FloridaHorseOctober2011

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I Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

FTBOA Annual Membership Meeting Golden Hills Golf & Turf Club For Information, Please Contact the FTBOA Office at 352/629-2160

I Friday, October 14, 2011 Annual Golf Classic Golden Hills Golf & Turf Club For Registration & Information, Please Contact the Golden Hills Golf and Turf Club at 352/629-7981

I Saturday, October 15, 2011 Florida Stallion Stakes My Dear Girl Florida Stallion Stakes In Reality Calder Race Course Festival of the Sun For Information, Please Contact Calder Casino & Race Course at 305/625-1311

CINDY MIKELL PHOTO

I Tuesday - Wednesday, October 18-19, 2011 OBS Fall Mixed Sale For Information, Please Contact the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company at 352/237-2154

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION 801 S.W. 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 352-629-2160 • Fax 352-629-3603 Email: info@ftboa.com • www.ftboa.com

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CONTENTS October 2011

VO L 5 4 / I S S U E 8

FEATURES The title of leading Florida sire by stakes winners is coming down to a wild finish.

By Jo Ann Guidry A look back at Florida-bred Brave Raj’s stellar juvenile season.

By John Califano Bill and Cindy Nassal, owners of Stonecliff Farm in Ocala, are enjoying the success of Florida-bred Currency Swap.

By Jo Ann Guidry

By Connie Duff Wise Floridian Victoria Colvin is just 13 years old and headed to the Washington International.

By Diana De Rosa

DEPARTMENTS/COLUMNS 8 October is Greenways and Trails Month in Florida.

By Jamie Cohen American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act Introduced.

Developing a vaccination program.

Ideas Needed.

By Paul Moran

COVER PHOTO: NYRA CONTENTS: FLORIDA-BRED BRAVE RAJ—JEAN RAFTERY

4 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

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801 SW 60th Avenue • Ocala, Florida 34474 (352) 732-8858 • Fax: (352) 867-1979 • www.ftboa.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Michael Compton BUSINESS MANAGER

Patrick Vinzant ART DIRECTOR

John Filer CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

JoAnn Guidry ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Beverly Kalberkamp CORRESPONDENTS

Jay Friedman, Doug McCoy, Cynthia McFarland, Mark Shuffitt

PUBLISHER Florida Equine Publications, Inc. (A corporation owned by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association)

Executive Office - 801 SW 60th Avenue • Ocala, Florida 34474 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fred Brei, President/Board Chairman Brent Fernung, 1st Vice President Phil Matthews, 2nd Vice President Sheila DiMare, Secretary Bonnie M. Heath III, Treasurer EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Richard E. Hancock CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Caroline T. Davis

© THE FLORIDA HORSE (ISSN 0090-967X) is published monthly except July by THE FLORIDA HORSE, INC., 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474, including the annual Statistical Review in February.

Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Florida Equine Publications or the Florida Thoroughbred Breedersʼ and Ownersʼ Association. Publication of any material originating herein is expressly forbidden without first obtaining written permission from THE FLORIDA HORSE©.

Statistics in the publication relating to results of racing in North America are compiled from data generated by Daily Racing Form, Equibase, Bloodstock Research Information Services, and The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc., the copyright owners of said data. Reproduction is prohibited.

A dvertisin g co py d ead lin e 5th o f mo n th p recedin g p ub licatio n. Su bscrip tio ns and ch ang e of add ress: Please m ail to – Circulation s D ep artment. T HE FL ORIDA H ORS E, 801 SW 60th Ave., O cala, Florida 34474.

Printed by Boyd Brothers, Inc.

BOYD

American Horse Publications • FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION • MEMBER BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

FTBOA OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fred Brei, President Brent Fernung, First Vice President Phil Matthews, Second Vice President Sheila DiMare, Secretary Bonnie M. Heath III, Treasurer

DIRECTORS Linda Appleton Potter Joe Barbazon Dean DeRenzo Donald Dizney Barry W. Eisaman

Roy Lerman J. Michael O’Farrell, Jr. Jessica Steinbrenner Francis Vanlangendonck Charlotte C. Weber

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Richard E. Hancock THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011 5

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welcome

LIZ LAMONT PHOTO

Exclusively Maria (below) and Florida sire Exclusive Quality (bottom)

6 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

lorida sires Shakespeare, who stands at Signature Stallions, and Exclusive Quality, a Journeyman Stud stallion, were represented by their first stakes winners on the racetrack in early October.

Shakespeare’s Shkspeare Shaliyah captured the Pilgrim Stakes (G3) at Belmont Park on Oct. 2, while Exclusive Quality’s Exclusively Maria won the Cassidy Stakes at Calder the same weekend.

Shkspeare Shaliyah, bred in Florida by Guil and Angela Bombonato, rolled from last to first to win the 11⁄16-mile turf event under Alex Solis for owner-trainer Doodnauth Shivmangal (For more on that victory, see page 12 of this issue).

Shakespeare, a son of Theatrical (IRE) and an earner of more than $1.3 million during his racing career, is currently the 3rd-ranked freshman sire in Florida, trailing only Ocala Stud’s High Cotton and Journeyman’s Saint Anddan. Shkspeare Shaliyah is his leading earner with a bankroll of $96,700. Shakespeare has five winners from nine runners to hit the track and has amassed progeny earnings of $281,634.

Exclusively Maria proved best while racing between horses to the line of the Cassidy Stakes. She crossed the wire a neck in front of Another Romance. Owned by Sherry Parbhoo, Exclusively Maria is trained by Bisnath Parbhoo and was bred

by David Wylie Perkins.

Exclusive Quality, a stakes-winning son of Elusive Quality, ranks 4th on Florida’s freshman list with $248,927 in progeny earnings. He is represented by six winners to date. Exclusively Maria is his leading earner at $98,258.

The aforementioned High Cotton leads all Florida freshman sires with progeny earnings of $399,135. His leading earner is Florida-bred Cur-

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

F

NYRA PHOTO

Michael Compton/JOE DIORIO PHOTO

Freshman Sires Represented

by First Stakes Winners

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

editor’s

10/6/11

Florida sire Shakespeare (above) and Shkspeare Shaliyah

rency Swap, winner of the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, with a bankroll of $180,000.

Saint Anddan is next with progeny earnings of $297,400. His leading earner is Saint D’aroak ($78,388).

With this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships less than a month away as this issue goes to press, a number of Floridabreds have already secured a position in the starting gate on racing’s biggest day thanks to victories in Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re Win” events.

Among the Sunshine State products guaranteed Breeders’ Cup berths in their respective races are: Coil and Flat Out in the Classic; Currency Swap in the Juvenile and Teaks North in the Turf. First Dude also won a “Win and You’re In” race, taking the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) over the summer at Hollywood Park, but he has since been retired.

The Breeders’ Cup is set for Nov. 4-5 at Churchill Downs, and it should be an exciting renewal once more for Florida runners. Florida-breds captured three Breeders’ Cup races last year—Big Drama won the Sprint (G1); Awesome Feather the Juvenile Fillies (G1) and Dubai Majesty the Filly and Mare Sprint (G1).

If recent history is any indication of future success, Florida-breds should have another memorable Breeders’ Cup showing against international competition on the world stage. ■

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‘Flat Out’

NYRA PHOTO

By MICHAEL COMPTON

Florida-bred Flat Out

Without the likes ofTizway or Havre de Grace standing in his way, Florida-bred Flat Out demonstrated his affinity for Belmont Park, where he is perfect in two starts, with a facile victory in the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) on Oct.1.

Flat Out’s Gold Cup score earned him an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs as the prestigious race is part of the Breeders’Cup “Win andYou’re In” series.

The 5-year-old son of Flatter—Cresta Lil, by Cresta Rider, bred by Nikolaus Bock and owned

Pomeroys Pistol Fires Big Shot in Gallant Bloom

By MICHAEL COMPTON Taking on older mares for the first time didn’t deter Florida-bred Pomeroys Pistol on Sept. 24 in the Gallant Bloom Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park. The daughter of Vinery stallion Pomeroy comfortably dispatched her older rivals and defeated fellow Sunshine State product Tamarind Hall by four lengths at the wire of the 6½-furlong fixture. She stopped the clock in 1:16.60.

“The filly is really strong. She’s so big and talented,” said winning rider Javier Castellano. “The

NYRA PHOTO

Florida-bred Pomeroys Pistol

way the race unfolded, she put herself in good position, which helped me a lot, and when I asked her she took off. Very nice filly, and very impressive first time against older fillies.”

Pomeroys Pistol will now be pointed toward a start in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint on Nov. 4 at Churchill Downs, according to her breeder, owner and trainer, Amy Tarrant.

“I thought she was absolutely awesome,” said Tarrant. “It was the best result we could possibly expect: it wasn’t by a nose, it wasn’t by a head.

8 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

She pretty much dominated, I think, in the race.

We’re very excited about it, and now she is going to go home for a nice rest and we’re going to be looking towards the Breeders’ Cup for her. We’ll be staying at Monmouth and shipping out to Kentucky on Oct. 31.”

Tarrant was confident about her charge facing elders for the first time.

“I’m very happy about that because that’s who she’ll be facing in the Breeders’Cup,” saidTarrant.

“There will be a few 3-year-olds, but it will mostly be the older girls.They were a nice group of horses today, which makes me even happier. When she comes into the paddock like an old cart horse and is quiet like that, she always has a great race.”

Pomeroys Pistol has now won two graded stakes, having also taken the Grade 2 Forward Gal in January at Gulfstream Park. Bred in Florida by Tarrant’s Hardacre Farm, Pomeroys Pistol is 4-3-2 in 11 starts and has earned $450,178, including the $90,000 winner’s share of the Foxwoods Gallant Bloom purse.

Tamarind Hall rounded out the Florida exacta.

She is a daughter of Winding Oaks Farm stallion Graeme Hall. Lovely Lil was third, followed home by GoldMark Farm’s Moontune Missy.

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Impressive

by Preston Stables, also became racing’s newest millionaire. The $450,000 winner’s share of the purse boosted the OBS graduate’s career bankroll to $1,109,713.

“This is my first Grade 1 win; you wouldn’t believe how big this is,” said 70-year-old winning trainer Charles “Scooter” Dickey. “I’ve been training since 1963. It’s tremendous. It’s hard to fathom, but I like it.”

Ridden confidently byAlex Solis, Flat Out settled comfortably behind the early pace set by Rodman. Flat Out ranged up to the leaders around the

far turn and kicked clear at the head of the stretch.

He was never seriously challenged through the lane and crossed the wire in 2:03.17 for the 1¼ miles.

Drosselmeyer, the 2010 Belmont Stakes (G1) winner, finished second, 2 ¼ lengths behind the winner. Favored StayThirsty was never a threat and finished third in his first start against older.

“It’s about time, isn’t it?,” said winning owner Art Preston. “He’s a great horse – he’s run a lot of good seconds and everything, and he just had the race he needed today. It’s the first Gold Cup we’ve run in, and to win the first one, that’s pretty special.

It was his race today. Everything worked out.”

Flat Out’s only other start at Belmont resulted in a 6½-length romp in the Suburban Handicap (G2) in July. Following that effort, he finished second to Tizway in theWhitney Handicap (G1) and was runner-up to Havre de Grace when she beat the boys in the Woodward Stakes (G1) at Saratoga in September. Flat Out could face both of those rivals once more in the Breeders’Cup Classic in November.

“He ran two real good races at Saratoga; you can’t knock those horses he faced there,” said Dickey.

First Dude to Stand At Double Diamond Farm

By MICHAEL COMPTON

COADY PHOTO

Musical Romance Prevails in Masters

SERITA HULT PHOTO

portunity to breed to First Dude,” said Dizney.

“We plan to support his books with our best mares. I believe Florida is the best place to breed and raise Thoroughbreds and that’s why we made the decision to stand him in Florida.”

A classically struck son of Stephen Got Even—Run Sarah Run, by Smart Strike, First Dude won this year’s Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) at Hollywood Park, earning a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 106, as well as the Alysheba Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs en route to career earnings of $1.4 million.

Shortly after the Gold Cup victory came the sobering news from trainer Bob Baffert that First Dude had suffered a strained tendon that forced Florida-bred Musical Romance summoned all her courage to register a narrow decision in the his retirement.

Presque Isle Masters (G2) on Sept.10.Bred by Ocala Baffert took over the training of First Dude this Stud,the daughter of Concorde’sTune shipped from year following the colt’s 3-year-old season in which her Calder base for trainer Bill Kahe placed in five Grade 1 plan to take down top prize in the events, including two classic rich $400,000 event. races, while in the care of The final margin of victory was trainer Dale Romans. Baffert a neck as she held the late rallies believes First Dude has all the of Ariana D and Shotgun Gulch at ingredients to be a top sire. bay in the 6½-furlong test over Florida-bred Musical Romance Presque Isle’s Tapeta surface.

“He is a big, solid and

Florida-bred Grade 1 winner First Dude will stand the 2012 breeding season at Don Dizney’s Double Diamond Farm in Ocala, Florida, the farm announced last month.

Double Diamond Farm was instrumental in developing the successful stallion careers of Runaway Groom and Northern Afleet, and Dizney is excited about First Dude’s prospects at stud.

“We’re very excited to offer breeders the op-

Florida-bred First Dude

smart horse,” said Baffert. “He is just beautiful.

He is very balanced for a big horse. He was becoming a great horse. He was going to have a huge year. He is the best older horse in the country.”

In addition to his graded stakes victories this season, First Dude was multiple stakes-placed last year at age three. He finished third in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1), second in the Preakness Stakes (G1) and the Pennsylvania Derby (G2) and third in the Belmont Stakes (G1), the Haskell Invitational (G1) and the Travers Stakes (G1).

First Dude’s consistency in top company earned him Florida Champion 3-year-old honors in the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’Association’s Chase to the Championship in 2010.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011 9

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Gulfstream Park Announces VIP Fan Experience

10 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

safety and well being. The After-Care Program also offers a curriculum for elementary schools and opportunities to adopt and sponsor retired Thoroughbreds.

“The Gulfstream VIP Fan Experience is the equivalent of sitting in the dugout during a game at Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium, sitting on the bench during a Lakers game, or standing on the sideline during the Super

Bowl,” said Gulfstream’s President and General Manager Timothy Ritvo. “Gulfstream offers the best racing and the biggest stars during its meet. Now fans can get inside the greatest sport in the world with this all-access opportunity. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to raise money and awareness for our after-care program and our wonderful equine athletes.”

The Gulfstream VIP Fan Experience includes: ■ A morning tour of Gulfstream’s backstretch and an opportunity to meet trainers and jockeys as horses are trained and groomed. Fans will also visit with Hollywood, Gulfstream’s official mascot.

■ Presenting a plaque in the winner’s circle to the winning connections.

■ A birds-eye view of Gulfstream to watch clockers record workouts.

■ A personal seminar on the day’s races with Gulfstream handicappers Ron Nicoletti, Jessica Pacheco, Ed Gray or Brian Skirka.

■ Watching track announcer Larry Collmus call a race.

■ A tour of the jockey’s room with clerk of scales Victor Sanchez.

■ Lunch at Ten Palms.

■ A visit to the Walking Ring.

■ A Gulfstream Park gift bag.

For more information call 954.457.6451.

BILL DENVER PHOTO

Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino announced in early October the Gulfstream VIP Fan Experience, a unique and exclusive experience that will allow fans an all access and behind-the-scenes look at Thoroughbred racing from the training of horses in the morning to presenting a trophy in the winner’s circle in the afternoon.

The Gulfstream VIP Fan Experience will offer racing fans an opportunity to view areas previously accessible only to owners and trainers of the sport. It will also afford them the opportunity to meet some of the sport’s biggest stars.

The Gulfstream VIP Fan Experience has limited space and is currently only available on the weekends of Jan. 7, Jan. 21 and Feb. 4.

The cost is $500 per couple.

All proceeds raised through the VIP Fan Experience will go to the Gulfstream Park Thoroughbred After-Care Program (gpaftercare.com). Established by Frank Stronach, chairman of Gulfstream Park, the AfterCare Program helps to care and match retired Thoroughbreds with owners who will make a lifelong commitment to their health,

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Florida-bred Juveniles Score at Belmont Offspring of Wildcat Heir and Shakespeare notch stakes scores

12 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

NYRA PHOTO

program, Florida-bred Vexor withstood an early pace duel to prevail in the Nashua Stakes (G2).

The son of Journeyman Stud stallion Wildcat Heir pressured Trinniberg, by Journeyman Stud stallion Teuflesberg, through fractions of 22.12 and 45.19 before poking a head in front of that rival in the Florida-bred Vexor (above) and Wildcat Heir stretch. He defeated “We refused a lot of Trinniberg by just under a length at the wire, money for this horse but stopping the clock in 1:10.71 for the six furwe didn’t sell him because we bought this longs. horse for my granddaughter and there is no “His maiden race kind of shows it wasn’t amount of money that can buy this horse,” a fluke,” said winning conditioner John he said. “He is definitely headed to the Kimmel. “He ran a very good race up Breeders’ Cup [Juvenile Turf].” there. We had some question marks after Shkspeare Shaliyah, a $21,000 OBS he ran so poorly in the Hopeful. It was so graduate, was bred by Guil and Angela bad that we just kind of had to throw the Bombonato and is produced from the Clever race out. He came back and had two nice Trick mare Tricky Mistress. He broke his works. Today he was on the outside, maiden over the Belmont turf in September tracked the speed and was there when it in his second career start. counted. It’s nice to get back and get a Also on that Oct. 2 good performance out of him. He’s obviously earned his way Florida-bred Shkspeare Shaliyah (below) into the Breeders’ Cup and Shakespeare Juvenile Sprint.”

A $90,000 OBS graduate, Vexor was bred by Carlos Rafael and Briggs and Cromartie Bloodstock and races for GoldMark Farm. He broke his maiden at Saratoga in his second career start in August.

Prior to his Nashua win, Vexor finished a dismal 8th in the Hopeful.

NYRA PHOTO

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

By MICHAEL COMPTON Florida-bred Flat Out won the rich Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park on Oct. 1 and the following day, fellow Sunshine State products Vexor and Shkspeare Shaliyah successfully carried the state’s banner to victory in a pair of stakes for the 2-year-old set.

The victories also carried plenty of weight at home in Ocala. Shkspeare Shaliyah’s victory in the Pilgrim Stakes (G3) represented the first stakes victory for his sire, Shakespeare, who stands at Signature Stallions.

Shkspeare Shaliyah settled last of six runners early in the 11⁄16-mile race on the inner turf under Alex Solis. He made a fivewide move around the turn and finished strongly under a brisk hand ride. He crossed the wire one-length clear of Kitten’s Kid, stopping the timer in 1:51.59.

“This morning, after I gave him a bath and put him in the stall, he was eager to go. We thought he might break through the webbing,” said winning owner and trainer Doodnauth Shivmangal. “I told everyone he is not going to lose, I know this horse. He is the best horse I have ever trained. He is very professional.

“I knew he was going to make that one big run, and the longer the races get, the more he wants to go,” he added.

The Pilgrim was the first victory in a graded stakes for Shivmangal, who indicated his Florida-bred is Breeders’ Cup bound after the impressive performance.

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Tampa Bay Downs Announces Stakes Schedule

Top Thoroughbred sophomores will attempt to use the Tampa Bay Derby as a springboard to success at Churchill Downs in Louisville, following in the footsteps of 2007 Tampa Bay Derby winner Street Sense and 2010 Tampa Bay Derby third-place finisher Super Saver, trained by Todd Pletcher.

Local longshots dominated the 2011 Tampa Bay Derby, with the Kathleen O’Connell-trained Florida-bred Watch Me Go winning at odds of 43-1.

The lucrative March 10 Festival Day of racing includes the $150,000, Grade 3 Hillsborough Stakes for older fillies and mares at 11⁄8 miles on the turf and the $100,000 Suncoast Stakes for 3year-old fillies at a mile and 40 yards.

14 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

Including the Suncoast day, Dec. 10, Cotillion Day, features the sixStakes, seven stakes have been furlong Inaugural for 2-year-olds and the six-furlong Sandpiper for 2-year-old fillies, increased by $25,000 from last season.

The Sam F. Davis Stakes for 3-year-olds, both offering $75,000. one of three stakes on the Feb. 4 racing card, has been increased to $250,000 while retaining its Grade 3 status. The race has often been used by local trainers and outside interests as a prep for the Tampa Bay Derby.

By SANTA ANITA PUBLICITY Also on the Feb. 4 card is a pair of $150,000 Florida-bred Broken Dreams validated her Hollywood Park upset of Santa Anita turf races at 11⁄16 miles—the Florida Oaks for 3downhill turf course specialist Unzip Me with year-old fillies and the Grade 3 Endeavour a furious late rally to capture the $100,000 Stakes for older fillies and mares.

Senator Ken Maddy Stakes (G3) on opening This is the second year the Florida Oaks day at Santa Anita Sept. 30. will be contested on the turf. Last year’s winWith Garrett Gomez at the controls, Broner, Dynamic Holiday, earned her Oaks score ken Dreams stormed from fifth at the sixas one of three consecutive stakes victories teenth pole to defeat Givine by one-half length (including the Grade 3 Herecomesthebride while covering 6½ furlongs over Santa Anita’s Stakes at Gulfstream) for owner Augustin Staunique grass layout in 1:12.23. Florida-bred ble and trainer Graham Motion, the condiTanda finished a nose back in third. tioner of 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Maddy Stakes defending champion Unzip Animal Kingdom.

Me, the 4-5 favorite who had won 5 of 7 preThe fourth-place Florida Oaks finisher, vious competitions over the course, had to settle for fourth.

Her Smile, won the Grade 1 Prioress at BelA 5-year-old mare trained by Tom Proctor mont on July 4 and also finished second in for Leonard Lavin’s Glen Hill Farm, Broken the Comely Stakes at Aqueduct.

Dreams had run second to Unzip Me in two Another graded stakes on the 2011-12 calearlier meetings over the course before finally endar is the Grade 3Tampa Bay Stakes for older taking her measure by 1 ¼ lengths while rachorses at a mile and a sixteenth on Feb. 25. The ing six furlongs over Hollywood Park’s turf $150,000 purse reprecourse. Broken Dreams sents a $25,000 jump subsequently finished from last season. fourth, 1¼ lengths beRacing fans can hind Unzip Me, in Del also look forward to Mar’s Aug. 12 Daisycutthe 10th annual ter Handicap at five furFlorida Cup Day on longs on turf.

Florida-bred Broken Dreams “Rock and roll is all I April 7. Geared tocan say,” Proctor said following the Maddy. ward Florida-bred horses, the Florida Cup “She actually ran good last time in the Daisyfeatures six stakes worth $75,000 each. cutter. The stretch at Del Mar is a little short for The Tampa Bay Downs stakes schedule her. It was really one of her better races, and I begins on Opening Day, Dec. 3, with the thought if she could run that way today, maybe $75,000-guaranteed Lightning City Stakes she’d win. It’s nice to see her win a stakes. at five furlongs on the turf for fillies and This was a good bunch of fillies.” mares 3-and-upward. The following Satur-

Broken Dreams Wins Maddy Stakes

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

Florida-bred Watch Me Go

COOLEY PHOTO

Tampa Bay Derby entrants have won two of the past five editions of the Kentucky Derby, so the eyes of the Thoroughbred world will focus on Tampa Bay Downs when the 32nd renewal of the $350,000 showcase for 3-year-olds is contested March 10.

The 86th season of racing at the Oldsmar oval features 25 stakes offerings and approximately $2.6 million in purses. The 92-day meeting begins Dec. 3 and runs through May 6, the day after the 2012 Kentucky Derby.

The Tampa Bay Derby, which was elevated to Grade 2 status last year, is the highlight of Tampa Bay Downs’ Festival Day, which features $600,000 in guaranteed stakes purses.

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The Jockey Club Releases Breeding Statistics

Unbridled Humor Composed In Noble Damsel Victory Live Oak homebred wins first graded stakes

By NYRA PRESS to hold off the stretch runners.

“Ideally, trainer Graham Motion would have Florida-bred Unbridled Humor pressed a fast pace and maintained a clear lead in the liked to seen her covered up, but with the lack of stretch to register a 1¾-length victory in the speed in the race that was going to be difficult,” $100,000 Noble Damsel (G3) Stakes last said winning jockey Ramon Dominguez, who was aboard the 4-year-old filly month at Belmont Park.

Second outside longshot Even when she is for the first time in her career. “I just took a long hold. She was Twilight Memory through an not covered up, opening quarter of 23.41 sec- when she has a cou- eager, but within reason.Turning onds, Unbridled Humor pulled ple of horses to look for home, she switched leads on her own and she picked it up to the lead midway along the at, she seems to pretty nicely. I’m very happy backstretch, opened a fourrelax better.

But she with her.Typically, horses tend to length advantage on the far is pretty versatile; relax more when they are covturn, and was never threatened you can do pretty ered up, and that’s been the case in the stretch. much what you with her. Even when she is not It was the first graded covered up, when she has a coustakes win and fifth victory want with her.

—jockey ple of horses to look at, she overall from six starts for UnRamon Dominguez seems to relax better. But she is bridled Humor, who completed pretty versatile; you can do pretty much what the one-mile distance on turf in 1:34.09.

Unbridled Humor opened her career with you want with her.”

The victory was gratifying for Motion’s four wins, including a triumph in the Memories of Silver overnight stakes last November team, which has coped with the filly’s at Aqueduct, before she suffered her first de- personality quirks.

“She’s quite difficult,” said feat in her most recent start, a seventh as the favorite in the Diana (G1) at Saratoga Race Heather Craig, assistant to Motion.

“We’ve had some issues with her Course on July 30.

In the Diana, Unbridled Humor led early as far as getting to the gate, getting as she tugged at her rider before she faded in to the track. She was so well behaved the stretch. This time, she rated well enough today, and Ramon did an excellent job. We were a little concerned that she was that close to the lead and that they went that quick, but it seems as long as you keep her happy, regardless of how slow or quick she goes, she runs well. She’s an amazing filly. We’re happy to train at Fair Hill all the time. It seems to really benefit her.”

Unbridled Humor, a Live Oak Plantation daughter of Distorted Humor, has earned $177,520, including the $60,000 winner’s Florida-bred Unbridled Humor share of the Noble Damsel purse.

“

16 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

COGLIANESE PHOTO

”

The Jockey Club last month reported that 2,904 stallions covered 44,184 mares in North America during 2010, according to statistics compiled through Sept. 7, 2011. These matings have resulted in 23,558 live foals of 2011 being reported to The Jockey Club on Live Foal Reports received as of Sept. 7, 2011.

The Jockey Club estimates that the number of live foals reported, at this point in time, is approximately 85 percent complete. The reporting of live foals of 2011 is down 13.5 percent from last year at this time when The Jockey Club had received reports for 27,233 live foals of 2010.

“The decline in breeding activity in recent years has resulted in a downward trend for live foal returns that is expected to continue next year, based on our recently announced foal crop estimate of 24,700 for 2012,” said Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club’s executive vice president and executive director.

In Florida, 3,233 mares were bred in 2010 and 1,565 live foals have been reported this year, marking a drop of 25.4 percent from last year’s 2,097 live foals.

Florida ranks third in the country by number of live foals, trailing Kentucky (11,065) and California (1,762) and just ahead of fourth-place Louisiana (1,516).

The 2011 registered foal crop projection of 27,000 takes into account that not all live foals become registered. In addition to the 23,558 live foals of 2011 reported through Sept. 7, The Jockey Club had also received 3,731 No Foal Reports for the 2011 foaling season.

The number of stallions declined 7.2 percent overall from the 3,130 reported for 2009 at this time last year, while the number of mares bred decreased 10.6 percent from the 49,404 reported for 2009.

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First Dude Stephen Got Even—Run Sarah Run, by Smart Strike

retires to

Double Diamond Farm in Ocala, Florida, with a bankroll of $1.4 million in a brilliant racing career.

Winner: (G1) Hollywood Gold Cup (G3) Alysheba Stakes

Placed:

“

He is the best older horse in the country. He is just beautiful.

He’s a big, solid and smart horse. He is very balanced for a big horse.

He was becoming a great horse. —Bob Baffert

”

SERITA HULT PHOTO

HORSE PHOTOS PHOTO

(G1) Blue Grass Stakes (G1) Preakness Stakes (G1) Belmont Stakes (G1) Haskell Invitational (G1) Travers Stakes (G2) Pennsylvania Derby

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A history of success begins with attention to the individual.

Also Standing American Spirit • Wekiva Springs 899 S.W. 85th Ave., Ocala, FL 34481 • (352) 237-3834 Fax: (352) 237-6069 • visit-www.doublediamondfarm.com Contact Melissa Anthony for stallion inquiries

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Florida-bred Flat Out rolled to an impressive victory over a sloppy track in the Jockey Club Gold Cup on Oct. 1 at Belmont Park. Flat Out’s win over the 1¼ miles earned him a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs Nov. 5.

The 5-year-old son of Flatter was bred by Nikolaus Bock and races for Preston Stables. Flat Out’s victory provided his 70-year-old trainer, Chalres “Scooter” Dickey, with his first Grade 1 win.

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Flat Out was foaled in Florida at Gary Mesnick and Norman Dellheim’s The Summit and was sold by Thoroughstock.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011 21

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The title of leading Florida sire by stakes winners is coming down to a wild finish.

By JO ANN GUIDRY t's turning into a wild race to the finish for the title of leading Florida sire by 2011 stakes winners. After being tied for weeks at six each, Wildcat Heir moved ahead by one over Pomeroy in the last week of September. Through the end of September, Journeyman Stud's Wildcat Heir had recorded seven stakes winners and Vinery's Pomeroy had posted six. Here's a look at the two stallions' leading 2011 progeny.

I

WILDCAT HEIR – 7 STAKES WINNERS

The leading earner for Wildcat Heir to date this season is Florida-bred stakes winner John Johnny Jak, who has banked $139,971. The 4-year-old ridgling out of the the Saint Ballado mare Pure Adrenalin has been consistent, winning two stakes and placing in two others.

Bred by Murray Smith and racing for Kretz Racing LLC, John Johnny Jak won the Carterista Starter Stakes on April 24 at Gulfstream Park. He then scored a victory

22 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

in the Harry F. Brubaker Stakes on Aug. 24 at Del Mar. In addition, John Johnny Jak was second in both the Wickerr Stakes at Del Mar and Mecke Stakes at Calder.

Wildcat Heir is also represented this season by Florida-bred graded stakes winner Wildcat Marie. Bred

by CloverLeaf Farms and Brent Fernung, Wildcat Marie captured the Whimsical Stakes (G3) at Woodbine on April 23. She was also third in the Hendrie Stakes (G3) at Woodbine and in the Satin and Lace Stakes at Presque Isle Downs. A 4-year-old filly out of the Wild Rush mare Miss Rachel Marie, Wildcat Marie is raced

by Joseph Baldesarra and Partners. On the season, she has earned $129,182 to date.

Black Diamond Cat was a two-time stakes winner at Calder during the summer. On July 4, the 4-year-old gelding won the Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint Stakes for owner Bluestone Thoroughbreds LLC. He came back on Aug. 6 to score a win in the Major Moran Stakes. Also second in the Whippleton Stakes at Calder, Black Diamond Cat has

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banked $128,805 to date this season. Out of the Miswaki mare Sweet Glory, Black Diamond Cat was bred by Mike Eckman and Mark and Debbie Ravenscraft.

Another double stakes winner for Wildcat Heir this season is Florida-bred Wild About Marie, who won a pair at Fair Grounds. Raced by Ike and Dawn Thrash, Wild About Marie tallied wins in the Dr. A.B. Leggio Memorial Stakes on Jan. 22 and Bienville Stakes on March 19. She also posted seconds in both the Giant's Causeway Stakes at Keeneland and Satin and Lace Stakes at Presque Isle Downs. Bred by partners Robert Dodd, Tonya Jurgens and Dry Creek Stables LLC, the 4-year-old filly is out of the Valid Wager mare Joyful Wager. To date this season, Wild About Marie has banked $115,035.

Rounding out Wildcat Heir's list of current stakes winners are Karmageddon and Breathoffreshair. Karmageddon, a 4-year-old filly, won the Jersey Girl Handicap and was second in the Open Mind Handicap at Monmouth Park. Breathoffreshair, a 3-year-old filly,

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captured the Ruthless Stakes and was second in the Dearly Precious Stakes at Aqueduct.

Wildcat Heir is also represented to date this season by seven stakes-placed runners: Wildcat Aly, Jocata, Greatful Heir, Banner Cat, Sonofawildcat, Future Covenant and Depeche Cat.

By Forest Wildcat out of the stakes-producing Pentelicus mare Penniless Heiress, Florida-bred Wildcat

Entering stud in 2006, Wildcat Heir was the 2009 leading Florida freshman and juvenile sire. In 2010, Wildcat Heir was the leading Florida general sire and juvenile sire.

Heir was a Grade 1 stakes winner of $424,460. Entering stud in 2006, Wildcat Heir was the 2009 leading Florida freshman and juvenile sire. In 2010, Wildcat Heir was the leading Florida general sire and juvenile sire. Wildcat Heir stands as property of Taylor Made/WinStar Venture and New Farm at Brent and Crystal Fernung's Journeyman Stud.

Florida sire Wildcat Heir

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Wild Race

Pomeroy's stakes winner Pomeroys Pistol gets the nod as his leading earner with a hefty bankroll of $401,188 to date this season.

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POMEROY – 6 STAKES WINNERS

Among Pomeroy's six stakes winners are multiple graded Florida-bred stakes winners Pomeroys Pistol and Flashpoint. Pomeroys Pistol gets the nod as his leading earner with a hefty bankroll of $401,188 to date this season.

Owned and trained by Amy Tarrant, Pomeroys Pistol was also bred in the name of Tarrant's Hardacre Farm.

Pomeroys Pistol kicked off the season with an impressive win in the Forward Gal Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 30. She followed that with a tally in the Just Smashing Stakes on June 11 at Monmouth Park. Pomeroys Pistol was back in the winner's circle with a win in the Gallant Bloom Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park on Sept. 24.

Sandwiched in between those wins, Pomeroys Pistol posted a quartet of graded stakes-placings. She was second in the Prioress Stakes (G1), Test Stakes (G1) and Old Hat Stakes (G3), as well as finishing third in the Davona Dale Stakes (G2). A 3-year-old filly, Pomeroys Pistol is out of the Point Given mare Prettyatthetable.

Flashpoint, raced by Peachtree Stable, won the Hutcheson Stakes (G2) on Feb. 26 at Gulfstream Park to begin the year on a graded stakes-winning note. He made it a

pair with a tally in the Jersey Shore Stakes (G3) on July 3 at Monmouth Park. Bred by Silverleaf Farms, Flashpoint is a 3-year-old gray/roan colt out ofTwo Punch Lil, byTwo Punch. To date this season, he has earned $262,700.

Florida-bred Positive Response, a 3-year-old gelding out of the Farma Way mare Lisa's Approval, has won two stakes to date this season. Bred by Rosebrook Farms LLC and Moreau Bloodstock International, Postive Response won the California Derby on Jan. 15 at Golden Gate Fields. Two months later, he scored a win in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway Park.

Also third in the El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Golden Gate Fields, Positive Response has banked $148,520 to date this season.

Pomeroy is also represented this season by stakes winners Mel Beach (Frank Gomez Memorial Stakes), Golden Springs (Island Fashion Stakes) and U R Burning Daylite (Golden Boy Stakes). In addition, Pomeroy Star is stakes-placed in Puerto Rico.

A multiple Grade 1 stakes winner of $845,050, Pomeroy is by Boundary out of Questress, by Seeking the Gold. Pomeroy entered stud in 2007 and stands at Vinery Florida. ■

24 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

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Florida sire Pomeroy

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Experience the thrill of victory in Florida's Thoroughbred industry.

To learn more about breeding and owning racehorses in the Sunshine State, call us today or visit us on the web at www.ftboa.com www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 www.ftboa.com

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the Bright Season

By JOHN CALIFANO wenty-five years have elapsed since she streaked across the racing firmament, only to disappear after one bright season. She packed a lot of punch into nine starts and became a Breeders’ Cup winner, divsional champion, and richest two-yearold female ever at that point in time; and there is no telling what she might have achieved in maturity.

The dark bay/brown filly Brave Raj was bred in Florida by Dr. W.S. Karutz, and foaled in 1984.

Originally owned by Al-Ben Partnership and conditioned by Ben Perkins Jr., Brave Raj was privately purchased by Dolly Green for $300,000 after breaking her maiden and sent to the stable of California-based horseman Melvin F. Stute.

T

FAMILY TIES

Brave Raj was sired by Rajab out of the Bravo mare Bravest Yet. Rajab, a chestnut horse, was a mulitple graded stakes-placed performer in 1977, his best efforts com-

26 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

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ing in Santa Anita’s San Fernando Stakes and San Bernadino Handicap and Hollywood Park’s Bel Air Handicap, all over 11⁄8 miles.

Brave Raj’s grandsire, Jaipur, in 1961 at age two, won the seven-furlong Cowdin and 6½-furlong Hopeful Stakes. The following year he was named three-year-old male champion after winning the 1½-mile Belmont Stakes, eclipsing Man o’War’s track record in the 1¼-mile Travers Stakes, and capturing the 11⁄8-mile Jersey Derby. He also won the mile Withers and Gotham Stakes.

Rajab’s dam, Classicist, was sired by Princequillo (GB), out of the Stymie mare Classic

Music. The stakes-winning Princequillo was one of the sport’s great sires and broodmare sires. The exceedingly popular champion Stymie had seven campaigns during the 1940s, became racing’s first $900,000 earner, and the sport’s all-time money leader before being surpassed by Citation. Brave Raj was also inbred 3x4, top and bottom, to Nasrullah (GB), an English champion two-year-old, among the breed’s greatest stallions, and sire of Nashua and Bold Ruler.

Brave Raj’s first five dams were not remarkable racers, nor was her broodmare sire Bravo, from 11 starts. Bravo however, was sired by Bold Ruler, the 1957 Horse of theYear, and American racing’s leading sire of the 20th century, heading the list eight times, and counting numerous champions among his descendents, most notably Secretariat.

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I talked to Ben Jr., and he said “ he’d get a hold of his dad, and that’s how the deal started. Nice filly to be around. Not big, not little.

I’d say about the right size, probably close to fifteen, three. I was impressed by her. She was always impressive in workouts. —Mel Stute

”

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Raj

broodmare sire of such illustrious figures as Coaltown, Hill Gail, and Kauai King.

Mark-Ye-Well won the 1952 Arlington Classic, when contested at a mile, 11⁄8-mile American Derby and 15⁄8mile Lawrence Realization at age three. He captured the 1¼- mile Santa Anita Handicap at four, under 130 pounds, in addition to the 11⁄16-mile San Fernando Stakes.

He returned at age five and annexed the 11⁄8-mile San Antonio Handicap, under 130, in addition to the 1¼mile San Marcos Handicap on the Dolly wanted to try her against colts. She was the best filly in the country and turf. The following year, the six-yearthat’s why I ran her. The owner of Snow Chief, Carl Grinstead, was a little upset old Mark-Ye-Well equaled the track 2 because if she had won, she would have passed him. I was a little disappointed record of 1:48 ⁄5 in the nine-furlong because I thought she would beat the boys. —Mel Stute Stars & Stripes Handicap. Through her fifth dam, Transparent (GB), California-bred colt Decidedly.

Brave Raj was a distant relative to the legendary English Her third dam, the unraced Turn Ahead, was sired by champion and stallion Hyperion (GB). black-type winner Dead Ahead. Brave Raj’s fourth dam, Millie H., was by Mark-Ye-Well, a bay colt by the mag- GETTING STARTED nificent stallion Bull Lea, out of the Bleinheim II (GB) Brave Raj made her racing debut a dominant one, on mare Mar-Kell. Bull Lea produced many luminaries, in- May 22, 1986, at Garden State Park in New Jersey. Facing cluding his greatest son, Citation. Bleinheim II was sire six rivals in a five-furlong Maiden Special Weight, she of 1941 U.S.,Triple Crown winner Whirlaway, and romped home by more than seven lengths in a finishing time Bravo was out of the Ambiorix (FR.) mare Magneto.

Ambiorix, who would become Ambiorix II, was lightly raced but still good enough to become two-year-old French champion in the late 1940s.

Brave Raj’s second dam, Perfect Hand, was sired by the gray black-type winner Hand to Hand, himself by gray two-year-old champion Warfare, a son of Determine, who was the first gray colt to win the Kentucky Derby. Determine sired another Derby winner, the gray

“

”

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of :59. Stute had seen the race and through his assistant, Gary Gregory, became aware that Brave Raj was for sale.

“I talked to Ben Jr., and he said he’d get a hold of his dad, and that’s how the deal started,” Stute said. “Nice filly to be around. Not big, not little. I’d say about the right size, probably close to fifteen, three. I was impressed by her. She was always impressive in workouts.”

Brave Raj headed out to California, making her next start in a stakes, under new rider Patrick Valenzuela, who would pilot her in all but one remaining race. In Hollywood Park’s six-furlong Landaluce (G3), on July 4, Brave Raj met eight other fillies, including the highly regarded Bobby Frankel trained Delicate Vine, and finished a distant fifth as Delicate Vine came home two lengths in front.

Making her way down to Del Mar for the six-furlong Junior Miss onAug. 6, Brave Raj had a compromised start but managed to finish a solid second, three-quarters of a length behind Footy, the winner in receipt of three pounds, with Evil Elaine, a head back of Brave Raj, in third.

STREAK

Twelve days later, Brave Raj went on a five-race winning streak, beginning with Del Mar’s seven-furlong Sor-

rento Stakes (G3). Among a field of 10, she broke fifth, gradually advanced, before eventually moving ahead and hitting the wire 1 1⁄4 lengths in front of Breech at equal weights of 117. She then proceeded to annex the onemile Del Mar Debutante (G2) on Aug. 31.

Racing secretary Kenny Noe asked Stute to bring Brave Raj back to Florida, and three weeks later she was entered in the seven-furlong restricted Susan’s Girl at Calder Race Course. The surface conditions were sloppy but Brave Raj crossed the finish with a 4½-length winning margin. On Oct. 12, as part of a 13-horse field, she made her first attempt at a route race in Calder’s restricted 11⁄16-mile My Dear Girl, and held off Added Elegance by less than a length to post her fourth straight victory.

Brave Raj returned to the West Coast, and showcased her talent with the biggest performance of her young career on the biggest stage in North America.

“All that time I wasn’t figuring she was a Breeders’ Cup horse because of the distance and her pedigree wasn’t that great,” Stute said.

Noe however encouraged the trainer to enter her, so she was put on a plane back to California, and her date with destiny.

Brave Raj winning the 1986 Florida Stallion Stakes, the My Dear Girl Division, over Added Elegance.

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down, quickly surged ahead along the rail, and built an insurmountable margin, hitting the wire clear by 5 ½ lengths.

Tappiano held second, followed by Saros Brig. Sacahuista, with a strong late bid, finished fourth. Brave Raj’s final time was 1:43 1⁄5, three-fifths of a second faster than Capote’s winning performance in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).

The victory was monumental for the Florida-bred daughter of Rajab, who had collected $450,000 of the purse and was now the all-time leading juvenile female earner with $911,150.

Brave Raj would make one more start for the year and attempt to become the first two-year-old, of either gender, to earn one million dollars; but if she succeeded, she would do it in

The 1986 Breeders’ Cup Championships were held at Santa Anita Park on Nov. 1, and Brave Raj was the third choice in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), contested at 11⁄16 miles.

The early favorite had been a filly who would eventually make history of her own; but at the time, Personal Ensign had sustained a pastern fracture in a workout and would not race again until the following September. Favoritism fell to the D.Wayne Lukas trained Sacahuista, coming off a solid win in the Oak Leaf Stakes (G1).

Delicate Vine, previously undefeated, had finished third in the Oak Leaf, and suffered a career-ending injury. Tappiano was the second She was a pretty smart mare and she was pretty tough too. She wasn’t choice. Another entry in mean and she wasn’t hard to work with but she could get a little fired up the field was Ruling sometimes. She was a great mother, raising babies. —Barry Ezrine Angel, Canada’s eventual 1986 Sovereign Horse of the Year. open company. Brave Raj could reach the milestone by finAmong a field of 12, Brave Raj would break from post ishing at least third, but even if she fell short, could still befour under Valenzuela. When they were sent away, Tappiano, come the richest juvenile. Her stablemate, the three-year-old Anything For Love, Sacahuista and RulingAngel vied for the California-bred colt and Preakness winner Snow Chief, curearly lead with Brave Raj farther back in fifth. Entering the rently held that distinction after earning $935,740 in 1985; and clubhouse turn, Valenzuela settled Brave Raj comfortably in Brave Raj would pass him by simply reporting home fourth. fourth, as Sacahuista dropped back, with a quarter run in :221⁄5.

As the favorite, and lone filly in the group, Brave Raj Down the backstretch there wasn’t much change in the would break from post eight, against 11 males in Hollywood order with the half covered in :45 3⁄5. Tappiano and Anything Park’s one-mile Hollywood Futurity (G1) on Dec. 14. The For Love were still in front with Ruling Angel also engaging. purse was $1 million with nearly half that amount going to Tappiano started to draw away, with Ruling Angel in pursuit, the winner. When the dust cleared, three horses were at the while Brave Raj advanced along the inside, cutting into Tap- wire with Temperate Sil, under 55-year-old Bill Shoemaker, ahead of future superstar Alysheba by a neck, with Masterpiano’s lead around the far turn, with six furlongs in 1:10 1⁄5.

As they headed into the stretch, Brave Raj ran Tappiano ful Advocate another neck behind him. Finishing 31⁄4 lengths

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Brave Raj winning the Del Mar Debutante

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back in fifth was Brave Raj, an effort that earned her $22,500.

“Dolly wanted to try her against colts,” Stute said. “She was the best filly in the country and that’s why I ran her.” Although Brave Raj had not reached the $1 million milestone nor caught Snow Chief, Stute’s filly had enjoyed a remarkable year, posting six wins and a second from nine starts, and record divisional earnings of $933,650. Among the year’s money earners, she was 10th on the list, with eventual Horse of theYear Lady’s Secret and Snow Chief the top two.

“The owner of Snow Chief, Carl Grinstead, was a little upset because if she had won, she would have passed him,” Stute remarked. “I was a little disappointed because I thought she would beat the boys.”

CHAMPION

Brave Raj’s campaign merited an Eclipse award for 1986, which she received as champion two-year-old female. Snow Chief received the Eclipse as champion three-year-old male.

Due to physical problems following her campaign, Brave Raj did not race beyond her stellar juvenile year.

“She was very good,” Stute remembered. “She was too good a filly to take a chance.”

AFTERMATH

In retirement, the broodmare Brave Raj resided at Warren Rosenthal’s Patchen Wilkes Farm in Lexington,

Ky., and produced 10 winners out of 13 named foals, including stakes winner Bravo Bull, by Horse of the Year Holy Bull. Brave Raj was also bred to England’s last Triple Crown winner, Nijinsky II, and from that cover produced the filly Russian Tango, herself a stakes winner and future dam of Grade 2 winner Eurosilver.

Another daughter, El Rabab, by Irish/English champion Roberto, produced Canadian grade two winner Muntej (GB).

Barry Ezrine, Farm Manager at Patchen Wilkes, shared his recollections about Brave Raj. “She was a pretty smart mare and she was pretty tough too. She wasn’t mean and she wasn’t hard to work with but she could get a little fired up sometimes. She was a great mother, raising babies.”

Having survived colic surgeries, Brave Raj died on Jan. 28, 2006, at age 22, one week after aborting a filly by Gulch. The cause of her demise was believed to be a broken blood vessel. In her honor, the one-mile, seventy yard Brave Raj Stakes for two-year-old fillies, is run in September at Calder. Brave Raj added a lovely touch of class to the sport of Thoroughbred racing, enriched its great heritage, established her legacy, and secured a lasting place in the hearts of racegoers, particularly in Florida and California. For as long as horses take to the track, Brave Raj’s memory fondly endures. ■

Trainer Mel Stute outside his barn at Santa Anita with Brave Raj (right) and Snow Chief.

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Florida... the Best State for Business

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From coast to coast, Florida’s tax-friendly, pro-business environment is poised and ready to attract new companies and create new employment opportunities.

No tax on stallion seasons.

No personal state income tax.

No individual capital gains tax.

National leader in veterinary and equine research.

Ranked third in the U.S. for number of horses and size of horse industry.

Feed and animal health items, along with other specific items, are also exempt.

Horses are exempt from sales tax when purchased from their original breeder.

Florida’s greenbelt exemption provides property tax breaks for Florida horse farms.

Physical climate allows for year-round training, racing, showing and business opportunities.

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com

FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Adam Putnam, Commissioner 850-921-7916 • Fax 850-922-0374 e-mail: michael.ryshouwer@freshfromflorida.com 407 S. Calhoun • 427-A Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399

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By JO ANN GUIDRY

he Nassal Company, founded

T

in 1984 by Bill and Cindy Nassal, fabricates and in-

stalls themed environments for entertainment, zoo, aquarium, leisure and sports venues. The company’s client list includes Walt Disney World, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe and Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Nassal Company’s master artists and craftsmen perform their own brand of magic, bringing to life what imagination creates. Think the Hogwarts School castle, the Georgia Aquarium and Legoland.

Bill and Cindy Nassal, owners of Stonecliff Farm in Ocala, are enjoying the success of Florida-bred Currency Swap But on Sept. 5, the Nassals experienced a different kind of magic. Call it the Thoroughbred kind when Currency Swap, who the Nassals bred in the name of their Ocala-based Stonecliff Farm, won the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. Currency Swap became the first stakes winner bred by the Nassals, who established Stonecliff Farm in 2000.

“We’re a small operation,” said Cindy Nassal. “We have only three broodmares and to produce a horse like Currency Swap is very exciting for us.”

So exciting that the Nassals were at Saratoga days prior to the Hopeful Stakes.

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“

We’re a small

operation.We have only three broodmares and to produce a horse like Currency Swap is very exciting

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for us.

—Cindy Nassal

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SuccessfulSwap

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They visited Currency Swap, who they still refer to by his farm name of Cotton, on the backside. They joined owners Seth Klarman and William Lawrence, as well as trainer Teresa Pompay, in the saddling ring. Minutes later, they would all be in the winner’s circle.

“When he took the lead, I started yelling ‘Run, Cotton, Run,’ kind of like ‘Run, Forrest, Run,’and I didn’t stop until he crossed the finish line,” said Cindy. “It was a very big day for us. We were just beaming when we went down to the winner’s circle for the picture with everyone else.”

It was only the second career start for Currency Swap, a 2-year-old colt by Ocala Stud stallion High Cotton out of the Pine Bluff mare Echo Bluff. He broke his maiden by six lengths on Aug. 6 at Saratoga. A month later, Currency Swap won the Hopeful Stakes by three-quarters of a length over Trinniberg. He clocked 1:26.16 for the seven furlongs over a sloppy track. Racing for the previ-

ously noted Klarman’s Klaravich Stables Inc. and Lawrence, Currency Swap has to date banked $180,000.

The Nassals purchased the unraced Echo Bluff, the dam of Currency Swap, for $4,500 at the 2002 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s January mixed sale. Consigned by Janie Roper, agent, Echo Bluff is out of graded stakes winner and stakes producerYou’renotlistening, by Kennedy Road. Echo Bluff is a full sister to stakes winner Your Bluffing; she is also a half-sister to graded stakes-placed Nacho Friend and stakes-placed Yachats.

“When we bought Echo Bluff, she was an unraced three year old,” said Cindy. “I liked everything about her.

She was from a good family and was a nice, big, well-muscled filly. I thought she’d be a good broodmare and produce nice, big babies.And that’s exactly what’s she’s done.”

In fact, Currency Swap was so nice that the Nassals had originally intended to keep the foal they dubbed Cotton.

“I have to give credit to bloodstock advisor Wiley Perkins, who recommended we breed Echo Bluff to High

36 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

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Cotton,” said Cindy. “He thought it would be a great cross and he was right. Cotton was an exceptional foal from the start and we thought we’d keep him to race ourselves.”

But plans changed when OBS inspectors came to check out a Stonecliff Farm client’s horse for the upcoming October sale.

“The OBS guys saw Cotton and asked about him,” recalled Cindy. “When I told them he wasn’t going to be sold, they just went on and on about what a nice colt he was. So we changed our minds and decided to put him in the sale.”

Consigned by Summerfield, agent for Stonecliff Farm, the Nassals’ Cotton sold for $42,000 to Breakwater Farm at the 2009 OBS October mixed sale. Then at the 2010 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July yearling sale, the colt was consigned by Nick de Meric, agent, and sold for $70,000 to Four Star Stable, agent. After he was a $92,000 RNA at the 2011 OBS March juvenile sale, the colt was kept to race by his current owners.

“Selling Cotton turned out for the best,” said Cindy.

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“He’s with good people and doing well. As a horse person, you can’t ask for more than that.”

Cindy Nassal admits she was “one of those horsecrazy kids always begging my parents for a pony.” She finally got her wish when she was nine.

“My first horse was a glorified plow horse,” said Cindy, who grew up in Madison, West Virginia. “But I thought he was beautiful. I rode him all around town and in every town parade.”

Another childhood memory for Cindy involved Florida, where her mother had family in Crystal River and the Ocala area.

“Every time we drove through Ocala, my mother would tell me that this was where Needles was from,” said Cindy. “And I just thought that was great and the When we bought Echo Bluff, she Thoroughbred farms were was an unraced three year old. I all so beautiful.” liked everything about her. She was In 1974, Cindy moved to Orlando because she from a good family and was a nice,

“

big, well-muscled filly. I thought she’d be a good broodmare and produce nice, big babies. And that’s exactly what’s she’s done.

”

—Cindy Nassal

THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011 37

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SuccessfulSwap “was young, the Florida skies were blue and there was no winter.” While working for a national builder based in Orlando, Cindy met future husband Bill Nassal,w ho was also involved in the construction business.

After they married in 1984, the Nassals bought a small farm in Seminole County and soon Cindy got a horse.

“I thought it would be nice to have a horse again and I ended up getting an ex-racehorse,” said Cindy. “Her name was Spectacular Splash and I competed in hunter/jumper shows with her. She was very fast and we had a lot of fun.”

It wasn’t long after that the Nassals became involved in pinhooking Thoroughbreds for a couple of years, buying weanlings and reselling them as yearlings at OBS. But soon between the responsibilities of a family and establishing The Nassal Company, there was less time for the horses. When the Nassals sold the Seminole County farm, they stopped pinhooking and Cindy gave Spectacular Splash to a friend in Virginia.

“But years later after we were doing well and bought a second home in Vermont,” explained Cindy, “Bill tracked down Spectacular Splash and bought her back for me. I kept her at a stable not far from our Vermont home. I had her until she died at 28 and that’s when I decided I never wanted to be without a horse again.”

At the 1998 OBS April juvenile sale, Cindy bought

Every time we drove through Ocala, my mother “would tell me that this was where Needles was from. And I just thought that was great and the Thoroughbred farms were all so beautiful.

”

—Cindy Nassal a Blue Ensign out of Peaceful Meadow, by Meadowlake, colt for $6,500. The colt was bought with the intention of being a riding horse.

“He was a big beautiful gray colt,” said Cindy.

“When a Thoroughbred trainer friend of ours looked at him, he told us we should think about racing him. We thought that might be fun and decided to give it a try.”

Named Savoy, the Blue Ensign colt did well for the Nassals. Racing for three years, he earned $74,600 on five wins, one second and one third in 21 starts. He made all but one of those starts for the Nassals. On August 6, 2000, Savoy won and was claimed off the Nassals for $10,000 at Calder. A week later, Savoy won again at Calder and the Nassals claimed him back for $14,000.

38 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

“I get very attached to my horses and I really liked Savoy,” said Cindy. “He had been very good to us and I wanted to make sure that he always had a good home.

He was retired after that last win and we brought him home to our farm in Ocala. He’s still here.”

Nestled between Live Oak Stud and Double Diamond Farm, the 104-acre Stonecliff Farm was previously Golden Orb Farm. The Nassals named the farm for the large limerock pit on the property, which they fenced off, sodded, and where every March, they host a popular croquet tournament.

“The farm is just a beautiful piece of land and we have great neighbors in Live Oak and Double Diamond,” said Cindy. “We sold our house in Winter Park and moved to the farm. Bill commutes four days a week to the company headquarters in Orlando. We love living in Ocala.”

Determined to always have a horse, Cindy admits that “it was accumulation of horses that led to buying the farm.” Currently the farm’s equine population numbers 13, spread out among three active broodmares, their offspring, and a field full of retirees, including the aforementioned Savoy.

The three active broodmares are Currency Swap’s dam, Echo Bluff, Rucielo and Keepondealing. Echo Bluff had a 2010 full sister to Currency Swap; named Dirt Candy, the filly was sold privately by the Nassals shortly after Currency Swap broke his maiden. Echo Bluff was barren in 2011 and is not in foal for 2012.

Rucielo, a 1997 mare by Rubiano out of the Conquistador Cielo mare Stella Cielo, was bought by the Nassals for $60,000 at the 1999 OBS February juvenile sale. She made but two starts, posting a win and a second, before being injured and retired. To date, she is the dam of four winners, including stakes-placed Car Thief. A 2005 Cat Thief gelding, Car Thief was third in the 2011 Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup Handicap. Sold by the Nassals through Nick de Meric, agent, for $28,000 at the 2007 OBS April juvenile sale, Car Thief has to date earned $167,960.

The Nassals still own Rucielo’s 2008 Closing Argument filly, named Appealing Stella; they privately sold her 2009 Alphabet Soup filly, named Littlemissattitude. Rucielo has a 2011 Congrats colt on the farm. Rucielo is not in foal for 2012.

Completing the trio of Stonecliff Farm broodmares is stakes winner Keepondealing, a 1998 mare by Friendly Lover out of Keep Dealing, by Explosive Bid. Durable and consistent, Keepondealing made 45 lifetime starts, recording 10 wins, 12 seconds and six thirds to bank $299,515. She won the New Year’s Eve Handicap and

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Wishing Well Stakes, as well as being stakes-placed three times. The dam of four winners from four starters, Keepondealing had a 2010 Put It Back filly and a 2011 D’wildcat colt. Keepondealing is not in foal for 2012.

“We like to keep our operation small, manageable

and enjoyable,” said Cindy, who with Bill has three children and 10 grandchildren. “And to have Cotton, a horse we bred, go from our pasture to become a Grade 1 winner is more than we ever could’ve dreamed about happening.” ■

Ocala Stud stallion High Cotton, sire of Currency Swap

THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011 39

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Following are the “FTBOA Chase to the Championship ” Point Standings through September 28, 2011.

Two-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Currency Swap (High Cotton) - 15 Fort Loudon (Awesome of Course) - 6 Argentine Tango (Black Mambo) - 4

Breeder

Owner

Trainer

Stonecliff Farm Jacks or Better Farm Inc Jacks or Better Farm Inc

Klaravich Stables Inc & William H Lawrence Jacks or Better Farm Inc Jacks or Better Farm Inc

Teresa M Pompay Stanley I Gold Stanley I Gold

Jacks or Better Farm Inc Harold L Queen Ocala Stud Peter Vegso Racing Stable Cashel Stud Inc Susie Leonie Blommaerts

Jacks or Better Farm Inc Harold L Queen Karl Watson, Michael Pegram & Paul Weitman White Hall Lane Farm Alex Lieblong Richard Ravin

Stanley I Gold David Fawkes Bob Baffert David A Vivian David Fawkes Larry Rivelli

Live Oak Stud Glen Hill Farm Dianne D Cotter

Live Oak Plantation Karl Watson, Michael E Pegram & Paul Weitman Dianne D Cotter

Thomas Albertrani Bob Baffert H Graham Motion

Ocala Stud Hardacre Farm LLC E Paul Robsham Stables LLC

Blinkers On Racing, Dave Aurelio, Robert Butler, Joleen Coons, Lapso, et al Hardacre Farm LLC E Paul Robsham Stables LLC

Mike Puype Amy Tarrant Todd A Pletcher

Jules Boutelle Preston Stables LLC Robert V LaPenta & Fred J Brei

Justin Sallusto Charles L Dickey Nicholas P Zito

IEAH Stables, Whizway Farm, Robert Teel and Pegasus Holding Group Stables Pinnacle Racing Stable & William A Kaplan Robert Smithen

Richard E Dutrow W Kaplan Brian A Lynch

Two-Year-Old Filly Redbud Road (Awesome of Course) - 7 Queen Drama (Burning Roma) - 5 Candrea (Trippi) - 2 Citizen Advocate (Proud Citizen) - 2 Conway Two Step (Spanish Steps) - 2 Essence of Bubbles (Essence of Dubai) - 2

Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding Brilliant Speed (Dynaformer) - 23 Coil (Point Given) - 21 Toby’s Corner (Bellamy Road) - 18

Three-Year-Old Filly Turbulent Descent (Congrats) - 55 Pomeroys Pistol (Pomeroy) - 34 R Heat Lightning (Trippi) - 10

Older Male (Four-Year-Olds and up Colt/Gelding) Teaks North (Northern Afleet) - 33 Flat Out (Flatter) - 25 Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil) - 19

Brylynn Farm Inc Nikolaus Bock Jacks or Better Farm Inc

Older Female (Four-Year-Olds and up Filly/Mare) Amen Hallelujah (Montbrook) - 25 Musical Romance (Concorde’s Tune) - 21 Bay to Bay (Sligo Bay) - 13

Thorobeam Farm Ocala Stud Adena Springs

Male Sprint (Three-Year-Olds and up Colt/Gelding, race distances one mile and less) Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil) - 17 Trappe Shot (Tapit) - 17 Apriority (Grand Slam) - 16 Aikenite (Yes It’s True) - 15

Jacks or Better Farm Inc Hobeau Farm Donald R Dizney Brylynn Farm Inc

Robert V LaPenta & Fred J Brei Mill House Donald R Dizney Dogwood Stable

Nicholas P Zito Kiaran McLaughlin David Fawkes Todd A Pletcher

Female Sprint (Three-Year-Olds and up Filly/Mare, race distances one mile and less) Turbulent Descent (Congrats) - 40 Pomeroys Pistol (Pomeroy) - 34 Amen Hallelujah (Montbrook) - 25

Ocala Stud Hardacre Farm LLC Thorobeam Farm

Blinkers On Racing, Dave Aurelio, Robert Butler, Joleen Coons, Lapso, et al Hardacre Farm LLC IEAH Stables, Whizway Farm, Teel, Robert and Pegasus Holding Group Stables

Mike Puype Amy Tarrant Richard E Dutrow

Jules Boutelle B J Wright Chuck, Ella & Lou Hagaman

Justin Sallusto Michael Pender Ron Moquett

Robert Smithen Frank Carl Calabrese Peter Fuller

Brian A Lynch Nick Canani Milton W Wolfson

Male Turf (Three-Year-Olds and up Colt/Gelding, races run on the turf) Teaks North (Northern Afleet) - 33 Jeranimo (Congaree) - 17 Bim Bam (Deputy Wild Cat) - 12

Brylynn Farm Inc Brylynn Farm Inc J D Farms

Female Turf (Three-Year-Olds and up Filly/Mare, races run on the turf) Bay to Bay (Sligo Bay) - 13 Romacaca (Running Stag) - 9 Trip for A.J. (Trippi) - 8

Adena Springs Cashel Stud Inc Peter Fuller

■ Selection Criteria for Florida-bred champions Year-end divisional champions will be determined using the “FTBOA Chase to the Championship” point system, a ranking that awards points for success in stakes races.

The “FTBOA Chase to the Championship” allocates points for stakes wins in graded races, open-company stakes and Florida’s signature racing days, with the number of points awarded based upon the classification of the race. International stakes race status is governed by the International Cataloguing Standards Committee. The first three finishers in all Group/Graded and listed races appearing in Part I of the International Cataloguing Standards and International Statistics Book printed by The Jockey Club receive “black-type” designation. Ten point bonus to be awarded to any 2-year-old colt or filly sweeping all three legs of the Florida Stallion Stakes in determining the Champion 2-year-old Florida-bred.

The Florida-bred with the most points in each division on December 31 is deemed champion of that division. Horse of the Year, Broodmare of the Year and Breeder of the Year will be voted on by the FTBOA Board of Directors and announced at the FTBOA’s annual awards dinner.

In the case of a year-end tie in points in any division, earnings will be used to decide the tiebreaker. — Points are assigned as follows: 40 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

■ World Thoroughbred Championship ■ Sunshine Millions (equivalent to a Grade 2 Stakes Race): Breeders’ Cup Race: Win: 20 points Place: 15 points Show: 10 points

■ Grade 1 Stakes Race: Win: 15 points Place: 10 points Show: 5 points

■ Grade 2 Stakes Race: Win: 5 points Place: 3 points Show: 2 points

■ Grade 3 Stakes Race: Win: 3 points Place: 2 points Show: 1 point

Win: 5 points Place: 3 points Show: 2 points

■ Other Florida-bred Signature Race Days (equivalent to a Grade 3 Stakes Race):

(The Florida Million, Florida Cup, Florida Stallion Stakes Series): Win: 3 points Place: 2 points Show: 1 point

■ Open-Company Stakes ($50,000 + Purse) Points for WIN ONLY: Win: 2 points

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G Call today for your contract.

352.732.8858

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Sneak Peek

Horse Fever’s 10th anniversary herd of 27 horses trotted into place all around Ocala last month. Members of the press got a sneak peek of the horses early in the month prior to their official unveiling Sept. 29. Included in the early preview was the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association’s World Champ, painted by Sharon Crute.

BOTTOM LEFT: TAMMYPORTRAITART.COM / ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY JAN ZYSKO

The collection of life-sized, fancifully painted horses, presented by Marion Cultural Alliance and sponsored by the FTBOA, will be on display until March of 2012.

They will be auctioned off March 23, 2012 at Live Oak Plantation.

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Your

FLORIDA HORSE PARK

Horses, Hikers, Bikers...

and More

ach day and each season at the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park, we welcome new opportunities and challenges. That strong spirit continues, thanks to a dedicated board of directors and staff, fantastic volunteers, benevolent donors, and a newly formed foundation. Our team’s focus is solid and ever-sharpening.

The Park has long been recognized as a major equine attraction – well-known for horse shows, horse trials and trails, distance riding competitions, camping and various equestrian-related events. Our unique connection to the famous Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway gives us a special signature difficult to find anywhere else in the U.S. What many don’t realize is that the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park is also a top year-round destination that, in addition to horses, hosts everything from food festivals and competitive BBQs to RV shows, dog races, foot races and farmers’ markets.

We’ve stepped up our marketing this month to better share that message with all Floridians and visitors.

In keeping with the original intent and long-term mission of the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park, we are pleased to have recently introduced updated branding (seen above). This enhanced image more fully represents the Park’s legal description, approved by Florida statute in 1996. Soon, thanks to the generosity of LAMAR Advertising Co., you’ll see multiple billboards on I-75 delivering this Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park info to tens of thousands of people traveling through the heart of Florida every day.

E

Farm Tour sponsored by Great American Insurance Group, is sold out. For this unique event, 300 ticket holders will meet at the Park on Oct. 27 and travel to three prominent Marion County facilities: Plumley Farms, The Sanctuary, and Lynn Palm’s Fox Grove Farm. Special guests include the wonderful mini equines with Gentle Carousel Therapy Horses of Alachua County, Fla. We owe great thanks to each farm, sponsor and volunteer who is working to make this fundraiser a success…allowing us to share agriculture and horses with many who are unfamiliar with the industry.

Plus, on Friday, Nov. 18, our outreach extends to local and state elected officials as we present our inaugural Legislative Trail Ride at the Park. We are excited to host our decision-makers in government and introduce them to the vast green space and trails, competition and outdoor adventure that make the 500-acre Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park a state jewel. Cactus Jack Trail Rides will be providing bombproof horses for attendees to ride, as well as wagon rides for others, and RFD-TV personality TreyYoung, “America’s Horseman,” of Crawfordville, Fla., will give riding tips and rope trick demos.

The ride will be followed by a BBQ and live band, and photo opportunities, as we break ground for the first plantings of our Memorial Tree program.

Step by step, day by day, we are fulfilling our motto of “Making the Land a Hero.”

Would you like to get involved? Come see us, drop us a line, invite us to speak at your club or organization, make a tax-deductible donation, purchase a Memorial Tree to be planted at the Park…or sign up as a volunteer!

Find more at www.flhorsepark.com, or connect with our sites on Facebook for frequent updates: Florida Horse Park and Foundation for the Florida Horse Park.

What many don’t realize is that the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park is also a top year-round destination that, in addition to horses, hosts everything from food festivals and competitive BBQs to RV shows, dog races, foot races and farmers’ markets.

FALL FUN STUFF

As always, a slew of activity is taking place at the Park this October and November, including dog lure coursing, dressage shows, horse trials and endurance rides.

One of the Park fundraisers, the second-annual Fall

Happy Trails, Connie Duff Wise / Chairman of the Board Florida Agricultural Center and Horse Park

THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011 43

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Young

Competitor

By DIANA DE ROSA ost teenage girls are enjoying play dates, texting their friends, and planning ahead for the weekend, but 13-year-old Victoria Colvin, Loxahatchee, FL, spends most of her time riding and/or competing on at least 10 horses a day.

Victoria’s very first experience riding almost ended her career right then and there. “I was three and the pony ran off with me. I was so scared I didn’t ride again until I was five.” Since then the young teenager hasn’t looked back.

Victoria’s parents, Brigid and Jim, are 100 percent behind Victoria’s love of horses because they share her passion.

“They support me a lot,” said Victoria as we chatted after she’d just finished competing in one of her many classes of the day. “My dad is a farrier and my mom takes care of our ‘house’ barn.”

One of Victoria’s favorite places to compete is the Washington International Horse Show, which this year takes place Oct. 25-30. She likes the change of pace

M

44 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

since most of the shows she competes in have multiple rings going at once and are outdoors. Not so at Washington, where the classes are showcased in Verizon Center, with only one class going at a time.

“The first year I showed there was in 2007 and I was reserve champion on a large pony named Sunday Best. I was only nine years old and it was truly amazing. It’s an honor to make it to any indoors but Washington has a special feel. It is downtown and gives me that tingly feeling. It makes all the classes I compete in there special to me,” she said.

If last year’s victories are indicative of how she’s done at Washington, it’s no wonder she loves that show.

In 2010 she was grand champion in the medium ponies on Ever Luvin’ owned by Scott Stewart; champion in the large ponies on For The Laugher owned by Dr. Betsee Parker and Best Child Rider on a Pony.

In fact, when asked what her greatest achievement has been so far at WIHS, it was these last honors that she is most proud of.

DIANA DE ROSA PHOTOS

Floridian Colvin is Just Thirteen and Headed to the Washington International

PHOTO CREDIT

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Young Competitor “Being name Best Child Rider on a Pony and also being champion in both divisions meant a lot to me,” saidVictoria, whose charming smile and wide grin made it clear that winning is the icing on the cake for this youngster who is just at the beginning of her career.

Yet it’s not just the riding she enjoys at Washington. “I love Puissance night and being able to walk up to the puissance wall.

It is huge.”

This year she’ll be back and already has a plan: “I am hoping to improve from last year.

I am riding Ovation and Vip Z owned by Scott, Sanzibar owned by Karen Long Dwight and Barbara Ridder Irwin.

This talented teenager is the go-to rider for many owners and gets to ride some wonderful horses. “In the large juniors I have a choice between Havanna owned by Karen and Barbara, Inclusive owned by Scott, Touchdown owned by Becky Gochman or Way Cool owned by Dr. Parker.

Victoria knows that to be successful it takes a team effort and she credits much of her success to her trainers, Stewart and Ken Berkley.

“They are great people and amazing trainers. They give me so much. They have taught me to trust my feel,” she said. “Every day I am grateful for everything my parents and Scott and Ken do for me.”

This year has also brought new victories to Victoria’s trophy chest. During the winter, she won one of the grand prix at the Winter

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Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL. More recently, she won the $50,000 Jumping Derby at the Hampton Classic, truly a huge honor for a girl her age.

While size-wise she is still able to compete in the ponies, what appeals to her most these days is equitation and show jumping.

“I want to do well on my jumper and I would love to do well in the equitation,” she said. In fact, Victoria is leading the East Coast standings for the WIHS Equitation Finals so you can be sure she’ll be doing her best to continue to be at the top of the pack of this threephase competition at Verizon Center (hunter, jumper and then the top ten meet in the Finals).

Victoria gets home schooled “because it works with my schedule,” she explained. And if you think that schedule is only about riding, you’d be wrong. “I love tennis. I miss it and when I’m not riding that’s all I want to do.”

When asked what it is about the horses that fascinates her and gives her the desire to focus so much of her time and energy on her riding, Victoria’s response was short and to the point.

“I love it. I love riding.”

And for a final comment about the Washington International and why it is so special to her she added, “For people who haven’t been to Washington, you must go. The people are friendly. The ambiance is amazing.

The hours are hard but fun. When else can a thirteen-year-old wake up at two in the morning to ride. It’s fun!” ■

“I love it. I love riding.”—Victoria Colvin

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NEWS BITS

October is Florida

Greenways and Trails Month

48 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

trails managed by the Office of Greenways & Trails welcomed more than 4 million visitors, generating an estimated $94 million in economic impact. A recent study conducted by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council concluded that three trails in Orange County supported 516 jobs and an estimated economic impact of $42.6 million in 2010.

Developed in response to increased de-

McKathan Trail

mand for trails by Florida visitors, VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation, created a website that provides a range of travel-related information for more than 100 trails throughout Florida. Those ready to hike, bike, paddle or horseback ride on the state’s unique system of trails and greenways can visit www.VISITFLORIDA.com/trails. ■

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

Governor Rick Scott proclaimed the month of October as Florida Greenways and Trails Month, celebrating the important recreational and economic benefits of Florida’s greenways and trails. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Park Service, Office of Greenways & Trails welcomes this annual occasion to recognize communities throughout the state as they host events on the more than 600 miles of beautiful greenways and trails in Florida.

“Greenways and Trails Month offers Floridians and visitors the opportunity to come together and celebrate the wealth of natural resources available to them throughout the state,” said Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione. “This is the perfect time of year to take a long stroll on your favorite trail or dust off your bike and find some great new riding spots along Florida’s state trails.”

To commemorate Florida Greenways and Trails Month, DEP held a special reopening ceremony on Oct. 6 at the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail. The event took place at the north trailhead in Woodville to celebrate the newly resurfaced and widened 16-mile multi-use trail. After more than 20 years of service, Florida’s first paved rail-trail has been widened to 12 feet, to meet current state and national standards.

“Florida is home to a wide variety of nature-based recreational opportunities,” said Kent Wimmer, Chair of the Florida Greenways and Trails Council. “October is a great time of year to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and explore the state’s many beautiful trails, parks and forests.”

Events throughout the state will highlight the value of Florida’s greenways and trails as an affordable, accessible source of recreation and effective boost to Florida’s tourism. During FiscalYear 2010-2011, the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway and state

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Farm Energy Options

FARM MANAGEMENT

ReduceYour Carbon Footprint: Farm Energy Options and More

By JAMIE COHEN, Farm Outreach Coordinator s we move through the season, the yearling sales are now complete and training is underway for our young horses, so it’s a good time to take a look around your farm and see where you can save yourself some money, which will, in turn, reduce your carbon footprint, preserve water and benefit us all.

Everyone knows that it is very costly to run and maintain a farm, and the cost of everything just keeps rising, but there are ways to make significant impacts with your savings, which will also have the added benefit of impacting our world for the long-term.

New technologies are available today that can help you to use less electricity on the farm. Small things, like changing your light bulbs from the old, incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, to the newer LED lighting, can have big impacts on your electric costs (New LED lighting also shares an added benefit of not attracting pesky insects).

Washing blankets, wraps, saddle towels and other items is a non-stop cycle in barns that can wreak havoc with your electric bill. Newer, “Energy Star” electronic equipment is set-up specifically to use as little energy and water as possible, which is great when your washing machine and dryer run 24/7 on the farm. Try to think of how many hours a day your lights are on in the barn and how often your washer and dryer runs; then think how having superior, highly efficient equipment can both streamline your operation and put a dent in already enormous bills by saving on your electric and water use.

Water usage is another aspect on farms to consider.

Running the water heater continuously for bathing and washer needs can be very costly. Simply having all paddocks use automatic water troughs, which runs a pump continuously (and uses electricity) creates more expense. Solar electric, an often overlooked, but highly successful Florida option, can help reduce the cost of

A

running water pumps, as well as provide additional electricity for your barn. Solar water heaters are significantly more efficient than the standard storage tanks.

To get more ideas about how to better and more efficiently use your electricity, fellow agent, John Linhoss, will be running a program in Ocala, Florida, on Thursday, Nov. 10th from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm titled, ”Farm Energy Options: New Ways to Power your Farm.” This program is designed to specifically give you answers to questions about different energy efficiency ideas, renewable and alternative energy applications and how to help finance these upgrades. Register online at: http://farmenergyoptions.eventbrite.com or call 352-671-8400. The cost is only $10.

In times of limited spending, finding ways to save money can help those already tight purse strings take a breather. Upgrading appliances, putting in solar panels and other things, such as adding insulation, may seem costly and impossible, but consider them investments.

All improvements made will end up saving you money, leaving you with more in your pocket each month. So, efficiency improvements pay for themselves.

I hope these suggestions give you some ideas about how to save money and “go green.” As we all know, improving the bottom line also helps preserve and protect our beautiful state and beyond. Remember, the more careful we all are, the more years we will have for our “day at the races.”

Keep up the good management practices.

Schedule a Farm Call: Jamie A. Cohen Farm Outreach Coordinator UF IFAS/Marion County Extension Service 352-671-8792 • jamiecohen@ufl.edu THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011 49

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HORSE COUNCIL NEWS

American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act Introduced Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN) introduced the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (H.R.2966) in September. The bill would prohibit the slaughter of horses for human consumption. A Senate version of this bill S.1176 was introduced in June by Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA). The House and Senate bills are identical.

This bill would amend the Horse Pro-

BECOME A

www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse www.ftboa.com

50 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

tection Act (HPA), which was enacted in 1970 to prohibit the showing, transport or sale of horses that have been subjected to any painful process to accentuate their gait. The Animal & Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture enforces the HPA. The bill would prohibit the shipping, transporting, or sale of horses for slaughter for human consumption. Such activities would be a violation of the HPA and subject any person who knowingly violates the Act to penalties of up to $3,000 and/or one year in jail for the first offense and up to $5,000 and/or two years in jail for a second offense. An offender may also be subject to civil penalties of $2,000 for each violation.

The bill authorizes $5 million for enforcement.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has 56 co-sponsors.

■ The American Horse Council also announced last month that Douglas Dean, CPA of Dean Dorton Allen Ford PLLC in Kentucky as the newest contributor to its bi-monthly Tax Bulletin.

The Tax Bulletin is AHC’s most popular publication, featuring timely articles on equine tax and business issues. It provides updates on the latest tax court decisions, IRS regulations, and legislation that might impact one’s ability to run a profitable business.

Dean joined AHC’s Tax Bulletin Advisory Committee in June, adding to an impressive editorial board of tax professionals. “We are very pleased that Doug Dean agreed to join the tax team. He brings years of experience and will make the AHC Tax Bulletin even more inform-

ative,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.

Dean has extensive experience in providing tax compliance and planning, estate planning, and business valuation service, and has represented clients in dealing with federal, state, and local tax authorities. Additionally, he was the initial leader of his firm’s Equine Industry Team, a position in which he served for many years.

“I’m very pleased and honored to join AHC’s Tax Bulletin Advisory Committee. Owners and operators of horse businesses, involving Thoroughbreds and other breeds, have been a big part of our firm’s and my professional practice for many years,” said Dean. “As a longtime reader of the AHC’s tax communications, I’m now glad to participate in the committee’s part of providing this service,” he added.

The AHC Tax Bulletin is available through membership with the American Horse Council. For more information on how to become a member and receive the horse industry’s most informative tax updates visit http://www.horsecouncil.org/ahcmemberships or contact Bridget Harrison at (202) 296-4031 or info@horsecouncil.org.

Learn more about equine business tax issues in the 2011 Horse Owners and Breeders Tax Handbook by Thomas A. Davis, Esq of Davis and Harman. This two-volume edition has everything you need to know pertaining to tax laws for your equine business. Topics covered in the Handbook include: business versus hobby - including summaries of important court decisions; Passive loss rules; Forms of doing business; Record keeping and accounting rules; Sales, Exchanges and Involuntary conversions; Depreciation; and much more.

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(ex•cel•lence) noun

the fact or state of excelling; superiority; distinction; possessing good qualities in high degree.

For the fifth consecutive year,

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352.732.8858 The Florida Horse is the official publication of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association www.ftboa.com • www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

Publisher: Richard Hancock • Editor in chief: Michael Compton Business manager: Patrick Vinzant • Art director: John Filer Administrative assistant: Beverly Kalberkamp

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Equine Care Amanda M. House, DVM, DACVIM

limiting, your veterinarian should be informed and may want to initiate additional therapy.

VACCINATION When considering a vaccination program outine vaccination is a critical component of developing a health main- for your horse, it is important to remember tenance program for horses. It is that each horse’s immune system will respond important to emphasize that there is no stan- a little differently to vaccination. Not every dard vaccination program that is suitable for horse will be protected to the same degree or every horse, and that individual programs for the same amount of time following vaccishould be developed with your veterinarian. nation. A primary series of the vaccines with Vaccinations help to prime the immune booster doses will be required for an approsystem to respond quickly when a horse is ex- priate immune response before exposure to posed to an infectious agent. Although vacci- the disease. It will take 1-2 weeks after a comnations cannot guarantee disease prevention pleted vaccine series for your horse to be proin all circumstances, they help minimize the tected against the disease. After the initial risk of infection and aid in the prevention of vaccine series, most horses will require annual certain diseases. Vaccination is not a substi- or semi-annual booster vaccinations.

An overview of basic vaccination guidetute for other good management practices, and should be used in conjunction with proper nu- lines and the diseases follows. This is only a trition, deworming, pasture management and guideline, and a specific plan for your horse minimizing stress and overcrowding for opti- should be developed in conjunction with your mal results in each horse and herd. Ideally, all veterinarian.

Generally, vaccination is recommended for horses in a group should receive vaccinations and be on the same schedule when possible. all horses for tetanus, encephalomyelitis, raThe vaccination program appropriate for an bies, and West Nile virus.

Rabies is an uncomindividual horse or herd needs to take into account The vaccination program mon occurrence, but is things such as age, sex, geappropriate for an indi- fatal in all cases; therefore, vaccination is adographic location, use of vidual horse or herd vised. Vaccination for the horse, pregnancy status and risk for developing the needs to take into account influenza and equine herpes virus (EHV) is recdisease. Currently, there things such as age, sex, ommended in most cases, are vaccines available for tetanus, encephalomyelitis, geographic location, use especially in performance West Nile virus, rabies, of the horse, pregnancy horses and horses exposed to a transient or rhinopneumonitis (equine herpes virus), influenza, status and risk for devel- young equine population.

Broodmares and weanstrangles, Potomac horse oping the disease. lings have specific vaccifever, botulism, equine nation recommendations tailored for their viral arteritis, anthrax, and rotavirus.

The vaccines are administered by an intra- needs, and will not be covered in detail here.

Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, an muscular or intranasal route depending on the disease. Influenza and strangles have both in- anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium. The bactramuscular and intranasal vaccines available. teria are present in the intestine and manure of Adverse reactions to vaccination are not horses, as well as in the soil. Clostridium common but are a potential risk of vaccina- tetani produces spores that can survive for tion. Signs of an adverse reaction may include years in the environment. The spores can gain muscle soreness, swelling, fever, anorexia, and access to the horse through wounds or laceralethargy. If the signs are severe or are not self- tions, or the umbilicus in foals. The clinical

R

52 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

signs of tetanus are a result of toxin production, and include muscle stiffness and rigidity, third eyelid prolapse, stiff legs and “sawhorse” stance, nostril flare, and lockjaw.

Horses with severe disease are unable to eat, and may be down and unable to get up; many progress to death or require euthanasia. All horses should be revaccinated annually for tetanus, and boostered immediately if they sustain a wound or undergo surgery more than six months after their previous vaccine. Tetanus antitoxin can be administered to horses that sustain a wound (increasing their risk of disease) and that have not previously been vaccinated with tetanus toxoid.

The equine encephalomyelitis viruses (eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE), and Venezuela equine encephalomyelitis (VEE)) are transmitted by mosquitoes to horses and humans from wild birds or rodents (VEE).

Horses and humans are considered deadend hosts for the disease, and cannot pass it to others. Infection with these viruses can cause fever and neurological symptoms such as depression, difficulty walking/staggering gait, changes in behavior/mentation (profound depression, abnormal mental responses), and seizures. VEE is a reportable foreign animal disease, and has not been seen in the U.S. for many years.

The death rate is 70-90% for horses with EEE or VEE, and about 50% for horses with WEE. The mortality rate in cases with EEE is generally higher that 90%. All horses should be vaccinated for EEE/WEE in the spring, prior to mosquito season. Horses in the southeastern states such as Florida should be vaccinated at least 2-3 times per year.

West Nile virus is another virus transmitted by mosquitoes that can cause neurological symptoms such as muscle tremors, loss of coordination, hypersensitivity to being touched, and recumbency (a horse with recumbency cannot stand up). The death rate for infected horses is about 33%. Multiple vaccines are available for use, and horses should be vaccinated annually.

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Fortunately, rabies is an uncommon dis- older and are exposed to new horses. Vacciease in the horse. However, in any areas where nation is recommended for prevention of rabies is endemic in the wildlife population, abortion in pregnant mares (with a killed vachorses can be exposed through a bite from an cine product licensed for prevention of aborinfected animal. Rabies results in progressive tion) and for reduction in signs and spread of respiratory disease in foals, neurological disease and is Due to the emergence weanlings, yearlings, fatal in all cases. It can be transmitted from infected of resistant parasites young performance, and show horses that have a horses to humans. Vaccina(worms that are not higher risk of exposure. tion is recommended followed by a yearly booster. killed by traditional de- Vaccination does not prevent the neurological form Equine influenza is one wormers), some of the of EHV-1. of the most common infecAdditionally, vaccines tious respiratory diseases in emphasis is shifting to for strangles (Streptococthe horse. The virus is prevention and control, cus equi infection) and Pohighly contagious and can be transmitted through the rather than just routine tomac horse fever (PHF) air from horse to horse as a rotational treatment are available and their use should be discussed with result of coughing. The with anthelmintics. your veterinarian. Potomac most common signs of inhorse fever is not typically fection are fever, cough, nasal discharge, and reduced appetite. Young seen in Florida, but vaccination may be conhorses and horses exposed to large numbers sidered in horses that are traveling to the of other horses through showing or transport northeast and mid-Atlantic regions. The vacseem to be most susceptible to infection. Most cine for PHF is not completely protective, and horses recover from infection in about 10-14 additional study on this vaccination and disdays, and treatment consists of supportive ease is warranted.

Vaccinations for botulism, rotavirus, and care.

Vaccination is available in intramuscular equine viral arteritis are used more commonly (killed virus, and canary pox vectored vac- in breeding populations. The American Associne) and intranasal (modified live virus) for- ciation of Equine Practitioners has recently mulations. Vaccination is recommended every updated their guidelines for vaccination of the six months, and is done more frequently horse, and is an excellent resource for owners (every 3-4 months) in some horse populations. at www.aaep.org. That website has an excelEquine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) and lent chart available for download on vaccinaequine herpesvirus type 4 (EHV-4) can both tion of foals and adults. cause respiratory infections (rhinopneumonitis) in horses, generally affecting the upper PARASITE CONTROL respiratory tract and causing fever, nasal disEstablishing a deworming program for charge, and sometimes cough. However, equine parasites has become a somewhat conEHV-1 can also result in neurological disease, troversial topic of discussion. Due to the emerabortion, and foal death. EHV-1 and EHV-4 gence of resistant parasites (worms that are are transmitted through the air or by direct not killed by traditional dewormers), some of contact with secretions from the nose, on the emphasis is shifting to prevention and conequipment, or in drinking water. trol, rather than just routine rotational treatIt is likely that initial infection with EHV- ment with anthelmintics.

1 and EHV-4 first occurs in foals, but cliniThe American Association of Equine Praccally apparent infections are seen as they get titioners (AAEP) recommends establishing a

program with your veterinarian that works best for your horse and/or herd, in conjunction with these suggestions for environmental management: Clean and dispose of manure in the pasture at least twice weekly.

Mow and harrow pastures regularly to break up manure and expose parasite eggs to the sun.

If possible, rotate pastures by allowing other livestock to graze them.

Group horses in a pasture by age to reduce exposure to certain parasites, and maximize the deworming program geared to that group.

Prevent overgrazing and reduce fecal contamination by keeping the number of horses per acre to a minimum.

Feed horses in a feeder for hay and grain rather than on the ground.

Remove bot eggs from the hair routinely to prevent ingestion.

Equine tapeworms are difficult to identify in fecal examinations, and deworming for tapeworms is recommended biannually or annually with a product containing praziquantel (Zimectrin Gold®, Equimax®, Quest Plus®), or double dose pyrantel pamoate or tartrate.

A blood test has been developed that identifies antibodies to tapeworms in horses. This test is only available at one lab in the United States at the University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine. However, there are likely horses with tapeworms that this test will not identify, and it is more practical to be sure horses are dewormed annually to biannually for tapeworms.

Consult your veterinarian for a deworming strategy that works best for your horse and/or herd. ■

THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011 53

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FLORIDA NEWS

Awesome Feather Victorious in Return

Florida-bred Awesome Feather

Call: 352.732.8858 www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

54 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

NYRA PHOTO

The Florida-bred Eclipse champion turns back four others in Le Slew Stakes to remain undefeated.

By MICHAEL COMPTON Florida-bred Awesome Feather made her long-awaited seasonal debut on Oct. 5, defeating a compact field in the Le Slew Stakes at Belmont Park.

Awesome Feather had not raced since she wrapped up an undefeated juvenile season last year by taking down top prize in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Churchill Downs for trainer Stanley Gold in the colors of her breeder and owner Jacks or Better Farm.

Following the Breeders’ Cup triumph, Awesome Feather was sold to Frank Stronach for $2.3 million at Fasig-Tipton’s November mixed sale. She had a delayed start to her campaign this year because of a bowed tendon that required time to heal. She won the Le Slew Stakes in Stronach’s colors and was saddled by trainer Chad Brown.

“There was a lot of pressure today,” Brown said. “She had been training very well. You can never have a horse coming off this type of injury [at] a full fitness level. We brought her in here a little short fitness-wise, but nice and sound and healthy. We figured this was as close as we were going to get and gave her a shot, and she ran really well.

“I was a little worried early because coming off this type of layoff I didn’t want to crank the screws too much in the morning and never get to this day,” he added. “So, I felt like I probably had her 75 percent fit, but perfectly sound, and I took that as enough to get her started. When I saw 22, 45 and she’s only a length off it, for a horse off a layoff, that’s a demanding pace to chase and still have finish. I was a little worried down the backside but she dug in. She has the heart of a champion. It might have not been a stellar group, but she got the job done.”

In her Eclipse championship season racing for Fred and Jane Brei’s Jacks or Better Farm, Awesome Feather was perfect in six starts. She swept the fillies division of the Florida Stallion Stakes series at Calder before capturing the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in November.

“I’m delighted to see her comeback like that,” said Fred Brei. “I hope we see her go onward and upward from here.”

Awesome Feather is by Journeyman Stud stallion Awesome of Course and is out of the Gone West mare Precious Feather.

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Leading Florida Sires The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through October 5, 2011. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

LEROIDESANIMAUX Name

Sire Name

Farm Name

GRAEME HALL

WILDCAT HEIR NA Stk Gr Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW's Wins SW's Earnings

Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) Candy Stripes

Stonewall Farm Ocala $3,647,727 80

Wildcat Heir

Forest Wildcat

Graeme Hall

Leading Earner

39

5

7

4

$3,823,662

Animal Kingdom

Journeyman Stud

$3,630,245 163 85

8

11

2

$3,642,707

Dehere

Winding Oaks

$2,742,620 116 70

3

3

3

Chapel Royal

Montbrook

Signature Stallions

$2,134,815 186 82

1

1

Consolidator

Storm Cat

Journeyman Stud

$1,817,859 156 73

0

With Distinction

Storm Cat

Hartley/DeRenzo

$1,922,021 115 51

Strong Hope

Grand Slam

Winding Oaks

Montbrook

Buckaroo

Pomeroy

Leading Yrlg Earnings Sold

Yrlg 2yo Avg Sold

2yo Avg

$1,904,900

16

39,823

3

$53,500

John Johny Jak

$139,971

21

$27,524

16

$39,531

$2,747,391

Duke of Mischief

$719,881

10

$22,250

5

$17,600

0

$2,144,390

Dahlgren Chapel

$93,120

15

$13,380

11

$19,836

0

0

$2,038,763

Consolidator Joe

$115,874

20

$7,153

6

$11,917

1

2

0

$1,945,740

Decisive Moment

$333,700

20

$27,060

38

$26,250

$1,837,696 114 55

2

3

0

$1,939,247

Clement Rock

$190,494

3

$2,833

4

$16,750

Ocala Stud

$1,892,234 79

40

2

5

2

$1,904,525

Tackleberry

$599,667

4

$16,500

12

$35,142

Boundary

Vinery

$1,788,567 71

36

6

10

2

$1,888,555

Pomeroys Pistol

$401,188

12

$30,667

17

$78,235

Greatness

Mr. Prospector

Stonewall Farm Ocala $1,771,156 67

37

3

9

1

$1,771,156

Jenny's So Great

$213,684

1

$1,000

1

$2,000

D'wildcat

Forest Wildcat

Vinery

$1,558,593 103 48

1

1

0

$1,688,099

D'wild Ride

$110,175

17

$18,100

24

$31,279

Concorde's Tune

Concorde Bound deceased

$1,595,003 72

36

1

4

1

$1,628,334

Musical Romance

$460,734

7

$27,214

Halo's Image

Halo

$1,605,231 74

39

5

5

1

$1,606,976

Atlantic Hurricane

$212,698

4

$5,675

4

$12,250

Put It Back

Honour and Glory Bridlewood Farm

$1,451,340 146 56

4

6

2

$1,585,585

It's Me Mom

$97,300

26

$14,992

24

$27,000

Full Mandate

A.P. Indy

$1,552,243 110 51

1

1

0

$1,555,950

Full of Gut

$124,120

3

$1,400

5

$17,540

Value Plus

Unbridled's Song Stonewall Farm Ocala $1,534,809 113 56

1

1

0

$1,536,884

All Due Respect

$70,638

$14

9,593

4

$41,250

Roar of the Tiger

Storm Cat

deceased

$1,370,729 106 48

3

4

0

$1,370,729

Tazz

$127,370

6

$8,833

9

$14,667

Concerto

Chief's Crown

Ocala Stud

$1,336,437 73

47

1

3

0

$1,337,101

Vuelve Ruben M .

$146,987

4

$23,375

Suave

A.P. Indy

Vinery

$1,095,090 90

40

1

1

0

$1,231,070

Indy Tune

$76,866

Three Wonders

Storm Cat

deceased

$1,198,509 100 52

1

2

0

$1,212,246

Trelawny

$62,516

Black Mambo

Kingmambo

deceased

$1,171,206 81

40

1

1

0

$1,186,176

Big Push

West Acre

Forty Niner

Stonehedge

$1,157,463 45

27

4

4

1

$1,157,463

Burning Roma

Rubiano

Rising Hill

$1,147,411 84

45

3

3

0

Bwana Charlie

Indian Charlie

Journeyman Stud

$1,082,241 58

28

0

0

Indian Ocean

Stormy Atlantic

Bridlewood Farm

$987,003

37

1

1

deceased

Hartley/DeRenzo

78

14

$6,423

2

$6,500

$109,180

3

$5,000

3

$10,903

Watch Me Go

$258,070

1

$2,500

5

$9,900

$1,148,945

Queen Drama

$123,705

6

$6,833

0

$1,082,241

Comma to the Top

$227,000

8

$3,500

15

$10,160

0

$987,003

Ocean Princess

$115,844

8

$5,063

7

$12,286

THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011 55

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Leading Florida Juvenile Sires The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through October 5, 2011. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

HIGH COTTON

WITH DISTINCTION

AWESOME OF COURSE

Sire Name

Farm Name

NA Stk Gr Earnings Strtrs Wnrs SW's Wins SW's Earnings

Dixie Union

Ocala Stud

$373,108

22

7

1

1

1

$390,571

Currency Swap

$180,000

Awesome of Course

Awesome Again

Journeyman Stud

$385,825

5

3

2

4

0

$385,825

Redbud Road

$162,855

With Distinction

Storm Cat

Hartley/De Renzo

$315,006

38

11

0

0

0

$335,763

Angelofdistinction

Wildcat Heir

Forest Wildcat

Journeyman Stud

$303,222

17

6

1

1

1

$303,222

Vexor

A.P. Indy

Journeyman Stud

$297,400

26

9

1

1

0

$297,400

Chapel Royal

Montbrook

Signature Stallions

$296,636

30

11

1

1

0

Burning Roma

Rubiano

Rising Hill

$293,647

13

7

2

2

Theatrical (IRE)

Signature Stallions

$240,627

9

5

1

Journeyman Stud

$248,545

22

6

Vinery

$242,095

27

Name FRESHMAN

FRESHMAN

High Cotton

Saint Anddan

FRESHMAN

Shakespeare

FRESHMAN

Exclusive Quality Elusive Quality

Leading Earner

Leading Yrlg Earnings Sold 9

Yrlg 2yo Avg Sold $26,222

2yo Avg

23

$31,518

1

$10,000

$40,535

20

$27,060

38

$26,250

$133,000

21

$27,524

16

$39,531

Saint D'aroak

$78,388

3

$12,667

24

$18,396

$296,636

Navy Chapel

$46,290

15

$13,380

11

$19,836

0

$293,647

Queen Drama

$123,705

6

$6,833

1

1

$281,634

Shkspeare Shaliyah

$96,700

3

$38,667

3

$78,667

1

1

0

$248,545

Exclusively Maria

$98,258

13

$8,831

30

$21,550

6

0

0

0

$242,095

Blue Forty

$55,042

17

$18,100

24

$31,279

D'wildcat

Forest Wildcat

Put It Back

Honour and Glory Bridlewood Farm

$219,815

25

6

0

0

0

$219,815

Hot Ride

$34,120

26

$14,992

24

$27,000

Consolidator

Storm Cat

Journeyman Stud

$216,588

27

7

0

0

0

$216,588

Love Contract

$43,200

20

$7,153

6

$11,917

Pomeroy

Boundary

Vinery

$210,536

16

5

1

1

0

$210,536

Mel Beach

$92,554

12

$30,667

17

$78,235

Storm Cat

Bridlewood Farm

$182,360

7

1

1

1

0

$182,360

Rose and Shine

$170,502

3

$3,400

8

$21,563

City Place

Storm Cat

Hartley/De Renzo

$170,617

15

6

0

0

0

$170,617

Bob's Place

$41,950

6

$9,583

16

$32,469

Bring the Heat

In Excess (IRE)

Ward Ranch

$156,631

10

6

0

0

0

$156,631

Firefall

$37,843

Black Mambo

Kingmambo

deceased

$154,183

7

3

0

0

0

$154,183

Argentine Tango

$91,550

3

$5,000

3

$10,903

$38,800

7

$6,757

22

$13,732

FRESHMAN

Mr. Sekiguchi

FRESHMAN

Simon Pure

Silver Deputy

Hartley/De Renzo

$148,454

13

7

0

0

0

$148,454

Pure Whim's Gem

FRESHMAN

Teuflesberg

Johannesburg

Journeyman Stud

$141,040

13

3

0

0

0

$147,751

Trinniberg

$101,300

1

$6,000

7

$44,000

Halo's Image

Halo

deceased

$146,239

8

3

1

1

0

$146,239

Hello Prince

$120,210

4

$5,675

4

$12,250

West Acre

Forty Niner

Stonehedge

$143,893

8

5

0

0

0

$143,893

Melpomene

$49,940

1

$2,500

5

$9,900

Indian Ocean

Stormy Atlantic

Bridlewood Farm

$134,308

12

3

1

1

0

$134,308

Indian Assault

$64,432

8

$5,063

7

$12,286

Proud Accolade

Yes It's True

deceased

$119,125

8

4

0

0

0

$127,409

Gentlemans Code

$40,222

7

$7,886

4

$56,750

Montbrook

Buckaroo

Ocala Stud

$126,900

11

2

0

0

0

$126,900

Montessa G

$38,225

4

$16,500

12

$35,142

Bwana Charlie

Indian Charlie

Journeyman Stud

$113,920

12

5

0

0

0

$113,920

Galan's Wings

$38,974

8

$3,500

15

$10,160

56 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

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Ideas Needed I

nspiration that fosters meaningful innovation in the racing business is as rare as a Triple Crown winner.

Basically, the sport defies meaningful positive change. Speed from gate to wire is the immutable point

by Paul Moran of every decision and action, from the planning of a breeding, to conception, to the purchase of a yearling, selection of a trainer and execution of a fragile career plan. The variables, positive and negative, are many, but also eternally present in a game of chance and fate.

Still, within that framework there is a richness of color, stories untold, charismatic horses and above all a connection between man and beast that is as old as the human and the Thoroughbred. But we need ideas.

In almost three decades since the first running of the Breeders’ Cup, there has never been a time in which innovation, particularly in the interest of widening the sport’s sphere of exposure and footprint, was more critiMedia is itself cal than it is at the moment. The Breeders’ Cup is arin a state of flux guably the last idea in racing that really mattered.

While the opinion that the Breeders’ Cup has lost its and the market- way while pursuing a course of dilutive expansion is ing landscape is widely held and not without merit, it was, in its nascent forever changed. form, an event designed for television and executed with remarkable effect.

It is incumbent Its founders promised the best day of racing ever held upon the sport’s in North America and the competitors, animal and leaders to take up human, American and international, delivered. The multithe cause of self- hour, Saturday-afternoon network exposure achieved the intended purpose brilliantly, the event encapsulated in a promotion, to dramatic, fast-moving package that has been essentially make its own nullified by the current two-day version, which is almost stars and tell its allegorical. Major League Baseball stands as a sterling example of the mutual exclusivity of a successful teleown stories. vised sporting event and a long attention span.

Quite simply, beyond the Triple Crown, there is far too little racing on television, both regularly scheduled and event-specific. Fans and horseplayers in too few markets have access to televised racing that is available in home without fee-based subscription to one of the established racing networks, TVG and HRTV. An audience not served will eventually disappear.

Both interested horseplayers and casual fans have become accustomed to in-home television access to any de-

58 THE FLORIDA HORSE • OCTOBER 2011

sired product – golf to fishing, cooking to automobile racing – available without cost beyond a standard fee.

Weekend telecasts of racing from Saratoga over the summer and Keeneland during its fall meeting produced

by NBC and VERSUS proved quite popular this year, evidence of demand that is largely unmet during most of the year.

Stakes run during boutique meetings are easily arranged into packages suitable for television but it is important that similar packages be created throughout the year that lend exposure to important races that have disappeared from broadcast schedules.

The lack of television exposure in recent years for stakes run in winter and early spring that lead toward the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown is an alarming case in point. In contrast, the popularity of one-day events such as Super Saturday at Belmont Park underlines the appetite for concentrated, high-quality banquet-style racing days.

Exposure of these and other races not available on non-subscription television should be at the core of a nationally focused marketing effort, but every attempt to establish a central marketing effort has been abandoned by the potential beneficiaries.

There is no better example of the industry’s shortsighted approach to promotion than the piecemeal abandonment of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, established in no small part to serve the sport’s marketing and media interests.

The NTRA’s communications office, once a robust agency going back to a time when it was known as Thoroughbred Racing Communications, now operates on fumes and left without resources as racing associations withdraw support. Growth of brand and the raising of profile require time, money, effort and people with ideas.

Media is itself in a state of flux and the marketing landscape is forever changed. It is incumbent upon the sport’s leaders to take up the cause of self-promotion, to make its own stars and tell its own stories. Newspapers barely exist anymore and few lend meaningful space to racing, fewer still the educated manpower. Television is the most effective medium for this purpose but without a meaningful, widely supported, internally propelled movement, that rich vein will at great peril remain unexplored. ■

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