$30 MILLION WITH RESTRICTED PURSES AND INCENTIVE AWARDS
$3.95 MILLION - GOLDEN STATE STAKES PROGRAM
A Restricted Stakes Schedule for Registered California-Bred or California-Sired Horses
MAIDEN BONUS PROGRAM
A $12,500 bonus will be made available for owners of registered California-Bred or California-Sired maidens in Maiden Special Weight races at Santa Anita Classic Meet and a $15,000 bonus at Del Mar Summer Meet, 2026. Only races at 4 1/2 furlongs or longer will qualify. In the event of a dead heat, the bonus will be split amongst the winners.
CALIFORNIA’S 2025 HORSE OF THE YEAR
LOVESICK BLUES winner of the Gr1 Bing Crosby Stakes, July 26th
A DEL MAR TOAST TO CAL-BREDS
Before sipping your next Del Margarita, raise that plastic cup and toast all those California-breds that made it possible.
Early statistics from the current summer meet where the Turf meets the Surf again underscore how essential the state-bred program is to the Southern California oroughbred industry. at goes for Del Mar in particular. Without the Cal-bred, there e ectively is no Del Mar racing as we now know it.
Hyperbole?
Nope, just the facts, which follow: ree weekends into the meet, Cal-breds represented 47.4% of the horses entered (502 of 1,058) in 107 races over 11 cards. Of those 107 races, 31 were restricted to Cal-breds. ose Cal-bred races averaged nearly 11 entrants per race (10.77), including also-eligibles. Meanwhile, open races averaged 9.53 run-
ners, a number that included 166 Cal-breds. at means Cal-breds make up 22% of open races. Subtract them and open races would have averaged 7.43 runners.
Plus, many of the Cal bred races have been split or brought back to be used the following race day.
Cal-bred impact was most pronounced the second week of racing (and the rst fourday race week). Cal-breds represented nearly 50% of all horses entered (49.4%) in 37 races over four cards (187 of 378). ere were 12 Cal-bred races the second week, averaging 10.25 entrants per race, while 25 open races averaged 9.88 per race. But subtract the 64 Cal-breds entered in open races and they averaged 7.32 per race.
Big elds mean greater handle, and the churn helps Del Mar o er the lucrative purses that draw larger elds. It’s a virtuous cycle, as well as a reminder that the ecosystem depends on breeders breeding Cal-breds.
DOUG BURGE
The official magazine of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, a non-profit corporation dedicated to the production of better Thoroughbred horses for better Thoroughbred racing, published by Blood-Horse, LLC.
Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect policies of the CTBA or this magazine. Publication of any material originating herein is expressly forbidden without first obtaining written permission from California Thoroughbred. All advertising copy is submitted subject to approval. We reserve the right to reject any copy that is misleading or that does not meet with the standards set by the publication. Acknowledgment: Statistics in this publication relating to results of races in North America are compiled by the Daily Racing Form Charts by special arrangement with Daily Racing Form Inc., the copyright owners of said charts. Reproduction forbidden.
OFFICERS
CHAIRPERSON
JUSTIN OLDFIELD
PRESIDENT
DOUG BURGE
VICE CHAIRPERSON TY GREEN
TREASURER
GEORGE SCHMITT
SECRETARY
ADRIAN GONZALEZ
DIRECTORS
Gloria Haley, Pete Parrella, Sue Greene, Terry C. Lovingier, George F. Schmitt, Ty Green, Justin Oldfield, Adrian Gonzalez, Dan Harralson, Dr. Stacy Potter, Jonny Hilvers, Katherine Fisher
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SALES
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California Thoroughbred (ISSN 1092-7328) is published monthly, except for two combined issues in Apr/May and Sept/Oct, plus one special issue in December, in Lexington, KY by Blood-Horse LLC, 821 Corporate Dr., Lexington, KY 40503. Periodicals postage paid at Lexington, KY and at additional mailing offices.
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SPOTLIGHT YOUR FARM
California farms have the opportunity in the September/October issue of California oroughbred to spotlight their facility in the annual farm section of the magazine. is issue of the magazine is one of two annual printed issues. e cost of a page is $850, or $950, should you need the editorial prepared for you. For space reservations, contact Loretta Veiga at (626) 445-7800, ext. 227, or loretta@ ctba.com.
Becca Taylor Honored
Los Alamitos has named a stakes for California-bred Becca Taylor at the upcoming September race meeting. e $100,000 event is for 3-year-old llies at six furlongs and is scheduled for Sept. 12.
Nick Alexander bred and raced Becca Taylor, a 2018 daughter of Old Topper—Lady Sax, by General Meeting. Steve Miyadi trained the lly, named for Alexander’s niece.
e equine Becca Taylor bookended her career at Los Alamitos, winning her racing debut there in 2020 and capturing the 2022 Great Lady M. Stakes (G2) in her nal start. In between she added the Desert Stormer Stakes (G3), Evening Jewel Stakes, and Spring Fever Stakes at Santa Anita, for a record of nine wins and one second in 10 starts. Her earnings totaled $499,160.
Cal-breds Win Emerald Stakes
California-breds Caps and Carnage and Si at Tiger won stakes at Emerald Downs July 19. Caps and Carnage scored in the $50,000 King County Express Stakes, while Si at Tiger added the Governor’s Stakes to his long list of accomplishments at the Washington state track.
Caps and Carnage ran his record to four for four in the 51⁄2-furlong King County Express. He previously won the Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity in Arizona and the Sue Wallis Memorial Futurity at Wyoming Downs. Ridden by Luis Valenzuela for trainer Dru Hall, Caps and Carnage led throughout the King County Express, crossing the nish line 43 4 lengths in front in 1:05.41.
Candice Davis owns Caps and
California-bred Becca Taylor has a stakes named for her at Los Alamitos
Following her racing career, the Taylor Made Sales Agency consigned Becca Taylor to the 2023 Keeneland November mixed sale. Solis/Litt purchased her for $350,000.
Carnage, a gelded son of Dads Caps— Fracas, by Violence. Richard Barton Enterprises bred him, and he sold for $2,500 to Davis and Jeremy Watt at the 2025 Arizona oroughbred Breeders’ Association fall mixed sale.
Si at Tiger, piloted by Silvio Amador, also led throughout in his race, a 61⁄2-furlong contest for older runners. Si at Tiger scored by 31⁄4 lengths in 1:16.06 for trainer Blaine Wright and owners Janene and John Maryanski and Gail and Gerald Schneider.
Darlyne Krieg bred Si at Tiger, a 4-year-old son of Smiling Tiger—Ros’s Girl, by Rosberg. John Maryanski bought Si at Tiger for $20,000 at the 2023 Washington oroughbred Breeders’ Association yearling and mixed sale.
Cal-bred Sells for $220,000
A California-bred son of freshman sire Taiba sold for $220,000 July 14 at the Fasig-Tipton July selected yearling sale. Checkmate oroughbreds LLC and Raymond Salvatore bred the colt, who is out of the grade 1-placed Include mare Joint Return. Checkmate oroughbreds consigned the colt, and Hartley/De Renzo oroughbreds purchased him.
Checkmate bought stakes winner and multiple graded stakes-placed Joint Return, an earner of $531,539, at the 2024 Keeneland November mixed sale for $45,000. e mare was carrying the Taiba colt at the time. After foaling the Taiba colt, Joint Return was bred to California stallion Eight Rings.
DEL MAR’S HARPER RETIRES
After decades of leadership at Del Mar and contributions to the horse racing industry, Joe Harper, the Del Mar oroughbred Club chief executive o cer, has decided to retire from his day-to-day role and assume the title of CEO emeritus at the end of this year. Harper, 83, who originally joined Del Mar in 1977, will remain as a director on the DMTC board. e DMTC board selected Del Mar President Josh Rubinstein to succeed Harper beginning Jan. 1, 2027.
Harper joined Del Mar in 1977 as general manager after six years as executive vice president of the Oak Tree Racing Association. He oversaw the reconstruction of the Del Mar grandstand from 1990-92 and the introduction of the Paci c Classic (G1) in 1991. During Harper’s tenure, Del Mar hosted the Breeders’ Cup for the rst time in 2017.
e event’s success led to its return in 2021, 2024, and 2025.
Harper has served in various capacities with e Jockey Club, Federation of California Racing Associations, oroughbred Racing Association, U.C. Davis Center for Equine Health, University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program,
Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, Winner’s Foundation, and Cecil B. DeMille Foundation. He joined the DMTC board in April 1986.
Rubinstein has served in a variety of executive roles at Del Mar and was named president in 2018. He also serves on the boards of several leading industry organizations, including the National oroughbred Racing Association, Equibase, Southern California O -Track Wagering Inc., and the California oroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation.
“I am really proud to have been a part of the long and incredibly rich history of Del Mar,” Harper said. “ is is a special place that transcends horse racing; it’s a unique mix of sport, lifestyle, and culture. I have so many great memories about the people I’ve met and worked with and the times I’ve spent here that Del Mar is a part of me.”
ANNE M. EBERHARDT
Joe Harper has been an integral part of Del Mar since 1977
Mexico Grade 1 For Nor-Cal Grad
California-bred Twirling Crown, a graduate of the CTBA’s Northern California yearling sale, won the June 26 Clasico Esmeralda (G1) at Hipodromo de las Americas in Mexico City. e 3-year-old lly defeated Lidudanyi Asquifar, with Santina third, in the 1,600-meter race.
Richard Barton Enterprises bred Twirling Crown, a daughter of One Bad Boy—Unusual Stu , by Unusual Heat, and sold her for $1,000 at the Northern California auction to Alejandro Contreras. Cuadra Agaves owns Twirling Crown, who is trained by Samuel De La Rosa and was ridden by Francisco Guerrero.
Cal-breds Receive
CARMA Scholarships
Five California-breds are among the horses whose second-career riders received 2026 Messineo Makeover Scholarships from CARMA. e scholarships help graduates of the CARMA Placement Program compete at the Retired Racehorse Project’s oroughbred Makeover, to be held Oct. 7–10, 2026, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky.
e Cal-breds receiving scholarships are Anisette, bred by Highland Yard LLC and ridden by Emma Rosas; Paci c Tide, bred by Barton Enterprises and ridden by Paisley Phelps; Sasafran, bred by Barton Enterprises and ridden by Ariel Jones; Savel, bred by Paul and Zillah Reddam and ridden by Kiersti Wylie; and Stubborn, bred by Barry and Judith Becker and ridden by Kathleen Boyle.
e scholarships were created through a legacy gift from longtime CARMA supporter Nancy Messineo. rough the scholarships, CARMA is providing transportation assistance to reduce one of the largest barriers facing participants traveling from the West Coast.
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY
10 YEARS AGO
A large field of 12 faced the starter on turf for the $252,415 Del Mar Handicap (G2T) Aug. 20, 2016, and California-bred ASHLEYLUVSSUGAR came through on top. Ridden by Gary Stevens, the 5-year-old gelding took the lead after a quarter-mile of the 13⁄8-mile journey and at one point drew out to a sixlength advantage. Several horses closed that gap, with Metaboss flying from well back. Ashleyluvssugar held them all off to score by a nose over Metaboss in 2:16.11 as the 5-2 favorite. Texas Ryano finished third. “He was waiting on horses,” said Stevens. Peter Eurton trained Ashleyluvssugar for owner/ breeders Sharon Alesia, Bran Jam Stable, and Ciaglia Racing LLC. “When horses get a lead like that, they usually don’t win,” said Joe Ciaglia. A son of Game Plan—Ashley’s Folly, by Urgent Request, Ashleyluvssugar went on to earn a total of $1,488,083.
25 YEARS AGO
Gelding often works to focus a colt’s mind on racing, and it turned California-bred WAINGARTH into a stakes winner. Third in the Merial Stakes at Hollywood Park, Waingarth followed that with two relatively
poor efforts in allowance company before capturing the $100,000 Real Good Deal Stakes at Del Mar Aug. 13, 2001. Jockey Tyler Baze brought him from last in the first half-mile of the seven-furlong journey. They dueled with Stoney and jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. in the stretch, with Waingarth reaching the wire a half-length ahead of Stoney in 1:22.28. Odds-on favorite Bring the Heat finished third. John Sadler trained Waingarth for John Barr’s Oakcrest Stable, which also bred the gelding. Though the son of Slewpy—Beverly Z., by Zamboni, didn’t win another stakes, he ran second in the 2001 On Trust Handicap and ultimately earned $251,788.
50 YEARS AGO
California-bred TODAY ’N TOMORROW had the misfortune to arrive the same year as Crystal Water, both outstanding homebreds for Connie M. Ring. Yet Today ’n Tomorrow had his share of stakes triumphs, the first one coming at Del Mar in the Aug. 8, 1976, La Jolla Mile Stakes (G3T). Jockey Don Pierce sent him up after the break to prompt the pace, and Today ’n Tomorrow drew clear from fellow Cal-bred Noble Envoy to win by 11⁄4 lengths in 1:351⁄5, only one-fifth of a second off the course record. Wood Green finished third. A 3-year-old son of Olympiad King—Kick Pleat, by Windy Sands, Today ’n Tomorrow was a full brother to Just a Kick, who would be named the year’s Cal-bred champion older female, while Crystal Water would become Horse of the Year for the first of two seasons.
Waingarth
Breeders’ Cup Nomination Fees Change
The Breeders’ Cup announced a change in the cost of nominating a foal to the program. e change was made to align the fees more closely with a stallion’s advertised stud fee.
Beginning with foals of 2027, those sired by North American-nominated stallions with an advertised fee of $5,000 or less will be assigned a $200 nomination fee, a 50% decrease. e fee for foals sired by North American-nominated stallions with an advertised fee of $100,000 or more will rise to $600. e fee for foals by stallions advertised as standing for $5,001 to $99,999 will remain at $400.
“Our Board recognizes that the breeding industry has changed signi cantly over the past two decades, and our nomination program must evolve with it,” said Dora Delgado, executive vice president and chief racing o cer of Breeders’ Cup Limited. “Making participation more equitable for breeders across all segments of the industry is a top priority, while simultaneously preserving the exceptional lifetime value of a Breeders’ Cup nomination.”
Allhorses must be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program,eitheras a foal or later through the racehorse nomination process,to be eligible to compete in the 14 Breeders’ Cup World Championship races, which o er more than$34 millionin purses and awards. Once nominated, a horseremainseligible for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and all Breeders’ Cup purse and awards programs for theremainderof its racing career without anyadditionalnominationpayments.
IN Memoriam
Stephen Ferraro
Former trainer Stephen Ferraro, owner/breeder of California-bred champion Ismene, died July 6 at his home in Sierra Madre after a lengthy illness. He was 83. Ferraro trained primarily in Southern California from 1970-91, having learned from the likes of Willard Proctor. Ferraro’s runners included several with names beginning with “time for,” including Calbred stakes winner Time for Redchecks and Cal-bred stakesplaced Time for Sakarto.
One of Ferraro’s proudest moments as a trainer came when Cal-bred Painted Wagon ran third behind Triple Crown winner Affirmed in the 1979 Santa Anita Handicap (G1). Painted Wagon also ran second in that year’s San Antonio Stakes (G1) and earned a total of $267,875.
After retiring from training, Ferraro bred Ismene, a daughter of Tribal Rule—Never to Excess, by In Excess. Trained by Bill Spawr and campaigned by Ferraro, Ismene as a 2-year-old in 2011 won all three of her races, including the Anoakia Stakes and California Breeders’ Champion Stakes, and she was voted the year’s Cal-bred champion 2-year-old female. Ismene placed in three more stakes and earned a total of $236,990.
Stephen and his son Evan bred Ismene to Arrogate and got Liberal Arts. Racing for Osmel Nunez, Liberal Arts won the 2023 Street Sense Stakes (G3) and 2025 Knicks Go Stakes at Churchill Downs and has continued to race this year with earnings of more than $600,000.
Many members of Ferraro’s family have been involved in racing. Evan is director of marketing for Fasig-Tipton, and Stephen’s wife, Richmond, is a longtime advertising executive who for decades has handled California accounts for ads appearing in this magazine as well as for the CTBA’s
sales companies. Stephen trained horses for his late parents, Nat and Rosemary, and Rosemary once served as a member of the California Horse Racing Board.
In addition to Evan and Richmond, Ferraro is survived by another son, Charlie, and grandchildren Blaise and Roman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the California Thoroughbred Horseman’s Foundation.
Ron Moore
Ron Moore, a former Santa Anita track superintendent, died July 3 at age 80. He and his family have been instrumental in caring for racing surfaces in Southern California and across the country for more than seven decades.
Born in 1946 in South Gate, Calif., Moore began working at racetracks at age 15, following his father, Royce (Bob) Moore, the Hollywood Park track foreman from 1953-79. Ron initially worked as a coachman on the carriages used to transport racing officials around the course. He worked for his father on the track crew as a high school student and joined the Santa Anita track crew after a stint in the U.S. Army.
In 1977, Moore was put in charge of conditioning Santa Anita’s main track and training track as foreman of the operating engineers and truck drivers. He was named track superintendent in early 1981, working at Santa Anita throughout the 1980s, which included aiding in the construction of the show jumping and dressage arena for the 1984 Olympic Games at Santa Anita.
Ron’s brother, Dennis, serves as 1/ST Racing’s track surfaces consultant, and his nephew Rob is currently Santa Anita’s track superintendent. In addition to Dennis and Rob, Ron is survived by his wife, Susan; children Wendy, Jennifer, and David; and their children and grandchildren.
QUALIFYING CLAIMING LEVELS
The following claiming levels for California owners premiums and stallion awards are currently in effect: DEL MAR / $40,000
ANNE M. EBERHARDT
CTBA working for you
CTBA EVENTS ■ SALES CAL-BRED/SIRED STAKES RACES
To further assist the membership of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) and subscribers of its official publication, California Thoroughbred, this monthly editorial page provides readers with updates about the association’s current policies, latest news, and upcoming events in the Golden State.
California Legislature Honors
Mario Gutierrez
Two days after California-bred California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), another Derby winner, jockey Mario Gutierrez, was honored in Sacramento.
e Latino Spirit Awards, established in 2002, are held in conjunction with Cinco de Mayo. Gutierrez, who piloted I’ll Have Another to win the 2012 Kentucky Derby, was one of 10 honored this year by the California Senate and Assembly. California Gov. Jerry Brown attended the dinner held the night before in conjunction with the awards.
GOT CHROME?
Breeders’ Cup Early Foal Nomination Deadline
In the run-up to California Chrome’s successful victory in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association spread the word via a colorful button. With a tagline: “Got Chrome? California does! It pays to be Cal-bred” the CTBA promoted California Chrome and the California breeding industry.
$150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes Del Mar
People who “liked” the CTBA’s Facebook page received one of the buttons, as did some lucky fans who flocked to California Chrome’s final work at Los Alamitos April 26.
$100,000 CTBA Stakes Del Mar 3456
e timing couldn’t have been better, as many wanted to talk about the state’s own California Chrome. is is the rst time that the Latino Spirit Awards have honored a racing gure. Gutierrez’s photo will hang in the Capitol Rotunda for a month along with the other honorees.
Gutierrez was born in Mexico and initially began his riding career in his native country. He later was a huge success at Hastings Racecourse in Canada before switching his tack to Southern California.
$100,000 Graduation Stakes Del Mar 8 91011121314
Paul Reddam, owner of I’ll Have Another, noticed the youngster’s ability and suggested him to trainer Doug O’Neill for I’ll Have Another in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita. Gutierrez never lost on the colt in four starts—the Lewis, Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), Kentucky Derby, and Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Then it was off to Kentucky, where CTBA’s Doug Burge and several board members also passed out buttons on the famed Churchill Downs backstretch. The buttons proved so popular that they also passed them out at Pimlico before the Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
NEW
CTBA MEMBERS
$150,000 Solana Beach Stakes Del Mar 16171819202122
Syd Belzberg (Budget Stables) Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Nels Erickson Reno, NV
Thomas Glosser Whittier, CA
Mary Lou Griffin Buckley, WA
Tiffany Teresi, Dawn Howe, and Mary Valente (Partnership) Acampo, CA
Chris and Jena Raymer Catoosa, OK
Charles Robin Brentwood, CA
Nor Cal Auction Bonus—$250,000
CTBA Sales is offering a “$250,000 G1 Bonus” for the Aug. 12 CTBA Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale to be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. The bonus money will be paid out to the registered owner at time of nomination according to The Jockey Club papers.
The official rules for the bonus are listed under the consignor’s contract in the entry form. To earn the bonus, a yearling must go through the sales ring and win a grade I race in North America at the age of 2, 3, or 4.
Closing date for sale entries is June 9, with a $300 entry fee, $1,000 upset price, and $500 minimum commission charge. For additional information, visit the CTBA’s web site at www.ctba.com or contact Cookie Hackworth, Sale Coordinator, at either cookie@ctba.com or (626)445-7800, ext. 243.
CTBA FUTURE EVENTS
CTBA Northern California Yearling & Horses of Racing Age Sale Tuesday, August 12 Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton Contact Cookie Hackworth cookie@ctba.com / 800.573.2822 ext. 243 Cookie Hackwrth
CHAMPIONS STAY COOL UNDER PRESSURE.SO SHOULD YOUR BARN.
)PN(ZZ-HUZKLSP]LYWV^LYM\SX\PL[HPYÅV^ designed to keep elite horses comfortable even on the hottest days.
2023 NTRA Horse of the Year Cody’s Wish
Photo Credit: Big Ass Fans
SEPTEMBER 2026
CTBA working for you
CTBA EVENTS ■ SALES CAL-BRED/SIRED STAKES RACES
To further assist the membership of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) and subscribers of its official publication, California Thoroughbred, this monthly editorial page provides readers with updates about the association’s current policies, latest news, and upcoming events in the Golden State.
Two days after California-bred California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), another Derby winner, jockey Mario Gutierrez, was honored in Sacramento.
e Latino Spirit Awards, established in 2002, are held in conjunction with Cinco de Mayo. Gutierrez, who piloted I’ll Have Another to win the 2012 Kentucky Derby, was one of 10 honored this year by the California Senate and Assembly. California Gov. Jerry Brown attended the dinner held the night before in conjunction with the awards.
$100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes
Del Mar
GOT CHROME?
In the run-up to California Chrome’s successful victory in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association spread the word via a colorful button. With a tagline: “Got Chrome? California does! It pays to be Cal-bred” the CTBA promoted California Chrome and the California breeding industry.
$100,000 Generous Portion Stakes
Del Mar 5 6
Del Mar closing day
e timing couldn’t have been better, as many wanted to talk about the state’s own California Chrome. is is the rst time that the Latino Spirit Awards have honored a racing gure. Gutierrez’s photo will hang in the Capitol Rotunda for a month along with the other honorees.
CHRB Meeting CCAP Hearing Room Sacramento
People who “liked” the CTBA’s Facebook page received one of the buttons, as did some lucky fans who flocked to California Chrome’s final work at Los Alamitos April 26.
Then it was off to Kentucky, where CTBA’s Doug Burge and several board members also passed out buttons on the famed Churchill Downs backstretch. The buttons proved so popular that they also passed them out at Pimlico before the Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Los Alamitos opening day 12 131415161718
Gutierrez was born in Mexico and initially began his riding career in his native country. He later was a huge success at Hastings Racecourse in Canada before switching his tack to Southern California. Paul Reddam, owner of I’ll Have Another, noticed the youngster’s ability and suggested him to trainer Doug O’Neill for I’ll Have Another in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita. Gutierrez never lost on the colt in four starts—the Lewis, Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), Kentucky Derby, and Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Los Alamitos closing day 21222324
NEW
CTBA MEMBERS
$75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes Los Alamitos
Syd Belzberg (Budget Stables) Richmond, British Columbia, Canada
Nels Erickson Reno, NV
Thomas Glosser Whittier, CA
Santa Anita opening day 26
Mary Lou Griffin Buckley, WA
Tiffany Teresi, Dawn Howe, and Mary Valente (Partnership) Acampo, CA
Chris and Jena Raymer Catoosa, OK
Charles Robin Brentwood, CA
Nor Cal Auction Bonus—$250,000
CTBA Sales is offering a “$250,000 G1 Bonus” for the Aug. 12 CTBA Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale to be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. The bonus money will be paid out to the registered owner at time of nomination according to The Jockey Club papers.
The official rules for the bonus are listed under the consignor’s contract in the entry form. To earn the bonus, a yearling must go through the sales ring and win a grade I race in North America at the age of 2, 3, or 4.
Closing date for sale entries is June 9, with a $300 entry fee, $1,000 upset price, and $500 minimum commission charge. For additional information, visit the CTBA’s web site at www.ctba.com or contact (626)445-7800, ext. 243.
CTBA FUTURE EVENTS
CTBA Northern California Yearling & Horses of Racing Age Sale Tuesday, August 12 Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton Contact Cookie Hackworth cookie@ctba.com / 800.573.2822 ext. 243
44 E Foothill Blvd Ste 204, Arcadia, CA 91006 626-445-7800
For further information, contact: Cookie Hackworth cookie@ctba.com 800.573.2822 ext. 243
PAVEL SHINES AT DEL MAR
QUANT ONE OF FIVE EARLY WINNERS FOR THE STALLION
BY JACK SHINAR
Why aren’t there more of them? at has to be the question surrounding the progeny of the California stallion Pavel following his red-hot start to the 2026 Del Mar summer meet.
In the rst ve racing days of the prestigious meet, Pavel o spring accounted for a remarkable ve wins from just eight starters, capped by Paul and Zillah Reddam’s She’s No Quant’s impressive triumph in the $151,500 Fleet Treat Stakes July 24. e rst four victories all came from juveniles on the opening weekend of the stand, three of them making their initial starts.
Now well into his fourth crop to race, Pavel, a grade 1-winning son of Creative Cause who earned more than $2 million on the track, has had just 62 named foals in his stud career. Yet the gray stallion led the state’s sire rankings for this year’s 2-year-olds as of July 27 with six winners from 13 starters. His juvenile progeny earnings of $314,712 were second, just $4,000 behind the leader Stay irsty.
Overall, Pavel, who stands at the Reddams’ Ocean Breeze Ranch in Bonsall for $4,000, is seventh among California’s leading stallions with total progeny earnings of more than $1.4 million. at’s despite having only a fraction of the runners compared to those ahead of him.
Pavel’s top winner has been Reddam’s homebred Pavlovian, winner of the listed $500,000 Sunland Park Derby and runner-up in the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2) this year.
e llies Strident Miss and Tashie and colts Net Par and Phone Booth won
during Del Mar’s opening weekend, all in their racing debuts except for Net Par, who was making his second start. All but Strident Miss, who defeated a second daughter of Pavel named Less Please by a nose, were out of Reddam-owned mares. en came their homebred She’s No Quant, who scored an upset over oddson choice Mohaven in the seven-furlong Fleet Treat while making both her stakes
and dirt debuts for trainer Edward Freeman. Out of the Square Eddie mare Quant Savant, the gray lly won her third consecutive race for jockey Juan Hernandez. She became Pavel’s second stakes winner of 2026.
She’s No Quant overcame tra c issues in sweeping to a one-length tally over Mohaven, who had crushed her 3-year-old lly opponents by a combined 11 lengths in back-to-back Golden State Series stakes events this spring at Santa Anita. She’s No Quant stopped the timer in 1:25.62.
Having broken and trained horses for the Reddams for about 20 years, Freeman is familiar with the o spring of both Pavel and She’s No Quant’s broodmare sire, Square Eddie.
So he wasn’t surprised that She’s No Quant took to the dirt so easily or that she fought through some adversity to get the job done. While he can’t explain the lack of breeder interest in Pavel, who is out of the unraced Maria’s Mon mare Mons Venus, he noted, “ e thing about Pavel is that even though he was a dirt horse, and a good one, he has turf in his pedigree and his horses seem to do both.”
Freeman is a native of England who previously trained in Canada. Early on with the Reddams, he worked closely with Square Eddie, “a terri c stallion,” he said. He recalled that She’s No Quant’s dam, Quant Savant, had a career-ending injury when she hurdled the inner rail at Pleasanton after stumbling at the start of a stakes race. She has had two prior foals to race, one a winner, and produced a colt by Nyquist in 2025.
“I got a little choked up when (Del Mar racing analyst) Kurt Hoover asked me what it meant to me to win a race like (the Fleet Treat) for the Reddams,” Freeman said. “ ey are just the most wonderful, wonderful people to work for.”
Zillah and Paul Reddam (center) bred and own She’s No Quant
FABULOUS PEDIGREE
HE’S A KNOCKOUT HAS CAL-BRED CHAMPION ROOTS
BY TRACY GANTZ
Few horses can trace their lineage back to as many champion California-breds as He’s a Knockout. e colt staked his own claim to possibly adding his name to that list with a gutsy victory in the $152,500 Real Good Deal Stakes for 3-yearolds July 31 at Del Mar. e late John Harris is responsible for most of He’s a Knockout’s pedigree. But it extends beyond Harris, tracing back to Fabulous Notion, champion Cal-bred 2-year-old female of 1982 and 3-year-old female of 1983.
Movie producer Ray Stark bred Fabulous Notion from Careless Notion, the fourth dam of He’s a Knockout. Raced by James Murray’s Pine Meadow oroughbreds, Fabulous Notion became a multiple graded winner. For Stark and his wife, Fran, Careless Notion also produced 1990 Cal-bred turf champion Cacoethes and Kentucky-bred Margaret Booth. e latter became the third dam of He’s a Knockout.
Harris Farms took over the bloodline at that point by buying Margaret Booth for $105,000 at the 1995 Keeneland November sale and returning the family to California. From Margaret Booth, Harris bred Lucky C. H., stakes-placed for Harris and trained by Carla Gaines, also the conditioner of He’s a Knockout.
Harris bred Lucky C. H. to Cal-bred champion Acclamation to get Style Award, the dam of He’s a Knockout.
He’s a Knockout becomes a stakes winner in his fourth start and first on dirt
Style Award produced her rst two foals to the cover of the late California sire He’s a Tiger: winner Wink and a Grin and He’s a Knockout. e mare has a yearling colt and suckling lly by Halladay and was bred to Golden Pal this year.
Harris died in July 2025, so he never got to see He’s a Knockout run. e colt debuted for Gaines the following month, breaking his maiden by 43 4 lengths sprinting on the turf at Del Mar. He’s a Knockout was away from the races until April, when he added another turf sprint win, by 13⁄4 lengths, at Santa Anita.
His only loss came in the 11⁄8-mile Snow Chief Stakes, also on turf, before Gaines switched him to seven furlongs on dirt for the Real Good Deal.
“He’s never had dirt in his face,” Gaines noted.
After the Real Good Deal, He’s a Knockout still hadn’t experienced dirt in his face. Joel Rosario, riding the colt for the rst time, let him go to the front and set all the fractions, even though they were swift.
“He broke good and went on with it,” Rosario said. “But he was relaxed; he was racing well.”
He’s a Knockout sizzled the rst quarter in :21.82 and a half in :44.43. ose quick fractions would have cooked a lesser horse, and when Party Animal, who had been running at Saratoga, ranged up in the stretch, the battle began.
Party Animal tried valiantly to pass He’s a Knockout and headed him brie y. He’s a Knockout refused to yield, edging Party Animal by a head in 1:25.04. It was 11 4 lengths back to Cal-bred champion Ocean Bear, making his rst start since October.
“ at other horse made me work a little bit in the stretch, but we got it done,” Rosario said.
Added Gaines, who was winning her 21st Del Mar stakes, “Maybe John (Harris) was pushing him along.”
Carla Gaines (second right) trains He’s a Knockout after also conditioning others in the female family
2025 TOBA State Breeder of the Year for California
Richard Barton Enterprises
CHAMPIONS OCEAN BEAR AND MOHAVEN HEADED 2025 PERFORMERS
BY TRACY GANTZ
As a major market breeder, Richard Barton Enterprises has horses running throughout California and the U.S., often for those who bought the horses at auction. But occasionally Barton gets to run some in its own name, such as California-bred champion Ocean Bear.
Both avenues have vaulted the Barton family atop California breeders lists for three consecutive years. ey were also named the oroughbred Owners and Breeders Association California Breeder of the Year in 2025 for the third time.
As Del Mar readied for its 2026 summer opening, Kate Barton Penner, Richard and Beth Barton’s daughter and executive vice president of the family’s operation, was excited about Ocean Bear.
“We are looking forward to the Del Mar meet,” Penner said, “and Ocean Bear is back in training and expected to make his 3-year-old debut there.”
Penner noted that Barton is “racing more 2-year-olds in our own silks that we have in the past.” But they remain primarily market breeders, and Penner said that the team at their Santa Ynez Valley farm was in full sale-prep mode.
“We are excited to present our 2025 crop at auction, including yearlings by Shaaz,” Penner said. ose yearlings will be from the rst crop of the Uncle Mo stallion. Shaaz stands at Barton oroughbreds along with Dads Caps, Cat Burglar, One Bad Boy, and Tap Back.
In 2025, Richard Barton Enterprises led the California breeders list with earnings of $4,277,278. Barton-breds won 164 races, 13 of those stakes.
Earlier this year, Penner accepted several awards for her father at the CTBA awards banquet.
“As you can see from the past few years, his unwavering
dedication to Cal-breds and this sport is proven in our results,” Penner said. “I just couldn’t be prouder to be part of this organization and get to do this with my family.”
At that banquet, Ocean Bear was honored as the 2025 Cal-bred champion 2-yearold male. A son of Bolt d’Oro, he is out of the Square Eddie mare Ocean Dream, claimed by Richard Barton at Turf Paradise. When Ocean Bear didn’t reach his reserve at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton California yearling sale, Barton bought him back for $75,000.
us, Ocean Bear represented his breeder on the racetrack, with three wins and one second in four starts. He nished his juvenile campaign with a three-quarterlength triumph in the Golden State Juvenile Stakes at Del Mar before a Breeders’ Cup crowd.
Also at the banquet, Penner joined Pete and Evelyn Parrella in celebrating Mohaven’s award as Cal-bred champion 2-yearold female. e Parrellas’ Legacy Ranch paid $200,000 for Mohaven at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton sale. In 2025, the daughter of Yaupon—Bahama Mischief, by Into Mischief, won the 2025 Golden State Breeders Fillies Stakes and ran second in the Generous Portion Stakes.
Mohaven has added to her laurels in 2026. At Santa Anita she won back-to-back stakes, taking the Evening Jewel Stakes and Melair Stakes.
Mohaven has more than repaid her purchase price, but owners have also discovered that they can nd huge bargains within the Barton program. Barton sold Express Kid for just $2,000 to Steve Haahr at the 2024 Arizona oroughbred Breeders’ Association fall mixed sale. As a 2-year-old, the son of Bodexpress—Sensationalize, by Street Sense, won the $300,000 Remington Park Springboard Mile for Haahr and in January was sold for $800,000.
On just about every level, Barton-breds are making their mark.
Kate Barton Penner, at Del Mar with husband Blair and their children, is executive vice president of Richard Barton Enterprises
SPOTLIGHT YOUR FARM
$500,000 Bonus New for 2026
FIRST GRADE 1
WINNER AT 2 OR 3 CAN COLLECT
Buyers and consignors will have an opportunity for a new $500,000 bonus being o ered at this year’s Fasig-Tipton California yearling sale. e sale, which has attracted nearly 300 horses for the 2026 edition, will be held Sept. 30 at Fairplex in Pomona.
Fasig-Tipton and the CTBA are offering the bonus in partnership. It will be awarded to the rst sale graduate that wins a grade 1 race in the U.S. as a 2-year-old or 3-year-old. e bonus applies only to horses o ered in this year’s auction, and both horses sold and those whose reserves are not met will qualify.
“ is is a very creative and lucrative incentive to add even more value to the California fall yearling sale,” said Doug Burge, president of the CTBA. “ e CTBA is very pleased to partner with Fasig-Tipton, and we are extremely appreciative of all their support in California. is promotion should further incentivize people to purchase and race Cal-breds, as well as encourage the state’s breeders to support the sale with the best of their yearling crops.”
Mike Machowsky, Fasig-Tipton’s California representative, noted that Fasig-Tipton is also excited to o er this bonus. He said that after entries closed, the sale had attracted about 290, with some supplements on approval anticipated.
“California has a long and storied history of producing top-class horses,” Machowsky said, “and we hope this bonus will give extra encouragement to both sellers and buyers to participate in this year’s sale.”
In addition to many California-breds by some of the state’s leading sires being o ered, Machowsky said that the catalog includes Cal-bred yearlings by very
strong Kentucky sires.
Fasig-Tipton has conducted its California yearling sale since 2019, and it has produced top-class runners. Mohaven and Ocean Bear, the two 2025 California-bred champion 2-year-olds, were o ered at the 2024 yearling sale as part of the Barton oroughbreds consignment.
Mohaven, champion 2-year-old female, sold to Pete and Evelyn Parrella’s Legacy Ranch for $200,000. For Legacy, she won the 2025 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes and already this year has added the Evening Jewel Stakes and Melair Stakes, with total earnings to date of $363,250.
Ocean Bear, champion 2-year-old male, didn’t reach his reserve and was a $75,000 buyback. Richard Barton campaigns Ocean Bear, who won the 2025 Golden State Juvenile Stakes and has earned $200,350.
e sale is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. Paci c.
Champion California-bred Mohaven was a $200,000 purchase at the sale in 2024
INHERITED FARM HAS BECOME A FAMILY OASIS
STEPHEN KRAMER
BY JACK SHINAR
One thing Dr. Stephen Kramer learned about himself after a fourdecade medical career: He’s a surgeon who doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty.
In 2015, Kramer retired as a specialist in pediatric urology at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to become the owner and, well, caretaker of a scenic 36-acre racing and breeding horse ranch in Sonoma County’s Bennett Valley. e property, with its rolling hills and Scarlet Oak trees, overlooks Annandale State Park and was inherited from an uncle more than a decade earlier. Kramer named it Carliwood Farms in honor of his eldest daughter, Carli.
Kramer has a farm manager, but when it comes to farm maintenance—chores such as
mucking stalls, checking the horses, and mending or painting fences—he’s the man.
“I basically do it all,” said the youthful looking 77-yearold Kramer. “But I enjoy it. Our children and grandchildren all love it here. e whole family is involved with the farm.”
It’s been quite a change of pace for Kramer, who arrived at the Mayo Clinic for a oneyear residency in 1980 and didn’t leave until his retirement. He met his wife, Sheila, while doing a residency at Duke University, where she was a nurse, and she followed him to the Mayo Clinic. ey have three grown daughters and three grandchildren.
His practice focused on the medical and surgical treatment of urinary and genital tract conditions in infants, children, and adolescents.
“ ese were children with
birth defects, intersex cases, those kinds of things,” he said. “At the Mayo Clinic, we would get patients from all over the world. Seeing these children after they’ve grown up was very gratifying.”
ings are a little quiet at Carliwood Farms these days, Kramer acknowledges, owing to the uncertainty surrounding breeding and racing caused by the closure of Golden Gate Fields in June 2024.
“It’s been very di cult without Golden Gate anymore, very di cult,” he said. “Everything is di erent; losing that track had a big impact on us. We didn’t breed anything last year—we’re just not sure what’s going to happen with breeding in the state.”
On the track, Carliwood is represented by Cecilia Street, a California-bred daughter of Stanford out of Kramer’s mare A Walk in the Park, by Unusual Heat. Named for one of his granddaughters, Cecilia Street is the only horse Carliwood currently has in training.
e Leonard Powell-trained 3-year-old chestnut lly has held her own in Southern California, placing three times in Golden State Series stakes events. She’s earned $175,650 for Kramer and his partners, Integrity oroughbred Racing and Mathilde Powell, nishing in the money in eight of 11 starts overall while winning twice. Both of Cecilia Street’s victories have come on the turf, but she has shown versatility.
“With her breeding, I thought she’d be a turf horse,” Kramer said. “But on dirt her
Sheila and Steve Kramer enjoy life at their Carliwood Farm in Northern California
PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEPHEN KRAMER
numbers are just as good, maybe even better. So that surprises me, but it’s good to know that she can run on both.”
e homebred A Walk in the Park is the only active broodmare at Carliwood.
A three-time winner of $136,919 while racing for trainer Phil D’Amato, she was forced to retire with foot problems in 2019.
A chestnut Cal-bred mare, A Walk in the Park was the most successful foal for her dam, Encanto Park, a Florida-bred daughter of Exchange Rate who earned $124,300 for Kramer while trained by George Weaver. Encanto Park, now 21, is one of the retirees at Carliwood.
In 2025, A Walk in the Park delivered a lly by Mr. Big. In fact, Kramer said, the lly was the result of Mr. Big’s nal cover at Legacy Ranch before the stallion had to be euthanized in 2024 due to complications from laminitis.
“She’s big, I mean a really big and strong yearling, being by Mr. Big, and we are excited about her,” Kramer said.
A second yearling, by Clubhouse Ride out of the Kentucky-bred Gulch mare Big Easy, is also developing into a good-looking prospect after a di cult start, Kramer explained. Her dam suffered a ruptured artery during birth and succumbed 12 hours after foaling.
“ e delivery went smoothly, so it was a shock,” Kramer said. “We had to nd a nurse mare immediately or the foal would have died as well. Fortunately, we found one at U.C. Davis. We took her up to Davis and everything worked out well. at nurse mare was tremendous. She saved (the foal’s) life.”
Kramer’s time as a horse owner dates back to the mid-1980s with the opening of Canterbury Downs in Shakopee, Minn. He had his rst stakes winner there with the Argentina-bred Joel, trained by Carl Nafzger and ridden by a fresh-faced newcomer named Mike Smith. at was part of a long asso-
ciation with Nafzger. e graded stakes-placed Joel won 11 of 55 lifetime races and earned $235,065.
He also had horses with Todd Pletcher during the Hall of Fame trainer’s early career and kept a number of mares at Gainesway Farm in Lexington, Ky., over the years. When Kramer decided to transfer his operation to California, he brought about a dozen broodmares with him from Kentucky to Carliwood.
“It was a lot of work,” Kramer said. “I did it without partners and it got to be quite expensive. I eventually got it down to something I could manage.”
Kramer has a couple of nightmare stories as well.
Among the horses he’s bred was Windward Islands, a gray son of Cozzene consigned by Gainesway who failed to reach his $70,000 reserve at the Keeneland yearling sale in 2005. Rather than hold on to him, he and the Cozzene Syndicate sold him for considerably less privately. e gelding, racing mostly at Woodbine for SamSon Farm and trainer Mark Frostad, became a multiple graded stakes winner and earner of nearly $850,000.
Kramer also partly owned Latin American, an import from France trained by Gary Jones. Unfortunately, he and his partners lost the horse on a $100,000 claim before he went on to win several stakes, including the grade 1 Californian in 1993.
“He’d run in a grade 3 at Arlington and hadn’t done so well. We didn’t know what to do with him, and Gary suggested putting him in a $100,000 claimer at Hollywood Park. He said no one would claim him for that amount. But someone did, of course. I do regret it because he won a lot of races after that.
“I’ve had a lot of horses claimed o me and I was usually glad they were,” Kramer noted with a laugh. “But those were two that got away from me.”
The Kramers often take their grandchildren on trail rides
Cecilia Street poses with (from right) Sheila, daughter Carli, and granddaughter Evelyn
Daughter Courtney makes friends with the Clubhouse Ride orphaned filly
Winners
JUNE 22, 2026 – JULY 26, 2026
3-YEAR-OLDS & UP
Bodexpress—Seeking the Ghost: Phantom Express (37-15), g, 3 yo, Canterbury Park, ALW, 7/23, 5 1/2f, 1:03.60, $14,100.
Boisterous—Silent Fusaichi: Loud Fusaichi (26-8), m, 7 yo, Grande Prairie, STR, 7/18, 6f, 1:13.79, $3,816.
Stanford—Bella Be Ready: Fact Or Fiction (81-40), g, 5 yo, Albuquerque, SOC, 7/26, 5 1/2f, 1:04.18, $9,744.
Stay Thirsty—Akiss Forarose: The Gypsy Cowboy (156-50), g, 4 yo, Los Alamitos Race Course, AOC, 7/4, 1mi, 1:37.16, $30,600.
Stay Thirsty—Pretty Mischief: McKenna Moon (156-50), f, 3 yo, Grande Prairie, STK, Grande Prairie Oaks, 7/26, 1mi, 1:44.31, $14,840.
Tamarando—Only You Babe: Herecomegeorgieboy (15-6), g, 6 yo, Arapahoe Park, SOC, 7/10, 7f, 1:22.89, $6,000.
Tamarkuz—Bonus Spin: Go Go Sadie (41-22), m, 7 yo, Arapahoe Park, ALW, 6/28, 6f, 1:09.95, $10,200.
Win the Space—Fuega: Ryan's Girl (5-2), f, 4 yo, Los Alamitos Race Course, SOC, 7/5, 5 1/2f, 1:03.85, $18,720.
Win the Space—Time for Luck: Lucky Vegas (5-2), m, 6 yo, Albuquerque, SOC, 7/26, 5 1/2f, 1:04.51, $11,040.
2-YEAR-OLDS
Dads Caps—Fracas: Caps and Carnage (49-26), g, 2 yo, Wyoming Downs, STK, Sue Wallis Memorial Futurity, 6/28, 5f, 58.20, $20,000.
Dads Caps—Fracas: Caps and Carnage (49-26), g, 2 yo, Emerald Downs, STK, King County Express S., 7/19, 5 1/2f, 1:03.13, $27,225.
Q The accompanying list includes runners that are both California-foaled and California-sired winners in 2026 of all recent North American races, except straight claiming races.
QAbbreviations used for the class of race are similar to those used by Equibase: Alw–allowance; Hcp–overnight handicap; names of stakes race are spelled out, with the grade of the race, when applicable, in parentheses.
MAIDENS
Acclamation—Capstone Lady: Jonny's Cap (26-6), g, 2 yo, Los Alamitos Race Course, MCL, 7/4, 5 1/2f, 1:04.93, $13,800.
Bodexpress—Renewed Energy: Ford Frenzy (37-15), c, 3 yo, Del Mar, MSW, 7/19, 5 1/2f, 1:03.78, $48,000.
Cistron—Patriot Missile: Long Range Pursuit (11-5), f, 3 yo, Wyoming Downs, MSW, 7/19, 5 1/2f, 1:05.30, $6,600.
Vronsky—Glorious Luck: Lucky N Smart (25-8), g, 5 yo, Del Mar, MSW, 7/19, 5f (T), 57.13, $48,000. Vronsky—Back to the River: Feeling Lucky (25-8), g, 4 yo, Del Mar, MSW, 7/24, 1mi (T), 1:35.29, $48,000.
EYE DISEASE HAS MANY SOURCES
EQUINE EYE PROBLEMS CAN STEM FROM A VARIETY OF ILLNESSES
BY HEATHER SMITH THOMAS
The horse’s eye is tough but fragile. It can withstand an amazing number of challenges, yet is vulnerable to injury and disease. One of the most common eye problems in horses that can lead to blindness has been called ERU (equine recurrent uveitis). is condition was known as “moon blindness” for centuries. ERU is thought to be a complex autoimmune disease in uenced by both genetic and infectious factors.
Ann Dwyer DVM, a private practitioner at the Genesee Valley Equine Clinic in Scottsville, N.Y., for many years, was always interested in equine ophthalmology and research. ough she retired in 2022, she still gives lectures and has published multiple papers and book chapters on equine ophthalmology. She is currently serving as a reviewer for Equine Veterinary Ophthalmology and Equine Veterinary Journal, often shares her knowledge and expertise in equine ophthalmology, and has published book chapters on the subject.
ANATOMY OF THE EYE SURFACE
e cornea—the clear, outer covering of the eye—is actually several layers.
“From outside to inside, there is rst the epithelium, which comprises less than 20% of the thickness of the cornea,” said Dwyer. “ en there is the stroma, which is more than 80% of the corneal thickness. is area has relatively few cells; it is mostly long, parallel bers arranged in a lamellar pattern, which is very geometric, and supports transparency when normal. en there is Descemet’s membrane—elastic and very thin. e bottommost layer is the endothelium, just one cell layer thick.” e cornea is transparent because the layers, especially the stroma, are kept relatively dehydrated.
“ e endothelium pulls uid out of the stroma,” Dwyer said. “If the endothelium is damaged or does not function properly, the cornea ‘steams up’ in the a ected area (similar to your windshield if the defroster isn’t working), becoming cloudy. In humans with this condition, endothelial
transplants can be done, but not in horses. “ e normal, healthy cornea is only about one millimeter thick, but is not just a simple clear membrane like the windshield of your car. e epithelium on the outside is similar to epithelium anywhere else in the body; it is completely cellular and the cells are like a stone wall, with fatter cells on the bottom and thinner ones toward the top. Yet it is very thin, like the paper skin on an onion.
“At the bottom of the layers of epithelial cells, there is a basement membrane, which is like a piece of Saran wrap below the stone wall. Most of rest of the cornea is stroma, which is a miraculous tissue. ere is nothing else in the body as transparent as your car windshield except for the cornea—which is a living, metabolic tissue.” e key to this miracle is the geometric formation of this tissue.
out the stroma, are called keratocytes. With so few cells, it’s a challenge if there’s a problem there because the body needs cells to repair injury.
“Another basement membrane—like another piece of Saran wrap on the bottom of the stroma—is called Descemet’s membrane. It is very elastic and thin, with no cells. e nal layer, which is so thin it is almost negligible, is a single layer of at, six-sided cells arranged like a mosaic. is is the endothelium.
“Unfortunately, these cells hardly reproduce and don’t regenerate very well. e epithelium (top layer) can completely regenerate and does this continually, just like your skin. A healthy cornea will turn over all its cells for new ones in about a week. But the endothelium (bottom layer) has very little capacity to regenerate, and the density of these cells declines with age.
“ e stroma is mostly made up of long, thin bers that are rich in glycosaminoglycans (like joint uid),” Dwyer said. “ e bers are organized in layers, similar to a sliced loaf of bread in which every layer (slice) is turned at a 90-degree angle to the adjacent layer. ere are a few cells interspersed among the bers in the stroma, but not very many. ese cells are sprinkled through the tissue—like thinly spread jam that just occurs here and there on those bread slices. ose cells, peppered through-
ey play a critical role in maintaining transparency, however, and if the endothelium gets damaged, the eye is in trouble.
“Transparency is maintained because the cells have molecular membrane pumps that are constantly pulling water out of the stroma, through the basement membrane. Just like your car windshield becomes opaque if the defroster isn’t working, the horse’s cornea loses transparency if all or part of the endothelium is not working.”
Just like in people, equine eye exams can catch problems early
DR. DENNIS BROOKS
“MOON
BLINDNESS”
ERU is a very complicated disease.
“One of the things that complicates it is that we’ve always had the term ‘moon blindness’ that we think of when horses lose vision,” Dwyer said. “But this condition is not de ned, and the term is often used to describe eye problems with di erent causes.”
It was called moon blindness in early years when people were unaware of pathogenic causes of disease. e recurring painful episodes with horses’ eye were thought to be related to phases of the moon.
Dwyer feels the term “recurrent uveitis” isn’t really accurate because only some horses with uveitis (in ammation inside the eye) su er recurrent episodes of eye pain and in ammation that are obvious to the owner.
“In this subset of cases, the eyes will seem ne and appear to be comfortable,” she said, “and then suddenly one or both eyes become very in amed. is often happens with horses that have leptospirosis.”
Mineralization of the cornea is a condition where mineral—mostly calcium—is laid down, like residue from hard water on a drinking glass washed in a dishwasher.
“ is condition is also seen in humans,” Dwyer said. “In horses we sometimes see it in individuals that have ERU. It may be related to the fact that many of those horses get a lot of steroid treatment, as it can be a side e ect of topical steroids, though sometimes it happens without steroid treatment.
“ e mineral is generally either on the epithelium (outer membrane) or just beneath it. In some of the really bad cases, it may be a little deeper. But it is either in the upper stroma, sub-epithelium or in the epithelium, or a combination of those. It is fairly easy to diagnose because if you take a cytology sample, the corneal tissue is gritty rather than smooth. When you look at it under the microscope, you can see the little crystals. ey take up stain, and there is nothing else that looks like this. It tends to be a chronic, recurring problem, but it can often be controlled.”
e connection between eye problems and leptospirosis is very common. Lepto a ects many species, including humans, dogs, livestock, and horses. is disease often a ects the kidneys and is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria. ere are many
kinds of pathogenic leptospiras, and most of them have preferred hosts. Certain types are found most commonly in dogs, pigs, or rats, for instance. ese pathogens are often found in wildlife populations, including deer, rats, and mice. e leptospiras can survive in surface water, stagnant ponds, or streams.
Lepto is spread by discharges and secretions (especially urine) of sick and carrier animals, which often contaminate feed and water. Some infected animals appear to be healthy, yet harbor the bacteria in their kidneys and reproductive tract, shedding
the bacteria in urine or reproductive uids. Bacteria may enter a susceptible animal via nose, mouth, or eyes by contact with contaminated feed, water, or urine.
Once the leptospiras enter an animal, they multiply in the liver and migrate through the bloodstream to the kidneys. ey release toxins that damage red blood cells, liver, and kidneys. Even though leptospirosis is often a mild disease in horses, secondary e ects may have serious consequences. ese include abortion in pregnant mares and sometimes eye problems (recurrent uveitis)
Uveitis in horses is a disease complex that is worldwide in distribution and im-
pact. Many factors have been associated with the onset of clinical signs in horses, including parasites, neoplasia, trauma. and various infectious agents. Recurrent uveitis is often associated with leptospiral infection, particularly infection with Leptospira pomona.
LEPTOSPIROSIS AND ERU
Dwyer participated in an early study of horses in her practice area that had recurrent uveitis, with results published in 1998.
e motivation behind the research was the fact that, while uveitis was often cited as the leading cause of blindness in horses, no data prior to her study had ever quanti ed the actual rate of vision loss in horses with the disease.
In the rst part of the study, 56% of 112 horses with uveitis observed over a period of seven years were seropositive to L. Pomona. Additional study continued for four more years. In the following study, of 100 seropositive horses with uveitis, 58% lost vision in one or both eyes.
Comparison of the short-term and longterm data showed that slightly more than 50% of all horses seropositive to L. Pomona lost vision in one or both eyes whether they were followed over seven years or 11. Many of the L. Pomona-associated cases in the two studies had an acute, severe course; most seropositive horses that lost vision had several severe recurrences within two years of initial presentation. Other seropositive horses that retained their sight had an attack or two and were not troubled again.
Nine seropositive horses were treated for calcium keratopathy. Seropositive horses also had a high rate of corneal opacities, iris atrophy, cataract, vitritis peripapillary depigmentation, and phthisical eyes (an end-stage, severely damaged eye that has shrunk, collapsed, and permanently lost all vision). ese conditions were all re ective of the severe course of many leptospira-associated cases.
Seven of the seropositive horses had a notation in their medical record of fever of unknown original that predated the uveitis. Subsequent high titers to L. Pomona suggested that these fevers were indication of initial leptospiral infection. is nding was consistent with reports that uveitis is a late complication of leptospirosis, often occurring months after the initial infection.
Veterinarians will also examine the eye in this manner
This horse has lost sight in this eye
DR. ANN DWYER PHOTOS
Horse owners often worry that a horse with uveitis may lose vision in both eyes. In this study, just 20% of all the horses with uveitis lost sight in both eyes.
Another fear that owners often have is that horses with uveitis will have to undergo enucleation (removal of the eye). Only six horses had to have an eye enucleated in this 11-year study, and all of those required surgery because of complications from glaucoma or corneal ulcers. Owners should be advised that enucleation in horses with uveitis is rare, but corneal ulcers are common, and ulcers will cause a horse to show signs of pain typical of an attack of uveitis.
“ is fact is important to stress because owners may want veterinarians to dispense topical corticosteroids for treatment of recurrent ocular pain,” said Dwyer. “Topical corticosteroids are absolutely contraindicated in corneal ulcers.”
Some treatments help certain horses, but there are also some horses that will go blind no matter how they are treated.
“ ere are some new treatments being developed, but none of them are panaceas,” Dwyer said. “Some seem to help signicantly, and some don’t seem to do much at all for that particular horse, but might help another horse. Unfortunately, the newer treatments are very expensive because you need the horse to go to a specialist or someone who is speci cally trained.
“As long as you know what your options are, you don’t have to do them, but it’s good to be informed. One of the newer treatments is a cyclosporine implant—a surgical procedure done by a specialist. e implant looks like a tiny watch battery crossed with a breath mint—a small disc. e disk is impregnated with an immunosuppressant drug, the same drug that many people take orally if they’ve had an organ transplant. e little implant is tucked between the layers of the eye and sewn in there. It’s a fairly simple operation, but very delicate. While it is there, it slowly releases the drug over a period of about 18 months. is can quiet down in ammation in the eye. e procedure should only be done when the eye is quiet, however, and not during an episode.”
Another treatment that’s been studied is an injection into the back of the eye.
“ is also must be done by someone highly trained,” Dwyer said. “It’s a delicate
and expensive procedure, but less expensive than surgery. A tiny dose of gentamycin is injected into the gel- lled chamber next to the retina. A higher dose is toxic to the retina and would make the horse blind. It has to be a special kind of gentamycin, free of preservatives, and the procedure must be meticulously sterile. ere is some risk of the drug being injected in the wrong place. But if it’s a knowledgeable person doing it and the horse is well sedated, it is quite safe, though there is a small risk for developing cataracts afterward—about 7% of horses injected.”
is injection might help horses with leptospirosis if they still have some of those pathogens in the eye.
“An antibiotic in the eye would be benecial; that might be why it is helping some horses,” Dwyer said. “It also seems to help some of the horses that don’t have lepto. ere may be some other immunosuppressant e ects we don’t understand at this point. Specialists tell us they don’t know why it is helping, but it seems to be helpful.
“It’s not a miracle cure, because any autoimmune disease is not going to be halted. You can try to slow things down, but probably won’t cure it. Immune cells in the body have a tendency to keep turning against ocular cell components once the disease gets started.”
LEPTO VACCINE FOR HORSES
Craig Carter, DVM, a retired professor of epidemiology at the University of Kentucky, worked for many years to build a case for an equine vaccine.
“When I was at Texas A&M, I spent a lot of time researching canine leptosporosis, and now there is a good canine vaccine,” Carter said. “I was recruited to Kentucky in 2005 to establish an epidemiology unit to study infectious diseases in domestic animals and started looking at this disease in horses. I quickly realized lepto was a big problem.
“We did a nationwide sero-epidemiologic study in 2010-2011 with 30 laboratories—29 states in the U.S. and one Canadian province. We found that about 45% of horses—anywhere you looked— had been exposed and were sero-positive for at least one leptospirosis serovar.
“Looking at the study data, Zoetis felt incidence of leptospiral infections in horses was much greater than people thought. Part of the lack of awareness about leptospirosis in horses and other species is that only a few regions in the country had a lab that could do leptospirosis testing, so many veterinarians and horsemen weren’t even thinking about it. ey might see problems in their horses, but were unable to get a diagnosis.”
If a person is treating bouts of recurrent uveitis, this can become quite expensive. If a vaccine could help prevent this problem, it would be a major milestone.
“When I was in practice and went to farms that had a horse with recurrent uveitis, it was heartbreaking,” Carter said. “By the time you recognized the problem, there was already a lot of damage in the eye, and little could be done to help cure it.”
Some practitioners became so frustrated that they used the cattle vaccine to try to prevent abortions and/or recurrent uveitis. ere were some reports that it seemed to help, but this is never as e ective or safe as using a vaccine speci cally designed for the animals you are vaccinating.
“ e situation today is much better— having an e ective, safe vaccine that’s legal to use on horses—rather than having to use the cattle vaccine o -label, as some horsemen and veterinarians were doing in earlier years,” Carter said.
DR. RICHARD MCMULLEN Eye removal can sometimes become necessary
2026 LEADING BREEDERS IN CALIFORNIA BY EARNINGS (THRU
2026 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS PER RUNNER
Sire
1 Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor10 4 $554,382 $55,438
2 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause 3520$1,402,367 $40,068
3 Collected, 2013, by City Zip 14598$3,606,676 $24,874
4 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark 9344$2,125,012 $22,850
5 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)9761$2,052,341 $21,158
6 Om, 2012, by Munnings 6535$1,325,543 $20,393
7 Mrazek, 2013, by Square Eddie 11 5 $203,535 $18,503
8 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley6039$1,039,089 $17,318
9 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)9755$1,677,212 $17,291
10Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando 15 8 $244,218 $16,281
11Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon 8152$1,315,590 $16,242
12Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid2317$371,759 $16,163
13Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer 3623$573,115 $15,920
14Cistron, 2014, by The Factor 11 5 $175,056 $15,914
15Empire Way, 2009, by Empire Maker11 8 $174,849 $15,895
16Tom’s Tribute, 2010, by Lion Heart 1311$201,204 $15,477
17Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat 5041$757,837 $15,157
18Mo Forza, 2016, by Uncle Mo 3715$552,864 $14,942
19Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front 3013$445,280 $14,843
20Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin 2615$385,657 $14,833
21Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger10970$1,589,201 $14,580
2026 LEADING TURF SIRES IN CALIFORNIA
Sire RnrsStrtsWnrsWinsEarned
1 Collected, 2013, by City Zip 511151317$1,367,865
2 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)571751825$1,065,702
3 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark 541181214$970,997
4 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)441091517$847,693
5 Om, 2012, by Munnings 3776 79 $591,027
6 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger3362 57 $473,092
7 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley1636 33 $351,720
8 Mo Forza, 2016, by Uncle Mo 1937 33 $276,702
9 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause 1637 56 $261,490
10Catholic Boy, 2015, by More Than Ready3183 89 $237,975
11Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini 3148 55 $233,993
12Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon 2338 45 $213,414
13Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat1034 34 $195,067
14Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig 1335 33 $180,015
15Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song 8 14 23 $179,550
16Halladay, 2016, by War Front 1437 22 $172,145
17Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front 1540 33 $151,830
18Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin 9 21 22 $140,595
19Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid1129 22 $139,350
2026 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY MONEY WON
1 Collected, 2013, by City Zip 14558998$3,606,676
2 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini 16464680$2,336,551
3 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark 9335244$2,125,012
4 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)9738861$2,052,341
5 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)9738855$1,677,212
6 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger10942170$1,589,201
7 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause 3512320$1,402,367
8 Om, 2012, by Munnings 6525635$1,325,543
9 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon 8132952$1,315,590
10Catholic Boy, 2015, by More Than Ready10746156$1,273,239
11I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley6035439$1,039,089
12Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile8133847$1,037,010 13Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat 5021041$757,837 14Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer 3615523$573,115 15Majestic Harbor, 2008, by Rockport Harbor1040 4 $554,382
16Mo Forza, 2016, by Uncle Mo 3712315$552,864
17Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front 3010713$445,280
18Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song3312516$423,860
19Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin 2610615$385,657
20Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid239817$371,759
21Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig 259310$363,931
22Tough Sunday, 2012, by Grazen
23Halladay, 2016, by War Front
24Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat26107
25Smokem, 2015, by Union Rags 2589 9 $267,300
26Gato Del Oro, 2014, by Medaglia d’Oro1865 8 $250,965
27Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando 1551 8 $244,218
28Bluegrass Cat, 2003, by Storm Cat 2067
29Tap Back, 2017, by Einstein (BRZ) 1657
30Idiot Proof, 2004, by Benchmark 226211$209,115
31Mrazek, 2013, by Square Eddie 1151 5 $203,535
32Tom’s Tribute, 2010, by Lion Heart 135711$201,204
33Point Piper, 2010, by Giant’s Causeway 7 2910$194,077
34Conquest Farenheit, 2014, by Scat Daddy2289 8 $183,440
35Graydar, 2009, by Unbridled’s Song2689
36Cistron, 2014, by The Factor 1136
37Empire Way, 2009, by Empire Maker1157
38Passion for Gold, 2007, by Medaglia d’Oro1968
39Win the Space, 2012, by Pulpit 5
40Far From Over, 2012, by Blame 9
41 Northern Causeway, 2008, by Giant’s Causeway
42Desert Code, 2004, by E Dubai
43Misremembered, 2006, by Candy Ride (ARG)136810$134,211 44Originaire (IRE), 2016, by Zoffany (IRE) 7 21
45Prospect Park, 2012, by Tapit 1131
46Govenor Charlie, 2010, by Midnight Lute1042
47Listing, 2016, by Square Eddie
20Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile2760 56 $131,926 The statistics shown here are compiled by The Jockey Club Information Systems (TJCIS). While every effort is made to prevent errors and omissions, California Thoroughbred cannot guarantee their complete and total accuracy. Earnings are from all available Northern Hemisphere racing and include adjusted money from Japan and Hong Kong. For example, the North American average earnings per starter in 2024 was $31,529 or 86% of the 2024 average earnings per starter in Japan. To put 2025 earnings on par, all Japanese progeny earnings are multiplied by 86% before being credited to a sire’s progeny earnings. For 2025, Hong Kong earnings are adjusted by 17%; Stakes winners and wins follow TJCIS stakes rules. Racing statistics through July 26, 2026.
2026 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY MEDIAN EARNINGS PER RUNNER
1 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause 3520$1,402,367 $14,240
3 Mo Forza, 2016, by Uncle Mo 3715$552,864 $11,535
4 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer 3623$573,115 $10,510
5 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark 9344$2,125,012 $10,300
6 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)9761$2,052,341 $10,285
7 Collected, 2013, by City Zip 14598$3,606,676 $10,244
8 Tom’s Tribute, 2010, by Lion Heart 1311$201,204 $9,972
9 Halladay, 2016, by War Front 30 5 $339,928 $8,740
10Mrazek, 2013, by Square Eddie 11 5 $203,535 $8,582
11Om, 2012, by Munnings 6535$1,325,543 $8,460
12Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat 5041$757,837 $8,426
13Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon 8152$1,315,590 $8,176
14Bold Chieftain, 2003, by Chief Seattle10 8 $93,243 $8,077
15Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid2317$371,759 $7,550
16Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin 2615$385,657 $6,769
17Gato Del Oro, 2014, by Medaglia d’Oro18 8 $250,965 $6,740
18Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando 15 8 $244,218 $6,700
19Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger10970$1,589,201 $6,640
20I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley6039$1,039,089 $6,566
21Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)9755$1,677,212 $6,520
22Smokem, 2015, by Union Rags 25 9 $267,300 $6,500
2026 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY AVERAGE EARNINGS PER START
1 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause 35123$1,402,367 $11,401
2 Collected, 2013, by City Zip 145589$3,606,676 $6,123
3 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark 93352$2,125,012 $6,037
4 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)97388$2,052,341 $5,290
5 Om, 2012, by Munnings 65256$1,325,543 $5,178
6 Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando 1551$244,218 $4,789
7 Mo Forza, 2016, by Uncle Mo 37123$552,864 $4,495
8 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)97388$1,677,212 $4,323
9 Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front 30107$445,280 $4,162
10Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon 81329$1,315,590 $3,999
11Mrazek, 2013, by Square Eddie 1151$203,535 $3,991
12Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig 2593$363,931 $3,913
13Tap Back, 2017, by Einstein (BRZ) 1657$222,075 $3,896
14Gato Del Oro, 2014, by Medaglia d’Oro1865$250,965 $3,861
15Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid2398$371,759 $3,793
16Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger109421$1,589,201 $3,775
17Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer 36155$573,115 $3,698
18Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin 26106$385,657 $3,638
19Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini 164646$2,336,551 $3,617
20Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat 50210$757,837 $3,609
2026 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF WINNERS
Races Sire RnrsWnrs Won Earned
1 Collected, 2013, by City Zip 1456498$3,606,676
2 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini 1645480$2,336,551
3 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger1094870$1,589,201
4 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)974661$2,052,341
5 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon 814052$1,315,590
6 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark 933744$2,125,012 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)973755$1,677,212
8 Catholic Boy, 2015, by More Than Ready1073656$1,273,239
9 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile813147$1,037,010 10Om, 2012, by Munnings 652735$1,325,543
I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley602739$1,039,089
Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat 502741$757,837
13Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause 351620$1,402,367 14Mo Forza, 2016, by Uncle Mo 371415$552,864 15Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer 361323$573,115 16Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song331216$423,860 Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid231217$371,759
18Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front 301113$445,280 19Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin 261015$385,657 20Idiot Proof, 2004, by Benchmark 22
21Vronsky, 1999, by Danzig
Smokem, 2015, by Union Rags
Passion for Gold, 2007, by Medaglia d’Oro19
2026 LEADING SIRES IN CALIFORNIA BY NUMBER OF RACES WON
1 Collected, 2013, by City Zip 14558998$3,606,676
2 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini 16464680$2,336,551
3 Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger10942170$1,589,201
4 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG)9738861$2,052,341
5 Catholic Boy, 2015, by More Than Ready10746156$1,273,239
6 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB)9738855$1,677,212
7 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon 8132952$1,315,590
8 Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile8133847$1,037,010
9 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark 9335244$2,125,012
10Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat 5021041$757,837
11I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley6035439$1,039,089
12Om, 2012, by Munnings 6525635$1,325,543
13Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer 3615523$573,115
14Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause 3512320$1,402,367
15Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid239817$371,759
16Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song3312516$423,860
17Mo Forza, 2016, by Uncle Mo 3712315$552,864 Curlin to Mischief, 2011, by Curlin 2610615$385,657
19Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front 3010713$445,280
2026 LEADING LIFETIME SIRES IN CALIFORNIA
Stallion (Foreign Foaled), Year, Sire
1 Grazen, 2006, by Benchmark 1433467333-71%240-51%40-9%29-6%5-1%$32,727,877 1.320.99
2 Collected, 2013, by City Zip 5 72360302-84%206-57%62-17%23-6%8-2%$22,521,285 1.141.38
3 Bluegrass Cat, 2003, by Storm Cat 1750846701-83%477-56%125-15%38-4%6-1%$51,530,512 1.131.41
4 Mr. Big, 2003, by Dynaformer 1319253187-74%121-48%27-11%12-5%3-1%$14,926,575 1.090.90
5 Clubhouse Ride, 2008, by Candy Ride (ARG) 9 33301222-74%150-50%34-11%7-2%3-1%$17,734,879
6 Pavel, 2014, by Creative Cause 4 166253-85%31-50%18-29%3-5%0-0%$3,147,632 1.051.21
7 I’ll Have Another, 2009, by Flower Alley 1145493461-94%338-69%82-17%7-1%2-0%$59,579,026 1.021.04 Stay Thirsty, 2008, by Bernardini 1171785632-81%422-54%135-17%25-3%3-0%$43,487,826 1.021.21
9 Sir Prancealot (IRE), 2010, by Tamayuz (GB) 9 59533417-78%253-47%114-21%17-3%6-1%$21,815,501 1.000.91
10Southern Image, 2000, by Halo’s Image 1820355287-81%205-58%54-15%8-2%1-0%$17,094,459 0.991.08
11Jack Milton, 2010, by War Front 8 24194146-75%97-50%20-10%6-3%2-1%$9,405,166 0.941.04
12Jersey Town, 2006, by Speightstown 1124265196-74%141-53%35-13%8-3%3-1%$11,795,396 0.920.96
13Acclamation, 2006, by Unusual Heat 1123253182-72%112-44%16-6%7-3%1-0%$10,960,569 0.911.06
14Idiot Proof, 2004, by Benchmark 1414193117-61%80-41%20-10%2-1%0-0%$6,609,493 0.880.86
15Cyclotron, 2000, by Grand Slam 1610164113-69%86-52%1-1%3-2%1-1%$6,844,044 0.871.00
16Midnight Storm, 2011, by Pioneerof the Nile 6 43260195-75%135-52%30-12%6-2%2-1%$10,899,509 0.861.01
17Smiling Tiger, 2007, by Hold That Tiger 1056563394-70%261-46%55-10%13-2%1-0%$23,926,683 0.840.94
18Graydar, 2009, by Unbridled’s Song 1040400306-77%201-50%53-13%7-2%1-0%$17,296,889 0.831.17
19James Street, 2007, by El Prado (IRE) 97 6732-48%14-21%2-3%1-1%0-0%$1,878,534 0.800.83
20Om, 2012, by Munnings 4 44177101-57%55-31%10-6%3-2%1-1%$3,894,753 0.791.00
21Desert Code, 2004, by E Dubai 1414193150-78%111-58%22-11%4-2%0-0%$8,456,641 0.780.97 Passion for Gold, 2007, by Medaglia d’Oro 6 1810858-54%31-29%6-6%0-0%0-0%$1,780,203 0.780.84
23Richard’s Kid, 2005, by Lemon Drop Kid 101615598-63%69-45%10-6%0-0%0-0%$5,586,873
Tamarando, 2011, by Bertrando 7 117555-73%35-47%7-9%4-5%0-0%$3,157,065 0.761.16
25Anthony’s Cross, 2008, by Indian Charlie 10 9 9262-67%40-43%5-5%2-2%0-0%$2,699,268 0.720.91
26Surf Cat, 2002, by Sir Cat 1511163109-67%69-42%11-7%2-1%2-1%$4,887,363 0.711.10
27Catholic Boy, 2015, by More Than Ready 4 51203173-85%101-50%32-16%3-1%0-0%$6,649,087 0.701.54 Stanford, 2012, by Malibu Moon 6 46275196-71%141-51%39-14%2-1%0-0%$9,717,203 0.700.82
29Bold Chieftain, 2003, by Chief Seattle 12 9 11179-71%54-49%9-8%1-1%0-0%$4,554,432
30Rousing Sermon, 2009, by Lucky Pulpit
31Dads Caps, 2010, by Discreet Cat
Smokem, 2015, by Union Rags
33Cat Burglar, 2010, by Unbridled’s Song
34Merit Man, 2010, by With Distinction
35Tom’s Tribute, 2010, by Lion Heart 8 1310275-74%47-46%9-9%1-1%0-0%$3,035,621
36Govenor Charlie, 2010, by Midnight Lute 8 118456-67%29-35%15-18%1-1%0-0%$1,842,072 0.580.72
37Forest Command, 2005, by Monarchos 12 6 7646-61%25-33%3-4%0-0%0-0%$1,536,051 0.570.66 Gig Harbor, 2008, by City Zip 101010264-63%44-43%4-4%0-0%0-0%$2,494,322 0.570.74
39Many Rivers, 2005, by Storm Cat
40He Be Fire N Ice, 2008, by Unusual Heat
0.520.70
41Conquest Farenheit, 2014, by Scat Daddy 5 146847-69%26-38%7-10%0-0%0-0%$1,400,474 0.490.95 Jeranimo, 2006, by Congaree 98 7153-75%31-44%5-7%0-0%0-0%$1,851,654 0.490.81
43Mo Forza, 2016, by Uncle Mo 2 5310641-39%15-14%3-3%0-0%0-0%$651,274 0.480.89
44Halladay, 2016, by War Front 2 387531-41%6-8%1-1%0-0%0-0%$515,421 0.440.90
45Boat Trip, 2009, by Harlan’s Holiday 88 6040-67%19-32%2-3%1-2%0-0%$1,116,639 0.420.63
46Texas Ryano, 2011, by Curlin 6 105944-75%20-34%4-7%0-0%0-0%$884,184 0.390.95
47Northern Causeway, 2008, by Giant’s Causeway 9 17156112-72%66-42%6-4%0-0%0-0%$3,009,757 0.350.81
48Pontiff, 2010, by Giant’s Causeway 69 5134-67%10-20%2-4%0-0%0-0%$558,662 0.280.55
49Dosificado (CHI), 2012, by Scat Daddy 5 125927-46%9-15%1-2%0-0%0-0%$210,209 0.210.73
These statistics are for active California-based sires with a minimum of 50 foals of racing age, ranked here by their lifetime Average Earnings Index (AEI.) The statistics shown here are compiled by The Jockey Club Information Systems (TJCIS). While every effort is made to prevent errors and omissions, California Thoroughbred cannot guarantee their complete and total accuracy. Sires that are dead, pensioned, or no longer standing in California remain on these lists until their last Cal-bred crop turns 3 years old. Statistics are from all available Northern Hemisphere racing with earnings adjusted for Hong Kong and Japan. Stakes winners and wins follow TJCIS stakes rules. Percentages are based upon number of named foals of racing age.
Stakes & Sales Dates
2026
REGIONAL RACE MEETINGS
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar July 17-Sept. 7
Los Alamitos Race Course, Los Alamitos Sept. 11-20
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia Sept. 25-Nov. 1
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar Nov. 6-29
Los Alamitos Race Course, Los Alamitos Dec. 2-15
2026
REGIONAL SALE DATES
SEPTEMBER 30
FASIG-TIPTON FALL YEARLINGS & HORSES OF RACING AGE Pomona, Calif. (ENTRIES CLOSED JULY 10)
