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SEPTEMBER • 2015 • VOL 58/ISSUE 7

FEATURES 32 38 46 84

DECOUPLING Separating the fraud from the facts. —By Lonny T. Powell

FLORIDA SIRE STAKES High Times in the Desert —By Brock Sheridan DRAMA QUEEN Harold Queen homebred Sheer Drama snares Grade 1 Delaware ‘Cap —By Mike Mullaney

WILD UPSET Florida-bred Wild Dude scores upset in G1 Bing Crosby —By Mike Mullaney

56

HAROLD QUEEN Florida Horseman

62

DESERVED INDUCTION Florida-native

68

THE JOCKEY CLUB ROUND TABLE

72

RACING TO GLOBAL MARKETS

Harold Queen is enjoying success in a dramatic fashion —By JoAnn Guidry

Chris Antley among inductees into racing’s Hall of Fame —By Mike Mullaney

—By Mike Mullaney

—By Tammy A. Gantt

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 6 8 28

THE BROCK TALK

30

THOROUGHBRED OWNER CONFERENCE

32

MEMORY LANE: 1981

44

JOHN NERUD: 1913-2015

78

AROUND THE COUNTRY

88 30 91 92 94 98

NATIONAL INDUSTRY NEWS

FLORIDA FOCUS —By Tammy A. Gantt

FTBOA MEMBER UPDATE

—By Tammy A. Gantt

—By JoAnn Guidry

—By Mike Mullaney

Country-wide Florida-bred statistics

DRIFTING OUT —By Mike Mullaney LEADING SIRES LEADING FRESHMAN SIRES

FARM MANAGEMENT —By Jamie Cohen GENE’S JARGON —By Gene Kershner

4 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

COVER PHOTO OF SHEER DRAMA: HOOF PRINTS CONTENTS PHOTO OF IT’S HIGH TIME: LAUREN KING

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Important FTBOA Dates and Deadlines 2015

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

Ocala, Florida 34474 • (352) 732-8858 www.ftboa.com Brock Sheridan Mike Mullaney Tammy A. Gantt John D. Filer Antoinette Griseta Emily Mills, Nancy Moffatt Jeff Powell LONNY TAYLOR POWELL CAROLINE T. DAVIS PATRICK VINZANT Florida Equine Communications, Inc. (A corporation owned by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

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

Executive Office–801 SW 60th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34474 GEORGE RUSSELL, PRESIDENT/BOARD CHAIRMAN BRENT FERNUNG, 1ST VICE PRESIDENT PHIL MATTHEWS, 2ND VICE PRESIDENT JOSEPH M. O’FARRELL III, SECRETARY FRED BREI, TREASURER Statistics in the publication relating to results of racing in North America are compiled from data generated by Daily Racing Form, Equibase, Bloodstock Research Information Services, and The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc., the copyright owners of said data. Reproduction is prohibited.

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FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Tammy Gantt: tgantt@ftboa.com, (352) 732-8858, ext. 239 Online at FTBOA.com 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 Additional event and charity dates 352-629-2160 • Fax: 352-629-3603 will be added as they are scheduled. www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 5

BrockTalk_Sept2015_EditorWelcome 8/25/15 2:22 PM Page 6

the Brock talk

Brock Sheridan

Editor-in-Chief Florida Equine Communications

Leading the Way O

through the same time, Uncle Mo leads all North American first-crop sires at $524,789 with Twirling Candy ranking second at $374,291 in juvenile earnings. Right behind them are Gone Astray and Big Drama in third and fourth respectively with First Dude holding down the sixth spot just behind Girolamo at $265,804.

Uncle Mo seems to have the numbers working in his favor with 165 current 2-year-olds compared to Twirling Candy with 92; Gone Astray at 69; Big Drama, 68; and First Dude, 98.

However, among first crop sires, only Uncle Mo and Gone Astray have two stakes winners so far this year.

Uncle Mo has sired Best Pal Stakes (G2) winner Nyquist and Sanford Stakes (G3) winner Uncle Vinny, who by the way is a Florida-bred. Gone Astray has It’s High Time and Bullet Gone Astray, winner of the $100,000 Mountaineer Juvenile. Although Bullet Gone Astray is a Florida-bred by an FTBOA Florida sire, he was not made eligible to the Florida Sire Stakes, so he will have to earn his money in other Florida-bred stakes and elsewhere.

The leading money earner for Big Drama thus far is Mr. Kisses, who was second to before we learn who the nation’s leading freshman Dream of Me in the Dr. Fager division of the Florida Sire sire will be for 2015. But one thing we do know: Florida breeders have Stakes and has racked up $53,838. Should he continue much to their optimism with this class of stallions in the Sunshine State. to perform well in the second in the hunt with $118,950 and with leading money and third legs of the lucrative FSS, he could rack up earner Silent Prayer finishing second in the Desert plenty of purse money for owner Champion Equine LLC Vixen, just more than three lengths shy of It’s High and progeny earnings for his sire.

First Dude has been represented by Sticksstatelydude, Time at the wire, it is really too early to count him out.

Just as I would not eliminate Woodford Thoroughbred’s who has earned $57,860 in two starts including an imCrown of Thorns, Ward Ranch’s Iqbaal, Journeyman’s pressive performance against special weight maidens at J P’s Gusto, Stonehedge Farm’s Factum nor Ocala Saratoga on Aug. 1. Like Bullet Gone Astray, SticksstateStud’s Adios Charlie. In other words, there is plenty of lydude is not nominated to the Florida Sire Stakes.

As I mentioned above, it is a long time before we get running to be done by a lot of juveniles by these stalto Dec. 31 and learn who the nation’s leading freshman lions before Dec. 31.

But what makes the three local leaders perhaps even sire will be for 2015. But one thing we do know: Florida more impressive, is their standings on the national level. breeders have much to their optimism with this class of According to statistics published by The Blood-Horse stallions in the Sunshine State. ■ JOHN D. FILER PHOTO

n page 92 of this issue of The Florida Horse, you will find the list of leading freshman sires standing in Florida as of Aug. 18. Sitting atop that list are Northwest Stud’s Gone Astray with $311,713 in progeny earnings, Bridlewood Farm’s Big Drama with $280,040, and First Dude, who stands at Double Diamond Farm and has $209,969 in earnings from his first crop.

Throughout the first few months of the juvenile racing season that typically begins in May but really gets rolling in subsequent months as more youngsters hit the track and others begin competing in stakes, these three stallions have traded places and shuffled each other higher and lower among the top three spots on this list.

While Gone Astray went to the lead when his daughter, It’s High Time, won the Desert Vixen division of the Florida Sire Stakes on Aug. 8 and picked up $120,000 for owner Tracy Pinchin and her sire’s statistics, Big Drama and First Dude certainly remain within striking distance of the year-end title.

In fact, Journeyman Stud’s Brooks ‘n Down is also

“It is a long time

”

6 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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Florida FOCUS by Mike Mullaney

FOUR FOOTED PHOTO

Florida-bred World Approval

Live Oak Plantation’s World Approval was tested for versatility and he came through with flying colors to take the Grade 3 American Derby at Arlington July 11.

As the case in his last race, a lack of pace put the 3-year-old son of Northern Afleet up near the early lead in the 1 1/8-mile, $100,000 event, and although he looked good in staving off Crittenden to win by a neck, the victory left trainer Mark Casse hoping for a more favorable scenario in the gelding’s next scheduled start, the Grade 1 Secretariat, also on Arlington, on Aug. 15.

Sent off at even-money, World Approval task wasn’t an easy one as he tracked pacemaking Nun the Less from the start, never letting that rival get clear, while himself racing with fellow Florida-bred Firespike and Crittenden off his flanks. Nun the Less tripped the timer at :25.46 after the first quarter, :52.46 at the half and still held the advantage through six furlongs in a ridiculously slow 1:18.12.

World Approval challenged and took over from a game Nun the Less just inside the final furlong, drifted a bit under a right-handed encouragement from rider Jose Lezcano, and held Crittenden safer than the margin may indicate. He paid $4.20.

8 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

The gray finished his assignment in 1:52.92.

Nun the Less held third, two lengths behind Crittenden. King of New York was fourth, followed by Firespike, Raagheb and Slope.

The top three finishers received an automatic berth to the $450,000 Secretariat.

Lezcano said he had the opposition measured throughout.

“I felt very confident all the way,” he said.

“He is very good.”

While the pace was of little concern to Lezcano, World Approval’s trainer admitted to having a few nervous moments.

“I’m not sure that’s exactly the way he wants to run, but good horses can overcome things,” said Mark Casse. “There was no pace, so we employed a different strategy.

Hopefully there’s a little more pace next time so he can come with a later run.

“Good horses win when they have to make changes to get it done.”

The American Derby was World Approval’s first graded-stakes victory. He was beaten by the talented Divisidero in his previous two outings, finishing a fast-closing third in the Grade 2 American Turf at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day, then tiring from pace-pressing duties in running fourth in the Pennine Ridge at Belmont on May 30. Prior to his frustrations with Divisidero he had won Tampa Bay’s Sophomore Turf against state-breds on April 4.

Never off the board in seven starts, World Approval made the American Derby his third win in seven starts.

With earnings of $174,050, he still has a way to go before matching the bankrolls earned by his talented siblings, all of whom were bred by Ocala’s Live Oak Stud: multiple stakes winners Za Approval, earner of more than $1.3 million and Eclipse award winner Miesque’s Approval, who earned $687,338, as well as Revved Up, who earned more than $1.5 million.

Their dam, Win Approval, is a daughter of graded-stakes filly Negotiator, she in turn a half-sister to Duveen, a distance-loving graded-stakes winner on turf in the ‘70s. ■

Fla.-bred ‘TD’ Reaches The Goal Line The string of successes that Ben’s Cat enjoyed in the Parx Dash came to an end July 11, and so, too, did a frustrating series of races for Florida-bred Tightened Touchdown, who upset the Grade 3 event at 12-1.

Tightend Touchdown runs his best races when he is close to the lead early, something jockey Frankie Pennington picked up on in his first ride aboard the 6-year-old gelding.

Bold Thunder, predictably, was first out of the gate in the five-furlong turf race but Tightend Touchdown covered him closely, never more than a length off, through an opening quarter-mile in :22.39 and closing in when the pair hit the half on nearly even terms in :45.34.

Bold Thunder, who carried 122 pounds, wasn’t at his best and he fell back quickly after Tightend Touchdown assumed control inside the final furlong, but ‘TD’ wasn’t home yet: Longshot Mongolian Saturday came flying late and nearly made a goal line stop, just running out of ground while finishing a head behind at the wire. Time of the race was :57.19.

Mongolian Saturday was 51-1 and thirdplace Mongol Bull, who finished 1½ lengths behind the runner-up, was 43-1.

The winner, a son of Pure Precision out of Starry Mark, by Marquetry, was bred by Chad and Laurie Stewart. He is owned by Mr Amore Stable and is trained by Jason Servis.

Tightend Touchdown returned $26.80 while raising his record to 11 wins from 31 starts with seven seconds and two thirds. He has earned $851,295 in his career.

Florida-bred Tightend Touchdown

WEIDL PHOTO

American Derby Meets Live Oak’s ‘Approval’

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[the Parx Dash], but I knew he would be bringing it.”

Servis had been hoping to secure the services of Javier Castellano, who rode Tightend Touchdown in his two Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint efforts, in which he finished second and sixth, beaten a combined two lengths. He missed winning the 2013 renewal against Mizdirection by a half-length.

“That’s the goal again this year, the Breeders’ Cup,” Servis said. “This race will help us get some [BC] points and we’ll figure out what’s next when the dust settles. Maybe something in Saratoga.” ■

COGLIANESE PHOTO

This was the fifth meeting between Tightend Touchdown and Ben’s Cat. Tightend Touchdown had gotten the better of his rival early in the series, beating him in the 2013 Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup and outfinishing him by a head when second in Floridabred Stormofthecentury’s victory in the 2013 Turf Minstrel, a Grade 3 event also at Parx.

Ben’s Cat turned the tables on Tightend Touchdown in their most recent meetings, beating him in the 2014 Fabulous Strike at Penn National and nosing him in last year’s Parx Dash, which was the start of a six-race losing streak that Tightend Touchdown snapped Saturday.

In his previous three races, Tightend Touchdown was ninth in both the Elusive Quality at Belmont on April 29 and Ben’s Cat’s Fabulous Strike last year, and in between was fifth in the Grade 3 Shakertown April 4 at Keenland.

“I wasn’t down on [Tightend Touchdown] at all,” trainer Jason Servis told The Florida Horse. “That race at Keeneland was a lot better than it looks on paper and I blame myself for the [seven-furlong Elusive Quality] at Belmont. That’s not his best distance.

“I wouldn’t say that I knew he would win

Uncle Vinny Awarded Sanford Victory With a little help from above, Florida-bred Uncle Vinny registered his second victory in three career starts in the $150,000 Sanford Stakes at Saratoga on July 25.

Losing his footing at the break, the Gilbert Campbell-bred son of Eclipse-winning juvenile champion Uncle Mo ran well in the stretch but missed catching Magna

Florida-bred Uncle Vinny (far left)

Light by three quarters of a length.

The stewards, however, upon review of the tapes, ruled that the erratic Magna Light had interfered with Percolator in the stretch run. They disqualified Magna Light to third, awarding the victory to Uncle Vinny, moving Percolator to second and sending Magna Light to third.

Not to be lost in the commotion involving the top three finishers was the excellent finish of another Florida-bred, fourth-place Awesome Slew.

Magna Light led all the way through manageable fractions of :22.52 and :45.98, opening two lengths on the nearest of his nine pursuers as the field straightened for the wire.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 9

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But just as rider Jose Ortiz stole a peek over his shoulder, Magna Light ducked out to the six path, then drifted back to the rail inside the furlong marker, impeding Percolator.

“He was coming down the lane,” John Velazquez said of his mount, Uncle Vinny. “We were getting to the point where he was rolling from the eighth pole to the wire, and he inherited the win. Nothing I can say. He definitely was running. [Magna Light] ran a great race, too.”

Velazquez sounded almost apologetic, and so did Don Lucarelli, co-owner of Starlight Partners, which owns Uncle Vinny.

“I really, really do feel bad for all [of Magna Light’s] connections because they really did run a winning race,” he said. “We ran huge, too. Bottom line is, we get to cash a ticket. It is what it is.”

Ortiz was adopting a never-say-die atti-

10 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

tude: “I hit [Magna Light] left-handed and he ducked out a little bit, but I was clear. Everybody could see that I was clear.”

Uncle Vinny finished a half-length ahead of Percolator, who had three-quarters of a length on Awesome Slew. The latter, after a slow start, closed three lengths on Magna Light in the stretch run even as he was checked twice while finishing wide.

Uncle Vinny paid $10 for winning the Grade 3 Sanford and was credited with the winning time of 1:10.92. He has career earnings of $141,500. Out of the Untuttable mare Arealhotlover, Uncle Vinny was bred in Florida by Gilbert G. Campbell.

He’s Comin in Hot, favored Cocked and Loaded, Sunny Ridge, Twilight Cinnamon, Save the Drama and John Q Public completed the order of finish.

Paynes Prairie was scratched. ■

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

Florida FOCUS

Florida-bred Big John B

Dirt No Problem for Big John B

Prior to the $100,000 Cougar Handicap at Del Mar on July 24, Big John B hadn’t raced on a dirt track since rain washed a maiden race off the turf at Gulfstream in February of 2012. He finished fifth in that event, with future stars Golden Ticket and Floridabred Old Time Hockey leading the way.

Back then, Big John B was trained by

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Sticksstatelydude wins $83,000 MSW at Saratoga for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin and owners Alvin Haynes, John Ferris and Elizabeth Burchell by 2 lengths on August 1

3

$7,500 98 First Dude Double Diamond Farm, FL 7 200 Stephen Got Even,

16

5

$187,788

Congratulations Greg Burchell TIBOR & JUDIT PHOTO

& Cross Roads Racing!

Donald R.Dizney

https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Dude/130049330338431 Standing: First Dude • Contact Roger Brand, Jimmy Alexander or Melissa Anthony for stallion inquiries

899 S.W. 85th Ave., Ocala, FL 34481 • (352) 237-3834 Fax: (352) 237-6069 • visit-www.doublediamondfarm.com

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Florida FOCUS Mike Maker, and in time he would spend time in the barns of Mike Tomlinson, Mike Trombetta and Mike Stidham, as well as Todd Pletcher, Jason Servis and Bobby DiBona.

And then he made his way to California where he joined the Phil D’Amato stable, as the property of Mike House.

And it’s in California where the now 6-year-old Florida-bred gelding has thrived. The Grade 3 Cougar, run at 1½ miles on the main track (even though the race was named after the 1972 turf champion), was a departure for the turf-loving Big John B, but D’Amato expressed confidence prior to the race.

“I think he can do it. He’s always trained really nicely on the dirt,” he said. “I always wanted to try him. The only thing that held me back is he ran poorly on it early in his career.”

Making three of his first four career starts on the main track, Big John B was out of the money in each, including the aforementioned rained-off race.

A proven stretch-runner, D’Amato said Big John B “was more tactical than you think” and that proved true in the Cougar. Trailing the other four strarters, 14 lengths off the pace after an opening quarter in :24.69 and nearly as far back after a half in :48.73, Rafael Bejarano called upon his mount to move up on the backstretch.

It was a brilliant ride by Bejarano, who never came off the rail and

challenged the two favorites, Sky Kingdom and the pacemaking Cat Burglar, on the turn and into the stretch.

Victor Espinoza, riding Cat Burglar, wouldn’t budge an inch while racing just off the rail, but Bejarano was as committed as he was determined and, without incurring an infraction, he eased his mount to the front as they approached the eighth pole. They had enough left to hold safe the rallying Bailoutbobby by a half-length. Sky Kingdom was third, followed by Lideris and Cat Burglar.

“The two up front were going slow on the lead, so I waited,” Bejarano said. “I was stuck down inside and he was pulling on me to go [with six furlongs left to run], but I didn’t want to go with him just yet.

I watched for my chance and at the three-eighths [pole] I saw [Cat Burglar] come out. I went through inside and he went right for it; no problem.”

The time for the Cougar was 2:31.62 over a fast track and the winner, who improved his record to 13 wins from 33 starts with five seconds and four thirds, paid $8.40. He has earned $567,175.

The Cougar was the Brylynn Farm-bred’s second graded victory; he took the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap last year. The son of Hard Spun was a $30,000 purchase from the OBS’ 2011 June sale. ■

Return to Turf the Right Move For ‘My Point’ Florida-bred My Point Exactly made a return to turf and the Gulfstream Park winner’s circle July 25 to capture the $75,000 Bear’s Den Handicap.

The Bill Kaplan-trained, 3-2 favorite collected his third turf stakes victory in the 1 1/16-mile event for 3-year-olds, but the gelded son of Concord Point had to work to register a head decision over a relentless Rizwan.

Owned by Pinnacle Racing and Norman Racing Stables, My Point Exactly was sent right to the lead by jockey Juan Leyva, but met an instant challenge on his outside by Rizwan, the second betting choice ridden by Jose Caraballo.

After racing as a team around the first turn, along the backstretch and around the far turn, My Point Exactly and Rizwan straightened for the stretch run with the latter gaining a slight advantage. The Phil

MARTIN PHOTO

Florida-bred My Point Exactly

12 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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October 2–4 Roundtrip Ocala/Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla

Enjoy Luxury ride with trivia, games, raffles, movies FSS reception with Florida Sire Stakes connections and VIP guests Behind the Scenes morning track backside tour FSS Championship Day at the Races Christine Lee’s VIP Luncheon Lunch, official race program, admission and seating Behind the Scenes tours Jockey’s room, Paddock and Announcer’s Stand (Limited) Winner’s Circle presentation opportunities

FTBOA members $75 Non-members $100 Pricing for reservations/payments made by Sept. 1 • RSVP to 352-629-2160 or visit www.ftboa.com Bus departs Ocala - Friday Oct. 2 at 9 a.m., Bus departs South Florida, Sunday, Oct. 4 at noon leaving in time for a morning beach stroll!

Stops on Turnpike also available

Evening guided excursion to South Beach and Coconut Grove Swag Bag and More!

Plus: bus transfers to and from the Hollywood Beach Marriott (official hotel) and Hampton Inn trackside Hotel stay not included, some meals not included.

FTBOA special discount at several nearby hotels available.

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Florida FOCUS

SERITA HULT PHOTO

Gleaves-trained Rizwan maintained the slightest of leads nearing the wire, but My Point Exactly responded to Leyva’s urging.

The winner, who was bred by Quarter Pole Enterprises of Ocala, was purchased for $65,000 out of the Eddie Woods consignment at the last year’s OBS April sale.

“He’s a game son of a gun, because every race he runs on the turf, he wins by no more than a neck, so it was a great, great effort,” Kaplan said. “He knows where the wire is, that horse. That’s what Juan just told me.”

My Point Exactly ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.20. Rizwan, who had captured the English Channel Stakes over the Gulfstream course in May, finished three-quarters of a length over a late-running Good and Prosper and jockey Edgar Prado.

My Point Exactly was never a factor in the Carry Back (G3) over Gulfstream Park’s main track on July 5 and obviously benefited from the return to turf Saturday. The son of the Coronado’s Quest mare, My Golden Quest, had registered turf victories in the King Cugat Stakes at Gulfstream in June and the Sunday Silence Stakes at Louisiana Downs last fall.

“We’re going to stay on the grass now,” Kaplan said. “There’s a race in Indiana ($200,000 Centaur Stakes on Sept. 9) that we’re going to look at.” ■

14 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

Gone Astray, sire of Bullet Gone Astray

Bullet Gone Astray on Target At 1-2, it wasn’t a shocker Bullet Gone Astray won the $100,000 Mountaineer Juvenile at Mountaineer Racetrack Aug. 1, but the ninelength victory margin was a pleasant surprise to his trainer, Henry Collazo.

With Luca Panici riding, the 2-year-old son of Northwest Stud stallion Gone Astray allowed the other two legitimate contenders in the field of five, second-choice Derby Express and Save the Drama, to battle it out early, getting the opening quarter in :22.75 and the halfmile in :46.75.

Panici let his mount go near the quarter pole and in one easy move they jettisoned to a three-length lead under left-handed urging. Panici kept his mount’s mind on the task at hand and they quickly opened on the rest of the field, hitting the wire in 1:12.97.

Save the Drama completed a Florida-bred sweep of the first two spots in the Juvenile. Derby Express held for third, 1¼ lengths farther back.

“Our horse ran like we expected,” Collazo told The Florida Horse.

“He was sitting on ‘Go’ coming into this race.”

Collazo, who took out a trainer’s license in 1979, has been based at Calder since 2001. A lapse in filing paperwork left his latest prospect ineligible to the Florida Sire Stakes – which got underway Aug. 8 (see page 36) – leaving Collazo in search of opportunities away from home.

“It’s a darn shame about the Sire Stakes, but this race [the Juvenile] proved he could handle a different surface and it proved he can ship,” Collazo said.

While saying “the horse came out of the race in great shape, fantastic,” Collazo said he was undecided on where next to start Bullet Gone Astray, who is owned by the partnership of Four Horsemen Racing Stable and Lady Lindsay Racing Stables.

John Kasbar, a client of Collazo’s for more than 40 years, is the principle behind Four Horsemen.

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Bullet Gone Astray’s female family is one of the most distinguished in American racing, tracing back to Kentucky Oaks winner Alcibiades and her daughter, Alabama Stakes winner Salaminia. Alcibiades is also the dam of Menow, the champion juvenile of Triple Crown winner War Admiral’s generation.

Bullet Gone Astray is the third son and first winner produced by his dam, Permanent Makeup, a 10-year-old daughter of Preakness (G1) winner Red Bullet.

Bred by Joe and Kris Carroll, Bullet Gone Astray was a buyback at this April’s OBS sale of 2-year-olds and Collazo purchased him privately out of David McKathan’s consignment.

“David and I go way back,” Collazo said. “I have always been real successful with horses I bought from him.”

Collazo, who had a pinkooking operation and breeding farm in Ocala, said he liked Bullet Gone Astray from the start.

“His attitude, his body language … I liked the way he breezed [:10 2/5 at the under-tack show],” he said. “First time I saw him out of the gate I said to myself, ‘Wow!’ From that point on I have been trying to throttle him down.”

Collazo said he and the owners are on the same page in regard to plans for this budding star.

“We talked about it and we’re taking the long-term view,” he said.

“We’re going to take our time with him and let him mature.”

Bullet Gone Astray came into the Mountaineer Juvenile off a :48 2/5 breeze at Gulfstream Park on July 25. In his only prior race, he was a 1½-length winner at 8-1 over a sloppy track there June 28. Panici was aboard for that race as well. He paid $3 for winning the Juvenile and added $63,000 to his earnings, which now stand at $89,500. ■

‘Red’ Gallant in Victory Florida’s reigning Horse of the Year Wildcat Red served notice that he’s up for a defense of last year’s title with a gutsy victory in open company, eking out a close decision against fellow state-breds

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Florida Horse of the Year Wildcat Red

Stallwalkin’ Dude and Delta Bluesman in the $100,000 Teddy Drone Stakes at Monmouth Park Aug. 2.

Wildcat Red emerged from a three-horse photo the winner by a head over Stallwalkin’ Dude with Delta Bluesman a nose farther back and a fourth Florida-bred, Brothersofthetime, only three-quarters of a length farther away.

The Florida-bred superfecta continued the Sunshine State’s recent hot streak: thoroughbreds bred here had been winning major events coast to coast the preceding few weeks, a string of successes highlighted by the Grade 1 victories of Sheer Drama in the Delaware Handicap and Wild Dude in the Bing Crosby at Del Mar. The Teddy Drone is for 3-year-olds and up and was contested at six furlongs.

Delta Bluesman was 13-1 but he was tough throughout, nearly running the opposition of its feet with an opening quarter-mile in :21.44 and a half in :44.05. Uptown Boy tried to keep pace but he was through as the field straightened.

Wildcat Red uncorked his rally from third, as far as five lengths astern of the two leaders in the early going, but, while poised for a challenge, he went wide on the turn under Paco Lopez.

In full flight to his outside, Stallwalkin’ Dude also was moving fast under Joe Bravo’s urging.

Wildcat Red was resilient in the stretch run, showing his class while racing between horses as Stallwalkin’ Dude continued his rally and the charging pair caught Oscar Bocachica and Delta Bluesman, who remained on the rail.

The three horses hit the wire together, but Wildcat Red gave just a bit more. A few yards more and Brothersofthetime would have been involved in the photo as well. Wildcat Red became a millionaire after running the Teddy Drone in 1:09.01.

The winner is a son of D’wildcat out of Racene, by Miner’s Mark. He was bred by Moreau Bloodstock International and Winter Racing Enterprise and he is owned by Honors Stable Corp.

Wildcat Red had not won since June 28 when he took the Quality Road at 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream. Trainer Jose Garoffalo has committed the 4-year-old colt to a sprint campaign after a series of unsuccessful attempts around two turns in tracks other than Gulfstream.

Wildcat Red became the champion Florida-bred last year after victories in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at 1 1/16 miles, the sevenfurlong Hutcheson (G3) and the 1 1/16-mile Quality Road, and a narrow miss in the nine-furlong Florida Derby (G1), in which he was beaten a neck, all at Gulfstream. He was third in last year’s Haskell, finishing 8¼ lengths behind Bayern.

This year, he was a good third to Favorite Tale and last year’s Eclipse Award-winning sprinter Work All Week in the Grade 2 Smile at six furlongs on July 5. Work All Week came back to win the $100,000 Sen. Robert Byrd Memorial at Mountaineer.

The Smile was Wildcat Red’s first start since hurting his right hind leg when fifth in the Sunshine Millions on Jan. 17, his only THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 15

Florida FOCUS previous start this year.

He paid $9.40 as the 7-2 third choice and he earned $60,000 for his sixth win in 16 starts, with four seconds and three thirds, and total earnings of $1,020,875.

Loverbil, Uptown Boy, 9-5 favorite Catron and Fabulous Kid completed the order of finish in the Teddy Drone. Uptown Boy was disqualified from fifth to sixth for ducking inside and pinning a charging Loverbil along the rail near the sixteenth pole. ■

Laugh It Up Gets Serious In Fourth Straight

Straight Faced, sire of Laugh It Up 16 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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Florida-bred Laugh It Up had been on a tear prior to her Aug. 8 stakes debut in the $30,000 Dr. O.G. Fischer Memorial Handicap at Sunray Park. The 4-year-old filly had won three straight against allowance and optional claiming company by a combined margin of 12 ½ lengths coming into the Fischer. The seven furlong Fischer for fillies and mares, 3years-old and older was a bit more challenging, but Laugh It Up got the job done.

Ridden by Alfredo Juarez, Jr. for owner Duane Cognini, Laugh It Up went right to the front as the 6-5 second choice in the field of six, leading Mybabykim by two lengths as she went the first quarter in :23.13. Mybabykim edged a bit closer to Laugh It Up after a half-mile in :45.99, while favored

Prettypriceygirl also began to challenge as they went around the far turn.

Turning for home, Prettypriceygirl made a bid for the lead but Laugh It Up fought off her challenge and with an eighth of a mile to race, and then began to draw off.

Laugh It Up finished in 1:24.74 and a length and-a-quarter in front of Prettypriceygirl in second with Mybabykim another halflength farther back in third.

Bred in Florida by Adam Parker and Suzette Parker of Fairfield, Laugh It Up is by Straight Faced out of E Major, by E Dubai. It was the fifth victory in 13 starts for Laugh It Up, who is trained by Justin Evans. She picked up $18,000 for the victory, pushing her career bankroll to $92,989. She paid $4.60 to win. ■

Unexpected Victory for Expected Ruler The dad and lad team of Liam F. and Liam D. Benson pulled off a stunner at Monmouth Aug. 9 when they sent out first-time starter Expected Ruler to a 2½-length victory in the $60,000 Tyro.

It was an equally stunning victory for his 20-year-old trainer, Liam D., as the Tyro represented his first victory.

“I was just looking for a good performance,” said Liam D. “‘Wow’ is really all I can say about it. We are going to enjoy this for as long as possible.”

Liam F. bred and owns the son of Leroidesanimaux, who went off at 47-1 against nine other 2-year-olds despite a work tab that compared favorably to every other starter in the race, including the 8-5 favorite, Full Salute.

The 7-2 third choice, Shoot Craps, was caught in a protracted duel with 20-1 Dr Blarney through the early going of the five-furlong turf race. When they ran out of gas through a :21.54 quarter-mile and :44.80 half, Expected Ruler, Full Slute and Bravura came flying by with barely a neck separating the three.

Under urging from jockey Wilmer Garcia, Expected Ruler kicked free from his pursuers and came home easily best. Full Salute also got the better of Bravura late, hitting the wire

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Florida-bred Expected Ruler

a length ahead of that one to garner the place.

Expected Ruler ran the distance in :56.84.

Out of the Allen’s Prospect mare Expected Pleasures, he was bred by the elder Benson.

“On the backstretch, I wasn’t sure about it,” said the younger Benson. “Even turning for home, he wasn’t in a great spot, but he is a tough little horse. He got the job done.”

Expected Ruler paid $96.60 and he earned $36,000 for his connections. ■

No Debate on Cat Trap It probably won’t lead to another Lincoln County War, but there is a heated discussion amongst the populace of this south-central region of New Mexico regarding the merits of “cat trapping.”

Ruidoso is the largest community in the county, and Ruidoso Downs, more famous for its quarter horse racing, hosted the $50,000 Aspen Cup for thoroughbreds Aug. 8.

After the race for 3-year-old fillies, there was no debate regarding the merits of its 9¼length winner, Cat Trap.

Leading from start to finish, Cat Trap lulled the her five opponents asleep through a manageable opening quarter-mile in :22.96 and a half in :45.38. She had plenty left to sprint home in 1:11.75, easily holding safe longshot and runner-up Watch the Curves.

Cat Trap came into the Aspen winner of two of three, breaking her maiden at Canterbury last

September and winning an entry-level allowance at Sunray Park in her 2015 bow on July 11. She had been rested after a fourth in the Permian Basin at Zia Park in October.

The daughter of Cowtown Cat out of the Five Star Day mare Five Star Annie was bred in Florida

by Brenda Jones and Silver Oaks Farm.

An OBS grad, she was sold at the April 2014 auction for $60,000. Her $30,000 firstplace prize nearly doubled her earnings to $61,660. The 4-year-old Forest Jet, Five Star Annie’s only previous foal, was also a winner.

Cat Trap traces back to Good Thing, one of A.G. Vanderbilt’s top-producing mares and dam of Hall of Famer Bed o’ Roses.

She is co-owned by trainer David Wolochuk, Patrick Dale Montoya and Blue Snow Racing Stables. Enrique Gonzalez rode. ■

Solomon Bay Takes Stakes at Sonoma

Florida-bred Cat Trap

The two early leaders made the first quarter-mile in :23.56 while Solomon Bay stalked in third position some two lengths back with El Huerfano and Gin Riki following in succession about two lengths apart.

Rosary Man and Donji continued to match strides down the backstretch and around the far turn after running the halfmile in :46.84, but Solomon Bay had them both measured as he went after them while racing three wide. Solomon Bay took over at the top of the stretch and drew clear of Rosary Man and Donji while Gin Riki was also making his bid from farther back.

Down the stretch, Gin Riki engaged Solomon Bay and passed him with less than an eighth of a mile to run when Solomon Bay began to fight back from the inside. They hit the finish together in 1:42.21 and it to the photo finish to determine that Solomon Bay was a nose in front of Gin Riki in second with El Huerfano in third. Donji faded to fourth with Rosary Man fifth.

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Solomon Bay made his stakes debut a winning one Aug. 8 at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Ca., when he took the $53,550 Robert Duprey Derby. The victory came against four other 3-year-olds at a mile and one-sixteenth on the turf.

Trained by Morey Williams for the Joseph P. Morey Jr. Revocable Trust, Solomon Bay had finished seventh against first level allowance horses on grass at Golden Gate Fields on June 14 in his first race after breaking his maiden there in May. He then improved with a second against similar company during the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet on July 4 while racing on dirt, but despite the improvement, was returned to turf for the Duprey.

With jockey William Antongrgi III aboard, Solomon Bay got off to a good start from post three but was in no hurry to race with 4-5 favorite Rosary Man and 19-1 longshot Donji as those two took the field around the first turn.

GAY HARRIS PHOTO

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Florida-bred Solomon Bay (inside rail) THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 17

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Florida FOCUS Solomon Bay earned $32,750 for the win which increased his career earnings to $51,735 with his second win from just seven starts.

Solomon Bay was bred in Florida by John A. Burns and Jack Zuidema of Alachua, Fla. He is by Leroidesanimaux (Brz) and out of Hopi, by Cox’s Ridge. He paid $14.40 for the win. ■

Florida stallion Crown of Thorns

Crown of Thorns Gets First Win Woodford Thoroughbreds stallion Crown of Thorns had his first winner Aug. 8 when I’malreadythere took the seventh race on the Florida Sire Stakes card at Gulfstream Park.

Bred by Dr. Thomas Lane, I’malreadythere was never far back under Diego Gomez and came along easily to register a two-length victory. In beating nine other 20-year-olds going a mile on the turf, I’malreadythere got the distance in 1:38.34.

A gelding out of the Wild Event mare Wildfire Ruby, he is trained by Michale Yates and is owned by Shadybrook Farm.

Crown of Thorns was a two-time Grade 2 winner, having taken the 2008 Robert Lewis Stakes in stakes-record time and the Mervyn Leroy in 2011, and he placed behind Dancing in Silks in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

His fee at the Reddick farm was $2,000 in 2015. ■

First Winner for Factum It’s a Factum, one of 19 2-year-olds sired by Williston-based Factum, became that stallion’s first winner when he scored Aug. 9 at Hastings Park.

Factum is the property of Gil Campbell and he stood at Stonehedge Farm South this year for a $10,000 fee.

It’s a Factum won in wire-to-wire style, taking the six-furlong event by 1¼ lengths.

The 7-year-old Factum, a son of Storm Cat, is a half-brother to Grade 2 winner War Front, one of the nation’s top sires. Their dam, the Grade 1placed Starry Dreamer, is a daughter of the crack champion sprinter Rubiano. Starry Dreamer also produced Grade 2 winner Teammate, Grade 3 winner Ecclesiastic and the graded-stakes place Riviera Cocktail.

It’s a Factum, out of Valid Appeal’s daughter Really Appealing, is owned by James Redekop and Anita Bolton trains. Bred in Florida by William and Annabel Murphy, she was a $32,000 purchase at Keeneland last year, part of the Hunter Valley consignment. ■

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTOS

Florida stallion Factum

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FLORIDA Focus

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Florida-bred World Approval

World Approval, de Live Oak Plantation, se adueña del American Derby Se puso a prueba la versatilidad del caballo World Approval del establecimiento Live Oak Plantation, y el equino se desempeñó brillantemente en la carrera American Derby de grado 3 en Arlington el 11 de julio.

En su última competencia, la falta de velocidad colocó al hijo de tres años del caballo Northern Afleet en un peleado primer puesto al principio de la competencia de 1 1/8 millas, que tiene un premio de USD 100.000. Por ello, a pesar de que al final logró superar a Crittenden por un cuello, la victoria dejó al entrenador Mark Case con la esperanza de obtener un resultado más favorable en el próximo evento de capones, el Secretariat de grado 1, también en Arlington el 15 de agosto.

En una apuesta reñida, la tarea de World Approval no fue sencilla, ya que avanzaba cabeza a cabeza con Nun the Less desde el comienzo, sin poder deshacerse de su rival, mientras trataba de pasar por sus laterales a Firespike y a Crittenden, ambos criados en Florida. Nun the Less obtuvo una marca de 25:46 después del

primer cuarto, 52:46 a la mitad y, aún con un tiempo ridículamente lento de 1:18.12, mantuvo la ventaja durante los seis furlongs.

World Approval desafió a Nun the Less y lo superó en el furlong final, animado por el impulso de la rienda derecha del jinete José Lezcano, y le sacó a Crittenden una ventaja mayor de lo que podría indicar el margen. Dio una ganancia de USD 4,20.

El ejemplar gris terminó su tarea en 1:52.92. Nun the Less se mantuvo en el tercer puesto, dos cuerpos detrás de Crittenden.

King of New York obtuvo el cuarto lugar, seguido de Firespike, Raagheb y Slope.

Los tres primeros puestos se hicieron de un lugar seguro en la competencia Secretariat, que ofrece un premio de USD 450.000.

Lezcano aseguró que había medido a sus rivales desde el comienzo.

“Me sentí muy seguro todo el tiempo”, indicó. “Él es muy bueno”.

Si bien la velocidad no generó preocupación en Lezcano, el entrenador de World Approval admitió haberse sentido nervioso en algunos momentos.

“No estoy seguro de que esa sea exactamente la forma en la que quiere correr, pero los buenos caballos pueden superar estas

cosas”, aseguró Mark Casse. “No podíamos marcar el ritmo, por lo que empleamos una estrategia diferente. Esperamos que, en la próxima carrera, haya un poco más de ritmo, de modo que pueda mejorar sus resultados.

Los buenos caballos ganan cuando tienen que hacer cambios para lograr su objetivo”.

La de American Derby fue la primera victoria de World Approval en una carrera clásica.

En sus primeras dos actuaciones, fue vencido por el talentoso Divisidero: terminó en un reñido tercer puesto en el American Turf de grado 2, en Churchill Downs, en el Kentucky Derby Day y, luego, ya cansado, ocupó el cuarto lugar en la ajustada competencia que se llevó a cabo en Pennine Ridge, en Belmont, el 30 de mayo. Antes de los frustrantes encuentros con Divisidero, el 4 de abril, había ganado el Tampa Bay’s Sophomore Turf venciendo a caballos criados en ese estado.

Al haberse posicionado en el tablero en siete carreras, World Approval obtuvo tres victorias en estas competiciones.

Con ganancias de USD 174.050, tiene todavía un largo camino por delante hasta alcanzar lo recaudado por sus talentosos hermanos, quienes fueron criados por el establecimiento Live Oak Stud ubicado en Ocala: el ganador de diversas carreras clásicas ZA Approval, que ha obtenido más de USD 1.300.000; el campeón del Eclipse Award, Miesque’s Approval, que tiene en su haber unos USD 687.338, y Revved Up, que ha ganado más de USD 1.500.000.

Su madre, Win Approval, es hija de la potra de carreras clásicas Negotiator, quien, a su vez, es media hermana de Duveen, ganador de las carreras clásicas de hierba en los años setenta. ■

TD, criado en Florida, alcanza la meta La serie de éxitos que Ben’s Cat obtuvo en el Parx Dash llegó a su fin el 11 de julio y, con ello, también se terminó la frustrante temporada de carreras de Tightend Touchdown, criado en Florida, que se impuso en este evento de grado 3 con una marca de 12-1.

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Florida-bred Tightend Touchdown

Tightend Touchdown corre sus mejores carreras cuando ocupa los primeros puestos desde el comienzo, algo que el jinete Frankie Pennington entendió desde la primera vez que montó al capón de seis años.

Como era previsible, Bold Thunder fue el primero en largar en la carrera en hierba de cinco furlongs, pero Tightend Touchdown lo siguió de cerca, nunca a más de un cuerpo de distancia: alcanzaron el cuarto de milla de apertura a los 0:22.39 y llegaron cabeza a cabeza a la mitad a los 0:45.34.

Bold Thunder, que llevaba unos 54 kg, no se encontraba en su mejor momento y quedó relativamente atrás después de que Tightend Touchdown tomara el control en el furlong final. Sin embargo, TD no había alcanzado su objetivo aún: El improbable ganador Mongolian Saturday tomó impulso a último momento y casi alcanza la llegada primero, quedando solo a una cabeza de la línea de meta. El tiempo de la carrera fue de 0:57.19.

Mongolian Saturday logró una marca de 51-1, y el tercer puesto, Mongoll Bull, que terminó a un cuerpo y medio del segundo, tuvo una marca de 43-1.

El ganador, hijo de Pure Precision y de la yegua Starry Mark, hija del macho Marquetry, fue criado por Chad y Laurie Stewart.

20 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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Florida FOCUS

Es propiedad del establecimiento Mr Amore Stable, y su entrenador es Jason Servis.

Tightend Touchdown dio una ganancia de USD 26.80 y aumentó su récord a 11 victorias en 31 carreras, con una marca de 7 segundos y 2/3. Ha ganado USD 851.295 a lo largo de su trayectoria.

Este fue el quinto enfrentamiento entre Tightend Touchdown y Ben’s Cat. Tightend Touchdown había mostrado su mejor desempeño frente a este rival al comienzo de la serie: lo venció en la Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup de 2013 y le sacó una cabeza cuando salió segundo en 2013 en el Turf Minstrel, un evento de grado 3 que también se lleva a cabo en Parx, que ganó el equino Stormofthecentury, criado en Florida.

Ben’s Cat dio vuelta los duelos más recientes con Tightend Touchdown: lo venció en 2014 en el Fabulous Strike en Penn National y le ganó por un hocico en el Parx Dash del año pasado, lo que marcó el comienzo de una mala racha de seis carreras para Tightend Touchdown, que pudo superar el sábado pasado.

En sus tres carreras anteriores, Tightend Touchdown obtuvo el noveno puesto, tanto en Elusive Quality en Belmont el 29 de abril como en Fabulous Strike el año pasado, donde Ben’s Cat obtuvo el primer puesto. En

medio de estas dos carreras, TD ocupó el quinto lugar en la competencia Shakertown de grado 3 el 4 de abril en Keenland.

“Tightend Touchdown no me decepcionó en absoluto”, le confesó el entrenador Jason Servis a Wire to Wire. “La carrera en Keeneland fue mucho mejor de lo que se publicó en las noticias, y me culpo a mí mismo por lo que sucedió en [la Elusive Quality de siete furlongs] en Belmont. Esa no es su mejor distancia.

No me atrevo a decir que sabía que iba a ganar [la Parx Dash], pero estaba seguro de que tendría un buen desempeño”.

Servis había tenido la esperanza de contar con los servicios de Javier Castellano, que montó a Tightend Touchdown en sus dos participaciones en la carrera de corta distancia Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, en las que obtuvo el segundo y el sexto puesto; entre ambas carreras, perdió por un total de dos cuerpos. No logró ganarse su lugar para 2013 contra Mizdirection por medio cuerpo.

Servis agregó: “Esta vuelve a ser la meta para este año: la Breeders’ Cup. Esta carrera nos ayudará a lograr algunos puntos [BC] y descubriremos lo que nos espera cuando se asiente el polvo.

Tal vez, alguna competencia en Saratoga”. ■

Las pistas de tierra no son un problema para Big John B Antes del Cougar Handicap en Del Mar el 24 de julio, que ofrecía un premio de USD 100.000, Big John B no había competido en una pista de tierra desde la lluvia que embarró la pista de hierba de Gulfstream en febrero de 2012. En esa competencia, terminó quinto, seguido por las futuras estrellas Golden Ticket y Old Time Hockey (criado en Florida).

En esa época, Big John B era entrenado por Mike Maker; luego, pasó sus días en los establos de Mike Tomlinson, Mike Trombetta y Mike Stidham, así como de Todd Pletcher, Jason Servis y Bobby DiBona.

Luego, fue trasladado a California, donde

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Florida-bred Big John B

se unió al establo Phil D’Amato, propiedad de Mike House.

Fue en California donde este capón criado en Florida, que ahora tiene seis años, logró su mejor desempeño. La carrera de Cougar de grado 3 de una milla y media en la pista principal (si bien la carrera recibió su nombre en honor al campeón de pistas de hierba de 1972) marcó una diferencia para Big John B, especialista en pistas de hierba, si bien D’Amato había expresado su confianza antes de la competencia.

“Creo que puede hacerlo. Siempre ha resultado muy bien en tierra durante los entrenamientos”, expresó. “Siempre quise probarlo en este tipo de competencia. Lo único que me detenía era que, en sus inicios, corría mal en este tipo de suelo”.

Corriendo tres de sus cuatro primeras carreras en la pista principal, Big John B no generó dinero en ninguna de estas participaciones, incluida la ya mencionada carrera bajo la lluvia.

D’Amato señaló que Big John B, un gran corredor en las rectas, “era más táctico de lo pensado” y lo demostró en Cougar. En relación con las cuatro carreras, donde logró unos 14 cuerpos de distancia con un cuarto de apertura de 0:24:69 y donde mantuvo casi la misma ventaja después de haber alcanzado la mitad a los 0:48:73, Rafael Bejarano apeló a su dominio de la montura al momento de avanzar en la recta opuesta.

Bejarano mostró un gran desempeño, ya

COGLIANESE PHOTO

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

que nunca se salió del barandal y superó a los dos favoritos, Sky Kingdom y el constante Cat Burglar, tanto en la curva como en la recta.

Víctor Espinoza, que montaba a Cat Burglar, no se movía ni una pulgada mientras avanzaba en paralelo al barandal. Sin embargo, Bejarano, que mostraba gran compromiso y determinación, sin incurrir en una infracción, se abrió paso hacia el primer puesto en el momento en que los caballos se acercaban al octavo poste. Se encontraban a una distancia segura de medio cuerpo del desafiante Bailoutbobby. Sky Kingdom obtuvo el tercer puesto, seguido por Lideris y Cat Burglar.

“Los dos primeros avanzaban lentamente, por lo que esperé”, relató Bejarano. “Estaba atascado en el interior, y el caballo me animaba a avanzar [quedaban seis furlongs por recorrer], pero yo no quería avanzar todavía.

Esperé a que apareciera la oportunidad y en [el poste de] los tres-octavos, vi cómo [Cat Burglar] se salía. Avancé por el interior y el caballo se movió por el lugar exacto, sin problemas”.

En una pista rápida, el tiempo de Cougar fue de 2:31:62, y el ganador, que superó su

récord de 13 victorias en 33 carreras por 5 segundos y 4/3, dio una ganancia de USD 8,40.

Ganó USD 567.175.

Cougar fue el campeón de la competencia de grado 2 para los caballos criados por el establecimiento Brylynn Farm; el año pasado, obtuvo el torneo Del Mar Handicap de grado 2. El hijo de Hard Spun fue comprado en la venta de OBS en junio de 2011 por USD 30.000. ■

Uncle Vinny logra la victoria en Sanford Con un poco de ayuda divina, Uncle Vinny, criado en Florida, registró su segunda victoria en las tres carreras de la competencia Sanford Stakes, que se llevó a cabo en Saratoga el 25 de julio y que ofrecía un premio de USD 150.000.

A pesar de un mal comienzo, el caballo criado por el establecimiento Gilbert Campbell e hijo del campeón juvenil de Eclipse Uncle Mo tuvo un buen desempeño en la recta, si bien no logró alcanzar a Magna Light por tres cuartos de cuerpo.

No obstante, los comisarios de la carrera, después de haber revisado las cintas, determinaron que el errático Magna Light había interferido con Percolator en la recta. Descalificaron a Magna Light, que obtuvo el tercer puesto, otorgaron la victoria a Uncle Vinny y colocaron a Percolator en el segundo lugar.

A pesar de la conmoción en la que se

Florida-bred Uncle Vinny (far left) THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 21

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Florida FOCUS He’s Comin in Hot, el favorito Cocked and Loaded, Sunny Ridge, Twilight Cinnamon, Save the Drama y John Q Public completaron el orden de llegada a la meta.

Paynes Prairie quedó fuera de competencia. ■

Un retorno exitoso a la hierba para My Point El equino criado en Florida My Point Exactly retornó a las pistas de hierba y al círculo de ganadores del Gulfstream Park el 25 de julio al capturar el Bear’s Den Handicap de unos USD 75.000.

Con una marca de 3-2, el favorito, entrenado por Bill Kaplan, logró su tercera victoria en el clásico evento en hierba de 1 1/16 millas para ejemplares de tres años, si bien el hijo castrado de Concord Point tuvo que esforzarse para marcar una cabeza de diferencia frente al incansable Rizwan.

Propiedad de Pinnacle Racing y Norman Racing Stables, My Point Exactly quedó al frente desde el comienzo gracias al jinete Juan Leyva, si bien debió enfrentar el desafío inmediato que planteó Rizwan, la segunda apuesta (a cargo del jinete José Caraballo), desde el exterior.

Después de haber avanzado cabeza a cabeza en la primera curva, la recta opuesta y la curva más lejana, My Point Exactly y Rizwan aceleraron en la recta, y este último logró sacar una pequeña ventaja. Rizwan, entrenado por Phil

MARTIN PHOTO

vieron envueltos los tres primeros puestos, no debe perderse de vista el excelente desempeño final de otro equino criado en Florida, Awesome Shaw, que ocupó el cuarto lugar.

Magna Light se impuso todo el tiempo con fracciones de 0:22.52 y 0:45.98 y, a medida que se acercaba a la meta, logró separarse dos cuerpos del rival más cercano de sus nueve oponentes.

Mientras José Ortiz miraba hacia atrás, Magna Light se salió del sexto carril, luego se desplazó hacia el barandal dentro del marcador de furlong y se interpuso en la trayectoria de Percolator.

“Venía por su camino”, relató John Velázquez refiriéndose a su caballo, Uncle Vinny. “Estábamos acercándonos al trecho que se extiende entre el octavo poste y la meta, y Uncle Vinny heredó la victoria. No puedo decir nada. Sin dudas estaba descollando. [Magna Light] hizo muy buena carrera también”.

Velázquez sonaba casi arrepentido, al igual que Don Lucarelli, el copropietario de Starlight Partners, establecimiento que es dueño de Uncle Vinny.

“Me siento muy mal por todo el equipo [de Magna Light], porque ellos merecían la victoria”, señaló. “Nosotros también hicimos una buena carrera. El resultado final es que nosotros logramos cobrar el dinero. Así sucedieron las cosas”.

Ortiz había adoptado una actitud optimista: “Golpeé a [Magna Light] con la rienda izquierda, y se salió un poco del carril, pero el camino estaba despejado. Todo el mundo podía ver eso”.

Uncle Vinny terminó medio cuerpo delante de Percolator, que le llevaba tres cuartos de cuerpo a Awesome Slew. Este último, después de un comienzo lento, terminó a tres cuerpos de Magna Light en la recta, incluso cuando se vio obstaculizado dos veces cerca del trecho final.

Por la victoria de Sanford de grado 3, Uncle Vinny dio una ganancia de USD 10 y, a él se le atribuyó un tiempo ganador de 1:10:92. A lo largo de su trayectoria, ha recaudado ganancias por USD 141.500. Hijo de la yegua Arealhotlover, hija del semental Untuttable, Uncle Vinny fue criado en Florida por Gilbert G. Campbell.

22 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

Gleaves, mantuvo una ventaja mínima al acercarse a la meta, pero My Point Exactly reaccionó a tiempo a las órdenes de Leyva.

El ganador, criado por el establecimiento Quarter Pole Enterprises de Ocala, fue comprado por USD 65.000 de la consignación de Eddie Woods, durante la venta de abril de OBS el año pasado.

“Es un sinvergüenza: en cada carrera que corre en hierba, gana solo por un cuello, por lo que es un enorme esfuerzo”, aseguró Kaplan. “Ese caballo sabe dónde está la meta.

Eso es lo que acaba de decirme Juan”.

My Point Exactly corrió unas 1 1/16 millas en 1:43.20. Rizwan, que se había hecho con el triunfo en el clásico English Channel Stakes en Gulfstream en mayo, finalizó a tres cuartos de cuerpo respecto de un demorado Good and Prosper y su jinete, Edgar Prado.

My Point Exactly no fue relevante durante el Carry Back (G3) que se llevó a cabo en la pista principal del Gulfstream Park el 5 de julio y, sin dudas, aprovechó los beneficios del retorno a las pistas de hierba el sábado. El hijo de la yegua Coronado’s Quest, Mu Golden Quest, había logrado victorias en hierba en el clásico King Cugat Stakes en Gulfstream en junio y en la competencia Sunday Silence Stakes en Louisiana Downs el otoño pasado.

“Continuaremos compitiendo en hierba por el momento”, anunció Kaplan. “Hay una competencia en Indiana (el clásico Centaur Stakes el 9 de septiembre con premios por USD 200.000) que vamos a tener en cuenta”. ■ Florida-bred My Point Exactly

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Bullet Gone Astray da en el blanco

SERITA HULT PHOTO

Con una marca de 1-2, era de esperar que Bullet Gone Astray ganara la Juvenile Mountaineer por USD 100.000 en Mountaineer Racetrack el 1 de agosto, si bien el margen de la victoria —de nueve cuerpos— fue una reconfortante sorpresa para su entrenador, Henry Collazo.

Con Luca Panici como jinete, el hijo de dos años del semental Gone Astray del establecimiento Northwest Stud, hizo que los otros dos legítimos rivales (de cinco) —Derby Express (segunda opción) y Save the Drama— quedaran fuera de juego al comienzo, gracias a sus 0:22.75 en el cuarto de apertura y sus 0:46.75 en la mitad de milla.

Panici permitió que su montura llegara cerca del poste que marca el cuarto y, en un ágil movimiento, el equipo cubrió una distancia de tres cuerpos gracias al impulso de la rienda izquierda. Panici se mantuvo concentrado en la tarea que estaba realizando, y rápidamente el equipo se abrió paso en el resto del campo. Marcó la llegada en 1:12.97.

Save the Drama completó el podio de los dos primeros puestos de la Juvenile —ambos ocupados por caballos criados en Florida—.

Derby Express salió tercero, un cuerpo y un cuarto más atrás.

“Nuestro caballo se desempeñó como lo esperábamos”, explicó Collazo a Wire to Wire. “Estaba preparado para participar de esta carrera”.

Collazo, que obtuvo la licencia de entrenador en 1979, ha desempeñado su trabajo en Calder desde 2001. Un inconveniente al realizar el papeleo impidió que su último candidato pudiera participar en el clásico Florida Sire Stakes —que comenzó el 8 de agosto— , lo que obligó a Collazo a buscar oportunidades lejos de su hogar.

“Es una verdadera pena lo que sucedió con Sire Stakes, pero con esta carrera [la Juvenile], él demostró que es capaz de manejar una superficie diferente y que puede competir”, aseguró Collazo.

Gone Astray, sire of Bullet Gone Astray

Si bien dijo que “el caballo terminó la carrera en gran forma, fantástico”, Collazo expresó que no sabía qué nuevo camino emprender con Bullet Gone Astray, que es propiedad de la sociedad entre Four Horsemen Racing Stable y Lady Lindsay Racing Stables.

John Kasbar, que ha sido cliente de Collazo durante más de 40 años, es quien maneja Four Horsemen.

Las hembras de la familia de Bullet Gone Astray son de las más distinguidas en el mundo de las carreras de los Estados Unidos.

Su distinción se remonta a la victoria de Alcibiades en Kentucky Oaks y a la de su hija, Salaminia, ganadora del clásico Alabama Stakes. Alcibiades también es la madre de Menow, el campeón juvenil de la generación de War Admiral, ganador de la Triple Crown.

Bullet Gone Astray es el tercer hijo y el primer ganador que ha producido su madre, Permanent Makeup, la hija de diez años de Red Bullet, el ganador de la Preakness (G1).

Criado por Joe y Kris Carroll, Bullet Gone Astray fue vuelto a comprar en la venta de ejemplares de dos años de OBS el pasado abril. Collazo lo adquirió de manera privada de la consignación de David McKathan.

“David y yo tenemos historia”, explicó

Collazo. “Siempre he tenido excelentes resultados con los caballos que me ha vendido”.

Collazo, quien tuvo un establecimiento de crianza y operaciones pinkooking en Ocala, manifestó que le gustó Bullet Gone Astray desde el principio.

“Su actitud, su lenguaje corporal... Me gustó la manera en que llegó con facilidad [0:10 2/5 en la muestra de velocidad]”, confesó. “La primera vez que lo vi cruzar las puertas, quedé maravillado. Desde ese momento, he estado intentando aplacarlo”.

Collazo dijo que tanto él como los dueños están parados en el mismo lugar con respecto a sus planes para esta incipiente estrella.

“Hemos hablado del tema y optaremos por un enfoque a largo plazo”, manifestó. “Nos tomaremos nuestro tiempo para dejarlo madurar”.

Bullet Gone Astray llegó a la Mountaineer Juvenile cómodamente en 0:48 2/5 en Gulfstream Park el 25 de julio. En su única carrera anterior, el 28 de junio, había ganado por un cuerpo y medio con una marca de 8-1 en una pista barrosa en el mismo lugar. Panici también participó de esa carrera. Él dio una ganancia USD 3 por ganar la Juvenile y sumó USD 63.000 a su recaudación, que ahora alcanza los USD 89.500. ■ THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 23

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Florida FOCUS Gran destaque de Red Wildcat Red, el actual Caballo del Año de Florida, dejó claro que está preparado para la defensa de su título del año pasado con una valiente victoria en compañía abierta. Ganó así una reñida disputa entre los ejemplares también criados en su estado Stallwalkin’ Dude y Delta Bluesman en el clásico Teddy Drone Stakes, con premios por USD 100.000, en Monmouth Park el 2 de agosto.

Por una cabeza, Wildcat Red resultó victorioso entre tres caballos, superando a Stallwalkin’ Dude con Delta Bluesman, que estaba un hocico más atrás, y a un cuarto caballo criado en Florida, Brothersofthetime, solo tres cuartos de un cuerpo más atrás.

La superfecta entre los caballos criados en Florida continuó la reciente buena racha del estado del sol: durante las últimas semanas, los caballos de pura sangre criados aquí han ganado los principales eventos en ambas costas. En esta serie de victorias, se destacan las de grado 1 de Sheer Drama, en el Delaware Handicap, y la de Wild Dude, en el Bing Crosby de Del Mar. La competencia Teddy Drone es para caballos de tres años y fue disputada en seis furlongs.

Delta Bluesman marcó 13-1, pero se mantuvo firme durante toda la carrera. Estuvo a

punto de derribar a sus oponentes con un cuarto de milla de apertura de 0:21.44 y una mitad de 0:44.05. Uptown Boy intentó mantener el ritmo, pero quedó relegado a medida que el terreno se volvía más llano.

Al principio, Wildcat Red corría en tercer lugar, a casi cinco cuerpos de los dos líderes.

Sin embargo, bajo las órdenes de Paco López, se adelantó en la curva listo para el desafío.

En plena marcha desde el exterior, Stallwalkin’ Dude también se movía rápido bajo el apremio de Joe Bravo.

Wildcat Red se mostró fuerte en la pista recta y demostró su clase mientras corría entre los caballos. Entretanto, Stallwalkin’ Dude continuaba su rally. Estos dos veloces caballos alcanzaron a Oscar Bocachica y Delta Bluesman, que permanecían en el barandal.

Los tres caballos llegaron a la meta juntos, pero Wildcat Red les sacó una pequeña ventaja. Si hubiera logrado avanzar unos metros más, Brothersofthetime también habría sido parte de la fotografía. Wildcat Red se hizo millonario después de haber corrido la competencia Teddy Drone en 1:09.01.

El ganador es hijo de D’wildcat (macho) y Racene (hembra), que, a su vez, es hija del macho Miner’s Mark. Fue criado por Moreau Bloodstock International y Winter Racing

NULLANEY PHOTO

Florida Horse of the Year Wildcat Red

24 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

Enterprise, y es propiedad del establecimiento Honors Stable Corp.

Wildcat Red no ganaba desde el 28 de junio, cuando obtuvo la victoria en la Quality Road de 1 1/16 millas en Gulfstream. El entrenador José Garoffalo se ha comprometido a que el potro de cuatro años participe en carreras de corta distancia, después de una serie de intentos infructuosos en otras pistas de dos curvas fuera de Gulfstream.

Wildcat Red se convirtió en el campeón entre los criados en Florida el año pasado, después de las victorias en la Fountain of Youth (grado 2) con 1 1/16 millas, la Hutcheson de siete furlongs (grado 3) y la Quality Road de 1 1/16 millas. Además, perdió el primer puesto solo por un cuello en la carrera Florida Derby (grado 1) de nueve furlongs. Todos estos eventos tuvieron lugar en Gulfstream.

Salió tercero en la Haskell del año pasado; terminó ocho cuerpos y un cuarto detrás de Bayern.

Este año, obtuvo un buen tercer puesto; quedó detrás de Favorite Tale y de Work All Week —el ejemplar de corta distancia que ganó el premio Eclipse Award— en la competencia Smile de grado 2 de seis furlongs el 5 de julio. Work All Week volvió para ganar el Sen. Robert Byrd Memorial, con un premio de USD 100.000, el pasado sábado en Mountaineer.

La carrera de Smile fue la primera participación de Wildcat Red desde que se lesionó la pata trasera derecha al quedar en quinto lugar en Sunshine Millions el 17 de enero, su única carrera anterior de este año.

Dio una ganancia de USD 9,40 como tercera opción 7-2 y ganó unos USD 60.000 por su sexta victoria en 16 carreras, con 4 segundos y 3/3, y una recaudación total de USD 1.020.875.

Loverbil, Uptown Boy, el favorito Catron con una marca de 9-5 y Fabulous Kid completaron el orden de llegada en la Teddy Drone. Uptown Boy fue descalificado, del quinto al sexto lugar, por haberse inclinado hacia adentro y haber inmovilizado al veloz Loverbil a lo largo del barandal, cerca del décimosexto poste. ■

Laugh It Up se puso seria en la cuarta recta Laugh It Up, criada en Florida, había tenido una buena racha antes de su debut en las carreras clásicas, el 8 de agosto en la Dr. O.G. Fischer Memorial Handicap, con un premio por USD 30.000, en Sunray Park. La potra de cuatro años había ganado tres rectas condicionales y de reclamo opcional por un margen combinado de doce cuerpos y medio antes de participar en la Fischer. La Fischer de siete furlongs para potras y yeguas de tres años o más fue un tanto más difícil, pero Laugh It Up lo logró.

Habiendo sido montada primero por Alfredo Juárez Jr. y luego por Duane Cognini, Laugh It Up pasó directamente al frente como la segunda opción de 6-5 en el campo de seis.

Superó a Mybabykim por dos cuerpos al alcanzar el primer cuarto en 0:23.13. Mybabykim se mantuvo un poco más cerca de Laugh It Up después de una mitad de 0:45.99, mientras que la favorita Prettypriceygirl también comenzó a acercarse cuando alcanzaron la curva más distante.

En la curva, a punto de llegar a la meta, Prettypriceygirl pujaba por ganar, pero Laugh It Up la desafió y, quedándole un octavo de milla para ganar, comenzó a apartarse.

Laugh It Up terminó primera en 1:24.74; Prettypriceygirl, segunda por un cuerpo y un cuarto; y Mybabykim, tercera, medio cuerpo más atrás.

Criada en Florida por Adam Parker y Suzette Parker de Fairfields, Laugh It Up es hija del macho Straight Faced y la yegua E Major, hija, a su vez, del macho E Dubai. Fue la quinta victoria en 13 carreras para Laugh It Up, cuyo entrenador es Justin Evans. Recibió USD 18.000 por la victoria, lo que aumentó su capital acumulado a USD 92.989. Por su victoria, dio una ganancia de USD 4,60. ■

por dos cuerpos y medio en la Tyro de USD 60.000.

También fue una conquista asombrosa para su entrenador de 20 años de edad, Liam D., ya que la Tyro significó su primer triunfo.

“Solo esperaba un buen desempeño”, explicó Liam D. “Me he quedado sin palabras.

Disfrutaremos de esto tanto como podamos”.

Liam F. es dueño del hijo de Leroidesanimaux, a quien también crió. Este caballo quedó a 47-1 contra otros nueve caballos de dos años, a pesar de que su perfil lo colocaba en ventaja por sobre todos los demás participantes de la carrera, incluido el favorito de 85, Full Salute.

La tercera opción de 7-2, Shoot Craps, se enzarzó en un prolongado duelo con Dr. Blarney, de 20-1, en la primera parte de la carrera de cinco furlongs sobre hierba. Cuando se quedaron sin energía después de un cuarto de 0:21.54 y una mitad de 0:44.80, Expected Ruler, Full Salute y Bravura llegaron a toda carrera con solo un cuello de diferencia entre los tres.

Bajo el impulso del jinete Wilmer García, Expected Ruler se separó de quienes lo

Victoria inesperada para Expected Ruler El equipo de padre e hijo de Liam F. y Liam D. Benson logró una maravilla en Monmouth el 9 de agosto, cuando Expected Ruler, que corrió por primera vez, logró una victoria

EQUIPHOTO

Straight Faced, sire of Laugh it Up

LISA PHOTO

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Florida FOCUS perseguían y llegó a la meta por amplia diferencia. Full Salute también superó a Bravura hacia el final; llegó a la meta sacándole un cuerpo de ventaja y, así, obtuvo el triunfo.

Expected Ruler recorrió la distancia en 0:56.84. Hijo de la yegua Expected Pleasures (hija del semental Allen’s Prospect), fue criado por Benson padre.

“Cuando estaba en la recta opuesta, no estaba muy seguro”, explicó Benson hijo. “Incluso cuando se estaba acercando a la meta, no se encontraba en un lugar favorable, pero es un caballo muy tenaz. Hizo lo que tenía que hacer”.

Expected Ruler dio una ganancia de USD 96,60 y obtuvo una ganancia de USD 36.000 por sus conexiones. ■

No hay dudas sobre Cat Trap

Cat Trap es propiedad del entrenador David Wolochuk, Patrick Dale Montoya y Blue Snow Racing Stables. Enrique González fue el jinete. ■

Solomon Bay se adueña del clásico en Sonoma

El 8 de agosto, Solomon Bay hizo de su debut en las carreras clásicas un verdadero triunfo en la Sonoma County Fair de San Rosa, Ca., donde ganó la Robert Duprey Derby con un premio de USD 53.550. La victoria se produjo contra otros cuatro ejemplares de tres años de edad en 1 1/6 millas sobre hierba.

El 14 de junio, entrenado por Morey Williams para el Joseph P. Morey Jr. Revocable Trust, Solomon Bay había terminado en séptimo lugar contra caballos condicionales de primer nivel sobre hierba en Golden Gate Fields. Esta fue su primera carrera después de haber finalizado con su condición de maiden en el mismo lugar el pasado mayo. Luego, mejoró al obtener un segundo lugar contra competidores similares durante la Oak Tree en Pleasanton el 4 de julio, en una carrera sobre tierra. Sin embargo, a pesar de la mejora, volvió a la hierba para la competencia Duprey.

Con el jinete William Antongrgi III, Solomon Bay comenzó bien a partir del tercer poste, pero no parecía apurado por superar al favorito Rosary Man de 4-5 y al improbable ganador Donji de 19-1 cuando estos dos se apoderaron de la escena en la primera curva.

Los dos incipientes líderes completaron el primer cuarto de milla en 0:23.56, mientras que Solomon Bay los seguía en el tercer puesto a unos dos cuerpos. El Huérfano y Gin Riki venían detrás, a unos dos cuerpos de distancia.

Después de haber completado la mitad en Florida-bred Cat Trap 0:46.84, Rosary Man y GAY HARRIS PHOTO

Es probable que la discusión no devenga en otra guerra del Condado de Lincoln, pero los ánimos están caldeados entre los habitantes de esta región del centro-sur de Nuevo México en cuanto a los méritos de la yegua Cat Trap.

Ruidoso es la comunidad más grande del condado, y el hipódromo Ruidoso Downs, más famoso por sus carreras de cuarto de milla, organizó el 8 de agosto la Aspen Cup, con un premio de USD 50.000, para caballos de pura sangre.

Después de la carrera de potras de tres años, no quedaron dudas de los méritos de su

ganadora de nueve cuerpos y un cuarto, llamada Cat Trap.

Líder de principio a fin, Cat Trap superó por amplio margen a sus cinco oponentes a lo largo de un fácil cuarto de milla de apertura de 0:22.96 y una mitad de 0:45.38. Le quedó un resto cómodo para correr a toda velocidad hasta la meta en 1:11.75, dejando atrás a la remota Watch the Curves, que llegó en segundo lugar.

Cat Trap llegó a la Aspen habiendo ganado dos de tres. El pasado septiembre, terminó con su condición de maiden en Canterbury y ganó una condicional de nivel inicial en Sunray Park en su presentación de 2015, el 11 de julio. Se decidió que descansara después de una cuarta carrera en la cuenca del Pérmico, en el Zia Park, en octubre.

Five Star Annie, la hija de Cowtown Cat, que a su vez es hija de la yegua Five Star Day, fue criada en Florida por Brenda Jones y Silver Oaks Farm.

Salida de OBS, fue vendida en la subasta de abril de 2014 por USD 60.000. Su premio de USD 30.000 por el primer lugar casi duplicó sus ganancias a USD 61.660. La yegua Forest Jet, de cuatro años de edad, que es la única potrilla anterior de Five Star Annie, también resultó victoriosa.

Cat Trap está emparentada con Good Thing, una de las yeguas de mejor producción de A.G. Vanderbilt, madre de Bed o’ Roses; esta última ha ingresado en el Salón de la Fama de los Estados Unidos.

26 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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Florida-bred Solomon bay (inside rail)

John A. Burns y Jack Zuidema de Alachua, Fla. Es hijo del macho Leroidesanimaux (Brasil) y la yegua Hopi, hija del macho Cox’s Ridge. Por la victoria, dio una ganancia de USD 14,40. ■

El semental Crown of Thorns, de Woodford Thoroughbreds, logró su primera victoria el sábado, cuando I’malreadythere corrió la séptima carrera del clásico Florida Sire Stakes en Gulfstream Park.

Criado por el Dr. Thomas Lane, I’malreadythere, bajo las órdenes del jinete Diego Gómez, se mantuvo a la par de los demás y llegó con facilidad, registrando una victoria por una ventaja de dos cuerpos. I’malreadythere recorrió la pista de hierba en 1:38.34 y venció a otros nueve ejemplares de 20 años en una carrera de una milla.

Este caballo, un capón hijo de la yegua de Wild Event Wildfire Ruby, es entrenado por Michale Yates y pertenece a Shadybrook Farm.

Crown of Thorns había ganado carreras de grado 2 en dos oportunidades: había corrido la Robert Lewis Stakes de 2008 en tiempo récord para los clásicos (además de la Mervyn Leroy en 2011) y había quedado segundo frente a Dancing in Silks en la Breeders’ Cup Sprint de 2009.

Su cuota en el establecimiento Reddick fue de USD 2000 en 2015. ■ Florida stallion Crown of Thorns

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

Donji continuaron a la par en la recta opuesta y al rodear la curva más lejana, pero Solomon Bay los tenía marcados mientras iba detrás de ellos, en un cómodo tercer puesto. Solomon Bay se adueñó de la escena en la parte final de la recta y se separó de Rosary Man y de Donji, mientras Gin Riki también pujaba por ganar un poco más atrás.

En la recta, Gin Riki se enfrentó a Solomon Bay y lo superó cuando quedaba menos de una milla por recorrer, pero en ese momento Solomon Bay comenzó a oponer resistencia desde su posición en el interior.

Llegaron a la meta juntos en 1:42.21, y fue necesaria la fotografía de la llegada para determinar que Solomon Bay se encontraba un hocico delante de Gin Riki, que estaba en el segundo puesto, y de El Huérfano, que quedó en el tercer lugar. Donji terminó cuarto, y Rosary Man, quinto.

Solomon Bay ganó USD 32.750 por la victoria, lo que aumentó su recaudación total a USD 51.735. Esta fue su segunda victoria en un total de solo siete carreras.

Solomon Bay fue criado en Florida por

VASSAR PHOTO

Crown of Thorns consigue el primer puesto

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FTBOA MEMBER UPDATE

Keeping members informed ELECTION UPDATE Webber Center in Ocala New Annual Meeting Site FTBOA encourages members to note new meeting location.

Be reminded that the Annual Membership Meeting at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 is at the Webber Center located at 3001 S.W. College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474. This is a new location for the meeting, and it is located on the North side of the College of Central Florida campus off of 20th Street, the street to the south of the OBS training track.

Florida Thoroughbred Charities Awards Scholarships Florida Thoroughbred Charities awarded $30,500 in scholarships to 29 outstanding college students in August for the 2015-2016 school year. The scholarships range from $1,000 to $1,500 each. Recipients include Daniel Adams, Karlie Bowling, Nathan Cole, Celine Frings , Cheyenne Frings, Mary Hennessy, Eric Hough, Grace Lopez, Chelsea Maida, Christina Miller, Haileigh Niles, Evaluz Obeso, Aaron Paller, Bailey Parsons, Jeanette Santos, Megan M. Schwietert, Robert Serrano, Katherine E. Shuffitt, Justine Sovik, and Ronni Zicarelli.

Two of the students, Justine Sovik and Ronni Zicarelli, are enrolled in college and are recent graduates of the first class of Equine Vocational, a South Florida based program developed to produce a skilled, horse knowledgeable workforce for the thoroughbred industry.

In order to be eligible, students must have been FTBOA members, a child of an

28 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

FTBOA member, an employee of or child of members’ employees. In addition, students completed a scholarship application, met academic standards and must maintain enrollment minimums.

FTC scholarships are made possible by a number of donors including the Quail Roost Foundation established in memory of Harriet and Elmer Heubeck, Jr., important contributors to the Florida thoroughbred industry. Additional funding comes from an endowment through the College of Central Florida, individual donations and fundraising charity events including the annual stallion season auction held each January, the Gala silent auction in March and the Fall golf tournament on October 9 which has sold out.

The program’s success depends on community participation. In addition to student scholarships, the Florida Thoroughbred Charities also contributes to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Marion County Lowell correctional facility farm, Second Chances.

For more information on making a donation or setting up an endowment, please contact Florida Thoroughbred Charities at 352-6292160 or e-mail info@ftboa.com.

FTC Golf Tournament at Adena Sells Out Thanks to the appeal of the new Adena Golf & Country Club venue and thanks to the very generous support from the thoroughbred industry, the annual golf tournament has sold out for players. There are still a limited number of gold and silver sponsorships available. Gold sponsorships include onsite signage and two luncheon tickets and silver sponsorships include a tee sign. For a sponsorship packet, visit www.ftboa.com or call 352-629-2160.

Sponsorship Opportunities One of the great ways to market your business is to sponsor key events that directly target your future clients. The FTBOA has available sponsorships for two upcoming

events – the VIP Bus Trip to the Florida Sire Stakes on October 2 to 4 and the Member Holiday Charity Open House on December 4. Sponsorships range from $500 to $2,500 and include onsite exposure, coverage in Florida Equine Communications publications and other opportunities.

In addition, the Jockey Club and OwnerView are hosting the second annual National Owners’ Conference during Eclipse awards week in January. It is also Sunshine Millions weekend and they are looking for prominent sponsors who would like to promote to the international audience of current and future owners expected to attend. The Owners’ Conference sponsorships start at $5,000. To learn more about these opportunities, contact tgantt@ftboa.com or call 352-629-2160.

E-Newsletter Provides FirstTime Advertiser Opportunities FTBOA members may have seen a new look with the latest member newsletter.

FTBOA has launched the newsletter on a new platform that now offers advertising opportunities for businesses to promote their services to the equine industry. For a rate card or more information on advertising, please contact tgantt@ftboa.com.

Discount Program Updates The following are newly added to the growing list of discount partners for FTBOA members – Tail Winds Cafe in Ocala (10% off), Red Brand ($20 rebate on specific rolls of fencing), Equine Institute workshop in Ocala on Sept. 17 ($10 off $35 price), VIP Bus trip from Oct 2-4 ($25 off $100 price), Seminole Feed (10% off certain items), CEO Limo (10% off RT Orlando airport/Ocala) and Trilogy in Ocala (20% off lunch). ■ Tammy Gantt, Assistant Vice President, Director of Membership Services & Events, Contributing Editor and Industry & Community Affairs

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INDUSTRY NEWS

The conference is the single most important conference to attend for thoroughbred owners of all levels and segments of the industry.

Thoroughbred Owner Conference

By TAMMY A GANTT

T

he second annual national Thoroughbred Owner Conference is scheduled for January 11 through 14 in South Florida, just days before the Eclipse awards and Sunshine Millions. The event is hosted by OwnerView, The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and presented by sponsors Keeneland, The Stronach Group and Woodbine Entertainment. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association is partnering with event organizers for the opening reception on January 11 which will showcase the Florida breeding industry, Florida farms and ownership opportunities in Florida. The conference is being held at Gulfstream Park.

The conference is the single most important conference to attend for thoroughbred owners of all levels and segments of the industry. The FTBOA encourages Florida breeders to host their owners and clients for the conference and encourages breeders to attend. The FTBOA encourages Florida racehorse owners to attend to network with other owners - large and small, new and seasoned. The conference provides valuable content, valuable networking and most importantly an opportunity to be inspired by the great moments and people in the sports of kings.

Topics for the conference slated so far are: AN OVERVIEW OF OWNERSHIP: WHAT EVERY OWNER SHOULD KNOW

■ Learn more about what every owner should know. Industry experts talk about the importance of developing a business plan, licensing, vet bills, silks, accounting & legal issues, insurance, claiming, syndicates, auctions & Aftercare ACQUIRING YOUR THOROUGHBRED RACEHORSE: WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

■ Whether you are a new owner, thinking about ownership or a longtime owner you won't want to miss this panel of longtime owners discussing the many ways to own a racehorse. From claiming to syndicates to breeding to private purchases to public sales.

JOCKEYS - THE HANDS BEHIND THE REINS

■ A panel of talented and seasoned jockeys talk about the decisions and dangers of being a jockey and the characteristics needed to be a successful jockey including - Athleticism, fearlessness, agility, competitiveness, decisiveness, strength, compassion, honesty 30 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

PURSUING YOUR DREAM: FASCINATING SUCCESS STORIES FROM THOROUGHBRED OWNERS

■ Fascinating success stories from a panel of Owners ranging from claiming owners to graded stakes owners reinforcing the notion that anyone can be a Thoroughbred owner and "Pursue their Dream" FROM DAILY CARE & WELFARE TO AFTERCARE: THE LIFE JOURNEY OF YOUR THOROUGHBRED

■ Trainers, veterinarians, owners and Aftercare professionals discuss the daily care and welfare of an owner's racehorses and how that care and the decisions made can impact the second careers off the track.

A DAY IN THE LIFE: ALL OF THE PEOPLE INVOLVED WITH YOUR THOROUGHBRED

■ A look at all the people involved on a daily basis with your Thoroughbred racehorse including: Trainer, Groom, Exercise Rider, Jockey, Jockey Agent, Blacksmith, Veterinarian, Dentist, Chiropractor, Pony Rider, Hotwalker, Identifier, Gate Crew, Entry Clerk, Racing Secretary In upcoming months, conference organizers will unveil other prominent owners and keynote speakers in the line-up, many are legends in the sport and many are innovators with appealing ideas.

Jim Rome, a prominent thoroughbred owner and host of “The Jim Rome Show” on CBS Sports Radio and “Jim Rome On Showtime, is already scheduled as a keynote speaker. Retired announcer Tom Durkin serves as master of ceremonies.

Social events include the Florida industry opening night reception sponsored by FTBOA and Florida farms; a gala dinner sponsored by Bessemer Trust, the Breeders’ Cup, Fasig Tipton and the Daily Racing Form; a VIP day of racing at Gulfstream Park, the Permanently Disabled Jockey’s Guild poker tournament, best of Miami tours, the Eclipse awards opening reception and the Eclipse Awards eve party. Conference participants can also purchase first come, first serve Eclipse awards tickets for $400 each.

The cost for the conference is $750 and social events only are $350.

Sponsors for the Florida industry opening reception are available and offer high exposure to this lucrative owners’ market. For more information on this opportunity, please contact FTBOA at 352-629-2160. ■

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Memory Lane Down

1981

W

Florida-bred Wayward lass

ayward Lass and Nodouble brought national recognition to the Florida Thoroughbred industry. Wayward Lass garnered the Eclipse Award as champion 3-year-old filly and Nodouble was the leading North American sire by progeny earnings.

Florida-bred Wayward Lass proved that it takes both brilliance and persistence to win a championship. Her sophomore campaign was highlighted by both. After opening the season with a third in the Rosetown Stakes at Aqueduct on January 1, Wayward Lass put together a skein of three stakes wins. On January 17 at Aqueduct, she galloped to a 12-length victory over Real Prize in winning the Busanda Stakes. Two weeks later, she won the Ruthless Stakes at Aqueduct by 11 lengths, again beating Real Prize.

Then the filly by Hail the Pirates out of Young Mistress, by Third Martini, hit a fiverace skid where she didn’t post a stakes win.

But over that period, she was stakes-placed five times and competed against the best sophomore fillies running. Real Prize finally defeated her in the Level Best Stakes, where she finished third. That was followed by a third to Heavenly Cause in the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park.

Next came a second to Truly Bound in the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland, a third to Heavenly Cause in the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs and a second to Dame Mysterieuse in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico. But Wayward Lass’ consistent determination paid off in the Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park, where she prevailed by a neck over Heavenly Cause to get back into the winner’s circle.

Luck and the stewards were with Wayward Lass in the Coaching Club American Oaks three weeks later. Real Prize crossed the finish line first by two lengths, but was disqualified for impeding Wayward Lass. The victory was awarded to Wayward Lass, giving her two wins in the Triple Tiara.

Wayward Lass wrapped up the season with wins in an allowance and handicap race. Bred by Horatio Luro and trained

by Jose Martin, Wayward Lass notched seven wins, two seconds and four thirds in 13 starts to earn $375,459. Her overall seasonal performance was more than enough to garner the Eclipse Award as champion 3-year –old filly. She was also named the year’s Florida-bred Horse of the Year and

32 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

Florida-bred champion 3-year-old filly.

Nodouble, who stood at Lasater Farm in Ocala claimed the title of North America’s leading sire with progeny earnings of $2,800,884. The son of Noholme II out of Abla Jay, by Double Jay, was a multiple stakes winner and retired with earnings of $846,749. His stakes victories included tallies in the Arkansas Derby, Michigan Mile, One-Eighth Handicap, Hawthorn Gold Cup (twice), Californian Stakes, Brooklyn Handicap, San Pasqual Handicap and Metropolitan Mile. As a stallion, included in his major stakes winners were Canadian champion Overskate, Florida-bred champion Skillful Joy, Mairzy Doates and Houdini.

The aforementioned Skillful Joy was named the Floridabred champion 2-year-old filly. Bred and raced by Fred W. Hooper, the daughter of Nodouble won the Del Mar Debutante Stakes and Hollywood Starlet Stakes while banking $411,312.

Timely Writer was named the Floridabred champion 2-year-old colt, thanks to victories in the Mayflower Stakes, Hopeful Stakes and Champagne Stakes. Bred by Dorothy Davis, the Staff Writer colt was also stakes-placed three times on his way to earning $218,061.

Rolling up five consecutive stakes wins, Proud Appeal captured the Florida-bred champion 3-year-old colt title. His wins included the Woodhaven Stakes, Swift Stakes, Bay Shore Stakes, Gotham Stakes and Blue Grass Stakes. By Valid Appeal, the sophomore colt was also second in the True North Handicap and Tom Fool Stakes. He earned $293,549 on the season.

Amber Pass collected the title of Florida-bred champion handicap male, notching victories in the Carter Handicap, William Dupont Jr. Handicap and Monmouth Handicap.

Honey Fox was honored as the Florida-bred champion handicap female. Included in her four stakes wins were tallies in the Suwannee Handicap and Orchid Handicap.

Fappiano won the Metropolitan Mile and Forego Handicap to be named the Florida-bred champion sprinter. Bred, owned and trained by John Nerud, Fappiano would be retired to stud at Tartan Farms. Nerud also trained Tartan Farms homebred Great Neck, who was named the Florida-bred champion turf horse. His important wins on the season included the Bowling Green Handicap, Bernard Baruch Handicap and Seneca Handicap. ■ COGLIANESE PHOTO

By JOANN GUIDRY

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the from the

Fraud Facts Dear FTBOA Members & Friends: or the last few years in Tallahassee, we have heard the word “decoupling” casually tossed around by legislators, relentlessly promoted by opportunistic greyhound track owners, and even pushed by a few horse tracks.

These tracks find live racing to be a costly and “burdensome inconvenience” with which they would just as soon dispense so they can focus on their most “efficient” money-makers— poker rooms and slot machines. They discuss decoupling as if it has no negative impact on anyone and is really not much more of a choice to make than deciding whether to hold a particular poker tournament or what color to paint their everexpanding slot machine facilities.

To those of us who live, work and benefit from live racing, decoupling is not only an offensive and insulting idea, it perhaps poses the greatest threat to live racing and breeding in Florida and across the entire country. Therefore, it is not only a concept worth fighting, it is also one we must aggressively address as a united thoroughbred industry in Florida.

In a nutshell, decoupling means a race track in Florida would have the option of dropping all or most of its live racing while still keeping (or expanding) its slots and poker room facilities and seeking authorization for future gaming products from the Florida Legislature. Not only would these track

F

34 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

owners who urge for decoupling (and those remaining silent as it is discussed) get a significant financial windfall as a result of no longer needing to cover the expenses, overhead, purses, and awards necessary to conduct live racing, but they would turn their backs on the major reason they were granted cards and/or slots in the first place—to grow and protect live pari-mutuel racing and its enormous economic impact on the state’s racing and breeding infrastructure.

In retrospect, it is painfully easy to see how the political discussion has spiraled down to its current level. The greyhound tracks joined forces with perhaps the strangest of bedfellows—animal rights groups—and shouted to anyone who would listen that decoupling would be the salvation for a sport suffering from a dwindling fan base and facing many animal welfare complaints. Yes, the times were changing, they said, and decoupling was the right thing to do. Oh, and by-the-way, as longstanding pillars of their respective communities, all the track owners asked for in return was the ability to keep their slots parlors, poker rooms, and whatever new gaming products may come down the road. As if that wallet-fattening deal weren’t enough for the dog track owners, they also declined to take any percentage of their windfall to help support purses and awards at dog and horse tracks that do remain committed to live racing.

The decoupling skids were further greased by the questionable quarter horse racing permits issued by the state to Gretna, Oxford, Hamilton (and now Debary?), which are obvious Trojan horse permits for gaming expansion that make no real effort to conduct legitimate live racing. By their very nature, they de-emphasize this while they embrace decoupling and have helped pave the way for it to possibly happen statewide and to the detriment of our historic and acclaimed live

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J. FILER PHOTO

racing and breeding industries. Throw Hialeah (and sometimes Calder) into the pro-decoupling mix, and you have the table potentially set for an ugly legislative feast that includes no real concern for the importance of live racing on the menu.

The way decoupling is being sold is preposterous, insulting, and offensive to not only our industry but to Florida’s citizens and taxpayers. The broad ranging economic impact of our nationally acclaimed agri-business dwarfs that of these proposed decoupled “mini-casinos.”

Though decoupling did not pass during the recently completed legislative session, it does have legs and we will have to continue to fight it hard over the course of the next year as it will surely rear its head again in a special session or in the 2016 regular session starting in January. The good news is that the FTBOA, FHBPA, and Gulfstream have forged a solid collaborative alliance to oppose or alter these self-serving and toxic decoupling plans. In the interim, and as the next legislative conversation on decoupling draws near, we will likely be asking our members to contact their respective legislators, as well as the tracks, and clearly voice that you are opposed to decoupling because of the unfair competitive and economic advantage it will give these decoupled tracks over any tracks that would prefer to run live and because of the damage it will cause your farm, equine business and/or breeding program as thoroughbred racing opportunities in Florida decrease as a result. In order for our Sunshine State to continue to enjoy one of the thoroughbred world’s most coveted breeding markets, located in the Marion County area,

it is critical that we have a healthy year round racing program in South Florida. A legalized option for tracks to decouple from live racing certainly threatens that premise.

It is obvious why stopping this bizarre pursuit of decoupling must remain a top priority for the FTBOA and our live racing/industry brethren. It is a highly deceptive, grossly unfair,

, decoupling means a race track in “In a nutshell Florida would have the option of dropping all or most of its live racing while still keeping (or expanding) its slots and poker room facilities and seeking authorization for future gaming products from the Florida Legislature.

”

and ill-conceived initiative that is driven by those who placed in- FTBOA CEO & creasing their often non-Florida corporate gaming profits above Executive Vice President Lonny T. Powell honoring their commitment to the hard-working men and women who built this industry and to the local voters who gave them their coveted tracks and gaming licenses in the first place.

Our opposition will continue and become even louder! ■ Respectfully yours, Lonny T. Powell

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 35

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By BROCK SHERIDAN Hallandale Beach— t’s High Time could not catch Ballet Diva in the $93,000 Cassidy Stakes at Gulfstream Park on July 5, finishing third, defeated by eight lengths by the winner. However, It’s High Time turned the tables on the heavily favored Ballet Diva in the $200,000 Desert Vixen division of the Florida Sire Stakes Aug. 8 at six furlongs.

Jacks or Better Farm stablemates Silent Prayer and Ballet Diva broke best of all in the Desert Vixen but It’s High Time and jockey Harry Hernandez stayed close, running second between the two favorites with Silent Prayer leading on the rail and Ballet Diva racing threewide in third. Approaching the far turn after a quarter-mile in :22.68, Silent Prayer dropped back while Ballet Diva and It’s High Time continued to vie for the lead. Turning for home, It’s High Time began to draw away from Ballet Diva, eventually crossing the finish line three and one-quarter lengths ahead of a resurging Silent Prayer in second and Ballet Diva in third. The final time was 1:12.59 over the track rated as fast.

After the race, trainer Jose Pinchin, who was in Georgia attending a family function, was proud of his filly’s effort.

“She run a good race last time [in the Cassidy Stakes],” Pinchin said. “I thought she should have been second. I guess six furlongs were better for her.

“She’s a hell of a nice filly. She’s small, but her heart is in the right place.

We had good luck in the (Sire Stakes] last year [with Holywell], and when

I

It’s High Time earns payback

LESLIE MARTIN PHOTO

in the Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen division

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Florida Sire Stakes

they’re all homebreds, it makes it that much better.

“If everything goes well, we’ll bring her back in the next leg [of the Sire Stakes.]

It’s High Times was bred in Florida by her owner, Tracy Pinchin, the wife of Jose. It’s High Time is by Northwest Stud stallion Gone Astray and out of My Rolex, by Proud Accolade. She won $120,000 for the victory and it was her second win in three starts. Her only other victory came against maiden special weight company when she won by more than seven lengths on May 21, also at Gulfstream.

FLORIDA SIRE STAKES THREE RING DIVISION

LAUREN KING PHOTO

Florida-bred Dogwood Trail easily takes the Three Ring leg of the FSS.

Jacks or Better Farm’s Dogwood Trail was bet down to 6-5 by the wagering public in the $150,000 Three Ring leg of the Florida Sire Stakes and the 3-year-old filly did not disappoint. Having won three of her five previous starts at Gulfstream Park including the Grade 3 Azalea Stakes on July 5, the Florida-bred daughter of Journeyman Stud stallion Awesome of Course out of Ladyinareddress, by Tactical Advantage took to her home track again and won easily.

Dogwood Trail and jockey Jose Rios broke on top from post three but Pursuing Fate quickly went to the lead in the seven furlong dash on the main track. Racing out of the shoot and onto the main track, Pursuing Fate put a length on Dogwood Trail in second with Moment of Delight racing third.

Pursuing Fate continued to show the way as they made the first two furlongs in :22.72 with Dogwood Trail edging closer on the outside. Midway around the turn, Pursuing Fate and Dogwood Trail were on even terms but Dogwood Trail began to get command as they went the a half-mile in :45.37. Inside the final furlong Dogwood Trail began to shake loose from Persuing Fate as Saving Time began to rally from the outside. At the wire, Dogwood Trail was two and-a-half lengths in front of Saving Time in second with Pursuing Fate hanging on for third. The final time was 1:24.26.

After the race, trainer Stanley Gold gave credit to Rios for a winning ride. “[Jockey] Jose [Rios] did a great job of being patient,” Gold said. “He waited and waited and made his move at the right time. She is a very versatile filly and

38 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

KENNY MARTIN PHOTO

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[Rios] made the right decision sitting right off the speed before he made the winning move on her.”

The first-place check of $90,000 in the Three Ring increased the career earnings of Dogwood Trail to $270,510. It was her fourth win in seven lifetime starts with two seconds and no thirds.

FLORIDA SIRE STAKES UNBRIDLED DIVISION

Yourdreamsormine was dismissed by the bettors before the Unbridled division of the Florida Sire Stakes as he broke from the gate with odds of more than 35-1. But the Florida-bred son of Mr. Sekiguchi and the Forbidden Apple mare Fly Apple Fly surprised them all, including trainer William Kaplan, when he won by a head over 72 second choice Wicked Rascal in the $150,000 Unbridled for 3-year-olds over seven furlongs.

At the start, Niconellie broke on top from post six with Wicked Rascal also getting away well. Yourdreamsormine, who is not known for breaking among the leaders, broke second to last and jockey Juan Leyva was in no hurry to hustle his mount to contend

with the frontrunners during the early going.

Down the backstretch, Wicked Rascal led Sing Praises and Focus on Me by a length with Yourdreamsormine dropping back to last. Wicked Rascal led going into the far turn after running the first quarter-mile in :22.15 with Sing Praises finding room on the inside and Focus on Me also running well to get into second.

At the top of the stretch, Wicked Rascal was still a half-length in front of Focus on Me but Yourdreamsormine was also finding his best stride. Wicked Rascal fought off a tiring Focus on Me as Yourdreamsormine kept coming on the outside.

At the wire Yourdreamsormine stuck a head in front of Wicked Rascal with Niconellie third. Although a thunderstorm had hit Gulfstream Park just moments prior, the track was still rated fast and Yourdreamsormine was clocked in 1:23.50.

Yourdreamsormine paid $73.60 to win and the big performance seem to even surprise Kaplan.

“Coming down the stretch I kept yelling for him to get up for second,” Kaplan said. “I knew [the early lead-

Florida-bred Yourdreamsormine won the Unbridled division of the FSS at odds of 35-1.

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ers] had gone in a suicidal pace going a half in 44 and change, but I have to give credit to my horse. He ran an incredible race.

“After the rain, the track wasn’t sloppy but the moister seemed to give it a little more bounce. I didn’t really know what to expect when the rain came, but our horse certainly didn’t seem to mind.”

Yourdreamsormine earned $90,000 for the win, pushing his earnings to $169,500. It was his third win from 15 career starts.

Yourdreamsormine was bred in Florida by Bridlewood Farm and Ione Elkins is the owner.

FLORIDA SIRE STAKES DR. FAGER DIVISION

LAUREN KING PHOTO

Florida-bred Dream of Me was triumphant in the Dr. Fager division of the FSS.

So far, 2015 has been a very good year for Kevin and J.B. McKathan as Triple Crown winner American Pharoah is a graduate of their early training program in Citra. The year got just a little better after the Dr. Fager division of the Florida Sire Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings as winner Dream of Me was bred by the two brothers and is owned by McKathan Brothers employee Kathy Machesky.

A son of Ocala Stud stallion High Cotton and out of Darn That Girl, by Darn That Alarm, Dream of Me broke best of all and was hustled to the lead by jockey Eduardo Nunez in the six furlong Dr. Fager. However, longshot Mr. Kisses was also right there early and those two put daylight between them and Li’l Meatball in third.

Toward the far turn, Mr. Kisses went a quarter-mile in a quick :22.61 with Dream of Me still in second and Li’l Meatball also in contention. As they made their way around the turn, Li’l Meatball was squeezed back a bit, but Nunez angled him to the inside where he found room to continue his challenge.

At the top of the stretch, Dream of Me began to kick clear of Mr. Kisses with Brighton Lane putting in a rally from far back. Dream of Me crossed under the finish line in 1:12.11 for the six furlongs and was just more than two lengths in front of Mr. Kisses in second with Brighton Lane Third.

Trainer Anna Varsi said after the race that much of the credit has to go to Dream of Me and his class.

“He’s classy,” Varsi said. “When they have that kind of class, they’ll just keep going at it. There’s no telling

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KENNY MARTIN PHOTO

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how far he can go. We’re going to try and sweep [the Florida Sire Stakes series.]

It was the second win from just three starts for Dream of Me, who also has a maiden special weight victory to his credit on July 26. The $120,000 earned from the Dr. Fager pushed his career earnings to $150,440.

SOARING SOFTLY STAKES

E B Ryder was supposed to be the better of the two horses trained by Martin Wolfson in the $75,000 Soaring Softly Stakes but it was Lori’s Store who turned in the winning performance in the one mile turf event for fillies and mares, 3-years-old and older.

Longshots Tempest’s Flash and Will to Shine got out of the starting gate on top and led the field of ten females around the first turn as Lori’s Store settled into fifth and E B Ryder last, some 10 lengths off the lead.

After a first quarter in :25.08 and a half-mile in :49.76 E B Ryder had moved up to seventh while Lori’s Store was also gaining in fourth.

Around the far turn, Lori’s Store was moving best of all while running three-wide behind Lemon Point and Will to Shine and took over with an eighth of a mile to the finish. At the wire, Lori’s Store was three-quarters

of a length in front of E B Ryder in second with Latique third in a time of 1:39.78 over the firm turf.

Lori’s Storm picked up her sixth win from 22 career starts with four seconds and two thirds. With the victory in the Soaring Softly, she now has a bankroll of $213,270.

Lori’s Storm is by El Prado (Ire) and out of Big Promise, by Rahy. She was bred in Florida by Glen Hill Farm.

Florida-bred Lori’s Store takes the Victory in the Soaring Softly Stakes.

JACKSON BEND STAKES

Catalina Red won his third stakes in his last four races Aug. 8 at Gulfstream Park when he took the $75,000 Jackson Bend Stakes for Florida-bred 3-yearolds going seven furlongs.

Trained by Chad Stewart for Anthony Lenci, Catalina Red had won the $66,000 Inaugural Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on Dec. 2 before also taking the $65,000 Pasco Stakes, also at Tampa Bay, on Dec. 27. The son of Munnings and Lovely Dream by Frued then took on graded-stakes competition in the Sam F. Davis, but finished fifth behind winner Ocean Knight on Jan. 31.

Catalina Red was then given time away from the track for seven months as the Jackson Bend was his first start of 2015.

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HANDLE FIGURES SOAR

Gulfstream Park's total handle on the opening leg of the Florida Sire Stakes was up 35 percent over last year and 25.7 percent on track.

Total handle on the 12-race program was $6.2 million compared to last year's $4.6 million. Total handle out of state was up 36.5 percent and in state was 28.8 percent.

"We had a great crowd to watch the races and we had more than 300 people attend our Summer Soiree wine and cheese event," said Gulfstream's General Manager and Vice President of Racing P.J. Campo. "We continue to grow our summer program with great racing, support from horsemen across the country shipping in, and special events.”

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President Lonny Powell was equally excited about the popularity of the day.

“On behalf of the breeders and owners of Floridabreds, we are thrilled by the first of three legs of the FSS. We are also very pleased to see Gulfstream and the Miami-area horsemen now fully embracing the benefits of our program. If you plan to race at Gulfstream in the summer or fall with 2- and 3-year-olds, you really need to have quality, FSS-eligible Florida-breds in your shedrow.” ■

LAUREN KING PHOTO

Florida-bred Catalina Red boosted his career earning to $127.705 with the victory in the Jackson Bend Stakes.

Catalina Red broke mid-pack as Naval Command and Looks Good led the field of eight as they raced down the back stretch while going the first quartermile in :22.98. Around the far turn, Catalina Red began to make his winning move but could not get away from Looks Good as those two went the first half-mile in :45.60. Looks Good and Catalina Red continued to go at each other down the stretch, but Catalina Red was the best of the two in the final sixteenth, hitting the wire in 1:22.88 and two and one-quarter lengths ahead of Looks Good in second. Colormepompom got up for third.

Catalina Red earned $45,105 for the win and increased his career bankroll to $127,705. His career record now stands at three wins, four seconds and two thirds from 13 starts. He was bred in Florida by France and Irwin J. Weiner. Daniel Centeno was the winning rider.

42 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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Nerud_Florida Horse_template 8/21/15 9:01 AM Page 44

John Nerud 1913-2015

By MIKE MULLANEY ohn Nerud, famed as much for his horsemanship, as trainer of such superstars Dr. Fager, Gallant Man and Ta Wee, as he was for his vision, as a major architect of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, died early in the morning of Aug. 13 at his Old Brookville, N.Y. home.

He had been hospitalized in recent days but returned home Tuesday.

He was 102.

Like so many other legendary horsemen from the Plains, such as Ben and Jimmy Jones, Carl and Ira Hanford, and others, Nerud was a rodeo cowboy in his youth, but he was also a one of a kind.

John Nerud was elected into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1972.

FILE PHOTOS

J

Prior to gaining fame and fortune as a trainer and farm manager, he served as agent for Ted Atkinson when that rider was just getting his early Hall of Fame career underway.

During World War II the native Nebraskan served in the Navy and upon his discharge went to work as trainer Frank Kearns’ assistant at Woolford Farm. That Missouri-based operation had won the Kentucky Derby of 1938 with Lawrin while Ben Jones was the trainer.

44 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

Taking over from Kearns, he trained Delegate to a sprint championship in 1949.

Nerud’s first entrance on the main stage came in 1957. As trainer for Ralph Lowe, Nerud had Gallant Man primed for a huge run during the Triple Crown, competing in the classics against such immortals as Bold Ruler and Round Table.

With Bill Shoemaker up, Gallant Man grabbed the lead late in the Kentucky Derby but his rider misjudged the finish line, standing up in the saddle and slowing his mount long enough so that Iron Liege could sneak back into the picture and win the race by a nose.

Nerud acquitted himself with great class after the miscue, and Gallant Man proved he was no one-shot marvel when he won the Belmont Stakes in worldrecord time five weeks later.

While that was memorable, it was his exploits with Ocala’s Tartan Stable that assured Nerud a lasting place in history. And it was his handling of Dr. Fager, to this day the only horse to win four championships in one season – older horse, sprinter, turf horse and Horse of the Year in 1968 – that made him a favorite with the fans.

The man who trained a horse to win in record time at 1½ miles had a penchant for training sprint champions.

In addition to Delegate and Dr. Fager, who also won sprint honors in 1967, he trained Intentionally to the title in 1959; Ta Wee to titles in 1969 and 1970, and Dr. Patches, who was good enough to beat Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew at nine furlongs, to a co-championship in 1978.

Dr. Fager, Ta Wee and Dr. Patches all ran in the red and tartan silks of W.L. McKnight’s Tartan Stable. When Nerud decided to wind down his training operation, passing the torch on to his son Jan and another rodeo performer, Carl Nafzger, he focused his energies on the farm’s breeding operations.

Ta Wee’s first foal was the sprinter Great Above, who went on to sire Hall of Famer Holy Bull. Nerud himself bred the top sire Fappiano as well as Cozzene, who would go on to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

He was elected into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in 1972. ■

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46 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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Queen homebred Sheer Drama snares Grade 1 Delaware ‘Cap

By MIKE MULLANEY

R

HOOF PRINTS PHOTO

iveting Drama never made it to the racetrack, but she’s been a marvel in the breeding shed ever since Ocala owner-breeder Harold Queen bought her as a 2-year-old filly with bucked shins at an OBS sale in 1996.

When she bucked again as a 3-year-old while in training at Thistledown, Queen recognized that, if she was ever to make a name for herself, it would be on the farm.

And that’s where she excelled.

Having already dropped Queen’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) and Eclipse champion Big Drama, and four stakes winners in all, the reputation of the now-pensioned Riveting Drama gained even more luster July 18 when her 5-year-old daughter Sheer Drama became the first Florida-bred to win a Grade 1 in 2015, taking the $750,000 Delaware Handicap by a relatively easy two lengths over Frivolous.

Unlike Big Drama, who swept the Florida Sire Stakes in 2008 as well as the rich Delta Jackpot, Sheer Drama took some time to develop for Queen.

“She was very difficult to break

and she just wasn’t prepared to go to the races. I believe in giving my horses all the time they need, so we were very patient with her. —Harold Queen

”

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 47

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DRAMA

QUEEN

“We had a couple of physical problems with her and “She was very difficult to break and she just wasn’t prepared to go to the races,” Queen said. “I believe in I don’t send them to the tracks until we get them squared giving my horses all the time they need, so we were very away,” Queen said.

She didn’t win any of those three races, registering a patient with her.”

Delaware Park’s marquee event of the season rep- second, a third and a sixth (the latter two in her only turfresented a return for Sheer Drama, who made her first course races to date), but after that sequence she was career start there as a 3-year-old, finishing second over deemed ready enough to go to David Fawkes, who cona sloppy track at a mile in June of 2013 for then-trainer ditions the bulk of Queen’s runners.

Not only had Fawkes trained Big Drama to more than Tony Dutrow.

After that initial outing she was fourth to the high-class (pictured) Merry Meadow the next month , it would be on the farm. And that’s at Belmont, then she broke her where she excelled. Having already dropped Queen’s maiden going nine furlongs at Breeders’ Cup Sprint and Eclipse champion Big Drama, Saratoga in August of that year. and four stakes winners in all, the reputation of the nowDutrow had her for three more pensioned Riveting Drama gained luster July 18 when her races, winning her next start at 5-year-old daughter Sheer Drama became the first FloridaLaurel easily, then finishing secbred to win a Grade 1 in 2015, taking the $750,000 Delaware ond to another talented filly, Handicap by a relatively easy two lengths. —David Fawkes Wedding Toast, in a listed stakes at Belmont. A bad eighth in Wedding Toast’s Grade 2 Comely at Aqueduct wrapped up her $2.7 million in earnings, he had also housed Sheer campaign and her time with Dutrow, who told Queen that Drama’s stakes-winning full siblings Little Drama and Queen Drama in his barn.

Sheer Drama just couldn’t handle the Big A’s surface.

Since then, save for a dismal performance over Queen had her shipped back to him in Ocala and he ran her off his farm here, starting her in three races at Presque Isle’s Tapeta racetrack, Sheer Drama has been first or second in eight of her nine starts for Fawkes.

Gulfstream with Charles Forrest listed as her trainer.

“

If Riveting Drama name for herself

was ever to make a

”

HOOF PRINTS PHOTO

With her victory, Sheer Drama nearly doubled her earnings to $918,840.

48 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

SERITA HULT PHOTO

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His mare’s victory in a Grade 1 wasn’t lost on Fawkes.

Sheer Drama had a sensational meet at Gulfstream, “It’s a really big deal,” he said. “It played out a lot finishing second to Dame Dorothy in the seven-furlong Sunshine Millions Distaff and to House Rules in the like the Fleur de Lis. She came into this race great 11⁄16-mile Rampart (G2) before turning the tables on the and I loved her sitting second. Joe and I had talked about it and I did not think she was going to make latter with a 6½-length score in the Royal Delta (G2).

A couple of runner-up performances in the La Troi- the lead. It could not have worked out better. Everyenne (G1) and Fleur de Lis (G2) – she was favored in both thing played out perfect. Nobody was closing and I – did little to tarnish her growing stature although, at 5-2, knew our filly had [Frivolous] at the head of the lane, she was second choice to Delaware Handicap favorite . It played out a lot like the Fleur de Lis. She came into Rosalind, who went off at 8-5. this race great and I loved her sitting second. Joe and I had talked about it and I did Frivolous, who pulled a 32not think she was going to make the lead. It could not have worked out better. Every1 shocker when winning the thing played out perfect. Nobody was closing and I knew our filly had [Frivolous] at Fleur de Lis in a pace-pressing effort, was 9-2. Under Jon the head of the lane, but I got to give Frivolous credit because she battled all the way —David Fawkes Court, she attempted to take to the wire and made us run. the seven older fillies and mares all the way in the 10-furlong Delaware Handicap, but I got to give Frivolous credit because she battled but Joe Bravo, in his sixth straight ride on Sheer Drama, all the way to the wire and made us run.”

Sheer Drama finished in 2:01.58, paid $7 and earned wouldn’t let the frontrunner draw a comfortable breath.

The fractions – :24.45, :48.83, 1:12.57 and 1:36.23 – $450,000. She has a 5-8-1 record from 18 career starts were steady when Sheer Drama made her decisive move and her tally nearly doubled her earnings to $918,840.

Celebrity chef Bobby Flay’s America was 3¾ on the turn. Frivolous fought on well but any chance of a repeat finish of the Fleur de Lis was dissolved inside lengths behind Frivolous, followed by Flashy American, Rosalind, Joint Return and Fortune Pearl. ■ the sixteenth pole when Sheer Drama drew away.

“It’s a really big deal

”

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 49

By MIKE MULLANEY hose who backed Masochistic at 2-5 were kicking themselves after the tough Floridabred Wild Dude swept past the favorite to score a $24.60 surprise in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar on July 26.

The $300,000 sprint was the third gradedstakes victory of the weekend for Florida-breds, following victories by Big John B in Del Mar’s Grade 3 Cougar July 24 and Uncle Vinny in Saturday’s Grade 3 Sanford at Saratoga July 25.

It was also the second Grade 1 win for Floridabreds in as many weeks, coming on the heels of Sheer Drama’s tally in the Delaware Handicap.

The six-furlong Bing Crosby was expected to serve as a coronation for Masochistic, winner of six of his last seven, including the Grade 1 Triple Bend at Santa Anita in his last start.

Wild Dude was third behind Masochistic, the 3½-length winner, and Appealing Tale in the sevenfurlong Triple Bend. The latter was entered but scratched from the Bing Crosby after running second – beaten a head by Catch a Flight – in the San Diego Handicap (G2) July 25.

Distinctiv Passion, another Florida-bred and the third choice at 4-1, battled with Caminetto, the longest shot in the five-horse Crosby field at 13-1, throughout the early going, posting fractions of :22.01 and :44.73, before Masochistic rolled up on the outside and blew past the exhausted pacesetters.

The favorite looked to be in the clear but Wild Dude, with Flavien Prat aboard, and second choice Kobe’s Back were rallying from fourth and fifth. Wild Dude got the jump under Flavien Prat and they hooked Masochistic in deep stretch, drawing clear late to win by 1¼ lengths. Masochistic held the place with Kobe’s

T

50 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

Back 1½ lengths farther back. Caminetto edged Distinctiv Passion for the final spot on the board.

The Triple Bend was Prat’s first time aboard Wild Dude.

“The last time I rode him, I let him get a little too far back,” he said. “This time I was closer and the pace was a better one for us. When I came around the turn, I knew I had horse, but I could see that other one (Masochistic) out front … I wasn’t sure if I could catch up to him, but my horse leveled and he went right on by. He’s impressive.”

Wild Dude is owned in partnership by Green Smith and Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

“Flavien knows the horse a little better now,” Hollendorfer said. “[Wild Dude] wants to lay a little closer than he was then. This was a ‘Win and You’re In’ (for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint) and that’s the goal.

We wanted to win the Crosby, then look at some other races.”

Bred by Versatile Thoroughbreds, Wild Dude is a 5-year-old horse by Wildcat Heir out of Doneraile Court’s daughter Courtly Choice.

Wild Dude went through the OBS sale twice, selling for $9,000 when offered by Perrone Sales as a weanling in 2010 and for $42,000 when Costanzo Sales of Morriston, Fla. sold him as a 2-year-old in April of 2012. He was broken by Tony Costanzo.

Wild Dude has earned $724,887 with six victories from 16 starts. In his two previous Del Mar starts he finished second to future multiple Grade 1 winner Goldencents as a 2-year-old in his career bow, then won his maiden by nearly six in his third try and his first start as a 3-year-old.

The Bing Crosby was his first Grade 1 victory; he had won the San Carlos this year and last year’s Palos Verdes, a pair of Grade 2s at Santa Anita. ■

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

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THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 51

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Increased Purses

and Opportunities in 2015 2015 TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLY DIVISION August 8 - Desert Vixen Stakes - 6 furlongs-Dirt - $200,000 September 5 - Susan's Girl Stakes - 7 furlongs-Dirt - $300,000 October 3 - My Dear Girl Stakes - 11/16 miles-Dirt - $500,000

2015 TWO-YEAR-OLD COLT DIVISION August 8 - Dr. Fager Stakes - 6 furlongs-Dirt - $200,000 September 5 - Affirmed Stakes - 7 furlongs-Dirt - $300,000 October 3 - In Reality Stakes - 1 1/16 miles-Dirt - $500,000

2015 THREE-YEAR-OLD FILLY DIVISION August 8 - Three Ring Stakes - 7 furlongs-Dirt - $150,000 September 5 - Jewel Princess Stakes - 1 mile-Turf - $150,000 October 3 - Meadow Star Stakes - 1 1/16 miles-Dirt - $150,000

2015 THREE-YEAR-OLD COLT DIVISION August 8 - Unbridled Stakes - 7 furlongs-Dirt - $150,000 September 5 - Prized Stakes - 1 mile-Turf - $150,000 October 3 - Foolish Pleasure Stakes - 1 1/16 miles-Dirt - $150,000

AcceleratedEarningPowerSept_Florida Horse_template 8/21/15 9:40 AM Page 53

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HaroldQueen_Florida Horse_template 8/25/15 11:00 AM Page 56

56 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

HaroldQueen_Florida Horse_template 8/25/15 11:00 AM Page 57

By JOANN GUIDRY

lorida thoroughbred horseman Harold Queen has had a lot of drama in his life. More specifically, a lot of good racing drama.

The latest episode came when Florida-bred Sheer Drama captured the Delaware Handicap (G1) on July 18 at Delaware Park. And here's the twist: It was Queen's second homebred Grade 1 stakes winner out of broodmare Riveting Drama. But wait, there's more. enjoying success in a dramatic In fact, just call Riveting Drama a one-mare broodmare band. Need proof? Here's her produce record: Big Drama, Grade 1 stakes-winning millionaire and 2010 Eclipse champion

F

SERITA HULT PHOTOS

Florida Horseman Harold Queen is fashion

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 57

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Harold QUEEN

sprinter; Sheer Drama, Grade 1 stakes winner; Little Drama, stakes winner and graded stakes-placed; stakes winners Queen Drama and Drama's Way; and stakesplaced Coffee Can. Queen bought Florida-bred Riveting Drama, a 1994 mare by Notebook out of Special Token, by Hyperborean, for $36,000 at the 1996 Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's March juvenile sale.

“When I bought Riveting Drama as a 2-year-old, I was hoping she would be a good racehorse,” said Queen, who has been involved in the thoroughbred industry for five decades. “Well, she kept getting bucked shins and never did race. But she sure made up for that as a broodmare. I've had a lot of fun racing her babies.”

Outside of Riveting Drama's offspring, Queen has also bred and/or raced a parade of stakes winners. The list includes Gasmegas, I Jean E, Stevie's Queen, Glencreek, Inside Affair, Learn by Heart, Song of Ambition, Burning Roma, Perf and Burning Time. He also co-bred graded stakes winner Askbut I Won't Tell with Hidden Point Farm.

RACETRACK INTRO

Queen’s introduction to the racetrack came via not thoroughbreds, but Clydesdales.

“I grew up on a farm in New Jersey,” Queen said. “My father had Clydesdales as working horses on the farm. But he also used them to pull the starting gate at Garden State Park and that’s one of my most vivid memories. I was about five-years-old and I remember standing next to those

When I bought Riveting Drama as a “ 2-year-old, I was hoping she would be a good racehorse. Well, she kept getting bucked shins and never did race. But she sure made up for that as a broodmare. I've had a lot of fun racing her babies. — Harold Queen

”

big horses’ legs and feeling so small.”

In 1963, Queen claimed his first racehorse, Blue Tattoo, who within a month became his first winner as an owner. Soon after that, Queen went all in with thoroughbreds. He and his wife Jean moved their family to Lodi, Ohio, where they bought a farm, began breeding thoroughbreds and Queen even got his trainer’s license. Gasmegas, who won the 1965 Ascot Gold Cup, became his first stakes winner as an owner/trainer.

While still living in Ohio, Queen often headed south to race in Florida and began to buy Florida-breds to add 58 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

to his stable. Hence, the 1996 OBS purchase of Riveting Drama. And while she didn't make it to the racetrack, that didn't deter Queen from continuing to buy Florida-breds.

At the 1997 OBS March juvenile sale, Queen paid $30,000 for a filly by Black Tie Affair (Ire) out of the Slew o’Gold mare Inside Line. Named Inside Affair, she became the first Florida-bred stakes winner raced by Queen.

Inside Affair won seven stakes, including the 1999 Marlboro Handicap at Laurel, and earned $431,392.

“I really was beginning to understand that Florida was the place to buy a good racehorse,” Queen said. “I always really liked coming to the sales in Ocala. It was a good excuse to get out of the Ohio winter weather.”

At the 1999 OBS August yearling sale, Queen paid $90,000 for a colt by Rubiano out of While Rome Burns, by Overskate. Entered in the 2000 Fasig-Tipton Florida February 2-year-olds in training sale at Calder, the colt was a $40,000 buy-back by Queen.

Named Burning Roma, the colt went on to become a Grade 1 stakes winner and millionaire. He won 12 stakes and was stakes-placed 12 times in 36 starts to earn $1,500,200. Among his stake victories were the Futurity Stakes (G1), Meadowlands Cup Handicap (G2) and Red Bank Handicap (G3).

“I wasn’t even looking for another horse when I bought Burning Roma,” Queen said. “I was just walking around the sales ground at OBS and saw him being shown to someone else. I thought he was a beautiful colt and I fell in love with him right there. He ended up being the first Grade 1 stakes winner and millionaire that I raced.”

FLORIDA BOUND

In 2003, Queen moved his operation to Ocala and settled in on the 400-plus acre Nelson Jones Farms and Training Center, which is located on what was previously the late legendary Florida horseman Fred Hooper’s farm. Officially known as Hal Queen Farm, the 82-acre operation includes a broodmare barn and a 24-stall training barn located adjacent to the communal training track.

“Our broodmare barn is one of the original Hooper barns and it’s a great solid concrete block barn that we renovated. We built the training barn,” Queen said. “Besides my horses, we've always boarded horses belonging to longtime clients and friends of mine.”

By the time Queen and his horses settled into the Ocala farm, Riveting Drama had already produced her first stakes winner. A 1999 Farma Way filly foaled at

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Queen's Ohio farm, Drama's Way won the 2002 Scarlet and Gray Handicap at Beulah Park. The first Floridabred foal Riveting Drama produced in 2004 was stakesplaced Coffee Can, by Kissin Kris. But this was just a prelude to the real drama that was to come.

After being barren in 2005, Riveting Drama produced a 2006 Montbrook colt that made a big impression on Queen.

“From the time that Montbrook colt was just an hour old, I knew this was one I wanted to race,” Queen recalled. “I named him Big Drama.”

In short order, Big Drama lived up to his name. As a 2-year-old, he swept the open division of the 2008 Florida Stallion Stakes and won the Boyd Gaming's Delta Jackpot (G3). In 2009, the David Fawkes trainee won the Red Legend Stakes and was graded stakes placed twice.

“We knew Big Drama was a good racehorse,” Queen said. “And then we found out just how really good he was.”

Indeed, Big Drama sped onto the national scene in 2010. First, Big Drama won the Smile Sprint Handicap

(G2) at Calder to qualify for the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1). That would've been enough drama for most people, but not for Queen. Earlier on the same card, Big Drama's half-brother Little Drama had won the Frank Gomez Memorial Stakes. Little Drama was Riveting Drama's 2008 foal by Burning Roma, who Queen had retired and brought to Ocala to stand stud in 2005.

“Those two horses winning on the same card was a great day,” Queen said. “I owned both of them, the dam and the sire. That was a special day.”

But Big Drama would soon give Queen another very special day when he won the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Churchill Downs. With that victory, Big Drama earned the 2010 Eclipse Award as champion sprinter and was also named that season's Florida-bred champion older male. Thanks to her son's exploits, Riveting Drama was honored as the 2010 Florida Broodmare of the Year.

“That whole year was just unbelievable,” Queen said.

“As a breeder and owner, you dream of having that kind of a year, but then it happened. It was wonderful.”

Harold Queen with his pensioned broodmare Riveting Drama

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 59

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Harold QUEEN

Big Drama was retired in 2011 with a career bankroll of $2,746,060. Queen currently stands him at Ocala-based Bridlewood Farm. His first foals are 2-year-olds of 2015.

ADDED DRAMA

(above) Stallion Burning Roma. Harold Queen working the barns in the early morning

After producing stakes winner and graded stakes-placed Little Drama, Riveting Drama was bred to Burning Roma the next two seasons as well. Queen Drama, her 2009 foal, won the 2011 Susan's Girl Stakes and was second in the Desert Vixen Stakes of the Florida Stallion Stakes. Retired with earnings of $127,225, Queen Drama is now part of Queen's broodmare band.

In 2010, Riveting Drama would produce yet another Burning Roma filly. Named Sheer Drama, she was stakes-placed in 2013 and then won the 2014 Thirty Eight Go Go Stakes. In 2015, she found her stride in grand style and won the Royal Delta Stakes (G2) on March 2 at Gulfstream Park. Fawkes also saddled her to seconds in the La Troienne Stakes (G1), the Fleur de Lis Handicap (G2) and the Rampart Stakes (G3). Then in winning the Delaware Handicap (G1), she gave Queen his second Grade 1 stakes winner out of Riveting Drama. To

date, Sheer Drama has banked $918,840.

“Sheer Drama has overcome a lot of physical problems,” Queen said. “But she has a lot of talent and a big heart. If all goes well, we're hoping to run her in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1).”

Sheer Drama turned out to be Riveting Drama's last gift to Queen.

After her 2012 Chapel Royal foal died, Riveting Drama was pensioned.

“Riveting Drama was the broodmare of a lifetime,” Queen said.

“She's been so good to us and it was time to retire her. She spends her days in the pasture with the young fillies who come off the racetrack.

She seems very happy.”

While Riveting Drama has been pensioned, her daughter, Queen Drama, is carrying on the bloodlines.

She produced a 2014 Put It Back colt, a 2015 Gone Astray colt and was bred to Double Diamond stallion First Dude for 2016.

“With any luck, Queen Drama will be a good broodmare too,” Queen said. “So far, I love the look of her babies.”

When Queen retired Big Drama to stud, he sold Burning Roma to Ocala-based Prestige Stallions. To date, Burning Roma has produced five stakes winners

than early mornings at the barn. I love seeing the “There's nothing better babies and watching the horses breeze. ”

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— Harold Queen

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and five stakes-placed runners. Queen has bred all of Burning Roma's stakes winners to date. In addition to Little Drama, Queen Drama and Sheer Drama, Queen also bred Perf and Burning Time.

“I'm a small breeder and I can only support one of my stallions at a time,” Queen said. “So with Big Drama starting his stud career, I needed to focus on supporting him with my mares.”

Queen's broodmare band currently numbers 12, which produced seven Big Drama foals in 2015. There are also five Big Drama yearlings on the farm, as well as four Big Drama juveniles at the racetrack.

Now 79, Queen is at the farm most mornings by 5am, overseeing the operation that can include an equine population of 70-75 horses.

“Ian Warden is our trainer and my son Mark is the broodmare and yearling manager. I consider myself mostly an adviser these days,” Queen said. “I have a great crew and I don't have to be there. But there's nothing better than early mornings at the barn. I love seeing the babies and watching the horses breeze.”

No doubt looking for a little future drama. ■

Stallion Big Drama (left) and two of his foals (above)

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RACINGS Hall of Fame

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Deserved

INDUCTION

Florida-native Chris Antley

among inductees into racing’s Hall of Fame

By MIKE MULLANEY racing stables from the late ‘20s through the ‘70s.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – With the increasing urbanization of Fort Lauderdale in ort Lauderdale native Chris Antley won 3,480 the early ‘70s, and his mother’s desire to live in the mounraces in his career but is best known for two losses: tains, the Antleys left South Florida when Chris was 5 and his lost Triple Crown bid aboard Charismatic, in moved to the tiny town of Elloree, S.C., near the state capwhich he jumped out of the saddle and held on to the in- ital in Columbia and not far from the horse country of jured horse just short of the finish line in one of the most Camden to the north and Aiken to the west.

With a population of less than 700 at the latest census, poignant moments in Belmont Stakes history, and his lost life just a month short of his 35th birthday.

Elloree’s motto is “A small slice of Southern living.” It Along with several of his most memorable victories – was the hometown of Antley’s father, Les. three classic victories and Grade 1 victories across the At an early age the diminutive Antley exhibited a big country and in Canada – the tragic and appetite that wouldn’t be satisfied with a He was a natural. small slice of much of anything. He was 11 near-tragic moments will be in the back of the minds of many of those on hand when Never stumbled… when he mounted a pleasure horse, his first he was inducted into racing’s Hall of Fame time in the saddle, and when that horse ran picked it up during ceremonies Aug. 7 at the Fasig-Tipoff, Shelley said, she didn’t think she would immediately. ton sales pavilion. ever see him on a horse again.

—Franklin Smith Shelly told Florida Horse that her son His mother, Shelly; widow, Natalie, and Franklin Smith, an early mentor, were in attendance. “I said, “‘That’s that! I’m never riding again.’”

But by the next year Chris had wandered into Smith’s hear from Chris every day,” Shelly said, “and today he was barn, where he was put to work mucking stalls. At 14 he saying ‘Mom, I made it. I finally made it.’”

Joining Antley in the Hall this year were Maryland-based was exercise riding, and at 16 he left Elloree and ventured trainer King Leatherbury; the contemporary racehorses Lava to Baltimore to ride at Pimlico, where he knew young Man and Xtra Heat; a pair of old-timers in Vincent Powers, jockeys such as Chris McCarron could take the first steps winner of championships as both a jockey and trainer, and toward achieving great things. the racehorse Billy Kelly; and Alfred G. Vanderbilt and John “He was a natural,” Smith said. “Never stumbled …

Hay Whitney, “pillars of the turf,” and owners of two great picked it up immediately.”

F

“

COGLIANESE PHOTO

”

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Florida’s

ANTLEY

INDUCTED

In his speech to assemblage, Smith said, “Never in my life would I have imagined a12-year-old blondhaired little boy would bring us here today. You don’t teach someone like that to ride.”

His first winning mount came in November of 1983, aboard a horse named Vaya con Dinero, which translates to “go with money.” Before long he did just that, leaving Maryland for the more lucrative circuits of New Jersey and New York.

He was 18 when he became North America’s champion jockey in terms of number of wins (469).

And when he won, he won with flair: On Oct. 31, 1987, he rode nine winners in one day, riding by day on The rags-to-riches story of the former claiming horse Long Island and by night in Charismatic provided the last high point to Antley’s career.

New Jersey. In 1989 he put together a streak of succes- Winning the Kentucky Derby at 31-1, they returned to take sive days in the winner’s cir- the Preakness at 8-1. They were favored to win the Belmont cle that the Daily Racing and they appeared on their way to a Triple Crown when Form enjoyed comparing to they took the lead inside the final furlong, but something Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak in 1941. By the was wrong and Charismatic faded to third at the wire. time Antley’s run was over, he had won at least one race for 64 straight days.

But he had also developed a drug problem and he was spending time in rehab clinics.

He won the first of his two Kentucky Derbys in 1991, with Strike the God, but depression, weight problems and drug abuse caught up to him once again and by 1997 he retired.

That would be an ongoing refrain for Antley: a

“

MULLANEY PHOTO

”

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cause to rejoice, then a relapse.

The rags-to-riches story of the former claiming horse Charismatic provided the last high point to Antley’s career.

Winning the Kentucky Derby at 31-1, they returned to take the Preakness at 8-1. They were favored to win the Belmont and they appeared on their way to a Triple Crown when they took the lead inside the final furlong, but something was wrong and Charismatic faded to third at the wire.

Antley, recognizing that there was a problem, immediately jumped off and took hold of his mount. Charismatic had broken his front leg in two places, and Antley’s actions, which safeguarded the horse from further injury, were credited with saving Charismatic’s life for a stud career in Japan.

Less than six months later, Antley’s bruised body was found in his home in Pasadena, Calif. Police suspected foul play but a coroner’s report concluded that he had abused a cocktail of drugs and the bruises found

on his body were the result of a violent fall.

The total numbers by which his life as a jockey is measured are staggering: $92.3 million earned in purses, 293 stakes won, 127 of them graded.

With news of his death so soon after the most memorable moment of his pubic life, the irony of the words that Antley spoke, in connection to his last ride on Charismatic, still haunt those who were close to this incredibly talented rider: “I knew he was in pain.”

Induction day was also “Chris Antley Day” in Elloree.

Speaking to the crowd assembled for the Hall of Fame induction, Natalie spoke of “polarity. [Chris] had soaring achievements on the track, feats that may never be equaled. Just as intensely, his actions and decisions off the track hit some depths that became tragic.

She told those assembled that recognition of the highlights of her late husband’s career provided “a very profound healing opportunity for our family.” ■

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Though certainly not a surprise, it is still always amazing to see our in-state thoroughbred industry numbers in terms of how they fit with and relate to Florida’s economy. A recent 2013 conservative study conducted by nationally acclaimed pari-mutuel and gaming economists Cummings & Associates of horse breeds from the pari-mutuel industry based in the Sunshine State provided a handful of very impressive equine economic impacts including:

■ $1 billion per year of Economic Impact ■ More than $400 million expended per year in local salaries and payroll taxes ■ More than 12,000 jobs ■ An annual economic impact state-wide far in excess of coveted baseball spring training

Florida...the Best State for Business

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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

SALLY MOEHRING PHOTO

Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com www.ftboa.com • www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

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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By MIKE MULLANEY SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – crowd of about 400, including many of the leading lights in the thoroughbred industry, heard expert presentations on a variety of topics at The Jockey Club’s 63rd annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing.

This particular edition of the Round Table was especially poignant as it served as the final of 32 such conferences presided over by the Jockey Club’s 74-year-old Chairman Ogden Mills “Dinny” Phipps, who later received the 16th Jockey Club Medal since its inception in 1984.

Filling Phipps shoes will be Stuart Janney III, his cousin.

The conference was held Aug. 9 at the traditional site, the Gideon Putnam Hotel on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa State

A

Park, a bit more than a mile from the nearest backstretch gate.

Speaking late in the session were the higher-profile speakers: Two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner Edwin Moses, best known for winning two Olympic Gold Medals as well as World Cup and World Championship titles, and Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear.

“Activities of The Jockey Club” took up the early scheduling, and speakers were: Jason Wilson, President of The Jockey Club’s Media Ventures, who delivered a progress report on “Building Sustainable Growth” Penelope Miller, Sr. Mgr. of Digital Media, American’s Best Racing, on “New Fan Development”

• •

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claiming price had proven effective.

Bailey’s presentation came with the announcement that The Jockey Club will require that every foal born in and after 2017 carry a microchip for identification purposes.

Noting that microchipping has become standard in most major thoroughbred-racing jurisdictions around the world, Bailey said the bill for the microchips would be covered by The Jockey Club and that the cost of registration fees will not be increased.

PHOTOS COURTESY LASKO PHOTOGRAPHY

Round Table

Edwin Moses

Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club’s Executive • Vice President and Executive Director, who delivered an update from the Thoroughbred Safety Committee, which dovetailed into a presentation from Legal Associate Kristin Werner Leshney on the Equine Injury Database, and Jockey Club Chief Registrar Rick Bailey’s discussion of “Microchips and Early Identification.”

•

Following the “Activities” portion of the program came two intriguing presentations on Technology in Racing: Harold Palmer’s discussion of Emerging Digital Trends, and Bill Squadron’s introduction of STATS, “A New Vision for Racing.”

High-end customers tend to be attracted to all new technologies that further the quantification of the sort, and Advance Deposit Wagering sites were especially attentive to Squadron’s presentation.

The information warehouse Equibase, which is owned in partnership by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, announced its partnership with the international sports-information company STATS. Squadron is the executive vice president of STATS and his presentation wowed the crowd, which saw an easily decipherable display of the kind and location of pitches that Major League All-Star Mike Trout has faced through the year. Squadron said translating that sort of

• •

member of the coalition firmly believes we are going down the right path. We believe that “ourEvery athletes will be safer, the integrity of competition will be enhanced, and the image of our sport will be improved when this legislation is passed. ” —Jim Gagliano, Chief Operating Officer of The Jockey Club

Wilson’s presentation included a view on the explosion of fantasy games involving baseball and football, and how the concept could play within horse racing.

The Safety Committee offered two recommendations: That horses be required to test clean for illegal substances and remain within the established limits of regulated medications prior to being taken off the vet’s list, and that a database be created to store all post-mortem examinations conducted on horses who die of catastrophic injuries.

Most state racing commissions have readily adopted the previous 20 recommendations offered by the Safety Committee.

Purses and distance of races were central to Leshney’s theme on horse safety, she noting that the percentage of catastrophic injury is sharply reduced when the distances of races are elongated and that the formula of setting purses no higher than 1.6 times the

70 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

information to the world of gambling on horse racing would be an easy bridge to cross.

Speakers during the afternoon session included: Dr. Kathleen Anderson, President-Elect of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, who spoke of “An Initiative to Enhance Horse Health and Racing Integrity” James Gagliano, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Jockey Club, who addressed develops with the “Coalition for Horse Racing Integrity” The content of what Moses and Beshear had to say, however, is what set the room abuzz.

In addition to his athletic successes, Moses has a Bacheor’s degree in physics from Morehouse College, a Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine and an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Umass, Boston.

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He also has a long-running interest in the integrity of sports, pioneering the development of anti-doping policies while chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Substance Abuse, Research and Education Committee.

He is currently chairman of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Education Committee.

Supporters credit USADA and WADA for the muchimproved image of the Olympics, which had been battered by doping scandals, most notably that of the Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson from Jamaica and the East German teams of the ‘70s.

The Jockey Club is hoping that the nonprofit USADA, via federal legislation, will in effect become the reigning authority on policies and testing matters.

Backing The Jockey Club’s position, Beshear wasn’t mincing words when he told attendees that, “Our collective experiences over the last several decades have demonstrated that individual state racing commissions just can’t get this job done. The only way to achieve these changes is through federal legislation.”

The overriding theme of this year’s Round Table was The Jockey Club’s clear support of federal legislation, and to that end Beshear, a lawyer, served their purpose well.

“In our profession there are deal makers and deal breakers,” he told the assemblage. “Don’t look for holes in this and say it won’t work.”

The legislation has taken root in the House, where it was introduced by Rep. Paul Tonko, of nearby Amsterdam, N.Y., and Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.). Tonko was in the crowd but was not a speaker at the Round Table.

Supported by animal-rights groups, it is viewed with suspicion by horsemen and racetracks.

One provision of the bill calls for racetracks to lose their ability to simulcast their signal if the regulations

proposed by USADA are not carried out.

Moses, who said his preparation and performance in track required him to be both horse and jockey, spoke of his “true respect for a level playing field” and his “passion for sport and doing it the right way.

“Nothing is more important to horseracing than a level playing field, not just for the fans, but also for the safety of the jockeys and horses,” he said. “Horseracing has an opportunity to take a new path and make a serious change to affect the future of the sport.”

Jim Gagliano, Chief Operating Officer of The Jockey Club, said, “It will take determination, unity, and support to move it forward. It will take reconciliation and probably some sacrifice in the name of the greater good.

“Every member of the coalition firmly believes we are going down the right path. We believe that our athletes will be safer, the integrity of competition will be enhanced, and the image of our sport will be improved when this legislation is passed.” ■

Stuart Janney & Ogden Phipps (above) Bill Squadron (left)

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By TAMMY A. GANTT

Florida-bred Asia Express (pictured) wins the Asahi Hai Futurity (G1) at Nakayama in Japan

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T

he mission of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association is to promote the Florida thoroughbred statewide, nationally and internationally. Carefully planned international trade missions are a part of that effort to promote Florida-breds in the

global marketplace, to develop industry relationships in emerging markets, and to give breeders places to sell their stock at all levels of the marketplace. Sometimes these emerging markets are identified by the countries themselves as they begin to do business in Florida and express the types of horses required in their countries for rac-

PHOTO COURTESY JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION

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ing and breeding stock. More often, emerging markets are identified by buying trends, import and export trends and the amount and types of racing happening in these countries. In order to meet the goals of promoting the Florida-bred worldwide, the FTBOA identifies these trends and partners with the U.S. Department of Agri-

culture, Florida Department of Agriculture, the City of Ocala, Sister City programs worldwide, the Ocala/Marion Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP), and the Ocala Breeders’ Sales to cast a net globally into opportunity rich marketing niches. FTBOA also assists FTBOA members who plan their own outreach by promoting

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Racing to GLOBAL MARKETS

their trade mission to other potential travelers.

Each organization brings a specific working knowledge of the industry, business, export/import and key trade information that moves forward the opportunities created with trade missions. For example, as many as 23 countries are represented at OBS sales throughout the year and the OBS team has been keen to take advantage of developing relationships – domestic and international - to lead to future growth. The team at OBS also focuses on tracking the growth in each country they identify and they watch each carefully for market opportunities.

TRADE AT A GLANCE

Argentina - Bloodlines in Fashion In 1992, 84 South American horses were listed as competing in the U.S. - the majority being from Argentina. This comes as no surprise. Of the South American countries, Argentina has found the most success with importing American horses decades before other Southern hemisphere countries began to do so. Then Argentina imported to the U.S. their top champions from those successful matings. Argentina also has the greatest number of horses compared to other South American countries, almost four times Chile, the next closest in foal crop numbers. Argentina is the third largest thoroughbred breeding country worldwide with 8,036 foals registered in 2013 and 11,990 race participants. They hosted 5,524 races and 155 group races also in 2013.

Argentina runs with full fields and their demand for late developing horses and future bloodstock is a top priority for many breeders there. South Americans have been known to prefer top female families from popular bloodlines. Bloodlines that are fashionable at the time also appeal to South American breeders. In the 1990s this was the Halo and Good Manners lines. Good Manners by Nashua left a lasting influence producing one of Argentina’s greatest racemares Paseana.

Ireland – A Sister City Connection While Ireland is not considered an emerging market for Florida-breds since many prominent Florida breeders and consignors hail from the island and are a vital part of the Florida industry already, Ocala still maintains a strong relationship and inbound/outbound trade program with its sister city Newbridge. In the County Kil-

OBS March Sale 2015 By the International Numbers Country Japan Korea Italy *Trinidad

# Horses 13 3 1 10

74 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

Sales total (US$ $3,980,000 $275,000 $20,000 $252,000

Average $300,000+ $90,000+ $20,000 $25,200 * April sale

Early Years Sales Growth in Italy Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006*

Number of horses sold 7 7 18 10 15 22 13

Total Revenue $94,200 $53,400 $174,500 $143,700 $442,500 $515,500 $148,700

* Economic conditions in Italy affected purse payouts and led to a significant decline in breeding in Italy after this point.

dare, Newbridge connects with Florida’s breeding region. Both have a strong and traditional equine industry, but also have opportunities for trade, technology and manufacturing. The relationship once built solely on the equine has led to other economic opportunities for both communities and connections with public services, like fire and police departments. In September, the CEP will be hosting a group of business leaders from Ocala with the purpose of learning about the equine world, industry and tech in Newbridge. FTBOA assisted with programming for the trip and also in marketing to Florida industry equine leaders. The trip includes training center and stud farm visits along with a day at the Irish Derby.

Trade missions to Italy, Ireland and England/UK have resulted in more than $3.2 million in sales since 2007.

Italy – Regaining Momentum In 1998, Ovidio Pessi, a former first call Italian jockey of Federico Regoli, winner of the Arc de Triomphe in 1933, came to Ocala to build his stable. He bought horses in price up to $20,000 that ended up with earnings averaging almost $300,000 per horse. The top horse, Solitary Dancer, went on to win the Premio Primi Passi (Gr. II), the top spring race for two-year olds in Italy. The horse sold at OBS for $20,000 and won $430,000 after being trained in Italy and winning in Italy, the U.S. and Canada. This piqued the interest of Italians who since have kept coming back every August to OBS, with the exception of 2013.

Ocala partnered with Pisa, Barbaricina and San Rossore in the Sister City program in 2004 which began a relationship of mutual industry connection. FTBOA member Paolo Romanelli provided introductions to the Italian horse world, the business customs and the marketplace which helped bring in interested Italian horsemen. After that visit, there began an increase of Italian buyers of Florida-breds, from $442,500 in 2004 to $515,500 in 2005.

As the Italian industry began to embrace Florida-breds for major races, major economic problems and the fall of government in Italy, led to drastic cuts in budgets for payment of prize money and racetrack maintenance. The in-

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U.S., Florida Horse of the Year, Musical Romance, arrived on the shores of Hokkaido island after being sold for $1.4 million to Katsumi Yoshida. The Japanese love champions, so she was immediately embraced, as was her roots at Ocala Stud, the Ocala Breeders’ Sales and the state of Florida known for producing competitive champions and historic bloodlines. OBS sales graduate Wickedly Perfect also was purchased by Yoshida and her first foal became the sixth highest selling yearling at the JHRA Select sale in 2013.

This was also the case with Florida-bred Asia Express sold at the 2013 OBS March Sale and put into training in Japan which is the 5th largest thoroughbred breeding country worldwide. In 2013, Japan produced 6,797 horses and had 23,528 race participants for 15,992 races. During an FTBOA, OBS, Department of Agriculture trade mission in 2013 to the Hokkaido island breeding region, major training centers and the racecourses, the horse won his first major race on his way to becoming the unanimous choice for top two year old in Japan in 2013. His 1 1/4 length win in the $1.3-million Asahi Hai Futurity (G1) at Nakayama Racecourse in December capped off his ef-

GANTT PHOTO

dustry’s jockeys, trainers and breeders protested at the prime minister’s office trying to secure increased funding, but purses were not paid for races in the third quarter of 2012. Betting in Italy, which had been the 14th largest thoroughbred breeding market worldwide, decreased by 25 percent at the time and has continued the downward trend further to only 650 foals in 2013. Over the past decade, many of the more than 40 racetracks in the country closed permanently, along with the loss of an estimated 50,000 jobs. In 2014, the Italian government began to pay back-purses again and the industry appears to be on the rebound. Last year, there was a purchase at OBS for $20,000 from an Italian buyer and also a $47,000 horse with Romanelli as agent. For the last two years, Romanelli has been instrumental in developing trips to promote this rebound and is willing to do so each summer for those interested in Italy.

Those that attend find out that Italian breeders look for horses that are late developers, they like European pedigrees and are willing to try progeny of young stallions.

Japan – Embracing Champions

GANTT PHOTO

Florida-bred Horse of the Year Musical Romance, posing here for Tom Ventura of OBS, serves as a great ambassador for Florida, showcasing the quality of horses produced in Florida

Japanese Headliners

Ocala Breeders’ Sales graduates and Floridabreds make headlines regularly in Japan. In the 2014 alone, headlines included Florida-bred Asia Express and weanlings by OBS grads topping the Japan Racing Horse Association Select Sale. A colt by leading Japanese sire Deep Impact (JPN) out of two-time OBS graduate Weemissfrankie that sold for $1,372,550 was sold to buyer Ryouichi Ootuka. The colt was the first foal out of the Sunriver mare and consigned first by Summerfield to the 2010 August Sale before she was sold for $175,000 by Eddie Woods to Joe Ciaglia at Grade 1 winning OBS the 2011 April Sale. Trained by Peter Eurton and racgraduate Weemissfrankie ing for Sharon Alesia, Bran Jam Stables, Ciaglia Racproduced top foal in Japan’s ing LLC & Ron Dyrdek, Weemissfrankie won three of premier sale. five starts including the Del Mar Debutante Stakes (G1) and the Oak Leaf Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita.

Also, a weanling colt by Deep Impact (JPN) out graded stakes winning OBS graduate May Day Rose was sold to David Redvers for $647,039. The Floridabred daughter of Rockport Harbor won the Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita and Hollywood’s Railbird Stakes (G3) and earned $400,000. Consigned by her breeder, Bridlewood Farm, to the 2010 OBS March Sale, she failed to meet her reserve but was purchased by trainer Bob Baffert on Shah’s behalf for $220,000 at the OBS June Sale three months later. A colt out of three time OBS graduate Two Item Limit, also by Deep Impact (JPN), was sold to Hajime Satomi for $647,059. The daughter of Twining was sold first by Beth Bayer to R. Schweiger and Coastable as a weanling at the 1998 Fall Mixed Sale She was resold to Jockey Club Farm at the 1999 August Yearling Sale. She was then purchased by Joseph Graffeo from Jockey Club Farm for $50,000 at the 2000 March Sale, she was trained by Stephen L. DiMauro and carried Graffeo’s silks to four graded stakes wins and earnings of $1,060,585.

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

While developing solid face-to-face international relationships is vital, there is no better international advertising than a top racehorse or producer on foreign soil.

Florida-bred Silver Charm proved that Florida bloodlines produce quality runners in Japan and while he came back to permanent retirement in the U.S., he left an indelible mark on the history of thoroughbred breeding in Japan.

Shortly before Silver Charm made his way back to the

Paolo Romanelli promotes Florida-breds by hosting Italian visitors in Florida’s breeding region

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Racing to

REINAGEL PHOTO

GLOBAL MARKETS

forts. The race was his first on turf after winning his first two outings on dirt. After a quarter in :21 flat at his Under Tack Show for the March Sale, the Florida-bred colt by Henny Hughes was purchased by Narvick International for $230,000 from breeder Ocala Stud. His owner Yukio Baba followed up his purchase with another Florida-bred – an Ocala Stud Adios Charlie filly for $675,000 in 2015.

At the OBS March sale in 2015, 13 horses sold for $3,980,000 and averaged over $300,000. In April, six horses sold for $1.245 million just over the $1.12 million the previous year. From 2010 to 2014, OBS noted a spend of $11.199 million for 55 horses with a steady increase from year to year in the number of horses purchased and with an average of over $203,000.

Japan also creates millionaires – 11 of the top 100 Florida-bred millionaire winning horses raced in Japan and included is Florida’s fourth highest earner ever in Samuel H. Rogers, Jr.’s South Vigorous. Zafolia, bred by Gilman Investment Co., Rocky Appeal bred by Mockingbird Farms, A Shin Wezen bred by Helen Painter, and Hi Friend Code bred by Norman E. Casse and Harry Katz round out the top five Florida-bred-Japanese raced millionaires.

Trade missions are a vital part of efforts to promote Florida-breds in the global marketplace.

Japanese buyers tend to purchase horses based on their bloodlines and also horses that are ready to race upon completing their training in Japan. Race-ready two-year olds are a key to the Japanese program.

South Korea – A Right Horse for a Right Price The FTBOA, partnering with OBS, works closely with the Korean Racing Authority and South Korean breeders to promote sales of thoroughbreds to South

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Florida-bred Repent is now standing in Trinidad

Korea. The FTBOA and OBS with the help of the Florida and U.S. Departments of Agriculture introduced the South Korean racing industry to Ocala. This included face-to-face meetings in both South Korea and in Florida and the ongoing correspondence needed to understand the marketplace and each country’s program. What began in 2000 with a small group of South Korean buyers purchasing 15 horses for $173,000, has grown to a multi-sale event. During that time, both FTBOA and OBS representatives traveled to Seoul.

During the last 15 years, sales have increased nearly 2,000 percent. From 2001 to 2014, South Korean buyers have purchased thoroughbreds valued at $26 million at Florida sales. In 2014, 325 U.S. foals of 2012 were imported to South Korea, 39 of which were Florida-breds and 52 by Florida stallions. The export of thoroughbreds to South Korea has proven it benefits Florida agriculture through increased sales and increased prices at sales and is helpful to farms by providing access to this previously

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VENTURA PHOTO

unknown market. In 2015, horses averaged more than $90,000 at the OBS March sale. In 2015, 57 horses sold for $2.2 million at the April sale. In addition to the overall impact on U.S. agricultural enterprises, the effect is felt locally in the hospitality sector with increased revenues from the fifty plus buying teams from South Korea that come to Florida for more than two weeks of sales throughout the year.

OBS graduate Gamdonguibada has 14 wins in South Korea including the Grand Prix (G1), Busan Mayor’s Trophy (G3), Gyeongnam Governor’s Trophy (G3) twice, Ttukseom Cup (G3), the KNN Trophy, and the GukJe Newspaper Trophy. She was the first filly in 12 years to win the 2012 Grand Prix. The 4-year-old daughter of Werblin was sold for $31,000 to KOID Co. Ltd for Park, Kwang-Soon, by The Team, Agent at the 2011 OBS April Sale.

Koreans look for horses ready to race at a competitive price so they tend to purchase two-year olds to avoid the expenses of getting younger horses trained up for the racetrack. The South Korean government has restrictions on the prices buyers can pay for colts and for fillies and these vary by sex and also by regulations during a given year, all determined by the government. The restrictions are in place to ensure that the local Korean stock remains competitive against foreign stock. Depending on market conditions, some restrictions may also be lifted from time to time.

Trinidad – Proximity Pays This small island country off the coast of Florida has offered a steady flow of races to its island inhabitants for many years. FTBOA has been involved with the country sponsoring a Jetsam Award for the top Floridabred who raced on the island for a number of years. Production on the island as far as foal crop has been as high

GANTT PHOTO

The Japanese betting crowd enjoys Florida-bred competitors

as 129 foals in 2013 to 146 in 2012. Thoroughbreds in training are 413. In 2014, Trinidadians met with trade mission delegates to further develop relationships with the breeders on the island to increase breeding there and to overcome trade barriers that prevent them from doing so. The country went on to purchase 10 horses at the April sale for $252,000.

One of the many breeding farms toured during an Argentina trade mission with local expert John Fulton and FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell

FUTURE MARKETS In the near future, several countries have been identified as places where Florida-breds will have an opportunity. These include Barbados, Brazil and Chile.

Barbados, while relatively small, has a long-standing history of horsemanship and racing. The proximity to Florida provides all the possibilities to export from Florida, and specifically Ocala, with ease.

Brazil is the tenth largest breeder of thoroughbreds worldwide. Brazil hosts full fields for its races and has seen a decline from 2003 to 2010 in foal crop from 3,429 to 2,922. In recent years the crop has held steady, but offers opportunity for U.S. exports to help fill the competitive fields and offer bloodlines. Chile has been a stable breeding region regardless of worldwide economic conditions. The country’s foal crop in 2003 was 1,715 horse and a decade later is at roughly the same number with 1,698 foals in 2013.

Chile has a large number of races and races full fields and there is competition for horses with Argentina and Brazil. An influx of horses for both breeding and racing is a target for this country.

Even armed with information, knowledge of cultural nuances and the ability to understand trade, international relationships need nurturing before, during and after a trade mission has ended in order to not only cast a net over mutual opportunities for each country’s success but also to continue to build, adjust and grow in the industry and global economy. ■

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 77

AroundCntry_Sept_Layout 1 8/21/15 10:05 AM Page 78

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

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—STAKES RACES Win/Place/Show Horse Name

Sex Age Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track Off ID Pos Race Name

Grade/ Value

Earngs

Wild Dude

H

5

Wildcat Heir

Courtly Choice

Versatile Thoroughbreds LLC

7/26/15 DMR 1 Bing Crosby S.

My Point Exactly

G

3

Concord Point

My Golden Quest

Quarter Pole Enterprises LLC

7/25/15 GP

1 Bear's Den S.

Uncle Vinny

C

2

Uncle Mo

Arealhotlover

Gilbert G. Campbell

7/25/15 SAR

1 Sanford S.

Big John B

G

6

Hard Spun

Baldomera

Brylynn Farm Inc.

7/24/15 DMR 1 Cougar II H.

Bootleggers Wife

F

2

Leroidesanimaux (BR La Chica Sensual

Murray Stroud

7/24/15 NP

1 Princess Margaret S.

Sheer Drama

M 5

Burning Roma

Riveting Drama

Harold L. Queen

7/18/15 DEL

1 Delaware H.

1/$750,250 $450,000

World Approval

G

3

Northern Afleet

Win Approval

Live Oak Stud

7/11/15 AP

1 American Derby

3/$100,000 $58,800

Tightend Touchdown G

6

Pure Precision

Starry Mark

Chad Stewart & Laurie Stewart

7/11/15 PRX

1 Parx Dash H.

3/$200,000 $120,000

Francesco Blue

C

2

Leroidesanimaux (BR Nicey Nice

Monarch Stables

7/5/15

GP

1 Birdonthewire S.

$99,250 $61,070

Ballet Diva

F

2

Hear No Evil

Dame Sylvieguilhe Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

7/5/15

GP

1 Cassidy S.

$93,000 $60,140

Dogwood Trail

F

3

Awesome of Course

Ladyinareddress

Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

7/5/15

GP

1 Azalea S.

Lori''s Store

M 5

El Prado (IRE)

Big Promise

Glen Hill Farm

7/5/15

GP

1 Spook Express S.

Daring Kathy

F

4

Wildcat Heir

Dare to Mambo

John Eaton & Steve Laymon

7/3/15

BEL

1 Perfect Sting S.

Ms. Scarlet Fever

F

2

Value Plus

Frontier Franny

Arboritanza Racing LLC Jolane Weeks & Barbara Rehbein 7/29/15 DEL

2 White Clay Creek S.

$50,375 $10,000

Lemon Point

F

4

Lemon Drop Kid

Snug Harbour

Vegso Racing Stable

7/25/15 GP

2 Monroe H.

$75,000 $14,850

Rizwan

C

3

Silver Tree

Entertaining

Vegso Racing Stable

7/25/15 GP

2 Bear's Den S.

$75,000 $14,850

Coco''s Wildcat

F

3

Wildcat Heir

Coco's for Real

Gilbert G. Campbell

7/19/15 MTH

2 Miss Woodford S.

$72,800 $14,000

Jewel of a Cat

M 5

Wildcat Heir

Marbleous Routine Mr. & Mrs. Marty Hershe

7/12/15 MTH

2 Klassy Briefcase S.

$60,000 $12,000

Peace and War

F

3

War Front

More Oats Please

Sally J. Andersen

7/11/15 DEL

2 Delaware Oaks

Fellowship

C

2

Awesome of Course

Go Girlfriend Go

Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

7/5/15

GP

2 Birdonthewire S.

$99,250 $19,700

Noble Prince

G

5

Chapel Royal

Amaday

Miriam Michelle Robles

7/5/15

GP

2 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint S.

$75,000 $14,400

Flutterby

F

4

Congrats

Zoobie

The Jerome G. Bozzo Trust

7/5/15

GP

2 Princess Rooney S.

Quick and Silver

G

4

Dunkirk

Royal Confection

Elizabeth P. Whelan David J. Whelan Teresa Murphy & Steve 7/5/15

OTP

2 Oak Tree Sprint S.

$53,715 $10,000

Wolfie

F

2

Pomeroy

Wolf N Hen

Whitehall Lane Farm

7/29/15 DEL

3 White Clay Creek S.

$50,375

Amelia''s Wild Ride C

4

D'wildcat

Amelia Island

Red Oak Stable

7/27/15 SAR

3 Lucky Coin S.

78 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

$75,000 $46,035 3/$150,000 $90,000 3/$100,000 $60,000 $55,550 $30,000

3/$150,000 $89,280 $75,000 $43,245 $100,000 $60,000

3/$300,375 $60,000

2/$250,000 $47,500

$5,500

$100,000 $10,000

BARBARA WEIDL PHOTO

Tightend Touchdown/Parx Dash H. (G3)

HOOF PRINTS PHOTO

Sheer Drama/Delaware H. (G1)

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

Wild Dude/Bing Crosby S. (G1)

1/$300,000 $180,000

AroundCntry_Sept_Layout 1 8/21/15 10:05 AM Page 79

Aztec Key

C

3

Circular Quay

Aztec Sally

Nick deMeric Jaqui deMeric & Prestonwood Partnership

7/18/15 NP

3 Count Lathum H.

$50,000

$4,800

Total Joint

G

3

Tiz Wonderful

Major's Girl

Kinsman Farm

7/11/15 MTH

3 Long Branch S.

Silent Prayer

F

2

Brooks 'n Down

Sacred Psalm

Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

7/5/15

GP

3 Birdonthewire S.

$99,250

$9,850

It''s High Time

F

2

Gone Astray

My Rolex

Tracy Pinchin

7/5/15

GP

3 Cassidy S.

$93,000

$9,700

Breitling Flyer

C

4

Ghostzapper

Starbuster

Bathen Thoroughbreds LLC & Stonestreet Thoroughbred Hol 7/5/15

GP

3 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint S.

$75,000

$7,200

Wildcat Red

C

4

D'wildcat

Racene

Moreau Bloodstock International Inc. & Winter Racing Enterpr 7/5/15

GP

3 Smile Sprint S.

Lemon Point

F

4

Lemon Drop Kid

Snug Harbour

Vegso Racing Stable

7/5/15

GP

3 Spook Express S.

Stallwalkin'' Dude

G

5

City Place

Chelle Spendabuck Maria M. Haire

7/4/15

BEL

3 Belmont Sprint Championship S 3/$384,000 $48,000

Returning Rock

C

3

Rock Hampton

Swain Lake

Luisa Degwitz & Ric-Deg Farm

7/4/15

CMR

3 Copa 4 de Julio S.

Pink Poppy

F

4

Tiznow

Boa

Arindel Farm LLC

7/4/15

PRX

3 Dr. James Penny Memorial H.

3/$200,000 $22,000

J''s Two Step Halo

F

4

Two Step Salsa

J's Happy Halo

Janis Maitlen

7/3/15

MTH

3 Molly Pitcher S.

3/$163,500 $15,000

$103,000 $10,000

2/$250,000 $24,000 $75,000

1/$39,240

$6,975

$3,924

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—ALLOWANCE Win/Place/Show Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Earngs

Lake Drive South

C

4

Pomeroy

Aleyna's Love

Dierdre Marsh

7/29/15

DEL

1

$37,490

$21,600

Concho

G

5

Indian Ocean

Shimmering Jul

Paul R. and Mary Anne Denes

7/29/15

LAD

1

$22,020

$12,600

Imperial Secret

F

3

Imperialism

Smart Secretary

Southern Cross Farm

7/27/15

PID

1

$27,720

$16,800

Conquest Cobra

C

3

Pioneerof the Nile

Stateliness

McKathan Bros.

7/26/15

WO

1

$61,740

$35,160

Northern Freeway

C

3

Northern Afleet

Freeway Fun

Liam Benson & Mayo West Farm

7/25/15

CT

1

$27,000

$16,200

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’s Association •Lonny Powell – CEO, Executive Vice President •Brock Sheridan – Editor-in-Chief •Tammy Gantt – Assistant Vice President, Membership Services, Events Director, Contributing Editor, Industry and Community Affairs Adena Springs South •Declan Doyle – Director of Stallion Seasons & Sales

Gulfstream Park •Michael Costanzo – Claims Clerk Hialeah Park •R. Peter Aiello IV – Director of Simulcasting, Track Announcer Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park •Heather Belmonte – Executive Assistant

Ocala Breeders’ Sales •Tom Ventura – President •Kevin Honig – Mutuels Tampa Bay Downs •Allison DeLuca – Racing Secretary •Doug Murray – TRPB Agent Breeder •Rick Heatter Trainer •Todd Pletcher THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 79

und The Country

Florida-Breds Aro

AroundCntry_Sept_Layout 1 8/21/15 10:05 AM Page 80

Florida-Breds Aro

The Country und

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—ALLOWANCE Win/Place/Show continued Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Earngs

Pink Magic

G

3

Straight Man

Lady in Pink

Winchester Baye Acres Inc.

7/25/15

MNR

1

$16,200

$10,044

Unbridled Courage

F

3

Leroidesanimaux (BR

Unbridled Temper

Family Broodmares III LLC

7/23/15

PID

1

$29,580

$17,400

Whitcomb Hill

C

3

Saint Anddan

Harliday

NTS Stable Inc.

7/21/15

FE

1

$17,918

$9,300

Extreme Caution

F

3

Value Plus

Hometown Discoun

John E. Shaw

7/17/15

ARP

1

$13,000

$7,800

Josdesanimaux

F

3

Leroidesanimaux (BR

Jost d'Oro

Palm Beach Racing II LLC

7/15/15

BEL

1

$77,000

$46,200

Gray Beau

G

5

Imperialism

Please Pick Me

Verbarctic Farm

7/15/15

DEL

1

$36,125

$21,600

My Miss Venezuela

F

3

Hold Me Back

Multipass

Orlyana Farm

7/15/15

LAD

1

$21,690

$12,600

Road Agent

G

5

Rock Hard Ten

Prairie Township

Brent Fernung & Crystal Fernung

7/13/15

DEL

1

$35,375

$21,000

Scorpion Aly

M

5

Scorpion

Stackaly

Santa Cruz Ranch Inc.

7/13/15

PRX

1

$47,892

$25,800

Marta

F

2

Put It Back

A Special Toast

Circle S Ranch Inc.

7/11/15

CMR

1

$11,295

$7,444

Cat Trap

F

3

Cowtown Cat

Five Star Annie

Brenda Jones & Silver Oaks Farm

7/11/15

SRP

1

$22,100

$13,260

Fortyshadesofgreen

M

5

The Green Monkey

Truly Loved

David J. Whelan

7/10/15

CT

1

$27,000

$16,140

Back in Dixie

F

3

Put It Back

Dixie Image

Bridlewood Farm

7/10/15

TDN

1

$27,000

$16,200

Thoughtless

F

3

Rockport Harbor

Whistle Call

Peggy S. Dellheim Norman Dellheim & Darley

7/5/15

CBY

1

$30,000

$18,000

Voodoo Spell

G

4

Roar of the Tiger

Charm Spell

Big C Farm

7/4/15

CBY

1

$35,000

$21,000

On Spirit River

G

3

In Summation

Ennuhway

Ocala Stud

7/4/15

LRL

1

$46,032

$23,940

Havanera

M

5

Graeme Hall

Cheyennes Approv

Briggs/Cromartie and Runners Dream Farm

7/3/15

ARP

1

$12,500

$7,500

Sainted Dancer

M

5

Saint Anddan

Load Up

Oak Leaf Farm

7/3/15

TDN

1

$28,000

$16,200

Belvin

G

5

Empire Maker

Midway Squall

Donald R. Dizney

7/1/15

TDN

1

$27,000

$17,550

Cooper''s Crescent

G

3

R. Cooper

Exempt

Briar Lane Farm

7/30/15

PID

2

$27,720

$5,600

Indian Rocket

F

3

Indian Charlie

Yellow Heat

E Paul Robsham Stable LLC

7/29/15

IND

2

$34,000

$6,800

Gottcha Luck

C

2

Gottcha Gold

Dazzling Princess

Ocala Stud

7/26/15

CMR

2

$11,295

$2,567

Remembertobreathe G

4

D'wildcat

Sanctioned

Irish Eyes Stable & Verbarctic Farm

7/26/15

EMD

2

$24,000

$4,800

Lasamanamama

M

6

Sabre d'Argent

Looks Like a Lady

Gilbert G. Campbell

7/26/15

LRL

2

$42,000

$8,820

Blue Bomber

G

4

Congrats

Tartan Tigress

James K McFadyen Kenneth F Bailey & Edward H Molstad 7/24/15

CBY

2

$36,000

$6,000

La Luna Rouge

F

3

Leroidesanimaux (BR

Tori's Portia

George De Benedicty

7/23/15

AP

2

$28,376

$4,410

Saint Emma''s Fire

F

3

Cabo Lobo

The Emmanator

Larry Altman

7/22/15

CT

2

$27,000

$5,400

By My Side

M

5

The Kaiser

Shaye Alone

Frank Bertolino

7/19/15

CMR

2

$14,650

$2,930

Forest Funds

F

4

Forestry

Private Funds

Northwest Stud

7/19/15

MTH

2

$39,800

$8,000

Maryjean

M

6

D'wildcat

Fan Friendly

Paul Muller

7/18/15

LS

2

$21,000

$4,140

Dash of Dazzle

G

5

Sardegna

Sparkle Us Plenty

Bruno Schickedanz

7/18/15

WO

2

$67,220

$11,720

Hammer the Bay

G

6

Half Ours

Quelle Surprise

Haras Santa Maria de Araras S.A.

7/17/15

LS

2

$22,000

$4,360

Warrior Surprise

F

2

A. P. Warrior

Ride a Wave

Family Broodmares IV LLC

7/11/15

CMR

2

$11,295

$2,567

Como Luz

F

3

Hear No Evil

Stardust Princess

Tanourin Stable

7/9/15

BTP

2

$10,200

$2,040

Guchi Gold

F

4

Mr. Sekiguchi

Royal Advantage

Lorna Possler

7/8/15

PID

2

$29,980

$5,800

Joe Pike

C

4

Benny the Bull

Allofeverything

Joanna Reisler

7/5/15

CMR

2

$10,959

$2,491

Gourmet Delight

G

4

Gottcha Gold

Western Tornado

Ocala Stud

7/5/15

MTH

2

$40,800

$8,000

80 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—ALLOWANCE Win/Place/Show continued Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Earngs

Cleveland Sound

G

3

More Than Ready

Twilight Service

Vegso Racing Stable

7/5/15

PRX

2

$57,712

$8,600

Solomon Bay

C

3

Leroidesanimaux (BR

Hopi

John A. Burns & Jack Zuidema

7/4/15

OTP

2

$42,560

$7,000

Approval

F

4

Double Honor

Bank Approval

Southern Cross Farm

7/2/15

FL

2

$18,200

$3,640

Coral Point

F

4

Graeme Hall

Ruby Park

Eugene Melnyk

7/1/15

CMR

2

$8,830

$1,802

Condestable

G

4

Rock Hampton

Incontestable

Luisa Degwitz & Ric-Deg Farm

7/1/15

TDN

2

$27,000

$5,400

Kwacha

G

4

Exchange Rate

Zambia

Glen Hill Farm

7/29/15

SAR

3

$65,000

$6,500

Tsunami Night

G

3

Zanjero

Thruforthenight

Rolling Meadows Farm Millenium Farms & Winchell Thoroug 7/28/15

IND

3

$34,000

$3,400

Frosty Girl

F

3

Saint Anddan

Snow Sprite

Dennis Johnson

7/27/15

PID

3

$27,720

$2,800

Pilatus

G

4

Shakespeare

Smart Sis

William C. Schettine

7/24/15

CBY

3

$36,000

$3,300

Dottins Alley

G

3

Flower Alley

Vaulcluse

Eugene Melnyk

7/22/15

WO

3

$70,915

$6,446

Boneafide Cat

M

7

Wildcat Heir

Funny Bone

Wayne McFarland

7/18/15

CPW

3

$2,400

$288

Ciaran''s Prize

F

4

Yes It's True

Think Fast

John B. Penn

7/17/15

CBY

3

$33,950

$3,850

Trieste

C

3

Tiznow

Regala Di Trieste

Donarra Thoroughbreds LLC

7/15/15

DEL

3

$35,000

$3,850

Baby You a Song

F

4

With Distinction

Constant Sparkle

Betty King

7/15/15

LAD

3

$21,690

$2,310

Flashstorm Lady

F

2

Flashstorm

Lady Buckpasser

Northwest Stud

7/11/15

CMR

3

$11,295

$1,284

Fire Mission

G

5

Wildcat Heir

Perujia

Bailey Bolen

7/10/15

CBY

3

$32,000

$3,300

Wild About You

G

5

Milwaukee Brew

Seductive Look

Becky Boyd

7/9/15

AP

3

$29,988

$2,425

Determined Braedon G

3

Da Stoops

Tiz Spanish

Destiny Oaks of Ocala

7/5/15

PID

3

$28,120

$2,800

Bye Bye Bella

F

3

Bellamy Road

Dixie Kid

Kinsman Farm

7/1/15

CMR

3

$8,830

$901

Alert the Press

G

7

Mass Media

Queen Bailey

Cheryl Hurn

7/1/15

MIL

3

$7,000

$840

Black Circle

G

7

Black Mambo

Circle of Friends

Pedro Sarabia

7/1/15

MNR

3

$25,100

$2,510

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT Win/Place/Show Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Earngs

RoyaMiss Away

F

4

Run Away and Hide

Miss Peachtree

Northwest Stud

7/30/15

GP

1

$42,500

$26,300

Wildwood Cotton

F

3

High Cotton

Awanda

Janet Erwin

7/28/15

FP

1

$8,960

$4,800

Klingon Warrior

C

2

First Dude

American Asset

Kristina Eisaman

7/28/15

PRX

1

$44,000

$25,200

Uncle Jimmy

C

2

Uncle Mo

Cookngoodlookn

Brent Fernung & Crystal Fernung

7/27/15

MNR

1

$14,100

$8,601

Rare Candy

C

2

Twirling Candy

Bold Pegasus

Farm III Enterprises LLC

7/26/15

DMR

1

$71,670

$42,000

Dream of Me

C

2

High Cotton

Darn That Girl

McKathan Bros.

7/26/15

GP

1

$46,200

$29,000

Theophilia

F

3

Flatter

Theola

Carolyn M. Wilson

7/26/15

SAR

1

$83,000

$49,800

Shakakan

F

2

Gone Astray

Ucanttakeitwithu

Phil Matthews & Karen Matthews

7/25/15

GP

1

$44,600

$29,000

Catira Rock

F

2

Rock Hampton

Perfect Girl

Ric Deg Farm & Luisa Degwitz

7/25/15

GP

1

$46,200

$29,000

Tight Weave

F

2

High Cotton

Countess Proud

Pete Gonzalez

7/24/15

PEN

1

$30,267

$17,100

Slider

G

4

Spellbinder

Perfect Pitch

Lonnie Stokes

7/23/15

FL

1

$19,600

$11,400

Courtly Lark

F

3

Shakespeare

Dare to Mambo

John Eaton & Steve Laymon

7/23/15

GP

1

$42,500

$26,300

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 81

und The Country

Florida-Breds Aro

IndustryNews_Poised4Growth_Florida Horse_template 8/25/15 10:19 AM Page 82

INDUSTRY NEWS

Equine Industry Poised

FLORHAM PARK, N.J., July 31, 2015 — he equine industry has found stability and shows positive signs of growth, especially among young adult horse owners and event participants, according to results of a survey

by American Horse Publications (AHP) sponsored by Zoetis. The survey included responses from over 10,662 horse owners.

Among the highlights, the third online nationwide equine industry survey shows: ■ For 2016, 88.6% of respondents expect to own or manage the same number of horses or more horses.

■ This year, 93% of respondents plan to enter the same or more competitions than last year, and 95.1% expect to compete in the same or more events in 2016.

■ A high number of respondents (84.7%) rely on their veterinarians for vaccination advice, and respondents are increasingly relying on veterinarians for deworming advice.

“It appears the industry is beginning to recover from the Great Recession of 2008, as indicated by the percentage of respondents

T

Looking at horse ownership by age, the future appears bright for the equine industry, with 22.1% of respondents ages 18 to 24 reporting they own or manage more horses in 2015 than they did in 2014, while only 7.6% of respondents age 65 or over reported owning or managing more horses. This pattern is consistent with expectations of horse ownership in 2016, as 36.2% of respondents ages 18 to 24 said they expect to own or manage more horses than they did this year.

Additionally, there appears to be stability in the number of competitions respondents expect to attend this year and next year. Similar to the 2012 survey, most of the increase in competitions is among younger age groups.

RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HORSE

Based on a new question this year, the survey results reflected the complex relationship between humans and horses. Respondents were most likely to view their horses as family members (67.4), companion animals (62.7%), performance partners

The third American Horse Publications survey shows horse ownership and involvement participating in the industry, either through owning/managing horses or competing with them, at the same or greater levels than three years ago,” said Jill Stowe, Ph.D., associate professor of agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky, who analyzed the data and consulted on the results.

The survey was conducted from Jan. 6 through April 1, 2015. It sought to gauge participation trends and management practices in the U.S. equine industry, to identify critical issues facing the equine industry as perceived by those who own or manage horses, and to better understand issues pertaining to horse health and nutrition.

AHP conducted similar surveys in 2012 and 2010. AHP is a nonprofit professional association dedicated to promoting excellence in equine media and better understanding and communication within the equine publishing industry.

INDUSTRY STABILITY

The 2015 survey results show 70.6% of respondents own or manage the same number of horses they did last year, suggesting a continued increase in overall industry stability. In addition, 20.7% of respondents expect to own or manage more horses in 2016, while 11.4% expect to own fewer horses. In the 2012 survey, only 18.7% said they expected to own or manage more horses the following year, and 14.7% expected to have fewer.

82 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

(57.6%) and/or best friends (55.9%). A smaller percentage of respondents viewed their horses as an investment (22.4%), livestock animal (21.1) or employee (7.8%).

Results also show an estimated one of every three horses owned/managed by respondents is idle, retired or otherwise not working.

HORSE HEALTH CARE

Respondents continue to identity veterinarians as integral to horse health decisions, including vaccinations and deworming.

Veterinarians continue to have a strong influence over vaccination decisions, with 84.7% of respondents saying they discuss with their veterinarian what vaccinations their horse should receive.

Those discussions most often include vaccinating for West Nile virus, Western and Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, equine herpesvirus and equine influenza.

A majority of respondents vaccinate once a year (58% to 72%, depending on the antigen). However, about 20% of respondents vaccinate against these diseases twice a year. Vaccination also presents an opportunity for veterinarians to discuss the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) vaccination recommendations with their clients, as just 30% of respondents said they reviewed these recommendations with their veterinarian.

IndustryNews_Poised4Growth_Florida Horse_template 8/25/15 10:19 AM Page 83

for Growth It appears the influence of veterinarians on deworming approaches is increasing, as there was a slight increase compared with previous surveys in the percentage of respondents who had a fecal egg count (FEC) conducted and who said their veterinarian is involved in developing their deworming schedule.

Rotational deworming was the most common approach used (55.3%), despite recent recommendations from AAEP to conduct FECs and deworm based on results, which came in second (38.2%), according to the results. Less than half of respondents (47.5%) indicated their veterinarian recommended an FEC. Nearly half (46%) of horse owners deworm their horses four to six times per year. Almost 80% of respondents said parasite drug resistance was an issue of concern, similar to 2012.

Overwhelmingly, respondents deworm their horses themselves, at 88.6%, which was nearly identical to the 2012 survey results. But about half of the respondents (48%) indicated their veterinarian is involved in developing their horses’ deworming schedules. This trend has continued to increase, from 15.7% in 2010 to 44.3% in 2012.

owners, as just 5.8% indicated outbreak was an issue. While concern is low, veterinarians can help horse owners lower their risk of infection by advising vaccine protocols to meet horses’ risk levels, including travel and show requirements, such as following the vaccine requirements of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).

ABOUT THE SURVEY

The 2015 survey was limited to those who currently own or manage at least one horse, are 18 years of age or older and live in the United States. The survey collected 11,307 responses, of which 10,662 responses were useable.

“As a sponsor of the survey, Zoetis is proud to bring additional insight to the equine industry on topics horse owners and managers find important, so we can work together as partners,” said Katherine Russo, marketing manager, Equine Vaccines.

“We are thrilled with the cooperation of our members and the industry in participating in this survey,” said Christine W. Brune,

has stabilized and is likely to rise, according to key findings from survey sponsored by Zoetis A slight decline in the number of insured horses continues to be a trend in 2015 survey, with just 21.7% of respondents indicating their horses were insured. This presents an opportunity for equine veterinarians to make their clients aware of insurance and to reinforce the need for preventive care, including additional diagnostic and treatment options.

THE UNWANTED HORSE

As in the 2010 and 2012 surveys, the issue of unwanted horses (and what to do with them) remains the most significant challenge facing the industry today; however, the percentage of respondents identifying the issue has been declining (62.9% in 2010, 55.8% in 2012 and 53.7% in 2015). The cost of horsekeeping (47.1%) and overbreeding (37.3%) continue to be important issues, but land-related issues, such as loss of riding areas and competition for open space, are becoming increasingly important.

Concern over disease outbreak remains low among horse

AHP executive director. “The survey once again demonstrated that our association can provide vital statistics for the equine industry through the power of the media.”

The survey results will be released by Zoetis and AHP members through their own channels beginning in July. Results will be available to the general equine industry in fall 2015 for a nominal fee.

Excerpts from this study must be referenced as “2015 AHP Equine Industry Survey sponsored by Zoetis.” ■

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 83

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■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT Win/Place/Show continued Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Pos

Off Grade/ Value Earngs

Shungo

F

3

Smart Strike

Autobahn Girl

Live Oak Stud

7/21/15

PID

1

$26,730

$16,200

Montauk Cove

G

2

Circular Quay

Awanda

Janet Erwin

7/20/15

PID

1

$27,330

$16,200

Bay Runner

C

2

Hear No Evil

Ourlady of Liberty

Nora Imprescia

7/19/15

GP

1

$65,000

$42,000

Get a Room

F

2

Hello Broadway

Cannon Whirl

Ups and Downs Farm

7/19/15

GP

1

$42,300

$26,500

Wild Pussycat

C

2

Wildcat Heir

Ima Wild Pussycat

Red Oak Stable

7/19/15

GP

1

$62,000

$42,000

Holding Gold

C

2

Lonhro (AUS)

In the Gold

Live Oak Stud

7/19/15

WO

1

$57,036

$33,540

Dancie

F

2

D'wildcat

Fast Annie

GoldMark Farm LLC

7/18/15

GP

1

$59,000

$37,000

Kandoo

F

2

Kantharos

Sandra's Day

Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC

7/18/15

GP

1

$60,000

$37,000

Handsome Jackson

G

3

Forestry

Fabulous Sun

Farm III Enterprises & Off The Hook Partners LLC

7/17/15

CBY

1

$28,000

$16,800

Saraguaro

C

3

Express Tour

Return of Mom

Karen Silva

7/17/15

GP

1

$39,600

$24,400

Yes I''m Wild

C

2

Wildcat Heir

Yes It's Patty

Catherine C. Dickenson

7/17/15

SAC

1

$26,350

$15,000

Alpha Warrior

C

3

Majestic Warrior

Maid Guinevere

Kinsman Farm

7/14/15

MNR

1

$14,100

$8,742

Always Sunshine

C

3

West Acre

Sunny Again

Gilbert G. Campbell

7/14/15

PRX

1

$43,000

$25,200

Midnight Citra

F

3

Midnight Lute

Citronella

Carolyn Wilson

7/12/15

BEL

1

$75,000

$45,000

Classic Romance

F

3

Circular Quay

Candlelightdinner

Ocala Stud

7/12/15

BTP

1

$9,800

$5,880

Formal Summation

C

2

In Summation

Formal Desire

Lynne Boutte & Chris Boutte

7/12/15

GP

1

$41,600

$26,500

Sunnysammi

F

3

First Defence

In Awe

Rick Sutherland

7/12/15

LRL

1

$42,520

$22,800

Everlasting Secret

F

3

Leroidesanimaux (BR Ever Lasting

Edward Seltzer & Beverly Anderson & Marc Haisfield

7/12/15

LRL

1

$40,000

$22,800

Imperial Secret

F

3

Imperialism

Smart Secretary

Southern Cross Farm

7/12/15

PID

1

$28,550

$16,200

Sierra Squall

F

3

Grand Slam

Midway Squall

Donald R. Dizney

7/11/15

ELP

1

$21,800

$10,200

Bootleggers Wife

F

2

Leroidesanimaux (BR La Chica Sensual

Murray Stroud

7/11/15

NP

1

$13,940

$8,400

Holograeme

F

3

Graeme Hall

Mo Mecke Blues

Frank Mermenstein

7/10/15

LRC

1

$50,750

$30,000

Just Kidding

C

3

Kiss the Kid

Catomaria

Steve Tucker

7/9/15

LRC

1

$51,250

$30,000

Man About Town

C

3

Montbrook

Atticus's Woman

Big C Farm

7/7/15

PID

1

$28,140

$16,200

Western Conqueror

C

3

West Acre

Empire Beauty

Gilbert G. Campbell

7/6/15

DEL

1

$34,375

$20,400

Danbury

C

2

Kantharos

Rosiesuptown

Robert C. Roffey Jr.

7/5/15

GP

1

$58,600

$38,700

Paddy''s Flight

F

2

Paddy O'Prado

Reboot

Woodford Thoroughbreds

7/5/15

GP

1

$53,600

$33,700

Dottins Alley

G

3

Flower Alley

Vaulcluse

Eugene Melnyk

7/5/15

WO

1

$59,340

$33,540

Stepbystepdelcoco

G

3

Graeme Hall

Marine Gardens

Guillermo Morales

7/4/15

ARP

1

$10,000

$6,000

Paynes Prairie

C

2

Tale of Ekati

Prayfromthewordg

McKathan Bros.

7/4/15

BEL

1

$83,300

$51,000

Quality Reward

C

2

Exclusive Quality

Relic Notebook

Steve Tucker

7/4/15

CMR

1

$9,394

$5,448

Sig K

F

3

Mr. Sekiguchi

Diplomatic Angel

Bridlewood Farm

7/4/15

FP

1

$8,320

$4,800

Princess Value

F

3

Value Plus

Roll V T R

Morgan Miller

7/4/15

HP

1

$10,000

$4,670

Undisputed

F

2

Street Boss

Smooth Kitten

Milan Kosanovich

7/4/15

LRC

1

$50,000

$30,000

Focus On Me

G

3

Kantharos

Quiet Lake

Big C Farm

7/1/15

GP

1

$40,000

$24,400

Evelyn''s Dream

F

3

Graeme Hall

Dreaminadream

Sunshine Thoroughbred Corp.

7/30/15

GP

2

$42,500

$8,980

84 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT Win/Place/Show continued Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Pos

Off Grade/ Value Earngs

True Pleasure

F

2

Yes It's True

Pleasant Ring

John B. Penn

7/30/15

SAR

2

$99,600

$19,920

Just Like a Rock

C

3

Rock Hampton

Netjet

Ric Deg Farm & Luisa Degwitz

7/28/15

DEL

2

$34,250

$6,800

Discreet Lover

C

2

Repent

Discreet Chat

Woodford Thoroughbreds

7/28/15

PRX

2

$43,000

$8,400

Calling Me Home

F

3

Graeme Hall

Home in Time

Tom McCrocklin & Frank Mermenstein

7/28/15

PRX

2

$53,580

$8,400

Osceola Pond

G

2

Cape Blanco (IRE)

Big Promise

Glen Hill Farm

7/26/15

DMR

2

$71,670

$14,000

Night Rythm

G

2

Cowtown Cat

Unholy Night

Jessica Wynn Hartigan

7/26/15

GP

2

$46,200

$9,010

Yankee Wildcat

F

3

Wildcat Heir

Yankee Victoria

Tanourin Stable

7/25/15

DEL

2

$39,350

$6,800

Masio

F

2

Put It Back

Ben's Tune

Roger Urbina

7/25/15

GP

2

$44,600

$7,800

Nano''s Crown

F

2

Big Drama

Nano's Way

Harold L. Queen

7/25/15

GP

2

$46,200

$9,400

Samka

M

5

Drakensberg

Country Alert

Bruno Schickedanz

7/25/15

HP

2

$9,300

$1,610

Life Imitates Art

C

2

More Than Ready

Habiboo

Hardacre Farm LLC

7/25/15

SAR

2

$83,000

$16,600

Lady Devil

F

2

High Cotton

Aztec Sally

Nick deMeric Jaqui deMeric & Prestonwood Partnership

7/24/15

SAR

2

$83,000

$16,600

Hank''ster

G

3

Wildcat Heir

Brackenber

Leon Sniadecky

7/24/15

TDN

2

$25,000

$5,000

Conquest Soprano

F

2

Super Saver

Opera

Lambholm South & WinStar Farm LLC

7/24/15

WO

2

$56,700

$11,180

I''lldoitmyself

G

3

Circular Quay

Flossie Jo

Blackacre Farms Inc.

7/23/15

FL

2

$19,600

$3,800

Starship Senorita

F

3

Exclusive Quality

Jackie B

Courtney Meagher & Carolin Von Rosenberg

7/23/15

GP

2

$42,500

$8,980

Flashy Appeal

F

2

Flashy Bull

Park Tavern

Nick de Meric & Jaqui de Meric

7/23/15

PRM

2

$33,320

$5,760

Tuff Red Stick

C

2

High Cotton

Tuff Tuc

Dianne D. Cotter

7/22/15

IND

2

$32,000

$6,400

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 85

und The Country

Florida-Breds Aro

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■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT Win/Place/Show continued Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Pos

Off Grade/ Value Earngs

Cinco Zippy

F

2

City Zip

Touche de Velours

John A. DeVault III & Sue S. DeVault

7/21/15

IND

2

$32,000

$6,400

Fashion Designer

C

2

Old Fashioned

Fusaichi Valentine

Dr. K. K. Jayaraman & Dr. V. Devi Jayaraman

7/20/15

DEL

2

$35,185

$6,800

Mystic Cotton

G

2

High Cotton

In Awe

Rick Sutherland

7/20/15

PID

2

$27,330

$5,400

G Baby C

F

3

Giant's Causeway

Sweet Baby Jane

Arindel Farm LLC

7/19/15

BTP

2

$9,800

$1,960

Golden Pirate

C

2

Flashstorm

Cozzy Cate

Northwest Stud

7/19/15

GP

2

$65,000

$12,500

Beautiful Sin

F

2

General Quarters

Forest Princess

Connie M. Schider

7/19/15

GP

2

$42,300

$8,240

Sweet Khaleesi

F

2

Maimonides

Calorie

Arindel Farm

7/18/15

GP

2

$59,000

$12,000

More Royalty

F

2

More Than Ready

Royal Ancestry

Dizney Double Diamond LLC

7/18/15

GP

2

$60,000

$11,500

Wildcatter''s Gold

C

3

Exclusive Quality

Gold Minx

Alan Braun & Ken English

7/17/15

GP

2

$37,200

$8,000

Hy Quality Prince

C

4

Exclusive Quality

Jacqueline Gail

Steve Tortora & Richard Tortora

7/17/15

GP

2

$39,600

$8,360

Chessen

F

2

Bring the Heat

Quiet Shine

Wesley Ward

7/12/15

GP

2

$37,400

$8,600

Broadwaydannierose C

4

Songandaprayer

Bon Lil

Marablue Farm LLC

7/12/15

MNR

2

$14,100

$2,820

Slider

G

4

Spellbinder

Perfect Pitch

Lonnie Stokes

7/11/15

FL

2

$22,200

$3,800

It''s My Pleasure

F

2

Sky Mesa

Songandashinyban

Rustlewood Farm Inc.

7/11/15

MTH

2

$34,520

$7,200

Credits Good

C

2

High Cotton

Lucky Alizea

Ocala Stud Dr. Bill Russell DVM & Dr. Alice Russell DVM

7/11/15

NP

2

$13,940

$2,800

Rapid Red

C

3

Circular Quay

Laura's Minstrel

John Rio & Carole Rio

7/11/15

PRM

2

$29,000

$5,740

Hope Is Best

G

3

Shakespeare

Hope Street

Red Oak Stable

7/7/15

PID

2

$28,140

$5,400

One Lucky Step

C

3

Two Step Salsa

One Buck Coyote

Gerald Bennett & Mary Bennett

7/5/15

MTH

2

$35,920

$7,200

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■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT Win/Place/Show continued Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Pos

Off Grade/ Value Earngs

Conquest Nitro

C

2

High Cotton

Dream Storm

Janet Erwin

7/5/15

WO

2

$56,300

$11,180

Flashy Appeal

F

2

Flashy Bull

Park Tavern

Nick de Meric & Jaqui de Meric

7/4/15

PRM

2

$33,305

$5,740

Lu Sea

F

2

Ruler's Court

Go Go Gumbo

William Cauchi

7/3/15

AP

2

$21,600

$4,320

Awesome Dame

F

2

Awesome of Course

Lady of Long Ago

Sisco Racing

7/2/15

BEL

2

$75,000

$15,000

Pure Talent

C

4

Chatain

Good Enough

Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

7/1/15

GP

2

$40,000

$8,360

Spezia

C

2

Speightstown

Via Veneto

Dizney Double Diamond LLC

7/28/15

PRX

3

$44,000

$4,620

Miss Rowley

F

3

Notional

Above Average

Richard Thompson & Linda Thompson

7/28/15

PRX

3

$53,580

$4,620

Conquest Caliente

C

2

Two Step Salsa

Harmony At Sea

Savanna Run Farm

7/26/15

WO

3

$69,340

$6,149

Water Runner

G

3

Midshipman

Bon Caro

Darley & Rick Sutherland

7/26/15

WO

3

$67,468

$6,149

King Gatto

C

3

Wildcat Heir

Foolish Kiss

Hickstead Farm

7/25/15

DEL

3

$34,875

$3,740

Sara''s Smile

F

3

Tale of the Cat

Heythisis Sarah

Get Away Farm

7/25/15

HP

3

$9,300

$930

Have a Good Laugh

G

4

Graeme Hall

Very Laughable

Larry Foggle

7/25/15

MTH

3

$35,220

$3,600

Swagger Jagger

C

2

Crown of Thorns

Magical Mist

Woodford Thoroughbreds

7/25/15

SAR

3

$83,000

$8,300

First Girl

F

2

First Dude

Relentless Storm

Juan Rodriguez

7/24/15

WO

3

$56,700

$6,149

Promotional

F

3

Artie Schiller

Instant Thought

Glen Hill Farm

7/22/15

DEL

3

$35,625

$3,850

Southern Warrior

F

2

Warrior's Reward

Crazysoutherngirl

Destiny Oaks

7/21/15

IND

3

$32,000

$3,200

Santos Symphony

F

4

Concerto

Durga

Seven Diamond B Holdings Inc.

7/20/15

MNR

3

$14,100

$1,410

Call to Honor

C

2

High Cotton

All Saint's Day

Tracy Pinchin

7/19/15

GP

3

$65,000

$6,000

Pico Alto

F

3

Ready's Image

Pico Patty

Carl H. Johnson & Martha A. Johnson

7/19/15

MNR

3

$14,100

$1,410

More Mia

C

2

Mass Media

Cooper Says

Shade Tree Thoroughbreds Inc

7/19/15

WO

3

$57,036

$6,149

Rontos Lily

F

2

Big Drama

Platinum Tiara

M375 Thoroughbreds Inc.

7/18/15

GP

3

$60,000

$5,500

Sudden Snowstorm

F

4

Stormy Atlantic

Keri's Snowman

Bridlewood Farm

7/18/15

MTH

3

$33,820

$3,600

Specialcnsydration

F

2

Artie Schiller

Luna Dorada

Farm III Enterprices LLC

7/18/15

WO

3

$60,956

$6,149

Never Give In

G

3

Wildcat Heir

Let It Roar

Brent Fernung & Crystal Fernung

7/17/15

GP

3

$37,200

$3,640

Night Rythm

G

2

Cowtown Cat

Unholy Night

Jessica Wynn Hartigan

7/12/15

GP

3

$41,600

$3,940

D'' chief Source

F

2

D'wildcat

Consider Thesourc

Rustlewood Farm Inc.

7/11/15

GP

3

$36,700

$3,940

Nuke Laloosh

C

2

Lemon Drop Kid

Leo's Gypsy Dancer

Bryan Hicks

7/11/15

LRC

3

$50,300

$6,000

Hank''ster

G

3

Wildcat Heir

Brackenber

Leon Sniadecky

7/11/15

TDN

3

$25,000

$2,500

Lookin Awesome

G

3

Lookin At Lucky

Awesome Alexandr

Farnsworth Stable LLC

7/10/15

LS

3

$20,000

$2,189

Prima Star

F

3

Exclusive Quality

Dreamy Dream

Steve Tucker

7/10/15

WO

3

$58,108

$6,149

Daisy Creek

F

2

Montbrook

Note d'Amour

Alan Amato & Mike Galinski

7/8/15

PID

3

$27,730

$2,700

Call to Honor

C

2

High Cotton

All Saint's Day

Tracy Pinchin

7/5/15

GP

3

$58,600

$5,020

Nano''s Crown

F

2

Big Drama

Nano's Way

Harold L. Queen

7/5/15

GP

3

$53,600

$5,500

Have a Good Laugh

G

4

Graeme Hall

Very Laughable

Larry Foggle

7/5/15

MTH

3

$35,920

$3,600

Shungo

F

3

Smart Strike

Autobahn Girl

Live Oak Stud

7/5/15

PID

3

$27,130

$2,700

More Mia

C

2

Mass Media

Cooper Says

Shade Tree Thoroughbreds Inc

7/5/15

WO

3

$56,300

$6,149

Mystra

F

3

Lemon Drop Kid

Mystic Rhythms

Vegso Racing Stable

7/2/15

AP

3

$27,024

$2,376

Starship Senorita

F

3

Exclusive Quality

Jackie B

Courtney Meagher & Carolin Von Rosenberg

7/1/15

GP

3

$36,400

$4,360

Hall o'' Glory

G

3

Graeme Hall

Cedar Rose

Mary Robinson

7/1/15

GP

3

$40,000

$4,360

THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 87

und The Country

Florida-Breds Aro

NationalNews_1Pg_USE_Florida Horse_template 8/21/15 10:06 AM Page 1

NATIONAL NEWS

Microchips to Become Requirement for Registration Starting With Foals of 2017

T

he Jockey Club’s Board of Stewards voted Saturday to change certain provisions of the Principal Rules and Requirements of the American Stud Book and, as a result, microchips will become a requirement for registration for foals of 2017 and later.

The microchips will be used in conjunction with official markings to provide an effective means of confirming the identity of Thoroughbreds for the duration of their lives.

Beginning with foals born in 2017, a microchip will be provided with all registration application and genetic sampling kits. In 2016, owners will have the option to request free microchips with registration and genetic sampling kits when they report the birth of a live foal.

There will be no increase in registration fees.

Microchips are a compulsory component of Thoroughbred registration in several countries including Great Britain, France, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Germany, Italy, and New Zealand.

“Microchips are a fast, safe and effective measure for enhancing the identification of Thoroughbred racehorses and have proven successful in other countries around the world,” said Matt Iuliano, executive vice president and executive director, The Jockey Club. “When coupled with official written markings, the use of microchips will improve the efficiency and reliability of the identification process throughout the life of every Thoroughbred.”

“We have microchipped Juddmonte’s U.S.-bred foals that are bound to race in Europe for years and it is both easy and safe,”

said Garrett O’Rourke, manager of Juddmonte Farms in Lexington, Ky. “The practicality that microchipping can bring to

Thoroughbred identification makes it an essential. The possibilities it may open up to better manage our horses is very exciting.” ■

Regulation of Breeding Industry Expected To be on Federal Legislative Agenda

T

he President of the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) today predicted that the currently unregulated horse breeding industry will ultimately be folded into any federal racing legislation that advances in Washington.

“I fully anticipate that as current proposals advance in the legislative process, Members of Congress will heed comments made by a key supporter of federal intervention about the practices of Thoroughbred breeders that may be contributing to an inappropriate reliance on drugs,” Ed Martin said. Prior to becoming involved with racing regulatory matters, Martin served as a senior aide on Capitol Hill for almost a decade.

The President of the Humane Society of the United States and a member of The Jockey Club’s coalition, Wayne Pacelle, wrote in a July 20, 2015 column published on the animal welfare website thedodo.com the following: “Doping horses for racing is more dangerous today than ever because breeding practices — which select for speed and champagne-glass legs — make the horses less sturdy and more vulnerable to breakdowns than they were even 10 or 20 years ago.”

The Thoroughbred breeding industry and related sales companies are not currently regulated by the states, creating a void that Martin predicted Congress would fill given the universal concern about Thoroughbred racing breakdowns.

Martin noted that state racing commission medication reforms already implemented are starting to reduce catastrophic injuries in some jurisdictions as reported by Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear at The Jockey Club’s Roundtable conference this past weekend.

He predicted that unregulated sales company medication policies that permit the stacking of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids to be used on horses going through the auction ring could be considered permissive. “I predict that Members of Congress will want to know why drugs need to be given to horses that have never raced and have not been injured,” he said.

The ARCI President said that if a state were to expand the jurisdiction of an ARCI member commission to regulate the breeding industry and sales companies, the association would begin working on Model Rules to assist that agency in meeting the legislative mandate. To date, that has not happened. ■ www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

Florida... the Best State for Business

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

88 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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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DRIFTING OUT

Options in Discipline

by Mike Mullaney

Managing Editor for Florida Equine Communications

V

iable alternatives to a life as a racehorse have five jump races and became a champion under Smithalways been available to thoroughbreds, but the wick’s care in 1970.

The show-horse world also has a rich history of steradventures of Florida-bred stakes-winning steeplechasers Kisser ‘n Run and Choral Society, and the ling performances by converted flat runners: No finer decision by the Horses in the Sun (HITS) to add another thoroughbred made the transition than Kelso, the fivetwo weeks to its annual horse show in Ocala, puts jump- time Horse of the Year and leading money winner at the ing and showing in the headlines and speaks to the fact time of his retirement.

Michael Matz, renowned as the trainer of 2006 that a second in either discipline is an option.

“Sulky, sour racehorses always brighten when they Florida and Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, was a sixspend some time on the farm,” said Kisser ‘n Run’s time national show-jumping champion, an Olympian and trainer, Richard Valentine. “Walking cross country to the an inductee in the show jumping Hall of Fame.

In addition to Barbaro, he trained 2004 Arlington Milgallops, running with the dogs … it’s a pretty good life.”

Kisser ‘n Run was the National Steeplechase Asso- lion winner Kicken Kris, who went to stud in Japan and, ciation’s Life’s Illusion Award winner as the top jump- after that career, was returned to the U.S. at 14 for a third ing female in 2013, but she wouldn’t be headline career as an show horse.

Matz devoted all his time to training thoroughbreds material had she remained a “flat” runner, at least judging by her early career spent toiling in claiming races. when, in his late 40s, he started to feel his years and felt Like the now 7-year-old mare, the 6-year-old gelding of additional dates at HITS with Choral Society was laboring the growing prominence of Florida-breds in steeplechasin claimers prior to his Auing, with the publicity that comes from being the site of gust reincarnation as a American Pharoah’s early training, with the steady diet Grade 1 stakes winner over of stakes winners across the nation, it’s clear that the the bushes.

While some, as the two state’s racing and breeding is heading in heights and mentioned above, weren’t esdirections never before attained. pecially distinguished on the main track, some very good racehorses have attempted he could no longer compete as a show rider. He says racehorses and show horses are similar in that heart and steeplechasing. soundness are the most important ingredients in both.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

Before warmbloods came into vogue, thoroughbreds Gallant Bob, the Eclipse Award sprint champion as a 3-year-old in 1975, was converted into a steeplechaser were very popular with the event crowd. Now the tide is as a 7-year-old. Under the training of Hall of Famer swinging back a bit to the far-less expensive thorough“Mikey” Smithwick, with another Hall of Famer, Joe bred, and many show-horse people believe a ride on a thoroughbred is safer than that aboard the warmbloods of Aitcheson, in the saddle, he fell in his only start.

But some good racehorses have become good old – prior to an infusion of thoroughbred blood – due to jumpers. Uptown Swell, a graded-stakes winner on the their unpredictable temperament and stubborn streak.

Combining the news of additional dates at HITS with turf, was hugely impressive over the jumps after Bruce Miller took over his training, although an off-the-track the growing prominence of Florida-breds in steeplechasing, with the publicity that comes from being the site incident cut that career short.

As a 2-year-old, Top Bid finished third in the Sanford, of American Pharoah’s early training, with the steady diet Saratoga Special and Hopeful of 1966, won the Wood- of stakes winners across the nation, it’s clear that the lawn Stakes at Pimlico and was beaten only a neck when state’s racing and breeding is heading in heights and difourth in the San Felipe the next year, then won his first rections never before attained. ■

Combining the news

90 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

LeadingSireLists_Florida Horse_template 8/21/15 11:37 AM Page 91

The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Aug. 18, 2015. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

WILDCAT HEIR

LEADING FLORIDA SIRES

WITH DISTINCTION

Farm Name

Forest Wildcat

Deceased

$4,198,492

205

103

6

9

1

$4,536,023

Wild Dude

$404,667

12

$45,208

14

Storm Cat

Hartley-DeRenzo

$2,094,473

145

73

2

3

1

$2,096,113

Distinctiv Passion

$123,480

10

$15,750

5

$44,600

Carson City

Pleasant Acres Stallions

$1,807,974

139

55

3

3

1

$1,917,251

Twentytwentyvision

$210,680

2

$7,500

1

$17,000

$186,400

5

$6,600

11

$22,927

$82,780

10

$10,400

5

$42,200

7

$9,343

6

$21,333

Name

Sire Name

Wildcat Heir With Distinction Pollard's Vision

Stk Gr Strtrs Wnrs SW's Wins SW's Earnings

POLLARD’S VISION

NA Earnings

Leading Earner

Leading Earnings

Yrlg Sold

Yrlg Avg

2yo Sold

2yo Avg $60,250

Exclusive Quality

Elusive Quality

Journeyman Stud

$1,588,405

106

46

2

2

0

$1,591,135

Sr. Quisqueyano

Magna Graduate

Honor Grades

Woodford Thoroughbreds

$1,290,868

77

44

5

5

0

$1,292,997

Bellarmine

City Place

Storm Cat

Hartley-DeRenzo

$1,245,167

47

29

2

2

0

$1,253,375

Stallwalkin' Dude

$383,250

Burning Roma

Rubiano

Prestige Stallions

$1,191,281

43

25

1

2

1

$1,191,936

Sheer Drama

$714,720

High Cotton

Dixie Union

Ocala Stud

$1,148,467

91

36

1

1

0

$1,164,429

Dream of Me

$150,440

40

$17,148

35

$48,257

Two Step Salsa

Petionville

Get Away Farm

$1,121,664

61

27

2

2

1

$1,145,333

Classic Salsa

$169,310

10

$21,500

11

$31,173

In Summation

Put It Back

Ocala Stud

$1,114,679

68

40

1

1

1

$1,121,531

Puntrooskie

$94,879

20

$11,270

16

$34,969

Montbrook

Buckaroo

Deceased

$961,517

72

36

0

0

0

$965,441

Miss Darla

$66,070

5

$18,800

6

$20,333

Kantharos

Lion Heart

Ocala Stud

$928,768

34

17

3

3

1

$928,768

Mr. Jordan

$128,880

14

$22,214

11

$67,273

Bring the Heat

In Excess (IRE)

Ward Ranch

$791,731

48

27

1

1

0

$791,731

Richies Sweetheart

Awesome of Course Awesome Again

Journeyman Stud

$773,198

44

18

1

2

1

$773,198

Dogwood Trail

$239,010

8

$15,750

17

$32,765

Concerto

Chief's Crown

Deceased

$675,018

56

27

1

2

0

$676,233

Concert Stage

$66,230

West Acre

Forty Niner

Deceased

$615,428

23

17

1

1

0

$615,428

Fast Flying Rumor

Benny the Bull

Lucky Lionel

Bridlewood Farm

$589,447

40

16

0

0

0

$589,447

Benny's Bullet

$86,000

7

$4,286

5

$13,700

Hear No Evil

Carson City

Journeyman Stud

$542,619

28

16

1

1

0

$544,538

Ballet Diva

$113,640

1

$10,000

3

$25,733

Greatness

Mr. Prospector

Prestige Stallions

$507,078

41

20

0

0

0

$512,418

Great Attack

$50,626

8

$6,563

9

$12,556

Cool Coal Man

Mineshaft

Journeyman Stud

$511,585

35

17

0

0

0

$511,585

Competitive Player

$62,180

10

$13,150

4

$84,750

Indy Wind

A.P. Indy

Journeyman Stud

$433,364

26

9

0

0

0

$439,891

A. P. Cino

$99,480

5

$4,000

3

$5,733

Leading the Parade

A.P. Indy

Lamholm South

$418,573

34

15

0

0

0

$418,573

Clever Royal

$47,780

Flashstorm

Storm Cat

Northwest Stud

$397,641

20

14

0

0

0

$397,641

Abounding Legacy

$54,420

13

$16,769

6

$21,167

Wagon Limit

Conquistador Cielo Bridlewood Farm

$339,058

13

6

1

1

0

$339,058

Delta Bluesman

$85,760

Concorde's Tune

Concorde Bound

Deceased

$320,424

33

17

1

1

0

$333,549

Tune Me In

$54,940

Yesbyjimminy

Yes It's True

Bridlewood Farm

$320,271

34

18

0

0

0

$321,842

Yes Mz Olga

$47,770

3

$2,067

6

$51,833

Gone Astray

Dixie Union

Northwest Stud

$311,713

12

4

2

2

0

$311,713

It's High Time

$161,200

33

$19,724

27

$49,119

Big Drama

Montbrook

Bridlewood Farm

$280,040

13

6

0

0

0

$280,040

Mr. Kisses

$61,160

32

$54,203

31

$82,726

Admiral's Cruise

A.P. Indy

Deceased

$245,232

9

4

2

2

2

$247,984

Crucero

Rock Hampton

Storm Cat

Ric Deg Farm

$232,454

12

8

0

0

0

$232,454

George Jet

$35,620

1

$4,000

3

$6,167

Act of Duty

Mr. Prospector

Deceased

$216,531

32

10

0

0

0

$216,531

Rasta Rant

$46,660

$86,562

$102,270

$133,480

First Dude

Stephen Got Even

Double Diamond Farm

$209,969

16

6

0

0

0

$209,969

Sticksstatelydude

$57,860

40

$28,868

37

$37,838

Spellbinder

Tale of the Cat

Prestige Stallions

$198,747

14

6

0

0

0

$198,747

Gryvon

$58,200

1

$1,700

1

$5,000

Sweet Return (GB)

Elmaamul

Ocala Stud

$198,659

28

12

0

0

0

$198,659

Sweet Morgan

$25,040

5

$1,920

Three Wonders

Storm Cat

Deceased

$196,017

18

6

0

0

0

$196,017

Helicopter

$67,780

The Green Monkey

Forestry

Hartley-DeRenzo

$127,621

11

8

1

2

0

$184,981

Monkey Business (PAN) $57,360

Hello Broadway

Broken Vow

Ups and Downs Farm

$178,329

15

8

0

0

0

$178,329

Get a Room

$35,100

Kiss the Kid

Lemon Drop Kid

Journeyman Stud

$176,632

13

6

0

0

0

$176,632

Just Kidding

$55,140

2

$8,500

Mach Ride

Pentelicus

Bridlewood Farm

$171,401

7

5

1

1

0

$171,401

Ackeret

$75,000

3

$4,667

1

$7,000

Straight Man

Saint Ballado

Deceased

$161,309

13

9

0

0

0

$161,626

Unflinching

$57,975

Halo's Image

Halo

Get Away Farm

$158,470

16

7

0

0

0

$158,470

Blonde On Blonde

$48,688

Proud Accolade

Yes It's True

Deceased

$125,376

13

5

0

0

0

$125,376

Gentlemans Code

$26,218

Brooks 'n Down

Montbrook

Journeyman Stud

$118,950

2

2

0

0

0

$118,950

Silent Prayer

$81,350

1

$3,500

Spensive

Ponche

Y-Lo Racing Stable

$103,520

6

2

0

0

0

$103,520

Aces for John

$77,482 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015 91

LeadingSireLists_Florida Horse_template 8/26/15 12:38 PM Page 92

LEADING FLORIDA FRESHMAN SIRES

The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Aug. 18, 2015. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

BIG DRAMA

GONE ASTRAY

FIRST DUDE

LIKE US ON Sire Name

Farm Name

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

Gone Astray

Dixie Union

Northwest Stud

$311,713

12

4

2

2

0

$311,713

It's High Time

33

$19,724

27

$49,119

Big Drama

Montbrook

Bridlewood Farm

$280,040

13

6

0

0

0

$280,040

Mr. Kisses

$61,160

32

$54,203

31

$82,726

First Dude

Stephen Got Even

Double Diamond Farm

$209,969

16

6

0

0

0

$209,969

Sticksstatelydude $57,860

40

$28,868

37

$37,838

Brooks 'n Down

Montbrook

Journeyman Stud

$118,950

2

2

0

0

0

$118,950

Silent Prayer

$81,350

1

$3,500

10

$9,280

10

$30,500

Name

Leading Earner

Leading Earnings

Yrlg Sold

$161,200

Yrlg 2yo Avg Sold

2yo Avg

Crown of Thorns Repent

Woodford Thoroughbreds $73,740

8

2

0

0

0

$73,740

I'malreadythere

$30,400

Iqbaal

Ward Ranch

$48,600

4

2

0

0

0

$48,600

Iron in the Fire

$17,540

$16,600

8

$10,500

13

$61,385

$8,594

3

$50,667

1

$14,000

Medaglia d'Oro

J P's Gusto

Successful Appeal Journeyman Stud

$47,920

7

2

0

0

0

$47,920

Dr. Crabby

Factum

Storm Cat

Stonehedge

$14,814

2

1

0

0

0

$14,814

It's a Factum

Adios Charlie

Indian Charlie

Ocala Stud

$10,781

3

0

0

0

0

$10,781

Hola Charlotte

$5,800

6

$26,417

14

$154,250

Backtalk

Smarty Jones

Bridlewood Farm

$7,100

1

0

0

0

0

$7,100

Sasstalk

$7,100

3

$6,833

2

$18,000

Vineyard Haven

Lido Palace (CHI)

Woodford Thoroughbreds $5,000

1

0

0

0

0

$5,000

Williamette Valley $5,000

5

$6,400

2

$22,000

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

92 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

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In reference to a farm’s ability to not be harmful to the environment to support long-term balance

FARM M A N A G E M E N T

Sustainable Horse Farms: Can This be a Reality?

S ustainability…what’s that? I recently attended the North American Manure Expo in Chambersburg, PA. Several of the topics at the conference focused on more sustainability for farms. What is a definition of farm sustainability? It refers to the farm’s ability to not be harmful to the environment to support long-term balance. For example, several dairies compost their manure/waste to reuse as bedding. Not only does it save on expenses, but compost as bedding also benefits the cows by reducing mastitis and other fungal infections. This not only dramatically cuts farm costs, it also improves farm sustainability and cow health. This is only one example, but there are many ways in which a farm can increase its sustainability.

Earlier this year, I went to the Waste to Worth conference where a tour was taken of a horse farm that used bamboo wood for building the stalls. Bamboo is a very sustainable wood that is also regularly being used for home flooring, etc.

The horse stalls are sturdy and beautiful, like traditional hardwood, but because of the renewability of bamboo would definitely be a viable option for anyone building a barn looking to improve overall sustainability.

Composting the manure is certainly a topic I discuss often; many people would never consider it as a reusable resource, but compost actually makes a fabulous bedding for both cows AND horses. When compost is mixed evenly with traditional beddings, it will not only save enormous amounts with farm’s expenses (bedding is one of the largest costs on most facilities), but it is still quite attractive and also very healthy for the animals feet and legs. Studies done with the Sonomish Conservation District in Sonomish, WA to determine the efficacy of compost as a bedding source showed extremely positive results regarding the safety, dust-free and absorbent qualities of compost. Additionally, horses suffering from scratches and thrush improved dramatically when compost was part of the final bedding.

Regarding pasture maintenance, compost is a superior soil amendment that can dramatically support and improve the health of the pasture grass. Up to 90% of weed seeds are

94 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

killed in the composting process, so this helps curb weed infiltration when spread on the field (versus spreading fresh manure), leading to minimized competition for space and nutrients for the grass. Compost is also a super long term fertilizer. Using it can dramatically decrease, or eliminate the need for supplemental fertilization which decreases just one more of the many expenses for a farm.

Looking elsewhere on the farm, broken fence boards are something that every farm has with some regularity; this usable resource can also be used to help improve the sustainability factor of the farm. Often times with broken boards, much of the board remains in excellent shape, allowing it to work well in compost bin/manure containment construction.

It doesn’t take too many boards to develop a strong, safe containment or compost bin that will save the farm money and increase overall farm sustainability. Broken boards can easily be used in other small construction projects on the farm, too.

Just look around; areas like wash areas and tack rooms can always use more some storage shelves. Why buy them when they can be easily and cheaply constructed?

Although being sustainable may seem like a daunting task, small steps can help improve farm sustainability factors dramatically. Don’t forget, sustainability generally helps a farm reduce overall expenses and anything that can decrease costs for a farm is ideal. So, while true sustainability is difficult for horse farms, every little step helps. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or your local Extension agent to schedule a FREE, non-regulatory farm visit, or to learn more about improving your farm’s sustainability of the manure, bedding, housing, etc. As always, keep up the good management practices! ■

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

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LIKE HORSE PHOTOGRAPHER

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O F

INDEX

A DV E RT I S E R S

DOUBLE DIAMOND FARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 COAST TO COAST SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 EPO EQUINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66, 67 FLORIDA EQUINE COMMUNICATIONS INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43, 93, 95 FLORIDA HORSE PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED CHARITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 FTBOA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 GOLDEN OCALA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 NTRA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 OCALA BREEDERS SALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 OCALA STUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 OCD EQUINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 OMEGA ALPHA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

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PERFORMANCE EQUINE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 RACE TRACK INDUSTRY PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 SOUTHERN STATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 T. T. DISTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

2016 SR contract COLOR_2004SR contract COLOR.qxd 8/20/15 2:10 PM Page 1

2016 STALLION REGISTER ADVERTISING CONTRACT Prepay by Friday, September 18, 2015, and receive an early booking discount for all color presentation

Complete all information (one contract per stallion) and return to The Florida Horse at: 801 S.W. 60th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474 Fax: (352) 867-1979 Ph. (352) 732-8858

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• $50.00 Production/photography charges may apply; photo(s) must be received by Monday, Oct. 5, 2015

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I, the undersigned, hereby authorize and accept full responsibilty for payment of The Florida Horse Stallion Register page for the above named stallion. The information provided is correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this Stallion register page may be canceled provided The Florida Horse receives written notice from the undersigned prior to Oct. 1, 2015. In the event of cancellation, the cost of the Register page preparation will be $300.

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PlayersPage_Kershner_Florida Horse_template 8/21/15 9:51 AM Page 1

G E N E ’ S JARGON

Quirks & Superstitions

by Gene Kershner

By GENE KERSHNER I’m a quirky guy. n my way into Saratoga Race Course on Travers weekend in 2009, a bird pooped on my suit jacket. Legend has it that when that happens, it is good luck. I did some extensive research (e.g., googling) to investigate if this were just an old wives tale.

I learned that certain birds (ravens, owls) were very good luck and that others (crows, magpies) were not. I don’t actually remember the type of bird that did the deed, but the outcome was simply spectacular. That would be the race, not my jacket.

Summer Bird won the 2009 Travers. Have I mentioned that I was all in on Summer Bird that day? I’m on board with the bird poop good luck thing, regardless of specie.

This got me to thinking, am I that superstitious at the track? Do I have these same idiosyncrasies in everyday life (park my car in same spot daily at work, sidewalk crack avoidance, same seat in conference room, etc.)?

After some self-reflection, I discovered I truly do have certain rituals that I practice when onsite at a racetrack.

Let's examine some of my quirks and superstitions...

O

Sometimes it pays to be quirky

4. Last race group superfecta. Not sure this qualifies for superstition status, but whenever I'm with a group, we have to play a $1 superfecta on the last race on the card. Typically we'll each pick a horse and throw in $6/each if there are four of us. We've hit it on occasion, usually resulting in a nice dinner, so I'm highly superstitious not to walk away from this trait.

5. Gray sky overhead, bet the gray horse. I learned this lesson the hard way at the Spa in 2008 when three of four grays won on opening day during a deluge.

It’s part of the routine now, I always look for the gray when the skies call for it.

6. Tickets always in my front left pocket. I’m a nervous guy. I forever think I’m losing things. I keep my live tickets in my front left pocket, whether I’m winning or losing. Maybe it’s because my keys are in my right pocket. I’m not sure, but it’s like clockwork.

7. Never count your chickens before they're hatched. Lots of scenarios can happen in that final furlong. Never call out your winner or celebrate until he's crossed the wire. Better yet, keep it to yourself and do the Ickey Shuffle in your head. I made this rookie mistake early on in my horseplayer career and it wasn't pretty.

1. Go to the Windows. I enjoy bantering with the parimutuel clerks at the track. However, I will not return to a window that I have lost at. I will return to a window I have won at. Pretty standard superstitious behavior in my book.

2. When winning a big bet, always tip the clerk.

Nothing brings a smile to a pari-mutuel clerk’s face than a nice tip after cashing a big bet.

3. I always bet an exacta in the first race. It's kind of like warm-ups, especially if I plan on playing a whole card when on track. Not sure why I do this, but I'm pretty consistent with this scenario.

98 THE FLORIDA HORSE • SEPTEMBER 2015

8. Always stick to your original bet. It can only end badly. You spent the time handicapping, studying, reviewing and putting together the bet. Don’t let an outside opinion change your ways.

9. I bet my wife’s birthday numbers at the Derby.

Since she has an 18 in there, it’s one of the few opportunities I get to bet her birthday in a four-horse exacta box in the 20-horse Derby field. I’d share the numbers, but we all know that wouldn’t be wise.

Sometimes it pays to be quirky. ■

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