March 2010 Steeplechase Times

Times

The

A Publication of ST Publishing, Inc.

Complimentary

Steeplechase

Vol. 17, No. 1 • Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Snow Days

Racing season arrives after wild winter WHAT’S INSIDE – 2010 SEASON PREVIEW EDITION Q&A with NSA President Guy Torsilieri u Tanglewood returns Horse rosters by division u Sheppard stable gets projects

th

Queen’s Cup Steeplechase Saturday, April 24

®

Anniversary 2010

Featuring

Aggressive year-round turf maintenance program u In-ground Toro Irrigation System u Turf top-dressed at every fence and around every turn Certified First Responders at every jump w/ 3 ALS Ambulances u Running hot and cold water & ice in the stable area u Proper saddling stalls Fans added in stable area u Running water and ice at finish line and along the stretch u Grooms’ breakfast & lunch u $50 Grooms award Very jumpable and breakaway timber fences u 5/8 mile gallop available u PROFESSIONAL JUMP JOCKEYS FLOWN OVER FROM UK & IRELAND* u

$100,000 in purse money awarded featurng

$50,000 Queen’s Cup MPC Sport of Kings Novice Hudles Stakes u Winner receives a $5,000 Sterling Silver original trophy Consistently safe racecourse, year-after-year u Three hurdle races, one timber, open flat and a 7 furlong maiden flat Considered by most to be one of the safest and finest race meets on the circuit u Great Southern Hospitality!

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Race Partners

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*courtesy of NSF

Patents Applied

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Course Partners

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CELEBRATING

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Book Release + Signing: Author, Margaret Worrall and past My Lady’s Manor winning jockeys will autograph copies of her new book on Thursday, April 8 at Ladew Gardens.

First Race 1:30 p.m. • Rain or Shine Winner’s Champagne Reception at Ladew 410-557-9570 • marylandsteeplechasing.com

The celebration begins at the Art Exhibition & Sale of the works of internationally acclaimed equestrian artist, HUBERT DE WATRIGANT* and the release of The My Lady’s Manor Races 1909 – 2009, the history of the Manor Races written by MARGARET WORRALL.

The My Lady’s Manor Steeplechase

The John D. Schapiro Memorial

Timber Stakes – Purse $30,000

Amateur Highweight Timber – Purse $5,000

The John Rush Streett Memorial

The Maryland Governor’s Cup Inter-Hunt Challenge

Amateur Maiden Timber – Purse $12,500

The Sham Aciss Maiden Timber – Purse $12,500

EXHIBIT & SALE: APRIL 9 – 26 * Underwriting support provided by Middendorf Foundation, Inc.

Hunt Team Relay Races

Live Bluegrass Music | Vendors & Food

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•3

Entries

Times

The

What’s Happening and Where To Find It Here’s your newspaper. We dusted – actually, shoveled – off the printers after our winter respite and are looking forward to 2010. Mixed Up returns in the open stakes division; the novice runners hope to build on a remarkably strong 2009 and the timber contingent continues to fend off Father Time. We’ve got a horse list more cumbersome than Carol Brady’s shopping cart; enough news to make Dan Rather jealous and a Q and A that would make Mike Wallace proud. We’re glad to have you back for our 17th season. Welcome aboard.

PageS 6-12 Heavy Hitters

Wondering what the meets are up? Here’s a glance at some of the news from around the circuit. Looking to find out how 2009’s leading horses fared over a trying winter and what’s on their agendas for this year? We’ll update you on their status with some information from their connections.

Pages 15-17

Steeplechase

ST Publishing, Inc. 364 Fair Hill Drive, Suite F, Elkton, MD 21921 In the Heart of Fair Hill Horse Country Phone: Fax: E-mail: On the Web:

The Staff

Editors/Publishers: Sean Clancy and Joe Clancy Jr. Staff Writer: Brian Nadeau

The Guy In Charge

ST’s Sean Clancy talked with NSA President Guy Torsilieri for a Q and A about all things steeplechasing, including the direction the sport is headed and the potential for pari-mutuel wagering.

Advertising: Contact the office or call Kathy Rubin (203) 650-6815 Jim McLaughlin (484) 888-0664 Michelle Rosenkilde (410) 692-5977 Reney Stanley (804) 449-2388 Contributors: Jane Clark, Tod Marks, Barry Watson, Sam Clancy, Anne Clancy, Joe Clancy Sr., Ruth Clancy, Ryan Clancy, Jack Clancy, Nolan Clancy, Miles Clancy.

PageS 18-19 Circuitous Route

Jonathan Sheppard welcomed back three owners to steeplechasing after they were reminded of the Hall of Famer’s exploits last year. Find out which one-time players are back in the game and the horses they picked for new careers.

2010 Publication Dates March 17 April 9 April 23 May 7

Pages 26-37

May 21 June 11 July 9 September 17

October 8 October 22 November 12 December 10

Don’t Forget to Advertise!

That’s Some List

The now famous ST horse list has once again grown and it took on a life of its own this winter. If there’s a horse in training, heck, if there’s a horse standing in a stall, odds are that we’ve tracked him (or her) down.

Member: American Horse Publications American Horse Publications is the nation’s only association of equine periodicals. AHP’s more than 200 members are dedicated to promoting better understanding and communication within the equine publishing industry. www.americanhorsepublications.org

Page 34

An AHP General Excellence Award Winner

Pick 6 Time

Peruse the horse list, check your notes from last year, review the charts and then fill out this season’s Pick 6 contest (new twist this year – TWO maidens must be in your barn). Time’s a wasting!

The

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On the Cover The horses had plenty to jump through – and their legs stayed cool too – during a winter filled with snow from Aiken to Unionville.

Photo by Lydia Williams

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Also by ST Publishing: The Saratoga Special, Thoroughbred Racing Calendar; Writing for Daily Racing Form, Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred, The Blood-Horse, The Racing Post, etc.; American Steeplechasing yearbook, newsletters, public relations consulting, custom brochures, Internet sites and graphic design for your farm or business.

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News & Notes from around the circuit

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY IS IS

RACE NIGHT

By The Numbers

5 Steeplechase victories jockey Danielle Hods-

AT AT

don needs to reach 100 for her career.

10 Steeplechase victories jockey Xavier Aizpuru needs to reach 100 for his (American) career.

23 Steeplechase victories trainer Jonathan Sheppard needs to reach 1,000 for his career.

Sister Power If international bloodlines count for anything, Irishman Michael Stanley and Castle Hill Equestrian Center will have a star in a few years. Stanley booked his broodmare Rosamund to Irish National Hunt sire Presenting.

Rosamund (by Lemon Drop Kid) is a half-sister to three-time American steeplechase champion McDynamo. Presenting has sired such standouts as Denman and War Of Attrition (each a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner). Denman goes for his second Gold Cup victory this week. Presenting, bred by leading American steeplechase owner George Strawbridge, stands at Glenview Stud in County Cork, Ireland.

Post Time is 5 o’clock with replays through the evening

Worth Repeating “I’m in the Adirondacks to get out of the snow.”

Gregg Ryan, who left Virginia for warmer weather in upstate New York “Are you one of those window farmers, ‘Get up at 8 o’clock and see how it looks?’ ” Jonathan Thomas to ST’s Sean Clancy “That horse took me places I only dreamed of going.”

Trainer Todd Wyatt about John’s Call, who traveled to Japan and the Breeders’ Cup

March 24 Aiken Spring Lydia Williams

Statuesque.

A horse strikes a pose while enjoying the snow (and some sun) on a “I like the snow.”

Maryland farm this winter.

NSA’s Mary Teter, who has an office job “All for sale.”

“The Maryland Hunt Cup is seven weeks away and the horses are just now Owner/trainer Todd McKenna when asked to describe his stable jogging down the road. If the Kentucky Derby horses were just jogging down the road right now there’d be a lot of trouble.”

“A few more weeks of junk food and laziness and my horse is gonna diTrainer Paddy Neilson, on the trials of a snowy Mid-Atlantic winter vorce me.”

Amateur rider Adam Newman about his winter fitness routine “It’s cold here today, we haven’t been able to train until 11.”

Trainer Richard Valentine about the vagaries of an Aiken winter “You know that place you get in the winter where you’re all ready for spring? I think I finally just got there.”

“We rode up and down the driveway for 30 minutes. It was like Rain Fair Hill-based veterinarian Dr. Kathy Anderson, March 1 Man.” Trainer Todd Wyatt after a hard morning in the snow “We’ll go try the old man one more time.”

Trainer Desmond Fogarty, on 14-year-old “Settle down my friend, we are on island time down here.”

Salmo gearing up for another Virginia Gold Cup run Camden-based Arch Kingsley, answering ST’s second e-mail requesting his stable roster “We sold out of snow blowers, snow shovels, you name it . . . but I’m a summer person.”

“Algezir in a snow race.”

Robin Stoltzfus, of Stoltzfus Farm Service, Owner/trainer Bill Wofford when asked about his spring string on the harsh winter being good for business “I think that’s why my wife has been so supportive.”

Amateur jockey Gus Brown on losing weight for his comeback

“It’s a sure sign of spring when you call me.”

Trainer Ann Stewart, on ST’s annual call about her horses

March 31 Carolina Cup Green Spring Valley Point to Point Cheshire Point to Point April 7 Stoneybrook Elkridge-Harford Point to Point Brandywine Point to Point

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•5

All Around

Return of Tanglewood highlights busy season for NSA race meets by joe clancy

2010 SEASON PREVIEW

One, two, three, go.

The 2010 National Steeplechase Association season starts this weekend with Aiken, kicking off a spring season that starts slowly (one meet a weekend for the first four weekends) and finishes fast (14 meets over the next five weekends).

In all, the schedule calls for 19 stops.

The return of Tanglewood takes the spot as the best news of the new year.

The Winston-Salem area meet shares May 8 with the Iroquois and will run for the 45th time, albeit the first since October 2002. Tanglewood offers $65,000 in total purses spread over five races and will be run on the same course it used previously at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, N.C. The meet nearly came back in 2009, but opted to wait a year to gather local momentum and organization. The plan worked as organizers steam into 2010.

“We are thrilled to be back,” said race director Shannon Dubuisson. “It’s been so exciting to get the steeplechasing going again. We’re getting calls

from people about their old tailgate spots, it’s a great chance to bring back the old, elegant feel of the event and the property.”

Tanglewood runs on the historic Tanglewood Park property, once home to tobacco heirs Will and Kathleen Reynolds. Owned by Forsyth County, the park now boasts fishing on two stocked lakes, tennis courts, a pool area, an arboretum, family playgrounds, an outdoor amphitheater, extensive mountain biking trails, gardens, a bed and breakfast, a historic church and equine riding trails. The Tanglewood Equestrian Association was formed to expand the horse facilities at the park, and race proceeds will be directed toward that effort.

Dubuisson started working on the race meet 19 months ago and called it her “dream job.” She attended one of the last steeplechase meets, knows horses and brings a background in major event/festival planning.

Tanglewood lists a strong roster of sponsors to its meet and cards a $25,000 allowance hurdle feature.

• Tanglewood’s arrival goes in the plus column. The negative side gets High Hope. The Lexington, Ky. meet will not run in 2010 due to course availability issues at the Kentucky Horse Park. The park hosts the World Equestrian Games this fall and portions of the steeplechase race course will be protected for that event – leaving High Hope with no home. Organizers considered several options, but none proved to be satisfactory so the meet won’t happen again until 2011.

• Traditional April meet Strawberry Hill shifts its date to May 15 (the same day as Radnor) in hopes of increasing attendance and adding some pizzazz.

The meet will once again run at Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, Va., but will include pari-mutuel wagering on the live races and simulcast wagering on the Preakness and other tracks in North America.

Strawberry Hill has called Colonial Downs home for several years, but See preview page 8

AT WINT E RTH U R

SUNDAY, MAY 2 Call today for more information on Winterthur’s spring racing event!

Races sanctioned by the NSA include: Maiden Timber Race Open Timber Race Amateur Highweight Timber Race Open Flat Race Also running: Large and Small Pony Races The trainer with the most points will receive the Greta B. Layton Trophy.

Photo: Pat Crowe

For more information call 302.888.4992 or visit winterthur.org/ptp.

Winterthur is located in Delaware’s beautiful Brandywine Valley on Route 52, between I-95 and Route 1, less than one hour south of Philadelphia.

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Steeplechase Times

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Preview –

this year. Ross can be seen at numerous meets on the circuit and has been an active part of Block House for decades.

“He’s been instrumental for a long, long time and has had his whole heart in it forever,” said race chairman Bonnie Lingerfelt. “He’s a character, a great person and we decided we’d like to honor him. It will be his day.”

Continued from page 6

could never fully take advantage of the racetrack setting due to simulcast regulations. The track’s wagering areas are closed during April, but open for business in May – making for a potential marketing boom with upwards of 20,000 in attendance for Strawberry Hill.

NOTES: Stoneybrook joined with a new charity, the cancer care • Strawberry Hill’s move makes fund at First Health of the Carolifor a slow start to the season with nas, and will host human races (5K single meets March 20 (Aiken), and 1K) along with its equine conMarch 27 (Carolina Cup), April 3 tests . . . Teri Teed joined the staff (Stoneybrook) and April 10 (My Laat Springdale Race Course, taking dy’s Manor). From there, the sched- The new stewards’ tower and viewing platforms – with the winner’s circle in the foreground – awaits the action over for Wendy Kingsley as the ule gets considerably more hectic. at Aiken. marketing director for the Carolina Block House, Grand National and and Colonial Cup meets . . . Winthe temporary structure used the past few years after Middleburg share April 17; Atlanta, terthur will code its tickets and gate openings to help Foxfield, Maryland Hunt Cup and Queen’s Cup share the original was struck by lightning and burned to the traffic flow – meaning tailgate guests can arrive at April 24; the Virginia Gold Cup and Winterthur run ground several years ago.

10:30 a.m., general admission at 11:30. In addition, The new building looks strikingly similar to the May 1-2, respectively; Iroquois and Tanglewood take the Delaware meet will change the tickets needed for May 8 with Willowdale May 9; Radnor and Straw- old. the infield area to improve crowd control, traffic and “It turns out the design my dad (former race chairberry Hill run May 15; oddly, there is no meet May 22 safety . . .

Radnor celebrates its 80th running and has man Ford Conger) and Mack Miller did all those years or 23, setting up the finale at Fair Hill May 29. dusted off a number of historic photos for use in preTotal advertised purses for the spring top $2 mil- ago made the most sense,” said Aiken’s Girl Conger. race promotion . . .

Fans will see a host of changes lion, in line with the total paid out last spring of “We made a few updates, but it’s basically the same – at Willowdale including a new Members’ Hill tent, $2,030,000. The Iroquois once again tops the list at only with lightning rods and surge protectors.” an expanded paddock and new winner’s circle.

The The new building features a threes-story permanent $395,000 in total purses, including the lone Grade I of the spring (renamed the Calvin Houghland Iroquois center structure and viewing decks on either side. The Members’ Hill tent, open to Members’ Hill parking project occupied much of Aiken’s off-season, but will space holders, includes lunch and paddock access . . . for 2010) at $150,000. quickly pay for itself in the savings from renting tem- The Queen’s Cup revamped its race card to include a $50,000 novice hurdle stakes and the day will also inporary scaffolding.

Conger reported that ticket sales have been brisk clude a second annual visit by English and Irish jump Looking around the spring meets, there are plenty and that fans renewed all but one railside tailgate jockeys . . . Beyond the race meets, former champion jockey Gus Brown is in the midst of preparations for space – which was quickly snapped up in a lottery. of news bits and pieces. a comeback as an amateur. He plans to ride Professor • Block House (April 17) will honor longtime stee- Maxwell in the Maryland Hunt Cup for trainer Rich• Aiken recently completed work on a new permanent stewards’ tower and viewing stand, replacing plechase fan and former race chairman Chuck Ross ard Valentine.

What Else Is New?

Did you know ...that contributions to the National Steeplechase Foundation are fully tax-deductible? The NSF is a 501c3 organization that supports the sport you support – steeplechase racing in North America. From safety inspections and reports on race courses, to drug testing, to safety devices such as improved helmets and Pro-Cush whips, to the support of amateur racing, the Foundation does many things to help improve steeplechasing. The NSF thanks its many contributors, and looks forward to a great 2010 season.

2009 Annual Giving Summary Francis H. Abbott Jr. David Addison John Aldrich William Allison Hal V. Barry Zohar Ben-Dov Perry J. Bolton Frank A. Bonsal Jr. Mary S. B. Braga Andre W. Brewster Austin A. Brown Magalen O. Bryant W. Cothran Campbell Sean Clancy Peyton S. Cochran Jr. William F. Cook Jr. R. Reynolds Cowles Jr. Kate & Bernie Dalton Nancy Dannemiller Joseph G. Davies Tria Pell Dove L. Dyson Dryden IV Margaret H. Duprey Mr. & Mrs. William Entenmann Charles C. Fenwick Charles C. Fenwick Jr. Peter R. Fenwick John R. S. Fisher Martin P. Fleming, MD Mrs. Timothy C. Gardner Julie A. Gomena John K. Griggs Benjamin H. Griswold IV Helen K. Groves Gwathmey Steeplechase, Ltd. Channing M. Hall III

Anne C. Hambleton Jonathan Harwell Barbara M. Hathaway Lucy A. C. Howard Mary G. Howard Mr. & Mrs. George S. Hundt Jr. Richard T. Hutchinson Mrs. S. K. Johnston Jr. Norma P. Killebrew Robert A. Kinsley Austin H. Kiplinger Ann La Pides Mason H. Lampton S. Scot Litke John K. Luke George P. Mahoney Melanie C. Maloney Charles E. Mather III H.Turney McKnight Lisa L. McLane Mr. & Mrs. Collin F. McNeil Betsy B. Mead Carl J. Meister Jr. Mrs. G. W. Merck Josephine Merck J. Patrick Michaels Jr. F. Bruce Miller Elizabeth R. Moran Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Moran A. Fred Myer Mr. & Mrs. Irvin S. Naylor Robert L. S. Neilson Roberta L. Nemec New York Racing Association Charles E. Noell Mr. & Mrs. Ernest M. Oare

NATIONAL STEEPLECHASE FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES Sam Slater President

Sally Jeffords Radcliffe Vice President

Gail B. Thayer Secretary/Treasurer

Alexandra Hundt, Beasie Patterson, Frances Raffetto, Laura T. Shull, Adair B. Stifel, Susan Strittmatter, Guy J. Torsilieri, Richard Valentine, James H. Whitner IV

Roberta W. Odell Richard M. Ogden Mary Charlotte Parr Mr. & Mrs. W. Duncan Patterson James Piper Avla R. Pitts Lee Pokoik Sarah Jeffords Radcliffe Peter G. Schiff Mrs. Edgar Scott Jr. Fred Schunmann Mr. & Mrs. George M. Sensor Laura T. Shull Beverly R. Steinman Mr. & Mrs. Henry F. Stern Bruner H. Strawbridge George Strawbridge Jr. Nina S. Strawbridge Charles W. Strittmatter Mary H. D. Swift Benjamin C. Swope William Stettinius Adair Bonsal Stifel Samuel Slater Steeplechase Owners & Trainers Assoc.

Edward P. Swyer Dale Thiel Gail B. Thayer Guy J. Torsilieri Harold A. Via Jr. Richard L. Valentine Eugene E. Weymouth Mr. & Mrs. Rufus Williams George & Gretchen Wintersteen Todd J. Wyatt Phyllis Mills Wyeth William W. Wylie Jr.

Safer Horses. Safer Jockeys.

Safer Courses. Safer Racing.

THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

400 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, MD 21921 • Phone: (410) 392-0700 • Fax: (410) 392-0706 • Website: www.nsfdn.org

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What’s Up?

Checking in with some big names looking to make impacts on 2010 In advance of the 2010 National Steeplechase Association season, ST checked in with owners, trainers, jockeys and horses from all corners of the sport.

Here’s a quick detailed report on a few horses on people’s minds as the season starts:

Askim:

He may be 14, but he’s also a Maryland Hunt Cup winner and former timber champion. Irv Naylor’s New Zealand import was uncharacteristically dull in two spring NSA starts, but turned back time with a runner-up effort to eventual division champion Patriot’s Path in Nashville’s Mason Houghland Memorial. Like most Maryland Hunt Cup contenders, he will start on the point-to-point trail (Elkridge-Harford?)

Trainer Ann Stewart: “I’m beg, borrowing and stealing for places to train but I’m only a little bit behind. I’m all right. It never came together for Askim last year, but I ran him at Nashville to see and he showed he was still good.

Hopefully, we can do a better job getting him together this year.”

Bubble Economy: The two-time timber champion had (for him) an off year in 2009 with just a single win. The 11-yearold looked good winning at Middleburg Spring over Seeyouattheevent, but couldn’t duplicate that performance in three subsequent starts for Arcadia Stable. The $338,000 earner could get his fourth start in the Virginia Gold Cup. Trainer Jack Fisher: “I’m hoping he can return to form after not running as well as we would have liked in 2009.

Can he? (Laughs) God only knows, but we’re looking forward to getting him started. The plan right now is the Manor, Virginia Gold Cup and Radnor Hunt Cup then go after the longer timber races in the fall.”

Good Night Shirt: The 2007 and 2008 champion has not run since chasing Pierrot Lunaire home in the 2009 Iroquois due to a major injury discovered during initial preps for a fall campaign. American jump racing’s second millionaire underwent ankle surgery at New Bolton Center and is just now taking the first step (some walking on an underwater

Tod Marks

Duke Of Earl returns after missing the fall season in 2009.

treadmill) toward resuming his racing career.

Trainer Jack Fisher: “He’s as good as can be expected. I think the chances of him coming back to race are probably 10 percent. You could bring him back but if it doesn’t look perfect, I won’t run him. What’s the point?”

Incomplete:

He’s unbeaten in three NSA timber starts over three seasons.

Last year’s heroics included a 10-length

laugher in the My Lady’s Manor Stakes.

He didn’t run again in 2009, but possesses enough talent to be a threat wherever he surfaces. As with stablemate Askim, this guy will warm up at the point-to-points for owner Bob Kinsley.

Trainer Ann Stewart: “Maryland racing is the goal and the Hunt Cup is the goal. The better he does early, the further we’ll go later.”

See horses page 12

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Horses –

Patriot’s Path:

Continued from page 10

Duke Of Earl: Everybody’s favorite horse missed the fall season with a broken tail (yes, a broken tail). Ann and Henry Stern’s pony-sized powerhouse owns seven American wins and returns for more in 2010. Look for him in the claiming ranks.

Trainer Jack Fisher: “He’s older now, but doing better than he ever has and that’s got us excited, especially after he ran so well last year (two wins, a second and a third). We’ll point for the claiming races at Atlanta and Radnor. We’re going to go after Eagle Beagle and get that claiming title this year. Bring on the Beagle”

The 2009 timber champion returns, but his route will be determined after a run in the Grand National. A successful seasonal debut could send him down the Maryland Hunt Cup road or he could look to repeat in Nashville’s Mason Houghland.

Trainer Desmond Fogarty: “We’re going to start in the Grand National and then determine what’s the best path. We could look at the Hunt Cup and the longer races because he does like to jump the bigger fences. If that proves not to be the best move we can always point toward the Houghland over a course and distance he obviously likes.”

Mixed Up: Deserving champion is back to defend his crown and it’s tough

to doubt him off his exceptional 2009 campaign. The 3-mile Iroquois rates as the chief spring goal, with a tuneup in Middleburg’s Temple Gwathmey. He should once again be a major player at Saratoga.

Trainer Jonathan Sheppard: “He’s 11 now but is doing very well. He’s in Camden now and we gave him a school and a breeze and he’s feeling like his usual rambunctious self, which is always a good sign. We’ll point to Nashville with a likely prep in the Gwathmey. Right now we’ll look at both the Frost and the Iroquois but at this stage of the game the 2 miles (in the Frost) might be a bit too quick for him.”

Salmo:

Two-time Virginia Gold Cup winner is back for another campaign,

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12 •

Steeplechase Times

Trainer Desmond Fogarty: “We’ll have another go at the Gold Cup, that’s his thing, galloping along at 4 miles. He’s 14 now but you wouldn’t know it by looking at him, he acts like a young horse. Obviously, age is not on his side but at 4 miles over firm ground he can still be pretty tough. I took him on a 2 1/2-mile gallop the other day and he felt great, traveled really nicely for me.”

Spy In The Sky:

Shocked the New York Turf Writers, but then followed it up with a fine fourth in the Lonesome Glory prior to a wide and tiring eighth in the Colonial Cup. Iron horse is as durable as they come and figures to hit early and often this season, beginning with the Carolina Cup at Camden.

Trainer Jimmy Day: “It’s been tough with the weather but I think we’re on target for Camden and then we’ll go from there. He had a good year last year and is now a bit older and more mature and the division is up for grabs so I expect him to have a good year.”

Tax Ruling:

Made the transition from novice stakes winner to major Grade I performer with solid thirds in the Grand National and Colonial Cup. He heads to the Iroquois, an ideal spot for the long-striding son of Dynaformer.

Trainer Desmond Fogarty: “I’ll just train him up to the race because he seems to run better fresh. It worked out that way last year when we were forced to miss the Lonesome Glory so we’ll look to the Iroquois and that will probably be his only run of the spring. He’s on the Grade I program this year and I expect him to run well. He seems to be getting better and stronger with age.”

Terpsichorean: Steps up with the big boys after trading punches with a good novice class in 2009. He’s still just 6 and has only 10 jump starts, so essentially still has a high ceiling.

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Trainer Jonathan Sheppard: “We hope to start out at Great Meadow in the 2 1/2-mile allowance (where he was second in 2009). That’s a long, galloping course that suits his style. Certainly he’s moving from the novice ranks to open stakes but we think he’s the type of horse that can bridge the gap this season and develop into a stakes performer.”

You The Man: It’s never easy to go from a maiden win to a Saratoga stakes score in your next start, but he pulled it off and closed 2009 with a third against open stakes foes in the Noel Laing. July maiden score helps him fit conditions.

Trainer Todd Wyatt: “I’d love to run him in a two-other-than if the timing is right but otherwise we’ll look to the novice at the Queen’s Cup. Being that he’s eligible to run in the novice ranks all year we’d like to take advantage of that. I was happy with the experience he got last year, and he showed in the Noel Laing, basically his first true run at a hunt meet and against older horses, that he can hold his own.”

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Steeplechase Times

• 13

Tod Marks photo

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” ~ Robert Frost

In Memory of Peter Levendis (May 4, 1944 -- December 21, 2009)

Master horseman, loving husband and devoted father . . .

Our time together was not enough and you will always be missed.

Love you so much, your girls: Penelope, Katherine and Alexandra

14 •

Steeplechase Times

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Guy Talk

Steeplechase Times editor/publisher Sean Clancy sat down with NSA president and Far Hills co-chair Guy Torsilieri to discuss the state of the sport after one year on the volunteer job. Torsilieri has been in steeplechasing for decades – first at Far Hills when his family’s company was hired to work on the race course and now as the NSA president. He took that post at the start of 2009 after serving as treasurer for several years. He’s also an owner, campaigning steeplechasers (including 2001 Grand National winner Quel Senor) under the Coppertree Farm banner.

ST: You’ve been president for a year, reflect on it, describe it.

Torsilieri: After a year, it seems like I’ve been in this seat for 10

years. A lot has happened, we’ve got Tanglewood coming back, we got Queen’s Cup back on board, Lou Raffetto is moving on at the end of June. I think the jumping game has held its own very well in comparison to the flat tracks. I think we did very well, I’m not happy with it, but I’ll take it. We had a few more races (in 2009), purses were down a little bit but not as bad as they could have been. I think we’re in pretty good shape for this year, most of our meets are holding their purse levels. I’m cautiously optimistic.

ST: What’s gone right?

Torsilieri: We had a

great meet at Monmouth Park, we’ve got Queen’s Cup back, we’ve got better communication with the horsemen, better communication with SOTA, we’re implementing clearer processes where there’s definitely an order of when something happens, how it gets corrected, it used to kind of rattle around a bottle. Streaming video was a huge add to our game, we can continue to build on that. We had the best race chairmen’s meeting in January, it was the best one I’ve ever been to, a lot of good ideas being shared. I think we’re teed up for some nice growth.

NSA president Torsilieri points to growth as sport turns a page Q&A

ST: What’s gone wrong?

Torsilieri: We didn’t get Little Everglades back, we didn’t get

pari-mutuel wagering at Far Hills and other tracks like we thought we could. It was much more difficult as the board and Lou Raffetto found out to implement with the wire acts and all kinds of legislation. That’s a much slower process and it will continue to be a much slower process. I thought that would really add to our game.

ST: Is it more difficult or easier than you expected?

Torsilieri: The same. I knew what I was getting into. Having

been on the board before, knowing the politics and the people involved, I got what I expected.

ST: What have been the biggest challenges?

Torsilieri: There isn’t one big one, there are lots of little ones.

How do we increase our jockey pool? How do we get race meets to cooperate and look at the big picture? How do we get race meets to work as a group when there are five Saturdays in a month as opposed to four? How do you get race meets to raise their purses in a tough economy, because as you know it’s tough owning racehorses, you’re never going to make money owning racehorses, but I’m trying to make it where you lose less. Purses need to go up where they can but that’s tough for race meets in this environment. But if you win a $7,500 race, you might as well shoot yourself in the head. Want to do the math? Why would you run in a $7,500 race? Because it’s the only one there and the horse is ready. Do you want to? No. Will it fill? Probably. Is it the right thing to do? I don’t think so.

ST: What’s the status, future, of the U.S. Steeplechase Cham-

pionships and the television show that aired in 2009?

Torsilieri:

Tod Marks

NSA president Guy Torsilieri starts his second year in the position.

ternational Gold Cup and Far Hills so the day (and show) wouldn’t be both. We’ve talked to the powers that be on what the cost would be for a show just at Far Hills, so we’re investigating where we are with it. I will tell you it was more expensive than what we thought it would be and we would not do a 2010 show unless it’s a 100-percent sponsorship. How do you count exposure, how do you measure it? Some sponsors want to see hits on your Website, other sponsors want to sell cars, so you have to learn what your sponsors are looking for and then you try to match sponsor exposure. With the exposure comes a cost. These are all things you need to balance.

ST: What did the show cost?

Torsilieri: We’re still trying to figure that out, we’re still trying to figure that out.

The show was a success as far as what it did. We learned a tremendous amount from it. We’ve split the dates for In-

See torsilieri page 16

Douglas Lees photo

108th Grand National April 17 in Butler, Maryland gates open 11:30 a.m.

First event at noon Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Featuring the

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Steeplechase Times

• 15

Torsilieri –

Continued from page 15

ST: Who paid for it?

Torsilieri: Far Hills paid for some of it. The NSA is paying for some of it. A lot of donations came in to help support it.

ST: What is the financial picture of the NSA? Torsilieri: We lost money the last couple

of years but we’ve made money in prior years.

We’ve made adjustments to get through it and we will get through it. We reduced Lou’s contract to two and a half years from three.

video goes around the world, it increases exposure to England, Ireland, Australia, wherever.

The race chairmen’s meeting in January was extremely positive, trying to help each other, grow our sponsorships, it’s a difficult time out there to retain sponsorships. If someone’s got a good idea of how it worked for them, there’s no ownership here, we’re opening up our books and helping everybody out.

ST:

What’s the status of jump racing at the NYRA racetracks?

Torsilieri: They reduced the purse of the (A.P.) Smithwick, from $100,000 to $75,000.

We have a very good relationship with Charlie Hayward and Hal Handel and I’m meant to talk to them this week.

ST:

What’s the status of pari-mutuel racing?

Will it ever happen?

ST: What’s the status of jump racing at Monmouth Park?

Torsilieri:

Torsilieri:

We are working on it at different levels. As far as New Jersey, we’re going at it from a different angle. We were turned down in South Carolina and Tennessee. Atlanta is working on it, that would be very interesting. But it’s extremely slow and cumbersome to get through the politics. There are so many different layers of legislation and laws, I never thought when we brought Lou on that it would turn into the issues that it did, as far as timing, who’s in charge of what, the laws that are out there, it’s staggering.

The plan is to go back to Monmouth, it was very successful, the hospital (Meridian Health) down there loved it. The plan is to return to Monmouth and quite frankly we would also like some exposure at other racetracks on the East Coast and we’re working on them. But you can’t focus on just one thing, by saying you’re trying to grow the sport at the flat tracks doesn’t mean you’re neglecting the race meets, there’s a balance. You need the race meets, big and small. You need to work with them. I think this new Website will help, it’s more interactive and ties back to all the other race meets’ sites.

ST: What’s the status of Jump2bet?

Torsilieri: It’s there, it’s a betting site, I don’t ST: How healthy are the race meets? want to say it’s mothballed but until we get it a purpose, until it’s attached to a Far Hills or some- Torsilieri: They’re all struggling, they’re dothing . . . we put it in place for the pari-mutuels that didn’t happen. It’s there, but it’s not doing much at the moment.

ST: What does Raffetto’s resignation mean?

Torsilieri: When we hired Lou, he had a

three-year contract, he was brought in to grow the sport and he did some fabulous things. Monmouth Park. Streaming video. However, the goal to pay for his salary was always through additional sources of revenue, whether it was additional races at the tracks or pari-mutuel racing.

That additional revenue is a long way away. He leaves at the end of June as a friend, as an ally.

I hate to see him go but the income streams to support his salary are not there.

ST: So it was a simple business decision, NSA needed additional income to pay his salary?

Torsilieri: We clearly thought we were going to do it when we brought him on, it was clear at the end of last year that it wasn’t going to happen. He and I sat down at the end of last year, we looked at each other and said ‘Where do we go from here?’ He knew it wasn’t going to happen and I knew it wasn’t going to happen so we agreed to separate after two and a half years rather than three. He’s not going anywhere, we’ll see him somewhere. We just can’t support him as a CEO. ST: Is there someone, or something, in place

to take over that role or is it back to the way it used to be?

Torsilieri:

It’s not going back to the way it used to be. I’m going to take over that role until we can find a new gameplan, we’re not going back to the way we were. If you look at the people I’m leaning on to help me with our little industry, I’ve got Laura Shull who’s the president of SOTA and also on our board. I’ve got Turney McKnight who’s the race chairmen’s committee chairman and also on the NSA board. I’ve got the stewards’ advisory committee, led by Dwight Hall who’s doing a fabulous job. None of that was really in play years ago. Collectively I’ve delegated and have people in place where it works. There are different places to go. If you call me with a problem, I can direct you to Laura or Turney or somewhere.

We’ve also hired Don Clippinger to help with our press releases and help with our new Website.

We’re going forward, not backward.

ST: When you took the job, these were some of the goals?

Torsilieri:

Absolutely. We wanted streaming video, we wanted to grow the sport. Streaming

16 •

Steeplechase Times

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ing the best they can, they’re trying to recreate themselves. It’s a great entertainment package that locally each one of us gets to sell in our area.

Last year was worse than this year, the purse levels are holding fairly well for 2010, I think the pain they all had in 2009 has settled in and now it’s, ‘how do we recreate ourselves or remarket ourselves?’ or ‘we lost a huge sponsor, how do we come up with six little ones?’ Everybody is coming up with new, creative ideas to bring in additional revenues and we hope the NSA can help with that. It’s all little baby steps.

ST: What holds the sport back?

Torsilieri: It’s a cute, little boutique industry.

To try and make it a national product is crazy, it’s never going to be a national product. Can we double the size of it? Sure, but it’s going to take work from all sides, from the horsemen, the race chairmen, everybody. You’ve got to grow it in little steps. You try to get the Monmouth Parks, the Tanglewoods back, but you’ve got to keep the back door closed so you don’t lose Little Everglades. You can’t be a turnstile. We’re set up better now than we were before, a lot of the issues that were raised have been addressed. There’s a lot more camaraderie, there’s a lot more people working together, a lot of the in-fighting has been tamed to some degree. We’re leaning on everybody to move it forward.

ST: Was this your first priority when you took the job?

Torsilieri: I spent a large part of my first year

putting out little fires and little skirmishes and trying to get the train back on the tracks moving forward. We’ve got a good product, we have great teams in place, I think we can move forward even in these tough times. But I’m always the optimist.

ST: Do

you see any relief for owners regarding entry fees?

Torsilieri:

When we were doing our budget and our budget isn’t done yet, I refused to allow any increases in sanction fees or racing fees, it’s not a good time to increase taxes. Relief from entry fees? I don’t see anything as far as that goes. We were looking at the entire fee structure, how it works as far as reverted purse, runner’s reward. I think it’s a fair package, would I like to improve it and do something for the owners?

Absolutely. Is something going to happen this year? Probably not.

See torsilieri page 17

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Torsilieri –

Continued from page 16

ST:

There was some criticism for the voting process this year, when there were five spots and five nominees for the board of directors.

What are your thoughts?

Torsilieri:

I was extremely disappointed in the number of people who re-upped their patron membership. I was on a committee with Peter Fenwick, traveling all over, asking what people wanted with their vote. Then all of them went away, the pool to pick the board members was a lot smaller than you would have thought.

That needs to change, more members need to come into the fold. Having said that, the fact that Richard Hutchinson, Laura Shull and Nick Ellis became board members, none of who were ever board members before and come from all different areas of steeplechasing, takes care of the criticism that it was a bogus election, I think the cross section of members who were put up answered that. I had people comment on it but I don’t think it’s a big deal any more. We’ll see how many people are nominated this fall.

ST: Could you see yourself serving that long?

Torsilieri: I wouldn’t mind, as long as we’re

still working together, if I’m productive and I can move the sport forward and people want me to serve, I’ll serve. If we can keep working together, then the easier my job becomes. It’s way better than it was. Everybody is trying to work together.

There are still disagreements, still discussions, that’s the way it should be, we have open discussions, open communication, we make the right decisions and we move forward. The stewards advisory committee met (March 4), they were asked to rule on a bunch of questions, they spent a ton of time on it and those rulings should be coming out, they will probably be voted on and enacted in Camden (March 26). They did a fabulous job and I think they made the right choices.

Is everybody going to be happy? Absolutely not.

ST: Will there ever be another Quel Senor?

Torsilieri: Boy, would I love there to be. I’ve got a couple of them at Voss’ that I have my fingers crossed for – hope springs eternal.

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ST: Why are there less patron members?

Torsilieri: It’s something we are working on, it’s something we never focused on, I think it’ll come around as well.

ST: What can the average NSA participant do to help the cause?

Torsilieri: Depends who you are, if you’re a fan, try to expand the fan base. If you’re an owner or a bloodstock agent, talk to the guys on the flat side, let them know there is life after you run out of your conditions on the flat. Also to that point, the amount of money the charities get. It’s a whole weave of things, it’s the racing, the fundraising for charities, the day in the country. If you package the whole thing and talk it up, I think we can continue to move it forward.

ST: What is your favorite moment during your tenure thus far?

Torsilieri:

My favorite moment? Can I give you two or three? Being at Monmouth Park and having the executives come up and congratulate the NSA and steeplechasing for putting up a day that blew their socks off, management was blown away by it and it made me proud of our steeplechasing community. Championship Day at Far Hills and International Gold Cup, listening to Mark Johnson’s calls was like listening to a story, I thought that was fabulous. Going to race meets I had never been to, it’s always fun to see how each race meet is unique in its own style. Callaway Gardens, Mason Lampton rolled out the southern hospitality, I stole a bunch of his ideas to implement at Far Hills, thank you Mason. Then from that to going to Pennsylvania Hunt Cup, Willowdale, some of the smaller meets. I went to Queen’s Cup for the first time.

I’m trying to get to more meets this year, the goal being to go to all of them.

ST: What’s in store at Far Hills?

Torsilieri: I have loved growing Far Hills with

John von Stade. But we took it on the chin last fall, our gate was down 20 percent. We’re reinventing ourselves, we’re working on a family area, we’re working on a plan to reduce some of the alcohol consumption. Having said that, my vision, my goal has always been to have an international competition there, with a milliondollar jump race but I can’t get there without pari-mutuel, without simulcasting, without other things but that’s why we’re working with Trenton and the New Jersey horsemen to get some of this stuff done. I would love to do that, having General Ledger here was a great addition.

ST: How much longer will you be president?

Torsilieri: Well it’s such a high-paying job

(laughs), I can’t give up the revenue stream. I have a three-year term as a board member, I’m in my second year as president, so I could serve one more year and if elected I could serve for another three.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Steeplechase Times

• 17

Careers 2.0 Reputation helps Sheppard stable add new projects for 2010 season

by Brian nadeau Jonathan Sheppard didn’t recognize the phone number that popped up on his caller I.D. last summer but answered the call anyway. The voice at the end of the line didn’t clarify the mystery.

“Jonathan, it’s Ivor Key,” the gentleman pronounced.

Sheppard furrowed his brow and thumbed through the countless names in his head like a librarian looking for an obscure novel in the card catalogue.

The Hall of Fame trainer reached “I” and began to unearth Key’s description.

“I trained one horse for him over 20 years ago, and I don’t think he ever even made it to the races,” Sheppard explained. “He called me completely out of the blue and wanted me to look for a horse for him to campaign in Europe. I think some of my former clients are taking notice of the success I’ve had over the past few years with older horses and are returning to the game.”

Buoyed by reclamation projects such as Mixed Up and Cloudy’s Knight, Sheppard reintroduced his mastery to the masses in 2009 and the result has lured three new – and old – owners back

to his barn. A look down the shedrow finds a trio of hurdle prospects in 8-yearold Prince Rahy for Cot Campbell’s Dogwood Stable, 8-year-old Canteen, a half-brother to Kentucky Derby runnerup Strodes Creek for Arthur Hancock and Royal Rossi for the aforementioned Key. Sheppard welcomed them all.

“These are owners that have all had some experiences in steeplechase racing, and some success to varying degrees and now it’s nice to see them returning,” Sheppard said. “These owners never turned their backs on the sport and now they’re coming back around a bit with a few different horses. If it’s because of my recent success with older runners or not, it’s great for the game and that’s what really matters.”

Dogwood owned 1987 steeplechase Eclipse Award winner Inlander but last campaigned a jumper in 2006, when Skiperoo made one start for Sanna Hendriks; Hancock, whose Stone Farm stood legendary steeplechase sire Northern Baby, owned Charley Bates (in partnership with Augustin Stable) in 2005 and some others over the years; Key, who never had an official starter with Sheppard now has a potential run-

Dave Harmon

Prince Rahy (left) battled with Thorn Song at Saratoga in 2007 and is now part of Jonathan Sheppard’s barn as a potential steeplechaser.

ner in 4-year-old Royal Rossi. Though all three are undergoing career changes, the model for success only strengthened in 2009.

Mixed Up, at 10, was almost two years removed from his best form yet Sheppard guided him to two Grade I wins and an Eclipse Award. Once known as a short-distance hurdler who excelled at the racetrack but struggled when the fall’s important tests took place over long distances, Mixed Up was last seen charging down the stretch at Camden to

take the Colonial Cup at 2 3/4 miles.

The accomplishments were heady indeed, but paled in comparison to what Sheppard engineered with Cloudy’s Knight, who entered his barn last summer as a 9-year-old Grade I winner that had not run since September 2008.

Sheppard took his time with the gelding and then unleashed him in the second half of the season when Cloudy’s Knight won four of five starts (all stakes) and suffered his only defeat by a nose in the See projects page 19

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Steeplechase Times

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Projects –

Continued from page 18

Breeders’ Cup Marathon.

Sheppard insists he’s just following the same guidelines that worked so well over the years.

“There’s no special method or way it’s done and I don’t train the older runners any different than I do the rest of my horses,” Sheppard said. “You basically start out with a general program and adjust it to each horse. It’s a lot like feeding a horse; if he cleans the feed tub then you know he’s doing well, if he doesn’t, then you know you’ve got to change things up a little bit.”

Change is the operative word for Prince Rahy and Canteen, who both enjoyed solid flat careers.

Prince Rahy won four races and more than $269,000 for trainer Frank Alexander on the flat while Canteen placed in Grade II stakes, won four races and banked some $266,000.

Prince Rahy and Canteen will be pointed to maiden hurdle races later in the season while Royal Rossi, winless in four starts on the flat, may still embark on a trip to England. Sheppard will keep all options open and could even elect to return them to the flat, but their prospective success or failure is not what resonates with the trainer.

“These horses could have kept on running (on the flat) and probably dropping in class like you see all too often, but instead they have been given another career path,” Sheppard said. “That could potentially open up some new owners to the sport and it will hopefully continue to grow. When important owners like this return after being away for a bit it can only help.”

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Steeplechase Times

• 19

8The 8

Royal Ascot (June) L’Arc de Triomphe (Sep-Oct) Cheltenham (March) Dubai (March) Aintree (April)

MARYLAND HUNT CUP NSA Standings 1 (800) 368-0872 | www.horseracingtripsworldwide.com

2009 winner Michele Marieschi and George Hundt Jr.

final top 15 for 2009 Jockeys (Races Won)

Sts Paddy Young......................99 Xavier Aizpuru....................82 Jody Petty..........................94 Danielle Hodsdon...............79 Robbie Walsh.....................91 Bernie Dalton.....................56 Jacob Roberts....................42 Willie Dowling....................53 Darren Nagle......................35 Jeff Murphy........................47 Padge Whelan....................38 Ross Geraghty...................29 Liam McVicar.....................51 Carl Rafter..........................58 Chip Miller..........................28

1st 19 15 13 12 12 9 8 7 7 7 6 6 5 5 4

2nd 13 13 12 15 8 9 3 9 2 1 10 6 8 6 4

3rd 12 12 9 13 7 10 5 11 3 3 5 4 7 9 3

Trainers (Races Won)

114th Running

Saturday, April 24 Worthington Farms • Glyndon, MD Gates Open 1 P.M. • Post Time 4 P.M.

The world’s oldest and most important timber race!

4 Miles • 22 Fences Amateur Jockeys • $75,000 Purse

8

Parking reservations

8

General Parking ($35/car) may be purchased after April 1 at: Butler Store, Valley Motors, Wine Merchant, Dogwood Tack, The Filling Station at Shawan, and Unionville Saddle Shop • Patron Parking ($100/car) & General Parking may be purchased on the internet at www.marylandhuntcup.com or send check to Maryland Hunt Cup Association, P.O. Box 2342, Westminster, MD 21158.

Advance Reservations Only. No Sales or Parking Available on Race Day. No Food Available for Purchase – Bring a Picnic.

NSA horsemen and member badges good for General Admission only.

Photo by Douglas Lees

20 •

Steeplechase Times

Sts Jack Fisher.......................107 Tom Voss.........................105 Jonathan Sheppard..........110 Desmond Fogarty...............45 Doug Fout..........................81 Sanna Hendriks..................37 Janet Elliot.........................26 Richard Valentine...............51 Ricky Hendriks...................24 Arch Kingsley.....................17 Jimmy Day.........................31 Julie Gomena.....................29 Todd Wyatt.........................22 Kathy McKenna..................47 Teddy Mulligan...................22

1st 23 21 17 9 7 7 7 6 6 5 4 4 4 4 4

2nd 17 24 18 1 8 7 5 3 3 4 6 2 2 1 0

3rd 18 11 18 6 7 3 3 5 4 1 5 4 2 8 1

Owners (Money Won)

Sts The Fields Stable................14 Irv Naylor...........................68 Bill Pape.............................33 Calvin Houghland...............38 Sonny Via...........................18 Greg Hawkins.......................5 Gil Johnston.......................28 Ken and Sarah Ramsey......14 Maggie Bryant....................31 Randleston Farm................18 Armata Stable......................7 Mede Cahaba Stable...........24 Sheila Williams..................10 Augustin Stable..................29 Arcadia Stable....................15

2nd 4 2 1 9 3 1 0 1 2 2 2 5 1 4 2

3rd 0 8 5 5 4 0 6 0 4 3 1 3 2 3 2

Horses (Money Won)

Sts Mixed Up..............................8 Your Sum Man (ire).............2 Left Unsaid...........................6 Red Letter Day.....................5 Pierrot Lunaire.....................3 Tax Ruling............................6 Tricky Me.............................7 Dynaski................................3 Slip Away.............................7 Spy In The Sky.....................7 Patriot’s Path........................6 Good Night Shirt..................2 Terpsichorean......................6 You The Man........................6 Arcadius...............................8

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1st 4 10 8 4 3 1 6 7 3 2 2 3 3 5 5 1st 4 1 3 1 1 2 2 1 3 1 3 1 1 2 1

2nd 1 0 2 1 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 2

3rd 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 2

Earnings $358,043 438,109 319,949 494,449 283,210 329,945 95,725 355,575 200,075 101,950 138,250 323,950 172,290 95,670 200,060

Win% .19 .18 .14 .17 .13 .16 .19 .13 .20 .15 .16 .21 .10 .09 .14

Earnings $650,122 814,063 672,721 261,675 218,018 158,631 226,670 163,950 67,800 86,850 130,490 65,500 93,150 51,295 30,150

Win% .22 .20 .16 .20 .09 .19 .27 .12 .25 .29 .13 .14 .18 .09 .18

Earnings $292,000 288,025 278,995 258,716 180,250 130,160 127,325 125,115 120,282 106,540 106,008 102,850 102,197 98,369 93,650

Win% .29 .15 .24 .11 .17 .20 .21 .50 .10 .11 .29 .13 .30 .17 .33

Earnings $184,495 150,000 137,700 130,160 100,000 98,500 97,500 83,508 80,115 78,540 73,500 72,000 71,900 68,250 59,860

Win% .50 .50 .50 .20 .33 .33 .29 .33 .43 .17 .50 .50 .17 .33 .13

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Steeplechase Times

• 21

Pete Levendis, 65

Obituaries

Gerry Goswell, 60 Former steeplechase jockey and trainer, Gerry Goswell, died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009. He was 60.

Goswell was born in Lambourn, England and moved to the United States in 1958. He was the son of the late Arthur and Kathleen Holmes Goswell. Goswell was a lifetime horseman and an avid hunter and golfer.

Surviving are a sister, Susan Barndollar of Elkton, Md., brothers, James Goswell (Anne) of Soham, England, Anthony Goswell of Ocala, Fla., Peter Goswell (Edna) of Moulsford, England, and Michael Goswell (Sarah) of Newark, Del. and numerous nieces and nephews.

Goswell rode jump races and later trained a successful steeplechase string for Virginian Randy Waterman and others. In 1980, Goswell trained 11 NSA jump winners and placed fourth in the standings. He placed fourth again in 1981 with seven jump wins.

From his Camden, S.C. base, Goswell broke and prepped horses for Hall of Famer trainer P.G. Johnson, including Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Volponi and multiple stakes winner Maplejinsky. Goswell also prepped Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Artie Schiller.

Memorials may be made in memory of Gerald Goswell to the The Steeplechase Fund, c/o National Steeplechase Association, 400 Fair Hill Drive, Elkton, MD, 21921.

Steeplechase trainer, blacksmith and longtime horseman Pete Levendis died Monday, Dec. 21, 2009. He was 65.

Levendis lived in Milledgeville, Ga. and trained a small stable of horses that included three-time winner Ice Bullet.

Most recently, Honour Emblem represented the Levendis stable. Levendis frequently attended NSA race meets on the southern schedule and was at the Colonial Cup this fall despite battling cancer.

Levendis is survived by his wife Penelope and daughters Alex and Catherine.

John Wayt, 82

Atlanta Steeplechase founder and former race chairman John Augustus Wayt Jr. died Feb. 5. He was 82.

Wayt’s love of horses began in the early 1940s and grew into the Atlanta Steeplechase, which was held on the Wayt family’s Seven Branches Farm properties from 1965 until 1997, first in Roswell and later in Cumming. He served as a steward, was a member of the board of directors for the National Steeplechase Association for many years, and served as its Chairman from 199498. In 2001, he received the NSA’s highest honor, the F. Ambrose Clark Award, given periodically by the association to an individual who has done the most to promote, improve and encourage the growth and welfare of American Steeplechasing. In 1991, the Georgia Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association honored him with their Lifetime Achievement Award “For the Love of a Horse”, and subsequently in 2002, with the Steeplechase Award. He was an avid fox hunter in Georgia and Virginia, and owned several successful steeplechase horses and broodmares.

He grew up in Buckhead, Ga., and was an Eagle Scout. He was the first model for the comic strip “Mark Trail” by cartoonist Ed Dodd. Wayt was a graduate of the University of Virginia. After college, he managed the family cattle farm in Roswell. In the early 1950s he started a successful poultry business, and introduced Gelbvieh cattle to the Southeast in the late 1970s.

He is survived by his wife, Martha Kiser Wayt, and their four children: John Wayt III (Carolyn) of Jamestown, R.I., Rebecca Buck (Peter) of Atlanta, Jim Wayt (Chrissie) of Atlanta, Marty McMullin (Keith) of Richmond, Va.; a sister, Josephine Wayt Williams of Marietta, Ga. and four grandchildren.

The family requests donations be made to the Atlanta Steeplechase, 375 Pharr Road NE, Suite 114, Atlanta, GA 30305.

Dave Taylor, 54

Mid-Atlantic based trainer and blacksmith Dave Taylor died Feb. 26 at his home in Oxford, Pa. He was 54.

He was the husband of former jockey Kendra Taylor (Trimble), and was well known at Delaware Park, Fair Hill and other area Thoroughbred tracks and centers.

Taylor is survived by his wife, brother Robert Taylor and three nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Chester County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1212 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA 19380.

letter to the editor The Goswell family expresses its sincere and heartfelt thanks for the support, love and kindness shared with us before and after the death of our brother, Gerry. He was an avid horseman, a pursuit he truly loved. He spent his life riding, training and owning horses. He was a very outgoing and fun-loving person, played golf whenever possible and was passionate about his dogs.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, there will not be a memorial service. We encourage everyone to cherish the many good times and love they shared with Gerry; he is truly miss by us all.

Sue Barndollar, Mike Goswell, Tony Goswell, Jim Goswell and Pete Goswell

22 •

Steeplechase Times

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

2010 NSA Spring Schedule Saturday, March 20.................................... Aiken Spring Aiken, S.C. www.aikensteeplechase.com Saturday, March 27.................................... Carolina Cup Camden, S.C. www.carolina-cup.org Saturday, April 3........................................Stoneybrook Raeford, N.C. www.carolinahorsepark.com Saturday, April 10................................ My Lady’s Manor Monkton, Md. www.marylandsteeplechasing.com Saturday, April 17...................................... Block House Tryon, N.C. www.trhcevents.com Saturday, April 17...................................Grand National Butler, Md. www.marylandsteeplechasing.com Saturday, April 17.............................. Middleburg Spring Middleburg, Va. www.middleburgspringraces.com

Saturday, April 24............................................ Atlanta Kingston, Ga. www.atlantasteeplechase.org

Sunday, May 9........................................... Willowdale Kennett Square, Pa. www.willowdale.org

Saturday, April 24...................................Foxfield Spring Charlottesville, Va. www.foxfieldraces.com

Saturday, May 15.............................. Radnor Hunt Races Malvern, Pa. www.radnorraces.org

Saturday, April 24..............................Maryland Hunt Cup Glyndon, Md. www.marylandsteeplechasing.com

Saturday, May 15................................... Strawberry Hill New Kent, Va. www.strawberryhillraces.com

Saturday, April 24......................................Queen’s Cup Mineral Springs, N.C. www.queenscup.org

Saturday, May 29............................................ Fair Hill Fair Hill, Md. www.fairhillraces.org

Saturday, May 1.................................. Virginia Gold Cup The Plains, Va. www.vagoldcup.com

Subject to change.

See www.nationalsteeplechase.com for updates.

Sunday, May 2............................................ Winterthur Winterthur, Del. www.winterthur.org Saturday, May 8.............................................. Iroquois Nashville, Tenn. www.iroquoissteeplechase.org Saturday, May 8......................................... Tanglewood Clemmons, N.C. www.tanglewoodcup.org

Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue gets ASPCA grant, new home

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recently announced the Million Dollar Rescuing Racers Initiative, a major initiative made possible by a generous donor, that will aid in the rescue of retired racehorses from neglect, abuse, and slaughter. Six equine rescues and sanctuaries across the country were selected to take up the challenge of saving more thoroughbreds than ever before. MidAtlantic Horse Rescue in Chesapeake City, Md., is one of those grantees, and will receive a grant for $100,000 over three years.

Co-founders Beverly Strauss and Virginia Suarez are thrilled with the announcement.

“The rescues selected for this initiative are among the top Thoroughbred programs nationwide,” Strauss said in a press release. “We are honored to be selected and are the only organization in the group that regularly buys ex-racehorses from kill pens in order to find them homes as riding and sport horses.

We are perhaps the smallest operation selected but we work extremely hard to place these wonderful, intelligent horses in good homes.”

MAHR has big plans to expand its reach. Later this month the operation will move to historic Woodstock Farm, birthplace of the great racehorse Kelso, and home of the late Allaire du Pont.

She was one of the first in the country to speak out about the welfare of Thoroughbreds after their racing careers and co-founded Thoroughbred Charities of America with Herb and Ellen Moelis.

In addition to utilizing this grant for a new marketing campaign promoting Thoroughbred adoption, MAHR will launch a pilot program called “On the Right Track” in which new adopters will receive vouchers worth up to $200 for lessons or training with a professional of their choice.

“Bringing a new horse home can be intimidating for many people,” Strauss said. “There is often an adjustment period while the horse and rider develop a partnership. The On the Right Track

program is designed to facilitate a smooth transition between our rescued

horse and his new owner.”

Founded in 2002 as a division of Paws for Life, Inc., a non-profit dog rescue, MAHR has placed more than 450 rescued Thoroughbreds in new homes and has purchased another 500 horses for other rescues across the country.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Steeplechase Times

• 23

John’s Call 1 9 9 1 - 2 0 1 0

40 starts, 16 wins, 11 seconds, 3 thirds.

Owner: Trillium Stable. Trainer: Tom Voss. Bloodstock Agent: John Stuart.

A Champion of Many Things

Thanks for the races, the wins, the efforts, the memories.

Photos by Barbara Livingston and Tod Marks

24 •

Steeplechase Times

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Chasing Weather Winter’s fury keeps chasers under wraps

BY SEAN AND JOE CLANCY “Desperate.” “Brutal.” “Tough.” “Trying.” “The worst.”

Steeplechasing attracts steely horsemen. They don’t take no for an answer. They don’t get too down when something goes wrong. They don’t waver easily. They can out-slog anybody. Give them a pile of sand and they’ll make bricks.

These traits are either innate or learned. Borne into them by their horsemen parents or learned from their horses, the toughest of the tough.

Winter of 2009-10 has tested these qualities like the last furlong of the Iroquois. Snow. Ice. Wind. Frigid temperatures. Over and over and over and over. Kids stayed home from school, horses stayed home from work.

Steeplechasing enters uncharted territory this spring.

Northern-based horses are well behind as the weather hampered training north of the Carolinas. Even Aiken and Camden got healthy doses of snow. Not only did the weather stifle training, the ground froze earlier in the season, limiting the all-important turnout time for horses and the hours of foxhunting which primes timber horses for the spring wars.

“It froze up so fast, horses didn’t get much turn out,” said Maryland-based Tom Voss, second leading trainer in 2009. “My horses didn’t want to do anything, just stood around the gate. I tried to get them up earlier than usual, but it’s been tough. We’ve been on the roads, made some snow gallops, used the indoor.

We’ve gotten good at improvising.”

Voss has a barn full of horses, a gaggle of new and old sons of Dynaformer, but he’s resisted opening the condition book until he puts down the snow shovel.

“It’s hard to point for anything with weather like this,” Voss said. “It’s hard to say how far along they are until you give them a good gallop and see where they are.”

Voss, Jack Fisher and Neil Morris are lucky enough to have synthetic training surfaces to use, but still battled elements just to get to the tracks. Other trainers utilized the tracks at Fair Hill Training Center, once cleared of snow.

The point-to-points have been backed up nearly a month and didn’t start until March 13 at Warrenton,

Two hearty souls get in some winter training at Fair Hill in February.

Va. – which went on despite another huge storm that dumped inches of rain on the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The traditional opener at Casanova Feb. 20 was canceled because of snow on the ground. Blue Ridge (Va.) and Howard County (Md.) moved back to May. The Cheshire Foxhounds (Pa.) didn’t hunt in February.

“I willed it through,” said race chairman Al Griffin of Warrenton. “It’s been brutal, but we got it done.

The race course itself held up very well, but the parking areas were bigger problems.”

At Warrenton, storms dropped 54 inches of snow and winds created 6-foot drifts at the timber fences.

Step one involved knocking the drifts down to create equal melting. Step two featured a chain harrow. Rain the week of the race meet itself added to the issues, but Griffin was confident in his course.

“People didn’t believe me when I said we were running, but we didn’t get more than an inch of rain out of this last storm,” he said. “It was a slow, steady rain over a few days and our course held it well. I’m very thankful to the trainers that supported us and to the others who did a whole lot of work.”

Other areas received substantially more rain from the most recent storm, creating a new enemy for farms and race courses – saturated ground. Quality turf will be at a premium for some time.

Trainers usually have a schedule. Turn out for December, bring them up mid-January, gallop by mid-

Kathee Rengert

February, breeze by March, run late March, early April. This year, the calendar was about as useful as sunscreen.

“It’s been brutal,” said trainer Bay Cockburn who is based in Virginia. “A lot of people have been able to go south, but I stayed here in snowy Virginia. I’ve never seen it this bad, usually we get them fit by hunting but we haven’t hunted since December. Hopefully it’s made a turn, the sun’s out and the wind’s blowing, maybe it’ll dry out and we can get going.”

Many northern-based trainers headed south to join the wise ones who went to Camden and Aiken earlier.

Leslie Young, Kathy McKenna, Julie Gomena typically stay at home during the winter but they audibled this year, taking stalls in South Carolina.

It’s been tough for everybody.

“The weather sucks,” said Karen Gray, based in Tennessee. “The good thing for us is we could hunt, all my horses hunt and we only missed four or five days, they got to keep going that way at least. Now, there were days when we were hunting that I wished we weren’t.”

But remember they’re steely.

“I’m out here in the snow and wind, exploring,” trainer Alicia Murphy said from her Maryland stable one recent morning. “The sun’s out, I think the end’s in sight.”

See you at the races.

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Steeplechase Times

• 25

Making a list, checking it twice

Like Santa Claus, only in March, the Steeplechase Times team makes a list each year. We make phone calls, send e-mails, ask questions, check point-to-point entries, follow people around, respond to hints, look in snowbanks, check at the corner store and generally try to snoop out active steeplechasers. While it’s impossible to find them all, we have proof for many – including recent Fair Hill visitors Salmo and Steppenwolfer. Next, we divide them into categories and get them ready in time for this first edition. The list might even help you play the Pick Six fantasy stable game (see page 34).

We aim to help you know who is running, without boring you or forcing you to read a million-word article that mentions them all. So here it is, the annual ST horse list. May they all run swiftly and come home safely.

Air Maggy

Maggie Bryant............... Jonathan Sheppard 4YO won debut on flat

Ajeed

Dale Thiel.................................Britt Graham Rahy gelding, 0-for-2 for Shadwell

All Together

Brewster/Williams...................... Jack Fisher Wow, a son of Danzig, three wins on flat

Always First

MAIDEN HURDLERS

Back To Mandalay

John Griggs..............................John Griggs Solid third at PB in second hurdle start

Bag Of Hammers

Irv Naylor...............................Brianne Slater

By Langfuhr with Dynaformer on bottom

Ballet Boy

Cashel Stud.................................. Tom Voss Promising tries after import from Ireland

Baylor Dude

Merriefield Farm........................... Tom Voss Tepid debut at Palm Beach; flat credentials

Silverton Hill............................Leslie Young Quiet American newcomer, 1-for-7 on flat

Amador

Steppenwoler heads back to the barn after a workout at Fair Hill Training Center.

Best Name

Sharon Sheppard................... Alicia Murphy Talent on shaky wheels

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare With Approval 5YO tries hurdles

Beachcomber

Irv Naylor......................... Desmond Fogarty Doesn’t figure to be in category for long

Avenging

Bermuda

Leslie Young............................Leslie Young Mile and a half Keeneland turf form

Trillium Stable.............................. Tom Voss Third in both career starts on flat

Leslie Young............................Leslie Young Firestone-bred son of Theatrical

Biggerbadderbetter Blues Approval

Ed Gamble...........................Don Yovanovich 7YO by With Approval won three on flat

Fun for All!

The 10th running of the Plumsted Farm Races Sunday, April 18 Route 926, Unionville, PA (site of the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup race course) Eight races including Junior Field Master’s Chase, Pony Races, Heavyweight Timber, Novice Timber, Open Timber, Owner-Rider Foxhunters’ Timber, Open Flat. First race at 11 AM. Other Activities Delaware Valley Point-to-Point Awards Plumsted Dog Parade • Luncheon Tent • Bluegrass Band For the benefit of Chatham Acres (www.chathamacres.com) Subscription information: Plumsted Farm Races, P.O. Box 385, Unionville, PA 19375, (610) 793-1111. deedeekretz@verizon.net.

Racing information: Paddy Neilson. (610) 869-3080. unclepad@aol.com

Boojwhacked

Lonesome Glory......................Blythe Davies Pointing for Colonial Downs maiden

Boyhood Dreams

Ken and Sarah Ramsey................ Tom Voss Unraced for productive owner

Canardly

Fox Ridge Farm............................ Tom Voss No flat form but frame, bloodlines are there

Canteen

Arthur Hancock............. Jonathan Sheppard Half-brother to Strodes Creek won 4 on flat

Civil’s Hello

Cristina Mosby........................... Jimmy Day Second at Va. Fall, tailed off in next two

Class Century

Why Not Stable...................... Lilith Boucher Three big efforts as 3YO, won’t take long

Class Mark

Why Not Stable...................... Lilith Boucher Solid third in lone hurdle try against older

Colonial Kid

Irv Naylor...............................Brianne Slater 5 year old by Lemon Drop Kid with upside

Commodore Bob

Photo by Tod Marks

26 •

Steeplechase Times

Nick Arundel.............................. Jack Fisher Made two starts in 2008, missed 2009

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Kathee Rengert

Desert Catillac

Mary Jane Reed/John Ball.....Kathy McKenna Half to $1 million earner Wild Desert

Destiny Maker

Gil Johnston................................Janet Elliot Empire Maker 4YO, one second on flat

Determind Stand

Stewart Strawbridge........... Sanna Hendriks Showed little in jump debut at Aiken Fall

Diamond Fever

Randleston Farm........................ Jimmy Day Talented runner was close twice last spring

Dr. Nitro

Warren Owens.............................Pete Aylor Makes hurdle debut after missing 2009

Evarts

Silverton Hill............................Leslie Young Son of Harlan’s Holiday tested at Pa. Hunt Cup

Farndale

Mimi Voss.................................... Tom Voss Promising third at Far Hills

Final Straw

Ellen Clark............................ Teddy Mulligan Son of Giant’s Causeway; limited flat starts

Fleeting Thunder

Debbie Kachel...................... Ricky Hendriks Third at Montpelier, starts early at Aiken

Followmyfootsteps

Merriefield Farm........................... Tom Voss 6YO placed sixth in French Guineas

Forest Bell

Will Russell...........................Dot Smithwick Son of Forestry from Todd Pletcher

Fradiablo

Silverton Hill............................Leslie Young Son of Candy Ride tries to transform CT form

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

MAIDEN HURDLERS

Freeboard

Ann Stern................................... Jack Fisher Won on flat in 2008, off since May

Giant Strides

Bob Kinsley.................................. Tom Voss Big gray a little disappointing last spring

Good Prospecting

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare Phipps homebred enjoyed winter at Tampa

Good Request

Coppertree Farm.......................... Tom Voss The last in the Frankel line of jumpers

Grasberg

Lions Double

Woodlane Farm.......................... Jack Fisher Disappointing runs as 3-year-old last fall

Magic Moonshine

Ann Marie Matthews......... Richard Valenine Homebred won one race on flat

Manassa Mauler

Coppertree Farm.......................... Tom Voss Sky Mesa 5-year-old; away since 2008

Mask And Wig

Mike Smith................................. Jimmy Day Won three in a row over the Belmont sod

Mattituck Inlet

Edgar Scott Jr..................... Sanna Hendriks Winner at Saratoga before purchase

Timber Bay Farm........... Jonathan Sheppard Career change after one flat try in 2008

Heart O’Plenty

Old Man Buck represents trainer Ken McPeek in steeplechasing.

Poplar Grove

Bruce Smart............................... Jimmy Day “Good traveller” won two at Charles Town

Aylor Racing Stable......................Pete Aylor White knuckles from knocking on door

Meshwaar

Kinross Farm...............................Neil Morris Flat form suggests potential

Heldover

Power Game

Arcadia Stable............................ Jack Fisher Two seconds under Michael Matz banner

Trillium Stable.............................. Tom Voss Experience edge against most

Mischief

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare Useful trial runs last fall; gelded since

He’s Got The Beat

Primero Peru

Irv Naylor......................... Desmond Fogarty “Talented” 4YO with one flat start

Peter Jay.................................... Todd Wyatt Son of Mojave Moon makes debut

Mojave Moose

Rafael Fernandez............... Rafael Fernandez Second at Aiken, hammered at Gulfstream

Hi Flyin Indy

Moving Violation

Dogwood Stable............ Jonathan Sheppard Accomplished turf runner tries new game

Sharon Sheppard............. Danielle Hodsdon Son of A.P. Indy from Darley’s deep barn

Hidden Trail

The Fields Stable.......................... Tom Voss Big, good-looking, bred for it, any kind

Highland Township

Gum Tree Stable.........................Larry Ensor Trainer says he has the talent

Honour Emblem

Memory Lane Farm.............. Mike Berryman One of these times he’s going to graduate

Hot Rize

Anne Haynes........................... Anne Haynes Yet to make an impact in seven starts

Hourigan

Bear Creek Stable....................... Jack Fisher Whoa, haven’t seen him in a while

Indian War

Rusty Cline..........................Don Yovanovich Two-time flat winner by Indian Charlie

Italian Wedding

Jonathan Sheppard....... Jonathan Sheppard Homebred got good in a hurry last fall

It’s A G Man

Laura Shull...............................Britt Graham Son of the great Medaglia d’Oro

Profitable

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare

By A.P. Indy out of Finder’s Fee

Pynaformer

Fox Ridge Farm............................ Tom Voss 1-for-17 on flat, guess the sire

Quiet Approval

Move Up Stable................... Kathy McKenna 4YO from Woodbine, schooling in Camden

Royal Rossi

Ivor Key......................... Jonathan Sheppard Winless in four flat starts; in expert hands

Music Tune

Garrick Steele...................... Kathy McKenna Maiden on flat, refused to break in final start

Native Run

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare 7-year-old held in high regard by barn

Old Man Buck

Lawrence Carroll.......................Ken McPeek High profile flat form, high profile trainer

Old Timer

Kinross Farm...............................Neil Morris Impressive win on Preakness Day

One Giant Step

Jonathan Sheppard....... Jonathan Sheppard Unraced 4YO half-brother to Three Carat

Parker’s Project

Hudson River Farm....... Jonathan Sheppard Showed promise as a 3-year-old last fall

Philthetap

Timber Bay/Walsh............ Jonathan Sheppard Second in Open House maiden claimer

Piney Mountain

Marilyn Ketts.......................... Lilith Boucher Second at Foxfield Fall, pointing at Aiken

Peggy Steinman...........................Doug Fout Tried maidens last fall to no avail

Jack Twist

Pistol Peak

Irv Naylor......................... Desmond Fogarty Fourth in U.S. and hurdle debut at Callaway

Prince Rahy

Tod Marks

Flying Horse/Lil Bit O’Luck....Jazz Napravnik 4-for-37 while running short on flat

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Steeplechase Times

• 27

MAIDEN HURDLERS

Salinja

Nina Stewart Strawbridge... Sanna Hendriks 8YO productive for Graham Motion on flat

Saluda Sam

Chadds Ford Stable............. Kathy McKenna 5YO son of Adcat went 2-for-7 on turf

Sgt. Bart

William Marlow Jr.................Jazz Napravnik Won once on flat going 4 1/2 furlongs

Shortcourt

Barbara Graham...........................Doug Fout Pulled up in debut at Camden last fall

Skip The Ceremony

Gum Tree Stable.........................Larry Ensor Bred for this game, 1-for-6 on flat

Silence

Bill Pape........................ Jonathan Sheppard Tries new game after two years on the shelf

Slaney Rock

Hickory Tree Farm....................Leslie Young Flat winner at Great Meadow last fall

Soliloquy

Tod Marks

Primero Peru heads to 2010 as a maiden with 2009 form.

Gone Away Farm...................Ted Thompson Wins at River, Hoosier, Turfway

Spy Park

Silverton Hill............................Leslie Young Son of Golden Missile pointing for fall

Star For Tina

Clorevia Farm.........................Eddie Graham Still searching for first win

Steppenwolfer

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IN P URS ES

36th Annual

Polaris Stable...................... Sanna Hendriks Third in the Kentucky Derby, 0-for-2 jumps

Straight To It

Brewster/Williams...................... Jack Fisher Son of Giant’s Causeway, winless on flat

Strategic Vission

Clorevia Farm.........................Eddie Graham Fourth at Far Hills, closer in others

Sunday, April 11 (post time at noon) Maiden/Open Flat – 1 mile Maiden Hurdle – 2 miles Novice/Open Timber – 3 miles Amateur Flat – 2 miles Foxhunters Relay Flat – 3 miles Pony Race – Junior Horse Race Marlborough helped NSA winners Tax Ruling, Major Price, and Salmo get ready in 2009.

Horsemen’s Information: 410-798-5040 General Info/Tickets: 410-798-8275 www.marlboroughhuntraces.com

28 •

Steeplechase Times

Sumo Power

Buck Kisor............................ Mike Berryman Son of Dynaformer, came close on flat

Takmeoutodabalgame

Edition Farm................................Janet Elliot Hard-hitting NY-bred won six races on flat

Three Bridge Road

Gregg Ryan...........................Dot Smithwick NY-bred exits George Weaver’s flat barn

Tom’s Last Chance

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare 4YO failed to hit board in five flat starts

3-Year-Olds to Remember Best Date, Inauguration, Swell Party, Tiger Jacques, Time Off, Tracking.

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Tribal Shelter

FC Stable.............................. Teddy Mulligan Beautiful son of Cherokee Run

Triple Bogey Blues

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare NY-bred comes from McLaughlin barn

Triplekin

Maggie Bryant............... Jonathan Sheppard Brings solid flat form to the hurdle game

Twinbucktu

Bill Pape........................ Jonathan Sheppard Capable of scoring in maiden claimers

Uncle Nutty

Slater Family..........................Brianne Slater 4-year-old by Pleasant Tap

Undisputed Point

Kevin Galbraith....................Fenneka Bentley Decent flat form should transfer

Untamed Hero

Foxx View Farm........... Robin Canard-Lovett Maryland-bred 6YO, 1-for-15 on flat

Veritable

Diamond M Racing..................Leslie Young Once in Bobby Frankel’s barn

Vine Hill

Whitewood Stable............ Richard Valentine Best maiden in barn, third on flat last fall

Virginia Minstrel

Over Creek Farm ....................Julie Gomena Sweet efforts at Far Hills and Camden

Wall Of Lead

Kinross Farm...............................Neil Morris Big, raw maiden taking patient approach

Wantan

Gone Away Farm...................Ted Thompson Group I placed in Argentina

Western Dynamo

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare Should get his picture taken this year

Western Influence

Ann Stern................................... Jack Fisher Bred for it, exits Christophe Clement’s barn

Whistling Deputy

Ann Stern................................... Jack Fisher Returning from injury, third last spring

White Holiday

Randleston Farm........................ Jimmy Day One-time winner on flat tries hurdles

Witham

Mimi Voss.................................... Tom Voss If there’s justice in a name . . . he’ll be a star

Yario

Margaret Littleton...................Julie Gomena Irish 6YO finished 2nd to Finsceal Beo

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Virginia Steeplechase Association Congratulations to the 2009 Award Winners!

Leading Owner 1. Kinross Farm 2. Magalen Bryant & Mrs. Henry Stern

Leading Timber HOrse 1. Major Malibu (Mrs. Henry Stern) 2. Seeyouattheevent (Arthur Arundel)

Leading Trainer 1. Doug Fout 2. Mrs. D. M. Smithwick

Leading HOrse On THe FLaT 1. Explosive Whirl (Katherine Johnson) 2. Jimtown (Julia Thieriot)

Leading JOckey 1. Jeff Murphy 2. Carl Rafter Leading HurdLe HOrse 1. Humdinger (Kinross Farm, Michael Smith) 2. Bullet Dancer, Chess Board, Meshwaar

Ridgely White

Slip Away

2010 VSA Spring Schedule

Virginia HOrse OF THe year Slip Away (Ken and Sarah Ramsey) Francis T. greene award Paul Mellon

(Douglas Lees photo)

Vsa HaLL OF Fame inducTees

Contemporary Horse: Glyn Contemporary People: Virginia Beach, A. Ridgely White Legendary Horses: L’Escargot, Shadow Brook Legendary People: Francis Green, James P. (Jamie) McCormick

(Douglas Lees photo)

March 13 ............................. Warrenton Point-to-Point (540) 219-1400 Airlie Race Course, Warrenton March 20 .............................. Piedmont Point-to-Point (540) 592-7100 Salem Course, Upperville March 21 ................................Bull Run Point-to-Point (540) 832-2726 Brandywine Park, Culpeper March 27 .............................Blue Ridge Point-to-Point (540) 837-2077 Woodley Farm, Berryville March 28 ........................ Orange County Point-to-Point (540) 687-5552 Locust Hill Farm, Middleburg April 3 ............................ Old Dominion Point-to-Point (540) 364-4573 Ben Venue Farm, Ben Venue April 11 ........................... Loudoun Hunt Point-to-Point (703) 777-8480 Oatlands, Leesburg April 17 ............................... Middleburg Spring Races (540) 687-6545 Glenwood Park, Middleburg April 18 ............................. Fairfax Hunt Point-to-Point (703) 687-0611 Morven Park, Leesburg April 24 ............................................ Foxfield Races (434) 293-9501 Foxfield Race Course, Charlottesville April 25 ........................Middleburg Hunt Point-to-Point (540) 454-2991 Glenwood Park, Middleburg May 1 .......................................... Virginia Gold Cup (540) 347-2612 Great Meadow, The Plains May 8 ..................... Bedford County Hunt Point-to-Point (703) 866-0509 Brandywine Park, Culpeper May 9 ............................Bedford County Point-to-Point (540) 297-3419 Wolf Branch Farm, Forest May 15.................................... Strawberry Hill Races (804) 569-3238 Colonial Downs, New Kent

Become a V.S.A. Member Help promote and support steeplechase racing in Virginia.

P.O. Box 1158, Middleburg, VA 20118 • (703) 777-2575 • (You must be a member to earn championship points) NAME ________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _____________________________________________________________________________________ PHONE ____________________________________________ EMAIL ____________________________________

INDIVIDUAL $30

FAMILY $45

JUNIOR $15

(Make checks payable to Virginia Steeplechase Association)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Steeplechase Times

• 29

FILLY/MARE HURDLERS

Ardagh

Mulligan Racing................... Teddy Mulligan New filly for Virginia barn

Attention Deficit

Foxx View Farm........... Robin Canard-Lovett 5YO won 4 at Charles Town in 2009

Better Than Even

Bruce Smart............................... Jimmy Day “Good jumper and stayer”

Bobbin’forgold

Athene Noctura Stables......... Allison Fulmer Showed little against 3YOs last fall

Confined

Sherry Fenwick............. Jonathan Sheppard Champ should be a force again, Henley?

Cortona

Elizabeth Korrell..................Elizabeth Korrell Unraced 6-year-old homebred

Dancing Sky

Karen Gray..................................Karen Gray Tries new career path after four flat wins

Diva Maria

Arcadia Stable............................ Jack Fisher Talented, away for a year; aims at Nashville

Dynaskill

Octoraro Stable......................... Bruce Miller Has logged miles, always good for one

Farah T Salute

Flying Horse Farm.................Jazz Napravnik Aims to pick up where she left off last year

Jellyberry

Octoraro Stable......................... Bruce Miller Usually makes presence felt in a few stakes

Lonesome Nun

Lonesome Glory ...................... Bruce Miller Well-bred miss third in lone hurdle start

Make Believe

Jonathan Sheppard....... Jonathan Sheppard Close fourth in hurdle debut at PB; look out

Miss Crown

Kate Dalton................................Kate Dalton On verge of big breakthrough

Peace Proposal

Jonathan Sheppard....... Jonathan Sheppard Confined’s little sis stretched legs at Va. Fall

Officer Pepper

Randleston Farm........................ Jimmy Day 6-year-old won twice on flat

The

Tod Marks photo

Orange County Point-to-Point Sunday, March 28 (Post Time NOON) Pairs race on Saturday, March 27 at 9 a.m.

Flat Races • Hurdle Races • Timber Races • Foxhunters Timber (540) 687-5552

Sweet Shani

Mary Ann Houghland.... Jonathan Sheppard Still winless in U.S.; Henley?

The Manner Born

Bill Pape........................ Jonathan Sheppard A cut below the best but eligible to improve

Truffle Hunter

Karen Gray..................................Karen Gray 5-year-old won a pair on the flat

World Away

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare Second at Camden in March 2008

Xoxoxo

Warren Owens.............................Pete Aylor Led at Va. Fall before tiring in lone try

hoffberger

Four Schools

Locust Hill Farm • Middleburg, VA

Sometimes Not

Gum Tree Stable.........................Larry Ensor Three-year-old unraced on flat

Tod Marks

The

to prep used Orange County as a prep for a $50,000 year in 2009.

Tops in the division (from left) Sweet Shani, Miss Crown and Confined all return.

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• Bloodstock Insurance • Mortality Deductible Policies • Farm Insurance • General Liability Insurance • Homeowner’s Insurance • Workers’ Compensation Insurance • Certificates Faxed to Racing Offices richard hoffberger, president 5700 Smith Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209-3609 Phone (410) 542-3300 Fax (410) 542-3399 (800) 547-5501 (Outside Maryland)

Pippi McCormick, Chairman

30 •

Steeplechase Times

www.st-publishing.com • info@st-publishing.com

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Three Virginia Gold Cups Two International Gold Cups Two Iroquois Two NSA Owner Championships The Royal Chase The Carolina Cup The Temple Gwathmey The Georgia Cup The Foxbrook Supreme Novice

Photos by Tod Marks and Sarah Libbey Greenhalgh

Let’s Talk

NSA Leading Horse NSA Filly/Mare Championship NSA Novice Championship NSA Three-Year-Old Championship NSA Timber Championship Success on the flat at racetracks Year round training at unmatched facility All weather Polytrack gallop & indoor arena “A Team” of horsemen, jockeys in place

Now accepting new clients at Kinross Racing Contact Neil R. Morris (540) 272-8615 or nrm@kinrossracing.com Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Steeplechase Times

• 31

TIMBER HORSES

Across The Sky

Holbrook Hollow Farm............... Jack Fisher Runaway winner at Queen’s Cup last spring

Algezir

Bill Wofford............................... Bill Wofford Now 11, couple of seconds last fall

Arch Hero

Perry Bolton................................. Tom Voss Always preparing for switch to timber

Armed Brat

Don Cochran......................... Paddy Neilson Youngster got feet wet with two ’09 starts

Askim

Irv Naylor..................................Ann Stewart Owner’s “other” 14YO tries MHC again

Baron Von Ruckus

Ben Swope................................. Ben Swope Owner/trainer loves the game

Bequeathed

Scanden Stable.....................Dawn Williams Drew off to win at Winterthur last spring

Bon Caddo

Bruce Fenwick.......................Dawn Williams Upset timber feature at Shawan, capable

Brimson

Wind River.................................. Chip Miller Still needs to prove he’s worthy

Bubble Economy

Arcadia Stable............................ Jack Fisher Like Bob Baffert on first Saturday in May

Coal Dust

Armata Stable.............................. Tom Voss Bound and determined to win Hunt Cup

Delta Park

Arcadia Stable............................ Jack Fisher Young and spry, needs to polish jumping

Dr. Ramsey

Mary Fleming Finlay..............Dot Smithwick Teenager coming back for more

Erin Go Bragh

Maggie Bryant..............................Doug Fout Pa. Hunt Cup winner aims at Gold Cup

Fifty Five

Nick Arundel.............................. Jack Fisher Big son of Dynaformer gets quick switch

Fort Henry

Lonesome Glory LLC..............Blythe Davies Md. Hunt Cup hopeful for capable barn

Gather No Moss

Buck Kisor............................ Mike Berryman Morven Park winner last fall

Genghis

Sara Collette.......................... Paddy Neilson Veteran eyes the big Md. fences

Major Price flashes into the timber stakes division after two wins last year.

Haddix

Perry Bolton........................ Kathy McKenna Spotted to perfection last spring

Henry’s Hero

Lonesome Glory LLC..............Blythe Davies Purchased out of maiden claimer win

He’s A Conniver

EMO Stable................... Jonathan Sheppard Owner switch; challenger at top

Hey Doctor

Mary Fleming Finlay..............Dot Smithwick Fine second at Va. Fall; point-to-point route

Douglas Lees

Hold Your Fire

The Fields Stable.......................... Tom Voss Hurdle winner, half to Guelph

Hot Springs

Irv Naylor......................... Desmond Fogarty Talented returnee eyes comeback in Manor

I’m Telling

Bay Cockburn......................... Bay Cockburn Scorched them at Va. Fall

Imperial Way

Merriefield Farm........................... Tom Voss Hurdle career served as a prerequisite

Leading Lender for the Preservation of Open Spaces and Farmland

32 •

Steeplechase Times

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Wednesday, March 17, 2010

TIMBER HORSES

Incaseyouraminer

Ben Swope................................. Ben Swope Won by 42 at Shawan Downs last fall

Incomplete

Bob Kinsley...............................Ann Stewart Scary talent yet to be threatened

Glacial Sting

Rosbrian Farm.......................... Tara Elmore Irish point-to-pointer

J. Alfred Prufrock

Conrad Somers................... Conrad Somers Logging miles at Phillip Dutton’s indoor

Major Malibu

Ann Stern................................... Jack Fisher Mopped up against lesser last fall

Major Price

Alicia Murphy......................... Alicia Murphy Dynamic last fall; targeting Middleburg

Michael Over Easy

Arabella Brockett...................Jazz Napravnik A lot of raw talent, trying to polish it

More Fascination

Salmo

Irv Naylor......................... Desmond Fogarty Gold Cup can’t happen without legend

Scuba Steve

Perry Bolton........................ Kathy McKenna Hard to lasso in steeplethons

Seeyouattheevent

Nick Arundel.............................. Jack Fisher Aims for another Gold Cup try

Shady Valley

Ghost Ridge Farm................... Anne Haynes Capable enough veteran

Shiny Emblem

Brewster/Williams...................... Jack Fisher Talented, though inexperienced

Skiperoo

Sanna Hendriks.................. Sanna Hendriks Veteran needs to pick his spots

South Monarch

Sanna Hendriks.................. Sanna Hendriks Second at the Manor last spring

Swagger Stick

Rosbrian Farm.......................... Tara Elmore Purchased after Winterthur victory

Gil Johnston............................... Jack Fisher Going for rare double, Aiken then timber

Music To My Ears

Swimming River

Lucy/Anna Stable............. Richard Valentine Tries to defend owner’s crown in Hunt Cup

Native Mark

Kiplin Hall Stable................... Paddy Neilson Solid maiden runs; knocking at door

News Flash

Bob Kinsley.................................. Tom Voss Seems perfect for timber

Patriot’s Path

Irv Naylor......................... Desmond Fogarty Champ starts season in Grand National

Play Bingo

John R.S. Fisher......................... Jack Fisher Md. Million winner brings loads of class

Plum Brush

Athene Noctura Stables......... Allison Fulmer Strong finish in 2009

Private Attack

Sportsmans Hall.................... Alicia Murphy Another crack at Hunt Cup; Blake Curry up

Professor Maxwell

Jacqueline Ohrstrom........ Richard Valentine Aiming at Hunt Cup with Gus Brown

Prospectors Strike

Long Ball Stable......................... Jack Fisher Spotted around to win one last year

Radio Flyer

Augustin Stable................ Richard Valentine Momentary glimmers of brilliance

Timber star Salmo returns for a 14-year-old campaign.

Kathee Rengert

David Semmes......................Dot Smithwick Veteran campaigner switches barns

Take Harry

Sportsmans Hall.................... Alicia Murphy Nice mover sniffing at a maiden win

The Other Me

Don Cochran......................... Paddy Neilson Veteran has solid highweight form

The Whacker

Robert Kinsley.............................. Tom Voss Irish-bred second at Winterthur

Uppercut

Gum Tree Stable.........................Larry Ensor Top efforts last year, will be back for fall

Vinnie Boy

Adair Stifel..............................Blythe Davies Willowdale winner, Md Hunt Cup hopeful

Wazee Moto

Vicky Bower..........................Jazz Napravnik Back on track and ready for the spring

Western Fling

Stewart Strawbridge........... Kathy McKenna Well-bred veteran has Hunt Cup under belt

Won Wild Bird

Pink Ribbon Racing............... Regina Welsh Heading to Maryland, running for charity

Woodmont

Jubilee Stables..................... Ted Thompson Veteran has hinted at the big time in past

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

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Steeplechase Times

• 33

Entry Form ________________________ Stable Name

________________________ Your Name

________________________ Your Hometown and State

________________________ Your Telephone Number

YOUR HORSES 1._______________________

Pick Steeplechase FANTASY STABLE GAME

6

Ever want to manage a stable of steeplechase horses? Here’s your chance! Sign up for the

11th annual Hoffberger Insurance Group Pick Six, Steeplechase Times’ fantasy stable game. WIN PRIZES! Watch your stable succeed. Be the envy of your friends. It’s easy...

HERE’S HOW TO PLAY...

Step 1: Pick a stable name. Be creative, but within the bounds of a family newspaper.

Step 2: Pick six horses for your stable. Any six horses you want (from horses we’ve heard of to horses no one’s heard of). Limitations: Your stable must include at least one timber horse, at least one filly/mare, and at least TWO horses that started 2010 as steeplechase maidens. See the lists inside this edition of ST for help or create your own list.

Step 3: Forward your stable information (and your name, address, and telephone number) to us.

Information must be postmarked or received by 1 p.m. April 10. With four spring meets before the deadline, savvy players get a head start.

Step 4: Sit back and watch. We’ll keep score throughout the year. The contest results are based on earnings by your stable in U.S. steeplechase races during the 2010 racing season (NSA races only). One entry per person please, but feel free to sign up friends, family, co-workers, etc.

AND HERE’S HOW TO ENTER 2._______________________

3._______________________ Timber Horse

Mail: Steeplechase Times, 364 Fair Hill Drive, Suite F, Elkton, MD 21921.

Fax: (410) 392-0170.

Phone: (410) 392-JUMP E-mail: orders@st-publishing.com

4._______________________ Filly/Mare 5._______________________ Maiden Hurdle Horse 6._______________________ Maiden Hurdle Horse

Online: www.st-publishing.com Entry deadline is 1 p.m. on April 10.

Easy to Win. Even Easier to Enter.

$1,000

iN PRizES (GIFT CErTIFICATES TO ST ADvErTISErS)

Call 410-392-JUMP with questions.

Name: A $50 gift certificate will be given to the most creative stable name in the contest.

Monthly: Leading stable at the end of April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November receives $50 gift certificate to The Whip Tavern.

Season: The top three stables of 2010 receive gift certificates for $300, $175 and $125. respectively. Gift certificates can be used with ST Publishing (subscription renewal, books, Thoroughbred racing Calendar, etc.) or any Times advertiser.

Enter online at www.st-publishing.com

Contest sponsored by:

Entries must be received or postmarked by April 11.

Mail your Entry to: ST Publishing, 364 Fair Hill Drive, Suite F, Elkton, MD 21921 Fax your Entry to: 410-392-0170 Email your Entry to: orders@st-publishing.com

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Steeplechase Times

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Steeplechase Times • The Saratoga Special Thoroughbred Racing Calendar

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

OPEN STAKES DIVISION

Arcadius

Hudson River Farm....... Jonathan Sheppard Showed promise after rough beginning

Be Certain

Alnoff Stable................................ Tom Voss Missed all of last year but still dangerous

Best Attack

Octoraro Stable......................... Bruce Miller Venerable veteran needs class relief

Chivite

Mary Ann Houghland................ Bruce Miller Veteran stakes performer soldiers on

Class Bopper

Rod Moorhead....................... Lilith Boucher Callaway novice winner, flat first

Dalucci

Pierrot Lunaire

Mary Ann Houghland................ Bruce Miller Awesome in Iroquois debut, zilch since

Planets Aligned

Fox Ridge Farm............................ Tom Voss On shelf since scratching in Turf Writers

Red Letter Day

Greg Hawkins..............................Janet Elliot Proved he belonged with solid Gr. I tries

Salford City

Fergus Galvin.......................... Gordon Elliot Trip derailed in ’09, light training in Ireland

Seer

Brewster/Williams...................... Jack Fisher Climbs ladder to Middleburg, Iroquois

Sermon Of Love

Cherry Knoll Farm.......................Janet Elliot Can see him winning a Grade I someday

Bill Pape........................ Jonathan Sheppard Will the real Sermon Of Love please stand up?

Dark Equation

Slip Away

Beverly Steinman.........................Doug Fout Gutsy second in Gwathmey, idle since

Sarah Ramsey.............................. Tom Voss Tough as they come when picking spots

Dictina’s Boy

Torino Luge

Riverdee Stable............................ Tom Voss Appleton winner leaps to open stakes/allow

Randleston Farm........................ Jimmy Day Turf Writers winner has sights on Camden

Spy In The Sky

Mary Ann Houghland...................Doug Fout Potent when right, missed 2009

Divine Fortune

Tax Ruling

Joe Henderson........................... Jimmy Day Has Iroquois as main goal

Bill Pape........................ Jonathan Sheppard Intriguing if healthy

Dr. Bloomer

Irv Naylor......................... Desmond Fogarty Recent acquisition may await Spa

Dynantonia

Gregg Ryan.............................Julie Gomena Talented, albeit fragile, newcomer to division

Four Schools

Jacqueline Ohrstrom........ Richard Valentine Mercurial sort, aiming for Aiken

Irv Naylor......................... Desmond Fogarty Showed he belongs; aiming for Iroquois

Tod Marks

Mixed Up tries to sniff out another championship for Jonathan Sheppard.

Triple Dip

Terpsichorean

Bright Brook Farm......... Jonathan Sheppard Can make some noise in 2010

The Price Of Love

Your Sum Man

The Fields Stable.......................... Tom Voss Is he simply a soft-ground horse?

Zozimus

Dale Thiel.................................Britt Graham Colonial Cup hinted at bigger things

Virginia

Bill Pape........................ Jonathan Sheppard Trying to recapture 2008 form

Three Carat

Jonathan Sheppard....... Jonathan Sheppard Long-distance specialist with shaky legs

General Ledger

Morten Buskop................ Hanne Bechmann Grand National invader could try Iroquois

Good Night Shirt

Eastern View

Sonny Via................................... Jack Fisher Two-time champ eyes longshot comeback

Lead Us Not

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Mixed Up

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Bill Pape........................ Jonathan Sheppard Could move forward after shaking off rust

Bill Pape........................ Jonathan Sheppard Champ returns at 11; Gwathmey, Iroquois

Orison

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare Scrapped timber career; once a player

SAMUELS Jos. T.

Moneytrain

Hudson River Farm....... Jonathan Sheppard Away three years? Doubt if you want Douglas Lees

Trainer Jimmy Day (here with Officer Pepper at a wet Warrenton Point-to-Point March 13) brings Grade I winner Spy In The Sky to the stakes division.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Three Generations Of Virginia Real Estate Service Charlottesville u (434) 295-8540 www.jtsamuels.com

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Steeplechase Times

• 35

Ambersham

NOVICE HURDLERS

Gil Johnston.............................. Jack Fisher Won richest maiden hurdle of 2009

Easy Red

Best Alibi

Dumbarton Farm..........................Tom Voss Won debut, trouble against winners

Irv Naylor........................ Desmond Fogarty Scary blend of speed and stamina

Here Comes Art

Birthday Beau

Carrington Stable...................Arch Kingsley Impressive maiden win at Colonial Cup

Michele Sanger...................Michele Sanger Finished 2009 the right way at Palm Beach

Hope For Us All

Class Classic

Arcadia Stable........................... Jack Fisher 3YO champ relished soft ground

Why Not Stable..................... Lilith Boucher Struggled in 3YO stakes after Va. Fall win

Left Unsaid

Class Crash

The Fields Stable..........................Tom Voss Leader from last year, should get better

Why Not Stable..................... Lilith Boucher Big second to Left Unsaid at Far Hills

Nationbuilder

Country Cousin

Mary Ann Houghland....Jonathan Sheppard Showed last summer/fall he fits here

Oakwood Stable.....................Julie Gomena Useful in right spots for Virginia-based stable

Northern Bay

Devil’s Preacher

Cary Jackson............................ Todd Wyatt Won at Camden in spring, then struggled

Gregg Ryan............................Julie Gomena Plenty of talent in this corner

Torlundy

Dugan

Silverton Hill........................... Leslie Young Improving with every start

Bill Pape........................Jonathan Sheppard Two-time Aiken winner

You The Man

Eagle Beagle

Bill Fossett................................ Todd Wyatt Saratoga winner in 2009, sky’s the limit

Barracuda Stable................. Ricky Hendriks Claimer of Year in 2009 shoots for Aiken

Excellence in Equine Insurance Excellence in Equine Insurance

Ambersham eyes a big second season as a novice hurdler.

Tod Marks

Celebrate Easter at the Races The 68th Annual

Brandywine Hills Point-To-Point Sunday, April 4 Presenting Sponsor: Radnor Hunt Foxhunters On the beautiful grounds of the Brandywine Valley Association’s Myrick Conservation Center on Route 842 (3 mi. east of Unionville)

First Race at Noon New for 2010: Catered Brunch along the Finish Line

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615.383.9061 FACSIMILE: 615.383.0591 36TELEPHONE: • Steeplechase Times 800.890.9061 www.st-publishing.com • info@st-publishing.com EMAIL: info@wade-egbert.com INTERNET: www.wade-egbert.com �

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40 Burton Hills Boulevard, Suite 170, Nashville, Tennessee 37215

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

CLAIMING/STARTER HURDLERS

Amnicola

Gil Johnston............................... Todd Wyatt Monmouth winner aiming for later

Atrium

Whitewood Stable............ Richard Valentine Disappointed after winning at Queen’s Cup

Bethpage Black

Over Creek Stable....................Julie Gomena Won maiden claimer through DQ

Blue Rider

Whitewood Stable............ Richard Valentine Disappointed after High Hope victory

Brands Hatch

Karen Eyles.......................... Teddy Mulligan Tough sledding after maiden win

Bullet Dancer

Bruce Smart............................... Jimmy Day Aims for summer/fall campaign

Closertoyourheart

Todd Wyatt................................. Todd Wyatt Put him on road and look for easy spots

Cuse

Karen Gray..................................Karen Gray Hickory; upset Callaway Gardens marathon

Duke Of Earl

Ann Stern................................... Jack Fisher The man, the myth, the legend

Expel

Northfield Farm.................... Teddy Mulligan Won at Aiken Fall, fourth at Montpelier

Flight Briefing

Augustin Stable................ Richard Valentine Another working to make ends meet

Fogcutter

Fox Ridge Farm............................ Tom Voss If it wasn’t for bad luck . . .

Harrys Crown

Aylor Racing Stable......................Pete Aylor Could point to amateur hurdle series

Indy Run

EMO Stable .................................Ernie Oare Colonial winner struggled vs. tougher

It’s My Choice

Gil Johnston........................Fenneka Bentley Won debut, could try claimers

Junood

Dave Washer........................... Dave Washer Two-time winner in 2008

Letter Perfect

EMO Stable..................................Ernie Oare Romped in lone hurdle start in 2007

Looks Good Junic

Hudson River Farm....... Jonathan Sheppard On comeback trail after missing 2009

Mabou

Ken and Sarah Ramsey................ Tom Voss Mopped up at speed-favoring tracks

Maximize

Gordie Keys............................ Bay Cockburn Point-to-point path with trainer’s son

Most Bossest

Todd Wyatt................................. Todd Wyatt Broke maiden last spring, searching since

Pals Pride

Veterans (from left) The Editor, Eagle Beagle and Brands Hatch return in 2010.

Sonic Charm

Rusty Cline..........................Don Yovanovich 2009 winner aims for Va. allowance

Sunshine Numbers

Sue Sensor............................ Arch Kingsley Showed new dimension at Camden in fall

Twister Crossing

Stewart Strawbridge........... Sanna Hendriks Won maiden claimer at Atlanta 2009

Waracha

Flying Horse Farm.................Jazz Napravnik Been busy on flat, will bring speed

The Editor

Martin Fleming..................... Teddy Mulligan Won at Aiken, sixth at Camden vs. tougher

Tod Marks

When The Saints

Kinross Farm...............................Neil Morris So good, so fragile; tough in open claimers

Little Bay Racing....................Kevin Pallister Veteran getting a late start; Tanglewood?

One Sea

Randy Rouse........................... Randy Rouse Old pro shows up in Virginia claimers

Rainiero

Augustin Stable................ Richard Valentine Once highly regarded; needs to step up

Riddle

High Hope Stable................... Arch Kingsley Another talented but fragile veteran

Rubicon

Ken and Sarah Ramsey................ Tom Voss Away since Saratoga Jump Start win

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Steeplechase Times

• 39

The

ast Fence Editorial • Opinion • Comments • Columns

Times Editorial

Worry about the schedule Toby Edwards, a former steeplechase trainer and jockey now with the Stoneybrook Steeplechase, thought about the question for a minute and dove right in.

“What worries me? Having enough horses worries me. A small field looks bad to sponsors, especially in this market because you’ve got to work hard to get and keep your sponsors. I know there’s no betting, but big fields matter to race meets.”

Got it?

Edwards is right. The single biggest issue facing American jump racing is participation.

The sport needs horses and people to play the game. And everybody – race meet director, NSA board member, owner, trainer, jockey – should worry about it even if we believe difficult winter weather actually helps the horse inventory.

We understand that nobody wants fewer participants, but the sport must organize and priortize its participation issue.

Big picture first. Jump racing needs to make economic sense. Purses drive the bus and need to be maximized of course. But there’s more to it.

Entry fees and owners’ expenses factor as well.

Between fees, commissions, travel and shipping expenses, owners can lose money even when they win. If steeplechase ownership looks like a bad investment, people won’t participate.

Small picture next. If the spring purse structure doubled itself overnight, race meets would still be in danger of explaining a small field to a sponsor thanks to a schedule that makes as much sense as drinking orange juice after brushing your teeth. Three times, the NSA’s spring schedule puts three or more meets on the same weekend. Once, a weekend happens without a meet. Are we mad? No sport can thrive, attract participants and maximize the resources it has with a schedule like that. Does NASCAR schedule Sprint Cup races on the same day? Of course not. Is there another international hockey tournament during the Winter Olympics? Uh, no.

Now look at American steeplechasing. April 17? Three meets. April 24? Four meets. Silly.

May 8-9? Three meets. May 15? Two meets.

May 22-23? No meets.

We know, we know, nothing can be mandated about scheduling. The race meets decide when to run based on local issues. The NSA can’t dictate race dates. We respect that, but – and this goes out to race meets and the sport’s leaders – make the schedule better. Start looking at 2011 now and be open minded to making changes. Break up even one multi-meet weekend or day and we all gain some ground.

And worry less.

Here we go again So, for the second time in a decade, the experiment of an NSA chief executive – complete with big ideas and a big ticket – ends early as the NSA announced that CEO Lou Raffetto’s tenure will end in June. Now what?

To NSA president Guy Torsilieri’s credit, he stepped up and said the sport’s direction will not suffer. He’s the new CEO, he’s the insulation between progress and business as usual, he’s the one responsible for making sure – as he put it – “we’re going forward, not backward.”

Push on.

40 •

Steeplechase Times

Douglas Lees

Action At Last. Steeplechase horses finally got to work in 2010 after a lengthy delay due to weather. Heart O

Plenty (right, Sarah O’Brien) outran Harrys Crown (left) and Antonio Star to win the novice rider flat race at Warrenton Pointto-Point March 13.

Class of One

John’s Call leaves memories, impact on racing “I hope to live my life as well as he did his own.”

That gets said about statesmen, military leaders, heroes of one sort or another. But a horse? Not so much.

Unless that horse is John’s Call.

He lived a life of greatness and giving – cramming more into his 19 years than most equines. Most humans. He sold in Kentucky as a yearling, lived as another horse for at least a year, won two hurdle races by disqualification, developed white spots on his chestnut coat, won two Grade I stakes at age 9, pushed the best turf horses in the world to the brink in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, became a lead pony/barn mascot, had a race named in his honor at Saratoga.

Owned by Trillium Stable and trained by Tom Voss, John’s Call reinvented himself more times than John Travolta. The gelding died this winter after injuring his right front leg in a field at Voss’ Atlanta Hall Farm in Maryland. The 19-year-old left a healthy legacy.

“An old, old friend is gone,” said owner Douglas Joyce the day his horse died. “He was a big part of my life and it’s difficult to think that he’s no longer here.

He made the most of every opportunity he got – in racing and in retirement. He’ll be missed by a lot of people.”

Racing fan Lorna Lentini e-mailed the comment at the beginning of this article after hearing of John’s Call’s death.

Photographer Barbara Livingston: “Damn, I miss that old horse. He was amazing.”

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The Outside Rail

By Joe Clancy

Barry Watson, who had the good fortune to ride John’s Call in the post parade before the John’s Call Stakes in 2008 and 2009: “He gave you some feeling when you rode him. I’ll always remember those days at Saratoga.”

The list could go on for pages. For whatever reason – talent, achievement, flair, personality, longevity, unique looks (he had all of those) – John’s Call made people notice. He grabbed you, he pulled you into his circle.

The story starts with a telephone conversation.

Bloodstock agent John Stuart called his friend/client, Douglas Joyce from the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky yearling sale in October 1992. Joyce spent $4,000 for the son of Lord At War and $3,000 for another chestnut

by Sir Wimborne.

The Lord At War became John’s Call. The Sir Wimborne became Stuart’s Affair. Or the other way around.

Or both. As young horses, their halters were switched and the accident didn’t get discovered until the tattoo man arrived. The Jockey Club papers didn’t match the horses, so the mistake was undone.

See Outside page 41

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Outside –

Continued from page 40

For the record, Stuart’s Affair never raced.

John’s Call broke his maiden late in the 1994 turf season at Aqueduct and went into 1995 as a highly regarded 4-year-old maiden hurdler. He confirmed that by placing second in all four starts that spring – at Camden, Middleburg, Tanglewood and Fair Hill.

Twice (at Camden and Tanglewood) he was elevated to the win by disqualification for interference. That summer, John’s Call went back to the flat and won two allowance races at Saratoga.

It would be almost three years before he won again. John’s Call missed 2006 with a tendon problem and lost four times (while risked for claiming tags of $75,000 and $60,000) in 1997. He made 10 starts in 1998 – winning five, placing in two stakes and losing

his jockey in one final jump start at the Colonial Cup. The rest is Thoroughbred history. John’s Call became a stakes winner in 1999 and vaulted to the sport’s top with Grade I victories in the Sword Dancer and Turf Classic in 2000.

The oldest horse to win a Grade I stakes on the flat, John’s Call went for a championship in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs and settled for a hardtrying third (beaten a half-length) behind European invader Kalanisi and Quiet Resolve. The campaign ended with a trip to the Japan Cup, but John’s Call returned at 10 to win a stakes at Delaware Park before being retired at the end of the season.

His racing career included 40 starts, 16 wins, 11 seconds, three thirds and more than $1.5 million earned.

But he wasn’t finished. John’s Call the racehorse became John’s Call the lead pony, carting Voss to the track at Saratoga – making friends at every stop through the stable area.

Saratoga created the John’s Call Stakes, a 1 5/8mile turf marathon, in 2004 and hosted the honoree in the paddock, leading the post parade and spiritedly galloping down the stretch to thunderous applause.

“He knows his job, but I think you could very easily turn him on real quick,” Voss once said about the horse (then 13) in retirement. “Good horses will do anything.

I just think they are in a class by themselves.”

John’s Call certainly was.

Whenever a Thoroughbred dies, it comes with sadness. But don’t cry too hard for John’s Call. He overcame great odds. He achieved. He thrilled witnesses.

He aged gracefully. He lived long and large.

“He was loved his entire life, he was taken care of, he wanted for nothing,” said Joyce. “He had a great racing career and a great retirement, and there are some horses you can’t say that about. As Tom said, ‘He was the king, and when you walked by that paddock you better bow.’ ”

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Steeplechase Times

• 41

Get Your Copy “The My Lady’s Manor Races 1909-2009” will be available to the public starting April 8 at a reception at race beneficiary Ladew Gardens in Monkton, Md. The 2010 Manor race takes place April 10. For information, call (410) 557-9570 or see ladewgardens.com.

From the dust jacket: “We got to know lots of people and it was such a thrill to see those people we knew in the races. We looked up to them. There was Johnny Merryman in the Manor, not much older than I was, riding in jodphurs; it was his first real timber race; it didn’t matter. That’s just the way the Manor was: no airs, down to earth. And when Johnny won the race, beating Blockade, and Louis was third . . . Oh, boy! We felt like we were really part of it.”

– Historian Peter Winants, 2009

History rules at the Manor

BY Joe Clancy

Margaret Worrall laughed and then considered the subject of her newest steeplechase history book.

“The Manor is just different, and apparently always has been,” she said.

“What a fun project. It was frustrating to do some of the research, but it

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Steeplechase Times

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was exciting too. I ran across such neat things, got distracted, got back to it, a few times I wasn’t sure I would finish, but here we are.”

To be officially released April 8, Worrall’s book “The My Lady’s Manor Races 1909-2009,” chronicles the meandering history of Maryland’s timber classic, the land around it and the people who participated in it. It’s a great tale.

Founded by John Myers Pearce, Charles Morgan Pearce, John Rush Streett and Walter Hutchins, the Manor is Maryland’s third oldest steeplechase after the Maryland Hunt Cup and the Grand National and celebrates 100 years in 2010 – sort of.

“Year after year, we’ve been noting what year it is and this was to be the 100th running, but in the course of her research Margaret discovered it wasn’t the 100th,” said race chairman Turney McKnight. “It’s a little bit embarrassing, but it’s still a great achievement and a wonderful history.”

That’s for sure.

The area My Lady’s Manor (in Harford and Baltimore counties in Maryland) was created from a 10,000-acre gift from the third Lord Baltimore to his fourth wife Margaret (the “lady” in the description) in 1713. When she died, she left the gift to her step-granddaughter, who in turn gave the land to her fatherin-law. He created 100 parcels and gave them to his friends – named Pearce, Hutchins, Holmes, Slade, Bosley, etc.

– who were the first English settlers of the area. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Manor includes numerous historic structures (St. James Church dates to 1750), stone boundary markers stamped L.B.G. (Lord Baltimore’s Gift) and a rolling countryside filled with horse farms.

Races occurred in the area in the late 1800s and the Manor joined the list in the early 1900s. Some histories list 1909 as the first running, others show 1902.

The race program has long listed 1902 as the first, followed by a gap to 1909 and then races every year except 1943-45 for World War II. Using that source, 2010 would be the 100th.

But Worrall couldn’t place a 1902 race called My Lady’s Manor and even discovered that the supposed winner, Bill Nye, was born in 1902. The 1911 race also came into question with no historic data to support its existence. An early trophy lists the date as April 12, but the race was delayed until April 24 because Streett was injured when kicked by a horse and couldn’t participate. The path includes more nuggets, but you’ll have to read the book. Worrall combed archives, interviewed people, studied microfilm copies of historic newspapers at the Enoch Pratt Library’s rare book room in Baltimore and more.

She ended the project with a respect for the race and the people of the Manor who founded it, even if some of the data left her confused.

See Manor page 43

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Manor –

Continued from page 42

“It’s the Manor, of course it would be like this,” she said. “The people who developed the Manor had been there for generations. They went to good schools and had money, but they were rural people, seat-of-theirpants people; it was much more southern, much more casual, much more country than the business-oriented, mercantile people who settled in the Green Spring and Worthington valleys (home to the more traditionbound Grand National and Hunt Cup).”

The first Manor was run on the Pearce farm “Clifford” in 1909 and called that location home for nearly 70 years. Like other races of the era, the specific course varied due to crop plantings, field availability and other factors but was held in that area – over land owned by the Pearces, the Secors and neighbors in the area of Markoe and J.M. Pearce Roads.

Miss March Rachel Alexandra

In 1978, the race moved to its present location at the Elkridge-Harford Hunt Club along Jarrettsville Pike. The 3-mile race has long been a timber fixture, counting among its past winners Winton, Pine Pep, Jay Trump, Landing Party, Jacko, Von Csadek and others.

Sam Son Of A Gun won four in a row from 1980-83.

Ironfist (2000-02) and Winton (1942, 1946-47) won three. Linked with the Grand National and Hunt Cup because of geography and history, the Manor is more than a prep for those two classics. The race now allows professional jockeys, for example, and attracts horses headed to the Virginia Gold Cup or looking at a Hunt Cup start a year in the future.

“The Grand National and Hunt Cup are more connected, but the Manor is not quite so much on the Hunt Cup route,” said McKnight, who won the race four times as a jockey. “The Manor gets more out of town horses and has a more wide-open feeling. Our committee has tried to encourage that.”

The Manor is also one of the rare steeplechase meets with live music – bluegrass band Manor Grass plays

between races – while cultivating atmosphere. At the Manor, spectators get a sense of being part of something with the organizers and participants. Though Jumbotron television screens were added a few years ago, the best way to experience the race is to stand on one of the hay wagons on the hill or hop in a Gator and move with the action around the rolling course.

Worrall, whose other works include a history of the Hunt Cup and Grand National, was struck by the Manor’s heritage. Descendants of the race’s founders and early Manor landowners still compete in the race, still help organize it, still keep the flame going.

Streett’s great-grandson, trainer Jack Fisher, will have a runner on the card this year. Ross Pearce will be a steward. J.B. Secor will be a patrol judge. Spectators might drive on Hutchins Mill Road or past Slade’s Inn to get to the race course.

“It’s still very much the way it used to be,” she said. “Everything is better organized, but it’s still the Manor.”

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