team
Call to the post
Blake Davis, Ryan Mims, Chad Duncan and Nick Brown
Mike McBath, Steve Pisarkiewicz and Rick Hamilton
Dr. Jose Perez and Jose Madera
Blake Davis and Breda Dean
a Supportive Industry
Florida was the highest at the hole with $4,000. Lucy Puhl won $250 in a drawing. The silent auction raised $4,730.
One Flyte Up provided entertainment and TommyFoto was the official event photographer. Golfers received Horse Capital of the World® branded polo shirts sponsored by Western Ivy. Golfers also received cooler bags courtesy of Showcase Properties of Central Florida, gift bags sponsored by Ocala Equine Hospital, and golf balls courtesy of Eddie Woods Stables.
FTBOA immediate past president and PAC
board member Valerie Dailey was pleased with the outcome of the event raising close to $21,000.
“I want to thank the sponsors, teams, and participants who help make this event successful each year. The horse community is generous, and we appreciate the support,” said Dailey.
“I also want to share my appreciation for the event’s co-chair Debbie Green and the Ocala Palms volunteers who ensured the event was sold out and full of excitement on course with a lot of creative fundraising promotions,“ Dailey added. TFH
Brunch with Katie Miranda guests
Katie Miranda shares her experiences with College of Central Florida students
Purvis, Gray and Company PA team
Ron Stewart, Jason and Rebecca Kaniss and Tim Lowry
Ty Wolfe and Chuck Martin
Silent auction items
More Photos
Jamie and Jeremy Ventura, Tod Wojciechowski, and Justin Yancey
Ocala Palms Team One
Golf co-chair Debbie Green, Carol Perrson and Chuck Martin
James Two Brothers, official event tasting
Lee Vinson, David Devine, Junior Serna and Scott McKee
Ted Puhl, Bernie Beaudoin, Herb Blaylock, and Dan Cole
Winning team of Dr. Kevin Hahn, Jeff Faulkner, Paul Sharp and Kevin Keenan
Second place team Seminole Fence Kirk Sereda, Kenny, Kelly and Travis Bruner
Alexa Perniel, Beth Bayer, Greg Gagliardi and Trese Dear
Golfing
Front row: Earl Johnson, Carla Carter-Eldridge and Ricky Shaw Back row: Butch Benton, Ron Stewart and Steve Pisarkiewicz
Steve Koch, Ryan Thomas and Jon Rees
Chuck Martin, golf chair and PAC board member Valerie Dailey and Beth Bayer
Earl Johnson
The Rustlewood Farm team
2024 STAKES WINS BY STATE OR PROVINCE
OPEN STAKES WINS BY STATE TOP 5*
Year to date Oct. 2, 2024
GRADED STAKES WINS BY STATE TOP 5
INCENTIVES FLORIDA-BRED
$18,000 ADDED TO MSW AND ALLOWANCE RACES
$25,000 or $50,000
ADDED TO ALL STAKES
Florida Sire Stakes, Dec. 14
$100,000 FSS Marion County, 3yo-and-up, 7f
$100,000 FSS City of Ocala, 3yo-and-up, fillies and mares, 7f
$660,000 Florida Cup, March 30
Six $100,000 Florida-Bred Stakes plus FSS Win Bonuses
Night Cap
Incentive Fund Winner at Tampa Bay Downs Sire: J P’s Gusto Breeder: Lonnie Stokes Owner: Kristin Cabrera
FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY September 2024
FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – STAKES
Seltzer, Beverly Anderson, Helen Barbazon & Joseph Barbazon
Neoequos C 2 Neolithic Bold Birdie Helen Barbazon, Joseph Barbazon & Matalona Thoroughbreds,LLC
The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Sept.30, 2024. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems
3
LEADING FLORIDA 1st CROP SIRES OF 2024
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
TAMMY A. GANTT
Associate Vice President Director of Membership Services & Events
FEC Contributing Editor & FTC Industry & Community Affairs
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
The FTBOA Annual Meeting of the regular Members was held on Oct. 25 via Zoom. After the meeting a direct video link was sent out to all members. If you did not receive the e-mail or link, please contact 352629-2160 and we will confirm your email and send along a viewing link.
Upcoming Events
Nov. 14 – Conservation Summit - Horse Farms Forever, Inc.® is hosting Mark Emery, award-winning filmmaker and photographer, as the keynote speaker at the fifth annual Conservation Summit on Nov. 14 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company at 1701 SW 60th Avenue where he will share his experiences and how it ties in with farmland preservation. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association is a founding member of HFF and is a gold sponsor for the event.
Nov. 30 – The finals of the 2024 Florida Sire Stakes at Gulfstream Park – New members, we invite you to a meet and greet at the track. Live in North or Central Florida? FTBOA is working with the new high speed train Brightline to establish a discount from the Orlando station to the Aventura station, a three hour ride, that drops you five minutes from the track, with Uber service attached. The train runs 24-hours daily meaning you can take care of your farm, jump on the 10 a.m. and be to the track by 1 p.m., enjoy the races and be back home the same day. Eight or more guests can book facing seats and tables with the ALLABOARD discount.
Upcoming Deadlines
Nov. 15 - The Nov. 15 Florida Sire Stakes registration deadline for yearlings whose May 15 payment was not made. It is $500. Missing this yearling deadline means a $5,000 fee on January 15. Do not assume a horse you purchased in a sale or privately has had a payment made. Sales catalogs list horses who are FSS eligible at the time of the sale because the deadline had not yet passed, meaning a payment may still be due. Verify at FTBOA.com/registrysearch. The two-year-old payment deadline is Jan. 15. If missed, check FTBOA.com for additional deadlines. TFH
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE INDUSTRY AT THE GOLF TOURNAMENT
Support our Sponsors
DIAMOND SPONSOR
Stonehedge Farm South
Platinum Sponsors
Brook Ledge Horse Transportation
Ocala Stud
Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital + Complete Care
Rustlewood Farm
Seminole Feed
SPECIALTY SPONSORS
All-In Removal - Beer Cart
Beckie Cantrell/Showcase Properties – Beer Cart
Eddie Woods - Golf Balls
Ocala Equine Hospital – Gift bags
Showcase Properties of Central Florida - Golfer Bag
Racewash Car Wash
Western Ivy – polos
Jason and Kaniss Green Family - Whiskey Tasting
SILVER TEAMS
Beth Bayer Consignment
Francis L. Dean & Associates
Purvis, Gray & Company, CPAs
Pyranha Animal Health
Ocala Breeders Sales
GOLD DINNER SPONSOR
Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Assn TEAMS
Camelot Acres Racing and Sales
Dan Cole
Dean Law Firm
Dex Imaging
Dr. Kevin Hahn
Dynasty Thoroughbreds
EPIC Insurance
Jason and Rebecca Kaniss
Ocala Palms
Art Roy
Seminole Fence
Showcase Properties of Central Florida
Smith, Bryan & Myers
TRUIST
Lee Vinson
SILVER SPONSORS
Steve Albright And Associates, Bruce Bennett Family,
