The Horsemen's Journal - Summer 2020 by The Horsemen's Journal

HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S THE

JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

Prepare Your Future Champion At

ELLIS PARK STAKES SCHEDULE Closing Saturday, June 20, 2020 Sunday, July 5, 2020

$50,000

The Ellis Park Turf Stakes

For Fillies And Mares Three Year Olds and Upward One Mile And One Sixteenth (Turf) Closing Saturday, July 11, 2020 Sunday, July 26, 2020

$50,000

The Good Lord

For Three Year Olds and Upward Six And One Half Furlongs Closing Saturday, July 18, 2020 Sunday, August 2, 2020 $100,000 (Includes $25,000 from KTDF)

The Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Sprint For Fillies And Mares Three Year Olds and Upward Five And One Half Furlongs (Turf)

Closing Saturday, July 18, 2020 Sunday, August 2, 2020 $100,000 (Includes $25,000 from KTDF)

The Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup For Three Year Olds and Upwards One Mile And One Quarter (Turf)

Closing Saturday, July 18, 2020 Sunday, August 2, 2020 $100,000 (Includes $25,000 from KTDF)

The Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Turf For Fillies And Mares Three Year Olds and Upward One Mile (Turf)

Closing Saturday, July 18, 2020 Sunday, August 2, 2020 $100,000 (Includes $25,000 from KTDF)

The Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Sprint For Three Year Olds and Upward Five And One Half Furlongs (Turf)

Closing Saturday, July 18, 2020 Sunday, August 2, 2020 $100,000 (Includes $25,000 from KTDF)

The Kentucky Downs Preview Tourist Mile For Three Year Olds and Upward One Mile (Turf)

Closing Saturday, July 25, 2020 Sunday, August 9, 2020 $100,000 (Includes $25,000 from KTDF)

The Audubon Oaks

For Fillies Three Year Olds Seven Furlongs Closing Saturday, July 25, 2020 Sunday, August 9, 2020

$100,000

The Groupie Doll - Listed

For Fillies And Mares Three Year Olds and Upward One Mile

Ellis Park Runs

JULY 2 – AUGUST 30 For more information, visit ellisparkracing.com

Closing Saturday, July 25, 2020 Sunday, August 9, 2020 $200,000 (Includes $25,000 from KTDF)

The Ellis Park Derby

A Kentucky Derby Points Race For Three Year Olds One Mile And One Eighth Closing Saturday, July 25, 2020 Sunday, August 9, 2020 $100,000 (Includes $25,000 from KTDF)

The Ellis Park Juvenile

Ellis Park — Fast Track to Fun! 3300 US HW Y 41N • HENDERSON, K Y 42420 • (812) 425-1456 ELLISPARKRACING.COM

For Two Year Olds Seven Furlongs

Closing Saturday, July 25, 2020 Sunday, August 9, 2020 $100,000 (Includes $25,000 from KTDF)

The Ellis Park Debutante For Fillies Two Year Olds Seven Furlongs

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL CONTENTS | SUMMER 2020 | VOLUME 67/#2

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

02 Message from the National HBPA

A Day to Remember

The Library of Horse Racing

How a seemingly ordinary afternoon at the races proved why horse racing is so special

The sport’s rich history is preserved with a combination of technology and passion at the Keeneland Library on the grounds of the famous Lexington racetrack

Lidocaine Positives in Arkansas

Letter to the Editor

An examination of likely environmental exposure and the unusual ARCI medication rule on lidocaine

Industry News

HBPA News

Research & Medication Update

Affiliate News Two Tracks, One Legacy: The Story of Washington Park Champion horses and horsemen frequented the famed Chicago track before its fiery demise THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

MESSAGE FROM

THE CEO MENTAL HEALTH AFFECTS US ALL—RECOGNIZE IT 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 Leroy Gessmann SECRETARY/ TREASURER Lynne Schuller CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Eric J. Hamelback VICE PRESIDENT EASTERN REGION Stephen Screnci VICE PRESIDENT SOUTHERN REGION Rick Hiles VICE PRESIDENT CENTRAL REGION Joe Davis VICE PRESIDENT WESTERN REGION J. Lloyd Yother

o say this year has been rough would certainly be the understatement of 2020 (so far). What we have all experienced personally and as an industry can undoubtedly be defined by one of the more commonly used words this year—unprecedented. We have seen events canceled amid health concerns even while implementing social distancing guidelines, experienced resource insecurity and much more. All of that combined can affect our mental health and well-being. I feel that the topic of mental health, in particular, is not being discussed as much as it should be. With the issues our industry has had this year, we should all pay more attention to mental stress, which continues to burden many within our industry as well as those around us. Many of you reading this may not know that May was Mental Health Awareness Month. But we can still let it serve as a reminder to us all that self-care is critically important in addressing the stresses and disappointments stemming not only from the COVID-19 pandemic but also those being felt in our industry. Rarely would I make my CEO letter personal, but this letter will be just that—personal. Stress on one’s mental health can affect us all—including you and me. Within the racing and breeding industry, I know mental health conditions can affect trainers, assistants, farm managers, jockeys, grooms and hotwalkers, who all work in highpressure environments. The lack of conversation about the subject can lead to crippling anxiety and depression, and in some extreme circumstances, it can lead to suicide. The suicide rates within the horse racing industry and within agriculture as a whole are alarming. This topic strikes me to the core and has significantly affected me as well as my family. I know because I have experienced these conditions. This letter, while personal in nature, is meant to strike a chord in everyone, and I urge you to please take the effort to look around and help when help is needed. Many of you know my history, and I am able to talk at length about my fight with anxiety and severe depression, which I dealt with while under the extreme pressure of working for two major operations in the industry. I read a post on Facebook recently from a friend who shared the thoughts of someone who posted their personal struggles with mental stress, and seeing this post inspired me to openly discuss this topic in my CEO letter. This very private post forced me to recall times in my life and in my career when the mental burdens of my positions became almost unsurmountable. I learned how much stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health, and I recognized I needed help. Unfortunately, many do not. Now, I understand how important it is to give assistance to those in need, and it is just as important for those of us suffering from stress to recognize the problem and then reach out for support. The consequences of not getting support are becoming a staggering statistic. According to the National Institute of Mental Health Disorders, each year one in four people suffer from a mental health problem, which is why I hope to become more progressively involved in making sure this topic is more openly discussed and that assistance is made available in our industry. Organizations such as the National HBPA and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America need to put forth better efforts toward mental health recognition, aid in the promotion and adoption of good mental health practices, promote positive public health messages and be a resource to help horsemen find mental health care providers. The occurrence of stress and mental well-being issues within our industry is indicative of the need for all of us to do a better job of recognizing the signs and offering assistance and support. We should be taking action on the most basic of levels, simply by opening up mental health discussions within our operations. Talking openly to one another about how we are feeling and leaning on one another for support could influence those who need help to take steps in the direction of professional support. If more and more of us open up about the struggles we have experienced personally, it will lead to others jumping onboard to support those in need or to ask for help. We must eradicate the stigma many have about mental health issues and work harder toward recognition, treatment and recovery. I ask that you please join me—a survivor—in working toward lowering the disturbing trend that is growing in our culture and in our industry. “Horsemen Helping Horsemen” is the motto of the National HBPA, and that has never been more important than right now. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. If you think someone else needs help, don’t be afraid to offer. We can all make a positive difference in the lives of others in our industry.

SINCERELY, ERIC J. HAMELBACK

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

CONTRIBUTORS

THE

NATIONAL HBPA

AFFILIATES

WOULD LIKE TO THANK ITS CORPORATE

DENIS BLAKE

SPONSORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - AFFILIATES Dr. David Harrington, Alabama Norm Castiglione, Alberta Robert Hutton, Arizona Bill Walmsley, Arkansas David Milburn, British Columbia and Canadian National James Miller, Charles Town Kent Bamford, Colorado Chris Vaccaro, Finger Lakes Stephen Screnci, Florida Jim Watkins, Illinois Joe Davis, Indiana David McShane, Iowa Rick Hiles, Kentucky Benard Chatters, Louisiana Blaine McLaren, Manitoba James Uelmen, Michigan Dr. Scott Rake, Minnesota Jami Poole, Mountaineer Park Robert Moser, Nebraska Anthony Spadea, New England Joe Poole, Ohio David Faulkner, Oklahoma Sue Leslie, Ontario Ron Sutton, Oregon Sandee Martin, Pennsylvania Eddie Esquirol, Saskatchewan Robert Jeffries, Tampa Bay Downs David Ross, Virginia Pat LePley, Washington

Dr. Kimberly Brewer Rick Capone Dr. Clara Fenger J. Keeler Johnson Jacob Machin Gene McLean Peter Sacopulos Dr. Thomas Tobin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ackerley Images Clarence Alford – stock.adobe.com Denis Blake Rick Capone Coady Photography Cody – stock.adobe.com Ed DeRosa Keeneland Library Morgan Collection Keeneland Library Thoroughbred Times Collection Kellyvandellen – stock.adobe.com

STAFF Denis Blake Editor P (512) 695-4541 hj@hbpa.org Jennifer Vanier Allen Advertising Director P (716) 650-4011 F (509) 272-1640 jallen@hbpa.org Limb Design www.limbdesign.com Graphic Design THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL 3380 Paris Pike Lexington, KY 40511 P (512) 695-4541 F (859) 259-0452 hj@hbpa.org HBPA WEBSITE: www.hbpa.org COVER PHOTO: Gabriel Cassan – stock.adobe.com

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 67 #2. Postal Information: The Horsemen’s Journal (ISSN 0018-5256) is published quarterly by the National Horsemen’s Administration Corporation, with publishing offices at P.O. Box 8645, Round Rock, TX 78683. Copyright 2020 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

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

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 non-member subscriptions are $14. 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 (866) 245-1711. 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. Periodicals Postage Paid at Round Rock, Texas and additional mailing offices. CANADA POST: Publications mail agreement no. 41530527. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: P. O. Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 4R6. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Horsemen’s Journal, 3380 Paris Pike, Lexington, KY 40511.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

PHASING OUT LASIX MAKES OWNING HORSES AN EVEN BIGGER GAMBLE The past two years, Allied Racing LLC has achieved our dreams of competing at horse racing’s top level, headed by my first multiple graded stakes winner and Kentucky Derby runner By My Standards and multiple graded stakes winner Mr. Money. I’d hoped it was just the start of being in the top ranks of the sport we love dearly. But even as my wife and I ride this incredible wave, we plan to significantly downsize our stable. Why? Because of the movement to phase out the medication Lasix, a diuretic also used in humans. The welfare of our equine and human participants must always come first. That’s why it’s mind-numbing that the industry’s power brokers point a finger at Lasix while diverting attention from legitimate issues such as track surfaces. Everything I earned in racing last year was channeled back into buying more horses. Not so in 2020. Until the picture becomes clearer as to how these horses do with no Lasix, I will not be buying any yearlings from Keeneland or elsewhere, nor will I buy any 2-year-olds in training. We will reduce our broodmares by one-third and sell at least two-thirds of our homebred babies. I’m going to wake up this time next year and I will not have 71 horses, I promise you. It’s very difficult to break even in this business, much less to make money. As we are force-fed these ill-advised rule changes, turning a profit will become even more of an illusion. Yes, horse racing has problems. Lasix isn’t one of them. Phasing out Lasix will not phase out the issue of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhaging (EIPH), the official name for bleeding. Attempting to manage COADY PHOTOGRAPHY

this condition instead will require expensive treatments starting well in advance of and after a race. The additional veterinary bills replacing what had been a very effective $20 Lasix shot will help drive middle-class horse owners away from the game. It is nothing short of class warfare. Research suggests EIPH is systemic to the species, not hereditary, and Lasix helps to prevent or reduce bleeding. Lasix—given four hours before racing by state veterinarians and the only permitted race-day medication in the vast majority of jurisdictions—is a very closely monitored, highly regulated, transparent and effective program proven over the past 40 years to be in a horse’s well-being and best interest. Running a horse on Lasix also is a choice and should remain so. To this point, there is no credible study showing that administering Lasix causes horses to suffer bone or soft-tissue injuries. There is substantial science that the medication helps prevent or reduce the incidence of bleeding. Lasix allows horses to run to their God-given ability and nothing more. But increasing the chances that a horse will experience EIPH also increases the chance that the horse won’t run to its ability, which ultimately reduces its value, possibly to zero. I believe these new rules will not only dramatically hurt the business but will discourage new participants and the betting public. The new Lasix rules play into the hands of animal rights extremists, who, in my opinion, are salivating for a photo or video opportunity to present itself. They want to see our horses bleed profusely to hand them more emotional ammunition in their pursuit to end all horse racing. And you know the pre-Lasix way to try to prevent EIPH? Withholding water and hay for 24 hours or more before a race to get the same effect that Lasix does humanely in a short timeframe. Think of that as an optic. There are plenty of ways that horses don’t pan out, including being too slow or even self-induced injuries. Why make it even harder for an owner to be successful? I’m waiting for someone to announce their plan to produce horses that don’t bleed, rather than leaving us poor suckers who buy them holding the bag if they do. If breeders truly believe EIPH is hereditary, perhaps they should stop putting known bleeders into the reproductive pipeline. They are talking out both sides of their mouths. I have been a horse racing fan my entire life, going to the track as a kid with my dad. Now, even as I achieve my dream, I have to question if there’s a better way to spend my hard-earned money. I know I’m not alone. If our industry is on a quest to eliminate catastrophic injuries then we need to be improving track surfaces, not deflecting the media through a partial elimination of Lasix, which actually benefits our horses. HJ

Chester Thomas

Madisonville, Kentucky

CHESTER THOMAS AND JOCKEY GABE SAEZ CELEBRATING AFTER MR. MONEY WON THE 2019 MATT WINN STAKES (G3) AT CHURCHILL DOWNS.

The Horsemen’s Journal welcomes letters from National HBPA members. Letters may be edited for length and clarity, and not all submitted letters will be published. To submit a letter, please email hj@hbpa.org. THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

OFFICIALSPONSOR SPONSOR OFFICIAL of the the National NationalHBPA HBPA of

w Yello ent 6911 SW

y Dais 6910

SW Gri 70 ffin 26

W el l-B re d SW Bro 70 wn 27

rb SW yshir 67 e 41

fid Con

SHERWIN WILLIAMS Save up to 40% discount on Sherwin Williams paints, in-store products and wall coverings.

JOHN DEERE John Deere offers substantial discounts on everything from mowers and tractors to GatorsTM, hay equipment and construction pieces. • The MSRP Program – Professional operations can save up to 28% on select equipment • The Cash Bonus Program – All members can save up to $2,700 with vouchers that are stackable with special financing • Construction Equipment – All members can save up to 26% on select equipment

OFFICE DEPOT Office Depot outfits offices with everything from office and computer supplies to paper and office furniture. From farm office to home office, you are eligible for up to a 70% discount!

A percentage of every sale through Equine Discounts is returned to the equine industry!

As an active member of an equine association you are eligible for significant savings on these nationally known products!

OFFICIALSPONSOR SPONSOR OFFICIAL of the the National NationalHBPA HBPA of

RED BRAND Red Brand offers Keepsafe V-Mesh Horse Fence and Non-Climb Horse Fence are recognized worldwide by stable managers, breeders, veterinarians and horse owners as the very safest for horses. Save up to $20 per roll on Red Brand Horse Fence with exclusive AHC rebates.

BIG ASS FANS BAF is committed to Energy Efficient Air movement and providing comfort to the equine industry. Equine members will receive up to a 25% discount on qualifying purchases for all Equine Facilities and Personal Residences.

Call 866-678-4289 to start saving! www.NTRAadvantage.com

FINISH LINE FULL PAGE AD PART 1

FINISH LINE FULL PAGE AD PART 2

OFFICIALSPONSOR SPONSOR OFFICIAL of the the National NationalHBPA HBPA of

NOMINATE NOW! THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY EMPLOYEE AWARDS PRESENTED BY

USA

The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards recognize the drive and commitment to excel in the horseracing and breeding industry. They are separated into seven categories, with trophies for the winners and prize money totalling $128,000.

Be inspired by last year’s winners at tiea.org/2019-winners and nominate your hero 8

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS

Churchill Downs to Stage Kentucky Derby 146 with Spectators on September 5

hurchill Downs announced that, after consultation with Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky state public health officials, the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve and the Longines Kentucky Oaks will occur with spectators under strict guidelines. Kentucky Derby Week will be held September 1-5 with the Oaks on Friday, September 4, and the Derby on Saturday, September 5. “We truly appreciate the leadership of the governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, and all of the hard work, collaboration and guidance that state and local officials and public health experts have provided us to safely and responsibly host Kentucky Derby Week in September with spectators,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Kevin Flanery. “Our team is deeply committed to holding the very best Kentucky Derby ever, and we will take all necessary steps to protect the health and safety of all who attend and participate in the Derby. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have established a comprehensive set of operating procedures, which include a multitude of precautionary measures to be followed while fans are in attendance at our facility. We are determined to keep our customers, employees and communities as safe as we responsibly can.” Churchill Downs’ plan was developed in conjunction with advice and counsel set forth by the Louisville Metro Health Department and Kentucky’s Healthy at Work guidance. Some of the steps that will be taken to ensure guest and employee safety include: • V enue capacity reductions will be made to limit overall crowd density, including for general admission, outdoor reserved seating, premium dining and suites. More information on ticketing and seating areas will be released soon and also will be sent directly to ticket holders. • G eneral admission tickets will be limited to a specified number and only grant access to the infield. No general admission will be allowed in the “front side” or paddock areas of the facility. • A ccess throughout the facility will be severely limited. • Credentials for employees, media and guests will be reduced. • B arn area access will be restricted to essential personnel. Guests and parties in the barn area for morning workouts and during race days will be eliminated.

• A revised Fan Code of Conduct will establish expectations for guests coming to the Derby. 

G uests will be consistently and frequently encouraged to wear a mask at all times unless seated in their reserved seat or venue. This includes when:  Riding on a shuttle  Traveling through the venue  Going to the restroom  Placing an in-person wager  Purchasing food or beverages from a concession stand



G uests will be asked to wash their hands for 20 seconds or sanitize them frequently and will be encouraged to socially distance themselves from others when possible.

More detailed and additional information will be provided at kentuckyderby.com/updates. “The impact of the Kentucky Derby extends well beyond the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs,” Flanery said. “It is an incredibly important time for the City of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky both culturally and economically and with respect to our time-honored traditions. Both employees and guests are asked to take an active role in following all guidelines. We must all do our part to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.” Tickets purchased for the originally scheduled Kentucky Derby Week dates are automatically valid for the new race dates. Guests may arrive on the new dates in September with their printed ticket or mobile ticket to be scanned for entry at the gates. Guests who have purchased a ticket and are not able to attend the newly scheduled race dates can visit kentuckyderby.com/ticketstatus for more information. The Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course, originally scheduled for May 16, was postponed to October 3. Spectators are expected to be allowed for that race; however, details have not yet been announced. The Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, traditionally the third leg of the Triple Crown, was held June 20 with Sackatoga Stable’s Tiz the Law winning as the 4-5 favorite. Manuel Franco rode the Constitution colt for trainer Barclay Tagg. The race was run at 1 1/8 miles instead of the traditional 1 ½-mile distance and without spectators in attendance.

ACKERLEY IMAGES

• C hanges in venue operations will be made to limit person-to-person touchpoints.

• Team member protocols will be established to protect employees and guests.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

Thoroughbred Racing Groups Launch National Ad Campaign

he Breeders’ Cup and The Jockey Club have launched a national ad campaign titled “Still Running Strong” to promote Thoroughbred racing as major racetracks across the country resume live racing without spectators during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign, which includes broadcast, digital and social media elements, comes at a time when other major sports are on hiatus and horse racing is receiving unprecedented levels of live television coverage on NBC Sports and Fox Sports.

DENIS BLAKE

Significant financial support for the campaign was also provided by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA); TVG, an affiliate of the FanDuel Group; the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA); and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). “As more of our major venues get back to live racing and with people at home seeking diversion and entertainment, we wanted to be proactive about promoting the sport to a broader audience,” said Drew Fleming, president and CEO of the Breeders’ Cup. “Horse racing has a unique opportunity to lead the way as we resume operations safely and, in doing so, provide fun and excitement for millions of sports fans and bettors across the country.” The campaign highlights the bond between human and horse along with the thrill of watching and betting on horses, which sets horse racing apart. Digital

and social media executions promote the legal online wagering aspects of the sport, directing people to a new landing page on the America’s Best Racing website, featuring fan education materials, wagering basics and links to horse racing’s advance deposit wagering platforms. “With racing returning to major circuits and the addition of many hours of live programming on Fox Sports and NBC Sports, there is now a unique opportunity to appeal to new fans and ask them to sample Thoroughbred racing,” said Jim Gagliano, president and COO of The Jockey Club. “Our goal is to increase awareness of racing as an option for these potential customers, engage with them, provide the initial tools for them to learn more and break down barriers to participation. We are grateful to NTRA, TVG, KTA and TOBA for supporting our efforts to promote racing and look forward to working with others to grow the campaign.” “On behalf of our member tracks and horsemen’s organizations, we are happy to support this collaborative effort, especially during this unique window of opportunity,” said Alex Waldrop, NTRA president and CEO. While most professional sports seasons have been sidelined or restricted to mitigate risks associated with human-to-human contact in the midst of the pandemic, horse racing has been able to operate safely in many jurisdictions under strict screening, sanitation and health protocols under guidance from public health officials and other experts. The campaign will run on NBC Sports, FOX Sports and a variety of targeted digital and social channels. It was developed by Boston-based agency CTP, the Breeders’ Cup’s longtime advertising agency. For more information, visit americasbestracing.net/strong.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWS

National Museum of Racing Resumes Construction on Hall of Fame Education Experience Project

he National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame recently resumed construction on the new Hall of Fame Education Experience after a two-month delay because of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent “New York State on PAUSE” executive order. The museum, which has been closed for the renovations since January, was originally scheduled to open to the public on July 16, coinciding with opening day at Saratoga Race Course. A new opening date was to be announced later this summer. “We’re excited that we are able to move forward with the Hall of Fame Education Experience,” said Cate Johnson, the museum’s director. “This is an important project for the museum and the sport of Thoroughbred racing, and we look forward to sharing it with everyone as soon as possible. The work is going well, and we are adhering to all state regulations and best practices related to health and safety.”

The Hall of Fame Education Experience will feature a reimagined and dynamic new Hall of Fame, including a state-of-the-art signature film and cutting-edge interactive Hall of Fame digital plaques. The new plaques will include an in-depth multimedia look at the lives and careers of each human and equine member of the Hall of Fame. The project also includes a complete renovation of the adjoining Race Day Gallery and other updates throughout the museum. The new Hall of Fame will inspire existing and new fans through a better understanding of the deep level of mastery of craft required of Thoroughbreds, jockeys, trainers, owners and breeders to reach the highest levels of the sport, as well as establish a new standard for dramatic and immersive interactive experiences throughout the museum. To date, the museum has raised more than $13 million toward the Hall of Fame Education Experience, which was announced in August 2018. The project’s campaign goal is $20 million. For more information or to donate to the Hall of Fame Education Experience, visit racingmuseum.org.

The Jockey Club Adopts Rule Regarding Thoroughbred Stallion Breedings

he Jockey Club board of stewards announced May 7 that it has adopted a final rule limiting the annual breeding of individual stallions. The rule reflects The Jockey Club’s goal to preserve the health of the Thoroughbred breed for the long term and will apply prospectively to stallions born in 2020 or later. Effective immediately, The Jockey Club’s Principal Rules and Requirements of the American Studbook are amended by adding the following italicized language to the text of Rule 14C: “C. Based on the information on a completed Report of Mares Bred form, The Jockey Club will forward to the stallion owner, lessee or authorized agent a preprinted Service Certificate for each broodmare bred, including the name of the stallion, the name of the broodmare, the name of the dam of the broodmare, and the date of the last cover. The total number of broodmares bred per individual stallion whose year of birth is 2020 or thereafter shall not exceed 140 per calendar year in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Jockey Club shall limit the number of Stallion Service Certificates for such stallions to a maximum of 140 per calendar year. When the stallion owner, lessee or authorized agent receives the preprinted Service Certificate, it should be examined for accuracy; signed by the stallion owner, lessee or authorized agent; and forwarded to the breeder of the foal or submitted to The Jockey Club through Interactive Registration at registry.jockeyclub.com. The Service Certificate is required to register a foal. Service Certificates will not be THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

issued unless a completed Report of Mares Bred form is on file at The Jockey Club and until genetic or re-DNA typing of the stallion has been completed (see Rule 5).” In an effort to illustrate the operation of the new rule, The Jockey Club offers the following examples of how it will be applied: (1) For stallions born in 2019 and earlier, there will be no limit to the number of mares reported bred in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Jockey Club will issue stallion certificates for all mares bred by such stallions within the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico during a calendar year. (2) For stallions born in 2020 and later, the maximum number of mares covered within the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico in a calendar year will be 140. It would be a violation of Rule 14C for such a stallion to cover more than 140 mares within the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico during a calendar year. The aforementioned limit will apply to all mares bred during a calendar year regardless of when The Jockey Club receives a Report of Mares bred (or any amendments or supplements thereto). The Jockey Club will modify its Report of Mares Bred form and other related forms in recognition of the amendment to Rule 14. Stallion service certificates will be issued on the basis of first cover date in the order of mares listed on the Report of Mares Bred. The Jockey Club is grateful for the many thoughtful comments in response to its rule proposal. The stewards carefully considered those comments in formulating a rule that will promote diversity of the Thoroughbred gene pool and protect the long-term health of the breed. The Jockey Club will continue to maintain the Principal Rules and Requirements of the American Studbook in keeping with its mission to ensure the health of the Thoroughbred breed.

Amplify Horse Racing Initiative Launches Website to Educate New Fans

mplify Horse Racing, an initiative to welcome newcomers to the Thoroughbred industry and educate them about the sport, launched its website in May. A grassroots organization started in 2019 by secondyear Godolphin Flying Start trainee Annise Montplaisir and Madison Scott of Solis/Litt Bloodstock, Amplify Horse Racing has, to date, provided enhanced educational experiences for 136 youth, young adults and their families; reached more than 1,000 university students with educational material; and raised $30,000 for college scholarships. This has been made possible through collaborations with organizations that include the New York Racing Association, Keeneland, Horse Country, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, Kentucky 4-H Horse Project and the Retired Racehorse Project.

“Our goal for Amplify has been to become ‘Step One’ for newcomers to learn about the Thoroughbred industry,” Montplaisir said. “We want this website and the resources we’ve curated to be a roadmap from basic to technical learning and how to become involved and attain a job. There are many outreach initiatives within racing like Horse Country, Godolphin Flying Start, the Retired Racehorse Project and Keeneland’s College Scholarship Day. This organization will magnify positive work already being accomplished.” “Exposing developing minds to Kentucky’s signature industry is important for the prosperity of our state,” said Price Bell of Mill Ridge Farm in Lexington, Kentucky, and a driving force of Horse Country. “We want to protect, promote and connect this incredible industry with those interested and passionate. There are a multitude of opportunities within our sport whether it be with a horse, camera, lab equipment, rasp, microphone or any other job our industry touches. It is our responsibility to open doors and help people walk through.” After the website launch, the Amplify team held a live virtual session to answer questions about the organization. They will subsequently hold virtual educational “hangouts” with guest appearances for those interested in learning about the industry. For more information, to share ideas for collaboration or internship opportunities or to volunteer as a mentor, email info@amplifyhorseracing.org or visit amplifyhorseracing.org. HJ

Trusted Accreditation. The TAA accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain and rehome Thoroughbreds using industry-wide funding. www.thoroughbredaftercare.org | (859) 224-2756 | Photo by Suzie Picou-Oldham

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

The Industry’s BEST Benefits...

OFFICIALSPONSOR SPONSOR OFFICIAL of the the National NationalHBPA HBPA of

EQUINE EQUIPMENT SAVE UP TO 26% OFF MSRP And SAVE BIG on New Holland ...

TWO WAYS TO SAVE HOW DOES THIS WORK? It’s easy. Contact our office.

NOW more

than ever, it’s

TIME TO COMPARE

We contact your local dealer.

You save!

MANUFACTURERS DISCOUNTS FOR THE HORSE WORLD

Call 1 (877) 905-0004 | www.EquineEquipment.com Proudly Serving the USA and Canada.

One. Helping Many.

“TCA’s support of the Thoroughbred Makeover has helped thousands of horses get a solid foundation of retraining after racing.”

“TCA’s grants provide financial assistance to our food pantry that serves all the backstretch workers.”

“TCA’s grants have allowed us to rehome thousands of Thoroughbreds throughout the years.”

Jen Roytz, Retired Racehorse Project

Chaplain Humberto Chavez, New York Racetrack Chaplaincy of America

Bev Strauss, Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue

Thoroughbred Charities of America provides grants to approved organizations working to help Thoroughbreds, backstretch, and farm workers. Please consider a donation today. P.O. Box 910668, Lexington, Kentucky 40591 | TCA.org | (859) 276-4989

A DV ERT ISEMEN T

From Bleeding

to Winning

New Natural Approach Can Stop Bleeding In Its Tracks // BY MARK HANSEN

There it was again. A trainer’s worst nightmare. Suddenly not just one, but two of his best horses were bleeding from EIPH (Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage). They were in danger of being banned from racing, even though they were still in their prime. Lasix (Salix) wasn’t cutting it this time. The trainer was at a loss. What can be done? EIPH is a rough deal for any trainer, horse owner, and horse. After all, it can lead to poor performance, lost training days, costly treatments, or worse — a very sick horse that’s banned from racing for life. Facing these concerns for two of his horses, the trainer (who asked us to withhold his name for competitive reasons) was willing to try anything. So, he searched for another option. He gave his horses an alternative

to bleeder drugs and treatments; something he had read about called BMFFEFS4IJFME. This natural respiratory horse supplement helps control bleeding. It is just as effective in improving the health and performance of bleeders but without any of those “drug issues” that come with most race-day bleeder medications. “I used Bleeder4IJFME paste on two horses that had been bleeding. Now, neither horse has bled. This is a great product; it saved the careers of two very good horses.” The Science Behind Bleeder4IJFME To understand how UIF QBTUF works, we looked at a controlled study run by veterinarians at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. They investigated the effects of the active ingredient in Bleeder4IJFME,

yunnan baiyao, which has been shown to help reduce bleeding in people and animals. The veterinary team wanted to see how this active ingredient specifically affected bleeding in horses. They measured template bleeding times in horses before and after receiving a supplement with the active ingredient. The researchers reported that the supplement significantly reduced bleeding time. They concluded that the active ingredient in Bleeder4IJFME was effective at minimizing blood loss in horses.1 What surprised us the most about Bleeder4IJFME is its effectiveness without the use of drugs. Having a drug-free option is critical in countries that ban most race-day EIPH medications. And even though Lasix/Salix isn’t banned in the USA yet, its day may be coming. There’s a serious need NOW for a natural solution that can help control bleeding in performance horses. Trainers and owners alike are impressed with the results they are seeing from Bleeder4IJFME. One winning trainer told us: “I have horses that bleed and when I use this product I have no problems. I’m sure there are a lot of products on the market but I stand behind this one all the way.” Now you can improve the health of your horses while protecting the investment in their racing careers. With the results from the scientific studies, you can expect Bleeder4IJFME to reduce bleeding events in horses during intense exercise… repair damaged blood vessels … and provide support for normal lung function and normal blood flow.2 Best of all, Bleeder4IJFME is easy AND affordable. It could be the smartest investment you make to avoid pricey problems related to EIPH. It’s well worth the small price to avoid a banning risk or losing a great horse. A company spokesperson confirmed an exclusive offer for Horsemen’s Journal readers: if you order Bleeder4IJFME this month, you’ll receive $10 off your first order by using promo code HJ10 at checkout. You can order Bleeder4IJFME today at www.Bleeder4IJFME.com or by calling 800-557-9055. 1. Graham L. et al. J Vet Emerg Crit Care. 12:4 (2002) 279-282. 2. Graham L. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2006.

FEATURE NEWS

HBPA NEWS NATIONAL HBPA PROVIDES COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR RACETRACKS AND HORSEMEN “The COVID-19 health and economic crisis has devastated industries,” Hamelback continued. “Horse racing and its supporting agribusinesses are no different, and while income has ceased, expenses have remained constant. However, unlike many businesses and industries, horse racing has a solution. Spectator-free racing poses a minimal safety risk, is costeffective and is logistically practical while still adhering to current national and state safety protocols. Every racetrack has a surrounding community that will benefit if horse racing is allowed to be conducted under these highly controlled conditions.” The link to the complete list of guidelines is on the National HBPA’s website at hbpa.org. In addition, the NHBPA has launched a dedicated COVID-19 information page on its website. Compiled with information provided by the American Horse Council, the page provides a wide range of links to help horsemen, including protocols for barn safety, best practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and information about financial resources to help horsemen and equine businesses. The page is accessible by clicking the COVID-19 banner at hbpa.org. “I want to applaud horsemen for supporting each other and showing tremendous commitment for their horses, even during the period when nearly all racing was halted,” Hamelback said. “Our industry, like all others, will need time to recover, but I am confident that by working together we can make that happen. Thankfully, many of our racetracks have been able to reopen, though without spectators. The National HBPA office and all of our affiliates are still working to fulfill the needs of horsemen, and we encourage horsemen to contact us if we can be of assistance.” HJ

ACKERLEY IMAGES

As horsemen across North America continue to train and care for their Thoroughbreds during the COVID-19 pandemic, the National HBPA and its affiliates stand ready to assist and support them during these challenging times. To that end, the National HBPA has been active in promoting measures to ensure live racing can continue during this crisis and has been providing information to help horsemen operate safely. The National HBPA—using effective policies in place at Gulfstream Park, Oaklawn Park and Tampa Bay Downs and in consultation with other authorities—assembled a list of best practices to assist the industry in getting back up and running. The information was disseminated through racing media and local affiliates. The NHBPA and other entities urged tracks and racing commissions to begin spectator-less racing that is both safe and compliant with Centers for Disease Control guidelines and social distancing directives. Eric Hamelback, CEO of the NHBPA, said the purpose of developing the template for conducting racing without fans was to have the information in a working document as a reference tool for tracks and regulatory bodies. “We’re not trying to tell government, health officials and racing commissions what to do,” Hamelback said. “Our intent is to provide insight into protocols that worked successfully at two of the largest race meets in America, Gulfstream and Oaklawn Park, and elsewhere. We hope it provides a path forward and others will continue to develop best practices. Horse racing is different from other industries in that our workers must continue to feed, exercise, bathe and groom our horses. That went on at many more tracks even when there was no racing. It’s notable that the actual racing component involves far fewer people to stage than morning training.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

PROUDLY SUPPORTS

THE NATIONAL HBPA

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

FEATURE NEWS

RESEARCH AND MEDICATION UPDATE

Virtual Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit Concludes with Update on the Equine Injury Database The ninth Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, held this year as a series of weekly webinars due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, concluded June 9 with a presentation on findings from the Equine Injury Database (EID). The webinars were hosted by the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, which had previously hosted eight in-person summits. director for the New York State Gaming Commission. The group emphasized the importance of transparency in medical records throughout a horse’s racing career. The May 26 webinar featured Dr. Mick Peterson, executive director of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory and professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Kentucky. Peterson focused on the laboratory’s maintenance quality system, which monitors track conditions. His presentation also included interviews with Glen Kozak, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) senior vice president of operations and capital projects; Jim Pendergest, general manager of The Thoroughbred Center and director of surfaces at Keeneland; Dr. Stephanie Bonin, biomedical engineer at MEA Forensic; and Dennis Moore, track superintendent at Del Mar and Santa Anita. The fourth webinar was moderated by Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, The Jockey Club steward for NYRA, on June 2. This session featured a presentation by Dr. Sue Stover, professor of surgical and radiological sciences at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. She delved into findings from the California Horse Racing Board’s postmortem program. Stover noted that catastrophic injuries are the result of preexisting conditions and tend to occur in predictable locations. Among the major accomplishments that have evolved from the previous eight summits are the Equine Injury Database; the Jockey Injury Database; the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory; a uniform trainer test and study guide; the racing surfaces white paper and publication of educational bulletins for track maintenance; the publication of stallion durability statistics; the Hoof: Inside and Out DVD, available in English and Spanish; protocols for horses working off of the veterinarian’s list; recommended regulations that void the claim of horses suffering injuries during a race; and inclement weather protocols. All presentations from the summit are available on Grayson’s YouTube channel at bit.ly/graysonchannel. HJ

ACKERLEY IMAGES

Dr. Tim Parkin, professor of veterinary epidemiology at the University of Glasgow, delivered the EID presentation, and Dr. Mary Scollay, executive director and chief operating officer of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium, moderated the webinar. Parkin described the risk factors for fatal injury in Thoroughbred racehorses based on data from the database. Risk factors included history of previous industry, time spent on the veterinarian’s list, increased age at first start, changing trainers and time spent with a trainer, track surface and condition, race distance and racing in claiming races. “Even though we were unable to host an in-person Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, we felt it was important to offer these webinars to inform industry stakeholders and the public on the work being done to protect our equine athletes and enhance equine welfare,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson. “We thank our presenters and moderators for taking the time to discuss the important work they are doing to protect equine athletes.” The summit kicked off May 12 with a presentation by Dr. Katherine Garrett of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, who discussed the uses and advantages of different imaging modalities. She also highlighted common injuries to the fetlock. On May 19, Dr. Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer of The Stronach Group, moderated a panel consisting of Dr. Ryan Carpenter, a private veterinarian in California; Dr. William Farmer, the equine medical director for Churchill Downs Incorporated; and Dr. Scott Palmer, the equine medical

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

THE SALE IS ON, AND IT’S GOING TO BE BIG! The TEXAS SUMMER YEARLING SALE will feature approximately 175 head this year, including the addition of a session for 2-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age. We are taking all the necessary safety precautions to have buyers and sellers on site, and we are also adding a state-of-the-art live online bidding system with live video for those who cannot attend in person.

AUGUST 24 • LONE STAR PARK AT GRAND PRAIRIE

our er for Regist idding nline b o w e n at system ! es.com TASal T . w w w

Visit www.TTASALES.com to view our enhanced digital sale catalog with photos and videos for selected hips! For more information, call Sale Director Tim Boyce at (972) 523-0332 or the TTA office at (512) 458-6133. THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

Part One of Two

FEATURE

TWO TRACKS, ONE LEGACY

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON PARK

Champion horses and horsemen frequented the famed Chicago track before its fiery demise By J. Keeler Johnson parade of unforgettable exploits from Calumet’s renowned Thoroughbreds. They watched Whirlaway make a mockery of the 1941 American Derby. They saw the filly Twilight Tear go four-for-four in the summer of 1944, beating males in the Classic and the Skokie Handicap. They cheered as Armed won back-toback editions of the Washington Park Handicap, and they applauded when Coaltown won the Whirlaway Stakes. Yes, the Whirlaway, named for Coaltown’s own stablemate. But the glorious domination of Calumet Farm reached its peak on August 16, 1947. In the six-furlong Washington Park Futurity, entrymates Bewitch, Citation and Free America gave Calumet Farm a 1-2-3 sweep of the $78,050 prize. It was an extraordinary achievement, made all the more so with the passing of time. Bewitch, a future Hall of Famer, would retire as North America’s richest filly or mare, and Citation would join his stablemate in the Hall of Fame after sweeping the Triple Crown and become the first horse to surpass $1 million in earnings.

THIS 1945 PHOTO SHOWS A CROWD OF APPROXIMATELY 45,000 PACKED INTO THE TRACK, WHICH FEATURED ONE OF THE LARGEST GRANDSTANDS AND RACING OVALS IN THE COUNTRY.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION

en Jones was a real horseman. Not many folks would have the patience and talent to gradually turn an unpredictable, frustrating colt like Whirlaway into a Triple Crown champion. Jones’ son Jimmy learned from the best. Between the two of them, they split training duties for Calumet Farm, conditioning an abundance of high-class horses from coast to coast. Having two trainers meant Calumet Farm could tackle multiple racing circuits at once, and no lucrative prize was safe from the stable’s famous devil’s red-and-blue silks. Keeping up with the Joneses was virtually impossible. How could anyone compete with a stable that cranked out champions and Hall of Fame inductees like clockwork? Every summer during the glory days of the 1940s, the Calumet Farm contingent would embark on a journey to Chicago to patronize the summer meet at Washington Park. Owned and managed by Ben Lindheimer, a dedicated promoter of high-class racing, Washington Park and its sister track, Arlington Park, comprised a summer circuit on par with any in the nation. Through the years, Chicago racing fans enjoyed a seemingly endless

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION

BEWITCH (INSIDE) DEFEATS CITATION (CENTER) AND FREE AMERICA TO COMPLETE A CALUMET FARM SWEEP OF THE 1947 WASHINGTON PARK FUTURITY; BEWITCH AND CITATION WERE LATER INDUCTED INTO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING AND HALL OF FAME.

racetrack. The club’s first president was U.S. Army General Philip H. Sheridan, famous for his leadership during the Civil War and later for advocating for the creation of Yellowstone Park. With the patronage of elite socialites, the original Washington Park was constructed at a cost of $150,000 and proceeded to embark on a two-decade run marked by incredible highs and frustrating lows. On June 7, 1884, three weeks before opening day, some 3,000 guests attended the unveiling of the Ask a racing historian to tell you the tale of Washington Park, and they’ll ornate clubhouse. The following day, the Chicago Tribune described the scene: likely respond with a question of their own: “Which one?” About 3 o’clock the carriages containing the guests began to arrive. Entering Two different racetracks in the Chicago area have carried the Washington the grounds at the main gate the carriages drove to the porte-cochère of the clubPark name with aplomb. The stories everyone knows so well—the ones packed house, where numerous grooms stood in readiness to take charge of the vehicles … with legendary horses and horsemen—took place at the second Washington Nothing had been omitted from the arrangements that could enhance the Park and can be considered the sequel to a sprawling saga spanning nearly pleasure of the occasion. Upon the lawn that extends from the clubhouse to a century. the track an orchestra was stationed … From the club-house, out the grounds, The Washington Park Jockey Club was created in 1883, with hundreds and away along the drive as far as could be seen, came carriage after carriage of prominent Chicago citizens pooling resources to construct a grand new … At one time the carriages arrived more rapidly than they could be disposed of, and quite a blockade was formed, the line of vehicles extending a quarter of a mile from the gates … The club-house is complete in its appointments, and received flattering commendation from all. The first object one sees upon coming within view of the park is a Gothic structure of three stories which presents an attractive pile of gables, dormer windows, balconies, and verandas. The structure is of the rural English style … The clubhouse was to be used exclusively for members of the Washington Park Jockey Club and members of the press. For everyday racing fans and bettors, there was the grandstand, measuring more than 500 feet in length. “It sits back from the track and upon an elevation of five and one-half feet,” wrote the Chicago Tribune. “Greensward slopes to the tracks, and from no position in the stand or from the lawn in front will not the horses be visible from any point on the track.” The annual highlight at Washington Park was the American Derby, a 1 ½-mile race for 3-year-olds that was arguably more prestigious in THIS UNDATED PHOTO OF THE ORIGINAL VERSION OF WASHINGTON PARK SHOWS THE its heyday than the Kentucky Derby. Certainly it was the richer prize; Another day, another stakes win for the Jones Boys. It’s safe to say the unstoppable Calumet Thoroughbreds were setting Washington Park on fire … figuratively, of course. The literal fire was still three decades away.

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

CLUBHOUSE LAWN.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

FEATURE when Spokane swept both races in 1889, he earned $15,400 for his triumph at Washington Park but just $4,880 for his victory in the Kentucky Derby. The American Derby was also the center of tremendous local celebrations on par with modern Kentucky Derby galas. The race “was the signal for almost a solid week’s celebration in Chicago,” recalled the Chicago Tribune of June 8, 1930. “There is a history back of the old race almost as colorful as the history of the Kentucky Derby … In the days before the automobile, the airplane, and other modern inventions for travel, women racing patrons went to the American Derby at old Washington Park in horse drawn vehicles—carryalls, carriages, and tallyhos. White was the predominating color, and flowing skirts and parasols were the fad.” Some of the most extraordinary gatherings took place in 1893, when the World’s Columbian Exposition came to Chicago. In keeping with the extravagance, Washington Park pulled out all the stops to host one of the richest meets ever conducted, distributing nearly $350,000 over the course of 25 race days. Benefiting from the global audience in town for the exposition, “the thoroughbreds which raced at Washington Park in 1893 performed before the largest and most cosmopolitan crowds that ever attended any running meeting anywhere in the world,” wrote John Hervey in the Daily Racing Form of September 1, 1922. “The atmosphere which prevailed was one of champagnelike effervescence. Enthusiasm was unbounded. Excitement was infectious. It was like some tremendous pageant, some gigantic spectacle, arranged for the edification of the whole world, in which that world played the double part of actor and spectator.”

The main attraction of the meet was a spectacularly rich edition of the American Derby, which carried a purse of $60,000, the second-highest amount awarded for any race in the 19th century. Money talks, and the rich purse attracted one of the strongest fields assembled for any race to that point in history. Indeed, The Baltimore Sun of June 26, 1893, declared the race to be “the greatest Derby ever run in this country.” Certainly the competition was stellar. Lookout, Plutus and Boundless, the top three finishers from the Kentucky Derby, were among 15 starters in the 1 ½-mile race. They were joined by future Hall of Fame inductee Clifford, accomplished juvenile Don Alonzo and English shipper Strathmore, to name just a few. But the American Derby didn’t take place without incident. There were no starting gates in 1893, and lining up the American Derby starters proved to be an agonizing exercise in patience and frustration. In The History of Thoroughbred Racing in America, author William H.P. Robertson notes the horses were at the post for an hour and 33 minutes, suffering a staggering 25 false starts before they were sent away in a clean line. “Fully 75,000 people, crushed and jammed into almost a compact mass, screamed with excitement at the conclusion of the event,” wrote The Baltimore Sun. Perhaps they were screaming for runaway winner Boundless, who earned $49,500 while clocking the track record time of 2:36 flat. Then again, maybe they were screaming with relief that the race had finally been run. Unfortunately, racing at old Washington Park was short-lived. Various factors, including waning popularity among socialites and anti-gambling campaigns in Illinois, pushed Washington Park in and out of business until it closed for good in 1905, when Illinois enacted a blanket ban on gambling.

AMERICAN DERBY DAY, PICTURED HERE IN 1893, WAS ONE OF THE ERA’S BIGGEST RACING EVENTS. KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

“Washington Park attempted to run [in 1904] on the revenue obtained simply from the gate receipts, and the races lasted just three days, causing a loss of several thousand dollars to the management,” wrote the St. Louis (Missouri) Post-Dispatch of July 30, 1905. “It was discovered that the people would not attend the races without being given a chance to lose their money.” For 20 years, the Washington Park name lingered as a mere memory. Then it came bursting back bigger and better than ever.

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A NEW HOME IN HOMEWOOD

It was probably inevitable that racing would eventually return to the Chicago area. During the Great Depression, racetracks popped up left and right as states realized they could tax wagering and generate revenue. But Washington Park was actually ahead of the game. As Robertson recounted in The History of Thoroughbred Racing in America, “when oral betting THIS EARLY PHOTOGRAPH OF THE SECOND VERSION OF WASHINGTON PARK SHOWS THE TRACK’S was declared legal in Illinois in 1924, efforts were begun UNIQUE TOTEBOARD. immediately to provide Chicago with another luxury track.” officials, it seemed the state was poised to do battle with itself over the legality Legalized pari-mutuel wagering soon followed, paving the way for a rebirth of of the track. In the end, Washington Park management secured an injunction horse racing in Illinois. allowing them to proceed as planned, and opening day went off without Of course, rebuilding Washington Park in its original location was interruption. impossible. In the Daily Racing Form of September 1, 1922, Hervey explained: The inaugural race meet contained plenty of highlights. Kentucky Oaks “Today, even the experienced eye of an winner Black Maria scored a memorable victory in the Illinois Oaks, and the old-time Chicagoan can detect … no American Derby (first at 1 ½ miles, then shortened to 1 ¼ miles in 1928) trace which might betray the fact that a returned in all its history-making glory with a purse of $106,000, the highest race track once existed there. The entire offered to that date for any race in North America. Boot to Boot, a classy colt tract of what was once Washington owned by Colonel E.R. Bradley, beat Display (later to retire as the “Iron Horse” Park is now a maze of city blocks and for racing 103 times over six seasons) and Black Maria to claim the $89,000 to and fro, where once the hoofbeats of winner’s prize. [America’s] best thoroughbreds beat out But while the racing progressed smoothly, Washington Park’s troubles their music before cheering multitudes, weren’t over. It turned out the track lacked the financial wherewithal to trolley cars, trucks, express wagons and afford such lavish prizes. With daily purse distribution averaging $13,390, every sort of vehicle of business and among the highest payouts in the country, the track’s finances quickly entered pleasure ply through the busy streets.” the red. “Washington Park lost money on the meeting,” noted Robertson, “and Instead, the new Washington Park although it was eventually made good, the fabulous winner’s check for the was constructed in Homewood, a south American Derby bounced on first presentation.” Chicago suburb. Opening day was In the end, it was Matt Winn—fabled savior of Churchill Downs and the scheduled for July 3, 1926, coinciding Kentucky Derby—who stepped in to save Washington Park. As recounted by with Independence Day weekend. Robertson, “Winn organized a syndicate which purchased Washington Park What should have been a and put it on a sounder financial basis.” Winn didn’t stay involved for long, celebration of a grand new racetrack selling the facility in 1935 to Walter Gregory and Benjamin Lindheimer, but wound up turning into a political his brief participation gave Washington Park the boost it needed to survive its battleground. Even as excitement built formative years. for opening day, when 35,000 fans were With Lindheimer running the show, Washington Park would rise to heights expected to attend, it became widely never previously scaled by Illinois racing. known that state’s attorney Robert E. Crowe intended to raid the track with an army of deputies to “arrest anyone The new Washington Park was a massive, elongated track unique by THIS 1930 PROGRAM LISTS MATT WINN who patronized the cooperative betting modern standards. It measured 1 1/8 miles in circumference rather than the booths,” according to Robertson. AS THE TRACK’S PRESIDENT; HE IS BETTER KNOWN FOR HIS ROLE AT typical mile, with the homestretch coming in at 1,531 feet long, dwarfing the Considering Washington Park CHURCHILL DOWNS IN MAKING THE 1,234 ½-foot stretch at Churchill Downs and trumping by two-thirds the had the support of other government

THE CHAMPIONS ARRIVE

KENTUCKY DERBY AN ICONIC RACE.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION

FEATURE

THE FIELD FOR THE 1945 WASHINGTON PARK HANDICAP PASSES THE GRANDSTAND FOR THE FIRST TIME BEFORE BUSHER AND JOHNNY LONGDEN PREVAIL. OTHER WINNERS OF THE RACE, WHICH WAS LATER CONTESTED AT ARLINGTON PARK, INCLUDED ARMED, COALTOWN, SWAPS, ROUND TABLE, DR. FAGER AND SPECTACULAR BID.

919-foot stretch at Del Mar. “Washington Park’s homestretch was humongous,” recalled jockey Steve Brooks in the book Citation: In a Class by Himself, by Phil Georgeff. Brooks frequently rode for Calumet Farm and had plenty of experience at Washington Park. “The turns were a bit sharp and narrow, which favored speed. But that long home lane was the great equalizer—chocolate cake for late-runners.” A chute on the backstretch allowed mile races to be conducted around one turn, and this chute—coupled with the long straights—made Washington Park a very fast track. The summer of 1949 saw two American records fall there as Ky. Colonel clocked seven furlongs in 1:21 2/5 and Coaltown blazed a mile in 1:34 flat. Fast horses were also a factor, and Washington Park made every effort to attract the best. Illinois Governor Henry Horner was eager to see racing grow, and in 1938 wagering takeout was increased from 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent to fund higher purses. With more revenue on the table, Lindheimer and Gregory set their sights on challenging historic Saratoga as “the summer place to be” for elite equines. The Chicago Tribune of November 30, 1939, recounted a meeting of the Illinois racing commission at which Lindheimer promised to offer $340,000 in purses, far exceeding the $268,000 awarded by Saratoga that year. Leading the newly enhanced stakes schedule was the American Derby, returning to the agenda following a two-year hiatus. Mioland, racing for Charles Howard and Tom Smith of Seabiscuit fame, rolled to victory in 1940 and earned 24

a hefty $44,900. The value would only rise from there—throughout the 1940s and 1950s, the American Derby purse was comparable to that of the Preakness and Belmont stakes. Even more significant, the American Derby was three to five times richer than the Travers Stakes at Saratoga, making it a coveted summer target for the season’s best classic runners. Case in point? The list of winners became a who’s who of sophomore champions. Cavalcade (1934), Whirlaway (1941), Citation (1948), Ponder (1949) and Swaps (1955) all pulled off the Kentucky Derby/ American Derby double, while Alsab (1942), Fighting Step (1945), Hill Prince (1950) and Native Dancer (1953) all claimed the American Derby during their championship seasons. Calumet Farm’s Ponder was particularly impressive in 1949. Benefiting from a fast pace set by the previously mentioned record-setter Ky. Colonel, Ponder came rolling from off the pace under Steve Brooks to win by 2 ¼ lengths in 2:00 2/5, the fastest mile-and-a-quarter ever run by a 3-year-old to that point in time. Ponder’s victory gave Calumet Farm three straight wins in the American Derby, following Fervent in 1947 and Citation in 1948. Chicago racing fans appreciated the opportunity to see top-class horses in action, betting with both fists on short-priced favorites while cheering loudly for the equine stars. “It sometimes happens that a great baseball team, football team, or racing stable is so much better than its opposition that the fans get bored watching them win … The opposite is true about Warren Wright’s Calumet Farm THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

[Thoroughbreds],” wrote Arch Ward in the Chicago Tribune of August 27, 1949. “Jimmy Jones trains them and Steve Brooks rides them in a way that makes a great show … Just when you think they’re so far behind that they’re running in the next race, they begin drives that would bring anyone up out of his chair … Even when fans feel sure that the Calumets are going to get there, they can’t help but wonder how they’re going to make up all that ground.” Ward would reiterate the point in 1955 when Calumet sent Mark-Ye-Well for a spring assignment in the Balmoral Turf Handicap. “For the first time in many moons a Calumet Farm [Thoroughbred] has come into town for a big race without the [photographers] lining up three deep and the odds dropping to 3 to 5,” he wrote in the June 11 Chicago Tribune. “Folks who play the horses just aren’t used to Calumet’s colors showing hereabouts in the spring.”

Between 1941 and 1958, Horses of the Year Whirlaway (1941, 1942), Count Fleet (1943), Twilight Tear (1944), Busher (1945), Armed (1947), Citation (1948), Hill Prince (1950), Native Dancer (1952, 1954), Nashua (1955), Swaps (1956) and Round Table (1958) all competed at Washington Park, usually during their championship seasons. Four of those—Whirlaway, Twilight Tear, Armed and Citation—were, of course, Calumet runners. The takeaway? If you wanted to see the best horses in America during the 1940s and 1950s, you just needed to spend your summer at Washington Park. At one time or another, virtually all the great champions would stop by for a visit. Look for Part Two of this article in the fall issue of The Horsemen’s Journal or view it online now at hbpa.org. HJ

KEENELAND LIBRARY MORGAN COLLECTION

J. Keeler Johnson is a writer, videographer and horse racing enthusiast who contributes to BloodHorse, America’s Best Racing, BetAmerica, TwinSpires and Horse Racing Nation. A passionate fan of racing history, he considers Dr. Fager to be the greatest racehorse ever produced in North America but counts Zenyatta as his all-time favorite. Editor’s Note: The Horsemen’s Journal thanks the Keeneland Library (keeneland.com/keeneland-library) for providing many of the wonderful photographs for this article, as well as for many previous historical articles in this publication. Thanks also go to the Homewood Historical Society (homewoodhistoricalsociety.com) for additional photos. The Society runs a museum in Homewood that includes memorabilia from Washington Park.

NATIVE DANCER, WHOSE ONLY CAREER DEFEAT FROM 22 STARTS CAME IN THE 1953 KENTUCKY DERBY, WON THE AMERICAN DERBY UNDER EDDIE ARCARO LATER THAT YEAR IN HIS FINAL START AS A 3-YEAR-OLD.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION

FEATURE

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION

AN UNDATED PHOTO OF PEOPLE SETTING OFF FOR A DAY AT THE RACES AT OLD WASHINGTON PARK.

CROWDS PACKED THE INSIDE RAIL TO WATCH THE RACES AT OLD WASHINGTON PARK FROM THE INFIELD.

THE HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

CITATION (CENTER) ONLY LOST ONCE IN NINE STARTS AS A 2-YEAR-OLD, RUNNING SECOND TO STABLEMATE BEWITCH (ON RAIL) IN THE 1947 WASHINGTON PARK FUTURITY.

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION

THIS 1955 PHOTO SHOWS PART OF THE TOTEBOARD AND ONE OF THE PICTURESQUE INFIELD PONDS.

NASHUA IS PICTURED IN PREPARATION FOR HIS 1955 MATCH RACE AGAINST SWAPS, WHICH HE WON BY DAYLIGHT.

THE HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

THE OLD WASHINGTON PARK OPENED IN 1884, LONG BEFORE THE FIRST FORD MODEL T AUTOMOBILE WAS PRODUCED IN 1908.

Part two of Two

FEATURE

TWO TRACKS, ONE LEGACY

THE STORY OF WASHINGTON PARK

Champion horses and horsemen frequented the famed Chicago track before its fiery demise

f you wanted to see the best horses in America during the 1940s and 1950s, you just needed to spend your summer at Washington Park. At one time or another, virtually all the great champions would stop by

for a visit.

CLASS ON THE GRASS

Participation from Calumet Farm and the Jones Boys waned during the 1950s, coinciding with the decline of the Calumet stable as a whole. This shift could have dealt a blow to Washington Park’s national prominence, but two interrelated factors combined to keep the facility in the spotlight. One was the ongoing success of the American Derby. The other was the rising popularity of turf racing. The turf course at Washington Park was state-of-the-art; together with Arlington Park, which shared common ownership and management, the two tracks were the first in North America to install banked turns. At a time when grass racing in North America was only just gaining a foothold, Washington Park was quick to embrace its growing popularity. “Grass racing became quite popular at the two Chicago tracks, both for the fans and the horsemen,” wrote William Boniface in Baltimore’s The Evening

Sun of April 19, 1958. “Trainers found that some of their horses improved when racing on the softer surface.” Pursuing the trend wholeheartedly, Washington Park turned the American Derby into a 1 3⁄16-mile grass race in 1955. Nowadays, such a move would be roughly equivalent to switching Monmouth Park’s prestigious Haskell Invitational to turf, though at the time horsemen harbored no fear of racing high-class dirt horses on grass, and the quality of the American Derby hardly suffered. To prove the point, the first running on grass saw Kentucky Derby winner Swaps start as the 1-5 favorite. Any concerns bettors might have had regarding Swaps’ proclivity for grass were eliminated when the speedy colt took to the Washington Park turf course for a five-furlong workout two days before the race. He rocketed the distance in :57 2⁄5, eclipsing the North American grass record by two seconds, and he proceeded to dominate the American Derby in the course-record time of 1:54 3⁄5, equaling the American record. Before the race, “[jockey] Bill Shoemaker entertained the crowd by riding Swaps along the outer rail in the post parade and permitting fans to stroke the face and neck of the well-mannered colt,” wrote Joe Hirsch in The First Century: Daily Racing Form Chronicles 100 Years of Thoroughbred Racing. The surface switch was less lucrative for the connections of 1956 Kentucky

WHILE TURF RACING IS BOTH COMMON AND POPULAR TODAY, IT WAS STILL RELATIVELY NEW TO AMERICAN HORSES AND HORSEMEN IN THE MID-20TH CENTURY.

KEENELAND LIBRARY THOROUGHBRED TIMES COLLECTION

THEHORSEMEN’S HORSEMEN’SJOURNAL JOURNAL SUMMER SUMMER2020 2020 THE

THE MATCH RACE

There’s a reason why folks called Eddie Arcaro “the Master.” The acclaimed jockey of Triple Crown winners Whirlaway and Citation was a 39-year-old veteran when he arrived at Washington Park to ride in the greatest race the Chicago track ever held—a highly anticipated and widely publicized $100,000 match race between 1955 Kentucky Derby winner Swaps and Preakness/Belmont winner Nashua, organized through the patience and perseverance of Lindheimer. Arcaro, scheduled to ride the stoutly bred Nashua, had done his homework to prepare the winning strategy. Legendary trainer “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons had conditioned Nashua with fast workouts to build his speed, and Arcaro intended to commit Nashua to a front-running gambit. Match races are often won by whichever horse can secure the early advantage, and after allowing Swaps to gain an uncontested lead in the Kentucky Derby—which possibly contributed to Nashua’s surprising runner-up effort—Arcaro wasn’t going to make the same mistake again. But Arcaro’s preparations didn’t stop there. Two days before the August 31 match race, the skies opened up in Chicago, dumping 2 ½ inches of rain on Washington Park. The track would dry to some extent by post time, but it wouldn’t be fast, and Arcaro suspected it might be uneven. So before he legged up for the ride of his life, Arcaro decided to get up close and personal with the racing surface that would hold the attention of 35,262 racing fans plus countless more watching and listening via television and

KEENELAND LIBRARY MORGAN COLLECTION

Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Needles. The acclaimed Florida-bred colt was favored to win the American Derby, and probably would have done so on dirt, but the unfamiliar footing—made soft and slippery by heavy rain and a thunderstorm—conspired to leave Needles in fifth place behind local star Swoon’s Son. Swoon’s Son was hardly a fluke, for he retired with no fewer than 10 Washington Park stakes victories to his credit, but the defeat of Needles surely left some folks wondering why a historic race like the American Derby was being conducted over a new-fangled racing surface. Fortunately for the reputation of the American Derby, a shining knight came to the rescue. Within racing circles, the exploits of Round Table are just as legendary as tales of King Arthur and his knights among the broader population. Voted Horse of the Year in 1958, Round Table won many of racing’s most prestigious handicaps on dirt, but he was a nearly unstoppable beast on grass, winning the turf championship title from 1957 to 1959. He would also become renowned for his ability to carry high weights and battle his way to victory. Round Table was especially formidable at Washington Park, where he compiled a near-perfect seven-for-eight record. In the 1957 American Derby he led all the way to score by four effortless lengths over Kentucky Derby winner Iron Liege. John McEvoy, author of Round Table: Thoroughbreds Legends, recounts how longtime Chicago track executive William Thayer was in attendance for Round Table’s trouncing of the American Derby. “I saw him many times after that,” Thayer said, “and believe me, there was no better grass horse than Round Table. He could carry the grandstand and win.”

NASHUA AND EDDIE ARCARO LEAD SWAPS AND BILL SHOEMAKER IN THE FAMOUS 1955 MATCH RACE.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

KEENELAND LIBRARY MORGAN COLLECTION

FEATURE

THE OUTCOME OF THE MATCH RACE WAS DECISIVE, WITH NASHUA BEATING SWAPS BY 6 ½ LENGTHS.

TRANSITION TO TROTTERS AND THE SEVENTIES’ STRUGGLES

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

radio broadcasts. “Arcaro had studied the track and noted a path that seemed better than others,” wrote Edward L. Bowen in Nashua: Thoroughbred Legends. “It was a bit to the right of the inside post position, at least at the break.” Ultimately, the match race between Nashua and Swaps would become muddled by uncertainties surrounding the apparent unsoundness of Swaps, who was battling a hoof issue possibly aggravated by the muddy track. Some argue the results were As the 1960s dawned, changes were in the air at Washington Park. Ben inconclusive, but no one ever debated the flawless ride executed by Arcaro. Lindheimer, a brilliant owner and manager for a quarter of a century, passed In the days before the match race, Arcaro openly pondered his potential away in 1960. His daughter, Marjorie “Marje” Lindheimer Everett, assumed race strategy with the media. While he praised Nashua’s ability to break quickly command of both Washington Park and Arlington Park, having previously from the starting gate, Arcaro indicated he wouldn’t necessarily pursue the early worked alongside her father. advantage. “You can’t let the other horse steal a big lead,” Arcaro said in an article by Harry Grayson published in The Miami News of August 28, 1955. “But I’m not going to whip Nashua in an effort to have him keep pace with Swaps in the early going.” Perhaps Arcaro changed his mind when the rains came and the importance of securing the best lane became paramount. Or perhaps Arcaro had been trying to fool his opponents. In any case, when the starting gates opened at 4:18 p.m. local time, Arcaro wisely threw his publicly stated strategy out the window. “Crashing his whip and his vocal cords in unison, the Master reverted to being an apprentice on a half-mile gyp track,” wrote Bowen. Shouting encouragement to Nashua and urging him to accelerate, Arcaro convinced the great colt to break like a rocket and out-sprint Swaps in the battle for early supremacy. From there, Arcaro quickly guided Nashua to the best footing, and the outcome became a formality. Swaps tried to stay in touch, but Nashua—carving out fast fractions over the tiring track—burned out his pursuer and pulled away down the stretch to win by 6 ½ lengths. Maybe Swaps wasn’t fit and ready for a peak run against a topclass horse like Nashua. But the Master’s perfect ride undoubtedly STANDARDBRED RACING CAME TO WASHINGTON PARK IN THE 1960S, BUT IT PROVED LESS sealed the outcome. POPULAR THAN THOROUGHBRED RACING.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

WINTER RACING SUCCEEDS AT MANY TRACKS TODAY BECAUSE OF SIMULCASTING, BUT IT DID NOT PAY OFF IN 1970S CHICAGO.

Under Everett’s management,Washington Park changed its course. Quite literally. In 1962, Washington Park transitioned from a Thoroughbred track to a facility for harness racing. The 1 1⁄8-mile oval was shortened to a mile, and a large investment was made installing electric lights to facilitate night racing. “Washington Park this fall will be the meeting ground of harness racing’s champions,” remarked N. Orrin Baker, director of racing for the Washington Park Trotting Association, in the Chicago Tribune of June 10, 1962. “They will compete under the truest racing conditions possible, at a plant which may have its equal but certainly no peer among the nation’s leading harness tracks.” Thoroughbred racing at Washington Park didn’t dry up immediately. Plans called for the track to offer both types of racing, and in 1963, future champion handicap mare Old Hat rolled to a decisive victory in the Four Winds Stakes, becoming the last champion Thoroughbred to compete at Washington Park. But the Thoroughbred stakes program was gutted, with historic fixtures transferred to Arlington Park. Before long, Washington Park’s Thoroughbred dates were also shifted to Arlington, consolidating the meets and allowing Washington Park to move full-steam ahead with harness racing. The nail in the coffin, at least for a time, came in 1964 when the track’s Thoroughbred paddock area was demolished to make room for a parking lot. “The chute and chute fence also have been removed,” wrote James Segreti in the Chicago Tribune of May 10, 1964, “and tons of top soil or ‘cushion’ for [Thoroughbreds] have been hauled to Arlington Park. Who said there still was a possibility that runners would return to the Homewood mile plant?” Jockeys and trainers like Eddie Arcaro and Ben Jones were replaced in the spotlight by acclaimed harness drivers. Bob Farrington, a member of the Harness Racing Museum’s Hall of Fame, was the leading driver at Washington Park on six occasions between 1964 and 1970. Farrington made history in 1964 when he became the first driver to win more than 300 races in a single year, and 140 of those triumphs came at Washington Park. Occasionally, Thoroughbreds did return to the Homewood oval. A 36-day spring meet was held at Washington Park in 1970, but attendance was poor and THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

wagering totals disappointing, turning the meet into a one-time experiment. There were other changes afoot. Racing dates shifted frequently throughout the 1970s as the Illinois Racing Board tried to identify the most profitable schedule for the state’s many Thoroughbred and harness racing tracks. Sometimes Washington Park would hold two cards in a single day—one in the afternoon, one in the evening—with a total of 20 races on the agenda. Ownership and management interests shifted just as often as racing dates. A merger between Marje Everett’s Chicago Thoroughbred Enterprises and Gulf and Western Industries shifted control of Arlington and Washington parks out of Everett’s hands, and in 1970, Everett stepped down from her position as managing director of both tracks. Changes continued when Madison Square Garden Corp., based in New York, acquired Chicago Thoroughbred Enterprises. The dust had barely settled before a court ruled the new ownership group owed $5.6 million in back taxes stemming from the incorrect taxation of Arlington and Washington parks as separate subsidiary businesses between 1966 and 1971. In addition, the Illinois Racing Board called for capital improvements across all of Illinois’ racetracks, with the backstretch facilities at Washington Park requiring particular attention. It seemed Washington Park was under fire from all directions. As it turned out, the track’s days would be numbered due to fire of a different kind.

THE END OF THE LINE

Jockey Dave Shepherd failed to reach the Washington Park winner’s circle on Saturday, February 5, 1977. The up-and-coming 19-year-old had won seven races in January at Washington Park, making him one of the top apprentice jockeys on the circuit, but lately his luck had been as cold as the winter weather in Chicago. With a losing streak of 40 races and counting, Shepherd could only shrug and look forward to Sunday. Another day would bring another nine races, and 31

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

FEATURE

ONCE THE FIRE AT WASHINGTON PARK STARTED, LITTLE COULD BE DONE TO STOP IT.

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

departed for the evening. Most of the track employees followed; only one guard Shepherd was scheduled to ride six appealing mounts, including morning line and a switchboard operator stayed behind. favorite Glad’s Jewell in the opener. Then the fire broke out. Sadly, those Sunday races would never be run. Track officials had long been aware that Washington Park was a fire Winter racing at Washington Park was an experiment sadly destined for hazard. With its largely wooden grandstand, there was plenty of material to failure. On September 30, 1976, the Illinois Racing Board took a bold new step fuel a massive blaze. Millions of dollars had already been invested in protective and authorized Thoroughbred racing at Washington Park between January 1 and March 6, 1977. With the goal of generating more revenue, the track would race every day except Tuesdays, with first post time on weekdays taking place at 3:00 p.m. The majority of the cards would be held at night under the lights, to accommodate workers looking for an evening of entertainment. “Research shows there are at least 26,000 workers in the area who get off factory shifts at 2:30 to 3 p.m., all within 15 miles of Washington Park,” noted track president Joseph Joyce in the Chicago Tribune of December 29, 1976. “This will give them an opportunity to make the races.” Of course, racing during the dreadfully cold Chicago winters presented new challenges. An expert trackman from Canada was brought in to care for the racing surface, since none of the Illinois regulars had experience maintaining Thoroughbred racetracks during the winter. Jockeys bundled up heavily to withstand the cold; The (Chicago) Daily Herald noted they were “dressed as [mummies] with layers of clothes, ski masks, goggles, and finally racing silks,” enduring “the minus-60 degree wind chill factors on the back of a galloping thoroughbred.” Attendance was modest and wagering fell short of expectations, but despite the challenges, racing went on. When the races concluded THE FIRE DESTROYED THE ENTIRE GRANDSTAND AND BROUGHT AN END TO RACING on February 5, nearly 6,500 racegoers funneled out of the grandstand and FOREVER AT WASHINGTON PARK. 32

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

HORSES TRAINING AT WASHINGTON PARK IN 1963.

measures throughout the facility, but planned sprinklers and smoke alarms had not yet been installed. By the time firefighters were alerted to the blaze, it was too late. Fast and furious, flames swept through Washington Park’s grandstand. The five-story wooden structure burned quickly on a windy winter night. Firefighters fought hard to confine the blaze and prevent it from spreading to the stable area, where 1,200 horses were endangered. The Daily Leader in Pontiac, Illinois, noted on February 7 that three firefighters were treated for frostbite after the fire was extinguished, and while the barns were saved, the grandstand was completely destroyed. “There had been some inroads made in the fireproofing plans, but not enough in time,” Homewood Fire Chief Joseph Klauk told The Daily Herald. “If [sprinklers] and smoke detection devices had been installed we would have had earlier notification and a good chance to extinguish the fire before it did much damage.” And the damages—monetarily speaking—were substantial. No injuries were reported, but William L. Masterson, executive secretary of the Illinois Racing Board, estimated $15 million in losses. The fire “destroyed computers, ticket machines and saddles,” according to The San Bernardino County Sun. Shepherd was among the jockeys to lose belongings in the blaze. “Nobody knows what happened but it was burned to the ground within an hour,” he told Joe O’Day in the February 24 New York Daily News. “Most of the

jocks lost everything. I know I lost $2,000 in tack.” “It burned pretty fast, being an old structure without fire stops or walls,” agreed Klauk in The Daily Leader. The fire brought a swift end to Illinois’ winter racing season and—though no one knew it at the time—all racing at Washington Park. Two development plans for the property were outlined in 1978, including one that would have seen the racetrack rebuilt, but nothing came of them. “A source close to the situation says that Madison Square Garden sees little chance for rebuilding Washington Park,” wrote Mike Kiley in the Chicago Tribune of April 20, 1978. “The corporation believes that such an action is not financially worthwhile.” Homewood completed the purchase of the Washington Park property in 1992, and the area was redeveloped. Just like old Washington Park before it, evidence of the once-grand track quickly disappeared as streets, buildings— progress— burst forth. Stroll down Maple Avenue in Homewood and you’ll tread the ground where Whirlaway and Citation once galloped. Where Swaps and Nashua dueled. Where Ben Jones, Jimmy Jones, Eddie Arcaro, Steve Brooks and so many others were frequent visitors to the winner’s circle. “And to one unfamiliar with the past, it would be difficult to imagine that … one of America’s premier racing plants there flourished.” John Hervey was writing of old Washington Park. But his sentiment remains applicable across generations. HJ

J. Keeler Johnson is a writer, videographer and horse racing enthusiast who contributes to BloodHorse, America’s Best Racing, BetAmerica, TwinSpires and Horse Racing Nation. A passionate fan of racing history, he considers Dr. Fager to be the greatest racehorse ever produced in North America, but counts Zenyatta as his all-time favorite. Editor’s Note: American Racehorse thanks the Keeneland Library (keeneland.com/keeneland-library) for providing many of the wonderful photographs for this article, as well as for many previous historical articles in this publication. Thanks also go to the Homewood Historical Society (homewoodhistoricalsociety. com) for additional photos. The Society runs a museum in Homewood that includes memorabilia from Washington Park. THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

FEATURE

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

THE ENORMITY OF THE WASHINGTON PARK GRANDSTAND, CLUBHOUSE AND TRACK SURFACES CAN BE SEEN IN THIS 1974 PHOTO.

FIRE HAD LONG BEEN CONSIDERED A THREAT TO THE TRACK.

THE HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

A HISTORICAL MARKER IS NOW ALL THAT REMAINS OF WASHINGTON PARK.

COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

AND THE ENORMITY OF THE DEVASTATING FIRE CAN BE SEEN IN THIS 1978 PHOTO WITH THE GRANDSTAND AND CLUBHOUSE IN RUINS.

THE NOW DEFUNCT WASHINGTON PARK AIRPORT, LOCATED NEAR THE TRACK, OFFERED SHUTTLE SERVICE FROM THE AIRFIELD TO THE RACES FOR HORSEMEN AND FANS ARRIVING BY PLANE. THE TRACK WAS ALSO ACCESSIBLE BY TRAIN. COURTESY HOMEWOOD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

WASHINGTON PARK, PICTURED IN THE 1930S, NOT ONLY HAD AN ELONGATED GRANDSTAND AND STRETCH RUN, BUT IT ALSO FEATURED ONE OF THE TALLEST TOWERS OF ANY TRACK, PRESUMABLY CONTAINING THE ANNOUNCER, STEWARDS AND PHOTO FINISH EQUIPMENT.

THE HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

ARE YOU COVERED?

OWNERS’ AND TRAINERS’ LIABILITY PROGRAM THROUGH THE STARNET INSURANCE COMPANY Endorsed by

THE NATIONAL HORSEMEN’S BENEVOLENT & PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION, INC. 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. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? $50 per horse and $100 minimum premium for coverage after May 1st 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.

WWW.LAVININSURANCE.COM PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR: STONE LANE, LLC (KEVIN S. LAVIN)

P.O. BOX 1001 PEWEE VALLEY, KENTUCKY 40056 — 502.228.1600 (TELEPHONE) — 502.638.5060 (FAX) 28

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

When you want to know Everything about a family Ideal for sales and pedigree research equineline.com Product 41P

Blue Grass Mary

05/13/20 17:22:29 EDT

Bay Mare; Apr 22, 2011

Blue Grass Mary Foaled in Louisiana

Inbreeding:

Bluegrass Cat, 03 b Fast and Early, 94 ch

Northern Dancer: 4S X 5S Secretariat: 4S X 5S Mr. Prospector: 4S X 3D Raise a Native: 5S X 4D X 5D Gold Digger: 5S X 4D

Storm Bird, 78 b Terlingua, 76 ch A.P. Indy, 89 dk b/ She's a Winner, 96 dk b/ Get Lucky, 88 b Mr. Prospector, 70 b Carson City, 87 ch Blushing Promise, 82 b Matsadoon, 72 b Missadoon, 82 dk b/ Statue, 76 ch Storm Cat, 83 dk b/

UNEDITED CATALOG-STYLE PEDIGREES Equineline reports 41P – 44P • From One-Dam to Four-Dams

Dosage Profile: 12 8 12 0 0 Dosage Index: 4.33 Center of Distribution: +1

(SPR=72; CPI=1.2)

By BLUEGRASS CAT (2003). Stakes winner of $1,761,280, 1st Haskell Invitational S. [G1] (MTH, $600,000), etc. Sire of 11 crops of racing age, 1010 foals, 807 starters, 38 stakes winners, 1 champion, 605 winners of 2487 races and earning $48,934,315 USA, including Noorhom (Champion in Saudi Arabia, $112,011 USA), Sabercat ($898,662, 1st Delta Downs Jackpot S. [G3] (DED, $600,000), etc.), Percussion ($644,830, 1st Albert The Great S. (BEL, $54,000), etc.), Kathmanblu ($584,327, 1st Golden Rod S. [G2] (CD, $99,525), etc.), Chris and Dave (to 6, 2019, $567,656, 1st Jim Rasmussen Memorial S. (PRM, $39,000), etc.). Sire of dams of stakes winners Bellamy V. (champion), Henley's Joy, Sweet Loretta, Shotski, Go On Mary, Ancient Land, No Parole, Trafalgar, Thatlookonyerface, Watch Me Burn. RACE RECORD for Blue Grass Mary: At 2, unraced; at 3, unraced; at 4, two wins, once 2nd, once 3rd; at 5, two wins, twice 2nd, once 3rd; at 6, three wins, 4 times 2nd, 5 times 3rd; at 7, unplaced in 2 starts. Totals: 7 wins, 7 times 2nd, 7 times 3rd. Earned $110,630. PRODUCE RECORD for Blue Grass Mary: 2019 Unnamed, c. by Connect. 2020 Unnamed, f. by Twirling Candy. (Live Foal Reported)

• Up to 4-generations in and includes unraced, unplaced and foals

1st dam FAST AND EARLY, by Carson City. Winner at 2, $36,870. (SPR=82) Half-sister to NATURAL SELECTION ($477,310, 1st Illinois Derby [G2], etc., sire). Dam of 13 foals, 9 to race, 6 winners-SHARP IMPACT (2000 c. by Siphon (BRZ)). 4 wins at 2 and 3, $206,568, in NA, 1st Lexington S. [G3] (BEL, $90,000), Spectacular Bid S. [L] (AP, $45,000), 3rd Saranac H. [G3] (SAR, $11,968), Pete Axthelm S. [L] (CRC, $11,000); 4 wins at 6 and 7, 6,170 BAR$ ($3,101 USA), in Barbados; unplaced in 1 start in United Arab Emirates. Sent from United States to United Arab Emirates in 2001. Returned to United States from United Arab Emirates in 2002. Sent from United States to United Arab Emirates in 2002. Returned to United States from United Arab Emirates in 2003. Sent from United States to Barbados in 2004. Returned to United States from Barbados in 2004. Sent from United States to Barbados in 2004. (SPR=98) Speed Hunter (1999 g. by Alydeed). 11 wins, 2 to 7, $392,334, 2nd Taylor's Special H. [L] (FG, $20,000). (SPR=89) Fast Included (2004 f. by Include). Winner at 3, $22,067. (SPR=70) Dam of 5 foals, 5 to race, 5 winners-GIFTED JUSTICE (2014 g. by Haynesfield). 6 wins, 2 to 5, 2019, $198,264, 1st Hillsdale S. -R (IND, $60,946). (SPR=71) Fast Justice (2013 f. by Regal Ransom). 5 wins, 2 to 4, $154,107, 2nd First Lady S. -R (MVR, $15,000). (SPR=76) Lucygotgame (2009 f. by Proud Citizen). 3 wins at 3 and 4, $53,774. (SPR=42) Distorted Justice (2015 f. by Lantana Mob). Winner at 3, $21,330. (SPR=50) Dam of 1 foal-Unnamed (2020 c. by Mucho Macho Man). (Live Foal Reported) Runaway Red (2010 f. by Run Away and Hide). Winner at 3, $7,676(USA) ($7,882(CAN)). (SPR=27) Wabbajack (2010 g. by Midnight Lute). Winner at 3 and 4, $129,347. (SPR=66)

Page 1 of 3

Learn more at: Equineline.com/pedigrees OFFICIALSPONSOR SPONSOR OFFICIAL of the the National NationalHBPA HBPA of

The Jockey Club Information Systems, Inc. | 821 Corporate Drive | Lexington, KY 40503 | 800.333.1778 or 859.224.2800

FEATURE

DAY REMEMBER to

How a seemingly ordinary afternoon at the races proved why horse racing is so special

By Gene McLean

COADY PHOTOGRAPHY

STOLEN BEAUTY’S FIRST VICTORY WAS THE CULMINATION OF A ROCKY BUT ULTIMATELY REWARDING ROAD FOR OWNER AND TRAINER STEPHEN LYSTER AND ONE OF THE COUNTLESS POSITIVE STORIES IN RACING.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

ometimes it just feels good to feel good. Sometimes things work out the way you really think they should. Sometimes, even when it is overcast, gloomy and dark, the sun still shines bright. Sometimes, just when you are about to give in to despair, everything just works out right. Sometimes, my friends, it just feels good to feel good.

No doubt, there have been some tough days lately, both for the Thoroughbred industry and the entire world. Despite everything that is going on, there are reasons to be optimistic. There are reasons to cherish the greatest sport ever created. There are reasons to get up, get going and get it on. I want to tell you about one of the good days and about one of the many positive things about horse racing. One week prior to Thanksgiving last year, I got up early and journeyed over to Churchill Downs, the most iconic racing venue in all the world. As I pulled my car into the track’s main entrance, I was greeted by one of the jolliest people in the entire world. His white beard may have been a little lacking in places, but his smile was unmistakable. If it wasn’t Santa himself, disguised just enough to prevent the world from knowing his true identity, it certainly had to be an elder, man-sized elf. He was humming a tune in his heart and directing traffic with his hands. “Good morning, my friend,” he bellowed from a sizable belly. “How can I help such a distinguished young man?” He had me from hello. After all, I was 63 years young and a furlong away from 64. Been awhile since I was referred to as “young.” And distinguished? Only in my mind’s Hall of Fame. But, all of a sudden, I felt like a 2-year-old filly on race day. World? Here I come. A few minutes later, I got a chance to renew my friendship with Churchill Downs President Kevin Flanery and his truly remarkable assistant, Patty Frazier. Two of the kindest professionals you will ever have a chance to shake hands with and share ideas amongst. I don’t know if we will ultimately agree on how to move forward on our conversation, but I left with a sense of both accomplishment and reward. That’s just what friends do, you know. They talk. They try to help. They work together. Damn. How did we lose that concept in today’s world? It was smiling time as I walked to the car. Sometimes it just feels good to feel good. As soon as I left the front side, I headed to the backstretch of Churchill Downs. Saw some new barns going up. Saw some horses being shod. Saw some workers raking the shed row. Saw some others hauling off the muck. Saw the chapel and pulled up to the door. The back of the truck was full of clothes that Leigh Ann, my beautiful wife, and I had cleaned out of our respective closets. Good clothes. Sturdy

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

clothes. Handsome clothes. Warm clothes. Clean clothes. Clothes that needed a new home. The front of the church building was full of people. They were there in search of and in need of clothes. Good clothes. Sturdy clothes. Handsome clothes. Warm clothes. Clean clothes. Clothes that needed a new body. As we carried the bags and a huge tub—all filled to the brim with coats, pants, shirts, sweaters, shoes and scarfs—into the church building, I saw the real church. It was a group of volunteers. A lady sorting. A man hauling. A young gal hanging. An older lady singing while she worked. Chaplain Joseph J. Del Rosario was meeting with some children. People there on a mission from God. People there to help. People not like PETA’s people. These people had a heart and were willing to share it. The backstretch workers were waiting in line. Patiently. Just for a chance to pick out some new clothes. As I was ready to leave, a Latina woman grabbed my arm and squeezed it tight. “Gracias,” she said. That was all. That was all that was needed. Tears welled. But it was smiling time as I walked to the car. Sometimes it just feels good to feel good. As I got back to my office, I clicked on the television. TVG, which is programmed to pop up first, flickered to life. It was just 14 minutes to post time for the second race at Churchill Downs. I looked up and saw my great friend and horse trainer, Stephen Lyster, walking his own horse around the paddock. The smock that reveals the horse’s post position was wrapped over his sportscoat. And there was a smile as big as a Twin Spire on his face. I giggled at first. Then I smiled. Typical Stephen, who just so happens to train a filly for me too. The young man works, just like so many other horsemen and horsewomen in our industry. Every single day. Up early. Stays late. Treats his horses—every single one of them—as if they are members of the family. Wouldn’t ask a single person who works for him to do something that he is not afraid to do himself. And, on this day, he was not only the trainer. He was the groom. The hot walker. And the owner. And the headline on one of Thoroughbred racing’s greatest stories of the year. You see, Stephen used to train this filly, Stolen Beauty, for a racing syndicate. The problem was the owners didn’t pay the monthly bills. And those bills mounted. And they mounted. And they mounted. 31

ED DEROSA

FEATURE

HE MADE SURE THAT SHE WAS HEALTHY, HAPPY AND LOVED STEPHEN LYSTER IS NOT ONLY THE TRAINER AND OWNER OF STOLEN BEAUTY BUT, PRIOR TO HER MAIDEN WIN AT CHURCHILL DOWNS, HE ALSO WALKED HER INTO THE PADDOCK.

Finally, after numerous attempts to collect, Stephen finally had to hire an attorney and get an “agister’s lien” and file a lawsuit in a lengthy and expensive attempt just to collect the money that he was due. More money. Out the window. Yet, most importantly, Stephen adopted the orphaned filly in question—a daughter of Tapizar who was still a maiden but had plenty of promise with a second and two thirds in her five previous races. Out of his own pocket, Stephen made sure she was fed. He made sure she was cared for just like all of his other horses. He made sure that she was healthy, happy and loved. That’s just the way Stephen treats his horses. All of them. Even the ones that have cost him money. Not made him money. On this day, Stephen saddled and then walked Stolen Beauty in the paddock. He gave a leg up to rider Julien Leparoux (who just so happened to be wearing our silks). Then, as the filly moved toward the racetrack, Stephen removed his hot walker smock and became the owner, with his sportscoat fully pressed. And it was awesome to watch Stolen Beauty romp to a spectacular win by nearly eight lengths. As soon as rider and horse returned to the winner’s circle, there was

Stephen standing in the wet dirt. He grabbed Leparoux’s hand and the horse’s reins at the same time. Then Stephen leaned over and planted a kiss right on the filly’s forehead. Right there. In front of the winner’s circle. Stolen Beauty, a winner for the first time in her life, seemed to bow. As if she were showing her appreciation and love to the man who loved her most. In a span of one minute, 11 seconds and change, Stephen and Stolen Beauty won $25,200 in purse money. But they won so much more than that too. They won the day. They won what was right. They won some justice. Sometimes, friends, it just feels good to feel good. And, no matter what, we should remember that feeling. Today. Tomorrow. Forever. Because it is that feeling that sets us apart from all the other sports, all the other critics, all the other crap. It is that feeling that makes this game special. On this special day, the parking lot attendant at Churchill Downs got to sing a song. The backside workers got some new clothes. And Stephen Lyster got his day in court and on the court. A great day. Sometimes it just feels good to feel good. Amen. HJ

Gene McLean began his professional career in 1977 as a sportswriter and columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader and was recognized as one of the state’s best writers, winning the prestigious Sportswriter of the Year honor in 1985. Now the president and publisher of The Pressbox (thepressboxlts.com), McLean sets the vision for the site and still finds time to handicap races, interview trainers and keep his finger on the pulse of the industry. 32

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

COURTESY OF THE KEENELAND LIBRARY

FEATURE

The sport’s rich history is preserved with a combination of technology and passion at the Keeneland Library on the grounds of the famous Lexington racetrack BY RICK CAPONE

ne ordinary evening in 2000, Nick Nicholson, then president of Keeneland, and Charles Hayward, then president of Daily Racing Form, sat down for dinner in a Lexington, Kentucky, restaurant. During their meal, the two men discussed many things, but one topic sparked an idea that would result in an extraordinary outcome. At the time, Nicholson was trying to figure out a way to expand Keeneland’s Thoroughbred racing library, which was beginning to burst through the seams of the historic racetrack’s clubhouse. At the same time, Hayward was trying to determine how to preserve Daily Racing Form’s archives, which were outgrowing the space in which they were stored. Nicholson kept thinking about their conversation after dinner and soon came up with an idea that would solve both of their dilemmas: construct a stand-alone building on the Keeneland grounds that would house as much of Thoroughbred racing history as could be found. The result he envisioned would be a state-of-theart library second to none in the world. For Nicholson, the idea was too good an opportunity to pass up, especially when Hayward said he would donate the Form archives if it was built. After some planning, the idea was approved, and two years later the newly freestanding Keeneland Library, which celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2019, opened to the public.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

THE KEENELAND LIBRARY SITS ATOP A HILL OVERLOOKING KEENELAND RACE COURSE IN LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY.

THE LIBRARY’S BEGINNINGS When Keeneland opened in 1936, there was no library and no intention of creating one. That changed in 1939 when William Arnold Hanger, one of the original Keeneland Association directors, brokered the acquisition of a substantial collection of books that became the start of the library. The acquisition consisted of 2,300 volumes of racing- and breeding-related works from the collection of Robert James Turnbull, who had accumulated his trove of books and periodicals over a 25-year period. According to a 2019 Gallop article, Hanger made one stipulation: “He specified that the bequest be accessible to anyone who wished to use it for reference and research, thereby establishing the doctrine by which the library continues to operate to this day.” Following Hanger’s donation, others began donating books, periodicals and other materials, and soon a place to put it all was opened in the Keeneland clubhouse.

THE NEW BUILDING Once the decision to build a freestanding library was approved, ground was broken in 2001, and the new Keeneland Library opened its doors in July 2002. The building’s design was created by San Francisco architect Mario Kow, who had worked with Keeneland since the 1980s. “The concept has always been pretty simple,” said Kow in the Gallop article. “We have always tried to make everything fit together [at Keeneland]. We wanted to carry the tradition of the old clubhouse throughout the rest of the facility.” To do this, he used limestone rock for the exterior walls, which artisans hand-chiseled to match the Keene family home and barn that stand near the library’s location. Three practice walls were constructed to ensure the final walls looked like they were built at the same time as the other buildings on the grounds. When completed, the exterior of the almost 10,000-square-foot architectural masterpiece consisted of more than 295 metric tons of limestone rock. The building’s beauty is eloquently described in the Gallop article: “Outside, the structure harmonizes perfectly with its context. At the peak of each gable façade, a starburst design of limestone borrows a feature of the Keene barn; arched windows and doors echo the arches of the grandstand and saddling stalls; and cottage-like low sweeping eaves recall the clubhouse.” Inside a cathedral-like entrance extends from the front door to the welcome desk. To the left and right of the desk are reading rooms with large, high-arched windows that allow natural sunlight to fill the rooms. Surrounding the reading rooms are cabinets made of walnut and oak that hold books, magazines and computer workstations for patrons to use.

The Thoroughbred industry has many treasures, none greater than the Keeneland Library. LAURA HILLENBRAND, AUTHOR OF SEABISCUIT: AN AMERICAN LEGEND, IN THE WINTER 2018 KEENELAND MAGAZINE

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

THE COLLECTIONS Since opening, the library has continued to grow, as new periodicals, publications and collections have come into the facility. Included in the library’s collections today are more than 30,000 books and thousands of newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, including BloodHorse, Thoroughbred Times, the American Racing Manual and the Thoroughbred Record. One of the library’s biggest collections is Daily Racing Form. The original donation in 2000 consisted of more than 5,000 volumes with editions from 1896 to 1991. A later donation included editions from 1991 to 2004, and the library continues to serve as a repository of the Form’s print issues. For those interested in photography, the library contains in excess of one million photo negatives, including the collections of Charles Christian Cook, 35

FEATURE RICK CAPONE

RICK CAPONE

HORSESHOES WORN BY SECRETARIAT (LEFT) AND MAN O’ WAR ARE ON DISPLAY IN THE LIBRARY. MAN O’ WAR’S SHOE WAS WORN IN HIS 1920 MATCH RACE AGAINST 1919 TRIPLE CROWN WINNER SIR BARTON.

who was one of the first photographers to focus his work on horse racing from 1900 to 1930; Bert T. Morgan, who photographed horse racing from 1930 to 1960; Joel Clyne “Skeets” Meadors, who focused on conformation photos of stallions, mares and yearlings in the Kentucky Bluegrass region between 1947 and 1967; and Katey Barrett, who captured Southern California racing from 1970 to the present. The library is also home to some 2,500 pieces of artwork by Pierre “Peb” Bellocq, including his cartoons showcasing horse racing that appeared in Daily Racing Form and The Morning Telegraph from mid-1950 to mid-2000. “We are the repository for all things Thoroughbred,” said head librarian Roda Ferraro. “That said, I think people may hear that and think this is the place to come for historic research only. What they may not know is that every week we review trade publications with U.S. and international coverage, and we grow the archives daily to a tune of roughly 6,000 curated and indexed articles each year.” The library also showcases its varied non-book holdings, from paintings, photographs and sculptures to trophies, racing paraphernalia like jockey scales from the 1800s and memorabilia such as a blanket worn by Nashua, Bill Shoemaker’s boots and Ted Atkinson’s diaries. One display contains horseshoes worn by legends like Secretariat, Citation, War Admiral and Seabiscuit. There is also a shoe that was worn by Man o’ War in his October 12, 1920, match race against Sir Barton, which was donated in 1954 by Dr. Fred W. Rankin. Among the statuary on view is Serena’s Song by Nina Kaiser and bronzes by Herbert Haseltine, including The Thoroughbred Horse and Portrait of the Racehorse Tom Fool. Haseltine is best known for creating the monument of Man o’ War that stands at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.

THE VAULT In almost every modern library, there is a special storage area that houses the oldest and most fragile materials, and the Keeneland Library is no exception. 36

“We have a unique section in our catalog that we refer to as our rare book collection,” said library director Becky Ryder. “Our oldest book dates from 1599. It’s a training manual from England. And we have books that are scarce like that. They might have fine bindings, they might be tiny and therefore easy to lose. But anything that designates as rare or needs to be securely stored is housed in ‘The Vault.’” One of the collections stored in the Vault is the Daily Racing Form archives, because some of the papers date to the 19th century and are very fragile. As Ryder noted, “Newspapers are not built to last.” “When the building was built, the Vault was designed to accommodate the Daily Racing Form’s special preservation needs, as well as being a good, stable environment for photographs and photographic negatives, which also need a very cool environment and very low relative humidity,” Ryder explained. “Even though the environment control in this entire building is excellent, and it’s 24/7/365, the temperature in the Vault is even tighter, and it’s controlled by a separate maintenance system so that it is focused just on that square footage.” To preserve the material, the Vault is kept at a permanent temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius) and at 40 percent humidity. The Vault also uses low-level lighting and strong fire protection. “It has a unique fire-suppression system that is not a deluge system,” Ryder said. “It’s a chemical-mist spray that diminishes the oxygen in the room very quickly and puts out fires. That way you would have neither fire damage nor water damage if there were a fire.” In another section of the Vault, there is a conservation lab where archival supplies used to ensure the long-term durability of library materials are stored. There is also space where work on preservation and conservation projects is conducted.

THE LIBRARY STAFF One reason for the success of the Keeneland Library is, unquestionably, the dedication of its attentive and knowledgeable staff. “The library epitomizes Keeneland’s mission to better the Thoroughbred THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

COURTESY OF KIRK SCHLEA

“THE VAULT” HOUSES THE OLDEST AND MOST FRAGILE MATERIAL IN THE LIBRARY. THE SHELVES SHOWN INCLUDE SOME OF THE EXTENSIVE ARCHIVES OF PHOTO NEGATIVES AND PAST ISSUES OF DAILY RACING FORM.

THE OLDEST BOOK HOUSED IN THE KEENELAND LIBRARY WAS PUBLISHED IN 1599 AND IS A THOROUGHBRED TRAINING MANUAL FROM ENGLAND.

industry and preserve racing’s rich history,” said Keeneland President and CEO Bill Thomason in the Winter 2018 Keeneland magazine. “Since its founding in 1939, the library has been defined by the pride of its staff in offering outstanding customer service and a passion for continually moving the library forward.” The library’s outstanding service was recognized with a 2002 Special Eclipse Award for its work in collecting and archiving the history of Thoroughbred horse racing. At the time the new library building opened, Cathy Schenck was the head librarian, a position she held from 1979 to 2017. In 2015, she received the Joe Palmer Award from the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters for meritorious service. In 2017, both Schenck and library associate Betsy Baxter retired, and Ferraro took over as head librarian. One of the reasons Ferraro came to the library is because she respected the unparalleled collections, and she hoped to increase their access and reach. “I love the collections in that they are niche, so deep and so broad,” she said. “And to be able to hone in on the industry and the sport is fantastic. … To have that focus is tremendous and fairly rare for a librarian. That was very appealing to me.” Ferraro does a little bit of everything in the library including fielding reference and research requests and providing the library’s outreach initiatives, including conducting research workshops and delivering lectures on-site and in the community. She also spearheads all of the library events, such as exhibits, lecture series and meet-the-author events. “Managing our events is fulfilling work,” she said. “Through them, I watch the research cycle come full circle. When we host speakers, whether it’s a meetthe-author or a lecture series event, they typically conducted their research here. I am able to work with them on the research side of things, see them take what we find together to create a new publication or production and celebrate this new contribution to the industry record. I am then in this beautiful position of providing a venue to share it with the industry and beyond. It’s an incredibly rewarding process.”

Another key individual at the library is Ryder, who became library director in 2010. “I was basically contracted by Keeneland from the University of Kentucky to begin working on an administrative plan for the Keeneland Library,” she said. “And, eventually, I became part of the full-time Keeneland family in 2012. So I’ve been here in this office continuously since April 2010, and it’s worked out great.” Other current staff members include Katie Farmer, a full-time library associate, and Dan Prater, a part-time library associate. Also assisting is Kelly Coffman, a former intern who transitioned to part-time associate last year. Farmer had previously worked at the Midway Branch Library in Midway, Kentucky, and her time there helped her to decide on a career in librarianship. “I was born and raised in Woodford County, so I’ve always loved horses. Horse girl to the max,” she said. “But I love the material, and I love being able to find out more about the history. It’s a global sport, so I like being able to learn about what other countries do.” Farmer’s duties encompass different tasks. “I am more of support staff, and so between Becky and Roda, if there’s a bigger reference project or research project, things can be delegated to me in more of a supportive role,” she said. “I also do a lot of the digitization, photo projects, cataloging and some general administration.” Prater came to the library as a volunteer in 2012 after working as a lawyer in Washington, D.C., and Kentucky. In Washington, he helped write the Clean Air Act amendments, wrote testimony for clients on Capitol Hill, attended committee hearings and worked with White House staff on certain issues. After retiring, he returned to Kentucky and went to work at the library because he believed it would be a good fit with his work experience. “I’m a native of Kentucky, and when I decided to retire, I weighed my options,” Prater said. “I decided to come back to my native state and try to find something to do that would use my talents in research and analysis and writing. “My work now is focused on archiving, primarily preserving the vertical files, which are newspaper clippings and magazine articles going back to the

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

FEATURE beginning of the library. I transfer them to conservation paper so they can be sent off and digitized, so then a lot of our files can be made public and people can research them online.” Beyond the daily work, all staff members enjoy working with each other and with the patrons who come to the library. “I have never worked with researchers who are as committed and passionate about what they are writing about—never!” Ferraro said. “And I’ve worked for universities. That is very appealing and gratifying to me every day. My relationships with our patrons—they’re exceptional.” Prater agrees: “Helping people make connections that they hadn’t made or didn’t make for whatever reason. Typical example: Someone comes in and says, ‘I’ve heard that my uncle rode in a Kentucky Derby in 1927, but I don’t know anything about the horses or who the jockeys were, and so on.’ We can help them make that connection, and they find out he rode this horse, and it was in this race on the date, and these are the other jockeys, this is where his horse finished. And that makes them enormously happy to make that connection, because it affirms what they had only speculated and it’s a gift for them to have that. I really value the interaction with people and try to be as responsive as possible.” For Farmer, it’s her working relationships and the research that she enjoys most. “Ultimately, I love the people that I work with,” she said. “I have a tendency to go down a rabbit hole of something. And then I find out a lot of things that I just never knew before. I think that is part of the fun of this job because you are always learning something new. No two days are the same.”

PATRONS, RESEARCHERS AND AUTHORS According to Ferraro, more than 3,000 people from 26 countries and 45 U.S. states visited the library in 2019, some to take in the exhibited collections and others to do research on projects. More than 90 percent of the library’s patronage, however, reach out to the library remotely through email, calls or online requests, and the library’s considerable growth in reference and research volume in recent years stems from more requests coming from outside the library. January 2020 is a good example. “Historically, January was a relatively quiet month in the library,” Ferraro said. “But our metrics for this January speak to the growth in the library’s services over the past few years. In January, I disseminated nearly 500 photographs for use in publications, broadcasts and exhibitions in the U.S. and beyond. I secured copyright clearances for each of those images, and many had to be newly digitized from negatives or prints. It can be a labor-intensive process. I also fielded more than 250 research requests, while the rest of the library team responded to nearly 100 more.” And January, she added, is still a comparatively low-volume month. The busiest times of the year are the lead-up to the Triple Crown, Hall of Fame inductions, the Travers, the Breeders’ Cup and the Eclipse Awards. The busiest times for on-site patrons come during Keeneland’s racing and sales calendar. Over the years, a number of well-known Thoroughbred racing writers have conducted some of their research either at the library in person or remotely, and then have seen their books published. All of them agree that the library staff provided tremendous assistance. Milton Toby, author of numerous horse racing books including his recent Taking Shergar: Thoroughbred Racing’s Most Famous Cold Case, is one. He’s been using the library since it was housed in the Keeneland clubhouse. “I’ve been visiting the Keeneland Library for what seems like forever, since my days at BloodHorse, when Amelia Buckley was the librarian and the books 38

were housed in the clubhouse,” he said. “A serious run of research at the library started a decade ago with the Dr. Tony Ryan Award winner Dancer’s Image: The Forgotten Story of the 1968 Kentucky Derby. Since then, I’ve spent time at the library working on books about Noor, Canonero II and the ill-fated Shergar, along with a series of longform articles. “The library is an ever-evolving link connecting Thoroughbred racing’s storied past, the present and the sport’s future,” Toby added. “The resources and remarkably knowledgeable and helpful staff make the library an irreplaceable destination for writers, historians, fans and anyone else interested in tracking racing’s journey from yesterday until tomorrow.” Another author who frequents the library is Edward Bowen, former editor of BloodHorse and former president of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. His current book is The Lucky Thirteen: The Winners of America’s Triple Crown of Horse Racing. “After more than 50 years of researching articles and books, I appreciate that the Keeneland Library has been essential to a great percentage of the writing assignments I have undertaken,” he said. “Amazingly, as internet sources have made some elements of research more readily available from home, the library staff has embraced technology opportunities and are as adept at finding other sources for you as they were in earlier technological times. As I have said over the years, the only difficulty is having the discipline to stick to what you have gone there to research and not get waylaid in wandering through the thousands of tempting sources.” Lenny Shulman, senior correspondent for BloodHorse and author of Justify: 111 Days to Triple Crown Glory, calls the library “a gem in all ways.” “It has a vast collection of reference material that is unmatched in the Thoroughbred world,” he said. “Plus, the staff goes above and beyond in helping both the serious researcher and casual fan. They are an absolute joy to be around. In addition, the library’s lecture series gives authors the chance to connect to an enthusiastic audience and is the absolute best place to do a book signing.” For Jennifer Kelly, author of Sir Barton and the Making of the Triple Crown, her first visit to the library came early in her research. “I spent years getting an education and then being an educator, and I have spent hours in a multitude of libraries, but none of those were like this one. From the moment I walked into this cathedral of horses, I felt at home,” she said. “For the book on Sir Barton, I found everything from an issue of the BloodHorse that had a mention in passing about Sir Barton’s stud career to rare books by Walter Vosburgh and John Hervey that were found nowhere else,” Kelly said. “I have spent so much time at the library that I am greeted like an old friend whenever I walk in, like I’m walking into a scene from Cheers to a chorus of exuberance. If you love horses and horse racing, you need to visit the Keeneland Library. They have so many treasures that any fan could spend hours lost in their stacks and count the day as a great one.” Offering a final word about the Keeneland Library is best-selling author Laura Hillenbrand. In the library’s brochure, she writes, “The beauty of the Keeneland Library is that in its magnificent archives all of racing’s greats are immortal, living forever in the supreme moments of their youth. Racing is a sport of many treasures. None greater than this one.” HJ

Rick Capone is a freelance writer living in Versailles, Kentucky, just down the road from Keeneland. He is also a volunteer at Old Friends, where he is part owner, with friends Michael Blowen and Tim Ford, of Miss Hooligan, a lovable retired mare at the farm.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

COURTESY OF THE KEENELAND LIBRARY

BY THE NUMBERS

30,000

books and journals

15 million 1 million

pages of newsprint

photographs, glass-plate negatives

and acetate negatives, including:

18,000

glass-plate negatives by Charles

Christian Cook, who photographed horse racing between 1900 and 1930

250,000

acetate negatives by Bert T. Morgan,

who photographed horse racing from the 1930s to 1960s

80,000

photo negatives by Joel Clyne “Skeets”

Meadors, who focused on conformation photos in the Kentucky Bluegrass region between 1947 and 1967

12,000

slides by Katey Barrett, who

photographed Southern California racing from 1970 to present

THE LIBRARY’S MAIN ENTRANCE IS FILLED WITH PAINTINGS AND ARTWORK DEDICATED TO THOROUGHBRED RACING HISTORY.

5,000

prints (approximately) by John Hemment,

dating from 1890 to 1918 and showcasing defunct racetracks like Morris Park, Benning Racetrack and

COURTESY OF KIRK SCHLEA

Sheepshead Bay

Leonard Sutcliffe’s

photo albums of

“Famous Stallions and Famous Mares”

2,500

equine cartoons and caricatures from the

Pierre “Peb” Bellocq collection

6,100

volumes (and growing) of

Daily Racing Form

Collections

of BloodHorse, Thoroughbred

Times, American Racing Manual, Thoroughbred Record, and The Morning Telegraph

Numerous pieces of artwork, including paintings, drawings

and statuary

Horse racing memorabilia,

including trophies, artifacts and horseshoes worn by famous Thoroughbreds LIBRARY PATRONS ARE HARD AT WORK RESEARCHING THEIR LATEST PROJECTS.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

$4 MILLION REASONS

BREED RACE $

WIN

Over $4 Million will be paid to Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders in Oklahoma this year

THOROUGHBRED RACING ASSOCIATION OF OKLAHOMA ONE REMINGTON PLACE 405.427.8753

OKLAHOMA CITY 73111

WWW.TRAORACING.COM

THE HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

DON’T WASTE

OFFICIALSPONSOR SPONSOR OFFICIAL ofthe theNational NationalHBPA HBPA of

ANOTHER MINUTE!

Call us now to make sure you have a legal workforce for the upcoming season.

WILLIAM VELIE

Attorney at Law

HORSEMAN L A B O R

S O L U T I O N S

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

CRAIG MCDOUGAL

Attorney at Law

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL

1-877-678-RACE (877-678-7223) WWW.HORSEMANLABOR.COM

SUMMER 2020

OFFICIALSPONSOR SPONSOR OFFICIAL of the the National NationalHBPA HBPA of

“I look at the DRF breeding news site every morning ... I’m also a fan of the new DRF sire performance standings.” Kent Barnes Stallion Manager, Shadwell Farm

“I’m on the DRF website all the time!”

Carrie Brogden Machmer Hall, Select Sales

“At WinStar, we rely on the DRF for useful racing data, and as a marketing tool that reaches a wide audience.” Elliott Walden President/CEO & Racing Manager, WinStar Farm

DRF BREEDING Where pedigree meets performance

“Daily Racing Form has all the data that I need to make decisions on buying, selling, breeding and every other decision I make on a daily basis.” David Ingordo Ingordo Bloodstock, LLC

“Daily Racing Form is very pertinent to our day-to-day business at Calumet.” Jak Knelman Director of Stallions, Calumet Farms

“We find the Daily Racing Form to be indispensable to our business.” Ned Toffey General Manager, Spendthrift Farm

FEATURE

Lidocaine Positives in Arkansas By Clara K. Fenger, DVM, PhD, DACVIM; Kimberly Brewer, DVM, MSc; Peter Sacopulos, JD; Jacob Machin, MS; and Thomas Tobin, PhD, MRCVS, DABT An examination of likely environmental exposure and the unusual ARCI medication rule on lidocaine

n late May, news broke that two of Bob Baffert’s trainees, Charlatan and Gamine, who won races at Oaklawn on May 2, had unconfirmed post-race identifications (positive tests) for lidocaine on that day. Social media and the backstretches of many racetracks have been abuzz with speculation about the dual violations, ranging from “innocent until proven guilty” to “the horses were drugged.” The results of the split sample testing, released just before press time for this issue, confirmed the presence of lidocaine, so it is worth a review of this therapeutic medication and where positives may come from. Lidocaine identifications in post-race samples occur at a consistent rate of six to eight a year across the country, according to the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) database. When the lidocaine metabolite in the blood is identified, the levels are typically very low. Are these levels consistent with intentional administration close to race day or consistent with innocent environmental transfer of inconsequential amounts of lidocaine? The answer is in the science. Lidocaine: What Is It? Lidocaine is primarily used as a local anesthetic and is most commonly injected into the skin or close to nerves for the purpose of numbing the structure. Lidocaine is similarly used in people, often in dental procedures to block tooth pain. In veterinary medicine, lidocaine is used to numb the skin in the event of a cut or laceration to suture the wound. Lidocaine also may be used as a regional anesthesia for lameness detection. Because horses are unable to explain why they have an uneven gait or lameness, veterinarians must deduce the source. For example, if a horse is lame as the result of a hoof abscess, the hoof is anesthetized with lidocaine or a similar local anesthetic injected over the nerve supply to the hoof. If the lameness is eliminated after such a “hoof block,” the lameness has successfully been localized to the hoof region. The final and less common application of lidocaine is for systemic pain control. Horses do not tolerate narcotic pain medications well, so in some cases, such as protracted abdominal pain (colic), lidocaine may be administered as a continuous infusion. This is usually done in a hospital setting because of the requirements for continuous infusion, such as through the use of an intravenous bag. Lidocaine as a Banned Substance Lidocaine is not a banned substance in racehorses, per se. It is recognized as a therapeutic substance, evidenced by its place on the Controlled Therapeutic Medication

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

CODY – STOCK.ADOBE.COM

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

FEATURE Schedule (CTMS), promulgated by the ARCI, as a part of the Uniform Medication Model Rules. In fact, it is expected that a veterinarian would use lidocaine in the normal course of a racetrack practice. Because of this expectation, the CTMS includes a threshold for the primary metabolite of lidocaine, with a Class 2B penalty, absent mitigating circumstances (see sidebar, ARCI Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances and Recommended Penalties Model Rule). Class 2 violations are for the substances second-most likely to affect the outcome of a race. This is a curious classification for lidocaine, because it cannot actually enhance the racing performance of a normal horse. Why Regulate a Non-Performance-Enhancing Medication at All? Lidocaine’s use in veterinary medicine is unquestioned, and its ability to enhance performance in a sound horse is universally accepted as nil. However, performance enhancement is not the only reason that medications are regulated in sports that feature animals. Equally important is the regulation of substances that may adversely affect their health and welfare. There is no question that using a local anesthetic intentionally to block the pain of an injury in a horse, and thereby allowing it to race, is inappropriate. Therefore, the existing ARCI regulation that places a 2B penalty on the intentional use of such a substance, absent mitigating circumstances, is appropriate. However, if the science fails to support the published threshold, and the regulator is unable to substantiate how the threshold was developed, how can such severe penalties be imposed on trainers and owners? Further, could there be lidocaine detected in the blood or urine of a horse when no intentional administration has taken place? Of course, there can.

The logical regulation of therapeutic medications should allow for their therapeutic use, preclude performance-enhancing or pain-blocking effects at the time of the race and simultaneously prevent inappropriate positive tests as a result of innocent environmental transfer of small amounts of the substance. Unfortunately, as with other therapeutic medications, this logical and commonsense regulation of lidocaine did not occur when the thresholds were set by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC). When the lidocaine threshold was set, the focus was on how to prevent the use of it within 72 hours, and neither the lack of pharmacological effect at 72 hours nor the possibility of inadvertent environmental transfer was considered. The medication rule for lidocaine presented by the ARCI is shown in figure 1. It states that the threshold is “20 picograms per milliliter of total 3-0H-lidocaine in plasma or serum,” with a withdrawal guideline of 72 hours. The supporting information is from European Horseracing Scientific Liaison Committee data; Iowa State University study. The National HBPA and North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians, as well as scientists and regulated horsemen, have long been critical of therapeutic medication thresholds based on science that cannot be reviewed.

20 picograms per milliliter of total 3-0H-lidocaine in plasma or serum

When medications are administered to horses, or any other animals, they are modified and ultimately eliminated by the animal’s body. Typically, the liver facilitates the elimination of substances in the urine, although the animal’s body may use other means of disposal, depending on the substance. To exert its anesthetic effect, which lasts just under two hours, lidocaine is injected around nerves. Its blood concentration peaks rapidly at about 20 minutes and then drops off. The rate at which lidocaine is eliminated from the blood depends on how it is metabolized. It is rapidly converted into related molecules, called metabolites, the most abundant of which is 3-hydroxylidocaine glucuronide. The regulation of lidocaine is somewhat unique in horse racing, in that the inactive glucuronide form of the molecule is the regulated analyte in blood. The reasons for this are unclear because the research data from which this threshold was derived have never been published or presented. However, because the 3-hydroxylidocaine glucuronide remains in the blood for a prolonged period after lidocaine administration, it appears to be the only means to identify lidocaine 72 hours after its use. The animal’s liver works very hard to render medications inactive and ready for elimination from the body. One of the mechanisms the liver employs to accomplish this is to add a glucuronide to the molecule. This addition, such as in the case of lidocaine, renders the molecule inactive and considerably more soluble in water, making it readily eliminated at relatively high concentrations in the urine. As a consequence of this metabolic pathway, many substances that are glucuronidated are regulated by their level in urine and not in blood. The regulation of lidocaine by 3-hydroxylidocaine in blood requires a step in the testing process that is typically reserved for urine testing, and that is the process of hydrolysis, or removal of the glucuronide from the molecule before testing. Where Does the Current Science Stand on

How Lidocaine Is Regulated

Lidocaine

Why 3-Hydroxylidocaine?

72 hours

3-Hydroxylidocaine? Recent research from Dr. Lawrence Soma at the University of Pennsylvania provides insight into the pharmacokinetics of lidocaine administered to horses. It confirms that 3-hydroxylidocaine, as its inactive glucuronide form, is found in the blood of treated horses. However, this research also shows that lidocaine itself is found at higher concentrations in blood at all times, points during which there is a pharmacological effect and beyond. Since the relevant effect on the animal results from lidocaine and not its inactive 3-hydroxy metabolite, there is no good relationship between the threshold and the effect of lidocaine on the horse. It is a snapshot of a medication administration or exposure in the past with no relevance to its effect on the horse at the time of the race. The ARCI withdrawal time guideline appears to be taken solely from the European Horseracing Scientific Liaison Committee’s 72-hour detection time (figure 2), with no actual relationship to the dose recommendation suggested in the CMTS. Detection times as employed by the EHSLC differ greatly from recommended withdrawal times, because they are based simply on the longest time of detection among usually six or so horses, as shown in figure 2. A substantially longer time period must be used for a withdrawal time to account for individual variation between horses. In clinical practice, almost no racetrack

200 milligrams of lidocaine as its hydrochloride salt administered subcutaneously

European Horseracing Scientific Liaison Committee data; Iowa State University study

Applies to total major hydroxylated metabolite (i.e., includes conjugates)

Figure 1. The ARCI threshold, withdrawal guideline, dose and route of administration for lidocaine

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

Detection Times Substance

Preparation

Dose

Route of

Detection

Administration

Time (hours)

(No. of horses) Lidocaine

Norocaine® Norbrook Laboratories

300mg/15ml, single dose

s/c(6)

60mg/3ml, single dose

s/c(6)

Figure 2. European Horseracing Scientific Liaison Committee’s detection time for lidocaine practitioner actually uses lidocaine at any dose within 72 hours of racing because of the high degree of uncertainty with the RMTC/ARCI recommended withdrawal times. The source of ARCI’s regulatory threshold of 20 pg/ml in blood for 3-hydroxylidocaine remains elusive. No scientific data were available when the threshold was originally set, and the subsequent University of Pennsylvania study does not lend support to the threshold. It would seem likely that 20 pg/ml was the lower limit of quantitation of the analytical procedure when the regulatory threshold was set. What remains completely unclear, however, is 1) why the ARCI chose to adopt a lidocaine threshold unrelated to any published science and unsupported by the subsequent science that has been published, and 2) why they chose to go with the more cumbersome analytical procedure of the 3-hydroxylidocaine glucuronide metabolite when the more direct analysis would be for the parent substance, lidocaine. The High No-Effect Dose of Lidocaine Threshold research on lidocaine as a therapeutic medication has previously been presented in the veterinary scientific literature in peer-reviewed papers. In the 1990s, the Tobin group proposed regulation of local anesthetics based on the concept of the high no-effect dose (HNED, the amount slightly below what could cause an effect), and they published a series of scientific articles on the subject. In the case of lidocaine, this dose was 4 mg. Next, they identified the lidocaine metabolite levels associated with this dose. The peak blood concentration of the HNED of lidocaine at 20 minutes after injection was about 2,000 pg/ml, and at 120 minutes, the timeframe when all possible effect had worn off, the level was about 400 pg/ml. This indicates that no possible effect of the lidocaine could be present at a threshold of 400 pg/ml.

The High Sensitivity of Current Testing Technology As we have repeatedly laid out in these pages, the sensitivity of drug testing of horses has increased to a level unparalleled in history. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC-MS/MS) is a technology that has revolutionized every branch of science that looks at molecules, including drug testing. In 1999, there were 95 articles utilizing LC-MS/MS in PubMed, the database that chronicles scientific publications. In 2019, that number had exploded to 3,410. The LC-MS/MS concept was so groundbreaking that the scientists (Fenn, Tanaka and Wuthrich) who developed the technology behind it received the Nobel Prize in 2002. This technology opened the door to being able to almost simultaneously separate and identify thousands of compounds that may be present in a drug sample. While clearly a benefit to the drug-testing industry because very minute quantities of many substances can be detected in blood and urine samples, the logic of regulating therapeutic substances at these levels must be questioned. At the very least, the scientific evidence behind the promulgated thresholds must be available for inspection. Environmental Sources of Lidocaine The end result of the highly sensitive nature of drug testing in horse racing is that many positive tests result from inadvertent environmental transfer of drugs from either the people around and handling the horses or the stalls in which the horses are kept prior to the race. Lidocaine is a long “off-patent” medication, widely available as a generic prescription medication and listed as the 216th most commonly prescribed medication in 2016. It is also readily available in non-prescription strength as both patches and creams

CLARENCE ALFORD – STOCK.ADOBE.COM

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

FEATURE (Salonpas, Icy Hot Patch, Aspercreme), which have been shown to be as effective as the prescription preparations. Lidocaine is stable in the environment and readily absorbed by animals through the skin. As such, lidocaine is a classic environmental transfer substance. It has been identified in 90 percent of landfill runoffs at a level of up to 147 pg/ml, and as high as 500 pg/ml in streams in the southeastern United States. Additionally, when receiving stalls at Charles Town Races were investigated for the presence of medications, lidocaine was among those identified (The Horsemen’s Journal, Winter 2017). Confidentiality laws governing human medical records preclude employers from questioning employees about their existing medical conditions or prescribed medications. This opens a panoply of potential sources of contamination of racehorses by casual contact with humans. Employees of trainers, racetracks and racing commissions come into contact with horses and could serve as the source of inadvertent transfer of lidocaine. Assuming that horses absorb lidocaine in a similar manner to humans, it would require 1/40th of a milliliter (1/100th of a teaspoon) of lidocaine cream to cause a positive test at a level of 100 pg/ml of the 3-hydroxylidocaine metabolite in blood. Legal Issues Surrounding a Randomly Assigned Threshold The ARCI model rule on lidocaine is concerning because the threshold, withdrawal guidelines and dosing specifications are not supported by published science. This concern becomes critically important relative to a state-issued occupational license. A horseman’s license is “a property interest sufficient to invoke the protection of the due process clause.” Barry v. Barchi, 433 US 55, 64 (1979). Therefore, a license may not be taken or suspended without both procedural and substantive due process. Procedural due process requires the right to reasonable notice of the alleged violation and the opportunity to be heard “at a meaningful time and in a

meaningful manner.” Armstrong v. Manzo, 380 US 545, 552 (1965). Substantive due process requires a rational relationship between a legitimate governmental purpose of a rule and the means selected for the desired end. This means there must be a nexus or rational relationship between the ARCI rule and the means chosen for that desired end—such as maintaining and preserving the integrity of racing. RMTC-accredited laboratories are capable of detecting substances, including lidocaine and metabolites such as 3-hydroxylidocaine glucuronide, at thresholds far below what has been seen before. As in the case of lidocaine, the unit of measure is a picogram. A picogram is one-one trillionth of a gram; in lay terms, one second is one-one trillionth of your life when you are 32,000 years old. This is significant relative to the licensee’s substantive due process rights. The principles of substantive due process require that a racing commission, in the case of therapeutic mediations such as lidocaine, establish race-day thresholds. In the case of lidocaine, 20 pg/ml of total 3-hydroxylidocaine glucuronide in plasma or serum should reflect a scientifically accepted correlation. In short, there must be a rational relationship between the level or concentration of the controlled therapeutic medication and the potential for such concentration to affect and aid the performance of the equine athlete. The current threshold for lidocaine is apparently established not by regulatory science but rather by the technical limit of detection of testing technology. Thus the threshold is subject to change based on the next new and improved model of laboratory testing equipment and not on scientific testing, data or proof. When a published threshold for an otherwise permissible substance is exceeded, but there is an absence of scientific proof that the amount detected is sufficient to affect performance, that results in the rule/threshold being subject to scientific attack on the basis of a violation of the licensee’s due process rights, as well as being subject to an argument that the threshold is arbitrary and capricious by definition. For example, in the case of Princess of Sylmar, the runner-up in the 2014 Delaware Handicap, after a betamethasone overage KELLYVANDELLEN – STOCK.ADOBE.COM

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

in her post-race sample, the Delaware Park stewards opted not to move forward on the case when it became apparent that the RMTC guidelines for betamethasone, which had been adopted in the state, were not subject to peer review and were not grounded in science. The ARCIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current rule regarding lidocaine would likely be subject to the same ruling in a court of law based on its lack of peer-reviewed and published scientific data, testing and bases. Good Faith Investigation of Positive Tests The sensitivity of LC-MS/MS testing of horse racing has outpaced commonsense regulation. The extent of investigation in most jurisdictions is limited to the testing of a split sample to confirm the primary laboratoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identification. A significant proportion of positive tests are for substances susceptible to environmental transfer. It is the goal of all participants in horse racing to compete on a level playing field, with clean, healthy competitors, and for the best horse on the day to win the race. Regulations should not have a Russian roulette effect in which random horses are taken down and trainers penalized for irrelevant concentrations of medications that have no effect on racing. Each positive test for therapeutic medications for humans or horses should have a thorough forensic investigation, both of the circumstances surrounding the horses and also of the complete chemistry of the blood and urine or other sample. Such an investigation for a lidocaine positive would include testing of both the blood and urine for the parent molecule lidocaine and the 3-hydroxy metabolite. For example, if a horse was inadvertently exposed to an environmental trace of lidocaine close to post time, it is not inconceivable that the urinary concentrations of the 3-hydroxy metabolite would be below the EHSLC regulatory threshold, fully consistent with a small level of exposure and potentially mitigating/exculpatory evidence. This would be the case if the trace transfer occurred in the paddock from a groom, the trainer or the identifier or even the assistant starter on the track. The take-home message of this article is simple: Low-level identifications for many substances, including lidocaine, commonly result from inadvertent transfer to the horse from its environment. Substances widely available over the counter, such as lidocaine, will continue to pose problems for racing commissions and horsemen alike until the industry takes the approach of conducting thorough, legitimate and appropriate forensic investigations. Levels of substances at high risk for environmental transfer to the horse should be carefully evaluated. When such substances exhibit levels consistent with environmental transfer, these facts can and should be used as mitigating circumstances in determining the penalties. HJ

The ARCI Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances and Recommended Penalties Model Rule, as amended in January 2020, classify lidocaine as a Class 2 drug. Class 2 substances are defined as:

Drugs that have a high potential to affect performance, but less of a potential than drugs in Class 1. These drugs are 1) not generally accepted as therapeutic agents in racing horses, or 2) they are therapeutic agents that have a high potential for abuse. Drugs in this class include psychotropic drugs, certain nervous system and cardiovascular system stimulants, depressants, and neuromuscular blocking agents. Injectable local anesthetics are included in this class because of their high potential for abuse as nerve blocking agents. The corresponding recommended penalty for a lidocaine positive is a Class B penalty. A licensed trainer with a first-time positive test for lidocaine, absent mitigating factors, faces the following Class B penalty: A minimum 15-day suspension. The presence of aggravating factors may result in a maximum 60-day suspension. Additionally, the licensed trainer faces a minimum fine of $500, absent mitigating circumstances. The presence of aggravating factors may result in a fine of $1,000. If the violation is a second offense, the minimum period of suspension is 30 days, absent mitigating factors, and a maximum of 180 days if aggravating factors are determined. A second offense carries a minimum fine of $1,000, absent mitigating circumstances, and a maximum fine of up to $2,500 if aggravating factors are present. Finally, if the positive result for lidocaine is a third offense within a 365-day period, in any jurisdiction, the penalty is a minimum of a 60-day suspension, absent mitigating circumstances, with a maximum suspension of one year if aggravating circumstances are present. Also, if the positive constitutes a third offense, the licensed trainer faces a minimum fine of $2,500, absent mitigating circumstances, and a maximum fine of $5,000 or 5 percent of the purse, whichever is greater, should aggravating factors be involved. In addition, the state commission may take any additional action deemed necessary.

The current threshold for lidocaine is apparently established not by regulatory science but rather by the technical limit of detection of testing technology. Thus the threshold is subject to change based on the next new and improved model of laboratory testing equipment and not on scientific testing, data or proof.

THE HORSEMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

TRADITION OF SUCCESS Since 1973, Race Track Industry Program graduates have been united by passion â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for the horse, for racing, for making their own mark. This passion and drive connects them long after the degree has been earned and careers have been launched. From winning Triple Crowns to running racetracks, managing bloodstock enterprises to calling races, RTIP alumni are leading the industry. Become a part of this legacy.

Horsephotos.com

Race Track Industry Program | ua-rtip.org

AMERICA’S RICHEST RACE MEET

$12,202,000

CUSTOM WALL PADDING SUPERIOR FLOORING OPTIONS for Barns, Exam and Surgery, Recovery Rooms Pavesafe • Trac-Roll • Vet-Trac

YOUR PADDING & FLOORING SPECIALIST

IN PURSES

Maidens: $90K | Allowance: $100K Average Daily Purses: $2 Million

DANDY PRODUCTS, INC 3314 St. Rt. 131, Goshen, OH 45122 513-625-3000 • 888-883-8386 • F 513-625-2600 www.dandyproducts.net

KTFD Contribution: $5,082,500 Kentucky Downs: $7,119,500

LIVE RACES September

7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 16 “Spectra products are a big part of our program... quality products that work. We feed Mega-Flx +HA to all of our horses on a daily basis.” Mark Hennig - Thoroughbred Trainer, Long Island, New York Trainer of over 1,000 winners and purses of more than $70 million with over 100 Graded Stakes wins.

THE SORE MUSCLE & JOINT SOLUTION™ MEGA-FLX® +HA JOINT & MUSCLE HEALTH/MOBILITY SUPPORT

Dual action formula - joint & muscle Proprietary FLX4 Functional Antioxidant Superior Average Lameness Improvement High purity, clinically studied MSM High purity, pharmaceutical grade HA High purity selenium (99% pure) 100% bioavailable vitamin E

Jacks sells wholesale only. View over 10k available products and find a retailer near you at jacksmfg.com ®

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

NEWS

IMPORTANT UPDATE: As you are undoubtably aware, COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact around the world, including, of course, within the horse racing industry. Because it is not possible to provide timely and accurate updates in a print magazine, please refer to the National HBPA website at hbpa.org, individual affiliate websites and social media channels for the latest information about how this pandemic is affecting racing. Information in this section is current as of late June but is subject to change at any time. Please contact your affiliate or racetrack to confirm any specific information.

ALABAMA HBPA Good News for Alabama-Breds Good news! The $25,000 Ken Cotton Classic has been scheduled to run Saturday, September 19, at Louisiana Downs. The six-furlong allowance race will be for Alabama-bred 3-year-olds and up that are maidens or non-winners of two races and broke their maiden for a claiming price of $25,000 or less. Entries will be taken through Louisiana Downs, and the race will be listed in the condition book. The Alabama HBPA will cover up to $500 in shipping expenses for horses running fourth and out. A receipt must accompany the request for reimbursement. In 2019, we disbursed $23,200 in supplemental purses to Alabama-bred horses running in open company at various tracks around the country. The leading earner was Abbey’s Snow White, owned by Country Acres Stables, at $4,400. Out Late, owned by Charles Hukill, was second with $3,800, and Baba Light, owned by Hackett Brothers Thoroughbreds, was third at $3,200. The 2019 leading owner by earnings was Hackett Brothers Thoroughbreds at $5,000. All Alabama-bred horses are eligible for these funds, but you must let the Alabama HBPA know when your horse runs and qualifies for the monies. Payouts continue to be $800 for a first-place finish, $600 for second, $400 for third and $200 for fourth. For more information about the shipping reimbursement and supplemental purses, contact Nancy Delony-Jones at (205) 969-7048 or nancy.m.delony@ms.com. In addition to the supplemental purses, with many thanks to the Louisiana HBPA for their support and work, the Alabama HBPA continues to annually fund $25,000 as added purse monies for Alabama-breds running at the four Louisiana tracks. These funds are automatically added to your earnings and paid out by the track. With the sacrifices we all have had to endure this past winter and spring, it is comforting to know that our horses can continue doing what they love, though I am sure they have been missing the cheering crowds as much as the trainers, grooms and trackside workers. This will be a year to be remembered. We are looking forward to the fourth running of the Ken Cotton Classic in September! Nancy Delony-Jones, Executive Director

ARIZONA HBPA Turf Paradise Update On March 14, the Arizona horse racing industry was turned upside down by Turf Paradise owner Jeremy Simms. The Arizona HBPA issued the following statement on the Turf Paradise meet cancellation: 52

The Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association opposes Turf Paradise management’s sudden cancellation of the rest of its race meet without any consultation with horsemen nor the required regulatory approval of Arizona’s racing regulators. We understand how grave the coronavirus is and in no way are trivializing its seriousness and the fact that America faces hardships in battling such a nefarious disease. However, major tracks across the country have chosen to continue running without spectators in the stands and allowing horses to train. The fact that Turf Paradise’s ownership and management unilaterally shut down, leaving horsemen with no place to go, makes us cynical that this is more about the ongoing simulcast dispute. If Turf Paradise thought that complete closure was the only option, the proper way to handle it would have been to notify racing regulators of their intent and to bring horsemen into the decision-making. That didn’t happen, leaving owners and trainers in a lurch with nowhere to send their horses after the stable area is completely shut down on March 28. Not allowing horses to continue training after Monday, March 16, also shows a lack of concern for the safety and well-being of race-ready horses, who risk injuring themselves in their stalls if not allowed appropriate exercise. We also question that if this were strictly in response to COVID-19, then Turf Paradise would not be keeping its OTB facilities and clubhouse open for simulcasting, including on tracks that have opted to go spectator-free. We applaud the Arizona Racing Commission for responding to our request and calling a meeting at 10 a.m. Monday with Turf Paradise management and Arizona HBPA leadership. Collaboration is critical to creating a plan that complies with CDC guidelines but also takes into account the well-being of our racehorse population while mitigating where possible the damage to this important agribusiness in the state. Our jockeys also are in complete support of continuing the race meet without spectators, said prominent rider Scott Stevens, who serves as a Jockeys’ Guild representative at Turf Paradise. To track management’s suggestion that the cancellation is for the protection of the jockeys, Stevens responds: “We’ll get dressed in the parking lot if we have to. We were totally blindsided. The whole backstretch was blindsided.” The Arizona HBPA appreciates that life for America today is not the same as two weeks ago and that sacrifices must be made, including economic. However, there is a thoughtful and orderly way to institute COVID-19 protections without sabotaging the Arizona horse racing industry. Bob Hutton, President, Arizona HBPA After intense negations between Arizona HBPA board members and Turf Paradise, along with the help of the director of the Arizona Racing Commission, horsemen were allowed to stay at Turf Paradise until other tracks opened. One of the conditions to be able to stay at Turf Paradise was horsemen had to pay 50 percent of the costs for keeping the backside open. Altogether, this cost the Arizona HBPA $121,162.70 from the purse account. One good thing that came from this experience was the way the horsemen bonded together. Thanks to Cynthia George and Terri Ferguson for creating the Feed Angels Fund. This fund raised well over $20,000 that was used for helping THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

AFFILIATE NEWS trainers feed their horses. Cynthia, Terri and their many helpers spent countless hours not only raising the funds but also buying the oats and hay and delivering the feed to the trainers needing their help. This effort by Terri, Cynthia and their helpers was a very generous act that will be remembered for a long time to come by the Arizona horsemen! Turf Paradise’s actions financially crippled many trainers, and many will never recover. Unfortunately, more than 100 racehorses were either given away or sold for pleasure horses, and this will cripple the horse racing population in Arizona for years to come. On April 30, the Arizona HBPA was given notice to remove all their belongings from the grounds including the office trailer that Turf Paradise was using to house its medical staff. Thanks to the Arizona Downs management, that track allowed the Arizona HBPA to move everything to the HBPA office there. As we all get used to this new world we are living in, the racing scene in Arizona will be looking very different in the future. Arizona HBPA President Bob Hutton and all board members want to assure you they are working very hard to get Arizona back to year-round racing with better purses and better backside conditions. There are several projects that they are working on that will benefit Arizona racing into the future.

CHARLES TOWN HBPA Racing Resumes at Charles Town After a nearly two-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thoroughbred racing resumed at Charles Town on May 14. “We couldn’t be happier to resume live racing here at Charles Town and do it in what we believe to be a safe environment,” said Charles Town Vice President of Racing and Sports Operations Erich Zimny. Charles Town first resumed racing without spectators and is enforcing strict guidelines for horses, trainers and jockeys. The track’s receiving barn is closed, and only horses stabled at the track or registered as West Virginia-breds are permitted to race. Trainers who are not currently allocated stalls at Charles Town must get permission from the racing secretary to ship in to the stalls of any trainer who already has stalls at the track. Jockeys must have recorded at least 50 percent of their starts at Charles Town in 2020. The casino opened on June 5, and spectators were allowed back on June 24. The Charles Town HBPA would like to thank Gov. Jim Justice, the West Virginia Racing Commission and Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races for their efforts in getting racing back on the schedule.

Bristol for fillies and mares, the $100,000 Robert Hilton Memorial for 3-year-olds and the $100,000 Russell Road Stakes presented by Triple Crown Nutrition for older horses. A pair of West Virginia-accredited stakes—the $50,000 Robert G. Leavitt and $50,000 Sylvia Bishop Memorial—complete the stakes-laden card. While the Charles Town Oaks has been moved from its previously scheduled September 19 date and two other unrestricted stakes set for the same day have been canceled, a quartet of West Virginia-bred stakes remain on that card and serve as a springboard to the West Virginia Breeders’ Classics held three weeks later on October 10. The entire stakes schedule is available at hollywoodcasinocharlestown. com/racing.

Horsemen Helping Horsemen Throughout the recent crisis, horsemen have worked to help horsemen in need. What follows are just a few examples. Assistance for Horses—Thanks to the partnership of Aftercare Charles Town, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and the Charles Town HBPA, horsemen were able to receive assistance in providing for their horses through the following programs: · Through a Thoroughbred Charities of America Horses First Fund grant, $10,000 was allocated to provide grain for horsemen stabled at Charles Town. Under the income guidelines of this program, 65 percent of the horsemen on the grounds received assistance. · All horsemen stabled on the grounds received bags of fortified forage supplement courtesy of Triple Crown Feed. · Horsemen meeting the income guidelines were able to receive feed courtesy of Blue Seal. These programs provided nearly 35 tons of feed to horsemen at Charles Town. In partnership with the West Virginia Racing Commission, the Charles Town HBPA was able to provide much-needed funds to horsemen through emergency distributions through the Retirement Plan for Backstretch Personnel. Vested plan participants were able to draw up to 50 percent of their plan value as a one-time allocation without penalties. Through this program, more than $1.1 million was distributed to West Virginia horsemen. Food Distribution—The Charles Town HBPA coordinated weekly food distribution from April 3 through May 29. During this time, we provided nearly 1,500 meals to horsemen and their families.

Charles Town Releases Updated Stakes Schedule Caught up in Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races’ pandemic-related shutdown, the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic, originally slated for April 18, has been rescheduled for August 28 following approval by the West Virginia Racing Commission. The track’s marquee event contested at 1 1/8 miles for older horses, the Charles Town Classic will be one of seven stakes races on the Friday evening card, which gets underway with a special first post of 5 p.m. ET. The Charles Town Classic purse will represent a trend shared with many other stakes around the country, as it will be cut to $600,000 for the 2020 edition. The Grade 3 Charles Town Oaks has also been rescheduled and will be run on the same day as the Classic for the first time. The seven-furlong Charles Town Oaks will be contested for a purse of $200,000. The two graded events will be joined by three unrestricted seven-furlong stakes: the $150,000 Dance to THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

HORSEMEN CAME TOGETHER TO HELP EACH OTHER DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS.

NEWS We would like to extend a special thank you to the following individuals for their contributions, which made the grocery distribution possible: David and Ellen Walters, Christina Vena Mosby, Mark Russell, Richard Knapp, Naomi Long, Tim and Judy Grams, Mike Lloyd, Mary Longerbeam, Gwen Ingersoll, Ken Lowe, Larry Puccio and Ethelene Di Gregorio.

Barstool Sports Barstool Sports recently visited Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races to film an episode in their “Making a Gambler” video series (barstoolsports.com/ shows/92/making-a-gambler). The premise of the show is a lifetime gambler teaches his neophyte friend the nuances of betting on sports, craps, racing, etc.

Rules of Racing The new West Virginia Rules of Racing became effective on June 9. Visit the Charles Town HBPA website at cthbpa.com to view the new rules.

New 150-Day Layoff Rule Beginning with entries for July 23, trainers of any horse that has not raced for 150 days or more (excluding first-time starters) shall submit to Dr. Francis Daniel a 150-Day Layoff Report Form a minimum of 30 days in advance of entry. The form is valid for 60 days from the date of submission. The report can be found on the CTHBPA website at cthbpa.com.

FLORIDA HBPA Kevin Scheen Named FHBPA Executive Director

Best Wagering Week Ever at Indiana Grand Indiana Grand Racing & Casino recorded its best wagering week ever in handle to kick off the 18th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. Over the first four days of racing, June 15-18, a total of $9,867,445 was wagered on 35 Thoroughbred and 10 Quarter Horse races. The previous best week of handle was recorded during Indiana Derby Week in 2019 when $8,673,496 was wagered over four days. “The reception of our racing program on a national level has been outstanding,” said Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager of racing at Indiana Grand. “The entire team has worked through some very difficult times to ensure operations are meeting all requirements set by the state due to COVID-19 protocols. It’s really rewarding to all of us to have racing fans be so invested in our racing product. It sure sets the tone for our entire season, and we are working hard to keep that momentum going.” One facet that has been popular this season is the new lower takeout on the Pick 5. Held on the last five Thoroughbred races daily, the wager provides a reduced takeout of 11.99 percent, one of the lowest in the country. Pools for the wager are averaging more than $71,000, and payouts for the 50-cent minimum wager are averaging more than $3,100. “We are trying to find ways to cater to our racing fans, and providing a lower takeout on the Pick 5 is a great way to engage horseplayers,” Halstrom said. “We will continue to find ways to captivate our racing audience in all sorts of ways, both on track and through simulcasting.” The track opened without fans allowed on track but, at press time, management hopes to have fans in the stands again soon.

Backstretch Cafe Finds Unique Way to Serve Barn Area The Backstretch Cafe at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino has long been a staple for horsemen and horsewomen working in the barn area. Earlier this spring, new safety measures were put in place to follow COVID-19 state restrictions, which altered the business model of the restaurant, located at the entrance to the barn area. Melissa Ruddick, the cafe’s food and beverage supervisor, jumped into action and came up with a plan to serve those who work in the barn area. All she needed was a Gator utility vehicle and some Gatorade to get started. COURTESY INDIANA GRAND

The Florida HBPA is pleased to announce that Kevin Scheen has been selected as the new executive director. Scheen replaces Billy Badgett, who has accepted an executive position with The Stronach Group. We wish to acknowledge the great job that Billy has done for the FHBPA, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in his new capacity. “I would like to thank President Stephen Screnci, the search committee and the board for providing me this opportunity,” Scheen said. “I have been working with horsemen on contingency issues my entire career and now will be moving from regulatory to an advocacy role. Having worked the South Florida racing scene the past 15 years, I am aware of the great group of professionals we have racing here, and I am excited to be working with them.” A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Scheen has roots in the racing game that go back to early family life, when his father, Dr. Randolph Scheen, raced Thoroughbreds at Keeneland and Churchill Downs with trainers Ian Wilkes and Carl Nafzger. Scheen has spent the majority of his career as a racing official, hopscotching across the country working at various tracks in a steward’s capacity. He eventually found a home working in South Florida and has been the Florida state steward overseeing Gulfstream Park and Calder Race Course (Gulfstream Park West) for the last 15 years. He began his FHBPA tenure on June 12. Scheen currently resides in Ft. Lauderdale with his wife, Wanda, and their children, Natalia, Christian and Sergie.

INDIANA HBPA

MELISSA RUDDICK (DRIVER’S SEAT) AND KAYLA DUDLEY MAKING THE ROUNDS AT INDIANA GRAND.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

AFFILIATE NEWS “We wanted to find a way to continue to serve all the people that work both in the barn area and in our track maintenance department because it’s difficult for them to leave and go off property to get food and drinks when they are working,” she said. “So, we began preparing portable options. We provide service six days a week and now make three rounds on race days to accommodate everyone.” Ruddick, along with Kayla Dudley, starts at 5:30 a.m., before morning training hours get underway. She and Dudley travel by Gator from barn to barn, offering everything from breakfast sandwiches to cold drinks and hot coffee. Their breakfast service continues until approximately 10 a.m. before they head back to the cafe and begin preparing lunch. Prepackaged sandwiches are put together, and the women follow the same process through the barns with a flat price of $5, which includes a food item and a drink. “We try to have a few different specials every day for breakfast and lunch,” Ruddick said. “We have even created bags for each order that already include disposable utensils, condiments and napkins so it’s easy for them to carry. We are cash only to make the process as quick as possible and to avoid as much contact as possible to follow restrictions.” Ruddick and Dudley make one final swing through the barn area after racing begins at 2:20 p.m. and wrap up their day around 5 p.m., giving participants during the afternoon racing card the opportunity to grab something before or after a race. Once the delivery day is complete, they go through all safety procedures to ensure everything has been sanitized and is ready to go for the next day’s deliveries. “Melissa and Kayla have a sincere care for our horsemen and employees, and this service has been very well received,” said Eric Halstrom, vice president and general manager of racing. “The pandemic has forced us into thinking differently about a lot of things, which includes how we serve food while following strict protocols in the barn area. We’re lucky to have such a wonderful food and beverage team.”

design and view the many information portals that have been created for owners, trainers and the general public. Some new aspects include sections for owners and trainers, aftercare and potential benefits for qualifying individuals on the backside.

Iowa HBPA Schedule of Events As with everything, we have had a few change-ups for our schedule this year, as reflected below: July 9—General nomination meeting for Iowa HBPA 2020 election September 9—Iowa HBPA 2020 election held September 18—New Iowa HBPA board seated September 26—Iowa Classics Night featuring Iowa-bred stakes races October 10—Last day of Thoroughbred race meet

Iowa HBPA Office Hours and Information The office will be open during the hours listed below. If you’re applying for benefits in person, please call ahead of time to make an appointment. Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. 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., or follow us on Twitter @IowaHBPA, and you also can sign up to receive our emails at info@iowahbpa.org. Again, you can check out our redesigned website at iowahbpa.org.

KENTUCKY HBPA President’s Message

IOWA HBPA Prairie Meadows 2020 Racing Season As many horsemen now know, this year’s racing season is a little different than what was originally planned. We have now started racing and will conduct a 67-day race meet, with the objective to run an 84-day race meet in 2021. The Iowa HBPA, working in conjunction with Prairie Meadows, has revised this year’s schedule to try to alleviate potential purse shortcomings for 2021, due to the way purses are calculated on a year-to-year basis. With that being known, the stakes program for 2020, and more than likely for 2021, has been dramatically changed to assist in keeping the overnight program as intact as possible for horsemen that are stabled at Prairie Meadows. The Iowa HBPA recognized Prairie Meadows’ desire to keep the listed and graded status for certain stakes races, and, as such, they have been reduced to the lowest level possible while still retaining their status. The Iowa HBPA will continue to monitor the amount of money available for purses and continue to push for keeping the overnight portion of the racing program the core of the decision-making process.

Iowa HBPA Website Redesign The Iowa HBPA has redesigned an aging website and now has the new version up and accessible for all. Please visit iowahbpa.org to see the new

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

The Kentucky HBPA continues to pursue the rights of horsemen, both legally and legislatively, to run 2-year-olds with Lasix at Kentucky racetracks. Previously, we reported that Churchill Downs and Keeneland announced that they intend to run 2-year-old races Lasix-free. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Keeneland canceled its spring race meeting. However, Churchill Downs proceeded to run 2-year-old races Lasixfree. Through our attorneys, the KHBPA filed a motion to secure a temporary injunction against eliminating the use of Lasix in 2-year-old races, but we were denied. We will continue to battle on both legally and legislatively. Horsemen continue to grapple with the racetracks’ requirement that prior to entering a horse or scheduling a workout that the attending veterinarian must first examine the horse and the horse be found fit to race or exercise. The tracks felt it is imperative to show the public their commitment to safety. In reality, it is just one more unnecessary expense to owners, especially if the horse is entered numerous times prior to having the opportunity to run, requiring several exams. Churchill Downs received accolades for stepping in to purchase Turfway Park. It is moving forward with improvements at the track, including demolition of the grandstand with the intention of building a state-of-the-art grandstand/clubhouse structure and a historic horse racing facility. In addition, Churchill is renovating the racing surface’s drainage system and replacing the Polytrack with a Tapeta surface. It is also initiating major improvements to the barn area. In the meantime, Churchill has started construction on a historic horse racing facility in Newport, Kentucky, since the Turfway project 55

NEWS will not be completed prior to the race meeting in December. This will begin the process of accumulating revenue for purses. During this COVID-19 nightmare that horsemen have endured, the one vital component has been the resolute and steadfast support from Thoroughbred owners. For months, they were denied access to their horses and lost the opportunity to watch them perform. Even though they may have been discouraged by the turn of events, they have persevered and look toward the future when racing resumes at full capacity. All of us in racing owe a debt of gratitude to the Thoroughbred owners, and we salute you. Good luck in your racing endeavors. Rick Hiles, President, KHBPA

A Unique Year for Kentucky If nothing else, 2020 certainly will be a historic year for Kentucky racing. Just start with the Kentucky Derby (G1) being September 5, the first time it has ever been later than June 9, a delay caused by World War II. (See page 9 for an update on spectators being allowed at Churchill Downs.) Then we have Keeneland back in the spotlight in July. But instead of holding its July selected yearling sale, a world-renowned auction last held in 2002, Keeneland will be racing for the first time in the summer, July 8-12, in order to conduct some of the stakes and other races lost when the Lexington track canceled its April meet amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The result is that Kentucky remains at the national forefront even with the two-month hiatus for live racing and three-month shutdown for the historical horse racing operations that ignited the circuit’s resurgence. The catalyst has been the tracks and horsemen, in concert with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, working for the betterment of all. Even with purse accounts taking a considerable hit, Kentucky Downs’ overnight purses still will be the highest in the United States, followed by Churchill Downs. Keeneland figures to rank No. 3 or 4, depending on Saratoga’s condition book.

“There has been a lot of give and take, but the result is something that is fair to everyone and collectively keeps Kentucky as racing’s standard-bearer,” said Kentucky HBPA Executive Director Marty Maline. “Our remaining 2020 racing calendar is a testament to what can be accomplished when racetracks work with their horsemen and the racing commission.” For instance, Ellis Park, whose summer meet now runs July 2-August 30 after turning over dates to Churchill Downs and Keeneland, for the first time will stage official prep races to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1). The $200,000 Ellis Park Derby offers 50 points to its winner, all but guaranteeing a spot in the Kentucky Derby, while the $100,000 Audubon Oaks, back off an 11-year hiatus, will award 10 points to the winner toward the Kentucky Oaks. Both races are August 9. “As someone who has been going to Ellis Park my entire life, I’m unbelievably excited about the track having a Kentucky Derby prep—although I’m hoping these are once-in-a-lifetime circumstances, and we never have to deal with a coronavirus again,” said Chester Thomas, a two-time Ellis Park leading owner from nearby Madisonville, Kentucky. “But it’s a great opportunity to have Derby contenders coming to Ellis Park.” “I keep going back to the cooperation,” Kevin Flanery, Churchill Downs’ racetrack president, told the media this spring. “We thought it was a great opportunity for Kentuckians to have additional channels on the road to the Kentucky Derby.” Here’s how it all unfolded: Keeneland announced on March 12 that it would race without spectators and then on March 16 called off its entire spring meet. The next day, Churchill Downs announced it was moving the Derby to September 5. The start of the Churchill Downs spring meet, conducted without spectators, wound up being delayed from April 25 until May 16 under Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s “Healthy At Home” executive order. Making the new Kentucky Derby Week possible was Ellis Park giving Churchill September 1, 3, 4 and 5, the bulk of what normally is Ellis’ closing week. Kentucky Downs did its part by relinquishing its scheduled September 2 opener to Churchill COADY PHOTOGRAPHY

GRAY MAGICIAN (PINK SILKS) EDGED KNICKS GO IN LAST YEAR’S ELLIS PARK DERBY. THE STAKES THIS YEAR WILL BE A POINTS RACE FOR THE KENTUCKY DERBY.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

AFFILIATE NEWS Downs, subsequently picking up Labor Day, September 7, from Ellis for the revised opener of the all-grass meet. Kentucky Downs also received September 16 from Churchill Downs, which will resume its September meet on September 17. Ellis Park then agreed in late May to transfer its claim to July 8-12 to Keeneland. Ellis several weeks later also requested that it begin its meet July 2, with its original opening day of June 28 going to Churchill Downs. In exchange, Keeneland is transferring to Ellis Park $125,000 in Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund supplements as well as giving Ellis host status during Keeneland’s five-date July run. That means Ellis and its horsemen will get the host-track simulcast proceeds on everything bet on out-of-state signals at Kentucky tracks. The arrangement will allow Keeneland to run 10 graded stakes, anchored by the $600,000 Toyota Blue Grass (G2) and $400,000 Central Bank Ashland (G1), preps for the Derby and Oaks, respectively. “We are all in this together, and Ellis Park is pleased to work with Keeneland on a plan that benefits our horsemen and Kentucky racing,” Ellis Park General Manager Jeff Inman said. Kentucky Downs, which in the preceding four years has sent a combined $11 million to Ellis Park purses in an agreement with the Kentucky HBPA and KHRC, this year will transfer at least $2 million in purses and KTDF supplements to the Henderson track. While Ellis Park’s purse account took a huge hit during the historical horse racing shutdown, the track’s $37,000 maiden races for Kentucky-breds remain the best in the Midwest and are competitive with Gulfstream Park and Delaware Park. Kentucky’s revised 2020 Thoroughbred dates are as follows: Churchill Downs: May 16–June 28 (Thursday–Sunday); September 1-5 and 17-27 (Wednesday–Sunday); October 25–November 5 (Wednesday–Sunday); November 8-29 (Wednesday–Sunday) Ellis Park: July 2-5 (Thursday–Sunday) and July 17–August 30 (Friday–Sunday) Keeneland: July 8-12; October 2-24 (Wednesday–Sunday); November 6-7 (Breeders’ Cup) Kentucky Downs: September 7, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 16 Turfway Park: December 2-5, 9-12, 17-19, 26, 31.

The HBPA Is You The HBPA, established in 1940, is an organization of owners and trainers numbering approximately 30,000 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 is present in negotiating sessions 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 and claiming coverage. 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 involvTHE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

ing horsemen’s rights in regard 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 by 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, 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 “How to Join.”

LOUISIANA HBPA Evangeline Downs The Racing Employees Assistance Program (REAP) is an organization that supports the good work of our Chaplain Dwight Brown and provides financial assistance to horsemen in need. REAP will hold its annual fundraiser this summer. We would like to thank everyone who supports the event each year. For more information regarding this year’s event, call Chaplain Brown at (337) 308-0960. The 2020 Thoroughbred meet began June 5 and ends August 29. For additional information, contact the Evangeline Downs racing office at (866) 349-0687. The 2020 Fair Grounds Quarter Horse meet is now scheduled to run at Evangeline Downs beginning September 17 and ending October 8. The meet will feature the LQHBA Sales Futurity on October 8, with trials held on September 17. The Evangeline Quarter Horse meet will immediately follow, beginning October 9 and ending December 19. The Evangeline meet will feature the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity on closing day, with the trials conducted November 20-21.

Louisiana Downs The Backside Benevolence Fund will be conducting its annual fundraiser this summer, and items will be available for auction. Final plans and preparations are in development for these fundraising efforts. Proceeds will help the fund continue its support of the Louisiana Downs Chaplaincy, Thrift Store and the backside workers. If you would like to help, please contact Chaplain Jimmy Sistrunk at (318) 560-7466. The 2020 Thoroughbred meet began June 6 and concludes September 23.

Delta Downs The 2020 Quarter Horse meet began June 10 and ends August 22, featuring the $350,000-added (estimated purse of $1 million) Lee Berwick Futurity for 2-year-olds to be contested on the final day of the meet. The Firecracker Futurity will be contested August 15 with a purse of $100,000-added (the 2019 purse totaled more than $300,000). For more information, contact the Delta Downs racing office at (888) 589-7223.

Fair Grounds As outlined above, the 2020 Quarter Horse meet will be conducted at Evangeline Downs, beginning September 17 and concluding October 8.

NEWS

Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino 2020 Race Meet

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs 2020 Race Meet

2235 Creswell Lane Extension, Opelousas, LA 70570 337-594-3000 * www.evangelinedowns.com

8000 Hwy 80 East, PO Box 5519, Bossier City, LA 71171 318-742-5555 * www.ladowns.com Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon

June 2020

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

03 04 05

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

05 06

10 11 12 13

09 10 15 16 17 22 23 24

10 11 12

22 23 24

17 18 19

24 25 26 27

25 26 September 2020

Tue

15 16 17

24/31

Mon

October 2020

17 18 19 20

29 30 July 2020

Sun

June 2020

06 08 09 10

Sat

August 2020

29 30 31 November 2020

July 2020

01 02

01 02 03 04

05 06 07

06 07 08

07 08 09

08 09 10 11

12 13 14

15 16 17 18

19 20 21

13 14 15

14 15 16

20 21 22

21 22 23

22 23 24 25 29 30 31

27 29 29

August 2020

64 Thoroughbred Days

December 2020 01

03 04 05

05 06 07 08

10 11 12

Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino 2020-2021 Race Meets

12 13 14 15

17 18 19

2717 Delta Downs Dr., Vinton, LA 70668 337-589-7441 * www.deltadowns.com

26 27 28 29

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

June 2020

Sat

October 2020

19 20 21 22 50 Thoroughbred Days

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

29 Quarter Horse Days

January 2021 01 02

10 11 12 13

06 07 08 09 10

06 07 08 09

17 18 19 20

14 15 16 17

13 14 15 16

24 25 26 27

21 22 23 24

20 21 22 23

28 29 30 31 November 2020

27 28 29 30 February 2021

July 2020 01 02 03 04

04 05 06 07

03 04 05 06

08 09 10 11

11 12 13 14

10 11 12 13

15 16 17 18

18 19 20 21

17 18 19 20

23 24 25

24 25

27 28

24 25 26 27

30 31 August 2020

December 2020 01

02 03 04 05

13 14 15

16 17 18 19

Fair Grounds Race Course 2020 Quarter Horse Race Meet

Running at Evangeline Downs Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

September 2020

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

01 02 03 08 17 18 19 24 25 26

84 Thoroughbred Days

10 Quarter Horse Days

09 10 11 12 20 21 22 36 Quarter Horse Days

21 22 23 30 31

Sat

October 2020

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

AFFILIATE NEWS MINNESOTA HBPA Live Racing Is Back at Canterbury Park In April, it seemed that simply getting the Canterbury Park stable area open was going to be a longshot. So when live racing resumed on June 10 with at least some fans in the stands, there was a collective sigh of relief from all those connected and involved in Minnesota racing. What has been even more heartening is how all stakeholders have worked so well together to make this meet possible. The end result is a meet that is not too dissimilar from last year’s. Incredibly, the worst-case scenario is that daily average purse money will be no worse than 10 percent less than last year’s. But there’s a good chance that it might actually mirror last year’s numbers. Meanwhile, the Triple Crown Apartments have opened on the grounds of Canterbury Park, and new construction has started on both additional infrastructure and a new residential property. The future looks bright as Canterbury Park continues to create an expansive, horse-themed development that will bring thousands to the Shakopee, Minnesota, landmark, located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area with approximately four million in population. The Canterbury Park development, when completed, will be the ultimate in a mixeduse property. Canterbury Park’s 2020 meet, having started later than originally scheduled, will run a bit longer into September, for a total of 52 race days.

MOUNTAINEER PARK HBPA Board of Directors Election The election for the Mountaineer Park HBPA board of directors will take place this fall. President Jami Poole, along with the advice and consent of the board of directors, has appointed Edward Shilling, Bill Witherow and Geoffrey Dixon as the nominating/election committee. The General Nominating Meeting will be held August 10 in the track kitchen at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack and Resort. Nominations will be received during this meeting. Petitions for nominations with 30 signatures of members will be accepted within 15 days from this meeting (August 25). Ballots are due to be mailed on or around September 18 by a third-party administrator. Ballots will be counted by the administrator on October 30. Please contact the Mountaineer Park HBPA office at (304) 387-9772 or by email at bkoski@mphbpa.com to ensure that your mailing address is correct. It is the members’ responsibility to ensure that a correct address is on file with the office. Should you not receive a ballot by the end of September, please contact the office immediately.

Board Election Ballots Ballots for the Ohio HBPA board of directors election will be mailed to Ohio HBPA members by September 1 and will be due Friday, October 2. The Ohio State Racing Commission is no longer providing addresses of members to the Ohio HBPA. If you have moved in the past 12 months or are a new member, we may not have your current address. If either of those are the case or you did not receive an election notice by mail in June, please contact Ohio HBPA administrative assistant Kathy Moore at (614) 875-1269 with your current address to ensure you receive a ballot for the election.

THOROUGHBRED RACING ASSOCIATION OF OKLAHOMA (OKLAHOMA HBPA) Congratulations to the 2019 Oklahoma-Bred Thoroughbred Champions Ra-Max Farms LLC’s Welder became a millionaire on April 28 with a victory in the TRAO Classic Sprint Stakes, his fifth consecutive in the race, and now can add five 2019 Oklahoma-Bred Thoroughbred Champion titles, including Horse of the Year, to his long list of accolades. Bred by Center Hills Farm and trained by Theresa Luneack, the now 7-year-old gelding has a career record of 33-22-4-4 with earnings of $1,006,393. Following is the complete list of 2019 Thoroughbred Champions: Champion Male Racing Stock, Champion Male Sprinter, Champion Aged Stallion/Gelding, Horse of the Year and All Breeds Horse of the Year Welder (The Visualiser—Dance Softly) • Owner: Ra-Max Farms LLC Champion Female Racing Stock, Champion 3-Year-Old Filly and Champion Female Turf Runner Alternative Slew (Alternation—Imadancingslew) • Owner: Mike Jones

OHIO HBPA Thistledown and Belterra Park Resume Racing After a two-and-a-half-month hiatus, Thoroughbred racing resumed in Ohio on June 4 with opening day at both Thistledown and Belterra Park featuring spectator-free racing. Thistledown will now run an 85-day meet featuring racing Monday through Thursday with a 12:50 p.m. first post. Additional Saturday live racing cards will THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

be held on August 8, the Best of Ohio Day featuring five $100,000 stakes for Buckeye-breds; September 5, the rescheduled Kentucky Derby Day; and October 3, the rescheduled Preakness Stakes Day. The meet is off to a solid start at Thistledown with daily average all-sources handle up more than 54 percent through the first eight days of the meet. The meet will now run through Wednesday, October 21, leading straight into the Mahoning Valley fall meet, which is set to kick off on Saturday, October 24. Racing at Belterra’s revised 75-day meeting will now be conducted on a Tuesday through Friday schedule each week with a 12:35 p.m. first post. The meet has been extended through Friday, October 9. The first seven days of the Belterra Park meet saw a 43 percent increase in daily average all-sources handle from the same period in 2019.

SUMMER 2020

Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Machos Vision (Pollard’s Vision—Machorina) • Owner: Michael Biehler and MBG Racing LLC Champion 2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Rowdy Yates (Morning Line—Spring Station) • Owner: L N Racing LLC

NEWS COADY PHOTOGRAPHY

OREGON HBPA Good Things Are Happening at Grants Pass Downs

THE 7-YEAR-OLD WELDER RECENTLY BECAME A MILLIONAIRE AND CONTINUES TO ADD TO HIS TROPHY HAUL.

Champion 3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding and Champion Male Turf Runner Cowboy Mischief (Into Mischief—Lady Jensen) • Owner: Kelly Thiesing Champion Female Sprinter and Champion Aged Mare Three Chords (Euroears—Carter’s Chord) • Owner: Dream Walkin Farms Champion Horse — Mixed Meets America’s Darling (Latent Heat—American Sound) • Owner: Jimmy Skinner Leading Owner of Racing Stock C.R. Trout Leading Breeder of Racing Stock Center Hills Farm Leading Sire of Racing Stock Euroears • Owner: James E. and Marilyn Helzer Leading Dam of Racing Stock Dance Softly • Owner: Center Hills Farm

Oklahoma Racing Schedule

• SAFE • CERTAIN • EFFECTIVE WOUND PROTECTION

BIOZIDE GEL ®

WOUND DRESSING Antibacterial • Antifungal

It is the BEST!

Use for Wounds • Incisions • Lacerations • Barb Wire Cuts • Topical Infections • Nail Wounds • Trauma • Rope Burns

PUT IT ON…IT STAYS PUT!

Does Not Melt or Run Off 1% Available IODINE Special Gel Formula Lets The Wound Breathe FOR FASTER HEALING Available In 6 oz. and 20 oz. Jars Biozide Gel is a registered Trademark of

PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS INC.

St. Louis, MO 63166 • USA • 314-421-0300 • Fax 314-421-3332

Toll Free 888-890-0659 Distributors Wanted

ORDER AT www.biozidegel.com or Through Your Tack Shop

ACKERLEY IMAGES

The Fair Meadows meet was in process at press time and was set to run through June 30. The meet features Thoroughbred-only cards on Mondays and Tuesdays. The Remington Park meet is set to begin August 21 and run through December 20. More information and a stakes schedule should be released soon.

Oregon horsemen enjoyed a successful summer meet at Grants Pass Downs, running Tuesdays and Wednesdays from June 16 through July 8. Racing will return to Grants Pass around September 20 and run through around November 9. We all look forward to the fall meet, as well as to next year when our county fair partners can once again rejoin us. The renovations and improvements that have been made at Grants Pass Downs are nothing short of amazing. Many, many tons of quality dirt and sand have transformed this racing surface into one that anyone would be happy to run on. The new safety rail and fencing, along with the beautiful grassy infield, have impressed all who have seen it. The list of renovations already done and the list of those still to come are too long to include here. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Travis Boersma for having the vision and desire to save racing in Oregon. We wish everyone successful and safe racing. Randy L. Boden, Executive Director, Oregon HBPA

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

AFFILIATE NEWS TAMPA BAY DOWNS HBPA Tampa Bay Downs Meet a Success

ACKERLEY IMAGES

The horsemen of Tampa Bay Downs HBPA would like to thank track owner Stella Thayer and track vice president Peter Berube for extending the meet through the end of June. In doing so, both Tampa Bay Downs and the horsemen benefited during this period of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only did the 20 extra racing days generate additional revenue of $2.4 million for purses but also provided an additional period of 60 days for horsemen to remain until other tracks were able to open. The unprecedented move to continue racing during the pandemic without spectators was decided on. Despite the absence of on-track bettors, simulcast wagering on Tampa Bay Downs’ signal exceeded expectations. In an effort to continue “normal” activities on the backside, the Tampa Bay Downs HBPA Groom of the Week program carried on. Congratulations to the following winners: February: Evencio Vargas, Trainer J. Thomas; Luis Sanchez, Trainer J. Scott; Maribel Garcia, Trainer R. Lerman; Mateo Galicia, Trainer E. Harty March: Steven Ruggireo, Trainer R. Bordis; Carlos Avila, Trainer M. Stidham; Hugo Espinoza, Trainer E. Harty; Angel Oliva, Trainer M. Stidham April: Juan Rios Martinez, Trainer K. Nations; Guadalupe Flores, Trainer M. Stidham; Aurelio Gutierrez, Trainer M. Boyce; Siloe Medina, Trainer M. Stidham May: Dean Wern, Trainer A. Granitz; Anthony Hutchings, Trainer T. Wilson; Walter Prado, Trainer E. Harty; Ricardo Quispe, Trainer M. Stidham June: Jario Martinez, Trainer J. Thomas; Jose Cruz, Trainer K. O’Connell Once again, AAA Feed and Tack owners Jerry and Nancy Porrello graciously sponsored Barn of the Month awards during the meet, which entitled winners to a $200 gift certificate redeemable at their store. Congratulations to the following: February: Benny Feliciano

March: Gary Johnson April: Bernell Rhone May: Luis Carvajal Congratulations also to leading trainer Gerald Bennett and leading jockey Antonio Gallardo for their impressive stats for the meet. Everyone please stay safe over the summer as we try to navigate these changing times!

WASHINGTON HBPA Emerald Downs Launches 2020 Season After Delay Amid beautiful Pacific Northwest weather and a stunning Mt. Rainier backdrop, live racing returned to Emerald Downs on June 24. A day that normally would have brought in thousands of race fans and their families saw Emerald Downs begin its 25th season with an empty grandstand, paddock and apron. Per Gov. Jay Inslee’s COVID-19 “Safe Start Washington” protocols, no fans, spectators or betting were allowed at the Auburn, Washington, oval on opening day. Washington State’s King County will be remembered for being the first county to report cases of the coronavirus. As an epicenter of the virus, Washington also will be remembered for being one of the last states to reopen its economy. The governor’s hesitancy and conservative approach to reopening gave cause for many in Washington’s horse racing industry to question whether there would be a 2020 live meet at Emerald Downs at all. There were many tense and stressful days for the Washington HBPA, Washington Horse Racing Commission and Emerald Downs leadership. Owners and trainers wanted answers, which no one could provide with any certainty. Expectations and reports changed daily and at times hourly. No one confidently rested until definite word came from the Capitol that the governor had approved the industry’s request to resume horse racing. It wasn’t until the gates opened for the first race on June 24 that there seemed to be an epic, industry-wide sigh of relief. Although there is a long way to go for full industry recovery, the sounds of the bell and horses turning for home signified hope that we were on our way. Opening day marked the state’s first live sporting event since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown began in March. Though the lack of a crowd hindered the customary excitement on the frontside, owners, trainers and stable employees welcomed opening day with enthusiasm. Eighty-six horses were entered on the 10-race program. “It’s exciting to get going,” said Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler. “It certainly isn’t the opening day we were planning for, but it is special in its own way as it marked the return of pro sports in Washington.” Horses at Emerald Downs began training on February 1, with a scheduled 63-day meet (April 18 to September 20) that included a $1.5-million stakes schedule featuring 28 races. The updated schedule calls for a 44-day season through Sunday, October 4. The revised stakes program schedules 16 races worth an aggregate $720,000, including the $100,000 Longacres Mile (G3) set for Sunday, September 13.

Special Thanks for Efforts to Resume Racing at Emerald “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” —William Arthur Ward Several people deserve special recognition for their tireless efforts to resume racing at Emerald Downs. Former Emerald Downs president and owner

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

NEWS financial hardship owners endured kept the industry afloat. This was nothing short of philanthropic. Their generosity kept hundreds of people employed, which, in turn, enabled rent and mortgages to be paid and put food on many families’ tables. A thank you seems insignificant compared to the number of lives our horsemen and women have positively affected during a very challenging time.

15 Percent Superfecta at Emerald Downs in 2020 Emerald Downs will offer an industry-low 15 percent takeout on all superfecta wagers with a minimum bet of 10 cents, the track announced. The previous takeout on superfectas was 22.1 percent, and most tracks are between 23 percent and 27 percent. Track president Phil Ziegler explained, “We wanted to offer a low takeout option every race, and we know how much players love the 10-cent superfectas! A lot of tracks have promotional low takeout offers but they are typically on multi-race wagers, which tend to favor bettors with a large bankroll.”

Community Weekly Meal Lifts Spirits During Pandemic With the onset of COVID-19 restrictions, the track “kitchen” (Quarter Chute Cafe) at Emerald Downs closed suddenly. This left those living in the barn area with few options for food. Tony Loften, proprietor of Horse Power Feed and Lazy K Tack, was concerned and started offering food and snacks in his tack shop at cost. For those who did not have transportation to travel outside for food, this kept them fed, but for many, a hot meal became a luxury. With the governor’s

COURTESY EMERALD DOWNS

Ron Crockett voluntarily spent hours communicating with key legislators and Gov. Jay Inslee’s staff members. He continues to show his steadfast passion and commitment to horse racing and all of the industry’s participants. From the outset, Washington Horse Racing Commission Executive Secretary Doug Moore was fully dedicated to having a 2020 live meet. Washington stakeholders are fortunate to have someone so deeply rooted in horse racing leading their commission. A longtime racetracker and jockey, Moore provided vital information to the governor’s office that helped determine that the training and care of horses at Emerald Downs was an essential activity during the COVID-19 shutdown. Moore’s efforts, along with the willingness of Emerald Downs President Phil Zeigler and Vice President Jack Hodge to allow horses to remain and train at Emerald Downs with conceivably no start day or significant revenue in sight, are to be commended. Thanks go to Washington HBPA President Pat LePley, who went far beyond the call of duty as a volunteer leader of the state’s recognized owner and trainer association. LePley spent many hours working with Emerald Downs and the WHRC to establish modified race days and a stakes schedule that allowed for no reduction in the overnight purse schedule. He also communicated with key connections in state government, many of whom are friends and know him through his longstanding association with the Trial Lawyers Association. LePley, Hodge and Moore all worked tirelessly to customize the National HBPA-recommended safety protocols to be presented to Gov. Inslee for approval of the conditional reopening of live racing. Finally, a depth of gratitude is offered to the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and to all the Thoroughbred owners who kept horses in training through this pandemic experience. The pandemic’s sequestered revenues and the subsequent

EMERALD DOWNS KICKED OFF ITS MEET ON JUNE 24.

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

AFFILIATE NEWS are learning valuable life lessons. They are made aware of how their neighbors have been affected because of the COVID-19 pandemic and what they can do to help make a difference in their communities. Many of the individuals served are those who may be otherwise ineligible for other federal, state and county relief services. Martinez reached out to the chapel ministry knowing that there was a need for the backstretch workers who as a community have also been affected by the pandemic. Plans to provide nonperishable food items will continue for the time being as resources remain available. With an average of 80 meals served each week, the response from essential workers and Thoroughbred owners and trainers has been amazing. Gratitude for the program is evident. Unsolicited donations started coming in after the first week. People don’t want it to end. Owners send checks, and backside workers fill the donation jar each week to “help pay for the food for the next dinner.” “The weekly meal is one of the most well-received and rewarding backstretch programs I’ve been involved with in a long time and I’ve been here nearly 25 years,” said MaryAnn O’Connell, chaplaincy board member and executive director of the Washington HBPA. “In the midst of a pandemic filled with fear and uncertainty, the importance of serving and supporting others is more evident. Plus, demonstrating compassion for others takes your mind off your own worries and relieves stress. I actually feel joyful when I leave each week. The expressions of gratitude are just a bonus.” For further information regarding the Emerald Downs Backstretch Chapel Ministry or the Quarter Chute Cafe, visit chapeldowns.org and quarterchutecafe. com or on Facebook at Emerald Downs Backstretch Chapel or Quarter Chute Cafe at Emerald Downs. HJ

ACKERLEY IMAGES

“Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, many who lived in the barn area were feeling isolated. Then Bob Fraser, part of the Emerald Downs management team and a board member of the Backstretch Chapel, had the idea of offering a weekly free meal to those working on the backstretch, not only because food choices were limited but also as a sign of support for all essential workers at the track. Fraser brought the idea to his fellow board members of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America-affiliated ministry, where it was enthusiastically embraced. Then he recruited Joe and Sally Steiner of the Quarter Chute Cafe. (Sally Steiner also serves on the chaplaincy board.) The Steiners generously offered to donate food that had been purchased before the shutdown was announced, and more notably, they donated the use of their restaurant facility and cooking skills. The plan was to provide meals once a week until the cafe could be reopened. The first week, the Steiners also donated a plethora of groceries to the workers. Dozens of eggs, bread, pastries, produce, cereals and canned goods were available for all to shop from at no cost to them. The only requirement for receiving food is to maintain social distancing and wear a face covering. On week three, Chaplain Gilbert Aguilar brought a truckload of nonperishable food items donated through the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps. Carmen Martinez, program manager for the nonprofit organization, learned of the need and has developed a connection to the backstretch community through Chaplain Aguilar, who is her uncle. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Youth Corps under Martinez’s direction have helped the underserved of their community. Food is donated by local food banks for distribution to those in need. Martinez states that the Youth Corps in serving underserved populations

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

ITBOA Fall Sale

Advertisers’ Index

Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA

1/ST BET............................................................................................ IBC

October 8, 2020

AmWager..............................................................................................17

CLOSING: July 29th

BleederShield.......................................................................................15

Late consignments accepted until September 1st

Breeders’ Cup..................................................................................... BC

Consignment contracts available at www.iowathoroughbred.com itboa@msn.com or 800-577-1097 for more information

Dandy Products Inc..............................................................................51 Daily Racing Form..........................................................................42, 43 Ellis Park.............................................................................................IFC

TRUE CENTER GATE

YOUR FARM NAME HERE

Equine Equipment................................................................................13

You have a lot invested in your horses. Shouldn’t you invest in the right equipment to train your horses to break on top? True Center Gate has been building the most reliable and durable Starting and Training Gates since 1950.

equineline.com.....................................................................................29

For more information contact: Diane Fleming (602) 524-8437 moreinfo@truecentergate.com • www.truecentergate.com

ITBOA Fall Sale.....................................................................................64

Quality Buildings Since 1958

Lavin Insurance Group LLC..................................................................28

Equiwinner Patches.............................................................................10 Finish Line Horse Products Inc...........................................................6, 7 Horseman Labor Solutions...................................................................41

Jacks Inc..............................................................................................51 Kentucky Downs...................................................................................51

NTRA Advantage....................................................................................5 Performance Products Inc....................................................................60 Soft Ride..............................................................................................33 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance..........................................................12 Thoroughbred Charities of America......................................................14 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards...............................................8

Suburban . Commercial . Agricultural . Horse Barns & Arenas

Toll Free 800.558.7800 waltersbuildings.com

Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma...................................40 TTA Sales..............................................................................................19 True Center Gate..................................................................................64 University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program..............................50 Walters Buildings.................................................................................64 We Are Here Initiative...........................................................................41

advertising deadline

FALL 2020

ADVERTISING SPACE RESERVATIONS: FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 AD MATERIALS DUE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 For more information or to reserve space, contact The Horsemen’s Journal advertising department at 716-650-4011 or advertising@hbpa.org

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL

SUMMER 2020

1/ST 1/ST 1/ST BET BET BET

$10 CREDIT+ $10 CREDIT+ $10 CREDIT+ $10 CREDIT+ $10 CREDIT+ $10 CREDIT+ $500 BONUS $500 BONUS $500 BONUS $500 BONUS $500 BONUS $500 BONUS PROMO CODE: SPORTOFKINGS PROMO CODE: SPORTOFKINGS PROMO CODE: SPORTOFKINGS

PROMO CODE: SPORTOFKINGS PROMO CODE: SPORTOF

PROMO CODE: SPORTOF

BET THE BEST BET THE THE THE BEST BELMONT WAY BELMONT WAY TO TO BET BET THE STAKES THE RACES RACES STAKES • HANDICAP, WATCH & BET • HANDICAP, WATCH & BET • ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE • ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HANDICAPPING HANDICAPPING • BET OVER 300 TRACKS • BET OVER 300 TRACKS • HD VIDEO & REPLAYS • HD VIDEO & REPLAYS 1ST.COM/BET 1ST.COM/BET OFFICIALSPONSOR SPONSOR OFFICIAL of the the National NationalHBPA HBPA of

THE OFFICIAL APP OF: THE OFFICIAL APP OF: SANTA ANITA PARK // GULFSTREAM PARK // PIMLICO // GOLDEN GATE FIELDS // SANTA ANITA PARK // GULFSTREAM PARK // PIMLICO // GOLDEN GATE FIELDS // PREAKNESS // LAUREL PARK // PEGASUS WORLD CUP PREAKNESS // LAUREL PARK // PEGASUS WORLD CUP Promotional offer valid through 12/31/2020. Open to new 1/ST signups only. Customer will receive $10 wagering credit after signup. Additional wagering credits will be deposited in $10 increments for every $100 Promotional offer 12/31/2020. new 1/ST signups only.new Customer will receive $10 wager wagering creditwithin after signup. Additional credits will deposited $10 increments forbe every $100 wagered within 30valid daysthrough of sign up. To qualifyOpen for fullto wagering credit, account holders must $5,000 calendar days ofwagering sign up. Wagers thatbe are refundedin cancelled will not counted Promotional offer valid through 12/31/2020. Open to$500 new 1/ST signups only. Customer will receive $10 wagering credit after 30 signup. Additional wagering credits will be deposited inor$10 increments for every $100 wagered within 30valid days of sign up. To qualify for fullto $500 wagering credit, holders must wager $5,000 within 30 calendar days ofwagering sign up. Wagers that are refunded cancelled willand not counted as eligible wagers. Promotional wagering credits be deposited by only. 1/STnew intoaccount your account within five business days of reaching each $10 increment. Wagering credits are different from cash, cannot be Promotional offer through 12/31/2020. Open new 1/ST signups Customer will receive $10 wagering credit after signup. Additional credits will be deposited inor increments forbe every $100 wagered within 30 days of sign up. To qualify for fullwill $500 wagering credit, new account holders must wager $5,000 within 30 calendar days of sign up. Wagers that are refunded or$10 cancelled will not be counted as eligible wagers. Promotional wagering credits will be deposited by 1/ST into your account within five business days of reaching each $10 increment. Wagering credits are different from cash, and cannot be transferred, redeemed or withdrawn. Unused wagering credits will be withdrawn 30 days after they are deposited. Must be 18 or older (21 in AL, AZ, IA, IN, KS, NH, ND, WA) to open an account with 1/ST BET and wagered within 30 days of sign up. To qualify for fullwill $500 wagering credit, holders must wager $5,000 within 30 calendar of sign up. Wagers that are refunded or cancelled willand not be counted as eligible wagers. Promotional wagering credits be deposited by 1/STnew intoaccount your account within five business days of reaching eachdays $10 increment. Wagering credits are different from cash, cannot be transferred, redeemed or withdrawn. Unused wagering credits will be withdrawn 30 days after they are deposited. Must be 18 or older (21 in AL, AZ, IA, IN, KS, NH, ND, WA) to open an account with 1/ST BET and reside in a state where such activity is legal. Void where prohibited. Cannot be combined with any other offer. National Gambling Support Line 800.522.4700. as eligible wagers. Promotional wagering credits will becredits deposited bywithdrawn 1/ST into your account fivedeposited. business days reaching each increment. Wagering from cash, and cannot be transferred, redeemed or withdrawn. Unused wagering will be 30 days afterwithin they are Mustofbe 18 or older (21$10 in AL, AZ, IA, IN, KS, NH, credits ND, WA)are to different open an account with 1/ST BET and reside in a state where such activity is legal. Void where prohibited. Cannot be combined with any other offer. National Gambling Support Line 800.522.4700. transferred, redeemed or reside withdrawn. Unused wagering creditsiswill be withdrawn days afterCannot they are be 18 or older in AL, AZ, IA, IN, KS, NH, ND, WA) to open an account with 1/ST BET and in a state where such activity legal. Void where30 prohibited. bedeposited. combinedMust with any other offer.(21 National Gambling Support Line 800.522.4700. reside in a state where such activity is legal. Void where prohibited. Cannot be combined with any other offer. National Gambling Support Line 800.522.4700.

S N A E M T I S N O I L L I M E E R IN F S E E F Y R ENT HIPS S N O I P M LD CHA R O W P U S’ C BREEDER -7, 2020 N, K Y O T G 6 N I R X E E UR S E , L NOVEMB O C E C A ND R K E E NE L A ACES R P I H S PION WARDS A & S E 14 CHAM S R 26 P UR E B N I O T N C O I O L ONDAY, $ 35 MIL M S E S O RY CL PRE-ENT

THE BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE SERIES

Win a Challenge Series Race and earn free entry into the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Since 2007, the Breeders’ Cup has awarded over $28.6 million in free entry fees and travel awards.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE CHALLENGE SERIES SCHEDULE VISIT BREEDERSCUP.COM/CHALLENGE