HorseRacingBC Serving the British Columbia Horseracing community
Issue # 43
www.horseracingbc.ca
July 2012
B it s & Bi kes Looking for Photos HorseRacingBC is looking for old photos of people or horses from the past. Jockeys, trainers and backstretch personnel from BC’s racing history are welcome and will be used in future issues. Each photo will be scanned and returned to it’s owner in the condition it is received. No win-photos please Incentive Plan A new incentive plan to attract additional horses to Hastings went into effect July 2. see pg 2 for details Standardbred Broodmares Harness Racing BC has announced that Oct. 1 will be the date of their 2012 yearling sale at the Showbarn, Cloverdale Fairgrounds at 6 p.m. New Stride Special Event The Winners Circle Day at the Races Charity Event, benefitting the New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society! The first annual Winners Circle Day at the Races charity event will include a cocktail-style appetizer buffet, complimentary cocktail upon arrival, race program, musical entertainment and a silent auction while enjoying the races. Tickets are $55 per person. Dress is derby attire. For more information please go to www.winnerscircle.ca Go Ahead For New Casino In South Surrey The BC Lottery Corporation has given the go ahead to a plan which would see another full-fledged casino come into competition with Fraser Downs, local business leaders are forgoing the Surrey Board of Trade and are demanding that expanded gaming be granted solely to the harness raceway if gambling expansion is indeed coming to the area by 2014. The Thoroughbred Ladies Club The Thoroughbred Ladies Club of BC meets the first Tuesday of the month. If you would like to help or join them please call: Linda Sentes 604-318-7949 Eleanor Vanden Born 604-534-2879 or Diane Cardinal 604-524-6793.
courtesy Michael Burns Photography
Canyon Farms’ Strait of Dover First BC Bred to win Queen’s Plate
Canyon Farms’ homebred Strait of Dover, ridden confidently by Justin Stein, made every pole a winning one while taking the $1 million Queen’s Plate, Canada’s most famous horse race, in record time Sunday at Woodbine Racetrack. At the finish of the mile and one-quarter classic for Canadian-bred three-year-olds, Strait of Dover held a one and one-quarter length margin over filly Irish Mission, winner of the recent Woodbine Oaks, with Dixie Strike, the only other filly in the race, a further three and three-quarter lengths back in third. The final time was 2:01.4, eclipsing the former Polytrack mark of 2:02.1, set by Pachattack two years ago. The Plate record of 2:01 4/5 seconds is held by 1990 winner Izvestia, “I loved this horse all along,” said an elated Stein. “He’s shown me and I have said it time and time again that he is a racehorse. He wants to get out there and he wants to win. He calmed right down as soon as he saw that we were going into the gate and he just stood there and waited for his turn to be loaded. That’s what he wants to do. “I didn’t have to be on the lead with him today but no one else wanted to go and we were going pretty easy so I just let him roll on up there. I have faith in this horse and he just galloped around there like a champ.” Stein, was leading rider at Hastings in 2005, his father, Bobby Stein, a steward at Hastings, is a former jockey. “He rode a great horse and gave him a great ride. I had a few tears in my eye when he crossed the finish line,” said the senior Stein. Strait of Dover began his career at Hastings as a 2-year-old but finished sixth and fifth in his only two starts. continued on page 7
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Issue # 43
Hastings: Incentive Plan To Attract Additional Horses
www.horseracingbc.ca
July 2012
Desert Blanc was three-for-five in France in 2011. Green Light For New Casino Chad Brown trained Desert Blanc in the U.S. for owners Swift Thoroughbreds Inc., Mackie In South Surrey In an attempt to attract more horses to Hastings Racing, Vintage Thoroughbreds, and Bradley In light of a revealed BC Lottery Corporation Racecourse, the thoroughbred horsemen’s Thoroughbreds. plan which would see another full-fledged casino associations in British Columbia have agreed they come into competition with Fraser Downs, local will reward horse owners this summer if they ship Emerald Downs Announces business leaders are forgoing the Surrey Board of runners from other provinces or countries. Trade and are demanding that expanded gaming Beginning July 1, 2012, owners will receive a Overnight Purse Increase be granted solely to the harness raceway if The amount of purse money available for $1,000 bonus when a horse they ship from another gambling expansion is indeed coming to the area jurisdiction makes its second start this season at overnight races at Emerald Downs will be raised by 2014. Hastings Racecourse. That same horse will be five percent, track Vice President Jack Hodge The situation has reportedly been ignited due to eligible for a further 25 per cent bonus if it wins its announced. The purse increase will take effect the findings that the BCLC has told the Surrey first start and goes on to run at least twice at July 3 and be retroactive to opening day, April 13. Board of Trade that it has given the green light for Hastings. Hodge said several factors enabled the increase a new casino to be erected in South Surrey and, at The 25 per cent bonus applies only to horses that including a boost in on-track attendance and this point, that it is up to City Council to give its win their first start and is based on first money for wagering figures almost identical to last year’s. blessing to the plan. that race. Neither bonus applies to stake races. To “We would like to emphasize what a great job the The CDCC and the Cloverdale BIA have be eligible, a horse must not have a race in British horsemen are doing at the entry booth, and requested meetings and explanations from Columbia for the same owner or ownership group commend our racing secretary Bret Anderson and multiple organizations in regard to the in the past six months. his racing staff for their hard work,” Hodge said. developments, and are stressing the importance of Forming a united front, the following statements On-track attendance, up 11 percent in 2011, has Fraser Downs and the horse-racing industry to were spokespersons from Hastings Racecourse, risen another 1.4 percent in 2012, and the better business. British Columbia Thoroughbred Owners & weather months of July and August usually mean The report also quotes Cloverdale BIA President Breeders Association and the HBPA of B.C. Lyle MacMillan as saying that the decision will even better attendance. “We are doing this to try and beef up our racing not just affect Fraser Downs, but will also then “We’re exceptionally pleased to be ahead of last stock. All of the associations are in agreement with affect the GCGC-owned and operated Hastings year’s 11 percent gain in attendance,” Hodge said. this plan, so we have their blessing to do this.” said Park in Vancouver. “It’s a very good sign, and obviously bodes well Paul Ryneveld, Director of Racing at Hastings. “Horse racing is at a crossroad in BC, and we for the handle too.” cannot afford to lose this vital industry,” said Desert Blanc Retired The purse increase does not affect Emerald MacMillan. Desert Blanc, winner of the June 9 Gr. I Manhattan Downs’ stakes schedule, which includes the 77th …Courtesy Standardbred Canada Handicap at Belmont Park, suffered a tendon running of the $200,000 injury and has been retired because of a tear of his Longacres Mile (G3) left front superflexor tendon. Interior Racing Dates Aug. 19. Partly owned by Swift Thoroughbreds’ Desert The following are the race dates for the BC interior. Blanc retires with four wins, a second, and a third These dates are confirmed with the BC Government. in seven races and earnings of $428,133. for all your horse insurance needs
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Issue # 43
www.horseracingbc.ca
Thoroughbred Stakes Winners River Rock Casino Stakes
CatchaMoment photos
July 2012
Sir Winston Churchill Hcp
CatchaMoment photos
Devil in Disguise — Ch colt by Smarty Jones -Bay Harbor - Forty Niner Owner: North American Thoroughbred Horse. Jockey: F Perez. Time: 1:44.4
Taylor Said — Dk b or br g by Stephanotis - Fleet Amyanne - Western Fame. Owner: North American Thoroughbred Horse. Jockey: F Perez. Time: 1:43.3
Vancouver Sun Hcp
Emerald Down Stakes
CatchaMoment photos
Evelyn’s Dancer — Bay filly by Songandaprayer -Seraphic Too - Southern Halo Owner: Mark DeDomenico & North American Thoroughbred Horse. Jockey: F Perez. Time: 1:44.2
CatchaMoment photos
Terlani — Dk b or br mare by El Corredor - Golden Lake -Salt Lake Owner: Sharlea Stable. Jockey: Jeff Burningham. Time: 1:44.3
Issue # 43
A Tribute From an Artist
www.horseracingbc.ca
July 2012
This painting is a fantastic work by Cathy Rycroft, a local Hastings artist who has been painting Thoroughbred race horses for over 20 years. Her years of working with her husband, trainer Kelly Rycroft, have given her an eye for detail that brings her paintings of horses to life. Her newest painting of Mario Gutierrez and I’ll Have Another was inspired as soon as they crossed the wire in the Kentucky Derby, “ I started the painting shortly after the Derby win. I was so thrilled for Mario and all the connections with the horse, it was just such a joy to see our hometown boy be the hero.” Cathy has partnered together with New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society, giving part proceeds from the sales of the Limited Edition Prints at Hastings Racecourse. “ I wanted to give back to our own community and New Stride is perfect, they rehabilitate retired racehorses and give them wonderful new careers, and thanks to Hastings Racecourse for allowing us to sell the prints at the track, so everyone can enjoy a piece of history and contribute to a great society.” The cost of the 12 x 18 inch paper print is $25 and the 19 x 24 inch canvas print is $125. New Stride and Cathy will be at Hastings Racecourse, Monday July 2nd, Canada Day long weekend.
www.horseracingbc.ca
The Surgeon’s Corner
…Tendonitis
It was a disappointing outcome for racing fans to see I’ll Have Another abandon his pursuit of the most coveted prize in horse racing. Horses are not predictable machines, which leads to the statement ‘that’s horse racing’ As a biologic structure, any living being has an element of uncertainty when it comes to health. This is what we call “risk” and its appropriate management is a juggling act. I’ll Have Another’s owners preferred not to tempt fate and withdraw him from his most important race before any risk would be taken. It was a correct decision for the horse, for them, and for racing! So, what is tendonitis? It is simply a general term indicating inflammation of a tendon. This inflammatory process can be the result of different severities of damage, from a slight filling around the tendon, case in point, to the typically known “bow”. In most situations “a slight and persistent, almost innocuous, filling” heralds the high likelihood of a catastrophic event, like a severe “bow” or worse. A tendon is a hierarchically organized structure composed of microscopic collagen fibers that keep bundling up in progressively larger bundles to form what we recognize as a tendon. Tendons are elastic and they stretch as the horse loads the leg and spring back once the horse lifts it contributing to the horse’s movement. As an elastic structure it has a point of breaking, which is represented by the tearing of collagen fibers producing an
July 2012
by Dr. Antonio M. Cruz DVM, MVM, MSc, DrMedVet
associated hematoma (accumulation of blood) in elite thoroughbreds. Unfortunately tendons are and inflammation. Depending on the severity of very poorly populated by cells, which makes this tearing, we encounter different stages and their healing capacity very limited and protracted severity of heat, pain, swelling and lameness. in time. In addition the scar tissue that forms Like many other catastrophic injuries in race following a tendon injury has inferior mechanic horses, although they can, they usually do not capacity making the rate of re-occurrence happen “all of a sudden”. If you ignore or do not approach 70 %. As publicized I’ll Have recognize the early signs, chances are that Another’s lesion was just a bit of inflammation something “bad” will occur. which will subside in time not necessarily Once the structure of the tendon has been affecting the overall tendon structure and its disrupted, its mechanical ability and strength is strength. However, the decision appears to be at also compromised. Since the strain horse racing this point in time to retire I’ll Have Another to puts tendons at the limits of their physiological the breeding shed. We will wait impatiently to capabilities there is really no margin for error, see how his two and three year old crops and if ignored, any little damage could mean the perform. difference between a healthy or a crippled . horse. Given I’ll Have Dr. DAvid Paton Dr. Eric Martin Another’s future prospects, not to Dr. Antonio Cruz Dr. Marelle St-Laurent mention what a highly televised event could have done to the racing Paton & MartinVeterinary Services is a multiindustry in case of an on-course injury, the service equine practice and hospital which decision to pull him out offers four skilled veterinarians to serve you. was more than appropriate. Located 10 minutes from Thunderbird Show Once an injury like Park it offers a full service hospital including this is recognized, backing up from surgical facility. exercise is of foremost importance. There is no 25939 - 40th Ave. Aldergrove BC V4W 2A5 easy nor immediate fix
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15th 2012
July
Issue # 43
marquee tent | hastings racecourse gates open at 1:30 | first race at 1:50 dress code is derby attire winners circle 2012
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Issue # 43
www.horseracingbc.ca
Condition Book – KIN PARK, Vernon, BC
The Good Old Days
Sue & Wendy Fisher with the Lansdowne Racetrack in the background
Jim Marsh
Auctioneer Tel: 604-534-0901 Cel: 604-825-7111 Industrial, Marine, Farm & Ranch
Harness Racing BC has announced that Jim Marsh will again be the auctioneer at the Standardbred Yearling sale to be held October 1 at the Showbarn of the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. For additional information please contact Diane at 604-574-5558 or visit the Standardbred website at www.harnessbc.ca
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July 2012
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Queen’s Plate In Jeopardy After 153 Years
Nick Eaves, president of the Woodbine Entertainment Group, shocked today’s Queen’s Plate breakfast by saying that the fabled race’s existence is in jeopardy after this year. Responding to the Ontario government’s cancellation of the slots at racetracks program, Eaves said that after negotiating with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming commission, “If that situation were to continue after next April 1, Woodbine Entertainment Group’s revenues would decrease by 50 per cent and we would not be in a position to continue on. This is an impossible position for us to be put in.” The Queen’s Plate is the oldest continuously run stakes race in North America and Canada’s premier racing event.
Issue # 43
www.horseracingbc.ca
Queen’s Plate to Strait of Dover and Justin Stein
…continued from page 1
Strait of Dover, a son of English Channel-Bahrain Star, is a BC bred, as is the 32 year old Stein, who was born in New Westminster. It was the first Plate win for Stein, whose best previous finish was fourth with Ascot Bill in 2006. It was also the first Plate win for owner-breeder Canyon Farms (Wally and Terry Leong), who had one previous Plate starter, Illusive Force in 2003, who finished last behind eventual Triple Crown winner Wando.
Michael Burns Photography
Trained by Dan Vella, Strait of Dover, winner of the Marine Stakes on May 12, had been forced to miss the June 3 Plate Trial because of sickness. But on Sunday he didn’t miss a beat, as he won his fourth race in a row at Woodbine to remain undefeated on Polytrack. (fifth unofficially, after being disqualified in his Woodbine debut last November). But it was the second Plate triumph for Vella, who conditioned 1994 winner Basqueian for Stronach Stables. “Good horses do good things,” said Vella “We all like to take a little credit but truthfully he’s a great horse and that’s what it’s really about, the people that bred such a great horse and just being associated and being able to train these types of horses. It’s what us guys in this industry, that’s what we want to do. “We talked about it with Justin and we analyzed the race and we thought it was a possibility we would end up on the front end. We really didn’t want that. You’re doing the work for everyone else, but if you’re there, you’re there.” Strait of Dover, sent postward a close 7-2 second choice to Plate Trial winner River Rush, who finished a non-threatening sixth, went immediately to the front and never looked back, taking the field of 14 through splits of :23.85, :47.74, 1:12.31 and 1:37.07. As the field turned for home, the pacesetter had opened two and one-half lengths on his rivals but Irish Mission, with Alex Solis, was a determined pursuer, as she tried to run down the leader and become the seventh filly to win the Plate since 1956. Meanwhile, Dixie Strike, who was last early, made a late run for third.
Michael Burns Photography
His connections will now have to decide whether to enter Strait of Dover in the $500,000 Prince of Wales Stakes, July 15 at Fort Erie, on the dirt over one and three-sixteenth miles, the second leg in Canada’s Triple Crown. The third and final leg is the $500,000 Breeders Stakes, August 5 at Woodbine, at one and one-half miles on the lawn. Canyon Farms also ran Illusive Force in the 2003 Queen’s Plate but the longshot finished last. This time Wally and Terry Leong stood proudly alongside Stein in the winner’s circle for the presentation of the Queen’s Plate trophy. The very first thing mentioned by national CBC Television host Elliotte Friedman was “the B.C. connection”.
King Of The Bushes…
July 2012
As they approached the farm Old Doc pointed towards a large paddock. “That’s him over there,” he said. “Good looking son of a gun isn’t he.’ “Sure is,” said Trains. “Pretty good lookin’ hoss.” “Under all that mud, you mean?” said King. “Poor’s a judge, picks a book by the cover,” replied Old Doc. “Let’s go meet the widow Fletcher.” Old Doc was having second thoughts since he first brought up the existence of the colt to King. He wanted to help his friend and he knew what King was capable of, but he also knew that the colt would be a long shot and a lot of work. And then there was the widow Fletcher. Putting her and King together… well, the woman could be difficult. But then so could his friend and it was better than seeing King mope about the barn area in the company of that old freeloader Benny Trains. As they approached the woman struggling with a large bail of hay he put on a smile. “Hi there Gladys. This is that trainer I told you about. King meet Gladys Fletcher.” “Here. Let me get that,” said King, trying to be helpful. “I can do my own work Mr. King,” snapped the woman. Startled King stepped back. He wasn’t used to an abrupt woman and around the racetrack offers of help were seldom refused. His first thought was that the woman was rude and he should just leave. “I’ll be direct, Mr. King,” the woman said. “My problem is simple. I’m too busy running my late husband’s business to train this horse myself. I don’t need this farm work and that colt is all that’s left. I need someone to train him and I can’t afford to pay. That colt was my husband’s dream, cost too damn much if you ask me.” King’s second thought was that the woman talked in one breath like Benny Trains and that he should just leave. “Late in the spring to start training a green colt,” he replied. “Straight lease. I’ll split purse money and expenses 60-40,” the woman said. “Take it or leave it.” King’s third thought was that he should just leave. “I’ll also tell you up front,” the woman said. “You aren’t my first choice. I’ve asked a very successful trainer named Sheridan to train him but Old Doc here wants me to give you the chance.” King’s fourth thought came too late. “Jeez,” said Trains as they were leaving. “Why’d ya go and take ‘at deal for? Ain’t no day money in it and the splits all her way.” A few days later King stood in the corral facing the big mud encrusted colt. “You need a bath,” he said in the same monotone he had been using for the last half hour. The pen was big, about twelve feet across, with a good floor of sand. He had been standing in the center staring at the colt for twenty minutes, turning only as the young horse moved. “This is kind of like a Mexican standoff boy,” he said, his voice droning in the afternoon air. He took a small step forward. This time, unlike the other steps forward the horse never moved. He studied the horse’s movements and form. The colt was dirty, but there was no denying the good solid form of him. He was a bay horse, big, about 16.2 hands and straight legged, with everything in the right places. His body was long, and his chest and hind-quarters were well developed and powerful. The late Mr. Fletcher had done a good job of putting a ‘bottom’ on the young horse and he looked fit enough to start serious training—but he had questions. “You don’t show much heart though, do you son?” he said aloud. “Hey King. How long ya gonna keep this up?” shouted Benny Trains, his head thrust through the gate. The colt bolted away from King and pranced around the pen. King turned and walked angrily towards the gate. “Goddamn it,” he said angrily as he opened the gate. “How many times do I have to tell you to keep the hell away when I’m working with horses?” “Sorry,” said the little man eyeing King’s clenched fist. “Ya, well…ya just been in there all morning. Come on. Let’s get breakfast.” “Get your own damn breakfast and leave me alone when I’m working. You do that again and I’ll wring your scrawny little neck.” “King takes this too seriously.” said Benny when he saw Old Doc by the rail. “Don’t he?” “Don’t take it too hard Benny. It was your own fault. You know how he is with horses. Sometime I think that they’re more important to him than people.” “They are,” Trains pouted. “Well then, give him space to work and we’ll all be happier,” said Old Doc, but he was concerned about King’s over-reaction. It seemed to him that King was either not pleased with himself for getting into a bad deal with the widow Fletcher or he simply wasn’t happy with the horse. The horse looked fine— healthy and well put together — but King obviously had concerns.
Issue # 43
www.horseracingbc.ca
July 2012