The Florida Horse March 2021

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801 SW 60th Avenue Fax: (352) 867-1979 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CHIEF OF OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTING EDITOR-INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PRODUCTION PRINT TECH OPERATIONS & FACILITIES CEO & PUBLISHER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Ocala, Florida 34474 • (352) 732-8858 www.ftboa.com Brock Sheridan E. Jane Murray Tammy A. Gantt Antoinette Griseta Emily Mills, Nancy Moffatt Jeff Powell LONNY TAYLOR POWELL PEGGY YOST

Florida Equine Communications, Inc. (A corporation owned by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association)

Executive Office – 801 SW 60th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34474 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

© THE FLORIDA HORSE (ISSN 0090-967X) is published monthly except July by THE FLORIDA HORSE, INC., 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474, including the annual Statistical Review in February.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Florida Equine Communications or the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Publication of any material originating herein is expressly forbidden without first obtaining written permission from THE FLORIDA HORSE©.

PHIL MATTHEWS, DVM, PRESIDENT/BOARD CHAIRMAN VALERIE DAILEY 1ST VICE PRESIDENT BRENT FERNUNG, 2ND VICE PRESIDENT JOSEPH M. O’FARRELL III, SECRETARY GEORGE RUSSELL, TREASURER

Statistics in the publication relating to results of racing in North America are compiled from data generated by Daily Racing Form, Equibase, Bloodstock Research Information Services, and The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc., the copyright owners of said data. Reproduction is prohibited.

Advertising copy deadline 5th of month preceding publication. Subscriptions and change of address: Please mail to – Circulations Department. THE FLORIDA HORSE, 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474.

Printed by PANAPRINT

FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FIRST VICE PRESIDENT SECOND VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER

Phil Matthews, DVM Lonny Taylor Powell Valerie Dailey Brent Fernung Joseph M. O’Farrell III George Russell

DIRECTORS Fred Brei, T. Paul Bulmahn, Marilyn Campbell, Nick de Meric, Laurine Fuller-Vargas, Bobby Jones, Richard Kent, Milan Kosanovich, Joseph M. O’Farrell III, Francis Vanlangendonck, Dr. Fred Yutani PAST PRESIDENTS Greg Wheeler, Gilbert G. Campbell, Don Dizney, John C. Weber,MD, Douglas Oswald CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/ ASSISTANT TREASURER Peggy Yost ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT/ MEMBER SERVICES & EVENTS Tammy A. Gantt ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT/ ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONS E. Jane Murray EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/ ASSISTANT SECRETARY Becky Robinson REGISTRATIONS & PAYMENTS COORDINATOR Sheila Budden

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021 3

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March 2021 VOL 64/ISSUE 3

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 6

THE BROCK TALK

8

FLORIDA FOCUS

27

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE —By Matt Bryan

34

FROM THE BOARDROOM

38

FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY

National Florida-bred statistics

40

EL POTRO —by Roberto Rodriguez

42

FTBOA MEMBERSHIP UPDATE —By Tammy A. Gantt

FEATURES 15

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association’s former executive director passes

18

Florida-bred Medina Spirit Becomes Top Kentucky Derby Contender with Robert B. Lewis Score —By Brock Sheridan

22

Last Judgment Rules in the Sunshine Classic at Gulfstream Park —By Brock Sheridan

32

Laoban Filly Tops OBS Winter Mixed Sale

IN MEMORIAM: RICHARD (DICK) E. HANCOCK

SPIRITED CONTENDER

CLASSIC JUDGMENT

OCALA BREEDERS’ SALE —OBS Press Office

35

EQUINE HEALTH

Problems That Can Occur After Foaling —By Heather Smith Thomas

COVER PHOTO OF MEDINA SPIRIT: BENOIT & ASSOCIATES CONTENTS PHOTO OF VENEZUELAN HUG: RYAN THOMPSON

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2-Year-Old payment* $250 by Jan. 15 Late 2-Year-Old Payment* $500 by Feb. 28 *Yearling payment must have been paid.

Yearling Payment $250 by May 15 Late Yearling Payment $500 by Nov. 15 Missed Nov. 15? – $5,000 by Jan. 15 Last chance payment option of $10,000

by May 1 of 2-year-old year

For forms or details visit www.ftboa.com

In Reality Stakes winner Boca Boy, breeder Carol Hershe, owner Kenneth E. Fishbein

* All terms of FSS races and FTBOA purse supplements, including number of races, purse levels, race conditions, racing dates and the host track may change from year to year and may change at any point after the FSS racing schedule for a particular year is announced.

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Lonny T. Powell, CEO Tammy A. Gantt, AVP Membership Services & Events 352-629-2160 • Fax: 352-629-3603 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com 44651

RYAN THOMPSON PHOTO

(horse must not have started)

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the Brock talk

IN MEMORIAM Brock Sheridan

Editor-in-Chief Florida Equine Communications

John Filer

Greatness is measured in so many different JOHN D. FILER PHOTO ways for so many different professions. Great athletes are measured in record books, great presidents and world leaders are defined in history books and great executives in financial books and product catalogs.

John Filer, whose greatness is immortalized in magazines, passed away suddenly on Feb. 8.

John was the longtime art director at Florida Equine Communications, joining The Florida Horse in November of 2006. Before coming to Florida, John had also been the art director at The Thoroughbred Times and at BloodHorse LLC, with both The BloodHorse and The Horse magazines.

He was an award-winning artist with all three companies, recognized with dozens of awards presented by American Horse Publications, media associations and societies for his original magazine covers, advertisement designs and article layouts. His work could make a horse photo jump off of the page and into your imagination and pleasantly escort you through the words and sentences of any article or story. He made champions appear more grand and could also help your eyes and mind navigate the statistics and lists of the most mundane agate.

At Florida Equine Communications, in addition to him being the art director of The Florida

6 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

Horse, he held the same title and his work was seen in Wire to Wire, Wire to Wire.Auction and Horse Capital Digest.

He also produced the creative brand of The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association from his distinguished logo design to his artistic production of unlimited collateral including, brochures, pamphlets, awards and gala programs and materials used for everything from education and membership to legislative and lobbying.

He was the ultimate team member who would work long into the night to meet a deadline or create that special graphic detail that was at the same time invisible, beautiful and invariable. His knowledge and professionalism were immeasurable. He was a slow walker, a slow talker but a fast worker.

He loved his wife Mary, sons Seth and Graham, his family pets and of course, the Kentucky Wildcats. He is remembered by his longtime friends and co-workers in Florida, Kentucky and elsewhere for his love of the Florida beaches, imported beer exchange parties and for his enthusiastic enjoyment and fun that emanated as much from his personality as it did from his unique style of illustrations and cartoons.

We miss you John. Thank you for the gifts that you left to all of us in the magazines on our shelves and in the volumes of memories of your friendship and love.

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MISSING THE FILER TOUCH They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But on this rare occasion, just a picture won’t do. Florida Equine Communications lost a good one when its art director John Filer passed away not too long ago.

As an artist who does a lot of magazine work, it is truly a gift to have trust and complete confidence in an art director – which I had in John.

He had a deft touch. The experience and talent of knowing when to add, change or adjust things to a piece of art when needed and when to simply leave well enough alone. Little details like layout design, color matching and layering can add depth and focus to an image that sometimes even the artist (me) might have missed.

An illustration, photo or other graphic is, essentially, a tool used to help bring the reader in… to entice you into picking up the magazine, turning the page and investing valuable time to read what’s inside. Don’t believe me? Then, imagine the Saturday Evening Post without Norman Rockwell.

So, in John’s honor, here are a few “before” and “after” examples of my favorite covers on which John and I collaborated over the years. To me they picture the important and sometimes overlooked work that John Filer did every day, without the 1,000 words.

He will be missed.

– Remi Bellocq

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Florida FOCUS

Compiled by Brock Sheridan

Tie Goes to the Florida-breds in Gasparilla

Florida-breds Adios Trippi and Special Princess ran most of the seven furlong Gasparilla Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs Jan. 17 as bookends with the former leading the way from the start while the latter sat last of seven during the early running. But they hit the finish line together in a dead heat for the win to split both the winner’s share of the $125,000 purse and the $25,000 win bonus for Floridabreds that was presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Adios Trippi and jockey Antonio Gallardo started evenly from post four with evenmoney favorite Feeling Mischief on the outside of the 3-year-old fillies and 35-1 longshot Make A Scene also getting a good

SV PHOTOGRAPHY

Special Princess, Adios Trippi Dead Heat For Win Florida-bred fillies split $25,000 Florida-bred Win Bonus

Florida-breds­Special­Princess­(#1)­and­Adios­Trippi

beginning.

But Adios Trippi emerged from the trio to take the lead by a length for the run down the

OBITUARY Mary K. Haire

HAIRE FAMILY PHOTO

Mary K. Haire, 84 of Dunnellon, Fla., passed away on Jan. 21. Mary was born in Washington D.C. and was the youngest of three girls. She had three children whom she adored, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren. The visitation and service was held Jan. 28. at Roberts Funeral Home of Dunnellon.

Looking back at her decorated career as a breeder and owner, she may not have achieved the top dollar price tag at the sales, but the chance to have something strike gold on the race track was much more ­Mary­K.­Haire of a victory to her.

The mating of Ecliptical to her Tri Jet mare Toasted Almond, produced graded stakes-winner Exclusive Praline, a winner of 15 starts and $610,330. Haire also bred Exclusive Rosette, a stakes winner, track record holder and successful broodmare as the dam of graded stakes-winners Misty Rosette and Storm Wolf; and Littleprincessemma, who produced Triple Crown-winner American Pharoah. She also bred Ohio Derby and Indiana Derby (G2)-winner East Hall, who earned $870,620.

She is remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, no-nonsense businesswoman, charitable member of the community and dedicated to her passions. She will be sorely missed, never forgotten, and has a legacy that will live on forever through her daughter and grandaughter. They promised to her that they one day find themselves in the paddock before the Kentucky Derby with one of their own.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory can be made to Florida Thorobred Fillies, PO Box 937, Ocala Fla., 34478 or the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance c/o The Jockey Club, 821 Corporate Dr. Lexington, KY 40503 or online at https://www.thoroughbredaftercare.org/donate/ ■

backstretch ahead of Feeling Mischief in second with Florida-bred Big Rings third. Adios Trippi increased her lead to two lengths after a quarter-mile in :22.57 with Feeling Mischief and Big Rings together in second while Special Princess was last, six lengths from the lead.

Adios Trippi, Feeling Mischief and Big Rings continued in that order around the turn while completing the half-mile in :45.65 as Special Princess and jockey Ademar Santos began to advance from between rivals.

Adios Trippi was never threatened in the run for home as Big Rings chased in second while Special Princess began to rally from the far outside. Nearing the wire, it appeared Adios Trippi would hit the finish alone as Special Princess continued to pass horses on the outside in an apparent run for second before she suddenly found one more gear and produced the dead heat for the win in a time of 1:24.89 on the fast track.

Feeling Mischief was another length-anda-quarter farther back in fourth followed in order by Big Rings, Charge It All, Make a Scene and Marketability.

Adios Trippi is by Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie and is out of Stage Trip, by Trippi and won for the second time in four starts. After she broke her maiden in her secContinued on page 10

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Florida FOCUS starts. After she broke her maiden in her second start against special weight maidens going a mile-and-70-yards at Parx on Oct. 5, trainer Peter Walder purchased her privately and returned the bay filly to Florida where she was third in the $75,000 Cash Run Stakes won by Gulf Coast going a mile at Gulfstream Park on New Year’s Day. “This is the happiest I’ve ever been for a dead-heat. I thought [Special Princess] nailed her, but my filly ran an awesome race because she took the beating up front [with the fast pace],” Walder said.

“She just ran against a tough group at Gulfstream two weeks ago [in the Cash Run] and it was kind of a quick turnaround, but I liked the idea of wheeling her back from a mile to seven furlongs. She’s getting better

with each race,” Walder said.

The $57,500 first place-check, which included $12,500 as her share of the Floridabred win bonus, increased Adios Trippi’s career earnings to $88,900 for owner Paradise Farm Corp., Brian Hanley, Greg Boyer, Scott Estes and Walder Racing.

Adios Trippi was bred by Laurin Stable Inc., and paid $5.60 as the 4-1 third choice.

Special Princess left the post at nearly 13-1 and returned $13.20 to win.

Special Princess, who is a homebred for J D Farms, is the first black type stakes-winner for her sire Bahamian Squall, who stands at Double Diamond Farm, and is out of Indy Crown, by Shaniko.

The Gasparilla victory was also her second career trip to the winner’s circle as she

Florida-bred Stallion Big Drama Dies

CINDY MIKELL PHOTO

Big Drama, the Florida-bred multimillionaire and Eclipse Award Champion Sprinter of 2010 died Jan. 21 from complications of a stomach ailment at the age of 15.

A winner of $2,746,060 including the 2010 Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Sprint (Grade 1) at Churchill Downs, Big Drama had taken his success to the breeding shed in Florida where he sired earners of nearly $9 million since entering stud in 2012. He was a top 10 North American Freshman Big Drama Sire in 2015 with five stakes horses from his first crop. Some of his top runners include multiple stakes-winner R Kinsley Doll, stakeswinners Tribal Drama and Miss Deplorable and multiple stakes-placed Mr. Kisses. He also sired Trinidad and Tobago champion Whisper Light.

In 2008 Big Drama, by Montbrook out of Riveting Drama, by Notebook, became only the eighth horse at that time to sweep the Florida Stallion Stakes (now the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes) as a 2-year-old before winning the Boyd Gaming’s Delta Jackpot (G3) later that year. He went on to win the 2010 Ponche Handicap, the 2010 Smile Sprint Handicap (G2), the 2011 Mr. Prospector Stakes and the 2011 Whippleton Stakes while compiling a record of 11 wins from 19 starts with four seconds and a third for trainer David Fawkes and owner-breeder Harold L. Queen.

He concluded his racing career with a second appearance in the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Sprint in 2011 and is currently ranked as the 17th richest Florida-bred of all-time.

He was also honored by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association in 2010 as the Florida-bred Champion Older Male. ■

defeated special weight maidens by nearly six lengths going six furlongs at Gulfstream Park West on Oct. 28.

Trained by Walter Woodard, Special Princess was then fourth to fellow Floridabred Shea D Summer in the $60,000 Juvenile Fillies Sprint over a sloppy six-and-a-half furlongs at Gulfstream Park West on Nov. 14, sixth in the $50,000 Sandpiper Stakes won by Feeling Mischief going six furlongs at Tampa Bay on Dec. 5 before finishing second to Charge it All in a first-level, $75,000 allowance optional claiming race going sixand-a-half furlongs at Tampa Bay on Dec. 20.

“This puts me on the map,” Woodard exulted. “I told everyone before the race they were going to know [Special Princess] was there, and Ademar [Santos] did a hell of a job.

She’s really come into herself and I was very confident coming into the race.”

She now has two wins, a second and a third from seven starts with earnings of $95,275.

Special Princess is a graduate of the 2019 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Winter Mixed Sale where she was consigned by Bobby Jones Equine but did not meet her reserve and was retained by J D Farms.

This is the second consecutive year the Gasparilla has gone to a Florida-bred as Gary Barber’s Two Sixty won last year, defeating future Preakness Stakes (Grade 1), Alabama Stakes (G1), Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2), Fantasy (G2) and Santa Anita Derby (G2)-winner and 2020 champion 3-year-old filly Swiss Skydiver, who was fifth. ■

Stormborne Stallions Opens Citra Facility Danielle Dougherty has recently opened up for business at her new stallion breeding and mare care facility in Citra, Fla. Located on 65 lush acres in Marion County, Stormborne Stallions is home to thoroughbred stallions Backtalk, Finale, Rogueish, Matanzas Inlet and Young Brian.

Continued on page 12

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Florida FOCUS “I am very excited about our new location and opening up the stallion shed in 2021. Our facilities are ideal for the upcoming season with a 24-stall barn for the stallions and a separate wing set up for foaling and mare care,” Dougherty said.

Dougherty, who has spent her career working with racehorses and stallions, also offers the services of mare care, sales prep, and foaling at her new facilities.

For more information about Stormborne Stallions, please contact Danielle Dougherty at 352-615-8400, or email at stormbornestallions@gmail.com. ■

Ladies’ Turf Sprint Provides Swan Song Victory for Lady’s Island

LAUREN KING PHOTO

Making the expected last start of her racing career before traveling to Kentucky to be

Florida-bred Lady’s Island

sold Feb. 9 at the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale, Florida-bred Lady’s Island went out a winner with a victory in the $100,000 Ladies’ Turf Sprint at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 6.

The Ladies’ Turf Sprint was taken off the turf and moved to five furlongs on the main track after rains had fallen throughout the afternoon at the Hallendale Beach, Fla., track.

But the sloppy and sealed track again proved advantageous for Lady’s Island, who took into the race an off-track record during her storied career of six wins in nine career 12 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

starts with a second and a third. The 7-yearold daughter of Solera Farm stallion Greatness had also shown an affinity for Gulfstream Park where she had won eight of 12 career starts with two seconds and two thirds.

Lady’s Island and jockey Emisael Jaramillo overcame a poor start from post seven in the Ladies’ Turf Sprint but quickly recovered to take the lead and the rail from a fast starting Hear My Prayer as those two led the short field of six, which was reduced due to scratches because of the course change, into the turn and three lengths ahead of Miss Auramet in third.

After a first-quarter split in :22.20 Lady’s Island turned for home with a clear lead on Hear My Prayer as Miss Auramet made up ground on the outside. But Lady’s Island was never threatened in the run for home, although Miss Auramet got within three-parts of a length at the finish with Hear My Prayer another half-length back in third.

The final time on an offtrack was :58.87 as A Bit of Both completed the Floridabred superfecta followed by Lagertha (Chi) and Floridabred Double Medal.

“She’s been so good to me, so good to the barn, so good to the connections,” trainer Georgina Baxter said. “She’s been so beautifully campaigned by the owners, and we’re going to miss her not only as a racehorse but as a horse. She’s such a pleasure to be around. It’s bittersweet. I’m just so pleased that she went out on top, because she deserves it after all she’s done and achieved.

“I wasn’t really worried. She always pulls through. She never lets us down.”

Lady’s Island is out of the Broad Brush mare Broadway Martha and was bred by Bailey Bolen, who campaigned her in her first 15 starts before Rick Averill claimed her for $16,000 in the name of his Averill Racing LLC out of a third-place finish on June 22,

2018. Averill then partnered with Matties Racing Stable LLC and they raced her together for the remainder of her career.

Lady’s Island was the point leader in the female sprinter category in the 2020 Chase to the Championship which determines Floridabred champions as recognized by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and a career record of 18 wins, five seconds and four thirds from 35 starts. The $61,380 check for winning the Ladies’ Turf Sprint pushed her lifetime earnings to $665,575 and she was cataloged as a multiple graded stakes-winner having won the Grade 3 Sugar Swirl Stakes at Gulfstream Park in 2019-20.

Her first Sugar Swirl victory completed a 2019 campaign that saw her win eight of nine starts that year that also included wins in the Nicole’s Dream Stakes and Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint, both at Gulfstream. Her only blemish in 2019 was a runner-up effort to that year’s FTBOA champion older female and champion female sprinter Stormy Embrace in the Musical Romance Stakes, also at Gulfstream. ■

Dream Trip for Chess’s Dream in Kitten’s Joy Victory Florida-bred is first stakes winner for Florida sire Jess’s Dream Chess’s Dream jumped from a five-length victory against Florida-bred special weight maidens on Dec. 13 right into Grade 3 company Jan. 30 but the increased level of competition did not deter the 3-year-old colt, who won the $100,000 Kitten’s Joy Stakes at Gulfstream Park and gave Ocala Stud stallion Jess’s Dream his first stakes winner.

Trained by Michael Maker for Michael Dubb, Steven Bochev, Bethlehem Stables LLC and Chester A. Bishop, Chess’s Dream broke evenly from post one with Tyler Gaffalione aboard. The field then quickly assembled into two flights of three with Original, Kentucky Pharoah and $100,000 Central Park Stakes-winner Never Surprised making up the first trio going into the clubhouse turn

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“I knew there was going to be a lot of speed. It kind of surprised me when Johnny [Velazquez on Original] committed early, but I had the perfect position down on the fence.

I was able to save ground,” Gaffalione said.

“On the far turn, it looked like Johnny’s horse was trying to get out a little bit on him. I didn’t panic and a hole opened up and when I asked him he really accelerated. He’s a longstriding colt. He’ll just get better the longer he goes.”

Dubb also noted that Chess’s Dream had

been entered to run in the $200,000 Texas Turf Mile at Sam Houston but said he was obviously happy with the decision to remain in Florida.

“It’s very nice when you make the right decision. It’s definitely a 50-50 proposition,” Dubb said. “I held my breath and made sure he’d be able to get through. He got through and he was much the best, so we’re just over the moon.”

Chess’s Dream was let go at 8-1 and reContinued on next page

OBITUARIES Rosa Mae McQueen Gray Rosa Mae McQueen Gray, 77, was born on April 15,1943 in Hope Hull, Ala., to Lola and Bill McQueen Sr. She received her formal education in the public school system of Montgomery Co., in Montgomery, Ala. Rosa Mae McQueen Gray accepted Christ at an early age. She was as United with Mountain Hill Baptist Church, Montgomery, later joining Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Cotton Plant, Fla., and finally Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church for the past 36 years. She served on the Missionary board and a honorary choir member.

Rosa Mae McQueen Gray In her leisure, she enjoyed gardening, interior decorating, loving her grand kids and spending time with her family and friends.

Mrs. Rose Mae McQueen Gray leaves to cherish her loving memories a loving and devoted husband of 51 years Lugusta (“Gus”) Gray; three children: Sylvia McQueen, Earnest Goldsmith (Renea), Carol Gray Robinson (Phil) all of Ocala; seven grandchildren: E.J. Goldsmith (Tee), Lamar Gray (Candace), Cory McQueen (Tiffany), Vanessa Goldsmith, Jade Robinson, Phil Robinson, O’Neal Robinson (Lauren); six great grandchildren: Janae Goldsmith, Vanessa Goldsmith, Lilly Gray, Trinity Gray, Caelyn McQueen, and Camille Gray; siblings: Ella Cayson (David), Essie McQueen, Millie Osborne, Emanuel McQueen, Felicia McQueen and Vickie Carter; one aunt: Annie McQueen, a goddaughter: Caren Lee; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. ■

GRAY FAMILY PHOTO

with Chess’s Dream, It’s a Gamble and Florida-bred Sigiloso three abreast from about a length-and-a-half back.

Original took over for the run down the backstretch with Kentucky Pharoah to his outside in second as Chess’s Dream took up a stalking position along the rail in third from about a length-and-a-half back as they completed the first quarter-mile in :23.30.

After a half-mile in :47.54, Original and Kentucky Pharoah locked up around the far turn as Chess’s Dream remained patient with a ground saving trip in third while Never Surprised challenged with a four-wide move.

Turning for home, Original left an opening on the rail, giving Chess’s Dream and Gaffalione an opportunity and they quickly took advantage and shot to the lead on the inside with Kentucky Pharoah and Never Surprised still a threat farther out.

Chess’s Dream increased his lead in the final furlong and finished with a two-length margin under the wire in 1:35.18 over the mile on the firm turf. Never Surprised, Original and Sigiloso finished in a photo for second with the camera showing Never Surprised a nose ahead of Original, who was another nostril better than Sigiloso in fourth.

Kentucky Pharoah and It’s a Gamble completed the order of finish.

FILE PHOTO

RYAN THOMPSON PHOTO

Jimmy Hobales

Jimmy Hobales Florida-bred Chess’s Dream

Jimmy Hobales, a former thoroughbred and steeplechase rider who worked for more than 50 years at South Florida tracks, died Jan. 11.

Hobales was 91.

Hobales rode at Saratoga, Belmont, Aqueduct and Monmouth in the 1950s. He also rode steeplechase horses and was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in October of 1954. Born in Elmira, N.Y., Hobales grew up in Darby, Pa., where he drove a milk wagon and first fell in love with horses. Many people also knew Hobales as an entertainer who played the harmonica, including the National Anthem at the South Florida tracks before afternoon race cards. ■ THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021 13

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Florida FOCUS of Anea, by Unbridled’s Song, who has already produced one winner out of two starters. Her dam, Desire to Excel, was a multiple stakes-winner, graded stakes-placed and was on the board five out of seven starts. She has produced three winners out of five starters, including one black type winner.

“If there is one word that I can use to describe this colt, it would be strong” Blue Star Racing owner Dex Comardelle said. “He is nicely put together, has all the right angles, has good bone, conformation, and lots of leg.

If this first colt is any indication of how the rest of Breaking Lucky’s crop will look, it’s going to be an exciting year.”

After breaking his maiden in only his second start, Breaking Lucky went on to win Woodbine’s 2015 Prince of Wales Stakes, the second leg of Canada’s Triple. In 2016, he won the Grade 3 Seagram Cup Stakes at Woodbine and went on to place in the Grade 1 Clark Handicap, Grade 1 Whitney Stakes, and Grade 1 Stephen Foster Handicap behind Horse of the Year Gun Runner. Breaking Lucky was on the board in 10 graded stakes and two black type races, campaigned in two countries, and earned $1,196,376. “Breaking Lucky had an incredible, quality book of mares in his first year at stud with mares spread across the region,” said Comardelle.

“It’s very special to have his first foal born here at Blue Star Racing – where he began his stallion career. We are excited about our new partnership with Pleasant Acres Stallions and will continue to support him with quality mares now that he is in Florida.” ■

First Foal of Breaking Lucky is a Colt

The first foal of graded stakes-winning millionaire Breaking Lucky was born Jan. 29 at Blue Star Racing in Scott, La. Bred by 4M Ranch and Blue Star Racing, the colt is out

CYNTHIA MCFARLAND PHOTO

Bruce Hill retires from Live Oak Stud

Breaking Lucky 14 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

Longtime Live Oak Stud General Manager Bruce Hill retired from his post on Feb. 10, the farm announced Feb. 10.

“His tenure as general manager has played a vital role in our breeding and racing success,” said Charlotte Weber. “We wish him and Deborah well as they will always be a part of our Live Oak family.” ■

www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse • www.ftboa.com

BECOME A

turned $18.60 to win. The $61,380 first-place check pushed his career earnings to $108,980.

Bred in Florida by Loren Nichols, Chess’s Dream is out of the Bellamy Road mare Achalaya, who also produced 2019 Kitten’s Joy-winner Casa Creed. The victory improves his record to two wins and two seconds from five starts.

Chess’s Dream was purchased by Reitman Stables for $20,000 at the 2019 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Winter Mixed Sale from Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield consignment. He was sold again as a yearling at Fasig-Tipton July where Sean S. Pearl Bloodstock took him for $25,000 from the Woodford Thoroughbreds consignment.

The dark bay or brown colt began his career with two second-place finishes against special weight maidens at Gulfstream Park, both at one mile on the grass. He was a neck behind winner Castle King on Aug. 9 and a length behind Heat of the Night on Sept. 3.

He then finished off the board in the $400,000 Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Florida Sire Stakes In Reality at a mile-and-a-sixteenth on the main track on Sept. 26 before breaking his maiden going seven-and-a-half furlongs on the turf by five lengths in his previous start, both also at Gulfstream. ■

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IN MEMORIAM

Richard E. Hancock Passes

R

ichard E. (Dick) Hancock, 80, of Ocala, Fla., passed away Jan. 20, 2021. Born in Tulsa, Okla., Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hancock on April 10, 1940, to Dorothy May (Parker) and family as they mourn the sad passing of Dick. Dick, Willard Eliott Hancock. As a young man, he earned his during his 22 plus years as FTBOA executive director Eagle Scout and graduated from Central High School in in conjunction with his board and advisors, achieved Tulsa. Throughout junior high, high school, college and benumerous positive advancements for the Florida yond, he was involved in the sport of rodeo, riding bulls, thoroughbred industry during much of that career. He broncs and roping. Richard was a graduate of Oklahoma State University and the University of Tulsa College of will always remain a significant part of FTBOA’s history.

Law. He went on to practice law first in a private practice I first met Dick in the 1990s and found him to and then as a District Attorney, and was proud to serve two be a passionate advocate and innovator for terms in the House of Representatives in Oklahoma.

Florida thoroughbreds. Dick led a colorful and full life.

In the late 1970s, Richard moved to Lexington, KenIn addition to his tenure at FTBOA, Dick was a rodeo tucky where he owned a Thoroughbred Horse Farm, worked cowboy, a Kentucky farm owner, an attorney, and even as a Bloodstock Agent and enjoyed the sport of polo. In served as an Oklahoma state legislator! We know we 1988, Richard relocated to Ocala, Florida, where he served speak for numerous folks in our community and industry as the Executive Director of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’Association (FTBOA). For 22 years, as we join the Hancock Richard served Florida’s Horse industry, overseeing the family and their friends in mourning Dick’s passing. growth of the breeders’ incentive program. Working with —Lonny Powell, CEO, FTBOA the FTBOA Board of Directors, he established Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Florida Retirement Farm, obtained the Ocala Thoroughbred Racing permit and copyrighted Horse Capital of the World © for Ocala/Marion County. Richard retired at the end of 2011 and then served on the boards of Kids Central, Inc. and the Florida Horse Park.

Of all his accomplishments, Richard was most proud of his family.

Richard is survived by his wife, Cathy Albright Hancock; four daughters, Laura (Billy) Baysinger, Tulsa, OK; Ellie Hancock, Ocala, FL; Katherine (Matt) Harrison, St. Petersburg, FL; Barbara (Andrew) Nelson, St. Petersburg, FL, and two step children, Steve (Stephanie) Albright, Ocala, FL; and Weldon (Tim) Liberatore, Ocala, FL; brother, Don Hancock, Ft. Smith, AK; 12 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. Due to the pandemic, a private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Marion County or Florida Thoroughbred Charities. ■

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forward during his tenure, securing many benefits for the breeders and substantiating our strong position amongst state and national thoroughbred stake holders as well as elevating our standing with Florida state government. I considered Dick a friend and I wish to convey my heartfelt condolences to his family.

”

—Phil Matthews, DVM, FTBOA president

Richard E. Hancock

ELEANOR HANCOCK PHOTO

I was very sorry to hear of the passing of Dick Hancock. As “ executive director of the FTBOA he brought the organization so far

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021 15

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Breed,Own&Race No tax on stallion seasons No personal state income tax No individual capital gains tax National leader in veterinary and equine research Ranks second in the U.S. for number of thoroughbred horses Feed and animal health items, along with other specific items, are also exempt Horses are exempt from sales tax when purchased from their original breeder Florida’s greenbelt exemption provides property taxbreaks for Florida horse farms Physical climate allows for year-round training, racing, showing and business opportunities

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Nicole “Nikki” Fried, Commissioner www.FDACS.gov

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Florida-breds

For more information go to www.ftboa.com or e-mail floridasirestakes@ftboa.com

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By BROCK SHERIDAN

F

lorida-bred Medina Spirit held off stretch long challenges from Roman Centurian and Hot Rod Charlie to win the $100,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (Grade 3) at Santa Anita Jan. 30 and become a primary contender for the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) to be run at Churchill Downs on May 1.

Medina Spirit earned 10 qualifying points for the Derby with the victory and increased his total to 14 to rank fourth on the leaderboard for the Run for the Roses as of Feb. 1.

The top 18 point earners will earn a spot in the starting gate for the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby with one invitation extended to the top point earner in the Europe Road to the Derby and one invitation extended to the top point earner in the Japan Road to the Derby. The Kentucky Derby field has been limited to 20 starters since 1975.

Sent to the post as the even money favorite among the six 3year-olds in the mile-and-one-sixteenth Robert B. Lewis, Medina Spirit, who is trained by six-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert, went right to the front from post one with jockey Abel Cedillo aboard.

Medina Spirit had a length lead on 8-1 choice Wipe the Slate and 15-1 longshot Parnelli together in second around the club-

Florida-bred Medina Spirit Becomes Top Kentucky Derby Contender with Robert B. Lewis Score

18 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

house turn before completing the first two furlongs in :22.89.

They were followed by 5-2 second choice Hot Rod Charlie, who was four lengths farther back in fourth with stablemate Spielberg and Roman Centurian an additional three lengths behind.

Medina Spirit kept a comfortable one-length lead down the back-

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stretch and finished the half-mile in :49.61 while taking the field around the far turn as Roman Centurian and Hot Rod Charlie ranged up on the outside to challenge in the run for home.

But Medina Spirit dug in under the righthanded urging from Cedillo and fought off the two challengers as they passed the threesixteenths pole at the top of the stretch.

Medina Spirit never relinquished the lead while staying on the rail as Roman Centurian kept pressuring on the outside and Hot Rod Charlie fought from between those two.

Inside the final sixteenth, Roman Centurian appeared to momentarily gather momentum but was unable to get by the tenacious Medina Spirit with Hot Rod Charlie resiliently keeping pace to the finish.

Medina Spirit crossed under the wire a neck faster than Roman Centurian, who was a nose better than Hot Rod Charlie in third.

Those three were 11 lengths ahead of Spielberg in fourth followed by Parnelli and Wipe the Slate in that order.

The final time was 1:46.26 on the fast track.

“That reminded me a little bit of Silver Charm,” Baffert said referring to the Floridabred star who gave him his first Kentucky Derby victory in 1997. “He had every reason to give it up late in the stretch [when Roman Centurian and Hot Rod Charlie] came to him. I thought he was beat. I thought they were going to get by and he wouldn’t let them by, he fought on.”

Baffert won the Robert B. Lewis for the ninth time going back to 1999 when he won

20 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

A dark bay or brown colt bred by Gail with General Challenge when the race was known Rice, Medina Spirit is from the first crop of sire Protonico out of Mongolian Changra, by as the Santa Catalina Stakes.

The race was changed to the Robert B. Brilliant Speed.

“Oh my goodness, it was so exciting. I’m Lewis in 2007 in honor of the prominent thoroughbred owner who had passed away in getting goose bumps just talking about him,” 2006 and who along with his wife Beverly Rice said. “It was amazing how he just dug in. owned Silver Charm, 1999 Kentucky Derby- I expected him to run a good race after he had winner Charismatic and a slew of other set himself up so well when he was second to Baffert’s other good horse [Life is Good in the stakes-winners.

It was also the second consecutive year Baf- Sham]. So I expected him to run good. As a fert won the Robert B. Lewis with a Florida- breeder, I always expect them to run good.

“It is such a blessing to have had Speech bred having taken the race last year with run so well last year and now Medina Spirit.

Thousand Words.

Medina Spirit’s determination was also Speech was in the [Kentucky] Oaks last year the first thing noted by Cedillo after the race. so maybe this horse will make it to the Derby.”

He is a two-time alumni “He’s a very game Oh my goodness , of Ocala Breeders’ Sales horse,” Cedillo said after collecting his third win of it was so exciting. I’m having sold to Christy Whitthe day and who has now getting goose bumps just man as an agent for the barridden Medina Spirit in all talking about him. It was gain price of $1,000 at the three of his races. “At the amazing how he just dug OBS Winter Mixed Sale as a yearling in 2019 from the quarter pole, I didn’t know, in. I expected him to run consignment of Francis and but he looked around and a good race...

Barbara Vanlangendonck’s when he saw those horses, —breeder Gail Rice Summerfield. Whitman then he kept going. He didn’t get tired at all. On the gallop out [after the wire], pin-hooked him back to the OBS Open Sale held last year in July where current owner he was by himself.”

It was the second win in three starts for Zedan Racing Stables put in a final bid of Medina Spirit, who won his career debut $35,000 to acquire him.

Regarding the $1,000 price tag as a short against special weight maidens by three lengths going five-and-a-half furlongs at Los yearling, Rice said it was not easy to sell him.

“I just had too many horses at that point Alamitos on Dec. 11. He was then second to stablemate and highly regarded Life is Good and I had to get rid of him. I hated to [sell in the $100,000 Sham Stakes at a mile at Medina Spirit] and I told a bunch of people that he was going to be a runner. He was such Santa Anita on Jan. 2. a big horse and so pretty and a good mover.

Finally Christy [Whitman] picked him up at the last minute.”

Medina Spirit earned $60,000 for winning the Robert B. Lewis and increased his bankroll to $105,200.

He paid $4 to win. “…We just have to keep him healthy,” Baffert said of Medina Spirit. “It’s a really tiring track, he went real fast early, but he showed that he had the qualities there. It’s nice to win the Robert B. Lewis because it means so much to me. I would have liked my other horse [fourth place finisher Spielberg] to run better than he did, but those things happen.” ■

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By BROCK SHERIDAN ast Judgment left little doubt as to his authority over five Florida-bred rivals with a six-and-a-half-length romp in the $75,000 Sunshine Classic at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 16. The mile-and-one-eighth Sunshine Classic was one of four stakes for Florida-breds on the Gulfstream card, each worth $75,000 plus a $25,000 win bonus for Florida Sire Stakes eligible runners presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Trained by Michael Maker for Michael Dubb, Steve Hornsbrook, Bethlehem Stables LLC and Nice Guys Stables, Last Judgment sprinted to the front of the pack from the start with jockey Jose Ortiz aboard and had a length lead ahead of 10-1 choice Kaufy Bean after a first quarter-mile in :23.84. The 5-year-old gelding increased the lead to a length-and-a-half after a half-mile in :47.57 and was three-and-a-half lengths to the good of Sunshine Classic defending champion Noble Drama in second when they were midway down the home stretch.

Last Judgment drew clear to win in 1:49.76 on

L

the fast track with Noble Drama second, who was a neck better than Roman Empire in third. They were followed in order by Quenane, Red Crescent and Kaufy Bean.

It was the third victory in the last five starts for Last Judgment, who had not shown a propensity to be on the lead early in previous races. He was ninth after a half-mile when eventually finishing eighth in the Grade 3 Mr. Prospector Stakes won

by Sleepy Eyes Todd going seven furlongs at Gulfstream on Dec. 19 and sixth of seven after four furlongs when victorious against second

Last Judgment Rules in the Sunshine Classic at Gulfstream Park

22 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

COGLIANESE PHOTO

level, $62,5000 allowance optional claimers at Belmont Park on Oct. 29.

The current ownership team claimed Last Judgment out of that victory two starts back with Florida races and a change in running style in mind.

“We knew he was a class horse. I followed this horse from the beginning of his career” Dubb said. “When he was in for a tag in New York, I had two races in mind. I had this race and the Ocala

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Sunshine Stakes

The purse was also supplemented by a $25,000 win [Breeders Sales] races, which unfortunately were cancelled due to COVID, so at least we got this. He had bonus for starters eligible for the Florida Sire Stakes previous form at Gulfstream, seemed like he liked the program.

Fifth in the Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf last year track, seemed versatile enough where anywhere from seven furlongs to a mile and an eighth would be in his behind winning juggernaut Starship Jubilee, Bienville wheelhouse. Mike Maker is excellent at stretching horses Street avenged that loss as she picked up her first black type win in the mile-and-one-sixteenth event out, so it’s nice when it all goes according to plan.” that featured a field of seven His other victory in that span and mares bred in the came for a $40,000 tag going The horse was doing fabu- fillies Sunshine State. seven furlongs at Saratoga on The victory also affirmed her Sept. 6, a race in which he was lous. I was under the impression also taken through the claiming that he would appreciate more fondness for the Gulfstream box. He was seventh of ten after distance.

—trainer Michael Maker on Park turf, where she has now four furlongs that day.

Sunshine Classic winner Last Judgment won all of her five career victories from 24 appearances there Ortiz noted the longer distance in Sunshine Classic compared to previous races in 32 lifetime starts. She also has two second-place finishes in the 2019-20 Monroe Stakes and two thirds in allowed him to execute the new strategy.

“He was coming off sprints when he’s not able to be the 2020 Claiming Crown Tiara and 2019 In the Breeze on the lead or near it. If he jumped well, I thought he Stakes on the Hallandale Beach grass.

Ridden by Paco Lopez from post four in the Suncould be near the lead because he’s been sprinting,” Ortiz said. “After that he got the lead, he relaxed well. shine Filly and Mare Turf, Bienville Street sat fourth from the start as Sugar Fix, who led all Florida-breds Mike had him prepared.” in 2020 with seven wins, and recent Tropical Park Maker also spoke of the distance angle.

“The horse was doing fabulous. We were expecting Oaks fourth-place finisher Mo of the West, went into a better run than he had in the Mr. Prospector. He was the club house turn as a pair. Sugar Fix shook free with stepping up in class, ran into trouble and had a strong a comfortable :24.19 first quarter-mile for a lengthgallop-out,” Maker said. “I was under the impression and-a-half margin better than Mo of the West in second, who was a half-length ahead of Sun Summers in that he would appreciate more distance.”

Last Judgment was the 5-2 second choice in the Sunshine Classic which resulted in the win payoff of $7.60.

Bred by Woodford Thoroughreds, the 5-year-old gelding is by Congrats out of Fantasy Forest, by Forestry.

He now has six wins in 14 starts with a third and earnings of $173,365. The Sunshine Classic was the first career stakes win for the bay gelding who was purchased for $300,000 by Steven W. Young at the 2018 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Spring Sale of 2-year-olds from the Bobby Dodd consignment.

Woodford Thoroughbreds consigned him as a yearling when Grand Oaks put in the final bid at $90,000 to get him.

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Florida-bred Bienville Street (No. 9) triumphs in the Filly and Mare Turf

BIENVILLE STREET BEST OF A BLANKET FINISH IN SUNSHINE FILLY AND MARE TURF

COGLIANESE PHOTO

American turf racing, popular for producing exciting finishes, could not be more thrilling than the $75,000 Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf as C J Thoroughbreds’ Bienville Street won by a neck ahead of Mo of the West in second, who was a neck in front of Sun Summers in third. It was a head farther back to Lovely Luvy in fourth with Sugar Fix just another head back in fifth.

24 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

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CAJUN BROTHER UPSETS SUNSHINE SPRINT

Also earns $25,000 FTBOA FSS Win Bonus

RYAN THOMPSON PHOTO

third and Bienville Street just to her outside in fourth.

After a :48.20 half-mile, Bienville Street began to advance around the far turn with Sugar Fix and Mo of the West still together on the lead before those three locked up for a three-way battle down the stretch. Just yards before the finish, Sun Summers and Lovely Luvy also joined the fray and it took a photo finish to separate the quintuple’s final order of finish. Lookinlikeaqueen and Kelsey’s Cross finished in that order and the running time was 1:41.50 on the firm turf.

Cam Gambolati trains the 6-year-old mare by Street Boss (Ire) out of Milk Run by Running Stag who now has earnings of $233,485. Bred by Double W Thoroughbred Racing Inc., Bienville Street was let go at a generous odds of 8-1 and paid $18.00 to win.

It was also the second straight victory for Bienville Street after she won a second-level, $62,500 allowance optional claiming race going a mile on the turf at Gulfstream on Dec. 18 in her previous start.

Facing the likes of near millionaire and Sunshine Sprint defending champion Extravagant Kid; Souper Stonehenge, who was second in the Grade 2 Kennedy Road Stakes at Woodbine in his last start; and Grade 3 World of Trouble Stakes-winner Jackson; Cajun Brother was undeterred while winning the $75,000 Sunshine

Sprint at Gulfstream Park Jan. 16. Set at six furlongs on the dirt for Florida-bred older horses, the Sunshine Sprint also offered a $25,000 win bonus for Florida Sire Stakes eligible runners presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Owned and bred by trainer Michael Yates in the name of his Shadybrook Farm Inc., Cajun Brother outran his seven rivals to earn the winner’s share of the purse, the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes win bonus and generated a nice 14-1 return for those punters who supported him through the mutuel windows with a $31.60 price on a $2 win ticket.

Ridden by Miquel Vasquez from post six, Cajun Brother stalked early leader Inter Miami from his fourthplace running position with Extravagant Kid and Jackson a length back together in second through a :22.32 first quarter. Extravagant Kid moved closer to Inter Miami around the turn to complete the half-mile in :45.69 and took over for the run for home as Jackson could not keep up.

Extravagant Kid had daylight on the field in midstretch when Cajun Brother began to challenge from the three-path before the latter completed the assault under the wire with a neck margin of victory. Extravagant Kid finished a length-and-a-quarter better than With Verve in third as Souper Stonehenge, Legal Deal, Inter Miami, Jackson and Old Time Revival completed Continued on next page the order of finish.

Florida-bred Cajun Brother (No. 7) claims the upset in the Sunshine Sprint

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Sunshine Stakes

The final time on the fast track was 1:10.97.

VENEZUELAN HUG WINS Fourth, beaten 13 lengths by winner Double Crown SUNSHINE TURF AS FAVORITE in the $75,000 Carry Back Stakes going seven furlongs Venezuelan Hug did not disappoint his supporters at at Gulfstream in June and sixth in Nashville’s victory in the mutuel windows Jan. 16 as the gray or roan colt ralthe $125,000 Perryville Stakes over six furlongs at lied to win the $75,000 Sunshine Turf as the 5-2 favorite.

Keeneland on Nov. 7, Cajun Brother improved to third The Sunshine Turf attracted a field of nine 4-yearagainst non-winners of two other than, $62,500 al- olds and older who competed over a mile-and-one-sixlowance optional claiming rivals going six furlongs at teenth on the turf. The purse was supplemented with a Gulfstream just prior to the Sunshine Sprint. $25,000 win bonus presented by the Florida ThoroughHowever, Yates correctly thought the Sunshine Clas- bred Breeders’ and Owners Association for Florida Sire sic would be in his grasp.

Stake eligible runners.

“It just looked like a place to go Trained by Danny Gargan for with him,” Yates said. “I’ve always He’s tough. We’re happy Spedale Family Racing LLC and felt he’s this caliber. We bit off little to have him. My assistant R. A. Hill Stable, Venezuelan Hug more than we could chew shipping used a victory in the $60,000 Turf to Kentucky. His last race he ran a Carol Fisher picked him out Preview at Gulfstream Park West in good race, a beaten third, but not when we claimed him. He’s November to springboard him to far. He just progressed and trained a pretty fun horse.

—trainer victory in the Sunshine Turf. well since. It was just the next step.”

Just as he had done in the Turf Danny Gargan on Venezuelan Hug The Sunshine Sprint was the Preview, Venezuelan Hug sat far first stakes victory for the 4-year-old gelding who back during the early stages in the Sunshine Turf as reearned a nice $70,105 with the win bonus. He has now cent Toronto Cup-winner Proven Strategies set fractions won half of his eight career starts while also banking of :22.65 and :45.85 while daylighting Monforte in sec$163,005. ond and Max K.O. in third in the strung out field.

Cajun Brother is by Stonehedge Farm South stallion Proven Strategies continued to have a length-and-aCajun Breeze, who was second in the 2012 Sunshine half lead in deep stretch but Venezuelan Hug had rallied Sprint and seventh in 2013 for Yates. He is out of the with a four-wide move around the turn to join Monforte Strong Hope mare Bella Capri Z. and Clear Destination to give chase in second. “[Cajun Breeze is] throwing runners,” Yates said.

However, Proven Strategies surrendered to Venezue“He’s a horse a man can make a living with. He throws lan Hug and jockey Luis Saez as they ran past the sixa good athletic horse and they’re just runners. They’re teenth pole and Venezuelan Hug then hung on to a nice horses.” three-quarter-length victory in 1:40.02. Shamrocket was second with Montforte remaining an atagonizing third while less than a length farther back. Over the Channel, Clear Destination, Max K.O. and Galleon Mast completed the order of finish.

“He’s tough,” Gargan said. “We’re happy to have him. My assistant Carol Fisher picked him out when we claimed him. He’s a pretty fun horse.”

Gargan tagged Venezuelan Hug for $40,000 out of his maiden victory going a mile on the turf at Gulfstream in March. He has since won a $50,000 starter allowance optional claiming at Gulfstream in May and a first-level allowance race at Saratoga in August with two off-the board finishes against graded-stakes company in June and October at Belmont. All of his starts have been on grass.

Venezuelan Hug is by Constitution out of Downtown Diva, by Giant’s Causeway and he has now built a consistent record of five wins in nine starts with one third and $178,430 in lifetime revenues.

He was bred in Florida by Orlyana Farm and paid $7 to win. ■

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COGLIANESE PHOTO

Florida-bred Venezuelan Hug wins the Sunshine Turf

26 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

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Matt Bryan/FILE PHOTO

BY MATT BRYAN, FTBOA LOBBYIST Folks: By the time you read this article, the 2021 Legislative session in Florida will be well underway, thereby putting your life, liberty, and property at risk until the session closes on April 30, 2021! The purpose of this report is to provide you with a broad look at the potential issues the Legislature may consider this spring that would be of most interest to thoroughbred breeders, horsemen, owners, trainers, and other stakeholders. I am always hesitant to write a pre-session report simply because the Florida Legislature is by nature an unpredictable body. Despite that, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association has asked me to give it my best shot, so, with that caveat, here are my thoughts from the field of play here in Tallahassee.

It is hard to begin without mentioning what a profound impact COVID-19 continues to have on the lives of the citizens of the State.

The year 2020 was certainly a challenge for most of us. Just like everything else, COVID-19 has also impacted the legislative process itself.

Most lobbyists have not had access to the Capitol since the 2020 session ended last March. Even today, the Capitol is essentially closed to the public and lobbyists, with very limited exceptions for certain committee testimony. In addition, COVID-19 has naturally had a very negative impact on the state budget, and money is as scarce as it has been since the height of the Great Recession. Most of the discussion these days centers around how much the state budget is going to be reduced for the coming fiscal year.

The budget situation is important to you, because it makes the possibility of a new gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida much more likely. The Legislature needs revenue to address critical budget shortfalls, and a revised compact is certainly one option that may receive serious consideration. A new compact could generate as much as $700 million annually, and it represents perhaps the largest single source of possible new revenue. To put that in perspective, the projected state budget deficit for the coming fiscal year is roughly $2.5 billion.

As far as the compact negotiations, the Seminole Tribe of Florida is in a good place. The Tribe can be expected to ask for sports betting and some new casino games and for elimination of certain card games at existing pari-mutuels, to name just a couple of items. The next question becomes what can the Florida Legislature offer the pari-mutuels

and the breeders and horsemen to encourage them not to oppose the new compact? We can expect to see additional operating hours, tax breaks, and night racing as possible issues that the tracks and frontons will pursue.

For the FTBOA specifically, we will continue to oppose “decoupling” for thoroughbred tracks, i.e., oppose allowing tracks to offer other gaming options without also offering live thoroughbred racing.

Obviously, if our thoroughbred tracks go the way of the state’s dog tracks, there will be much less interest in breeding thoroughbreds in Florida, because they will have nowhere in the state to run. Although outgunned from a resource perspective, we have been able to stave off decoupling and protect live racing over the last few legislative sessions, but it certainly has not been easy. Our discussions with legislators on this issue continue, and we are getting much better feedback than we have in recent years. Despite these encouraging conversations, we must remain vigilant and work hard to educate legislators about the economic impact of our industry and its benefit to the state.

We also expect the Legislature to finally address advance deposit wagering this session. Advanced Deposit Wagering (ADW) volumes have exploded during the pandemic, and it seems obvious that a fresh look at the distribution of revenue from these wagers is long overdue.

ADW companies are setting revenue and profit records while often contributing little or nothing to purses and breeder awards. As wagering shifts from live on-track betting to ADW, the net effect is to transfer to ADW companies the money that should be going to purses and awards. Racing states around the nation are waking up to this situation, and we hope Florida will be no different.

Finally, the Legislature may create a state gaming commission to act as the industry’s regulator, which has been discussed for many years. There is a general consensus that such a move would improve the environment for pari-mutuels, racinos, breeders, horsemen, and newly decoupled dog tracks. Of course, the devil’s in the details!

The FTBOA is working hard on all these issues, and we have had many, many discussions with legislators and other industry players over the past weeks. If gaming legislation comes together, we will do everything in our power to make certain it benefits our industry.

As always, putting together a bill this complicated over the course of a 60-day legislative session is a tall task. Begin placing your bets on whether it will happen during the 2021 session! ■ THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021 27

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Kris S.

File Photo

File Photo

“Produced 63 stakes winners with 5 Breeders’ Cups and earners of $50 million”

Mr. Prospector Fortunate Prospect

File Photo

“Produced earners of $43.1 million, a remarkable 74% winners from foals”

“One of the most influential sires of the 20th century”

Florida breeders bred to these Florida stallions before they became legends.

Introduce Your Mare to a Future Legend Today.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Nicole “Nikki” Fried, Commissioner www.FDACS.gov

Serita Hult Photo

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Adios Charlie

Serita Hult Photo

“2019 Florida Stallion of the Year”

Khozan “Top Ten North American Second Crop Sire”

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Lonny T. Powell, CEO Tammy A. Gantt, AVP Membership Services & Events 352-629-2160 • Fax: 352-629-3603 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com 46239

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Curlin’s Honor

Precocious stakes winner from a Grade 1 family

Coady Photo

Dak Attack

Durand Photo

An outstanding son of champion racehorse Curlin

Mr. Money

Horse Photos

Coady Photo

Prolific multiple Grade 3 runner at a distance

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Nicole “Nikki” Fried, Commissioner www.FDACS.gov

Seeking the Soul Grade 1 winner from a Grade 1 family

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Sweetontheladies

Win Win Win Grade 1 track record setter

SV Photography

From a Grade 1 stakes winning family and prolific runner

Gunnevera

King Photo

A seasoned stakes winner from a stakes winning family

Martin Photo

Book Your Mare to a

Future Legend

Today.

See more in the Florida Stallion Register at www.ftboa.com FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Lonny T. Powell, CEO Tammy A. Gantt, AVP Membership Services & Events 352-629-2160 • Fax: 352-629-3603 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com 46239

OBS_WinterMixedReCap.qxp_Florida Horse_template 2/24/21 2:01 PM Page 32

Laoban Filly Tops

OBS Winter Mixed Sale

By OBS PRESS OFFICE

T

he Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2021 Winter Mixed Sale, which was conducted on Jan. 26-27, ended on a high note as Hip 805, a yearling daughter of Laoban consigned by McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds LLC as an agent, was sold to Sand Hill Stables for $175,000 topping the Jan. 27 Open Session as well as the entire sale. The bay filly is out of Best Reward, by Grand Reward, a half-sister to stakes-placed Avery Glenn.

The top seller during the Horses of Racing Age Session and the first day, Jan. 26, was Hip 368, who sold for $150,000 to Kerri Raven.

Consigned by Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield, Bear Brian is a 3-year-old colt by Tiznow out of the stakes-winning mare Lil Super Bear, by Super Saver. The bay colt was unraced as a 2-year-old and has one win in a maiden special weight at Sam Houston on Jan. 9. In his only career start, Bear Brian earned $21,420.

The top seller during the Consignor Preferred Session during the first day of selling at $130,000 was Hip 182, a yearling colt by Practical Joke, whose first crop are 2-year-olds this year. Consigned by Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield and purchased by Ronald Clark Shepherd, the colt is out of Mobeautiful, by Uncle Mo.

JUDIT SEIPERT PHOTO

Hip 805 was the topper for the Winter Mixed sale at $175,000

32 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

Hip 616, a Florida-bred son of Mor Spirit consigned by Beth Bayer as an agent, went to Donato Lanni as an agent for $115,000. The dark bay or brown yearling colt is out of Cat Be Nimble, by Tale of the Cat, from the family of graded stakes-winner Niner’s Home.

Hip 321, Polterer, a 3-year-old chestnut colt by Ghostzapper garnered a final bid of $110,000 from Danny W. Brown. Consigned by Richard Kent’s Kaizen Sales as an agent, the colt is out of Early Times Mint Julep Handicap (G3)-winner Honey Hues, by Henny Hughes and is winless in three starts against special weight maidens at Woodbine from Sept. 27 through Nov. 20. Honey Hues is also a half-sister to stakes-placed Baby Bea Scatlin.

Hip 360 brought $100,000 from new owner D J Stable LLC. A winner of a maiden special weight at Turfway Park in her third start, Pledge is a 3-year-old filly by Candy Ride (Arg) out of Faithful, by Vindication and is a half-sister to stakes-winner Hello Don Julio, who won the Laurel Turf Cup at Laurel Park and the Point of Entry Stakes at Belmont Park. Faithful is also a half-sister to Grade 1 Ashland Stakes-winner Well Chosen, the dam of Grade 1 stakes-winner Telling; stakes-winner In Contention and stakes-placed Oude and Fine and Dandy. The bay filly was consigned by Six K’s Training and Sales LLC as an agent.

A Florida-bred yearling filly gave the sale momentum early Tuesday when Hip 25 sold for $95,000 to Democracy Bloodstock.

The daughter of Mendelssohn out of the stakes-placed mare Simply Confection, by Candy Ride (Arg) was consigned by Stuart Morris as an agent and is from the family of two-time champion and Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Grade 1)-winner Ashado and Hollywood Turf Cup (G1) winner Sunriver Stephen. Simply Confection is also a halfsister to multiple graded stakes-producer Halo’s Verse.

Another Florida-bred brought a final bid of $95,000 in Hip 117, who went to Windylea Farm – NY LLC. The yearling filly was consigned by Kerri Szegi and is by Malibu Moon out of the Grade 3 stakes-placed mare Fortunia, by Leriodesanimaux (Brz). Fortunia is also a half-sister to Dionisia, a Group 1-winner in Italy; Diocleziano, who is a stakes-winner in Italy; and stakes producers Essie’s Link and Sarah Darling.

For the entire Winter Mixed Sale, 406 horses sold for a total of $5,686,600, compared to 354 horses bringing $4,928,100 last year.

The average was $14,006, up from $13,921 in 2020 while the median price was $6,000, compared with $7,500 a year ago. The buyback percentage was 21.7%; it was 19.4% in 2020.

Next on the OBS agenda is the March Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training, scheduled for March 16 – 17. The Under Tack Show is set for March 11 – 13, beginning each morning at 8:00 a.m. ■

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From the Boardroom.qxp_Florida Horse_template 2/25/21 2:36 PM Page 34

Highlights from the regularly scheduled meeting of the FTBOA Board of Directors conducted on February 5, 2021, include the following: 1) FTBOA President Phil Matthews and CEO Lonny Powell reflected on the passing of former FTBOA Executive Director Dick Hancock and highlighted the integral role he played in the Association and the industry for more than 22 years.

2) Powell also updated the board on several legislative initiatives the FTBOA is pursuing in advance of the 2021 Legislative Session, which formally begins on March 2.

The board received a briefing from Matt Bryan (outside lobbyist) on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state budget. He noted that a new gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida may have become more likely as the Legislature struggles to find revenue to address critical budget shortfalls. The compact may address sports betting, a few new casino games for the Seminoles, and the possible elimination of some card games currently operating at parimutuels. This legislation would give parimutuels, breeders, and horsemen the opportunity to pursue additional operating hours, tax breaks, and night racing, among other things.

FTBOA will continue to oppose the “decoupling” of thoroughbred tracks, which would allow the tracks to offer other types of 34 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

gaming without also offering live thoroughbred racing. Conversations with legislators are ongoing, but Bryan noted the industry must remain vigilant and continue to work hard to educate legislators about the economic impact of the industry and its benefits to the state. Importantly, the Legislature may also finally address Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) this session. The FTBOA’s focus will be on ensuring that a fair share of ADW revenue goes to purses and breeder awards, which currently get short-changed as more and more betting migrates from the track to online platforms.

The Legislature may create a state gaming commission to act as the industry’s regulator, which has been discussed for many years. The general consensus is that such a move would improve the environment for pari-mutuels, racinos, breeders, horsemen, and newly decoupled dog tracks. (Note: Bryan’s expanded briefing is available at www.ftboa.com under Legislative Update).

3) The board received a briefing from Warren Husband (outside general counsel) on the status of a variety of legal and legislative matters, with a focus on the FTBOA’s efforts surrounding ADW. 4) The board received a briefing from

Charity Chair Valerie Dailey about the Horse Fever 2020 public art project, a component of which includes the sale of Clockwork Fury, donated by Journeyman Stud, at the end of the first day of the March Ocala Breeders’ sale. The funds raised will benefit the TRF Second Chances Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Farm at the Lowell Correctional Institution and the Marion Cultural Alliance arts program. The project also honored Dick Hancock as a pioneering Horse Fever Champion.

5) The board received a briefing from FTBOA’s Tammy A. Gantt regarding upcoming deadlines. Gantt also highlighted the current marketing campaign focused on Florida stallions. The campaign includes a commercial airing at Florida tracks and via their simulcasting systems and a segment on Horse Capital Television showcasing new stallions at their farms, along with last year’s champion stallions. The print campaign highlights impactful past stallions that were embraced by breeders their first year and a showcase of new stallions. The ads appeared in the Pegasus and Eclipse awards programs.

The goal was to give stallions more exposure since some breeders may not see the stallions in person this year. ■

EquineHealth_PostPartum.qxp_Florida Horse_template 2/23/21 11:17 AM Page 35

By HEATHER SMITH THOMAS

ost pregnancies in mares are normal and everything goes smoothly at foaling time. There are a few situations, however, when a mare has a serious problem following the birth of her foal. You need to be aware of it so assistance can be given, to try to save the mare, or to make sure her reproductive tract can heal and recover so she might be able to have future foals.

Dr. Ahmed Tibary, DMV, Dip. ACT Professor of Theriogenology, Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Washington State University, says breeders need to be aware of things that can go wrong after the mare delivers the foal. The third stage of labor is when the mare sheds her placenta. “As a rule, we like to see that happen within three hours or less. Most mares, if there are no complications with foaling, will deliver the placenta within the first hour, and often very soon after they get up,” says Tibary.

M

Equine Care

“Some people like to give a mare oxytocin after foaling to help stimulate faster shedding of the placenta, but I caution people against giving the mare oxytocin immediately or even within an hour of foaling, even if they are concerned about a retained placenta. Give her

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021 35

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some time; let her bond with her new foal. If the foal is nursing, this stimulates release of natural oxytocin in the mare (and triggers milk letdown and uterine contractions to help shrink up the uterus and shed the placenta). This is generally enough stimulation,” he says.

“I have had some cases in mares in which the placenta was retained for more than 18 hours, and any time it takes more than three hours, this becomes a big risk for health of the mare. When a mare does shed the placenta, it’s important to know that it is all there (with no pieces still within the uterus). It takes some experience or training to know how to check it yourself. It is important to do this or have an experienced person check it to make sure it is all there. There might be a small piece left in the mare, and that’s enough to cause a lot of problems (such as a serious uterine infection, or founder),” he says.

“One procedure I always recommend after every foaling is to gather the placenta as soon as it is delivered, put it into a clean container and put it in the in mares in which the refrigerator to keep it fresh placenta was retained for more than 18 hours, and any for the veterinarian to look at. Your vet can check it time it takes more than three hours, this becomes a big when he/she comes to the risk for health of the mare.

—Dr. Ahmed Tibary farm to examine the mare Some people might think the foal is doing fine and and foal at some point during the first 24 hours. We can check the placenta at the same time we do the first health that they don’t need a health check because the foal check on the new foal—unless there is some reason we looks good and mare had an easy foaling, but it is still a good idea to have a routine health check. “I read someneed to check the mare or foal quicker,” says Tibary.

“For the foal, we like to check it any time between 12 where that there is no such thing as an easy foaling beto 18 hours, because by then we can include checking cause no one has asked the mare. Many times we see for failure of passive transfer (to know whether or not mares that don’t seem to have had any problems at all, the foal received adequate antibody levels from but when we examine them after foaling or to see if they can be rebred at foal heat, we find a torn cervix or an colostrum),” he explains. area of damage in the vagina—something that wasn’t externally obvious,” he says.

Some post-partum problems show up immediately, however, for instance if the mare’s vulva is torn, or she is bleeding. There are several categories of post-partum problems. One category includes emergencies that may be life-threatening for the mare or foal. “These problems are generally signaled by the mare—such as rejection of the foal, or the mare continuing to strain, or she’s still bleeding, or there is an obvious tear in the vagina, or she has retained the placenta, or she starts trembling or showing signs of colic. There is a long list of problems that can have the same signs,” he says.

“We may see a dull mare that is too quiet and depressed, or colicky. Studies have looked at all the postpartum problems and emergencies received in large

Equine Care

“I have had some cases

”

(above) torn vulva

TIBARY PHOTOS

(below) Uterus after severe hemorrhage

36 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

EquineHealth_PostPartum.qxp_Florida Horse_template 2/25/21 3:58 PM Page 37

hospitals, and some of these are related directly to the reproductive tract and include tears in the uterus, metritis (uterine infection), severe toxemia, etc. There are other problems involving the urinary system or the gastrointestinal tract,” says Tibary.

Some mares experience large colon volvulus, and this happens most often in large mares after foaling. This is when the large colon flips over on itself—perhaps because there is suddenly more space after the foal is born and creates a twist and blockage. “There can also be bladder tears, and most of these conditions cause discomfort and the same clinical signs—colic and depression,” he explains.

“Another problem we sometimes see is artery ruptures and bleeding into the uterus or into the broad ligament supporting the uterus. Most of the severe problems that are emergencies occur immediately after foaling or within the first 48 hours.”

It is important to find the cause of the mare’s dullness and discomfort, to know how best to deal with the problem. “If the mare is rolling continuously, trembling, etc. this is definitely an emergency and requires a thorough examination. Most emergency situations are best handled in a referral hospital, since these mares often need to be hospitalized—to care for them properly,” he says. It can be difficult to take care of both the mare and the foal otherwise.

Emergencies could include severe accidents such as a prolapsed uterus, prolapsed rectum (both of which are rare), prolapsed or inverted bladder, severe rectal-vaginal tears (as when the foal’s foot pushes through the vagina into the rectum), severe bruising or laceration of the vagina, etc. “These can be complicated if the mare becomes infected, or can become aggravated by severe inflammation,” says Tibary.

The original problem can lead to other problems.

For example, simple vaginal bruising that is painful may prevent the mare from urinating or defecating– because it hurts. The mare becomes impacted, and this secondary problem may eventually be worse than the primary problem.

To prevent problems with the GI tract, when a mare gets close to foaling she ideally should be on soft, laxative feeds. Then her manure is softer and it is easier for her to pass bowel movements when she is sore from foaling.

“Some breeding farms routinely administer mineral

oil to mares after foaling, to help make sure they don’t become constipated. Putting mares on a mash for a few days before and after foaling is often done, and is the easiest. Many mares foal without any complications but there is still a lot of pain involved after foaling, and a mare may be reluctant to pass manure if it’s firm and causes her more pain when defecating. She may also be reluctant to urinate because it

(above) decomposed placenta retained 24 hours (below) retained placenta

Don’t underestimate the importance “of that first examination of the mare and new foal within 12 to 18 hours, even if everything seemed to go fine. —Dr. Ahmed Tibary

”

burns. We have to deal with these situations case by case,” says Tibary.

It’s a good idea to put mares on mash when they get close to foaling, and to have something laxative in their diet (like alfalfa) if they are not on green pasture. “Also make sure they are drinking enough, after foaling. Observe them to make sure they are eating and drinking. “Don’t underestimate the importance of that first examination of the mare and new foal within 12 to 18 hours, even if everything seemed to go fine,” he says.

Mare owners need to realize that some problems are not very common, but do happen occasionally. “This is the reason every mare that foals needs to be looked at afterward, to pick up on some of those situations. Even if it’s not life-endangering, it may still be a problem for the mare’s future fertility,” he says. You may be able to treat or correct something now, and prevent problems later.

And some situations may or may not be correctable. You may have to make the hard decision about putting down the mare, and end up with an orphan foal. ■

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021 37

AroundCountry_March2021_Layout 1 2/23/21 11:22 AM Page 38

■FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY ————By Race Type/Grade ————

■ FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—STAKES RACES Win/Place/Show Horse Name Joy’s Rocket Wildwood’s Beauty Medina Spirit Chess’s Dream Thissmytime Big Thorn Cajun Brother Extravagant Kid With Verve Adios Trippi Special Princess Bienville Street Last Judgment Mo of the West Monforte Noble Drama Roman Empire Shamrocket Sun Summers Venezuelan Hug Foreman Medina Spirit Drafted Tiger Adios Trippi Extravagant Kid Hear My Prayer Imprimis Tracy Ann’s Legacy

Sex Age Sire F M C C F C G G G F F M G F C G C C M C G C G C F G F G M

3 5 3 3 4 3 4 8 4 3 3 6 5 4 4 6 4 4 5 4 3 3 7 3 3 8 4 7 5

Dam

Anthony’s Cross Kantharos Protonico Jess’s Dream Carpe Diem The Big Beast Cajun Breeze Kiss the Kid Kantharos Adios Charlie Bahamian Squall Street Boss Congrats Uncle Mo Carpe Diem Gone Astray Empire Maker Tonalist Broken Vow Constitution Chitu Protonico Field Commission Dialed In Adios Charlie Kiss the Kid The Big Beast Broken Vow Shackleford

Queenie’s Pride Miss Propitious Mongolian Changa Achalaya Seraphic Too Save a Rose Bella Capri Z Pretty Extravagant With Elan Stage Trip Indy Crown Milk Run Fantasy Forest Satulah She’s a Ketch Queen Drama Positively Royal Zehoorr High Speed Access Downtown Diva Strong Threat Mongolian Changa Keep the Profit Sally’s Song Stage Trip Pretty Extravagant Additional Prayer Shoppers Return Tenacious Tripp

Breeder

Date Track Finish Race Name

Weston Thoroughbreds Training & Sales Philip Matthews & Karen Matthews Gail Rice Loren Nichols Katherine S. Devall Alex Lieblong & JoAnn Lieblong Shadybrook Farm Inc. Vicino Racing Stable Eric J. Wirth Laurin Stable Inc. J D Farms Double W Thoroughbred Racing Inc Woodford Thoroughbreds Don Ming Westbury Stables LLC Harold L. Queen Bill Mathis & Terry Mathis Rustlewood Farm Inc. Helen Barbazon & Joseph Barbazon Orlyana Farm Northwind Thoroughbreds LLC Majel E. Ison & Alton B. Ison Gail Rice John Foster Barbara Hooker & Field Commission Partnership Arindel Laurin Stable Inc. Vicino Racing Stable Janet Erwin Craig L. Wheeler Bridle Oaks Farm Inc.

1/30/21 1/30/21 1/30/21 1/30/21 1/23/21 1/22/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/2/21 1/2/21 1/2/21 1/1/21 1/1/21 1/1/21 1/1/21 1/1/21

OP OP SA GP GP OP GP GP GP TAM TAM GP GP GP GP GP GP GP GP GP TAM SA AQU GP GP GP GP GP GP

3 3 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 1DH 1DH 1 1 2 3 2 3 2 3 1 3 2 3 2 3 2 1 1 3

Martha Washington S. American Beauty S. Robert B. Lewis S. Kitten’s Joy S. Inside Information S. Smarty Jones S. Sunshine Sprint S. Sunshine Sprint S. Sunshine Sprint S. Gasparilla S. Gasparilla S. Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf S. Sunshine Classic S. Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf S. Sunshine Turf S. Sunshine Classic S. Sunshine Classic S. Sunshine Turf S. Sunshine Filly and Mare Turf S. Sunshine Turf S. Pasco S. Sham S. Gravesend S. Limehouse S. Cash Run S. Janus S. Abundantia S. Janus S. Abundantia S.

Grade/ Value

Earnings

$200,000 $150,000 3/$100,500 3/$100,000 3/$200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $50,000 3/$100,000 $97,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000

$20,000 $15,000 $60,000 $61,380 $38,800 $15,000 $70,105 $14,550 $7,275 $32,500 $32,500 $45,570 $46,035 $14,700 $7,200 $14,850 $7,425 $14,400 $7,350 $44,640 $5,000 $20,000 $12,000 $14,700 $7,275 $14,850 $44,175 $46,035 $7,125

■ FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—ALLOWANCE Win/Place/Show Good Fight F Irish Honor C Sir Ollie C The Ice Beast G Our Time G Royal Daaher H Campy Cash F My Lovely Girl F Violent Turbulence G Bad Little Beast G Frosty Star M Empress Alexandra F

4 3 3 3 4 5 4 4 4 4 5 3

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track

Finish

Afleet Alex Honor Code Quality Road The Big Beast Kantharos Daaher Race Day Poseidon’s Warrior Violence The Big Beast Prospective Jess’s Dream

Gospel Girl Irish Lute Harbouring Ice Girl Golden Trumpet Royal Taat (NZ) Cash Reserve Orlyana Queen T’as d’Beaux Yeux Sweep Machine Trippocracy Grey Empress

Rustlewood Farm Inc. Donarra Thoroughbreds LLC Vegso Racing Stable Y-Lo Racing Stables LLC Elizabeth LaPierre & Jennifer Given Doubledown Stables Inc. John B. Penn Orlyana Farm Beckie K. Cantrell & Charles Kent Cantrell Gail Rice Oakleaf Farm Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC

1/28/21 1/27/21 1/27/21 1/27/21 1/27/21 1/24/21 1/20/21 1/20/21 1/18/21 1/18/21 1/18/21 1/16/21

HOU GP GP GP MVR OP CT CT PRX MVR CMR MVR

1 1 2 3 1 2 2 3 1 2 1 2

Chess’s Dream/Kitten’s Joy Stakes G3

BENOIT PHOTO

Medina Spirit/Robert B. Lewis Stakes G3

38 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

Value $37,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $21,200 $85,000 $30,000 $30,000 $42,250 $21,800 $13,818 $21,200

Earnings $21,780 $24,000 $8,800 $4,800 $12,720 $17,000 $6,000 $3,000 $24,600 $4,360 $8,526 $4,240

Special Princess (#1) Adios Trippi (inside) DH/Gasparilla

SV PHOTOGRAPHY

Sex Age

LAUREN KING PHOTO

Horse Name

AroundCountry_March2021_Layout 1 2/23/21 11:23 AM Page 39

■ FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—ALLOWANCE Win/Place/Show Horse Name Mi Amigo Pedro Broad Storm My Lovely Girl Famous Gent Real Talk Willy Boi Battle Cry Corey Foolish Heart Montauk Cove Lure Him In Frosty Star

Sex Age C F F G C G F F F G G M

3 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 8 4 5

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track

Finish

Forty Grams Fort Larned Poseidon’s Warrior First Dude Gemologist Uncaptured Prospective First Samurai Chitu Circular Quay Khozan Prospective

Loveitorleaveit Spirited Storm Orlyana Queen Rosie Red Woodland Park Shining Moment Fort Carillon Gospel Girl R Crown Royalty Awanda Alluring Lady Trippocracy

Ruben Valdes TAG Stables Orlyana Farm Trilogy Stable & Plesa Ocala Stud Ocala Stud & William J. Terrell Amalio Ruiz Lozano Rustlewood Farm Inc. Clark Freeman Janet Erwin Stonehedge LLC Oakleaf Farm

1/16/21 1/14/21 1/9/21 1/7/21 1/7/21 1/7/21 1/6/21 1/6/21 1/6/21 1/5/21 1/1/21 1/1/21

CMR CT CT GP GP GP GP GP GP MVR SA CMR

3 1 1 3 2 1 3 1 2 2 2 1

Value $14,896 $29,000 $29,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $21,800 $67,902 $14,406

Earnings $1,520 $17,325 $17,325 $4,400 $8,400 $24,000 $4,400 $24,000 $8,800 $4,360 $12,600 $8,526

■ FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT Win/Place/Show Horse Name He’s in Charge Golden Answer Picking Up Pennies Soup and Sandwich Twice too Many La Muneca Smarmy Complex System Affable Red Bottom Rebel Joshy Jak Sososubtle Swing Low Making Me Crazy Midnight Fire Ceviche Prince Amadeus Double Blessed Comedy Town Shedancesforfate Imtakinittothebank Tapsasional Forbidden Dream Dreaming of Audrey Sigiloso Triple Jeopardy Kukulkan Honor America Simply the Best Fast Charra Enough Nonsense Morality Clause Admiral Hopper Walks Like a Lady La Muneca Moma Tiger Last Investment Soldiers Son Candy’s Beauty Z’devil Mr. Doda Jade Empress No Decaf Skyfly Ceviche Sierra Diamond Frankly My Dear

Sex Age C G G C G F F C C F C G C G C F C F C M G C F F C G H F F C C F F F F F C G F C G F F F F F F

3 3 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 5 3 3 3 3 3 3 6 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track

Finish

Candy Ride (ARG) Jess’s Dream First Dude Into Mischief The Big Beast Poseidon’s Warrior Liam’s Map Amira’s Prince (IRE) Flatter Chitu Khozan Speightster Upstart Winslow Homer Midnight Lute Brethren Winslow Homer Treasure Beach (GB) Speightstown Two Step Salsa Greatness Tapiture Jess’s Dream Field Commission Khozan Khozan Corfu Into Mischief Constitution Fast Anna Quality Road Verrazano Field Commission Vancouver (AUS) Poseidon’s Warrior Smiling Tiger Social Inclusion Fort Larned Forty Grams Daredevil Uptowncharlybrown Shanghai Bobby Khozan Jess’s Dream Brethren Bahamian Squall Jess’s Dream

Brazen Persuasion Golden Ride Dreaminofauntdiane Souper Scoop Almost a Valentine Expect Some Drama Ebony Moment Lady Halite Wildaboutshopping Shanghai Rose Zurita Subtle Livie Lyrique Make Note of Me Meili Villa Villa Coola Afleet Memories Points of Grace Unbridled Humor Flirting With Fate Broadway Martha Indian Colors Forbidden Image Dash It Dreamer Ginablu Joy Rules Nonotesneeded Honour Isabel One in the Chamber There I Go Allseas Gran Pashita Flower Class Lizzie K Expect Some Drama Proposed Sassy Harper War Socks Candy Rain Zooming By Sweeter Turn Guard the Empire Mitasunke Calico Bay Villa Villa Coola Galaxy Princess Signora Gina

Bridlewood Farm Maleek Crooks Jesus Rodriguez Live Oak Stud Ocala Stud Helen Barbazon & Joseph Barbazon Barry Berkelhammer & Rich Averill Beth Bayer Craig Wheeler Susan Chenowith A. Francis Vanlangendonck & Barbara Vanlangendonck David Palmer & Teresa Palmer Woodford Thoroughbreds University of Florida Foundation Pegasus Stud LLC Arindel Teamwork Racing Company Helen Barbazon & Joseph Barbazon Live Oak Stud Best A Luck Farm LLC Arboritanza Racing LLC Don L. Ming Chessmate Thoroughbreds International LLC & Peter Halsall Hope Kurth & Garry Kurth Brent Fernung Crystal Fernung & Mike Sebastian Sr. Shade Tree Thoroughbreds Inc Geoff Roy & Tom Fitzgerald Luis D. Martinez Craig Wheeler Thoroughbreds Equest Thoroughbreds Inc. English Range Farm Farm III Enterprises LLC Off The Hook Partners LLC Krista Seltzer & Edward Seltzer Darsan Inc. Helen Barbazon & Joseph Barbazon Mary K. Haire Milton Hendry Beth Hendry & Norman Hendry Mary Robinson Ruben Valdes John Ropes Monmouth Stud George Kerr & Tim Odonohue Philip M. Matthews & Karen Matthews Bobby Jones Equine LLC Arindel Donald R. Dizney LLC Juvenal L. Diaz

1/30/21 1/30/21 1/28/21 1/28/21 1/28/21 1/27/21 1/24/21 1/24/21 1/23/21 1/21/21 1/20/21 1/20/21 1/20/21 1/20/21 1/20/21 1/19/21 1/19/21 1/17/21 1/16/21 1/16/21 1/15/21 1/15/21 1/15/21 1/13/21 1/13/21 1/13/21 1/13/21 1/10/21 1/10/21 1/10/21 1/9/21 1/9/21 1/9/21 1/9/21 1/9/21 1/8/21 1/8/21 1/8/21 1/8/21 1/7/21 1/6/21 1/6/21 1/6/21 1/6/21 1/4/21 1/4/21 1/3/21

FG CT GP GP GP MVR OP FG SA HOU GP GP GP MVR MVR MVR MVR TAM GP TAM TAM TAM TAM GP GP GP CT SA GP CMR SA CT TAM TAM MVR PEN TAM TAM CMR AQU PRX GP GP GP MVR MVR GP

1 3 3 1 2 2 2 1 2 3 3 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 3 1 3 1 1 2 3 1 2 3 3 3 1 1 2 3 2 1 2

Value $50,000 $27,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $20,000 $82,000 $43,650 $59,780 $36,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $20,000 $22,200 $41,000 $21,700 $27,300 $27,300 $26,700 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $27,000 $62,000 $41,000 $11,000 $63,500 $27,000 $26,900 $26,900 $22,000 $28,780 $22,700 $21,600 $10,780 $80,000 $43,450 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $20,000 $20,000 $42,000

Earnings $30,000 $2,688 $4,400 $24,000 $8,800 $4,000 $16,400 $27,000 $12,200 $3,949 $4,400 $24,000 $8,400 $4,000 $12,000 $2,000 $4,000 $13,170 $5,400 $4,715 $2,750 $16,600 $5,500 $4,400 $24,000 $8,800 $5,400 $36,600 $4,600 $6,380 $7,320 $15,975 $17,100 $5,715 $2,000 $16,260 $5,715 $2,250 $1,100 $9,600 $24,000 $24,000 $8,800 $4,400 $4,000 $12,000 $10,400

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021 39

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EL Potro

Espíritu de vencedor

E

SANTA ANITA PHOTO

l camino a las Carrera de las Rosas de este año pareciera ser mucho interesante de lo que las diferentes fuentes informativas nos publican. por Roberto Rodriguez Como todas las temporadas, cada región del país cuenta con su ejemplar favorito, lo cual no es un secreto para Apasionado con los caballos de carreras ninguno de nosotros. En la ruta a la edición ciento Editor de la plataforma cuarenta y siete del Kentucky Derby, el Oeste es eninformativa de los hípicos de habla hispana cabezado hasta el momento por el potro Life Is Good del Sirviendo como establo de Bob Baffert, quien como todos saben, es el enpuente para que trenador con mayor número de victorias en las carreras nuestras culturas conozcan más del que conforman la Triple Corona Norteamericana con hipismo en los dieciséis, y está empatado con el legendario Ben Jones Estados Unidos como los más ganadores del Derby con seis lauros cada uno. Por su parte, el rey del turf Chad Brown tiene en el norte Risk Taking, vencedor en el Whiters G3 en Aqueduct, New York, mientras que el recién galardonado con el premio Eclipse Brad Cox, conserva en su establo al campeón dosañero del 2020 Essential Quality. Finalizando el recorrido por todo el país en Florida, Estado que acoge Greatest Honour, ganador del Holy Bull Stakes G3 en Gulfstream Park. Podríamos decir que hasta la fecha -10 de Febrero-, estos son los cuatro potros que resaltan en cada una de estas regiones.

Sin embargo, respetando el alto Medina Spirit concepto en que se tiene a Life Is Good, considerando la flotilla de Brad Cox encabezada por Essential Quality y Caddo River, no ignorando el conocimiento de Chad Brown y la calidad de sus potros, o la proyección que pueda tener Greatest Honour, quiero dedicarle las siguientes líneas a un ejemplar que podría pasar desapercibido para muchos, pero su calidad y potencial es algo innegable, se trata de Medina Spirit, un potro nacido y criado en Florida por Gail Rise, que fue vendido en la subasta de OBS Sales de potros de 2 años y caballos en edad de correr del 2020 por apenas $35,000.

Desde su arribo al cuidado de Bob Baffert, Medina Spirit ha demostrado ese ímpetu de ser un excelente caballo de carreras, pagando el precio de ser utilizado al principio en varios de los entrenamientos como sparring de las anunciadas futuras estrellas provenientes de este establo, Medina Spirit se fue ganando el respeto tanto de su 40 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

entrenador, como de todos sus compañeros de cuadra, y ese mismo respeto ha sabido trasladarlo a la pista con tres formidables actuaciones -para el momento que redacto esta nota-, ganando en su carrera de debut en Los Alamitos, luego asustando a propios y extraños después de arremeter con fuerzas ante Life Is Good en el Sham Stakes G3, tornado un paseo de salud para este último en una película de terror, y en el Robert B. Lewis G3 dio muestras de gran calidad, ganando esta competencia después de marcar el ritmo de la misma, y además tener que luchar de tú a tú en el furlong final con Roman Centurian y Hot Rod Charlie, derrochando Medina Spirit un espíritu de vencedor que lo coloca en un renglón muy particular entre los analistas hípicos de caras al Kentucky Derby; “este potro no se deja pasar”.

Medina Spirit es un hijo de Protonico en Mongolian Changa, y su abuela materna Briled, era nada más y nada menos que una nieta de uno de los ejemplares nacidos en Florida más famosos en la historia, el recordado Holy Bull, ganador del Florida Derby, Haskell, Travers, y Woodward, entre otras competencias. Por su parte, Protonico desciende el linaje de Northern Dancer, pasando por Storm Bird y Storm Cat, hasta llegar al inmortal Giant’s Causeway, padre de Potronico. Es decir, pedigrí fondista, clásico, efectivo, y de mucha consistencia, tiene este potro llamado Medina Spirit.

Es cierto que falta mucho camino por recorrer hasta llegar el primer sábado de Mayo, pero más allá de resaltar las posibilidades de Medina Spirit en convertirse un ganador de la Carrera de las Rosas como lo hicieron otros ejemplares nacidos en Florida como Needles en 1956, Carry Back en 1961, Foolish Pleasure en 1975, Unbridled en 1990, Silver Charm en 1997, y por supuesto, el triplecoronado Affirmed en 1978. Es también importante destacar que la cría del purasangre de carreras en Florida sigue siendo una de las mejores del país, y que vale la pena seguir invirtiendo en estas piezas que lo único que hacen es alimentar en nosotros ese sueño de ver un caballo lleno de ese espíritu vencedor ganando en las mejores competencias. ■

Editor’s Note: If you would like an English translation of this column, please contact Brock Sheridan, Editor-in-Chief at 352.732.8858 or email at: bsheridan@ftboa.com

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FTBOA Member Update

Member Resources Tammy A. Gantt

Associate Vice President, Director of Membership Services & Events, FEC Contributing Editor and FTC Industry & Community Affairs

JOHN D. FILER PHOTO

I

n our ongoing communications we continue to highlight our goal to always provide outstanding customer service with a personal touch and to assist you with anything related to your role as a Florida thoroughbred industry participant. While the pandemic has created some changes, our goal at FTBOA is to provide members with valuable resources, offer ways to reduce business expenses, and assist in marketing your operation. Here are a few resources: NATIONAL THOROUGHBRED OWNER CONFERENCE SERIES

FTBOA members are encouraged to take advantage of the free presentations being offered this year on the first Tuesday of each month. A value of more than $1,500, the sessions are over a course of nine weeks and are being recorded; however, watching them live gives you the opportunity to ask questions. The next session is April 6 at 2 p.m. and the topic is “Finding Your Thoroughbred Athletes” moderated by Mike Penna with panelists Dr. Jeffrey Berk, Gatewood Bell, Gayle Van Leer and Terry Finley. These owners and agents talk about what goes into finding athletes at sales, private purchases and through claiming.

Sign up at ownerview.com/event/conference.

EQUINE SPECIALIZED TAXES

Dean Dorton, advisors to the National Thoroughbred Racing Association offer resources online to help you including: coronavirus economic relief provisions; the impact for horse and farm owners; tax benefits for charitable donations of horses; recent income tax changes that may benefit equine industry; transactions subject to sales or use tax; and tax depreciation opportunities for thoroughbred owners. These are available at deandorton.com, select industries, equine.

FLORIDA FENCE AND PROPERTY LAW HANDBOOK

A handbook designed to inform property owners of their rights and responsibilities. Discussed areas include a property owner’s responsibility to fence when livestock is kept on the property, the rights of adjoining landowners 42 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2021

to fence, the placement of fences, encroachments, boundary lines, easements, contracts, nuisances, and a landowner’s responsibilities toward persons who enter his or her property. Visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu for a copy.

UC DAVIS HORSE REPORT

The publication provides results of significant equine research related to the thoroughbred. Topics include a comprehensive guide to farm biosecurity, Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), UCD’s first PET scans designed for racehorses, a study showing that Fragile Foal Syndrome is not associated with catastrophic breakdown in thoroughbreds, an investigation into the causes of underrun heels in racehorses, and reproduction topics including mare fertility. For a copy, go to ceh.vetmed.ucdavis.edu.

CLOCKWORK FURY FUNDRAISER

Florida Thoroughbred Charities has partnered with the Marion Cultural Alliance to auction a public art piece titled Clockwork Fury at the end of the first day of the March sale at Ocala Breeders’ Sales. The proceeds will benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Second Chances farm in Ocala and youth education programs.

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