North American Trainer - February to April 16 - issue 39

North American Trainer ISSUE 39 (FEBRUARY 2016-APRIL 2016)

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O’NEILL

A positive start to the new year

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Congratulations to the connections.

JOE GORAJEC

The former boss of Indiana racing speaks out

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GILES ANDERSON

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Do you know the real Doug O’Neill?

FIRST thought about having a profile written on Doug O’Neill back in 2012 when I’ll Have Another hit the big time, winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. But then O’Neill became the center of attention for a series of violations dating back to 2010, and I was deterred when he became the poster boy for medication violations. These violations resulted in various suspensions. Suspensions were served, lessons learned, and a clear path set out for the future.

Yes, at the time of the media vilification, my opinion of O’Neill was affected. All the while, people I look up to in this industry would ask me if I had ever met Doug O’Neill. I would reply that I hadn’t and every single one of them said he would be a great subject for the cover of the magazine. I couldn’t understand why, but then, I hadn’t met Doug O’Neill. I didn’t know what he meant to so many people, the way he treated his staff and the respect he had from fellow horsemen.

So following on from his Breeders’ Cup Juvenile success last year with the very exciting Nyquist, I felt that the time was right to profile O’Neill and his team. Plenty has been written about their past, and the idea for this profile was to look at those key players behind Team O’Neill and to show the side of Doug O’Neill that has perhaps never made it into print, and to do so at a time when Doug and his team set out to bid for more Kentucky Derby success.

This issue also features a profile on Joe Gorajec, who, for nearly

a quarter of a century, regulated racing in Indiana. It was his tough stance on regulation and medication that ultimately led to his downfall. His thought-provoking interview with Denise Steffanus shows how at times, his conviction to his beliefs won him more enemies than friends. Gorajec might not necessarily appear to horsemen as the horsemen’s friend but the overriding thought is that Gorajec is simply an advocate of fair play.

One of the most telling things he says has been repeated on so many occasions – that “the current structure where you have 38 racing commissions is a system that is not receptive to uniform regulation.”

But then which one of the 38 racing commissions has the most straightforward set of rules to follow?

What if a medication threshold results in a ban in one state and not another? Surely it’s that type of regulation that will help racing jurisdictions, trainers, and bettors equally.

Let’s also not forget how far we’ve come in such a short space of time with medication thresholds. I was told recently of a case where a horse was given the same dosage amount of the same medication as a prolific human athlete. Both were tested after their respective competitions. The horse was found to have an overage and was banned, while the human athlete, who was within his sports threshold limit, didn’t.

That surely is the right kind of positive for racing.

Wherever your racing takes you this spring – good luck! n

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CONTENTS 10

Team O’Neill

Ed Golden on the people behind champion two-year-old male Nyquist as they prepare their colt for the Classic trail.

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Shedding new light

Barbara Murphy shines a torch on one aspect of broodmare management that could impact foal development.

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TV, radio and social media

K.T. Donovan on the relationship between old and new mediums of communication, including the launch of XBTV.

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Bob Hess

Second-generation trainer Bob Hess Jr. in profile,

by Ed Golden

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Genetic testing

Genetic passports may soon be changing the horses we breed and how they are trained, by Stacey Oke.

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Female trainers

In the 80 years since the first woman received a trainer’s license, many have followed suit with great results,

by Bill Heller.

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Musculoskeletal catastrophes

The latest research on musculoskeletal catastrophes and their dangers to jockeys, by Professor Celia M. Marr.

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Marginal gains

Dr. Catherine Dunnett wonders how the concept of marginal gains could improve a horse’s chances on race day.

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Cross training

Different roads often convergeon the path to Thoroughbred racing, by Bill Heller.

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Joe Gorajec

Denise Steffanus on the former executive director of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, who regulated with an iron fist.

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Does bleeding affect performance?

Professor Celia Marr on long-term studies.

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Contributors

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Alan Balch

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TRM Trainer of the Quarter

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State Incentives

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Trackside

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Product Focus/Suppliers Directory

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Stakes Schedules

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The Sid Fernando column

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CONTRIBUTORS Editorial Director/Publisher Giles Anderson Editor Frances Karon Designer Neil Randon Editorial/Photo Management Eleanor Yateman 1 888 659 2935 Advertising Sales Giles Anderson, Scott Rion, Oscar Yeadon 1 888 218 4430 Photo Credits American Quarterhorse Journal, Giles Anderson, Equine Veterinary Journal, Fasig-Tipton Photos, Joe Gorajec, Lou Hodges, Horsephotos, Frances J. Karon, Keeneland Association Inc, Barbara Murphy, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Suzie Picou-Oldham, Neil Randon, Rillito Downs, Rossdales Equine Hospital, Shutterstock, Lewis Smith, US Trotting Society, XBTV, Yonkers Raceway Cover Photograph Horsephotos

An Anderson & Co Publishing Ltd publication Contact details Tel: 1 888 218 4430 Fax:1 888 218 4206 info@trainermagazine.com www.trainermagazine.com United Kingdom 14 Berwick Courtyard, Berwick St Leonard, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP3 5UA North America PO Box 13248, Lexington, KY 40583-3248 North American Trainer is the official magazine of the California Thoroughbred Trainers. It is distributed to all ‘Trainer’ members of the Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and all members of the Consignors and Commercial Breeders Association, as well as all members of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association.

The

Alan F. Balch was hired as Executive Director of California Thoroughbred Trainers in April 2010. His professional career in racing began at Santa Anita in 1971, where he advanced to the position of Sr. Vice President-Marketing and Assistant General Manager, and was in charge of the Olympic Games Equestrian Events for Los Angeles in 1984. He retired in the early ’90s to become volunteer president of the National Equestrian Federation of the USA, as well as of the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden.

He remains president of USA Equestrian Trust, Inc.

K. T. Donovan travels the world to cover racing through writing, television and video.

As a freelancer, she has written for most of the major racing publications around the world, and contributed in various capacities to live shows and documentaries on American television networks, as well as for Sky, and RTE (Irish television). She is based in Lexington, Kentucky.

Dr. Catherine Dunnett BSc, PhD, R.Nutr. is an independent nutritionist registered with the British Nutrition Society. She has a background in equine research, in the field of nutrition and exercise physiology, with many years spent at The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket. Prior to setting up her own consultancy business, she worked in the equine feed industry on product development and technical marketing.

Sid Fernando (@sidfernando) is president of eMatings LLC and Werk Thoroughbred Consultants, Inc. He is the former bloodstock editor of Daily Racing Form and also blogs about racing and breeding.

Ed Golden is the author of Santa Anita’s widely acclaimed “Stable Notes,” hailed by peers as “the best in racing.” A native of Philadelphia, he earned Eclipse Award honorable mention while with the Philadelphia Daily News and has written for The Blood-Horse and USA Today.

Bill Heller, Eclipse Award winner and author of 25 books including biographies of Hall of Fame jockeys Ron Turcotte, Randy Romero and Jose Santos, is a member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame Communications Corner. He spends summers in Saratoga and winters in South Florida.

His 26-year-old son Benjamin lives in Albany, N.Y., is an accomplished runner and recently won a 5-K race and a mini-marathon.

Professor Celia Marr is an equine clinician at Rossdales, Newmarket.

She is a RCVS and European Specialist in Equine Medicine and Honorary Professor at the Glasgow University Veterinary School. She has previously worked at veterinary schools in Glasgow, Pennsylvania, Cambridge and London and in racehorse practice in Lambourn. She is Chairman of the Horserace Betting Levy Board’s Thoroughbred Research & Consultation Group and Editor-in-Chief of Equine Veterinary Journal.

Barbara Murphy has held the position of Lecturer and Head of Equine Science at University College Dublin in her native Ireland, since completing a PhD in Veterinary Science at the Gluck Equine Research Centre at the University of Kentucky in 2007. Her research interests are in equine reproduction and performance and have lead to her becoming Chairman and Founder of Equilume Ltd, which developed the innovative Equilume Light Mask as a result of her research on light manipulation in breeding stock.

Stacey Oke is a licensed veterinarian and freelance medical writer and editor. In addition to writing for various horse publications, she also contributes to scientific journals, is an editor of an internationally-recognized, peer-reviewed journal, creates continuing education materials for both human and veterinary medicine, and conducts biomedical research studies.

Denise Steffanus is a freelance writer and editor based in Cynthiana, Kentucky. A longtime contributing editor for Thoroughbred Times, she earned the prestigious Michael E. DeBakey Journalism Award and the USA Equestrian (now the U.S. Equestrian Federation) Award for Media Excellence. Steffanus, a Pitttsburgh native, is a licensed Thoroughbred racehorse trainer and a member of American Mensa.

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TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

A DV ERT ISEMEN T

DEADLY DOPING MEETS ITS MATCH: Trainers Praise Natural Alternative

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he pressure to win is so enormous that many horsemen resort to whatever it takes to get a piece of the purse or a decent sale… even if it means putting their horses’ lives in mortal danger by doping them with illegal synthetic erythropoietin (EPO) drugs to boost endurance.

Veterinarian Gary Smith said, “It’s a problem all over the industry. There is no way horses should be put on (synthetic) EPO.” So how do racers win? How do you gain a competitive edge without harming your horses or risking your livelihood?

The answer may be found in a safe allnatural horse supplement that supports natural EPO function.

Why is EPO boosting so critical? Just like in people, a horse’s muscles require oxygen for fuel. Red blood cells are the body’s oxygen-carrying cells. A higher red blood cell count = more oxygen = more muscle energy. Elevated muscle energy helps the horse perform harder, faster and longer during endurance events. All horses naturally produce EPO in their kidneys to stimulate production of new red blood cells from bone marrow.

In short, EPO is a natural “blood builder.”

With EPO doping, trainers try to boost the EPO effect to get a winning performance every time. They use a synthetic EPO (recombinant human EPO), even though the side effects can harm the horse. That’s one reason why it’s illegal.

Fortunately there’s another option.

EPO-Equine® is a safe, highly effective

// BY: MARK HANSEN

natural dietary supplement scientifically engineered for performance horses.

A Kentucky trainer who refused to give out his name, said, “I don’t want my competition to know about this.” He found EPO-Equine to be so effective that he’s dead set against disclosing who he is, who his horses are, or even where he trains and races. He first started ordering a single jar of EPO-Equine® once a month. Now he’s ordering several CASES each month. And he won’t tell BRL exactly why. He said respectfully, “Sorry – no way.”

Bioengineers at U.S. based Biomedical Research Laboratories (BRL), first discovered a completely natural EPObooster for human athletes (and it’s working miracles for top athletes and amateurs around the world). Seeing these results, horse trainers contacted BRL and asked about using this natural formula for their animals.

That’s when the BRL team dug deeper and discovered a proprietary, horsefriendly strain of a common herb that promotes optimal blood-building results.

EPO-Equine® is based on the bloodboosting abilities of a certain strain of Echinacea that’s astounding researchers and trainers alike. (It’s not a strain you can find at the local health store.)

Veterinarians at the Equine Research Centre in Ontario, Canada ran a double-blind trial investigating the blood building properties of the active ingredient in EPO-Equine in healthy horses. For 42 days, one group of horses was supplemented with the active ingredient in EPO-Equine and another group of horses was given a placebo.

The supplement delivered significant blood building results, increasing red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels.

Researchers also observed improved blood quality and increased oxygen transport in the supplemented horses.

Improved blood levels leads to elevated exercise physiology and performance.

The patent-pending formula in EPO-Equine® contains a dozen different herbs, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components combined to promote natural red blood cell production . . . for remarkable speed, strength and stamina right out of the gate.

Trainers find it easy to add just 1 scoop (3.2 grams) of EPO-Equine® to the horse’s daily feeding routine in the barn or on the road. Within a few weeks of daily use, you can expect to see increased red blood cell levels with no undesirable side effects. An increase in red blood cell levels can improve muscle performance, supercharge endurance, and enhance recovery after hard exercise. Nothing else is scientifically proven to deliver these benefits in a completely safe and natural formula.

Compared to the cost of veterinarians, drugs, icing, tapping the knees, and putting the horse on Bute; or even the consequences of being banned for synthetic doping, EPO-Equine® is very affordable at the low price of just $59.95 per jar. Or save $180 if you are ready to commit to a larger trial of 12-jar case for just $539.55 with FREE shipping.

EPO-Equine® can be ordered at www.EPOEquine.com or 1-800-557-9055, and comes with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.

CALIFORnIA THOROUGHBRED TRAInERS

ALAN F. BALCH “Human nature, Mr. Allnut . . . ”

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n The African Queen, John Huston’s superlative movie, Charlie Allnut was played by Humphrey Bogart. And who can forget Katharine Hepburn’s Rose Sayer?

“A man takes a drop too much once in a while,” Charlie says, “it’s only human nature.”

Rose had her dagger at the ready. “nature, Mr. Allnut, is what we are put in this world to rise above.”

Rose may have been a “crazy, psalmsinging, skinny old maid,” according to Mr. Allnut, but she (and the film’s writers) made an artistic statement that will endure for the ages in large part because their work depicted the reality of human nature, for better and for worse. In elaborate detail.

I have always believed that the reason for racing’s incredible durability, despite all we humans do to mismanage it and harm it – almost always unintentionally, of course – is that the public senses that every single race is a microcosm of life itself. We yearn to know the future and be able to predict it. And to profit by being correct in our prediction. We love the majesty of animals, and particularly horses . . . who, rightly or wrongly, we believe to share many human characteristics with us. The best horses want to try, and to win, just as hard as we humans want ourselves to try. And to win.

That’s just a tiny but essential part of racing’s eternal appeal.

So, what do the opinions of Charlie Allnut and Rose Sayer about human nature have to do with us, in the here and now?

I am struck these days, and almost every day, by yet another “scandal” in sport

related to the accusation of cheating or the temptation to cheat or the way to stop cheating. Lately, our own sport’s “leaders” have taken to comparing racing’s postures on clean sport to those of others, notably baseball, track and field, and even tennis!

Don’t our leaders read the rest of the newspaper? Aren’t they aware that the temptation to be dishonest is just one (regrettable) aspect of human nature? It exists everywhere, in every human pursuit, from Main Street to Wall Street to the capitals of the world. In every primitive forest (though not too many of those still exist), and even in animals, some would have us believe.

Rose was right in her sentiment, as we all believe to some degree. We were put on earth to rise above the base enticements of human nature, if not in a religious sense, depending on your faith, in the sense that humans seek to bring order out of chaos.

Without rules of conduct (even among bands of thieves and murderers), life cannot even be lived. At least not safely. Which is to say enjoyment of life depends on observance of rules.

Let’s stop and think for a moment.

Which of the world’s sports has the most experience in rules and regulation, in independent oversight of its conduct, and the longest historical progress in deterring and preventing cheating?

I think ours does.

From its beginnings, given its essential gaming aspect, everyone realized that the temptations to cheat in racing were palpable and serious. But until other sports became truly professional, and countenanced gaming, including even the Olympic sports,

they were largely perceived to be immune from the need for serious regulation. Once the incentives to cheat, usually in monetary terms, exceeded the incentives to win according to the rules, everywhere there grew greater temptations to cheat!

And so were born the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). Largely because of suspected and actual cheating in the Olympic sports.

“Experience is never worth very much until you have it.” Or so the old saying goes.

And now some of racing’s most prominent leaders seem to have forgotten that truth, and suggest turning to USADA to regulate racing in the United States! As if we don’t already have elaborate independent oversight.

USADA has exactly zero experience in the physiology or practice of equine drug testing, and the same depth of experience in veterinary medicine, horsemanship, and the practical conduct of our sport. In other words, none. Yet we should look to such an agency to “clean up” racing?!

Which prominent owner who backs USADA’s intrusion into racing would send his valuable horse to a tennis coach? To a government bureaucrat? To a politician? To a football player? Each of those individuals has a modicum of “similar experience,” I suppose, but not an iota of value for the task at hand.

Which brings us back to Rose. When Charlie told her that the Queen’s shaft was “twisted like a corkscrew and there’s a blade gone off the prop,” she answered, “We’ll have to mend it, then.”

Ourselves. n

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USADA has exactly zero experience in the physiology or practice of equine drug

testing, and the same depth of experience in veterinary medicine, horsemanship, and the practical conduct of our sport. In other words, none. Yet we should look to such an

”

agency to “clean up” racing?!

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Brad Cox (with baseball cap) and winning connections of Chocolate Ride after the Grade 3 Colonel E.R. Bradley at Fair Grounds

Trainer of the Quarter

BRAD COX

The TRM Trainer of the Quarter award has been won by Brad Cox. Cox and his team will receive a selection of products from the internationally-acclaimed range of TRM supplements, as well as a bottle of fine Irish whiskey.

WORDS: BILL HELLER PHOTO: LOU HODGES - FaIR GROUnDS RacEcOURSE

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www.trmirelandinc.com

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OT long after his father, Jerry, a factory worker in Louisville, took him to Churchill Downs for the first time at the age of 10, Brad Cox told him, “I want to be the next D. Wayne Lukas.”

He’s not there yet, but the 35-year-old Cox is well on his way. He had a breakout year in 2014, finishing 71st in earnings with more than $2.3 million, then did even better last year, finishing 37th with more than $3.6 million. Through the first four weeks of January, he is ninth. At the current Fair Grounds meet, he is tied for second in victories.

“Things are really clicking,” Cox said on January 27. “It’s a combination of things. Races are staying on turf and I think we’re seven-for-nine on grass. It feels like the last year we’ve picked up better horses. It’s exciting. There’s nothing like winning, but winning at a higher level is amazing.”

Chocolate Ride is part of that success.

The six-year-old turf star, who won the Grade 2 Mervin Muniz Jr. Handicap at Fair Grounds in 2015, added the $125,000, Grade 3 Colonel E.R. Bradley Handicap on January 16. Chocolate Ride is the first

Thoroughbred owned by John Wentworth, a former harness racing trainer from Michigan who hooked up with Cox after Googling trainers on the Internet. “When I called Brad, instantly I had a very good feeling about him,” Wentworth said. “He’s a machine, in a good way. I’m having more fun watching his success.”

Cox’s success would have been tough to predict after he lost one of his biggest clients, Midwest Thoroughbreds, four years ago, before they hooked up again. “My first big break was Midwest Thoroughbreds,” Cox said. “I went from having 15, 16 horses to having 50.”

He started out with just three.

After apprenticing with trainers Burk Kessinger and Jimmy Baker, Cox spent fourand-a-half years with Dallas Stewart, one of the many former Lukas assistants who have carved out highly successful careers.

“I learned organization from Dallas,” Cox said. “He learned that from Wayne Lukas.

Anybody who comes off that branch is okay with having 40 or 50 horses.”

Cox could only dream of having that many when he took out his trainer’s license in December, 2004. He was just 24 years old. “It was probably a touch premature,” Cox said. “At the time, I had two little ones

CALPHORMIN

(his sons Bryson and Blake). I thought I’d take a chance. It was rough. Then John Gunther from Canada sent me some horses.

I developed a relationship with him through Dallas Stewart.”

Even so, Cox was challenged. “The first four, five years, I never had more than 18 horses, probably half the time dealing with horses others didn’t want to train,” Cox said.

Then Midwest Thoroughbred entered his life, exited, and returned. With better horses, Cox, who spends most of the summer in Kentucky, sent a small string to Saratoga the past two years, winning a handful of races. “It’s the premier meet in America,” Cox said. “I loved it there.”

During his journey, Cox has stuck to his basic beliefs. “Care,” he said. “That’s the most important thing. I’m a big fan of letting the horse tell you when he’s ready to run. Try to be a great caretaker. Bed them deep, let them sleep. Feed them well. Get good people working for you. We’ve got a great team.”

That team has grown to 30. His family has grown, too. Cox and his wife Olivia have a 4½-month old son, Brodie. Life is good these days for the little kid who had a big dream. n

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ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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PROFILE Doug O’Neill with his 2015 champion juvenile Nyquist

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DOUG O’NEILL

Doug O’Neill (second right) at Santa Anita with, from left to right, assistant Jack Sisterson, Mario Gutierrez’s agent Tom Knust, former trainer Steve Rothblum and assistant Leandro Mora

TEAM O’NEILL

Coming hot on the heels of a Breeders’ Cup win and crowning of Nyquist as an Eclipse award winner in January, we talk to Doug O’Neill and his team about what makes them gel together as they prepare for the Kentucky Derby trail and potential “Run for the Roses”.

While plenty has been written about O’Neill, this article offers a different perspective on one of North America’s leading operations – Giles Anderson, Publisher

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WORDS: ED GOLDEN PHOTOS: HORSEPHOTOS, FRANCES J. KARON

N any given morning at Santa Anita, Doug O’Neill can be seen watching his horses train, perched several rows up in the grandstand, hard by the eighth pole, ensconced in a ramshackle seat that was there in Seabiscuit’s time, nearly eight decades ago They include brother Dennis (Irish), former trainer Steve Rothblum (Jewish), assistant trainer Leandro Mora (Mexican), assistant Jack Sisterson (English), Noe Garcia (Guatemalan), Ashton Bamberry (Jamaican, mon), and contributors from Columbia and Panama.

The atmosphere is often light-hearted, right out of Saturday Night Live, political correctness be damned. Success takes a team effort. Otherwise, training can become somewhat discombobulating, like watching TV without a remote.

But when it comes to horses, the mood is strictly business. You don’t win Triple Crown classics, Breeders’ Cup races, and more than 2,000 in your career without a serious mindset.

“I get up at 4:15, 4:30, without an alarm clock and I’m usually at Santa Anita by 5:45 or so,” O’Neill said. “It’s about a 35-minute drive from Santa Monica, with no traffic, of course.

“I’ll meet with my assistants, feel the horses’ legs, see if they ate well, and anyone that didn’t, we’ll discuss that. The grooms take the temperatures and hopefully they’re all good. If not, we get the vet involved. It’s a routine that I love and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

If O’Neill has a horse running in the eighth race on a weekday, it could keep him at the track until 4:30 or five in the afternoon.

Counting drive time, that’s a 14-hour day, but O’Neill has a safe haven, at least when he’s training and racing at Santa Anita.

“Fortunately, my mom (Dixie) lives in Arcadia near an In-N-Out Burger off of Santa Anita Avenue,” O’Neill said, “so if I do ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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find myself with an hour or two to invest in something good, it’s grabbing a burger and hanging with my mom.

“Like every other family, you have your lucks and unlucks, but definitely I’d say one of the luckiest things in my life would be having my mom. She’s 77, and mentally and physically she’s fantastic, so we’re very blessed.”

But it hasn’t always been thus. Some days, you hit all the lights.

O’Neill lost two brothers, Danny and Dave, to cancer, and his father to a heart attack. Dennis himself is a cancer survivor.

Danny died in 1998 at the age of 37, David on June 25, 2015. He was 56.

Today, Dennis is absent of cancer, but there are no free lunches with such a lethal disease.

“I had non-Hodgkins lymphoma in 2007, so it’s been quite a while,” said Dennis, 52.

“I go to the doctor every eight weeks for an infusion and I’ll have to do that for the rest of my life. I continue to do a lot of maintenance.

My bloodwork is constantly being monitored for fear of other cancers popping up.

“It’s a pain in the butt, but it’s a lot better than the alternative, that’s for sure. We were a very, very tight Catholic family growing up. There were six of us, and we’re down to three right now: me, Doug and my mom.

It’s just amazing when you look back at what happened, but you have to go on.”

“It’s hard to explain what a gut-shot those losses were,” Doug said, understandably gathering himself momentarily. “That’s where having a good family both at work and at home is so important for so many reasons, but definitely when there’s an illness or death. I

O’Neill with Steve Rothblum (right) and Tom Knust at clocker’s corner at Santa Anita

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“

PROFILE

I’d say one of the luckiest things in my life would be having my mom.

She’s 77, and mentally and physically she’s fantastic, so we’re very blessed

”

turned to a lot of friends and family to help me get through with the passing of my brothers.

“Both were tremendous guys and I do believe that spiritually, they’re still with us.

Much of my personality, whether it’s good or bad, stems from Danny and Dave. Both were very instrumental and very supportive.

“If there were occasions when I didn’t believe in myself or others didn’t, they were always there for me, telling me they believed in me and that they always had my back.”

O’Neill offered no significant connection to mom Dixie giving her four sons first names that begin with the letter “D,” explaining, “After the second one, I think she was kind of getting used to it and wanted to keep it going. My dad was the only one who screwed up. His name was Patrick O’Neill but we always said he was Dad O’Neill.”

O’Neill credits his father with kick-starting his interest in racing. The patriarch of the clan brought his brood from their hometown of Dearborn, Michigan, to California in 1979.

The rest, as they say, is history. Doug didn’t have to be dragged kicking and screaming

into horseracing. In the overall scheme of things, that would have been as unnecessary as self-closing drawers.

“My father had retired from Michigan Bell when the whole telecommunications industry was starting to deregulate and companies began subbing off GTE,” Doug related. “He was always an avid fan and loved watching and betting on the races. He and his brothers even owned a piece of some cheap harness horses in Detroit, but from my memory, the first weekend we were in California, we didn’t go to Magic Mountain, we didn’t go to Disneyland; we went to Santa Anita.

“It was before ADW (Advance Deposit Wagering), and there were 40,000 people there. In Michigan back then, I think you had to be at least 14 to go to the track, so I had heard all about the races, but had never been inside a track or inside a barn area until we got to California, and then I knew exactly why my dad loved the sport, and I loved it from day one as well.”

O’Neill attended Saint Monica High School in Santa Monica, where he resides today with his wife, Linette, and their two children, Daniel, 13, and Kaylin Dixie, 11.

“Two alumni from that school,” O’Neill pointed out in a trivial aside, “are trainer Roger Stein and former NBA player Leon Wood, who’s now a referee in the league.”

After finishing high school and before taking out his trainer’s license in 1994, O’Neill began working at the track in 1986 with trainers Jude Feld, Hector Palma, Richard Mandella, and the late Doug Peterson, who conditioned Seattle Slew in his four-year-old season.

“I have to thank Jude the most, because

DOUG O’NEILL he’s the one who put a shank in my hand at age 18 and let me get my feet wet doing something I knew in my head and heart that I wanted to do, but didn’t really know if it was for me until I actually did it,” O’Neill said.

“It didn’t take long to realize, ‘OK. I’ve got to find a way to make a living working with these horses,’ so I think Jude would be the No. One guy who helped get me started.”

Once past the nascent phase, O’Neill reached racing’s apex in 2012 when, after winning the Santa Anita Derby with I’ll Have Another for principal owners Paul and Zillah Reddam, the upstart three-year-old went on to capture the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

Three weeks later, I’ll Have Another was in prime pouncing position to win the Belmont and capture the Triple Crown, but tendinitis forced him to be scratched on the eve of the race and he was retired to stud.

Today, O’Neill is a major force not only in Southern California, where he has won multiple training titles, but internationally, having won Grade 1 stakes in Dubai and Japan.

It’s the exception when O’Neill doesn’t have a horse entered on a Southern California card, as rare as locating the last person to be fined for littering in the Golden State.

At Del Mar on November 19, 2015, he had nine horses entered on the eight-race program. He won with five of six entered there on July 29, setting a Del Mar record for most wins in a day by a trainer. The only horse that didn’t win was Housemaker, who finished second behind stablemate Lookin

for Money in the seventh race. For good measure, O’Neill won four races at Del Mar on November 15.

“Currently, I have about 90 horses in training, 35 or 40 at Los Alamitos and probably 40 or so at Santa Anita and about 15 at Del Mar,” O’Neill said.

“We got away from claiming for a while and now we’ve kind of stepped back into it.

I love the claiming game, the only trouble is, you piss a lot of people off, so as I’ve gotten longer in the tooth (at 47, in training years, he’s not much past the pubescent stage), I

“

We got away from claiming for a while and now we’ve kind of stepped back into it. I love the claiming game

”

just want to be around my horses, take good care of them, and compete with what I have.

“Sometimes when you claim, not only can you upset owners, but especially fellow trainers you have to work alongside every day, so although we’ve been claiming a bit lately and I kind of survived on claiming for a long time, I’ve gotten away from that.”

Far and away O’Neill’s most notable claim and one of the greatest in racing history is Lava Man, who was taken for $50,000 in August of 2004 for owners Steve, Tracy, and Dave Kenly (STD Racing) and Jason Wood.

The dark bay gelded son of the Seattle Slew

stallion Slew City Slew would go on to earn $5,170,103 after O’Neill took him, a record for an ex-claimer.

Born at Poplar Meadows Ranch near Sanger, California, on March 20, 2001, Lava Man’s story is the stuff of legend. He lost his first three starts in 2005 before O’Neill made an equipment change, adding blinkers.

He won a $100,000 optional claiming race in May, then the Grade 2 Californian in June for his first Graded stakes victory.

In his next start, he won the Grade 1, $750,000 Hollywood Gold Cup by a stakesrecord margin of 8¾-lengths. He won the Hollywood Gold Cup an unprecedented three consecutive years (2005, 2006, and 2007) and the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap in 2006 and 2007.

Lava Man became the first horse since Triple Crown winner Affirmed in 1979 to win the Santa Anita Handicap and the Hollywood Gold Cup in the same year.

Overall, he had 47 races, winning 17 and earning $5,268,706 before being retired for good, at least from racing, on January 5, 2010. Named for a triathlon on the Big Island of Hawaii by one of his breeders, Eve Kuhlmann, who competes in triathlons, Lava Man was inducted into racing’s Hall of Fame in 2015.

Not bad for a two-year-old that finished fourth in his first start, a $12,500 maiden claiming race at the San Joaquin County Fair in June of 2003.

“He looks phenomenal,” O’Neill said of Lava Man, primarily based at Los Alamitos with assistant Sabas Rivera. “Wherever Sabas is, that’s where Lava Man is,” O’Neill said.

“The two are inseparable.”

Nyquist sealed his position as top juvenile colt last year with victory in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile ahead of Swipe

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PROFILE Today, Lava Man, who turned 15 on January 1, remains an integral part of the day-to-day regimen, serving as a stable pony, with his long-time groom, Noe Garcia, still at the ready, despite suffering a catastrophic injury more than eight years ago that now limits him to walking hots at Santa Anita.

On July 23, 2007, Garcia lost his left arm in a car accident near Del Mar, where Lava Man was being readied for the Pacific Classic.

“He’s lucky to be alive and he’s got a lot to live for,” O’Neill said at the time. “He’s got a job with this stable forever.”

Added Mora, 57, now in his 14th year with O’Neill: “Noe’s position is permanent.

He’s going to be working with us as long as Doug O’Neill exists.”

The 64-year-old Rothblum, who trained on his own for 30 years, is not a paid member of O’Neill’s staff, although seemingly attached at the hip on a daily basis since 2007.

“I was managing horses for different clients and one of four different trainers I had for them was Doug,” Rothblum said. “I was so impressed with how he treated owners, the horses, and his crew, I gave all the horses to Doug.

“He’s so great at putting together a team that we just hit it off right away . . . I became part of the team. I’ve never been on payroll with Doug. I don’t accept a penny from him, ever. My income comes from buying and selling horses for my clients when we do well.

“But when Leandro had a stroke last September and missed time at Santa Anita, Doug had to be at both Los Al and Santa Anita, so I stayed at Del Mar and watched over everything there. Thankfully, Doug has the confidence in me to know that if something needs to be done, I’ll do it. We always stay in contact.

“We have an amazing group of guys. We have weekly team meetings and everybody gets in tune with every horse, gives his opinion, and Doug weighs them. With 80 to 100 horses, it’s impossible to know every horse’s condition intimately.

“Dennis has interest in the two-year-olds

Bailoutbobby with former British champion jockey Kieren Fallon on board as work rider

he’s bought at training sales; me with the Euros and the older horses I bought. Doug’s great at filtering through all the information and making the right decisions.”

Dennis has been going to sales “since I was a little kid, when my dad used to take us to DRC (Detroit Race Course) in the mornings for workouts. I grew up loving the sport and got involved in ownership right out of high school. I went to the sales all the time and hung around with Hector Palma, who Doug worked with.

“Hopefully you get better at things you have a passion for, and over time, that’s what happened to me, although I made a lot of mistakes along the way. I feel pretty confident now going to sales, but I don’t do a lot of yearling stuff, mostly two-year-olds. I think we

Gomo wins the Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades at Keeneland with Mario Gutierrez 14

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

bought only four or five yearlings in 2015.”

Among the more prominent stakes winners Dennis selected were Stevie Wonderboy (winner of the 2005 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile); Cobalt Blue (owned by the late “Jeopardy” creator, Merv Griffin), winner of the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes in 2007; I’ll Have Another; and Nyquist.

“Pedigree goes into buying, but I really don’t pay that much attention to that,” Dennis said. “We paid $35,000 for I’ll Have Another and $400,000 for Nyquist. In between would be a filly like Land Over Sea, $130,000, and Gomo, $75,000.”

At 31, Sisterson is the youngest of the group, having come on board early in 2012 after graduating from the University of Louisville’s equine program and working for Todd Pletcher and Eddie Kenneally.

“Doug is a fantastic trainer and horseman,” said Sisterson, a native of Durham, England.

“It’s a pleasure to work for someone who’s approachable and you can learn from. For someone young in the game, that’s ideal, and Doug’s kind of a coach for me.”

Nyquist’s owner, Paul Reddam, who turned 60 on July 28, was born in Windsor, Ontario, earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of Windsor, a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Toronto and a PhD in the same field at USC, later teaching philosophy at Cal State Los Angeles. He got into the mortgage business to supplement his income, founding Ditech.com in 1995 to offer mortgage loans, and sold it in 1999 to General Motors.

He is the founding president of CashCall, a consumer lender. He became interested in racing through a high school friend who worked as a groom at Windsor Raceway, played the ponies at Los Alamitos while teaching, and bought his first horse, Ocean Warrior, in 1988.

It never won.

Things have changed since.

“I had been claiming horses with a friend of mine, Mark Schlessinger, and he was friends with Reddam, who he thought might want to take a piece of a claim,” O’Neill said.

“Mark was my link to Paul, and never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be where we are now. I never really knew much about (Paul), how successful he was or anything.

“As hard as he works at what he does for a living, he’s equally involved and as competitive in the racing world. He picks up everybody’s game when you’re around him.

It’s contagious. You want to work harder because you want to do better.”

O’Neill is the antithesis of the quote attributed to Leo Durocher that “Nice guys finish last,” at least according to Reddam, who has been O’Neill’s client for a dozen years.

“Doug is very misunderstood,” Reddam said. “People have a stereotypical image of him because he has run such a large stable over many years. He is actually a ‘pleaser,’ as he is always bending over backwards to be overly deferential to everyone, including his owners.

“He is very gentle with his horses and gives

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PROFILE them the benefit of the doubt. The business is very streaky and we have had some very cold periods which have been offset by the hot streaks. Although he is a claiming trainer, he has won so many races at the top level, it gets confusing.”

Another reason for O’Neill’s success is jockey Mario Gutierrez, who rode I’ll Have Another to victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. The 29-year-old native of Mexico has been the go-to rider for Reddam ever since he won the Run for the Roses in 2012.

“There’s nothing in writing with Mario as far as a contract, to my knowledge, but Paul is like that,” O’Neill said. “If you’re part of the team, you’d have to do something seriously wrong to get kicked off.

“Paul is a tough leader, but he’s as loyal as any human being I’ve ever met. Mario, like the rest of us, struggled from time to time, but Paul will never use any of his team as an excuse for a horse performing poorly. Paul’s a horse lover who realizes, like Trevor Denman says, ‘They’re not machines,’ and when you work for someone like that, it makes you stronger and better. Mario could put the saddle on backwards, but he’s the number one rider for Paul, for sure.”

“

We have an amazing group of guys. We have weekly team meetings and everybody gets in tune with every horse, gives his opinion

”

Steve Rothblum O’Neill had these encouraging words for young trainers who have lower quality horses currently campaigning under increased pressures to medicate: “In the 29 years I’ve been in the game, the claiming environment now is the best ever.

The new claim rule, which I think is fantastic, protects the horse, which we all should. We’re here to serve them, not vice-versa. God forbid, if the horse comes out of the race a little sore, the claim is void. The claiming world is a buyer’s market right now and I see it doing nothing but getting better and better.”

California Horse Racing Board rule 1658, Vesting of Title to Claimed Horse, reads in part under section (b), “The stewards shall void the claim and return the horse to the original owner if: (1) The horse suffers a fatality during the running of the race . . . or (2) The racing or official veterinarian determines the horse will be placed on the Veterinarian’s List as unsound or lame before the horse is released to the successful claimant . . .”

Added O’Neill: “My advice to someone new to the claiming game is take horses that 16

are ready made. Then it’s a matter of caring for them and doing all the right things, like putting them in a spot where you think they can be competitive. The new owners will be happy because their horse is up and running very quickly and hopefully will bring a quick return on their investment.

“I think horseracing has done a terrific job for the horses. We provide the best prerace and post-race vet checks. If horses could talk, they’d say, ‘Hallelujah!’ It’s a wonderful environment and horses are gone over thoroughly by top veterinarians before and after the race.

“The environment right now for horse safety is the best it’s ever been.

“Every morning I realize how blessed I am to be doing what I do. It’s a daily appreciation for the sport and of everyone who helped me do this for a living.

“I think as you get older in this sport you provide great care for each horse and do what you think is the right thing on a daily basis. You communicate with the owners as best you can, and whether things go well or not, you’ve just got to deal with it.”

Down the road, O’Neill sees light at the end of the tunnel.

“There are so many positive things going in California, with some of the best horsemen in the world and Santa Anita and Del Mar offering two of the greatest historical venues,” he said. “Now it comes down to bringing people back in the stands. I always say we need a Lee Iacocca of horseracing to show up.

“If someone gave me a liquor license and a gambling license, I know I could bring people in. It’s a matter of adding enough value so that people will leave their office and their home to come out and enjoy a great sport.”

O’Neill has put behind him a New York contamination case which was more than two-and-a-half years ago.

His focus is on the present and the future, which appears as bright as the lights on Broadway, with undefeated Nyquist gleaming on maximum wattage.

Named for 26-year-old Swede Gustav Nyquist of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team, Reddam’s bay son of Uncle Mo is five-for-five.

Nyquist registered Grade 1 victories in his last three starts, the Del Mar Futurity, the FrontRunner Stakes, and the Juvenile to

clinch an Eclipse Award as champion twoyear-old male of 2015.

Reddam is partnered with Erik Johnson of the National Hockey League’s Colorado Avalanche on a couple of horses. “I had been teasing Erik that he should sign with the Wings; in turn he has said how much he wants to beat them,” Reddam said. “To tease him further, I named a couple of horses after their players and that’s how Nyquist got his name.”

“Nyquist is like a first-round draft pick,” O’Neill said of the Kentucky-bred who was purchased at the Florida Fasig-Tipton sale in March of 2015. “He’s a handsome, athletic, and classy individual. We hope he achieves what I’ll Have Another did, but he’s a betterlooking horse. He’s different, I should say.

He’s a little taller and a little longer.

He’s more of a power forward, where I’ll Have Another was kind of a point guard.”

Best case scenario, sounds like Nyquist could be that rare combination of both, sort of an equine Michael Jordan.

That said, for Doug O’Neill, the future is whatever he can make of it. n Hall of Famer Lava Man, now 15 years old, still serves as stable pony

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

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BREEDING

Shedding new light on breeding and broodmare management When trying to identify the next great racehorse, horse buyers have a wide array of factors to consider – pedigree, conformation, wind, radiographs, race performance of close relatives, and date of birth. The objective of selecting for animals with optimal skeletal and muscular development is a driving force in many branches of the equine industry.

WORDS: BARBARA MURPHY PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK, BARBARA MURPHY

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EARLINGS at annual sales are often evaluated by their size and degree of development. When purchasing weanlings as future racing prospects the task becomes even more complex, as the buyer must speculate about the shape, size, and performance capacity of the mature animal following multiple future stages of growth and development.

However, what buyers and bloodstock agents need to become more aware of is that the fastest rate of maturation during a horse’s life and the majority of a foal’s skeletal development occurs during the final three months of pregnancy. This in utero maturation of the foal is under the control of the environmental signals perceived by the mare. The most important of these is the duration of daylight. By understanding how light perceived by the late term pregnant mare influences the physiology of the resulting offspring, breeders have a new opportunity to influence the health and strength of their annual foal crop.

Knowledge of the lighting regime under which a mare was maintained during her final trimester will provide subsequent buyers of her offspring with important additional information to help in their quest to identify the next American Pharoah.

However, this must be prefaced by highlighting that early foals, born outside their natural season when day length is shorter, are very rarely at a disadvantage thanks to the development of cutting edge 18

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veterinary treatment, therapeutic farriery, and excellent science-based nutrition plans.

Thoroughbred broodmares receive the best of everything and evidence of this can be seen by the success of early born foals on the track. As we operate in a game of inches, new knowledge of the importance of light and of how our bloodstock can gain an additional edge is always welcome.

To understand the importance of light for our horses we need to go back to the very beginning. Further back even than the 60 million years it has taken the horse’s doglike earliest ancestor, Eohippus, to become the elite athlete we know today and represented by the many breeds of Equus caballus. When life first emerged on our planet there was a lot of chaos and confusion. Biological processes in the first single-celled organisms happened at random throughout the day, night, and season with little, if any, spatial organization. However, as the millennia passed, an interesting phenomenon unfolded

“

One of the most important biological timing phenomena of animals is the annual rhythm of reproduction for seasonal breeding mammals

”

– organisms that were more in tune with the changing cycles of light and dark of their environment were more likely to survive and reproduce. This natural selection of the fittest is a result of the continuously changing photoperiod created by the rotation of our planet around its own axis and, in turn, our planet’s rotation around the sun. The gradually changing day lengths associated with the waxing and waning of the annual seasons gave rise to predictable changes in food availability, climatic conditions, and predation pressures. Thus, as animals evolved, so too did an internal timing system that provides organization to biological phenomena.

One of the most important biological timing phenomena of animals is the annual rhythm of reproduction for seasonal breeding mammals. Everyone naturally associates the springtime with frolicking lambs, nesting birds, and the appearance of foals in the fields. Throughout evolution, the young of prey animals, such as sheep and horses, had a better start in life and a greater likelihood of surviving to adulthood if born during the late spring and early summer.

Why is this? Well, let’s consider the needs of a new mother caring for her young in a feral environment. The lengthening and increasingly warm days of spring provide new grass growth, increased plant photosynthesis, and therefore greater nutrition for the high-energy demands of a lactating herbivore. What’s more, the longer hours of daylight provide added protection by increasing the visibility of predators and

LIGHT AND BREEDING

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BREEDING providing a less harsh environment for young animals to get to grips with their limbs, so as to keep up with their dams when a rapid flight from danger is required.

What is interesting is that the circaannual seasonality of breeding behavior for many mammalian species is actually a timer for birthing, rather than breeding. The reproductively active period of seasonally breeding animals occurs one gestation length before the optimal time for offspring to be born. Thus, in the case of the sheep, with a six-month gestation length, the breeding season occurs in the autumn so that lambs are born in the spring. For birds, a gestation length of one month means that breeding occurs quite close to the emergence of chicks. And finally, in the case of the mare, an approximate 11-month gestation (335 days) means that mares are long-day breeders with peak fertility during the summer months so that their offspring are again born under favorable spring conditions. This is important, as it indicates that there is a strong environmental driver for foals to be born at the time of year that would have corresponded to their greatest chances of survival, during the longest days of the year.

So we now know that reproduction in seasonal breeding animals is regulated by light. But how is the changing day length communicated to the mare’s reproductive system? The answer is via a very important hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is a protein hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland at night and it has been given the ominous title of the ‘Hormone of Darkness.’ In the horse, melatonin is produced primarily during the dark hours and is turned off when light of the correct intensity and wavelength enters the eye.

Melatonin has a very important role in the regulation of reproduction in the mare.

When there is a long duration of melatonin, such as occurs during the long winter nights, it prevents the release of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH is the hormone at the top of the hormonal cascade controlling equine reproduction. As its name suggests, it is responsible for the release of the

20

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“

Melatonin is a protein hormone produced in the brain by the pineal gland at night and it has been given the ominous title of the ‘Hormone of Darkness’

”

gonadotropins, another subset of hormones.

‘Gonadotropin’ literally means to stimulate the growth of reproductive organs. Hence, in winter there is little GnRH around as it is turned off by melatonin, and the ovaries of the mare are usually small, hard, and inactive.

As the seasons change from winter to spring, the days get longer and light prevents the production of melatonin by the pineal gland. GnRH levels now start to increase and this ultimately stimulates the activation of the mare’s ovaries. This occurs gradually over an 8-10 week period so that the ovaries slowly start to wake up and start developing follicles that will eventually ovulate as the season progresses.

As is man’s nature, we have interfered with nature’s approach to seasonality in the mare. At some time in history, probably when the sport of horseracing began to increase in popularity, it was decided that all horses should have the same birthday to make competitions fairer by restricting races to certain age groups. The date that was arbitrarily chosen at the time was January 1st. This decision, leading to a market demand for foals born early in the year, has had a massive impact on the horse breeding industry.

The natural breeding season of the mare extends from April to November, with a transitional period of sub-optimum fertility at either end. Normally, the majority of mares experience a winter anovulatory period during December, January, and February in the northern hemisphere. This clearly conflicts with an industry desire to

produce foals as early as January such that mares need to be reproductively active in February.

The use of artificial lighting programs has allowed us to overcome this inconvenience of equine reproductive activity that is not naturally synchronized to industry timelines.

For decades the practice of exposing barren and maiden mares to an artificially lengthened day, beginning around the first of December, has resulted in successful advancement of reproductive activity to facilitate early breeding. By providing sufficient lighting to one or both of the mare’s eyes for approximately 16 hours per day, melatonin is inhibited and we can manipulate the early release of GnRH and activation of the ovaries.

These light therapy regimes, using indoor stable light or mobile light masks, are very successful, and the production of foals outside the mare’s natural foaling season has now become the norm. Predictably, however, when we mess with nature, there are consequences, and many are experienced by early foaling mares and their foals. Mares foaling prior to April 1 on average produce smaller foals, experience longer gestations, and often have post-foaling fertility issues.

Cases of foal dysmaturity, often characterized by incomplete bone ossification and tendon laxity, are most often observed early in the breeding season, at a time when the foaling mares are exposed to shorter day lengths than they would normally receive if foaling when nature intended, in the late spring and summer months.

As well as activating reproductive hormones, lengthening days trigger the release of many important growth-related hormones in the mare. As day length increases, the hormone prolactin is turned on to help develop the mammary glands and aid in milk production in preparation for lactation. Prolactin is also responsible for the seasonal molting of the heavier winter coat.

Day length is also an important regulator of the hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a key component of an animal’s somatotropic axis that fundamentally controls bone and cartilage development. In

BREEDING an early study by Burt Staniar, now Professor of Equine Science at Penn State University, it was shown that changes in a Thoroughbred’s average daily weight gain during the first 16 months of life closely mimics the changes in day length and circulating levels of IGF-1, with increased daily weight gains occurring during the longest days. Similarly, we theorized that extended day length perceived by the prepartum mare would influence IGF-1 and in turn regulate the rate of bone and cartilage development in the developing fetus.

To test this theory, a collaborative research study was conducted between University College Dublin and the University of Kentucky to evaluate the influence of light to the prepartum mare on foal birth weights. Thirty pregnant mares were divided evenly into two groups, so that each group had similar average weights, age, body condition, and number of previous foals, and maintained outside as a large group at pasture. To control for the genetic effect of the sire on the size of the foal, all mares had been inseminated the previous season using semen from the same source and were all due to foal in the month of March.

On 1st December, roughly 90 days before foaling due dates, individual head-worn light masks were fitted to one group. These light masks had previously been shown by our group to inhibit melatonin in the horse and to advance the breeding season as effectively as indoor light in barren mares.

The masks provided a low intensity blue light to one eye from dusk until 11pm each day, extending day length to approximately 16 hours of light per day. The second group of mares remained exposed to the natural photoperiod for the time of year.

When foals were weighed after birth, it was found that those from mares that had received extended day length for 90 days prior to foaling were on average 8.5 pounds heavier than foals from mares maintained under natural day length. This result was shown to be statistically significant (P<0.05).

The mechanism by which this occurred is likely via stimulation of increased IGF-1 production in the mares by long day length, that subsequently crosses the placenta to influence bone and cartilage development in the fetus resulting in greater bone density and thus weight at birth. These research findings were recently presented at the 2015 Cold Spring Harbor Asia international conference on Biological Rhythms and were well received by experts in the field of chronobiology.

Further evidence of the influence of daily light duration on the length of gestation and foal birth weights can be seen from a retrospective study we conducted on a large Thoroughbred breeding farm in Kentucky in 2010.

Out of a cohort of approximately 120 mares, with maiden foaling mares excluded from the research, average foal birth weights gradually increase month by month as the breeding season progresses, varying from 22

115 pounds in January to 125 pounds in June.

Similarly, the normal gestation length for the mare is 335 days, when foaling during the natural breeding season. From the graph we can see that this is only achieved at the end of the industry-imposed breeding season when mares are naturally exposed to increased day length. Prior to that, earlier foaling mares on this farm had an average pregnancy length of 345 days. It is not unusual within the Thoroughbred breeding industry for mares to exceed 355 days gestation. What is in fact thought to be happening is that insufficient day length is preventing the seasonal rise in IGF-1 and other light-regulated growth hormones, which in turn slows down the rate of fetal maturation until the environmental signals are received for growth to occur. Only then do the foals finally develop to maturity, run out of space, and initiate the foaling process.

Providing the pregnant mare with 90 days of extended light prior to foaling corrects the many issues we experience by asking mares to breed and foal out of synchrony with nature. By giving them back the light

signals they would receive normally in late spring and early summer, we correct for long gestations, dysmature foals, and also ensure that mares’ ovaries are active and will cycle after foal heat. Simply put, if we advance the mares circa-annual cycle of reproduction to ensure she conceives as soon after the breeding shed doors open on 15th February, then we should continue with the same advance in the lighting schedule in the following years so that she foals on time and produces optimally developed foals.

There are now many options for providing artificial lighting regimes for all breeding stock that can help achieve improved breeding efficiency. A new question that pinhookers and buyers of racing prospects must now ask is “Did that foal benefit from the influence of light on the pregnant mare in utero?” There is no compensation for the growth and development achieved as nature intended during the final months of gestation on the ultimate physiology and potential athletic ability of the offspring.

We do however now have the knowledge and tools to mimic the benefits of nature by using light correctly. n

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INDUSTRY

The challenge for television and radio in the social media age While Thoroughbred racing was one of the first sports to present its excitement on television back in the 1950s, it quickly disappeared from the airwaves as the industry thought the medium would keep people from attending the racetrack. Racing learned the hard way that television would become the arbiter of which sports reigned as Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular, but only after that misstep had chased it off sports pages. More than half a century later, the sport has been reexamining its place across all media platforms, no longer caring if people consume the product away from its source WORDS: K.T. DONOVAN PHOTOS: HORSEPHOTOS, SuziE PicOu-OlDHAm, STEVE ByK, miKE PENNA, GWEN DAViS, XBTV

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TV, RADIO AND SOCIAL MEDIA

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NCE seen as pandering to the younger audience that horseracing desires, social media and the internet are now respected and used by participants old enough to have millennials as children.

Web designer Gwen Davis combined her passion for racing with her marketing expertise when she started making websites for trainers like Eddie Kenneally and Dale Romans.

“Trainers weren’t up to date like the rest of the world,” she said, adding that they didn’t adequately represent their business yet are selling their services to owners who are professional, informed businesspeople.

“Your internet presence says a lot about you to media, fans, and owners.”

After Romans won the Eclipse Award as the nation’s outstanding trainer in 2012, he decided that someone from outside racing might have a good idea of how to reach a new fanbase. Davis did more than improve a webpage with stunning photography and celebration graphics – she got fans following

Romans with Race Day Live broadcasts on Periscope, where Romans could provide voice-over to the experience of running a horse in a major race.

“He created a narrative, and understood that some people weren’t necessarily going to get all of it, but the engagement was higher,” Davis said. “There are now new fans for Romans Racing, and those new to the sport. It’s about experience, excitement, and giving an emotional vibe.

Any trainer who understands the need for an attractive, professional, informative presence is open to creative ways to market and to new ideas.”

Davis and Romans gave fans Race Day Live with Keen Ice at the Travers, when that colt defeated American Pharoah, in real time on Periscope, linking to it on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, causing a sensation. They repeated

the process for the Breeders’ Cup, giving fans unprecedented access to images and sounds behind the scenes with a top stable.

“We’re offering an alternative media product from the establishment,” says Davis. “Not everyone can get their racing coverage by sitting in front of a TV or on the printed page, but just about everyone has a device with them these days.”

The Jockey Club agrees and has marketed America’s Best Racing (ABR) as the premier multi-media method for racing fans to simultaneously consume and participate in the sport. However, they aren’t letting the power of television get away.

The Jockey Club stepped into the mainstream television picture because no one else, including the onceinterested National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), made it a priority. For years, Winner Communications had bought time on ESPN to create racing shows with passionate and knowledgeable producers and directors. Then ESPN bought the rights to the Breeders’ Cup

ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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INDUSTRY and Belmont Stakes, and the events were primarily produced by people with little to no interest in racing. When they realized how difficult and expensive racing is to put on air, they wanted no more of it, letting NBC take back the Breeders’ Cup after their contract ended with the 2010 broadcast.

ESPN made it clear they were going to do the minimum to fulfill their obligation, with no intention of producing any other races leading up to the one that remained on their contract, the 2011 Belmont Stakes.

“When we started looking at this in March-April 2011, there were only four or five televised races outside of the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup,” Jason Wilson, vice president of Business Development for the Jockey Club, remembers. “The Belmont Stakes didn’t even have a home yet. They were relegated to ESPN Classic or ESPN3.

There was no coherent strategy in 2011, and it was vital that the void needed to be filled.

“When we first started, partners wondered if this was something we’re serious about,” Wilson admitted. “Sponsors have grown each year as our commitment has become more apparent. We gained credibility, and as more people became involved, our role became smaller. Others are shouldering the burden with us now. NBC’s Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series is the model for television, and Breeders’ Cup is a big help.”

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) stepped up, and that summer at Saratoga, they produced seven shows, starting what became a Breeders’ Cup series. By 2015, the Jockey Club had reestablished a televised presence for racing.

“Look at the schedule of what we did (on NBC and Fox in 2015) and there aren’t a lot of other big days outside of what we did,” Wilson said in October. ‘We pretty much have all the big days covered. The difficulty is doing a feature and a ton of other races

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“

We’re offering an alternative media product from the establishment.

Not everyone can get their racing coverage by sitting in front of a TV

Gwen Davis

”

on the same day. We’re capped at 20 shows outside of the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup.” The challenge going forward is how to use television in a strategic manner to highlight key races on the days with small windows. Wilson relies on more social and digital media on America’s Best Racing as the Jockey Club works with partners to

present racing across all media.

“It’s imperative that racing be on television and reach a mass audience,” Wilson declared forcefully. “Social and digital media are making TV less relevant, but it’s still the anchor. ABR and Breeders’ Cup are track partners, supplemented by robust social media. The storylines and analysis might be more on social media, because not all of it needs to be on TV.” In 2015, this formula put longer versions of features online and abbreviated versions on television. The digital apparatus of ABR, coupled with broadcast television, drove fans between them and created an increasingly strong foundation.

“Every time we show something, there are new fans and a great response on social media,” Wilson said. “During our bigger races, our Twitter explodes. We trend top 10 NATIONALLY, so we know that racing is relevant to people who use social media. However, TV still drives watercooler discussions in offices. NBC did phenomenally with bringing racing into the mainstream, and of course American Pharoah helped.”

Wilson concedes of their approach that, “Fans outside of the sport will like it, and some on the inside might not.”

Late in 2015, ABR announced it would expand its cross-promotional agreement with the Breeders’ Cup, benefitting both groups with media, marketing, and hospitality efforts. They were joined by Lane’s End Farm as presenting sponsors for the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In. The series will feature 16 automatic berth races on nine shows and add in other significant races, starting with undercard races on Belmont Stakes Day and going on to the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita on November 4th and 5th.

The buzz from the Jockey Club’s social media efforts via ABR are seen by the Breeders’ Cup as an obvious avenue toward promotion of their races and the monthslong buildup of stars leading toward the championship events. But what of the Triple Crown? Currently, there is nothing on tap other than NBC’s usual mid-April preview of the Kentucky Derby that airs the Wood Memorial, Blue Grass Stakes, and Arkansas Derby in one show.

One medium that covers major races year-round is radio. Although it is the oldest broadcast method, radio remains relevant because, like social media, it allows for conversations and interaction of different points of view to expand topics, but with more room for lengthier subjects to be elaborated upon by knowledgeable insiders.

Steve Byk’s At the Races on the Thoroughbred Racing Radio Network airs three hours a day, 50 weeks a year as the longest-running daily radio horseracing news magazine.

“People are still going to listen to radio,” Byk says in his confident, fast-paced voice.

“It’s pleasurable, comfortable, accessible.”

While television struggles with how to

INDUSTRY

“

My prime motivation is to develop more interest in the game, by educating and enlightening to encourage participation in the sport

Steve Byk

Steve Byk (left) with Bobby Flay

incorporate social media into a cohesive strategy, radio is enhanced by the social media revolution, delivering the product better with every new form of communication.

Listeners can tune in from a car or public transportation, all over the world, where and when they want via podcasts.

Ironically, Byk, who has a background

”

in corporate marketing and hotwalking as well as handicapping, brought his internet following to radio and now uses online questions or comments as a springboard for discussions, adding tweets as a cooperative method of communication.

“My prime motivation is to develop more interest in the game, by educating and enlightening to encourage participation in the sport,” Byk says. “We celebrate the lifestyle, show people that it’s not like any other sport. It’s a life. These people work 365 days a year, but most fans don’t know what’s at stake. They don’t know what stewards and the front office go through.

The launch of XBTV MIKE Penna caught the attention of The Stronach Group and while developing XBTV, the company started supporting HRRN last October with HRTV-style coverage on Thursday and Friday afternoons. The shows focus on three designated tracks, airing the race call and pre- and post-race commentary.

With HRRN as an outlet for XpressBet Radio and XBTV nearing its launch in the first quarter of 2016, The Stronach Group’s intention of multi-media racing coverage is coming to fruition.

“XBTV was (Frank) Stronach’s answer to the question of what you should do and when you should do it,” explains Kerry Carlson, vice president of marketing for The Stronach Group.

“He represents the future. XpressBet has sponsored Mike Penna for a while, because we like to invest in people, believing that relationships and affiliations contribute to the overall.”

Carlson emphasizes the commitment to racing that Stronach and his XpressBet family of brands has demonstrated by upgrading racetracks while preserving the integrity of the art deco and historical elements of Santa Anita, and bringing top restaurateurs and fresh entertainment to Gulfstream Park.

Stronach is again putting money into the sport to upgrade the traditional, still provide information, and create new, real handle.

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“XpressBet is essentially a tech company, so it’s always upgrading,” Carlson points out. “While the linear channel is not obsolete, all demographics are going to the online space (where XBTV will be). A 24-hour channel is a lot for a contracted industry. Bite-sized amounts of content curate the info so that you watch what you want, when you want. XpressBet’s motto ‘Your way to play’ is transferred to produced content in various forms.”

The Stronach Group’s various outlets provide choices for consumers. XBnet will provide the North American race signal, XBselect brings in the high-end bettors who have been wagering off-shore, and XBTV will appeal to fans who are interested in other aspects of the sport in addition to gambling. For example, XpressBet.com and the Racetrack Television Network broadcast the 2016 Eclipse Awards online in high definition.

“Stronach supports the sport, and its core customers, and wants to grow it beyond them,” Carlson says. She describes a diagram of concentric circles to explain Stronach’s marketing plan. In the first circle is the ADW customer, the kind who will bet with XpressBet. In a wider circle outside the core customer is the horseracing consumer, who will bet ontrack or at a simulcast location and attends the races. The widest circle includes the fringe, the social fan going racing as an event with friends, the general sports fan.

Beyond that are the fantasy gamers and casino gamblers.

“The more you move to the wider circles, the greater the investment and the least return,” Carlson explains. “To make it work, you have to have various partnerships, and have to work with competitors. In supporting the sport, we are identifying how to cater to both the core and target consumers, while bringing in participants and non-ADW holders.

“We still recognize that the racing consumer loved HRTV, and we will give that consumer what they are missing. They want to understand the inside view, and share in the backside views. The Beholder videos (for the Breeders’ Cup) were designed for that, because we understand there’s a void. We’re taking the chance to continue accessing the knowledge and experience of the HRTV talent and producers.”

XpressBet used the XBTV production team and talent to stream the Eclipse Awards. XBTV’s content will evolve with video on demand and livestreaming, with a focus on analysis for the serious horseplayer. They are still working out content and intend to listen to consumers and keep on the cutting edge, offering racing in the most intelligent way possible.

“Every weekend the livestream will be enhanced with additional content, which will be dialed up for particular races,” Carlson revealed. “There will be

TV, RADIO AND SOCIAL MEDIA

“

“I put a positive spin on problems. When there is legitimately disconcerting news, I bring in voices to discuss it. Everyone has been on my show, in all capacities – the Jockey Club, trainers, all aspects. I let them explain, and talk about what good can come out of moving forward, and shout down distortions.”

Byk keeps his show broad enough for casual fans yet deep enough for industry insiders.

He first focused on sports betting in 2005 with horseracing as the linchpin.

By 2007 when he took over the show, he expanded it to a newsmagazine concept for industry stakeholders and bettors, using handicapping as the engine for the train.

Mike Penna’s Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN) has also been providing content for racing fans and insiders, starting with his Equine Forum discussion show and including on-location productions of major races.

“The core of what we do for more than 10 years is just like the NBC television shows on radio: we do a full production of the featured race while on location for those not able to be in front of their television,” Penna says. “We’ve been surprised at the

What we do compliments what Mike does. He does race-day play-by-play, and we do previews and postrace commentary

a produced show from the base at Santa Anita, and also have boots on the ground at Gulfstream Park for live interviews”.

Because there is no other televised outlet for Triple Crown prep races before April except the track feed of TVG, it falls to XBTV to provide something extra. Even

non-XpressBet customers can view what XBTV has to offer. Unlike other racing content platforms, XBTV will be 100% free for anyone to access all content.

Carlson said that the website has been built, they are up to staff, and as of January, a new ultra HD studio set

Steve Byk

”

reaction, people who are busy and being able to have this has filled a void. Our niche audience is out in the car, on farms listening while mowing or feeding or grooming, or while flying. There is now no excuse that they can’t listen.”

Before radio, Penna sold advertising for Thoroughbred Times and worked for the Jockey Club proofing catalogue pages and as a horse identifier. He started as an analyst on Equine Forum with Pete Kules, eventually taking over as host and adding co-hosting analysts Jude Feld and Kurt Becker and roving reporters like Sean Clancy. He never put much emphasis on

betting until he added a handicapping show two years ago. Like now-defunct HRTV’s horse-focused commentary and emphasis on well-produced features versus TVG’s emphasis on handicapping, HRRN offered an alternative to Byk’s shows and rapidly found its own audience.

“What we do complements what Mike does,” Byk says. “He does race-day playby-play, and we do previews and postrace commentary. There’s endless room for both of us, providing seven-day-a-week coverage.”

The first Triple Crown race HRRN covered was the 2007 Belmont Stakes, won by Rags To Riches. Penna added the Preakness the next year and the Kentucky Derby in 2011. This helped bring in Sirius radio, and Penna expanded programming and took on full-time producers Lee Dellapina and Shawn Seay.

They added sales coverage in partnership with Fasig-Tipton and expanded feature shows, like hour-long interviews with jockeys and trainers. On Thursdays, the callin show with Anthony Stabile indicates the reach radio provides.

“It’s remarkable how we take calls from all over the country, sometimes too many,”

was under construction. As they move forward, altering content and presentation as needed, the intention remains the same: consumer-focused positive presentation of racing with an emphasis on providing horseplayers with information not available anywhere else.

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INDUSTRY Mike Penna (left) and Jude Feld on-air for HRRN with Bob Baffert

Penna marvels. “We have 15 calls in an hour with one phone line. Everything is discussed, from medication to races coming up, to past races. New owners and horseplayers call in.

“We’ve grown in the number of stations that carry our shows,” Penna says. “For 10 years we’ve been on AM and FM stations in Lexington, Kentucky, but our only trackable numbers have come in numbers of stations

(with now over 190 that carried their Triple Crown shows) and thousands of hits on the website for archived podcasts. Last year, the hits came from 160 countries.”

When they go on-site, HRRN uses paddock reporters, produces vignettes, pretapes longer interviews, and even had a long feature on Beholder for the Breeders’ Cup Classic with her trainer Richard Mandella and owner B. Wayne Hughes, set to music, that her scratch disrupted.

“Whatever you see on NBC’s television shows, we do on radio,” Penna says. HRRN partnered with NBC radio to present the Triple Crown in 2015. “They brought terrestrial radio stations, adding NBC affiliates, to HRRN’s reach. Westwood One was the syndicator, bringing their stations and production values. There wasn’t any competition; in fact, they took it to another level with key producers on site. It was a great improvement.”

Penna wants to continue to build on the platform.

“We want to reinvent ourselves, maybe go internationally next. We’ve never hosted internationally, but that’s where we’re looking to go next.” n

RACING MEDIA ON HORSEBACK CATON Bredar has been on both television and radio for many years, and she also covers racing via the internet with DownTheStretch.com.

“Horseracing is one of the few sports where there is not as big a difference between the two mediums,” she says of TV and radio coverage. “The core of the event is the build-up. Our coverage is the preparation, the paddock, then in addition to the action, there is the reaction.

“There’s a similarity in the capturing of excitement and atmosphere. In talking to connections, radio is almost the same as TV, although you aren’t moving around as much. You are in the same position as the fans, describing the action as a fan, for the fans.”

Bredar covers televised reaction from horseback, seizing the moment to let the emotions play out, whereas on radio, she is forced to describe very specifically what can’t be seen. Good radio coverage becomes more complete, while good television amplifies the picture.

“You have the luxury of time on radio,” Bredar says. “It’s completely dependent on words to convey the action, whereas television is a delicate balance of pictures and words, and if you stay too long on one image, you can lose the excitement.

On radio, you don’t have someone breathing down your neck to get to the replay, and on radio you can dump out of an interview easier; you’re not as locked in. Television requires time, effort, and money to make a feature, while radio is

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more freeing, and more fun, because it is immediately connected to the audience, with live chats online and listeners calling in.”

Bredar admits that sharing emotions with a microphone isn’t the same as with a television audience.

“On camera, there is much more of the sense of a crowning achievement, it’s a profound experience, and the impact for the participant is greater.”

Radio remains a favorite entertainment option because of the convenience of

podcasts, interaction with fans in live chats online, and still Bredar can put any visual or pre-produced element on DowntheStretch.

“TV execs are latching onto interactivity,” she says. “The shows now are more reactionary, with less preproduction, and have more emphasis on gambling. On any given day before the Breeders’ Cup, you can watch any race in the country without leaving your living room.”

Quantity hasn’t been the problem, but Bredar noted that coverage of horseracing has stayed the same for 25 years, only adding some technological bells and whistles here and there. However, the audience has changed considerably.

“Both radio and television are more passive for the fan, while chats are more active and involved, especially with a handicapping forum,” she says. “They can react and respond to interviews. In that way, it’s more similar to what’s happening on-track, with your friends.”

Where the sport presents itself, across all mediums new and old, matters only as long as the consumer can feel connected to each other and the participants, be a part of the event, and be heard as much as they want to hear from others. The Jockey Club’s Jason Wilson is correct that network and cable television gives racing the imprimatur to be respected, but social media and radio recreate the on-track experience and keep the buzz going long after the fan leaves the living room.

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PROFILE

BOB HESS Jr.

Following his father’s legacy Bob Hess Jr. followed in the footsteps of his trainer father, Bob Hess Sr., and has become an integral part of the southern California racing scene since 1987.

P

WORDS: ED GOLDEN PHOTOS: HORSEPHOTOS

ERHAPS Garrett Morris, who portrayed the daffy Dominican Chico Escuela on the old Saturday Night Live shows, put it best: “Baseball . . . been berry, berry good to

me.”

To an extent, ditto for Bob Hess Jr. Although he played for the proverbial cup of coffee while at Stanford University in 1983-84, Hess, Hollywood handsome, 6-3 and “a skinny 220 pounds” at the time, had professional baseball on his mind as a righthanded pitcher until arm injuries dashed those dreams.

Eventual Major League players Jack McDowell, Mike Aldrete and Ed Sprague are among those who played at Stanford shortly before, during, or after Hess’s days on the diamond, not to mention former Phillies’ General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr., who would bring a welcome World Series title to the City of Brotherly Love in 2008, seven years before a freefall that saw the franchise plummet into baseball’s basement.

Adios, Ruben.

In between those brief sips of java at the prestigious Palo Alto school where he would earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics, 32

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Hess honed the values that would serve him well in his life and his career.

He would become a successful Thoroughbred trainer, now approaching his third decade, following in the footsteps of his father, Bob Hess Sr., who is still giving jocks a leg up on winners in the Bay Area at the age of 81.

It was the “Old Man,” it should be noted, who in his son’s early years, would inculcate a code of ethics, forming the foundation that is Gibraltar-solid today.

“I tease him that he’s the top-percentage, over-70 trainer in the world,” said Hess, who turned 50 last July and now tips the scales at 245. “Talk about hard work and a routine, my father’s up every morning at 5:15 and at the track by 5:45. He really hasn’t changed his program since I was a little kid. He’s an honest, hard-working guy.

“He started out in the Northwest and migrated down to Caliente. He was training there in the mid-’60s, and the track burned down in 1971. I was the oldest of four kids.

The family lived in San Ysidro, a mile north of the Mexican border, but when I was six, we moved to the Castro Valley in Northern California, where we were raised.

“All four kids were born at Chula Vista

Hospital, the same hospital where Charlie Whittingham was born.

“My father met my mother, Maria Elena, who is Mexican, when she was working at a bowling alley near Caliente. She was a pretty girl and he ended up marrying her. She’s 73 now. In April, they will have been married 53 years.

“At one point, my dad had four kids under the age of six, four horses, three employees and my mother, who was a stay-at-home mom, so it was definitely a challenge in those early days, but he’s had a great career.”

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

Hess has been a mainstay in Southern

BOB HESS JR.

California since 1987, the year he graduated from Stanford. Born a stone’s throw from Del Mar, he numbers Grade 1 winners River Special (1992 Hollywood Futurity and 1992 Del Mar Futurity) and D’Wildcat (2002 Frank J. DeFrancis Memorial Dash at Laurel) among his many stakes triumphs.

His first victory came on July 31, 1987, with Parlapiano at Del Mar. One of Hess’s favorites was an old war horse named Slerp, who won the Grade 3 Equipoise Mile Handicap at Arlington Park in 1994 by two lengths with Earlie Fires up. “He was awesome; we loved that horse,” Hess said of the Kentucky-bred son of Slewpy. “I think the only photo he ever

lost was at Gulfstream the day before the Breeders’ Cup in 1992. He got beat maybe a half an inch by a pretty nice horse Rodney Rash trained named Light Of Morn.

“I was always lucky to be around my dad, even as a very young kid,” recalled Hess, whose voice, tone and inflection sound just like Pop’s. “I was at dinners, I was at the races, I was everywhere with him, so I really got to interact with the clients at a real young age, and that’s the beauty of the sport. You’re always being introduced to a new and unique horse or a new and unique individual who gambles or owns a racehorse.

“They come from all corners. As California Chrome proved and a lot of

these high rollers have proved, you can’t buy the winner’s circle with money. A deep pocket isn’t going to guarantee success, and I think that’s a great thing about racing. It’s a humbling game, it’s a wonderful game, but it doesn’t discriminate.

“If you’re a little bit lucky and have some sound judgment, you can hit a grand slam.

The people involved are really what makes the sport go, that and obviously the horses.

Personally, I’ve had some great owners like Golden Eagle Farm, Don Dizney, and when I was a little kid, Norm Jansen, who around 1988 was critical in getting me going as a trainer by putting a group together that gave me $100,000 to claim horses when I ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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PROFILE exercise rider for the famous movie mogul, Harry Warner, who told Whitby one of the secrets to success was, ‘Dress British and speak Yiddish,’ and that’s what I tried to impart to Bob. I told him he had to go to college. He should have never been a horse trainer. He’s a brilliant writer. When he was 10 years old, he’d write essays and you couldn’t put them down.

“You have to write an essay to get into Stanford. One of the school’s baseball coaches came to my box at Golden Gate one day with some of the New York Yankees and told me, ‘Your kid’s pretty smart,’ and I said, ‘He’s all right,’ and the coach said, ‘No, I mean really smart. We have to read all the essays, and believe us, we never, ever read one like his.’

“I never saw that essay, although I’ve read a lot of Bob’s works. He told me when he wrote, he never changed even a comma, so I figure anybody can train a horse. There are a whole lot of dummies training horses, and I qualify. But writing is a real gift.”

Bob has two sons, Garrison, 24, and Christian, 22. Garrison graduated with an

“

I try to be extremely forthright and pride myself in being one of the best communicators in the game, because these people have many other opportunities to invest their money was barely 23 years old.

“That helped get me in with the Las Vegas crowd, primarily Irwin Molasky, who still owns horses trained by Bruce Headley.

Molasky and Kenny Sullivan, a first-class guy, gave me my first good horse, Mr. Integrity, who was favored in the 1991 NYRA Mile that Rubiano won.

“I don’t necessarily work for owners with the deepest pockets; however, my clients and I have a mutual respect for one another and similar goals. I try to be extremely forthright and pride myself in being one of the best communicators in the game, because these people have many, many other opportunities to invest their money.

“If they’re going to spend it on a race horse, at the very least I need to be honest, tell them exactly what’s going on and keep them in the loop on workouts, entries, everything involved, including the good and the bad.”

Newcomers with Hess include Paul and Cathy Schroeder, “who have been wonderful friends and supporters of our program. They always put the horse first.

“Also, we’re excited about building on a 34

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relationship with Midwest Thoroughbreds, owned by Rich and Karen Papiese, who are going to increase their West Coast presence in 2016 and beyond.”

Hess was barely out of diapers when he started going to the track. “Bob and his brother, Howie, were three and four when I started taking them to the track with me,” the elder Hess said. “All my kids, including daughters Erica and Anna, helped me at the track, but Bob was more interested than any of them.”

But first, he had to get his priorities in order and abide by his father’s code of aphorisms. Dad was going to make sure his son wasn’t as dumb as the guy who got fired at the 99 Cent Store because he couldn’t memorize the prices.

“Bob said he wanted to work for me at the track when he got out of high school, and I told him, ‘Not if you don’t go to college first, because no one knows or cares if a person can train a horse, but they know where he went to school, how he speaks, how he writes, how he dresses and what kind of wine he orders,” his father said.

“A friend of mine, Steve Whitby, was head

”

economics degree in math from Seattle University and lives in Del Mar. Christian is in his fourth and final year at UC Berkeley.

Hess has won more than 1,100 races in his career and if it seems most have been with Kent Desormeaux, it’s not an aberration.

The trainer has enjoyed a magical run with Desormeaux during a 25-year span that began in 1990 and is still going strong today. They go together like ketchup and French fries, mustard and hot dogs, corn on the cob and butter.

Through January 30, 2016, Desormeaux had won 421 races for Hess from 2,155 rides, an eye-catching 20 percent win average, with 354 seconds and 296 thirds.

The horses earned $13,537,874. The 45-year-old Hall of Fame member and three-time Kentucky Derby king has ridden nearly 38 percent of the winners Hess has saddled.

For good measure, Desormeaux even won a race for Bob’s dad, albeit from seven mounts.

“Any relationship, business or personal, requires a huge amount of trust and respect,” Hess said in explaining the wild

BOB HESS JR. ride with Desormeaux. “The beauty is, we don’t get in each other’s way. When I leg him up, it’s his call to do whatever he feels is right in the moment.

“I’ll point out quirks or idiosyncrasies about a horse he doesn’t necessarily know, but as far as race shape, basically I tell Kent to play it by ear, feel free to call an audible or two and do his job. The great thing is I don’t have to tell him how to do his job. He goes out and does it.

“That might be an over-simplification, but the core of the relationship and what we’ve achieved is that we really trust each other.

“A major reason for Kent’s success is his uncanny knack of getting horses that don’t want to switch leads to do so, enabling them to find another gear.”

A perfect example came when he won Del Mar’s Matriarch Stakes by a head at 65-1 aboard Stormy Lucy on November 29 to give Ed Moger his first Grade 1 win in 40 years as a trainer.

“That mare never, ever switches leads,” Hess said. “Not that I’m taking credit for it, but I kind of got wind of it and told Kent, who had never ridden her before. He got her to change leads and she found a gear she probably hadn’t shown in a long time.

That’s one of Kent’s talents I can really pinpoint; it can be tangibly seen.”

In 2003, Hess trained a horse named Fort Point for Pete Rose, the greatest player not in the Hall of Fame. Since August 24, 1989, Rose has been banned from baseball and from becoming eligible for the Hall of Fame for betting on baseball. Whether he is enshrined or not remains to be seen, but after more than a quarter-century on hold, it seems Rose has a better chance of using the restroom at a bank or seeing Dick Vitale talk without moving his hands.

“Pete’s a great guy,” Hess said. “I’m a huge supporter and friend. He was great to my kids who love baseball. He gave them signed jerseys and bats. He’s a real approachable guy. The one thing that bothered me, not him, was that being so famous, he had a lot of hangers-on, not that he wanted that. People were always coming after him, trying to hustle him out of something.

“He did love to gamble but he was a very generous guy and paid his bills. He was a lot of fun to listen to and a great guy to hang around with, although I only spent time with him at the track. Now we’ll talk once in a while, but one of his daughters, Cara, rode horses, so at varying times after he had owned racehorses, Pete would seek advice from my wife, Amy, on buying a riding horse for his daughter.”

Hess, who lives in Arcadia, about a mile west of Santa Anita, has some 35 horses in training, all at Santa Anita. He recognizes racing has its ills, but is cautiously and realistically optimistic about its future.

“Racing is going in the right direction. It is aware of its weaknesses, and that changes are needed,” Hess said. “Hollywood

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ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

35

PROFILE

Jockey Kent Desormeaux has ridden nearly 38 percent of the winners Hess has saddled

Park closing in 2013, while sad in some respects, was a fait accompli. We need tracks that people want to go to and enjoy their afternoon.

“Unfortunately, Hollywood was no longer a track where people wanted to spend their time. The current shortage of stalls is another problem, but I think that will get resolved. If (Frank) Stronach (founder and chairman of The Stronach Group, which owns Santa Anita) is permitted to build another 500 or so stalls in the north lot at Santa Anita, rather than horsemen having to work out of Los Alamitos, Del Mar and San Luis Rey, that would be a big help.

“I’d love to see us run another month at Del Mar, extending its fall meet to December 10 or December 15, and then run as usual after Christmas at Santa Anita.

I think that would be fine, because people enjoy going to Del Mar. “Santa Anita is an oldie but goodie. It’s a classic and people enjoy the day there, too. Racing needs to work to promote our sport. In many ways I think we’re the bestkept secret out there, but you can’t blame marketing for all our ills.

“We have to work collectively and get this going, because we do have a beautiful game the whole family can enjoy. Many of my friends have told me they got involved because their grandfathers or dads or moms took them to the races and it was a fun experience. That’s how to cultivate the sport, by having the family unit coming to the track.

“Whether it’s California or the East Coast or the Midwest, the race track experience has to be more appealing to the gambler, the horse owner and the casual or not-so36

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casual fan. Laurel being refurbished, which Mr. Stronach is doing now, and with his renovation of Gulfstream, is what’s needed.

I know some people criticize Gulfstream, but it appeals to the younger crowd.

“When I took my then-18-year-old son, Christian, there, he was like, ‘Man, this is fun! This is electric! This is loud!’ I think that’s how we get people involved. I don’t know that slots are really the answer. Yeah, they put California at a huge competitive disadvantage, and probably Kentucky as well, because those two states don’t have slots like New York does, but I think slots are generally a band-aid. In any business, you don’t want to be subsidized by another business in order to exist.

“I don’t really have the answer as to how to do that, but I believe we need facilities throughout the country where people want to go and spend the afternoon and bet their money and have fun. Slots are just a temporary fix, nothing that will last forever.

“We have the best stage in the world at

“

A major reason for Kent’s success is his uncanny knack of getting horses that don’t want to switch leads to do so, enabling them to find another gear

”

Santa Anita and Del Mar: the surfaces, the weather, great purse money, and we should capitalize on that and promote that to the world.

“Unfortunately, we have small fields, so it surprises me that at least in winter, many New York or East Coast outfits go to Florida instead of Southern California. They should consider California rather than Florida, where they have huge fields, subpar money and a lot of rain.

“Florida has plenty of horses; we need to build up our product in California and maybe market ourselves better to the New York owners and trainers. David Jacobson is coming out from New York, so that’s a positive. If he can do well, maybe more trainers will follow.”

Jacobson’s great-uncle was the late, great Hall of Fame trainer Buddy Jacobson.

It took more than a strike from the mound or a hit from the batter’s box for Hess to reach his current plateau.

“Baseball’s been helpful,” Hess said, “but I learned well from the entire Stanford experience. My philosophy started with my parents, but at Stanford it was apparent that I had to work very hard to achieve positive results. Playing baseball while also having to balance my academic schedule was extremely challenging. It taught me to be efficient with my time, whether it was working with the team or balancing my class obligations and my homework assignments.

“It was a heavy burden but it really taught me how to get the most out of every hour and prioritize.

“You have to make some sacrifices if you’re going to succeed in anything, whether it’s work, or sports, or life.” n

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VETERINARY

GENETIC TESTING

The benefits of creating a Thoroughbred passport

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GENETIC TESTING

ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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VETERINARY

There are benefits to creating a “genetic passport” for Thoroughbreds. The passport could accompany the horse throughout its life to identify important traits impacting athleticism and breeding. This could have major implications, such as potentially reducing heritable disorders.

“A

WORDS: Stacey Oke, DVM, MSc PHOtOS: SHUtteRStOck, FaSIG-tIPtON PHOtOS

LTHOUGH genetic testing beyond parentage testing is not mandatory for Thoroughbreds at this time, breeders, owners, and trainers alike could all profit from this type of service,” notes Samantha Brooks, PhD, an assistant professor in equine physiology and principal investigator at the Brooks Equine Genetics Lab at the University of Florida.

Why create a genetic passport?

If you knew that a specific Thoroughbred had a certain “set” of genes that impacted performance or predisposed them to a specific health condition, would such knowledge alter how that horse was managed?

“Theoretically, knowing a horse’s genes would change the way I train,” says Karl Broberg, a leading trainer in North America based on earnings, with a win rate of an astounding 31% reported near the end of 2015.

Carefully contemplating the example of gene that could identify horses at risk for tendon injuries, Broberg adds, “If a horse has a gene for tendon injury then I probably wouldn’t worry about surface so much but rather making sure they had enough recovery time. Every horse always has to be treated differently, whether we know their genes or not.”

According to Emmeline Hill, PhD, from the University College Dublin (UCD) School 40

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of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine in Ireland, athletic performance is influenced by a complex interplay among the environment and suite of genes.

“The availability of the horse genome sequence and associated genomics tools is now enabling research scientists to understand genetic contributions to complex trains in the horse. This information is already being used to improve selection, breeding, and racing decisions in the Thoroughbred industry…and may provide opportunities to individually design conditioning programs to reduce injury risk,” said Hill during the 49th British Equine Veterinary Association Congress in 2010.

Based on the most up-to-date genetic research in horses, here is a brief summary of some conditions or traits that appear to be inherited:

1. PERFORMANCE GENES Tying-up

A common, painful condition, tying-up (exertional rhabdomyolysis) is believed by veterinary researchers like Stephanie Valberg and Molly McCue from the University of Minnesota to have a genetic component.

Valberg, DVM, PhD, explained that a common cause of tying-up in Thoroughbreds is an inherited abnormality in the way calcium is regulated in skeletal muscle.

“The narrow genetic origin of Thoroughbreds and the common lineage of the pedigrees of horses with tying-up would

support the possibility of an inherited trait.

The disease might lie dormant unless specific factors trigger the calcium regulatory system to malfunction. Triggering events include stress, excitement, lameness, high grain diets, and exercise at submaximal speeds,” Valberg shared.

Another form of tying-up is polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM), which is the abnormal accumulation of glycogen, the storage form of sugar, in muscle. Type 1 PSSM is caused by a known genetic mutation and can be tested for. To date, type 1 PSSM has not been identified in Thoroughbreds.

Instead, the breed is affected by type 2 PSSM, for which there is no genetic test.

Having a genetic test to identify Thoroughbreds at risk of tying-up for either of these above-mentioned causes would be extremely valuable. This would allow trainers to optimize the management of such horses, including tweaking the diet, to minimize the severity and frequency of episodes.

Speed/distance

The “speed gene” was originally described in the published literature and soon after marketed by Hill and colleagues. In addition to her position at UCD, Hill is a co-founder of Equinome, well known for identifying and popularizing this genetic test.

In actuality, the gene is truly more of a “distance” gene, identifying horses best suited to short races and others with optimal performance in middle- or longer-distance races. The test looks for a specific mutation in the myostatin gene (MSTN), which produces the protein myostatin that impacts muscling in horses.

Osteochondrosis/osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)

This developmental orthopedic disease affects the layer of bone lying underneath

GENETIC TESTING the articular cartilage that lines the ends of long bones inside joints. The diseased bone can disrupt the cartilage layer, causing inflammation, fluid accumulation in the affected joint, lameness, decreased performance, and premature osteoarthritis (OA). The stifle and hock joints are mostly commonly affected, and Thoroughbreds appear to be more frequently diagnosed with OCD than other breeds.

Because of the strong suspicion that OCD is heritable, a handful of studies have been conducted to identify “candidate genes” that could be involved in its development.

According to a recent review article, there are several promising candidate genes. Many of those “genes of interest” are involved in secreting proteins found in the extracellular matrix of cartilage and bone, as well as proteins involved in maturation of the bone’s growth plate in young horses.

Interestingly, genes that produce

proteins involved in parathyroid hormone signaling were identified in multiple studies.

Parathyroid hormone and its receptors play important roles in maintaining bone health, bone formation during growth, and the proper function/maturation of growth plates of long bones.

More research is clearly necessary and warranted, considering the welfare and economic concerns surrounding OCD in the equine industry.

Inflammatory airway disease (IAD)

The delivery of oxygen to a horse’s arterial blood stream can be impeded by either upper respiratory issues (such as epiglottic entrapment and dorsal displacement of the soft palate) or issues lower down in the lungs, like IAD. Any decrease in oxygen flow will negatively impact athletic performance, and up to 50% of racehorses are thought to suffer from IAD.

In a 2015 study published by European researchers, nine genes were upregulated (expressed at higher levels) in low-performing athletic horses compared to healthy control horses. All of those nine genes were involved in inflammation, oxidant/antioxidant balance, and stress. Although these genes cannot be used as “markers” for IAD at this point in time, the study authors concluded that the findings reported in this preliminary study are “consistent with the current dogma regarding exercise-induced stress and asthmas” and that measuring the identified abnormally expressed genes could help “in the diagnosis and management of equine athletes suffering from IAD….”

Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury

SDFT injuries are common, take months to recover from, and recur all too frequently (because the tendon tissue is replaced by

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ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

41

VETERINARY equine larynx due to degeneration of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is an important and common contributor to poor performance. Offspring of stallions who were roarers are more likely to roar, suggesting a genetic component. A team of researchers, including Brooks, recently identified a genetic region on equine chromosome 3 that they believe contributes to roaring. Interestingly, that location was also associated with body size. Together, those findings are suggestive of a link between roaring and body size, and that selectively breeding horses to reduce roaring could also potentially result in smaller horses.

According to the study, more research in this field would greatly improve the “understanding of the relationship between genetics, equine growth rate, and RLN prevalence [and] may significantly advance our understanding and management of this disease.”

2. BREEDING GENES

weaker scar tissue). According to a group of veterinary researchers from the United Kingdom, there are two main genes that appear to be associated with an increased risk of SDFT injury in Thoroughbred horses that encode the proteins TNC and COL5A1.

TNC is a protein involved in controlling communication between the tendon cells and the surrounding matrix, while COL5A1 is a type of collagen, the predominant connective tissue in tendons. The study authors found that horses with “abnormal” genes for these proteins were more likely to suffer injury to the SDFT than horses with “normal” genes.

Specifically, horses with two copies of the abnormal COL5A1 gene (recall there are two copies of every gene) were in fact three times more likely to have SDF tendinopathy regardless of age and racing history.

Future studies are needed to identify the exact genetic mutation responsible for the tendinopathy, and identification of additional genes serving as markers for SDF injury risk and progression is warranted.

Anhidrosis

Laura Patterson-Rosa, DVM, is a PhD student in Brooks’ lab currently conducting research to find genes responsible for anhidrosis in the horse.

According Brooks, “A 2010 study of horses in Florida discovered that those with a family history of anhidrosis are substantially more likely to be anhidrotic themselves, strongly pointing to a genetic basis for the disease.

The focus of Patterson-Rosa’s research is to collect DNA samples from horses diagnosed 42

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with anhidrosis and to search for the gene or genes responsible for the condition.”

Without a cure for anhidrosis, treatment involves cold hosing immediately after exercise, using stall fans to help horses regulate their internal body temperature, or simply staying in cooler climates.

“Having a genetic test to identify anhidrotic horses would be beneficial because we will identify horses at risk and take early steps to keep them cool, and/or avoid tropical climates for these horses. Second, we currently have little to no understanding of what causes the sweat glands to fail in equine anhidrosis. Learning the genes responsible for the disease could point us toward the biological pathways causing the problem, and suggest potential treatments for those who are already struggling with this frustrating condition,” explains Brooks.

Roaring

Paralysis of the arytenoid cartilage in the

“

The goal is to discover genes identifying mares at risk for endometritis, or mares with a propensity for double ovulating and producing twins

”

Many people involved in the Thoroughbred industry face challenges associated with getting and keeping mares in foal. Early embryonic death (EED), post-breeding endometritis resulting in open mares, and late-term abortions contribute to significant economic losses.

Not surprisingly, there is marked interest in this area and research is in progress. The goal of those studies is to discover genes identifying mares at risk for endometritis, or mares with a propensity for double ovulating and producing twins, and even stallions with genes that make them superior semen producers capable of covering more mares.

Such tests could also help owners and trainers decide whether to geld a certain horse or not.

One such “breeding test,” the acrosome reaction test, is offered by Etalon Diagnostics.

The acrosome is the vesicle located at the head of sperm to facilitate fertilization of the egg.

McCue, who played a pivotal role in developing the genetic test for type 1 PSSM (mentioned above), recently helped discover a gene, FKBP6, that plays a role in male subfertility via impaired acrosome reaction.

According to McCue and her colleagues, “FKBP6 genotyping is recommended for the detection of IAR- [impaired acrosome reaction] susceptible individuals among potential breeding stallions.”

3. OFF-TRACK PERFORMANCE GENES

Even the best Thoroughbreds have a finite career on the track. If not used for breeding, these horses are repurposed.

Many organizations like Retired Racehorse Project are devoted to increasing demand for Thoroughbred ex-racehorses facilitate the re-homing process by “building bridges to second careers.”

The importance of placing horses in appropriate careers is not simply left to organizations like Retired Racehorse Project.

GENETIC TESTING Trainer Broberg adds, “We’re always working to place horses when they retire from the track.”

In theory, if a retired Thoroughbred has their genetic passport in hand, the process of finding second careers could be greatly facilitated.

“Additional research is anticipated to ultimately pinpoint genes for jumping, endurance, eventing, dressage, and more that could help repurpose Thoroughbred racehorses. Genes involved in disposition are also important. Predicting which horses will be suitable as backyard pets and which ones are going to stay energetic in retirement and might be happier switching to another, more athletic job would be helpful,” advises Brooks.

Research surrounding the genetics of behavior is already in progress. In fact, one recent study confirms that behavior and learning (i.e., tractability) have a hereditary component. That study looked at the gene that produces the protein called serotonin receptor 1A. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that binds to serotonin receptor 1A and plays a role in mood and depression.

“We found that a single nucleotide polymorphism [mutation] located in the HTR1A gene was significantly associated with tractability scores. This is the first evidence showing that a serotoninrelated gene polymorphism may affect individual differences in a behavioral trait in horses,” explains lead researcher Teruaki Tozaki, PhD, from the Genetic Analysis Department, Laboratory of Racing Chemistry in Japan.

Tozaki adds, “I think that both the HTR1A and MSTN genes may have implications for horse management or training practices.

In the near future, genetic information may become standard information for horse training and breeding.”

When and how to pursue genetic testing

Thoroughbreds are required to have parentage testing for registration with the Jockey Clubs. Parentage verification usually occurs at the time of foal registration. It would make sense, for maximal benefit, to conduct genetic testing at a young age, but in reality, a “genetics passport” can be created at any point during a horse’s life.

“The information encoded by a Thoroughbred’s DNA can be useful at various life stages,” notes Brooks.

Mane or tail hairs pulled (not cut) provide an excellent source of DNA. These hairs (and more importantly, their bulbs) are sealed in an envelope and shipped off to the laboratory. Most laboratories have small “panels” (like the five- and three-panel used in Quarter Horses and Arabians, respectively, for registration purposes), leaving the remaining tests ordered individually.

Brooks, a scientific advisor for Etalon Diagnostics, warns, “Running individual tests on a single horse either for curiosity’s sake or while planning for breeding can be costly using older technology.

Carefully selecting a laboratory that uses newer ‘platforms,’ methods that can run multiple tests at once at a fraction of the cost of individual testing, is more informative and economical. In addition, newer technology can also help ‘discover’ new genes responsible for specific health conditions.”

Such platforms and discovery research is anticipated to continue to drive interest in equine genetics, streamlining the process, and ultimately benefitting equine health and longevity.

Future directions

It has been 30-plus years since the equine genome project was launched, and just six years since the sequence was published. Since then, the growth of our understanding of equine genetics has been explosive, and new technologies continue to make genetic testing easier, faster, and more economical. These technologies allow the industry to better understand genetic disorders, devise more effective treatment strategies once the conditions are recognized, and make smarter breeding choices.

The importance and scope of genetic testing and the benefits of Thoroughbreds having genetic passports is not lost on trainers like Broberg, who says, “It is probably still a long way off, but we need to continue to learn, evolve, and adapt to new science and technology to be successful.” n ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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RACING

“Mary Hirsch Gets License” For the first time in the history of The Jockey Club, a license to train horses for racing was granted to a woman when such permission was accorded Miss Mary Hirsch, daughter of Max Hirsch. Miss Hirsch, who was denied a license in New York in 1934, already holds licenses in Michigan and Illinois. Actually, she has been training in New York, but her horses went out under the names either of her brother, W.J. (Buddy) Hirsch, or her father. ~ the Blood-horse, April 13, 1935

the FeMALe FACtOR

how female trainers view themselves in a male-dominated industry At Saratoga Race Course last summer, 14 female trainers combined to win 26 races. Eighteen other women started at least one horse at arguably the most prestigious meet in North America. Have women come a long way in the eight decades since Mary Hirsch was licensed by The Jockey Club?

WORDS: BILL HELLER PHOTOS: HORSEPHOTOS, LEIGH ANN HOWARD, KEENELAND ASSOcIATION INc, THE NATIONAL MuSEuM Of RAcING AND HALL Of fAME

h

“

ORseRACING, it’s an old-school sport,” said trainer Linda Rice, who won seven races at saratoga last summer, six years after becoming the first woman to win the saratoga training title. “historically, the position of trainer was handled by a man. But when I started training horses in New York in 1997, there were maybe three women trainers, including me. I think that in the last five years, it’s changed dramatically.”

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Rice, 51, who finished 16th in North America in earnings in both 2014 and 2015, is one of the reasons why. Besides her saratoga title, she has tied for one at Belmont and at Aqueduct. After edging Pletcher to win the saratoga training title in 2009, she tied him for the 2011 Belmont spring/summer meet title with the final horse she saddled in the meet, sextant, owned by her father Clyde. sextant also gave Rice her 1,000th victory. In North America, Rice is the all-time leading woman trainer in career earnings with more than $53 million, placing her at the threshold of becoming the first of her sex to break into the top 50 of all time. In January, Rice trainee La Verdad,

owned by Lady sheila stable, earned the eclipse Award as champion female sprinter.

On her way to becoming consistently successful, Rice ran into gender roadblocks.

“As my career has grown, a lot of doors opened to me,” she said. “With others, I just got the impression that those doors wouldn’t open, that they weren’t ready to have a female trainer. they never did and they never would. I moved on to the next one.”

Leigh Ann howard is a former trainer and past president of the California thoroughbred Breeders Association (CtBA), and she now sits on the CtBA board. “When I was in college at Cal-Poly,

FeMALe tRAINeRs

Former trainer Leigh Ann Howard (above) sits on the CTBA board; Linda Rice (right) is the all-time leading woman trainer in North America. Sextant (below) was Rice’s 1,000th winner

I wanted to be a large animal veterinarian,” howard, now, 73, said on December 31. “I wanted to go to Cal-Davis. they said they won’t give women a seat in a veterinary school. this was 1962. I was raised in the ‘40s and ‘50s in a small town in central California. Mother a doctor; father a scientist. everyone in my family pretty much has a doctorate. I wasn’t raised that women shouldn’t do what they want to do. they said you can’t take a seat in the veterinary school because you’re going to get married and have children. We weren’t allowed to go to school. We weren’t allowed to do these jobs.” that wasn’t the only discrimination. “every track in California had a sign on every barn: ‘No women allowed on the backside after dark,’” she said. she laughed, before continuing, “I can remember the signs at santa Anita. I was very surprised.” so she changed her focus, eventually creating a group of women to handle business matters at horse sales in the early ‘70s. “We hired out as a group to various agents,” she said. In doing so, she broke a barrier. “We were the absolute first women allowed to handle horses at the sales.” howard did make it to the racetrack, becoming a trainer in 1982 and then taking a job managing the san Luis Rey Downs training Center, where she had her horses stabled, 20 miles north of Del Mar. “I trained for 20 years; won a stakes or two,” she said. she sees a marked difference in opportunities from when she started out to today. “Absolutely. the women involved now have no idea that they weren’t supposed to do this. they have no idea that ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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RACING

Caution Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

Storage Conditions Store at 68°F – 77°F (20-25°C). Excursions between 59°F – 86°F (15-30°C) are permitted.

Indications For treatment and prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers in horses and foals 4 weeks of age and older.

Dosage Regimen For treatment of gastric ulcers, GastroGard Paste should be administered orally once-a-day for 4 weeks at the recommended dosage of 1.8 mg omeprazole/lb body weight (4 mg/kg). For the prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers, continue treatment for at least an additional 4 weeks by administering GastroGard Paste at the recommended daily maintenance dose of 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg).

Directions For Use • GastroGard Paste for horses is recommended for use in horses and foals 4 weeks of age and older. The contents of one syringe will dose a 1250 lb (568 kg) horse at the rate of 1.8 mg omeprazole/lb body weight (4 mg/kg). For treatment of gastric ulcers, each weight marking on the syringe plunger will deliver sufficient omeprazole to treat 250 lb (114 kg) body weight. For prevention of recurrence of gastric ulcers, each weight marking will deliver sufficient omeprazole to dose 500 lb (227 kg) body weight.

• To deliver GastroGard Paste at the treatment dose rate of 1.8 mg omeprazole/ lb body weight (4 mg/kg), set the syringe plunger to the appropriate weight marking according to the horse’s weight in pounds.

• To deliver GastroGard Paste at the dose rate of 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg) to prevent recurrence of ulcers, set the syringe plunger to the weight marking corresponding to half of the horse’s weight in pounds.

• To set the syringe plunger, unlock the knurled ring by rotating it 1/4 turn. Slide the knurled ring along the plunger shaft so that the side nearest the barrel is at the appropriate notch. Rotate the plunger ring 1/4 turn to lock it in place and ensure it is locked. Make sure the horse’s mouth contains no feed. Remove the cover from the tip of the syringe, and insert the syringe into the horse’s mouth at the interdental space. Depress the plunger until stopped by the knurled ring. The dose should be deposited on the back of the tongue or deep into the cheek pouch. Care should be taken to ensure that the horse consumes the complete dose. Treated animals should be observed briefly after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If any of the dose is lost, redosing is recommended.

• If, after dosing, the syringe is not completely empty, it may be reused on following days until emptied. Replace the cap after each use.

Warning Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children. In case of ingestion, contact a physician. Physicians may contact a poison control center for advice concerning accidental ingestion.

Adverse Reactions In efficacy trials, when the drug was administered at 1.8 mg omeprazole/lb (4 mg/kg) body weight daily for 28 days and 0.9 mg omeprazole/lb (2 mg/kg) body weight daily for 30 additional days, no adverse reactions were observed.

Precautions The safety of GastroGard Paste has not been determined in pregnant or lactating mares.

Efficacy • Dose Confirmation: GastroGard® (omeprazole) Paste, administered to provide omeprazole at 1.8 mg/lb (4 mg/kg) daily for 28 days, effectively healed or reduced the severity of gastric ulcers in 92% of omeprazole-treated horses. In comparison, 32% of controls exhibited healed or less severe ulcers. Horses enrolled in this study were healthy animals confirmed to have gastric ulcers by gastroscopy. Subsequent daily administration of GastroGard Paste to provide omeprazole at 0.9 mg/lb (2 mg/kg) for 30 days prevented recurrence of gastric ulcers in 84% of treated horses, whereas ulcers recurred or became more severe in horses removed from omeprazole treatment.

• Clinical Field Trials: GastroGard Paste administered at 1.8 mg/lb (4 mg/kg) daily for 28 days healed or reduced the severity of gastric ulcers in 99% of omeprazole-treated horses. In comparison, 32.4% of control horses had healed ulcers or ulcers which were reduced in severity. These trials included horses of various breeds and under different management conditions, and included horses in race or show training, pleasure horses, and foals as young as one month.

Horses enrolled in the efficacy trials were healthy animals confirmed to have gastric ulcers by gastroscopy. In these field trials, horses readily accepted GastroGard Paste. There were no drug related adverse reactions. In the clinical trials, GastroGard Paste was used concomitantly with other therapies, which included: anthelmintics, antibiotics, non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, diuretics, tranquilizers and vaccines.

• Diagnostic and Management Considerations: The following clinical signs may be associated with gastric ulceration in adult horses:inappetence or decreased appetite, recurrent colic, intermittent loose stools or chronic diarrhea, poor hair coat, poor body condition, or poor performance. Clinical signs in foals may include: bruxism (grinding of teeth), excessive salivation, colic, cranial abdominal tenderness, anorexia, diarrhea, sternal recumbency or weakness. A more accurate diagnosis of gastric ulceration in horses and foals may be made if ulcers are visualized directly by endoscopic examination of the gastric mucosa Gastric ulcers may recur in horses if therapy to prevent recurrence is not administered after the initial treatment is completed. Use GastroGard Paste at 0.9 mg omeprazole/lb body weight (2 mg/kg) for control of gastric ulcers following treatment. The safety of administration of GastroGard Paste for longer than 91 days has not been determined. Maximal acid suppression occurs after three to five days of treatment with omeprazole.

Safety • GastroGard Paste was well tolerated in the following controlled efficacy and safety studies.

• In field trials involving 139 horses, including foals as young as one month of age, no adverse reactions attributable to omeprazole treatment were noted.

• In a placebo controlled adult horse safety study, horses received 20 mg/kg/day omeprazole (5x the recommended dose) for 90 days. No treatment related adverse effects were observed.

• In a placebo controlled tolerance study, adult horses were treated with GastroGard Paste at a dosage of 40 mg/kg/day (10x the recommended dose) for 21 days. No treatment related adverse effects were observed.

• A placebo controlled foal safety study evaluated the safety of omeprazole at doses of 4, 12 or 20 mg/kg (1, 3 or 5x) once daily for 91 days. Foals ranged in age from 66 to 110 days at study initiation. Gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels were significantly elevated in horses treated at exaggerated doses of 20 mg/kg (5x the recommended dose). Mean stomach to body weight ratio was higher for foals in the 3x and 5x groups than for controls; however, no abnormalities of the stomach were evident on histological examination.

Reproductive Safety In a male reproductive safety study, 10 stallions received GastroGard Paste at 12 mg/kg/day (3x the recommended dose) for 70 days. No treatment related adverse effects on semen quality or breeding behavior were observed. A safety study in breeding mares has not been conducted.

For More Information Please call 1-888-637-4251 Marketed by: Merial Limited, Duluth, GA 30096-4640, U.S.A. Made in Brazil ®GASTRoGARD is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2011 Merial. All rights reserved. Rev. 05-2011

Maria Borell with her Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Runhappy, but was replaced as trainer the following day by Laura Wohlers

we couldn’t do it. It wasn’t available to us.”

At last year’s Breeders’ Cup, Maria Borell won the sprint with Runhappy only to be fired the very next day by owner Jim McIngvale. her gender probably had little to do with it. she was replaced by McIngvale’s sister-in-law Laura Wohlers, who was Runhappy’s previous trainer.

In other Breeders’ Cup races at Keeneland over the two-day period, Kathleen O’Connell and Rice saddled horses to second-place finishes. O’Connell’s Lady shipman lost the turf sprint vs. males by a neck to Mongolian saturday, and Rice’s La Verdad set the pace in the Filly and Mare sprint only to be passed in the stretch by Wavell Avenue.

Four other female trainers had starters in the Breeders’ Cup: Janet Armstrong; Barbara Minshall, who had two; Vicky Oliver; and Gail Cox. historically, Jenine sahadi, who in 2000 became the first lady trainer to win the Grade 1 santa Anita Derby, won backto-back runnings of the Breeders’ Cup sprint with Lit De Justice in 1996 and elmhurst in ’97, and Kathy Ritvo won the 2013 Classic with Mucho Macho Man. In 2014, five women ranked in the top 100 trainers by earnings in North America: Rice (16th); Patricia Farro (25th); Michelle Nevin (50th); Leah Gyarmati (84th); and O’Connell (88th). Last year, there were also

“

Women see things men don’t. I think women trainers, in general, are closer with the horses than a man

”

Mike Farro GG_PI_InBrief_2012_NO AMERICAN TRAINER.indd 1

46

five: Rice (16th); Farro (22nd); O’Connell (53rd); Nevin (58th); and Josie Carroll (89th). Farro finished 13th by wins in 2014 and 12th in 2015.

Farro, 64, whose brother was a jockey and whose father and another brother are breeders, has worked in tandem with her husband Mike, said that women “see things men don’t. I think women trainers, in general, are closer with the horses than a man. Most guys don’t go in a stall too much, only to check on legs.” she took the hands-on approach to a whole new level with a horse Kryzzchezkake, who wound up making more than $130,000 in a career that ended in 1990. “My wife had a big relation with him,” Mike Farro said. “he was a really lazy horse in the morning. It was amazing when she would go in there.” she was also the horse’s exercise rider at the time, and elaborated on her bond with Kryzzchezkake: “We had to get up at 4 a.m.

(90 minutes early) just to get him up. he didn’t want to get up. We’d pull and pull. the only thing that would get him up was to hose him. “he was so lazy. I used to take him to the gate a lot to get him going. One day, he broke a rail. Most horses would have run off. his first inclination was to stop. If he wanted to stop, he’d stop. he’d hold post parades up.”

Mike said, “If most people had him, he wouldn’t have done as good.”

Patricia Farro is one of the nation’s leaders in victories, earnings, and number of starts, but that doesn’t mean that she’s always accepted. “I think that some men wouldn’t give a horse to a woman,” Mike, who was originally listed as the stable’s trainer, said.

“We work together. We’ve had owners say to me, ‘Why don’t you put the horses back in your name?’ Men treat it more as a business. I think women put a lot more horsemanship into it.”

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RACING so she took a job as a hotwalker at Detroit Race Course at the age of 19 in 1970. she quickly realized she was entering a man’s world. “there were no female jockeys back then,” O’Connell said. “No women trainers. there were only two women exercise riders at Detroit Race Course.” she became the third. “they didn’t call it an exercise rider,” she said. “I was a ‘pony boy.’”

One of the most successful woman trainers in racing history doesn’t believe the gender bias is entirely gone. “No, I don’t think so,” O’Connell said. “I think it’s a little better. there’s still a mindset. It’s just something that is. that’s the way it is.”

It hasn’t stopped Kim hammond, the all-time winningest female trainer with 2,074 victories. Now 58, she’s still chasing her dad, everett, who led the nation in victories with 200 in 1967 on the way to 3,425 victories, which ranks 21st all-time. he passed away on December 15 at the age of 79. “I miss him terribly,” hammond said on January 4. “he was a really good man. he was a good teacher. he taught me everything.” hammond began exercising horses for her dad when she was in the ninth grade.

When she graduated from high school, he

Kathleen O’Connell, who trained top filly Lady Shipman in 2015

“

Everyone has treated me equal,” she said. “I feel that with most of the people I’ve dealt with, it didn’t seem to matter than I was a woman

”

Michelle Nevin

Trainer Michelle Nihei in discussion with jockey Jesus Castanon at Saratoga

No one would question Kathleen O’Connell’s horsemanship. she did an outstanding job not only training but managing Lady shipman’s outstanding 2015 campaign that nearly ended with the trainer’s first Grade 1 stakes victory in the Breeders’ Cup. O’Connell lost Lady shipman for the 2016 season when the filly’s owners, hoping to participate in the Dubai Racing Carnival, 48

sent the filly to Kiaran McLaughlin. the daughter of a Detroit policeman, O’Connell, like howard, wanted to go to veterinary school. Despite a 3.8 grade point average and her election into the National honor society, she was turned down by Michigan state. “Back then, you had to have a 4.0,” she said. “they didn’t want to give up a sot to a girl who could get married and leave school. I got rejected.”

gave her a choice: college to become a nurse, or horses. “he said, ‘One or the other.’ It took about two minutes,” hammond said. she worked for her dad, then opened her own stable 37 years ago. Was it difficult for her to break through male-dominated barriers? “Not at all. Matter of fact, some of the owners prefer women. they take more time, have more patience, and are easier to get along with.”

Michelle Nevin, 38, has a different background than hammond, but also says she’s encountered little opposition. “everyone has treated me equal,” she said.

“I feel that with most of the people I’ve dealt with, it didn’t seem to matter than I was a woman. Growing up in Ireland, It would’ve been harder for me to get started at home. there were very few women training and riding in Ireland. I’ve had more opportunities because I came to this country.” her grandfather, Richard, trained, and her father, Michael, rode in Ireland before

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RACING they couldn’t take me off.”

Regardless, she came to Kentucky for academics, earning a doctorate in neuroscience at the University of Kentucky then becoming a professor at Johns hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

“Racehorses started creeping into my life,” she said. “there was an epiphany working at night in the lab. I recognized that’s not what I wanted my life to be like. It’s going to be horses forever.” though she’s only been training for nine years, she appreciates the women who preceded her. “It’s so much easier for us now because of the ground they broke, Linda Rice, Jane Cibelli, Carla Gaines, Abigail Fuller.” Nihei said. Fuller, who did train for a few years, is best known as the regular rider of Filly triple Crown winner Mom’s Command.

Carla Gaines, 63, was a juvenile delinquent counselor in rural Alabama before moving to California and beginning a new career. three days after her four-year-old filly Gender Agenda captured the $100,000 Grade 3 Robert J. Frankel stakes at santa

“

Chauvinism is not explicitly the domain of men.

Women can be as equally chauvinistic. I wish it was dead. It’s absolutely not

Michelle Nihei

Big Brown with Michelle Nevin at Belmont Park

coming to America and becoming a trainer.

Nevin immigrated to the United states at the age of 16 and worked for trainers Leo O’Brien and Kiaran McLaughlin before landing a job with Rick Dutrow Jr., first as an exercise rider then as his assistant. she had been with Dutrow for more than a decade when he exhausted his last appeal of a 10-year suspension from the New York state Racing and Wagering Board in January of 2013. Nevin inherited his 65-horse stable. the stable dropped to 16 horses, but Nevin’s quick success changed that. the first horse she saddled, teaks North, captured the $300,000 sunshine Millions turf at Gulfstream Park, and one of her biggest supporters is the Jay em ess stable of samantha siegel.

Nevin has finished in the top 60 in North America earnings the last two years. she 50

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believes that eventually more women will join her among the leaders. “I definitely think so,” she said. “Me, being young, I came along at a time where the perception had changed. It was more normal.”

Another Michelle, 44-year-old Michelle Nihei, who grew up in Calgary, Canada, made an intriguing point about difficulties encountered by women. “Chauvinism is not explicitly the domain of men,” she said.

“Women can be as equally chauvinistic.

I wish it was dead. It’s absolutely not. I learned not to give it a lot of energy. I was asked once if I thought the game was harder for women than men. It’s hard for everyone.”

Nihei, whose dad was a scientist and mom was a lawyer, began riding horses at a very early age. “I rode since I was two on a shetland pony,” she said. “It was like crack.

”

Anita on December 27, she was asked if she considered herself a gender-busting pioneer.

“Not really,” she said. “It doesn’t take brute strength to train a horse. I was involved early in my life riding horses. It was a passion of mine. I actually didn’t come to the racetrack to later in my life, until I was 30. I came up slowly: groom, foreman, assistant trainer.

I never really thought about gender, that I couldn’t do it because I was a woman. I never thought that.”

Nor did sahadi, who retired in the fall of 2011 after a highly-successful 18-year career with more than $26.6 million in earnings.

“I don’t think any of us feel that way,” she said. “I think it’s changed. We’re making progress. But if you look at the numbers, it’s a lot harder for a woman. I certainly don’t think it’s equal. I still don’t know if women are afforded the same chances as men.”

Donna Green, 60, who trains in Florida but summers at saratoga, where she has won a race three different years, offered a similar sentiment: “We’ve come a long way, but it’s still there. It makes you stronger. I made a point a long time ago to never dwell on that. You move on.”

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VETERINARY

MusculoskElETAl cATAsTRophEs Impact and prediction

Horseracing can be dangerous for both horse and jockey. Racing authorities across the globe take this seriously, and although casualties continue to occur, we can take comfort in some statistics. For example, over the last two decades, data collected by the British Horserace Authority (BHA) shows a The Post-mortem Program in progressive decrease in equine racecourse fatalities, due in no small part to California improvements made in racecourse design. Nevertheless, we need to do more Both studies were coordinated by a team to minimize risk for all involved. Two research studies published recently in based at the university of californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s J.D. Wheat Veterinary orthopedic Research Equine Veterinary Journal have looked at the role equine injury or sudden laboratory at the school of Veterinary Medicine. This group has pioneered death has in jockey falls and whether some catastrophic injuries can be outstanding research with the aim of predicted and therefore prevented predicting, preventing, and minimizing the WORDS: PROFESSOR CELIA MARR PHOTOS: SHuTTERSTOCk, EQuINE VETERINARY JOuRNAL

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risks associated with horseracing.

Their work is based on a unique archive of

MusculoskElETAl cATAsTRophEs

data generated from a postmortem program that requires that all horses that die or are subjected to euthanasia on california racetracks be submitted for necropsy. And, because in california Thoroughbred race training occurs at the track, training as well as racing deaths are included.

How common are musculoskeletal catastrophes?

catastrophic injury is defined as causing death or euthanasia of the horse. It important to recognize that the prevalence of specific injuries varies from country to country and between race disciplines, but overall injury to the musculoskeletal system

is by far the most common form related to equine fatality, accounting for about 80% of racehorse deaths in california and encompassing a wide range of specific injury site and types, including fractures and softtissue breakdown.

The suspensory apparatus comprises the suspensory ligament, the proximal sesamoid bone, and the distal ligaments of the proximal sesamoid bones. This functional unit serves to support the fetlock joint and is a common site for catastrophic injury in u.s. Thoroughbred racing. lateral condylar fracture is the most common form of bone injury associated with fatality in British National hunt racing while in British

all-weather flat racing, biaxial sesamoid fractures predominate.

Are non-catastrophic suspensory apparatus lesions associated with catastrophic injury?

Dr. Ashley hill, based at the university of california, examined specimens from 322 deceased Thoroughbred racehorses. Fatality was attributed to fore suspensory apparatus failure in 108 horses, fore condylar fracture in 33, other forelimb musculoskeletal injury in 68, hind limb musculoskeletal injury in 51, and non-musculoskeletal injury in 62 horses. hillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aim was to look for any association ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

53

VETERINARY these structures lie underneath the flexor tendons in the pastern. ultrasonography of this area is fairly straightforward but existing research suggests there can be considerable variation in ultrasonographic patterns seen in these ligaments. Nevertheless, now that we know that there is an association between pre-existing ligament injury and musculoskeletal catastrophe, future research needs to be directed at how we can better characterize ligament injury before further serious injury occurs.

What about the jockey?

a) The suspensory apparatus comprises the suspensory ligament, sesamoid bones, and distal sesamoidean ligaments. Together these structures support the fetlock joint. The lines indicate specific sites where samples were taken; b) a normal suspensory branch in cut section; c) a discolouration and enlargement in an injured suspensory branch; and d), e), and f) show injuries in the sesamoidean ligament. Images reproduced with permission from Equine Veterinary Journal

between non-catastrophic injury in the ligaments of the suspensory apparatus and subsequent suspensory apparatus failure and lateral condylar fracture. Injuries to the suspensory ligament and distal sesamoidean ligaments were extremely common. overall, 16% had moderate injuries and 77% had milder lesions.

The researchers’ next step was to compare the prevalence of these injuries between horses with specific forms of musculoskeletal injury. hill found strong associations between moderate ligament injury and subsequent catastrophic injury.

With moderate injury to the ligaments, the odds of horses sustaining fore suspensory apparatus failure were approximately 4.6 times higher and over five times higher for fatal fore metacarpal condylar fractures.

These findings indicate that suspensory apparatus breakdown is not an isolated event occurring on one day but that there is a sequence of repetitive activity leading to mechanical fatigue, injury to 54

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the ligaments, and ultimately predisposing the horse to fatal catastrophic injury. hill’s team recommended that monitoring the health of the ligamentous structures of the suspensory apparatus may be a simple means of assessing fatigue in, and preventing more extensive injuries to, the suspensory apparatus and metacarpal condyles of the equine forelimb.

Can we predict catastrophic injury before it happens?

hill was careful to point out that in this study, the ligament injuries that were associated with catastrophic injury were found on detailed postmortem examination, with no examinations prior to death. Injury to the suspensory ligament branches can sometimes be detected on palpation of these structures, just above the fetlock, and many horses with injuries of this type will not be lame.

Injury to the distal sesamoidean ligaments can be even more difficult to detect because

The researchers working with california’s postmortem Examination program have also looked at the impact of horse injury on jockeys. Equine racecourse fatalities can be broadly subdivided into those associated with catastrophic injury as described above and those in which the horse dies suddenly.

This may relate to cardiopulmonary failure and severe hemorrhage but often when sudden death occurs, there is no clear explanation found.

From 2007 to 2011, jockeys fell in association with 29% of Thoroughbred and 44% of Quarter horse flat race-related deaths in california. catastrophic injury or sudden death of the horse was estimated to cause 0.58 jockey falls per 1000 race rides in Thoroughbred races and 1.39 jockey falls per 1000 race rides in Quarter horse races. such falls were more likely to result in jockey injury than falls caused by other factors. The study recently published in Equine Veterinary Journal was undertaken with the aim of identifying specific racehorse injuries or conditions with greatest risk for jockey falls and injuries.

California’s Jockey Injury Study

For this work, a research team led by Dr. peta hitchens collated data from jockey injury reports and records of equine necropsy, both over the same five-year period (2007 – 2012). Incidents which were not related to exercise or training were not examined further, and instances where there was a race day incident – such as being hampered by another fallen horse, flipping over in starting gate, or interference by another horse, another shifting ground abruptly – the horse injury was not considered the cause of any jockey injury. In this way, hitchens was able to examine direct relationships between spontaneous horse events and jockey injury. over the study period, 199 jockeys had 601 falls and 325 associated injuries from 211,511 Thoroughbred and 52,544 Quarter horse race rides. Jockeys were 162 times more likely to fall and 171 times more likely to be injured when they rode a horse that died from a musculoskeletal injury or sudden death in a race.

A total of 707 racehorses experienced race-related catastrophic injury or sudden death. linking these to the jockey falls, 32% of falls were caused by catastrophic injury or sudden death of the horse, with jockeys

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55

MusculoskElETAl cATAsTRophEs

This x-ray shows a fracture of the lateral condyle, one of the commonest fracture types linked to fatality. Recent research from California shows this fracture is associated with pre-existing injury to the ligaments of the suspensory apparatus.

Photograph courtesy of Professor Peter Clegg, Equine Veterinary Journal

injured in 64% of falls. Jockey falls occurred in association with 24% of Thoroughbred and 36% of Quarter horse race-related horse fatalities, and the riders were injured in 16% of Thoroughbred and 23% of Quarter horse incidents. Jockey injuries resulted from 64% of falls from associated Thoroughbred and Quarter horse fatalities, but this accounted for only 38% of racerelated injuries and 20% of race-related falls.

There were two jockey fatalities: one was caused by catastrophic injury to the carpus of a two-year-old Quarter horse, and a horse clipping heels caused the other.

Which is more dangerous for the jockey: Catastrophic injury or equine sudden death?

Although in numeric terms, there were more 56

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Number of jockey injuries associated with horse injury site in a) thoroughbreds and b) quarter horses. Images reproduced with permission from Equine Veterinary Journal

jockey falls and injuries caused by horse catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries than there were falls linked to the less common event of equine sudden death, jockeys were more likely to be injured by falling when the horse experienced sudden death rather than catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries in Thoroughbred races.

This link was not replicated in the Quarter horse population but the researchers pointed out that this was likely because there were only two equine sudden deaths in Quarter horses during the period of time they studied, so there simply was not enough data available to explore that potential association.

Does the site of equine injury influence risk to the jockey?

Although catastrophic forelimb injury caused the most jockey falls and injuries, risk of jockey injury was higher in the less common event of injury to the pelvis or spine rather than to the fore or hind limbs. Jockey injury as a result of hind limb issue to the horse was rare. When the researchers looked to see if equine bone versus soft tissue injury influenced jockey injury, this factor did not appear to be important. overall, the bulk of jockey falls and injuries are largely related to skeletal sites with the largest prevalence of catastrophic injuries: the fetlock, carpus, and metacarpus.

This work is important because it will help direct priorities for future research efforts to make racing safer for both equine and human participants. n

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RACING

MARGINAL GAINS

Can the philosophy apply to horseracing?

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MARGINAL GAINS

The marginal gains philosophy seeks to make a series of very small improvements in performance by focusing on positive change to various aspects of training and racing. The view held is that these small improvements amount to a much larger and more significant improvement in race performance, targeted to get the athlete across the line in first place.

One sport where it has become the norm is cycling, where the implementation of marginal gains has ranged from using manufacturing technology to improve bikes, to ensuring that the cyclists always sleep well prior to competitions by shipping their mattresses and pillows to each hotel.

WORDS: DR. CatheRine Dunnett BSC, PhD, R.nutR

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PhOtOS: ShutteRStOCK, neiL RanDOn, GiLeS anDeRSOn

IR David Brailsford of the major force in cycling, Team Sky, suggests that it is actually very difficult to control whether you win a race or not, but that you have a far greater chance of winning if your athlete is competing at their absolute best.

One could perhaps suggest that marginal gains are simply an extension of ‘leaving no stone unturned’; however, it goes far beyond that technically and also requires a self-critical mindset. This is not just about changing the way you do one or two things or introducing a new piece of equipment; it involves critically evaluating the whole process of training a racehorse from start to finish. Marginal gains are a fascinating concept and I was excited at the prospect of

discussing it in the context of horseracing.

While my expertise is largely within the field of equine science and nutrition, I can hopefully provoke some thought and discussion about applying marginal gains to

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Brailsford suggests that one of the differences between those who succeed and those who don’t is the ability to be self-questioning or critical

”

the hugely complex subject of horseracing.

Interestingly, Brailsford suggests that one of the differences between those who succeed and those who don’t is the ability to be self-questioning or critical; in other words, where there are failures, asking, “What could I have done differently to improve the outcome?” rather than looking for others to shoulder those deficiencies.

In identifying where marginal gains could be effective, all the potential areas of weakness in the whole process of bringing a horse to the racetrack would need to be evaluated to find elements that could be improved by just a small amount. A 1% difference in race performance may not be noticeable in isolation and can be lost in all the other variables that affect performance on race day, but when a series of 1%

The Great Britain team lead the way during the men’s Road Race at the London Olympics

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MARGINAL GAIN OPTIONS Introducing the concept of marginal gains into a training regime doesn’t need to be expensive! Some cost-effective examples are indicated below. When setting out to introduce the concept, remember that it’s the combination of small gains that will add up to bigger gains Ideas for Marginal Gains Use of automatic feeders Use of hydroponic grass Saddle design Different types of exercise (left / right handed) Forage intake The working day Clever sourcing of forage Steaming forage Nasal tape during training Heart rate monitors / GPS Supplements – good horse data Water intake monitoring Out at grass / paddock time Chaff or no chaff?

Optimum racing weight Travelling to races Stable light Ventilation Same staff riding work on each horse

improvements are added together, there is more chance of winning. Certainly, genetic potential accounts for a large part of race performance and with better horses there is perhaps less pressure to find those small improvements, but equally, with a stable of mediocre horses a marginal gains approach may allow horses to race beyond their genetic class.

Trainers could perhaps be regarded as performance directors for each equine athlete, and one of their key tasks must surely be to build a capable, reliable, and informed team, who are able to ‘think outside of the box’ and critically evaluate everyone’s contributing processes. Breeders, bloodstock agents, assistant trainers, stable staff, feed staff, race secretaries, jockeys, vets, nutritionists, and others will have a part to play. Fostering teamwork, nurturing talent, and creating a sense of ‘ownership’ is important.

Nutritionists, whether independent or from a valued feed or supplement supplier, can highlight some of the areas of weakness within a feeding program and suggest aspects of feed management, where small improvements or gains could be made for the stable as a whole or for individual horses.

Forage, for example, we know has an impact on the incidence of gastric ulcers and respiratory health, both of which can have a negative effect on performance.

Additionally, psychological wellbeing may be affected by the quantity of forage fed. Two key questions are, do you have clean forage, and are you feeding an optimum amount daily? Ensuring clean forage all of the time is difficult to achieve and there are many choices to be made, for 60

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The Gain To better reflect feeding in nature To better reflect feeding in nature Minimize back issues and Jockey weight distribution More balanced athlete Optimize for health and gut fill Is an early start essential?

Better quality clean forage Better respiratory health Improved respiratory function Smarter training, monitoring recovery rate Physiological support Better handle on hydration / health Psychology / physiological benefits May be different for different horse requirements Monitoring best racing / training weight Optimise protocols for travelling Correct lighting (lumens) for optimal coat maintenance The cleaner the air the better for respiratory health Better way to monitor feedback post training

example between hay or other alternatives; where to get the hay from; whether to test new batches; how to store; and whether or not to steam or soak. Do we even know what the optimum intake of forage is per day is to maintain health and not limit performance?

In terms of concentrate feed, it is not just about Brand ‘X’ versus Brand ‘Y’ but also about the relationship you have with your supplier, how easily they meet your needs, and how well they are able to respond to your questions. Can we see a marginal gain

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Marginal gains are really what a true horseman is constantly looking for

Ilka Gansera Leveque

”

by feeding horses less per meal, but with small meals more often? Is this logistically possible, or should we turn to technology using automatic feeders? Do our horses perform better with high-starch feeds, perhaps because of that intangible will to win, or are they healthier and more able to perform to their genetic potential with a feed with a low or moderate starch content?

What supplements are worth feeding and which offer no realistic gain no matter how small?

Racing often seems to be looking for the next nutritional panacea for performance, whether it is a particular brand of feed used by a revered trainer, or a new overhyped

supplement. We need to put this one to bed, as in general such panaceas don’t exist and even a well-researched supplement with data in horses to back its effect will at most offer a small marginal gain to add to the other improvements achieved.

Use of technology such as GPS and heart rate monitors have the potential to offer small but significant gains through improved evaluation of talent, fitness, readiness to race, or simply bringing consistency to days of intense work. Genetic profiling in terms of racing distance, talent, and precocity are also used more frequently these days and will no doubt bring new opportunities for characterizing equine athletes in the future.

However, if viewed in isolation all of these technologies may disappoint. It is only when they are used as part of a marginal gains approach that they potentially become a more significant factor.

Good racing staff is imperative and as part of a team they bring an important marginal gain, as they are always in close contact with the horses and can represent a trainer’s eyes and ears. In the current climate of difficulties in recruiting and retaining good staff, perhaps this is an area for critical evaluation for maintaining job satisfaction and fostering teamwork and ‘ownership,’ as well as a working environment that helps retain staff as valued members of a racing team.

A relative newcomer to the ranks of Newmarket’s trainers is Ilka Gansera Leveque, a vet by training who was an assistant trainer in the U.S. and an apprentice jockey in Germany, and who has spent time with horse behavioral expert Monty Roberts. “Marginal gains are really what a

MARGINAL GAINS true horseman is constantly looking for,” she said. “I’ve been applying this philosophy to every horse that comes to Saint Wendred’s, especially if they are second- or third-hand horses. It’s so important to listen to the horse (trying to understand and figure out their particular problems).

“Just doing what everyone else has done previously will not help the individual to improve. You need to be specific and individual in your approach. Being up to date on technology etc. is a must. A passion for horses and racing from the trainer and all staff is so important for this philosophy to work.”

As jockeys are athletes too, a similar marginal gains philosophy could be applied to their training, nutrition, psychology, and even clothing or equipment for additive benefits. The challenge of making the desired racing weight versus maintaining optimum nutrition for performance is a key area that could be evaluated with potential for positive change.

It will be interesting to see whether the outstandingly successful British cyclist Victoria Pendleton, who no doubt has firsthand knowledge of marginal gains, will introduce any new ideas for her own nutrition and performance as an amateur jockey.

Racing saddles have not changed very much in design over the years, yet horses experience back soreness during their career. Should we be looking at applying

Allowing horses to spend time in the paddock is a cost-effective marginal gain

some of the technological advances used in other areas of the industry to saddlery, such as changes in tree design or even a move towards treeless saddles?

The financial implications of a marginal gains approach are largely unknown in horseracing, but suffice to say that a careful balance between extra cost and tangible gain must be achieved.

There is certainly scope for improvement to horse management and other aspects of racing for which there is no increase in cost, and this seems like a sensible first step to achieve some early gains and encourage further development of this concept.

Factors such as timing of exercise during

the day may be worth examining. Is it best for horses to be ridden at the crack of dawn, or are we just simply carrying on with tradition? Can horses be allowed access to pasture on a regular basis, which may lessen the stress on a stabled horse in training?

A marginal gains approach may take you beyond accepted knowledge and into the realms of innovation, where a certain amount of trial and error may be required over a period of time. Achieving a balance between a science-led approach and practical experience, all the while challenging tradition, is a difficult but potentially fruitful path to follow. n

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RACING

CROSS TRAINING Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds and Quarter Horses may be breeds apart, but they are not exclusionary. Three of Thoroughbred racing’s most successful trainers – D. Wayne Lukas, Bob Baffert, and Chad Brown – began their careers with other breeds. Other trainers and even owners and breeders have switched breeds with little fanfare. All of them shared a similar journey out of their comfort zone.

WORDS: BILL HELLER PHOTOS: AmERIcAn QuARTERHORSE JOuRnAL, LAuRA DOnnELL, HORSEPHOTOS, uS TROTTIng SOcIETy, RILLITO DOWnS, yOnkERS RAcEWAy

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ALL of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte and the late legendary Hall of Fame harness driver/ trainer Billy Haughton enjoyed learning about each other’s breed when they were neighbors and became friends in Oyster Bay, Long Island, in the ‘70s. “We’d discuss the great horses he drove and the ones I rode,” Turcotte said in late December.

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Haughton owned dozens of Thoroughbreds and knew Hall of Fame Thoroughbred trainers John Nerud, LeRoy Jolley, Horatio Luro, and Ed Neloy, who trained Haughton’s Thoroughbreds in New York. Though Turcotte is no relation to the Turcotte harness racing family from Canada – Ted Turcotte was one of six brothers in a family of 15 who drove horses – he said, “I know a little bit about Standardbreds.”

Turcotte admired Haughton, as well

as two other harness racing immortals he knew, Stanley Dancer and Del Miller, as complete horsemen. “They do everything from the ground up,” Turcotte said. “They care for horses, train them, and drive them.

They know from A to Z about horses.”

People say the same thing about Lukas.

Still going strongly at the age of 80, Darrell Wayne Lukas earned a master’s degree in education at the University of Wisconsin, where he was an assistant basketball coach

CROSS TRAINING

for two years. He spent nine years as a high school teacher/basketball coach before his passion for horses took over. He had been spending summers training and racing horses in South Dakota before turning to racing full-time.

He began with Quarter Horses, averaging more than a million dollars annually in earnings and producing 23 champions, with a growing presence in Thoroughbred racing before turning to Thoroughbreds full-time in 1978. His son, Jeff, helped him make the decision. “Jeff pushed for it,” Lukas said on December 28. “I’m confident. I always felt if I switched over, I’d be successful.”

Asked how the breeds compare, Lukas said, “I always thought in both breeds, the mental to the physical is three-to-one.

I think what separates good trainers from great ones is being able to read them. I call it an intuitive awareness to be able to read the horse. It’s no different than (University of Wisconsin head football coach) Nick Saban and those top coaches. Obviously, they’ve got good athletes. The key is putting them in the spot where they have the best ability to succeed. Being aware of what they need every day. There’s no how-to book. It’s trial and error. You learn from your experiences.

There aren’t a lot of people teaching out there. Those people who have that awareness and pay attention to detail have a good chance to succeed.”

Lukas said conditioning is equally

important in both breeds. “You must get the foundation into them first,” he said. “If you don’t, you’re going to get into trouble.

With a Quarter Horse, you have to get them sharp. You have to take care of them.

Bloodwork. Feet. Quarter Horses have a controlled explosion, is what they call it.

They go all out. I thought they are more susceptible to knee injury.”

When Lukas switched to Thoroughbreds, he built a legacy difficult to fathom. Besides the incredible numbers – he was the alltime leader in earnings before his former assistant, Todd Pletcher, passed him, and he is the leading trainer in the Breeders’ Cup by a wide margin – he changed the way the

“

With a Quarter Horse, you have to get them sharp.

You have to take care of them. Bloodwork. Feet.

Quarter Horses have a controlled explosion, is what they call it. They go all out

D. Wayne Lukas

”

Thoroughbred game is played. By having stables in different parts of the country, he shipped his horses to the best stakes that fit them regardless of the location. Other trainers would follow, trying to match “D. Wayne off the plane.”

That’s only one measure of his impact.

He has built an unending trainer tree that will last for generations, thanks to the accomplishments of his former assistants, including Pletcher, Kiaran McLaughlin, Dallas Stewart, George Weaver, Mike Maker, Mark Hennig, and Randy Bradshaw.

Of his career, Lukas said, “I think there are a lot of things that helped my career.

Wonderful contacts. Like John Nerud.”

Nerud, who passed away last year at the age of 102, was doing so well with his Tartan Stable in the late 1970s that he decided to send some horses from New York to California. And the man he wanted to train them was Lukas. Nerud was walking toward Lukas’s barn at Santa Anita, and by chance, Lukas and trainer Jerry Fanning walked up to him on horseback. Nerud yelled out, “Cowboy, I’m going to send you some horses.” Lukas nodded, said, “Thanks,” and kept his horse walking before asking Fanning, “Who was that guy?” Fanning told him it was John Nerud. Thirty-five years later, Lukas admitted, “I really had no idea who he was.”

One of the horses Nerud sent to Lukas was Codex, who gave Lukas his first ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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Bob Baffert (above) at the head of a Quarter Horse he trained early in his career and (below) with 2015 Horse of the Year American Pharoah

Triple Crown victory when he won the controversial 1980 Preakness Stakes over Kentucky Derby winner Genuine Risk.

The rest is history. “When you have that opportunity, you have to pay attention and do things right,” Lukas said. “Success builds on success.”

Baffert, who has had similar success in both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing, made that transition more than a decade after Lukas. Baffert, who turned 63 on January 13, is the fourth of seven children. Born in Nogales, Arizona, he grew up on a cattle ranch near the Mexican border. He began his horseracing career by 64

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grooming and galloping his father’s Quarter Horses. After graduating from high school, Baffert was a jockey for a year. He won 30 races but grew tired of making weight, and he enrolled in the University of Arizona’s Racetrack Industry Program.

He began training Quarter Horses and developed four champions, including 1986 World Champion Gold Coast Express.

“In Quarter Horse racing, there’s a lot of horsemanship involved,” he said on January 5. “I broke my own horses when I started out. I learned from the bottom up. In Quarter Horses, you don’t train them too much. For them to run well, they have to

be sound and fresh. If they have problems, they won’t break. If they don’t break, forget about it. I did a lot of gate work with them, which I do with Thoroughbreds.”

Baffert said one thing he learned with Quarter Horses has helped him train Thoroughbreds. “I knew how to get them ready from a 30-day or 60-day layoff,” he said. “I gave them a lot of time to finetune. I did that with (1992 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner) Thirty Slews and American Pharoah.”

Like Lukas, he received encouragement to switch to Thoroughbreds. Baffert’s came from owners Mike Pegram and Hal Earnhardt. Baffert gave up his Quarter Horse division in 1991.

Asked about the switch to Thoroughbreds, Baffert said, “It was very intimidating. At Santa Anita, I raced a horse I claimed at Del Mar. You see all those big-name guys like Charlie Whittingham. I was wearing my cowboy hat, coming from Quarter Horses.

Thoroughbred racing in Arizona wasn’t very good. I remember going to Santa Anita. I couldn’t get a ticket to the boxes to watch the race. Mike Pegram and I hung out near a bar. Those were the good old days. Finally, we got a box.”

Baffert burst into national prominence when his Cavonnier lost the 1996 Kentucky Derby by a nose to Grindstone, who gave Lukas his second consecutive Derby, following Thunder Gulch’s triumph the year before. Then Baffert won both the

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Chad Brown schooling Real Solution prior to the 2013 Breeders’ Cup

Derby and Preakness with Silver Charm and Real Quiet. Silver Charm led late in the Belmont Stakes before losing to Touch Gold by three-quarters of a length in 1997.

The following year, Real Quiet let a fourlength lead in the Belmont Stakes vanish in the final sixteenth of a mile, losing by a nose to Victory Gallop. After the race, Baffert said, “We’re getting closer.”

In 2001, Point Given lost the Derby, then won the Preakness, Belmont, Haskell Invitational, and Travers to earn Horse of the Year honors. The following year, his War Emblem won the Derby and Preakness but broke poorly and lost the Belmont.

That gave Baffert three misses for winning the first Triple Crown since Affirmed in 1978, while the horse he thought was the best he ever trained, Point Given, also went two-for-three. “I said, ‘I will never lead out a horse as good as Point Given in my lifetime,’” Baffert said.

He got one better. When American Pharoah won last year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness, he gave Baffert his fourth shot at the Triple Crown, a chance to become only the fourth trainer in the last 67 years to do so, following Hall of Famer Lucien Laurin, Billy Turner, and Hall of Famer Laz Barrera. “I thought, ‘What would it feel like, winning the Triple Crown?’” he said.

In the Belmont Stakes, American Pharoah was cruising along the lead, looking strong into the far turn. But coming out of the turn and into the head of the stretch, Frosted made a menacing gain on the rail. “When Frosted made little run, I thought, ‘This is where it’s going to go to hell,’” Baffert said.

It didn’t. Jockey Victor Espinoza had plenty of horse left, and American Pharoah 66

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continued to lead comfortably. “I said I couldn’t believe it was happening,” Baffert said. “Is this going to really happen? It’s been a long way from Quarter Horse days.

I was thinking about my parents. It was very emotional for me, very emotional. To be part of history, knowing that I won the Triple Crown. Finally. It was like traveling to the moon. It’s not going to happen.”

It did. American Pharoah won the Triple Crown. “They always kept showing my near misses all the time,” Baffert said. “Mike Pegram said, ‘Now we don’t have to watch Real Quiet getting beat time after time.”

Then American Pharoah won the Breeders’ Cup Classic on the way to being named Horse of the Year. Baffert said, “This horse was a gift from God.” A generation younger than Lukas and Baffert, Brown, at the age of 37, is just beginning to fashion his career, but his stats are already staggering. He has finished

“

There’s not much speed work in Standardbreds. A lot of it is stamina building. You can’t train Thoroughbreds the same way. It’s totally different

”

Chad Brown

in the top five in earnings for four straight years. After finishing fifth in 2012, he was third in 2013, then second in ’14 and ’15.

His future seems limitless. But his start was in harness racing.

Brown, who would work for two Hall of Fame Thoroughbred trainers, Shug McGaughey for one year and Bobby Frankel for five, before going on his own in November, 2007, grew up in Mechanicville, New York, just 17 miles from Saratoga.

He fell in love with Thoroughbred racing, but wasn’t sure how to get started in the industry while in high school. One of his neighbors happened to be the mother-inlaw of accomplished harness trainer Paul Kelley and suggested approaching him. “I was more interested in Thoroughbreds, but you have to start somewhere,” Brown said.

“It was the best decision I ever made.”

Kelley isn’t as famous as his younger brother David, a TV writer and producer whose shows include Picket Fences, Ally McBeal, The Practice, Boston Public, and Boston Legal, nor David’s wife, actress Michelle Pfeiffer, but he’s been one of the top trainers in New York for many years.

Paul Kelley remembers meeting Chad.

“He walked into my barn one day and introduced himself,” Kelley said. “He was 16. He really had an aptitude for this. I’d tell him to do five things and he’d do ten.”

While he finished high school, Brown worked for Kelley full-time for three summers and intermittently on weekends and school vacations the rest of the year.

“He is a great horseman and he always was,” Brown said. “What I learned early from Paul is that he always put his horses first. He was very conscientious about the early detection

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Taylor Made Farms have enjoyed success with harness racer Travel Playlist

of problems and was constantly checking them over. Paul was never a guy to push a horse. That stuck with me. The foundation I learned from Standardbreds is priceless. I apply it every day.”

Comparing the two breeds, Brown said, “The basic care is the same. With Standardbreds, you probably deal with more foot issues. I learned a lot about taking care of their feet. I’ve taken some of those lessons and applied them to Thoroughbreds.”

Obviously, there are differences. “Night and day,” Brown said. “Totally different approaches. There’s not much speed work in Standardbreds. A lot of it is stamina building. You can’t train Thoroughbreds the same way. It’s totally different. Totally different equipment; totally different approach. The only thing they have in common is they’re horses.”

Brown spent a little time in harness racing, then the rest of his life dealing with Thoroughbreds. Eric Adsit did the exact opposite. He ended his 38-year harness training career in August, 2014, to become a Thoroughbred assistant trainer to his daughter, Abigail, who’s carving out a successful career in New York.

Adsit, 57, who previously had worked on Thoroughbred farms, has adjusted to Thoroughbreds. “It’s like apples and oranges,” he said. “The Standardbreds are much hardier than Thoroughbreds, much tougher, with better bone mass.

They’re sturdier animals. Standardbreds stay sounder, at least in my experience.

Their temperaments are much calmer that Thoroughbreds. They acclimate better to new surroundings. They’re much more even-keeled.

“You’re more of a psychiatrist with a Thoroughbred. With Standardbreds, you’re more of a coach. They have a lot more gear.

Thoroughbreds, you have to keep them calm, keep them focused and keep them happy. Y ou ha ve to w ork on their m inds.”

John Wentworth had trained harness horses and left the industry, before being drawn to Thoroughbred racing after winning a trip for 10 to the 2014 Kentucky 68

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“

It’s been really exciting.

My granddad was in the business, and my dad worked for Clarence Gaines and John Gaines. We grew up around Standardbreds

Duncan Taylor

”

Derby at a charity auction, eight years after he stopped training. “I took eight people with me and we had a great time,” he said.

“Leaving there, we said we have to buy a horse.”

Wentworth used Google to find a trainer, chose Brad Cox, and they claimed Chocolate Ride for $40,000 on November 21, 2014 at Churchill Downs. Three months later, Chocolate Ride won the Grade 3 Fair Grounds Handicap. Then he won the Grade 2 Mervin Muniz Jr. Handicap five weeks later, and he opened his 2016 account with

a win in the Grade 3 Colonel E.R. Bradley Handicap.

Wentworth’s come a long way since cashing his grandmother’s $2,500 CD for graduating high school to claim a filly at Sports Creek Raceway in Michigan. “My parents were not super thrilled, but they were supportive,” Wentworth said. Two weeks later, he got a job on the backstretch cleaning stalls. He trained Standardbreds for 15 years. “The purse structure was starting to go down in Michigan,” he said. “You could bat .500 and not make money.”

So he moved to Canada. “My family was in Michigan; I was in Canada,” he said. “I would drive back and forth. It was brutal. I just got tired.”

He quit harness racing for real estate, opened John Wentworth Real Estate Group and has done incredibly well. “We do highend water fronts,” he said. “We’ll do $100 million in sales.”

His success led him to a charity auction, which led him back to horses and acquiring a very talented first Thoroughbred. “I’m sharing it with my family,” he said. “To have my wife and kids there when he won … when I’m gone, they’re going to have that day to look back on.”

When Taylor Made Farms, one of the largest Thoroughbred farms in the country, announced it had joined a partnership with two harness operations, Blue Chip Farms and All American Harnessbreds, to purchase a two-year-old Standardbred pacer, Travel Playlist, last year, it reconnected with its past. Taylor Made had a long history with harness racing, but it seemed to end after a colt owned in part by members of the Taylor family, Eilean Donan, broke stride as one of the favorites in the 2004 Hambletonian for three-year-old trotters.

But when Duncan Taylor, Taylor Made’s President and CEO, received a call from an agent offering a piece of Travel Playlist last year, he decided to reconnect with harness racing. “It’s been really exciting,” Taylor said in late December. “My granddad was in the business, and my dad worked for Clarence Gaines and John Gaines. We grew up around Standardbreds. When I was a kid, we’d go over to The Red Mile a lot more than we’d go to Keeneland (both are in Lexington, Kentucky). We never disliked Standardbreds. We looked at a couple before. We’re pretty flexible and will diversify if we think something has a chance to be profitable.”

Travel Playlist won his first five starts, including the $225,000 New York Sire Stakes Championship Final for Two-YearOld Pacers at Yonkers, before finishing second in a stakes. He is resting for his three-year-old campaign. If he continues his success, he’ll likely stand as a stallion for the partnership at Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, New York.

By then, Travel Playlist may not be the only Standardbred Taylor Made owns.

Taylor said, “If the right opportunity comes along, we’ll do more.” n

American Pharoah

2015 Horse of the Year

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PROFILE

JOE GORAJEC

How a tough stance cost the former regulator of Indiana racing his job

Joe Gorajec was a no-nonsense executive director of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission for 25 years, during which time his goal was to clean up racing in his jurisdiction. He came to the attention of the racing world with his study of cobalt use in Indiana, resulting in the state becoming the first to adopt a threshold for its use. Some of his critics believe he was too tough, while others supported a man who played strictly by the rules. In the end his uncompromising stance eventually cost him his job.

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SK people what they think of Joe Gorajec, the ousted executive director of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC), and you will get no lukewarm opinions. Over his almost 25-year tenure in Indiana, the hard nosed regulator has amassed his share of enemies, as well as ardent supporters for his crusade to clean up horseracing. The good guys view 70

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Gorajec as Eliot Ness, the FBI agent who dogged violators during Prohibition; those who hate Gorajec liken him to Hitler’s henchman in a parody posted on YouTube.

“Quite frankly, I’m used to people not agreeing with some decisions I’ve made or some recommendations that I made, but those things are just business,” he said.

“I’m not butting heads; I’m just doing my job. And if someone feels that their head got butted, then probably they have reasons

to have had that happen to them.”

Gorajec and Indiana racing started together. Indiana passed legislation in 1989 to establish the Indiana Horse Racing Commission; in 1990, Gorajec became its first executive director. His job initially was to lay the groundwork necessary to bring pari-mutuel racing into the state, including the lengthy process of awarding licenses so construction of facilities could begin.

With that accomplished, Standardbred

JOE GORAJEC may not be as clean as it should be, but there was no specific claim of abuse [in Indiana],” he said. “It was just generally doing what we always do, and that is to see if there is any way that we can make our product as clean as it can be.”

The study revealed 21 horses with cobalt levels in excess of the acceptable 25 parts per billion (ppb), including 11 horses that registered in excess of 100 ppb. One Thoroughbred spiked a score of 1,127 ppb.

As a result of Gorajec’s initiative, Indiana became the first jurisdiction to adopt a threshold level for cobalt and begin testing for the substance.

Just doing his job

racing launched in 1994, followed by Thoroughbred racing in ‘95, and Quarter Horse racing in ‘97.

Under the joint regime of Gorajec and commission chairman Sarah McNaught (2005-2012), Indiana adopted “Integrity ‘06,” a comprehensive plan to curb the use of unauthorized race-day medication; established out-of-competition testing to thwart blood doping; and in 2008, made Indiana the first racing jurisdiction to regulate the use of anabolic steroids.

Born to regulate

Gorajec, a city kid from Chicopee in western Massachusetts, knew at age 12 that he wanted to be involved in horseracing, though he’d never even sidled up to a horse. He read as much as he could about racing, then coaxed his parents to take him to Saratoga Race Course in upstate New York when he was 15 for his first taste of the real thing.

“My interest initially had nothing to do with horses and everything to do with the environment and pageantry of the racetrack and the race itself,” Gorajec recalled. “After one day at Saratoga, I decided I wanted to be in the racing business for a livelihood.”

Upon graduation from high school, Gorajec enrolled at the University of Arizona specifically to go through its Race Track Industry Program after obtaining an agriculture degree there. His first job at a racetrack was mutuels clerk at Tucson Greyhound Park. In 1979, he traded the dogs for horses at The Downs at Santa Fe, where he worked his way up to assistant racing secretary and director of marketing.

Gorajec’s first exposure to the regulatory side of horseracing was as an administrative assistant with the Oklahoma Racing Commission.

One of his early accomplishments, at age 27, was to become the youngest general manager of a North American pari-mutuel racetrack, Yakima Meadows in Washington State. In February 1986, he became Yakima’s sixth general manager in 18 months, as the track clawed to survive. Gorajec developed a comprehensive marketing plan that improved handle, increased purses, and brought a better class of horses to Yakima.

When he moved on in July 1987, the track was viable and lasted another 11 years.

Tough in Indiana

Gorajec believes in the letter of the law. He maintains that rules are there for a reason, and everyone must abide by them—no matter who they are.

Horsemen in the Midwest recognized Indiana as a no-nonsense jurisdiction, but Gorajec did not draw widespread attention until 2014 when he launched a study of cobalt use in Indiana racing in response to rumors that the mineral was being abused industry wide to enhance performance.

“The cobalt study was initiated just over a general concern that our racing product

Despite the formal reason given by the IHRC for Gorajec’s dismissal—that the commission wanted an executive director who would focus more on marketing the sport than on regulating—current commission chairman Tom Weatherwax told the Indianapolis Star that Gorajec’s tough regulatory stance made horsemen “almost intimidated” and afraid of retaliation.

“You can’t run a business or an industry where you have feelings like that,” Weatherwax said.

Gorajec acknowledged that some individuals may have chosen not to race in Indiana because of its strong regulatory environment. Those individuals, he

“

Quite frankly, I’m used to people not agreeing with some decisions I’ve made or some recommendations that I made, but those things are just business

”

suggested, probably didn’t play by the rules and made that decision because they knew Indiana wouldn’t let them get away with it.

“On balance, I would think the people who came here because we had a strong, clean program far outweigh those who chose not to participate for the same reason,” he said.

Gorajec’s job was to assure that racing in Indiana was clean, and he offers no apology for being tough on violators.

“I couldn’t have been given a better reason for being fired from the standpoint that it gives me comfort and consolation to know that I was doing my job,” he said.

“And I know that it’s near universal that the racing industry and the betting public want regulators to regulate. That’s the purpose of their existence, and that’s just another way of saying I was doing a good job. And if I got fired for it, well so be it.”

In 2007, the IHRC hired Indiana ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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PROFILE University to survey the state’s licensed horsemen to get their thoughts on the job the commission was doing. Two-thirds of the 1,378 respondents, mostly owners, said its regulatory efforts were good (55%) or excellent (12%). The commission also received average or better-than-average marks, when compared with other states, for its equine drug testing program, regulatory enforcement, and the penalties for violations.

There were dissenters. Thirty-two comments singled out Gorajec, indicating he should be replaced, but survey analysts attributed them to people who may have been disciplined for violations.

Despite its complaint that Gorajec did not devote enough effort to market Indiana’s racing industry, the IHRC disseminated a press release on March 4, 2015, that boasted: “The Jockey Club 2015 Fact Book names Indiana as the only top 20 foalproducing state to show an increase over the past ten years (2004 – 2013). During that time-frame the Hoosier state increased its foal production 24.8%, which contrasts with a 39.8% national decline.”

Strong, unbiased regulation

Gorajec embraces his strict stance on regulation, saying it is what the horseracing industry and betting public expects of its regulators. He referred to a recent survey by the Daily Racing Form of its readers, who were asked, among other questions, “Do you believe states are currently effectively catching trainers or veterinarians who use illicit drugs?” The answer was a resounding NO! But the sobering fact is that 70% of those who responded were fans and bettors—not horsemen. Their answer voiced the public’s disdain for regulators who mete out soft penalties that do not discourage violators.

Gorajec defended, in part, what fans and bettors may regard as a slap on the wrist for medication violations. He clarified that many penalties handed down are for accidental overages of permissible medications, which he said deserve a lesser punch than those doled out for intentionally breaking the rules—integrity violations.

“If it’s an integrity violation, then those violations should be treated in a very strict and severe way,” he said. “Violations that are accidental still need to be prosecuted and pursued, but the penalties for such violations are appropriately much less than integrity violations would be.”

Gorajec believes that the public, as well as horsemen, want regulators to enforce the rules equally and fairly, no matter whose toes they step on. Such was the case on April 7, 2010, when Gorajec received a formal written complaint from Randy Klopp, president of the Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA), against former racing commissioner Edmund Martin Jr., a prominent personality in Indiana racing and executive director of the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners & 72

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

saying he and the commission would have been remiss if they had failed to follow up on the complaints because they involved someone who had once sat on the commission with them. He denied it had anything to do with bad blood between him and Martin.

“If there was bad blood, it was only one way,” Gorajec said. “The fact of the matter is, if you’re going to have strong, unbiased regulation, you can’t do that if you’re concerned with particular personalities.”

During Gorajec’s tenure, several lawsuits were filed by various individuals against the IHRC, but in every case the courts ruled in the commission’s favor.

Investigative tactics

“

I know that it’s near universal that the racing industry and the betting public want regulators to regulate

”

Breeders Association (ITOBA). Klopp’s memorandum incorporated a complaint filed with the Indiana HBPA by Florida veterinarian Liane Puccia that detailed abuse and neglect of horses she allegedly witnessed at Martin’s farm near Ocala.

Then on April 8, Martin and ITOBA secretary Jackie Brown received notice from the commission that they were in violation of the Indiana racing statute that required them to be licensed. Brown complied, but Martin refused to be licensed and subsequently was banned from Indiana racing facilities until he did.

Martin’s lawyer filed a flurry of lawsuits against the commission and several individuals, including Gorajec, claiming defamation and conspiracy and asserting that the timing of Puccia’s complaint was suspicious. Puccia contacted HBPA officials at Gorajec’s request the day after a contentious meeting with Indiana state senator Luke Kenley involving Martin, Gorajec, and McNaught, among others.

Ultimately, Martin resolved the issues at his Florida farm, the Indiana Court of Appeals agreed that Martin was required to have a license, and all the Martin lawsuits were either dismissed or withdrawn.

“The fact of the matter is, all of the Ed Martin cases were a complete victory and exoneration for the horse racing commission,” Gorajec said.

He defended his investigation of Martin,

Several of Gorajec’s toughest critics claim they were pressured by him to cooperate during his investigation of Ross Russell, DVM. The cobalt study revealed Russell as the veterinarian of record for the majority of horses at Indiana Grand Racecourse with excessive cobalt levels. The information, although not a violation at the time, added to questions already arising about Russell’s ethics.

“That did not initiate the investigation, and I’m not at liberty to discuss the reasons for the initiation,” Gorajec said.

The critics—suspended trainer Mike Norris and his wife Sheri, and Christina Estvanko, wife of suspended trainer Richard Estvanko—accuse Gorajec of a miscarriage of justice and launching a vendetta against them to force them to provide information against Russell. However, they present no proof to substantiate their allegations, only hearsay and conjecture. Christina Estvanko received a 55-day suspension for harassing a witness in her husband’s case. Mike Norris and Richard Estvanko were found guilty of integrity violations by the racing commission and handed stiff penalties. Those who cooperated with Gorajec’s investigations received lesser penalties.

Gorajec said his actions are common investigative tactics.

“This is a classic case of someone stepping forward, telling the truth, and aiding the prosecution of a significant number of integrity violations,” Gorajec said. “So should that person’s penalty be less? The answer is absolutely it should be. It’s called witness inducement, and it’s something that’s practiced universally in prosecuting cases.

“To me, it’s just common-sense, strong, effective regulation. And we have a rule that says that a licensee has to cooperate with an investigation of the commission. So when you step forward and tell the truth, you’re cooperating. And if you stonewall and you repeatedly lie to the commission with regard to a violation that we are investigating, that’s another violation.”

In 2010, Indiana Inspector General David O. Thomas undertook an exhaustive 16-month investigation of the IHRC’s activities, notably its investigative tactics

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ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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PROFILE

Gorajec (above) as Indiana Horse Racing Commission’s first executive director in the 1990s; Gorajec (right) at the Jockey Club Round Table at Saratoga Springs

and ethics. Thomas found that “persistent rumors of illegal activity” were simply untrue.

In a formal statement, McNaught said, “As Commission Chair, I understand that effective regulation does not win popularity contests. The commission has been charged with the responsibility to protect the integrity of a sport that is an important part of our national fabric. The betting public and the thousands of horsemen and horsewomen who play by the rules every day deserve no less.”

Uniform regulations

Gorajec sees the industry’s lack of uniformity as the greatest obstacle for regulators and one that cannot be overcome under our current structure.

“The fact is that there is a lack of uniformity, which the industry has been striving toward for decades and has not been able to achieve. Quite frankly, I just don’t think it’s achievable. I think the current structure where you have 38 racing commissions is a system that is not receptive to uniform regulation.”

Gorajec strongly supports passage of the Barr-Tonko bill as the answer to this problem. He said the bill, if passed, has the ability to mandate uniformity in drug testing, procedures, and penalties.

Barr-Tonko (H.R. 3084) would establish an independent, nongovernmental, anti-doping authority charged with the responsibility of implementing a national uniform medication program. The proposed authority, dubbed the Thoroughbred Horse Anti-Doping Agency (THADA), would be affiliated with the United States AntiDoping Agency.

“The individual jurisdictions would have to abide by the standards set by THADA if, indeed, they were going to be involved in interstate simulcasting,” Gorajec said.

Referring to the Daily Racing Form’s 74

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

reader survey that showed 64% in favor of the bill and 22% dissenting, Gorajec said, “I think that’s a good indication of where the public is on that issue. And I think they have a very, very valid point.”

Political appointees

One criticism of racing commissions is that members are political appointees who may not have any knowledge or experience in the horse industry. At one point, the IHRC was populated solely by outsiders, whom Gorajec had to educate about topics before them.

Rather than viewing this as a detriment to effective regulating, Gorajec said it promotes neutrality because no member has an agenda to benefit his or her faction of the industry.

“During my tenure at the racing commission, the time period that the commission was most proactive and most progressive, there were no individuals on the commission that had a racing background, but they were all commissioners of the highest caliber, of the greatest level of integrity,” Gorajec said. “They wanted to do the right thing, they studied issues they were voting on, and they relied on their staff, chiefly myself, to inform them of issues and to make recommendations for them to consider.”

“

The fact of the matter is, if you’re going to have strong, unbiased regulation, you can’t do that if you’re concerned with particular personalities

”

McNaught, who joined the commission during that period, praised Gorajec’s help.

“Joe, in his appearance and in his way of communicating, is almost professorial,” she said. “I would call him a student of the industry, having gone through Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program and serving in several industry positions before he came to Indiana.

“For someone who didn’t know much coming in, I ended up spending about 35 hours a week on it because I wanted to understand the issues. And Joe could always explain the industry, which has a lot of arcane things if you’re not living it, even the terminology.”

Gorajec rejects the idea of industry insiders openly petitioning the governor for appointment to the racing commission.

If racing commissions were populated by those representing special interests, they would no longer be independent boards, he said.

“I think that’s one of the concerns with the current structure and one of the reasons why there are so many people who support the Barr-Tonko bill,” he said. “They see that particular entity [THADA] as being independent and not beholding to any special interest group.”

What next?

Gorajec was dismissed six days before his 25th anniversary with the IHRC, the longest tenure of his 36-year career. Indiana has been more than his employer. It is his home, where he has lived, raised his family, and sent his children off to college. Yet he is pragmatic about his dismissal. He wants to move on and continue to help the racing industry.

“Quite frankly, I don’t know how that will turn out, but I want to use my experience basically to further the type of work that I accomplished in Indiana.” n

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ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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VETERINARY

Does bleeding affect performance?

A ten-yeAr study

Capillary stress failure

When looking for blood within the trachea (windpipe), it is important that sufficient time is given for the blood to have travelled up from the deepest parts of the lungs. A minimum of 30 minutes is considered ideal

Exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage, also known as EIPH or “bleeding,” is a common problem in racehorses. Many trainers know from bitter experience that it can have a significant impact on some horses’ performance. Yet, other horses that bleed continue to race effectively. A recent issue of Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) contained three exciting new studies, each of which looked at the impact of bleeding on different aspects of race performance. These studies were accompanied by an article by Professor N. Ed Robinson, a leading EIPH researcher from the University of Michigan, which summarized what we know about how bleeding arises and explained why some horses are affected more than others.

WORDS: PROFESSOR CElia M. MaRR, EquinE VEtERinaRy JOuRnal PHOtOS: lEWiS SMitH, ROSSDalES EquinE HOSPital anD DiagnOStiC CEntRE

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The racehorse is fueled by oxygen, and an extremely efficient heart is needed to carry this fuel from the lungs to the body. At peak output, the equine heart is pumping up to 450 liters of blood each minute and beating around four times every second. To operate at this rate, the heart must work at a very high pressure that is also maintained in the blood vessels.

In the lung, the transfer of oxygen occurs within the capillaries. These form a meshwork of very fine vessels around the air sacs: the thinner the capillaries, the more efficient the transfer of oxygen. But the thinner the capillaries, the less they can resist the pressure needed to fill the heart. EIPH happens when the pressure inside the capillaries causes them to burst, with leakage of blood into the airways. In a small proportion of horses that bleed, the amount of blood is sufficient to appear at the nostrils.

Capillaries in the upper part of the lung, immediately in front of the diaphragm, tend to be most affected and this is generally the site affected by EIPH. The capillary stress failure theory was first put forward in the mid 1990s and it explains why EIPH occurs but it does not shed any light on why some horses bleed more than others or why bleeding tends to get worse over time. Professor Robinson and his colleagues have spent several years unraveling the much more complex events that are at play.

Venous remodeling

Robinson’s team has shown with detailed pathology studies that horses that bleed have scar tissue within the walls of the small veins in the lung. As the walls thicken, the veins become less stretchy, causing a backing up of pressure into the connected capillaries, making them prone to burst.

Robinson suggests that venous remodeling

EIPH is likely to begin when horses first enter training and is a response to the increases in pressure that happen every time a horse gallops. The degree of remodeling in any specific horse is dependent on the number of “high-pressure events,” i.e. gallops or races it has been exposed to during its lifetime coupled with an individual sensitivity. In other words, some horses’ veins are more prone to scar tissue formation than others.

Quantifying bleeding

Epistaxis is the medical term for nosebleed.

Epistaxis only occurs in the more severely affected cases and can vary depending on whether the horse snorts, shakes its head, or simply swallows the blood, so overall, the proportion of horses with visible blood at their nostrils is relatively small. In one of the recent EVJ studies, 744 Thoroughbreds in Australia were examined with endoscopy, once each within two hours of racing, and although 412 were found to have bled, only six had blood at their nostrils.

Epistaxis is generally assumed to occur with the more severe bleeding cases and indeed five of these individuals had large quantities of blood seen by scope but, interestingly, the other did not. This shows that the presence or absence of blood at the nose cannot be taken as a reliable estimate of severity of EIPH. A major stumbling block in research on EIPH has been the fact that it is not possible to precisely document the amount of bleeding or the amount of scar tissue within the veins of the lungs in a non-invasive manner. In very extreme cases, scar tissue in the lung can be visualized with chest radiographs but this is a very blunt tool and x-ray does not easily differentiate mild and moderate cases.

Trainers will know that vets generally quantify the amount of bleeding by examining the trachea after exercise and assigning a grade to any blood seen on a scale of 0 – 4. Ideally, this examination should be performed between 30 and 120 minutes after racing or galloping in order to give sufficient time for small quantities of blood entering the airways right at the back of the lungs to make it up into the visible portions of the trachea. Blood transit time can be very variable and is affected by events like the horse coughing, and the precise timing of the examination relative to the exercise period introduces great potential for inconsistency. A further problem is that grading scoping is a subjective process and one vet will not necessarily grade in exactly the same way as another.

What is the impact of EIPH on race performance?

In the largest study of its type to date, an international team of researchers led by Professor Paul Morley of Colorado State University enrolled 1,000 horses racing in South Africa and examined them between 30 – 120 minutes after racing. The vets graded the degree of EIPH and looked

In grade 1 there is the presence of one or more flecks of blood or two or fewer short, narrow streams of blood in the trachea or mainstem bronchi visible from the tracheal bifurcation

In this example, there is a narrow long stream of blood occupying less than a third of the tracheal circumference so it was graded as 2

for an association between the presence or absence of EIPH on the horses’ race performance on the same day.

In this study, 68% of the horses had bled to some degree. Horses that did not

bleed were more likely to have won on the examination day but there was no difference in the proportion of horses with and without EIPH that were placed. On average, horses with EIPH finished about one length further ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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VETERINARY behind the winners compared to those without EIPH. Horses that did not bleed were more likely to be in the top 10% of earners but the proportions of horses that did or did not earn any money were not different between the EIPH positive and negative groups.

Taken together, Morley’s team interpreted their findings as showing that EIPH had its greatest impact on the ability of horses to perform as elite athletes rather than having marked impact on all levels of athletic performance. In other words, the researchers are saying horses that bleed may still be able to put in a reasonable race performance but an EIPH episode will stop horses achieving their absolute best.

This x-ray from a normal horse shows the area of lung just in front of the diaphragm (indicated by the arrows), towards the back of the chest. The horse’s spine and ribs are also visible. The healthy lung has a fairly uniform density, with fine white lines representing the blood vessels

“

Morley’s team interpreted their findings as showing that EIPH had its greatest impact on the ability of horses to perform as elite athletes

”

This x-ray is from a horse that has bled on occasion but is still performing well. The back portions of the lung (above the yellow arrows) are slightly denser than the other regions, reflecting the build-up of some scar tissue in this area

The conclusion from South Africa that EIPH affects race performance was backed up by a study from Australia, again based on classifying horses by one post-race exam and performed by an international team including Professor Morley. The original examination and grading process was performed once in each horse 10 years before race performance data was collected, which was done the horses retired in order to look at the impact of EIPH on performance across horses’ entire racing career.

In this long-term study, overall there was no association between the presence or absence of EIPH and long-term performance. But the notable exceptions were that horses with grade 2 EIPH or greater had lower lifetime earnings and horses with grade 4 EIPH had shorter careers, earned less money, and had fewer starts compared to horses that were EIPH negative or had lower grades. This Australian study is very important since it shows an association between specific grades of EIPH and outcome with higher grades having a higher impact.

What is the impact of EIPH on career length?

This x-ray is from an older horse that retired from racing some time previously and has gone on to develop visible hemorrhage at the nose while hunting. There are dramatic changes and the lung is extremely dense.

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A major limitation of both the South African study and the long-term Australian study was that the classification of the horses EIPH status was based on a single examination.

On the other hand, because a small team of vets performed the examinations, the grading process was consistent and every horse was examined in exactly the same way and in a specific window of time after racing.

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ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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VETERINARY

GradinG EiPH Grade 0 = no blood detected in the pharynx, larynx, trachea, or mainstem bronchi; Grade 1 = presence of one or more flecks of blood or two or fewer short (less than one-quarter the length of the trachea), narrow (10% or less of the tracheal surface area) streams of blood in the trachea or mainstem bronchi visible from the tracheal bifurcation; Grade 2 = one long stream of blood (greater than half the length of the trachea) or more than two short streams of blood occupying less than a third of the tracheal circumference; Grade 3 = multiple, distinct streams of blood covering more than a third of the tracheal circumference, with no blood pooling at the thoracic inlet; Grade 4 = multiple, coalescing streams of blood covering more than 90% of the tracheal surface, with blood pooling at the thoracic inlet.

Kentucky took a different approach. They looked back over medical records to find horses that had undergone endoscopy at any time. Inevitably, the reasons prompting the examination varied; the timing relative to exercise was not standardized; the number of examinations each horse had was inconsistent, with some horses having 30 individual exams; and many vets were involved in the grading. The researchers also noticed that some horses had severe EIPH on one occasion and less severe EIPH when examined on different occasions. This lack of consistency made analysis and interpretation of the data much more challenging than was the case in the Australian and South African studies.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Researchers concluded that once the severity of EIPH rises beyond a threshold limit, horses are more likely to be retired due to EIPHrelated conditions

â&#x20AC;?

In grade 3 there are multiple, distinct streams of blood covering more than a third of the tracheal circumference

Nevertheless, the main findings from the Hong Kong study were that overall there was no difference in the duration of race career between EIPH positive and negative horses. But again, this study showed that horses with severe EIPH were adversely affected, this time focusing on the subgroup of 4% that had epistaxis. The multiple exams performed in many horses also allowed the researchers to demonstrate that EIPH is a progressive event. Horses that were diagnosed with higher grades of EIPH were more likely to have higher grades again and the researchers concluded that once the severity of EIPH rises beyond a threshold limit, horses are more likely to be retired due to EIPH-related conditions.

Future challenges

In this example, there are multiple, coalescing streams of blood covering more than 90% of the tracheal surface, with blood pooling at the thoracic inlet

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When taken together the studies from Professor Robinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pathology laboratory and the observations in these three largescale field-based studies provide a substantial evidence base to show that EIPH is a progressive disorder with structural damage building up in the lung as the horse is exposed to more and more high pressure events.

Many horses are relatively resistant and can perform to a satisfactory level over a normal career span. But for those horses that are severely affected, the condition can reduce race performance and longevity.

Even milder grades could prevent a horse from reaching its full elite potential. So, the challenge for vets and trainers now is to find better ways to identify those specific individuals that are at risk of developing scar tissue in their lungs and to find effective ways to intervene before irreversible damage has occurred. n

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StatE BrEEdINg aNd racINg INcENtIvES

BUSINESS State

Have you any new incentives for 2016?

Owners Awards

Breeders Awards

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Alabama

No

The Alabama HBPA provides owners’ awards for owners of Alabama- breds in open races anywhere in the US: $800 for first, $600 for second, $400 for third and $200 for fourth.

Breeders’ awards are provided to winners of Alabama-bred races only: 50% to winner, 30% to second and 20% to third.

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Arizona

10% bonus for AZ-breds that finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd in open races.

Az-bred owner awards are 12% up to 5% paid at end of meet.

No state breeder incentive awards, but we are working on getting them reinstated. Currently, a breeder can receive up to 20% of the winner’s share from HBPA purse account.

No

Arkansas

Ar breds that win an open company race at Oaklawn Park, other than stakes, receive `$5,000 bonus.

4.36% of money earned at Oaklawn Park.

13.22% of money earned in North America.

25 % to Certifiers

For 2014 it paid 5.9% on earnings in North America.

California

No

Owners can receive at least a 20% bonus on the finisher’s share of the purse for finishing first - fifth in an open allowance or overnight stake race and up to a 20% bonus for finishing first in an open starter allowance above $15,000 and open non-maiden claiming races with a claiming price of $40,000 or greater in Southern California and $20,000 or greater in Northern California.

Also a maiden bonus award will be paid to the owner of a registered California-bred or registered California-sired foal for winning a maiden special weight race. The bonus amount is $17,500 in Southern California and $10,000 in Northern California and at all the fair meetings throughout the state.

The breeder of a registered California-bred Thoroughbred finishing first, second or third in any race run in California and any graded stakes race conducted within the United States. Breeders will receive 75% of the remainder of the total incentive award monies after owners awards are paid, with an individual breeder receiving a pro-rated share of this breeders’ fund. The maximum purse considered within the state is $330,000 for a win, $120,000 for a second, and $90,000 for a third place finish.

Stallion owners receive 25% of remainder of incentive award monies after owner awards are paid, with individual owner of a registered California stallion receiving pro-rated share of stallion fund based on total qualifying earnings of the get during the year. Stallion Awards are paid annually to owners of registered California stallions whose Cal-bred or Cal-conceived get have won a qualifying race or finished 1st-3rd in a stakes race in the state or any graded stakes race within the US during the year. Qualifying races are any non-claiming races, incl. maiden allowance and starter allowance races, with a purse of at least $15K and open non-maiden claiming races with claiming price of $40K or greater in Southern California and $20K or greater in Northern California also qualify. Stallions must be registered

by Feb 15 each year to be eligible.

Delaware

No

25% to Owners

25% to the Certifier

No

Florida

Stallion bonuses were issued in recent years, but recently changed to stallion awards benefitting stallion owners.

Florida offers owners’ awards which are implemented by the racetracks in the state for owners of FTBOA registered Florida-breds that win certain races up to $50,000 in added purse money. The payment of FOA is based upon a percentage of gross purse, Calder, Gulfstream, Tampa.

Breeders’ awards for FTBOA-registered Florida-breds. Winner receives 10% with a cap at $10,500 Second place receives 3%, $3,000 cap Third receives 2%, $1,500 cap Details at www.ftboa.com

Yes, see incentive section.

Illinois

N/A

Owners awards available for $10k+ claiming races, on a fluctuating scale.

11.5% of winner’s share of base purse.

No

Indiana

15% increase in the number of overnight races for Indiana-bred horses. 20 stake races have been increased from $85,000 to $100,000. An additional $1.4 million dollars available in the Breed Development program.

We do not have owners’ awards, but there is a 40% purse supplement for all Indiana-bred horses competing in an open race that finishes 1st, 2nd or 3rd. This is paid by the purse account at the racetrack as additional purse money.

Breeders can receive 20% of the total purse in a Breeder’s award. Award is not paid on claiming races with a claiming price below $10,000.

Stallion award paid to the owner of a registered Indiana stallion when a Indiana-bred, sired by that stallion, wins.

The award is 10% of the total purse. Award is not paid on claiming races with a claiming price below $10,000.

Kentucky

No

Horses registered with the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) qualify for purse supplements for designated stakes, handicap, allowance, non-claiming maiden races and allowance optional claiming races for a claiming price of not less than $25,000 contested at licensed thoroughbred race meetings in Kentucky.

Breeders of a KBIF-registered horse winning races in Kentucky, USA and at Woodbine racetrack are eligible for awards on the following: 10% of winners purse for ALW & MSW with a maximum of $3,000/race; 10% of the winners portion for a STK win with a maximum of $4,000/race; $7,500 for a GI win; $5,000 for a GII & GIII win. Breeders of a KBIF- registered horse winning races in Canada, England, France & Ireland are eligible for awards on the following: $7,500 for a G1 win; $5,000 for a G2 & G3 win.

Breeders of a KBIF-registered horse winning the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks are eligible for a $50,000 award and $200,000 is allocated to the top 20 claiming horses in Kentucky with the most wins at a Kentucky racetrack.

Breeders awards are paid at the rate of 20% for horses finishing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd at any track in Louisiana or in a stake race outside the state. Horses finishing 1st,2nd, or 3rd in non stake races outside the state will participate in a $400K fund set up to pay breeders awards for those horses.

No

Louisiana

N/A

Owners are awarded with multiple restricted races offered each day, which are legislated.

These races usually have a larger purse than those offered for non-Louisiana-bred racers.

Beginning April, 2016 breeders’ awards will be paid at the rate of 18% for Louisiana-bred horses finishing first, second or third in state, in any race, as well as in stake races run outside of the state. The purse is capped at $200,000 for the share paid by the LTBA. Horses finishing first, second or third outside of the state, including outside of the country, participate in a $400,000 fund set up to pay breeders’ awards to these horses.

Stallion awards are paid on allowance, handicap or stake races in Louisiana, as well as stake races out of state. This is done pro-rata, with a total of $900,000 to be distributed annually.

Maryland

No

30% of horse’s share of the purse, paid on 1st through 3rd, on all overnight races.

30% of horse’s share of the purse, paid on 1st through 3rd, on all overnight races. Stakes awards capped at $100 purse.

All bonus awards are subject to semi-annual review by the Maryland Racing Commission. $2,500 premiums on MSW races for eligible Maryland-sired horses.

10% of horse’s share of the purse, paid on 1st through 3rd on all overnight races.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts-bred horses can now receive awards no matter where they race - in state or out of state. We can also run restricted Massachusettsbred races at out-of-state tracks.

30% of winners share of purse for finishing 1, 2 or 3 in open races

25% of winners share of purse for finishing 1, 2 or 3 in open or restricted races

15% of winners share of purse for finishing 1, 2 or 3 in open or restricted races if stallion was a registered Massachusetts stallion.

82

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

The following states either do not have a state incentives fund or do not publish it. Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

StatE BrEEdINg aNd racINg INcENtIvES

UPdatEd JaNUarY 2016

StatE INcENtIvES

Restricted Races

Out of State Awards

Registered foals

Racino state

Best horses bred to date

Contact details

No

Owners’ awards are provided for any open race in the US.

N/A

No

Buggin Out, Holy Brass and George Ray.

David Harrington, president ALHBPA T: 205-664-3925 W: ALHBPA.com

Restricted races offered everyday.

No

79

No

Coyote Lake $728,337, Uh Oh Banjo $691,512, Ez Dreamer $533,948, First Intent $524,357, Komax $489,785, Last Don B $471,461, Faro $460,103, Tribal Gal $488,051

T: # 602 942-1310 F: # 602 942-8225 E: atba@att.net W: www.atba.net

10 mdn spt.at Oaklawn Park at $68k.

Assorted state-bred races at Oaklawn Park. Around one per day.

13.22% - same as in state.

250

Yes

Comedero.G2 stakes winner. Nodouble Graded stakes winner.

Down The Dusty Road G1 winner. Strong Suit multiple G2 winner.

A.T.B.H.A. P.O.Box 21641 Hot Springs AR 71903-1641 ph.501-624-6328 Email atbha@att.net Website www.atbha.com

Racetracks in California are required by law to offer one race per day that is restricted to California-breds. In 2015 that amounted to 270 additional racing opportunities and almost $16 million in additional purses for California-breds.

In addition, the California legislature has declared its intent that at least 10% of the total stakes purses paid at any race meeting in California be paid on stakes races restricted to registered California-breds. This amounted to over $5 million in 2015 and will grow significantly through the creation of the Golden State Series.

Breeder of a Cal-bred Thoroughbred finishing 1st-3rd in graded stakes race outside of California, but within USA, will be paid pro-rated share of breeders’ fund. Maximum purse considered out of state is $165K for 1st, $60K for 2nd, $45K for 3rd-place finish. Also the owner of a registered California stallion whose Cal-bred or Cal-conceived get finished 1st-3rd in graded stakes outside of California but within USA, will be paid pro-rated share of stallion fund with a max. purse considered earned same as breeders above.

1612

Yes

California Chrome, Tiznow, Best Pal, Lava Man, Snow Chief, Bertrando, Free House, General Challenge, Budroyale and Thor’s Echo

ctbainfo@ctba.com - email www.ctba.com - website 626 445 7800

No

No

Latest Jockey Club information is 2013 and the number of Delaware registEred foals was 5.

Yes

Delaware doesn’t have a breeding program,but some of the best horses in the Thoroughbred program are: Work All Week - G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint Champion. The Pizza Man - Multiple Graded stakes winner, Hard Spun - Multiple Graded Stakes Winner. Galiana - Multiple stakes winner.

302-994-2398, dctp@dtha.com, www.dctp.weeble.com

Examples include the Florida-bred daily races and the Florida Sire Stakes program.

No

Florida is the second leading state in North America.

Yes

National champs Musical Romance, Dubai Majesty, Big Drama, Awesome Feather, Benny The Bull, Ginger Punch, Miesque’s Approval, Lost In The Fog, Afleet Alex, Beautiful Pleasure, Skip Away, Silver Charm, Jewel Princess, Not Surprising, Cherokee Run, Holy Bull, Hollywood Wildcat, Gilded Time, plus many more.

Notables: Florida’s first Derby winner Needles, Triple Crown winner Affirmed, world record miler Dr. Fager. Also 21 Classic winners and 18 Breeders’ Cup winners. In addition, Mucho Macho Man’s Breeders’ Cup Classic was the closest ever.

Tammy A. Gantt Assistant Vice President Membership Services and Events 352 629 2160 Www.Ftboa.com Info@Ftboa.com

Yes

No

350

No

The Pizza Man, Work All Week, Recount, Richies Sweetheart, Diva’s Diamond.

T 847 253 3670 E: info@itbof.net www.illinoisthoroughbredbreeders.com

Approximately 322 restricted races written for Indiana-bred horses.

Out of state breeders’ awards when the race meet is not in progress, and for two-year olds until July 1. Award is 10% of the winners’ share of the purse.

394 registered in 2014. 2015 foals are still being registered.

Yes

Lady Foghorn - Multiple Stakes winner.

Indiana Thoroughbred Breed Development Program c/o Indiana Horse Racing Commission 1302 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 317-233-3119 jbarnes@hrc.in.gov

No

Breeders of a KBIF-registered horse winning races in Kentucky, USA and at Woodbine racetrack are eligible for awards on the following: 10% of winner’s purse for ALW & MSW with a maximum of $3,000/race; 10% of the winners portion for a STK win with a maximum of $4,000/race; $7,500 for a GI win; $5,000 for a GII & GIII win. Breeders of a KBIF registered horse winning races in Canada, England, France & Ireland are eligible for awards on the following: $7,500 for a G1 win; $5,000 for a G2 & G3 win.

The Jockey Club reports 11,853 live foals reported in Kentucky in 2015 and 11,089 reported in 2014. Breeders nominate to the Kentucky Breeder Incentive Fund (KBIF) during the breeding season; during the 2014 breeding season, 8,947 mares nominated to KBIF and during the 2015 breeding season, 9,517 mares nominated.

No

There are so many champion thoroughbreds that left an unforgettable impression that it seems nearly impossible to acknowledge the many great athletes foaled in Kentucky.

Citation, John Henry, Man o War, Seattle Slew, Tapit and most recently American Pharoah are just a few examples of Kentuckybreds that were successful at the racetrack and/or in the breeding shed. Kentucky breeds champions.

Jamie H. Eads KY Breeders’ Incentive Fund (w) 859-246-2040, (f) 859-246-2887, (m) 859-351-0682. khrc.ky.gov Jamie.Eads@ky.gov.

Three accredited Louisiana-bred races offered at each track in state each day.

This must include a maiden race and each race track in state offers a whole day of racing for accredited Louisianabred stake horses.

Horses finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in non-stakes races outside the state will participate for a $400,000 fund set up to pay breeders’ awards for those horses.

Stake races outside the state, beginning in April, will be paid at the rate of 18% earnings capped at $200,000.

N/A

Yes

No

No

2014 – 520 2015 NA estimated to be close to 600

Yes

5 - $35,000 restricted races run last year. More planned for 2016.

Same as in-state awards.

112

Yes

Star Guitar, Happy Ticket, Scott’s Scoundrel, Vicar’s In Trouble, Superior Storm, Sunbeam, Heitai, Costa Rising, Zarb’s Magic, Sarah Lane’s Oats, King Roller, Dixie Poker Ace, Free Spirit’s Joy, Tortuga Straits, Desert Wheat, Hollowed Dreams, Little Ms Protocol, Walk In The Snow, Sittin At The Bar.

Earners of $2 million or more: Cigar, Awad, Concern, Broad Brush, Richard’s Kid, Ben’s Cat, Safely Kept.

Last 4 yrs: Victor Laszlo, Navy Nurse, Dreamed A Dream, Silk Spinner, Miss Wilby, Dr. Blarney, Desert Wonder.

If you have any updates for this part of the magazine please call us on 1 888 659 2935 or email us at info@trainermagazine.com. Please note all the above information stated above is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, but the various state incentives may be amended without prior notice. * Information sourced from website. We cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

800-772-1195 504-947-4676 504-943-7556 504-943-2149 (fax) roger@louisianabred.com

W: MarylandThoroughred.com, MarylandMillion.com T: 410-252-2100 E: info@marylandthoroughbred.com; Anne Frederick - registrar afrederick@maryland thoroughbred.com ext: 114; Anne Litz - membership, alitz@ marylandthoroughbred.com, ext 122; Cricket Goodall - executive director, cricket@marylandthoroughbred.com ext 111 508-252-3690, MTBA@Comcast.net, www.massbreds.com

ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

83

StatE BrEEdINg aNd racINg INcENtIvES

BUSINESS State

Have you any new incentives for 2016?

Owners Awards

Breeders Awards

Stallion Owners Awards

Minnesota

For the first time in 2016, Canterbury Park offer a Minnesota Thoroughbred Association (MTA) Sales Graduate Stakes Race for eligible two-year-olds consigned to and purchased from the 2015 MTA Yearling Sale. The 2016 race will be a 5f race on 30 July for $40K. The MTA offered a $10K bonus to mare owners who purchased a season during the 2016 MTA Stallion Service Auction. When the resulting 2017 foal wins the 2020 MTA Stallion Auction Stakes, the mare owner and stallion owner will share the $10K bonus!

Awards are paid out as purse supplements in open overnights along with the purse. The amount is based on a percentage of the purse for TBs.

Breeders Awards are paid to the breeders of MN-breds that place 1st - 3rd in any open or restricted overnight or stakes race. They are paid out based on an individual’s purse earnings as compared to the total for all MN-breds.

Same as Breeders Awards.

New Jersey

N/A

Owners of registered New Jersey-bred horses will receive a 40% bonus for finishing 1st-3rd in any open company race run at Monmouth Park or the Meadowlands. This bonus will be deposited into the owner’s account at each respective racetrack.

The 40% bonus has a maximum award of $15K. In addition, a 10% award will distributed by the TBA of New Jersey to the owner(s) of registered New Jersey-bred horses who finish 1st-3rd in open company race run within the State. The maximum award for each 10% owner award will be determined annually.

Awards are paid to registered New Jersey-breds finishing first through third in any race run within New Jersey. 35% of the purse earnings will be paid if the foal is sired by a registered New Jersey stallion and the foal is conceived in New Jersey.

25% of purse earnings will be paid if the foal is sired by a stallion that stands in a state other than New Jersey. The maximum award for each finish will be determined annually.

Stallion awards are paid to the owners of registered New Jersey stallions. A New Jersey stallion is a stallion resident and standing in the State of New Jersey the full breeding season. Stallion owners will receive an award equal to 10% of the amount that the foals of the registered stallion earn while finishing first through third in races run within New Jersey. The maximum award for each finish will be determined annually.

New Mexico

N/A

40% of the fund for 1st-3rd place. Class A Maiden, Trials, Futurities, Derbys, Allowances, Handicaps & Stakes, Class B Claiming races of $10,000 and above, Class A 1,129.83 428.76 170.22 Class C Claiming races below $10,000 Class B 847.36 321.56 127.66 Class D Maiden Claiming races Class C 721.84 273.93 108.75 Class D 439.37 166.74 66.19 Total $1,928,924.32

45% of the fund for 1st place.

Class A 1,955.47 Class B 1,466.59 Class C 1,249.33 Class D 760.45 Total $2,170025.34

7% of the fund for 1st place.

Class A 304.18 Class B 228.14 Class C 194.34 Class D 118.29 Total $337,556.66

New York

The cost of registering a 2016 foal has been reduced from $75 to $50.

Open-Company Owner Awards for all opencompany races in New York State with a minimum claiming price of $30,000, there are two tiers of owner awards: New York-Sired* First through Third Place: 20% Cap per Award: $20,000 NonNew York-Sired* First through Third Place: 10% Cap per Award: $20,000

New York-Sired* First Place: 30% Second Place: 15% Third Place: 15% Cap per Award: $40,000

10% of purses earned from finishes in first through third place. All stallion owner awards are capped at $10,000 per horse, per race.

Non-New York-Sired* First Place: 15% Second Place: 7.5% Third Place: 7.5% Cap per Award: $20,000

Ohio

Breeders’ awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd-placed finishers

No owners’ awards

15% of winner’s share for 1st, 2nd and 3rd-placed finishers

10% of winners share for 1st, 2nd and 3rd-placed finishers

Oklahoma

N/A

50% of OKB Purse

34% of OKB Purse

16% of OKB Purse

Pennsylvania*

N/A

Bonus of 25% of purse earned to owner of a PA-sired horse in all PA Stake races (1st through 3rd) and Bonus of up to 40% of purse earned to an owner on overnight races (1st through third), with no cap on earnings.

N/A

N/A

Texas

N/A

The owner of an Accredited Texas-bred (ATB) horse finishing 1st-3rd in any race in Texas (other than an ATB-restricted stakes) shall receive a monetary incentive in addition to purse money earned. Also, if the ATB horse finishes 1st-3rd in an Open Company race, the owner will receive an Owner Bonus award in addition to the regular monetary incentive. Incentives are based on purse money earned, and vary from track to track and meet to meet.

If the dam of an ATB racehorse finishing 1, 2 or 3 in ANY Texas race was accredited prior to foaling said horse, a monetary incentive is paid to the breeder of the racehorse.

Incentives are based on purse money earned, and vary from track to track and meet to meet.

If the sire of an ATB racehorse finishing 1, 2 or 3 in ANY Texas race was accredited and paid an annual administrative fee in the year of conception of said horse, a monetary incentive is paid to the appropriate stallion owner. Incentives are based on purse money earned, and vary from track to track and meet to meet.

Virginia

No

Owners of registered Virginia-bred Thoroughbreds who run in open races at Virginia meets will earn a 100% owner’s bonus- 1st -5th place.

Breeders of registered Virginia-breds who win races at any track in the United States are eligible for breeders’ bonuses.

Owners or lessees of registered Virginia stallions who sire Virginia-bred thoroughbreds who win races at any race track in the United States are eligible for Stallion awards.

Washington

New for 2016, the WTBOA Homebred Incentive Program (WHIP) is a one-time Owner’s Incentive Bonus of $1K awarded when a horse breaks its maiden at Emerald Downs at the $25,000 level or better. Two-year-old and three-year-old Washington-breds who have not have gone through any sale (either sold or RNA) are eligible for the bonus. Payment goes to the owner of the horse at the time the horse breaks it maiden. The owner of the horse does not have to be the breeder, but must be a WTBOA member to be eligible.

Awarded to 1st through 4th place finishes at Emerald Downs. Factor varies, about 12-15%.

Awarded to 1st through 3rd place finishes at Emerald Downs: 1st (75%) 11-12% factor; 2nd (15%) 6-6.5% factor; 3rd (10%) 5.5-6.5% factor.

Stallion bonuses paid to nominated stallions of eligible progeny in designated black-type stakes races.

West Virginia

No

25% of the development fund dedicated to owners.

60% of the Development Fund dedicated to Breeders.

15% of the Development Fund is dedicated to Stallion owners.

British Columbia (Canada)

No

When a British Columbia-bred horse finishes 1st through 8th in all overnight races at Hastings Racecourse (some exceptions apply), the purse earned will be supplemented by 25% for the 2016 race meet.

When a British Columbia-bred horse finishes 1st, 2nd or 3rd in any race at Hastings Racecourse, the owner of the broodmare at the time of foaling will receive an award. 15% is guaranteed for 2016.

When a BC-bred offspring of a BC stallion finishes 1st- 3rd in any race other than a claiming or starter allowance/ handicap race, the owner of the stallion at the time of service will receive an award. In the case of optional claiming/allowance races with a listed claiming price of $25,000 or more, the BC-bred offspring must not be entered for the claiming price to be eligible for an award.

Percentages for the awards vary yearly.

Ontario (Canada)

No

$1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place & 300 for 3rd at Woodbine and $400 at Fort Erie Racetracks to the winner from the Allowance Level dow. From TIP at Fort Erie: $1,000 Allowance winner, Sales Credits of $1,000 for $20,000 - $15,000 Claiming winner & $750 Sales Credits- $7,500 - $10,000 Claiming winner

The Breeders Awards program distributes $5 million via preset amounts, tiered by level of race, paid 1st - 3rd at Stakes Level down to $12,500 Claiming level. As well as winner only from the $10,000 Claiming Level and below at Ontario Racetracks

A total of $320,000 is distributed at year end in Stallion Awards through two methods. First method is based on points earned from the Stakes Level to the Allowance Level by eligible Stallion progeny and the second method is through top Stallion Awards on their North American eligible progeny earnings

84

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

The following states either do not have a state incentives fund or do not publish it. Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

StatE BrEEdINg aNd racINg INcENtIvES

StatE INcENtIvES

UPdatEd JaNUarY 2016

Restricted Races

Out of State Awards

Registered foals

Racino state

A complete listing of restricted and open races can be found at: http://canterburypark.com/LiveRacing/ HorsemanRelations/ConditionBook/ tabid/119/Default.aspx

No

265

No, but unique, agreement with Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) - owners of Mystic Lake Casino & Hotel. In 2012, Canterbury Park & SMSC signed a 10yr, $75m cooperative marketing agreement.

Yes

In any calendar year with a surplus of money after in-state awards program has been distributed, surplus may provide awards to breeders of registered NJ-bred horses who earn purses in races at out-of-state racetrack held at least 30 days before start of 1st meet of calendar year of more than 10 days’ duration at NJ racetrack or at least 30 days after last meet of the year at a racetrack of more than 10 days’ duration in NJ. 35% of purse earnings will be paid if foal is sired by a reg.NJ stallion and foal is conceived in NJ. 25% of purse earnings will be paid if foal is sired by a stallion standing in a state other than NJ.

N/A

N/A

N/A

T: 732-542-8880 F: 732-542-8881 E:njbreds@gmail.com www.njbreds.com

Must offer 3 NM-Bred races per day (excluding trial races).

No

For 2015 Quarter Horses Certified NM Bred 524 Thoroughbred Horses Certified NM Bred 544

N/A

Thoroughbreds - Peppers Pride & Rocky Gulch.

505-262-0224 newmexicohba@gmail.com www.nmhorsebreeders.com

825 races restricted to NY-breds were run in NY state in 2015.

No

1750

Yes

Funny Cide, La Verdad, Dayatthespa, Effinex, Commentator, Fleet Indian, Palace, etc.

(518) 388-0174 NYBreds@NYBreds.com NYBreds.com

Ohio-registered and registeredaccredited foals: HSW, Maiden claiming, Allowance races and claiming races.

No

302

Yes

Harlan’s Holiday, King Of The Roxy, Catcaunch, Pay The Man.

614-466-2757 office/ 614-779-0268 desk. greg.veit@rc.state.oh.us www.racing.ohio.gov

At least 2 restricted races each day.

No

544

Yes

N/A

405-943-6472 www.ohrc,org

450 races just for PA-breds

N/A

630 in 2014

Yes

N/A

www.pabred.com Phone: 610 444 1050 Email:execsec@pabred.com

Each Texas racetrack is required to write the equivalent of two races per day that are restricted to Accredited Texas-bred horses. Monetary incentive awards are paid to the owners and eligible breeders and stallion owners for horses placing 1, 2 or 3 in these races.

No

There were 584 Texas foals of 2013 registered with The Jockey Club. Of those, 492 became Accredited Texasbred.

No

Groovy, H. 1983, 1987 Eclipse Award Champion Sprinter, $1,346,956. Got Koko, M. 1999, Multiple Graded Stakes Winner, $960,946. Thomas Jo, G. 1995, 3rd in 1998 Belmont S. $398,952. Middleground, H. 1947, Winnder of 1950 Kentucky Derby and Belmont S.; US Champion 3-year-old colt and US Horse of the Year in 1951. $237,725. Assault, H. 1943, 1946 Triple Crown Winner, US Champion 3-year-old and US Horse of the Year in 1946. $675,470. #33 on Top 100 Racehorses of 20th C.

www.texasthoroughbred.com 512.458.6133 Executive Director: Mary Ruyle, maryr@texasthoroughbred.com Accreditation/Racing Coordinator: Jennifer Gibbs, jenniferg@texasthoroughbred.com

Virginia-bred restricted races are run at race meets in Virginia.

N/A at this time. We might run VA-bred owners’ bonuses on top of purses at Laurel and Charlestown in 2016, but that has not been approved yet.

126

No

The following champions: Shuvee, RIva Ridge, Secretariat, Genuine Risk, Pleasant Colony, Hansel, Stellar Wind.

Virginia Thoroughbred Association 250 West Main St., Suite 100 Charlottesville, VA 22902 T: (434) 977-3716 F: (434) 979- 2439 www.vabred.orgvta@vabred.org

Restricted Washington-bred races.

No

N/A

No

Saratoga Passage (multiple G1 SW, $800,212); Rings A Chime (G1 SW, $606,315); Atta Boy Roy (G2 SW, $602,276); Stryker Phd (multiple G3 SW, $518,018); Wasserman (G3 SW, $599,091); Noosa Beach (G3 SW, $524,472); Peterhof’s Patea (multiple GSP, $623,367); Captain Condo (multiple GSP, $511,695); Military Hawk (GSP, $686,128).

T: 253-288-7878 E: maindesk@wtboa.com W: wtboa.com

At least 3 restricted races offered per day at Charles Town and at least 1 restricted race per day offered at Mountaineer.

No

No

Yes

No

197

Yes

Soul of the Matter, Afternoon Deelites, Confucius Say, Russell Road, Lucy’s Bob Boy, Down Town Allen, Julie B, and Giovanni Boldin.

West Virginia TBA, PO Box 626, Charles Town, WV 25430 304-278-6868 email: wvbreeders@gmail.com website: www.wvtba.net

No

Contact details

Best horses bred to date

Crocrock Sir Tricky Wally’s Choice Ashar Heliskier Bleu Victoriate Timeless Prince Bella Notte Chick Fight Tubby Time

Starts

32 34 39 42 14 38 23 17 16 26

Wins

14 12 11 8 9 11 11 10 10 10

Place

6 7 2 10 2 7 6 3 2 3

Shows

3 7 6 5 1 5 2 4 2 4

Earnings

$340,452 $315,563 $285,835 $263,608 $263,368 $258,322 $244,756 $244,673 $235,668 $220,936

George Royal, Spaghetti Mouse, Strait of Dover.

Minnesota Racing Commission - 952496-7950 - www.mrc.state.mn.us Minnesota Thoroughbred Association - 952-233-4802 www.minnesotabred.com

Telephone: 604.534.0145 Email: cthsbc@cthsbc.org Website: www.cthsbc.org

On average there are over 200 Restricted Races that include OntarioSired Allowance Races

$150,000 in Breeder Awards for stakes races paid 1st - 3rd outside Ontario in North America, for stakes races with purses of $75,000 or higher. Paid out based on points earned at the above levels.

N/A

2

Top 10 Ontario horses by lifetime earnings are Awesome Again, $4,374,590; Victory Gallop, $3,505,895; Chief Bearhart, $3,381,557; Sky Classic, $3,320,398; Dance Smartly, $3,263,835; Private Zone, $2,900,620; With Approval, $2,863,540; Izvestia, $2,702,527; Wando, $2,566,060; Quiet Resolve, $2,346,768

If you have any updates for this part of the magazine please call us on 1 888 659 2935 or email us at info@trainermagazine.com. Please note all the above information stated above is believed to be correct at the time of going to press, but the various state incentives may be amended without prior notice. * Information sourced from website. We cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (Ontario Division) PO Box 172, Rexdale, Ontario, M9W 5L1 T: 416-675-3602 F:416-675-9405 E: cthsont@idirect.com W: www.cthsont.com

ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

85

TRACKSIDE

TRACKSIDE A look at stories in the news from tracks across North America

Massive purse money increase for Royal Ascot ThE pinnacle of the European summer season, Royal Ascot, is just around the corner. The 2016 meet will last for five days between June 14th and June 18th and entries for Group 1 races will be due in mid April.

Last year over ten nations were represented at Royal Ascot fielding a total of 20 runners.

From hong Kong’s Champion miler, Able Friend, to top Australian sprinter, Brazen Beau, an international cast assembled for Europe’s showcase race meeting but it was a familiar name from the USA who basked in the limelight. Wesley Ward, whose

remarkable filly, Acapulco, beat Europe’s best two-year-old fillies in the Queen Mary Stakes. A few days later, Undrafted won the Diamond Jubilee Stakes and became Wesley’s sixth winner at Royal Ascot since his first venture to these shores in 2009, and his first at Group One level.

2015 also saw the inaugural running of the Group One Commonwealth Cup over six furlongs (1200m) for three-year-olds. The race included two representatives from the USA in a race which we hope will continue to grow as an international contest.

Wesley Ward (third right) with his family and jockey Frankie Dettori after recieving the Diamond Jubilee Trophy for The Queen at Royal Ascot last year

Wesley has led the way for the US at Royal Ascot but he has usually been ably supported, never more so than in 2015 when Graham Motion’s Miss Temple City was beaten under two lengths into fourth by Ervedya in the Coronation Stakes, earning Graham and his team a first taste of the Ascot Winners’ Circle (to which the first four return).

Just as Australian participation at Royal Ascot went from occasional to the norm some ten years ago, now, American participation is beginning to establish a tradition of its own and the meet is all the stronger and more interesting for it.

The 2016 Royal Meeting will offer a record £6.5 million (approx $9,400,000) in prize money, an increase of almost £1 million on last year, so there has never been a better time to travel.

Ascot employ the hugely experienced International Racing Bureau and well known US racing expert, Stephen Nagler (1 858 829 678), to act on their behalf at home and abroad. They will ensure that any question relating to nomination procedures, medication regulations, shipping options – for which travel allowances area available for Group One-proven horses in Group One races – and UK stabling options are answered.

Full conditions for all the Group One races at Royal Ascot and the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) in July can be found via: https:// www.ascot.co.uk/international

Aiken gearing up for 2016 trials ThE Aiken Trials have become a timehonoured tradition since 1942. The Trials are run as the first leg of Aiken’s Triple Crown events, held annually for three consecutive Saturdays in March.

Six races are held on the program which includes five races for two-yearolds and maidens with distances between two furlongs and four and a half furlongs.

The sixth race is for horses which have already broken their maiden tag. horses are predominantly ridden by local exercise riders. Races are open to any Thoroughbred whose owners would like to get a race under the horse’s belt.

They are not just for the local Aiken trained horses.

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TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

Races are on the training track which is a dirt/sand track. It has an eight-inch clay base and six-inch cushion/surface. The track is eight furlongs in circumference.

What makes this track great is it handles water/rain very well and is very uniform.

On top of that, the climate in the winter is that the track is rarely unusable due to being frozen.

Aiken is a great place to visit. With its grand oak trees and lush boulevards as well as outstanding hotels and restaurants, it’s of no surprise that this is a favorite destination for many.

The 2016 trials will be held on March 19th, for further details please visit www.aikentrials.com

TRACKSIDE DURING the three months when a race call for Thoroughbreds is not heard in Canada, the organizers of the industry’s biggest night for Thoroughbred racing are busy preparing the dazzling ceremony.

The annual Sovereign Awards Ceremony is Canada’s equivalent to the Eclipse Awards in the United States of America, the Cartier Awards in Europe and the Australian Thoroughbred Racing Awards in Australia.

Canada’s Sovereign Awards have been organized and hosted by The Jockey Club of Canada since 1975 and the accolades are a symbol of excellence and history making accomplishment in Canada.

The 41st annual Sovereign Awards Ceremony will be held on April 8, 2016 the day before the start of the 2016 live racing season in Canada at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto, Ontario.

The Sovereign Awards consist of honours for performance in ten divisional horse categories along with the award for horse of the Year and the annual broodmare lifetime achievement award. Apprentice Jockey, Jockey, Owner, Breeder and Trainer are also honoured with a Sovereign Award for their outstanding yearly achievement.

Three media category Sovereign Awards are presented annually for Outstanding Photograph, Outstanding Writing and Outstanding Digital Audio/Visual and Broadcast.

Winning a Sovereign Award is an accomplishment coveted in Canada and without diminishing the accolade, the Sovereign Award trophy itself is a beautiful art piece with significant value.

The trophy, pictured, is a bronze replica of St. Simon (1881-1908) a highly regarded racehorse who gained international fame as a stallion. Sculpted by award winning Canadian carver, the late Siegfired Puchta, a native of Germany who immigrated to Toronto in 1953, the bronze is affixed to a dark wood base to house the brass description plates and Sovereign coins.

Only one bronze Sovereign Award trophy is awarded to an individual or partnership in his or her lifetime. Any and all subsequent awards are noted by the addition of a Gold Sovereign Coin which is intended to be affixed to the base of the trophy along with a brass plate noting the description of the award.

Sovereign Award Ceremony attendees tend to be the stars or celebrities within the Thoroughbred Industry in Canada and while the majority of those who attend are finalists, the Sovereign Awards is an event open to everyone who would like to attend.

The Sovereign Awards most winningest jockey, Patrick husbands, could add to his eight previous awards pulling farther away from the totals of any other jockey in Sovereign Award history. Patrick’s record number of awards could stand for many years to come.

While Mark Casse may be the habitual leading Trainer at Woodbine with ten leading trainer titles, nine consecutive, at

Lois and Russ Bennett

Sovereign Awards an integral part of Canada’s Thoroughbred racing history

Ernie Semersky and Dory Newell of Conquest Stables LLC (right in photo) with their families on the Sovereign Awards Red Carpet in 2015

Woodbine, he does need a couple more Sovereign Awards to get ahead of hall of Fame Trainer Roger Attfield. Casse, with seven Outstanding Trainer awards and Attfield, with eight are both nominated in their division for 2015. The opening of the 2015 envelope would either tie the division or give Attfield a two game advantage.

Three Breeders are currently tied with nine awards each in this Sovereign Awards category. Ernest Samuel/Sam-Son Farm, Kinghaven Farm and Frank Stronach/ Adena Springs. Both Sam-Son Farm and Adena Springs are 2015 Outstanding Breeder finalists and one could emerge as the category leader.

Also this year The Jockey Club of Canada is proud to be awarding the E.P. Taylor Award of Merit to Russell (R.J.) and Lois Bennett of Westbank, British Columbia for their longtime involvement and commitment to Thoroughbred Racing in Canada.

Plan to attend the cocktail-attire awards ceremony which includes an opportunity to walk the Sovereign Award Red Carpet upon arriving at the “bubbly” reception along with a fabulous Woodbine inspired buffet dinner and the presentation of the Sovereign Award Trophies to Canada’s racing Champions of 2015 and Canada’s 2015 horse of the Year.

Sovereign Award Ceremony Tickets are now on sale and are $250 Cdn plus applicable taxes with a table for 10 is slightly discounted at $2400.

For tickets or more information visit jockeyclubcanada.com email: jockeyclub@ bellnet.ca or call 416-675-7756 ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

87

PRODUCT FOCUS

NEW AWARENESS = NEW ADVANTAGE

Years ago, awareness was limited to our five senses.

When visiting a new town, one would ask locals for opinions on where to eat, stay and what to do. Today, while we still adhere to the same methods (of asking), we are now able to make decisions drawing from the responses of thousands of people’s input. Thanks to (relatively new) technology with smartphones, we have recommendations, reviews and ratings in the palm of our hands. Essentially, a whole new level of awareness.

Today, sensor technology advantages are being pioneered by companies like Kiwi (kiwi.ai) who customize software offering entirely new levels of understanding motion. With the cost for sensors at an all time low, industries of all kinds are looking for new insights from the added awareness now available.

With experience across a growing number of athletic activities, it was only a matter of time before motion recognition began working in the Equestrian space capturing insights relating to stride and rhythm type of the horse and rider.

In the 2011 film ‘Moneyball’ (Brad Pitt, Aaron Sorkin), the story is told of the 2002 Oakland A’s groundbreaking decision to adopt a new technology in a way that the industry had yet to see. While controversial at the time, it would be thought foolish to be making important decisions without this technology today.

At this point, perhaps the question is not so much if, but when to get up to speed with sensor technology.”

Technology in focus Once again we’ve teamed up with J Lyons Marketing, a tech scout firm for many Fortune 500 companies.

IN this issue, we learn about motion sensor technology and how sensor technology advantages are being pioneered by companies like Kiwi (www.kiwi.ai) who customize software offering entirely new levels of understanding motion. With the cost for sensors at an all time low, industries of all kinds are looking for new insights from the added awareness now available.

With experience across a growing number of athletic activities, it was only a matter of time before motion recognition began working in the racing and general equestrian market, capturing insights relating to stride and rhythm type of the horse and rider.

We also look at mental training for riders and the technology available can assist with riders cognitive function.

How mental training can help riders

In all equestrian disciplines, riders must remain incredibly aware and focused because they require the horse and rider to contend with varying terrain or obstacles and to constantly assess their spatial awareness. Mental training allows the rider to improve their focus and mental acuity in order to prepare for potential challenges they may face in the saddle.

Another key factor is visual information processing speed. Riders have to interpret the situation and their surroundings in a fraction of a second. Mental training can improve visual information processing speed and as a result, increase the rider’s ability to be fully aware of their environment.

What about injuries when riding?

Many disciplines require the horse and rider to face obstacles or navigate technical elements at high galloping speeds. The impact of rotational falls which occur in the jumping world have proven to have serious repercussions.

Consequently, if the rider is more aware of their surroundings and can increase their reaction time, they will be better equipped to handle and to avoid a situation that could result in a fall. As such, expanding

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TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

the brain’s ability to multi-task more efficiently can improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.

It is all too common for riders to get back in the saddle too soon after sustaining a concussion. The proper assessment of the rider’s cognitive capability is fundamental. This diagnosis becomes increasingly important at the higher levels of competition.

How can current riders improve their mental game?

A new revolution in sports vision and mental training is perceptual-cognitive training. It has shown results in improving focus and cognitive stamina, as well as allowing athletes to increase their visual information processing speed. It can also help athletes in effectively interpreting the horse’s body language, also known as biological motion.

NeuroTracker is a perceptual-cognitive training product based on over 20 years of research from the Visual Psychophysics and Perception Laboratory at the University of Montreal. In addition to some benefits of perceptual-cognitive training, it can also establish cognitive performance base lining. Once a user’s baseline has been determined, the athlete can compare their current performance to their baseline score. Any athlete who has sustained a concussion is expected to perform below his baseline.

Therefore, NeuroTracker can be an additional indicator for the rider to better understand their limits when recovering from an injury.

Learn more about NeuroTracker by visiting: www.NeuroTracker.net

SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY

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Visit www.farrierproducts.com or call FPD at 1-800-468-2879.

ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

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STAKES SCHEDULES

RACES

STAKES SCHEDULES COPYRIGHT

Races are divided by distance and the relevant surface is indicated as follows: AWT - All Weather Track D - Dirt T - Turf The indexes cover all graded races in North America over $50,000 in value, where information was available at the time of publication.

Stakes Schedules are now updated monthly – visit trainermagazine.com

Under Copyright law, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means. This includes but is not limited to: photocopying for commercial redistribution and or facsimile recording without the prior permission of the copyright holder, application for which should be addressed to the publisher.

DISCLAIMER

Whilst every effort has been made to publish correct information, the publishers will not be held liable for any omission, mistake or change to the races listed in all published indexes.

Call us on 1 888 659 2935 to subscribe from $20 Country USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

Track Sunland Park Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town

Race Name & (Sponsor) Copper Top Futurity It's Binn Too Long Coin Collector St Fancy Buckles St Henry Mercer Memorial Rachel's Turn St Its Only Money S

Class S S S S S S

Race Date 18-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 22-May-2016 18-Sep-2016 18-Sep-2016 18-Sep-2016

Value $110,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000

4.5f (900m) Age 2 3F 3 3+ FM 2 2F 3+

Surface D D D D D D D

Metres 900 900 900 900 900 900 900

Stakes Schedules updated online monthly USA USA USA USA UAE UAE USA USA UAE USA USA USA USA USA GB GB GB GB USA USA

Sunland Park Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park Sam Houston Race Park Jebel Ali Meydan Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park Meydan Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Golden Gate Fields Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Lone Star Park Lone Star Park

Budweiser H Melody Of Colors Texas Glitter Bucharest Turf Sprint Jebel Ali Sprint Meydan Sprint Captiva Island Silks Run Al Quoz Sprint Kentucky Juvenile Twin Spires Turf Sprint St Unbridled Sydney Overnight S Mighty Beau Overnight S Albany St King's Stand St Windsor Castle St Queen Mary St Norfolk St Texas Thoroughbred Futurity (Fillies) Texas Thoroughbred Futurity (C&G)

USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

Oaklawn Park Fair Grounds Fair Grounds Sunland Park Fair Grounds Keeneland Belmont Park Belmont Park

Spring Fever The Big Easy Overnight Stakes Colonel Power Overnight Stakes La Coneja St Costa Rising St Giant's Causeway St Astoria Tremont

L Gr 3

Gr 1 Gr 3

Gp 1 L Gp 2 Gp 2

14-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 5-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 6-May-2016 7-May-2016 15-May-2016 5-Jun-2016 12-Jun-2016 15-Jun-2016 15-Jun-2016 16-Jun-2016 17-Jun-2016 10-Jul-2016 10-Jul-2016

$75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $50,000 AED 500,000 $175,000 $75,000 $75,000 $1,000,000 $100,000 $150,000 $65,000 $65,000 $50,000 £400,000 £80,000 £110,000 £100,000 $100,000 $100,000

5f (1000m) 3+ 3F 3 4+ NH & SH 3YO+ NH & SH 3YO+ 4+ F&M 4+ NH 3yo+ SH 3yo+ 2 3+ 3+ 3+ 3+ 3+ 2 2F 2 2F 2 C&G

D T T T D T T T T D T T T T T T T T D D

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

D T T D D T D D

1100 1100 1100 1100 1100 1100 1100 1100

Check out Stakes Schedules online - trainermagazine.com/schedules

S S L

21-Feb-2016 13-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 17-Apr-2016 10-Jun-2016 11-Jun-2016

$100,000 $50,000 $50,000 $85,000 $60,000 $100,000 $200,000 $200,000

Furlongs Closing 4.5 4.5 14-Apr-2016 4.5 14-Apr-2016 4.5 12-May-2016 4.5 8-Sep-2016 4.5 8-Sep-2016 4.5 8-Sep-2016

4+ F&M 4+ F+M 4+ 4+ FM ( NM Bred) 4+ 4+ FM 2F 2

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

5.5f (1100m) 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5

Call us on 1 888 659 2935 to subscribe from $20 UAE USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA JPN UAE USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA UAE USA USA

Meydan Aqueduct Turf Paradise Sam Houston Race Park Aqueduct Golden Gate Fields Aqueduct Aqueduct Aqueduct Fair Grounds Fair Grounds Sam Houston Race Park Sam Houston Race Park Tampa Bay Downs Tampa Bay Downs Oaklawn Park Oaklawn Park Nakayama Meydan Oaklawn Park Aqueduct Aqueduct Gulfstream Park Laurel Park Golden Gate Fields Santa Anita Fair Grounds Meydan Aqueduct Laurel Park

90

Al Shindagha Sprint Broadway (NY Bred) Phoenix Gold Cup Sam Houston Sprint Cup Rego Park Lost in the Fog St Hollie Hughes (NYB) Franklin Square Jimmy Winkfield Duncan F. Kenner St Duncan F. Kenner S Jim's Orbit S Two Altazano S The Minaret St The Pelican St Downthedustyroad Breeders Nodouble Breeders Yukan Fuji Sho Ocean Stakes Mahab Al Shimaal Hot Springs S Tom Fool H'cap Correction The Any Limit Ben's Cat Stakes Camilla Urso St Las Flores Sout Mississippi Owner/Breeders Stakes Dubai Golden Shaheen Cicada St The Primonetta Stakes

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

Gr 3 S S

L

S S Gr 3 Gr 3 L Gr 3 S

Gr 3 Gr 1

12-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 16-Feb-2016 16-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 6-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 26-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016

$200,000 $100,000 $75,000 $50,000 $125,000 $50,000 $100,000 $125,000 $125,000 $60,000 $60,000 $75,000 $75,000 $50,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $733,000.00 $200,000 $100,000 $200,000 $125,000 $75,000 $75,000 $50,000 $100,000 $40,000 $2,000,000 $125,000 $75,000

NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 4+ FM 4+ 4+ 3 4+ (CA Bred) 4+ 3F 3 3+ 3+ 3 3F 4+ F+M 4+ 3+ F&M (Ark Bred) 3+ 4+ NH 3yo+ SH 3yo+ 4+ 4+ 4 + FM 3F 3+ 4+ FM (CA Bred) 4 + F&M 3 NH 3yo+ SH 3yo+ 3F 3+ F&M

6-Feb-2016 8-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 13-Feb-2016 1-Mar-2016 1-Mar-2016 29-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 16-Jan-2016 14-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 1-May-2016 29-May-2016 3-Jun-2016 20-Apr-2016 9-Jun-2016 10-Jun-2016 11-Jun-2016 2-May-2016 2-May-2016

13-Feb-2016 4-Mar-2016 11-Mar-2016 12-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 31-Mar-2016 29-May-2016 29-May-2016

6f (1200m) D D D D D AWT D D D D D D D D D D D T D D D D D D AWT D D D D

1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

9-Feb-2016 31-Jan-2016 4-Feb-2016 30-Jan-2016 31-Jan-2016 5-Feb-2016 31-Jan-2016 7-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 7-Feb-2016 7-Feb-2016

7-Feb-2016 7-Feb-2016 20-Feb-2016 20-Feb-2016 20-Jan-2016 1-Mar-2016 27-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 6-Mar-2016 7-Mar-2016 28-Feb-2016 11-Mar-2016 11-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 16-Jan-2016 27-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016

STAKES SCHEDULES Call us on 1 888 659 2935 to subscribe from $20 Country USA USA JPN USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA GB GB GB GB USA USA USA USA USA

Track Mahoning Valley Oaklawn Park Chukyo Aqueduct Aqueduct Aqueduct Aqueduct Oaklawn Park Oaklawn Park Will Rogers Downs Will Rogers Downs Tampa Bay Downs Oaklawn Park Oaklawn Park Oaklawn Park Mahoning Valley Mahoning Valley Oaklawn Park Will Rogers Downs Will Rogers Downs Belmont Park Churchill Downs Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Churchill Downs Belmont Park Lone Star Park Belmont Park Belmont Park

Race Name & (Sponsor) Southern Park S Gazebo Takamatsunomiya Kinen Xtra Heat (Starter $20 in 15-16) Videogenic (Starter $12,500 in 15-16) Kelly Kip (Starter $12,500 in 15-16) Peeping Tom (Starter $20 in 15-16) Rainbow Miss S Rainbow S Wilma Mankiller St Clem McSpadden Memorial Route 66 St The Hilton Garden Inn/Hampton Inn & Suites Sprint Count Fleet Sprint H Carousel H Bachelor Austintown Filly Sprint (Black Type) Howard B. Noonan St Instant Racing TRAO Classic Sprint Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs Classics St Affirmed Success (NYB) William Walker License Fee Gold Fever Diablo S Winning Colors St Debutante Bashford Manor St Aristides St True North S Jersey Girl Jaipur Invitational Coventry St Albany St Commonwealth Cup Diamond Jubilee St Roxelana Overnight S Dancin Renee Valor Farms St Rockville Centre Lynbrook

USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

Turfway Park Sunland Park Turfway Park Gulfstream Park Santa Anita Gulfstream Park Santa Anita Sunland Park Santa Anita Lone Star Park Santa Anita Santa Anita Santa Anita Lone Star Park Aqueduct Aqueduct Belmont Park Belmont Park

Cincinnati Trophy St El Diario H WEBN St Gulfstream Park Sprint Sensational Star The Spectacular Bid Irish O’Brien Stakes Bill Thomas Memorial S San Simeon Premiere St Echo Eddie St Evening Jewel St Las Cienegas Wayne Hanks Memorial S New York Stallion - Park Avenue Division New York Stallion - Times Square Division Vagrancy H'cap Victory Ride St

USA UAE USA USA USA JPN JPN UAE USA JPN JPN USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

Laurel Park Abu Dhabi Santa Anita Laurel Park Laurel Park Kyoto Hanshin Meydan Santa Anita Hanshin Chukyo Gulfstream Park Aqueduct Gulfstream Park Aqueduct Aqueduct Aqueduct Keeneland Keeneland Tampa Bay Downs Tampa Bay Downs Aqueduct Keeneland Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town

The Barbara Fritchie H'Cap HH The President Cup San Vincente The Wide Country Stakes The General George Stakes Kyoto Himba Stakes Hankyu Hai Meydan Classic San Carlos St Hochi Hai Fillies' Revue Chunichi Sports Sho Falcon Stakes Inside Information Karakorum Elektra (Starter $32 in 15-16) Sir Shackleton Caixa Electronica (Starter $40,000 in 15-16) Bay Shore St Carter H'cap Madison St Commonwealth St The Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies The Ocala Breeders' Sales Sophomore Distaff H'cap Beaumont St Confucius Say St Original Gold St Robert Hilton Memorial Sugar Maple St

Class

Gr 1

S S

Gr 3 L

S L S

Gr 3 L Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gp 2 Gp 3 Gp 1 Gp 1

S

Race Date 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 28-Mar-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 4-Apr-2016 5-Apr-2016 6-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 11-Apr-2016 15-Apr-2016 16-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 26-Apr-2016 30-Apr-2016 1-May-2016 2-May-2016 7-May-2016 9-May-2016 29-May-2016 3-Jun-2016 3-Jun-2016 5-Jun-2016 11-Jun-2016 11-Jun-2016 12-Jun-2016 15-Jun-2016 18-Jun-2016 18-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 26-Jun-2016 4-Jul-2016 10-Jul-2016 17-Jul-2016 18-Jul-2016

Value $75,000 $100,000 $1,769,000 $70,000 $60,000 $60,000 $70,000 $100,000 $100,000 $50,000 $50,000 $75,000 $400,000 $150,000 $100,000 $75,000 $75,000 $125,000 $55,000 $55,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $250,000 $150,000 $300,000 £150,000 £80,000 £400,000 £600,000 $65,000 $100,000 $50,000 $125,000 $125,000

6f (1200m) Age 3F 3 4+ 4+ F&M 4+ F&M 4+ 4+ 3 F (Ark Bred) 3 C&G (Ark Bred) 3+ FM 3+ CG 4+ 4+ 4+ F&M 3 3F 3 3F 3+ C&G 3+ FM 4+ 3 4 + FM 3 4+ 3+ FM 2F 2 3+ 4+ 3F 4+ 2 2F 3 4+ 3+ F&M 3+ FM 3+ FM (TX Bred) 2 NY Bred 2F

Surface D D T D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D T D D D D D D D D T T T T T D D D D D

Metres 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200

3F 3+ F&M 3 4+ 4+ (CA Bred) 3 4 + F&M 3+ 4+ 3+ ( TX Bred) 3 (CA Bred) F 3 (CA Bred) 4 + F&M 3+ FM 3F 3 4+ FM 3F

AWT D AWT D T D T D T D D D T D D D D D

1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300 1300

6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5

D T D D D T T T D T T D D D D D D D D D T D D D D D D

1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400

7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

Stakes Schedules updated online monthly

Gr 3 S

Gr 3 R S S Gr 3

Gr 3 Gr 3

14-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 3-Apr-2016 8-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 11-Apr-2016 11-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 25-Apr-2016 22-May-2016 10-Jul-2016

$50,000 $75,000 $50,000 $100,000 $100,000 $75,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $50,000 $200,000 $200,000 $100,000 $50,000 $100,000 $100,000 $150,000 $150,000

Gr 2 Gr3 Gr 3 L Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 2

Gr 3 Gr 1 Gr 1 Gr 3

Gr 3 Gr 3 S S

14-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 16-Feb-2016 16-Feb-2016 16-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 4-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 14-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 18-Apr-2016 18-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016

$300,000 AED 380,000 $250,000 $75,000 $250,000 $645,000 $733,000 $125,000 $300,000 $938,000 $682,000 $200,000 $80,000 $100,000 $80,000 $300,000 $400,000 $300,000 $250,000 $75,000 $75,000 $200,000 $150,000 $50,000 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000

Closing 17-Mar-2016 19-Mar-2016 17-Feb-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 26-Mar-2016 26-Mar-2016 23-Mar-2016 24-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 2-Apr-2016 7-Apr-2016 8-Apr-2016 7-Apr-2016 7-Apr-2016 8-Apr-2016 16-Apr-2016 15-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 12-May-2016 16-Jun-2016 16-Jun-2016 19-May-2016 29-May-2016 29-May-2016 Invitational 9-Jun-2016 12-Jun-2016 20-Apr-2016 20-Apr-2016 19-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 1-Jul-2016 3-Jul-2016 3-Jul-2016

6.5f (1300m)

Check out Stakes Schedules online - trainermagazine.com/schedules Gr 2 L G2

Furlongs 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

4+ F&M NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 3yo 3F 4+ 4+ F&M 4+ NH 3yo+ SH 3yo+ 4+ 3F 3 4+ F&M 4+ F&M 4+ 4+ 3 4+ 4+ FM 4+ 3F 3 4 + FM 3F 3+ 3+ FM 3 4+ FM

5-Feb-2016 6-Feb-2016 12-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 19-Feb-2016 7-Mar-2016 11-Mar-2016 12-Mar-2016 25-Mar-2016 1-Apr-2016 1-Apr-2016 1-Apr-2016 1-Apr-2016 1-Apr-2016 Restricetd Restricted 8-May-2016 26-Jun-2016

7f (1400m)

ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

31-Jan-2016 9-Feb-2016 5-Feb-2016 31-Jan-2016 31-Jan-2016 6-Jan-2019 20-Jan-2016 1-Mar-2016 4-Mar-2016 3-Feb-2016 3-Feb-2016 7-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 24-Mar-2016 24-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 3-Apr-2016 31-Mar-2016 14-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016

91

STAKES SCHEDULES Call us on 1 888 659 2935 to subscribe from $20 Country USA USA JPN USA USA USA USA USA USA GB GB USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

Track Belmont Park Churchill Downs Tokyo Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Churchill Downs Belmont Park Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town Charles Town

Race Name & (Sponsor) Elusive Quality Eight Belles St Keio Hai Spring Cup Soaring Softly Paradise Creek S Bouwerie St Mike Lee St Intercontinental Woody Stephens St Jersey St Chesham St Bed o' Roses (H'cap) New York Stallion Series - Cupecoy's Joy Division New York Stallion Series - Spectacular Bid Division Kelly's Landing Overnight S Belmont Sprint Championship Robert G Leavitt St Sadie Hawkins St Frank Gall Memorial Sylvia Bishop Memorial Pink Ribbon St Charles Town Oaks Wild and Wonderful St Tri-State Futurity West Virginia Futurity (WV) Eleanor Casey Memorial

Class Gr 2 Gr 2

S S Gr 2 Gp 3 L Gr 3 R R Gr 3 S S S S Gr 3 R S

Race Date 1-May-2016 7-May-2016 15-May-2016 22-May-2016 29-May-2016 31-May-2016 31-May-2016 10-Jun-2016 12-Jun-2016 16-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 26-Jun-2016 27-Jun-2016 27-Jun-2016 3-Jul-2016 10-Jul-2016 7-Aug-2016 14-Aug-2016 21-Aug-2016 28-Aug-2016 18-Sep-2016 18-Sep-2016 18-Sep-2016 30-Oct-2016 20-Nov-2016 11-Dec-2016

Value $100,000 $200,000 $1,068,000 $100,000 $100,000 $125,000 $125,000 $150,000 $500,000 £90,000 £80,000 $150,000 $100,000 $100,000 $65,000 $400,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000 $100,000 $350,0000 $100,000 $50,000 $50,000 $50,000

7f (1400m) Age 4+ 3 4+ 3F 3 3 F (NY bred) 3 (NY bred) 4+ FM 3 3 2 4+ F&M 3 F (NY Bred) 3 (NY Bred) 3+ 3+ 3 3+ F&M 3+ 3F 3+ FM 3F 3+ 2 2 2

Surface T D T T T D D T D T T D T T D D D D D D D D D D D D

Metres 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400 1400

3 3F 3 3F 3+ FM

T D D T T

1500 1500 1500 1500 1500

7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5 7.5

D D T T D D D T D T T T T D D T T D D D D D T D T D D D D D T T D D D D T T D T AWT T D T T T T T T D T T T T T

1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

Stakes Schedules updated online monthly USA USA USA USA USA

Fair Grounds Delta Downs Delta Downs Fair Grounds Lone Star Park

Black Gold St Azalea Pelican Allen Black Cat Lacombe Memorial Overnight Stakes Lane's End Stallion Scholarship St

S S R

28-Feb-2016 5-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 19-Jun-2016

$50,000 $100,000 $100,000 $50,000 $50,000

Meydan Meydan Santa Anita Tokyo Tampa Bay Downs Laurel Park Sunland Park Santa Anita Tokyo Meydan Hanshin Fair Grounds Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park Sunland Park Gulfstream Park Hanshin Meydan Gulfstream Park Lone Star Park Delta Downs Delta Downs Fair Grounds Laurel Park Santa Anita Turf Paradise Sunland Park Sunland Park Meydan Fair Grounds Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park Santa Anita Aqueduct Aqueduct Aqueduct Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park Turfway Park Nakayama Santa Anita Hanshin Nakayama Hanshin Aqueduct Aqueduct Laurel Park Oaklawn Park Laurel Park Kyoto Newmarket Golden Gate Fields Golden Gate Fields

92

UAE 1000 Guineas UAE 2000 Guineas Arcadia Stakes Daily Hai Queen Cup The Suncoast S The Miracle Wood Stakes The Island Fashion S Buena Vista February St Zabeel Mile Arlington Cup Dixie Poker Ace S Canadian Turf Davona Dale St The Peppers Pride S Sand Springs Tulip Sho Burj Nahaar Gulfstream Park H Texas Mile Gold Coast Borgata Red Camelia St The Caesar's Wish St Frank E. Kilroe Mile Tempe New Mexico State University S Harry W. Henson H Godolphin Mile Crescent City Oaks Cutler Bay Sanibel Island Dream Of Summer St More To Tell (Starter $16 in 15-16) Sis City (Starter $16 in 15-16) Stud Muffin (Starter $25 in 15-16) Honey Fox St Appleton The Gulfstream Oaks Honey Fox St Bourbonette Oaks Lord Derby Challenge Trophy Thunder Road Stakes Hanshin Himba St New Zealand Trophy Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) Danger's Hour Plenty of Grace Dahlia St Northern Spur The Henry S. Clark Stakes Yomiuri Milers Cup 2000 Guineas St (Qipco) San Francisco Mile Campanile St

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

L Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 3

Gr 2 Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 S Gr 3 Gr 2 S Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 3 R R S Gr 1 S Gr 2 S

S

Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 1 S L Gr 2 Gp 1 Gr 3 S

12-Feb-2016 13-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 16-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 22-Feb-2016 26-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 6-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 7-Mar-2016 12-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 28-Mar-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 4-Apr-2016 9-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 11-Apr-2016 11-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 25-Apr-2016 1-May-2016 1-May-2016 2-May-2016

$250,000 $250,000 $200,000 $631,000 $100,000 $75,000 $75,000 $1,749,000 $250,000 $733,000 $60,000 $150,000 $200,000 $85000 $100,000 $631,000 $200,000 $500,000 $200,000 $75,000 $75,000 $60,000 $75,000 $400,000 $35,000 $85,000 $100,000 $1,000,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $100,000 $60,000 $60,000 $75,000 $300,000 $200,000 $250,000 $1,000,000 $150,000 $706,000 $100,000 $993,000 $980,000 $1,659,000 $100,000 $100,000 $75,000 $125,000 $75,000 $1,068,000 £500,000 $100,000 $100,000

Closing 17-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 30-Mar-2016 8-May-2016 15-May-2016 15-May-2016 15-May-2016 29-May-2016 29-May-2016 10-Jun-2016 14-Jun-2016 12-Jun-2016 Restricted Restricted 26-Jun-2016 26-Jun-2016 28-Jan-2016 4-Aug-2016 11-Aug-2016 18-Aug-2016 4-Sep-2016 28-Aug-2016 4-Sep-2016 CLOSED CLOSED 1-Dec-2016

7.5f (1500m)

Check out Stakes Schedules online - trainermagazine.com/schedules UAE UAE USA JPN USA USA USA USA JPN UAE JPN USA USA USA USA USA JPN UAE USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA UAE USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA JPN USA JPN JPN JPN USA USA USA USA USA JPN GB USA USA

Furlongs 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

NH 3YO F SH 3YO F NH 3yo SH 3yo 4+ 3F 3F 3 3F 4 + F&M 4+ NH 3yo+ SH 3yo+ 3 4+ LA Bred 4+ 3F 4+ F+M (NM Bred) 4+ F&M 3F NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 4+ 3+ 4+ F&M 4+ 4+ FM 3F 4+ 3 4+ (NM Bred) 3+ F+M NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 3F 3 3F 4+ FM (CA Bred) 4+ 4+ F&M 4+ 4+ F&M 4+ 3F 4+ F&M 3F 4+ 4+ 4+ FM 3 No Geldings 3F 4+ 4 + F&M 3+ FM 3 3+ 4+ 3 C&F 3+ 3 F (CA Bred)

19-Feb-2016 20-Feb-2016 20-Feb-2016 26-Feb-2016 10-Jun-2016

8f (1600m) 9-Feb-2016 9-Feb-2016 5-Feb-2016 6-Jan-2016 31-Jan-2016 31-Jan-2016 13-Feb-2016 12-Feb-2016 6-Jan-2016 23-Feb-2016 20-Jan-2016 14-Oct-2016 15-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 20-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 20-Jan-2016 1-Mar-2016 22-Feb-2016 29-Apr-2016 27-Feb-2016 27-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 3-Mar-2016 12-Mar-2016 12-Mar-2016 16-Jan-2016 13-Mar-2016 14-Mar-2016 14-Mar-2016 18-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 25-Mar-2016 17-Feb-2016 1-Apr-2016 2-Mar-2016 2-Mar-2016 Closed 27-Mar-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 8-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 16-Mar-2016 26-Apr-2016 22-Apr-2016 22-Apr-2016

STAKES SCHEDULES Call us on 1 888 659 2935 to subscribe from $20 Country USA USA USA USA JPN USA JPN USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA GB GB GB GB GB USA USA GB USA USA USA USA USA USA

Track Golden Gate Fields Belmont Park Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Tokyo Belmont Park Tokyo Golden Gate Fields Lone Star Park Lone Star Park Will Rogers Downs Will Rogers Downs Churchill Downs Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Golden Gate Fields Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Belmont Park Churchill Downs Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Lone Star Park Belmont Park

Race Name & (Sponsor) Silky Sullivan St Westchester Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Pat Day Mile NHK Mile Cup Ruffian H'cap Victoria Mile Alcatraz St Texas Stallion St - Stymie Division Texas Stallion St - Got Koko Division RPDC Classic Distaff Cherokee Nation Classic Cup Opening Verse Overnight S Kingston H'cap Mount Vernon H'cap Critical Eye All American Commentator (NYB) Longines Just A Game Metropolitan H'Cap (BC) Acorn St Queen Anne St St James's Palace St Sandringham H'cap Duke of Cambridge S Coronation St Poker H'cap Wise Dan H'cap Wild Applause Perfect Sting State Dinner (NW of SS in 2016) Manila Dwyer St Assault St Forbidden Apple

USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

Sunland Park Aqueduct Gulfstream Park Santa Anita Laurel Park Oaklawn Park Sam Houston Race Park Sam Houston Race Park Tampa Bay Downs Tampa Bay Downs Tampa Bay Downs Oaklawn Park Oaklawn Park Fair Grounds Fair Grounds Fair Grounds Fair Grounds Sunland Park Turf Paradise Aqueduct Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park Sam Houston Race Park Sam Houston Race Park Sunland Park Aqueduct Aqueduct Santa Anita Oaklawn Park Santa Anita Tampa Bay Downs Tampa Bay Downs Tampa Bay Downs Tampa Bay Downs Turfway Park Santa Anita Oaklawn Park Oaklawn Park Oaklawn Park Sunland Park Sunland Park Sunland Park Sunland Park Fair Grounds Santa Anita Fair Grounds Fair Grounds Oaklawn Park Turfway Park Gulfstream Park Keeneland Keeneland

Mine That Bird Derby Haynesfield Royal Delta Santa Maria Stakes The John B. Campbell Stakes Essex H Houston Distaff Houston Turf Stakes The Lambholm South Endeavour Stakes Sam F. Davis St The Tampa Bay St Bayakoa S Southwest S Daisy Devine Stakes Risen Star S Rachel Alexandra St Mineshaft H'cap Mine That Bird Derby Turf Paradise Derby Busher St Fountain Of Youth St Palm Beach S Herecomesthebride S Texas Heritage Stakes Jersey Lily S Curribot H Gotham St Heavenly Prize Invitational Santa Ysabel Honeybee S San Felipe St Tampa Bay Derby The Florida Oaks The Challenger St The Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby John Battaglia Memorial St Santa Margarita Razorback H Azeri S Rebel S Sunland Derby Sunland Park Oaks New Mexico Breeders' Oaks New Mexico Breeders' Derby Star Guitar St Santa Ana Stakes Crescent City Derby Fair Grounds Oaks Arkansas Breeders (Open) Rushaway St The Skip Away S Transylvania St Central Bank Ashland St

Class S Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 1 R R S S S S Gr 3 Gr1 Gr 1 Gr 1 Gp 1 Gp 1 L Gp 2 Gp 1 Gr 3 Gr 2

Gr 3 R

Race Date 2-May-2016 8-May-2016 8-May-2016 8-May-2016 9-May-2016 15-May-2016 16-May-2016 16-May-2016 16-May-2016 16-May-2016 17-May-2016 18-May-2016 22-May-2016 31-May-2016 31-May-2016 31-May-2016 31-May-2016 31-May-2016 12-Jun-2016 12-Jun-2016 12-Jun-2016 15-Jun-2016 15-Jun-2016 16-Jun-2016 16-Jun-2016 18-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 20-Jun-2016 3-Jul-2016 5-Jul-2016 5-Jul-2016 10-Jul-2016 10-Jul-2016 17-Jul-2016

Value $100,000 $150,000 $300,000 $250,000 $1,710,000 $250,000 $1,671,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 $55,000 $55,000 $65,000 $125,000 $125,000 $200,000 $100,000 $200,000 $700,000 $1,250,000 $700,000 £600,000 £400,000 £80,000 £175,000 £400,000 $300,000 $200,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $100,000 $500,000 $50,000 $150,000

8f (1600m) Age 3 (CA Bred) 4+ 4+ FM 3 3 C&F 4+ FM 4+ F&M 3 3 CG 3F 3+ FM 3+ C&G 3+ 3+ (NY Bred) 3+ FM (NY Bred) 3+ FM 3+ 3 + (NY Bred) 3F 3+ 3F 4+ 3C 3F 4 + FM 3F 4+ 3+ 3F 4+ F&M 4+ 3 3 3+ (TX Bred) 4+

Surface T D T D T D T T D D D D T T T D AWT D T D D T T T T T T T T T D T D D T

Metres 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600 1600

3 4+ 4+ F&M 4+ F&M 4+ 4+ 4+ F&M 4+ 4+ F+M 3 4+ 4+ F&M 3 4+ F+M 3 3F 4+ 3 3 3F 3 3 3F 3 4+ F+M 3+ 3 4 + FM 3F 3F 3 3 3F 4+ 3 3 4+ F&M 4+ 4+ F&M 3 3 3F 3F 3 (NM Bred) 4+ 4+ F&M 3 3F 3+ (Ark Bred) 3 4+ 3 3F

D D D D D D T T T D T D D T D D D D D D D T T D T D D D D D D D T D

1650 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700

Stakes Schedules updated online monthly Gr 2 Gr 2

Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 3

Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 3

Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 2 L Gr 1 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 3 L S S S Gr 2 S Gr 2 S Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 1

21-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 14-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 16-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 6-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 2-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 9-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016

$100,000 $100,000 $200,000 $200,000 $75,000 $100,000 $50,000 $50,000 $150,000 $250,000 $150,000 $100,000 $500,000 $60,000 $400,000 $200,000 $125,000 $100,000 $75,000 $125,000 $400,000 $150,000 $150,000 $50,000 $50,000 $75,000 $400,000 $150,000 $100,000 $150,000 $400,000 $350,000 $200,000 $100,000 $350, 000 $125,000 $500,000 $300,000 $300,000 $900,000 $800,000 $200,000 $100,000 $100,000 $60,000 $200,000 $75,000 $400,000 $100,000 $100,000 $150,000 $100,000 $500,000

Furlongs 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

Closing 22-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 30-Mar-2016 1-May-2016 30-Mar-2016 6-May-2016 Not available Not available 6-May-2016 7-May-2016 15-May-2016 15-May-2016 15-May-2016 15-May-2016 20-May-2016 15-May-2016 29-May-2016 29-May-2016 29-May-2016 20-Apr-2016 20-Apr-2016 10-Jun-2016 27-Apr-2016 20-Apr-2016 5-Jun-2016 2-Jun-2016 5-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 26-Jun-2016 1-Jul-2016 3-Jul-2016

8.5f (1650m)

AWT D D D D D D D D D T D D D AWT D T D

8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5

ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

13-Feb-2016 31-Jan-2016 1-Feb-2016 5-Feb-2016 31-Jan-2016 6-Feb-2016 30-Jan-2016 30-Jan-2016 31-Jan-2016 31-Jan-2016 31-Jan-2016 6-Feb-2016 6-Feb-2016 7-Feb-2016 7-Feb-2016 7-Feb-2016 7-Feb-2016 13-Feb-2016 NA 14-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 13-Feb-2016 13-Feb-2016 20-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016

By Invitation 26-Feb-2016 5-Mar-2016 4-Mar-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 4-Mar-2016 11-Mar-2016 12-Mar-2016 12-Mar-2016 12-Mar-2016 9-Apr-2016 12-Mar-2016 12-Mar-2016 12-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 18-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 26-Mar-2016 25-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 24-Mar-2016 21-Feb-2016

93

STAKES SCHEDULES Check out Stakes Schedules online - trainermagazine.com/schedules Country USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

Track Laurel Park Laurel Park Oaklawn Park Santa Anita Tampa Bay Downs Tampa Bay Downs Tampa Bay Downs Oaklawn Park Keeneland Keeneland Sunland Park Keeneland Aqueduct Charles Town Turf Paradise Aqueduct Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Belmont Park Golden Gate Fields Lone Star Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Belmont Park Belmont Park Charles Town Charles Town

Race Name & (Sponsor) The Weber City Miss Stakes The Frederico Tesio Stakes Fantasy S Santa Anita Oaks The Sophomore Turf The Pleaseant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf The Tampa Turf Classic Apple Blossom H Jenny Wiley St Lexington St Sunland Park H Hilliard Lyons Doubledogdare St Woodhaven Charles Town Classic Gene Fleming Breeders Derby Memories of Silver S La Troienne St Alysheba St Edgewood St American Turf St Beaugay Golden Poppy St Lone Star Park H'cap Ogden Phipps H'cap Easy Goer Old Forester Mint Julep H'cap Matt Winn St Mother Goose St Saginaw A Huevo St My Sister Pearl

USA JPN USA JPN USA JPN UAE UAE BAR USA USA JPN USA USA JPN JPN JPN UAE USA USA USA JPN USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA JPN USA USA JPN USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

Golden Gate Fields Tokyo Fair Grounds Kokura Sam Houston Race Park Nakayama Meydan Meydan Garrison Savannah Laurel Park Tampa Bay Downs Nakayama Aqueduct Laurel Park Nakayama Nakayama Hanshin Meydan Fair Grounds Fair Grounds Fair Grounds Nakayama Gulfstream Park Turfway Park Aqueduct Aqueduct Aqueduct Aqueduct Keeneland Santa Anita Santa Anita Hanshin Oaklawn Park Oaklawn Park Fukushima Churchill Downs Belmont Park Churchill Downs Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Churchill Downs Gulfstream Park Turfway Park

El Camino Real Derby Kyodo News Service Hai Fair Grounds H'cap Kokura Daishoten Maxxam Gold Cup Nakayama Kinen Balanchine Jebel Hatta XXXII Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup Private Terms St The Hillsborough St Nakayama Himba St Stymie Harrison E. Johnson Memorial St Fuji TV Sho Spring Stakes Flower Cup Mainichi Hai Dubai Turf Louisiana Derby Muniz Memorial Handicap New Orleans H March St Florida Derby Spiral Stakes Mr. Sinatra (Starter $40,000 in 2015-16) Top Flight H'cap Gazelle St Wood Memorial St Toyota Blue Grass St Santa Anita Derby Providencia St Antares St Oaklawn H Arkansas Derby Fukushima Himba St Kentucky Oaks Fort Marcy Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Peter Pan St Pennine Ridge Wonder Again Regret St Fleur de Lis H'cap Stephen Foster H'cap The Little Miss Magic Prairie Bayou St

Class

Gr 3 Gr 1

Gr 1 Gr 1 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 2 S S Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 1 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 1 S S

Race Date Value 10-Apr-2016 $100,000 10-Apr-2016 $100,000 10-Apr-2016 $400,000 10-Apr-2016 $400,000 10-Apr-2016 $75,000 10-Apr-2016 $75,000 10-Apr-2016 $75,000 16-Apr-2016 $600,000 17-Apr-2016 $350,000 17-Apr-2016 $150,000 18-Apr-2016 $150,000 23-Apr-2016 $100,000 24-Apr-2016 $100,000 24-Apr-2016 $1,250,000.00 24-Apr-2016 $50,000 25-Apr-2016 $100,000 7-May-2016 $300,000 7-May-2016 $400,000 7-May-2016 $150,000 8-May-2016 $300,000 15-May-2016 $150,000 15-May-2016 $50,000 31-May-2016 $200,000 12-Jun-2016 $1,000,000 12-Jun-2016 $150,000 12-Jun-2016 $100,000 19-Jun-2016 $100,000 3-Jul-2016 $300,000 4-Jul-2016 $100,000 6-Nov-2016 $50,000 13-Nov-2016 $50,000

Age 3F 3 3F 3F 3 3+ F&M 4+ 4+ F&M 4+ FM 3 3+ 4+ FM 3 4+ 3 (AZ Bred) 3F 4+ 4+ 3F 3 4+ FM 3+ FM (CA Bred) 3+ 4+ FM 3 3+ FM 3 3F 4+ 3+ 3+ F&M

8.5f (1700m) Surface D D D D T T T D T D D D T D D T D D T T T T D D D T D D D D D

Metres 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700 1700

Furlongs 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5 8.5

1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800 1800

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Call us on 1 888 659 2935 to subscribe from $20 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 3 L Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 1 Gr 1 Gr 3 Gr 3

Gr2 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr1 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 1 Gr 1 Gr 1 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 1 Gr 3 Gr 1 Gr 3 Gr 1 Gr 2

Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 1 S

14-Feb-2016 15-Feb-2016 21-Feb-2016 22-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 4-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 14-Mar-2016 14-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 22-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 28-Mar-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 4-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 17-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 7-May-2016 8-May-2016 8-May-2016 15-May-2016 5-Jun-2016 6-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 25-Oct-2016 20-Dec-2016

9f (1800m)

$200,000 3 AWT $682,000 3 T $125,000 4+ T $733,000 4+ T $100,000 4+ D $1,122,000 4+ T $200,000 NH F&M 4yo+ SH F&M 3yo+ T $300,000 NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ T $107,000 3+ T $75,000 3 D $150,000 4+ F+M T $645,000 4+ FM T $125,000 4+ D $75,000 3+ D $980,000 3 No Geldings T $631,000 3F T $682,000 3 T $6,000,000 NH 4YO+ & SH 3YO+ T 1,000,000 3 D $300,000 4+ T $400,000 4+ D $645,000 4+ D $1,000,000 3 D $550,000 3 AWT $90,000 4+ D $200,000 4 + F&M D $300,000 3F D $1,000,000 3 D $1,000,000 3 D $100,0000 3 D $150,000 3F T $645,000 4+ D $750,000 4+ D $1,000,000 3 D $682,000 4+ FM T $1,000,000 3F D $150,000 4+ T $500,000 4+ T $200,000 3 D $200,000 3 T $200,000 3F T $100,000 3F T $200,000 3+ FM D $500,000 3+ D $75,000 3+ T $50,000 3+ AWT

Check out Stakes Schedules online - trainermagazine.com/schedules UAE UAE USA UAE JPN

Meydan Meydan Gulfstream Park Meydan Kyoto

94

UAE Oaks Al Bastakiya The Very One UAE Derby Heian St

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

Gr 3 L Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 3

4-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 22-May-2016

$250,000 $250,000 $150,000 $2,000,000 $645,000

Closing 26-Mar-2016 26-Mar-2016 2-Apr-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 3-Apr-2016 31-Mar-2016 31-Mar-2016 9-Apr-2016 7-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 27-Mar-2016 NA 10-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 1-May-2016 6-May-2016 20-May-2016 29-May-2016 29-May-2016 26-May-2016 2-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 27-Oct-2016 3-Nov-2016

NH 3F SH 3F NH 3yo SH 3yo 4+ F&M NH & SH 3YO+ 4+

5-Feb-2016 6-Jan-2016 7-Feb-2019 6-Jan-2016 13-Feb-2016 20-Jan-2016 1-Mar-2016 1-Mar-2016 23-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 3-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 28-Mar-2016 3-Feb-2016 3-Feb-2016 17-Feb-2016 16-Jan-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 17-Feb-2016 21-Mar-2016 6-Mar-2016 20-Mar-2016

By Invitation 27-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 21-Feb-2016 27-Mar-2016 1-Apr-2016 2-Mar-2016 3-Apr-2016 3-Apr-2016 16-Mar-2016 14-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 21-Feb-2016 1-May-2016 22-May-2016 22-May-2016 2-Jun-2016 2-Jun-2016 2-Jun-2016 18-Oct-2016

9.5f (1900m) D D T D D

1900 1900 1900 1900 1900

9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5 9.5

1-Mar-2016 1-Mar-2016 22-Feb-2016 16-Jan-2016 13-Apr-2016

STAKES SCHEDULES Stakes Schedules updated online monthly Country Track UAE Jebel Ali

Race Name & (Sponsor) Jebel Ali Stakes

UAE UAE JPN JPN USA UAE JPN USA JPN USA JPN JPN USA USA USA GB GB GB USA USA USA

Meydan Meydan Nakayama Chukyo Santa Anita Meydan Hanshin Aqueduct Tokyo Churchill Downs Niigata Hanshin Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park

Dubai Millennium Stakes Maktoum Challenge R3 Hochi Hai Yayoi Sho Chunichi Shimbun Hai Santa Anita H'cap Dubai World Cup Sankei Osaka Hai Excelsior Flora St Kentucky Derby Niigata Daishoten Naruo Kinen Belmont Coronation Invitational New York St Manhattan S Prince of Wales's St Tercentenary Wolferton H'cap Belmont Oaks (BC) Suburban H'cap Belmont Derby

JPN USA UAE JPN USA USA USA

Kyoto Gulfstream Park Abu Dhabi Kyoto Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park

Kyoto Kinen Mac Diarmida Abu Dhabi Championship Kyoto Shimbun Hai Sheepshead Bay H'cap Man o' War BC St Flat Out

Class L

Race Date 20-Feb-2016

Value AED 500,000

9.75f (1950m) Age Surface NH 4YO+ & SH 3YO+ D

Metres 1950

Call us on 1 888 659 2935 to subscribe from $20 Gr 3 Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 1 Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 1 Gr 3 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 1 Gp 1 Gp 3 L Gr 1 Gr 2 Gr 1

19-Feb-2016 6-Mar-2016 7-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 13-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016 4-Apr-2016 10-Apr-2016 25-Apr-2016 8-May-2016 9-May-2016 5-Jun-2016 10-Jun-2016 11-Jun-2016 12-Jun-2016 16-Jun-2016 17-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 10-Jul-2016 10-Jul-2016 10-Jul-2016

$200,000 $400,000 $980,000 $733,000 $1,000,000 $10,000,000 $1,209,000 $200,000 $938,000 $2,000,000 $733,000 $723000 $200,000 $500,000 $1,000,000 £750,000 £90,000 £80,000 $1,000,000 $500,000 $1,250,000

10f (2000m) NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 3 4+ 4+ NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 4+ 4+ 3F 3 4+ 3+ 4+ F&M 4+ FM 4+ 4+ 3 4+ 3F 4+ 3

T D T T D D T D T D T T T T T T T T T D T

2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000

T T T T T T D

2200 2200 2200 2200 2200 2200 2200

Check out Stakes Schedules online - trainermagazine.com/schedules Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 1

15-Feb-2016 6-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 8-May-2016 8-May-2016 15-May-2016 16-May-2016

$1,122,000 $200,000 AED 400,000 $980,000 $200,000 $400,000 $100,000

4+ 4+ NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 3 4 + FM 4+ 4+

Santa Anita Gulfstream Park Santa Anita Keeneland Keeneland Tokyo Churchill Downs Tokyo Churchill Downs Tokyo Belmont Park Belmont Park Belmont Park Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Royal Ascot Belmont Park Meydan Meydan

San Lewis Rey Pan American Tokyo City Cup Elkhorn St Bewitch Aoba Sho Louisville H'cap Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) Keertana Overnight S Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) Rags To Riches Invitational Belmont Stakes Brooklyn Invitational Ribblesdale St King Edward VII Hardwicke St River Memories Dubai City of Gold Dubai Sheema Classic

JPN JPN

Nakayama Tokyo

Nikkei Sho Meguro Kinen

UAE USA

Meydan Santa Anita

Nad Al Sheba Trophy San Juan Capistrano

Gr 2 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 2 Gr 3 Gr 1 Gr 1 Gr1 Gr 2 Gp 2 Gp 2 Gp 2 Gr 2 Gr 1

14-Mar-2016 3-Apr-2016 4-Apr-2016 24-Apr-2016 30-Apr-2016 1-May-2016 22-May-2016 23-May-2016 29-May-2016 30-May-2016 11-Jun-2016 12-Jun-2016 12-Jun-2016 17-Jun-2016 18-Jun-2016 19-Jun-2016 11-Jul-2016 6-Mar-2016 27-Mar-2016

27-Mar-2016 30-May-2016

$200,000 $200,000 $100,000 $250,000 $150,000 $980,000 $100,000 $645,000 $65,000 $3,600,000 $150,000 $1,500,000 $400,000 £200,000 £200,000 £225,000 $100,000 $250,000 $6,000,000

4+ 4+ 4+ 4+ 4 + F&M 3 3+ 3F 3+ F&M 3 No Geldings 4+ F&M 3 4+ 3F 3 C&G 4+ 4 + FM NH 4yo+ SH 4yo+ NH 4yo+ SH 4yo+

T T D T T T T T T T D D D T T T T T T

2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2400 2410 2410

4+ 4+

T T

2500 2500

4-Mar-2016 11-Apr-2016

$200,000 $100,000

T T

2800 2800

NH 4YO+ & SH 3YO+ 4+

Hanshin

Hanshin Daishoten

Gr 2

21-Mar-2016

Meydan Kyoto Belmont Park Royal Ascot

Dubai Gold Cup Tenno Sho (Spring) Belmont Gold Cup Invitational St Queen's Vase St

Gr 2 Gr 1 L

27-Mar-2016 2-May-2016 11-Jun-2016 18-Jun-2016

$1,209,000

$1,000,000 $2,708,000 $300,000 £90,000

4+

T

3000

Tokyo

Diamond St

Gr 3

21-Feb-2016

$733,000

NH 4yo+ SH 3yo+ 4+ 4+ 3

T T T T

3200 3200 3200 3200

4+

T

3400

Royal Ascot

Gold Cup

Gp 1

17-Jun-2016

£400,000

12.5 12.5

17-Feb-2016 13-Apr-2016

14 14

1-Mar-2016 1-Apr-2016

15

16 16 16 16

16-Jan-2016 16-Mar-2016 Invitational 12-Jun-2016

17f (3400m)

Stakes Schedules updated online monthly GB

4-Mar-2016 21-Mar-2016 25-Mar-2016 7-Apr-2016 14-Apr-2016 16-Mar-2016 12-May-2016 13-Apr-2016 29-May-2016 Closed Invitational 29-May-2016 Invitational 27-Apr-2016 27-Apr-2016 27-Apr-2016 26-Jun-2016 1-Mar-2016 16-Jan-2016

16f (3200m)

Check out Stakes Schedules online - trainermagazine.com/schedules JPN

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12

15f (3000m)

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6-Jan-2016 22-Feb-2016 14-Mar-2016 30-Mar-2016 24-Apr-2016 1-May-2016 1-May-2016

14f (2800m)

Stakes Schedules updated online monthly JPN

11 11 11 11 11 11 11

12.5f (2500m)

$1,209,000 $1,026,000

Check out Stakes Schedules online - trainermagazine.com/schedules Gr 3 Gr 3

16-Feb-2016 1-Mar-2016 20-Jan-2016 3-Feb-2016 28-Feb-2016 16-Jan-2016 17-Feb-2016 27-Mar-2016 16-Mar-2016 22-Mar-2016 30-Mar-2016 29-Apr-2019 Invitational 29-May-2016 29-May-2016 20-Apr-2016 11-Jun-2016 14-Jun-2016 26-Jun-2016 26-Jun-2016 26-Jun-2016

12f (2400m)

Call us on 1 888 659 2935 to subscribe from $20 Gr 2 Gr 2

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

11f (2200m)

Stakes Schedules updated online monthly USA USA USA USA USA JPN USA JPN USA JPN USA USA USA GB GB GB GB UAE UAE

Furlongs Closing 9.75 16-Feb-2016

17

6-Jan-2016

20f (4000m) 4+

T

4000

20

ISSUE 39 TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM

20-Apr-2016

95

SID FERNANDO Unconventional Uncle Mo makes his move

T

WO were sons of the legendary breed-shaping sire Mr. Prospector, whose blood is ubiquitous in modern pedigrees. One of them, Gulch, 32, was the oldest living Eclipse Award winner until he succumbed. The other, European champion Kingmambo, 26, was one of the greatest of the old guard of international stallions based in the United States. The third, Storm Flag Flying, 16, who died from foaling complications, was a champion daughter of Storm Cat, whose blood is every bit as potent and ubiquitous as Mr. Prospector’s.

It so happens that the king of the Eclipses this year, American Pharoah, is a product of crossing the Mr. Prospector and Storm Cat bloodlines. His sire, Pioneerof the Nile, is

by Empire Maker, a son of Unbridled – a grandson of Mr. Prospector through his son Fappiano. American Pharoah’s dam is by Yankee Gentleman, a son of Storm Cat. Storm Flag Flying’s surviving foal of 2016, incidentally, is bred on the reverse cross of American Pharoah. The filly is by the Fappiano-line stallion Candy Ride, who has nicked exceptionally with Storm Cat mares.

These bloodlines have mixed kaleidescopically back and forth, top and bottom, through the years to produce some of the best stock in North America, but also producing horses with increasingly similar pedigrees. The bloodlines have been supplemented and enhanced with other potent mixers, notably Danzig – the sire of War Front, one of the best young stallions in the world – and Horse of the Year A.P. Indy, a pensioned son of Seattle Slew. A.P. Indy sired Pulpit, an important sire whose dam was by Mr. Prospector.

Pulpit is the sire of Tapit, the best stallion in North America. Tapit stands at Gainesway Farm, where Empire Maker has

“ 96

During the month of January, when the annual Eclipse Awards were the talk of the town, three older champions with symbolic links to the best of the bloodstock landscape over the last 30 or so years died within a week of each other. been repatriated from Japan to stand the upcoming season. Already the bearer of Mr. Prospector blood through Pulpit, Tapit has another dose from his dam, a daughter of Unbridled, and is therefore inbred 3x4 to Mr. Prospector. It’s quite possible, by sheer proximity, that some Tapit mares will find their way to Empire Maker -- who has crossed very well with the A.P. Indy line, producing among others champion Royal Delta this way. But because Tapit already has Unbridled in his pedigree, any foal produced on the cross with Empire Maker will be closely inbred 2x4 to Unbridled, with three strains of Mr. Prospector.

This type of close inbreeding is inevitable when few stallions dominate the landscape, and in earlier eras, the names duplicated included such as Nasrullah, Bold Ruler, Raise a Native, and Northern Dancer. But also in earlier eras, the importation of new blood, allowing for diversity, was far more prevalent than it has been lately, and the books those horses served were one-third the size of what they are now, limiting proliferation.

There comes a point when too much of a good thing could become a bad thing.

And there also comes a point when some promising sires might not have enough diversity in the broodmare population to be as effective as they perhaps could have been in another era. Sometimes, success at stud can boil down to a matter of timing and a sire’s place in the historical pedigree landscape.

Ashford Stud’s Uncle Mo, the leading first-crop sire of 2015, doesn’t suffer from this problem of bloodline oversaturation, and, in fact, may be helped because of it.

He is free of Mr. Prospector, Storm Cat, and A.P. Indy. The winner of the Eclipse Award in 2010 as American champion twoyear-old colt, Uncle Mo is unconventionally bred in today’s environment. His late sire, Indian Charlie, was bred in California and is by Irish-bred In Excess, who traces obscurely to Irish-bred Caro. He is out of a mare by Arch, an important Roberto-line horse who died the same week as Gulch and Kingmambo – and this is perhaps symbolic for his grandson’s rise.

Uncle Mo’s undefeated Breeders’ Cup Juvenile-winning son Nyquist was named champion two-year-old male of 2015 and heads a group of seven stakes winners for the young stallion, sire already of two Grade 1 winners, making Uncle Mo’s start at stud as impressive and auspicious as any seen recently.

Significantly, he joined Seattle Slew, Deputy Minister, and Capote as the only other juvenile champion since the advent of the Eclipses in 1971 to sire a two-year-old champion, but is the only one of them to do it in his first crop. This heady start and the promise it augurs prompted Ashford to jump Uncle Mo’s stud fee from $25,000 live foal in 2015 to $75,000 this year.

They are betting that the time is right for Uncle Mo, and here’s why: Nyquist is from a Storm Cat-line mare who is from a Mr. Prospector-line mare; Grade 1 winner Gomo is from a Mr. Prospector-line mare who is out of a Seattle Slew-line mare; and six of the sire’s seven first-crop stakes winners are from mares with Mr. Prospector in the dam or the second dam.

Uncle Mo appears to be in the right place at the right time. n

Sometimes, success at stud can boil down to a matter of timing and a sire’s place in the historical pedigree landscape

TRAINERMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 39

”

TRACK-RECORD-SETTING GRADED STAKES WINNER

NIAGARA

CAUSEWAY

GIANT’S CAUSEWAY-THEORETICALLY, BY THEATRICAL (IRE)

• RECENT 2YO STAKES HORSE • HELLO PEOPLE

Ran 3rd by ½-length in $75,000-added El Joven S., 1 mile on turf on 10.3.2015! Only his 3rd lifetime start!

YOU SHOULD BE HERE ($113,190)

Broke Maiden by 10 lengths at Churchill Downs! Recent winner of 2 straight allowance events at Remington Park, one on turf and one on dirt.

CAUSE I’M GOLD

($42,424)

Won allowance on turf at Louisiana Downs on 8.29.2015!

Stud Fee: $2,500

BUCK POND FARM DOUG ARNOLD

n

VERSAILLES, KY

859.873.4081

TRAINING GRADS include

2015 ECLIPSE AWARD WINNERS:

HONOR CODE

CHAMPION OLDER MALE

Owner: Lane’s End Racing, Dell Ridge Farm LLC and Teresa Viola Racing

STELLAR WIND

CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD FILLY Owner: Hronis Racing LLC

Congratulations to the connections. www.WinStarFarm.com | 3001 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383 | (859) 873-1717

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