The Horsemen's Journal - Winter 2024 by The Horsemen's Journal

HORSEMEN’S

Help Your Fellow Horsemen

Make a Tax Deductible Donation to the National HBPA Foundation

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

The National HBPA Foundation, a tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) fund, was developed as a safety net for horsemen and horsewomen when other forms of assistance are unavailable or have been exhausted after disaster strikes. Every year the National HBPA Foundation helps horsemen horsewomen make it through difficult times such as disease quarantines at a racetrack or natural disasters like floods and fires by providing tens of thousands of dollars in needed assistance.

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

The National HBPA Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to the Estate of Bob Reeves for its generous donation. The contribution will make a significant impact on our motto, “Horsemen Helping Horsemen.” Bob Reeves’ legacy of compassion and generosity will continue to assist Horsemen everywhere as we work towards the Foundation’s mission. We appreciate honoring his memory in such a meaningful way. Scan the QR code or visit https://nationalhbpa.com/remembering-bob-reeves/ to read the Winter 2023 The Horsemen’s Journal article remembering Bob Reeves.

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

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

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

Champion for Racing

Q&A with outgoing Kentucky state Senator Damon Thayer looks back on historical horse racing protections, HISA and more

Industrial Hemp

A look at cannabidiol-related identifications in American horse racing

Words Matter

Using words like “rescue” to mean rehoming or adopting a Thoroughbred could be doing a disservice to the breed and the sport

The Claiming Crown returned to Kentucky for a successful 26th renewal at Churchill Downs. Laughing Boy, Ghostly Gal and Echo Lane were among the winners on a memorable day in Louisville DEPARTMENTS

Back to the Bluegrass

NATIONAL HBPA

3380 Paris Pike

Lexington, KY 40511

P (859) 259-0451

F (859) 259-0452

racing@hbpa.org www.hbpa.org

PRESIDENT/ CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD

Dr. Doug Daniels

SECRETARY/ TREASURER

Lynne McNally

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Eric J. Hamelback

VICE PRESIDENT SOUTHERN REGION

Rick Hiles

VICE PRESIDENT CENTRAL REGION

Joe Davis

VICE PRESIDENT WESTERN REGION

J. Lloyd Yother

VICE PRESIDENT EASTERN REGION

Naomi Long

POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR 2024: CELEBRATING ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES

s we watch 2024 come to a close, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable achievements of the past year as well as looking forward to the bright future that lies ahead for all of us in horse racing. In many ways, this has been an extraordinary year. We have seen challenges and experienced victories, and most importantly, we have seen the commitment from horsemen and horsewomen as we fight for our industry.

One of my biggest highlights of 2024 was undoubtedly the successful staging of the Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs. We saw an unforgettable Claiming Crown this year as an amazingly diverse group of owners, trainers and horses raced at a venue that is synonymous with the spirit of horse racing. The Claiming Crown has long been a celebration of the backbone of our industry, and its return to Churchill Downs brought much-needed energy and excitement. This year undoubtedly was a testament to the talent and heart of our claiming horses and their connections whose contributions to the sport are immeasurable.

This year we once again showcased the best of the best in claiming-level competition, providing a well-deserved stage not only for the horses but also for the horsemen who exemplify hard work, dedication and love for these horses who provide us so much happiness. At Churchill Downs, I found myself in the paddock soaking in the emotions of it all. Watching the trainers, jockeys and owners come together to celebrate their achievements was emotional and an inspiring reminder of why we do what we do for this industry, this sport and, above all, the horse.

While this year has had significant bumps in the road regarding our current regulatory structure, I do find the growth and investments in equine welfare very positive for us all. We have seen constructive advancements in veterinary science and safety protocols that continue to elevate the care and well-being of our horses. We all should continue to be as collaborative as possible with owners, trainers, regulatory bodies and racing organizations as we push to make sure horsemanship is the basis for further initiatives and regulations.

This year also has seen significant focus on Thoroughbred aftercare, which continues to gain unprecedented support with more owners, trainers and other organizations ensuring our retired racehorses find fulfilling second careers. I applaud these efforts and will continue to highlight them while helping safeguard the future of our horses in careers after the racetrack.

The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association’s affiliates must continue to be strong in our role of advocacy and collaboration. We should remain honored to represent the interests of horsemen and horsewomen across the country. This year, we have focused on making sure the voices of our members are heard and respected. I truly believe our advocacy for the rights of horsemen has been instrumental in the development of changes on critical issues, and we must remain committed to being the horsemen’s voice in policy discussions as we move forward. The progress made in addressing our concerns related to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act reflects the power we have in our collective voice. We have ensured that the realities faced by horsemen and horsewomen every day are considered when implementing new regulations.

Looking ahead, I can assure you I will remain committed to protecting the livelihoods of those who have dedicated their lives to this sport, and I will continue to fight for horsemen’s rights and the health of our equine athletes in order to reform and strengthen our future.

As we prepare to welcome 2025, I believe there is much for us to be optimistic about. I know there will be continued and new challenges, but I am confident that our horsemen’s resilience and determination will allow us to be successful in 2025. I will continue to embrace opportunities through the NHBPA to help grow our industry and move us forward together.

As we close out 2024, I want to make sure my appreciation is expressed to each of you for the support I have felt in this position. Whether you are an owner, trainer, breeder or one of the countless individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes, I know your efforts are the lifeblood of our industry, and having your support is truly valued.

With that, let’s close 2024 by celebrating the achievements of our HBPA affiliates and look ahead to 2025 with promise. It is our commitment to this industry that will propel us forward in our sport while building a stronger future through Horsemen Helping Horsemen and our leadership.

I wish each and every one of you and your families a joyous holiday season and prosperous racing in 2025.

#LetsGeauxRacing

SINCERELY, ERIC J. HAMELBACK

AFFILIATES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - AFFILIATES

Dr. David Harrington, Alabama

Lloyd Yother, Arizona

Bill Walmsley, Arkansas

James Miller, Charles Town

Kim Oliver, Colorado

Mike Lecesse, Finger Lakes

Jim Watkins, Illinois

Joe Davis, Indiana

David McShane, Iowa

Dale Romans, Kentucky

Benard Chatters, Louisiana

Jason Uelmen, Michigan

Justin Revek, Minnesota

Jami Poole, Mountaineer Park

Garald “Wally” Wollesen, Nebraska

Anthony Spadea, New England

Paul Jenson, DVM, New Mexico

Joe Poole, Ohio

Joe Offolter, Oklahoma

Ron Sutton, Oregon

Sandee Martin, Pennsylvania

Mike Dini, Tampa Bay Downs

David Ross, Virginia

Pat LePley, Washington

David Milburn, HBPA of British Columbia

Sue Leslie, HBPA of Ontario

Dan Hurley, HBPA of Alberta

Blaine McLaren, HBPA of Manitoba

Eddie Esquirol, HBPA of Saskatchewan

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

The Horsemen’s Journal, Volume 71 #4.

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

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Dr. Kimberly Brewer

Dr. Levent Dirikolu

Dr. Clara Fenger

Dr. Andreas Lehner

Jennie Rees

Jen Roytz

Dr. Thomas Tobin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Gallagher/Coady Photography

Coady Photography Jen Roytz

Renee Torbit/Coady Photography

Walter Wlodarczyk/Coglianse Photo Gwen Davis/Davis Innovation

Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO

Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders’ Cup Erin Gilmore Hodges Photography Chelsey Stone

STAFF

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

Michelle McShane Advertising Director P (515) 508-1811 info@hbpa.org

Limb Design www.limbdesign.com Graphic Design

THE HORSEMEN’S JOURNAL 3380 Paris Pike Lexington, KY 40511 P (859) 259-0451 F (859) 259-0452 hj@hbpa.org

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

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

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What is it?

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

What Does It Cover?

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

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

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

How Much Does It Cover?

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

CHURCHILL DOWNS OUTRIDER LEE LOCKWOOD CLEARS THE TRACK WITH THE 26TH CLAIMING CROWN IN THE BOOKS IN MID-NOVEMBER.

Slight Handle Gains at 2024 Breeders’ Cup

Total all-sources, global common-pool handle for the two-day 2024 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar bounced back after a slight decrease last year. Breeders’ Cup Ltd. announced a total handle of $179,218,631, the third highest in the history of the event and an increase of 1.7% from last year’s $176,281,989 at Santa Anita Park.

The 2024 Breeders’ Cup, highlighted by wins from Thorpedo Anna in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff and Sierra Leone in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, marked the first of two consecutive editions to be run at the Southern California venue.

Total common-pool handle on the 12-race Championship Saturday card November 2 was $115,538,687, up 1.2% from the $114,145,050 reported in 2023. Total common-pool handle on the 10-race Breeders’ Cup Future Stars Friday card November 1 came in at $63,679,944, up 2.5% from $62,136,939 in 2023.

The 2024 Breeders’ Cup marked the seventh straight year the 2-year-old championship races have been run on Future Stars Friday. This year’s event at Del Mar also featured the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic in the middle of the Saturday card, run as the eighth race at 2:47 p.m. PT/5:47 p.m. ET and with four Breeders’ Cup races run after.

On-track handle for the two-day event was $18,450,724.

Total attendance came in at 67,418—with 36,436 on hand for Championship Saturday and 30,982 for Future Stars Friday.

Del Mar will host the 42nd edition of the Breeders’ Cup on October 31-November 1, 2025. No location has been announced for the 2026 edition, although officials from the New York Racing Association indicated earlier this year they were interested in hosting at the newly renovated Belmont Park. Construction is ongoing at Belmont, which last hosted in 2005 and before the advent of the two-day event, with completion initially projected in time for the 2026 Belmont Stakes.

McPeek Wins 2024 Big Sport of Turfdom Award

Kenny McPeek added another honor to his memorable 2024 season in December when the Turf Publicists of America (TPA) honored the Kentucky-based trainer with his second Big Sport of Turfdom Award.

The annual award recognizes a person or persons who enhance coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists. McPeek, presented with the honor at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program’s Symposium on Racing annual awards luncheon December 10, also earned the Big Sport award in 2002.

“Ken and his team have had an outstanding year with multiple triumphs on not only our sport’s biggest stage in the Kentucky Derby but also in additional Grade 1 victories across the country with Thorpedo Anna’s phenomenal campaign,” TPA President Najja Thompson said. “He is most deserving of this award chosen by our membership for always being welcoming and open to the media and a great ambassador for our industry and sport.”

In 2024, McPeek became only the third trainer in history to earn victories in the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in the same year, scoring with Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna. He also saddled Thorpedo Anna to victory in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar, a win that most likely locked up Horse of the Year honors for the filly.

“I am honored and humbled to be given this award,” said McPeek. “I have loved horse racing ever since I was a young boy. I am proud to continue to promote our great sport.”

Raised in Lexington and a graduate of the University of Kentucky, McPeek became interested in racing when his father entered Thoroughbred ownership. He earned his first victory as a trainer with Final Destroyer at River Downs in October 1985.

McPeek has since won more than 2,000 races and amassed more than $130 million in career earnings. In addition to his successes with Mystik Dan and Thorpedo Anna, McPeek won the 2002 Belmont Stakes with Sarava and the 2020 Preakness Stakes with the filly Swiss Skydiver. He also purchased two-time Horse of the Year and Hall of Famer Curlin as a yearling at public auction, along with scores of other stakes winners.

KENNY MCPEEK

Godolphin Presents 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

THE 2024 THOROUGHBRED INDUSTRY EMPLOYEE AWARD WINNERS— (FROM LEFT) STEVE VARGAS, LAUREN MARKS, CHRISTINE JONES, CASS DEWEY, MILVER MARTINEZ, JULIANNE STOWELL AND NANCY LASALA—WERE HONORED THIS FALL AT KEENELAND.

Trainer Brendan Walsh finished up what chores remained, waited out an interview the day before the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and paid tribute to a member of his team who helped get him to Southern California.

“I wish I had 10 guys like Milver,” Walsh said. “He’s been with me literally since I started and is so solid. Just solid, versatile and important to our whole operation.”

Milver Martinez, a native of Guatemala and stable foreman for Walsh, earned recognition for his loyalty and long-tenured service during the ninth annual Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (TIEA) presented by Godolphin in mid-October at Keeneland. Martinez received the Dedication to Racing Award, sponsored by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, joining six other winners, 14 finalists and 14 runners-up honored at the ceremony.

Newcomer Award, sponsored by NYRA

Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, sponsored by Churchill Downs

Katherine McKee Administration Award, sponsored by Keeneland

Support Services Award, sponsored by 1/ST Racing

Dedication to Breeding Award, sponsored by Hallway Feeds

Dedication to Racing Award, sponsored by the NTRA

Julianne Stowell, client services, Niall Brennan Stables

Nancy LaSala, president, Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund

Lauren Marks, assistant director of sales, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.

Cass Dewey, owner and operator, Desert Oasis Rescue

Steve Vargas, broodmare manager, Bridlewood Farm

Milver Martinez, stable foreman, Brendan Walsh Racing

“Your mind is always at ease when you have Milver at the helm,” Walsh said. “He’s a great guy and a big part of the team.”

Martinez topped longtime Bill Mott employee Erma Lee Scott and Francisco D’Angelo, a former leading trainer in his native Venezuela now working as an assistant to his son and top trainer Jose D’Angelo, for the Dedication to Racing Award.

The National HBPA is one of several sponsors of the TIEA, which awarded $122,000 to the winners and finalists in 2024. Tom Law, editor of The Horsemen’s Journal and managing editor of The Saratoga Special for ST Publishing Inc., served as chair of the final judging panel for the second straight year, and Todd Schrupp, analyst and host at FanDuel, served as the master of ceremonies at the awards dinner.

“This is my fourth year on the judging panels, and each year I am truly inspired and moved by the special individuals who sincerely care for our industry and our equine athletes,” Law said. “To all the finalists as well as all of the nominees, please know that we appreciate you and what you do.”

Other winners included Julianne Stowell of Niall Brennan Stables in Ocala, Florida, winner of the Newcomer Award, sponsored by the New York Racing Association; and Nancy LaSala, longtime head of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, winner of the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, sponsored by Churchill Downs.

Stowell graduated from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Program while incarcerated at the Lowell Correctional Institute in Ocala. She now works in client relations for Niall Brennan Stables. Second Chances operates at seven correctional facilities and one juvenile program across the country, offering incarcerated individuals a unique opportunity to learn horse care and equine-related skills and providing them with not only a productive outlet but also a path to a new career after their release.

LaSala has served as board president of the PDJF since its inception in 2006 and as executive director from January 2009 to April 2024. Joel Helmburg, farm manager for the TRF Second Chances Program at the Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington, Kentucky, was a finalist for the Community Award.

—Tom Law

Demetrio Rabadan, Christophe Clement Racing Stable; Katie Petrunyak, Thoroughbred Daily News

Bob Miller, Ocala Farm Ministry; Joel Helmburg, TRF at Blackburn Correctional Facility

Deeann Ruppert, Claiborne Farm; Tia Murphy, Turfway Park

Keith and Joy Cooper, Cooper Horse Transport; Vicki Tomlinson, Churchill Downs

Francisco “Poncho” Sanchez, Craig Wheeler Thoroughbreds Inc.; Sue Hooper, Havens Oaks Farm

Erma Lee Scott, William I. Mott Racing; Francisco D’Angelo, D’Angelo Racing Team

Nicole Dreiling, Bel-Mar Farm; Ethan Fry, O’Sullivan Farms

Melanie Case, Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy; Christian Countzler, Stable Recovery

Gretchen Feld, Lane’s End Farm and David Ingordo; Tiffany Leggett, 1/ST Racing

Justine “Tina” Elam, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute; Kevin Moran, Keeneland Association

Abel Garibay, C&S Thoroughbreds; Christine Sgorrano, Sugar Plum Farm LLC

Darquin “Darwin” Aguilar-Valenzuela, Brad H. Cox Racing Stables; Lee Vickers, Christophe Clement Racing Stable Managerial Award, sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute

Christine Jones, director of stallion services, Pleasant Acres Stallions

Jack Sadler, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; Stuart Angus, Taylor Made Farm

Lauren Eads, Watercress Farm; Debbie Ward, Safari North Farm

Arizona’s Big Fame Tops Thoroughbred Makeover

Big Fame, a California-bred mare who won two races in her career and made her final start for a $5,000 tag at Santa Rosa, landed the Thoroughbred Makeover Champion title at the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America in October at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Trained by Angela Carmitchel, Big Fame won the Makeover Champion, sponsored by Churchill Downs Inc., over 10 discipline champions that came from a field of more than 280 former racehorses competing in the event.

Big Fame’s route to the title and a $10,000 check took her through the discipline of eventing, in which the daughter of Mr. Big out of the Western Fame mare Adopted Fame finished fourth in preliminary competition before winning the finale. She also participated in the show jumper discipline, finishing second in the preliminary rounds and the finale.

Traveling from Arizona, Carmitchel and Big Fame faced some unique challenges in their journey to the Thoroughbred Makeover, including adjusting from the Arizona desert to the heavier grass footing in Kentucky on the crosscountry field. Their home base in Arizona provided some assets to the training process, such as the ability to haul to Flagstaff to about 4,000 feet of elevation to work on overall fitness.

ANGELA CARMITCHEL GUIDES BIG FAME DURING THE THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER AND NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM EN ROUTE TO BEING NAMED THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER CHAMPION.

“Her fitness is really important, obviously, in eventing and show jumping,” Carmitchel said. “The whole training process has included taking her on mileage trips or taking her to different trainers. I have an amazing group of trainers in Arizona.”

The retraining process wasn’t perfect. Big Fame suffered an injury in turnout in March and ended up laid up for about four weeks. Everything came together, however, for Big Fame to reach her peak at the Makeover.

“She has got such a great brain, very athletic, willing and smart,” Carmitchel said. “She’s got the work ethic of a Thoroughbred.”

Big Fame is still owned by one of her breeders, Dr. Dorothée Kieckhefer, who made it to Lexington to watch her homebred perform during the preliminary rounds.

“From the very beginning, I thought she would just make a wonderful jumper or eventing horse,” Kieckhefer said. “She just has the presence for the ring, and I think she has a lot of fun. All of the trainers that had her said that she has a wonderful work ethic, but she never really raced in the top levels. She’s much better served in this area.”

Big Fame, also co-bred by Leucadialand Stables LLC, went 2-2-2 in 13 starts and earned $29,070. Her last race came August 5, 2023.

2024 Thoroughbred Makeover Discipline Champions

Category Champion

Eventing

Show Jumper

Show Hunter

Field Hunter

Dressage

Big Fame, trained by Angela Carmitchel

Comin’ Back, trained by Madison Barnett

He Did It, trained by Anissa Butler

In the Air, trained by Caitlin Brooks

Flight to Paradise, trained by Kelly Ransom

Polo Baytown Ringer, trained by Meghan Shader

Freestyle

Barrel Racing

Competitive Trail

Ranch Work

Pretty in Prado, trained by Monique Cameron-Hamby

Not Phar Now, trained by Jessica Frederick

Eagle Feather, trained by Colton Thacker

Brooklyns Finest, trained by Raechel Ramsey

Ontario Bred Stake Bonuses of $20,000 to $200,000 MSW Purses $111,300

Ontario provides World Class Racing on Tapeta, Dirt and Turf

Restricted Ontario Bred Stake Purses up to $1,000,000

Board of Directors

Sue Leslie · Danny Vella · Josie Carroll · Sherry McLean Kevin Attard · Veronica Attard · Roger Attfield

Josie De Paulo · Don MacRae

Stewart, Werth Named 2024 New Owners of the Year

FROM LEFT, RESOLUTE RACING’S JOHN STEWART AND CHELSEY STONE WITH JULIA WERTH AND JAYSON WERTH AT THE 2024 BREEDERS’ CUP AT DEL MAR. STEWART AND JAYSON WERTH WERE NAMED CO-WINNERS OF THE 2024 NEW OWNER OF THE YEAR AWARD BY OWNERVIEW.

Resolute Racing’s John Stewart and former Major League Baseball player and World Series champion Jayson Werth earned OwnerView’s New Owner of the Year, sponsored by 1/ST Racing, for 2024.

Stewart, a lifelong racing fan who has lived in Lexington, Kentucky, for more than 30 years, bought his first horse, Shiloh’s Mistress, alongside Gavin O’Conner at the 2022 Keeneland September yearling sale. He’s become an influential breeder and owner in the racing industry through Resolute, his farm in Midway, Kentucky, which has more than 1,000 acres and is home to the operation’s broodmares, yearlings and horses of racing age.

Resolute recently signed a multiyear deal to serve as title sponsor of the Eclipse Awards, with the 54th edition being presented in late January at The

Breakers Palm Beach in South Florida. Stewart runs Resolute primarily as a breed-to-race operation and hopes to support the industry by creating topquality broodmares.

Stewart owns Pounce, a daughter of Lookin At Lucky who won two Grade 3 stakes in 2024: the Lake George at Saratoga Race Course and the Herecomesthebride at Gulfstream Park. Stewart also co-owns Didia, winner of the Grade 1 New York Stakes at Saratoga. Other notable horses owned by Stewart are Goliath, winner of the 2024 Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Ascot, and stakes winners Misty Veil, Dana’s Beauty, Youalmosthadme and Mensa.

“It’s very important as I grow the breeding program at Resolute Racing to breed to race,” Stewart said. “I am trying to breed quality horses that can go on to win graded stakes. Starting off in this industry can be intimidating, but once you’re in, you’re hooked. It’s a wonderful sport, and I hope more people take the time to get involved.”

Werth is a newcomer to the Thoroughbred industry. He was a pitcher in the major leagues from 2002 to 2017 and had a World Series win with the Philadelphia Phillies. Werth’s racing venture, Two Eight Racing LLC, is named after his uniform number.

Werth co-owned 2024 Belmont Stakes and Grade 1 Haskell Stakes winner Dornoch, a son of Good Magic who will stand his first season in 2025 at Spendthrift Farm in Lexington. Other horses owned by Werth include graded stakes winners R Calli Kim and R Harper Rose.

Werth’s son, Jackson Werth, is following in his father’s footsteps as they pave the way for new owners in the Thoroughbred industry.

“The Thoroughbred industry is unlike anything I have ever experienced,” Werth said. “It is a sport that I have quickly fallen in love with. I’ve been able to share my passion for this industry with my friends and family. Being a retired athlete, having the chance to be an owner in this sport has given me something very special.”

The New Owner of the Year Award has been presented to MyRacehorse, Larry Best, the Churchill Downs Racing Club, Charles and Susan Chu, LNJ Foxwoods, Sol Kumin, Boat Racing, Richard Dawson and Pat Kearney, and Jim and Dana Bernhard and Alexander Bregman.

Race Track Chaplaincy of America Honors Walden, Butler

WinStar Farm president and CEO Elliott Walden and Midwest outrider Bo Butler were honored this fall by the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA).

Walden, who also serves as WinStar’s racing manager, earned the RTCA’s Community Service Award. He has been a vital contributor to the chaplaincy, both locally and nationally. As a member of the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy Council, Walden was instrumental in establishing the first fulltime chaplain at Churchill Downs and helping to build a chapel on-site, providing a space for worship and community events.

As council president of the New York Chaplaincy, Walden led the development of several innovative programs, broadening the chaplaincy’s services to meet the spiritual, physical, emotional, social and educational needs of those in the New York racing community.

Walden, who also served as RTCA president for six of the last seven years, received the Community Service Award during this year’s RTCA Night of Faith, Hope and Love held during the week of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar.

Butler earned the White Horse Award for his quick actions that proved

WINSTAR FARM’S ELLIOTT WALDEN RECEIVED THE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD DURING THE RACE TRACK CHAPLAINCY OF AMERICA’S NIGHT OF FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE EVENT OCTOBER 29 AT DEL MAR.

instrumental in avoiding a far more severe situation during the eighth race March 3 at Fonner Park. The incident started when Dial Uncle Joey clipped heels, fell and unseated jockey Ricardo Martinez. Two horses—Spry Charlie and J Ps Harley Glider—fell over the fallen Dial Uncle Joey and lost their riders. Spry Charlie ran the wrong way on the backstretch while J Ps Harley Glider ran behind the field. Butler, aboard his pony Gator, caught Spry Charlie and moved him toward the outside rail. They avoided the remaining seven horses in the 4-furlong race but could not avoid colliding with J Ps Harley Glider. Gator and J Ps Harley Glider were euthanized because of injuries sustained in the collision while Dial Uncle Joey died on the track due to a broken neck, according to a report in BloodHorse Butler suffered significant bruising on the left side of his body, including a pneumothorax injury involving his lung and chest wall. He’s returned to the saddle, working as an outrider this past summer at Canterbury Park, and Fonner Park management are eager for his return to Nebraska.

“The RTCA White Horse Award goes to someone who is considered a hero,” said Chris Kotulak, chief executive officer of Fonner Park. “Bo selflessly realized that he had to go out there and get that loose horse to save the other horses and riders that were bearing down on him. I’m sure he didn’t even give it a second thought. He knew what he had to do. That’s heroism. That’s valor and a heroic effort. He deserves this award. We’ve got an RTCA White Horse Award recipient here at Fonner Park, and that makes me very proud.”

Racing resumes May 2025

Race days guaranteed by law

Purses guaranteed by law

Total purses of over 14 million in 2024

Stakes program of over 3.2 million

Iowa Bred stakes program totaling $1,150,000

Breeders’ awards paid first - fourth place

IOWA NEW MARE BONUS

OR MAIDEN MARE IN IOWA

Congratulations to Allen Poindexter on winning the $20,000 New Mare Bonus in 2024!!

By nominating your mare, you are eligible for a $10,000 Bonus if that foal is the leading money earner (from mares nominated) at Prairie Meadows for any season, starting in 2022. That foal is only eligible to win the Bonus one year.

• $5,000 Bonus if that foal went through the sales ring as a weanling or yearling during the ITBOA Fall Sale.

• $5,000 Bonus if the foal is by a stallion that sold in the Dec. 2023 ITBOA Stallion Season Auction.

that when you purchase a mare and bring her to Iowa, you can make her foal an Iowa-bred. Here’s how:

The mare must be registered prior to foaling and must remain in the state until she foals.

If you brought the mare to Iowa and registered her before December 15, 2024, you may breed her back to any stallion. If you bring the mare to Iowa after December 15, 2024, and registered her prior to foaling, you must breed her back to an Iowa-registered stallion if not in foal to an Iowa-registered stallion

The mare is required to be in the state of Iowa for a minimum of 30 days during the foaling period.

After foaling, the Department of Agriculture must inspect your foal before it leaves the state

T OTAL OF $20,000 IN BONUSES AVAI LABLE

This is non-transferrable. Bonus will only be paid to the Breeder of the foal, as long as it is the same entity that nominates the mare.

The foal must also be registered with the Iowa Department of Agriculture prior to racing.

Lambert Earns Louisville’s John W. Galbreath Award

DAVID LAMBERT RECEIVES THE JOHN W. GALBREATH AWARD FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE EQUINE INDUSTRY PROGRAM IN EARLY DECEMBER.

In recognition of his entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to the horse industry, the University of Louisville Equine Industry Program named David Lambert as the 34th recipient of the John W. Galbreath Award for Outstanding Entrepreneurship in the Equine Industry. Lambert received the award December 5.

Lambert has spent his career applying his knowledge of equine physiology to predict performance in horses for equine industry owners and breeders. In 2019, Lambert launched StrideSAFE, a wearable sensor technology that documents a horse’s movements at high speed and analyzes that data to identify physical problems that could lead to catastrophic injury, with the goal to improve overall safety for horses and riders. StrideSAFE later incorporated advanced sensor technology and data from StrideMaster of Australia. StrideSAFE has been tested and used at 11 U.S. racetracks, including its current use at all Kentucky racetracks.

A native of England, Lambert received his bachelor’s degree in veterinary science from Liverpool University. He came to the U.S. to conduct research at Cornell University and decided to stay. Lambert worked in private veterinary practice and with the U.S. Equestrian Team before founding Equine Analysis Systems in 1987 in Midway, Kentucky. The company consults with Thoroughbred owners and breeders to predict the performance of individual horses, and it has advised clients in the purchase of Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup winners, top Thoroughbred sire Tapit and numerous graded stakes-winning horses.

“I’ve spent my life studying racehorse physiology and have accumulated a tremendous amount of data and understanding during that time,” Lambert said. “As the issue of addressing the safety of the horse [and rider] became more and more prevalent, it just seemed like the right thing to do. This award is a significant compliment and great honor for me and my team who work hard and quietly behind the scenes to make a positive impact.”

Recipients of the Galbreath Award are selected by a committee of faculty in the Forcht Center for Entrepreneurship in the UofL College of Business. The award is administered by the UofL Equine Industry Program and named for the late John W. Galbreath, a self-made man who distinguished himself in both business and as a horseman. HJ

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Romans New President of Kentucky HBPA

Dale Romans is the new president of the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, following the long tenure of fellow trainer Rick Hiles.

Romans was voted president by the newly seated Kentucky HBPA board. The longest continuously serving board member, Romans has been on the HBPA board for most of his training career that began in 1986, with much of that as a vice president.

Trainer representative John Hancock and owner representative Travis Foley are the new vice presidents, taking over for Romans and the late Frank Jones Jr.

New Kentucky HBPA board members joining Hancock and Hiles as trainer representatives are Phil Bauer, Jordan Blair and Bret Calhoun, with Bill Morey as an alternate board member. Newcomer Casey Klein joins Foley and existing owner board members Buff Bradley and Mark Bacon, with a fifth owner representative to be named at the start of the year.

“My goal, starting immediately, is to build on the foundation Rick Hiles and the previous Kentucky HBPA boards established,” Romans said. “I’ve got a bunch of ideas, but the first thing I’m going to do is listen to the horsemen. After a lot of hard work in conjunction with our racetracks and lawmakers, Kentucky is now the No. 1 racing circuit in America and the gold standard. That’s not the end point but an ongoing challenge to find new ways to improve and grow to benefit racehorse owners and trainers, which in turn benefits the entire industry.”

Romans is a lifelong Louisvillian who started coming to Churchill Downs’ backside as a kid with his father, the late owner-trainer Jerry Romans Sr. The younger Romans became the iconic track’s all-time win leader during the 2017 fall meet, taking the title from his idol, Hall of Famer Bill Mott, with Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen wresting the crown from Romans two and a half years later.

After serving as the elder Romans’ assistant while a teenager, the graduate of Louisville’s Butler High School took out his trainer’s license in 1986 at age 18. He went 0-for-52 before starting 1987 with a victory in a $3,500 claiming race at Latonia Race Course with $1,500 purchase Miss Mindy. From that inauspicious start, Romans went from a claiming trainer, as his father was, to building one of the most successful stables in the country. Along the way, he has won 14 trainer titles at Churchill Downs as well as multiple titles at Keeneland and Turfway Park.

Romans was voted the 2012 Eclipse Award winner as North America’s outstanding trainer the same year he was honored by the Turf Publicists of America as its Big Sport of Turfdom recipient. He won the 2011 Preakness with Shackleford and Breeders’ Cup races with Jones homebred Tapitsfly (2009), Court Vision (2011) and Little Mike (2012). The Romans-trained Keen Ice in Saratoga’s Grade 1 Travers became the only horse to defeat Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in 2015. Romans’ first Eclipse Award winner came in 2004 with champion turf male Kitten’s Joy. He won the Grade 1 Dubai World Cup the next year with Roses in May.

Romans accrued 2,211 wins and $123 million in purses through the end of November, including millionaire Grade 1 winners Silver Max, Dullahan, Paddy O’Prado, Swift Temper, Brody’s Cause, Thorn Song and Promises Fulfilled. While not as accomplished in an abbreviated career, the Romans-trained Not This Time has become one of America’s most coveted stallions.

A lifelong resident of Louisville’s South End, Romans keeps Churchill Downs as his main base with a division at Saratoga in the summer and splits his operation between Gulfstream Park in Florida and Trackside Training Center in Louisville in the winter. He is a member of the Churchill Downs and Gulfstream Park racing committees and on the board of the Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare Fund.

Alex Foley, the Kentucky HBPA’s executive director, said the horsemen’s organization is most appreciative of Hiles’ “unwavering service and leadership. His tenure spanned years of significant change in the industry, during which he worked tirelessly to support Kentucky’s racing community.

“Rick has been an exceptional leader and advocate for horsemen, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication to our industry,” Foley continued. “We’re excited to welcome Dale Romans as our new president. His experience and passion for the sport will be invaluable as we navigate the future.”

—Jennie Rees

Q&A With Damon Thayer: A Champion for Horse Racing

amon Thayer is leaving his 22-year tenure as a citizen legislator with quite the legacy. He shepherded through historical horse racing, the most influential legislation impacting Kentucky horse racing in at least the modern era. Having announced in December 2023 that he would not seek reelection, Thayer will end his run as a Kentucky state senator—the past 11 years as the Republican majority floor leader—on New Year’s Eve.

Thayer led the 2021 passage of legislation to update the state’s definition of pari-mutuel wagering specifically to include historical horse racing gaming. He also was instrumental in legalizing sports betting in Kentucky, creating breeders’ incentive funds that benefit all Kentucky horse breeds with funding from the 6% sales tax on stud fees and strengthening the Kentucky-bred incentive programs for both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing. His work was vital in standardizing the pari-mutuel tax rate across the board, from historical horse racing to online betting platforms, simulcasting and on-track wagering. That legislation also required Kentucky tracks to pay out on bets to the nearest penny rather than rounding down to the dime and—a policy change near and dear to Thayer—allowed Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund purse supplements to be applied to claiming races.

While attending Michigan State University, Thayer spent summers working as a publicity assistant at Detroit Race Course. After graduation, he headed communications for Thistledown and the Maryland Jockey Club before coldcalling former owner Jerry Carroll to land a communications job at Turfway Park. There, his role expanded to virtually every other department. He worked with Carroll and track president Mark Simendinger to create and develop the Kentucky Cup Day of Champions into a nationally prominent event, held back when Turfway conducted a September meeting. He also oversaw the running of Kentucky Downs (formerly known as Dueling Grounds) after it was bought out of bankruptcy in 1998 by a partnership that included Turfway and Churchill Downs.

After whole-card simulcasting in Ohio and casino boats in Indiana left Turfway on the skids and Carroll sold the track, Thayer left to become vice president of event management for Breeders’ Cup Ltd.—running for the state senate in 2003 with the blessing of then-Breeders’ Cup President D.G. Van Clief—before leaving and opening Thayer Communications and Consulting LLC.

Thayer has become an active horse owner as a partner in a group of horses campaigned by CJ Thoroughbreds, including two-time Grade 2 winner and 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf starter Hang the Moon.

Jennie Rees spoke with Thayer for a wide-ranging Q&A that can be found on hbpa.org. The Horsemen’s Journal is pleased to present a few excerpts.

On his inauspicious role in renaming Dueling Grounds after it was bought out of bankruptcy:

“I walked down to Mark’s office. He and Jerry were in there, and I said, ‘I got a great name. We should call it Rolling Green Race Course, because it’s turf racing and we’re playing off the name of [nearby] Bowling Green.’ Jerry looked at me and said, ‘Damon, that is the most [expletive] stupid thing I ever heard.’ He said, ‘Get your ass down there and call it Kentucky Downs.’ ”

I think a lot of people don’t realize how recent and how critical the bill to protect historical horse racing was, that had it not passed—and 40% of the legislators voted against it—that Kentucky almost assuredly would be down to only Churchill Downs and Keeneland Race Course.

“Yeah, it was a very high anxiety time for me. Because I understood exactly what was at stake. And remember, historical horse racing had been operating for about 10 years based on a series of positive judicial decisions. Then in the fall of 2020, the [Kentucky] Supreme Court essentially reversed itself, basically changed its collective mind and said it’s going to require an act of the Legislature. You have several companies—Churchill Downs, Kentucky Downs, Keeneland, Red Mile and others—that had invested a lot of money in

infrastructure in Kentucky. But if historical horse racing went away, it threatened everything. The whole thing could have collapsed.

“I’m normally not a sky-is-falling kind of guy. But it was pretty clear that this was live or die for the horse industry. … I predicted that [with passage] it wouldn’t be long before we had the best year-round racing circuit in North America. I’m very gratified that is the case, and we still have room for growth. And it almost didn’t happen.”

You also were appointed by both Republican and Democratic governors to the Equine Drug Research Council, which recommends equine medication regulation and testing policies to the racing commission.

“It really modernized medication use in Kentucky.”

All of that sounds good except for your role in restricting the anti-bleeder medication Lasix to 2-year-olds and stakes. Now that you’re a horse owner, do you appreciate more the importance of allowing horses to run on Lasix?

“I might have been wrong about that. But I wasn’t wrong on the sort of ‘Wild Wild West’ in Kentucky where you could give Lasix and an adjunct bleeder medication. You could give bute and Banamine right up to four hours before a race. We did a lot of really good reforms that kind of led the way in the country, and a lot of states followed us. Look, I also got—I think in 2011—an interstate compact law passed that would allow Kentucky to enter into a compact with other states for consistent and standardized medication rules. I was for standardization before it was cool.

HIS

“I could tell a federal law was coming at some point. I wasn’t thrilled about a federal law. I’m a big 10th Amendment states’ rights guy, so I wanted to preempt it by passing the interstate compact. The problem is no other state followed our lead. … But now, having seen the flawed implementation of HISA [Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority], I think if we started it over again, the compact approach could work; at the major and mid-major racing states, we could get some reforms. Because I am for standardizing the rules across jurisdictions. I always have been. We’ll see. It’s going to be up to the Supreme Court now, which I predicted from the start.”

What about the RHSA (Racehorse Health and Safety Act, the alternative legislation the HBPA is supporting for leading to a national compact for uniformity but using the original racing commissions)?

“If HISA is struck down by the Supreme Court, I’d say that bill is the best alternative. From what I know about it, it would give states input into their rules but could get us to uniformity without all the punitive, due process and transparency questions that we’ve had with HISA.”

As your ownership interests have expanded, has that changed your opinion from a regulatory or lawmaker standpoint?

“It’s made me more well-rounded. I’ve got track management experience. Now I have ownership experience. I’ve got legislative and regulatory experience. It helped me become a better advocate for the entire industry when I became involved in a new part of it.”

You announced early on this was your last term in the Senate. Any remorse?

“No. Look, I slayed a lot of dragons. I really am content looking back, especially the last three or four years for the horse industry. … That and a whole host of non-equine and public policy wins—I just decided now is a good time.

“I want to try to build my consulting business up to a more respectable level and get back into the racetrack side of the business. Run my Kentucky Senator Bourbon company with my partner and travel. I’ve had a lifelong bucket list to see the world’s biggest races and to see as many racetracks as possible. I’ve never been to the Fair Grounds because it’s always during the legislative session and I can’t get away. I’m going to go down for probably Risen Star Stakes Day. I’ve never been to the Tampa Bay Derby, and I love Tampa Bay Downs. I want to go to Colonial Downs for the Virginia Derby. I’ve been doing a lot of European racing. I might go to Dubai, Australia.

“I want to work on a new chapter, write a new chapter and see what is out there for me.”

WITH

RUN IN THE KENTUCKY SENATE COMPLETE, DAMON THAYER HOPES TO CONTINUE VENTURING TO TOP INTERNATIONAL RACING VENUES LIKE ROYAL ASCOT, WHERE HE VISITED IN JUNE.

COURTESY

DAMON THAYER, A 22-YEAR LAWMAKER IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, WITH KENTUCKY DERBY- AND KENTUCKY OAKS-WINNING JOCKEY BRIAN HERNANDEZ JR. THIS PAST SUMMER AT ELLIS PARK.

From Claim To Fame

AND A WARM AFTERNOON PROVIDED THE IDEAL SETTING FOR THE CLAIMING CROWN’S

BACK TO THE BLUEGRASS

Eric Hamelback stood in Churchill Downs’ paddock midway through the 26th Claiming Crown card and couldn’t help but think about those who put their stamps on the day that celebrates the blue-collar horses and horsemen and women who often ply their trade far from the spotlight.

Tom Metzen and Kent Stirling, leaders with the HBPA at the national and state levels and tireless, fierce and loyal advocates for horsemen throughout their careers, were chief among those thoughts.

“It was a glowing tribute especially to Tom Metzen,” said Hamelback, CEO of the National HBPA, which presents the Claiming Crown in conjunction with the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. “Going all the way back to 1998, the formulation and the thought to bring something like the Claiming Crown to the forefront—they had a lot of vision. Hosting the first one in 1999 and the intent at least in the beginning … to try and move it around some, which they did. It started out slow, then getting it to Gulfstream Park, where Kent Stirling took it to a new level.

“For me, in the paddock, watching everything go on in slow motion, I thought about Tom and Kent, both who have passed away,” Hamelback added. “It was an emotional time for me because it was such a great event this year.”

An enthusiastic crowd turned out for the perfect fall afternoon of racing under the twin spires November 16, as Churchill hosted the Claiming Crown for the second time in three years. Churchill doesn’t report attendance figures, but a safe estimate might peg the crowd as high as 10 times the number for 2022 when a cold, raw day featuring rain and snow welcomed the Claiming Crown to Louisville for the first time.

The overnight for this year’s event featured 119 entries, including the maximum 16 in five races, from 83 trainers. Seven races drew overflow fields beyond the 12-horse limit. Two dozen horses wound up on the also-eligible lists, and an additional 16 horses were entered but didn’t even make the also-eligible lists.

The Claiming Crown races ended up with an average field size of almost 11 runners, and horseplayers responded as enthusiastically as the participants with an average win payoff of almost $25 for a $2 bet.

The sun-splashed day went off without much of a hitch. When the last Claiming Crown race ended a little after 6 p.m., accompanied by the setting sun, it ensured all eight races were completed safely.

“The Claiming Crown is awesome,” said Mike Marsico, shortly after celebrating Like a Saltshaker’s victory in the Rapid Transit for his family’s

BLUE SKIES

RETURN TO CHURCHILL DOWNS IN 2024.

SURFACE TO AIR (11), WHO CROSSED THE FINISH FIRST, AND LAUGHING BOY (9) AND THEIR HANDLERS WAIT FOR THE STEWARDS’ DECISION AFTER THE CLAIMING CROWN JEWEL.

Take a Number

Marsico Brothers Racing partnership. “For owners like us, honestly, it’s the premier event that we get to compete in. We absolutely love it.”

Horseplayers wagered $10,262,495 on the 11-race card. That far outpaced the last two editions at Churchill in 2022 and Fair Grounds in 2023, events plagued by wet weather that forced the days’ turf races to the main track.

“The handle didn’t get close to the record of $14 million that we had at Gulfstream back in 2020 when COVID was going on and only a few tracks were racing anyway, but to get over that $10 million mark was very satisfying,” Hamelback said. “To hear Churchill management happy and glowing about the day, that reaffirmed the fact that it was a successful day.

“Overall, [it was] an overwhelming, emotional day and a happy day,” he continued. “The Claiming Crown benefited from being at Churchill. And I think Churchill benefited from the Claiming Crown being there. We weren’t even past the fifth race and management said to me, ‘We’re coming back next year, right?’ It’s a deal. We’re definitely coming back in 2025, and I hope to set it there for a little while.”

Tom Law

10.75

Average field size for the eight Claiming Crown races, which featured 86 starters

Breeding programs represented by the runners—California, Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, Louisiana, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington, along with England, Ireland and Ontario

$24.86

Average win payoff for the eight Claiming Crown races

Initial nominations received for the Claiming Crown Emerald

Trainers represented on the overnight for the Claiming Crown

FANS OF ALL AGES ENJOYED THE 26TH CLAIMING CROWN IN MID-NOVEMBER AT CHURCHILL DOWNS.

Say What?

“It was hard. It wasn’t easy. It took a little extra training, I guess, to get him fit for the mile and an eighth.”

Winning trainer David Jacobson on bringing Laughing Boy back off an almost seven-month layoff for the Jewel

“We’ll see how he does. He might need a long rest, or he might be in the entries next week.”

Jacobson on what could be next for Jewel winner Laughing Boy

“I’m from the same place the horse is from. Well, at least his name. He’s by Treasure Beach, and I’m from Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, in Jamaica.”

Owner Anthony Rogers on what he liked about Emerald winner Echo Lane to claim the colt for $25,000 in late 2023

“Nervous confidence.”

Trainer Rohan Crichton when Rogers said they came into the Emerald with confidence

“Let’s do it. I’ve done one or two.”

Wayne Catalano, after being asked for an interview after saddling Ghostly Gal to victory in the Tiara

“I thought you’d be in New Orleans eating red beans and rice already.”

Churchill Downs Vice President of Racing Ben Huffman to Catalano after the Tiara

“He’s earned his way back here. … He’s super classy, just look at him.”

Owner Alessio Bianco before Caramel Chip finished a game third in defense of his Ready’s Rocket Express title

“If they’re in a stretch duel, Saltshaker will try to get his nose in front.”

Trainer Brittany Vanden Berg to her husband and jockey Chris Emigh before the Rapid Transit

“This is the biggest race we’ve won to date so far. The Claiming Crown is huge because we’re claiming trainers and owners. I couldn’t be happier for all my owners. I couldn’t be happier for everyone that made it here today. This is such a great stage for everybody.”

Vanden Berg

“Just got to make sure he has the money in the account.”

Jeff Mullins, trainer of Glass Slipper winner Jubilant Joanie, when owner Will De Quevedo said he just “writes the checks” for potential claims

“I’m the claiming king of Gulfstream. I buy cheap, run them, get claimed, keep going. This horse ended up being better than most, so we never ended up putting him in for a tag after that.”

Big Frank Stable’s Frank Rupolo after Concrete Glory won the Ready’s Rocket Express

“I try to be realistic with what I’ve got. I claimed her for $5,000. She’s a lower-level horse, and we’ve been able to run her in some races and make a little money with her. I know she’s not Seabiscuit, but she is to us.”

Owner-trainer Mark Hibdon on Tennessee Moon, who finished fourth in the Glass Slipper after coming in with a North American-leading 11 wins in 2024. She added a 12th win December 7 at Delta Downs.

JEWEL—LAUGHING BOY

Panagiotis Synnefias couldn’t believe it. Neither could David Jacobson.

Such was life on both ends of a disqualification in the 26th renewal of the featured $225,000 Claiming Crown Jewel at Churchill Downs.

Trainer Jacobson and fellow co-owner Lawrence Roman wound up the beneficiaries of the stewards’ decision in the Jewel, which elevated their Laughing Boy from second to first and disqualified the Synnefias-trained Surface to Air to fourth in the 9-furlong Jewel. The stewards decided Surface to Air impeded fourth-place Welaka and jockey Adam Beschizza, who claimed foul, inside the eighth pole and made the call—the right or wrong call, depending on who was asked.

“Two stakes races out of three starts, very exciting,” said Jacobson, referring to Laughing Boy being put up for the win in the Excelsior Stakes in late March at Aqueduct. “Only we didn’t have to do any of the work this time.”

Surface to Air, who crossed the finish a half-length in front under Fernando Jara, apparently did that “work” in the eyes of the officials. He and Laughing Boy appeared to squeeze the retreating Welaka out on each side, at least the way Synnefias saw it.

“[Laughing Boy] comes out, our horse goes in and corrects himself right away,” Synnefias said while watching the replay after the decision was announced. “The horse in between was already (backing up). He wasn’t going anywhere. … My horse doesn’t stop his momentum, not in the slightest bit. There’s no reason behind it. Our horse was much the best.”

Sami Camacho Jr. rode Laughing Boy, a 6-year-old son of Distorted Humor purchased by Roman and Jacobson for $47,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July horses of racing age sale, and agreed with the decision.

“It was an exciting race,” Camacho said. “At the quarter pole, I felt like I still had a lot of horses to fight. He’s the kind of horse that never gives up, and he continued to fight. By the grace of God, we got the win, again, the same way that we did last time when I rode him in New York. This is really great. … My horse is the kind that likes the fight. I tried to pull him as close to the other horse as much as I can, but I never affected the other one intentionally.”

Off since finishing a distant eighth in the Grade 3 Ben Ali Stakes in late April at Keeneland Race Course, Laughing Boy went to the post at 10-1 in the Jewel’s field of nine behind last year’s winner Money Supply and others. Camacho put Laughing Boy on the lead from the start and coaxed him through moderate fractions of :24.10, :49.58 and 1:14.25 ahead of Welaka. Surface to Air, the 4-1 fourth choice off a win in an allowance-optional at Keeneland, took up the chase on the far turn and came alongside the leading pair in the stretch. Surface to Air took the lead inside the eighth pole and held off Laughing Boy at the wire with Hurry Hurry a neck back in third.

Laughing Boy, originally a $400,000 yearling purchased by Kenny McPeek at the 2019 Keeneland September sale, improved to 5-4-5 in 33 starts and picked up $134,040 to boost his bankroll to $507,778.

Tom Law

JOCKEY SAMI CAMACHO EMBRACES MEMBERS OF DAVID JACOBSON’S TEAM AFTER LAUGHING BOY WINS THE CLAIMING CROWN JEWEL ON THE DISQUALIFICATION OF SURFACE TO AIR.

TIARA—GHOSTLY GAL

The $166,334 Claiming Crown Tiara looked like a layup for Dana’s Beauty.

Everything seemed dressed up for the 6-year-old Not This Time mare as turf racing returned to the Claiming Crown for the first time since 2021 following snow at Churchill Downs in 2022 and near monsoon rains at Fair Grounds in 2023. Dana’s Beauty came into the Tiara off a victory in the $75,000 Ricks Memorial Stakes in late September at Remington Park. She’d won two other stakes in 2024—the Latonia at Turfway Park in late March and the Ouija Board at Lone Star Park in her first start for trainer Mike Maker and John Stewart’s Resolute Racing, which paid $450,000 for her at Keeneland’s April horses of racing age sale.

Stewart and his entourage of family and advisors came out, and Maker saddled the mare with hopes to build on his Claiming Crown record of 22 victories. Then along came Ghostly Gal.

Tommy Town Thoroughbreds’ homebred Ghostzapper mare ran down Dana’s Beauty in the stretch to win the 11/16-mile turf event by a head, giving trainer Wayne Catalano his second Claiming Crown victory.

“We knew [Dana’s Beauty] was pretty tough on paper, but they don’t run them on paper,” Catalano said on his way for the winner’s toast. “You got to be in them to win them, somebody said that.”

Ghostly Gal almost wasn’t in the Tiara.

Catalano nominated and entered the Kentucky-bred after a call from the racing office about the mare’s eligibility. She’d run for a $25,000 tag two starts back—and won going 1 mile on the grass at Colonial in her second start for Catalano—and would be a major player in the Tiara against Dana’s Beauty and another Maker runner, Boomin’ Belle.

“They called me the other day and asked about my filly; I said she’s training great and she’s in good form,” Catalano said. “It is what it is.”

The 4-1 third choice behind odds-on Dana’s Beauty and 3-1 Boomin’ Belle, Ghostly Gal and Vincent Cheminaud raced toward the back of the field in seventh through the opening fractions. Dana’s Beauty and Jose Ortiz were one spot ahead of Ghostly Gal into the first turn and down the backstretch before shifting three wide on the far turn for a run at leaders Big Dig, Boomin’ Belle and Best Performer.

Dana’s Beauty took command turning for home and looked on her way after opening a 11/2-length lead in midstretch. Cheminaud kept Ghostly Gal in the clear on the outside and stayed busy through the lane to cut into Dana’s Beauty’s lead. Ghostly Gal edged past the favorite inside the sixteenth pole for her sixth win in 15 starts.

“She’s a very nice mare and kept trying the entire stretch to get the job done,” Cheminaud said.

Ghostly Gal started her career in California with Jonathan Wong, winning twice and placing five times in nine starts but finding her best form on turf and synthetic tracks. She made two starts for Jeff Engler in late 2023 and early 2024—including a 12-length victory for a $30,000 tag at Turfway Park—before being transferred to Catalano in the spring.

After she had a disappointing run in a 6-furlong dirt race in early June at Churchill, Catalano put Ghostly Gal back on the grass, and she hasn’t lost in three starts since.

“She got better and better as we kept training her,” said Catalano, who won his first Claiming Crown race in 2004 in the Jewel with Intelligent Male. “She was gaining weight and looking really good. She had some little issues when we got her, but we worked those out and here we are today.”

Tom Law

TOMMY TOWN THOROUGHBREDS’ HOMEBRED MARE GHOSTLY GAL (OUTSIDE) UPENDS ODDS-ON FAVORITE DANA’S BEAUTY AND OTHERS TO WIN THE TIARA FOR JOCKEY VINCENT CHEMINAUD AND TRAINER WAYNE CATALANO.

EMERALD—ECHO LANE

Rohan Crichton watched Echo Lane finish a solid fourth behind one of the leading 3-year-old turf horses in America in the Grade 3 Virginia Derby in early September and came up with a plan.

The son of Treasure Beach, claimed by Crichton and owner Anthony Rogers for $25,000 last December, met the eligibility requirements for the Claiming Crown Emerald—and that became the late-season goal.

“Expectations were very high,” Crichton said. “He ran very well in the Virginia Derby. We sat through a lot of other races for this race, so it feels really good.”

Echo Lane gave Crichton and Rogers those good vibes when he closed the Claiming Crown card with a victory over older foes in the 11/16-mile, $181,230 Emerald on the grass. Luis Saez rode Echo Lane to a half-length win over oddson favorite Sugoi for his second Claiming Crown score of the day.

“This is awesome because the trainer said he was going to sit the horse and rest the horse for this race,” Rogers said. “From our end … when it finally comes, it’s awesome. The jockey rode the horse exactly the way the trainer said to ride the race. It was a pretty sight.”

Crichton and Rogers claimed Echo Lane out of his seventh start, a distant third in a 7-furlong dirt race at Gulfstream Park. He hasn’t run on dirt since.

The Emerald marked Echo Lane’s 10th start since the claim—seven on turf and three on synthetic. He won five of those 10 to go with a fifth on soft turf in the James W. Murphy Stakes on Preakness weekend at Pimlico Race Course, a fourth in the Not Surprising Stakes at Gulfstream and the fourth in

the Virginia Derby September 7 at Colonial Downs. He finished 3 lengths behind Deterministic in the Virginia Derby after racing close to the pace early.

“Ever since we claimed him and started to move up the ladder he’s been improving,” Crichton said. “He ran very well behind Deterministic. The journey was a little too long for him there. Today was just perfect, a mile and a sixteenth. He’s been maturing; he’s put on a lot of weight. We were very confident. He trained really well. It feels good to have a plan and have it come through.”

Saez, who also rode Concrete Glory to victory in the Ready’s Rocket Express, put Echo Lane close to longshot frontrunner Devil’s Harvest in the early stages of the Emerald. Echo Lane tracked that foe through splits of :22.76, :47.32 and 1:11.43 before mounting a serious rally on the far turn.

Echo Lane took over in the stretch, built a 2½-length advantage in midstretch and held off Grade 3 winner Sugoi at the finish after 1:41.09. Echo Lane picked up $100,905 for winning the richest of the three turf races on the Claiming Crown card and boosted his bankroll to $278,672.

Rogers called the Emerald his biggest victory. He’s been involved in racing for about a year, with Crichton training and calling the shots.

“I met him, and then it happened,” Rogers said. “I have all my horses with him, 15, 16 horses. We fight, we quarrel, but we win. … I dreamt about this, and it came to reality. It’s a wonderful day. … We had confidence going into the race. That’s the one thing we had.”

Tom Law

ECHO LANE CLOSES THE DAY WITH A VICTORY UNDER LUIS SAEZ IN THE EMERALD FOR OWNER ANTHONY ROGERS AND TRAINER ROHAN CRICHTON.

CANTERBURY TOM METZEN MEMORIAL—VOODOO ZIP

omewhere, Angel Montano was smiling.

sThat felt like the consensus after Voodoo Zip scored the biggest upset on the Claiming Crown Day card, shaking up the $168,266 Canterbury Tom Metzen Memorial as a 33-1 shot going the 51/2 furlongs on the turf. Not that Juan Cano was surprised.

“Big price, yes, but the horse had been training pretty good and I know he’s a real grass horse,” said Cano, who took over the stable when his mentor Montano died in 2020. “I’m real happy. I work so hard. With this horse I’ve waited two months for this race. … I wanted to wait for the grass. When I looked at the nominations, I was thinking I had a good chance to get in the race. Got lucky to get in and now to win. I’m so happy.”

Cano claimed the 7-year-old Kentucky-bred City Zip gelding for $17,500 in March at Turfway Park. Voodoo Zip won that day, taking a 61/2-furlong event for his first victory in two tries on synthetic.

Voodoo Zip proved even more productive on the grass during the early part of his career on the New York Racing Association circuit for West Point Thoroughbreds and trainer Christophe Clement. The $120,000 purchase out of the 2019 Ocala Breeders’ Sales April 2-year-old sale went winless in two starts at 2 and three starts at 3 before winning four times in nine starts through May 2022. He earned stakes appearances in the summer and fall of 2022 off that good run, finishing fifth in the Grade 2 Highlander at Woodbine, fourth in the Lucky Coin at Saratoga Race Course, second in the Grade 2 Belmont Turf Sprint at Aqueduct and fifth in the Aqueduct Turf Sprint Championship.

Voodoo Zip eventually wound up in the claiming ranks and was haltered by Roddina Barrett for $50,000 at Kentucky Downs in September 2023. He didn’t run on grass for his next eight starts from October 2023 to August 2024 and came into the Canterbury Tom Metzen Memorial off a sixth at Ellis Park and a third at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

Cano, who ran three others in the Claiming Crown races, came in confident Voodoo Zip might run the best of his group.

“Christophe Clement used to have him before in New York, and he’s a grass horse or a Polytrack horse,” Cano said. “I waited and waited for him to have this opportunity.”

Sent off as the fourth biggest price in the 11-horse field, Voodoo Zip raced toward the back of the pack early under Francisco Arrieta. Philo Beddoe and Atras set the early tempo, clicking off :22.31 and :45.17 splits over the firm course, just ahead of Spycraft and 8-5 favorite Final Verdict.

Spycraft took over before the field turned for home and opened a 21/2-length advantage in midstretch, while Voodoo Zip continued his steady run through the lane. Voodoo Zip came to Spycraft at the sixteenth pole, powered past and won by 11/4 lengths in 1:03.24.

Based at Churchill, Cano also owns the gelding and couldn’t help but think of his mentor.

“It’s the biggest win in my career,” he said. “Hopefully there will be more coming. … Angel is smiling. He was like my daddy. He helped me a lot.”

Tom Law

VOODOO ZIP SCORES THE BIGGEST UPSET ON THE CARD WITH A 33-1 VICTORY IN THE CANTERBURY TOM METZEN MEMORIAL FOR JOCKEY FRANCISCO ARRIETA AND OWNER-TRAINER JUAN CANO.

GWEN

RAPID TRANSIT—LIKE A SALTSHAKER

Mike Marsico made his way through the tunnel, down the horse path toward the winner’s circle, looked up at the big board on the backstretch and froze in his tracks.

“Oh wait, I think we got nipped,” Marsico told Brittany Vanden Berg, whose expression went from beaming to concerned in the time it took to hear the words.

“No, oh no. No, oh no,” Vanden Berg said as she and Marsico watched the final strides of the $130,957 Claiming Crown Rapid Transit over and over and over.

“This one’s going to be a heartbreaker, isn’t it?” Marsico asked a handful of people also trying to see if his family’s Like a Saltshaker had held off Keen Cat in the 7-furlong Transit.

Vanden Berg wasn’t hearing any of that.

“Oh, OK. That’s OK,” she said. “He ran huge. He ran huge.”

There would be no heartbreak, at least for Vanden Berg, Marsico and the Marsico Brothers Racing partnership that campaigns Like a Saltshaker. The 6-year-old Pennsylvania-bred Peace and Justice gelding edged Keen Cat by a head under Chris Emigh, giving the Illinois-based owners and trainer-wife/jockeyhusband team reason to admire the effort and toast the victory.

“That got the heart racing,” said Marsico, representing the ownership group that also includes Louis Marsico Jr., Louis Marsico III and Jonathan Marsico. “That’s why you do it, right?”

Like a Saltshaker, claimed out of a win in May 2023 at Churchill Downs for $10,000, won for the fifth time in 10 starts this season. He also won for the ninth time in 16 starts since being claimed.

“Whether he ran second or won, I was so happy he ran that hard,” said Vanden Berg, who trains the gelding from her primary base at Churchill’s Trackside Training Center in Louisville. “He has a special place in my heart. He’s been with us for a little while now.

“Anytime you can win one race you’re excited, but when you get to ride a horse every morning that is so kind like Like a Saltshaker, such a sweet animal and gives everything every time he goes out there for you, it just means the world,” she continued. “People that train horses will know how far and few like that come by. It’s very exciting.”

Despite a 3-for-7 record at Churchill and a starter allowance win at Keeneland Race Course October 6, Like a Saltshaker went off at 13-1 in the Rapid Transit. Emigh kept Like a Saltshaker just off the pace up the backstretch while Forge in Fire and Pure Panic scrimmaged for the lead through splits of :22.98 and :45.96 just ahead of 2-1 favorite Global Sensation.

Emigh angled Like a Saltshaker wide in the stretch and came through a hole between Keen Cat to his outside and Critical Threat. Like a Saltshaker and Keen Cat separated from their 10 rivals inside the final 50 yards, with the former getting up to win in 1:23.52.

“We wanted to break on the lead and ended up breaking a little slow; it didn’t really make that big of a difference,” Emigh said. “This horse always tries so hard. It turned into quite the horse race down the lane, and I thought I was able to get in front of the wire but didn’t know right away. He’s always been so tough in these starter races and was able to show it against the best today.”

—Tom Law

LIKE A SALTSHAKER (CENTER) AND JOCKEY CHRIS EMIGH BRACE FOR THE LATE CHALLENGE OF KEEN CAT EN ROUTE TO VICTORY IN THE RAPID TRANSIT FOR OWNERS MARSICO BROTHERS RACING AND TRAINER BRITTANY VANDEN BERG.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SHIPPER JUBILANT JOANIE, CLAIMED TWO STARTS BACK FOR $20,000 AND THREE STARTS BACK FOR $8,000, DELIVERS AS THE

GLASS SLIPPER—JUBILANT JOANIE

Jeff Mullins felt content to skip another Claiming Crown—he hadn’t competed in the event since winning the Emerald with Stage Player in 2004 at Canterbury Park—until the situation changed leading up to the 2024 renewal at Churchill Downs.

“Whether or not we were going to have to travel alone on the plane or not,” the California-based trainer said of the major factor to send Jubilant Joanie from his base at Santa Anita Park to Louisville for the $108,000 Glass Slipper. “A solo flight is about $12,000. A three-horse share is $4,000. We were teetering on that. We knew she belonged in this spot, but you have to put a pencil to it and make sure it makes sense.”

Mullins and co-owners Darren Carraway and Will and Denise De Quevedo “got lucky” when two other Californians needed a ride east for other races at the Churchill fall meeting. They split the bill and watched the 4-year-old daughter of Unified take on eight other fillies and mares in the 1-mile Slipper.

Jubilant Joanie and Reylu Gutierrez did the rest, stalking from the outside early and running down open-length leader Majestic Oops late to win by a neck as the 9-5 favorite.

“If we couldn’t have shared the flight, it wasn’t worth it to us to pay $12,000 plus all the other expenses,” Mullins said.

Jubilant Joanie, claimed by Mullins and his co-owners two starts back in September at Del Mar, picked up $65,520 for the Glass Slipper victory. She improved to 6-for-13 in her career, which started in her native Kentucky before winding through Arkansas and Louisiana on the way to California.

Jubilant Joanie was claimed six times in her first 12 starts, including for $20,000 by Mullins and for $8,000 by owner/trainer Steve Sherman in early August.

“I thought the guy that claimed her for 8 and lost her for 20 was doing good, but I think we’re doing all right,” Mullins said.

The Glass Slipper gave Mullins his second Claiming Crown victory and marked a successful return to Churchill. He competed in the Kentucky Derby four consecutive years from 2002 to 2005 and nearly again in 2009 until morning-line favorite I Want Revenge was scratched the day of the race with an injury. Mullins hadn’t run a horse at Churchill since the 2019 spring meeting.

The Glass Slipper also gave Mullins and his ownership group reason to celebrate after a bit of a reunion in recent months.

“It’s great to be here, with Jeff, reunited again,” Will De Quevedo said. “I took a 10-year break from owning horses, and now I’m back in it. It’s a great way to get back in it. It’s all Jeff. He gets all the credit. I just write the check, and he does all the work.

“With a horseman like this you don’t need to put in a lot of work; you just get to enjoy how great he is, getting everything ready, getting these horses prepared,” De Quevedo added. “If you ever look at what he does, there’s never a horse that isn’t prepared or in a bad spot. He’s really good at placing a horse. Every time we have a horse in, they have a great chance to win. That’s what I like about how Jeff prepares them.”

—Tom Law

FAVORITE IN THE GLASS SLIPPER UNDER REYLU GUTIERREZ.

KENT STIRLING MEMORIAL IRON HORSE—KING OF HOLLYWOOD

Jorge Gonzalez made his riding debut at Churchill Downs in the $109,960 Kent Stirling Memorial Iron Horse to kick off the Claiming Crown races. And he came with a plan.

“My plan with the owner and trainer, if I thought [we had] enough to send the horse to the lead, [then take the lead],” said Gonzalez, riding Estela Garcia’s King of Hollywood in the 11/16-mile Iron Horse. “Then when he broke perfect, I took him to the lead.”

King of Hollywood went to the front and stayed there, sparring with one rival early and holding off eight-time winner Freedom Road late for a neck victory. It was King of Hollywood’s third straight win, adding the Iron Horse to close scores in September and October at Delaware Park for trainer Daniel Siculietano.

Garcia claimed King of Hollywood through former trainer Jose Hernandez for $5,000 out of a win June 1 at Monmouth Park. The 5-year-old son of Palace Malice had been claimed in four straight starts—for $12,500 in late January at Tampa Bay Downs, $8,000 in early March at Tampa, $5,000 in mid-May at Monmouth and that June victory at Monmouth going 11/16 miles.

Gonzalez rode King of Hollywood for the first time in his first start for Garcia and Hernandez, putting the Kentucky-bred gelding on the lead in a 1-mile and 70-yard starter-optional at Monmouth to win by a nose. He rode him in seven subsequent starts—five for Hernandez at Monmouth and the last two at Delaware after the gelding was transferred to Siculietano—and won four times. He wasn’t about to miss the chance to ride him for a ninth consecutive start.

“I know the horse; I’ve won five races with him, today now six,” Gonzalez said. “I know the horse, and he’s running great. I’m so happy, this is my first time riding here at Churchill Downs. Thank you, God, for the opportunity, and for the owners and trainers, thank you.”

Gonzalez has ridden primarily in the Mid-Atlantic since returning to the saddle regularly in 2018. He won 80 races in 2009 and 2010, riding almost exclusively in New Mexico. The Iron Horse is one of 222 wins in his career through December 1.

“It’s my dream to ride here,” he said. “For all the jockeys, it’s a dream. I’m so happy. It’s amazing. To win for the first time in my first race here. Beautiful track. All the people are good.”

King of Hollywood carried his good form from the Mid-Atlantic and took control from the start at 14-1, clicking off splits of :24.17, :48.18 and 1:12.65 with Fightertown giving chase ahead of Meant to Be Lucky and Freedom Road. King of Hollywood shook off his early pursuer turning for home and clung to his half-length lead inside the final furlong with Freedom Road making his run.

Freedom Road brought a seven-race win streak from his Maryland base and eight wins this year but came up a neck short as the 8-5 favorite. King of Hollywood finished in 1:44.29. Fightertown was 31/4 lengths back in third with 5-2 second choice On a Spree fourth in the field of 10. King of Hollywood, sixth in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational Stakes in 2022 at Monmouth, won for the 12th time in 39 starts and boosted his earnings to $305,253.

Tom Law

ESTELA GARCIA’S KING OF HOLLYWOOD LEADS OFF THE CLAIMING CROWN PORTION OF THE CARD WITH A VICTORY IN THE IRON HORSE UNDER JORGE GONZALEZ.

READY’S ROCKET EXPRESS— CONCRETE GLORY

The man behind Big Frank Stable could not be missed after the $103,943 Claiming Crown Ready’s Rocket Express.

Frank Rupolo held court in the Woodford Reserve winner’s circle at Churchill Downs after Concrete Glory bounced back from a disappointing run as the 9-5 favorite in last year’s 6-furlong Express to win the 2024 renewal as the 6-5 chalk. The man nicknamed “Big Frank” and the “Claiming King of Gulfstream” probably deserved to gloat a bit after Concrete Glory romped by 71/2 lengths in 1:09.30. Concrete Glory ended the day as one of two winning post-time favorites, along with Jubilant Joanie in the subsequent Glass Slipper.

“He ran 1:09, not bad for a $6,250 claim, right?” said Rupolo, who added that he gifted Big Frank Stable to his daughter Nikki before the race. “I had it and gave it to her for her 18th birthday. That was a pretty good gift.”

Concrete Glory, who won for the 14th time in 33 starts and fourth time in six outs in 2024, wound up in the Big Frank arsenal on the advice of South Florida-based conditioner Saffie Joseph Jr. Big Frank and Joseph claimed the then 3-year-old Bodemeister gelding for $6,250 out of a winning effort going 6 furlongs in early December 2022 at Gulfstream Park.

Concrete Glory won seven of 11 starts after the claim and before the Express, including back-to-back races three times.

“Saffie, Saffie, it’s all Saffie,” Rupolo said. “He told me, ‘I don’t think we can go wrong with this horse.’ Can’t beat it. Greatest trainer I’ve ever had. So

happy, so elated. I came here from Florida, said ‘Let’s go.’ And we’re here having a great time. I love it.”

Luis Saez rode the winner, picking up the mount after Tyler Gaffalione took off following a spill in a 2-year-old maiden race early on the Claiming Crown card. Saez put Concrete Glory, fifth behind Caramel Chip in last year’s Express on a sloppy track at Fair Grounds, on the lead from post two and clicked off strong splits of :21.40 and :44.56.

Concrete Glory built a 2-length lead after that half-mile and turned for home well in command. The advantage grew from there, from 4 lengths in midstretch to 71/2 in front of Charter Oak at the wire. Caramel Chip was a neck behind in third.

Rupolo watched from a spot next to the winner’s circle and loved every second. “Once he had the lead and nobody was there, it was the matter of what I was going to win by,” he said. “Really. This horse, on the front and nobody near him, nobody is going to touch him.”

Rupolo hopes Joseph considers the Express again in 2025, when the Claiming Crown returns to Churchill for the third time in four years. The Pennsylvania-bred gelding could be there, since eligibility for the Express is open to 3-year-olds and up who have started for a claiming price of $8,000 or less lifetime.

“What I like about this one is it’s lifetime,” Rupolo said of the conditions. “If you’re above $16,000, $25,000, you have to have run for a tag in the previous two years. You’ll see me again. He’s eligible for his life.” HJ

—Tom Law

BIG FRANK STABLE’S CONCRETE GLORY REDEEMS HIS LOSS IN 2023 AS THE FAVORITE WITH A DOMINATING WIN IN THE READY’S ROCKET EXPRESS UNDER LUIS SAEZ.

GWEN DAVIS/DAVIS

A LOOK AT CANNABIDIOL-RELATED IDENTIFICATIONS IN AMERICAN HORSE RACING

THE 2014 U.S. FARM BILL ALLOWED PILOT PROGRAMS TO CULTIVATE INDUSTRIAL HEMP FOR HIGHLY REGULATED RESEARCH AND PRODUCTION, WHICH PAVED THE WAY FOR THE FULL LEGALIZATION OF HEMP IN THE 2018 FARM BILL.

KIMBERLY BREWER, DVM; CLARA FENGER, DVM, PHD, DACVIM; ANDREAS LEHNER, MS, PHD; LEVENT DIRIKOLU, DVM, MVSC, PHD; AND THOMAS TOBIN, MRCVS, PHD, DABT

Parallel to this legislation, racing regulators added tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) to their drug classifications, the first as a 1A substance (no accepted medical use in the horse) and the second as a 2B substance (high potential for affecting race performance). Since CBD’s classification by regulators, the substance—or more likely its pharmacologically inactive downstream equine metabolite, 7-carboxy-cannabidiol—has experienced a sequence of identifications in North American racehorses including one in Canada. In most cases, the source could not be identified, but in a number of cases, the source has unequivocally been identified as hemp contamination of hay. In at least one case, the source was intentional administration of a CBD product.

The Association of Racing Commissioners International has reported approximately 40 such identifications, broken down by jurisdiction in Figure 1.

The identifications appear randomly across the U.S. but in significantly larger numbers in horses racing in Nebraska, Iowa and Indiana. Consistent with the usually inadvertent and at times clearly environmental origins of these identifications, the associated penalties are typically modest, usually involving disqualification, the associated loss of purse and a modest suspension and fine, generally in the order of a seven-day suspension and a $500 to $1,000 fine.

The source of most of these CBD/7-carboxy-cannabidiol metabolite findings, hemp, also known as Cannabis sativa L., is a member of a plant family that humans have been cultivating for more than 6,000 years. Hemp was initially cultivated largely for its fiber content, and hemp seeds, which do not contain psychoactive substances, also have been used at times for food.

Cannabis plants contain a number of phytocannabinoids, including THC and CBD. Cannabinoids are naturally occurring substances that also are produced in mammals, including humans and horses. They are part of the endocannabinoid system that regulates a wide range of bodily functions, including sleep, memory, pain and immune function. Early humans capitalized on the medicinal effects of cannabis plant products, as first recorded in oral traditions dating to about 2,700 B.C.

Cannabis plants arrived in the Americas with the first Europeans. In the Americas, cannabis plants have long been cultivated for their hemp fiber content, one notable cultivator being none other than George Washington.

In 1937, the Marihuana Tax Act was passed, effectively banning the use of cannabis in the United States. As a result, cannabis was removed from the American pharmacopeia in 1941.

During World War II, an exemption was apparently made for hemp fiber cultivation. This moratorium on hemp prohibition led to widespread wild propagation of hemp, particularly in the Midwest. This feral hemp, also known as ditch weed, was the primary focus of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s cannabis

Figure 1: Number of cannabidiol and/or 7carboxy-cannabidiol identifications since 2017 by state and including one reported identification in Canada, as per the Association of Racing Commissioners International. Note the higher incidence of identifications in Nebraska, Indiana and Iowa.

eradication program in the 1990s and 2000s.

The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act to allow the legal production of hemp. Hemp was defined in this law as cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) strains with concentrations of the psychoactive compound THC not exceeding 0.3% on dry weight basis. In contrast, recreational or medicinal marijuana may contain as much as 32% THC. Passage of this law, therefore, made possible the current legal cultivation of Cannabis sativa L. in many states.

These more recent U.S. hemp farming activities have created significant potential for feral cannabis plants to find their way into hay fed to horses.

In a classic sequence of events, three 7-carboxy-cannabidiol identifications occurred in horses racing in Iowa on May 23, 24 and 27, 2024. The trainer involved was put in touch with Iowa’s state entomologist and plant science bureau chief, Robin Pruisner, who examined hay samples associated with this sequence of CBD-related identifications.

Pruisner identified cannabis plant material in the hay as shown in Figure 2, and she noted in her report that “cannabis is a relatively common agricultural weed after being grown during World War II as a fiber crop.”

Given these circumstances, horses consuming hay grown in certain regions of the U.S. are at a significant risk of identifications of CBD or 7carboxy-cannabidiol.

As well as producing hemp fiber, cannabis plants also can be used to produce hemp oil. The seeds do not contain CBD or THC other than trace amounts, and hemp oil sourced from just the seeds is not considered to contain cannabinoids.

However, CBD oil or “full-spectrum” hemp oil is produced from the seeds and parts of the flowers, stems and leaves. This product may contain pharmacologically useful concentrations of CBD.

CBD is chemically distinct from THC, the principal psychoactive substance produced by certain cannabis plants. It is, however, pharmacologically active in its own right, having long been known to have activity against certain forms of epilepsy.

In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a CBD formulation, Epidiolex, for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy in humans age 2 and older. CBD preparations and full-spectrum hemp oil are available for sale, at times marketed without regulatory approval, for a number of other conditions in humans and horses; those conditions in horses include colic, laminitis, ulcers and inflammatory responses. However, horsepersons should be fully aware that these preparations likely contain sufficient CBD to give rise to equine drug testing identifications of CBD, 7-carboxy-cannabidiol or 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC, the principal downstream equine metabolite of THC.

In an experiment in which we fed 1 ounce daily of a full-spectrum hemp oil to two horses, the carboxy metabolites of both CBD and THC were identified in blood and urine, even though the administered product contained undetectable levels of THC.

Another concern is that cannabis hemp fiber products also have been presented as an animal bedding material, including bedding for horses.

Hemp-based bedding materials have been reported to absorb up to four times their dry weight in moisture with less dust, leading to the marketing of hemp-based bedding for equine use.

With regard to this possible use of cannabis plant fiber as an equine bedding material, a pilot experiment was performed in which eight horses were bedded on a typical hemp-based bedding material for four weeks. At the end of that period, samples of the horses’ blood were tested at the highest level of routine testing sensitivity for CBD and THC and their major plant precursors and downstream metabolites.

Not surprisingly, the blood samples showed the presence of readily detectable concentrations of 7-carboxy-cannabidiol (2-10 nanograms/ milliliter) as well as occasional small amounts of cannabidiolic acid, the major cannabis plant precursor of CBD, and also trace amounts of 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC.

Given that the three potential routes of equine exposure to CBD include intentional medicinal treatment, bedding and hay, the major takeaway is that each can lead to plasma detections of CBD or much more likely, its major equine metabolite, 7-carboxy-cannabidiol.

The intentional feeding of a CBD-containing or CBD-related product to a horse is highly likely to give rise to a CBD-related identification, given the sensitivity of 21st-century equine drug testing. The use of a hemp-related bedding also can readily give rise to CBD-related identifications as shown in our four-week pilot study experiment.

The exposure route that may be the most difficult to avoid is a hay/fodder contamination event, which appears to be a very significant source of inadvertent CBD or 7-carboxy-cannabidiol identifications in horse racing samples.

Beyond these three, inadvertent transfer of CBD from an individual using a CBD-containing medication, similar to other environmental substances, is possible. This route reportedly happened in California racing when the Ron McAnally-trained mare Roses and Candy had the 7-carboxy-cannabidiol metabolite detected as a result of a CBD-containing cream used by the jockey in question.

There are good pharmacological reasons for CBD’s ability to give rise to plasma detections of 7-carboxy-cannabidiol. CBD is a highly lipid-soluble substance, the first requirement for any substance to be absorbed by a horse. Thus, CBD has the ability to locate (for example, hide) in body fat, from which depot it is slowly released at relatively low plasma concentrations for transformation into the more water-soluble 7-carboxy-cannabidiol metabolite that the horse can excrete. The practical result is that, in horses, CBD has a very long terminal plasma half-life, close to seven days, as shown in Figure 3.

flower/seed

Robin Pruisner, the Iowa state entomologist and plant science bureau chief who examined hay samples from hay nets and stacked hay bales associated with a sequence of 7-carboxy-cannabidiol positives in Iowa racing, and taken from her July 3, 2024, report on this matter. Pruisner’s knife is shown with cannabis flower/seed head stems on June 21, 2024. Photo reproduced with permission.

Figure 2: Photograph of cannabis

head stems by

Figure 3: Reproduced with permission from Eichler et al, Front Vet Sci. Aug. 2023, showing the slowly declining post administrations urinary concentrations of cannabidiol and the resultant long post administration plasma and urinary detection times for cannabidiol and presumably also its plasma 7-carboxycannabidiol metabolite.

As such, if the horse is exposed to an ongoing source of CBD, it will accumulate in the horse’s body fat for five half-lives, meaning that the plasma concentrations of CBD will increase for five weeks before leveling off. A low level of ongoing exposure, as for example in the bedding study, can therefore give rise to readily detectable concentrations of CBD or 7-carboxy-cannibidiol after four weeks of exposure. Because the 7-carboxy-cannibidiol metabolite can reportedly be found in equine plasma at concentrations approaching 1,000fold greater than CBD itself, the potential for trace-level identifications of this metabolite greatly increases, even in the complete absence of any detectable or pharmacologically significant concentration of the parent CBD substance.

Looking at these CBD matters from a high vantage point, it seems that CBD’s high-lipid solubility and its metabolism to the pharmacologically inactive 7-carboxy-cannabidiol found in plasma at 1,000-fold higher concentrations than CBD itself have resulted in a pharmacologically inactive substance with a very high potential to be identified in equine plasma and also a substance that takes an unusually long time to eliminate from the horse once exposure ceases.

To summarize, cannabis plants containing CBD have been growing in the Americas, both cultivated and presumably feral, since the first arrival of Europeans. Following the recent 21st-century arrival of part per trillion sensitivity drug testing in U.S. racing, trace identifications of CBD, or more likely its major metabolite 7-carboxy-cannabidiol, have become not uncommon in

certain states, namely Nebraska, Indiana and Iowa, three states with a history of hemp cultivation. These regional identification patterns are fully consistent with inadvertent inclusion of hemp in the hay fed these horses as has been clearly established in a number of these cases.

The unusual equine metabolism of CBD, the major phytocannabinoid substance present in hemp-type cannabis, also plays an important role. CBD is a highly fat-soluble substance, and once it enters the horse, it concentrates in body fat, from which it is then slowly released for metabolism to 7-carboxycannabidiol, CBD’s major equine metabolite. Given the seven-day plasma half-life of CBD, both CBD and 7-carboxy-cannabidiol will accumulate in horses for up to five weeks, a major factor contributing to these 7-carboxy-cannabidiol detections in horse racing samples.

Another important regulatory consideration is the fact that the 7-carboxy-cannabidiol metabolite is present in equine plasma samples at times approaching 1,000 times greater than the concentrations of the parent substance. To our knowledge, the great bulk, if not all, of the reported identifications have been for the pharmacologically inactive 7-carboxy-cannabidiol metabolite in the absence of any detectable amount of the pharmacologically active parent substance CBD. For that reason, an identification of 7-carboxy-cannabidiol alone should best be considered an atypical finding and not be pursued as a regulatory matter. HJ

TRADITION OF SUCCESS

Since 1973, Race Track Industry Program graduates have been united by passion–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.

Words Matter

USING WORDS LIKE “RESCUE” TO MEAN REHOMING OR ADOPTING A THOROUGHBRED COULD BE DOING A DISSERVICE TO THE BREED AND THE SPORT

By Jen Roytz

when it comes to responsibly rehoming a Thoroughbred at the end of its racing career, owners can find a multitude of ways to transition a horse from racehorse to its next phase of life, whether that’s as a riding horse, sport horse, liberty horse, therapy horse, broodmare or even simply pasture puff. Many trainers also go to great lengths to either responsibly rehome a horse themselves or get the horse into an adoption program that will vet potential adopters to ensure they are capable of providing the horse a safe and secure home.

Knowing all that, why is it that so many involved with the sport—from owners and trainers to other industry professionals—casually use the term “rescue” interchangeably with terms like “aftercare,” “rehoming” or “adoption”?

It’s not just those on the racing side of the equation that misuse the term “rescue.” It is quite common for those outside of racing who have adopted horses from reputable rehoming organizations or even purchased them directly from the track or through a reseller to tell people, “I rescued him/her from the track.”

That is a bad look for the sport when someone can mentally justify, whether consciously or subconsciously, that they “rescued” a horse from racing.

There are, of course, legitimate rescue scenarios. Perhaps someone makes an irresponsible decision, such as selling (or giving) a horse to someone who is either unethical or incapable of handling and training the horse. The horse subsequently ends up either in the auction pipeline or in an otherwise neglectful or at-risk situation. Getting the horse out of this situation can and should be deemed a rescue. But with so many people and organizations available to trainers and owners today to assist with the transition of racehorses to off-track careers, the number of cases of horses truly ending up in a situation from which they need to be rescued are fewer and farther between than ever.

With so much at stake, words matter. Changing the vernacular can change mindsets.

Danielle Montgomery, program administrator for Turning for Home, the on-track aftercare program at Parx Racing, has an appreciation for both sides of the issue.

“Breeders and other people who have played a role in a horse’s upbringing and career don’t like the term ‘rescue’ and the negative connotations that come with it,” Montgomery said. “Our staff, volunteers and other farms we work with that are involved with transitioning these horses are often torn because while the work we do is not rescue, it could be preventing the horse from being in a rescue

AFTERCARE GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS SHOULD CHOOSE THEIR WORDS WISELY WHEN RETIRING RACEHORSES.

situation like a kill pen or placement with an unsuitable or inexperienced owner because we are providing these horses’ final racing connections a safe option to transition their horses into their career after racing.

“That word does draw on the emotions, and as a nonprofit asking for support in the form of donations and volunteers, people loved to say that they helped in that type of way,” she continued. “That’s the human condition—we love to help. While our horses are not in need of ‘rescue’ when they come to us, I do understand both the appeal and justification for using that term.”

Turning for Home was created by Parx to help horses running at the suburban Philadelphia track safely transition out of their racing careers. The organization is supported by the horsemen, jockey colony, track management and horsemen’s and state breeders’ associations. Rather than rehabilitating and retraining the horses itself, Turning for Home works with a variety of foster farms and aftercare organizations to get the horses placed and eventually

rehomed. Each horse comes with a stipend to cover some or all of the costs related to rehabilitation and care while the horse is being retrained or offered for adoption.

Helping to make that stipend possible is the $100 takeout the organization receives each time a horse runs at Parx. Typically, Turning for Home takes in 40 or more horses a month (and took in a record 50 in October 2024), averaging roughly 300 horses per year that go through the program. Since its inception, Turning for Home has adopted out more than 4,300 horses.

“We work with veterinarians, clinics, shippers and more to receive donated or at-cost services related to diagnosing and treating injuries, rehabilitation and shipping of our horses to their foster facilities,” Montgomery said. “Those big, sound horses are easy to rehome and take minimal time, effort and money, but horses that need surgery or lengthy rehabilitations take significantly more resources and will end up being adopted out for less money, so in that way we are operating as a rescue because we are giving them the help they may not otherwise get.”

“We work with veterinarians, clinics, shippers and more to receive donated or at-cost services related to diagnosing and treating injuries, rehabilitation and shipping of our horses to their foster facilities.” ~Danielle Montgomery

TURNING FOR HOME PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR DANIELLE MONTGOMERY, WITH RETIRED RACEHORSE A. P.’S BUDDY, UNDERSTANDS BOTH SIDES OF THE ARGUMENT IN USING THE TERM “RESCUE” FOR EX-RACEHORSES WHO WIND UP IN AFTERCARE ORGANIZATIONS. INDIVIDUALS SHOULD CHOOSE THEIR WORDS WISELY WHEN RETIRING RACEHORSES.

Public Perception

While opinions on the use of the word “rescue” vary within the industry, the effect of it being used in place of other aftercare-related terminology by, with or in front of members of the general equestrian community or mainstream public can present significant risks to the industry in terms of public perception.

When someone talks about having “rescued” a horse from the track or having adopted their new horse from “a rescue,” the picture it paints to their friends who don’t follow racing (or don’t know anything about horses) is bleak.

“People within the racing industry use it interchangeably without thinking about it and not truly meaning to imply what the term ‘rescue’ actually means, but I think the equestrian world and general public use it thinking they are helping horses in dire straits that need to be saved, and that is a big issue,” Montgomery said. “All of us in the racing industry want the public to understand how well cared for the vast majority of these horses are, so terminology that reflects that is important.”

Other words, including “retirement” and even “aftercare,” have been questioned in recent years as possibly doing a disservice to the mentality behind racehorse rehoming.

“At Turning for Home, we try to stay away from words that imply an end or finality, such as retirement,” Montgomery said. “Instead, we try to focus on retraining, rehoming and even re-loved. These horses were loved on the track by their grooms, riders, trainers, owners and others, and everyone wants them to find someone else to love them as they transition away from the track. It’s important for us to choose our words carefully, as people who don’t know better and haven’t been as fortunate as us to truly know this industry can base their impressions of racing from the connotations of the words they hear describing it. Words matter.” HJ

“We try to focus on retraining, rehoming and even re-loved. These horses were loved on the track by their grooms, riders, trainers, owners and others, and everyone wants them to find someone else to love them as they transition away from the track.”

~Danielle Montgomery

MEMBERS OF THE TURNING FOR HOME TEAM WORK ON A RETIREE.

COURTESY OF DANIELLE MONTGOMERY

JEN ROYTZ PHOTO

2025

JANUARY THRU APRIL

FEBRUARY

STAKES RACES

SAT, JAN 4

SAT, JAN 25

APRIL

FRI, FEB 14

SAT, FEB 15

$75,000 My Dandy Stakes**

$75,000 Darby’s Daughter Stakes**

$75,000 Gexa Groovy Stakes

$75,000 Bara Lass Stakess

$100,000 Bob Bork Texas Turf Mile

$200,000 John B. Connally Turf Cup - Grade III

$300,000 Houston Ladies Classic - Grade III

$35,000 Darley Sprint Arabian Stakes - Grade II

$75,000 Jim’s Orbit Stakes**

$75,000 Two Altazano Stakes**

$75,000 David E. Hooper Stakes

$75,000 Miss Bluebonnet Turf Stakes

$75,000 Houston Turf Stakes

SAT, MAR 8 $60,000 Texas Six-Shooter Arabian Stakes - Listed

SAT, MAR 22

$100,000 Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby

$100,000 Texas Thoroughbred Association Oaks

$75,000 Star of Texas Stakes

$75,000 Spirit of Texas Stakes

$75,000 Yellow Rose Stakes

$75,000 San Jacinto Turf Stakes

$75,000 Richard King Turf Stakes

SAT, MAR 29 $60,000 Texas Yellow Rose Arabian Stakes - Listed

Potential New Era for Alabama’s Racing Industry

In response to the announcement of the sale of the Birmingham Race Course (BRC) to PCI Gaming, a subsidiary of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Alabama’s horsemen and women are expressing cautious optimism for the future of the state’s long-dormant horse racing industry. Coming more than 25 years after racing was last held in Alabama, BRC’s sale marks a potential turning point in the state’s effort to revive and grow its racing and pari-mutuel wagering industries. The track’s revitalization is seen as a crucial step in restoring Alabama’s legacy as a key player in the racing world.

“We welcome this opportunity to reintroduce racing to Alabama, and we see PCI’s purchase of the Birmingham Race Course as a step in the right direction for the future of the sport in our state,” said David Harrington, president of the Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. “Horse racing has not been held in Alabama since 1995, and we believe that with the right investment, this sale could lead to the revitalization of not only the BRC but the entire state’s equine industry. We look forward to working with PCI to bring horse racing back to Alabama and ensure the continued growth of this important industry.”

Horse racing has been a significant economic driver for the Southeast, supporting thousands of jobs across a wide range of industries, from breeders and trainers to stable hands, jockeys, veterinarians and support staff. The racing industry is also critical to the agricultural sector and tourism economy, and its revival could provide a major boost to both local and state economies in Alabama.

“We are optimistic that PCI’s investment in the Birmingham Race Course will lead to the creation of new jobs and opportunities for Alabama’s horsemen and women,” said Kent Gremmels, a member of the Alabama HBPA. “This sale could be a game-changer for the state’s racing and breeding community, and we look forward to collaborating with PCI to restore Alabama’s reputation as a leader in the equine industry.”

The Alabama HBPA, along with other key stakeholders, is committed to working alongside PCI to ensure that racing can again flourish in the state. This includes safeguarding existing jobs, protecting the traditions of the sport and fostering the growth of the breeding and training industries.

“We are excited to engage with PCI as they take over the Birmingham Race Course, and we are optimistic that this will be the first step in bringing horse racing back to Alabama,” Harrington said. “With the right leadership and investment, we believe that Alabama’s horse racing industry has the potential to thrive once again, providing economic benefits and creating jobs for many years to come.”

Exciting News in Alabama

The Birmingham Race Course and Casino, as it is now called, is being acquired by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The purchase is expected to close in early 2025, and the Alabama HBPA looks forward to working with the new ownership and management.

Stephanie Bryan, tribal chair and chief executive officer of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, told the Birmingham Business Journal, “When it comes to attracting tourism, this is an incredibly important area of the state. We are committed to building on the success of both Birmingham Race Course and Casino and our Wind Creek brand by ensuring that this property will keep tourist

dollars here at home and provide jobs that support Alabama families.” That statement gives the horsemen of Alabama hope for the future.

The Poarch Creek have done much to support and improve the communities in which they are established. With the economic impact that live horse racing provides to the local community and state as a whole, this is welcome news.

The Alabama HBPA has hired lobbyists and is actively working in Montgomery with legislators for the upcoming legislative session during which we once again expect some form of gaming bill to be presented. It was fortunate that it failed earlier this year as there was no mention of live Thoroughbred racing in the bill even though there are several facilities within the state that are going full steam with the historical horse racing machines and without benefit to the horsemen who have provided them the ability to operate these machines.

Elsewhere, the 14th running of the Magic City Classic sponsored by the Birmingham Racing Commission will be run Friday, December 13, at Fair Grounds with an increased $75,000-guaranteed purse. The Magic City Classic is for 3-year-old and up Alabama-breds going 1 mile. All nomination fees and entry fees are to be sent directly to Fair Grounds, attention Scott Jones.

With the implementation of instant horse racing machines at Birmingham Race Course and Casino, the Birmingham Racing Commission has added several more Alabama-bred races, and in conjunction with the Louisiana HBPA, we are working on a schedule to run at least one Alabama-bred race per month at the four tracks within Louisiana. Race conditions, dates and purses will be determined in the coming weeks.

As always, please notify nancy.m.delony@ms.com or (205) 612-1999 of any Alabama-bred you have racing in open company races throughout the continental U.S. The supplemental purse funds are available in addition to the added monies paid for finishing first through fourth at any of the four Louisiana racetracks.

Nancy M. Delony

Executive Director, Alabama HBPA

ARKANSAS HBPA

Oaklawn Park Barns Equipped With Wi-Fi

The Arkansas HBPA, which represents horse owners and trainers at Oaklawn Park, paid to install internet service in all 38 barns and is picking up the monthly bill. Each barn will have its own router with a protected Wi-Fi password for the 2024–25 meeting.

“Even our older trainers are using the internet now,” said Arkansas HBPA President Bill Walmsley. “We felt this was a type of investment that will help virtually every trainer and, as a result, help virtually every owner. At Oaklawn, there are about 1,400 owners and trainers who will be there during that fivemonth race meet. Just to have it available, we think is a fantastic thing. And this won’t cost them a penny.”

While the free Wi-Fi will provide other popular uses such as watching the races on a smart TV in the barn or streaming movies on a phone, in Arkansas HBPA board member Ron Moquett’s mind, the No. 1 reason for the service is security.

“We’re very excited to provide this much-needed tool to help add another layer of protection to the horsemen doing the right thing,” Moquett said. “I’ve used it for years and paid for it myself. The HBPA is ‘horsemen helping horsemen,’ and we think this is the best way we can help them right now, to help them monitor what is going on in their barn and to protect themselves. That’s

especially true at a time when the rules are changing. We want to be able to prove we’re doing the right thing.”

Moquett knows how critical security videos can be. When one of his horses at another track had an adverse finding in a post-race drug test for a local anesthetic, Moquett knew it had to trace to the castration of a different horse in that stall several weeks before. His barn video, which documented that his staff thoroughly sanitized the stall multiple times after the castration, led to the trainer being absolved of any responsibility.

“The video in the barn was able to prove not only did we not do anything illegal but we did everything in our power to keep that stuff from happening,” he said, “and sometimes it still does.”

Moquett said Oaklawn has installed its own security cameras in about 40% of the barns and “they’re working toward 100%.” The value of Wi-Fi in every barn is that trainers can install their own cameras, to which they can have immediate access on their phones, he said.

Moquett said Wi-Fi also is important to help horsemen fulfill today’s online reporting requirements in a timely manner.

“Look, if they want to use it to stream or watch races, great,” Moquett said. “But the primary reason we’re offering it is strictly for communication value, to be able to do all your stuff on your computer and to offer the bandwidth available to make sure that if you choose not to put your own cameras on there, not having Wi-Fi is not the reason.”

Walmsley said providing Wi-Fi may be more doable for the Arkansas HBPA than some other affiliates given there’s only one racetrack and no year-round racing.

“There are some things you can do for your members that they don’t really see,” he said. “This is one of those direct benefits—kind of like when the government builds a road—where people see the end result of the investment. Here’s a direct benefit to them that came to them through their HBPA, and I think they will appreciate their organization that much more as a result of it.”

Oaklawn’s lucrative meet opened December 6 and runs through May 3. Jeanette Milligan, executive director of the Arkansas HBPA, said in November that she received texts about the Wi-Fi from appreciative horsemen.

“Trainers told me they’re going to go get cameras,” she said. “I tell them, ‘Just wait. It’s going to be Black Friday soon. They’ll be on sale then.’”

CHARLES TOWN HBPA

West Virginia Breeders Classics Results

The West Virginia Breeders Classics were run October 12 at Charles Town Races. Over its 30-plus-year history, the event has generated more than $31 million in purses for the breeders and horsemen of West Virginia and become the premier racing event on Charles Town’s fall calendar. Congratulations to this year’s winners and their connections:

Sam Huff Breeders Classic: Runaldo

Breeder/Owner: Huntertown Farm LLC

Trainer: Jeff Runco

Jockey: Arnaldo Bocachica

Cavada: Overnight Pow Wow

Breeder: John McKee

Owner: Beau Ridge Farm LLC

Trainer: Cynthia McKee

Jockey: Reshawn Latchman

Roger Ramey Distaff: Change the World

Breeder/Owner: Coleswood Farm Inc.

Trainer: Jeff Runco

Jockey: Arnaldo Bocachica

WVTBA Onion Juice: No Change

Breeder: John McKee

Owner: Beau Ridge Farm LLC

Trainer: Cynthia McKee

Jockey: Marshall Mendez

Dash for Cash: Duncan Idaho

Breeder: John McKee

Owner: David Raim

Trainer: Jeff Runco

Jockey: Arnaldo Bocachica

West Virginia Lottery: Direct the Cat

Breeder: John McKee

Owner: Beau Ridge Farm LLC

Trainer: Cynthia McKee

Jockey: Reshawn Latchman

Russell Road/West Virginia Department of Tourism: Catch the Humor

Breeder: John McKee

Owner: Beau Ridge Farm LLC

Trainer: Cynthia McKee

Jockey: Reshawn Latchman

Vincent Moscarelli Memorial: Annapolis Road

Breeder/Owner: Coleswood Farm Inc.

Trainer: Jeff Runco

Jockey: Arnaldo Bocachica

Triple Crown Nutrition: Diakonissa

Breeder: Michael Furr

Owner: Ultra Championship Racing LLC

Trainer: Anthony Farrior

Jockey: Arnaldo Bocachica

OVERNIGHT POW WOW, BRED BY JOHN MCKEE AND RACED BY BEAU RIDGE FARM, DELIVERS AT ODDS-ON IN THE WEST VIRGINIA CAVADA BREEDERS STAKES.

Funkhouser Elected to House of Delegates

Raymond “Joe” Funkhouser was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates, replacing Paul Espinosa in the 98th District seat. Espinosa, who was appointed to the West Virginia Racing Commission by Gov. Jim Justice, resigned from the House to begin his work as commissioner. Funkhouser was appointed by Justice to complete Espinosa’s term and won the general election over opponent Troy Miller.

Funkhouser, who has just completed his term on the West Virginia HBPA board, is a fourth-generation horseman and worked as a lobbyist for Thoroughbred industry group West Virginia Racing United during the 2017 and 2018 legislative sessions.

West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association Horse Show

The West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association held its horse show October 20, showcasing the rising stars of the West Virginia Thoroughbred industry.

Congratulations to the winners:

James, Eleanor and John Casey Memorial

Broodmare Division

Winner: Brigintine Island

Owner: Beau Ridge Farm

Leslie Condon Memorial

2024 Weanling Colts

Winner by Blofeld out of Dixieland Dudes, by First Dude

Owner: Chris Carlisle, Carlisle Horse Company

2024 Weanling Fillies

Winner by Blofeld out of Adding Alpha, by Even the Score

Owner: William Atkins

Yearling Champion

My Max (by Maximus Mischief out of Brigintine Island, by Jersey Town)

Owner: Beau Ridge Farm

Sam Huff Memorial sponsored by the West Virginia Breeders Classics

Overall Champion

2024 colt by Blofeld out of Dixieland Dudes, by First Dude

Owner: Chris Carlisle, Carlisle Horse Company

Reserve Champion

My Max (by Maximus Mischief out of Brigintine Island, by Jersey Town)

Owner: Beau Ridge Farm

Charles Town HBPA Supports Aftercare Group

The Charles Town HBPA presented Aftercare Charles Town with a check for $10,000 to support the organization’s efforts in the care and placement of retired racehorses.

Aftercare Charles Town was formed in 2013 to help Charles Town horsemen find homes for horses ending their racing careers. It is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the rehoming and repurposing of retired racehorses that are ending their racing careers at Charles Town Races. Since its inception, the organization has facilitated the placement of more than 450 retired racehorses in safe and appropriate new homes.

ILLINOIS HBPA

Accel Buys FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing

Accel Entertainment Inc. announced July 15 it had entered into an agreement to acquire FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing for approximately $35 million, with plans to invest $85 million to $95 million in the construction of

both a temporary and a permanent casino. The temporary facility is scheduled to open before the start of the 2025 racing season while the permanent casino is slated to open in mid-to-late 2027, with 500 slot machines, 24 electronic table games and a sportsbook with 21 live mutuel tellers.

The Illinois Racing Board approved the acquisition September 19. The Illinois Gaming Board approved the transfer of ownership October 24, paving the way for long-awaited changes, including increased purses and higher quality racing, improvement and beautification of the backside, upgraded and expanded amenities for our horsemen and equine athletes and an overall enhanced racing experience for fans.

The racing board also approved 55 live racing days for 2025, for a season running from April 22 through October 28, with two racing days per week on Tuesdays and Saturdays and a minimum of seven races per day.

FanDuel will host the St. Louis Derby August 24, an ungraded stakes race with $250,000 in purses. We were honored to welcome Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who won the 2024 edition aboard E J Won the Cup, and FanDuel TV host Matt Carothers to our venue. A record crowd turned out for a chance to meet Smith in person, and he graciously signed autographs and posed for photos with fans before and after the race.

Illinois Stakes Day, which highlights the state’s breeding program, was run October 29. Natalia’s Rap, a homebred filly by Ghaaleb for Scott Becker and Charles Ritter trained by Becker, won the Pat Whitworth Illinois Debutante Stakes. S. D. Brilie Partnership’s homebred Indyville, a gelding by Take Charge Indy trained by Michele Boyce, won the Jim Edgar Illinois Futurity.

The 2024 meet came to an early close November 2 to allow for construction on the temporary casino to proceed. Becker finished the year as leading trainer with 66 wins from 235 starts. Ralph Martinez finished second in the trainer standings with 42 wins, and James Watkins was third with 24 wins.

Alexander Bendezu, with 69 wins from 254 starts, topped the jockey standings. Travis Wales, with 62 wins, finished second, and Reynier Arrieta, with 47 wins, finished third. Uriel Lopez won the Comeback Rider of the Year Award after winning 25 races.

Lil Bit Tipsey, owned by J. Donald Blade and trained by 83-year-old FanDuel icon Billy McEwen, earned horse of the year honors after winning six races with a third in seven starts and earning $70,010.

ILLINOIS HBPA PRESIDENT JIM WATKINS AND BOARD MEMBER

CYNTHIA RUSH WITH HALL OF FAME JOCKEY MIKE SMITH AT THE 2024 ST. LOUIS DERBY

URIEL LOPEZ RECEIVES THE COMEBACK RIDER OF THE YEAR AWARD FROM GENERAL MANAGER ZELLETTA WYATT.

SCOTT BECKER IS AWARDED LEADING TRAINER HONORS BY FANDUEL GENERAL MANAGER ZELLETTA WYATT.

ALEXANDER BENDEZU RECEIVES LEADING JOCKEY HONORS FROM RACING SECRETARY ROGER DUFF.

LIL BIT TIPSEY, WHO WON SIX OF SEVEN STARTS FOR OCTOGENARIAN TRAINER BILLY MCEWEN, EARNED 2024 HORSE OF THE YEAR HONORS AT FANDUEL RACING.

The racing gates are silent until opening day, April 22, which will mark the centennial year of racing at FanDuel, formerly Fairmount Park, and we look forward to marking our 100th anniversary in grand fashion.

IOWA HBPA

One Meet Ends, Iowa HBPA Prepares for Another

As Prairie Meadows works on upgrades and improvements to the backside area, the Iowa HBPA is preparing for the 2025 season. It will feature an 80-day meeting beginning the second weekend in May, with only Thoroughbreds running for the first six weeks, followed by a mix of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing until the meet’s conclusion. The meet is tentatively scheduled to end September 27. The Festival of Racing and Classic Night, which highlights Iowabreds, are still to be determined, but the Iowa HBPA continues to engage Prairie Meadows to ensure optimal placement of those events.

The Iowa HBPA feels confident that 2025 purses will be comparable to previous years due to action taken in 2024 to provide the stability and quality of purses horsemen expect and deserve for racing here in Iowa.

Aside from national meetings, conventions and major holidays, our office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You also can reach Jon or Michelle in the office at (515) 967-4804.

KENTUCKY HBPA

Salute to Hiles as Romans Takes Helm

COME BE PART OF OUR FAMILY AT FANDUEL RACE TRACK

• Equicizer on Grounds

• Plenty of stalls

• Casino coming soon

• We have Backside Dorms, Kitchen and RV Hookups

• We offer Dental, Medical, Burial, Eye Care, Employee Assistance

• Social, Family and Horsemen’s Services

9301 Collinsville Road Collinsville, IL 62234

(618) 345-7724

Fax: (618) 344-9049

Email: Theilhbpa@Gmail.com

Acclaimed trainer Dale Romans has been elected President of the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, succeeding Rick Hiles, who dedicated more than three decades of service to the organization in various leadership roles. Rick will continue to serve on the board.

Romans, a Louisville native and Eclipse Award-winning trainer, assumes the presidency with a commitment to advocating for Kentucky’s horsemen and women. With more than 2,000 career wins since beginning his training career in 1986, Romans brings extensive experience and a deep passion for the sport.

“I’m honored to take on this role and represent the hardworking horsemen of Kentucky,” Romans said. “I’m committed to building on the progress we’ve made and ensuring a bright future for racing in the Commonwealth.”

We would like to acknowledge Rick Hiles’ long-standing contributions to the Kentucky HBPA and National HBPA through the years and thank him for his leadership during a period of significant change in the racing industry.

“Rick has been an exceptional leader and advocate for our industry, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication,” said Alex Foley, Executive Director of the Kentucky HBPA. “We’re thrilled to welcome Dale Romans as our new president. His experience and vision will be instrumental as we move forward.”

As we transition into winter racing here in Kentucky, we want to take a moment to thank everyone involved in Claiming Crown Day at Churchill Downs for making it a historic event. Horsemen and women from across North America converged in Kentucky for a day featuring some of the nation’s top blue-collar horses. It was inspiring to see such a diverse group of participants, each bringing unique stories and backgrounds to the sport. The event highlighted not only the grit and determination of these horses but also the success and prominence of Kentucky racing on a national stage.

As temperatures drop, racing in the Commonwealth shifts to Turfway Park, where the Holiday Meet opened December 4. Horsemen and women will again compete for record-breaking purse money, ensuring Kentucky remains the place to race year-round. Maiden special weight races will carry $80,000 purses for Kentucky-breds, while allowances will range from $82,000 to $86,000 for Kentucky-breds, offering incredible opportunities for horsemen to stay home and compete on the Kentucky circuit throughout the winter.

For those shipping out of town this winter, we wish you the best of luck on your travels and racing endeavors. Your success continues to shine a spotlight on the strength and talent of Kentucky’s racing community. We look forward to welcoming you back when the weather turns in the spring, ready to build on another exciting year in the Bluegrass State.

Thank you to everyone—owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, racing staff and fans—who contribute to the enduring success of Kentucky racing. Your dedication is what makes this circuit thrive and we are excited for what lies ahead this winter and beyond.

Alex Foley

KYHBPA Executive Director

Successful Fall and Ready for Winter

As we transition into winter racing here in Kentucky, we want to take a moment to thank everyone involved in Claiming Crown Day at Churchill Downs for making it a historic event at the fall meeting. Horsemen and women from across North America converged on Kentucky for a day featuring some of the nation’s top blue-collar horses. It was inspiring to see such a diverse group of participants, each bringing unique stories and backgrounds to the sport. The event highlighted not only the grit and determination of these horses but also the success and prominence of Kentucky racing on a national stage.

As temperatures drop, racing in the commonwealth shifts to Turfway Park, where the Holiday Meet opened December 4. Horsemen and women are again competing for record-breaking purse money, ensuring Kentucky remains the place to race year-round. Maiden special weight races carry $80,000 purses for Kentucky-breds, while allowances range from $82,000 to $86,000 for Kentucky-breds, offering incredible opportunities for horsemen to stay home and compete on the Kentucky circuit throughout the winter.

Thank you to everyone—owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, racing staff and fans—who contribute to the enduring success of Kentucky racing. Your dedication is what makes this circuit thrive, and we are excited for what lies ahead this winter and beyond.

Good luck in your racing endeavors.

Rick Hiles

KYHBPA President

The HBPA Is You

The HBPA, established in 1940, is an organization of owners and trainers, approximately 40,000 nationally in 23 states and Canada and more than 6,000 in Kentucky. The association is governed by a board of directors consisting of

owners and trainers volunteering their time and elected by the membership every three years. The HBPA is committed to working for the betterment of racing on all levels. The HBPA represents owners and trainers on several fronts:

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

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

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

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

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

How Can I Join?

You are invited to drop into the HBPA office to meet the staff and learn more about current projects and how you can get involved in helping to improve the industry. There are no membership fees. Remember that this is your organization. Become an active participant and one of the “horsemen helping horsemen.” To join, all you need to do is fill out our membership card and fax, mail or email it back to us. For more information, please visit our website at kyhbpa.org and click on “Become a Member.”

LOUISIANA HBPA

Delta Downs

The 2024–25 Delta Downs Thoroughbred meeting concludes February 22. Louisiana Premier Night is February 1, featuring almost $900,000 in purses for Louisiana-breds. For additional information, contact the Delta Downs racing office at (888) 589-7223.

Evangeline Downs

The Evangeline Downs 2024 Thoroughbred meet is scheduled to begin April 2. Stall applications are due by late February. For additional information, contact the Evangeline Downs racing office at (337) 594-3022.

Fair Grounds

The Fair Grounds 2024–25 Thoroughbred meet began November 22 and runs through March 23. The 153rd race meet features a stakes schedule with approximately $8.9 million in purses. With 2024 nearing an end, Fair Grounds will host a final chance for Louisiana-bred juveniles to earn black type in the colts and geldings and fillies divisions of the $100,000 Louisiana Futurity

December 29. Following the turn of the calendar into 2025, graded stakes action returns January 18 when Kentucky Derby hopefuls square off in the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes on a card with five supporting undercard stakes. The Road to the Kentucky Derby continues February 15 with the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes presented by Lamarque Motor Company and concludes March 22 with the Grade 2 Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby. Early-bird nominations for the Louisiana Derby, which include nomination fees for the Lecomte and Risen Star, are due January 1. For more information, contact the racing office at (504) 948-1288.

Louisiana Downs

The 2025 Quarter Horse meet begins January 9 and runs through March 29. The Louisiana Downs Futurity will be contested March 29 with an estimated purse of more than $350,000. The trials for the Futurity will be held March 6-7. The trials for the 2025 Mardi Gras Futurity will be held March 5 with the estimated $450,000 final also conducted March 29. The estimated $100,000 Mardi Gras Derby and $100,000 Mardi Gras Oaks will be run March 28. For more information, contact the racing office at (318) 741-2511.

MINNESOTA HBPA

Excitement Builds for Revamped Canterbury

When the Canterbury Park stable area opens in May, many will no doubt do a doubletake on all that’s been completed since October. There will be a new trackside restaurant and entertainment venue overlooking the far turn as well as new restaurants just across the street from

THE FURLONG LEARNING PROGRAM, FOUNDED BY MEGHAN RILEY, RETURNS FOR ITS FIFTH YEAR IN 2025. THE PROGRAM OFFERS CLASSES, TUTORING, ART INSTRUCTION AND FAIRS, MENTORSHIPS, VISITS TO MUSEUMS AND ZOOS, A SOCCER LEAGUE, A CHILDREN’S GARDENING PROJECT AND A FARMERS’ MARKET FOR BACKSTRETCH WORKERS AND THEIR CHILDREN.

Canterbury’s backstretch. And the one-of-a-kind amphitheater will be ready to begin hosting A-list performers come July 1.

Throughout this coming summer, hundreds of thousands of new visitors will be introduced to Canterbury Park. Those who live in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area and have never been to Canterbury Park will be pleasantly surprised. Not only will they see a unique village of restaurants, clubs, residences, stores and even a school for toddlers but they’ll also notice just how easy and quick Canterbury is to get to from any part of the metro area. The vast majority of visitors will be within 15 to 30 minutes of the facility.

What makes the development so special is that it is anchored by Thoroughbred racing at Canterbury Park. The meet begins May 24 and runs through September 20. For those with families, the exceptional Furlong Learning program, founded by Minnesota’s own Meghan Riley, is back for its fifth year. There are classes, tutoring, art instruction and fairs, mentorships, visits to museums and zoos, a soccer league, a children’s gardening project and a farmers’ market. The program began five years ago with one child being tutored. This number has risen to more than 50 children and adults (who also are seeking educational assistance) annually.

The chaplaincy program also has expanded. After the weekly services, a meal follows, often featuring a food native to some of the racing community and

prepared by them as well. Every month there is a backside breakfast cooked outside by volunteers from the chapel, Minnesota HBPA, Canterbury Park and even the stewards. Fiestas with food and music are hosted throughout the meet. There is also mental health counseling provided by Abijah’s Hope, an equine-based psychotherapy program utilizing retired racehorses. Founded by Chaplain Sally Mixon, Abijah’s has found great support on both sides of the aisle in St. Paul.

By the time the meet opens in May, the 2025 Minnesota legislative session will have concluded. As of this writing, there is cautious optimism that a sports betting bill will be passed that greatly benefits Thoroughbred racing. Late in the 2024 session, all major stakeholders, from the horsepersons to the tribes to the racetracks, agreed on legislation that would have increased purses by 75%. The session ended before all the procedural steps for passage had been completed. Stay tuned for what could be an exceptional meet (and future) for Minnesota Thoroughbred racing.

NEBRASKA HBPA

Schedules Set for 2025 Racing Season

Nebraska’s five Thoroughbred tracks are excited to welcome fans and horsemen in 2025 with live Thoroughbred racing starting February 15 and continuing for 33 straight weekends until August 2:

Fonner Park/Grand Island: February 15-May 4

Legacy Downs/Lincoln: May 9-June 8

Harrah’s Columbus/Columbus: June 13-July 13

Horsemen’s Park/Omaha: July 18-July 26

Atokad Downs/South Sioux City: August 2

WarHorse Casino Lincoln and Legacy Downs held a ribbon-cutting for its newly opened phase 2 November 4. WarHorse Lincoln now has an expanded footprint with more than 800 slots, table games, dining and a large simulcast and sportsbook area.

NEBRASKA HBPA BOARD MEMBER DAVE ANDERSON, NEBRASKA HBPA PRESIDENT GARALD “WALLY” WOLLESEN, WARHORSE AND HO-CHUNK INC. CEO LANCE MORGAN AND NEBRASKA HBPA CEO LYNNE MCNALLY CONDUCT A RIBBON-CUTTING FOR WARHORSE LINCOLN’S PHASE 2 OPENING NOVEMBER 4.

NEW MEXICO HBPA

Horsemen Struggle To Hold On to Racing

Three racetracks in New Mexico—Sunray Park, the Downs at Albuquerque and Ruidoso Downs—have unrecognized the horsemen, created their own committees and have no contract. Another New Mexico track, Sunland Park, has declined to sign a contract but as of late November had not picked its own committee.

The fifth track in New Mexico, Zia Park, has signed a contract for the outgoing simulcast signal. However, the contract states only that the track recognizes the horsemen in exchange for the simulcast. They do not recognize the horsemen enough to sign a contract of any value other than getting our name on legal papers.

Zia Park gave half of the purse money to Ruidoso against the wishes of the horsemen. It received approval from the commission, so it is running half its days, and Ruidoso used the purse money to run 90% Quarter Horse races.

All the racetracks are still doing great damage to the horsemen.

OHIO HBPA

State Commission Approves 2025 Racing Dates

The Ohio State Racing Commission approved 293 days of live Thoroughbred racing in the state for 2025 during its November meeting.

Mahoning Valley will conduct a 59-day winter-spring meeting from January 1 to April 12 with racing conducted on a Monday through Thursday schedule as well as closing day, Saturday, April 12.

The fall meeting at Mahoning Valley will consist of 41 days of live racing from October 18 through December 30 with racing mainly conducted on a

WARHORSE LINCOLN’S NEW SIMULCAST AND SPORTSBOOK AREA

Monday through Thursday basis as well as three Saturdays during the meet and Sunday, December 28.

Belterra Park will run a 93-day live meet from May 1 through October 4 with racing conducted on a Wednesday through Saturday schedule each week.

Thistledown will once again race 100 days, with opening day on April 21 and racing continuing through October 9. Live racing will generally be conducted on a Monday through Thursday schedule. There will be live racing on five Saturdays during the meet including May 3, May 17 and June 7—corresponding with the Triple Crown Races—as well as June 21 for the state’s lone graded stakes, the Grade 3 Ohio Derby.

THOROUGHBRED RACING ASSOCIATION

OF OKLAHOMA

Heartfelt Thanks for Help After May Tornado

I am writing on behalf of the Oklahoma horsemen to express our heartfelt gratitude for the response to the May tornado that ripped through Will Rogers Downs. Your generous donations and unwavering support made a significant difference in our recovery process, and the horsemen are truly thankful for everyone’s kindness.

In the wake of such a devastating event, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. However, the outpouring of support from individuals has reminded Oklahoma horsemen of the strength and resilience of our horse racing community. All contributions have provided not only financial assistance but also a sense of hope and solidarity during a challenging time.

We are tremendously grateful for the many volunteers who have come forward to lend a helping hand. Your time and effort, alongside your donations, have played an invaluable role in the recovery. Together, we are healing, and your support has made this process a little easier.

Once again, thank you for your kindness and compassion. Your generosity will have a lasting impact, and we are eternally grateful for the support.

Danielle Barber

Executive Director

Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma

From the Desk of Bryan Hawk,

Oklahoma Owner/Breeder

As we look to the future of horse racing and breeding in our great state, I feel compelled to share my enthusiastic support for raising and breeding Oklahoma-bred Thoroughbreds. The potential for these magnificent animals to shine on the national stage is not just a dream but a reality waiting to be realized.

Oklahoma has a rich history and a vibrant equestrian community that fosters a deep love for horses. Our state boasts a unique combination of fertile land, favorable climate and a dedicated network of breeders, owners and trainers who are passionate about the Thoroughbred industry. By focusing on breeding Oklahoma-bred horses, we can cultivate a lineage that not only competes but excels across the country.

One of the most compelling reasons to raise Oklahoma-bred Thoroughbreds is the undeniable pride and sense of community that comes with it. Each time an

Oklahoma-bred horse takes to the track, it carries with it the hopes and dreams of local families and businesses. Supporting local breeders means investing in our community, creating jobs and boosting our economy. The success of these horses can bring attention and tourism to our state, showcasing the exceptional talent that Oklahoma has to offer.

The commitment to breeding and raising our own Thoroughbreds fosters a culture of innovation and excellence. With programs like the Oklahoma-Bred Incentive Program, we can provide breeders with the resources and support they need to produce top-quality horses. This not only enhances the quality of our Thoroughbreds but also encourages responsible breeding practices that prioritize health, temperament and athleticism.

In addition, the emotional connection that comes from raising a horse from foal to racehorse is unparalleled. These majestic animals become part of our families, sharing in our triumphs and challenges. The bond formed through the care and dedication involved in their upbringing is a testament to the love and respect we have for the breed.

Let’s not overlook the opportunities for education and engagement that arise from breeding Oklahoma-bred Thoroughbreds. By involving our youth in the equestrian world—through programs, internships and community events—we can cultivate a new generation of horse lovers and caretakers. This investment in our Oklahoma breeding program is the future and will ensure the legacy of Oklahoma-bred Thoroughbreds continues to thrive for years to come.

With that said, I urge our community to rally behind the initiative to raise, breed and race Oklahoma-bred Thoroughbreds. Together, we can create a legacy of excellence, pride and passion that will continue, and this is why I love breeding, raising and racing in Oklahoma.

I’m extremely grateful for all the connections I’ve made along the way. Oklahoma is the place to race.

Bryan Hawk

Winners of 2024 Oklahoma Classics Races

Oklahoma Classics Filly and Mare Starter: Artistic Vision

Owner: Thumbs Up Racing LLC

Trainer: Miguel Silva

Breeder: David Cobb

Oklahoma Classics Starter: Chuy Garza Y. G.

Owner/Trainer: Steve Williams

Breeder: Clark Brewster

Oklahoma Classics Lassie: Elegant Echo

Owner: Edward B. Melzer Revocable Trust

Trainer: J. Alan Williams

Breeder: Circle Bar H LLC

Oklahoma Classics Juvenile: Mister Omaha

Owner/Breeder: Bryan Hawk

Trainer: Joe Offolter

Oklahoma Classics Distaff Turf: Doudoudouwanadance

Owner/Breeder: Terry Westemeir

Trainer: Scott Young

Oklahoma Classics Distaff Sprint: Take Me Serious

Owner/Breeder: Bryan Hawk

Trainer: Joe Offolter

Oklahoma Classics Distaff Handicap: Miss Code West

Owner: Jeffry L. Puryear and Julie Puryear

Trainer: Kevin Scholl

Breeder: Bryan Hawk

Oklahoma Classics Sprint: Lake Bee

Owner: Silva Racing LLC

Trainer/Breeder: Miguel Silva

Oklahoma Classics Cup: Inca Empire

Owner: Danny Caldwell

Trainer: Oscar Flores

Breeder: Bryan Hawk

OKC Turf Classic Handicap: Eakly

Owner: Cheyenne Stable LLC

Trainer: Donnie K. Von Hemel

Breeder: Candy Meadows LLC

OREGON HBPA

News From Grants Pass Downs

Greetings from Oregon. We have just finished our 12-day fall meeting at Grants Pass Downs. We ran 77 races with an average field size of just under seven entries per race. The meeting was well attended with more than 400 racehorses on the grounds. We were fortunate to have excellent weather throughout the meet.

We now turn ourselves to legislative issues to try and further the future of racing in Oregon. This is an ongoing process to try and protect the future of our industry.

Grants Pass Downs is a beautiful venue. You will note the picture of the T. rex costumes. This is a charity event we do at the racetrack that provides funds for victims of childhood cancer. This year we had 100 T. rexes participating in a 50-yard race, and the top 20 came back to compete in the finals. It is a fun event that draws huge support from the community. This year the event raised more than $10,000 in those few minutes.

Happy and safe holidays to everyone.

Randy L. Boden

Oregon HBPA Executive Director

EXCELLENT WEATHER AND STRONG FIELDS MARKED THE 2024 MEETING AT GRANTS PASS DOWNS.

GRANTS PASS DOWNS’ CHARITY EVENT TO PROVIDE FUNDS

Holiday Events on Schedule

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all HBPA members and affiliates from sunny Florida. Tampa Bay Downs HBPA will celebrate two Christmas events in the month of December.

Our annual Backside Christmas Cookout will be held Thursday, December 19, in the lot adjacent to our backside office, beginning at 11 a.m. Music of the season will be provided by Tampa Bay Downs’ own DJ Ray. HBPA members and their employees are all welcome.

Our third annual Owners and Trainers “Day at the Races” Christmas Dinner is scheduled for Friday, December 27, in Tampa Bay Downs’ second-floor clubhouse beginning at 11:30 a.m. The popular clubhouse buffet, drink tickets and cash door prizes are included in the price of admission.

Tickets are available at our backside office or contact Mike Murray at (813) 601-3034. Please confirm your attendance early, as seating is limited.

VIRGINIA HBPA

Virginia Derby Highlights 2025 Meeting

The 2025 Virginia race meeting at Colonial Downs will be highlighted by the first running of the new Virginia Derby as a Kentucky Derby prep race worth 50 points on Churchill Downs’ Road to the Kentucky Derby. The race was announced by Gov. Glenn Youngkin August 11 during Festival of Racing Day at Colonial Downs. The new Derby prep race will be run March 15 during a one-week meet. There also will be a new Virginia Oaks for fillies that will be a 50-point prep race to the 2025 Kentucky Oaks.

The grass races held in September that have historically been named the Virginia Derby and Oaks will be back with new names. The renamed Virginia Derby should maintain its Grade 3 status.

The opening of the Rose Gaming Emporium and Resort in Dumfries has increased the number of historical horse racing machines in the commonwealth. For every 100 machines the resort implements, one day of live racing will be held

at Colonial Downs. With the new machines activated in Dumfries, the summer meet looks to expand from 29 days in 2024 to 44 days in 2025. The Rose Resort hosted its grand opening ceremony November 7.

Colonial’s 2025 summer meet will include the addition of a new dorm room on the racetrack backside for horsemen who are stabled at the New Kent facility for the duration of the race meet. Colonial is looking to make it easier for horsemen to bring their employees to the New Kent County track.

For further information, contact Virginia HBPA Executive Director Glen Berman at (312) 505-7722 or glenberman@aol.com or Virginia HBPA Field Director Aidan Turnage-Barney at (814) 424-2213 or aidanturnagebarney@virginiaequinealliance.com.

WASHINGTON HBPA

Emerald Downs Concludes 2024 Live Meeting

September 15 marked the end of the 2024 Emerald Downs meeting. The 55-day meet was positive on many fronts, including attendance on promotional days. Handle was down overall, but on-track handle was positive, especially on promotional days like Washington Champions Day, which featured the top four stakes of the meeting, including the 89th running of the $150,000 Longacres Mile.

Five Star General, with Joe Bravo aboard for conditioner Grant Forster, became the fifth repeat winner of Washington’s signature race and the fourth 8-year-old to accomplish the feat. Owned by Elttaes Stable (Seattle spelled backward, if you hadn’t noticed), Five Star General brought a large contingent of the Alhadeff family to the track, so much so that the win picture was moved from the circle to the racetrack.

“I’m over the moon for Five Star General,” Forster said. “He’s every trainer’s dream and has earned his place in Mile history.”

Aloha Breeze took the lead of the $50,000 Emerald Distaff Stakes and never looked back, winning by 11 lengths under Carlos Montalvo. The Distaff was the 4-year-old The Factor filly’s second attempt at two turns. She’s trained by Tom Wenzel and owned by George Todaro.

Wenzel and Montalvo also teamed to win the $50,000 Washington Oaks with Lapush, who improved to 4-for-7 for owner James Carlin.

Trainer Bonnie Jenne sent out Dynamic Secret, with Juan Gutierrez up, to win the $50,000 Muckleshoot Derby for owners Friendship Stable, Q Stable and Craig Frederickson.

advertising deadline

SPRING 2025

ADVERTISING SPACE RESERVATIONS: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21

AD MATERIALS DUE: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26

For more information or to reserve space, contact The Horsemen’s Journal advertising department at 515-508-1811 or advertising@hbpa.org

To some traditional horsemen’s disappointment, the best revenueproducing day for the meet was “Corgi Day,” which featured short-legged dogs and enthusiastic dog lovers cheering them on. The excitement of the day transferred to the horses, with loud cheering for winners. Many of those cheering did not have a winning ticket in their pocket, but as with their cheers for the corgis, it was all about the effort and win. There is a lesson to be learned from the success of the corgis, wiener dogs, T. rexes and grandparents running past the finish line that is positive and transferable to horse racing.

Emerald Downs 2024 Season Honors

Precise Timing was voted 2024 Horse of the Meeting at Emerald Downs, becoming only the fourth 2-year-old and the first 2-year-old filly to win the track’s top award.

Undefeated with three stakes wins, Precise Timing also took honors as top 2-year-old filly and top Washington-bred. Owned by Blue Ribbon Racing #23, trained by Kay Cooper and ridden by Kevin Orozco, Precise Timing was the meet’s lone triple stakes winner and finished atop the earnings list with $91,050 in purses.

Alex Cruz claimed the riding title for 2024 with 63 wins and purses earnings of $843,004, becoming the first jockey in state history to win five straight titles.

Justin Evans was the dominant trainer, taking his second straight title with 63 wins and amassing the highest win percentage (32.4%) of any leading trainer in Emerald Downs history.

Racing secretary Bret Anderson presented the 2024 Martin Durkan Award to trainers Miguel Hernandez and Anne Wisdom. The award recognizes trainers who exhibit leadership, cooperation, sportsmanship and excellence on and off the track throughout the meeting.

Luis Reyes was honored through a vote of his fellow riders with the Lindy Award, which recognizes accomplishment and sportsmanship throughout the meeting.

Here are the 2024 Emerald Downs champions:

Horse of the Meeting, 2-Year-Old Filly, Top Washington-Bred, Most Stakes Wins: Precise Timing

Older Horse: Arma d’Oro

Older Filly or Mare: Aloha Breeze

3-Year-Old Colt or Gelding: Dynamic Secret

3-Year-Old Filly: Lapush

2-Year-Old Colt or Gelding: Colonel Ludlow

Sprinter: Neiman

Claimer: Surprsinglyperfect

Leading Jockey by Wins: Alex Cruz

Leading Jockey by Stakes Wins: Carlos Montalvo

Leading Apprentice Jockey: Manuel Americano

Leading Trainer by Wins: Justin Evans

Leading Trainer by Stakes Wins: Tom Wenzel

Leading Owner by Wins: Rakoczy Racing LLC and Justin Evans

Riding Achievement: Alex Cruz, first in Washington history with five consecutive titles

Martin Durkan Award: Miguel Hernandez, Anne Wisdom

Lindy Award: Luis Reyes

WHRC Approves 51-Day 2025 Race Meet

Emerald Downs has announced 51 days of live racing—beginning April 27 and finishing September 7—for its 30th season of racing in 2025. The 2025 season is reduced from the 55 days run in 2024 but is on par with the number of days offered post pandemic in 2021–2024.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority costs to the industry continue to challenge racetracks like Emerald Downs, a track that has exhibited outstanding attention to safety since it opened in 1996. The track, in conjunction with the Washington Horse Racing Commission and Washington HBPA, was on the forefront of injury recordkeeping, advanced necropsy and establishing safe medication thresholds long before those subjects made headlines.

In spite of recent challenges, the Washington Thoroughbred industry is united with the common goal of attracting more owners, trainers, horses and

customers to Emerald Downs and remains positive about the future of racing in the Pacific Northwest.

“We are looking forward to the 30th spring and summer of exciting racing and family fun promotions at Emerald Downs,” said Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler. “There’s something special planned for every race day.”

Opening Day, Sunday, April 27, is a week earlier than last year, and closing day, Sunday, September 7, also is a week earlier than last year. New for 2025 is a mid-season break, spanning Friday, July 4, to Thursday, July 10.

The 2025 stakes schedule, headlined by the 90th running of the Longacres Mile, features 20 events worth $1,075,000. Piggybacking on the success of the 2024 Champions Day, the entire stakes schedule is consolidated over four Sundays with six stakes events July 20 and August 17 and quadruple-headers June 22 and September 7.

The schedule includes four stakes each for older horses and older fillies and mares, three stakes apiece for 3-year-old colts and geldings and 3-year-old fillies and three stakes each for 2-year-old colts and geldings and 2-year-old fillies. Although the 2-year-olds have the same number of stakes as last year, the first events—$50,000 Angie C Stakes and $50,000 King County Express—are set for July 20, two weeks later than last year.

In other changes, the $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic and $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Distaff will both be open events for 2025, and special races for Washington-breds will be offered August 2-3 as part of the Washington Showcase.

In addition to 20 Thoroughbred stakes, the Saturday, August 16, card features a pair of Quarter Horse stakes: the $40,000 AQHA Racing Championship Challenge and $30,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge. HJ

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