Southern Racehorse - July/August 2013 by American Racehorse (formerly Southern Racehorse)

w w w . s o uthernracehorse.co m JULY/AUGUST 2013

COVERING THE THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY IN Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana

In This Issue: H Rebuilding After the Oklahoma Tornado H Louisiana Legend Zuppardoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prince H Texas-bred Fiftyshadesofgold Makes History at Churchill Downs H Ex-Racehorses and Teens Helping Each Other

Now Covering Louisiana!

A Division of Center Hills Farm

CHECK OUT THESE QUALITY MIGHTY ACRES CONSIGNMENTS AT THIS SUMMER’S YEARLING SALES All yearlings are accredited Oklahoma-breds Carter Sales Co.’s Oklahoma City Summer Yearling Sale • Aug. 19

Mighty Acres, Agent for Center Hills Farm

•F •F •F •C •C •C •F

Air Commander – Lucky Colleen (Lucky Lionel) Air Commander – Wildcata (Forest Wildcat) Kipling – Lunar Mystery (Swiss Yodeler) Kipling – Mambo Music (Mambo) Primary Suspect – Spirited Maiden (Saint Ballado) Save Big Money – Saint Kaytie (Captain Bodgit) The Visualiser – American Sound (Awesome Again)

Mighty Acres, Agent for Center Hills Farm and Randy Blair

• F Air Commander – Foolheartedmemory (Valid Expectations) • C Kipling – Silent Annie (Allawinir)

Mighty Acres, Agent for Center Hills Farm and Danny Hammack

• C Air Commander – Vermont Connection (Alysheba)

• C Air Commander – Gracinha (Siphon [Brz])

•C •C •F •F •C

Mighty Acres, Agent for Rendell Saddler

Mighty Acres, Agent for Robert H. Zoellner Corinthian – Sharon (Milwaukee Brew) Old Fashioned – Home Security (Came Home) Omega Code – Expect Diamonds (Valid Expectations) Omega Code – Miss Chit Chat (Phone Trick) Omega Code – Ridgewell (Rahy)

Fasig-Tipton Texas Summer Yearling Sale • Aug. 26

Beth Bayer, Agent for Center Hills Farm

•C •F •C •F •F •C

Air Commander – Ann’s Classic (Sky Classic) Bellamy Road – Smooth Brandy (Awesome Again) Kipling – Miss Mescalero (Foxhound) Line of David – One Hip Wonder (Offlee Wild) Save Big Money – Royal and Ancient (Royal Academy) Sun King – Beautiful Charm (Lil’s Lad)

STANDING AT MIGHTY ACRES

Kipling • Toccet • Air Commander • Save Big Money • The Visualiser All stallions are nominated to the Oklahoma Bred Program, Iowa Stallion Stakes and the Breeders’ Cup

Mighty Acres

675 W. 470 Rd. • Pryor, Oklahoma 74361 Phone: 918-825-4256 • Cell: 918-271-2266 • Fax: 918-825-4255 www.mightyacres.com

THE LANE’S END TEXAS STALLIONS FOR 2013 VALID EXPECTATIONS Valid Appeal-Mepache Fee: $7,500 Live Foal

TOO MUCH BLING Rubiano-Rose Colored Lady Fee: $4,000 Live Foal

GRASSHOPPER Dixie Union-Grass Skirt Fee: $3,500 Live Foal

SING BABY SING Unbridled’s Song-Roll Over Baby Fee: $2,500 Live Foal

SUPREME CAT Hennessy-Sweet Little Lies Fee: $1,000

Owner - W. S. Farish | Manager - Danny Shifflett | 26685 Mitchell Rd., Hempstead, TX 77445 (979) 826-3366 Cell: (713) 303-8509 Fax: (979) 826-9405 | E-mail: danishfflett@aol.com Photo: Margaret Kempf

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FIFTYSHADESOFGOLD SPARKLES AT CHURCHILL DOWNS! FIFTYSHADESOFGOLD

Reed Palmer Photography

The latest stakes winner for Valor Farm stallion MY GOLDEN SONG is the sensational FIFTYSHADESOFGOLD, who won the historic 113th Debutante Stakes ($113,400) at Churchill Downs by eight lengths against some of the best 2-year-old fillies in the country! She broke her maiden at Lone Star Park by 10 dominant lengths and has earned $77,790 in her undefeated career.

MY GOLDEN SONG Unbridled’s Song – Golden Par, by Gold Meridian

Easily the leading third-crop and 2-year-old sire in Texas! From just 42 starters to date, MY GOLDEN SONG has already sired six stakes winners (14.3%) with average earning per starter of more than $29,000 despite his oldest runners only being 4-year-olds.

His stakes winners include:

Coady Photography

Reed Palmer Photography

TRIUMPH AND SONG

Winner of the Premiere Stakes with a 99 Beyer

COWGIRL N UP

A stakes winner at ages 2, 3 and 4 with earnings of $201,966

Coady Photography

Reed Palmer Photography

PLATINUM SONG

Last year’s Texas Champion 2YO Filly and a two-time stakes winner

SMILES GOLDEN SONG A stakes winner on the turf with earnings of more than $100,000

MY GOLDEN SONG is also the sire of Luvnarollercoastr, on the board in four of six starts and third in the TTA Sales Futurity. Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. Ken Carson, General Manager Donny Denton, Farm Manager • David Unnerstall, Attending Veterinarian Post Office Box 966 • Pilot Point, Texas 76258 (940) 686-5552 • Fax (940) 686-2179 www.valorfarm.com

ownerview_bh_ad_Layout 1 3/21/2013 9:21 AM Page 1

Southern Racehorse Advertisers Index 7S Racing Stables............................50 Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders Assoc............................24 Asmussen Horse Center....................8 Betty Matthews Racing Silks...........50 Biomedical Research Laboratories....9 Ellen Caines, Agent.........................51 Carter Sales Co...............................31 Calle Real Thoroughbreds.............17 Diamond G Ranch Inc.....................6 Equine Sales Co............................. IBC Fasig-Tipton Texas............................11 Harmony Training Center.................6 Heritage Place................................43 JEH Stallion Station.........................BC John Deere/NTRA Advantage......49 Johnny Keefer Racing & Training.....52 Keeneland.......................................13 Lane’s End Texas...............................1 Mighty Acres.................................. IFC OwnerView.com...............................3 palaMOUNTAINS..............................35 Prime Ltd. Horse Transport..............50 Jim Shields/ Arkansas-breds for Sale..............24 Silver Spur Ranch Services..............50 Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma.....25, 48 Unbridled’s Heart............................52 Valor Farm..........................................2 Winner’s Circle Thoroughbred Trainers Test..................................51

ADVERTISE IN SOUTHERN RACEHORSE! Southern Racehorse magazine is the most effective and affordable way to reach owners, breeders, trainers and others involved in the horse racing industry in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and the surrounding region. Southern Racehorse goes to more than 6,000 horsemen, including all members of the Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) and Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma (TRAO), plus more than 1,200 Louisiana horsemen, making it the region’s largest racing and breeding magazine by far. For more information about advertising in Southern Racehorse, including ad rates, deadlines and specifications, go to www.southernracehorse.com/advertising or contact Denis Blake at (512) 695-4541 or info@southernracehorse.com. Published by Pangaea Enterprises LLC d/b/a Southern Racehorse Southern Racehorse P.O. Box 8645 Round Rock, TX 78683 (512) 695-4541 www.southernracehorse.com Physical Address Southern Racehorse 1341 Meadowild Drive Round Rock, TX 78664 Editor/Publisher Denis Blake info@southernracehorse.com Art Director Amie Rittler arittler3@gmail.com

Contributing Writers Kimberly French Shelby O’Neill Susan Salk Photographers Denis Blake Andrea Caudill Coady Photography Adam Coglianese/NYRA Linda Earley Figure8Photos Joy B. Gilbert Bob Heidlage Barbara D. Livingston Dustin Orona Photography Reed Palmer Photography Copyeditor Judy Marchman Cover Photo Barbara D. Livingston

Copyright ® 2013 Southern Racehorse All rights reserved. Articles may not be reprinted without permission. Southern Racehorse reserves the right to refuse any advertising or copy for any reason. Southern Racehorse makes a reasonable attempt to ensure that advertising claims are truthful, but assumes no responsibility for the truth and accuracy of ads.

CONNECT WITH SOUTHERN RACEHORSE ONLINE! HHH

For the most up-to-date racing and breeding news for Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, visit Southern Racehorse online at www.southernracehorse.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/southernracehorse. You can also sign up for the free monthly email newsletter, the Southern Racehorse Express. Correction: On page 24 of the May/June issue, the owner of Holiday Mischief was listed incorrectly. The correct owners are Joe Offolter and Carter Thoroughbreds LLC.

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

26 Ok

Zee find

WHAT’S INSIDE

Southern

Racehorse July/August 2013

Louisiana legend Zuppardo’s Prince

Departments Fast Furlongs TTA News TRAO News The Marketplace Classifieds

12 19 21 50

Features

Recovering from the Oklahoma tornado

26 Oklahoma-bred

Zee Oh Six finds a second career

Weathering the Storm

The Feeling Is Mutual

Lindsay White and Randy Weidner ran for their lives, and now they are starting over after a devastating tornado

Oklahoma’s Thoroughbred Athletes Inc. brings together teens and off-track racehorses

Southern Racehorse Stakes Roundup 32

Texas-breds and Oklahoma-breds take the spotlight for spring stakes at Lone Star Park and Will Rogers Downs

The Prince Who Became King

All About Allergies

Golden Debutante

Late Louisiana stallion Zuppardo’s Prince ruled the state for more than a decade and his influence is still felt around the region Horses, like people, are susceptible to a variety of allergies

Texas-bred Fiftyshadesofgold unleashes a Texas-sized performance in the historic Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 5

HARMONY TRAINING CENTER Where winners train!

HTC, centrally located in Inola, Oklahoma, is the premier location for your Thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse training needs. In 2012, HTC-trained horses earned over $1-million. Since March 2013, HTC-trained horses have already earned $1,495,922 this year!

• Why choose HTC? • • HTC is located near Tulsa and an easy haul of less than 12 hours to 12 tracks, including Remington Park, Will Rogers Downs, Fair Meadows, Lone Star, Sam Houston, Retama and Oaklawn • Approved for official timed workouts • Completely railed, professionally-maintained training track is 40’ wide and 6 furlongs with a 200-yard chute • 152 stalls, each 11’ by 12’ • Round pens, sand pen, walkers and starting gate usage included with stall rental

HARMONY TRAINING CENTER

34396 S. 4220 Road • Inola, OK 74036 • 918-843-2301 (cell) • 918-543-6940 (office) info@HarmonyTrainingCenterOK.com • www.HarmonyTrainingCenterOK.com

Leading Oklahoma Stud Farm

By both earnings and number of wins at Oklahoma tracks

TACTICAL CAT Storm Cat – Terre Haute, by Caro (Ire)

Standing

LUCKY LIONEL Mt. Livermore – Crafty Nan, by Crafty Prospector

AFFIRMATIF

Unbridled’s Song – Wichitoz, by Affirmed Edmond, Oklahoma Contact R.G. Gammill (405) 359-5712

$1,000 LFG – Payable Oct. 1, 2013

Letter from the EDITOR This issue marks the completion of the first year for Southern Racehorse, and I want to thank the boards of directors and staffs of the Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) and Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) for their support. I also want to thank all the advertisers who have helped make this magazine possible, and all the readers who have called or emailed to say they appreciate reading a publication that covers this great sport on a regional level. When the magazine launched with its first issue, the plan was to make it through one year and then see if it made sense to continue beyond that. I’m happy to report that the magazine will indeed continue beyond this, and in fact, this issue marks an expansion in the coverage and distribution of Southern Racehorse. As you will see on the pages that follow, we have broadened our scope to also include the state of Louisiana. Although the primary focus will still be on Texas and Oklahoma and to disseminate news and information to TTA and TRAO members, Louisiana is an important part of racing and breeding in this region. Our increased coverage of Louisiana racing and breeding also comes with increased Our increased distribution, as we have boosted our total circulation over the 6,000 mark with the addition coverage of of a significant number of horsemen and women in the Bayou State. To those of you who Louisiana racing are receiving this magazine for the first time, we hope you enjoy it and welcome your and breeding also comments and input. We plan to provide a free subscription through the end of this year, comes with increased including the 2014 Southern Racehorse Stallion Register, and then will offer the option for distribution, as we a paid subscription at the rate of $39 per year (see page 10). As always, all members have boosted our of the TTA and TRAO will continue to receive a free subscription as part of their total circulation membership. I hope the readers in Louisiana and other states will enjoy a look back at the prolific over the 6,000 mark with the addition stallion career of Zuppardo’s Prince in this issue. You will also find coverage of Texasof a significant bred Fiftyshadesofgold’s scintillating win in the prestigious Debutante Stakes at Churchill number of horsemen Downs, the latest on equine allergies and a look at how Oklahoma-based Thoroughbred and women in the Athletes Inc. is helping ex-racehorses and teenagers. You can also learn more about how you can help the victims, both human and equine, Bayou State. of the devastating Oklahoma tornado and read a personal story about how one couple is rebuilding after the tragedy. I know from speaking to numerous people in Oklahoma that the horsemen there have truly been overwhelmed by the support from other horsemen around the country and even around the world as they deal with the destruction caused by the May 20 tornado. Horse racing can sometimes divide itself to a fault—Thoroughbreds vs. American Quarter Horses, tracks vs. horsemen, Texas vs. Oklahoma—but that seemed to all disappear as horsemen banded together to help other horsemen in their time of need. It’s great to know that we have so many people in our industry willing to help complete strangers simply because of their dedication to the horse. Thank you again for helping to make Southern Racehorse a success, and as always feel free to contact us with any story ideas or comments. Denis Blake Editor/Publisher Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 7

ASMUSSEN HORSE CENTER IS STILL GOING STRONG AFTER 50 YEARS AND STILL COMMITTED TO THE FUTURE OF RACING IN TEXAS! Keith and Marilyn Asmussen

For more than five decades, Asmussen Horse Center has flourished. We have irrigated and grown our program in the Texas heat, survived the hard times and are committed to the future and the good times that are coming. Horses are, and always have been, our ONLY business! We offer an affordable and accomplished stallion roster and a full range of services, from transportation to breaking to tack and more.

ALL ASMUSSEN HORSE CENTER STALLIONS STAND FOR JUST $1,500. YOU SIMPLY WILL NOT FIND BETTER MARE CARE OR BREEDING FOR THE PRICE!

LITTLEEXPECTATIONS

LITTLEEXPE CTATIO has already sir NS the earners of ed mor than $4 million e including G2 wi , KING OF THE nner ROXY!

Valid Appeal – Mepache, by Iron Constitution

2013 Fee: $1,500

INTIMIDATOR e has sired thre INTIMIDATOR ers with Western nn wi O recent 2Y g a $40K MSW and Rock winnin ing winning a $30K She’s Intimidatfirst asking, and Hue MSW, both at nning a trial race for Blue Bayou wi ion of the $100,000 the fillies divisung Memorial Futurity D.S. “Shine” YoDowns. INTIMIDATOR at Evangeline e of WESTERNATOR is also the sir med the CHAMPION who was just na COLT/GELDING 2-YEAR-OLD uisiana! for Lo

Gone West – Colonial Play, by Pleasant Colony 2013 Fee: $1,500 RM PRIMAL STO e re is the sire of th is s th er nn wi le ni ve ju e starters, year from thre N Willing ed im including Pr wns! at Churchill Do

PRIMAL STORM

Storm Boot – Primistal, by Stalwart 2013 Fee: $1,500 Asmussen Horse Center • Keith Asmussen • P.O. Box 1861 • Laredo, TX 78044 Phone: 956-723-5436 • Fax: 956-723-5845 • www.asmussens.com • kaasmussen@aol.com

ILLEGAL DOPING MEETS ITS MATCH Trainers Praise Natural Alternative By: Mark Hansen

The pressure to win is so enormous that many horsemen resort to whatever it takes to get a piece of the purse or a decent sale…even if it means putting their horses’ lives in mortal danger by doping them with illegal synthetic erythropoietin (EPO) drugs to boost endurance. Veterinarian Gary Smith said, “It’s a problem all over the industry. There is no way horses should be put on (synthetic) EPO.” So how do racers win? How do you gain a competitive edge without harming your horses or risking your livelihood? The answer may be found in a safe all-natural horse supplement that supports natural EPO function. Why is EPO boosting so critical? Just like in people, a horse’s muscles require oxygen for fuel. Red blood cells are the body’s oxygen-carrying cells. A higher red blood cell count = more oxygen = more muscle energy. Elevated muscle energy helps the horse perform harder, faster and longer during endurance events. All horses naturally produce EPO in their kidneys to stimulate production of new red blood cells from bone marrow. In short, EPO is a natural “blood builder.” With EPO doping, trainers try to boost the EPO effect to get a winning performance every time. They use a synthetic EPO (recombinant human EPO), even though the side effects can harm the horse. That’s one reason why it’s illegal. Fortunately there’s another option. EPOEquine® is a safe, highly effective natural dietary supplement scientifically engineered for performance horses. A Kentucky trainer who refused to give out his name, said, “I don’t want my competition to know about this.” He found EPO-Equine® to be

so effective that he’s dead set against disclosing who he is, who his horses are, or even where he trains and races. He first started ordering a single jar of EPO-Equine® once a month. Now he’s ordering several CASES each month. And he won’t tell BRL exactly why. He said respectfully, “Sorry – no way.” Bioengineers at U.S. based Biomedical Research Laboratories (BRL), first discovered a completely natural EPO-booster for human athletes (and it’s working miracles for top athletes and amateurs around the world). Seeing these results, horse trainers contacted BRL and asked about using this natural formula for their animals. That’s when the BRL team dug deeper and discovered a proprietary, horse-friendly strain of a common herb that promotes optimal bloodbuilding results. EPO-Equine® is based on the blood-boosting abilities of a certain strain of Echinacea that’s astounding researchers and trainers alike. (It’s not a strain you can find at the local health store.) Veterinarians at the Equine Research Centre in Ontario, Canada ran a double-blind trial investigating the blood building properties of the active ingredient in EPO-Equine® in healthy horses. For 42 days, one group of horses was supplemented with the active ingredient in EPOEquine® and another group of horses was given a placebo. The supplement delivered significant blood building results, increasing red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels. Researchers also observed improved blood quality and increased oxygen transport in the supplemented horses. Improved blood levels leads to elevated exercise physiology and performance. The patent-pending formula in EPO-Equine® contains a dozen different herbs, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components combined to promote natural red blood cell production…for remarkable speed, strength and stamina right out of the gate. Trainers find it easy to add just 1 scoop (3.2 grams) of EPO-Equine® to the horse’s daily feeding routine in the barn or on the road. Within a few weeks of daily use, you can expect to see increased red blood cell levels with no undesirable side effects. An increase in red blood cell levels can improve muscle performance, supercharge endurance, and enhance recovery after hard exercise. Nothing else is scientifically proven to deliver these benefits in a completely safe and natural formula. Compared to the cost of veterinarians, drugs, icing, tapping the knees, and putting the horse on Bute; or even the consequences of being banned for synthetic doping, EPOEquine® is very affordable at the low price of just $59.95 per jar. Or save $180 if you are ready to commit to a larger trial of 12-jar case for just $539.55 with FREE shipping. EPOEquine® can be ordered at www.EPOEquine.com or 1-800-557-9055, and comes with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! www .sou ther

nrac ehor se.co

septe mber /oct

coVe rInG the thor ouGh breD

Oklahoma-bred million aire Clever Trevor is still enjoyi retirement 20 years ng after his last race

ober 2012

InDu strY In teXa s anD oKLa hom a

Texas’ Gillespie County Fairgrounds is thriving well into its second century of operation

also In This Issue: Watch Out for West Nile Virus Trainer Karl Brobe Rise to Stardom rg’s Tips to Prevent Stable Vices

Southern Racehorse covers the racing and breeding industry in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana and provides you with the news and information you need to know! Each issue features articles on horse health, second-career racehorses, horsemen and horses in the region and more, plus breeding, racing and sales news.

[ ] Please sign me up for a one-year subscription to Southern Racehorse

(six bi-monthly issues and the annual Stallion Register) at a cost of $39

Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________________________ City:_________________________________________ State:__________ Zip Code:___________________ Email:_____________________________________________________________________________________ To pay by check, make payable to Southern Racehorse. To pay by credit card, please fill out the information below and return by mail or fax. Or subscribe online at www.southernracehorse.com. Method: q American Express q MasterCard q Visa Card # _______________________________________________ Exp. Date__________CCV#__________ Name on Card _____________________________________________ Phone (

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Billing Address for Card____________________________________________________________________ Authorized Signature_______________________________________________________________________ • Members of the Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) and Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) receive a free subscription as part of their membership. Mail, Fax or Email to: Southern Racehorse P.O. Box 8645, Round Rock, TX 78683 Phone: 512-695-4541 • Fax: 512-251-2858 Email: info@southernracehorse.com www.southernracehorse.com 10

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

Texas Summer Yearlings Lone Star Park Grand Prairie, TX August 26, 2013 5 pm

Texas Summer Grad WORLDVENTURER-SW

972-262-0000 www.fasigtipton.com Southern Racehorse â&#x20AC;˘ JULY/AUGUST 2013

fastfurlongs TRAO and OQHRA Create Benevolence Account for Horsemen Affected by Oklahoma Tornado In a joint statement released by the Thoroughbred Racing together in coordinating relief to horsemen that have Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) and the Oklahoma Quarter Horse been affected by the storm. Racing Association (OQHRA), the associations announced the Both offices have been encouraged by the outpourcreation of a benevolence account for ing of support and ofhorsemen affected by the recent storms in fers for help from across the country. It the state. truly displays “horsemen helping horseFollowing is the joint statement: men.” Many of those horsemen have lost Our thoughts and prayers go out to everything—horses, possessions, tack and everyone in Oklahoma following this horequipment and their homes. They have rific event. There are many horsemen who many needs that cannot be met by tradihave been affected by this tragedy and have tional social agencies. lost everything they own. Celestial Acres, The TRAO and the OQHRA will be Figure8Photos which rents out stalls to multiple train- The May 20 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, killed jointly accepting donations for horsemen ers, took a direct hit along with the highly 24 people and more than 150 horses. who were affected by this tragic event. All publicized damage at the Orr Family Farm. Both horsemen’s organi- donations will be distributed directly to horsemen and their families zations, along with Remington Park in Oklahoma City, are working that were affected by the storms in this area. To make a donation using a credit or debit card, please call OQHRA at (405) 216-0440. Checks should be made payable to either TRAO Benevolence Fund or OQHRA Benevolence Fund and put 2013 Tornado on the memo line. Donations may be sent to: Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma 2620 NW Expressway, Suite A Oklahoma City OK 73112 • (405) 427-8753

Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association P.O. Box 2907 Edmond, OK 73083 • (405) 216-0440

Thoroughbred Athletes Inc. Selling T-Shirts to Benefit Horses Injured in Oklahoma Tornado Guthrie, Oklahoma-based Thoroughbred Athletes Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to retraining racehorses in new disciplines after their racing careers are over, is selling T-shirts with a custom design to raise money for the care of horses injured in the May 20 tornado that ripped through portions of Newcastle, southwest Oklahoma City and Moore. All profits from the sale of the T-shirts will be given to Equi-Center Veterinary Hospital in Norman. As of May 22, Equi-Center, which is owned by Dr. Michael Wiley, was caring for 25 horses injured in the tornado. Many of the equine patients require long-term care for deep wounds, leading to costly veterinary bills. “The May 20 tornado affected all of us deeply here in Oklahoma, including the horse community,” said Lynn Sullivan, director of Thoroughbred Athletes. “Dr. Wiley and his staff have been working so hard to treat wounds and save the lives of these horses, and we really wanted to find a way to help them. After some thought, some of our volunteers came up with the idea to design a T-shirt to raise funds and show the crew at Equi-Center how grateful we are for all they’re doing to

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

help these tornado victims and their owners.” The T-shirt design features an outline of the state of Oklahoma and within it the outline of a horse and a heart, along with the date “5.20.13.” Beneath this image are the words, “Oklahoma Strong.” T-shirts are $20 each and are available for pickup at Red Earth Feed & Tack, located at 2301 E. I-44 Service Road in Oklahoma City, or they can be shipped for an additional $5 per shirt. Individuals can order Tshirts by sending money via PayPal to lynn@thoroughbred-athletes.com and including a preferred size and, if being shipped, a preferred address. Thoroughbred Athletes helps transition Thoroughbred horses from off the track and into a new routine. Volunteers and trainers teach the horses to become dependable riding horses and also expose them to experiences they might not have had while racing, such as being turned out with other horses. Once rehabilitated and retrained, the horses are then put up for adoption and sent to new homes to begin new careers. For more information about Thoroughbred Athletes Inc., visit www.thoroughbred-athletes.com and see page 26 of this issue.

ONE SALE Shapes the Sport.

The Keeneland September Yearling Sale stands out year after year with more graded stakes winners than all others combined. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH - SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST Why buy anywhere else? Southern Racehorse â&#x20AC;˘ MAY/JUNE 2013 13

Remington Announces Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule

Remington Park’s 25th anniversary rolls on in 2013 with the Oklahoma Derby, returned to graded status this season, leading the Thoroughbred season stakes schedule. The Remington Park Thoroughbred season runs from Friday, August 16, through Sunday, December 15, and includes a 32-stakes race schedule worth nearly $3.4 million. Overall, 16 of the 32 events on the stakes schedule are worth a purse of at least $100,000. The Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby is the top event of the season and leads a special Sunday, September 29, program worth more than $1 million in purses. The Oklahoma Derby Day card includes the $200,000 Remington Park Oaks, $150,000 Remington Park Sprint Cup, $100,000 Remington Green Stakes and the first leg of the Remington Park 2-yearold stakes race triple, the $100,000 Kip Deville Stakes. Contested at 1 1/8 miles, the Oklahoma Derby regains a Grade 3 ranking this year for the first time since 2004. This year also marks the 25th running of the event, first won by

Dustin Orona Photography

The $400,000 Oklahoma Derby, won last year by Politicallycorrect (outside), has been returned to Grade 3 status for the 25th running this year.

Clever Trevor in 1989. Politicallycorrect captured the Oklahoma Derby in 2012. The Remington Park season closes with 2-year-olds featured on Sunday, December 15. The $250,000 Springboard Mile is the top stakes offering for the freshmen runners. The Springboard caps the 2-year-old stakes racing triple that begins with the Kip Deville at six furlongs in September, followed by the $100,000 Clever Trevor at seven furlongs on November 8. Texas Bling captured the 2012 Springboard at outlandish odds of 128-1. In addition, a new Remington Park stakes, the $100,000 Trapeze for 2-year-old 2013 Remington Park Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule fillies at one mile, debuts on the final day. Aug. 17: $175,000 Governor’s Cup, 1 1/8 miles The Remington Park stakes slate begins $75,000 David M. Vance Sprint, 6 furlongs with a pair of events on the second night of Aug. 23: $50,000 Red Earth Stakes, 7 1/2 furlongs, turf (OK) the season. The $175,000 Governor’s Cup at Aug. 24: $75,000 Edward J. DeBartolo Memorial Handicap, 1 1/8 miles, turf 1 1/8 miles and the $75,000 David M. Vance Aug. 30: $50,000 Ricks Memorial, 1 mile, fillies/mares, turf Sprint at six furlongs will lead the card on Sept. 13: $50,000 Remington Park Turf Sprint, 5 furlongs, turf (OK) Saturday, August 17. The turf course will Sept. 20: $50,000 Tishomingo Stakes, 7 furlongs, 3yos (OK) feature eight stakes races throughout the sea $50,000 Te Ata Stakes, 7 furlongs, 3yo fillies (OK) son, including the $100,000 Remington Green Sept. 29: $400,000 Oklahoma Derby (G3), 1 1/8 miles, 3yos Stakes on the Oklahoma Derby undercard. $200,000 Remington Park Oaks, 1 1/16 miles, 3yo fillies The $1 million Oklahoma Classics, high $150,000 Remington Park Sprint Cup, 6 furlongs $100,000 Remington Green, 1 1/16 miles, turf lighting eligible Oklahoma-breds in eight $100,000 Kip Deville Stakes, 6 furlongs, 2yos divisional stakes races, will be run Friday, $50,000 Ladies on the Lawn, 7 1/2 furlongs, fillies/mares, turf (OK) October 18, and features the $175,000 Oct. 4: $50,000 Flashy Lady Stakes, 6 furlongs, fillies/mares Oklahoma Classics Cup at 1 1/16 miles Oct. 18: $175,000 Oklahoma Classics Cup, 1 1/16 miles (OK) and the $145,000 Distaff at 1 mile and $145,000 Classics Distaff, 1 mile 70 yds, fillies/mares (OK) 70 yards for older fillies and mares. A $130,000 Classics Sprint, 6 furlongs (OK) $130,000 Classics Distaff Sprint, 6 furlongs, fillies/mares (OK) quartet of $130,000 races comprising the $130,000 Classics Turf, 1 mile (OK) Turf, Distaff Turf, Sprint and Distaff Sprint $130,000 Classics Distaff Turf, 7 1/2 furlongs, fillies/mares (OK) are also featured, with 2-year-olds rounding $100,000 Classics Juvenile, 6 furlongs, 2yos (OK) $100,000 Classics Lassie, 6 furlongs, 2yo fillies (OK) out the divisional Classics competition in the $100,000 Juvenile and $100,000 Lassie. Oct. 25: $50,000 E.L. Gaylord Memorial, 6 1/2 furlongs, 2yos The Remington Park season will feature Nov. 8: $75,000 Clever Trevor Stakes, 7 furlongs, 2yos a 7 p.m. (Central) post time for the August Nov. 22: $50,000 Silver Goblin Stakes, 6 1/2 furlongs (OK) evening race cards. Afternoon programs Nov. 29: $50,000 Oklahoma Stallions Stakes, 6 furlongs, 2yos beginning at 1:30 p.m. include Labor Day $50,000 Oklahoma Stallion Stakes Fillies, 6 furlongs, 2yo fillies Monday, September 2; Oklahoma Derby Dec. 15: $250,000 Springboard Mile, 1 mile, 2yos $100,000 Trapeze Stakes, 1 mile, 2yo fillies Day, Sunday, September 29; Black Friday, $50,000 Jim Thorpe Stakes, 1 mile, 3yos (OK) November 29; and Springboard Mile Day, $50,000 Useeit Stakes, 1 mile, 3yo fillies (OK) Sunday, December 15.

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

Progeny of Mighty Acres Stallions Sweep Iowa Stallion Races Fourth of July weekend proved to be a celebration of the stallions at Mighty Acres, as Oklahoma-bred progeny of studs standing at the Pryor, Oklahoma, farm captured the $72,544 Iowa Stallion Futurity and $80,255 Iowa Stallion Stakes at Prairie Meadows. Both races were restricted to offspring of eligible stallions, regardless of where they were bred. Freshman stallion Save Big Money not only scored with his first winner on July 5 but also his first stakes winner when his daughter Mama’s Mad Money drew clear to a convincing victory in the Iowa Stallion Futurity. Bred by Center Hills Farm and owned by Big Sugar Racing, the chestnut filly won the 5 ½-furlong stakes by 3 1 /4 lengths with Sasha Risenhoover aboard for trainer Timothy Martin. Mama’s Mad Bob Heidlage Money, who sold for $5,000 at the FasigTipton Texas summer yearling sale, finished a close second in her racing debut at Prairie Meadows in a $27,000 maiden special weight contest before stepping up to Coady Photography stakes company. Her Mama’s Mad Money earnings now stand at $48,866 after two starts. Center Hills Farm also bred third-place finisher Holy Missile, an Oklahoma-bred daughter of Giacomo running for owner/trainer Charles Abernathy. Mighty Acres is a division of Center Hills Farm. Save Big Money is son of Storm Cat who earned $230,934 on the track with five victories and three stakes placings. The stallion broke his maiden

Save Big Money

going 6 ½ furlongs and then went on to win on both turf and dirt at longer distances; he set a track record at Keeneland Race Course at 1 3/16 miles and finished second in a stakes at 1 5/8 miles. The 10-year-old stallion is out of multiple Grade 1 winner and millionaire Tomiesue’s Delight and is a full brother to Grade 1 winner Mr. Sidney. Big Sugar Racing and Martin scored again on July 6 when Big Sugarush, a son of Kipling, recorded a sweet victory with a 9-1 upset in the Iowa Stallion Stakes for 3-year-olds. The gelding took the one-mile and 70-yard event by 4 ¼ lengths with David Mello riding. Bred by Harmony Stables LLC and Center Hills Farm, Big Sugarush has now won four of his six career starts. He broke his maiden at Will Rogers Downs and then added claiming victories at Will Rogers and Prairie Meadows before winning his stakes Joy B. Gilbert debut. The gelding Kipling has earned $59,782 in his career. Big Sugarush, a graduate of the Carter Sales Co.’s Oklahoma City summer sale, is one of 10 stakes winners sired by Kipling, whose Coady Photography progeny earnings Big Sugarush are now approaching $10 million. Kipling, a full brother to Grade 1 winner Court Vision from the family of prolific stallions Summer Squall and A.P. Indy, is the sire of $3.3-million earner Kip Deville, the all-time leading Oklahoma-bred earner and winner of the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).

First Winners for Oklahoma Stallion The Visualiser and Texas Stallion Five Demon Bag Freshman Oklahoma stallion The Visualiser was represented by his first winner on June 29 when his 2-year-old Bob Heidlage daughter Color of Truth won a maiden The Visualiser special weight contest at Lone Star Park. Lindey Wade piloted the filly to a wire-to-wire victory by 1 ¾ lengths for conditioner Allen Milligan. Color of Truth, who was bred in Oklahoma by Dr. Warren Center’s Center Hills Farm and runs for Joel and Ali Rush, has earned $16,334 with a record of 3-1-1-0. A son of leading sire Giant’s Causeway, The Visualiser hit the board in 13 of his 23 career starts and earned $136,072. He won on both turf and dirt and finished second in the $270,391

Canadian Derby (G3) going 1 3/8 miles on the main track. The Visualiser, who is out of the stakes-winning Holy Bull mare Smokey Mirage, stands at Mighty Acres, a division of Center Hills Farm, in Pryor, Oklahoma. Also at Lone Star, Henry Witt Jr.’s homebred Witt’s Five broke his maiden at first asking on June 22 to become the first winner for Witt’s stallion Five Demon Bag. Texas-bred Witt’s Five won the 2-year-old special weight sprint by 1 1/4 lengths with David Cabrera riding for trainer Amanda Barton. Five Demon Bag, a son of Elusive Quality who won three times and earned $88,772 on the track, concluded his racing career running for Witt and then retired to stud in Texas. Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 15

Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Taps English as Sales Director The Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana has retained Daren English to serve as sales director for its annual yearling sale. This year’s auction is set for September 24 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe. English has 30-plus years of experience in equine sales. He attended Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in animal science livestock merchandising. He worked for Fasig-Tipton Company Inc. for 15 years and previously for the Texas Thoroughbred Association. “Our annual yearling sale is conducted on behalf of our members,” said Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA). “Last year’s sale was one of our most successful, and the addition of Daren to our team helps us recruit top quality yearlings as well as successful buyers for our sale.” All accredited Louisiana-bred foals of 2012 auctioned in this sale are eligible for the Bayou State Bonus. Any such colt/gelding sold in this sale that wins the 2014 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile, 2015 Crescent City Derby and 2015 A.L. “Red” Erwin Memorial Stakes will receive a $100,000 bonus. Any such filly sold in this sale that wins the 2014 Louisiana Champions Day Lassie, 2015 Crescent City Oaks and 2015 Elge Rasberry Memorial Stakes will receive a $100,000 bonus. The bonus would be added to the earnings of the winning horse and paid to the owner after the official completion of the final race. “Our goal is to increase the value of the Louisiana-bred for our breeders,” said Heitzmann. “Our number one purpose is to assist our members and breeders in reaping rewards for their investment and hard work in producing Louisiana-breds.” “The buyer response is very positive,” said English. “Several pinhookers and trainers have already said they will be at the sale in West Monroe.” The sale will be webcast on the LTBA website at www.louisianabred. com. An interactive catalogue and a downloadable PDF version will be available on the website once consignments are complete. For more information, call (800) 772-1195.

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Fair Meadows Kicks off 34-day Meet

Although the long-term future of live racing at Fair Meadows remains unclear, the Tulsa track kicked off its 34-day mixed meet on June 8 with a 12-race card that included five Thoroughbred events. The track is scheduled to run through August 2 with racing primarily offered on a Thursday through Sunday schedule. The majority of races on the Fair Meadows stakes schedule are for American Quarter Horses, but the track does have two Thoroughbred stakes, both set for closing day. The six-furlong, $45,000-added Muscogee Creek Nation Stakes is for Oklahoma-bred fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, and the 6 1/2-furlong, $45,000 Route 66 Stakes is for Oklahoma-bred 3-year-olds and up. For more information and a condition book, go to www.fairmeadows.com.

Will Rogers Downs Posts Record-Breaking Wagering Results for Spring Meet For the second consecutive year, Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs’ spring Thoroughbred meet surpassed the $20-million mark in total handle. This year, a record $22.3 million was wagered, an increase of $1.75 million over the 2012 spring meet. While the 2013 meet fell short of the record number of $1 million days, with six this year compared to seven last year, Will Rogers Downs had a year-over-year increase in all but a handful of daily totals during the 32-day meet that ran from March 4 to May 18. “This year we shifted our race days from Saturday, Monday and Tuesday to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, which proved to be a success,” said Racing Secretary Jesse Ullery. “Our races are broadcast worldwide, and the move from Saturday got us away from a lot of competition and increased our overall simulcast coverage, resulting in the boost in wagering.” 16

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

Ullery also credits the quality of horses and competition that raced on the Claremore track this spring as another reason the numbers continue to climb each year. Even with tougher fields, jockey Curtis Kimes proved to be the best for the fifth consecutive year, winning 48 of 220 races. Bryan McNeil finished second with 44 wins in 157 starts. Roger Engel finished atop the trainer standings for the second consecutive year. His horses won 31 of 89 races. Boyd Caster finished second with 21 wins from 97 starts. The horse of the meet was Private Bounty, owned by Southern Okie Boys LLC. The 6-year-old son of Grand Rewards won three times and finished second once during the meet. Southern Okie Boys finished atop the owner standings with 13 wins and nine second-place finishes in 30 starts.

Busy Sale Season on Tap This Summer

Come See our consignment at the OKC Summer Sale. Yearlings by: !"#$%&'(")*)+,$-.)/$..0.1)*)2(34,$)5&6(7.' 8&97&)/$&:4&'.)*);(<=,0&-)*)>.$?(<.)>'$(@.)*)A&<'(<&0)5&')

Two-year-olds by: B(&%,7:)*);,'(,7&0)*)>&"&:,)*)A&<'(<&0)5&')

Three-year-olds by: )!$'&C)*)2&'.7')+.&'

Calle Real Thoroughbreds 2652 Reece Lake Rd Washington, Ok 73093 Cyndi 405 288 6460

Prior to the running of the Grade 1, $400,000 Ogden Phipps Handicap on May 27 at Belmont Park, the 6-year-old mare Tiz Miz Sue had enjoyed a remarkable career for Oklahoma-based owner and breeder CresRan LLC, the stable name of Ran Leonard and his grandmother, Carol Ricks. The Kentucky-bred daughter of Tiznow had nearly become a millionaire and twice had won the Grade 3 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park. But while she had been close in seven tries against Grade 1 and Tiz Miz Sue (outside) Grade 2 foes, she had yet to earn a victory at the upper echelon. That all changed in the 1 1/16-mile affair in New York, as the Steve Hobby trainee broke through with a halflength victory under jockey Joe Rocco Jr. and joined the millionaire’s club. “Sometimes she gets too far behind and can’t quite make up the distance, but she was within range and they were cooking,” said Hobby. “She deserved (a Grade 1) so bad, and I was really going to be upset if she didn’t get one before she retired.” This marked the eighth career win for Tiz Miz Sue to go along with 10 seconds and four thirds from 32 starts. Her earnings now stand at $1,129,709. Although she was bred in Kentucky and has never raced in Oklahoma, her owners have deep Oklahoma roots. Leonard’s grandfather was the late Ran Ricks Jr., who has a race named in his honor at Remington Park after leading the owner standings there seven times and helping to bring pari-mutuel racing to the state. CresRan’s farm is in Crescent, Oklahoma. “We are not very big,” said Leonard. “We have four or five broodmares that we breed each year, and we have some horses for clients. We have a few Oklahoma-breds and then one or two in Kentucky.” Leonard said he was on the fence about whether to bring the mare back to the races this year, but it turns out he made the right decision. “The whole reason to bring her back was to win a Grade 1 because that was all that was missing from her résumé,” he said. “She was certainly happy coming back. For all the horses we have made mistakes on, we seem to have made mostly good decisions when it comes to her.” Leonard said the plans for Tiz Miz Sue include the $750,000 Delaware Handicap (G1), a couple more starts and then a trip to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park before becoming a broodmare.

Adam Coglianese/NYRA Photo

Buyers looking to find their next superstar athlete and consignors looking to sell one will have plenty of options this summer as the region plays host to several major yearling auctions. The Fasig-Tipton Texas summer yearling sale, sponsored by the Texas Thoroughbred Association and held on the grounds of Lone Star Park near Dallas, is set for August 26. Like last year, the sale will be held in the evening with a start time of 5 p.m. Last year’s auction featured a total of 155 head offered with 113 sold for $1,150,000, an average of $10,177 and a median of $6,000. More information is available at www.fasigtipton.com or by calling (972) 262-0000. The Carter Sales Co. will present its annual Oklahoma City summer yearling sale on August 19, and the auction’s format has been enhanced this year to include a session for 2-year-olds and horses of racing age. The juveniles will work over the track at Remington Park with the sale to be held at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Additional information can be found at www.cartersalesco.com or by calling (405) 288-6460. Equine Sales Co., located in Opelousas, Louisiana, conducted its inaugural yearling sale last year and has two such sales set for this year. The consignor select yearling sale is scheduled for September 4, and the open yearling sale and mixed sale is to be held October 28-29. For more information, visit www.equinesalesofla.com or call (337) 678-3024. The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association and Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana will present their annual yearling auction on September 24 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe. For more information, go to www.louisianabred. com or call (800) 772-1195. Southern Racehorse will feature complete recaps of each sale in the printed magazine and online at www.southernracehorse.com.

Oklahoma Owners Score Grade 1 Win with Tiz Miz Sue

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 17

Star Guitar Named Louisiana Horse of the Year for Fourth Time

Coady Photography

It’s always best to go out on top and that’s just what Louisiana legend Star Guitar did. The state’s all-time leading money earner was named Louisiana Horse of the Year for the fourth consecutive year after retiring with a bankroll of $1,749,862. He was honored by the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) at its annual meeting on June 8 at Fair Grounds in New Orleans along with the state’s other champions. Star Guitar, who won all three of his starts last year with stakes victories at Delta Downs, Fair Grounds and Evangeline Downs, was retired to stud at Clear Creek Stud in Folsom, Louisiana, where the 8-year-old son of Quiet American was foaled. The Albert Stall Jr. trainee ended his racing career with 10 consecutive victories. Bred and owned by Evelyn and Maurice Benoit’s Brittlyn Stable, Star Guitar won 24 of 30 starts spread over six years on the racetrack. Most of his success came against state-bred company, but he proved he could compete with the best horses in the country when he ran a close third in the Alysheba Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs and fourth in both the Texas Mile Stakes (G3) and New Orleans Handicap (G2). Other awards went to the late Leestown as the stallion of the year and Jay Adcock’s Red River Farms as the leading breeder by awards earned. Brittlyn Stable took the award for leading breeder by percentage of winners, and Star Guitar was also named champion older male, with broodmare of the year going to Brittlyn Stable’s X Strawdnair. The other equine awards went to: 2-year-old colt/gelding: Westernator (Intimidator—Star Legend, by Stalwart) Owners: Keith and Steven Asmussen Breeder: Keith Asmussen • Trainer: Steve Asmussen

Star Guitar 2-year-old filly: Sittin at the Bar (Into Mischief—Fast Laner, by Mutakddim) Owner: Dale Ladner Breeder: Spendthrift Farm • Trainer: Brett Brinkman 3-year-old colt/gelding: Look at the Time (Brahms—Alashir, by Alysheba) Owner: Hooties Racing LLC Breeder: Mike Paciera • Trainer: Dwight Viator 3-year-old filly: She’s Prado’s Idol (Screen Idol—Prado Strutter, by El Prado) Owner/Trainer: Garland Goins • Breeder: Evelyn Hobbs 4-year-old and up filly or mare: Speedacious (Yankee Gentleman—Blushing Trish, by Rahy) Owner: Carl R. Moore Management LLC Breeder: Elm Tree Farm LLC • Trainer: Bret Calhoun

Trainer and Former NFL Player Jim Hudson Dies at 70 Jim Hudson, a successful trainer in the region for decades who won a national championship as a player with the Texas Longhorns and a Super Bowl with the New York Jets, died June 25 in Austin at the age of 70. Hudson retired from training in 2011, and, according to Equibase, he saddled 607 winners and the earners of more than $8.7 million during his career. Among the horses he conditioned were Snug, a Louisianabred earner of $627,520 for Texas-based Heiligbrodt Racing Stables, and Texas-bred Icy Morn, who banked nearly $400,000. “He’s probably one of the few people Jim Hudson who ever played that won a national championship and a Super Bowl,” trainer and friend Bob Young told Mary Rampellini of Daily Racing Form. “Jim was a fun-loving guy. He enjoyed racing. He enjoyed the camaraderie. He liked being around the guys.” Prior to becoming a trainer, Hudson played defensive back and 18

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

quarterback for the Longhorns and then spent six years as a safety in the AFL and NFL. As a member of the Jets, he was a roommate of Joe Namath and made an interception in Super Bowl III in which New York upset the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. He is survived by his wife of more than 30 years, Lise, his children, Cade Hudson, Callie Hudson, Heather Yates and husband Joe David, Link Hudson and wife Susan, Treg Hudson and wife Natalie, and nine beloved grandchildren. Hudson requested that his brain and spine be donated to medical research to help further the prevention of football related brain and spine injuries. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, Lawrence Crimmins, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, L219, Boston, MA 02118.

texas Thoroughbred Association News for more, visit www.texasthoroughbred.com

El Joven and M2 Technology La Senorita Reminder

Reminder for Stallion Owners

Horsemen are reminded that the $200 sustaining payment for the $75,000 M2 Technology La Senorita Stakes for fillies and $75,000 El Joven Stakes for colts and geldings is due August 9. Both races are for 2-year-olds going one mile on the Retama Park turf course and are set to be run November 9. The $100 subscription payment for both races was due July 5. For those who missed the July 5 nomination payment, late nominations can be made by August 9 for $500 or supplementary nominations may be made at the time of entry for $4,500. Nomination forms are available at www.retamapark.com or by calling the Retama Park racing office at (210) 651-7040.

If you have not yet paid the annual administrative fee for your stallion for 2013, the deadline for late payment of $325 is August 1, 2013. If this is the stallion’s first year in Texas, and he came in after February 1, you can pay the early administrative fee of $200. The annual administrative fee cannot be accepted for a breeding season after the August 1 deadline. If you stood a stallion in Texas in 2013 and have not yet accredited him, you have until August 1 to accredit him for $100. Any stallion accreditations postmarked after August 1, 2013, will not be accredited for 2013, but for 2014. The deadline to nominate stallions to the Texas Stallion Stakes for the 2013 breeding season is October 1, 2013. Only Texas accredited stallions may be nominated. The fee to nominate is the greater of $1,500 or the advertised stud fee for stallions standing their first season in Texas in 2013. For stallions not new to the state, there is also a $500 late fee. The rules and regulations for the Accredited Texas-Bred program state that a photocopy of the annual ‘Report of Mares Bred’ shall be submitted to the TTA office on or before the date required by The Jockey Club (August 1). Stallion owners are eligible to receive Stallion Awards only from offspring sired in Texas after the stallion has become accredited with the Texas Thoroughbred Association and applicable administrative fees have been paid. If you file your Report of Mares Bred electronically, you have an opportunity to print it before filing.

Nominations being taken for TTA Board of Directors This winter, TTA members will elect candidates to fill five at-large director positions in addition to regional director positions for the North Central and West regions on the TTA Board of Directors. Those elected will serve three-year terms beginning in 2014. Ballots must be received for tabulating by December 16. All TTA members will receive ballots for the at-large positions, while only members in the North Central and West regions will be eligible to vote in their respective regions. A list of counties that comprise these regions is below. The nominating committee will be accepting recommendations for candidates until September 23. Candidates must have been a TTA member in good standing for the past two years and a resident of Texas. To submit a candidate for consideration, contact any member of the Nominating Committee:

2013 Nominating Committee Richard Hessee 361-533-1149 • ele2h@hotmail.com

Jackie Rich, DVM 254-546-0004 • dr.rich@deerhavenfarm.net

Phil Leckinger 940-437-2626 pleckinger@sourcingpartner.com

Danny Shifflett 979-826-3366 • danishfflett@aol.com

Delwin Lovell 903-291-8391 • delwin@lovell.net

David Stephens, DVM (Chair) 940-365-9632 • dnstephens@aol.com

Heidie Maikranz 512-415-9648 • 4mranch@centex.net

Counties in North Central Region Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Hood, Johnson, Montague, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, Wise

Counties in West Region

Andrews, Archer, Armstrong, Bailey, Baylor, Borden, Brewster, Briscoe, Brown, Callahan, Carson, Castro, Childress, Clay, Cochran, Coke, Coleman, Collingsworth, Comanche, Concho, Cottle, Crane, Crockett, Crosby, Culberson, Dallam, Dawson, Deaf Smith, Dickens, Donley, Eastland, Ector, El Paso, Erath, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Gaines, Garza, Glasscock, Gray, Hale, Hall, Hansford, Hardeman, Hartley, Haskell, Hemphill, Hockley, Howard, Hudspeth, Hutchinson, Irion, Jack, Jeff Davis, Jones, Kent, Kimble, King, Knox, Lamb, Lipscomb, Loving, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Menard, Midland, Mitchell, Moore, Motley, Nolan, Ochiltree, Oldham, Palo Pinto, Parmer, Pecos, Potter, Presidio, Randall, Reagan, Reeves, Roberts, Runnels, Schleicher, Scurry, Shackelford, Sherman, Stephens, Sterling, Stonewall, Sutton, Swisher, Taylor, Terrell, Terry, Throckmorton, Tom Green, Upton, Ward, Wheeler, Wichita, Wilbarger, Winkler, Yoakum, Young

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texas Thoroughbred Association News for more, visit www.texasthoroughbred.com

Letter from TTA President Ken Carson At the last Texas Thoroughbred Association Board of Directors meeting on June 15, I had the honor and privilege of being elected president of your organization. I sincerely appreciate the board members’ faith in me. This is my second stint on the board. I first served from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s. In 1987, a bill allowing pari-mutuel wagering finally passed in Texas after being banned 50 years earlier. The various breed associations quickly began competing for power and position. Things were further complicated by the numerous groups vying for licenses to build racetracks. In addition to the discord between the breeds, there was ample discord within the breed association boards, due to differences of opinion as to how to achieve their goals. The TTA board was divided philosophically, with board meetings often deteriorating into arguments and fights. Those were tumultuous times. Thankfully, the present board is mostly harmonious and much more efficient. We might disagree at times on how to achieve our goals, but in the end we all realize two things: that we all love horses and horse racing, and we all want to improve horse racing in Texas. Outgoing President Gearald Farris leaves large shoes to fill. With him at the helm this year, the TTA held a leadership position in crafting legislation for a racetrack extension bill. This bill, sponsored by Rep. Richard Raymond (D-Laredo), would have provided for additional locations for racing fans across the state to watch and wager on simulcast horse races (special thanks to TTA board member Keith Asmussen and Executive Director Mary Ruyle for working with Rep. Raymond on this draft). Had this concept been approved statewide, projections indicate purses in Texas would be increased by up to $10 million per year. While the TTA continues to support VLTs at racetracks, we will also continue to pursue additional legislative initiatives that could provide support for our state’s racing and breeding industries. While the complicated VLT issue remains unresolved, there are several things that are within the scope of our board. First, we need to get our members more involved. They possess a wide range of talents that could be of great use in achieving our goals. For example, we need to develop a statewide grassroots network of informed members in every congressional district who have developed personal relationships with their legislators. This network could be quickly activated when issues arise that affect Texas horse racing. Next, with the creation of the Marketing and Sponsorship Committee, conceived and headed by TTA Secretary and Treasurer Mark Martinez, we will hopefully begin to market ourselves better and secure sponsors to maintain and enhance our stakes program. Lastly, it’s vital that we increase our membership. Not only do we need to re-engage former members but also attract new members. We need to effectively utilize social media to promote horse racing to both a broader and younger audience. It’s become easy to believe that horse racing in Texas is on its last leg. However, consider some positives. For the first time in a long time, all of our racetracks are on firm financial ground after being purchased partially or completely by large, well-funded gaming corporations. The officers and operators of each track have been easy to approach and great to work with. Not every state’s breeding association can make such a claim. Additionally, Saddle Brook Park in Amarillo began operation of their pre-opening simulcast facility in December, which has already supplemented purses in Texas. Finally, because the racetracks are now fully funded, they are better represented in Austin. This recent legislative session had a different feel than any before. In years past, gambling bills usually didn’t find sponsors, or if they did, were sent to hostile committees never to resurface. This year, the bills were readily sponsored and were sent to receptive committees that forwarded them on through the legislative process. Also, the media coverage of gaming issues this session was more abundant and more positive. Remember, for years we bred and raised racehorses in Texas without pari-mutuel betting or major racetracks. We now have three nice, well-funded racetracks, a much better political standing in the state and a board and staff that are ready to work. It’s time to change our paradigm.

DEADLINE REMINDERS

Sincerely, Ken Carson President, Texas Thoroughbred Association

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma News

Thank you for the tornado donations The TRAO would like to send a big thank you out to everyone who has donated to our tornado relief fund. Donations are coming in daily to help the horsemen affected. There is no way to fully express our gratitude for your loyalty to and support of the Thoroughbred industry. We at the TRAO are continually inspired by the dedication and generosity of all of the donors. For more information about donating, see page 12 of this issue.

Remington sets stakes schedule Remington Park has announced a stakes schedule with 32 events worth nearly $3.4 million for the Thoroughbred meet that runs August 16 to December 15. Among the highlights are the $1 million Oklahoma Classics for Oklahoma-breds on October 18 and the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby, which has been returned to Grade 3 status, on September 29. See page 14 of this issue or go to www.remingtonpark.com for more information.

Tracks request 2014 race dates The three Oklahoma tracks have requested race dates for 2014 through the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. Remington Park in Oklahoma City has requested 67 days of Thoroughbred racing from August 15 to December 14 and a 50-day American Quarter Horse and mixed breed meet from March 7 to June 1. Fair Meadows in Tulsa requested 34 days of Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and mixed breed racing from June 7 to August 1. Will Rogers Downs in Claremore is seeking a 32-day Thoroughbred meet from March 3 to May 17 and a 28-day Quarter Horse meet from September 6 to November 8. The requests will be considered at the OHRCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s August meeting.

TRAO Awards Banquet set for August 9 The TRAO Awards Banquet to honor the best of Oklahoma racing from last year is scheduled for Friday, August 9, in the Sam Noble Room of the Cowboy Hall of Fame at 1700 NE 63rd Street in Oklahoma City. Cocktails are from 7 to 8 p.m. followed by dinner, an auction and the awards presentations. The cost is $60 each or a table of eight for $470 if purchased in advance. Tickets at the door will be $75. To reserve your spot in advance, contact Tammy Wright at the TRAO at (405) 427-8753 or send payment to TRAO, 2620 NW Expressway, Suite A, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.

Clenbuterol update Effective August 1, 2013, the new threshold level for Clenbuterol for Thoroughbreds in Oklahoma will be 0.025 ng/ml (25 pg/ml). This will result in all breeds having the same threshold level for Clenbuterol. For more information, visit the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission website at www.ohrc.org.

New TRAO website The TRAO has launched a new website that includes easier navigation and more information. We invite you to check it out at www.traoracing.com and welcome your feedback. You can also visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TRAOracing.

for more, visit www.traoracing.com

Southern Racehorse â&#x20AC;˘ JULY/AUGUST 2013 21

Storm

Lindsay White and Randy Weidner ran for their lives, and now they are starting over after a devastating tornado By Susan Salk

“You have to get out now. Leave now!” the storm chasers yelled, making their voices heard above the din of the storm. As softball-sized hail pummeled the rooftop of her barn at Celestial Acres Training Center, on the Orr Family Farm near Moore, Oklahoma, Lindsay White and her partner, Randy Weidner, ran for their lives as the EF 5 tornado bore down on the barn where they kept her two prized off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTB) and his racing American Quarter Horses.

Orr Family Farm, including Celestial Acres Training Center, near Moore, Oklahoma, took a direct hit from the May 20 tornado. 22

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

She hesitated for a moment. “I said I wanted to hitch up the trailer first,” White said. “But there was no time.”

Courtesy Lindsay White

Weathering the

Courtesy Lindsay White

So, with only the clothes that they wore, they scooped up three “He was a beautiful horse. He was 17.1 hands and a dark, dark bay, frenzied dogs on the way to their truck, leapt into the front seat and but he looked jet black,” White said. “He was very leggy and a practical gunned it toward the nearby interstate. joker around the barn.” Two-and-a-half miles up the road, they listened in fear, in prayer In the Florida clinic, he was “brilliant.” Some predicted that Heavand finally in utter shock to a radio news broadcast reporting that the behemoth tornado had just made a direct hit on the property they had fled. “At first we had hope,” said White, owner of Plain as Bay Eventing. “We know tornados can jump around, and we were hoping it jumped our barn.” But the mile-and-a-half monster that hit on May 20 laid waste to everything the couple had, including her 5-year-old OTTB For Instance, a winning gelding by Pioneering, and her prized eventer Heavenly Due, an 8-year-old gelding by Devil His Due who earned more than $83,000 on the track. And there was no trace of her partner’s racing Quarter Horses. Weidner, who had competed at the Remington Park meet, was set to ship some horses Courtesy Lindsay White to Canterbury Park in Minnesota. Lindsay White with Ditto, one of her favorite American Quarter Horses who “We got back to the farm 45 minutes was lost in the storm. She also lost two off-track Thoroughbreds. later and by the looks of it, you’d never know there was a training center and a horse farm there,” White said. enly Due, who was competing at the preliminary level, was the horse “It was gone.” who would take her to eventing heights. Carefully picking their way through the mangled debris, past the Her other OTTB For Instance was just a 5-year-old when he died in twisted metal of horse trailers and the bodies of dead horses, White the storm, and he had started to show talent as a jumper. searched for four days for theirs. “He would jump anything you put in front of him,” White said. If she smiles through tears when she recalls her horses, she swells “The USDA came in and piled the horses up, and they washed off their faces so you could recognize them,” she recalled. “But even with with a mix of emotion—gratefulness, amazement—at the outpouring of help offered by fellow horsemen and sympathizers across the country. that, it was hard to recognize your own.” The couple has a temporary place to live after Canterbury Park There was one who had been decapitated and could not be identified, but she suspects the animal in question, based on distinctive opened up a dormitory room to them. Horses have been donated to both of them to help them markings on his body, may have been Heavenly Due. More than a month after she walked that wasteland with her partner, move forward with their livelihoods and carry them further from trying to take it all in, White said she and Weidner were making do tragedy. Stephanie Cook of Hill Country Riding Academy in San in temporary housing and planning a future as they mourned the loss Antonio is giving White an 8-year-old OTTB named Koda Bear, of their animals. White’s recollections of her horses and the hope and a rescue horse who will become White’s next eventing project. And promise they held comprise the memories she clings to and the stories Weidner has been given three horses to help him rebuild his racing that, after their deaths, still make her smile. In Florida earlier this year, business. The eventing and racing communities have flooded White and White rode Heavenly Due in a clinic with two-time Olympic silver medal-winning equestrian James Wofford. She recalled how Wofford Weidner with letters of support. White even received letters from was impressed with her former racehorse, who started 47 times while top eventer Phillip Dutton, who recently experienced a devastating racing in Minnesota and Illinois before he began training for eventing. barn fire. Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 23

“The support I’ve gotten from the eventing community has been incredible,” White said. “I don’t even have a horse yet, but I have outfits for him and for myself! And I’ve gotten letters from so many people; everyone has been so supportive and absolutely incredible. I don’t think I would have even been thinking about riding again if it hadn’t been for all the support.” Thanks to the many kind words and donations, White and Weidner are bravely facing the future. “I was just getting started in my eventing business,” she said. “It’s kind of sad because I really was getting going, right before the tornado. “I’m really trying to put a lot of it behind us,” she continued. “I was blessed to have Southern my horses for the timeRacehorse that we had together. Andrea Caudill Of course, my two Thoroughbreds were my Trainer Randy Weidner is trying to rebuild his stable after the storm. favorites, and I miss them most. But I love A fund to assist Lindsay White and Randy Weidner has been established them all.” H Susan Salk is the creator of OffTrackThoroughbreds.com, a blog devoted at Wells Fargo Bank in Shakopee, Minnesota. To contribute, checks can be to telling success stories of ex-racehorse Thoroughbreds in new careers and of written to the “Randall Weidner Catastrophe Trust” and mailed to Wells Fargo Bank, 380 S. Marschall Rd., Shakopee, MN 55379. the people, on and off the track, who help them.

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Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

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The Feeling Is Mutual Oklahoma’s Thoroughbred Athletes Inc. brings together teens and off-track racehorses By Shelby O’Neill

Melissa Lessig and Oklahoma-bred Zee Oh Six take flight at last year’s Sport of Kings Challenge horse show to benefit retired racehorses. The event was held at Easy J Stables in Harrah, Oklahoma.

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

Linda Earley

Zee Oh Six excelled on the racetrack with 12 wins and more than $440,000 in earnings, and now he’s taking on a new challenge on the show circuit. On the track, Oklahoma-bred Zee Oh Six had a bit of a reputation for his brutish tendencies. In fact, those tendencies may be what helped him accomplish so much, retiring with $442,311 in earnings for breeders and owners Barbara and John Smicklas and an impressive record of 47-12-9-3. Along the way, the Alphabet Soup gelding racked up nine stakes victories against both open and state-bred company, including three wins in the Oklahoma Classics Classic Stakes. Now 14 years old, Zee Oh Six still has his brutish moments, but you’d never guess it when you spot him clearing jumps across an open cross-country course while being piloted by 15-year-old Lucy Greenawalt. The young rider has taken the chestnut gelding to horse shows in Oklahoma and Texas as part of Thoroughbred Athletes Inc., an all-Thoroughbred retraining and adoption facility near Guthrie, Oklahoma, that pairs off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) with teens interested in training and riding. Thoroughbred Athletes Inc. is the brainchild of longtime Oklahoma trainer Lynn Sullivan, but coincidentally enough, she credits John Smicklas for helping her change the course of the organization. A licensed trainer since 1979, Sullivan had long helped find good homes and new careers for the horses in her barn who could no longer race. “The problem is getting other people who are not involved with Thoroughbreds to see what great horses these can be in almost any discipline,” Sullivan said. “Our Sport of Kings Challenge horse show

was organized to create an incentive for ownership of an off-track Thoroughbred as well as to encourage those who already own one to compete with them and use their athletic talents. It is more than just a horse show; we have fun and creative courses and many ways to win cash prizes.” Shortly after the first Sport of Kings Challenge, Sullivan got a phone call from Smicklas. “He had heard about my horse show, and he proceeded to explain the Thoroughbred retirement program he had put in action here in Oklahoma,” she said. “He and Barbara came out to my farm and encouraged me to become a nonprofit organization in order to help more horses find new careers.” In addition to the advice on attaining nonprofit status, Smicklas also had a horse he thought needed a new career. “That horse was Zee Oh Six,” Sullivan said. “He has impressed me more than any other horse I have ever worked with on or off the track.” Now that she had horses who were ready to be retrained, she needed to find people who would help her. Instead of looking for adult volunteers, Sullivan drew on her history of working with teens and young people, especially several years of work at the Guthrie Job Corp Center that included courses in dealing with troubled youth, and she decided to create a program that would have two beneficiaries. “I believe this program is a double blessing,” Sullivan said. “It helps Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 27

Courtesy Lucy Greenawalt

Lucy Greenawalt and Zee Oh Six tackle the cross-country course.

retired racehorses learn a new career and puts some good character into young people, something that is really needed in our society today.” Since she started the program almost two years ago, all of the original young people have continued with it, and new teens joined up this summer. “The young people in my program are here because they want to be,” Sullivan said. “It isn’t a reform program, and they have not been through any juvenile delinquent systems, but some have been exposed to devastating situations that changed the course of their lives through no fault of their own. For this reason, they are considered at-risk, and I believe all teens should be considered to 28

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be at an at-risk age because in today’s world there are not enough kids exposed to good old-fashioned hard work. If there are young people willing to do this hard work just to be involved with horses, they should not be denied. The lessons horses can teach our youth are lessons that will benefit them through their entire lives, including trust, commitment, communication and responsibility.” The teens that choose to join the program are allowed to spend as much time at the barn as their parents and school schedules allow, and they can stay in the program for as long as they want. If they reach the competition level, they are encouraged to bank as much saddle time as possible, but all participants are also required to help with barn chores, grooming and desensitizing horses who are new to the program. With sponsorships, Sullivan hopes to be able to take on more teens. “I like to educate the program members on the racing industry and involve them in the training process when I have horses at the track,” she said. “They have helped other trainers ship in by preparing and bedding their stalls before they arrive, and they like watching the morning training routine. This way they have an idea of what these horses have learned on the track and why, and I believe this is important when transitioning from the track to the show ring. It also helps to build a young racing fan base by observing and becoming involved in the positive aspects of racing instead of hearing or reading about all the bad things.” As the program has gone on, the teens have also gotten to travel to horse shows farther afield. On April 20, Lucy rode Zee Oh Six in the Battle of the X’s All-Thoroughbred Show in Fort Worth, hosted by the Texas-based nonprofit Remember Me Rescue retraining and retirement program. Together, they placed sixth. “I believe one of the most exhilarating experiences in this program was when I took Zee Oh Six to Fort Worth,” Lucy said. “It was so amazing to be able to ride such a phenomenal horse in my first out-of-state show. I also competed in my first combined test with him earlier in the year. I’m doing well in dressage and having a blast on the cross-country course. Everything I do with these horses leaves me with memorable times, so it is hard to pick just one memorable experience.” Lucy credits her aunt Amy with introducing her to horses at a young age, and in fact, she was on a horse before she could walk. At age 9, she began formal English riding lessons. When some friends of hers who boarded their horses at Sullivan’s barn told her about Sullivan, Lucy and her mom, Patrice, asked if Lucy could help out with barn work on the weekends. Then Sullivan told the Greenawalts about her new training program. “When Lynn told me about the opportunity to train Thoroughbreds so they weren’t sent to otherwise bad futures, I

Courtesy Lucy Greenawalt

was elated,” Lucy said. “The want to learn and to make a difference, even in just one horse, drove me to participate. Now I go to the barn three or four times a week, and for me, that isn’t enough. I want to be able to work with every horse every time I go.” Unfortunately, time doesn’t allow for that, but it has allowed for Lucy to form a special bond with Zee Oh Six.

power in him. It still amazes me that he allows me to have so much control when riding when he is capable of doing whatever he pleases, and I am very thankful for that.” Just like Lucy is thankful for her riding relationship with Zee Oh Six, Lucy’s mother is grateful for the difference she has seen in her daughter since she became involved with Thoroughbred Athletes. “Since Lucy started working with Lynn, I have seen tremendous growth in Lucy’s knowledge about horses, the horse industry and training,” said Patrice. “Lucy is confident and speaks the language of the equine world. She is very determined to be successful with horses, from the groundwork to riding and showing and continuing to learn and better her skills. Lucy is teaching me the language of riding, and I am very impressed by how much she teaches me.” Because of her lifelong love of horses and her experience with Thoroughbred Athletes, Lucy plans to continue working with horses as she gets older. “I don’t think there will ever be a day that I don’t Greenawalt is currently working with Oklahoma-bred Miner’s Union, a veteran want to work with or be of 55 races who won eight times while racing at Remington Park, Fair Meadows around such amazing animals,” Lucy said. “When I and Will Rogers Downs. am older, my dream is to be “I could go on all day about him,” she said. “I absolutely love a horse trainer or a veterinarian.” With Thoroughbred Athletes, Sullivan is able to help Lucy and this horse. He is a dream to ride. He looks like such a brute and like he would be clumsy to ride, but he is the opposite. He is other young people reach those goals. “I believe these kids should be recognized for their hard work and airy, energetic and very playful, every ride. He has never been unwilling to try something for me, whether it be jumping a solid dedication,” Sullivan said. “I also believe that if more people knew 2’11” jump on a cross-country course or performing a dressage what we were doing here we could grow. And by doing so, we can test for the first time. He can sometimes be a handful, but he help more horses and more young people.” For more information or to donate, visit www.thoroughbredalways comes back to my hands, and it is almost like we know what each other is thinking. We just click. He has so much athletes.com. H Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 29

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Southern Racehorse â&#x20AC;˘ JULY/AUGUST 2013

[Southern Racehorse Stakes Roundup]

Texas-breds and Oklahoma-breds take the spotlight for spring stakes at Lone Star Park and Will Rogers Downs By Denis Blake

Lone Star Park Too Much Bling Offspring Sweep Exacta in Stymie Division of Texas Stallion Stakes

Reed Palmer Photography

he Texas Stallion Stakes Series for foals of 2010 wrapped up on May 11 at Lone Star Park with two divisions run at one mile for a purse of $75,000 apiece. In the Stymie division for 3-year-old colts and geldings, Hall’s Family Trust’s homebred He Has Bling pulled off a 6-1 upset with Miguel Hernandez riding for trainer Danele Durham. He Has Bling, a Texas-bred gelding by Lane’s End Texas stallion Too Much Bling, tracked the leaders and then made a three-wide move on the far turn before drawing clear by 2 ¼ lengths in a time of 1:39.83. He Has Bling only hit the board once in his first six career starts before breaking through with a maiden victory against $20,000 claimers at Oaklawn Park in January. Since then, the gelding has been first or second in five of six outings with three seconds at Oaklawn and an allowance win at Lone Star before picking up his first stakes victory. His record now stands at 13-3-3-1 with earnings of $94,660. He Has Bling He Has Bling is out of the Stravinsky mare Deeya Maria and became the 10th stakes winner sired by Too Much Bling from only 63 starters to date. Too Much Bling has sired the earners of more than $700,000 so far this year to easily top the list of leading sires in Texas. End Zone Athletics Inc.’s Meme Jo, another gelding by Too Much Bling who finished second in the Jim’s Orbit division of the Texas Stallion Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park in February, filled that spot again with Glen Murphy in the saddle for trainer Karl Broberg. Meme Jo, who was bred by Jeanne Bruce, has banked $71,172 in eight career starts. Littlebrother Farm LLC’s homebred Breathethefire, a colt by Lane’s End Texas stallion Valid Expectations, crossed the wire third. The Steve Asmussen trainee has hit the board in three other stakes and his earnings now stand at $64,034 in nine trips to the post. Odds-on favorite and three-time stakes winner Worldventurer, a Wimbledon gelding who was making his first start for owner Peter Redekop B.C. Ltd. since being purchased for $150,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age Sale, battled for the lead throughout and faded to fourth. Tarmac, a gelding by Midway Road, completed the field of five.

Tastefullyxcessive Prevails in Got Koko Division of Texas Stallion Stakes

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Reed Palmer Photography

fter three straight runner-up finishes, including two in divisions of the Texas Stallion Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park and Retama Park, Clarence Scharbauer Jr.’s homebred Tastefullyxcessive earned her first career stakes win in the $75,000 Got Koko division of the Texas Stallion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Lone Star Park on May 11. Cliff Berry rode the Early Flyer filly for trainer Bret Calhoun and held on to win by a neck as the favorite with a clocking of 1:39.47 for one mile. Texas-bred Tastefullyxcessive tracked early leader Open Summary right out of the gate and then took command in the stretch with a 2 ½-length lead before holding off a fast-closing Joyful Hannah at the wire. Tastefullyxcessive, who has now earned $113,329 with three wins and three seconds in 10 starts, is the 12th stakes winner sired by Early Flyer, who stands at Scharbauer’s Valor Farm near Pilot Point, Texas. Tastefullyxcessive is out of Hadif Cat, a daughter of former Valor stallion and longtime top Texas sire Hadif. Hubert Southard’s homebred Joyful Hannah, a daughter of Key Ranch Tastefullyxcessive stallion Uncle Abbie, put in a fine effort in just her third career start. The filly, who is out of the multiple stakes-winning Texas-bred Coastalota, broke her maiden at first asking in March at Sam Houston and then finished a good third against allowance foes in her only other start. W.S. Farish’s homebred Makeshift, by Lane’s End Texas stallion Too Much Bling, crossed the wire third. This marked the first start for Makeshift since winning the Two Altazano division of the Texas Stallion Stakes in February at Sam Houston. Final Song (by My Golden Song), Open Summary (Touch Tone) and Lady Sayla (Valid Expectations) completed the field.

Lillie Abbie Pulls Off Big Upset in Lane’s End Stallion Scholarship Stakes

Reed Palmer Photography

ust eight days after being claimed for $10,000, Lillie Abbie pulled off a 12-1 upset in the $50,000 Lane’s End Stallion Scholarship Stakes for Texas-bred fillies and mares on May 11 at Lone Star Park. The race was named in honor of the generous donation by William S. Farish, who owns Lane’s End Texas near Hempstead, to the Texas Thoroughbred Educational Fund to provide scholarships to Texas Thoroughbred Association members. Piloted by Junior Chacaltana for trainer Karl Broberg and owner End Zone Athletics Inc., Lillie Abbie prevailed by a nose as four Texas-breds nearly hit the wire together in the 7 ½-furlong turf contest. Lillie Abbie, a daughter of Uncle Abbie, clocked the distance in 1:30.60 and picked up three times her purchase price from barely a week earlier. Bred by Joe Carothers out of the Robin des Pins mare I’m a Pine, Lillie Abbie has compiled a career record of 25-6-4-5 with earnings of $120,883. The 5-year-old mare is having her best campaign yet with a mark of 8-3-2-2 this year and nearly $50,000 in earnings. Following her stakes victory, Lillie Lillie Abbie (red blinkers) Abbie returned to finish third at the $10,000 claiming level at Lone Star on June 13 and was claimed by owner Danny Keene. Lillie Abbie’s sire Uncle Abbie, a Kingmambo stallion out a Seattle Slew mare, stands at Joe and Sharon Kerby’s Key Ranch near Salado, Texas. Judy Peek’s homebred Lasting Bubbles, a Pulling Punches mare who was sent off as the favorite after winning the JEH Stallion Station Stakes last time out at Lone Star, finished second with Lindey Wade up for trainer Kevin Peek. It was just a head back to third-place finisher Mescaleress, a Marquetry mare running for breeder Lynn Ellen. Shannon’ Phavorite finished a close fourth.

Master Rick Strikes Again in Lone Star Park Handicap

Reed Palmer Photography

icking up his second graded stakes victory of the meet, Master Rick rolled to a one-length win in the $300,000 Lone Star Park Handicap (G3) on Memorial Day, May 27. Owned by Richard L. Davis of Dallas and trained by Steve Asmussen, Master Rick stalked the pace in the 1 1/16-mile event and then seized control in the stretch before stopping the timer at 1:42.09 under Ricardo Santana Jr. The 4-year-old colt paid $4.20 to win as the favorite. This marked the second big win at Lone Star for the Florida-bred son of Master Command after he took the $200,000 Texas Mile Stakes (G3) in April. He has now earned $317,750 in his two Lone Star wins, and his lifetime record stands at 17-5-1-2 with a bankroll of $547,113. Master Rick broke his maiden in March 2012 at Oaklawn Park and then followed that up the next month with a victory in the $100,000 Northern Spur Stakes at the Arkansas track. He then went on an eight-race losing streak while facing tough stakes company around the country before returning Master Rick to the winner’s circle with an allowance/optional claiming score at Oaklawn this past February. Master Rick’s Lone Star Handicap victory was the first in the race for Asmussen, who holds just about every training record at the Texas track. Zayat Stables LLC’s Prayer for Relief, a three-time graded stakes-winning millionaire, finished well clear in second to give Asmussen a sweep of the exacta. The 5-year-old also ran second to Master Rick in the Texas Mile. H and H Ranch’s Formaggio, trained by Danny Pish, finished third, 14 ½ lengths behind Prayer for Relief.

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 33

[Southern Racehorse Stakes Roundup]

Will Rogers Downs Foreign Sultress Scores Game Victory in RPDC Classic Distaff

Coady Photography

cattered Acres LLC’s Foreign Sultress picked up her second consecutive stakes victory at Will Rogers Downs on May 18 when she prevailed by a neck in the $55,000 RPDC Classic Distaff Stakes for Oklahoma-breds. Bred by Bob and Paulette Pogue, the 4-year-old daughter of Foreign Policy also won the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs Classic Distaff Sprint Stakes in April. Ridden by Benny Landeros for trainer Andy Gladd, Foreign Sultress set the pace from the rail in the one-mile-and-70-yard contest and fought back gamely when challenged by Sooner Superstar in deep stretch. Foreign Sultress stopped the timer at 1:43.79 and improved her record to 15-6-3-1 with earnings of $132,994. The Oklahoma-bred has spent her entire career in the Sooner State and has at least one victory at each of the state’s three tracks. Dwayne Scruggs and Marti Rodriguez’s Sooner Superstar, a daughter of Ra Ra Superstar ridden by Jose Angel Medina and trained by Marti Foreign Sultress (inside) Rodriguez, fought gamely to finish second. The 7 Cedars Farm homebred Diamond Disco, by Oklahoma Equine stallion Diamond, finished third, hitting the board for the seventh straight time.

Polka Joke Upsets Cherokee Nation Classic Cup Stakes

Coady Photography

oan Charlton’s homebred Polka Joke became a first-time stakes winner on May 18 as the Sasha’s Prospect gelding drew clear to a 2 ¾-length victory in the $55,000 Cherokee Nation Classic Cup Stakes for Oklahoma-breds at Will Rogers Downs. Erik McNeil rode the 4-year-old to a time of 1:43.38 for one mile and 70 yards. Brent Charlton was the winning trainer. Polka Joke shipped into Will Rogers after a good second-place effort at Lone Star Park to Texas Horse of the Year Coyote Legend. Polka Joke now has a record of 14-4-1-2 with earnings of $104,977. Unraced as a 2-year-old, Polka Joke had an active 3-year-old campaign as he broke his maiden at first asking at Sam Houston Race Park and then made 10 more starts with victories against allowance foes at Lone Star and Remington Park. George W. Straw’s Johnny Whip, winner of the TRAO Classic Sprint Stakes earlier in the meet, finished second with Benny Landeros up for trainer Jody Pruitt. Sassy S Stables Inc.’s Evansville Storm, by Evansville Slew, rallied to finish third with Curtis Kimes aboard for conditioner Mike Teel.

Polka Joke

For more information about the Texas Thoroughbred Association, go to www.texasthoroughbred.com H For more information about the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma, go to www.traoracing.com 34

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 35

Barbara D. Livingston

The legacy of Zuppardo’s Prince, who died in 2007 at the age of 31, continues to be written through the success of his daughters as broodmares.

ThePrince Who Became

King

Late Louisiana stallion Zuppardo’s Prince ruled the state’s stallion ranks for more than a decade and his influence is still felt around the region

H By Denis Blake

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

Putting the family name on a racehorse can be a risky move; you just never know how it’s going to work out. But when Anthony Zuppardo purchased a 1976 son of Cornish Prince at the Keeneland September yearling sale, he deemed the colt worthy of such a moniker and decided on Zuppardo’s Prince. And just like Zuppardo’s Family Supermarket that he founded in New Orleans in the 1930s, using the family name worked out just fine. Zuppardo’s Prince had a solid and consistent racing career. He finished second in the 1979 Derby Trial at Churchill Downs and captured

Barbara D. Livingston

Shown here at age 27, Zuppardo’s Prince sired the earners of more than $16 million.

consecutive runnings of the Phoenix Handicap at Keeneland Race Course while racking up earnings of $181,547 with 12 wins in 28 career starts. The Kentucky-bred also sparkled in Louisiana, where he won six allowance contests at Fair Grounds. It was as a stallion, however, that Zuppardo’s Prince really left his mark, in particular on the breeding industry in his owner’s home state but also in the surrounding region. His influence is still felt today, six years after the stallion was euthanized at the age of 31 at Clear Creek Stud in Folsom, Louisiana, where he spent his entire stud career. His death came just four months after his owner passed away at age 93. “When Zuppardo’s Prince retired from racing and my dad decided to syndicate him, he had some feelers out from people in Kentucky,” recalled Peter Zuppardo shortly after the death of the stallion. “But he wanted to keep the horse close to home. He had some altruistic reasons—he wanted to try to help Louisiana—but he also had some selfish reasons because he loved that horse and he wanted him close enough that he could drive over to see him whenever he felt like it.” Zuppardo kept a 50-percent share with the other half syndicated by Jack Lohman. The decision to stand the stallion in

Louisiana proved fruitful for both Zuppardo and the state’s breeders. From 21 crops, Zuppardo’s Prince sired 29 blacktype stakes winners and the earners of more than $16 million. While that might not match the accomplishments of the elite Kentucky stallions, those are big numbers considering most of his progeny ran before the Louisiana racing and breeding program enjoyed a resurgence when slot machines came online to help boost purses. “It seems like he was here forever,” said Val Murrell, general manager and co-owner of Clear Creek. ”He was incredibly good to a lot of people all over Louisiana.”

Hitting the big time During his long career, Zuppardo’s Prince was the top Louisiana stallion nearly every year during the 1990s. Although he never sired a Kentucky Derby winner—no Louisiana-bred has ever won the Run for the Roses—Zuppardo’s Prince did perhaps the next best thing: sire a winner on Derby Day at Churchill Downs. His leading runner, $667,886-earner Zuppardo Ardo, scored a memorable victory in the 1999 Humana

Barbara D. Livingston

The success of Zuppardo’s Prince as a stallion helped lay the foundation to make Clear Creek Stud one of the leading stallion stations in Louisiana.

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 37

Distaff Handicap (G2) for legendary Louisiana owner John Franks. “When Shane Sellers rode her in the Humana and she won like that, coming from behind and winning in the last few strides after zigzagging through a bunch of horses, that had to make everyone in Louisiana proud,” said Murrell, who could take extra pride in the fact that he bred Zuppardo Ardo. “It was Derby Day and on national TV. It was a big deal for everybody around here.” Zuppardo’s Prince also sired Astas Foxy Lady, who in 1993 finished second in the Grade 1 Spinaway and Matron stakes at Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course, respectively, and won the Adirondack Stakes (G2) at Saratoga. While she was

LOPE

especially with Astas Foxy Lady. Before that, we were just a little ol’ local program,” said Tom Early, former CEO of the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “We didn’t have any big-name stallions back then. “He had six Louisiana-bred champions and some of those horses repeated, so I think he had 10 overall champions,” added Early, who owned two shares in the stallion and bred one of those champions, Early Goer, in the name of his Brehon Farm. In addition to helping the Louisiana-bred program overall, Zuppardo’s Prince had a big impact on Clear Creek Stud, with Murrell crediting the stallion as being “so significant to our growth.” The farm now boasts several leading Louisiana stallions, including Half Ours, Ide, Lion Tamer and newcomer Star Guitar, a four-time LouisianaTexas-bred Zuper won the 1998 Longhorn Sprint bred Horse of the Year. Although most of his runners were Stakes at Lone Star Park and now resides at LOPE Louisiana-breds, Zuppardo’s Prince outside of Austin. also sired Texas-bred stakes winner Zuper, who has since become the unofficial mascot at LOPE (LoneStar Outreach to Place Ex-Racers), a nonprofit organization that finds new homes and careers for former racehorses. The veteran gelding has long been the “herd boss” at the ranch, plus he’s been featured in much of the media coverage about the organization. “Zuper is still with us and is actually looking for a retirement home,” said Lynn Reardon, LOPE’s founder the only other graded stakes winner for her sire, she did give and executive director. “He has become tired of all the young Louisiana breeders reason to dream about having runners whippersnapper racehorses who come and go at LOPE. It good enough to compete in open company, even at places like would be pretty amazing and awesome if someone from the racing industry decided to step up and give Zuper the retireChurchill and Saratoga. “Sometimes people here don’t set their sights that high, but ment he deserves. After all, he raced till age nine, and then he that’s what was so exciting about those two horses,” said Mur- helped babysit and acclimate hundreds of ex-racehorses up for rell. “They went to the races against the big guns and showed adoption here for another nine years.” None of Zuppardo’s Prince’s sons have gone on to a them we could have some pretty special Louisiana-breds.” Even if Zuppardo’s Prince didn’t give a breeder a graded particularly productive career in the breeding shed, but stakes winner, it was a good bet that his offspring would en- his daughters have produced nearly 200 winners with total joy a long racing career. Of his 569 foals, 496 made it to the earnings of nearly $11 million. “These mares, like him, give you all the basics—muscle, starting gate and averaged nearly 25 starts each—a figure that bone, balance, good healthy feet and good minds,” said ranks him near the top of the list among all stallions. “He really put the Louisiana-bred program on the map, Murrell. “His horses always held together well.”

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

Coady Photography

Zupers Quick Dash (outside), an American Quarter Horse out the Zuppardo’s Prince’s mare Oh Shez Zuper, has earned more than $400,000 while winning numerous graded stakes in Louisiana. The leading runner out of a Zuppardo’s Prince mare is Ontario-bred Daytime Robbery, a Silver Deputy gelding out of Astas Foxy Lady who banked more than $300,000. Texasbred Berry Viva, by Viva Deputy out of the Zuppardo’s Prince daughter Berry Zup, took home nearly $200,000. The stallion has even had success as a broodmare sire of racing American Quarter Horses. His daughter Oh Shez Zuper, who managed to earn just $909 in four starts on the track, is the dam of multiple graded stakes winner Zupers Quick Dash, who has compiled a bankroll in excess of $400,000 and earlier this year won the 400-yard Vals Fortune Stakes at Delta Downs for the third straight time.

where the office and the breeding shed are located, it was as though he forgot how old he was and he’d start bucking and playing.” The stallion also meant a great deal to the family who shares his name. Due in large part to the exploits of Zuppardo’s Prince as Louisiana’s top stallion, Anthony Zuppardo was inducted into the Fair Grounds Hall of Fame in 2002. Along with his wife, Frances, who died in 2001, Zuppardo made regular visits to see his stallion, and his nephew Roy was also involved in the management of the stallion. “My dad took a great deal of pride in the success the stallion had in Louisiana,” said Zuppardo’s son Peter. “He and my mom used to go see him all the time. Mom used to feed him sugar cubes, peppermints and carrots. When he heard her voice, he’d come over; he was like a big puppy with her.” The “big puppy,” however, did give Murrell some anxious moments. “I was always worried about Mrs. Zuppardo,” he said. “She was a petite lady, and she always had peppermints and she’d get right up in his face. But I know she’s feeding Zuppardo’s Prince peppermints again, because they’ve got to be up there together in the same spot now.” H

Family affair The legacy of Zuppardo’s Prince goes beyond the statistics and sire lists. The stallion spent the majority of his life at Clear Creek, where he is now buried, and he still holds a special place in the hearts of those who knew him best. “He was almost like family,” said Murrell. “Even after he was pensioned, on occasion when he was brought up front Barbara D. Livingston

Zuppardo’s Prince was laid to rest on the grounds of Clear Creek Stud.

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 39

WWW .SOU THER NRA

CEH ORS E.CO M

HOM A IN TEXA S AND OKLA ROU GHB RED INDU STRY COV ERIN G THE THO

TER LION REGIS • 2 0 1 3 S TA L RACEHORSE SOUTHERN

R eg is te r 2 0 13 St al li on

DON’T MISS THE CHANCE TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR STALLION IN THE 2014 SOUTHERN RACEHORSE STALLION REGISTER!

Deadline to Advertise:

October 11, 2013

Why should you advertise in the Southern Racehorse Stallion Register? • Advertising options for almost any budget with FREE ad design services • Reach more than 6,000 horsemen and women in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and the surrounding states, plus Kentucky and Florida. That makes Southern Racehorse the largest publication in the region by far! • Full color, professionally designed publication • Delivered to all members of the Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) and Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma (TRAO), plus more than 1,200 horsemen and women in Louisiana • Advertised stallions are included in the online Stallion Register at SouthernRacehorse.com and featured in the hypomating section Complete information, including advertising rates and package discounts, are listed on the following two pages. Remember, the deadline to advertise is October 11!

For more information, contact Denis Blake at (512) 695-4541 or info@southernracehorse.com Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

2014 Stallion Register STATISTICAL PAGE RESERVATION FORM

DEADLINE – October 11, 2013 Advertising Packages A [ ] (1) Stallion Statistical Page or Display Ad

TX/OK/LA Stallions Out of State Only Stallions $ 650 $ 700

Includes free hypothetical mating and page displayed on Southern Racehorse website!

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$1,000

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$1,400

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Includes statistical page plus second page with (1) color photo and descriptive information, plus free hypothetical mating on Southern Racehorse website and special online showcase for your stallion with photo and weekly updated stallion progeny statistics!

Advertising Value-Added Options TX/OK/LA Stallions Out of State Only Stallions Option 1 [ ] (1) Internet Stallion Listing on SouthernRacehorse.com $ 500 $ 600 Includes (1) color photo of stallion and link that automatically downloads stallion’s latest progeny statistics weekly from The Jockey Club plus free hypothetical mating!

Option 2 [ ] Advertising in Southern Racehorse Magazine * Special Pricing Full Page Color Ad 1-time placement In any issue: Nov. 2013 – March 2014

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2014 Stallion Register DEADLINES Stallion Statistical Page Reservations: Friday, October 11, 2013 Display Ad Space Reservations: Friday, October 18, 2013

ONE FORM PER STALLION (please type or print) Stallion

Year Foaled

Sire

Dam

Dam’s Sire

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Website

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Address

Phone (

)

Fax (

Year Entered Stud

)

Fax (

)

2014 Fee

Live Foal Guarantee? Yes / No

[ ] Accredited Texas Stallion [ ] Nominated to Texas Stallion Stakes [ ] Nominated to Breeders’ Cup [ ] Accredited Oklahoma Stallion [ ] Nominated to Oklahoma Stallion Stakes [ ] Accredited Louisiana Stallion [ ] Nominated to Louisiana Stallion Stakes

PACKAGE SELECTED (FROM PREVIOUS PAGE) ______ OPTIONS (FROM PREVIOUS PAGE) ______ OPTIONS (FROM PREVIOUS PAGE) ______

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TOTAL AMOUNT DUE THIS STALLION …………………………………..$_______ ALL ADVERTISING MUST BE PAID IN ADVANCE Method [ ] American Express [ ] MasterCard [ ] Visa

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Mail, Fax or Email to: Southern Racehorse Attention: Stallion Register P.O. Box 8645, Round Rock, TX 78683 Fax: 512-251-2858 * Phone: 512-695-4541 * Email: info@southernracehorse.com To submit a free text-only listing for the alphabetical index, please provide Southern Racehorse with the stallion’s name, stud fee and farm contact information by October 11. 42

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

2nd Annual Thoroughbred Sale Mixed Sale, for horses of all ages

Saturday, December 14, 2013 •11:00 a.m. Entries must be received no later than Nov 15th. This is the closing weekend of the Remington Park Fall meet. Consignment contracts available on our website www.heritageplace.com or call Heritage Place

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All About Allergies Horses, like people, are susceptible to a variety of allergies

Denis Blake

By Kimberly French

any humans experience seasonal allergies during the spring and summer, and those can also be prime seasons of discomfort for equines. A horse experiences an allergy or hypersensitivity when the immune system responds erroneously to a foreign substance that either enters or comes in contact with its body. These substances, called allergens, stimulate the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that all horses and humans possess in small amounts. Dust, pollen, mold, insect bites, feed, injections and chemicals in fly sprays and shampoos are examples of allergens that can trigger an allergic response, which in the horse occurs primarily in the respiratory system and the skin. “Allergies seem to be a multi-factorial condition involving immunoglobulins, cytokines, chemokines and the neuroendocrine system,” said Dr. Stephen White of the University of California at Davis. “We now realize that this traditional allergic response is only the tip of the iceberg and its role still remains controversial in the horse.” In racehorses, the most common allergic response to inhaled allergens is recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). This inflammatory, obstructive lower airway disease was previously called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and horsemen often refer to this condition as the “heaves.” RAO appears most frequently in horses that spend the majority of their time stabled in the Northern Hemisphere. An analogous syndrome, summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease (SPAOD), exists in the southeastern United States, Great Britain and California in horses that are pasture-fed during warm, humid weather. It is thought that these two ailments are one and the same but begin in slightly different ways.

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

“Recurrent airway obstruction is initiated by the inhalation of organic dusts,” explained Dr. N. Edward Robinson of Michigan State University. “The most common source of such dusts is hay and bedding. Summer pasture-associated obstructive pulmonary disease is most likely the result of inhalation of organic dusts occurring in pastures in hot, humid climates. Organic dusts contain a variety of components that can initiate lung inflammation. These include specific allergens, endotoxins, components of molds and small particles.” After a susceptible horse is exposed to dust, a vast amount of neutrophils, which are white blood cells that fight infection, flood into a horse’s lower airways and fuel mucus production. As with human asthma, the bands of muscles around the airways contract and constrict airflow causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

While many horses are allergic to insect bites or stings, summer itch or sweet itch is caused by hypersensitivity to the bites, specifically the saliva, of Culicoides flies (also called midges, gnats and ‘no-see-ums’). The fly bites, located primarily on the rump and withers, form blisters that can weep, causing crusting, scabs and scaling. An affected horse’s skin becomes very itchy, and prolonged biting at the skin and rubbing can result in hair loss and skin damage. Most skin allergies clear up on their own within several days and can be managed or controlled by keeping the horse away from the allergen that is causing trouble. Chronic skin problems or those whose cause cannot be pinpointed can be treated with steroids. To date, there are no concrete reasons for why horses develop allergies. One theory regarding horses suffering from RAO is a lack of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in the lining of their lungs.

Symptoms of RAO may include: • cough, with or without mucus • labored breathing • flared nostrils at rest • elevated respiration at rest • exercise intolerance or poor performance • increased movement of the abdomen during breathing • curved indentation or “heave” line along the flank Clinical signs usually do not develop until a horse is middle-aged, although young horses can experience RAO. In fact, as many as 80 percent of horses that spend a portion of the day stabled have been found to have some kind of airway inflammation. Also, once a horse develops the disease, it is prone to future attacks. RAO is identified by assessing a horse’s symptoms, history and lungs. Endoscopy and thoracic radiographs show inflammation in the lungs but are not specific to the disease. Blood gas testing, which shows the amount of oxygen a horse is processing, bronchoalveolar lavage and pulmonary function testing are usually the best methods to determine an approximate diagnosis. In addition to airway issues, skin allergies or dermatoses affect 3 to 5 percent of all horses and usually appear on the face, ears, trunk and lower legs within 12 to 14 hours of exposure to the offending allergen. An allergic skin condition can emerge on a horse of any age when it comes in direct contact with various chemicals in insect repellents, topical medications, soaps, shampoos or even tack. Skin allergies also can materialize seasonally.

Symptoms of skin allergy may include: • hives • itching • scaled or crusty lesions • hairless areas • various nodules,

either flat or raised

“Pulmonary epithelial lining fluid has a vast antioxidant capacity,” said Dr. Christopher Deaton of the Animal Health Trust in Suffolk, England. “In horses, ascorbic acid is quantitatively the major non-enzymatic antioxidant, which is likely to reflect horses’ ability to synthesize this antioxidant.” Genetics may also play a key role. A Swiss study published in 2007 in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine discovered the get of stallions with RAO are four to six times more likely to elicit clinical symptoms of RAO than maternal half-siblings. “A genetic susceptibility to these diseases is suggested by the observation that many horses are housed without apparent problems in environments that can provoke airway obstruction in a RAOsusceptible horse,” Dr. Robinson said. “Evidence in support of such a genetic component does exist.” As with humans, there is no magic bullet to battle allergies, especially when the exact allergen is unknown. Keeping a watch for early signs of allergies can give you a head start in fighting them, and a talk with your veterinarian is recommended for any chronic or hard-to-control allergies. H Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 45

Reed Palmer Photography

Golden Debutante

Competing against some of the most promising 2-year-old fillies in the country, Texas-bred Fiftyshadesofgold draws clear to an eight-length victory under the twin spires of Churchill Downs.

Texas-bred Fiftyshadesofgold unleashes a Texassized performance in the historic Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs • By Denis Blake

Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013

The famed blue-and-white diamond silks of the Scharbauer family graced the Churchill Downs winner’s circle on two momentous occasions in the late 1980s when Alysheba captured the 1987 Kentucky Derby (G1) and then returned the following year to take the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) in his career finale for Texas owners Dorothy Scharbauer, wife of Clarence Jr., and daughter Pamela. For the first time in 25 years, those silks returned to the Churchill winner’s circle following a stakes race run under the twin spires as Texas-bred Fiftyshadesofgold, a filly from the family of Alysheba, romped to an eight-length victory in the $113,400 Debutante Stakes on June 22. Bred and owned by Clarence Scharbauer Jr., Fiftyshadesofgold broke from post 10 in the 11-horse Debutante field, with every runner coming off a victory last time out, and battled for the lead while racing wide through quick fractions of :21.37 and :45.14. At the top of the stretch, jockey Corey Lanerie asked the question, and the daughter of Texas stallion My Golden Song responded by drawing clear with ease, hitting the wire in 1:10.63 for six furlongs in a race run under the lights during one of the “Downs after Dark” cards. Fiftyshadesofgold’s winning margin was the largest since 1977 in the prestigious race, which was run for the 113th time and whose list of past winners includes accomplished distaffers Chilukki, Silverbulletday, Hollywood Wildcat, Bewitch and Alcibiades. “I thought it was a monster effort,” said trainer and Texas native Bret Calhoun. “It was very, very impressive. I couldn’t be more proud of her. She beat those horses pretty handily, and I know there were some nice horses in there. To go what I thought was too fast and then keep running was very impressive.”

The victory was also special for Lanerie, whose uncle Steve Estilette Star in four career starts. As a broodmare, however, she has been unexpectedly passed away at age 53 on the day before the race while second-to-none with three stakes winners produced from as many visiting the family in Louisville from his home in Louisiana. starters. Her first starter, Sword Trick, by Valor stallion Early Flyer, “My uncle Steve would have kicked me in the butt if I wouldn’t have has earned $210,130 with three stakes wins and the title of 2011 ridden,” Lanerie said. “I dedicated tonight to him, and I felt like I had an Texas Champion 2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding. Her second starter, Tasteangel on my back the last eighth of a mile.” fullyxcessive, also by Early Flyer, won a division of the Texas Stallion Calhoun had no immediate plans for Fiftyshadesofgold, except to Stakes this year and has banked $113,329 in 10 starts. Fiftyshadesofavoid a showdown with gold is her third starter, and she also has an Early Flyer another talented filly weanling (she did not produce a foal in 2012). he trains, Bahnah. The Valor stallion My Golden Song, a Grade 3-placed Kentucky-bred daughson of Unbridled’s Song, has already sired six stakes ter of Elusive Quality, winners from just 42 starters with his third crop hitting who runs for Texas ownthe track this year. Among his leading runners are Texasers Wayne Sanders and breds Cowgirl N Up, a stakes winner at ages 2, 3 and 4 Larry Hirsch, broke her and earner of more than $200,000, and Triumph and maiden at Churchill by Song, who won this year’s Premiere Stakes at Lone Star. six lengths and is being My Golden Song stood the 2013 breeding season for a pointed to the $150,000 $2,000 fee. Schuylerville Stakes (G3) Earlier on the same card at Churchill, Oklahomaon July 19 at Saratoga bred Z Rockstar scored a game victory in a $54,000 Courtesy Valor Farm Race Course. allowance/optional claiming race against a quality The secret was out on Bred and raised at Clarence Scharbauer field of older horses. Bred and owned by Dr. Robert Jr.’s Valor Farm near Pilot Point, Texas, Fiftyshadesofgold before and sired by Valor stallion My Golden Zoellner, who owns and operates Rockin’ Z Ranch in she entered the starting Song, Fiftyshadesofgold had a winning Beggs, Oklahoma, Z Rockstar boosted his bankroll to gate on May 24 at Lone look even as a foal. $253,255 with the win. Trained by Donnie Von Hemel, Star Park for her career debut; she tipped her hand by posting a four- the 4-year-old gelding by Rockport Harbor won the Jim Thorpe furlong bullet workout from the gate in :46 1/5 two weeks prior. Bet Stakes at Remington Park and finished third in the Ohio Derby (G3) down to odds-on favoritism, the filly demolished a field of Texas-breds last year. H by 10 lengths and stopped the timer in a lively :57.76 for five furlongs to earn an impressive 77 Beyer Speed Figure. She earned an 82 Beyer at Churchill, second only to the 91 earned by Bahnah among all 2-year-olds in North America, male or female, through June 22. Fiftyshadesofgold has earned $77,790 in her two wins. “We’ve been pretty high on her for quite a while,” Calhoun told Daily Racing Form after her maiden victory. “She’s a tremendous specimen, physically and mentally. She has a lot of talent and has a chance to be a top filly.” Like so many of the successful Texas-bred Scharbauer runners over the years, Fiftyshadesofgold is the product of the tried and true breeding operation at Scharbauer’s Valor Farm near Pilot Point north of Dallas. Fiftyshadesofgold’s dam is Hadif Cat, a Texasbred daughter of longtime Valor stallion and leading Texas sire Hadif, and her third dam is Alysbelle, Reed Palmer Photography Scharbauer’s Grade 2-winning full sister to Alysheba. Shown here racing at Lone Star Park, Fiftyshadesofgold An unspectacular racehorse, Hadif Cat earned only a breaks her maiden by 10 lengths against Texas-breds and single win against maiden claiming company at Lone blazes five furlongs in :57.76 under Cliff Berry. Southern Racehorse • JULY/AUGUST 2013 47

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