Florida Horse Setember 2012

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FEATURES

September • 2012

14 STONEHEDGE FARM’S LARRY KING Larry King Considers Himself a Lucky Man

By JoAnn Guidry

22 ENCORE PERFORMANCE Emma’s Encore has now won four of six starts for Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens By Brock Sheridan

24 Q&A WITH FTBOA PRESIDENT PHIL MATTHEWS 26 LITTLE MIKE WINS BIG IN MILLION Little Mike is flawless in stunning Arlington Million victory By Brock Sheridan

30 DREAM TEAM James Culver and Kostas Hatzikoutelis are realizing personal dreams through their Dream Team Racing Stable

By Michael Compton

36 FLORIDA STALLION STAKES Undefeated in three career starts, Two T’s At Two B takes the Dr. Fager division of the Florida Stallion Stakes

By Brock Sheridan

44 SARATOGA SUPERFECTA Turbulent Descent tops Florida four in New York’s Ballerina

By Brock Sheridan

56 EQUINE CARE: Fungal Skin Problems

By Heather Smith Thomas

DEPARTMENTS/COLUMNS 6 8 47 48 60

THE BROCK TALK FLORIDA FOCUS LEADING SIRES LEADING JUVENILE/FRESHMAN SIRES FARM MANAGEMENT: Manure Laws in Other States

By Jamie Cohen

61 CHASE TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP 62 PRACTICALLY SPEAKING: Horses and Myths

By Mark Shuffitt

64 YOUR FLORIDA HORSE PARK

By Connie Duff Wise

66 PLAYER’S PAGE: Crowning Glory Turned Local Event?

By Paul Moran 4 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

COVER PHOTO OF LITTLE MIKE: FOUR FOOTED FOTOS CONTENTS (TWO T’S AT TWO B): LIZ LAMONT

VO L 5 5 / I S S U E 7

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801 SW 60th Avenue • Ocala, Florida 34474 (352) 732-8858 • Fax: (352) 867-1979 • www.ftboa.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Brock Sheridan BUSINESS MANAGER

Patrick Vinzant ART DIRECTOR

John Filer CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

JoAnn Guidry ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Beverly Kalberkamp CORRESPONDENTS

Jay Friedman, Doug McCoy, Cynthia McFarland, Mark Shuffitt, Michael Compton

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

Executive Office - 801 SW 60th Avenue • Ocala, Florida 34474 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Phil Matthews, President/Board Chairman Brent Fernung, 1st Vice President Francis Vanlangendonck, 2nd Vice President Sheila DiMare, Secretary Bonnie M. Heath III, Treasurer CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Lonny T. Powell CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Caroline T. Davis

© 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 Publications 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©.

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.

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American Horse Publications • FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION • MEMBER BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

FTBOA OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Phil Matthews, President Brent Fernung, First Vice President Francis Vanlangendonck, Second Vice President Sheila DiMare, Secretary Bonnie M. Heath III, Treasurer

DIRECTORS Joe Barbazon Craig Bernick Dean DeRenzo Roy Lerman Diane Parks

Linda Appleton Potter George Russell Jessica Steinbrenner Charlotte C. Weber Greg Wheeler

CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Lonny T. Powell THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 5

BrockTalk.qxd #4_EditorWelcome 9/14/12 4:00 PM Page 6

the Brock talk

Brock Sheridan

Editor-in-Chief Florida Equine Publications

Welcoming Our Newest Member F

“Adopt a Horse” in which youths ages three to 16 “got” a 2-year-old racehorse. Kids saw their horses run, studied pedigrees, wrote stud farms, met the trainers and developed feeding plans. After seeing pets lost from their owners after Hurricane Katrina, Gantt collaborated to form a program for free micro-chipping for underprivileged dog and cat owners and she received the Carlos Arboleya Community Service award from Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for her efforts.

Gantt has already been in the Marion County community as a part of your Association’s team, attending to the FTBOA booth at the recently concluded Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company Yearling Sale in August, speaking with potential advertisers and visiting farms.

Being involved in the successful execution of the vision of the future of She will also be accessible to those of you who FTBOA gives me an opportunity to give back to the Florida thoroughbred would like to share ideas, industry that has been good to me for so long. —Tammy Gantt volunteer time or are seeking information.

A look through her new office in Ocala and one will and journalism degree from Missouri State University, Gantt has spent her entire professional life working in the first notice Ms. Gantt’s passion for horses as exhibited by her personal library and numerous horse racing memenhorse racing industry.

Many of you will recognize Gantt as she comes to tos and souvenirs from around the world.

“I am very honored to be a part of an organization Ocala from Miami Gardens, Fla., where she worked at Calder Casino and Race Course for more than 13 years. that is so dedicated to its mission and membership,” While at Calder, Gantt worked in marketing as the pro- Gantt said. “Almost overnight, the FTBOA has reinmotions, events and sales director so she should be no vented itself into a forward thinking, dynamic and idea stranger to many of you who have traveled to Calder over fostering environment. Being involved in the successthe years. She also brings non-profit experience to the ful execution of the vision of the future of FTBOA gives FTBOA having worked in the marketing departments of me an opportunity to give back to the Florida thoroughbred industry that the American Quarter Horse Association, United States has been good to me Trotting Association and Harness Tracks of America. for so long.”

Gantt likes to create awareness of the industry through We are looking forcommunity service and education. ward to having Ms. For over a decade, she activated the track’s outreach Gantt aboard and hope program with “Mini Mascots” Thunder & Lightning. They to enjoy her leadership, visited Miami area hospitals, urban schools, youth proknowledge and persongrams, sporting events and fundraisers to create industry ality that make her a awareness. natural addition to your In addition, she focused efforts on student volunFTBOA team. teerism, sports management internships and Junior Jockey Club, a monthly educational program about the Tammy Gantt racing and breeding industry. Her favorite program was lorida Equine Publications and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association is proud to introduce the newest member of our respective staffs, Tammy A. Gantt.

I say “staffs” because Ms. Gantt will be serving The Florida Horse, Wire to Wire and Horse Capital Digest as a contributing writer while also providing additional support in advertising sales. In addition to her capacity with Florida Equine Publications, Gantt will also be spending considerable time on the FTBOA side of the office building as the Coordinator of Membership Services and Programs.

A graduate of the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program and with an agriculture communications

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JOHN FILER PHOTOS

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6 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

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Florida FOCUS

Compiled by Brock Sheridan

Seniority, Florida-blood Prevail for Romacaca in Modesty Stakes Let go as the fourth choice at 9-2 odds behind 7-5 favorite Upperline in the Grade 3 Modesty Stakes Jul. 14 at Arlington Park in Arlingtinon Heights, Ill., Florida-bred Romacaca picked up her 14th career victory and her second in three starts by taking the $200,000 event for fillies and mares at 13⁄16 miles on the grass.

As one of two 6-year-olds in the Modesty, (35-1 long shot and last-place finisher Pathway was the other), Romacaca had plenty of experience going into the Modesty, especially with 42-year-old veteran jockey Francisco Torres aboard. She has also been in the barns of four different trainers seven separate times during 8 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

her 28-race career and was making her first start of the second stop running from trainer Danny Miller’s shed row.

Miller had previously trained Romacaca from April 2009 to March of 2010 and had won four races including two stakes.

She had previously been saddled by Luis Ramirez and Nick Canani, each also having her Florida-bred Romacca through two separate stints, and by David Fawkes very early in her career.

Bred in Florida by Cashel Stud Inc. of Ocala, Romacaca now races for owner Frank C. Calabrese of Des Plaines, Ill. Romacaca broke well from post six in the

Florida-bred Tiree

Modesty and tracked early leader She’s All In through fractions of :23.92, :49.62, and :1:14.37 before moving to lead the field around the far turn. Turning for home, Snow Top Mountain engaged Romacaca from the outside and those two went stride for stride through the final three-sixteenths of a mile.

At the wire however, Romacaca was a neck in front with Snow Top Mountain a tenacious second and a length and one-quarter ahead of Upperline in third.

“There was [some concern about the distance] but she’s more and more settled now,” trainer Danny Miller said after the Modesty.

“She’s 6 years old and I really felt strongly she

FOUR FOOTED FOTO

It took six tries for Tiree to win his first race but since breaking his maiden at Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pa., on May 16, it has been picture time after each race. The 3-year-old grey gelding also won his first stakes race Jul. 16 when he won the $66,400 Coach Jimi Lee Stakes at Arlington Park near Chicago against fellow sophomores at seven furlongs. In between the two milestones, Tiree had won two allowance races at Presque Isle May 31 and June 27.

Bred in Florida by Strouds Lane Farm of Ocala, Tiree is trained by Gerald S. Bennett for Harold L. Queen, also of Ocala. He was ridden in the Jimi Lee by jockey Francisco Torres, who would later win the Modesty Stakes at Arlington that day on another Florida-bred in Romancaca.

Tiree was bumped at the start of the Jini Lee from post five but momentarily took the lead before being settled into second behind Arcade, who had led the field of seven down the backstretch in :23.69 and :47.11. Around the far turn, Torres and nearly every other jockey in the Jimi Lee began to move toward the leader as Sweet Luca and Macho Coach also burst into contention at the top of the stretch. Those four came down the stretch spanned across the track with Tiree getting the nod at the wire over Arcade in second and Sweet Luca in third.

Tiree has now won four of eight career starts and has career earnings of $135,718 while racing exclusively on artificial main tracks at Presque Isle and Arlington.

FOUR FOOTED FOTO

Fourth straight win for Florida-bred Tiree

could do it. Right now we have to point for [the Grade 1 Beverly D. Stakes at Arlington Park on Aug. 18.]”

“This [mare] is just awesome and she gets better and better every time I’ve been on her,”

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Broken Dreams breaks Through in Osunitas On April 18, 2010 at Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa, Fla., Broken Dreams broke third in a $25,000 maiden claiming race, kept that position down the backstretch before taking the lead around the turn then extending out to a 14-length win.

That was the Florida-bred mare’s first start and about as close as she has been to winning one of her previous five career victories while leading from gate to finish.

Until Saturday, Jul. 21 at Del Mar Race Course that is.

Bred in Florida by her owner, Leonard Lavin’s Glen Hill Farm in Ocala of which Craig Bernick is President and CEO, Broken Dreams went right to the front from post seven in the $93,110 Osunitas Stakes at Del Mar, was sent directly to the rail by jockey Garrett Gomez and began to set a moderate but pressured pace of :24.11 :48.14 and 1:11.78 with 3-1 choice Halo

FOUR FOOTED FOTO

Florida-bred Broken Dreams

Dolly racing just to her outside. Sent off as the fifth choice at 7-1 in the field of eight, few expected her to maintain the lead. But she fought off Halo Dolly and the late charge of 2-1 favorite Byrony, holding on to win by a half-length. Byrony got up for second but by only a nose ahead of Halo Dolly in third.

Florida-bred Briecat was fourth.

Final time for the 11⁄16 mile Osunitas on grass was 1:41.71 and the Osunitas was the third win on the day for jockey Garrett Gomez.

Trained by Thomas F. Proctor, Broken Dreams was winning for the first time since taking the Senator Ken Maddy Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita in September. Since then she had finished 13th in the Breeders’ Cup Lady’s Turf Sprint (G2) at Churchill Downs in November. However, in three previous races this year, Broken Dreams has Florida-bred Good Lord shown steady improvement, finishing sixth in the $70,000 Lady’s Turf Sprint at Gulfstream Park in March before a fifth in the $75,000 Great Lady M at Hollywood in May. In her last race, Broken Dreams tried to go wire-to-wire in the $72,000 Redondo Beach Stakes at Hollywood Jun. 10, but was caught in the stretch and finished a close fourth, beaten just more than two lengths.

Indian Gracey fastest in Cal. State Fair Sprint Indian Gracey started awkwardly in the California State Fair Sprint Handicap in Sacramento Jul. 21, but ended the six furlong stake on a much higher note, winning by a head over English Royal in second and Paris in April in third.

As the starter dispatched the field of eight fillies and mares in the State Fair Sprint, Indian Gracey hesitated and hopped slightly, giving jockey Julien Couton plenty of work to do for the remainder of the $75,000 race.

But the 4-year-old filly quickly did her part to make up for the early mistake and had sprinted up to chase the leading Trapper’s Bounty and English Royal from three lengths

Good Lord gets second Straight stake in Bernhardt It took Good Lord 40 races before the Florida-bred gelding won his first stakes race when taking the $100,000 Wild and Wonderful Stakes at Charles Town Race Course on Jun. 30, but since then he appears to have really got the hang of it. In his next start, the Forrest Kaelin-trained bay came right back to win the $50,000 Don Bernhardt Stakes at Ellis Park on Jul. 21.

STEINHAUS PHOTOGRAPHIC

said winning jockey Francisco Torres. “I was going in there 100 percent confident. When [Snow Top Mountain] came to me, all that did was make my [mare] run a little harder.”

The Modesty was the fifth win in seven starts over the Arlington Park turf course for Romacaca, who earned $117,600 for the victory to boost her bankroll to $799,492 while improving her overall record to 14 wins from 29 starts.

Romacaca gave jockey Francisco Torres his second stakes winner of the afternoon with a Florida-bred after he had previously guided Harold Queen’s Tiree to win the $66,400 Coach Jimi Lee Stakes earlier in the card.

A multiple winner at the allowance level and a consistenct money earner while racing against stakes competition, Good Lord finally managed to break through the invisible barrier that had kept him from hitting the winner’s circle after an added money event.

Breaking from post four with jockey Gabriel Saez aboard, Good Lord tracked the leaders while racing in the third position off the rail just behind 8-5 favorite Noble’s Promise and Florida-bred Hurricane Ike who went the first quarter in a sturdy :22.24 and the half-mile in :44.63. Around the far turn, Good Lord made up ground on the leaders and took the lead at the top of the stretch. Noble’s Promise fought back as they raced to the wire but Good Lord prevailed by a half-length at the finish over Noble’s Promise in second and Shrill, who was another three lengths back in third. Running time for the six and one-half furlongs was 1:14.46.

It was the sixth career victory for Good Lord, who was bred in Florida by Marilyn Fazio Seltzer of Golden Beach, Fla. Good Lord now has a career bankroll of $299,063.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 9

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off the pace in third. Racing three-wide around the far turn, Saez and Indian Gracey began to close the gap between them and the front-runners who had gone the first quartermile in :22.67 and the first four furlongs in :44.92. Trapper’s Bounty began to fall back and English Royal hung tough but was just edged at the wire by a steadfast Indian Gracey. The final running time was 1:10.75.

It was the third career win for Indian Gracey who was bred in Florida by Donarra Thoroughbreds, LLC of Ocala, Fla. After finishing fourth in her next start in the Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del Mar on Aug. 19, Indian Gracey now has career earnings of $154,360.

Eden’s Moon takes to the turf And wins San Clemente For the second time in two days, a Florida-bred went wire-to-wire to win a stakes race at Del Mar Race Course as Eden’s Moon took the $150,000 San Clemente Handicap (G2) at the Southern California track Jul. 22. The day before, Florida-bred Broken Dreams won the Osunitas Stakes by leading the field gate to wire.

Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, Eden’s Moon was at one time this year considered one of the top 3-year-old fillies in America after she won the Grade 1 Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita in early March then coming back to finish third behind Willa B Awesome in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Oaks later that month. Then traffic troubles resulted

While D’nied Permission and Putyourdreamsaway were deserving winners in the prestigious Florida Stallion Stakes at Calder on Aug. 25, the most impressive performance on the Juvenile Showcase program was put forth by Rosa Taveras’ Sr. Quisqueyano, a commanding 13 ¾length winner of the $75,000 Seacliff Stakes.

The Luis Olivares-trained son of Journeyman Stud stallion Exclusive Quality merely toyed Florida-bred Sr. Quisqueyano with his rivals no bumping and nobody to catch Eden’s through the opening stages of the SeaMoon in the San Clemente. Making her first cliff, biding his time in third before unstart on turf, Eden’s Moon and jockey Rafael leashing a winning move down the Bejarano sped away from the field shortly backstretch that saw the colt open up a after the gates opened in Sunday’s San seven-length lead at the top of the Clemente. Sent off as the favorite at 9-10 in stretch, expanding that margin with ease the San Clemente, Eden’s Moon set fractions through the wire while running one mile of :23.00, :47.09 and 1:11.24 under pressure in 1:41.44. from long shot Don’tgetmadalexis until the “He broke good and it seemed like top of the stretch when Eden’s Moon began he wanted to go a little bit, but I wanted to pull away. Don’tgetmadalexis tired in the to play it safe, take him back a little, and stretch but Open Water made a rally from maybe teach him something for later,” fifth to get second, a length and one-quarter winning rider Jozbin Santana said. “And behind Eden’s Moon and the same distance once he realized I wanted him to settle, ahead of Indigo River-Ire in third. Final time he settled down and let go of the bit.

“Coming to the backside I saw the for the one mile on grass was 1:34.38. horses in front starting to get a little The remaining order of finish was Byrama in fourth, Killer Graces, Don’tgettired, so I let my horse creep up a little madalexis and Oblivion bit and get close to the horse on the last. lead. After that, he just galloped out.”

Bred in Florida by BriThe Seacliff victory was the third dlewood Farm of Ocala, straight for the unbeaten Sr. Quisqueyano, Eden’s Moon had her third who broke his maiden by nearly three victory from just seven calengths on April 22 before returning in an entry-level allowance on Aug. 11 reer starts for owner where he was 12 ¼ lengths better than Kaleem Shah Inc. of Vihis nearest pursuer, Affirmed Division enna, Va. The $90,000 earned in the San hero D’nied Permission.

Clemente increase her caSr. Quisqueano was bred in Florida reer bankroll to $358,600.

by Do Little Farm.

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

Florida-bred Eden’s Moon

10 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

Sr. Quisqueyano cruises In Seacliff

COADY PHOTO

Florida FOCUS

in a last-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs May 4 before Eden’s Moon came back to run what may have been her best career race, finishing second by a nose to Potesta after bumping her in the stretch of the Grade 2 Hollywood Oaks at Betfair Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Ca., on Jun. 23.

But there would be no traffic problems,

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Florida’s Currency Swap takes Another New York prize Florida-bred star Currency Swap may have the Sunshine State in his blood, but his heart is in New York.

At least that is what his race record shows.

Florida-bred Tune Me In

EQUI PHOTO

COGLIANESE PHOTO

There weren’t many who backed Tune Me In through the mutual windows before the $152,500 Oceanport Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park on Jul. 29, but for those who did, they were aptly rewarded.

Sent to the post at odds of nearly 26-1 in the 1 1/16 mile turf race for 3-year-olds and older, the Florida-bred Tune Me In broke well from post three under jockey Paco Lopez and settled into second behind 5-2 second choice Get Serious. Those two raced in tandem as they passed the grandstand for the first time and stayed that way for most of the way around the track with 8-1 choice Crepulso and favorite Queen’splatekitten just more than a length behind. After covering most of the course in an unhurried :25.85, :50.12 and 1:13.36, Get Serious tried to kick away from Tune Me In but was unable to get clear around the turn. Into the stretch, Tune Me In responded to Lopez and began to edge away and hit the wire a half-length in front of Queen’splatekitten in second and Get Serious in third. Final time was 1:43.39.

“No one wanted to go with Get Serious so we did,” trainer Bruce Alexander said. “The whole race was won when they went :25[.82] and then :50[.12]. [Tune Me In] is a good horse and he showed it today. We’ll find another stakes for him after this.”

Trained by Alexander for Patricia A. Generazio of Tequesta, Fla., Tune Me In was bred in Florida by Joseph and Helen Barbazon of Morriston, Fla. The $90,000 winner’s check pushed Tune Me In’s career earnings to $289,845.

The Oceanport was the fourth victory in 20 career starts for Tune Me In and the first victory over stakes company. His last win before the Oceanport had come against optional claimers and allowance horses in two consecu-

tive victories at Monmouth last July and September. The Oceanport was the grey/roan colt’s third start of 2012 having finished third in the $65,000 John McSorley Stakes in June at Monmouth and seventh against optional claimers Jul. 5 at Belmont Park.

Florida-bred Currency Swap

In seven career starts, the son of Ocala Stud stallion High Cotton has four wins—all in New York and three of which are at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs. Currency Swap broke his maiden at Saratoga then won the Grade 1 Three Chimneys Hopeful Stakes at the Spa last year. This year, the Terri Pompay trainee has won the $83,000 You and I Stakes at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York and Sunday took the Amsterdam Stakes (G2) back at Saratoga.

Ridden by Rajiv Maragh, Currency Swap was hustled away from the gate and quickly took position just behind the speedy Doctor Chit, who had put daylight on the field of seven in the first few strides of the race. Down the backstretch, Doctor Chit maintained a length lead on Currency Swap in second as he rolled through fast fractions of :21.34 for the opening quarter-mile and an almost equally fast :44.04 for the first half.

Around the far turn, Currency Swap began to make his move and at the top of the stretch was on equal terms with Doctor Chit with Laurie’s Rocket just to their outside. Those three fought to the sixteenth pole when Currency Swap began to kick clear and eventually hit the finish line a length and three-quarters in front.

Doctor Chit hung on for second, a neck in front of the late running Unbridled’s Note in third with yet another neck back to Laurie’s Rocket in fourth. Then came the Florida-bred tandem of Fort Loudon and Gun Boat followed by Politically Correct. Fort Loudon did not fire and Gun Boat broke poorly and was never able to get back into the swift race. Final time for the six and one-half furlongs was a sharp 1:15.33. “[Currency Swap] loves it here [at Saratoga],” Pompay said beaming after the Amsterdam. “He’s been really doing well. I looked at him [during the race] and it was like he was doing it easy. I’d rather have him sit and stalk than be on the pace.”

And that is exactly what Maragh did. “[Currency Swap] is an amazing horse,” Maragh said. “He’s got a lot of speed. All the way he was giving me a lot of energy and came on strong. From day one, this horse always showed a lot of ability. I wasn’t concerned with the pace.

I just wanted to have a clean trip and be in a stalking position, regardless of how fast they were going.”

Currency Swap is owned by Seth Klarman’s Klaravich Stables Inc. of Boston, Mass., and William Lawrence and now has a career bankroll of $508,300.

Toby’s Corner returns to win Mountainview Toby’s Corner hasn’t exactly had things all his way in his racing career that now spans just less than two years. After finishing third in his debut at Delaware Park in October of 2010, the chestnut Florida-bred went on to win four of his next five starts including the Resorts World Casino New York Wood Memorial (G1) in April of 2011—a race in which he defeated his much more heralded stablemate Uncle Mo who was third.

Florida-bred Toby’s Corner

B & D PHOTO

Tune Me In dials up long shot Win in Oceanport Stakes

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The Wood victory would make Toby’s Corner one of the favorites to win the Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands (G1) that year but an injury to the colt’s left hind leg would change all that. Toby’s Corner missed the Derby and was sent to the sidelines for the remainder of the year and would not return to the races until February of 2012 when he was third in the General George Handicap (G2) at Laurel, then third again in the New Orleans Handicap (G2) at Fair Grounds in April. Another short break and trainer Graham Motion put him back into action in the Pimlico Special May 18 where he was seventh, then entered him in the Jun. 23 Donald Levine Memorial Handicap at Parx Racing where he finished fourth.

All of the bad karma was behind the son of Bellamy Road on Jul. 28 at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pa., as Toby’s Corner won the $175,000 Mountainview Handicap for older horses at 1 1/8 miles.

Gourmet Dinner serves up win in Majestic Light

BOYD GAMINGS PHOTO

After three unsuccessful tries on the turf, Gourmet Dinner went back to the main track in fine fashion as he took the $100,000 Majestic Light Stakes at Monmouth Park on Jul. 29.

It was the first win for the Bruce Brown trainee who last went into a winner’s circle following the 2010 Delta Jackpot (G3) at Delta Downs in Vinton, La. Bred in Florida by Ocala Stud and William J. Terrill of Ocala, Fla., Gourmet Dinner broke next to last in the field of seven and jockey Javier Castellano was more than content with sixth-place position some five lengths off of frontrunner I’m Steppin’ It Up. After an opening quarter-mile in a slow :23.89 and half in :47.70, the pace appeared to be working against Gourmet Dinner until Castellano began to move the 4-year-old colt around the far turn, picking up horses while going four-wide. At the top of the stretch Gourmet Dinner was with the leaders and by the time they hit the furlong marker, he Florida-bred had put a head in front of Ponzi Scheme and Gourmet Dinner (No.1) those two battled to the wire.

At the finish Gourmet Dinner was a neck in front with Ponzi Scheme in second the Small Town Talk third. Running time for the 11⁄16 miles was 1:44.20 over a track labeled fast.

12 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

Florida-breds flash brilliance From start to finish in Honorable Miss Florida-breds stole the show in the Grade 2 Honorable Miss Handicap at Saratoga on Aug. 3 but the excitement was not all at the finish line. Representing the Sunshine State in the $200,000 race for fillies and mares at six furlongs was 120-pound highweight C C’s Pal breaking from post three; number five Beat the Blues, winner of Oaklawn Park’s $75,000 Carousel Stakes in April; 9-5 favorite It’s Me Mom breaking from post seven; and Belle of the Hall, fourth in the Vagrancy Handicap (G2) behind winner C C’s Pal in post two.

The buzz from the Sartaoga Springs, N.Y., crowd began after the first quarter-mile when It’s Me Mom and jockey Willie Martinez broke third but chased down front-running Winning Image, got the lead about an eighth of a mile from the start and led the field through the fastest quarter-mile of the meeting, flashing :21.14 for the first two furlongs. It’s Me Mom was not totally alone however, as Winning Image kept close down the backstretch and a length and one-half to two and-a-half lengths ahead of Roman Treasure in third. When they hit the half-mile pole approaching the far turn, C C’s Pal was fourth, some six lengths off It’s Me Mom who had begun to further separate herself going around the bend and breaking away by two full lengths at the quarter-pole.

But that’s when the gas ran out. Roman Treasure made a mild bid and took the lead at the top of the stretch but soon all three of the early leaders began to sputter after screaming through a half-mile in :43.78. At that time C C’s Pal began to move on the rail but failed to hit a hole taken up by Maple Forest as they left the turn. Jockey Junior Alvarado then had to check C C’s Pal to keep from running over Winning Image, who was almost in reverse at this time, then swerved the 5-year-mare to the Florida Focus continues on page 52 BILL DENVER PHOTO

Florida FOCUS

With jockey Jeremy Rose aboard, Toby’s Corner broke with the field from the outside post five in the five-horse race and settled in nicely just to the outside of pacesetter Isn’t He Perfect with favorite Marilyn’s Guy in third about two lengths back. After modest fractions of :24.38 and :48.64, Toby’s Corner took the lead in the far turn and had two Florida-bred lengths on the group C C’s Pal as they straightened away for home. At the wire, Toby’s Corner was just less than four lengths ahead of Isn’t He Perfect in second and Not Abroad in third. Running time for the nine furlongs was 1:49.15.

Bred in Florida by Diane D. Cotter of Alachua, Fla., Toby’s Corner picked up $105,000 for Cotter, who still owns the 4year-old colt in partnership with Julian Cotter, also of Alachua. He now has five wins from 11 career races with earnings of $898,240.

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LARRY KING considers himself a fortunate man. very fortunate to do what I love to do “I’ve been for two outstanding Thoroughbred operations. I was just a kid when I moved here. So the older I get, I appreciate it all more and more. ”

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14 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

King doesn’t remember a time that horses weren’t part of his life. Born in Texas and raised in northern Louisiana, King’s father, Joe, was an allaround horseman. The elder King progressed from showing and then racing Quarter horses. Training Thoroughbreds soon followed with a stint managing a cattle ranch in between.

“As young kids, my sisters and I helped my father work on the cattle ranch,” recalled King. “We were expected to ride and to work. That’s just the way it was.”

In 1971, Joe King landed a job managing Waldemar Farms in Williston, just northwest of Ocala.

Two years later, his son followed and moved on the farm that would become his home to this day.

“I was a senior and I graduated from Williston High School in 1973,” said King. “Dad put me to work the minute I got on the farm. I did everything from grooming to exercising horses to maintenance.

Dad was right there too and we worked long days.”

SERITA HULT PHOTOS

By JOANN GUIDRY ver the span of nearly 40 years and counting, he has shared in the success of two major Florida Thoroughbred operations.

Those successes have included a Kentucky Derby winner, a Breeders’ Cup champion, numerous graded stakes winners, several millionaires and a trio of Eclipse champions. And here’s the kicker: King has never had to load up a van and move to another farm; he just stayed put on the same property while it underwent an ownership and name change. The latter status going from Timothy Sams’ Waldemar Farms to Gilbert and Marilyn Campbell’s Stonehedge Farm South.

“I’ve been very fortunate to do what I love to do for two outstanding Thoroughbred operations,” said King, 57, who has been Stonehedge Farm South farm manager since 1988. “I was just a kid when I moved here. So the older I get, I appreciate it all more and more.”

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LARRY King

It was unbelievable that we had a Kentucky Derby winner, another national champion and What a “ Pleasure, the leading sire in the country in the same year. We were starting to think this was easy. ” — Larry King

As fate would have it, the same year that King came to work alongside his father, there was a Waldemar Farms-bred yearling who would soon make history. The 1972 bay colt was by Waldemar Farms stallion What a Pleasure out of the Tom Fool mare Fool Me Not. Named Foolish Pleasure, King remembers prepping the colt for the 1973 Saratoga yearling sale.

“He was always a tough colt to handle,” said King.

“He was rank and head-shy. He wasn’t a favorite around the barn at all.”

At the Saratoga yearling sale, Foolish Pleasure was bought for $20,000 by John L. Greer. It proved to be a bargain price.

As an undefeated juvenile in 1974, Florida-bred Foolish Pleasure broke his maiden and then rolled to six graded stakes wins in seven starts. He captured the Champagne Stakes (G1), Sapling Stakes (G1), Hopeful Stakes (G1), Cowdin Stakes (G2), Tremont Stakes (G3) and a division of the Dover Stakes (G3). Trained by LeRoy Jolley, he banked $284,595 on the season. More importantly, he was named the North American champion 2-year-old colt.

“It was very exciting to have a national champion bred and raised on the farm,” said King. “I think we liked Foolish Pleasure a little more after that.”

Foolish Pleasure’s popularity grew in 1975 when he became the third Florida-bred to win the Kentucky Derby

16 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

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(G1). He was second in the Preakness Stakes (G1) to Master Derby and runner-up to Avatar in the Belmont Stakes (G1). In addition to winning the Run For The Roses, Foolish Pleasure also scored victories in the Flamingo Stakes (G1) and Wood Memorial Stakes (G1). He was also second in the Governor Stakes (G1) and third in the Florida Derby (G1) on his way to banking $716,278 on the season.

But it wasn’t enough to nab another championship title with Wajima named the 1975 champion 3-year-old colt.

WALDEMAR WONDERS

But as it turned out, Waldemar Farms didn’t go without a national champion that year. Florida-bred Honest Pleasure, a 2-year-old colt by What a Pleasure out of *Tu-

laria, by *Tulyar, dominated the juvenile class with four key victories. He captured the Champagne Stakes (G1), Arlington-Washington Futurity (G1), Laurel Futurity (G1) and Cowdin Stakes (G2). Also trained by Jolley, Honest Pleasure earned $370,227 and was named the 1975 Eclipse champion 2-year-old colt. Owner Bertram Firestone had bought Honest Pleasure from Waldemar Farms for $45,000 at the 1974 Saratoga yearling sale.

“It was unbelievable that we had a Kentucky Derby winner, another national champion and What a Pleasure, the leading sire in the country in the same year,” said King. “We were starting to think this was easy.”

In 1976, Honest Pleasure rolled to wins in the Flamingo Stakes (G1), Florida Derby (G1) and Blue

Opposite page from right—The Stonehedge Farm team. Darrell Sulley (broodmare manager) Larry King (farm manager) and Jamie King (trainer)

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LARRY King the Kentucky Derby. But at Churchill Downs, he Grass Stakes (G1) on his way to being the favorite in

would finish second to Bold Forbes. Honest Pleasure rebounded from that loss with a victory in the Travers Stakes(G1), setting a track record of 2:00.20 for the mile and a quarter. He closed out the season with three graded stakes-placings to earn $445,547. After but four starts in 1977, including a win in the Ben Ali Handicap (G3), Honest Pleasure was retired with career earnings of $839,997.

As for Foolish Pleasure, he won the 1976 Suburban Handicap (G1) and Arlington Golden Invitational Handicap, as well as being graded stakes-placed twice. He was retired after that season with career earnings of $1,216,705.

Not to be overlooked is Florida-bred For The Moment, a full brother to Honest Pleasure. In 1976, he became the third consecutive Waldemar Farms-bred colt to win the Cowdin Stakes (G2). Raced by Gerald Robins, he also won the Futurity Stakes (G1) that year and the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) the following season before finishing eighth to Seattle Slew in the Kentucky Derby. For The Moment retired after the 1977 season with career earnings of $337,483 and later stood at Waldemar Farms.

What a Pleasure, thanks to the racing success of Foolish Pleasure, Honest Pleasure and For The Moment, was the leading sire by progeny earnings in North America in 1975 and 1976. By Bold Ruler out of Grey Flight, by *Mahmoud,

We love watching the horses we “ raise, break and train on the farm go on to do well on the racetrack,” said King.

“For all of us, it’s what makes it worthwhile. — Larry King

”

18 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

What a Pleasure sired two champions, 59 stakes winners, 15 graded stakes winners, 37 stakes-placers and recorded lifetime progeny earnings of $17.8 million.

“After all that success, we hit a dry spell,” said King.

“That’s when you realize how tough the Thoroughbred business is.”

But there was indeed one last hurrah for the Waldemar Farms era. In 1985, Florida-bred Tasso won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), Del Mar Futurity (G1) and Breeders’ Futurity (G2) on his way to being named Eclipse champion 2-year-old colt. By Fappiano out of the What a Pleasure mare Ecstacism, Tasso was bred and raced in his championship season by Sams and Robins.

Tasso, who retired with career earnings of $1,207,884, later raced for Robins and Will Farish.

ENTER STONEHEDGE ERA

Big changes were coming for King. In 1988, Gilbert and Marilyn Campbell bought the Waldemar Farms property and renamed it Stonehedge Farm South. Joe King decided it was time to retire and Larry King became the Stonehedge Farm South farm manager.

“Again I was very fortunate that Mr. Campbell gave me a great opportunity,” said King. “Right from the beginning, we’ve had a great relationship.”

Campbell, an East Coast-based real estate developer and entrepreneur, first became involved in the Thoroughbred business in 1982 as co-owner of Florida-bred stakes winner Shananie. Later, Shananie would become the first stallion to stand at Stonehedge Farm South. Shananie would be the first of several successful Stonehedge Farm South stallions over the years, including Sword Dance (Ire), Untuttable and West Acre.

“Waldemar had operated as a commercial breeding operation,” said King. “But Mr. Campbell liked racing, so the farm switched to being primarily breed-to-race.

He wanted to race homebreds, so he bought mares to breed mostly to his own stallions.”

Establishing a homebred racing operation takes time, but it wasn’t long before Campbell began to enjoy racing success with his Florida-bred runners.

The breakthrough came in 1996 when Campbell notched his first Grade I stakes winner as a breeder and initial Florida-bred champion as a breeder/owner.

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it starts to get close to weaning, “weWhen start feeding the babies in a stall next to their mothers twice a day. Then when it’s time to wean, we just bring the baby in the stall and take the mare to another barn. By then, the baby is focused more on the feed than its mother and you can wean them with no fuss. — Larry King

”

Marlin, a 1993 colt by Sword Dance (Ire) out of the Damascus mare Syrian Summer, had been sold by Campbell through Bedford Hills, agent, for $30,000 at the 1994 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s August yearling sale. Racing for Michael Tabor, Marlin won the 1996 Secretariat Stakes (G1) and Hollywood Derby (G1) on his way to earning $854,500.

Racing for Campbell, Blazing Sword was named the 1996 Florida-bred champion 2-year-old colt. By Sword Dance (Ire) out of Demetroula, by Singular, Blazing Sword won the Dr. Fager Stakes and Affirmed Stakes of the Florida Stallion Stakes. He finished second in the Breeders’ Futurity (G2) and In Reality Stakes on his way to earning $246,710 that season. Blazing Sword raced for four more seasons, winning three graded stakes and retiring with a bankroll of $1,184,055.

As for Marlin, he continued his graded stakes-winning way in 1997. He scored tallies in the Arlington Million Stakes (G1), San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (G1), Sunset Handicap (G2) and San Luis Rey

Stakes (G2). On the season, Marlin earned $1,521,600 and retired at the end of the year with a career bankroll of $2,448,880. Marlin was named the 1997 Florida-bred champion turf horse and Campbell was honored as the 1997 Florida Breeder of the Year.

“No doubt about it, Blazing Sword and Marlin were the farm’s first big horses,” said King. “It was very gratifying to see Mr. Campbell enjoy that early success.”

Marlin and Blazing Sword also greatly contributed to Sword Dance’s success as a sire. Bought privately by Campbell to stand at Stonehedge Farm South, Sword Dance was by Nijinsky II out of the Secretariat mare Rosa Mundi. In addition to graded stakes winner Marlin and Blazing Sword, Sword Dance also sired graded stakes winners Friel’s for Real, Dance for Thee and Ryan’s for Real.

Of Sword Dance’s graded stakes winners, Campbell bred all but Dance for Thee. Sword Dance also sired 21 other stakes winners, 28 stakes-placers and posted lifetime progeny earnings of $26.5 million. Sword Dance died in 2010.

Since that initial breakthrough success, Campbell has been consistently a Top 10 leading Florida breeder and has enjoyed an on-going parade of stakes winners. To date, he has bred at least 57 Florida-bred stakes winners.

In addition to the aforementioned graded stakes winners, Campbell has also bred graded stakes winners Ivanavinalot, who was the 2002 Florida-bred champion 2-year-

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LARRY King

old filly, Garemma, This Ones for Phil and Watch Me Go. “We love watching the horses we raise, break and train on the farm go on to do well on the racetrack,” said King. “For all of us, it’s what makes it worthwhile. We all want the Campbells to do well.”

FARM MAINTENANCE 101

“I’ve learned to watch, listen and learn. If something’s not too farfetched, I’m willing to give it a try.”

Part of the Stonehedge program is to begin loading foals in a trailer while they are still at their dam’s side. King pointed out that “a foal will follow his mother anywhere so they’ll just go right on in a trailer with her.” Then he adds that “later when it’s time to ship them to another part of the farm or to the racetrack, they load without any problems.”

King admits to learning a good way to wean babies from reading an article in a trade publication. He thought the process made sense and decided to give it a try.

“When it starts to get close to weaning, we start feeding the babies in a stall next to their mothers twice a day,”

Over the years, Stonehedge Farm South has grown from the initial 200 acres purchased to 510 acres. The broodmare band currently numbers 55; Campbell was the leading Florida breeder by foals in 2010 and 2011, with 47 and 43 foals, respectively. On average, 40 yearlings are broken each season at the farm’s training division. The latter is overseen

by King’s nephew, Jamie King.

In addition to veteran stalWhen it comes to running a farm, the best thing you can lion and Untuttable, the newest do is never think you know everything. I’ve learned to watch, Stonehedge Farm South stallion listen and learn. If something’s not too farfetched, I’m willing is Factum. By Storm Cat out of to give it a try. — Larry King multiple graded stakes-producer Starry Dreamer, by Rubiano, Factum will stand his initial said King. “Then when it’s time to wean, we just bring season in 2013. He is a half-brother to graded stakes winners the baby in the stall and take the mare to another barn. By then, the baby is focused more on the feed than its War Front, Teammate and Ecclesiastic.

“When it comes to running a farm, the best thing you mother and you can wean them with no fuss.”

And because the farm’s focus is on breeding-to-race, can do is never think you know everything,” said King. there isn’t as much a time crunch when it comes to the breaking and training process. In mid to late August, the yearlings are accustomed to bathing, being led around with bridles and saddles and then ponied.

“We don’t usually put a rider on their backs until late September and October,” said King. “Then they’re broken to ride and are ridden out in the fields. We let the horse tell us when it’s time to start galloping on the racetrack.”

The most precocious of the two years olds are then sent to longtime Stonehedge Farm South trainer Kathleen O’Connell at Calder. If a youngster is being sold as a yearling or a juvenile, then they are sent to respective consignors.

While still logging long days on the farm, just like he did alongside his father, King also takes time to enjoy life outside of the Thoroughbred business. After knee injuries and surgeries ended his running days, King began riding a recumbent bike for exercise. He typically bikes 10 miles a day, on the farm and on the backroads of Williston. King recently did a 48-mile ride to raise money for the Levy County School Foundation.

King has been married for 33 years to wife Cookie, who is a real estate agent. Their son Kirby, 22, also has his real estate license and plans to become a real estate lawyer.

“When we go on vacation, Cookie and I like to go scalloping,” said King. “We find it very relaxing. There’s just something very calming about being out there on the water. It just makes you slow down and appreciate life.”

Especially if you’re a fortunate man. ■

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20 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

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By BROCK SHERIDAN

race, the Saratoga crowd applauded Jerkens.

“It’s nice,” he said. “It’s what breaks me up.”

Odds-on favorite Agave Kiss broke best from post five and drew away to lead the field by some two lengths through fast fractions of :22.15 and :44.64 and she kept the lead until a sixteenth of a mile before the wire when Judy the Beauty took the lead with Emma’s Encore still driving to the outside. As they hit the wire, Emma’s Encore stuck a nose in front of Judy the Beauty with Agave Kiss another length and three-quarters back in third. Final time for the six furlongs was 1:09.35.

“I think [Emma’s Encore] improved a little [from the Victory Ride],” Jerkens continued.” She had to run her very best. [Jockey Junior Alvarado] has been good. It all counts. Everything has to go well. The horse has to run good. She really had to run today. Nothing was in her favor. It looked like speed was holding on pretty good.”

Alvarado said that he too had noticed something different since the win in the Victory Ride, but he was talking mostly about himself . “After [Emma’s Encore] won the Victory Ride, I was really confident in her,” Alvarado said. “She broke really good again and I got her to settle and

ast year Emma’s Encore failed to hit the winners’ circle in three tries and in her first start this year, she put in her best career effort to that point, finishing third against $50,000 maiden claimers at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla., Feb. 2. It was her first start from the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens but there would be a turnaround in her next race, as she broke her maiden against maiden special weight company by more than four lengths three weeks later at Gulfstream. Including that race, though, Emma’s Encore has now won four of six starts with a second against optional claimers at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., in May and a last in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) Mar. 31.

In her last two races, the 3-year-old dark bay or brown filly has taken two stakes including the Grade 3 Victory Ride at Belmont Jul. 7 and the Grade 1 Prioress Stakes Aug. 4 at Saratoga in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. But whatever the 83-year-old trainer has figured out about Emma’s Encore to take her from a maiden claimer in February to a Grade 1 winner in August, she seemed to have returned to Jerkens in gratification.

“Like the old days,” Jerkens said with tears in his eyes after the race. “We get to have a [painted] jockey [statue] in Like the old days. We get to have a [painted] jockey front of the clubhouse. I al[statue] in front of the clubhouse. I always like to get ways like to get a jockey in a jockey in front of the clubhouse. —trainer Allen Jerkens front of the clubhouse.”

Jerkens has won 3,833 races in his career, but none feel comfortable in the race. Turning for home, she was stand out as much as when he saddled the Florida-bred moving, but we were wider than I wanted to be. She Onion to an upset victory over Secretariat in the 1973 gave me a really nice kick at the end.”

Whitney Handicap. On Whitney Day in 2012, Jerkens Emma’s Encore, who was bred in Florida by Equest added to his legacy by sending out another Florida-bred Thoroughbred Inc. paid $12.40 for a $2 win, $5.10 to in Emma’s Encore to a nose victory in $300,000 Prioress. place and $2.80 to show. Judy the Beauty paid $3.90 The Prioress was his first graded stakes win at and $2.70 while Agave Kiss returned $2.20. Emma’s Saratoga since Any Limit captured the 2008 Grade 2 Encore now has a career record of four wins from 10 Honorable Miss and his first Grade 1 since Miss Shop starts and the $120,000 first-place check in the Prioress landed the 2007 Personal Ensign at the Spa. After the increases her career earnings to $282,958.,■

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Emma’s

22 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

Presidents Report2pgs_tweaked_EditorWelcome 9/13/12 3:52 PM Page 25

You see we aren’t in a bubble. I think a small portion of our membership believes that all this association needs to do is distribute breeder’s awards. It is very important that we communicate with, work with, negotiate and lead when necessary with, all of the players with stakes in this Florida industry. That means the race tracks, the HBPAs, the ADWs, the legislature, the Florida Department of Ag, Marion County, City of Ocala, the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the American Horse Council, and on and on. If we don’t have a seat at these tables and we don’t press for our concerns on all levels, we become weaker. Lonny’s ability to hit the ground running on all of these fronts has exceeded our expectations.

Lonny gets all that and knows how to work in that world. He also has considerable CEO experience that makes him a good administrator.

He is an enthusiastic team builder. He puts people in a position to get the most out of them and creates an environment of support and empowerment in which they can flourish. That translates to an efficient, competent and accountable staff that gets things done for the Association.

As a business owner, I understand the importance of strong corporate culture. It is paramount in making a business successful. Lonny understands this to the tee.

fects awards received during the 2011 calendar year. Anyone that received a bonus during that year will get a check for an additional 11%. To make the math easy, if you received $1000 in 2011, you will receive a check for $110. From a pure blended percentage standpoint we are now at the highest level in our history-and we hope to continue this upward trend in the future It’s also expanded to pay bonuses for first, second and third place, meaning more bonuses than before.

Oh, and one more thing, those checks should be sent out by mid-October at the latest.

TFH: You’ve talked about maintaining healthy, live thoroughbred race dates in Florida; will Marion County be a part of that formula?

PM: Yes, the FTBOA created OTR [Ocala Thoroughbred Racing] for the express purpose of converting the quarter horse permit to a thoroughbred permit. This was accomplished in August. It has been the opinion of the board that we need to do whatever we can to ensure rac-

ing, and as many racing dates as possible, to exist in Florida. This was seen as a tool in our tool box toward achieving that goal. It is a tough mountain to climb, but I assure you that OTR is pushing hard to make racing available to us in Marion County. And the type of racing venue we can be proud of that will support the bottom line of owners and breeders through purses and breeders awards, as well as create even more awareness and relevance with the public.

TFH: It’s been widely reported that parimutuel barrel racing is a significant threat to thoroughbred racing and breeding in Florida.

Can you expound on this threat?

PM: This is certainly a topic that is paramount on my mind. It gets back to what many of us feared from the advent of racinos around the country and slots and card rooms coming in to Florida. It has always loomed as a doubleedged sword. They were seen as a savior for racing because of the boon it has been to purses and see Phil

Matthews page 49

TFH: How do you see Florida Equine Publications now and in the future relative to the FTBOA?

It is very important that we communicate with, “ work with, negotiate and lead when necessary with, all of the players with stakes in this Florida industry. ” PM: I have always thought that the need for a public relations arm to be so necessary. We are fortunate to have a staff that produces a great product, a product that wins awards year after year. What FEP produces accomplishes a lot of things for the FTBOA, most notably helping ensure our relevance to the rest of the world, both within and outside of the industry. The web site, The Florida Horse, the Wire to Wire give our members a source in which to advertise their products, to help get their stories and accomplishments told, to keep up with the industry changes and news, all of these things.

An important point that I think is always worth reminding people of is that without FEP we would be outsourcing any public relations and marketing efforts. This way it is done well, under our complete control and by people that understand our needs and purpose. And as it stands, FEP is a profit asset for the FTBOA. TFH: Would you like to touch on the recently announced supplement bonus program that is now in its second year?

PM: I’d like an opportunity to clarify if necessary the supplemental bonuses. The bonus afTHE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 25

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Little Mike Flawless In Arlington Million Victory

By BROCK SHERIDAN

lthough Little Mike took a different rider into the starting gate of the Arlington Million (G1), the game plan was the same. So obvious was the plan that the opposing jockeys were well aware that Little Mike would get the early lead in the $1 million race—but still they could do nothing to defeat him.

And that is the way Little Mike and jockey Ramon

A

26 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

Dominguez executed the course of action in the 1¼ mile turf race at Arlington International Race Course near Chicago. Little Mike jumped out of the gate and went right to the lead from post position four with Wilcox Inn giving chase in second and Colombian racing third, more than a length back, as they passed the grandstand for the first time. Just as fast as Little Mike got the lead however, Dominguez was able to slow the Florida-bred horse into his winning pace, going the first quarter mile in :25.10 and the first half-mile in :49.95. As if that wasn’t slow enough, they nearly put the field of 11

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MIKE’SMILLION international runners into a gallop as they finished six furlongs in 1:15.03 and the mile in 1:39.54.

By that time the race was all but over as Little Mike sprinted away from Wilcox Inn and Colombian as they turned for home. At one point in the stretch, Little Mike was more than four lengths in front before eventual runner-up Afsare made his late run that fell short by a length and one-half. Afsare was another length and-a-half ahead of Rahystrada and Colombian, who had dead heated for third. Final time of the race was 2:02.44 as Little Mike ran the last quarter of a mile in a rapid :22.50. “[Little Mike] was running very comfortable,” Dominguez said after the race. “Turning for home when I decided to let him run, he beautifully started opening up. I wasn’t sure how slow we were going. I got him to the three-eighths pole and he started to

pable of going faster early and winning. But give Little Mike a half in :48 or so and he appears deadly.

It was the eleventh win from 19 career starts for Little Mike who is trained by Dale Romans for Priscilla Vaccarezza of Parkland, Fla. The $570,000 first -place check in the Million makes Little Mike the newest Florida-bred millionaire with a career bankroll of $1,436,412. He also joins Ron the Greek as Floridabreds with two Grade 1 victories this year.

Bred by Carlo E. Vaccarezza, also of Parkland, Little Mike will now be pointed to Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita Nov. 3 as the Arlington Million was a “Win and You’re In” race. Entry fees to either the Breeders’ Cup Turf or Breeders’ Cup Mile and a travel expense allowance will now be paid to Ms. Vaccarezza.

“This is Florida’s horse,” said Carlo Vaccarezza, who owns Frank and Dino’s restaurant in Dearfield Beach and Damiano’s restaurant in Boca Raton, Romans is not just Florida along with partner

is Florida’s horse. And I want to say that Dale “myThis trainer but my friend. He’s done such a tremendous job with Little Mike.

A great deal of credit also goes to Jimmy Crupi. ” —Carlo Vaccarezza

FOUR FOOTED FOTO

open it up. I tried to slow him down [early], but [for the rest of the way] I was going to let him spring home. He galloped home like a freight train.”

It was the second Arlington Million for Dominquez who also won aboard Gio Ponti in 2009. Just as Dominquez was elated with the way the Arlington Million played out however, Kieren Fallon aboard Afsare felt nothing but frustration.

“I knew what was happening [with eventual winner Little Mike setting a slow pace]. But there was nothing I could do about it,” Fallon said. “I had to ride my horse to win, and there was nothing I could do. I had to ride my horse to win, and there was no pace.”

Pace is the key to success for Little Mike. In his last five races going back to a Dec. 22 optional claiming race victory at Gulfstream Park, when Little Mike has been able to get to the half-mile pole in :47.90 or slower, he has won. He went the half in :48.27 in winning the Grade 1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs May 5 and he went in :48.01 while winning the $150,000 Sunshine Millions Turf Jan. 28, also at Gulfstream. Distance does not seem to factor into his success too much. Both of those races were at 11⁄8 miles. In his last race, he was third behind Florida-bred Jeranimo in the Shoemaker Mile (G1) at Betfair Hollywood Park after a half in :46.40. He also won the 2011 Canadian Turf (G3) at one mile after a half in :45.42 so he is ca28 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

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BROCK SHERIDAN PHOTO

John Williams. “And I want to say that Dale Romans is not just my trainer but my friend. He’s done such a tremendous job with Little Mike. A great deal of credit also goes to Jimmy Crupi [of Ocala and who gave Little Mike his early training.]

“But I was also so happy to win the Arlington Million for America. Before the race, the [Europeans] were all so cocky saying they were going to beat us.

But Little Mike kicked [them into defeat.]”

Little Mike ended a streak of eight straight wins by European-based runners in International Festival races at Arlington Park that also include the $750,000 Beverly D. (G1), $500,000 Secretariat Stakes (G1) and the $400,000 American St. Leger Stakes. The last American-based horse to win a Festival race was the Dale Roman’s-trained Paddy O’Prado who took the 2010 Secretariat Stakes.

Little Mike paid $9.80 for a $2 win ticket, $5.60 to place and $4.40 to show. Afsare returned $6.60 and $4.80. Rahystrada paid $4.40 to show while Colombian returned $3.80 to show. ■

The Real Little Mike: Mike Vaccarezza, right, with brother Nick, celebrating his namesake’s win.

Pace is the key to success for Floridabred Little Mikewho has won 11 of 19 career starts.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 29

PHOTO COURTESY KOSTAS HATZIKOUTELIS

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DARETO

Dream m Kostas Hatzikoutelis (left) and James Culver (right) try and enable people to enjoy the sport with a minimal risk. In the middle is John Rio, Mucho Macho Man’s breeder.

30 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

By MICHAEL COMPTON hanks to partnership groups, the cost of owning Thoroughbreds doesn’t carry the hefty price tag it once did. The simple mission of James Culver and Kostas Hatzikoutelis’ Dream Team Racing Stable is to introduce the unique Sport of Kings experience to Thoroughbred industry enthusiasts minus the cost of a king’s ransom.

In search of new stable acquisitions at the FasigTipton Saratoga New York yearling sale in August, Dream Team’s principals took time out to share the stable’s philosophy.

“Dream Team partners have enjoyed many successes on the track but the most rewarding aspect of our business is enabling individual partners to share in the many benefits of horse ownership and enjoy the Sport of Kings with a nominal investment while minimizing the risk,” said Hatzikoutelis.

Dream Team Racing Stable began in earnest about six years ago. Both Culver and Hatzikoutelis had participated in other partnership groups. With a complete understanding of the costs, opportunities and risks involved in owning racehorses, Culver, president and racing manager of Dream Team, de-

T

veloped a business model that allows for affordable participation in the ownership ranks. Investors, or partners, receive all the benefits of horse ownership, but are able to substantially reduce their risk by purchasing fractional interests in one or several horses for as little as an $800 investment.

“I was a partner in another syndicate and prices started going up,” said Culver, who is based in New York. “So, I bought a couple of horses on my own.

Some family and friends wanted to get involved. Our stable kind of evolved from there. All I’ve ever wanted to offer was a cost-effective form of owning racehorses. Today, we have more than 200 partners.”

Culver oversees the stable’s operations, farm relationships and sale purchases. Hatzikoutelis, Dream Team’s vice president, resides in Georgia and spearheads partnership sales, client relations and marketing efforts. Both partners are lifelong Thoroughbred industry enthusiasts and they explain that the bulk of their business thus far has stemmed from passionate advocates spreading the word.

“Jim deserves a lot of credit,” said Hatzikoutelis, who was introduced to horse racing by his father, Steve, while growing up in Pennsylvania. “He has im-

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mersed himself in this business for the last 15 years. DUE DILIGENCE What he started is very intriguing. The horse business The key to Dream Team’s success is acquiring needs to find more people to get involved. Jim’s business horses at prices that can offer value to the stable’s partmodel does just that. We want the owner who can only af- ners. Culver says he rarely entertains going above ford to invest in one percent of a horse. We want those $85,000 to purchase a prospect. Culver prefers to focus people to be a part of this game. Jim’s model works. on yearling acquisitions so that he can implement “What attracted me to Dream Team was Jim’s ap- Dream Team’s program in developing racehorses. proach,” Hatzikoutelis added. “His willingness to share “I believe two-year-olds can be pushed too hard too is hard to find. We early,” Culver said. “I We believe we should have skin in the game, ” want to keep owners prefer to buy yearlings. involved. A big compo- said Hatzikoutelis.“That is a key to our approach.

That way we can move nent of the model is at our own pace. We that it has to be affordable. We want to make it conven- have had more success doing that.” ient for people to get involved in the ownership ranks.

Dream Team retains 30 to 50 percent of every horse We want to offer a prince’s experience at a pauper’s in the stable. price. We are able to do that by not spending a lot of “We believe we should have skin in the game,” said money advertising what we are about. Most of our busi- Hatzikoutelis. “That is a key to our approach.” ness has come through word-of-mouth marketing.”

Finding horses that fit the physical criteria and

“

”

PHOTO COURTESY KOSTAS HATZIKOUTELIS

James Culver and Kostas Hatzikoutelis are offering ownership opportunities to Thoroughbred enthusiasts while realizing personal dreams through their Dream Team Racing Stable

budget can be a challenge, but Culver and his selftrained eye zero in on candidates to add to the stable while staying true to the disciplined system he crafted.

“Jim has tremendous discipline,” said Hatzikoutelis.

“If he has set a limit of $40,000 at a sale and the horse hits $41,000 Jim is out. He will walk away. He sticks to a formula and it works.

“Pedigrees are great,” he added, “but with robust pedigrees come robust prices. We look for sound horses.

We know they are not all going to be perfect. A little pedigree does help, but we place our focus on value.”

Culver developed his eye through years of experience and an appetite for industry knowledge.

“I started down this road about 12 years ago,” Culver said. “I read everything I could. I went to sales, I hung around the racetrack and I asked a lot of questions. I go to sales with a team and I am still learning.

I don’t think anyone can know this business completely. There’s always something new to learn.”

Currently, Dream Team has 20 horses in its stable.

The stable’s trainers include Bill Mott, Dale Romans, Bill White at Calder, Kathy Ritvo, Joshua Signs, Pat Quick, Jeff Runco and Dallas Stewart.

“We try to do things the right way,” said Hatzik-

Dream Team partners (above) enjoyed the ride of a lifetime through last year’s Triple Crown run with Florida-bred Mucho Macho Man (at left).

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 31

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Dream

outelis. “We understand working with recognizable names in the industry will only help us achieve the desired results we’re looking to offer to our partners. We work hard at identifying where our horses will best fit and we place them accordingly. We want our runners to be competitive.”

At sales, Culver will assemble a short list and then seek counsel from trusted sources close to the stable.

“Up until a few years ago I traveled with a team,” said Culver. “These days I do most of the legwork by myself and then I’ll ask Dale Romans to look at them for us. His support and encouragement is a big vote of confidence. We get a lot of different looks from trusted eyes and trainers.”

For us, it’s about the connections. We must have had “ 50 people in the winner’s circle with Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park last winter. “At the Belmont Stakes we had 60 partners there with us. —Kostas Hatzikoutelis THE BIG HORSE

”

Dream Team’s Ocala roots trace back to the first horse to carry Dream Team’s silks. John and Carole Rio of Ocala’s Rosegrove Thoroughbred Farm have been breaking and training Dream Team’s young runners since the beginning.

“The very first horse I bought was from the Rios. They have been great,” Culver said. “Their hands-on approach has played an important role in developing our young horses and preparing them for their racing careers.”

Dream Team partners enjoyed the ride of a lifetime through last year’s Triple Crown run with Florida-bred Mucho Macho Man. Owned in partnership with Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and the Rios, Mucho Macho Man is truly a Dream Team success story.

“The Rios told me they were breaking a promising Macho Uno colt they bred,” said Culver. “They said he was training very well and he had a huge stride. They thought he was special, so we bought in.”

Mucho Macho Man has delivered on that promise.

Second in a pair of Grade 2 stakes—the Nashua and the Remsen Stakes—as a juvenile, Mucho Macho Man stamped his ticket to the 2011 Kentucky Derby (G1) with a win in the Risen Star Stakes (G2) and a third in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at three.

“I remember the Remsen very well,” Culver said. “We were closing on To Honor and Serve. If that race had been 1¼ miles, I think we would have beaten that horse. I was real quiet at dinner that night because all I could think about was that we had a shot to win the Kentucky Derby.”

Hatzikoutelis also remembers dinner the night of the Remsen. Instead of celebrating a second-place finish in an important graded stakes race, the partners, now a table of hushed dreamers, quietly entertained visions of

32 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

Churchill Downs on the First Saturday in May. “We were supposed to be celebrating,” Hatzikoutelis said. “Once Jim shared with us why he was so quiet, everyone at dinner went quiet just thinking ahead to what might be in our future. It hit us that people work their entire lives in this business just to be in the position we were in. It was almost unreal.”

For Culver, the architect behind Dream Team, Hatzikoutelis and all the partners, the journey only got better.

“Derby day was surreal,” Culver explained. “Just to walk over with the horse in front of that large, enthusiastic crowd left me speechless. I can’t even begin to describe the feeling.

“The impact Mucho Macho Man had on strangers during Derby week was amazing to me,” he added. “One day there was a little girl sitting on a fence and she was so taken by the name on his saddle cloth. They took pictures of him everywhere we went. I’ve never seen anything like it. The whole experience flew by.”

Mucho Macho Man carried Florida’s banner and the Dream Team colors to a game third-place finish behind Animal Kingdom and Nehro in the Kentucky Derby under Rajiv Maragh. He closed out his run through the classics with a 6th-place finish in the Preakness Stakes (G1) and a 7th-place finish in the Belmont Stakes (G1).

“There are so many feel-good stories attached to Mucho Macho Man,” said Hatzikoutelis. “From his trainer, Kathy Ritvo, and what she overcame in her life (heart transplant in 2008) to the horse and his humble roots. All of the stories just fed our experience and made it that much richer for all involved. My father

PHOTO COURTESY KOSTAS HATZIKOUTELIS

DARE TO

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even traveled from Greece to take it all in with us.

“Mucho Macho Man really started the ball rolling for us,” he added. “I had nearly 8,000 bracelets made that we handed out to Mucho Macho Man’s fans. Today, I am down to 100. Some of these popular horses are like rock stars, thanks in large part to the following they generate through social media. We definitely shared the ride with his fans.

Mucho Macho Man was the catalyst for making Dream Team a defined name in the Thoroughbred industry.”

Recently, Dream Team sold its share in Mucho Macho Man to Reeves Thoroughbred Racing but retain a stake in the horse through the end of this year. Winner of the Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park in January, Mucho Macho Man has added wins in the Gulfstream Park Handicap (G2) and most recently the Suburban Handicap (G1) at Belmont Park.

“We’re certainly hoping he continues his tremendous success,” said Hatzikoutelis. “We want to get him to the Breeders’ Cup. He appears to be peaking at the right time. One thing is certain: This horse has been a blast for us. He is truly a special horse.”

THE PILLARS

Dream Team’s blue and white silks clearly define the pillars that reflect the stable’s mission with three bold stars on each sleeve. The stars represent: The Horse, The Partner and The Stable.

“We have met many wonderful people through Dream Team,” said Hatzikoutelis. “Our partners mean everything to us. That’s why we emblazon the stars on our silks.

The stars are not just for us but for our partners.”

Culver and Hatzikoutelis recognize the heights they’ve already scaled can be difficult to experience again. The desire to return to the stage reserved for the industry’s elite fuels their passion and pursuit of the next big horse.

“Were committed to the success of our partners,” said Hatzikoutelis. “We’re both horse racing junkies. We love this industry. Getting to the Derby was a big dream. Now we want to get back there again.”

While the Kentucky Derby experience is forever etched in his memory, Culver will never forget the stretch run of the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds.

“I was standing near the eighth-pole when Mucho

Derby day was surreal. Just to walk over with the horse “ in front of that large, enthusiastic crowd left me speechless.

I can’t even begin to describe the feeling. ” —James Culver

Macho Man had about a one-length lead,” Culver said. “I ran the length of the stretch with him. I kept telling myself, ‘we’re going to the Derby, we’re going to the Derby.’”

With any luck, more memorable afternoons at the racetrack are on the horizon for Dream Team’s partners.

“For us, it’s about the connections,” said Hatzikoutelis.

“We must have had 50 people in the winner’s circle with Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park last winter. “At the Belmont Stakes we had 60 partners there with us. About an hour before the Belmont, we won a $10,000 claiming race at another track and all of us were high-fiving each other and celebrating. It’s the reason we do this. Our competitive natures kick in and winning a race, any race, and sharing it with people is what this game is all about.” ■

Hatzikoutelis (right) and Culver (second from left) with some Dream Team partners.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 33

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FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com

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FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner 850-617-7341 • Fax 850-617-7331 e-mail: Christopher.denmark@freshfromflorida.com 407 S. Calhoun • 416 Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399

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Undefeated in three career starts Two T’s At Two B takes the Dr. Fager Division of the Florida Stallion Stakes

By BROCK SHERIDAN

I

t is difficult to crown the king of the South Florida 2-year-olds after just the first of three open divisions in the Florida Stallion Stakes , but at the end of the six furlong Dr. Fager Division at Calder Casino and Race Course July 28, Two T’s At Two B certainly gave reason to begin pricing thrones.

The second divisions of the Florida Stallion Stakes was run at seven furlongs at Calder Aug. 25 with the $125,000-estimated Susan’s Girl for 2-year-old fillies and the open Affirmed Division, also with an estimated $125,000 purse. The Florida Stallion Stakes concludes Oct. 13 with the My Dear Girl Stakes for 2-year-old fillies and the open In Reality Division, both offering $300,000estimated purses at 11⁄16 miles on the main track.

36 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

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COADY PHOTOS

Two T’s At Two B won in almost effortless fashion as he crossed the wire in front by 33⁄4 lengths.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 37

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FLORIDA Stallion Stakes Sent off as the odds-on choice with 3-5 odds, Two T’s At Two B did not disappoint in an almost effortless victory for owner-breeder Gilbert G. Campbell of Tyngsboro, Mass., and trainer Kathleen O’Connell. Two T’s At Two B broke alertly from post four and went right to the lead under jockey Eduardo Nunez, blazing the first quarter-mile in 22.09 seconds. Nunez was then able to settle the Florida-bred son of Untuttable into a more moderate pace of :45.75 for the half and :58.39 for five furlongs while maintaining the lead by about a length ahead of pressure from 9-1 third choice Cat Five Hurricane in second and long shot Billos Boy in third. “[Two T’s At Two B] wanted to go right to the lead, and I wasn’t going to fight it,” Nunez said following the race.

Around the far turn, Two T’s At Two B began to draw off somewhat and by the top of the stretch, the bay colt had increased his margin to three lengths. Nunez did nothing but let the young colt run and he galloped down the stretch to eventually win by three and three-quarters lengths, stopping the clock in 1:11.68. Dixie High rallied to get up for second while Billos Boy hung on for third. Joshua’s Compromise was fourth followed by Cat Five Hurricane and Wardroom.

“When [Two T’s At Two B] came to the three-eighths pole, I asked him to take off,” Nunez said. “He opened up his lead, and when I saw that no one was coming to us, I eased up on him. Everything he does, he does like a professional horse.”

Two T’s At Two B is now undefeated in three career starts, having also won a maiden race and the $100,000 Frank Gomez Memorial Stakes, both races at Calder in May and June respectively. In those three races Two T’s At Two B has been headed only once—when just a bit away from the early lead in the Gomez, and he has now moved into six

The Desert Vixen Division of the Florida Stallion Stakes was a can of worms that had been opened by Candy Coded Kisses in defining the best of the young South Florida fillies. figures with $132,135 in career earnings. He has now won his three races by a combined 16 and three-quarters lengths.

Two T’s At Two B returned $3.20 for a $2 win ticket and $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Dixie High paid $2.80 and $2.20 while Billos Boy had the highest return on a $2 straight investment, paying $3.40 to show.

CANDY CODED UPSET IN DESERT VIXEN

If the Dr. Fager Division of the Florida Stallion Stakes was a conformation of Two T’s At Two B as the early standout among Calder Casino and Race Course juvenile males, the Desert Vixen Division was a can of

38 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

worms that had been opened

by Candy Coded Kisses in defining the best of the young South Florida fillies.

While Two T’s At Two B won at 3-5 odds, Candy Coded Kisses went to the post in the Desert Vixen at odds of more than 24-1 under jockey Cecelio Penalba.

It is just about there that this dissimilarities end. Although Candy Coded Kisses did not get the lead out of the gate quite as quick as her male counterpart, she did break well from post seven in the Desert Vixen, but was a length behind pacesetter Talent Passion after the first furlong in a swift :22.15. The determined Candy Coded Kisses was bound for the front however, which she had after a half-mile in a more moderate :46.08. At the top

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of the stretch, the bay filly extended her lead to three lengths then drew away under the urging of Penalba, hitting the wire four lengths in front of favored Putyourdreamsawy in second and So Blessed in third.

“I was confident going into the race and the fact she won doesn’t really surprise me,” winning jockey Cecilio Penalba said. “But I think a lot of people are probably surprised right now. If she can be on the lead, the plan was to be on the lead,” Penalba said. “But that other filly went, and my filly was happy to put herself in that early position. And then, when I asked her to go, she did it very easy.”

Candy Coded Kisses returned $51.40, $13.00, and $5.00 for her shocking victory. Putyourdreamsaway paid

$3.00 and $2.80 when finishing second, while thirdplace finisher So Blessed returned $4.40.

Saturday’s victory was the second straight for Candy Coded Kisses, who broke her maiden by a neck on July 6 in a $50,000 maiden-claimer against male rivals. The daughter of Omega Code has a lifetime bankroll of $60,370. Candy Coded Kisses is trained by Easton DeSouza who co-owns the filly with Elsaida DeSouza.

Candy Coded Kisses was bred in Florida by Carlos Rafael and the Briggs and Cromartie Bloodstock Agency of Ocala.

The Florida Stallion Stakes culminates with the $300,000-estimated In Reality and My Dear Girl divisions on the October 13 Festival of the Sun card. ■

Candy Coded Kisses won the Desert Vixen Division. It was the second straight victory for the Florida-bred filly

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 39

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he Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association announced in April an agreement with Calder/Churchill Downs Inc. and the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association for this year’s Florida Stallion Stakes Series at Calder.

The lucrative series for two-year-olds was created in 1982 to benefit the Florida Thoroughbred Breeding industry. The popular series features three legs—an open division and a fillies division—run in July, August and concluding in October for juveniles by Florida stallions registered with the FTBOA. The initial legs carry purses of $75,000 each for a total of $150,000. Purses are increased to $125,000 for the second legs, totaling $250,000. Purses for the series fi-

Rewarding Excellence The Florida Stallion Stakes at Calder Keeps on Rolling nale swell to $300,000 each for a $600,000 total. Including Nominator Awards and $5,000 FSS Supplements for fillies (15) and colts (15) totaling an estimated $85,000, the estimated purse payments total $1,160,000.

“

The FTBOA, FHBPA and Calder each contributed to the program.

I believe all parties involved recognize the importance of the Florida Stallion Stakes to Florida’s owners and breeders,” said Lonny Powell, FTBOA CEO and executive vice president. “The juvenile program at Calder is one of the strongest in the country year in and year out, and we’re looking forward with great anticipation to this summer’s renewal of the Florida Stallion Stakes Series.

I’d like to thank the FHBPA, Calder and the members of my Racing Advisory Committee for assisting us in bringing some continuity and stability to the program.

“The Florida Stallion Stakes have long been a tradition here at Calder that showcases our two-year-olds for the whole country,” FHBPA president Phil Combest said.

“Many champions have come out of the series and we at the FHBPA are pleased that the track, breeders and horsemen came together to support an important cornerstone of South Florida racing.”

The first legs of the series are slated for July 28. The two $75,000 races are the Desert Vixen Division for fillies and the Dr. Fager Division for colts. Both races will be run at six furlongs. The second legs—the $125,000 Susan’s Girl Di40 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

”

vision and the Affirmed Divisions will be run Aug. 25 during Calder’s Juvenile Showcase program. The races will be contested at seven furlongs. The FSS finales are set for the Festival of the Sun card on Oct. 13. The series concludes with the $300,000 My Dear Girl Division and the $300,000 In Reality Division. Both races are at 1 1/16 miles.

2012 FLORIDA STALLION STAKES SERIES SCHEDULE JULY 28

Florida Stallion Stakes-$75,000 estimated Desert Vixen Division Florida Stallion Stakes-$75,000 estimated Dr. Fager Division

Florida Stallion Stakes $125,000 estimated Susan’s Girl Division

AUG. 25

Florida Stallion Stakes $125,000 estimated Affirmed Division Florida Stallion Stakes $300,000 estimated My Dear Girl Division

OCT. 13

Florida Stallion Stakes $300,000 estimated In Reality Division

In recent years, Fred and Jane Brei’s Jacks or Better Farm has dominated FSS proceedings. Fort Loudon capped off a three-race win streak last year when he won the In Reality Division while stablemate Awesome Belle won the My Dear Girl Division the same day. Both of those runners are sired by Journeyman Stud stallion Awesome of Course, as is Redbud Road, who annexed the Desert Vixen Division last year.

The 2011 Florida Stallion Series also marked the third consecutive year that Jacks or Better Farm and trainer Stanley Gold swept either the open or fillies division of the series. They combined to win the fillies series in 2010 with Awesome Feather, also by Awesome of Course, and swept the open division in 2009 with Jackson Bend.

Another recent notable sweep was Harold Queen’s Big Drama, who swept the 2008 Florida Stallion Stakes Series. Big Drama was conditioned by David Fawkes.

In addition to the FSS and the lucrative purses for Florida-bred juveniles, there are plenty of other substantial earning opportunities for Florida-breds during the Calder meet which runs through Aug. 31. The Tropical continued on page 43

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THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 41

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FTBOA: THE VOICE OF FLORIDA’S THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY

Since its inception, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association has been responsible for Florida-bred registration and administration and distribution of the industry’s incentive awards program, which encourages individuals to breed, train and race Thoroughbreds in Florida.

The FTBOA is dedicated to ensuring a prosperous business climate for the industry. With Florida’s low taxes and smart growth policies, basing a Thoroughbred operation in the Sunshine State makes perfect business sense. For more information, contact the FTBOA at (352) 629-2160.

2012 FLORIDA-BRED STAKES PROGRAM AT CALDER Date 5/12 5/12

SEX Fillies Open

AGE 3 Yo’s 3 Yo’s

DISTANCE 6 fur.

6 fur.

SURFACE PURSE Dirt 75,000 Dirt 75,000

RACE French Village In Summation

6 fur.

6 fur.

6 fur.

6 fur.

5 1/2 fur.

5 1/2 fur.

5 fur.

1m 70 yds.

1m 70 yds.

6Fur 6Fur 7 1/2 fur.

7 1/2 fur.

Dirt Dirt Dirt Dirt Dirt Dirt Turf Dirt Dirt Dirt Dirt Turf Turf

75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 100,000 100,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 E. 75,000 E. 75,000 75,000 75,000

Unbridled Ponche Hdcp.

U Can Do It H. Leave Me Alone J J’s Dream Frank Gomez Mem. Bob Umphrey (T) Sprint Three Ring El Kaiser Desert Vixen Dr. Fager Crystal Rail Naked Greed

7 fur.

7 fur.

1 mile 1 mile 5 fur.

5 fur.

Dirt Dirt Dirt Dirt Turf Turf

E.125,000 E.125,000 75,000 75,000 75,000 75,000

Definition FTBOA Supplement FSS 20,000 FTBOA FSS 20,000 FTBOA

Preview Summit of Speed 6/9 6/9 6/9 6/9 6/30 6/30 7/7 7/21 7/21 7/28 7/28 8/18 8/18

Open Open F&M Fillies Fillies Open Open Fillies Open Fillies Open Fillies Open

3 Yo’s 3 & Up 3 & Up 3 yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 3 & Up 3 Yo’s 3 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2Yo’s 3 Yo’s 3 Yo’s

FS Pref FS Pref FSS FSS FSS FSS FSS FSS

10,000 FTBOA 10,000 FTBOA 10,000 FTBOA 10,000 FTBOA 45,000 FTBOA 45,000 FTBOA 20,000 FTBOA 20,000 FTBOA 20,000 FTBOA 20,000 FTBOA

Juvenile Showcase 8/25 8/25 8/25 8/25 8/25 8/25

Fillies Open Fillies Open Fillies Open

2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s

42 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

Susan’s Girl Affirmed Lindsay Frolic Seacliff Catcharisingstar Fasig Tipton (T) Dash

FSS FSS FS Pref FS Pref

20,000 FTBOA 20,000 FTBOA 20,000 FTBOA 20,000 FTBOA

AcceleratedEarningPower2Sprds_Florida Horse_template 9/6/12 6:43 AM Page 43

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meet begins Sept. 1 and runs through Nov. 30 this year.

New at Calder this year is a Starter Series, which offers a combined $200,000 in purse money along with a $5,000 bonus to the trainer of the points-leader at the completion of the series. The four-race series began in April and runs through May 26. It attracted a total of 74 nominations.

“The Starter Series has generated a great deal of interest from our horsemen and we’re thrilled with the positive response we have received,” Racing Secretary Mike Anifantis said. “We expect large and competitive fields for each of the four races.”

The four-race series is restricted to 4-year-olds and up that have started for $20,000 or less in 2011 or 2012 and will be run at progressively longer distances while alternating between the main track and the turf course.

Bisnath Parbhoo, the top trainer at the 2010-2011 Tropical Meet, leads the way with seven horses nominated to the Starter Series, six of which run in the silks of the 2011 Calder Meet leading owner Sherry Parbhoo. Two-time leading owner Frank C. Calabrese, winner of the 2011 and the 2010-11 Tropical titles, has five horses nominated to the Starter Series, three for trainer Kirk Ziadie and two for Nick Canani.

Other trainers of note that have horses nominated to the Date

SEX

AGE

DISTANCE

Calder Starter Series include the northern-based outfits of Vickie Foley, Jamie Ness, Jason Servis, and Peter Walder, along with longtime Calder stalwarts Dave Fawkes, Bill Kaplan, and Stanley Gold.

A $5,000 bonus will be awarded to the trainer of the horse that accumulates the most points throughout the series, with points allocated to the first six finishers in each race.

THE CALDER STARTER SERIES SCHEDULE:

Seven Furlongs—Dirt

APRIL 14

One Mile—Turf

APRIL 28

One Mile and Seventy Yards—Dirt

MAY 12

One and One-Sixteenth Miles—Turf

MAY 26

FTBOA Racing/Stakes Committee: Brent Fernung, Chair, Phil Matthews, George Russell, Fred Brei, Lonny Powell

SURFACEPURSE

RACE

Definition

FTBOA Supplement

1 1/16 m.

1 1/16 m.

1m 70 yds.

1m 70 yds.

6 fur.

6 fur.

Turf Turf Dirt Dirt Dirt Dirt

Judy’s Red Shoes S. Needles Stakes Brave Raj Stakes Foolish Pleasure Stakes Cassidy S. Birdonthewire S.

FSS FSS FSS Pref FSS Pref FS Pref FS Pref

20,000 FTBOA 20,000 FTBOA 35,000 FTBOA 35,000 FTBOA 35,000 FTBOA 35,000 FTBOA

3 Yo’s 3 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s

1 1/8 m.

1 m.

1 1/16 m.

1 1/16 m.

Turf 75,000 Turf 75,000 Dirt E.350,000 Dirt E.350,000

Tropical Derby Francis A. Genter My Dear Girl In Reality

FSS FSS

2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 3 & Up 3 & Up 3 & Up 3 & Up

1 1/16 m.

1 1/16 m.

7 fur.

7 fur.

6 fur.

1 1/8 m.

1 1/16 m.

1 1/8 m.

Turf Turf Dirt Dirt Dirt Turf Dirt Dirt

John Franks Juvenile Fillies Turf Arthur I. Appleton Juvenile Turf Joe O Farrell Juvenile Fillies Jack Price Juvenile Jack Dudley Sprint H. Bonnie Heath Turf Cup Elmer Heubeck Distaff H. Carl G. Rose Classic

State State State State State State State State

Preview Festival of the Sun 9/15 9/15 9/15 9/15 9/29 9/29

Fillies Open Fillies Open Fillies Open

3 Yo’s 3 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s 2 Yo’s

75,000 75,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 100,000

Festival of the Sun 10/13 10/13 10/13 10/13

Open Fillies Fillies Open

10,000 FTBOA 10,000 FTBOA

Florida Million 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/10

Fillies Open Fillies Open Open Open F&M Open

100,000 100,000 125,000 125,000 125,000 125,000 150,000 150,000

FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner • 850-617-7341 • Fax 850-617-7331 e-mail: Christopher.denmark@freshfromflorida.com 407 S. Calhoun • 416 Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399

50,000 FTBOA 50,000 FTBOA 50,000 FTBOA 50,000 FTBOA 50,000 FTBOA 50,000 FTBOA 50,000 FTBOA 50,000 FTBOA

www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 43

Ballerina_Superfecta_Florida Horse_template 9/6/12 6:51 AM Page 44

Turbulent Descent tops Florida four in New York’s Ballerina

By BROCK SHERIDAN

T

44 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

urbulent Descent topped a Florida-bred superfecta in New York as she won the Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 24 over fellow Florida natives Derwin’s Star in second, All Due Respect in third and Belle of the Hall in fourth.

It was the fourth career Grade 1 victory for Turbulent Descent who was making her first start for her new owners and trainer.

Let go as the odds-on choice at 2-5, the chestnut filly was purchased privately by Michael Tabor, John Magnier and Derrick Smith after winning the $72,000 Desert Stormer Handicap at Betfair Hollywood Park on Jun. 17 and was subsequently sent to trainer Todd Pletcher’s barn in New York from Mike Puype’s base in Southern California.

It was under Puype that Turbulent Descent won the 2011 Test Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, the Santa Anita Oaks (G1), the Beaumont Stakes (G2) at Keeneland and the 2010 Hollywood Starlet (G1) and $100,000 Moccasin Stakes at Hollywood Park before going to Pletcher for her eighth win from just 12 career starts.

COGLIANESE PHOTOS

Ballerina_Superfecta_Florida Horse_template 9/6/12 6:52 AM Page 45

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 45

Ballerina_Superfecta_Florida Horse_template 9/10/12 11:58 AM Page 46

SaratogaSuperfecta However, the Ballerina was not the easiest of wins Respect fought hard down the stretch and kept the show for the 4-year-old filly. At the start of the seven furlong spot. The final time for the seven furlongs was 1:22.13.

“Turning for home [Turbulent Descent] kind of Ballerina, Turbulent Descent, breaking from post five, bumped with number four Nicole H at the start before bumped with the horse inside of us and she got into the being settled some three lengths behind early leader All bridle a little bit earlier than I hoped for,” jockey John Due Respect. The 20-1 long shot quickly put two lengths Velazquez said after the race. “But she ran a great race.”

The $300,000 first-place check between herself and Island Bound on the rail, Nicole H beYou’re talking about a filly allowed Turbulent Descent to join tween horses and Turbulent Dethat’s a Grade 1 winner at the Florida-bred fraternity of milscent on the outside as they went [ages] two, three and four and lionaires as she now has a career bankroll of $1,201,640. Pletcher the first two furlongs in an honthat’s pretty rare. also made note of her career acest :23.02 and the first half-mile —trainer Todd Pletcher complishments after the race. in an equally calculated :45.33.

“You’re talking about a filly that’s a Grade 1 winIsland Bound could not keep up around the turn as Turbulent Descent and Nicole H ranged up to catch All Due ner at [ages] two, three and four and that’s pretty rare,” Respect coming out of the bend. Not far into the stretch, Pletcher said.

Nicole H dropped back while Turbulent Descent took the The Ballerina was a “Win and You’re In” race, givlead and began to pull away from Nicole H. Turbulent De- ing Turbulent Descent an automatic berth in the Breedscent went on to win by more than a length as Derwin’s ers’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) to be run at Santa Star had rallied from fifth to get up for the place. All Due Anita Nov. 2. ■

“

”

Turbulent Descent (inside) bests three other Florida-breds for an all Florida Superfecta

46 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

Leading Sires_Florida Horse_template 9/13/12 3:55 PM Page 47

Leading Florida Sires The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through September 4, 2012. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

WILDCAT HEIR

CHAPEL ROYAL

PUT IT BACK

Name

Sire Name

Farm Name

NA Earnings

Stk Gr Strtrs Wnrs SW's Wins SW's

Wildcat Heir

Forest Wildcat

Journeyman Stud

$3,325,922

164

87

5

5

1

$3,405,559

Derwin’s Star

$233,000

24 $26,458

16 $47,813

Put It Back

Honour and Glory Bridlewood Farm

$2,929,345

177

81

7

10

4

$3,152,371

Yara

$292,250

32 $17,556

28 $42,679

Chapel Royal

Montbrook

Signature Stallions

$2,147,187

192

85

3

3

0

$2,159,171

Dolly Peach

$121,875

17 $14,629

7

With Distinction

Storm Cat

Hartley/DeRenzo

$2,124,443

146

78

0

0

0

$2,129,197

Canuletmedowneasy

$138,930

21 $26,200

22 $25,432

Full Mandate

A.P. Indy

Hartley/DeRenzo

$2,064,914

86

49

1

2

1

$2,094,771

Ron the Greek

2

$1,600

3

$20,500

Repent

Louis Quatorze

Cloverleaf Farms II

$1,879,063

159

63

2

4

0

$1,885,242

Lotta Lovin

$124,914

9 $16,078

7

$20,386

Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) Candy Stripes

Stonewall Farm Ocala $1,471,978

81

36

4

5

1

$1,647,874

Aquitania

$130,000

21 $37,293

5 $125,400

Halo’s Image

Halo

Deceased

$1,548,500

60

29

1

2

1

$1,548,500

Turbo Compressor

$677,180

4

3

Graeme Hall

Dehere

Winding Oaks Farm

$1,418,180

92

40

0

0

0

$1,418,312

Duke of Mischief

$212,000

12 $19,342

14 $29,464

Value Plus

Unbridled’s Song Stonewall Farm Ocala $1,307,305

101

47

0

0

0

$1,408,967

Sweet Jody

$67,329

22 $10,582

6

Earnings

Leading Earner

Leading Yrlg Yrlg Earnings Sold Avg

$1,022,932

$5,675

2yo Sold

2yo Avg

$15,500

$12,167

$33,750

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 47

Leading Sires_Florida Horse_template 9/13/12 3:56 PM Page 48

Leading Florida Juvenile Sires The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through September 4, 2012. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

PUT IT BACK Name

Sire Name

Farm Name

HIGH COTTON

WILDCAT HEIR NA Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW's

Stk Gr Wins SW's Earnings

Leading Earner

Put It Back

Honour and Glory Bridlewood Farm

$549,179

24

12

3

3

1

$549,179

Putyourdreamsaway

Wildcat Heir

Forest Wildcat

Journeyman Stud

$320,414

26

7

0

0

0

$320,414

Heir Kitty

High Cotton

Dixie Union

Leading Yrlg Earnings Sold

Yrlg Avg

2yo Sold

2yo Avg

$115,975

32

17,556.25

28

$42,678

$66,000

24

26,458.33

16

$47,812 $34,500

Ocala Stud

$308,867

15

5

1

1

1

$308,867

Spurious Precision

$168,000

9

26,222.22

19

With Distinction Storm Cat

Hartley/DeRenzo

$224,680

18

7

0

0

0

$224,680

Too Fast to Pass

$51,420

21

26,200.00

22

$25,431

Bring the Heat

Ward Ranch

$197,176

11

4

1

1

0

$197,176

Rip Roarin Ritchie

$70,645

2

$40,000

Doneraile Court Seattle Slew

Stonnewall Farm Ocala $184,752

17

6

1

1

1

$188,618

Scherer Magic

$110,400

1

$20,000

Untuttable

Stonehedge Farm South $162,365

5

2

1

2

0

$162,365

Two T’s At Two B

$144,385

In Excess (IRE)

Unbridled

11

10,465.83

Value Plus

Unbridled’s Song Stonewall Farm Ocala

$162,133

14

4

0

0

0

$162,133

Baby Princess

$48,000

22

10,581.82

6

$33,750

Chapel Royal

Montbrook

$154,210

16

6

0

0

0

$159,712

Mr Rodriguez

$43,000

17

14,629.41

7

$15,500

Cowtown Cat

Distorted Humor Journeyman Stud

$147,474

15

5

0

0

0

$150,123

Calgary Cat

$49,499

25

17,000.00

22

$43,068

Signature Stallions

Leading Florida Freshman Sires The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through September 4, 2012. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

COWTOWN CAT

GOT THE LAST LAUGH

CIRCULAR QUAY NA Stk Gr Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW's Wins SW's Earnings

Leading Earner

Yrlg Sold

Yrlg Avg

2yo Sold

$49,499

25

$17,000

22

$43,313

14

$13,014

19

$36,826

Giggle Fit

$27,000

4

$5,625

4

$12,375

$80,085

Kinz Funky Monkey

$64,400

1

$2,000

3

$48,667

Name

Sire Name

Farm Name

Cowtown Cat

Distorted Humor

Journeyman Stud

$147,474

15

5

0

0

0

$150,123

Calgary Cat

Circular Quay

Thunder Gulch

Journeyman Stud

$99,073

12

5

0

0

0

$99,073

Jewel in the Sky

Got the Last Laugh Distorted Humor

McKathan Brothers

$84,835

5

3

0

0

0

$84,835

The Green Monkey Forestry

Hartley/DeRenzo

$80,085

5

1

0

0

0

Leading Earnings

2yo Avg $43,068

Gottcha Gold

Coronado’s Quest Ocala Stud

$70,750

10

1

0

0

0

$70,750

My Daddy’s Dollars

$22,530

7

$7,386

13

$26,769

Keyed Entry

Honour and Glory Bridlewood Farm

$61,429

10

1

0

0

0

$61,429

Hyena

$48,000

17

$5,918

16

$33,313

Belgravia

Mr. Greeley

Hartley/DeRenzo

$17,740

4

1

0

0

0

$17,740

Bel Dancing

$10,400

16

$12,331

13

$15,038

Indy Wind

A.P. Indy

Journeyman Stud

$4,120

5

0

0

0

0

$4,120

$2,040

4

$7,875

4

$12,500

48 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

Rose Indy

Presidents Report2pgs_tweaked_EditorWelcome 9/13/12 3:52 PM Page 49

Q&A with FTBOA President Phil Matthews Phil Matthews from page 25 breeder’s awards. But many of us were waiting for the next shoe to drop, when some tracks figured a way to have their casinos, and slots, but not have the investment and demands of live racing at all or curtail it significantly. That is exactly what is happening with barrel racing. These barrel racing rogue permit holders are trying to create a venue by which thoroughbred racing can be eliminated. They pay very small purses, have a very small number of horses to provide space for and still qualify for their other forms of more lucrative gaming. It is an ugly thing that is happening.

I want everyone to realize two other points that are very important about this diabolical process. These people are doing everything they can do to delegitimize the now legitimate, and traditional, horsemen’s groups. That is the FTBOA and the FHBPA [Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association]. We have always been the groups that the racetracks had to enter in to agreement with for breeder’s incentives and purses. The Gretna people want to create their own “cozy” horse groups, basically run by them, which they will supposedly negotiate with, and by doing so cut us out of the process. And I don’t mean the barrel racing process, I mean Thoroughbred racing!

The second point I want to make is this.

Where have the race tracks been on this issue?

The silence has been deafening. They don’t visibly take a stand but they are just waiting to see what happens. As one high ranking racing official said to me, “Hey, we like it. We like the flexibility it could provide.” This should send a chill down the spine of any individual or organization truly dedicated to live thoroughbred racing in Florida.

TFH: What do you see as some of the larger challenges and opportunities ahead for the FTBOA? PM: I think our members create and provide many of their own opportunities by breeding great horses that continue to consistently and successfully compete on a world stage. We should all be incredibly proud of the product that is turned out by the people of this state. We need to work as an association to protect the past achievements and continue to strive for more.

We need to work toward an equitable solution with Advance Deposit Wagering and to have a seat at the table when destination resort casinos become a reality, we need to be able to produce quality and economically rewarding racing in Marion County as the other tracks contract their dates as they are trying to do.

The challenges are many. The economy may be our greatest challenge and one that we have the least control over, so we must focus on those that we can influence. I’ve already mentioned the barrel racing debacle. I mentioned ADW as an opportunity, which ultimately it will be, but in the meantime it is a struggle, certainly a challenge.

You know, unfortunately, there is a long list of challenges to our industry. That is why strength, vibrancy and relevance need to be key focal points of this association. We are and must be more than “just an administrator of Breeders Awards.” It is our responsibility to also lead, facilitate, advocate and otherwise promote the Florida thoroughbred industry.

Brock, let me digress for a minute.

There are many in our membership who speak to one topic only; increasing our breeder’s awards. On one level, I think that is fair, it should be a major priority. The higher they can be the better. Who in their right-mind would ever think differently? It allows present breeders more potential to get more money and it provides added incentive for more people to come to Florida to breed their horses.

So what I think a major challenge is; is to educate our membership about how that can happen. As I said, we don’t exist in a bubble. We are a very unique industry that few people understand and, unfortunately, fewer are embracing every year, referring to the fan and owner base.

So let’s couple that with where the money comes

is a “greatFlorida place to breed, raise, train and race horses. It is up to us, all of us, to protect this fine tradition and make it as rewarding to our current members as possible while enticing people outside of the state to join us. People in our business are forever optimistic; I’m no different.

”

from. It comes from the handle and the slot machine and card room revenue at the racetracks.

Therefore, it is absolutely imperative to protect these sources; our only sources of income.

To do that, we need relevance. We need to be relevant to the legislature. We need to show them on both a professional and unified basis that we are a large and vital part of the economy in Florida and that we are a significant grass-roots voting bloc. So that we can persuade them that we need help with immigration, taxation, workman’s comp law, ADW, awards flexibility, etc. We need to be relevant

to the state, to the people of the state, so that they see us as a vital industry, not simply the sport of kings or a rich man’s hobby as so many perceive We need to be strong and relevant to be able to negotiate with the other stake holders in the industry, negotiate positions that preserve racing dates and as strong a percentage of handle and other revenues as possible toward our trust fund, our breeder’s awards, purses and our future.

It is this relevance that is so important. I would argue it is more important now than ever.

Gretna and other gaming interests want to claim we are irrelevant; that our time has come and gone. They want to write us off as being unable to get beyond the in-fighting; that we shouldn’t have a place at the negotiating table.

To counter this and achieve our goals we need to be the whole package. Good legal counsel, good lobbyist, strong and savvy CEO, hardworking board and officers and a unified membership. This is how this Association protects and forwards the interests of its members.

We must do all of these things. I’m afraid it is naïve and totally unrealistic to think that the FTBOA should consist of a bean counter in the back room that reaches in to a pot of money and sends out breeder’s awards. The pot will quickly dry up under such limited vision. There are people working very hard, every day, through their selfish interests, trying to dry that pot up. Many of our members realize this and are enthusiastic and focused on moving forward in a constructive, unified manner.

That being said, we continue to make the area of membership services and education a major focus of what we do and something that Lonny, myself and the FTBOA staff are excited about building upon. We also believe that it is very important that the board and management continue to be proactive as we look down the road. Toward this end, I am working with Lonny to have a board and staff strategic planning session in the near future. To make this workable, we are currently planning a format by which the members can provide their thoughts and concerns for the board’s consideration in this effort.

Florida is a great place to breed, raise, train and race horses. It is up to us, all of us, to protect this fine tradition and make it as rewarding to our current members as possible while enticing people outside of the state to join us. People in our business are forever optimistic; I’m no different. ■ THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 49

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has a leg up

on the

competition Florida...

the Best State for Business

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com

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From coast to coast, Florida’s tax-friendly, pro-business environment is poised and ready to attract new companies and create new employment opportunities.

• No personal state income tax.

• No individual capital gains tax.

• National leader in veterinary and equine research.

• Ranked third in the U.S. for number of horses and size of horse industry.

• Horses are exempt from sales tax when purchased from their original breeder.

• Feed and animal health items, along with other specific items, are also exempt.

• Florida’s greenbelt exemption provides property tax breaks for Florida horse farms.

• No tax on stallion seasons.

• Physical climate allows for year-round training, racing, showing and business opportunities.

FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner 850-617-7341 • Fax 850-617-7331 e-mail: Christopher.denmark@freshfromflorida.com 407 S. Calhoun • 416 Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399

www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

Focus_Layout 1 9/10/12 11:34 AM Page 52

continued from page 12 outside and chased down Maple Forest and Roman Treasure. Taking the lead with some 100 yards to run, C C’s Pal then fought off a hard closing Island Bound in second and the Florida-breds Beat the Blues and Belle of the Hall in third and fourth respectively. Final time for the six furlongs was 1:09.88.

“It was awful quick up front,” trainer Richard Dutrow Jr., trainer of C C’s Pal said after the race. “We wanted to save ground and the turn. [C C’s Pal] can lead, stalk… she fired another bullet.”

Winning jockey Junior Alvarado was equally complementary of C C’s Pal, who was bred in Florida by Beth Bayer of Ocala. “The filly is just amazing,” Alvardo said. “It’s a little easier for you when you ride this kind of horse. Rick Dutrow really had her ready, too.

“My filly has enough speed to close if they are going slow or if they’re going fast, I know I’ll be in a good spot. That’s pretty much what happened. They went real, real fast and I was in a nice spot saving ground. She really gave me a nice kick in the end.”

Cash Rules responds to Correction by Saez

DENVER PHOTO

Mat Stable LLC’s Royal Currier raced to the lead entering the stretch and then held off the late charge of fellow Florida-bred Soaring Stocks to score by a nose in the $100,000 Teddy Drone Stakes at Monmouth Park Jul. 29.

Royal Currier broke well from post five and went with Secret Commander to set the early pace of :22.26 for the first quarter and

Florida-bred Royal Currier

52 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

COADY PHOTO

Royal Currier majestic in Teddy Drone Florida-bred Cash Rules

Part of being a successful jockey is being able to find one’s mistake in a race lost and correct it. It may have been in the Calder Casino and Race Course jockeys’ quarters after the Primal Stakes on July 12, when jockey Luis Saez, looking up at the replay on the television monitor, realized his mistake. Perhaps he had known it the moment he crossed the finish line—the replay only confirmed it. In any case, he had seen his error.

What Saez saw on the replay was that he had taken the lead at the top of the stretch aboard Cash Rules in the $51,000 stake after stalking pace-setter Oligarch through much of the 11⁄16-mile race. But just as he took the lead,

Rip Roarin Ritchie tears Through Tyro Stakes Richard Ravin’s Rip Roarin Ritchie did not disappoint his backers betting at Monmouth Park Aug. 5 when the Florida-bred son of Bring the Heat was sent to the post in the $60,000 Tyro Stakes at the odds-on choice at 4-5. The Tyro Stakes featured a field of eight 2-year-olds going five furlongs on grass at the Oceanport, N.J., track.

Bred in Florida by trainer Wesley Ward of Hallandale Beach, Rip Roarin Ritchie broke well from the inside post and quickly assumed command under jockey Elvis Trujillo.

The dark bay or brown colt opened up daylight on the field taking them through quick fractions of :22.04 for the first quarter-mile and :44.67 through the first half-mile. Despite the quick early pace, like most Floridabreds Rip Roarin Ritchie held on for the win, a half-length ahead of runner-up I’m Boundtoscore, who had chased him from the second spot for most of the race. I’m Boundtoscore was a neck ahead of thirdplace finisher Itsmyluckyday, who had rallied from the fifth spot to almost catch the leaders. Final time for the five-eighths of a mile was :56.46 over the firm turf.

“He broke really fast out of the gate,” winning jockey Elvis Trujillo said. “The gates opened and he was three lengths in front already. He relaxed really well, but I had to ride him a little in the stretch because he started looking around.”

The $36,000 winner’s check increased the lifetime earnings for Rip Roaring Ritchie to $70,645.

He now has two wins from three career starts having also won a maiden special weight event at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., on Jun. 15. In the colt’s only loss, he was third against maiden special weight company at Woodbine Race Course near Toronto, Ont., May 13—a race in which winner Uncaptured would later go on to win two $150,000 stakes.

EQUI PHOTO

Florida FOCUS

:44.97 for the half. Around the far turn, jockey Joe Bravo began to ask Royal Currier and the two had the lead when they straightened away for home. Soaring Stock began to drop back at that point while Travelin Man made a three-wide rally and nearly caught Royal Currier. However, Royal Currier found more and held on to win by a nose. The fiinal time was 1:093⁄5 for the six furlongs.

Royal Currier is trained by Patricia Farro and was ridden

by Joe Bravo for his second win of the day.

This was the second straight stakes Florida-bred victory at Mon- Rip Roarin Ritchie mouth for Royal Currier, a 4-year-old son of Red Bullet who captured the Mr. Prospector Stakes here on July 8. Royal Currier was bred in Florida by Adena Springs.

Focus_Layout 1 9/10/12 11:34 AM Page 53

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

races on a single card. The last to accomplish the feat was Manoel Cruz in November, 2005.

Eddie Castro holds the one-day win record at Calder, riding nine winners in June, 2005.

dropped back while Bridgetown and Perfect Officer turned for home together under little urging by their riders. Three-sixteenths from the wire the running became more serious as both John Velazquez on Bridgetown and Javier Castellano on Perfect Office threw their respective crosses and began to ride with more urgency as they battled to the finish line. Perfect There weren’t many surprises in the Officer hung tough down the stretch but $100,000 Troy Stakes at Saratoga Aug. 15. Eu- Bridegetown was too much as he went on to gene Melnyk Racing Stables’ Bridgetown was win by a half-length over Perfect Officer in secexpected to be on the lead early in the five and ond. Florida-bred Wekiva Wachee rallied for one-half furlong turf race and as the 7-5 favorite, third some four lengths back with Night Officer, Regally Ready, Zeb and Freudian Dilemma was also expected to be in front at the wire. completing the order As it turned out, of finish. Final time all came true. was 1:101.52.

Trained by Todd After the race, Pletcher, Bridgetown Pletcher said there broke second from were aspects that he post three but quickly had expected and had the lead and took everything turned the field of seven 3out almost exactly year-olds and older Florida-bred Bridgetwon as planned. through a quick first It was the second consecutive victory in quarter-mile in :23.34 and a half in :44.08 while running stride-for-stride with 2-1 second choice the Troy Stakes for Bridgetown, who won Perfect Officer in second and Freudian this race last year with Valazquez aboard.

Dilemma, a length and one-half behind in third. Although the race was a bit easier in 2011 At the top of the stretch, Freudian Dilemma for Bridgetown when he won by more than

Bridgetown spans Troy for Second time

COGLIANESE PHOTO

South Florida nemesis Numb Lips sped past and went on to win by three-lengths. Cash Rules fought on stubbornly to hold second, but Saez knew he had not given the Floridabred gelding his best ride.

Saez responded and would change his strategy slightly in the $55,000 Band Is Passing Stakes at Calder Aug. 11 and it worked to perfection as Cash Rules avenged his loss in the Primal by winning the 11⁄16 stake over a sloppy main track. The Band Is Passing was scheduled for the turf, but thunderstorms had forced officials to move the race to the main track.

Again Oligarch set the pace, taking the Band Is Passing field through sluggish fractions of :23.92, :48.29 and 1:13.69. Again Saez and Cash Rules laid back in third, about two lengths behind the frontrunner with long shot Runyon Humor separating them in second. At the top of the stretch, Oligarch began to tire and drifted out just a bit. Saez, waiting a bit more patiently this time, could not passup the opportunity to hit the hole on the rail and shot Cash Rules to the lead. This time Cash Rules had plenty left and he went on to extend his lead to two and one-half lengths at the wire. The final time was 1:46.26.

Numb Lips rallied for second but was never a threat. Finishing third was Liberty Cap while Oligarch and Runyon Humor faded to sixth and seventh respectively. Duc Duc was fourth and Flatter This was fifth to complete the order of finish.

Trained by Dave Fawkes for owner and co-breeder Larry Fugate of Dade City, Cash Rules was bred in Florida-bred Florida by Fugate and Old Time Hockey Marsh Novak and Suzanne Novak also of Dade City, Cash Rules won his fifth race from 12 career races and increased his earnings to $167,226. The Band Is Passing was his second stakes win of the current Calder meeting having also taken the Sumter Stakes on May 5 at the Miami Gardens, Fla., track.

The win by Cash Rules was the sixth of the day for Saez, who became just the ninth jockey in the 40-year history of Calder to win that many

Old Time Hockey ices La Jolla Only four horses started in the 72nd running of $147,000 La Jolla Handicap (G2) at Del Mar Aug. 11 and three hit the wire together.

Old Time Hockey, who was bred in Florida by owner Leonard Lavin’s Glen Hill Farm in Ocala, won the 11⁄16 turf test over My Best Brother in second in what was a rematch of the faster division of the $109,000 Oceanside Stakes run at Del Mar July 18. In that race, My Best Brother was the winner and Old Time Hockey was third.

Ridden by jockey Joe Talamo for the first time in the La Jolla, Old Time Hockey sat behind My Best Brother and Chips All In as they set fractions of :23.80, :47.85 for the first quarter and half-mile.

Chips All In made a run at My Best Brother down the backstretch, but the favorite drew clear again as they went the six furlongs in 1:10.72. By that time Old Time Hockey began to make a move while racing three-wide and was able to eventually chase down My Best Brother in the last strides while Chips All In would not give in either. At the wire, Old Time Hockey was a nose in front of My Best Brother, who was a head in front of Chips All In in third. Blingo was fourth. Final time for the 11⁄16 miles on the grass was 1:40.55.

It was the third career victory from nine starts for Old Time Hockey and the career earnings for the 3-year-old gelding now stand at $200,228.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 53

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Florida sire West Acre, Dead at 17 West Acre was euthanized due to complications of laminitis Thursday, August 16 at Stonehedge Farm South, where he stood for owners Gilbert and Marilyn Campbell, since 1998.

To date, the unraced son of Forty Niner has sired 179 winners from 12 crops of racing age and earners of more than $13 million. Among West Acre’s 30 graded stakes horses are Ivanavinalot, winner of the Grade 2 Bonnie Miss Stakes and the My Dear Girl division of the Florida Stallion Stakes and his leading money earner with a $647,300 career bankroll; Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner Watch Me Go; and Orchid Stakes (G3) victor Speak Easy Gal, a winner of $413,761.

In 2010, West Acre was the only Florida sire with three 2-year-olds on the Experimental Free Handicap and he was the second-leading Florida sire of juvenile stakes horses the same year, with six. He currently has 20 winners and six stakes performers from 40 starters.

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

West Acre

54 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

Having halted a nine-race losing streak with a victory in the $75,000 Three Ring Stakes on July 21, the Jacks or Better Farm, Inc. homebred filly Awesome Belle won for the second straight time when leading at every call to take the co-featured $75,000 Crystal Rail Stakes at Calder Casino & Race Course on Aug. 18.

Having made an easy lead under some aggressive handling from jockey Fernando Jara, Awesome Belle never faced any real threat as the pacesetter, guiding the field of 3-year-old fillies through moderate early fractions of :24.87 and :48.54.

Awesome Belle was forced to repel a mid-turn challenge from Montessa G, and the filly responded willingly, opening up a 1½-length lead at the top of the stretch and expanding that margin to 2¼ lengths at the

Florida-bred Awesomes Belle

wire, running the 7½-furlong trip, over a turf course listed as good, in 1:30.53.

“When I asked her to go, she was there for me, and she started to run again,” Jara said.

With her Crystal Rail Stakes victory, Awesome Belle increased her career earnings to $353,387. The Stanley Goldtrained daughter of Awesome of Course is now a four time winner from 17 starts, and is a three-time stakes winner at Calder, adding a victory in last year’s $300,000 My Dear Girl Division of the Florida Stallion Stakes to her 2012 Three Ring and Crystal Rail triumphs.

Awesome Of Course stands at Journeyman Stud in Ocala, Fla.

Luis Duco Stables, Inc.’s sophomore colt Empire Builder became a stakeswinner on grass for the first time when taking the $75,000 Naked Greed Stakes by two lengths on Aug. 18.

COADY PHOTO

six lengths, this running went according to plan but had some challenges as well.

Bridgetown was also bred in Florida by Eugene Melnyk, owner of Winding Oaks Farms in Ocala, and was named after the city of Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados.

Melnyk resides in Barbados. It was the eighth victory and sixth stakes win from 18 starts for the 5-year-old horse who now has a career bankroll of $844,700.

Empire Builder constructs First stakes win

Awesome Belle scores Second straight stakes In Crystal Rail

COADY PHOTO

Florida FOCUS

Florida-bred Empire Builder

“He is a good horse on the dirt,” winning rider Jonathan Gonzales said of the 3-year-old colt, already a twotime stakes winner on the Calder main track. “But I think I saw today that he’s much better on the grass.”

Content to settle in fifth-place through the opening quarter-mile of the Naked Greed, Empire Builder was asked to run a bit earlier than usual when advancing on the early leader Harrison Bay through an opening halfmile that went in :47.32.

“I knew where I wanted to put him early; so out of the gate I was able to get a position,” Gonzales said. “When I saw the half-mile (marker) coming, I knew it was time to go. And when I asked him (to run), he just went.”

Empire Builder made the lead rather easily and quickly opened up a threelength lead on his overmatched rivals.

While that margin was whittled away late, at no point in the stretch was the result ever in peril as the son of Kitten’s Joy ran unchallenged through the wire, covering the 7 ½-furlong trip in 1:29.47.

“At the finish line, my horse still wanted more,” Gonzales said.

With his victory in the Naked Greed, the Luis Duco-trained Empire Builder improved his career record to five wins from 12 starts, with lifetime earnings of $151,145.

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Shadowbdancing lands Millionaire status with Prairie Meadows win

BOYD GAMINGS PHOTO

Shadowbdancing seems to pass milestones with every start and the 7-yearold horse did just that again Jul. 28 at Prairie Meadows while winning the $98,000 Prairie Meadows Handicap.

Bred in Florida by Ocala Stud Farm and by Montbrook, who stands at the Ocala farm, Shadowbdancing grabbed control of the 1¼ race around the first turn when he and jockey Quincy Hamilton took the lead and the field through

Florida-bred Shadowbdancing

the first quarter mile in :23.76 and the first half-mile in :46.90. Around the far turn Shadowbdancing edged clear of stalker Hope for Today and had a threelength advantage at the top of the stretch. That margin only increased as Shadowbdancing hit the wire seven lengths ahead of Hope for Today in second and It Happened Again in third.

Shadowbdancing picked up $60,000 for owner RNB Racing LLC, pushing his career earnings into six figures at $1,000,147. Shadowbdancing now has six of his 15 career wins at the Altoona, Ia., track where is also just one of two horses (the other being Wayzata Bay) to win all three of the track’s big races for older horses after also winning the 2009 and 2012 Jim Rasmussen Memorial Stakes and the 2010 Cornhusker Handicap (G3).

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 55

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EquineCare

56 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

By HEATHER SMITH THOMAS kin diseases in horses have many different causes, including pathogenic fungi. These tiny organisms can survive and multiply in a wider range of temperature and environments than most bacteria or viruses. Some fungi are parasites, causing skin or systemic infections in humans and animals, multiplying by sending out microscopic spores. The spores can survive in the environment for long periods of time. Following are examples of equine diseases caused by fungi and fungal-like organisms.

S

RINGWORM – The most common fungal infections in horses are the dermatophytes (parasitic fungi). Some of these are commonly found in soil (geophilic fungi) or in animals (zoophilic fungi), according to Dr. Leonel Mendoza (Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics, Michigan State University). “The most important of these in horses are Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton metagrophytes, and Trichophyton equinum.

There are also a few unusual cases in horses caused by Microsporum canis, which is much more common in cats and dogs. I had a case in a horse that developed extensive lesions, and found that the barn cat was sleeping on top of the saddle blanket during the night,” says Mendoza.

“Sometimes we see unusual cases of Trichophtyton verrucosum which is more common in cattle. But because cattle and horses are often pastured together, horses may develop this type of ringworm. It can be difficult to diagnose in horses because the lesions are more inflamma-

tory, with wet exudates rather than dry skin without hair.” The horse owner should have a veterinarian examine the horse for proper diagnosis.

“The only way to get a diagnosis is by taking a skin scraping to send to a laboratory. They will look at it under a microscope, using 10% potassium hydroxide, and try to find filamentous hyphae, arthrospores, and invasion of the hair. The fungus goes inside the hair, damages it, and the hair falls out,” says Mendoza.

When a horse has ringworm, the fungi can spread to other areas of the body, and to other animals and humans. “This disease is insidious.

The horse may rub against a fence and leave some spores on the fence. Humans may pick up the infection, leaning against the fence, putting their arms over the fence, or climbing over a fence. If a horse rubs and creates small cuts or abrasions in the skin, or a human has small nicks in the skin, dermatophytes can pass from the fences to other horses and humans,” he says.

“These dermatophytes can survive in the environment a long time. We think these fungi originally lived in the ground, and then adapted to living on mammals. They are geophilic, which means they live in the soil. Some have adapted to living on humans and have become what we call anthropophilic (able to live on human skin) or zoophilic (living on animals). They often spread from one species to another, especially from animals to humans, and only rarely from humans to animals,” he says.

“Most ringworm agents are zoonotic, which means they can travel from one animal to another species of animal, and from an animal to humans,”

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says Mendoza. If you have a pet or a horse with ringworm, be aware that you could get this infection, too.

Children often get ringworm from dogs or cats that harbor Microsporum canis.

Ringworm is often more common during winter in horses and cattle and can be readily spread from one animal to another. “One animal may be a carrier, and spreads it to the others,” he says.

PHOTOS COURTESY DR. LEONEL MENDOZA

TREATMENT FOR RINGWORM – If you have several horses with ringworm, the treatment is expensive because it takes a lot of medication to provide an adequate dose for such a large animal. Anti-ringworm drugs work well for dogs and cats, but the cost would be high for a horse. “The usual treatment I recommend, which is cheaper, is to use potassium iodine or sodium iodine solution (diluted to about 5 or 10% with water) to wash the skin,” says Mendoza.

“Conidiobolomycosis is usually found around the nostrils in horses, producing lesions inside the nostrils. The spores are on the grass, and if the horse has a small cut or abrasion in the nostrils, these spores can penetrate and cause infection if the horse encounters them while grazing. This type of infection is very common in the southern part of the U.S. and less common in the northern part of the country,” he says.

“One of the less common types of infection that has been reported and described in horses is called pheohyphomycosis. This subcutaneous infection is caused by black fungi, and very unusual in horses. It produces small, bumpy lesions in the skin,” he says.

“Another unusual type of subcutaneous fungal infection in horses is caused by mycetomas. All of these types of infection must have an opening in the skin to get started, and exposure to organic material such as plants that have mold, or wood splinters. If the fungi

“These iodine compounds can be given orally, but you must use the prescription drug for animals. Your veterinarian could give advice on dosage. These drugs are used in combination with topical iodine treatment.

The iodine-based shampoos can be used over the whole body if the horse has many areas affected,” he says.

“There are vaccines that can be used to prevent and to cure ringworm infections in cattle, and these have been used in Norway, Sweden, Germany and Russia, but I don’t think they’ve been used in horses,” says Mendoza.

SUBCUTANEOUS INFECTIONS – Some fungal and fungal-like infections are not on the skin, but just under the skin. “There are several of these, such as Conidiobolous, Basidiobolus (caused by fungi that live in the ground) and Pythium infections (usually acquired after contact with contaminated water in ponds). They are not really skin diseases; they are subcutaneous infections,” says Mendoza.

are there, and can penetrate the skin, they cause infection.” These types of fungal infections are difficult to treat. The affected area of skin usually must be cut out.

Pythiosis is caused by Pythium insidiosum (a fungal-like organism) and was originally considered a rare disease in the United States. “About 20 years ago we started seeing cases, especially in the Gulf Coast states, and now we see thousands of cases annually in the southern part of the U.S. and some cases as far north as Wisconsin. Most of the cases I’ve seen have been from Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and other warm regions,” says Mendoza.

“This organism likes warm weather. If the summer is hot and rainy, we generally see more cases of pythiosis,” he explains.

“This fungus lives in the ground, and loves water. It is one of the water molds, in swampy areas. It goes through its life cycle in water, and produces spores with flagella that swim in the water. When it comes in con-

When a horse has ringworm (above), the fungi can spread to other areas of the body, and to other animals and humans.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 57

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EquineCare tact with skin, if there is an opening in the skin, the spores will produce a hyphea (small tube) which can penetrate under the skin and cause infection.” A horse may get this disease when wading in water.

Not all horses exposed to this pathogen become infected.

“If 10 horses wade in the swamp, maybe one will be infected. Some may not have skin lesions. Or, certain horses may have a defect in their immune response, and are more vulnerable to this infection. There are many theories about how certain horses become infected,” he says.

Treatment is difficult. “People have been using anti-fungal drugs with varied results. Some people think a treatment worked, and others say it never worked in the cases they treated. Treatment only works in about 5% of cases—so we know pythiosis doesn’t respond very well to anti-fungal drugs. If your horse has this type of infection, he will probably die with it, unless treated with immunotherapy,” says Medoza.

58 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

Fungal infection Pythiosis (left), Conidiobolus (above) and Pythium (below)

This is a relatively new way to treat this infection. “Pythium immunotherapy treats the infection by stimulating the immune response to act against the pathogen—enabling the horse’s body to fight it. It puts the immune system into better shape (stronger) and then the immune system itself can defeat the pathogen. A company in Texas, called Pan American Veterinary Laboratories (www.pavlab.com), makes this vaccine, and in horses it works about 70% of the time,” he says.

It helps if this disease is recognized early and the vaccine given quickly. “If a horse can be vaccinated within the first 2 weeks of the infection, he has a 100% chance for cure. After that, the immunotherapy works in about 70% of cases. This is why an early diagnosis is very important,” he explains.

Another treatment, which is more invasive, is surgical removal of the growths. “Surgery only works in the very early stages of the infection. If the growth has become huge, it won’t work,” says Mendoza.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS CAN’T BE PREVENTED – There is no easy way to control or prevent these diseases in horses. “The fungi are everywhere—in the water, grass, soil, etc. The only suggestion I have for horse owners is if they see a small cut or lesion, call the veterinarian if it looks unusual,” he says.

You should check it in the early stages, because if it’s any type of fungus you should not ignore it and assume that it will heal on its own. The earlier you diagnose any of these diseases, the better chance you have for a good resolution with proper treatment. ■

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Salad Plate

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Dinner Plate

“Home” Plate

Show Pride in Where you Live!

Order your “Home Plate” today Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles For branch locations, contact Marion County’s Main Office, McPherson Complex, 503 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34471 Phone: (352) 368-8200 Mon - Fri: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm • or Online at mariontax.com For more information: Florida Agriculture Center & Horse Park Authority, Inc. 11008 South Highway 475 Ocala, Florida 34480 • 352-307-6699 Fax: 352-307-6799 • flhorsepark.com

Cohen_FarmManagement_Florida Horse_template 9/6/12 7:21 AM Page 56

FARM MANAGEMENT

Pennsylvania—

Concerning Manure Laws in other States

H

ello to all. I hope everyone had a good summer and those starting to break babies are getting the season nicely underway. Occasionally, I like to discuss what’s going on in other states so everyone can appreciate how important water protection has become all over the country and world. The start of a year or season is always an appropriate time to step back and reevaluate the farm’s manure management practices. It’s important for farm owners and managers to understand why careful farm management practices are essential, in order to become better stewards of the land and water. Improved practices also help to keep already existing county, state and federal legislation from getting bigger and more stringent. This In Pennsylvania every farm, month, Pennsylvania’s strict land regardless of size, is required application regulations on animal to have and implement a writ- waste (that means spreading maten Manure Management Plan. nure) will be examined.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MANURE MANAGEMENT PLANS

Every farm in Pennsylvania that land applies manure or agricultural process wastewater (generated on the farm or received from an importer), regardless of size, is required to have and implement a written Manure Management Plan. This includes manure and agricultural process wastewater application by various types of equipment and/or direct application of manure by animals on pastures and in Animal Concentration Areas (ACAs). In other words, farms that do not mechanically apply manure but which do have pastures or ACAs still need a manure management plan.

The Manure Management Plan format in this manual must be used for the written manure management plan unless the farmer gets approval from DEP for an alternative plan format. In addition to developing a written plan, the farmer must also complete and maintain records to demonstrate compliance with the Manure Management Plan. DEP has developed a Manure Management Plan Workbook for farmers to use that contains the forms described in this manual.”

The above passage was taken directly from Pennsylvania’s Land Application of Manure Manual, page 1,

60 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

which was developed by the PaDEP, or Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Effective October 29, 2011, this lengthy document lists requirements (in great detail) concerning land application for farms having EVEN ONE ANIMAL. What does that mean for your farm in Florida and why worry about what is happening as far away as Pennsylvania? I share this information to educate all on where the whole country is, concerning manure handling. So, when you are feeling like it’s too strict in Florida, or that our state is “picked on”, you can realize that in the big scheme of things, Florida has it pretty easy. However, it’s a great “wakeup” call about where everyone’s mind should be NOW, because other states have legislation already in place.

We are tremendously fortunate to be afforded the luxury of several different options of manure management in Florida, none of which require written documentation/permitting in most parts of the state (except for very large facilities). However, these days are coming to a close, so with continued development and the growth of both people and horses coming to Florida, it is imperative to become better stewards of the water and land now, get educated on Best Management Practices (BMPs) and set the farms up more carefully so that future legislation will represent no trouble or additional expense.

Different parts of the state have different issues specific to the region, but the main problem remains unified: water quality. I have said it before; water is the new oil and its importance to all should be beyond measure. We can live without electricity, or running our cars and trucks, but no one survives without clean water!

Extension Services, and other agencies and organizations, are here to help. Remember, you can always contact me or your local Extension agent about your specific questions and concerns. As always, keep up the good management practices! ■

Schedule a Farm Call: 352-671-8792 Jamie A. Cohen • Farm Outreach Coordinator UF IFAS/Marion County Extension Service jamiecohen@ufl.edu

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Following are the “FTBOA Chase to the Championship ” Point Standings through September 5, 2012.

Horse

Breeder

Owner

Trainer

Two-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Rolling Fog (Posse) - 15 Two T's At Two B (Untuttable) - 6 Spurious Precision (High Cotton) - 5

British Mist Racing and Breeding Gilbert G Campbell Michael Chamberlain

Arnold Zetcher LLC Gilbert G Campbell Klaravich Stables & William H Lawrence

Bob Baffert Kathleen O'Connell Richard Violette Jr

Carlos Rafael & Briggs & Cromartie Southern Chase Farm Inc, Karen & Greg Dodd Tanourin Stable Pedro Gonzalez & Jorge Herrera

Easton & Elsaida DeSouza Ione & Herbert J Elkins Tanourin Stable D Bernsen, M Bloom, L Kruse & Altamira Racing Stable

Easton DeSouza William Kaplan Rodolfo Garcia Peter Miller

Stonecliff Farm Jacks or Better Farm Inc. Glen Hill Farm

Klaravich Stables Inc & William H Lawrence Jacks or Better Farm Inc Glen Hill Farm

Teresa Pompay Stanley Gold Tom Proctor

Bridlewood Farm Equest Thoroughbreds Inc Juvenile Diaz

Kaleem Shah Inc. Brenda Mercer & Peter A Berglar Steven Ciccarone

Bob Baffert H Allen Jerkens Michelle Nihei

Brous Stable, Wachtel Stable & Jack T. Hammer Priscilla Vaccarezza Reeves Thoroughbred Racing

William Mott Dale Romans Katherine Ritvo

Pinnacle Racing Stables & William A Kaplan Eric Fein Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith

William A Kaplan Richard Dutrow Jr Todd Pletcher

Two-Year-Old Filly Candy Coded Kisses (Omega Code) - 5 Putyourdreamsaway (Put It Back) - 5 Salamera (Successful Appeal) - 5 Heir Kitty (Wildcat Heir) - 3

Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Currency Swap (High Cotton) - 10 Fort Loudon (Awesome of Course) - 7 Old Time Hockey (Smarty Jones) - 5

Three-Year-Old Filly Eden's Moon (Malibu Moon) - 23 Emma's Encore (Congrats) - 18 Regalo Mia (Sligo Bay) - 6

Older Male (Four-Year-Olds and up Colt/Gelding) Ron the Greek (Full Mandate) - 45 Little Mike (Spanish Steps) - 38 Mucho Macho Man - 25

Jack T. Hammer Carlo E Vaccarezza John D & Carole A Rio

Older Female (Four-Year-Olds and up Filly/Mare) Musical Romance (Concorde's Tune) - 30 C C's Pal (Alex's Pal) - 18 Turbulent Descent (Congrats) - 15

Ocala Stud Beth Bayer Ocala Stud

Male Sprint (Three-Year-Olds and up Colt/Gelding, race distances one mile and less) Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil) - 20 Jeranimo (Congaree) - 19 Currency Swap (High Cotton) - 10

Jacks or Better Farm Inc. Brylynn Farm Inc Stonecliff Farm

Robert V. LaPenta & Fred J. Brei B J Wright Klaravich Stables Inc & William H Lawrence

Nicholas Zito Michael Pender Teresa Pompay

Female Sprint (Three-Year-Olds and up Filly/Mare, race distances one mile and less) Musical Romance (Concorde's Tune) - 30 Eden's Moon (Malibu Moon) - 20 Emma's Encore (Congrats) - 18

Ocala Stud Bridlewood Farm Equest Thoroughbreds Inc

Pinnacle Racing Stables & William A Kaplan Kaleem Shah Inc. Brenda Mercer & Peter A Berglar

William A Kaplan Bob Baffert H Allen Jerkens

Priscilla Vaccarezza B J Wright P and G Stable & Off the Hook LLC

Dale Romans Michael Pender Todd Pletcher

Robert Smithen Rosemont Stud Syndicate Estate of Gail Gee, Mark Hoffman & Earl Trostrud, Jr. Steven Ciccarone

Brian Lynch Jerry Fanning Michael L Reavis Michelle Nihei

Male Turf (Three-Year-Olds and up Colt/Gelding, races run on the turf) Little Mike (Spanish Steps) - 38 Jeranimo (Congaree) - 22 Turbo Compressor (Halo's Image) - 17

Carlo E Vaccarezza Brylynn Farm Inc Bridlewood Farm

Female Turf (Three-Year-Olds and up Filly/Mare, races run on the turf) Bay to Bay (Sligo Bay) - 13 Wild Mia (Wildcat Heir) - 7 Hooh Why (Cloud Hopping) - 6 Regalo Mia (Sligo Bay) - 6

Adena Springs Montgomery Farm Gail Gee Juvenile Diaz

■ Selection Criteria for Florida-bred champions Year-end divisional champions will be determined using the “FTBOA Chase to the Championship” point system, a ranking that awards points for success in stakes races.

The “FTBOA Chase to the Championship” allocates points for stakes wins in graded races, open-company stakes and Florida’s signature racing days, with the number of points awarded based upon the classification of the race. International stakes race status is governed by the International Cataloguing Standards Committee. The first three finishers in all Group/Graded and listed races appearing in Part I of the International Cataloguing Standards and International Statistics Book printed by The Jockey Club receive “black-type” designation. Ten point bonus to be awarded to any 2-year-old colt or filly sweeping all three legs of the Florida Stallion Stakes in determining the Champion 2-year-old Florida-bred.

The Florida-bred with the most points in each division on December 31 is deemed champion of that division. Horse of the Year, Broodmare of the Year and Breeder of the Year will be voted on by the FTBOA Board of Directors and announced at the FTBOA’s annual awards dinner.

In the case of a year-end tie in points in any division, earnings will be used to decide the tiebreaker. — Points are assigned as follows:

■ World Thoroughbred Championship ■ Sunshine Millions (equivalent to a Grade 2 Stakes Race): Breeders’ Cup Race: Win: 20 points Place: 15 points Show: 10 points

■ Grade 1 Stakes Race: Win: 15 points Place: 10 points Show: 5 points

■ Grade 2 Stakes Race: Win: 5 points Place: 3 points Show: 2 points

■ Grade 3 Stakes Race: Win: 3 points Place: 2 points Show: 1 point

Win: 5 points Place: 3 points Show: 2 points

■ Other Florida-bred Signature Race Days (equivalent to a Grade 3 Stakes Race):

(The Florida Million, Florida Cup, Florida Stallion Stakes Series): Win: 3 points Place: 2 points Show: 1 point

■ Open-Company Stakes ($50,000 + Purse) Points for WIN ONLY: Win: 2 points THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012 61

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PRACTICALLY SPEAKING

by UF/IFAS Marion CountyLivestock Agent Mark Shuffitt

Horses And Myths T

he horse has been and still is a symbol of: courage, strength, speed, pride, death, war and even the passage of time and human life.

In mythology, the Sun is said to be drawn in his chariot by celestial horses in his daily journey across the skies.

To the Norsemen and Romans of old, the horse was similarly associated with the moon, drawing that god’s chariot across the skies. Additionally, Neptune is credited with creating the horse in a contest with the other gods for the honor of naming what was to be the city of Athens.

The first sea horses had a horse’s head, forefeet and barrel, terminating in a fish tale. Later the sea horse had the head of a horse and the body of a fish. Sea horses were also prevalent in early Irish myths. When a tempest breaks over the sea in Ireland, the breakers are said to be

Myths are amusing to think about and help fuel the romanticism associated with horses, while other myths associated with raising and managing horses may be at best unnecessary and costly and at worst detrimental to horse training and/or overall health. the white horse of the Gaelic God of the Sea. According to German legend, there was once a beautiful young maiden, named Lorelei, who threw herself headlong into the river in despair over a faithless lover.

Upon her death she was transformed into a siren and could from that time on be heard singing on a rock along the Rhine River. Her hypnotic music so mesmerized the sailors that they would crash into the rocks on the narrow gorge of the river. After luring sailors to their destruction, Lorelei would place them in a sea-green chariot drawn by white horses.

The Hungarians and Spanish believed all black horses were lucky while the French claimed the reverse.

The afore mentioned horse myths are amusing to think about and help fuel the romanticism associated with horses, while other myths associated with raising

62 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

and managing horses may be at best unnecessary and costly and at worst detrimental to horse training and/or overall health.

Not long ago, I was in a local barn at feeding time and noticed one of the grooms mixing feed for the afternoon feeding. He opened two bags of commercial feed and poured the contents into the wheelbarrow. Next, he mixed two bags of steamed crimped oats with the feed. I asked him why he was mixing oats with the feed. He said the broodmare manager had told him to. My curiosity got the best of me and I asked the manager why she was having the crew mix oats with the feed. She said they mix in oats because that’s the way her Daddy did it. To make a long story short, her daddy was buying a pre-mix in bulk and only had to mix in oats to complete the ration.

The point is, be sure to know the reason(s) why you’re doing something and always seek advice from reliable sources. To learn more about the many myths and misconceptions related to raising and managing horses, be sure to attend this year’s Florida Equine Institute and Allied Trade Show Thursday, September 13 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion in Ocala, Florida. This University of Florida Extension program is committed to providing Florida Horsemen and Horsewomen with the most current equine management information and a “working” Trade Show.

Scheduled topics for 201 include: Horse Farm Weed Control; Myths and Misconceptions, Horse Health Myths and Misconceptions, Unraveling the Caterpillar and MRLS mystery: What Every Horse Owner Should Know, Equine Athlete Selection, Matching Form To Function, Florida Agriculture Center & Horse Park Update, and Feeding Horses Fact or Fiction.

Contact Marion County Extension at 352-671-8400 for more information or to register for the Florida Equine Institute. Early registration $25, student registration $15 (ID required) before September 7, 2012.

Regular or on-site registration $50. ■

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Your

FLORIDA HORSE PARK

The Rythym. The Beat. The Story.

It’s All Right Here!

Come join us... and be part of something really special

A

s we navigate through steady progress at the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park, it’s clearer all the time that we have something really special here in our own backyard. Unlike anything else in the state, and perhaps also unique to the rest of the world.

Where can you tighten up your shoe laces and go for a run on sweet pine needle-covered trails for miles and miles…and see a baby deer on your journey?

Where can you bike under the shady coolness of grand-daddy oaks and choose to either tackle a mud puddle or steer clear and hit the more solid route, then end up at a picnic table with all the right lunch fixins?

Where can you ride your horse on good footing in a pristine environment and stumble upon a perfect view of nesting or hunting hawks and bald eagles?

Where can you spend a Saturday afternoon watching international-level equestrian sports, with a frosty mug of Southern sweet tea or pristine Silver Springs water in hand, together with your family and friends?

Where can you lease a solid, safe, steady horse to take you out on the Florida Greenways for a leisurely ride with trusted guides?

Where can you watch polo, compete in various events, cheer on Olympians, or support your local pony club members?

Right here at the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park.

This summer, in addition to our regularly scheduled events, we put on an outdoor band con-

64 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

cert as a fund raiser at the park that attracted everyone from dignitaries in high office to local trail riders, polo players, families with children, equestrian clubs, therapeutic riding organizations. By the end of the evening, we were all new friends making fun new opportunities.

Yes – the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park offers acres and acres of outdoor adventure. Miles and miles of fun.

We invite you to come see us. Come ride with us.

Come volunteer with us or sponsor something special.

Send a tax-deductible donation, which keeps this project sustainable and growing better to serve. In the end, and for generations to come.

Most sincerely, Connie Duff Wise President, Foundation for the Florida Horse Park P.S. Just a thought – did you know the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park has its own specialty license plate? It’s called “Discover Florida’s Horses” and it’s a direct benefit for the park. For your car, your truck, your horse trailer, or – hey, even your neighbor’s boat! Join the movement; you’ll be glad you did.

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PLAYER’S PAGE

Crowning Glory Turned Local Event?

I

t has been well received in New York, Toronto, Chicago, Dallas, South Florida and on the Jersey Shore, places that fit the original vision and intended purpose of the Breeders’ Cup, the current leaders of

by Paul Moran which have chosen to ignore out of hand while turning what was not so long ago the crowning glory of the racing business into a local event held annually in suburban Los Angeles.

What was once a moveable feast of tremendous national importance has been shifted in recent years between Southern California and Louisville but it is not a certainty even that Louisville will host another Breeders’ Cup. For all its appeal to racing enthusiasts, it has never been particularly profitable for the host track and the management of publically-owned Churchill Downs, Inc. is no longer primarily racing oriented, its focus having shifted toward other forms of gaming and maintenance of shareholder value. Racetrack ownership and Wall Street have never worked well in concert, What was once a moveable which probably removes from the feast of tremendous national mixture of potential host tracks other importance has been shifted Churchill-owned properties that would be attractive settings for the in recent years between event – notably Arlington Park, an acSouthern California and commodating host but only once, and The Fair Grounds. What better setting Louisville but it is not a cer- than New Orleans? Keeneland, nottainty even that Louisville will for-profit and privately held, has been mentioned as a Kentucky alternative host another Breeders’ Cup to Churchill– an idea worth considering. The fact that Del Mar has never hosted the event is astonishing. A bid by Monmouth Park, a successful host of the rain-swept Breeder’s Cup of 2007, was dismissed this year. Woodbine, another victim of weather discrimination, has not been seriously considered since it hosted the 1996 renewal.

Important racetracks in some key markets – Florida among them -- are not suitable to the event. In its current form, Gulfstream Park, a highly popular destination in years past, is no longer a candidate. Belmont Park, with a 12 furlong dirt course and two turf courses and vast capacity, is probably the ideal host from a purist view but the New York Racing Association, woefully rudderless, 66 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2012

is awash in both money and with the state in control of its board and subsequently its management, uncertainty.

Perhaps the Breeders’ Cup will one day return to the financial, cultural and sports capital of the nation, but at no time soon.

The choice between Santa Anita and anywhere else is not the only point at which the Breeders’ Cup has strayed. The abandonment of what was one of its most attractive qualities – exposure of the Breeders’ Cup to as many racing markets as possible – is as unfortunate as the pollution of the original format by the steady introduction of meaningless races that are run without consequence simply for the purpose of creating a lightly viewed second afternoon of television.

The vision of founder John Gaines has in less than three decades of reverse evolution been poorly reconstructed, perhaps beyond recovery, by misguided leadership. What was once a five-hour, Saturday afternoon televised racetrack happening is reduced this year to the point at which only one race, the Classic, will be seen live on the NBC Network with the remainder of the twoday event relegated to the network’s secondary dedicated sports affiliate. Who agreed to this?

Nine Breeders’ Cup races, the original seven, the Filly & Mare Turf and Dirt Mile, both added later, are relevant to the event’s stated purpose, which is to determine American championships. (Admittedly, there is no Eclipse Award for champion miler but there should be.

One handed to the champion handicapper. There is something radically wrong here.) The races added later have no bearing whatsoever on any divisional title, serve no real purpose and in fact have done nothing except dilute what was once a focused afternoon of racing that worked brilliantly in its original form.

The smartest person in the history of the Breeders’ Cup is John Gaines and attempts to improve on his original concept have been no less ill conceived than attempting to reshape the wheel. What has happened to the event in the years since it was first run, in 1984, the initial execution of Gaines’ vision, has done little to further its purpose, advance its cause or heighten the impact of what should be, but is not, America’s Day at the Races. ■

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