The Horsemen's Journal - Spring 2024

HORSEMEN’S

Harnessing Success

Saddle Up Scholars program promotes horses and academics to underserved youth in Maryland

28

Responsible Racehorse Retirement

Simple steps at the time of retirement can help ensure a bright future for Thoroughbreds headed for second careers away from the track

40

Day in the Life

The role of keeping Oaklawn Park’s track safe and race-ready falls to longtime superintendent Kevin Seymore

NATIONAL HBPA

3380 Paris Pike

Lexington, KY 40511

P (859) 259-0451

F (859) 259-0452 racing@hbpa.org www.hbpa.org

PRESIDENT/ CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD

Dr. Doug Daniels

SECRETARY/ TREASURER

Lynne McNally

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eric J. Hamelback

VICE PRESIDENT SOUTHERN REGION

Rick Hiles

VICE PRESIDENT CENTRAL REGION

Joe Davis

VICE PRESIDENT WESTERN REGION

J. Lloyd Yother

VICE PRESIDENT EASTERN REGION

Sandee Martin

THE CEO

MAKE NO MISTAKE: THE NATIONAL HBPA ADVOCATES FOR HORSEMEN, AND WE ARE HERE TO BE GUARDIANS OF EQUINE WELFARE

Welcome to our first edition of The Horsemen’s Journal for 2024. I am excited for what the new year holds for all of us, and I am ready for our membership to lead into the future. I want this letter to remind everyone of what the National HBPA is focused on and how HBPA affiliates continually strive for improvements to equine welfare. We are here for the sport, but our job is to help show the way for an industry.

It is my job to lead with vision, fortitude and dedication to make sure the National HBPA is at the forefront of the racing industry. I am proud that we play a pivotal role in championing the rights of horsemen and horsewomen as well as safeguarding our racehorses.

We must continue to fight for the rights of racehorse owners and trainers, providing a powerful voice for horsemen across the United States and Canada. I believe that, in 2024, through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, we will be able to address many of the concerns and challenges facing racing today. My plans this year include further engaging with our affiliates, industry stakeholders, racing commissions, federal representatives, racetrack operators and the HISA corporation to make clear that the HBPA stands for policies that promote fairness, transparency and sustainability within the racing community.

As you will see in this issue from our article on solving the regulatory problem of trace-level environmental exposures, the National HBPA and our affiliates remain staunch advocates for equine health and welfare.

We must uphold the highest standards of equine care and promote responsible horsemanship practices. I will continue to push for educational programs, veterinary initiatives and welfare policies that safeguard our horses, even after their racing careers are done.

Our industry depends on us winning the commonsense discussion.

It is vital that we continue to call for the implementation of strict but science-based medication protocols that do not demonize therapeutic medications and will allow attending veterinarians to properly and safely treat our equine athletes.

As we see under HISA, our industry will not survive if we continue to drive owners from the sport through inadvertent transfer positives that have no effect on the racehorse. Screening limits and the establishment of no -effect thresholds must continue to be a top priority for the National HBPA, as are injury prevention and embracing new technology that can help our racehorses stay safer and sounder.

Last but certainly not the least important, our affiliates must remain supportive of our retirement programs. As our mission statement suggests, the HBPA seeks to ensure that racehorses are treated with dignity, respect and compassion at all stages of their lives.

As we navigate through 2024, rest assured the National HBPA will seek out innovative strategies that address all aspects of racing. By working together, our leadership will help advance solutions that develop a stronger industry so generations to come can enjoy the great sport of Thoroughbred racing.

Let’s remind everyone in 2024 that the National HBPA will continue its tireless efforts on behalf of horsemen and racehorses alike. I will never waiver from my commitment to represent and protect the interests and well-being of horsemen and horsewomen—and our racehorses—at every level. I believe that, in 2024, the HBPA will define how the industry moves forward and our impact will begin to resonate far beyond the racetrack. We will start to shape the essence of Thoroughbred horse racing. Make no mistake.

SINCERELY,

ERIC J. HAMELBACK

AFFILIATES

BOARD

OF DIRECTORS - AFFILIATES

Dr. David Harrington, Alabama

Dan Hurley, Alberta

Lloyd Yother, Arizona

Bill Walmsley, Arkansas

David Milburn, British Columbia

James Miller, Charles Town

Kim Oliver, Colorado

Dave Brown, Finger Lakes

Jim Watkins, Illinois

Joe Davis, Indiana

David McShane, Iowa

Rick Hiles, Kentucky

Benard Chatters, Louisiana

Blaine McLaren, Manitoba

Jason Uelmen, Michigan

Justin Revak, Minnesota

Garald “Wally” Wollesen, Nebraska

Anthony Spadea, New England

Dr. Paul Jenson DVM, New Mexico

Joe Poole, Ohio

Joe Offolter, Oklahoma

Sue Leslie, Ontario

Ron Sutton, Oregon

Sandee Martin, Pennsylvania

Eddie Esquirol, Saskatchewan

Mike Dini, Tampa Bay Downs

David Ross, Virginia

Pat LePley, Washington

The opinions, representations and viewpoints expressed by the authors in the articles contained in The Horsemen’s Journal do not necessarily reflect the opinions, representations and viewpoints or the official policies or positions of The Horsemen’s Journal, National Horsemen’s Administration Corporation or National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association Inc. and its affiliates (collectively “HJ”). HJ is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to or reliance on any information contained within this issue. Information in this issue may become outdated due to the rapidly changing nature of the horse industry. The publication of any advertisements or articles should not be construed as an endorsement of any product, service or position unless specifically stated.

The Horsemen’s Journal, Volume 71 #1.

Postal Information: The Horsemen’s Journal (ISSN 0018-5256) is published quarterly by the National Horsemen’s Administration Corporation, with publishing offices at 3380 Paris Pike, Lexington, KY 40511. Copyright 2024 all rights reserved.

The Horsemen’s Journal is the official publication for members of the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, a representative association of Thoroughbred owners and

CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. Kimberly Brewer

Dr. Clara Fenger

Liane Crossley

Kevin Kerstein

Dr. Andreas Lehner

Jennie Rees

Jen Roytz

Dr. Thomas Tobin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Fran Burns

Coady Media

Skip Dickstein

Gwen Davis/Davis Innovation

Eclipse Sportswire

Joe Nevills

NYRA

T.I.P./Lydia Davis

STAFF

Tom Law

Editor

P (859) 396-9407 hj@hbpa.org

Michelle McShane

Advertising Director

P (515) 508-1811 info@hbpa.org

Limb Design

www.limbdesign.com

Graphic Design

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

3380 Paris Pike

Lexington, KY 40511

P (859) 259-0451

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HBPA WEBSITE: www.hbpa.org

COVER PHOTO:

Gwen Davis/Davis Innovation

trainers. HBPA is a non-profit 501(c)6 Kentucky corporation. Members receive The Horsemen’s Journal as a benefit of membership paid by the national office from affiliate dues. Annual nonmember subscriptions are $25. Single-copy back issues, if available, are $7. Canadian subscribers add $6. All other subscriptions outside the U.S. add $20 payable in U.S. funds. To order reprints or subscriptions, call (859) 259-0451.

The HBPA National Board of Directors has determined that the publication of this periodical is necessary in the transaction of the public business required of the association. Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and/or advertisers and do not necessarily represent the opinion or policy of the publisher or HBPA board or staff. Query the editor prior to sending any manuscripts.

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POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Horsemen’s Journal, 3380 Paris Pike, Lexington, KY 40511.

Help Your Fellow Horsemen

Make a Tax Deductible Donation to the National HBPA Foundation

The National HBPA Foundation, a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) fund, was developed as a safety net for horsemen and horsewomen when other forms of assistance are unavailable or have been exhausted after disaster strikes.

Every year the National HBPA Foundation helps horsemen and horsewomen make it through difficult times such as disease quarantines at a racetrack or natural disasters like floods and fires by providing tens of thousands of dollars in needed assistance.

“It was just fabulous. I can’t thank the HBPA enough; I really appreciate all that they do. It’s because of the National HBPA Foundation combined with our insurance and other supporters like Fasig-Tipton’s Blue Horse Charities, we were able to build this kind of barn.”–Old Friends’ Michael Blowen after receiving aid from the National HBPA Foundation following a barn fire.

To make a tax deductible donation to the National HBPA Foundation and make a difference in the lives of your fellow horsemen and women who may find themselves in need, either:

• Log onto https://nationalhbpa.com/donate/ to make a credit card donation

• Mail a donation check made payable to National HBPA Foundation to: National HBPA Foundation, 3380 Paris Pike, Lexington KY 40511

TRAINING UNDER AN EARLY SPRING SKY LAST YEAR AT CHURCHILL DOWNS, WHICH HOSTS THE HISTORIC 150TH RUNNING OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY THIS YEAR.

From Claim To Fame

Claiming Crown Returns to Churchill Downs in 2024

CHURCHILL DOWNS HOSTED ITS FIRST CLAIMING CROWN IN 2022, AND THE EVENT RETURNS TO LOUISVILLE FOR THE 26TH RENEWAL NOVEMBER 16.

Churchill Downs will be the host site for the 2024 Claiming Crown for the second time in three years, returning to Louisville for the 26th renewal Saturday, November 16.

The Claiming Crown is a partnership between the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Created in 1999 to provide claiming horse owners and trainers their own version of the Breeders’ Cup World Championship, the multi-race program gives Thoroughbred racing’s workhorses a day in the spotlight in recognition of their importance to filling out race cards across the nation.

“In a year when Churchill Downs celebrates the 150th Kentucky Derby, we are honored to host the Claiming Crown on center stage in the same historic venue,” said TOBA President Dan Metzger. “We look forward to showcasing American racing’s unsung heroes in what promises to be a successful 26th running of the event.”

Churchill Downs was the Claiming Crown host for the first time in 2022. Last year’s Claiming Crown was staged at the Churchill Downs Inc.-owned Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Each running also involves the support of the HBPA affiliate representing horsemen at the host track.

“We’re most appreciative of Churchill Downs Inc.’s support of the Claiming Crown, and we’re excited about the return to Louisville,” said National HBPA President Dr. Doug Daniels. “Churchill Downs was a terrific host in 2022, as was the Fair Grounds last year.

“Only 20 horses can make the Derby starting gate, and for most trainers and owners, that’s a pipe dream,” Daniels continued. “Not so with the Claiming Crown. We look forward to working with our TOBA partners, the Kentucky HBPA and Churchill Downs with the goal of staging an outstanding Claiming Crown.”

*Claiming

GWEN

Claiming Crown races are conducted under starter-allowance conditions, meaning they are restricted to horses that have competed at least once for a certain claiming level or cheaper during a designated time frame. Races are run on turf and dirt, at both sprint and two-turn distances and for males and females.

“We are thrilled to have the Claiming Crown return,” said Ben Huffman, Churchill Downs Racetrack’s vice president of racing. “We appreciate being a part of the tradition recognizing and rewarding these horses each fall. I loved interacting with the Claiming Crown connections in 2022, some of which had never raced at Churchill Downs. It was a joy to welcome them to the home of the Kentucky Derby—a real treat for everyone.”

While the exact purses have yet to be finalized, the eight Claiming Crown races will run for a minimum purse of $100,000, with the signature Claiming Crown Jewel at 1 1/8 miles on the dirt worth at least $175,000. Each race also will offer a Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund purse supplement for registered Kentucky-breds, the vast majority of horses competing.

“We embrace bringing the Claiming Crown back to Kentucky and Churchill Downs,” said Kentucky HBPA President Rick Hiles. “There’s no better place to have it than the epicenter of what’s become America’s premier racing circuit. I’ve had horses in the Claiming Crown before, and it’s a huge deal for what I’ll call ‘racing’s everyday horsemen.’ A shout-out to the National HBPA, Dr. Daniels and CEO Eric Hamelback for their work to enhance the Claiming Crown as a showcase event on the racing calendar, one that’s accessible to as many owners, trainers and horses as possible.

“The Kentucky horsemen and I stand ready to help make 2024 the Claiming Crown’s new gold standard for horsemen and horseplayers.” —Jennie Rees

Claiming Crown Through the Years

Years Location

1999–2001

Canterbury Park

2002 Philadelphia Park

2003–2006

2007

2008–2010

Canterbury Park

Ellis Park

Canterbury Park

2011 Fair Grounds

2012–2021

Gulfstream Park

2022 Churchill Downs

2023 Fair Grounds

2024 Churchill Downs

One Last Wish: Godolphin Star Cleans Up at Eclipse Awards

The seemingly madefor-Hollywood story of Cody’s Wish delivered one final fairytale finish when North American racing’s best were honored at the 53rd annual Eclipse Awards January 25 at The Breakers Palm Beach in South Florida.

Cody’s Wish, Godolphin Racing’s homebred son of Curlin who will be forever linked with the late Cody Dorman, dominated the night as 2023’s Horse of the Year and champion older dirt male. The success of Cody’s Wish, who racked up a second Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and two other Grade 1 victories in 2023, also helped Godolphin defend its titles as outstanding owner and breeder and played a part in Hall of Fame conditioner Bill Mott collecting his fourth Eclipse Award as outstanding trainer.

The evening culminated with NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney calling Kylie Dorman, the younger sister to Cody Dorman, to the stage to “help” give the news that everyone in the crowd already knew. After Kylie announced Cody’s Wish as Horse of the Year—which he won by a convincing margin—Cody Dorman’s father, Kelly, delivered the acceptance of the night.

“You’ll never hear Tom Hanks say there’s no crying in horse racing,” Kelly Dorman said. “I never would have thought five years ago, when all this happened, I would be standing right here doing this. … You guys just blow me away, because I know you put your heart into these horses. Day in and day out, it’s your life.

“And I know a lot of times those horses put their heart into you, the jockeys, the trainers, owners, everybody,” he continued. “Man, that horse, he put his heart into us. … The best thing was the determination that we got to watch when Cody’s Wish ran. Can’t and quit are two words we never use, never will, and don’t think that horse can’t talk because he can and he won’t use those two words either.”

Cody’s Wish was named after Cody Dorman, who was born with WolfHirschhorn syndrome, which severely restricts body movements. As part of a Make-A-Wish Foundation visit, Cody Dorman, from his wheelchair, bonded with a foal at Godolphin’s Gainsborough Farm in 2018. That foal was named Cody’s Wish, and beginning in 2022, the bond became a national story as Cody’s Wish developed into a top-flight racehorse and Cody Dorman and his family attended many of his races. Sadly, Cody Dorman died on his return home to Kentucky the day after watching Cody’s Wish win the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.

Cody’s Wish received 134 of a possible 219 first-place votes for Horse of the Year, finishing well ahead of runner-up and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner White Abarrio with 37 votes. Cody’s Wish also earned champion older dirt male honors, receiving 148 votes with White Abarrio second at 65 and stablemate Elite Power third with five.

The voting is conducted by the Eclipse Awards’ three presenters—the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, Daily Racing Form and National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

Cody’s Wish won four of five starts during his Horse of the Year campaign as a 5-year-old in 2023. He made his 2023 debut winning the 7-furlong, Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes in May, followed by the Grade 1 Hill ‘N’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park in June. He suffered his only defeat of the year when third in the Grade 1, 1 1/8-mile Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in August. He bounced back in October at Aqueduct to win the Grade 2 Vosburgh Stakes, before defending his title in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita Park.

Godolphin, the global racing and breeding operation run by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai, took home its fourth straight owner crown and third consecutive breeder title. Godolphin also celebrated winning the 3-year-old filly championship with multiple Grade 1-winning homebred Pretty Mischievous.

CODY’S WISH, HORSE OF THE YEAR AND CHAMPION OLDER DIRT MALE IN 2023, HELPED PAVE THE WAY TO A BIG NIGHT FOR HIS CONNECTIONS AT THE 2023 ECLIPSE AWARDS AT THE BREAKERS PALM BEACH IN SOUTH FLORIDA.

NYRA PHOTO

Blue Rose Farm’s Arcangelo won the champion 3-year-old male Eclipse Award. Trained by Jena Antonucci, Arcangelo won the Belmont Stakes and the Travers Stakes to seal the title. Antonucci became the first female trainer to saddle a champion 3-year-old.

Mott added the 2023 Eclipse Award for trainer to his previous titles in 1995, 1996 and 2011. He also trained three champions—Cody’s Wish, Elite Power and Just F Y I.

Juddmonte’s Elite Power defended his title in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita and added his second championship in 2023. Just F Y I used her victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita Park and Grade 1 Frizette Stakes during the Belmont at the Big A meeting to land the champion 2-year-old filly title for owner and breeder George Krikorian.

Owner and breeder Mike Repole used his time on stage to collect two divisional titles to take digs at the establishment he claims has done little to nothing to move racing forward. He also celebrated with his team when homebred Fierceness gave Repole Stable a third champion 2-year-old male title, joining 2022 winner Forte and 2010 winner Uncle Mo. Up to the Mark, a son of Not This Time that Repole campaigns in partnership with St. Elias Stable, took home champion turf male honors after a season of three Grade 1 wins and two Grade 1 placings.

Juddmonte also earned the champion older dirt female honor for Idiomatic, a daughter of Curlin who put in a nine-start campaign that started in early January at Turfway Park and ended with a victory in early November in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita.

First Row Partners and Team Hanley relished a second straight champion female sprinter title for Goodnight Olive. A back-to-back winner of the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, Goodnight Olive also sold at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November sale for $6 million three days after her big win at Santa Anita.

European-breds took home two awards. Cheveley Park Stud’s homebred Inspiral, an English-bred daughter of Frankel who won the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf, earned champion turf female honors. Hurricana Farm’s Merry Maker, an Irish-bred gelding by the German-bred sire Malinas, took home champion steeplechase honors.

New York-based rider Irad Ortiz Jr. won his third straight Eclipse Award as outstanding jockey and sixth in the last seven years. Completing the human awards, Axel Concepcion was voted outstanding apprentice jockey.

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Others recognized at the Eclipse Awards included The Jockey Club chairman and longtime owner and breeder Stuart S. Janney III with the Eclipse Award of Merit for career service to the Thoroughbred industry. Veteran broadcaster Tom Hammond, long synonymous with NBC’s coverage of the Triple Crown, Breeders’ Cup, Olympic Games and many other sports, received a Special Eclipse Award.

Media Eclipse Awards also are given in the categories of photography, multimedia, news/enterprise writing, feature/commentary writing, televisionfeature and television-live racing programming. The 2023 Media Eclipse Award winners, determined by a judges’ panel for each category and previously announced, were News/Enterprise Writing – Sean Clancy, The Saratoga Special; Feature/Commentary Writing – Tim Layden, NBCSports.com; Photography – Carolyn Simancik, The Press Box; Live Television Programming – NBC Sports (Lindsay Schanzer, Senior Producer); Feature Television Programming – Woodbine Entertainment, TSN (The Sports Network, Tammy Gillanders, Producer); and Multimedia – Thoroughbred Daily News Writers’ Room Podcast (Susan Finley, Publisher).

Paul Calia, winner of the 24th National Horseplayers Championship, was presented with an Eclipse Award as the 2023 Horseplayer of the Year.

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T.I.P. Sets 2024 Shows and Championship Slate

The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.) approved more than 7,500 awards and classes at more than 1,500 shows in 42 states and six Canadian provinces for 2024.

Awards are available for multiple disciplines, including eventing, dressage, Western and English pleasure, ranch riding, hunter/jumper, endurance, barrel racing, polo and polocrosse. A full calendar of shows offering awards is available at tjctip.com/CalendarOfEvents and will be updated as show dates are confirmed.

The 2024 T.I.P. Championships horse show will be held at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina, October 3-6. Divisions will be offered for hunters, jumpers, combined test, dressage, Western dressage, English pleasure, Western pleasure, ranch, competitive trail and in-hand.

“Stable View is honored and proud to be hosting the T.I.P. Championships for the fourth year,” said Barry and Cyndy Olliff, owners of Stable View. “The increased number of divisions and classes is a testament to the growth of T.I.P. and the enthusiasm of participants. We look forward to welcoming competitors from all over to showcase the versatility and talent of off-track Thoroughbreds [OTTBs].”

In addition to including new disciplines, the 2024 T.I.P. Championships will feature several new non-pro divisions and offer fun classes to give exhibitors the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful venue and Stable View hospitality all weekend. Thoroughbreds also will be able to enter up to five divisions, subject to eligibility and limitations.

“We are so grateful to have a venue such as Stable View and the support of their team to help us provide the best T.I.P. Championships possible,” said Kristin Werner, senior counsel for The Jockey Club and administrator of T.I.P. “The Retired Racehorse Project decided to move in a different direction and will no longer host an additional T.I.P. championship show. We appreciate the organization’s support of previous T.I.P. Championships.”

T.I.P. does not plan to offer a barrel racing championship in 2024 but will continue to explore opportunities to recognize barrel racing Thoroughbreds. Qualifying information for the championships is available on the T.I.P. website at tjctip.com/About/CSI.

DAILY RACING FORM WRITER NICOLE RUSSO ON HER OTTB ONE BRAVE WARRIOR IN A T.I.P. SHOW AT ANTEBELLUM FARM IN LEXINGTON IN JULY 2023. ONE BRAVE WARRIOR, A SON OF INDIAN CHARLIE, WAS BRED BY STONESTREET FARM AND ADOPTED FROM NEW VOCATIONS.

JOE NEVILLS

Study: $177 Billion Equine Economic Impact in U.S.

The American Horse Council’s highly anticipated 2023 Equine Economic Impact Survey shed light on the significant and robust contributions of the equine industry to the U.S. economy.

The survey, which offers a comprehensive overview of the economic impact and trends within the equine sector and highlights how it reaches far beyond U.S. pastures and ranch land, reported an overall economic impact of $177 billion in 2023, up from $122 billion in 2017. The equine industry’s ripple effect extends beyond the traditional sectors, influencing a broad spectrum of industries. From agriculture and tourism to veterinary services and technology, the survey showcases the interconnectedness of the equine world with other economic realms.

Other highlights from the survey:

• The horse industry has a substantial impact on employment with 2.2 million jobs linked both directly and indirectly to the equine sector. Not

only are breeders, trainers, veterinarians and farriers represented but so are truck drivers, nutritionists, chemists, police officers and journalists.

• While there is a slight downshift in the total population of horses in 2023 (6.6 million) compared to 2017 (7.2 million), that’s only a slight consideration when compared to the growing numbers in jobs and expenditures.

The survey is designed to demonstrate the value of the equine industry in the national and state economies by analyzing the direct, indirect and induced economic impacts of horse ownership, recreation and equine-related services. The collected data will inform public and private investments in equine-related businesses, equine health care, education, land use decisions, tax policy, tourism and employment incentives.

The 2023 Equine Economic Impact Survey can be purchased as a digital download from the AHC website at horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study.

Second Stride Poised for Big Things in 2024

Second Stride—one of the nation’s leading programs for rehabbing, retraining and rehoming retired Thoroughbred racehorses for second careers—comes into 2024 after a record year that saw a 36% increase in adoptions.

Second Stride founder and executive director Kim Smith said by all measurements last year was a record for the Thoroughbred aftercare organization launched in 2005. She hopes it’s a springboard for bigger things in 2024, starting with the overarching goal of finding more retired racehorses safe homes as they launch post-racetrack careers that match their physical capabilities.

Second Stride rehomed 169 horses in 2023 and directly assisted a total of 197, up from the 124 adoptions in 2022, when the facilities expanded to include

Chorleywood Farm in Prospect, Kentucky. The former racehorses (and some non-racing Thoroughbreds in need, such as broodmares and unable-to-race bloodstock) came from 49 tracks, training centers and farms and went to new homes in 26 states and Canada this past year. The average stay at Second Stride for horses being rehabbed or retrained before adoption was 57 days, covering more than 2,500 training sessions.

“We spent 2022 working on expansion, so we could take care of and find second careers and forever homes for more retired racehorses,” Smith said. “Aftercare for horses coming off the track is a race without a finish line. So now we look to build on 2023, which across the board was our most successful in terms of horses served, rehabbed and adopted as well as financial growth including fundraising, grants and volunteer hours. And just to put the 197 horses we assisted last year in perspective, that number is slightly more than 1% of North America’s 2023 foal crop.”

Other 2023 highlights for Second Stride include a 12% increase in charitable financial support, receipt of the Thoroughbred Charities of America’s Ellen and Herb Moelis Industry Service Award and joining Horse Country, which connects guests to tours that provide a behind-the-scenes look into Kentucky’s equine industry.

Since its 2005 founding, Second Stride has placed more than 1,600 retired racehorses and other Thoroughbreds in need with qualified adopters around the country.

Fixed-Odds Betting Launched in Colorado

SIS Content Services, part of the SIS (Sports Information Services) Group and a leading content supplier of 24/7 live betting services, agreed to a landmark deal with longtime operator partner Bet365 to deliver its global horse racing content to bettors in Colorado, bringing fixed-odds horse racing wagering to a licensed sports betting platform in the U.S. for the first time.

The approval of fixed-odds wagering in Colorado sportsbooks will aid the sport in attracting a wider range of casual bettors, who will be offered the same type of betting as all other sports. The announcement also represents positive news for a range of Colorado stakeholders, including Bally’s Arapahoe Park and the Colorado Horsemen’s Association, as a portion of turnover is directed to Colorado horse racing.

“The launch of fixed-odds horse racing betting on Colorado sportsbooks puts horse racing on equal footing with other sports and hopefully attracts a new fan base and revenue for our racetrack partners,” said Michele Fischer, vice president of SIS Content Services, a corporate sponsor of the National HBPA. “This is a great first step in expanding the horse racing audience, and I

commend the Colorado horse racing stakeholders, Colorado Division of Gaming and Bet365 for their vision and support. Horse racing provides sportsbooks with exciting year-round 24/7 content throughout the world. It will take time in the U.S., but I expect that more sports wagering operators and states will include horse racing on their sports catalogs.”

Boasting round-the-clock betting opportunities, SIS provides a comprehensive horse racing portfolio of nearly 140 international and domestic racetracks. Along with coverage of the world’s richest horse races—including the $33.5 million Saudi Cup card and $30.5 million Dubai World Cup program— year-round racing is available from 14 countries, including the U.S., Ireland, Australia, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.

“We are committed to ensuring that horse racing in Colorado is economically viable for the participating owners and trainers, who are the backbone of the sport,” said Kim Oliver, president of the Colorado Horsemen’s Association. “Fixed-odds betting will produce a new revenue stream and exposure for horse racing. This launch represents a pivotal moment for our group.” HJ

Uncaptured Storm Earns Claiming Horse of the Year Honors

Out of the devastation of losing a teenage daughter following a years-long battle with leukemia, owner Rick Burnsworth didn’t just get back into racehorse ownership at the encouragement of his surviving daughter; he did so on a major scale.

A decade after the death of 18-year-old Kelsey Burnsworth— an animal lover and aspiring photographer—a chance encounter with MidAtlantic-based trainer Anthony Farrior led to Burnsworth’s return to racing in 2022. Together, they have been a formidable combination. Farrior finished fourth in North America with 266 victories in 2023, according to statistics from Equibase Co. Burnsworth finished the year tied for seventh in the owner standings with 80 victories, while his horses earned $1.35 million in purses. He had another 18 wins in partnerships, including with fiancée Kristina Buyea.

Farrior and Burnsworth also teamed up with the then 3-year-old gelding Uncaptured Storm, a nine-time winner who changed hands five times in 2023, each time winning at least once before being claimed again. For those accomplishments, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association is honoring Uncaptured Storm as its 2023 National Claiming Horse of the Year.

The National HBPA presents the award to shine the spotlight on horses that are exceptional at their level of competition, with claiming horses comprising the largest segment of racing across America. Uncaptured Storm and his connections will be honored at the National HBPA annual conference in July at Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Iowa.

“He just brings his race with him wherever he goes,” Farrior said. “This award is terrific. It’s hard to get stakes horses. But if you can claim a horse and still get a little publicity over it, that’s great.”

Burnsworth is having a blast with Uncaptured Storm, fitting for the president of Douglas Explosives. His work includes blowing up rock formations for building interstates and projects requiring excavation.

“He loves to win,” Burnsworth said of Uncaptured Storm, a chestnut Florida-bred son of Uncaptured out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Spirited Storm. “Heart of gold. Temperament is incredible. Beautiful animal. I’ve played a lot of sports in my life, and he’s what we call a winner.”

Uncaptured Storm won nine of 18 starts last year, with four seconds and a third while racing largely against older horses at Laurel Park, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and Timonium Race Track. All his wins and $208,726 of his $221,601 career earnings came in 2023. The nine victories tied him for the second most in North America, as the gelding raced from $12,500 maidenclaiming up to $40,000 claiming and on to an entry-level allowance, then back down to $10,000 claiming and up again to $40,000.

To win Claiming Horse of the Year, Uncaptured Storm beat out another horse trained by Farrior and owned by Burnsworth in the filly Divine Fashion, whose 10 wins tied for the most in North America in 2023 with the Nebraska- and Wyoming-based Fayette Warrior.

“The National Claiming Horse of the Year definitely went through the MidAtlantic this year,” said Pennsylvania HBPA Executive Director Todd Mostoller, who chairs the National HBPA’s awards committee. “In fact, another strong contender was his stablemate Divine Fashion. But ultimately, we thought Uncaptured Storm is the epitome of the hard-knocking claimer who shows up every race, making money for everyone who has him in their barn while racing almost exclusively in straight claiming races.”

While Uncaptured Storm was claimed five times in 2023—for a $12,500 maiden-claiming, January 8; $10,000, July 29; $20,000, September 8; $16,000, November 5; and $20,000 November 12—Farrior has had the gelding more than anyone. He claimed Uncaptured Storm three times, including for himself at the beginning of the year. Farrior lost the horse via claim to trainer Mario Serey Jr. and owner John Chamatsos twice, claiming him back both

UNCAPTURED STORM, THE NATIONAL HBPA’S 2023 NATIONAL CLAIMING HORSE OF THE YEAR, WINS JUNE 3 AT CHARLES TOWN RACES UNDER ARNALDO BOCACHICA.

COADY

times for Burnsworth, who at the end of the year sold part-interest to Bush Racing Stables.

“He’s a happy horse, a pretty horse, always keeping good flesh to him,” Farrior said.

Burnsworth has dozens of horses in training, plus more on a farm he and Farrior bought near Charles Town in the lower Shenandoah Valley. Claiming accounts for about 70% of his horse business, he said, but he does buy some young horses, and he’s also acquiring broodmares.

“You can’t be more blessed to end up having the No. 1 Claiming Horse and the No. 1 win horse in 2023,” said Burnsworth, who resides in Southington, Ohio, not far from Mahoning Valley Race Course. “That’s just amazing. I’m so proud, so proud of the people who work for us. … Since Anthony and I hooked up two years ago, it’s been a blast.”

Burnsworth had owned horses for several years when Kelsey was diagnosed with leukemia at 1 1/2 years old. He got almost completely out of racing to concentrate on her health, a battle Kelsey lost in 2011 after twice seemingly beating the blood cancer.

Burnsworth said that he and Buyea, along with his former wife Jessica Burnsworth, began teaming with North Mar Church in Warren, Ohio, on an initiative called Kelsey’s Angels, which assists families staying around the clock at the hospital to be with their critically ill children, an underserved need he saw first-hand.

After running into Farrior at Charles Town, Burnsworth called his daughter Devin Petulla to see what she thought about her dad jumping back into horse racing.

“She said, ‘Dad, it’s a passion of yours. This is what Kelsey would want you to do. If anyone knows how to do it, it’s you,’ ” Burnsworth said. “Meaning, we love our animals. We take care of them. We try to do the right things, no matter the cost. She said jokingly—she knows I love the Blues Brothers movie—‘Why don’t you get the band back together and get your mind off of everything else?’

“When I got back in, I said there’s only one set of racing silks I’m racing in,” he added. “Kristina and I got blue silks with a white cross. These are God’s creatures. He’s just letting me borrow them, and I’ve got to treat it that way.”

—Jennie Rees

May 18th – September 28th

THE TEAM BEHIND THE 2023 NATIONAL CLAIMING HORSE OF THE YEAR, INCLUDING TRAINER ANTHONY FARRIOR (SECOND FROM LEFT), OWNER RICK BURNSWORTH (IN BLACK WITH TROPHY) AND JOCKEY ARNALDO BOCACHICA, CELEBRATE UNCAPTURED STORM BEING HONORED AT CHARLES TOWN AS THE TRACK’S WIN CHAMPION FOR 2023.

Glyshaw Wraps Training Career, Takes Indiana HBPA Post

Tim Glyshaw wrapped up a chapter in his career January 27 at Turfway Park, saddling his final starters as a trainer before taking over as executive director of the Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association February 1.

Glyshaw sent out a winner on that final day of training—Leo’s Roar for owner Ironhorse Racing Stable in the second race.

TIM GLYSHAW, THE INDIANA HBPA’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, WON 553 RACES AS A TRAINER FROM 2004 TO 2024 INCLUDING WITH MULTIPLE GRADED STAKES WINNER BUCCHERO.

His final trainer stats of 553 wins and $15,802,249 in purse earnings narrate one tale, yet it’s the narrative behind these numbers that he takes the most pride in. In two decades as a trainer and 3,929 starts, he has maintained a clean record with no medication violations.

“The wins speak for themselves, but I can proudly say we always did right by our horses, having no medication violations in 20 years,” Glyshaw said. “I love coming to the barn every day just to be with my horses and be around my staff. I couldn’t have gone this far in my career without great horses that were sent to me by loyal owners and cared for by a dedicated staff.”

Glyshaw’s horses took him across the globe to some of racing’s biggest events including Royal Ascot, where his fellow Indiana-bred Bucchero finished fifth in the Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes against some of the world’s best turf

sprinters. Owned by Ironhorse Racing Stable, Bucchero eventually closed his career with 11 victories from 31 starts and now is a successful stallion in New York.

Glyshaw won four graded stakes during his career—two with Bucchero and two with Bullards Alley for owners Wayne Spalding and Faron McCubbins.

“Bullard was such a special horse who went from a maiden claimer to a Grade 1 winner,” Glyshaw said. “Wayne was one of my first owners but became a loyal friend. We lost him way too soon, and I can’t thank him enough for all the support he’s given me throughout my career both as a trainer and a friend.”

The husband-and-wife team of David and Loren Osborne also supported Glyshaw throughout his career, sending him many of his top trainees, including Indiana champion Unreachable Star, who won 17 races, and stakes winner Grand Traverse, who earned $507,015 across his nine-year career.

“The Osborne family embodies horse racing,” Glyshaw said. “David has helped this industry in so many ways with his position as the Speaker of the House in [Kentucky]. Loren and her mother, Carol, are two phenomenal horsewomen who helped breed and raise many of our top runners like Grand Traverse, who was a tremendous racehorse around the country.”

Glyshaw’s career in racing started on a whim with an internship at Taylor Made Farm in Nicholasville, Kentucky. After completing the program, he eventually took a job as the assistant trainer to the late Bob Holthus, and on July 1, 2004, Glyshaw made his first start as a trainer when Ann’s Emblem finished third in a $10,000 claiming race at Churchill Downs. She’d go on to give Glyshaw his first victory two months later at Turfway Park.

“Horse racing is such a special sport, and spending two decades as a trainer is something I’ll always cherish,” Glyshaw said. “Before my internship at Taylor Made, I had a job as a teacher. But every day when I walked into school, I always wondered what life would be like if I could get a job in horse racing. I took a chance, and even though I’m stepping away from training, the sport continues to reward me in ways I never thought possible. My new job is going to allow me to continue to work doing what I love—being around horses and protecting those who help take care of them.” —Kevin Kerstein, Kentucky Racing Communications

TwinSpires.com Joins National HBPA Corporate Sponsor Roster

The National HBPA has announced that TwinSpires.com has become a corporate sponsor of North America’s largest horsemen’s association.

Owned and operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated, TwinSpires is the premier online horse racing wagering platform in the U.S. and the official online betting partner of the Kentucky Derby. Players can wager through the TwinSpires

desktop, mobile and app-based advance-deposit wagering platforms as well as at retail locations and racetracks across the country.

With TwinSpires, players can wager on local and international Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and harness races. TwinSpires players also have access to unmatched insight and analysis from horse racing experts, industry insiders and handicappers as well as Brisnet data and past performance information. TwinSpires is a fresh, bottom-up approach to account wagering that combines the latest online technology with the best racing content, backed by the integrity and tradition of Churchill Downs.

TwinSpires.com account holders also receive free past performances, Insider Picks and Power Plays every day when they wager.

National HBPA’s Corporate Partner Group Going Strong in 2024

The National HBPA is proud to announce that nine valued corporate partners have renewed their relationships with North America’s largest horsemen’s association. They join new corporate partner TwinSpires.com for 2024.

“The support of our corporate partners is more important than ever, and we truly appreciate each and every one of them,” said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the

National HBPA. “By partnering with the National HBPA, these companies have made a statement about how important horsemen are to them, so I ask all our members to make that same statement and patronize our corporate partners whenever possible.”

Following is an overview of our nine corporate partners.

CHRIMS-PGSI provides a variety of technology and software solutions for the pari-mutuel and gaming industries, including pari-mutuel settlements and host fees, a runners database using Equibase data and a full range of accounting, auditing and consulting services. Based in California, CHRIMS-PGSI has a client list that includes racetracks and regulatory agencies around the country as well as in Mexico and Europe. For more information, go to portal.chrims.com.

Daily Racing Form, “America’s Turf Authority since 1894” for Thoroughbred racing horseplayers and professionals, is the industry’s dominant multichannel media company. Daily Racing Form is the only daily newspaper in the United States dedicated solely to the coverage of a single sport. Its companion website, drf.com, is the most heavily trafficked online horse racing destination, providing players with extensive racing news coverage, interactive past performances, exclusive handicapping tools and access to the online and mobile wagering platform DRF Bets. For more information, go to drf.com.

Equine Equipment, which helps members of the horse industry get discounts on farm equipment, mowers and more, joined the list of National HBPA corporate partners two years ago through a marketing partnership with Tenda Horse Products. Tenda is approaching five decades of serving the performance horse industry with products that promote and improve the overall health, soundness, performance and well-being of equine athletes. Visit tendahorse. com or call (888) 836-3213 for more information. Equine Equipment also can help horsemen save up to 26% off MSRP on equipment from Toro and Exmark, along with discounts on FarmPaint. Find out more at equineequipment.com or by calling (877) 905-0004.

Equineline.com provides a variety of services and reports for horsemen. Among the reports offered are pedigrees, race records and an assortment of breeding, racing and sales information for individual horses (Thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse), including free five-cross pedigrees for Thoroughbreds, a free auction results search for Thoroughbreds and a free racing recap for Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse races. Many of the Thoroughbred reports include video replay capabilities. To find out more, visit equineline.com.

Finish Line Horse Products Inc. manufactures products for racing and other performance horses and strives to provide the right products at the right price. The company offers a free hotline for customers to ask trained staff about Finish Line products or general equine-related questions. Although Finish Line has grown to serve many other equine disciplines over the years, Thoroughbred racing was the first and is still a core business for the company. For more information, visit finishlinehorse.com.

Horseman Labor Solutions provides immigration services to the industry and assists trainers in maintaining their staff of skilled guest workers. Whether it is a 10-month temporary visa for a skilled groom or hot walker or a fiveyear visa for exercise riders and jockeys, Horseman Labor Solutions and its immigration services are considered second to none by many horsemen. For more information, call (800) 678-RACE (7223).

Horsemen’s Track and Equipment has served as the industry leader in racetrack design, installation and renovation for more than 35 years. Its proprietary Rider Protection Rail System is installed at many of the parimutuel tracks across the country. In addition, the company offers an extensive selection of equipment for track maintenance, from conditioners and harrows to water trucks and an advanced equine ambulance. For more information, go to horsemenstrack.com.

Sports Information Services (SIS) has been a horse racing content supplier to the global betting industry for more than 30 years, distributing racing product to sportsbooks (fixed odds) and pari-mutuel operators. From two United Kingdom-based production and operation centers, SIS produces 24/7 live racing video channels, racing data and betting prices in a standardized format to a network of more than 400 betting operators in 50 countries. For more information, go to sis.tv.

Sterling Thompson Equine administers the National HBPA-endorsed Owners’ and Trainers’ Liability Program, which provides coverage for assets in cases of injury or property damage as the result of equine activities such as racing, sales, training and breeding. The policy covers liability claims, contractual liability and premises and operations liability at an affordable cost to horsemen. The policy includes up to $1 million in coverage for each occurrence and $2 million general aggregate. For more information, visit sterlingthompson. com/farmequine or call (502) 585-3277. HJ

Harnessing Success

SADDLE UP SCHOLARS PROGRAM PROMOTES HORSES AND ACADEMICS TO YOUTH

By Liane Crossley

Brainstorming can transform ideas from random thoughts into life-changing events with rippling effects. In the case of the founders of Saddle Up Scholars, those ideas include promoting Thoroughbred racing as a viable career path to youth who might not otherwise have been exposed to the industry.

Founded in 2023 by educators and lifelong horsewomen Win Lewis and Jennie Towner, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Saddle Up Scholars promotes equity and inclusion in the equestrian community by using horses as inspiration for academic achievement. Their mission is “to make a direct and immediate impact in the lives of young horse enthusiasts from underserved backgrounds by harnessing the skills they gain from horses and channeling that into academic success.”

Unlike programs that use real horses as teaching tools for in-person classes, Saddle Up Scholars provides tutoring via Zoom meetings for students already enrolled in such situations. Hosting virtual classes eliminates an array of logistical and cost issues such as providing transportation and finding a suitable location. The students are channeled from organizations that provide riding lessons at Baltimore-area barns or that offer polo-centric programs in Baltimore, Philadelphia and Albany, New York. Saddle Up Scholars also works with the Ruth M. Kirk Center, which provides recreation and other provisions for Baltimorearea youngsters.

Saddle Up Scholars is more than tutoring sessions on computer screens. The premise is that students will be candid with Lewis and Towner because they all share a love of horses. In other words, they see the women as fellow horse lovers, not as teachers or authority figures.

“Students like to hear about our riding,” Lewis said. “It is commonality. Horses inspire friendships regardless of age, ethnicity, background and other differences. The beauty of horses connects us. The kids appreciate that when we talk about riding. They think of us as peers because we have the shared language of horses.”

Lewis and Towner tutor once or twice a week at various times from early afternoon to as late as 9 p.m. ET, depending on after-school schedules. About 30 students from first to 12th grades are enrolled, and the curriculum ranges from basic literacy and math to college applications.

Link to Racing

Saddle Up Scholars has added a mentoring program to further motivate participants. The first mentor is Dominick Merritt, who met Towner in 2018 at Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland, where he was a student and Towner an administrator. The connection changed Merritt’s life when Towner recommended him for a job at the Boniface family’s Bonita Farm in Darlington, Maryland. Growing up in Baltimore as a Thoroughbred racing fan, Merritt had little hands-on experience, but at Bonita Farm he learned horse care, barn chores and how to ride racehorses. The Bonifaces eventually recommended him for what he calls his dream job as an exercise rider for Todd Pletcher in the spring of 2022.

Merritt’s rise earned him recognition last October when he received the Godolphin Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards’ Newcomer of the Year Award after being nominated by Towner.

“I was fortunate to attend the ceremony at Keeneland with Dominick and

I didn’t grow up with a mentor, and I know that a lot of kids didn’t have that adult to look up to either. If I can be that person who they can call and ask anything, that is important to me.

—Dominick Merritt

his family,” Towner said. “As soon as he was declared the winner, happy tears came to my eyes because I knew how special the award was for Dominick and his family. It was heartwarming to see Dominick be recognized for his hard work and dedication to the sport. We knew that having Dominick as a mentor for our scholars would be an additional way for us to connect with our students from backgrounds just like Dominick’s and show them how important it is to see all of the opportunities that are possible through putting in the work and following your dreams.”

Merritt’s stellar success continued into 2024 when he attended the Eclipse Awards ceremony in January to witness one of his primary mounts, Up to the Mark, being named champion turf male. He is eager to share his story with others via Saddle Up Scholars.

“I didn’t grow up with a mentor, and I know that a lot of kids didn’t have that adult to look up to either,” Merritt said. “If I can be that person who they can call and ask anything, that is important to me. In a sense, my uncle who took me to the races was a bit of a mentor, but I wasn’t close to my father. That took a toll on me at a young age because I had no clue about certain things when I

DOMINICK MERRITT AND JENNIE TOWNER CELEBRATE AT THE 2023 GODOLPHIN THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY EMPLOYEE AWARDS CEREMONY AT KEENELAND, AT WHICH MERRITT EARNED THE NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AWARD.

grew up. I want the younger generation to know about simple things in life that I was not taught at a young age. I want them to be able to lean on me in the real world because it is a scary place. I don’t want them to be lost when they turn 18. I don’t want them to have to play catch-up.”

Merritt’s story also brings students’ attention to Thoroughbred racing. While the organization does not have a singular focus on Thoroughbreds, Saddle Up Scholars highlights the local connections to racing for students. Field trips to Maryland tracks and Thoroughbred breeding farms are on the agenda for 2024.

“We hope to open their horizons to the opportunities in the horse world that are already a part of their own communities,” Towner said. “This past August we took a group to the Maryland State Fair, where they took turns riding on an Equicizer and got a tour of the backside of Timonium, including a visit with outriders and starters. We brought students to the Legacy Chase, a Baltimorebased steeplechase event at Shawan Downs, in September. Our students were able to see another style of racing over jumps and learn about more aspects of the Thoroughbred racing industry.”

Towner and Lewis said that Merritt was part of their inspiration for the addition of a mentoring program.

The mentorship segment is being done virtually with Merritt joining specific Zoom calls. By telling his own story about staying focused on education and fulfilling his dream, he provides inspiration to youngsters overcoming hardships. With Merritt joining certain tutoring sessions, Lewis and Towner have observed the pupils becoming more candid about what is happening in their lives.

“Students can relate to Dominick,” Towner said. “He’s from Baltimore and always loved horses but did not have access to them. He inspires us by underscoring the connections people from all over have in the horse world. He is an outstanding example of what we learn from horses—stick-to-itiveness, goals, being humble and punctual. It all relates to personal and academic success. Our focus is on the students’ academic success. To keep horses in your life, you need to provide for that and/or make it a career.”

Education and Equines

Lewis and Towner sport resumes packed with degrees and widespread teaching experience and share a deep passion for horses. Not surprisingly, horses brought the two women together as well as careers in education. Lewis was working as a veterinary technician in 2007 to supplement her income as an adjunct professor of English at the Community College of Baltimore County. She met Towner when making a visit to the family farm where Towner cares for her horses and learned that Towner worked at Harford Community College.

“We immediately found a common ground in our passions for both education and horses,” Lewis said. “We remained friends, especially since we had found ourselves competing against each other in show jumping on our Thoroughbreds. Our ringside chats at horse shows became more frequent over the years, and we inevitably ended up talking about equity and inclusion in the horse industry as well as discussing our beliefs about the role education plays in social justice. We would make passing comments to one another about someday going into business together.”

The chitchat and brainstorming evolved into reality when Saddle Up Scholars held its first board meeting in March 2023.

Their story exemplifies how those from varied backgrounds and geographies can bond over horses. Lewis’s life began close to the equinecentric Wellington, Florida, area, where she started taking riding lessons at age

SADDLE UP SCHOLARS STUDENTS ARE INTRODUCED TO A VARIETY OF EXPERIENCES WITHIN THE CURRICULUM, INCLUDING A VISIT TO THE MARYLAND HORSE LIBRARY AND EDUCATION CENTER IN REISTERSTOWN.

CLOSE CONNECTION S

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Saddle Up Scholars relies on volunteers and various funding sources and works closely with an array of sponsors, charitable groups and outreach programs.

SPONSORS

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF HARFORD COUNTY

THE PLAID HORSE PLAYERS PHILANTHROPY FUND

SCHUSTER CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION

CHARITABLE GROUPS AND OUTREACH PROGRAMS

CHARM CITY YOUTH POLO: Makes polo accessible to all GREAT STRIDES EQUESTRIAN FOUNDATION: Provides riding and polo to under-resourced youth

7. She became further involved with horses while attending boarding school in Maryland in another equestrian-rich area. When Lewis was in college, her mother, Ann, married Cary Jackson, who was well known for his foxhunting and Thoroughbreds. The family’s homebred Raven’s Choice was a winner at Belmont Park before transitioning into a top-class runner in timber races. Ann Jackson remains involved in Thoroughbred racing and breeding and is on the board of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association.

Towner was raised in Plainsboro, New Jersey, halfway between New York City and Philadelphia. She boarded her horses at a farm about two miles from her house and fondly recalls caring for them daily before and after school.

“Riding my bike to the barn instilled a work ethic in me that I am very thankful for,” she said.

Both chose to keep horses as a hobby while shifting into academic careers. Their lists of degrees and accomplishments overflow. Lewis holds a B.A. in English from Emory University as well as an M.S. in professional writing from Towson University. Since 2002, she has taught English and social sciences in conventional school settings as well as individualized instruction. Towner is currently in the final stages of completing her Ph.D. after earning a bachelor’s in chemistry and a master’s in education.

With their passions for horses and education intertwined, they have designed careers that are both professionally rewarding and beneficial to the next generation through Saddle Up Scholars.

“We’re so fortunate that our strengths complement one another so well,” Lewis said. “I’m so grateful that we share the same enthusiasm, energy and vision.” HJ

THE RIDER’S CLOSET: Makes riding apparel accessible to scholastic riding programs, pony clubs, therapeutic and veterans programs, equine charities, equestrian camp programs and individuals

RUTH M. KIRK RECREATION AND LEARNING CENTER: Offers a safe place to learn and play and provides families with food, clothing and other basic needs

SCHUSTER FOUNDATION: Offers riding lessons to children engaged in nonprofit programs for low-income families

WORK TO RIDE: Aids under-resourced urban youth through activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports and education

SADDLE UP SCHOLARS

WHAT: Offers tutoring for students enrolled in equine programs for under-resourced youth

WHEN: Founded in 2023 by Win Lewis and Jennie Towner

WHERE: Greater Baltimore area

HOW: Weekly one-on-one sessions via Zoom

MORE INFO: saddleupscholars.org

SADDLE UP SCHOLARS STUDENTS TOOK IN THE RACES LAST SEPTEMBER AT THE LEGACY CHASE AT SHAWAN DOWNS.

RESPONSIBLE RACEHORSE RETIREMENT

Simple steps at the time of retirement can help ensure a bright future

By Jen Roytz

Responsible racehorse

retirement is as important as ever—and with good reason.

In the best-case scenario, horses can make a smooth and successful transition to a new career, whether that be on a breeding farm or as a riding or competition mount. But a horse easily can end up in an at-risk situation, back on the track or even headed to Canada or Mexico for slaughter if a few key steps are not followed upon retirement.

Furthermore, racing and other equestrian sports have been under an ever-increasing amount of public scrutiny for their social license to operate (the public’s acceptance of a company or industry’s business practices and operating procedures). One of the issues most referenced by the mainstream public is the safety and welfare of racing’s equine athletes, both during and after their racing careers.

For these reasons as well as it simply being the right thing to do for the horses who make this sport possible, it is imperative to have a retirement protocol in place and ready to be enacted when it comes time to retire a horse from racing.

MAKE IT OFFICIAL: Sold as Retired From Racing

For years, the industry has discussed whether a horse’s certificate of pedigree from The Jockey Club should be transferred to the new owner when a horse is retired from racing. From the standpoint of the new owner, if they are signing a contract to purchase a horse, it is their right to have its certificate of pedigree.

Most other breed organizations, both in the horse industry and other purebred animal registries such as for dogs and cats, pass on the certificate of pedigree with the animal at the time of purchase. Certificates of foal registration also can be a requirement of other equine performance and breed registries in which a Thoroughbred is eligible to participate.

“What we hear is that sometimes owners are hesitant to release a horse’s certificate of pedigree [‘papers’] to a non-racing buyer or, with traditional papers, would write ‘Not to Race,’ thinking they are preventing the horse from running again, but that is not the case,” said Kristin Werner, senior counsel for The Jockey Club. Werner also oversees The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which offers incentives and awards for Thoroughbreds in competitive equestrian careers and recreational riding programs. “If you deface traditional papers with things like that, the new owner can send them back [to The Jockey Club] and request a duplicate, giving them a clean set of papers. With the advent of digital certificates, if a new owner has proof of ownership in the form of a contract, they may be able to acquire everything digitally to run the horse again if they so choose. The safest and most effective way to ensure a horse is retired is to complete and submit the Sold as Retired From Racing form.”

Made available starting in 2013, the Sold as Retired From Racing form allows a horse to be cataloged with The Jockey Club as permanently retired from racing without affecting its breeding privileges. The form, which can be filled out on paper, notarized and sent to The Jockey Club or completed digitally, requires sign-off from both the buyer and seller of the horse as well as current photos of the horse for identification purposes.

PUT IT IN WRITING: The Importance of Contracts

One of the most important things to do when selling a horse is to put the terms of the sale in writing in the form of a contract or bill of sale. This can protect the horse’s well-being because it can stipulate what the horse is and is not to be used for (e.g., racing, slaughter, etc.) and also can give the seller recourse should the contract not be fulfilled and the horse end up in an at-risk situation.

“One should look at the laws of the state in which the transaction is taking place [where the horse is being sold] as well as the laws of the state in which the new owner resides,” Werner said. “In addition to the signatures of both the buyer and the seller, the laws vary state by state and can be very specific as to what other information the bill of sale or contract needs to include.”

START MATCHMAKING: Thoroughbred Connect

In 2011, The Jockey Club launched Thoroughbred Connect, a free online service designed to assist with the placement of Thoroughbreds at the conclusion of their racing or breeding careers. The platform, which can be likened to a matchmaking service for retired racehorses, allows people to register to provide aftercare assistance for specific horses. So if a breeder, previous owner, groom or fan of a particular horse is interested in providing aftercare assistance for it, they can enroll themselves with a few simple steps. And the person to whom a horse’s digital certificate is assigned has the ability to see if anyone has been looking for their specific horse.

“Horse owners with a horse in need of aftercare can add the horse to their account in Thoroughbred Connect to find out if anyone is willing to provide aftercare for the horse,” Werner said. “With the advent of digital certificates in 2018, it became easier to provide owners with contact information for people who have indicated they are interested in providing aftercare for a horse. Contact information for interested parties is displayed to the digital certificate manager right on Interactive Registration and is emailed to the person who indicates they have the horse in their possession in Thoroughbred Connect. It behooves anyone retiring a horse from racing or breeding to take a few seconds to check the horse’s name for any enrollments in Thoroughbred Connect.”

T.I.P./LYDIA DAVIS PHOTO

T.I.P./LYDIA DAVIS PHOTO

LONGTIME T.I.P. YOUTH AMBASSADOR LOTTIE CRAWFORD WITH GET IT IN INK, A FLORIDA-BRED GELDING BY INVISIBLE INK WHO WAS WINLESS ON THE RACETRACK BUT PRODUCTIVE IN THE SHOW RING IN HIS SECOND CAREER.

JANE MORTENSON AND THE NEW YORK-BRED GHOSTZAPPER GELDING OPPORTUNIST COMPETED IN LAST YEAR’S THOROUGHBRED AFTERCARE ALLIANCE/ THOROUGHBRED CHARITIES OF AMERICA AFTERCARE ORGANIZATION GRADUATE HALTER COMPETITION AT THE 2023 T.I.P. CHAMPIONSHIPS.

A proper sale contract is the best practice for protecting not only the horse but both parties involved in the transaction.

2024 Traceability Initiative Announced

At last year’s Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing, Werner announced a new traceability initiative that will prompt digital certificate holders to provide a status update for inactive horses (e.g., not actively racing, breeding, registered as officially retired from racing, registered with T.I.P. or not reported as deceased).

“It will allow us to follow up with digital certificate managers about horses that have obviously exited racing but do not have a known outcome,” Werner said. “When the program is fully functional, once the horse has not had any reported activity for a specific period of time, an email will be triggered asking for the current status of the horse, such as sold to non-racing home, sold at auction, still own or dead, and will provide options within the Registry or additional information depending on the response.”

Werner said the information gleaned from this initial effort will provide needed data regarding horses’ exits from the racing or breeding pool. HJ

What Makes a Good Bill of Sale?

A proper sale contract is the best practice for protecting not only the horse but both parties involved in the transaction. While the specific laws that govern the sale of horses (or other animals) vary from one state to another, below is a basic list of general information that should be included:

• The Jockey Club name and registration number and/or microchip or tattoo number (depending on the age of the horse)

• Age, sire and dam of the horse

• Purchase price of the horse (even if only $1)

• Not to race and/or not to be sold for slaughter clauses

• Language as to whether the buyer performed a veterinary exam (and language that if not, the buyer is purchasing the horse “as is” and waiving a veterinary exam)

• Risk of loss transfers to buyer at the time of pickup from the seller

• Which state the bill of sale was entered into (the state in which the horse resides at the time of sale)

• Signature and contact information for buyer and seller

The Retired Racehorse Project offers a sample bill of sale on its website, therrp.org, in the “Education” section.

ANOTHER WALTZ, A BRITISH COLUMBIA-BRED GELDING BY CAUSE TO BELIEVE, CAME OFF THE TRACK IN 2016 AFTER RACING EXCLUSIVELY AT NORTHLANDS PARK AND HAS MADE THE SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO HIS SECOND CAREER WITH OWNER AND RIDER JANESSA A. KOOPMANS.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JANESSA A. KOOPMANS

Science-Based Solution:

The Regulatory Problem of Trace-Level Tests of Environmental Substances

By Kimberly Brewer, DVM; Clara Fenger, DVM, PHD, DACVIM; Andreas Lehner, MS, PHD; and Thomas Tobin, MRCVS, PHD, DABT

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) AntiDoping and Medication Control regulations went into effect May 22, 2023, changing the face of Thoroughbred racing overnight. Heralded as the longawaited uniformity in medication regulations and penalties for which all Thoroughbred racing stakeholders have hoped, the regulations have had disappointing results.

Their application began with a group of trace-level methamphetamine identifications at levels far below any possible physiological effect, putting a number of trainers with decades of spotless records out of business. Metformin, a medication perennially second or third on the list of the most commonly prescribed human medications in the world, was next. Recent identifications of metformin in post-race samples at trace levels have sullied the reputation of racing and called into question whether there is anything uniform about HISA.

The classification of substances irrespective of the concentration found in the horse is not new, as the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI), under the guidance of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, has long classified substances without regard to the level at which they might be found. The difference now is that the penalties for innocent trace-level identifications rival the criminal justice system, with fines exceeding the annual incomes of the affected trainers and suspensions that guarantee their permanent exit from the racing industry.

Protecting horses from trace-level exposures seems to be an obvious answer, but that is more easily said than done. Environmental substances are all around them and long accepted by the industry to be unavoidable, as evidenced by the long-held screening limits for substances such as caffeine. The problem of environmental substances is readily solved by applying scientific evidence— employing calculations of irrelevant plasma concentrations (IPCs) where relevant, setting no-effect thresholds and/or creating screening limits that have been derived from no-effect dose determinations.

Science is easy to apply in most cases. With funding from the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association and its affiliates, the Equine Health and Welfare Alliance (EHWA) and the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians (NAARV), our research group has been conducting research, reviewing available data and scientific papers and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. While adoption of IPCs by HISA remains an elusive goal, peer review is a platform through which other scientists review our conclusions and agree to their scientific validity before publication. The research provides a guide to the scientifically correct and appropriate regulation of substance identifications in racehorses.

The Matter of HighSensitivity Testing

The first published account of drug testing in racehorses was in czarist Russia, where the racing chemist marched into the saddling paddock with a basket of frogs. Saliva was taken from a horse trained by American Jack Keene and administered to a frog, which subsequently “began behaving in a suspiciously irregular manner.” Announcements banning the use of stimulants in horses were made in quick succession in the U.S., England and France, officially starting a long history of drug testing, now in place for more than 120 years.

Drug testing in racehorses is therefore the longest established and most sensitive routine chemical testing on earth. The racehorse is the most rigorously tested animal on the planet, tested for more substances at lower levels than its human counterpart in sport. And drug testing technology has advanced exponentially in sophistication beyond the use of frogs in a basket.

Highly advanced separation and identification methods using supercomputers have made the identification of femtogram per milliliter concentrations (parts per quadrillion) a reality. Sensitivity is a good thing, as it enables detection of a wide range of substances in post-race samples. Where such sensitivity gets racing in trouble is when the substance being identified is an environmental substance that was unknowingly transferred at an irrelevant trace level to the horse.

This possibility of environmental transfer is well recognized in the arena of human drug testing, in which screening limits are established that account for passive environmental transfer. This phenomenon is well established in the scientific literature for both humans and horses, yet despite this, horse racing is well behind human drug testing in that screening limits are in place for only a few substances.

Environmental substances like metformin and methamphetamine require science-based screening limits or cutoffs in order to both protect the integrity of horse racing and move past the indiscriminate penalizing of innocent horsemen for trace-level identifications beyond their control.

Metformin: A

Commonly Prescribed Human Medication

Metformin is the third most widely prescribed oral antihyperglycemic agent and a first-line medication in the treatment of human type 2 diabetes. Prescribed to approximately one in 12 U.S. adults, metformin is a classic example of a human medication with a high probability of inadvertent transfer to horses for several reasons. First, the dose to a human is large, at times as much as 2,500 milligrams (mg) per day. This daily human dose contains about 12 septillion molecules. For context, a septillion has 24 zeroes, a number approaching the number of stars in the known universe.

What is unusual about metformin is that it is excreted unmetabolized in human urine, so every human taking metformin contributes their daily 2.5-gram dose of 12 septillion metformin molecules unchanged into waterways in their environment. Metformin is also chemically stable in the environment, so what each human passes into the environment persists and also accumulates therein.

Consistent with these high-dose chemical and pharmacological characteristics of metformin, it is found at readily measurable concentrations in city wastewater, stream water and even tap water. In a U.S. Geological Survey study, Dr. Paul Bradley and his colleagues detected metformin in 57 of 59 streams tested and found metformin in 89% of the samples tested.

They described metformin in these streams as having a “pervasive presence” and occurring at “near ubiquity,” stating that “metformin is reported widely in wastewater effluent, increasingly in environmental samples and even in tap water.”

Metformin is therefore an environmental substance presenting randomly to horses, and environmental-origin blood levels in horses are virtually always below pharmacologically significant concentrations. Consequently, protecting horses from exposure to metformin is essentially impossible.

Metformin identifications under HISA rules have varied from 160 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) to 630 pg/mL in plasma, with one at 40 nanograms (ng)/mL in urine with no plasma concentration reported, most likely not detectable. Penalties have ranged from dismissal owing to the lack of uniformity among laboratories to a 75-day suspension with a $2,500 fine to a two-year suspension and $25,000 fine for the highest level identified to date. The question then arises as to what—if any—the pharmacological and regulatory significance is of a 630 pg/mL identification of metformin in a post-race plasma sample.

The correct solution to this problem based on scientific evidence is to identify the blood level of metformin required for pharmacological effect, also known as the effective plasma concentration (EPC). Upon scientific review, the EPC is around 2.5 micrograms per milliliter or 2,500 ng/mL in humans. This EPC

value can be divided by a safety factor to provide an IPC. Essentially, any fraction of the EPC is, by definition, ineffective, but just in case there is an effect of the drug, a more conservative value is chosen.

French scientist Pierre-Louis Toutain, who initially proposed this method, starts with 1/500th of the EPC. In the case of metformin, this figure is around 10 ng/mL in plasma. The highest reported regulatory trace-level identification in horses was around 4.2 ng/mL. Based on these determinations, in a recent scientific publication, we laid out the argument for 5 ng/mL in plasma as a conservative screening limit of detection for metformin in equine blood/plasma/ serum samples, and our scientific peers who reviewed our conclusions concurred.

Methamphetamine: Human Recreational Substance, Classic Environmental Substance

If metformin is the human prescription medication poster child for environmental contamination, methamphetamine has become the poster child for human recreational substance environmental contamination. Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant, producing an intense euphoria in humans and leading not surprisingly to its widespread human recreational use in the U.S. and a related illegal market. At low doses, methamphetamine can increase focus, wakefulness and general well-being, not unlike high-caffeine energy drinks, and has a legal role in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The principal source of methamphetamine in the U.S. comes from south of the border in Mexico. The drug’s synthesis is relatively straightforward, and recent years have seen increased synthesis in Mexico, from where it travels into the U.S. and is marketed as street methamphetamine. This increased availability has led to a 50-fold increase in human methamphetamine overdose-related deaths in the U.S. from 1991 to 2021 and a more recent parallel increase in trace-level transfers of methamphetamine to racehorses.

An early cluster of trace-level detections of methamphetamine in racehorses occurred in Texas in 2016. These detections were at low concentrations in urine with no detectable blood concentrations, leading the Texas racing authorities to treat them as inadvertent environmental transfer events, disqualifying the horses but not penalizing the trainers. In the Texas cluster of methamphetamine positives, several of the assistant starters tested positive for methamphetamine, with one being arrested for possession and trafficking. Per the ARCI, methamphetamine identifications in racehorses peaked in 2019 at about 10 identifications and then remained under five per year until 2023, when HISA testing activated and about eight methamphetamine identifications were called along with an approximately similar number in Ohio harness racing.

A review of the analytical data associated with these 2023 HISA and Ohio harness racing calls shows that these identifications are all below 1 ng/mL in blood plasma/serum. Two questions immediately arise concerning these methamphetamine identifications—their likely source and their pharmacological and/or regulatory significance.

One likely source was described by a prominent equine regulatory veterinarian, cited in a Fox News report as saying, “I think it is probably an incidental transfer from a human substance abuser, likely through contact with

What is it?

A program to protect your assets in case of an injury or damage to property arising from your equine activities (breeding, racing, sales, training). This is not a substitute for workers’ compensation coverage.

What Does It Cover?

• Liability claims arising from injuries to participants (non-employee jockeys and exercise riders)

• Contractual liability (i.e. hold harmless in Race Track Stall Agreements)

• Premises and Operations liability coverage for all equine operations including breeding, boarding, training, and racing.

How Much Does It Cover?

Each member additional insured has their own $1,000,000 coverage for each occurrence or offense and $2,000,000 general aggregate. Damage to premises rented to you or occupied by you with the permission of the owner is provided with a limit of $50,000. Medical payments coverage applies as well in the amount of $5,000 per person.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUBSTANCES ARE ALL AROUND RACEHORSES AND LONG ACCEPTED BY THE INDUSTRY TO BE UNAVOIDABLE, AS EVIDENCED BY THE LONGHELD SCREENING LIMITS FOR MANY SUBSTANCES. THE PROBLEM OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUBSTANCES IS SOLVED BY APPLYING SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE—EMPLOYING CALCULATIONS OF IRRELEVANT PLASMA CONCENTRATIONS WHERE RELEVANT, SETTING NO-EFFECT THRESHOLDS AND/OR CREATING SCREENING LIMITS THAT HAVE BEEN DERIVED FROM NO-EFFECT DOSE DETERMINATIONS.

the human hands to the horse’s mucous membranes.” This mechanism has high probability given that the doses of methamphetamine self-administered by substance-dependent recreational users can be many times larger than medically prescribed doses and repeated relatively frequently. As a result, the potential for inadvertent transfer from human recreational users to horses is far from insignificant.

A calculation of the IPC for methamphetamine is simple because an actual equine methamphetamine administration study has been done. Using data from that study, an IPC can be calculated—10 mg of methamphetamine placed onto a horse’s gums can give rise to 88,000 pg/mL of jugular blood methamphetamine. In theory, 1/100th of that dose or a 0.1 mg dose of methamphetamine administered in a similar manner can give rise to an 880 pg/mL concentration of jugular blood methamphetamine.

The mucosal exposure of a horse to 0.1 mg of methamphetamine is well below any dose that can produce a pharmacological effect but has the potential to give rise to an 880 pg/mL jugular blood detection of methamphetamine in equine jugular blood samples. Therefore, an IPC of 880 pg/mL could be considered fully consistent with mucosal exposure to very small and pharmacologically irrelevant amounts of methamphetamine. This level is also well below the expected therapeutic blood level for a human taking methamphetamine for ADHD, which is 30 ng/mL (30,000 pg/mL).

Aminorex and Pemoline: Synthesized Medications and Plant Substances

Our research is not limited to determining screening limits for substances transferred in trace amounts from humans to horses. Some substances can be found both in drugs that are produced synthetically and as natural components of plants. Recent studies we have conducted provide interim screening limits for both aminorex and pemoline.

Aminorex is produced as a metabolite of the plant alkaloid barbarin, which we were able to show by feeding the common contaminant of hay, Barbarea vulgaris (yellow rocket), to horses. Pemoline is closely related to aminorex and has a widespread distribution across the world, including Europe and North and South America. Studies are ongoing to determine the natural source of pemoline.

Aminorex is an amphetamine-like substance and, in the U.S., a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) schedule 1 controlled substance. Aminorex was at one time marketed as a prescription medication in Europe but was withdrawn when it was linked to fatal pulmonary hypertension. In horse racing, aminorex first attracted attention in Ohio in 2004 and soon thereafter in Pennsylvania and Ontario, where about 80 horses were identified as positive for the substance. In 2007, aminorex was identified as a metabolite of levamisole, an anthelmintic and immune stimulant medication. Curtailing levamisole use led to a sharp reduction in the incidence of aminorex identifications but did not eliminate them completely.

In 2018, researchers at the English LGC laboratory identified aminorex in sport horse urine samples with no history of exposure to levamisole. Review of the urine samples in question led these researchers to suggest that these aminorex identifications were associated with consumption of certain plants containing the substance barbarin, plants that were also shown to contain aminorex.

Picking up on these leads, we administered the Barbarea vulgaris, a wellknown Kentucky barbarin-containing plant, to horses. These horses tested urine positive for aminorex, establishing a naturally occurring plant source for a DEA substance previously known only as a human synthesized medication. Given that the urinary concentrations identified in our administration samples were on the order of 75 ng/mL and that some field cases were less than 20 ng/mL, we proposed 30 ng/mL as an interim screening limit of detection for aminorex in equine urine.

Fast forward to December 11, 2023, when a University of Pennsylvania/ HISA positive call for pemoline in plasma was at 143 pg/mL. Pemoline is closely related chemically to aminorex and is also a central nervous system stimulant.

COADY MEDIA

It was marketed in Europe in the 1960s and approved in 1975 for use in the U.S. for ADHD. However, it was soon linked to serious liver toxicity, and pemoline has long been withdrawn from clinical use in both Europe and the U.S.

In 2016, a number of European racing analysts communicated that, in their experience, low nanogram per milliliter urinary concentrations of pemoline are not uncommon in French, German and also South African post-race urine samples, and these jurisdictions currently regard pemoline at low concentrations in equine urine as a naturally occurring substance. It is likely that similar lowconcentration pemoline occurs in North American racing, although no official communication has been issued from the laboratories. Application of the Toutain method of determining an IPC for pemoline yields a screening limit of 2 ng/mL in blood.

Substances in the Water Supply

The environmental science literature clearly shows that many human therapeutic medications are so common in the environment as to be present in measurable concentrations in the water supply. This includes surface water, tap water, well water and essentially water everywhere we look.

In our research, we are continuing to investigate the substances that are present in water as a potential risk to our horses, including tramadol,

gabapentin and fentanyl. We have determined that an application of the Toutain method to tramadol yields a urinary threshold of 50 ng/mL of its metabolite O-desmethyltramadol.

Similar application to gabapentin yields an IPC of 8 ng/mL and for fentanyl an IPC of 50 pg/mL.

Conclusion

Our research group is committed to applying science to the problem of environmental substances and submitting our work to be published in the scientific literature, showing not only that this work can be done but that it can be done openly for the scrutiny of the scientific community.

Environmental exposures that give rise to trace-level identifications either by consumption of naturally occurring substances in hay or inadvertent transfer from humans are generating a blemish on horse racing.

The only solution to this problem is determining scientifically valid screening limits that protect the integrity of racing. By drawing these lines high enough, we can eliminate most, if not all, environmental transfer events while also ruling out any possibility of a pharmacological effect.

This goal is readily achievable as demonstrated by the research outlined in this article, initiated by the National HBPA and its affiliates, the EHWA and NAARV. There is a path forward, and it is to follow the science. HJ

A

Day in the Life… …Keeping Oaklawn’s Track Safe & Race-Ready

By Jen Roytz

Thank goodness

Kevin Seymore doesn’t mind waking up early. When your job is managing the racing and training surface at one of the country’s premier racetracks, the alarm goes off well before the first rays of sunshine peek over the horizon.

COADY MEDIA

Get To Know Kevin Seymore

Hometown Collinsville, Illinois

Best part of your job “Believe it or not, it’s the challenges. I like a challenge. It keeps the job interesting and keeps my mind sharp. You never know what you’re going to get.”

Favorite part of the sport

“The horses and the people. I consider myself a horseman, and I know and respect how they think. You can tell a whole lot about the track surface just by watching the horses travel over it—how they’re moving, the expression on their faces. The little things tell you the big things.”

Favorite smartphone app

What do you do when you’re not at the track?

“My weather app, or apps. I have three weather apps on my phone— the Weather Channel, WeatherBug and MyRadar—and I check them all constantly because they never all say the exact same thing.”

“I love to fish. I’ve got a bass boat and take it out on Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton. I just do catch and release, but around here is some of the best bass fishing you can find.”

A third-generation track man, Seymore was introduced to horses, horse racing and racetrack surface management from an early age and has never wanted to do anything else.

As Oaklawn Park’s track superintendent for the past 12 years, Seymore is keenly focused on two things at all times—the track surface and how the weather is going to affect the track surface.

Maintaining a racing and training surface is more than just driving a tractor around in circles. Seymore and his team work tirelessly—at times in 12-hour shifts—to ensure the track surface is even and safe for horses during training hours and race days. They constantly monitor the depth, consistency and water content of the cushion at points throughout the length and width of the oval.

BORN INTO IT

A third-generation track man, Seymore was introduced to horses, horse racing and racetrack surface management from an early age and has never wanted to do anything else.

“My grandfather did both Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds, but I wanted to ride them instead of drive them,” Seymore said. “I started my first horse as a trainer when I was 19. My grandfather bought me two horses out of a paddock sale and taught me to do the leg work, conditioning and get them to the races.”

In addition to being a horseman, Seymore’s grandfather, Kenneth Seymore, was the longtime track superintendent at Fairmount Park in Collinsville, Illinois. Upon his grandfather’s retirement, Seymore’s uncle, Bruce, took over the role and tabbed young Kevin to drive a tractor and help with maintenance at the hybrid Thoroughbred-Standardbred track.

“I started working for my uncle part time while I still had 12 horses in training,” Seymore said. “Back then, Standardbreds would run in the winter, and Thoroughbreds ran 265 days a year. I found it really interesting to transition the track surface from Standardbred to Thoroughbred [footing] over the course of 24 hours.”

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OAKLAWN SITS WITHIN A NATIONAL PARK

Oaklawn Park is situated within the boundaries of Hot Springs National Park, which means the track is surrounded by lush forests, thermal springs and cascading creeks but also subject to a unique set of rules.

One such rule dictates which additives the track maintenance crew can work into the racetrack surface or use on the Oaklawn grounds.

We can’t use the chemicals on our track surface that most other tracks use during winter racing because the area is protected as a national park. We can’t even use salt on the steps and other areas open to the public.”

—Kevin Seymore Oaklawn’s track superintendent

Seymore eventually replaced his uncle as the track superintendent at Fairmount, which required he give up training to focus on maintaining the racing surface full time.

“I decided to hang up my tack and make the sure money,” he said. “It was about more than that though. As someone who has worked with horses my whole life and just loves them, being the one to make the racetrack as safe as possible for them is really important to me.”

It wasn’t long before horsemen took notice of Seymore’s keen understanding of how to maintain the Fairmount oval and his attention to detail to ensure the surface was always as dry and consistent as possible. When Oaklawn began looking for someone to take over the surface management in Hot Springs, several horsemen who had run at Fairmount, including Steve Hobby, strongly recommended Seymore.

“When they reached out to ask me about the position, I looked up the average temperature in Hot Springs, and it was 54 degrees,” Seymore said. “I thought, ‘This shouldn’t be that tough.’ My first day on the job we got four inches of rain after freeze-drying the track, and I thought, ‘What in the world have I gotten myself into?’ ”

DAY IN THE LIFE

Seymore’s alarm goes off at 3 a.m., and by 4:30 or so, he and his assistant, Chuck Thomas, are on-site and inspecting the racing surface, looking at the weather and checking the moisture readouts of the track surface to make a plan for which equipment and settings to use to prepare the track for morning training.

By 5:30 a.m., Seymore’s crew has arrived and begins working the track to prepare for morning training, which starts at 7 a.m. and goes until 11:45 a.m. with two renovation breaks.

“The track here at Oaklawn isn’t very wide, so we have quite a high volume of traffic over the surface compared to most other racetracks,” Seymore said.

When it comes to maintaining a track, drainage is the number-one concern for Seymore, especially in the winter with the freeze and thaw cycles and unpredictable weather patterns.

“That can affect a track so much more than what we see on the surface,” he said. “We work hard, sometimes even through the night, to try to stay on schedule for training and racing. We know the horses and their teams are on a tight schedule with getting horses out, giving Lasix and whatnot, so we try to do all we can to stay on time with training hours as well as racing.”

On a typical Oaklawn race day, morning training concludes at 10:30 a.m., and soon after, Seymore’s crew is out watering and working the track. They also wash the rail (pulling material out from under it) so it looks clean and consistent, both for aesthetic reasons and for horse safety (horses could potentially spook from any visual inconsistencies along the inside rail).

“It usually takes one and a half to two hours to prepare the track for the first race, and we have 28 minutes between races on a normal day, so the guys just fit lunch in when they can, often eating in their tractors as they’re working the track,” Seymore said.

He added that it typically takes 14 minutes for a tractor to make one full pass around the track traveling 4 miles per hour—any faster and the equipment will start bouncing rather than moving across the surface evenly.

“When the team goes out between races, it’s water trucks first and then five tractors right behind them staggered across the track,” he said. “If they’re lined up right, the driver in the fifth tractor should be able to see the shoulder of the guy in the first tractor. When the water truck doesn’t need to go out, we send the tractors in the opposite direction to keep the mixture consistent.”

OAKLAWN’S LOCATION WITHIN A NATIONAL PARK PROHIBITS THE TRACK SUPERINTENDENT FROM USING ANY ADDITIVES ON THE RACING SURFACE OR WITHIN THE TRACK GROUNDS.

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HORSEMEN EXPECT AND BENEFIT FROM A METICULOUSLY MANICURED SURFACE FOR MORNING TRAINING AT OAKLAWN PARK.

ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

The typical race day ends around 6 p.m., and depending on the weather forecast, the crew will either harrow or seal the track for the evening.

Each year, Seymore and his team pull up the surface material to rescreen it and then infuse it with new material based on the track’s consistency. They also have engineers look for erosion to the base, which can be caused by freeze and thaw cycles and water from snow and rain drainage.

“Rain washes clay out of the track before the sand,” Seymore said. “We draw samples from around the track surface once a month and have a laboratory here on-site that checks the consistency of materials in the samples. We take the results of those tests to management here or an engineering company that works with us to advise on what we need to add into the track surface to keep it consistent.”

WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A TRACK MAN

Aside from developing a keen understanding of how to care for and maintain a consistent racing surface and how slight deviations of the depth and mix of the cushion can affect how horses travel over it, one of the most important qualities of a good track superintendent is to be a good listener and effective communicator.

“It is important for us to have a good relationship with the horsemen,” Seymore said. “[The Arkansas] HBPA has put together a group called the Track

THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR THE JOB

A significant amount of time is invested in checking and maintaining the equipment used to keep a track surface in top shape. The following are some of the key pieces of equipment that track superintendent Kevin Seymore’s crew uses to maintain Oaklawn Park’s racing surface:

Track Conditioner

A track conditioner is a hydraulically operated rigid frame that supports 174 vertically oriented teeth with a polyurethane roller system in the middle. The rows of front teeth fill in and break up the hoofprints in the track, the roller packs the surface, and the back rows of teeth fluff the surface back up evenly. The depth the teeth cut into the track surface can be adjusted, and they are closely monitored for wear and tear.

Track Harrow

A track harrow has four rows of teeth but no polyurethane roller and is dragged using a three-point hydraulic hitch.

Float

A steel plate weighing approximately 2,000 pounds, the float packs the track, squeezing water out of it and keeping additional water from getting into the surface. When attempting to dry out the track surface (such as after a heavy rain), the track crew will attach chains to the back of the float to fluff up the surface after it has been compressed, thereby aerating and drying it.

Water Truck

During dry weather, the track crew may need to add moisture back into the track surface, so they will drive one or both of their water trucks around the track in front of the tractors pulling track conditioners to work the water into the track cushion. These trucks can hold up to 4,000 gallons of water and are equipped with extra-wide tires so as not to create ruts in the track surface. On a normal day of training and racing, they will use approximately 30,000 gallons of water, but on windy days, they can use as much as 50,000 gallons in a day.

KEVIN SEYMORE (RIGHT) WORKS WITH HIS CREW AND STAYS IN REGULAR CONTACT WITH HORSEMEN TO DISCUSS ANY ISSUES WITH THE RACING SURFACE AT OAKLAWN PARK.

ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

SUNDAY,

$75,000

SATURDAY,

Surface Committee, and we meet with them once a week. When I first got here, I was a bit intimidated. But I really value the feedback from this group, and it is a huge resource.”

The committee consists of a mix of trainers, riders and track management and includes people like Donnie Von Hemel, Danny Peitz, Jinks Fires and Ron Moquett (the jockeys rotate on and off the committee week to week based on their schedule).

“Horsemen know that if they have something to say about the track surface, we encourage them to talk about it,” Seymore said. “For example, we roll the track every night, so it can sometimes be harder for the first set of the morning. If that’s the case, we want to hear about it.”

Seymore and Oaklawn management talk with veterinarians periodically to learn about any trends they are seeing injury-wise between multiple clients. He and track management also visit the jockey’s room every few races, especially during inclement weather, to ask them how the track is riding and what they are feeling.

Collaboration between superintendents at different racetracks is also key, especially for those on the same circuit. With many horsemen traveling between Oaklawn and Churchill Downs for their race meets, Seymore communicates with his counterpart in Louisville to troubleshoot and share information about the track surface and any challenges they’re having.

“Oaklawn tries to emulate the same surface as Churchill Downs because a lot of the horses that were training and running there come here,” he said. “Jamie [Richardson, Churchill’s track superintendent] and I talk regularly to try to keep the surface consistent between the two. The biggest goal is to keep everyone safe.” HJ

COMPETITORS RUN OVER A VARIETY OF SURFACE CONDITIONS DURING THE OAKLAWN PARK MEET, INCLUDING THE SLOPPY AND SEALED TRACK THAT CHAMPION ESSENTIAL QUALITY HANDLED WINNING THE 2021 SOUTHWEST STAKES.

TRACK SUPERINTENDENT KEVIN SEYMORE (SECOND FROM RIGHT) WITH HIS TEAM AT OAKLAWN PARK.

ECLIPSE SPORTSWIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

TO EQUINE VETERINARY MEDICINE OPEN NEW DOORS

TO EQUINE VETERINARY MEDICINE OPEN NEW DOORS

TO EQUINE VETERINARY MEDICINE OPEN NEW DOORS

The path to a career in equine veterinary medicine just got a little shorter.

The path to a career in equine veterinary medicine just got a little shorter.

The path to a career in equine veterinary medicine just got a little shorter.

Thanks to an innovative approach at Lincoln Memorial University through its Equine Veterinary Education Program (EVEP), the goal of becoming an equine veterinarian is now more attainable.

Thanks to an innovative approach at Lincoln Memorial University through its Equine Veterinary Education Program (EVEP), the goal of becoming an equine veterinarian is now more attainable.

Thanks to an innovative approach at Lincoln Memorial University through its Equine Veterinary Education Program (EVEP), the goal of becoming an equine veterinarian is now more attainable.

Designed for students entering college with a strong background working with horses, the EVEP provides a more affordable and focused opportunity to complete the full degree program with an emphasis on equine in 6 ½ years versus the typical 8.

Designed for students entering college with a strong background working with horses, the EVEP provides a more affordable and focused opportunity to complete the full degree program with an emphasis on equine in 6 ½ years versus the typical 8.

Designed for students entering college with a strong background working with horses, the EVEP provides a more affordable and focused opportunity to complete the full degree program with an emphasis on equine in 6 ½ years versus the typical 8.

Participants will enter the program as undergraduates, completing two years of undergraduate study before beginning the four-year veterinary doctoral program with a strong emphasis on equine medicine. It will offer students summer immersive experiences at some of the world’s leading ranches, Thoroughbred farms, professional trainers, and veterinary hospitals. If you’re looking for a program designed to fulfill your dreams, look no further than Lincoln Memorial University. We’re ready for you.

Participants will enter the program as undergraduates, completing two years of undergraduate study before beginning the four-year veterinary doctoral program with a strong emphasis on equine medicine. It will offer students summer immersive experiences at some of the world’s leading ranches, Thoroughbred farms, professional trainers, and veterinary hospitals. If you’re looking for a program designed to fulfill your dreams, look no further than Lincoln Memorial University. We’re ready for you.

Participants will enter the program as undergraduates, completing two years of undergraduate study before beginning the four-year veterinary doctoral program with a strong emphasis on equine medicine. It will offer students summer immersive experiences at some of the world’s leading ranches, Thoroughbred farms, professional trainers, and veterinary hospitals. If you’re looking for a program designed to fulfill your dreams, look no further than Lincoln Memorial University. We’re ready for you.

Applications are now being accepted for selection through June 1, 2024 for the first semester of study beginning in Fall 2024.

Applications are now being accepted for selection through June 1, 2024 for the first semester of study beginning in Fall 2024.

Applications are now being accepted for selection through June 1, 2024 for the first semester of study beginning in Fall 2024.

Scan to Learn More

Scan to Learn More

Campuses in Harrogate, TN and Ewing, VA

Campuses in Harrogate, TN and Ewing, VA

Campuses in Harrogate, TN and Ewing, VA

Equine Veterinary Educ ation Program

Equine Veterinary Educ ation Program

Equine Veterinary Educ ation Program

VetMed.LMUnet.edu

VetMed.LMUnet.edu

VetMed.LMUnet.edu

ALABAMA HBPA

Plenty of Activity on Legislative, Racing Fronts

Things are heating up in Alabama!

As of February 15, the Alabama House of Representatives had passed a gaming bill for the state. The bill now moves on to the Senate, where the Alabama HBPA is actively pursuing an addendum to the current bill asking for “A single Racetrack License with Gaming attached with the condition that the holder conduct live Thoroughbred racing.” If you know your senators, please contact them and let them know about this.

On the Alabama-bred racing front, two races are confirmed for the spring.

Saturday, April 13, will be the first running of the $50,000 Buggin Out Stakes at Evangeline Downs. The race is named for Buggin Out, a gelding by Indy bred and raced by Dennis and Sam Murphy and a five-time winner of the Magic City Classic Stakes from 2014 to 2018 at Fair Grounds. The Buggin Out Stakes will be for 3-year-olds and up and non-winners of an Alabama-bred stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt.

The $30,000 Ken Cotton will be run as an allowance for Alabama-breds, 3-year-olds and up, at 7 furlongs Saturday, May 11, at Evangeline Downs. Both races will be in the Evangeline Downs condition book.

The $55,000 Magic City will be run in early December at Fair Grounds.

With the active participation of member Kent Gremmels, we are working with the Birmingham Racing Commission to add Alabama-bred races at Louisiana Downs during its summer/fall meeting as well as a straight 3-year-old race for early 2025.

As always, healthy, happy racing.

Nancy Delony Alabama HBPA Executive Director

ARIZONA HBPA

Arizona Racing Needs a Fresh Start

Let me talk about the past. My first visit to Turf Paradise was March 1998. I remember how beautiful Turf Paradise was—the front entrance, the infield with the turf course. The grandstand looked very appealing and was clean. We had a wonderful time and a fun experience.

Being on the board of the Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association at the time, I was extremely interested in the Arizona breeding program as Iowa was in the initial stages of developing its breed program. I was extremely impressed with the Arizona program and the number of foals that were being foaled each year in the state. I was so impressed that I reached out to the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders Association and received a copy of their rules. I shared the ideas with my board, and we implemented some into the Iowa program. The Iowa program is thriving today, thanks in part to the help of the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

During the summer of 2000, I heard Turf Paradise was going to be under the new ownership of Jerry and Ron Simms. Jerry Simms would serve as CEO. The 2000 fall edition of The Turf Times had an article that listed several promises from Jerry Simms on improvements he would make in the near future.

Here are a couple of Jerry Simms’ quotes:

• “Turf Paradise embarked on a quantum leap forward, the 45-year-old track will never look or be the same again.”

• “The track’s new mission statement focuses on three points: Turf Paradise’s goals will be to enhance the racing experience, re-position the track to be a premier entertainment attraction and a venue for events and to actively contribute to the welfare of the Phoenix community, while treating our guests with superior customer service.”

There were promises of a swimming pool to entertain the guests, a Starbucks and a Krispy Kreme donuts outlet. There would be live entertainment on the weekends.

After 23 years, we are still waiting for those promises to be met. But enough about the past.

What about the future? With Simms’ on-again, off-again plans of retirement, that leaves the horsemen asking, “What is our future?” After the past three years of wanting to sell the track and having two different offers fall through, Simms still owns the track.

In talking with different prospective buyers, we have learned that the price that was originally $125 million is now being quoted at $300 million. They all say that the racetrack as a business cannot support that high of a purchase price. Yes, the 213 acres of land with two wells do have value, but is that land really worth $300 million?

The other question we have been asked is whether the title of the property can be transferred before the lawsuit between the brothers is final. Jerry Simms says yes, but what does Ron Simms say? The lawsuit has been ongoing for more than 10 years. Will it ever end? So, here are million-dollar questions: Will Turf Paradise ever sell? Will Jerry Simms ever turn over the reins to someone else? Currently, there are no prospective buyers for Turf Paradise.

At the Arizona HBPA board meeting February 16, the board decided to send Simms a letter asking for a contract to be agreed on by April 1 for a race meet that would begin November 1 to go through May 3, 2025. In the event there is no contract by April 1, the off-track betting (OTB) and advance deposit wagering signal approvals will be rescinded May 31 when the current contract ends. The board is taking the stand that we deserve to have a decision by April 1, so horsemen can plan their future. We are not going to experience another summer like the past two summers. If Simms decides to run a race meet, great, then let us do a contract. If he decides instead to retire, we offer congratulations. His retirement is well deserved.

Arizona racing can then move forward. There are currently four companies wanting to come to Arizona to build a racetrack. However, they will not invest any money in a Maricopa County racetrack until Simms decides to retire.

Arizona Downs, owned by the Auther brothers, at this writing currently has two interested parties. The Authers had the two parties make offers and sign letters of intent in October 2023. However, neither party has come to an agreement yet. The good news is both parties are still interested, at this writing. We recently talked to both parties and explained we were almost out of time to still be able to run a summer meet in 2024. I explained to both parties that horsemen were already starting to make summer plans. We are not sure what the hurdles are after four months of negotiating. However, Arizona Downs still does not have an agreement with either party.

By now everyone is aware that Rillito Park is not running the 2024 meet this winter. In my recent conversations with Jay Wells of Rillito, he said they are trying to get things squared away. The Rillito Park Foundation Board is reorganizing and will be electing new officers. They are receiving their financial audits current for the Arizona Department of Racing and are in hopes of having their permit renewed. If they can accomplish these hurdles, they would look to resume racing with a short fall meet and then run a regular meet in 2025.

We are currently working with four different national companies that have an interest in building a new racetrack in Maricopa County and possibly acquiring

Arizona Downs to offer year-round racing in Arizona. The monopoly of gaming that currently exists by the tribes in Arizona is a deterrent but not necessarily a deal killer. An expanded and upgraded OTB system would help make a racetrack viable.

Arizona racing needs a new life. The Arizona HBPA is working diligently to help bring that to the state.

Leroy Gessmann

Arizona

HBPA Executive Director

ARKANSAS HBPA

Repeated Intra-Articular

Corticosteroid Injection of the Fetlock Joint

Starting with the 2023–2024 meeting, Oaklawn Park and the Arkansas Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association instituted a house rule requiring all injections to a covered horse to be done in the presence of Oaklawn’s integrity department.

Beginning January 25, Oaklawn, in partnership with the Arkansas HBPA and the Grayson-Jockey Club veterinarian staff, enhanced the house rule to include that any repeated intra-articular corticosteroid injection to the fetlock joint requires the attending veterinarian to perform a radiograph of that fetlock joint.

Studies have shown the fetlock joint contributes to a larger portion of equine injuries, and this rule will give veterinarians more tools to diagnose potential injuries. If the connections believe a covered horse should have an intra-articular corticosteroid injection of a fetlock joint within 60 days of a previous injection, the connections are required to have specific digital imaging (radiographs) taken by the attending veterinarian. The attending veterinarian will then assess the fetlock joint radiograph for potentially dangerous findings before the repeated injection is administered.

To assist in the costs of the required digital imaging, the Arkansas HBPA and Oaklawn will pay up to $250 for each required set of radiographs. The terms and requirements of the injection program apply to the balance of the current Oaklawn racing season that ends May 4. The procedures are in addition to any applicable HISA rules and Arkansas Racing Commission rules.

Oaklawn Schedules 2024 Eclipse Infield Event

Affordable family-related events—including live music, concessions, souvenirs, free swag and attractions for the kids—are scheduled in Oaklawn Park’s famous infield Monday, April 8, to celebrate the 2024 solar eclipse. The infield event costs $20 and is free for children 12 and under. Gates open at 10 a.m. CT, and ample parking for $10 will be available on the property.

The event will include:

• Free solar eclipse glasses to all, with the first 2,500 receiving swag bags on entry with infield ticket purchase

• Live entertainment including from DJ TroyG, Cliff & Susan and Dino D & The D Train

• Infield concession stands and food trucks offering burgers, hot dogs, barbecue, Mexican food, sweets, funnel cakes and more

• The Mainline Sports Bar and The Pony inside the Oaklawn grandstand, along with inside dining and bars

• Family entertainment including bouncy houses, a climbing wall, face painters, magicians and balloons, giant yard games, a 360-degree selfie station and various eclipse-themed selfie stations around the infield

• A giveaway of a 2024 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. Guests 18 and older will receive one free entry before entering the infield event. No purchase or casino play is necessary. Ten finalists will be drawn before the solar eclipse. The winner will be drawn at approximately 1:30 p.m. Cash prizes will be awarded to the remaining finalists. The winner must be present to win.

Oaklawn Hosts National Hall of Fame Day

Oaklawn Park hosted its third National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Day March 16. The popular event for horsemen and fans started early with living legends taking part in the popular morning program, Dawn at Oaklawn, hosted by Nancy Holthus.

The Hall of Famers participated in a meet-and-greet during an autograph session with race fans. Each was individually honored in the Larry Snyder Memorial Winner’s Circle throughout the race day, and the evening wrapped up with a special dinner highlighting the weekend and the honorees’ accomplishments in the racing community.

ILLINOIS HBPA

FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing 2024 Season Set

We are very excited for the upcoming 2024 racing season at FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing. We have 62 race days on the calendar, which kicks off April 16. We will race Tuesday afternoons and Saturday nights through November 16 and look forward to having record attendance again this year.

We were deeply saddened in January to announce the passing of Brian Zander, who was president and general manager of Fairmount Park for many years. A memorial in his honor was held in the grandstand January 27 and was attended by many who shared loving tributes, great stories and warm memories. Brian will be fondly remembered.

We also went live with our new website in January. Our website— ilhbpa.com—will keep horsemen updated on current news and events, provide access to important forms and a host of other information and allow us to reach many outside the horse racing community.

This year on race days, we will be airing educational and informative segments about the life of a racehorse and everything that is involved, including breeding, breaking, shoeing, everyday conditioning and more. We are seeking sponsors for these segments. They will air on our Jumbotron, and our goal is to educate the public and give them a bird’s-eye view of all the events that lead to the exciting racing they get to witness. For more information on becoming a sponsor, please contact our executive assistant, Melody Higdon, at theilhbpa@ gmail.com or (618) 345-7724.

We hosted our annual horsemen’s Christmas party in December, and it was a great success. Horsemen enjoyed a traditional homestyle meal with all the trimmings. Gift certificates were distributed to everyone in attendance, and special Christmas presents were given to the children.

IOWA HBPA

Prairie Meadows 2024 Racing Season

Horsemen, it’s that time of year when we look forward to seeing everyone come back for racing in the great state of Iowa.

Our racing calendar for 2024 includes 80 racing days for Thoroughbreds. We’ll also offer 600 racing opportunities with more than $17.7 million in total available purses.

The backside opens April 12 with the first day of training set for April 14.

Thank you to Prairie Meadows for working with the Iowa HBPA in getting our 2024 racing season scheduled, and we look forward to seeing our horsemen here soon.

Horsemen Information

Condition book No. 1, stall applications, live racing and training schedules and hours and other racing-related documents for the Thoroughbred meet can be found on Prairie Meadows’ website under the Horsemen’s tab and in print at Prairie Meadows’ racing office. We also have some information posted on our Iowa HBPA Facebook page and the Iowa HBPA website at iowahbpa.org.

2024 Iowa HBPA Schedule of Events

May 9—Iowa HBPA general membership meeting

May 10—Opening day of the Prairie Meadows meeting

May 11—Annual Iowa HBPA awards presentation held in conjunction with the Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association awards

July 5-6—Iowa Festival of Racing

July 23-27—National HBPA summer convention and elections

September 28—Iowa Classics Night featuring Iowa-bred stakes

Iowa HBPA Office Hours and Information

Until the meet opens, our normal office hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Once the meet begins May 10, we will have the office available six or seven days a week, with normal hours beginning at 9 a.m. and going till 3 p.m., and we can be reached at (515) 967-4804.

To see information about the Iowa HBPA, please visit our website at iowahbpa.org. To keep up to date on news and issues occurring in Iowa, you can find us on our Facebook page, Iowa Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Inc., follow us on Twitter @IowaHBPA and sign up to receive our emails at info@iowahbpa.org.

We look forward to seeing the return of our horsemen, including familiar and new faces.

KENTUCKY HBPA

Continued Optimism With Eyes on Spring

Many horsemen have selected Kentucky as their winter destination, thanks in large part to the tremendous product coming out of Turfway Park. A consistent and fair racing surface and healthy purses allow for incredibly competitive racing. The betting public appreciated the product to the tune of $76 million in handle over the 20-day 2023 holiday meet. For reference, the 2022 holiday meet handle was $45 million.

The Turfway Park winter-spring meet is currently underway and offering high purses and a lucrative stakes schedule, highlighted by the $700,000, Grade 3 Jeff Ruby Steaks March 23, a pivotal stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Jeff Ruby Day also included five other stakes, all worth at least $250,000. When the meet ends, Turfway will remain open for training, encouraging our horsemen to have a year-round training facility and allowing for logistically sensible shipping to our other Kentucky racetracks.

Turfway and Churchill Downs’ Trackside training center remain at full capacity. We expect this to remain the case for the foreseeable future. In addition, Churchill opened the backside gates to horsemen March 19. The first day of training commenced March 22.

Keeneland’s spring race meet opens April 5 and continues through April 26.

Churchill’s spring meet will be highlighted by the landmark 150th running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve, which will be the richest in history, as the purse was raised to a guaranteed $5 million. The meet will span 43 dates from April 27 to June 30, with a record 50 stakes cumulatively worth $25.6 million on the schedule. Since the debut of historical horse racing machines in 2018, Churchill has added 18 stakes to its spring schedule, and prize money for horsemen in those events has grown by $16.8 million.

In November, Churchill will host the 2024 Claiming Crown sponsored by the National HBPA and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. We are thrilled at this opportunity and excited to bring this much-anticipated event back to Kentucky.

Although Kentucky racing is experiencing a time of great wealth and prosperity, there remains the hindrance of HISA. The Kentucky HBPA continues to disagree with HISA and HIWU, as they continue to regulate our industry with little regard to horsemanship or cost. They continue to tell our horsemen how and when they are to train their horses. Moreover, the duration of time on the vet’s list seems to increase with every new regulatory decision. This comes at a detriment to our horsemen and the owners of our equine athletes. As horsemen, we must continue to stand up against such blatant overreach.

Wishing everyone a blessed 2024.

Rick Hiles, KYHBPA President

2024 KY HBPA Board Election Notice

The Kentucky HBPA board nomination meetings will be held in August with official dates and locations announced in the summer edition of The Horsemen’s Journal. Nominations do not open until July.

Kentucky Horsemen in the Spotlight at Eclipse Awards

JUDDMONTE’S HOMEBRED MARE IDIOMATIC, SECOND HEADING INTO THE FIRST TURN OF LAST YEAR’S LATONIA STAKES AT TURFWAY PARK, LED A STRONG KENTUCKY CONTINGENT THAT PICKED UP ECLIPSE AWARDS FOR THE 2023 SEASON.

Led by Horse of the Year Cody’s Wish and Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous, the 2023 Eclipse Awards ceremony showed the continued strength of Kentucky racing.

The dominance of Kentucky in the breeding is a given, with every equine champion except the female turf and steeplechase champs being foaled in the commonwealth and sired by a Kentucky stallion. Eclipse Award winners—equine and human—for years have routinely competed in big races at Churchill Downs and Keeneland Race Course, but Turfway Park, with its long winter meeting over a synthetic surface, also landed in the spotlight.

Juddmonte Farms’ champion older dirt female Idiomatic began her championship season with three races at Turfway. She won graded stakes at Churchill and Keeneland—the Grade 1 Juddmonte Spinster further delighting her owner and race sponsor—en route to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. She’s trained by Brad Cox, who finished second to Bill Mott for what would have been Cox’s third Eclipse Award as outstanding trainer.

Speaking of Turfway, Eclipse Award-winning apprentice jockey Axel Concepcion started last year based in the Mid-Atlantic region but relocated to Kentucky last fall and quickly established himself among the leading riders at Turfway. Axel’s agent is Bryson Cox, son of Brad Cox.

Lexington-based Godolphin, which has increased its presence at all Kentucky tracks, repeated as Eclipse Award-winning owner and breeder, with two-time Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Cody’s Wish claiming Horse of the Year and champion older dirt male honors and Pretty Mischievous giving Kentuckybased trainer Brendan Walsh his first champion in the 3-year-old filly division.

Cody’s Wish really got started at Churchill, earning his first three victories there in 2021 and returning in 2022 to win the Hanshin Stakes and take the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes in his first start of 2023. Elite Power’s first five races, including his first two victories, also were at Churchill, and he came back to Kentucky to win the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland before repeating in 2023 at Santa Anita Park for Juddmonte. He also repeated for the male sprinter Eclipse Award.

Repeat Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner and female sprint champion Goodnight Olive mainly raced in New York for trainer Chad Brown, but her first win came at Keeneland in 2021, and she returned to the Bluegrass State to win the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at the Lexington track before finishing third at Churchill Downs last year in the Grade 1 Derby City Distaff.

Prominent New York owner Mike Repole credited Breeders’ Cup Turf runner-up Up to the Mark with securing the turf male championship in Kentucky, earning his first Grade 1 victory in the $1 million Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes on Kentucky Derby Day and returning to Keeneland in the fall to win the $1 million Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes.

Irad Ortiz Jr., winning outstanding jockey for the fifth time in six years, might race mainly in New York and Florida, but he is a regular at Keeneland and Kentucky Downs as well as during Derby Week at Churchill Downs. —Jennie Rees

An Appreciation: Joanne McNamara

It’s hard to imagine that any individual exercise rider has galloped more Triple Crown race winners than Joanne McNamara, who died February 4 in Ocala, Florida, after a short battle with cancer, and she managed to do so in such a compact period of time, during trailblazing trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ amazing Triple Crown run from 1994 to 1996 and then in 1999 when McNamara was the morning rider for Horse of the Year Charismatic.

McNamara, who lived in Louisville for much of her career, became the first to be dubbed by the turf media as “Exercise Rider to the Stars,” a moniker later transferred to Jose Cuevas when he was getting on a slew of standouts for the late Bobby Frankel, including 2003 Belmont winner Empire Maker. But McNamara was first and got on Derby winners Grindstone, Thunder Gulch and Charismatic, for starters.

Going to work for Lukas in the late 1980s, McNamara was the exercise rider for Triple Crown race winners Tabasco Cat, Timber Country and Editor’s Note as well as Hall of Famer Serena’s Song and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Cat Thief.

“Joanne had such a passion for the sport,” said Lukas, who chosethe nickname “Buttercup” for McNamara. “There was never a day she would come to work and not like what she was doing. … I truly loved her and her passion for our animals.”

Patricia McNamara said her sister was never a gambler, but Joanne certainly knew when a horse was going to run big at a big price. The 1999 Breeders’ Cup at Gulfstream Park with Cash Run ($67 to win) in the Juvenile Fillies and Cat Thief ($41.20) in the Classic proved that in spades, creating a special afternoon with her family.

“I will never forget my dad and I went down to Gulfstream to watch,” Patricia McNamara said. “She mentioned that Wayne’s third-string filly, Cash Run, was training great, and if we wanted to bet, we should put a couple of dollars on her. So we did. She went off 32-1 and won the Juvenile Fillies. She also said put a few dollars on Cat Thief, that he was feeling good. We did, and he won at 19-1 in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. What a day we had—all because Joanne knew her horses and when they were ready to win.”

McNamara later went to work for trainers Dallas Stewart and Nick Zito before returning to Lukas’ barn. Among the horses she got on for Stewart was 2001 Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Unbridled Elaine.

“She was unbelievable,” Stewart said of McNamara. “Pressure just rolled off her back. She knew everything about what needed to be done. I don’t really know if she knew how good she was. You talk about other ‘Exercise Riders to the Stars.’ She was the real deal.”

McNamara retired a decade ago to move to Ocala to be closer to her family. She is survived by sister Patricia and brother Edward. It was Joanne’s wish to be cremated. A future memorial and life celebration is being planned.

“Joanne had horses in her blood and was still showing horses in some local shows in Ocala,” said longtime horsewoman Cathy Riccio, a close friend and colleague. “If you saw Joanne reaching into her pocket, there was usually a peppermint to reward her equine athletes.” —Jennie Rees

The HBPA Is You

The HBPA, established in 1940, is an organization of owners and trainers, approximately 40,000 nationally in 23 states and Canada and more than 6,000 in Kentucky. The association is governed by a board of directors consisting of owners and trainers volunteering their time and elected by the membership every three years. The HBPA is committed to working for the betterment of racing on all levels. The HBPA represents owners and trainers on several fronts:

• The HBPA negotiates with each racetrack regarding purse structure, equitable share of simulcast revenues, overall track safety, sanitation and security.

• The HBPA provides benevolence to horsemen in need, education and recreation programs to the backstretch and various insurance packages that include—free of charge to members—fire and disaster insurance. Visit one of the fully staffed HBPA offices at the currently running racetrack in Kentucky for details.

• The HBPA works in conjunction with the chaplaincy program and the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund to provide support and benefits for horsemen.

• The HBPA supports scientific research and marketing initiatives on a regional and national level to help promote interest in Thoroughbred racing.

• The HBPA is at the forefront in litigation and legislation on issues involving horsemen’s rights with regards to interstate simulcasting, proprietary rights, casino gambling, therapeutic medication, sports betting and many other areas of concern to horsemen.

How Can I Join?

You are invited to drop into the HBPA office to meet the staff and learn more about current projects and how you can get involved in helping to improve the industry. There are no membership fees. Remember that this is your organization. Become an active participant and one of the “horsemen helping horsemen.”

To join, all you need to do is fill out our membership card and fax, mail or email it back to us. For more information, please visit our website at kyhbpa.org and click on “Become a Member.”

THE LATE JOANNE MCNAMARA GALLOPS KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER THUNDER GULCH AT PIMLICO RACE COURSE BEFORE THE 1995 PREAKNESS STAKES.

SKIP DICKSTEIN PHOTO

MINNESOTA HBPA

Canterbury Park Meet Extended for 2024

Canterbury Park’s 2024 meeting—which runs 54 days from May 18 to September 28—has been expanded from 2023. The stable area opens May 1.

Heading into the meet, there’s a generous incentive program for trainers. Please contact the Canterbury racing office for all the details.

Due to the unseasonably warm weather in Minnesota this past winter, construction of the three new barns is ahead of schedule. The same is true for the new 19,000-seat amphitheater, but unlike the new barns that will be ready to go this year, the amphitheater will open in 2025.

NEBRASKA HBPA

Track Improvements Begin Resurgence of Racing

A 7-furlong chute has been added to the track, extending the longest sprint distance past the former 6 1/2 furlongs. As always, there will be an abundance of turf races, from sprints to routes and claiming races to stakes.

Best of all, trainers and owners will be running for 10 % more in overnight purses. Most race weeks will feature twilight/night racing on Thursdays and Saturdays with daytime cards on Sundays.

All in all, 2024 is shaping up to be quite the meet.

From new tracks to new equipment to new barns, Thoroughbred racing in Nebraska is experiencing a true resurgence. It all signals progress for state-of-the-art facilities, increased purses and a gradual increase in the number of race days in the state.

Grand Island’s Fonner Park has invested in track surface improvements, including its base and cushion on the five-eighths-mile track, new racetrack maintenance equipment and improvements to its training track and stable area. The 2024 meet will see a 20% purse increase, which includes $100,000 from the Nebraska HBPA. There are also plans for improvements to the grandstands.

Columbus, in partnership with Caesars, is nearing completion of its new casino and new 1-mile racetrack. The cushion is down with the base to follow. Plans include a 15-day live meet running August to September. The track also will have new barns with a 310-horse capacity and will continue to build out its facilities in the next few years.

MINNESOTA HBPA PHOTO

FAVORABLE WINTER WEATHER HAS CONSTRUCTION OF THREE NEW BARNS AT CANTERBURY PARK AHEAD OF SCHEDULE FOR THE 2024 MEETING.

NEBRASKA

HBPA

PHOTO

FONNER PARK INVESTED IN TRACK SURFACE IMPROVEMENTS BEFORE OPENING ITS 2024 MEETING IN LATE FEBRUARY.

Legacy Downs in Lincoln has a new seven-eighths-mile track completed last fall. Track officials look to hold a multiday live meet this September following the Columbus meet. Construction plans also call for new barns and grandstands to be added to the complex.

Horsemen’s Park has continued to make improvements to its racing surface as the new casino is being built around it. Construction plans call for distinctive grandstands and rooftop race viewing.

As the number of Nebraska-bred Thoroughbreds continues to rise, so too will the number of race days.

OHIO HBPA

Thistledown, Belterra Park Set for 2024 Seasons

Thistledown is set to kick off its 100-day live meeting Monday, April 22. Racing will be conducted mainly on a Monday through Thursday schedule through closing day, Thursday, October 10, with five select Saturday racing cards during the meet. Saturday racing will be conducted on all three Triple Crown Saturdays—May 4, May 18 and June 8.

Additional Saturday cards will be held June 22, featuring Ohio’s only graded stakes race, the $500,000 Grade 3 Ohio Derby for 3-year-olds, and August 10, showcasing the Best of Ohio program, which features $100,000 stakes for Ohio-breds. There will be no live racing Thursdays during the weeks that have Saturday live racing cards.

Post time will be 12:50 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12:20 p.m. on the Saturday programs. Purse distribution is once again expected to exceed $200,000 per day at Thistledown.

Belterra Park will begin its 93-day live meet Thursday, April 25. Belterra will race on a Wednesday through Saturday schedule during the meet, which runs through October 5.

The highlight of the Belterra Park meeting is Best of Ohio Day, Friday, June 7, featuring five $100,000 stakes for Ohio-breds. Belterra Park is expected to make more use of its turf course this season for the only turf racing conducted in Ohio. First post during the Belterra Park meeting will be 12:15 p.m.

THOROUGHBRED RACING ASSOCIATION OF OKLAHOMA

Awards Event, Owner and Breeder Elections Set

The 12th annual Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma’s Oklahoma-bred Champion Awards Banquet and Auction will be held Friday, May 10, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tulsa. For more information, call the TRAO at (405) 427-8753.

The TRAO will hold elections for owner and breeder positions for the three-year term 2025–2027, with the nominating process running October 1-15. Please follow the TRAO website and Facebook page in the upcoming months for more information.

The following are the eligibility requirements to run:

Owner: Must have at least five Thoroughbred starts at an Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission-licensed racetrack during the previous 12 months.

Breeder: Must be an individual or the managing partner of an entity during the previous 12 months prior to their nomination and (A) (i) is the breeder of record of at least one accredited Oklahoma-Bred Thoroughbred foal, (ii) provides sufficient proof to the board they bred at least five Oklahoma-bred Thoroughbred mares in the year prior to their nomination, or (B) owns an accredited Oklahoma stallion or stallions that covered 10 or more mares total in the year prior to their nomination.

2024 Oklahoma Racing Schedule

Will Rogers Downs LLC

Thoroughbred meeting—28 days (March 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27; April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30; May 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15)

Stakes Schedule

March 18 $75,000 Blue Ribbon Stakes 3YO Fillies 6 furlongs

March 19 $75,000 Welder Stakes 3YO 6 furlongs

March 25 $55,000 Miranda Diane Stakes 3&Up F&M 6 furlongs

March 26 $55,000 TRAO Classic

Sprint Stakes 3&Up 6 furlongs

April 15 $50,000 Wilma Mankiller Stakes 3&Up F&M 6 furlongs

April 16 $50,000 Highland Ice Stakes 3&Up 6 furlongs

May 7 $55,000 More Than Even Stakes 3&Up F&M 1 mile

Fair Meadows at Tulsa

Mixed meet at Tulsa State Fair—27 days (Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa meeting) (June 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29; July 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20)

NEBRASKA HBPA PHOTO

CONSTRUCTION OF LEGACY DOWNS’ NEW SEVEN-EIGHTHS TRACK WAS COMPLETED LAST FALL, WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE TRACK’S LIVE MEETING THIS SEPTEMBER.

PENNSYLVANIA HBPA

Penn National Inactive Accounts

The Pennsylvania HBPA announces inactive accounts in the horsemen’s bookkeeping account at Penn National Race Course. In accordance with the Live Racing Agreement, Penn National furnished a list of accounts that have been inactive for four years. The names on those inactive accounts are listed below.

Holders of inactive accounts should contact the Pennsylvania HBPA at P.O. Box 88, Grantville, PA 17028, or by telephone at (717) 469-2970 or fax at (717) 469-7714.

All inactive accounts that remain unclaimed one year after the date of this publication will be paid to the Pennsylvania HBPA’s Benevolent Fund.

ABL Stable, D. Bossone, P. Donnelly & J. Schnoor, Alavicki Farm, Robert O. Allen, Amenta Racing Stables LLC, Kyle Anderson, Apple Tree Stables, William Armata, Jay Armstrong, Mario DeJesus Arnaga, Augustine Stable, William Austin, Balmoral Racing Stable LLC, John & Cheryl Barner, Jean Barbanti, Battle Lake Racing Stable, Mark Beecher, Galen Behney, Steven Bertrando, Andrea Betancart, Bloodlines Racing Partnerships, Michelle Bordis, Branjam Stable, Dale Brewer, Briardale Stable, Gary Broad, Gary Brothers, Kenneth Brown, Bunz Stables, Gerald L. Burns & Mark McAbee, C & K Racing, Cannon Farms, Carole Star Stables, Tina Cassell-Hastie & Christine Crum, Tina Cassell Hastie, Cristian Castro, Carlos Cazaires-Marron, Jared Cheeks, Chesterfield Partners Inc., Lucy and Donald Churchill, Circle Z Stables, Karen Clark and Kelly Lynn Deiter, Robert Calasanti, Coleswood Farm Inc., Collazo Victor Ellis & Steffney Kimberly, Teresa Connelly, Matthew Cunningham, D & E Stable LLC and Christopher J. Meyer, Dominique Damico, Ronald Dandy, Holly Delaney, Gerald Dennison and Daniel Lane, William Devane, Diamond Oak Stable and M. Robert Bosso, Joseph Diegidio and Andrew Bedard, Charles Dielmann, Lawrence Dilone Jr., George Dinos, Robert Donaldson, Serena Donmoyer, David Dotolo, Drawing Away Stable, Dennis Drazin, Dream Team One Racing Stable, Chelsea Dreyer, Gerard Dreyer, Robert Dukes, e Five Racing Stable, E.V. Racing Stable, Mark Eagan, Kevin W. Ebert and Kelly D. Ebert, Bruce Eglesfield, Eglesfield Racing Stables, Ejetero LLC, El Rey Del Cuajo, Emerald Field Farm, Enaya Racing, Estate of Iris Coggins, Estrada Racing Stable LLC, Exacta B.S., Marvin and Bonnie Factor, John Farelli and Mark Stillinger, Fat Guys Stable, Christopher Felfarek and Susan C. Quick, Christopher Feifarek, Parlee Ferko, Juan Fernandez, Hector Ferrer Rios, Make Family First Stable LLC, Heather Fitzgerald, Fleming Thoroughbreds LLC, P. Donnelly, D’Antonio and Sons LLC Floresta, Robert Folk, Peter Fartay, Four Tags Stable and Bruce R. Grossman, Jovnar Garcia, John Gardiner and Kingdom Bloodstock Inc., Nina Gardner, GavinTy Racing LLC, Arthur Geller, Norris Gelman, Gayle Gerth, Giacole Stable, Glen View Oaks LLC, Glenn N. Harrison and Paul A. Ross Jr., Glenn W. and Pamela Bartholomew, Trevan Gonsalves, Larry Gorgo, Josie Gump and Harry Hoglander, David Hagemann, Aimee Hall, George Hall, Doyle Hemby, Ginger Hames, K. Hansen, Skychai Racing LLC, B. Miller and Sand Dollar Stable LLC, Happy Hour Stable, Michael Harrison, Harry Nye and Timothy Wenrich, Nicole Hedus, Nicole Hedus and William O’Neill, Harry Hernandez, Fred Hickey, Hickory Plains LLC, Hope Racing Stable, Barbara Hopkins, Ellen G. Horner and Tria Pell Dove, Horseplay Racing, Horseshoe Hill Reality LLC, HP Racing Stables, Adam Ingram, Island Wind Racing, Jacks or Better Farm Inc., Melanie Jenkins, Jerzy Boyz Racing II LLC and Peter Donnelly, Edgar Jester, John Chamatsos and Olympic Stable, Jones Ventures Inc., JPS Stable and All In Racing Stables LLC, JSL Stables LLC, Justa Farm Racing, Justice Farm, Kelli

Norton, FGF Stables and Meghan Early, Travis Kinnamon, Randall Kondor, Theresa Kothstein, Lake Lonely Racing, Lane Farm LLC, Troy Langford, Beryl Larue, Victor Lebron, John Lee and Charles Lo, John Lee, Charles Lo and Efrain Miranda, Lewis Family Racing Stable, Geina Lopez, Ken Lowe Jr., Magalen O. Bryant and James Day, Danny Masden, Michael Mason, Brian McFarlane, Kevin McKinlay, Anthony Merlino, Elizabeth M. Merryman and Ellendale Race LLC, Eleuterio Mircles, Robert Molnar, Angel Montanez, Mary Moody, Giorgio Moreno, Michael Moriarty, Morning Moon Farm, Mossvan Stable, Mouse House Farm, Mr. Amore Stable, Northcote Stable, Christopher Nuesch, Ramon Nunez, Matthew Ohles Sr., Paperboy Racing, Javier Parrilla, Zachary Passaretti, Patricia Paulish, Pewter Stable and Briter Stable, Pinelane Farm, Dave Pinkney, Jodie Pointer, Gordon Policastro & Kelly Deiter, Pop a Top Stable and VanMeter Roger, Pedro Posades, Premier Stables Inlimited, Joseph Procopio, Prosperties LLC and Alexander Levengood, R.A. Hill Stable, Luis Reyes, Alejandro Reyes, Christian Santiago Reyes, Thomas Reynolds, Fred Richison, Edward Ridge, Asuncion Rivera, Laura Robbins, Hugh Robinson, Carlos F. Rodriguez, Pablo Rodriguez, Cesar Rodriguez, Ernest Rogers Jr., Rose Petal Stable LLC, Michael Ruccio, Ruis Racing LLC, Runnymede Racing LLC, Randall Russell, S.D. Stable, Victoria Saldana, Etniel Sanabria, Michael Sandoval, George Santis, Geoffrey Schneider, Willy Sels, Mario Serey Jr., Angel Serpa, Seventeen Racing Stables LLC, Shanty Irish Racing Stable, Robert Silk, Silver Lake Stable, Leeia Smith, Ian Smith, T.R. Smith and C.S. Harrison, Wright A. Smith, Sandy C. Smith and Jareb Horton, Southwest Racing Stables Inc., Spectra Racing, Spring Promise Farm, Kenton Stalheim, Christian Stalker, Star-Lo Racing Stables, Starlight Racing, Starting Line Stable, Arthur Stauffer Sr., Stephen E. Morrone and TMB Racing, James Stevenson, Shelley Stoneking, Nicholas Surick and Toni Anne Fucco, Swilcan Stable LLC and Cash Is King LLC, Taking The Lead Stable, Augustus Tarmin, Taste of Victory Stables LLC, Taste of Victory Stables LLC and Rashid’s Thoroughbred Racing, Ted’s Racing Team, Tequesta Racing Inc., William Tharrenos, Three Jose Stable, John Tittle, TMC Racing Stable, Tom Burton, Jeff Ditty and Gryphon Investments LLC, Richard Tarnosky, Triple K Stables and Jagger Inc., Turkeyford Stable, VR Racing LLC, Van Sant, Maria Claire and Thereesa Salerno, Kathleen Verratti and Robert Victory Thoroughbreds LLC, Idalys Villafane, Vita Racing Stable and Trinity Racing Stable, Wellesley Stable, White Fox Farm, Willie Wiggins, William Paduano and Anthony Szeglin, Willowdale Farms Ltd., Wits End Farm LLC, Wounded Warrior Stables, Wounded Warrior, Fred Hickey and Hillcrest Meadows Farm LLC, Spyridon Xenos, Yellow Jacket Stable, Michael Zanella and Charles Reed.

VIRGINIA HBPA

Changes at Virginia HBPA and Colonial Downs

The Virginia HBPA is pleased to announce Glen Berman as its new executive director and general counsel, succeeding Frank Petramalo. Aidan TurnageBarney will serve as field director.

Berman previously worked as executive director and counsel for the Florida HBPA and the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association.

Petramalo served on the Virginia HBPA board from 2001 to 2004. In 2005, Petramalo became executive director and general counsel. He served in those positions until the end of 2023. During that time, Petramalo helped secure passage of legislation authorizing historical horse racing terminals in Virginia. That led to the rebirth of Colonial Downs in 2019 and its subsequent growth. For more than 20 years, Petramalo also actively participated in the affairs of the National HBPA.

Berman’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as Colonial Downs and the horsemen prepare for their 2024 summer meeting. The 2024 meet will feature 27 race days, carded on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from July 11 through September 7. The meet includes stakes races with purses totaling nearly $6 million. Headliners are the Grade 1 Arlington Million Stakes during the August 10 Festival of Racing and the Grade 3 Virginia Derby September 7.

Throughout the year, Colonial Downs will continue its expansion of gaming facilities with simulcasting and historical horse racing terminals. By statute, that expansion mandates a significant increase in 2025 race days. Stay tuned for updates and announcements.

For further information, visit virginiahorseracing.com or colonialdowns.com.

WASHINGTON HBPA

Emerald Downs Prepares for 2024 Live Meet

Monday, February 26, marked the first day of training in preparation for the 2024 season at Emerald Downs. Most of the early arrivals showed signs of being well rested since the season closed last September, many with coats that depicted an unusually cold Pacific Northwest winter.

The morning was brisk but dry, and both horses and humans appeared refreshed and glad to be back at the Auburn oval. All eyes and cameras were on the 2023 Washington Horse of the Year Slew’s Tiz Whiz, as he was awarded “2024 first on the track” honors for the second consecutive year.

The 55-day live meet, an increase of three days from the last two seasons, opens on the first Saturday in May. Last year the added excitement of an opening coinciding with Kentucky Derby Day made for a successful and festive day, convincing management to do the same in 2024.

The meet consists of 20 Saturdays, 19 Sundays, 15 Fridays and one Wednesday. Friday racing begins May 31 and features a 7 p.m. PT post time. All weekend post times have been moved up a half-hour to 1:30 p.m. for 2024.

Owners and trainers also will see a revised purse distribution system, which now incorporates participation purses into the advertised purse. In 2023, more

than $128,000 in purses paid were not reflected in the advertised purse, due to the exclusion of purses paid to non-placed horses. After much discussion and examining several options, the Washington HBPA and Emerald Downs management agreed on a revised distribution schedule as well as appropriate upward adjustments to the purse schedule.

Also new for 2024 are some additions to previous owner and trainer incentives for participating in the Emerald Downs live meet.

In addition to a well-maintained barn area, complete with trainers’ offices, rooms, clean restrooms and shower facilities, Emerald Downs trainers are allotted dorm rooms for grooms in need of housing. Emerald Downs also provides complimentary use of track-owned hotwalkers and cable television to the entire barn area. To help with startup costs, all trainers arriving before June 1 will receive complimentary bedding for their initial stall setup.

The $500 Ship & Run Incentive Program is back in 2024 along with a modified $10,000 new trainer bonus and a new $5,000 returning trainer bonus. For details, requirements and restrictions on these incentive offers, please contact Director of Racing Bret Anderson at BretA@emeralddowns.com or the Emerald Downs website.

Due to the combined efforts of the Washington HBPA, Emerald Downs and the Washington Horse Racing Commission, owners and trainer at Emerald Downs will see no HISA per start fees. All required vet checks under HISA rules have been fully funded by either Emerald Downs or the racing commission, providing further cost savings for Washington HBPA members.

Washington also offers an equitable state-run workers’ compensation program ($1.58 per day/per horse), which covers all licensed exercise riders and pony persons at the racetrack, and $188.29 per month ($6.27 per day), which covers a licensed groom or stall cleaner. The state’s workers’ compensation program not only helps injured workers but reduces the liability risk to owners and trainers.

Longacres Mile Headlines Slate of 21 Stakes

The 89th running of the Longacres Mile headlines a 21-race stakes schedule worth $1.15 million for the 2024 Emerald Downs meeting.

The Pacific Northwest’s most prestigious and historic race—the $150,000 Longacres Mile—anchors a stakes quadruple-header Sunday, August 11. Billed as Championship Sunday, the card co-features the $50,000 Emerald Distaff Stakes for older fillies and mares, $50,000 Muckleshoot Derby for 3-year-olds and $50,000 Washington Oaks for 3-year-old fillies.

Sixteen stakes are scheduled on Sundays with five set for Saturdays, including the $50,000 Seattle Stakes for 3-year-old fillies that kicks off the stakes schedule June 15.

The track’s older horse division begins Sunday, June 23, with the $50,000 Budweiser Stakes, followed three weeks later by the $50,000 Governor’s Stakes and culminating with the Longacres Mile.

Seven stakes are for 2-year-olds, climaxing with the $50,000 Gottstein Futurity at a mile and 70 yards on closing day.

In addition to 21 Thoroughbred stakes, the Sunday, August 18, card features a pair of Quarter Horse stakes: $30,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship and $40,000 Bank of America Emerald Championship Challenge.

Washington Champions Honored at Awards Banquet

AT EMERALD DOWNS, CAME

WITH HORSE OF THE YEAR, CHAMPION OLDER HORSE OR GELDING AND CHAMPION SPRINTER HONORS FOR OWNER SLEW’S CREW RACING, TRAINER TOM WENZEL AND THE LATE KARL KRIEG AT THE WASHINGTON THOROUGHBRED AWARDS BANQUET IN LATE FEBRUARY.

Centered on the theme of “natural wonders” to highlight the diverse landscape of Washington state and horse racing then and now, the annual Washington Thoroughbred Awards Banquet was held February 24 at Emerald Downs. Nearly 200 industry participants attended the event, which traditionally honors champions of the prior year and brings breeders, trainers, owners and other participants together for the first time in the new year.

An air of anticipation among the nominees as well as excitement for the year to come made for a fun-filled evening. Dedication to the Washington horse racing industry was expressed through the generosity of attendees as they bid on donated auction items or purchased raffle tickets in support of the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and the Washington Thoroughbred Foundation.

The top honor, 2023 Horse of Year, was hardly a surprise with fan-favorite Slew’s Tiz Whiz taking home top honors.

Trained by Tom Wenzel, owned by Slew’s Crew Racing and bred by the late Karl Krieg (K D Thoroughbreds), Slew’s Tiz Whiz also earned champion older horse or gelding and champion sprinter honors for 2023.

For many years, Karl Krieg and his wife, Darlyne, graced the Washington Thoroughbred industry. Karl exemplified a true love forracing and more importantly the horse. He was a hands-on participant, often referred to as a “one-man show” as his accomplishments were amazing in an industry that is often dominated by large-scale businesses.

A complete list of the 2023 Washington championship nominees and award winners is available on the WTBOA website at washingtonthoroughbred.com. HJ

COURTESY OF EMERALD DOWNS

FAN FAVORITE SLEW’S TIZ WHIZ, HERE WINNING THE 2023 GOVERNOR’S STAKES

AWAY

WHAT IS EIPH?

FLAIR® STRIPS REDUCE EIPH

EIPH (exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage), also known as “lung bleeding”, is the presence of blood in the airways during or after exercise. It is a silent injury that can go undetected because it occurs deep within the lungs. Only 5% of horses with EIPH show blood at the nostrils. Essentially all horses are affected by some degree of EIPH during intensive exercise.

WHAT CAUSES EIPH?

EIPH is caused by rupture of the fragile pulmonary capillary membrane (PCM) that separates the blood from the airways. Within the lung, both high blood pressure (to meet exercise demands) and high vacuum pressures (needed to inhale large volumes of air) stress the PCM, causing it to rupture and blood to enter the airways.

FLAIR Strips Make Breathing Easier & Reduce EIPH

• The Strips provide a spring-like force that supports the nasal passages overlying the nasal valve — the narrowest part of the equine airway.

• Supporting this area reduces the narrowing of the nasal passages during exercise — reducing the resistance to breathing.

• Reducing resistance is the key to making breathing easier.

• Using a FLAIR Strip can be compared to drinking from a wide diameter straw rather than a narrow straw — it's much easier to get what you want!

Electron microscope view of a