Fhmarch2015

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You are

Invited

Honor our 2014 Florida-bred Champions and their Breeders, Owners and Trainers 6 p.m. Monday, March 16 Circle Square Cultural Center Ballroom 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala FL 34481

Our Evening of Elegance Cocktail Reception Silent Auction for Florida Thoroughbred Charities Dinner and Awards Ceremony

Tickets $100 Members Members can extend their discount to up to 3 guests

$125 Non-Members

Sponsorships from $500 to $10,000 available

Early RSVP Recommended by March 9.

Visit www.ftboa.com for a full weekend event schedule and hotel/car rental partner discounts Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Assn., Tammy Gantt, tgantt@ftboa.com, 352-629-2160

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MARCH • 2015 • VOL 58/ISSUE 3

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNS 6 8 40

THE BROCK TALK

42

FTBOA MEMBER UPDATE

54

FLORIDA INDUSTRY NEWS

64

AROUND THE COUNTRY

70

FARM MANAGEMENT

72

Weed control–myths and misconceptions—By Jason Ferrell, PhD

FLORIDA FOCUS THOROUGHBRED INCENTIVE PROGRAM PERFORMANCE AWARD WINNERS —By Tammy A. Gantt

Uniform drug rule passes

Country-wide Florida-bred statistics Benefits of slow release fertilizers —By Jamie Cohen

PRACTICALLY SPEAKING

74 WRIGHTS OF DEROSA

Racing is cool—By Ed DeRosa

FEATURES 22

FANCY FOOTWORK Conquest Two Step shows off some fancy footwork enroute to G2 victory in Palos Verdes —By Mike Mullaney

26

A WILD RIDE

32

STALLION SHOWCASE

Wildcat Red takes partners Moreau Bloodstock International and Winter Racing Enterprise Inc. on a wild ride to a year-end Florida-bred championship. —By JoAnn Guidry Ocala/Marion County thoroughbred farms opened their doors to prospective breeders last month as the area’s popular stallion shows continue.

—Serita Hult Photos

44

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

56

EQUINE CARE: CREEPING INDIGO TOXICITY

An in-depth look at Ocala’s Eddie Woods—By Reg Lansberry —By Dr. Robert MacKay

68

FLORIDA-BREDS ARE BUILT TOUGH —By Sally Moehring

4 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

COVER PHOTO OF CONQUEST TWO STEP: BENOIT & ASSOCIATES CONTENTS PHOTO OF MANCHURIAN HIGH: KENNY MARTIN

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801 SW 60th Avenue Fax: (352) 867-1979 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MANAGING EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR-INDUSTRY & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS ART DIRECTOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT PRODUCTION PRINT TECH OPERATIONS & FACILITIES CEO & PUBLISHER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Ocala, Florida 34474 • (352) 732-8858 www.ftboa.com Brock Sheridan Mike Mullaney Tammy A. Gantt John D. Filer Antoinette Griseta Emily Mills, Nancy Moffatt Jeff Powell LONNY TAYLOR POWELL CAROLINE T. DAVIS PATRICK VINZANT Florida Equine Communications, Inc. (A corporation owned by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

© 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 Communications or the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Publication of any material originating herein is expressly forbidden without first obtaining written permission from THE FLORIDA HORSE©.

Executive Office–801 SW 60th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34474 GEORGE RUSSELL, PRESIDENT/BOARD CHAIRMAN BRENT FERNUNG, 1ST VICE PRESIDENT PHIL MATTHEWS, 2ND VICE PRESIDENT JOSEPH M. O’FARRELL III, SECRETARY FRED BREI, TREASURER 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.

Advertising copy deadline 5th of month preceding publication. Subscriptions and change of address: Please mail to – Circulations Department. THE FLORIDA HORSE, 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474.

Printed by PANAPRINT

AMERICAN HORSE PUBLICATIONS • FLORIDA MAGAZINE ASSOCIATION • MEMBER BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION George Russell Lonny Taylor Powell FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Brent Fernung SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Phil Matthews SECRETARY Joseph M. O’Farrell III TREASURER Fred Brei DIRECTORS Joe Barbazon, Barry Berkelhammer, Gilbert Campbell, George Isaacs, Milan Kosanovich, Roy Lerman, Diane Parks, Jessica Steinbrenner, Charlotte C. Weber, Greg Wheeler CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Caroline T. Davis BUSINESS & OPERATIONS MANAGER Patrick Vinzant MEMBER SERVICES & EVENTS DIRECTOR Tammy A. Gantt PRESIDENT

CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & EVENTS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT AWARDS,REGISTRATIONS & PAYMENTS

Sally Moehring Becky Robinson Sheila Budden THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 5

BrockTalk_march2015_EditorWelcome 2/25/15 2:12 PM Page 6

the Brock talk

International Growth Brock Sheridan

Editor-in-Chief Florida Equine Publications

JOHN D. FILER PHOTO

And Roses Bienvenidos. Welcome to a very special issue of The Florida Horse.

A

s you page through this month’s issue, you will notice something new and different when you get to page 16. There you will see the introduction of our Spanish language version of our Florida Focus section.

As the Florida thoroughbred market continues to grow internationally and more international owners, breeders and other horsemen become a part of our industry both here and abroad, we hope to better serve our diverse audience by offering a Spanish section in the magazine.

We chose to translate Florida Focus specifically because we feel it offers the widest breadth of information and celebrated recognition of accomplishments by the largest number of our industry members and the horses they own, train and/or bred.

As we venture into producing this new feature of The Florida Horse, we understand that it will be a process

Champion thoroughbreds and their connections in a celebration of another great year for Florida-breds and the owners, breeders and trainers associated with each of these champions.

The evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail reception and an extensive silent auction that will benefit the Florida Thoroughbred Charities followed by the dinner and award presentations.

It is sure to be an exceptional evening and we look forward to seeing you there.

As we loom closer to the Kentucky Derby presented

by Yum! Brands (G1) to run this year on May 2, and the Preakness (G1) and Belmont (G1), we continue to follow Florida-bred El Kabeir, who was bred by George and Karen Russell’s Rustlewood Farm. In his most recent outing, the son of Scat Daddy and the Unbridled’s Song mare Great Venue was second to Far From Over in the Grade 3 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct on Feb. 7.

Trained by John Terranova for Ahmed Zayat’s Zayat Stables located in Hackensack, N.J., El Kabeir looked to be a winner midway down the stretch of the Withers before a late-running Far From Over took the lead nearing the finish line.

After the race, Terranova said El Kabeir came out of the race in good order and was being pointed toward the March 7 Gotham Stakes (G3), also to be run at Aqueduct, where he is again scheduled to run against Far From Over.

At press time El Kabeir had 25 points and ranked fourth on the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard and will likely have plenty of points to qualify as one of the 20 horses invited to enter the Run for the Roses. We hope he continues with his success and soundness while continuing to represent the Sunshine State on the road to the Kentucky Derby. ■

“We chose to translate Florida Focus specifically because we feel it offers the widest breadth of information and celebrated recognition of accomplishments by the largest number of our industry members and the horses they own, train and/or bred.

”

that will, in all likelihood, evolve and improve over time.

We hope to eventually expand our Spanish language coverage, but for now, our goal is to perfect the initial stages and then proceed further.

We hope those who read our new Spanish section enjoy it and we look forward to hearing feedback.

You will also notice on the inside front cover, our advertisement inviting you to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Awards Gala to be held at the Circle Square Cultural Center Ballroom in Ocala. We will be honoring the 2014 FTBOA

6 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

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Florida FOCUS Compiled by Brock Sheridan & Mike Mullaney

Florida-bred Fort Larned

FILE PHOTO

HANCOCK PHOTO

Becky Thomas and Justin Casse have announced they will partner to break, train and sell 2-year-olds for the 2015 season and beyond. The new operation will operate under the name Thomas & Casse and will offer its first consignment at the Fasig-Tipton Becky Florida Sale March Thomas 4. Thomas & Casse will also sell at this year’s juvenile sales at Ocala Breeders’ Sales and at Barretts near Los Angeles in May. Thomas will sell as Sequel at Justin Barretts Select 2Casse Year-Olds Feb. 23.

“Justin is a terrific young horseman who has a great eye for talent,” Thomas said.

“Teaming up makes sense on many different levels, and we’re both excited about the venture.” Added Casse, “Becky is one of the most respected horsewomen in the U.S., who has broken and trained Grade 1 winners like Officer, Creative Cause and Artemis Agrotera. Partnering gives our clients more options and expertise.” Thomas previously sold under the Sequel Bloodstock banner, and will continue to operate as Sequel Bloodstock. Casse sold under the name Casse Sales. Both are based in the Ocala area. ■

A bay colt out of Belvedera, bred by Calloway Stables, was born on Monday, Jan. 26.

The colt is the first foal for Belvedera, who is by Awesome Again and out of the graded-stakes winner and multiple graded-stakes-producing mare, Forever Land, by Badger Land.

Strawberry Flash, a nine-time-winning daughter of Alphabet Soup produced a gray filly by Fort Larned on Jan. 27 at Harris Farms in California. Strawberry Flash, whose dam is a half-sister to seven stakes horses, is owned by Madeline Auerbach.

Campaigned by owner/breeder Mrs. Janis Whitham, Fort Larned won the Grade 1 Whitney H. at Saratoga and the Grade 1 Stephen

COGLIANESE PHOTO

Thomas/Casse Join Forces to Sell Juveniles

Foster H. at Churchill Downs in addition to his Breeders’ Cup triumph. He retired with earnings of more than $4.4 million. Fort Larned will stand at the newly re-opened stallion facility at Adena Springs South in Williston, Fla., in 2015 for $12,500 stands and nurses, $5,000 of which will be paid by Gulfstream Park Breeders’ Incentive Program.

For more information about Fort Larned, please contact Declan Doyle (352-3626624), Jack Brothers (859-509-0879), or Cormac Breathnach (859-552-4345), or visit adenastallions.com. ■

8 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

FFS SERIES RACES 2 YEAR OLDS

2015 PURSES

2014 PURSES

Filly Division Desert Vixen Stakes Susan’s Girl Stakes My Dear Girl Stakes

$200,000 $100,000 $300,000 $250,000 $500,000 $350,000

Colt Division Dr. Fager Stakes Affirmed Stakes In Reality Stakes

$200,000 $100,000 $300,000 $250,000 $500,000 $350,000

3 YEAR OLDS - NEW STAKES!

More Opportunities, Florida Sire Fort Larned’s More Participation First Foals Are Born For 2015 FSS Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Fort Larned, standing at Adena Springs South in Williston, Fla., has been represented by his first two reported foals.

up by 25% compared to 2013, a sign that the program’s more robust structure has been well received by breeders and owners. More horses are being bred that meet eligibility criteria and more eligibility payments are being made to ensure the horses remain eligible.

The FSS incentive program includes the Florida Sire Stakes series for 2-year olds consisting of three races for colts/geldings and a three races for fillies. In addition, there is a three race series for both divisions for 3-year olds, along with supplemental bonuses. The program also increased from $2.5 million in 2014 to more than $3 million in purses in 2015.

For the 2015 FSS, the FTBOA reported 35.5% of the 1,440 eligible foals of 2013 made their final payment. Again, eligible horses are horses that are both Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Florida-breds and by an FTBOA registered Florida stallion the year they were conceived. The number of horses that were FTBOA Florida-breds by FTBOA registered Florida sires increased from 1,321 foals of 2012 to 1,440 foals of 2013, an 8% increase. ■

For the 2015 Florida Sire Stakes, 512 foals of 2013 had their final eligibility payment made for the program. This is up by 7.5% compared to 476 horses in 2014 and

Filly Division 7 furlongs on dirt stakes $150,000 1 mile turf stakes $150,000 1 1/16 miles dirt stakes $150,000

N/A N/A N/A

Colt Division 7 furlongs on dirt stakes $150,000 1 mile turf stakes $150,000 1 1/16 miles dirt stakes $150,000

N/A N/A N/A

2015 FSS Series increase $1.5 million

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Black Onyx to Prestige Black Onyx, winner of the 2013, Grade 3 Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park, has been retired from racing and will stand the 2015 breeding season at Stonewall’s Prestige Stallions in Ocala.

The 5-year-old son of multiple Grade 1 winner Rock Hard Ten-Kalahari Cat, by Cape Town, won three of seven lifetime starts and placed in two others while banking $418,860.

In defeating 11 rivals in the Spiral Stakes at 3, Black Onyx tracked the early leaders five wide before joining the vanguard on the far outside around the far turn. He swept past the pacesetters and shrugged off a late challenge from Uncaptured to win the 11⁄8-mile test by a comfortable 1½ lengths.

The sharp Spiral score vaulted Black

LANF PHOTO

Black Onyx

Firespike Rallies to Win OBS Championship Florida-bred Firespike picked up the second stakes victory of his young career and his first win on a synthetic surface when he rallied to take the $100,000 OBS Championship Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings Jan 27. The male division of the OBS Championship featured a field of seven going a 11⁄16 miles on the synthetic SAFETRACK at the Ocala Training Center. The race was a non-wagering event.

Trained by Michael Maker for Skychai Racing LLC, Charles Kevin Warner and Sand Dollar Stable LLC., Firespike broke from the outside post 7 and jockey Joel Rosario was in no hurry, placing him sixth of seven as they raced around the first turn.

Meanwhile, Toasting Master broke best of all from post 3 and led the field through an opening two furlongs in a dawdling :25 3/5.

Racing down the backstretch, Toasting Master continued to lead while racing just to the inside of Royal Squeeze in second with Bordini another length and one-half further back in third and Big Yum in fourth.

Toasting Master and Royal Squeeze led the field into the far turn after a half-mile in :501⁄5 but Firespike and Big Yum began to make their moves while racing wide around Florida-bred Firespike

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

Onyx onto the Triple Crown trail and stamped him a leading contender for the 2013 Kentucky Derby (G1).

Black Onyx was versatile, winning on dirt, turf and synthetic. He broke his maiden going a mile on the dirt at Aqueduct and won at 11⁄16 miles on turf at Gulfstream Park before winning the Spiral over Turfway’s synthetic surface.

Black Onyx is Florida’s only son of Rock Hard Ten at stud, and he hails from the female family of Desert Stormer, who defeated males in the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), and Matriarch Stakes (G1) winner Better Lucky.

Kalahari Cat, the dam of Black Onyx, is a half-sister to stakes winner and graded-stakes placed Desert Gold, who produced English champion White Moonstone.

“We felt Florida deserved a son of Rock Hard Ten,” Richard Haisfield said. “He is a striking horse. There’s no doubt in my mind that Florida breeders will fall for him just as we did.”

Black Onyx, who joins Telling, Greatness, Burning Roma, Causeway’s Kin, My Best Brother and Kiibutznik on the Prestige roster, will stand his initial season at stud for $6,000.

For more information, contact Richard Haisfield 352-895-8910, farm manager Dani Dougherty 352-615-8400 or Mark McCullough, director of bloodstock services 904607-6278. ■

the bend. At the top of the stretch, Toasting Master and Royal Squeeze maintained a short lead but Firespike was moving best of all in the four-path with Big Yum also giving chase.

Firespike soon took the lead and, as Toasting Master and Royal Squeeze gave way, Big Yum was also now hitting his best stride. Despite Firespike ducking out a bit in midstretch, he was still able to finish in 1:462⁄5 and 2¼ lengths ahead of Big Yum in second with Prince Vincenzo third. Toasting Master held on for fourth while Bordini, Royal Squeeze and Andy Po Po completed the order of finish.

Despite Firestrike being far back early, Maker never seemed to lose confidence.

“Joel [Rosario] never moved and the whole race he looked pretty confident,” Maker said. “And that’s the way it turned out.

Down the backside, he was last but he looked like he had a whole lot of horse. Turning for home he collared the leaders and [Rosario] still hadn’t moved.”

Maker also said that now that Firespike has won over a synthetic surface, the Grade 3 Horseshoe Casino Spiral Stakes over Turfway Park’s Polytrack on March 31 is a possible next start.

Firespike was bred in Florida by Carlos Rafael, Bichael Bossieo and Cherie Abner.

He is by Flower Alley and out of Fair Valley,

by Dixieland Band. He has now won three of seven career starts and has lifetime earnings of $183,259.

Firespike passed through the ring at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company April Sale of 2-year-olds where he brought $70,000 from the consignment of Beth Bayer, Blue River Bloodstock, Agent. ■

It’s Not Me Routs Foes in OBS Sprint Stakes Florida-bred It’s Not Me walked his beat to easily win the male division of the $50,000 OBS Sprint Stakes Jan 27.

It’s Not Me, taken in hand at the wire, stopped the timer in 1:09.60 against 3-yearold colts and geldings going six furlongs on the synthetic SAFETRACK main surface at the Ocala Training Center. The race was a non-wagering event.

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 9

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MARTIN PHOTO

Florida FOCUS

Florida-bred It’s Not Me

It’s Not Me won by 8¾ lengths over Charlie’s Brother, whose head was in front of Social Request at the wire.

It’s Not Me began his career with off-theboard finishes in his first three starts. Now he is a two-time stakes winner after only eight races.

After racing early in his career for Champion Equine LLC and trainer David Braddy, It’s Not Me was claimed out of a winning effort for $16,000 at Gulfstream

10 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

Park West by owners White Wabbit Racing and Marco Thoroughbred Corp.

Jorge Navarro filled out the claim ticket and he took over training the son of D’wildcat-Jovetta, by Elusive Quality, for the partnership, whose success was immediate.

After his 6¾-length winning effort on Oct. 20, Navarro put the horse into a $35,000 claimer at GPW and, as before, It’s Not Me opened a lengthy lead and cruised home, this time by 3½ lengths.

Making a big jump in class, It’s Not Me next ran in the $97,000 Buffalo Man, again at GPW, again at six furlongs, and again he came home the winner, although this time by only a neck over the very good Floridabred Brother Bobo.

A third against the speedy Barbados in the $100,000 Spectacular Bid led It’s Not Me to the OBS Sprint less than four weeks later.

“I was pretty confident,” Navarro said.

It’s Not Me took an immediate lead and

led his six rivals through fractions of :21.40 and a blistering :43.60 and :56 en route to his easy victory under Edgard Zayas.

“We thought this would be an easy spot,” said Navarro, who said he is contemplating next running It’s Not Me on the grass at Gulfstream Park. In his only prior infield effort, he was eighth there in his second career race.

“With his speed, why not take a chance?”

Navarro asked.

Navarro also disclosed that Marco Thoroughbred Corp., owned by Marco Bommarito, bought out White Wabbit Racing LLC for an undisclosed sum to become sole owner of It’s Not Me. It’s Not Me was a $50,000 purchase at the 2014 OBS April Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training where he was consigned by Casse Sales LLC (Justin Casse), Agent.

It’s Not Me was bred in Florida by Karen Silva of Oxford. With his four victories from eight starts, he has earned $123,335. ■

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OBS March Selected Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale March 17-18

Hip Pedigree

Hip Pedigree

Hip Pedigree

89 f. First Dude – Dixieland Fantasy 136 c. First Dude – Forest Flora 399 c. First Dude – Sayes Court 92 f. First Dude – Double Martini 322 f. First Dude – Parental Uproar 458 f. First Dude – Storm Miss 135 c. First Dude – For Carole 367 f. First Dude – Relentless Storm 598 f. First Dude – Blue Grass Dancer

“We have 2 First Dude’s in train-

“First

FIRST DUDE PHOTO: SERITA HULT

Dude’s progeny definitely caught our attention at last year's yearling sales. His offspring are attractive and athletic looking. He’s definitely a sire we will keep an eye on this year at the sales and at the track.”—Nick DeMeric

ing. They seem to have great minds and both are lovely movers.”

—Chris & Lynne Boutte

Donald R.Dizney

https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Dude/130049330338431 Standing: First Dude • Contact Roger Brand, Jimmy Alexander or Melissa Anthony for stallion inquiries

899 S.W. 85th Ave., Ocala, FL 34481 • (352) 237-3834 Fax: (352) 237-6069 • visit-www.doublediamondfarm.com

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Florida-bred Lindisfarne Wins Marshua A case of nerves may have been settled by a new draw and an outside post position, helping the Florida-bred Lindisfarne tally in the $100,000 Marshua Stakes at Laurel Park on Jan 29.

Lindisfarne’s tally came against six other 3year-old fillies going six furlongs. Owned by KMN Racing LLC and trained by Rudy Rodriguez, she was ridden by Victor Carrasco and hit the wire 1½ lengths ahead of second-place Lake Sebago, getting the distance in 1:11.40.

Based at Aqueduct, the daughter of City Zip-Aidan, by Dixieland Band, came down to Maryland to win a New Year’s Day prep for the Marshua, a $40,000 optionalclaimer, scoring handily by 4½ lengths with Laurel regular Carrasco aboard.

12 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

The Marshua was originally set for Jan 24, but the Northeast’s wild winter weather forced a postponement of the race to the following Thursday.

“Before I rode her last time, Rudy told me that she was very nice but she could be a little nervous,” Carrasco said. “This race was scheduled last weekend and we had [post 1] but, when they re-entered, we were the seven.

I think it helped being on the outside.”

MCCUE PHOTO

Florida FOCUS

Florida-bred Lindisfarne

Similar to the prep, the Marshua victory was accomplished in off-the-pace fashion.

Four wide and out of trouble early, Carrasco and his mount were content to watch the

duel between Comforter and the 3-2 favorite Eloquent Tribute play out before making their move leaving the far turn. They gained the lead in the stretch, drifted slightly once clear, but straightened out and bothered no one.

“There was a lot of speed down near the rail so I just let my filly settle,” Carrasco said. “I looked back around the five-sixteenths pole to see if [the 8-5 second choice] Lake Sebago was coming and I didn’t see anything so I just went and asked my filly to go. She responded really well. She ran a great race.”

Comforter held on to third with Eloquent Tribute fourth. Lindisfarne paid $12.80.

Lindisfarne, who was bred in Ocala by Donald Dizney, has won three of her five career starts and has earned $103,295. Early in her career she was campaigned out west where she was trained by Jerry Hollendorfer.

She won her maiden at the Santa Rosa fair by seven lengths first time out of the box, then lost her next two at Golden Gate before being sent back east. ■

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Florida FOCUS Florida-bred Calculator Off Triple Crown Trail

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

Florida-bred Calculator

Calculator, the Florida-bred champion 2year-old male of 2014, is no longer training for the Triple Crown after suffering an undisclosed injury after a workout Jan. 31 at San Luis Rey Downs in Bonsall, Ca., Trainer Peter Miller said the grey colt will miss six months including a chance at the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1),

Preakness (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1).

By the Ocala Stud stallion In Summation and out of the Alphabet Soup mare Back to Basics, Calculator was coming off of a four and one-quarter-length victory in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita on Jan. 10 and was being pointed to the Feb. 21 Risen Star Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

Calculator worked five furlongs in 1:002⁄5 with jockey Elvis Trujillo aboard, and Miller said he went just fine but showed signs that something was wrong when back at the barn.

Miller said he is hopeful that Calculator will return to racing sometime in the Fall. ■

‘Wild Ride’ Breaks Through on Donn Day Florida-bred Amelia’s Wild Ride picked a great day for a coming-out party, winning the first stakes race of his career on a cool but pleasant day before a capacity crowd lured by Gulfstream Park’s six-stakes program Feb 7.

Bred and raced early in his career by Red Oak Stable of Ocala, the 4-year-old Amelia’s Wild Ride had never run in his native state until December, after trainer Ramon Preciado had brought a six-horse string to Gulfstream from his Parx base near Philadelphia.

THOMAS NICHOLL LAW FIRM VETERINARIAN AND ATTORNEY OVER 20 YEARS IN EQUINE PRACTICE Legal advice from a person with knowledge and experience in all aspects of the horse industry TEL. 407-228-2131 • FAX. 407-641-8630 EMAIL. Tom@ThomasNichollLawFirm.com • WEB. www.ThomasNichollLawFirm 14 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

Florida-bred Amelia’s Wild Ride

COGLIANESE PHOTO

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He had two starts at Gulfstream prior to thes $75,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint, finishing eighth, beaten seven lengths, in the restricted Canterbury Stakes, one of the races that compose the Claiming Crown, and hitting the wire second, to be disqualified for interference, in an allowance in his most recent race, on Dec. 21.

Sent off at 7-1 in the Turf Sprint, Amelia’s Wild Ride tracked the pacesetting favorite Bold Thunder, who had opened a clear lead while tripping the first quarter in a blistering :21.15 and a half in :43.40. Jose Lezcano kept Amelia’s Wild Ride within reach of Bold Thunder and there was little resistance when they challenged at the sixteenth pole.

Green Mask rallied well to finish second, a length behind the winner and a half-length in front of Bold Thunder, who held the show over another late-running Florida-bred, Prudhoe Bay. “He had a perfect trip,” Preciado said. “He was training really good,” Preciado said, “and we were hoping for him to run a big race. He ran a big race last time [when disqualified].

Today we got lucky.”

Red Oak campaigned Amelia’s Wild Ride through his first eight starts, losing the horse in a claiming race at Parx for $40,000 to Preciado and current owner Silver Trails Stables.

Amelia’s Wild Ride paid $16 and finished the five furlongs in :55.06.

Lezcano said of his mount, “I think he liked the way the turf was, not too firm and very fair.”

Amelia’s Wild Ride is a son of D’wildcatAmelia Island, by Hook and Ladder, who has won seven of his 22 career starts, with two seconds and five thirds and earnings of $209,540. ■

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COGLIANESE PHOTO

Trainer John Terranova says El Kabeir, the promising Floridabred he trains for the Zayat Stables, came out of his second-place effort in Feb. 7, Withers Stakes at Aqueduct none the worse for wear and, in appraising the gray colt’s continued upward spiral, is looking forward to further preps for the spring classics.

El Kabeir picked up four points for his runner-up performance to Far From Over in the $250,000, Grade 3. El Kabeir had raced Classy Case into defeat but the effort took a toll, leaving him unable to fend off Far From Over.

EL Kabeir, a son of 2008 Florida Derby (G1) and Fountain of Youth (G2) winner Scat Daddy, was bred in Reddick by Rustlewood Farm.

Despite the setback, as of Feb. 9, he remained atop the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” leaderboard with 25 points.

The scoring system will determine eligibility to the Run for the Roses, which will be run May 2.

Florida-bred El Kabeir Terranova has made a point of stressing El Kabeir’s durability.

“He cooled out really well after the race and is a nice, sound horse,” Terranova said.

“I thought it was a good effort,” Terranova said. “We were second best, but [El Kabeir] put in a good, solid effort. If you look at the numbers, he’s earned Beyer Speed Figures of 94, 95, and 93 for his last three races. He’s an ultra-consistent horse. Hopefully we can take that next jump forward in his next race.” ■

My Best Brother

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

Terranova Still Impressed With El Kabeir

The biggest victory of My Best Brother’s career came in the Del Mar Derby. With Martin Garcia in the saddle, the blinkered My Best Brother proved uncatchable, making every pole a winning one. He took command soon after the start, rolling through sharp fractions of :23, 46.57, and 1:10.68 before hitting the mile marker in 1:34.57. He had plenty left in the tank to defeat eastern invader Howe Great by three-quarters of a length, stopping the clock in 1:46.83 for the 1 1/8mile distance on turf.

Both My Best Brother and Black Onyx join Telling, Greatness, Burning Roma, Causeway’s Kin and Kibbutznik on Prestige’s 2015 roster.

For more information, contact Richard Haisfield (352) 895-8910, farm manager Dani Dougherty (352) 615-8400 or Mark McCullough, director of bloodstock services (904) 607-6278. ■

My Best Brother to Stand At Stonewall’s Prestige Stallions My Best Brother, winner of the 2012 Del Mar Derby (G2) and that year’s Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar, has been retired from racing and will stand the 2015 breeding season at Stonewall’s Prestige Stallions in Ocala. The full brother to Grade 1 winner Stormello is by Stormy Atlantic out of the Carson City mare Wilshewed.

My Best Brother won four of 16 starts, bankrolling $363,392. He raced most of his career in the Southern California barn of trainer Julio Canini, campaigning in the colors of his breeders-owners Al Eisman and William Currin before concluding his career in Florida with owner Antonio Francesco and trainer Jena Antonucci.

“He is a class horse,” said Jena Antonucci. “I can’t say enough good things about him. He had a ton of ability and was very fast. To find that much pedigree and class in one horse is extremely rare. I’m convinced he is going to be an outstanding stallion.”

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 15

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Florida FOCUS Compilano por Brock Sheridan y Mike Mullaney Nacen Los Primeros Potrillos Del Padrillo Fort Larned de Florida

Para obtener más información acerca de Fort Larned, comuníquese con Declan Doyle (352-362-6624), Jack Brothers (859-5090879), o Cormac Breathnach (859-5524345), o visite adenastallions.com ■

Grado y productora múltiple de los premios de Grado, Forever Land, por Badger Land.

Strawberry Flash, que ganó nueve veces, es hija de Alphabet Soup producida por una potranca gris Fort Larned el 27 de enero en Harris Farms en California. Strawberry Flash, cuya madre es media hermana de siete caballos con premios, es de propiedad de Mrs. Madeline Auerbach.

Gracias a la campaña llevada a cabo por el propietario y criador Mrs. Janis Whitham, Fort Larned ganó Whitney H. de Grado I en Saratoga y Stephen Foster H. de Grado I en Churchill Downs además de su triunfo con Breeders’ Cup. Se retiró con ganancias de más de $4.4 millones. Fort Larned se presentará en el establecimiento de padrillos recientemente inaugurado por segunda vez en Adena Springs South en Williston, Fla. en 2015 para $12,500 tribunas y enfermeras, $5,000 de los cuales serán abonados por el Programa de Incentivos de Gulfstream Park Breeders.

16 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

HANCOCK PHOTO

Becky Thomas y Justin Casse anunciaron que se asociarán para domar, entrenar y vender potrillos de dos años de edad para la temperada 2015 y las próximas temporadas. La nueva operación se llevará a cabo con el nombre Thomas &Casse y ofrecerá su primera partida en la venta de Fasig-Tipton Florida el 4 de marzo. En dicha venta de potrillos que se celebrará este año, Thomas &Casse también Becky harán ventas en Ocala Thomas Breeders’ Sales y en Barretts cerca de Los Ángeles en mayo. Thomas venderá, como Sequel en Barretts, potrillos selectos de dos años de edad el 23 de febrero.

"Justin es un excelente jinete joven que Justin Casse tiene un gran ojo para cazar talentos," dijo Thomas. "Formar un equipo tiene sentido en diferentes aspectos y ambos estamos muy entusiasmados por este emprendimiento." Casse agregó, "Becky es uno de los jinetes más respetados de EE.UU. que ha domado y entrenado a ganadores de Grado 1 como Officer, Creative Cause y Artemis Agrotera. Esta sociedad le brinda a nuestros clientes más opciones y experiencia." Anteriormente, Thomas hacía ventas con la denominación Sequel Bloodstock, y continuará operando como Sequel Bloodstock.

Casse realizaba sus ventas con el nombre Casse Sales. Ambos viven en el área de Ocala. ■

COGLIANESE PHOTO

Florida-bred Fort Larned

Thomas y Casse Unen Fuerzas para vender Potrillos

FILE PHOTO

El ganador de Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), Fort Larned, que se presentó en Adena Springs South en Williston, Fla., ha estado representado por sus primeros dos potrillos informados.

El lunes 26 de enero nació un potro de Belvedera, criado por Calloway Stables, El potro es el primer potrillo para Belvedera, que está representado por Awesome Again y nació de una yegua ganadora de los premios de

Más Oportunidades, Mayor Participación Para FSS 2015 Para los Premios de Padrillos de la Florida 2015, 512 de 2013 potrillos obtuvieron el pago por ser finalistas del programa. Esto marca un aumento de 7.5% en comparación con 476 caballos en 2014 y de 25% en comparación con 2013, una señal de que la estructura más sólida del programa ha tenido una buena recepción por los propietarios y criadores. Se están criando más caballos que cumplen con los requisitos de elegibilidad y se están realizando más pagos de elegibilidad para asegurar que los caballos continúen siendo elegibles.

El programa de incentivos de FSS incluye la serie de Premios de Padrillos de la Florida para caballos de dos años de edad la cual consta de tres carreras para potros y capones y tres carreras para potrancas. Además, hay una serie de tres carreras para ambas divisiones para caballos de 3 años de edad, con bonificaciones complementarias. El programa aumentó también de $2.5 millones en 2014 a más de $3 millones en bolsas en 2015.

FFS SERIES RACES 2 YEAR OLDS

2015 PURSES

2014 PURSES

Filly Division Desert Vixen Stakes Susan’s Girl Stakes My Dear Girl Stakes

$200,000 $100,000 $300,000 $250,000 $500,000 $350,000

Colt Division Dr. Fager Stakes Affirmed Stakes In Reality Stakes

$200,000 $100,000 $300,000 $250,000 $500,000 $350,000

3 YEAR OLDS - NEW STAKES! Filly Division 7 furlongs on dirt stakes $150,000 1 mile turf stakes $150,000 1 1/16 miles dirt stakes $150,000

N/A N/A N/A

Colt Division 7 furlongs on dirt stakes $150,000 1 mile turf stakes $150,000 1 1/16 miles dirt stakes $150,000

N/A N/A N/A

2015 FSS Series increase $1.5 million

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Black Onyx se Presentará en Prestige Black Onyx, ganador de 2013 de los Premios Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral de Grado 3 en Turfway Park, ha estado retirado de las carreras y se presentará en la temporada de cruza de 2015 en Stonewall’s Prestige Stallions en Ocala.

El hijo de 5 años de edad del ganador múltiple de Grado 1 Rock Hard Ten-Kalahari Cat, por Cape Town, ganó tres de las siete largadas de su vida y se clasificó en otras dos mientras ahorraba $418,860.

Al vencer a 11 rivales en los Premios Spiral en 3, Black Onyx siguió a los primeros líderes cinco a lo ancho antes de unirse a la vanguardia por la vuelta del fondo. Pasó a los que marcaban el paso e hizo caso omiso a un desafió posterior de Uncaptured para ganar la prueba de 11⁄8 millas por 11⁄2 cuerpo cómodo.

El claro puntaje de Spiral saltó por encima de Black Onyx en la senda de la Triple Corona y le puso el sello de aspirante líder para la carrera Kentucky Derby (G1) 2013.

LANF PHOTO

Black Onyx

Black Onyx fue versátil y ganó sobre pistas de lodo, césped y sintéticas. Dio el campanazo corriendo una milla sobre lodo en Aqueduct y ganó en 1 1/16 millas sobre césped en Gulfstream Park antes de ganar Spiral sobre la superficie sintética de Turfway.

Black Onyx es el único hijo de Rock Hard Ten de Florida en el stud, y pertenece a familia de yeguas de Desert Stormer, que venció a machos en Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) en 1995 y al ganador de los Premios Matriarch (G1), Better Lucky.

Kalahari Cat, la madre de Black Onyx, es media hermana del ganador de premios y de premios de grados clasificado Desert Gold, que produjo al Campeón inglés White Moonstone.

“Sentimos que la Florida se merecía un hijo de Rock Hard Ten,” dijo Richard Haisfield. “Es un caballos sorprendente. No tengo duda de que los criadores de la Florida se morirán por él al igual que lo hicimos nosotros.”

Black Onyx, que se une a Telling, Greatness, Burning Roma, Causeway’s Kin, My Best Brother y Kiibutznik en el listado de Prestige, se presentará en su temporada inicial en el stud por $6,000.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Richard Haisfield (352-8958910) 352-615-8400, gerente de establo Dani Dougherty (904-607-6278) 615-8400 o Mark McCullough, director de servicios de pura sangre (904) 607-6278. ■

Firespike se Recupera Para Ganar el Campeonato OBS El caballo criado en la Florida, Firespike, obtuvo la segunda victoria en los premios de su joven trayectoria y su primer primer puesto sobre superficie sintética cuando se recuperó para llevarse los premios del Campeonato OBS de $100,000 para potrillos y caballos capones de 3 años de edad en Ocala Training Center el 27 de enero. La división de machos del Campeonato OBS cuenta con un campo de siete de 11⁄16 millas sobre PISTA sintética en Ocala Training Center.

Entrenado por Michael Maker para Sky-

chai Racing LLC, Charles Kevin Warner y Sand Dollar Stable LLC., Firespike quebró desde el poste 7 exterior y el Jockey Joel Rosario no tuvo prisa, posicionándose en el sexto puesto de siete cuando corrían en la primera curva.

Mientras tanto, Toasting Master resultó el mejor de todos desde el poste 3 y estuvo a la cabeza en el campo a través de una apertura dos furlongs rezagado en :253⁄5. En la recta opuesta, Toasting Master continuó a la cabeza cuando corría hacia el interior de Royal Squeeze en segundo lugar con Bordini otro cuerpo y un medio más atrás en tercer lugar y Big Yum en cuarto lugar.

Toasting Master y Royal Squeeze estuvieron a la cabeza en el campo en la última curva después de media milla en :501⁄5 pero Firespike y Big Yum comenzaron a hacer sus movimientos mientras corrían por de la curva. A la cabeza de la recta, Toasting Master y Royal Squeeze mantuvieron una rienda corta pero Firespike era el que mejor se movía de todos en la trayectoria con Big Yum también persiguiéndolo.

Firespike pronto tomó la rienda y, como Toasting Master y Royal Squeeze se entregaron, Big Yum estaba ahora también dando su mejor zancada. A pesar de que Firespike se escapó un poco a mitad de la recta, aún pudo terminar en 1:462⁄5 y 2¼ cuerpos adelante de Big Yum en segundo lugar y Prince Vincenzo en tercer lugar. Toasting Master continuó en el cuarto lugar mientras que Bordini, Royal Squeeze y Andy Po Po completaron el orden de llegada.

A pesar de que Firestrike estaba muy lejos al principio, Maker nunca perdió su confianza.

LOUISE REINAGEL PHOTO

Para el evento de FSS 2015, la FTBOA informó que el 35,5% de los 1.440 potrillos elegibles de 2013 realizaron su pago final.

Nuevamente, los caballos elegibles son caballos cruzados en la Florida por la Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association y por un Padrillos de la Florida registrado en la FTBOA el año en que fueron concebidos. El número de caballos que fueron cruzas de la Florida según la FTBOA por padrillos de la Florida registrados en la FTBOA aumentó de 1,321 los potrillos de 2012 a 1,440 los potrillos de 2013, un aumento de 8%. ■

Florida-bred Firespike

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“Joel [Rosario] nunca se movió y se mostró con mucha confianza en toda la carrera ,” dijo Maker. “Y así es como resultó.

En el lado posterior, estaba en último lugar pero se veía como si tuviera un gran caballo.

Dando la vuelta para la llegada, atrapó a los líderes y [Rosario] aún no se había movido.”

Maker dijo también que ahora que Firespike ha ganado sobre la superficie sintética, los premios de Horseshoe Casino Spiral de Grado 3 sobre la pista de Polytrack de Turfway Park el 31 de marzo son un posible próximo punto de partida.

Firespike fue criado en la Florida por Carlos Rafael, BichaelBossieo y Cherie Abner. Él está representado por Alley y nació de Fair Valley, por Dixieland Band. Ahora ha ganado tres de las siete largadas y tiene ganancias de $183,259.

Firespike pasó por la pista en la venta de abril en Ocala Breeders’ de caballos de dos años de edad en donde llevó $70,000 de la partida de Beth Bayer, Blue River Bloodstock, Agente. ■

It’s Not Me Vence en OBS Sprints El caballo, It’s Not Me, criado en la Florida transitó su ronda para ganar con facilidad su división de machos de los premios OBS Sprint de $50,000 el 27 de enero.

It’s Not Me, llevado de la mano en la línea de meta, detuvo el reloj en 1:09.60 frente a potrillos de 3 años de edad y caballos capones caminando seis furlongs sobre la superficie principal de la PISTA sintética en Ocala Training Center.

It’s Not Me ganó por 8¾ cuerpos respecto

MARTIN PHOTO

Florida-bred It’s Not Me

18 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

de Charlie’s Brother, cuya cabeza estaba frente a Social Request en la línea de meta.

It’s Not Me comenzó su trayectoria con llegadas fuera de la línea en sus primeras tres largadas. Él es ahora el ganador de dos premios después de tan solo ocho carreras.

Después de la carrera al comienzo de su trayectoria en Champion Equine LLC y entrenador David Braddy, It’s Not Me se vendió por un esfuerzo ganador por $16,000 en Gulfstream Park West por los propietarios White Wabbit Racing y Marco Thoroughbred Corp.

Jorge Navarro completó el formulario de venta y asumió el entrenamiento del hijo de D’wildcat-Jovetta, por Elusive Quality, para la sociedad, cuyo éxito fue inmediato.

Después de su esfuerzo ganador de 6¾ cuerpos el 20 de octubre, Navarro puso el caballo en una carrera de venta de $35,000 en GPW y, como antes, It’s Not Me abrió un liderazgo por mucho tiempo y mantuvo la velocidad hasta el final, esta vez por 3½ cuerpos.

Haciendo un salto grande en la clase, It’s Not Me corrió luego en Buffalo Man de $97,000, nuevamente en GPW, nuevamente en seis furlongs, y nuevamente se fue a su casa como ganador aunque esta vez por solo una cabeza respecto del caballo muy bueno criado en Florida Brother Bobo.

Un tercero frente al veloz Barbados en la Apuesta Espectacular de $100,000 llevó a It’s Not Me a la carrera OBS Sprint en menos de cuatro semanas más tarde.

“Estaba muy seguro,” dijo Navarro.

It’s Not Me tomó la iniciativa inmediatamente y lideró a sus seis rivales por fracciones de :21.40 y sorprendente :43.60 y :56 en camino a su fácil victoria debajo de EdgardZayas.

“Pensamos que sería un blanco fácil,” dijo Navarro, que dijo que estaba contemplando el próximo corredor It’s Not Me sobre césped en Gulfstream Park. En su único esfuerzo anterior en el campo, quedó octavo en su segunda carrera.

“Con su velocidad, ¿por qué no arriesgarse?” preguntó Navarro.

Navarro reveló también que Marco Thoroughbred Corp., propiedad de Marco Bommarito, compró la parte de White Wabbit Racing LLC por una suma no informada para conver-

tirse en el único propietario de It’s Not Me. It’s Not Me fue una compra de $50,000 en la venta de caballos de dos años de edad en OBS que se celebró en abril de 2014 en Entrenamiento en donde fue consignado por Casse Sales LLC (Justin Casse), Agente.

It’s Not Me fue criado en la Florida por Karen Silva de Oxford, Fla. Con sus cuatro victorias de ocho largadas, ha ganado $123,335. ■

Lindisfarnewins Marshua Criado en la Florida Un caso preocupante se pudo haber resuelto por un sorteo nuevo y una posición fuera de poste, ayudando a la potra Lindisfarne criada en la Florida en los premios Marshua de $100,000 en Laurel Park el 29 de enero.

La puntuación de Lindisfarne se realizó contra otras seis potrillas de 3 años de edad

MCCUE PHOTO

Florida FOCUS

Florida-bred Lindisfarne

que caminaron seis furlongs. De propiedad de KMN Racing LLC y entrenada por Rudy Rodriguez, fue montada por Victor Carrasco y llegó a la línea de meta 1½ cuerpo adelante del segundo lugar de Lake Sebago, obteniendo una distancia en 1:11.40.

Con sede en Aqueduct, la hija de City ZipAidan, por Dixieland Band, fue a Maryland para ganar una preparación para el Día de Año Nuevo para Marshua, un caballo de concesión opcional de $40,000, con una cómoda puntuación de 4½ cuerpos con Laurel Carrasco a bordo.

Marshua estaba preparado en principio para el sábado pasado, pero el clima crudo invernal del noreste obligó a posponer la carrera para el jueves.

“Antes de montarla por última vez, Rudy me dijo que era muy buena, pero que podría estar un poco nerviosa,” dijo Carrasco. “Esta

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Florida FOCUS

Calculator, el campeón macho de 2014 de dos años de edad criado en la Florida, ya no entrena para la Triple Corona tras sufrir una lesión no divulgada después de un entrenamiento el 31 de enero en San Luis Rey 20 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

Downs in Bonsall, Ca., el entrenador Peter Miller dijo que el potro gris perderá 6 meses incluida la posibilidad de participar en Kentucky Derby presentado por Yum. Premios Brands (G1), Preakness (G1) y Belmont (G1).

Representada por Ocala Stud Stallion In Summation y de Alphabet Soup la yegua Back to Basics, Calculator obtuvo una victoria de cuatro y un cuarto de cuerpo en los Premios Sham de Grado 3 en Santa Anita el 10 de enero y estaba siendo marcada para los Premios Risen Star el 21 de febrero (G3) en Fair Grounds en New Orleans.

Calculator corrió cinco furlongs en 1:002⁄5 con el jockey Elvis Trujillo a bordo, y Miller dijo que anduvo bien pero mostró signos de que algo estaba mal cuando regresó al establo.

Miller dijo que espera que Calculator regrese a las carreras en algún momento en el otoño. ■

‘Wild Ride’ Se Abre Camino en Donn Day El caballo Amelia’s Wild Ride criado en la Florida eligió un día excelente para una fiesta, ganando la primera carrera de premios de su trayectoria en un día fresco pero agradable ante un aforo atraído por el programa de 6 premios de Gulfstream Park el 7 de febrero.

Criado y con participación en carreras a principios de su trayectoria por Red Oak

Stable de Ocala, Amelia’s Wild Ride de 4 años de edad no había corrido nunca en su estado nativo hasta diciembre, después de que el entrenador Ramon Preciado había llevado una serie de caballos a Gulfstream de su base Parx cerca de Philadelphia.

Tuvo dos largadas en Gulfstream antes de Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint de $75,000 el sábado, terminando en octavo lugar, vencido por siete cuerpos, en los restringidos Premios Canterbury, una de las carreras que componen la Aclamante Corona, y llegando a la meta en segundo lugar, para ser descalificado por interferencia, en una concesión en su última carrera, el 21 de diciembre.

Enviado afuera en 7 a 1 en Turf Sprint, Amelia’s Wild Ride siguió al favorito que marcaba el paso Bold Thunder, que abrió un claro liderazgo mientras iba airoso el primer cuarto en un sorprendente :21.15 y un medio en :43.40. Jose Lezcano mantuvo Amelia’s Wild Ride dentro del alcance de Bold Thunder y hubo un poco de resistencia cuando se desafiaron en el poste décimo sexto.

Green Mask corrió bien para terminar segundo, un cuerpo detrás del ganador y medio cuerpo en frente de Bold Thunder, que hizo una presentación derrotando a otro caballo lento criado en Florida, Prudhoe Bay. “Tuvo un viaje perfecto,” dijo Preciado.

“Estuvo entrenando realmente bien,” dijo Preciado, “y esperábamos que corra una gran carrera. Corrió una gran carrera la última vez [cuando quedó descalificado]. Hoy tuvimos suerte.”

Red Oak hizo la campaña de Amelia’s Wild Ride en sus primeras ocho largadas,

Florida-bred Amelia’s Wild Ride

COGLIANESE PHOTO

El Caballo, Calculator, Criado en la Florida Fuera de La Senda de la Triple Corona

Florida-bred Calculator

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

carrera se programó el último fin de semana y tuvimos [poste 1] pero, cuando ellos reingresaron, pasamos al siete. Pienso que ayudó estar por afuera.”

De manera similar a la preparación, la victoria del jueves se logró acelerando al final para alcanzar al líder.

Cuatro a lo ancho y fuera de problemas al principio, Carrasco y su montura estaban conformes de ver el duelo entre Comforter y el favorito 3 a 2 Eloquent Tribute jugar antes de hacer su movimiento dejando atrás la última curva. Lograron liderar en la recta, se desviaron apenas una vez que estaba todo despejado, pero cambió de actitud y no molestó a nadie.

“Había mucha velocidad cerca de la barandilla de modo que dejé que mi potrilla se asiente,” dijo Carrasco. “Miré atrás aproximadamente el poste cinco-décimo sexto [la segunda opción 8-5] Lake Sebago estaba llegando y no vi nada de modo que solo continué y le pedí a mi potrilla que siga. Ella respondió realmente muy bien. Corrió una gran carrera.”

Le siguió Comforter en el tercer puesto con Eloquent Tribute en el cuarto puesto.

Lindisfarne pagó $12.80.

Lindisfarne, que fue criada en Ocala por Donald Dizney, ha ganado tres de las 5 largadas de su trayectoria y ha ganado $103,295. Temprano en su trayectoria su campaña se trasladó al oeste donde fue entrenada por Jerry Hollendorfer. Ella ganó su caballo en la feria Santa Rosa por siete cuerpos la primera vez fuera del cajón, luego perdió sus dos siguientes en Golden Gate antes de que fuera enviada de regreso al este. ■

perdiendo el caballo en una carrera de venta en Parx por $40,000 a Preciado y actual propietario Silver Trails Stables.

Amelia’s Wild Ride pagó $16 y terminó los cinco furlongs en :55.06.

Lezcano dijo de su montura, “Pienso que le gusta la forma en que las carreras de caballos están actualmente, no demasiado firmes y muy justas.”

Amelia’s Wild Ride es hijo de D’wildcatAmelia Island, por Hook y Ladder, que ha ganado siete de sus 22 largadas en su trayectoria, con dos segundo puesto y cinco tercer puesto y ganancias que ascienden a $209,540. ■

Terranova aún Impresionó El Kabeir

COGLIANESE PHOTO

El entrenador John Terranova dice que El Kabeir, el caballo que promete criado en la Florida que él entrena para Zayat Stables, salió de su esfuerzo de segundo puesto en los Premios Withers de sábado en Aqueduct ileso a pesar de y apreciando el potro gris continuó imparable espera ansiosamente las preparaciones para las carreras clásicas de primavera.

El Kabeir obtuvo cuatro puntos para su desempeño en el subcampeonato en Far From Over en el premio de $250,000 del sábado, Grado 3. El Kabeir había corrido Classy Case para vencerlo pero el esfuerzo cobró su precio, dejándolo incapaz de eludir a Far From Over.

EL Kabeir, un hijo de Florida Derby 2008 y Fountain del ganador joven Scat Daddy, fue criado en Reddick por Rustlewood Farm.

Florida-bred El Kabeir

A pesar del revés, a partir del 9 de febrero, permaneció encabezando la tabla de ganadores de “Road to the Kentucky Derby” con 25 puntos. El sistema de puntuación determinará la elegibilidad para la carrera Run for the Roses, que se correrá el 2 de mayo.

Terranova dijo algo importante al poner énfasis en la durabilidad de El Kabeir.

“Se enfrió realmente después de la carrera y es un caballo lindo y fuerte,” dio Terranova.

“Pensé que era un buen esfuerzo,” dijo Terranova. “Fuimos los segundos mejores, pero [El Kabeir] hizo un esfuerzo muy bueno y contundente. Si se observan los números, él ha ganado las Cifras de Velocidad Beyer de 94, 95 y 93 por su últimas tres carreras. Es un caballo sumamente constante. Esperemos que podamos pegar un gran salto en su próxima carrera.” ■

My Best Brother se Presentará en Stonewall’s Prestige Stallions My Best Brother, ganador de 2012 de Grado 2 en el Derby Del Mar y el Premio Oceanside en Del Mar de ese año, ha estado retirado de las carreras y se presentará en la temporada de cruza 2015 en Stonewall’s Prestige Stallions en Ocala. El hermano del ganador de Grado 1 Stormello está representado por Stormy Atlantic de la yegua de Carson City Wilshewed.

My Best Brother ganó cuatro de las 16 largadas, con el apoyo financiero de $363,392. Corrió carreras en la mayoría de su trayectoria en el establo del sur de California del entrenador Julio Canini, haciendo campaña en los colores de sus propietarios y criadores Al Eisman y William Currin antes de concluir su trayectoria en Florida con el propietario Antonio Francesco y entrenador Jena Antonucci.

“Es un caballo de clase,” dijo Jena Antonucci. “Todo lo que diga bueno sobre él no es suficiente. Tiene una habilidad infinita y fue muy rápido. Pocas veces se

My Best Brother

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

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puede encontrar ese pedigrí y esa clase en un caballo. Estoy convencido de que será un padrillo sobresaliente.”

La victoria más grande de la trayectoria de My Best Brother llegó en Del Mar Derby. Con Martin Garcia en la montura, My Best Brother con anteojeras demostró ser imposible de alcanzar y logró que cada poste sea uno ganador. Estuvo a la cabeza poco después de la largada, pasando por fracciones intensas de :23, 46.57, y 1:10.68 antes de alcanzar el marcador de una milla en 1:34.57. Tenía abundante combustible en el tanque para desafiar al invasor del este Howe Great por tres cuartos de toda la distancia, deteniendo el reloj en 1:46.83 por la distancia de 11⁄8 millas sobre césped.

Los criadores tuvieron su primera oportunidad de ver My Best Brother en la presentación de padrillos de Prestige el sábado 14 de febrero de 11 a.m. a 2 p.m. Los criadores tendrán también la posibilidad de ver a Black Onyx, que como My Best Brother se presentará en su primera temporada en el stud este año. El ganador de Spiral Stakes (G2, que es de una familia de yeguas de Desert Stormer, es el primer hijo de Rock Hard Ten de la Florida.

Los recién llegados se unen a Telling, Greatness, Burning Roma, Causeway’s Kin y Kibbutznik en el listado de Prestige de 2015.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Richard Haisfield (352) 895-8910, gerente de establo Dani Dougherty (352) 615-8400 o Mark McCullough, director de servicios de pura sangre (904) 607-6278. ■ THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 21

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Conquest Two Step shows off some

By MIKE MULLANEY lorida-bred Conquest Two Step inserted himself into the upper echelon of the nation’s best sprinters Jan. 30 when he caught and separated himself from Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) winner Secret Circle, winning the Grade 2 Palos Verdes by 1¼ lengths at Santa Anita.

An argument could be made that this running of the $200,000 Palos Verdes was the race of the year to that point in time, featuring Secret Circle as well as the graded-stakes winning Florida-breds Distinctiv Passion and Wild Dude.

And Conquest Two Step, while not a stakes winner coming into the six-furlong event, had three stakes plac-

F

22 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

ings, his most recent being a huge effort at 72-1 when he finished second to champion Shared Belief in the Grade 1 Malibu on Dec. 26.

The running of the Palos Verdes played out as expected, which was perfect for Conquest Two Step’s connections.

There were six starters in the Palos Verdes, and five of them went off at 6-1 or less.

Distinctiv Passion, winner of the Grade 3 Midnight Lute at Santa Anita last out, was the narrow, 2-1 favorite over Secret Circle (11-5) and he and jockey Mike Smith were determined to set the pace.

Big Macher and Secret Circle kept him company through the opening quarter in :21.21 and, when Big

BENOPIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

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Macher retreated, Secret Circle eagerly picked up the baton, pushing the leader to a half-mile in a blistering :43.54.

“They set it up nice for him,” said his trainer, Ocala’s Mark Casse. “I was smiling pretty big down the backside watching those three go at it.”

Joe Talamo kept Conquest Two Step clear of the fray.

“I was very happy to see three horses (Distinctiv Passion, Big Macher and Secret Circle) in a speed duel,” Talamo said. “I just stayed outside and he wasn’t even getting any dirt in his face.”

Conquest Two Step came charging on the turn and hooked Secret Circle at the sixteenth pole. Secret Circle was game but unable to turn back the winner.

“What a race he ran!” Talamo said. “We were high on his last race, when he ran second to Shared Belief and I know a lot of people thought that was a fluke, but he really ran that same race again [Saturday]. He had a perfect trip.”

Secret Circle still had the lead at the eighth pole, tripping the timer in :55.61, but the final clocking of 1:08.10 belongs to Conquest Two Step.

Conquest Two Step went off at 11-2 and paid $13.

“I thought he was a big price based on his last effort,” Casse said.

Secret Circle had 2¼ lengths on third-place Wild Dude, who had 3¼ lengths on Distinctiv Passion, whose post position on the rail may have hindered his chances.

“I didn’t have a lot of options and I didn’t get a breather, not one,” Smith said. “I was down on the rail and they were on top of me the whole way. Other than that, he ran a good race.”

Distinctiv Passion’s trainer Jeff Bonde was a bit more succinct about the post.

“One hole, no good.”

Big Macher and Chief Lion completed the field.

Conquest Two Step, who is owned by Conquest Stables, has won three of his 10 starts with five wins and a third.

The 4-year-old colt has earned $309,408.

Bred by Manuel Andrade of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., he is a son of Get Away Farm stallion Two Step Salsa out of Homesteader, by Pioneering. He was offered by Get Away Farm as a yearling at the OBS auction in April, 2013. He brought $420,000 out of the Eisaman Equine consignment. ■

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 23

GreatStateToBreed_Layout 1 9/30/13 12:27 PM Page 1

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 ■ Florida’s greenbelt exemption provides property tax breaks for Florida horse farms ■ Physical climate allows for year-round training, racing, showing and business opportunities ■ 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 ■ Ranks second in the U.S. for number of thoroughbred horses ■ National leader in veterinary and equine research ■

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com

Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner 850-617-7341 • Fax 850-617-7331 e-mail: Christopher.denmark@freshfromflorida.com 407 S. Calhoun • 416 Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399

GreatStateToBreed_Layout 1 9/30/13 12:28 PM Page 2

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

Florida... the Best State for Business

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26 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

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Wildcat Red takes partners Moreau Bloodstock International and Winter Racing Enterprise Inc. on a wild ride to a year-end Florida-bred championship.

By JOANN GUIDRY

SERITA HULT PHOTOS

F

or Xavier Moreau, partnerships have produced championship results. More specifically, Floridabred champions Bushfire and Wildcat Red. “The thoroughbred business is a very tough business. It's a crazy ride, up and down like a roller coaster,” said Moreau, who is originally from Paris, France and relocated to Ocala in 1995. “But I have been very fortunate to have good partners and produce some good racehorses along the way.”

Make that very good racehorses.

In 2006, Moreau Bloodstock International and partner Mandolynn Hill Farm were represented as breeders

by Florida-bred multiple Grade 1 stakes winner Bushfire. The 2003 filly by Louis Quatorze out of the Mo Power mare Traki Traki was sold privately as a yearling by the partners to Ron and Ricki Rashinski. Trained by Eddie Kenneally, the filly would go on to sweep a trio of Grade 1 stakes as a 3 year-old. Bushfire captured the Mother Goose Stakes (G1) and Acorn Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park, as well as the Ashland Stakes (G1) at THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 27

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Keeneland Stakes. That same season, Bushfire also won the Florida Oaks and was retired with earnings of $802,507. She was then named the 2006 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old filly. Bushfire was later purchased as a broodmare prospect for $1.85 million by Japan-based Shadai Farm at the 2007 Keeneland November sale.

“As a breeder, you dream about producing a horse like Bushfire,” said Moreau, who grew up in his family's Arabian racehorse business. “And then when it happens, you are so excited and grateful. But then you think you got very lucky and it's not going to happen again.”

It may have taken eight years, but breeding a championship caliber horse did happen again for Moreau in yet another partnership. This time around it was Wildcat Red, bred by Moreau Bloodstock International and Wilson Winter's Winter Racing Enterprise Inc. By D'wildcat out of the graded-stakes-placed Miner's Mark mare Racene, Wildcat Red won three stakes in 2014, including a pair of Grade 1s. He was also stakes-placed five

ticket for $30,000 for Racene, the dam of Wildcat Red, at the 2004 Keeneland November breeding stock sale.

Then at the 2005 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky mixed sale, Moreau paid $47,000 for Mrs. M, a multiple stakesplaced Mecke mare who has produced Florida-bred stakes winner Dan the Tin Man. Unfortunately, Traki Traki died from colic in 2007, but Mrs. M and Racene continue to pay dividends as broodmares.

“Losing a good mare like Traki Traki is definitely one of the downs of the business,” said Moreau, who leases a 60-acre farm just north of Ocala. “But it's just part of the game and you just have to move on.”

And breeding stakes winners is definitely a good way to do that. In 2010, Mrs. M produced a Songandaprayer colt, who Moreau would sell for $22,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September yearling sale. Named Dan the Tin Man, he won the 2013 Woodstock Stakes and 2014 Jacques Cartier Stakes. Raced by Debmar Stables, he has also posted two thirds in I had met Wilson several years ago after he moved to Ocala. stakes, including the Highland Stakes (G3-Can). To He was interested in getting into the thoroughbred business. date, Dan the Tin Man has career earnings of $329,923.

So we became partners in two mares, Racene and Western “The funny thing about Resolve. Racene, of course, produced Wildcat Red and Western Dan the Tin Man was that he Resolve produced stakes-placed No Shenanigans. It was a was born a small foal who very good partnership for both of us. —Xavier Moreau grew into a big, beautiful colt,” Moreau said. “It's good times, including twice in Grade 1 company. Wildcat Red to see that he's doing so well at the racetrack. Mrs. M, won the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) and Hutcheson the dam of Dan the Tin Man, has a High Cotton yearling Stakes (G3) on his way to banking $848,600 on the sea- filly and she is a big beautiful girl.”

Racene, the dam of Wildcat Red, was in foal to Skimson. Raced by Salvatore Delfino's Honors Stables and trained by Jose Garoffalo, Wildcat Red was named the ming when Moreau bought her in 2004. The resultant 2005 filly was Racing Machine, who was named the 2009 2014 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old colt.

“What a wonderful year it was thanks to Wildcat champion imported older mare in Jamaica. Moreau would Red,” Moreau said. “Horses like him and Bushfire are go on to breed solely three more winners out of Racene before forming a partnership with Wilson Winter. why people get into the thoroughbred business.”

“I had met Wilson several years ago after he moved A FEW GOOD MARES to Ocala,” Moreau said. “He was interested in getting As all breeders know, it all starts with a good into the thoroughbred business. So we became partners in two mares, Racene and Western Resolve. Racene, of broodmare.

“I like to buy mares who were good racehorses,” course, produced Wildcat Red and Western Resolve proMoreau explained. “Of course, it's good if they have duced stakes-placed No Shenanigans. It was a very good some blacktype. But what I really look for is a good- partnership for both of us.” sized mare who was competitive and raced sound. Then I like to breed the mares I do buy to stallions who had a REAL HORSEPOWER lot of speed. I think that's how you get good racehorses.”

Wilson Winter, who grew up around farm horses in On that formula Moreau has bought several stakes- upstate New York, began going to the races at Saratoga producing mares. Traki Traki, the dam of Bushfire, was as a youngster. But the first racing he became personally purchased for $35,000 at the 2002 Keeneland November involved was with horsepower under the hood. breeding stock sale. Two years later, Moreau signed the “Under Winter Racing Enterprise, I owned a

“

”

28 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

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NASCAR modified car racing team for 15 years,” Winter said. “Then when I retired, I decided I wanted to be in the thoroughbred racing business. I guess I just like going in circles. I told people this time I was going into the real horsepower business.”

After selling his Allentown, Pa.,-based sanding-belts manufacturing business to his son in 2001, Winter talked to thoroughbred people he respected about his ambitions.

“Everyone told me that Ocala was the place to go if I wanted to be in the thoroughbred business,” Winter said. “So I came to Ocala, walked into a realty office and told them I wanted to buy a horse farm. The first place a real estate agent showed me was in the Ocala Horse Farm Complex. I fell in love with it as we drove through the gate and bought a 10-acre farm.”

After buying a few mares on his own, Winter then became partners with Moreau in Western Resolve and Racene. The partnership first reaped success thanks to Western Resolve. By West by West out of the Time for a Change mare Something Light, Western Resolve was a stakes-placed earner of $82,167. In 2007, Western Re-

solve produced a gray/roan colt by Value Plus for the partners, who then sold him for $77,000 at the 2008 Keeneland January mixed sale. Named No Shenanigans, he was second in the 2010 Cosmic Bob Stakes and went on to earn $237,127 before his death in 2014.

“I was delighted we sold No Shenanigans for such a good price and that he went on to be a good racehorse,” Winter said. “But then Wildcat Red came along and things really got exciting.”

Wildcat Red was foaled and raised on Moreau's farm, where he was given plenty of time to develop.

“Wildcat Red was a horse that needed some time, so we knew we weren't going to sell him as a yearling,” said Moreau. “He was turned out with another colt as his buddy until they were yearlings. They were very tough with each other but in a playful way. I think that helped make him a tough racehorse.”

Broken and trained on the farm, Wildcat Red was then consigned by the partners through Classic Bloodstock, agent, to the 2013 OBS June juvenile sale. There he was purchased for $30,000 by trainer Jose Garoffalo for current owner Salvatore Delfino. At the races as a 2 year-old,

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Wildcat Red made three starts, winning twice and finishing second in the Juvenile Sprint Stakes to earn $80,850.

But in 2014, Wildcat Red really hit his stride as a racehorse. After finishing second in the Gulfstream Park Derby, he won the Hutcheson Stakes (G3) on Feb. 1 at Gulfstream Park. It was a decisive win by four and threequarters length in 1:22.21 for the seven furlongs.

“I was on vacation in Costa Rica when Wilson called me,” Moreau recalled. “I could tell he was very excited, but my cellphone reception was very poor. So I had to go back to the hotel and call him from there to find out that Wildcat Red had won the Hutcheson Stakes.”

EXCITEMENT TIME

Winter was there in person to see Wildcat Red win the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) by a head on Feb. 22 at Gulfstream Park.

“I was so excited to see him win that race,” Winter

30 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

said. “I think I was even more excited than when my car racing team won a national championship.”

Both Winter and Moreau were in attendance for Wildcat Red's second-place finish in the Florida Derby (G1), as well as going to the Kentucky Derby (G1). Unfortunately, Wildcat Red finished a troubled-trip 18th to California Chrome in the Run for the Roses. But he bounced back to win the Quality Road Stakes on June 28 at Gulfstream Park. Wildcat Red closed out the season with thirds in the Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) and Oklahoma Derby (G3), as well as a second in the Millions Classic Preview. The reigning 2014 Florida-bred champion 3-year-old colt has career earnings to date of $936,875.

“The whole Wildcat Red experience has just been a phenomenal one,” Winter said. “It really made me glad that I did come to Ocala and get into the thoroughbred business.”

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And for Winter, the next step is racing a horse under The whole Wildcat Red experience has just been a phenomehis Winter Racng Enterprise nal one. It really made me glad that I did come to Ocala and get Inc. name. At the end of into the thoroughbred business.” —Wilson Winter 2012, Moreau and Winter dissolved their partnership in Racene and Western Resolve. Moreau kept Western Re- owned solely by Moreau and those owned in partnerships. solve and Winter took Racene, who now resides at his Western Resolve, the dam of stakes-placed No Shenanifarm. In 2013, she produced a First Dude filly, which gans, had a 2014 First Dude colt and was expecting a Winter named Ellas Dreaming. Named after his mother, 2015 Graydar foal. Other stakes-producing mares residEllas Dreaming is in training with Rory Miller, whose ing at the farm include Irish Drop, dam of Florida-bred Flying Finish Farm is also based in the Ocala Horse stakes winners Dee's Rose and Putitinmypocket; Sari, dam of stakes winner My Magic Moment; and Dark Farm Complex. Racene was barren in 2014 and 2015.

“I'm looking forward to racing Ellas Dreaming,” Rhythm, dam of stakes winner Lilly Fa Pootz.

“The great thing about the thoroughbred business is Winter said. “And hopefully Wildcat Red will keep on that you're always hopeful,” said Moreau. “You're always winning too. Winning never gets old.”

On his farm, Moreau has a dozen mares and 18 year- hoping for that next big horse.” lings. Both the yearlings and the mares are a mix of those Maybe even a Florida-bred champion. ■

“

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2015

Ocala/Marion County thoroughbred farms opened their doors to prospective breeders last month as the area’s popular stallion shows continue.

Stallion 1

PHOTOS BY SERITA HULT

Journeyman Stud

2

3

4 32 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

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Showcase 6

5

7 Journeyman Stud Stallions: 1) Awesome Of Course—stands for $5,000 2) Kiss The Kid—Stands for $3,500 3) Cyber Secret— stands for $2,500 4) Indy Wind—stands for $2,500 5) Hear No Evil—stands for $2,500 6) Cool Coal Man— stands for $3,500 7) J.P.’s Gusto—stands for $2,000 8) Winslow Homer—stands for $5,000 9) Exclusive Quality—stands for $2,500

9

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2015

Stallion Shows 1

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Adena Springs 34 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

Stallions: 1)Hunter’s Bay—stands for $5,000 2)Fort Larned—Stands for $12,500 3) Capo Bastone—stands for $4,000 4) City Wolf—stands for $4,000

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2015

Stallion Shows 1

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Prestige Stallions Stallions: 1) Black Onyx—stands for $6,000 2) Burning Roma—Stands for $6,000 3) Kibbutznik—stands for $7,500 4) Greatness—stands for $6,000 5) My Best Brother—stands for $6,000 6) Causeway’s Kin—stands for $3,500 7) Telling—stands for $10,000

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2015

Stallion Shows 1

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Bridlewood

Stallions: 1) Back Talk—stands for $2,000 2) Big Drama—Stands for $10,000 3) Corfu—stands for $3,500 4) Fort Loudon—stands for $4,000 5) Mach Ride—stands for $2,000 6) Wagon Limit—stands for $2,000 7) Aikenite—stands for $5,000

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Thoroughbred Incentive Program Announces 2014 Performance Awards Winners

T

he Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages the retraining of Thoroughbreds into other disciplines upon completion of careers in racing or breeding, today announced the winners and other placings from its 2014 performance awards program.

The performance awards recognize Thoroughbreds accumulating the most points at all horse shows in each of the award categories and divisions throughout the year. There were winners in 12 categories with multiple divisions. The complete list of winners and participants is attached to this release.

“We received 326 applications representing 145 Thoroughbreds and 32 states and provinces.” said Kristin Leshney, legal associate for The Jockey Club and the administrator of T.I.P. ”Winners will receive ribbons, prize money and a variety of prizes, including saddle pads, leather halters and lead shanks.”

Because the program has been so successful, performance awards will be available once again in 2015 and will include shows from December 1, 2014, through November 30, 2015. The deadline for submission is December 20, 2015.

Over the next few weeks, the 2014 performance award winners’ photos will be posted on the T.I.P. Facebook page at facebook.com/tjctip. Created and announced in October 2011, T.I.P. recognizes and rewards the versatility of the Thoroughbred through sponsorship of Thoroughbred classes and high point awards at sanctioned horse shows. In addition to the complete schedule of T.I.P.-sponsored shows, other information about the program is also available on the T.I.P. website, tjctip.com. Those interested in T.I.P. can follow the program at facebook.com/tjctip.

40 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

2014 Performance Award Division Winners Placing

Division

TJC Horse Name (Show Name)

Rider/Owner/Trainer

Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Champion Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve Reserve

Advanced Eventing All Thoroughbred - Canada All Thoroughbred - Classic All Thoroughbred - Florida All Thoroughbred - TASS Beginner Novice Combined Test Beginner Novice Eventing FEI Levels Dressage FEI Levels Eventing First Level Dressage Fourth Level Dressage General Equitation General - In Hand Green Combined Test Hunter - High (3' & above) A/O Hunter - High (3' & above) Junior Hunter - Crossrails Hunter - High (3/ & above) Hunter - Low (below 3') Hunter - Low (below 3') A/O Hunter - (Low (below 3') Junior Intermediate Eventing Introductory Combined Test Introductory Dressage Jumper - High Jumper - Low Jumper - Low (Junior) Novice Combined Test Novice Eventing Other Combined Test Other Dressage Preliminary Eventing Preliminary Level Combined Test Second Level Dressage Third Level Dressage Training Level Combined Test Training Level Dressage Training Level Eventing Western Permormance - Barrels Western Performance - Other All Thoroughbred - Canada All Thoroughbred - Classic All Thoroughbred - Florida All Thoroughbred - TASS Beginner Novice Combined Test Beginner Novice Eventing FEI Levels Dressage FEI Levels Eventing First Level Dressage Fourth Level Dressage General Equitation General - In Hand Hunter - High (3' & above) Hunter - High (3' & above) A/O Hunter - High (3' & above) Junior Hunter - Crossrails Hunter - Low (Below 3') Hunter - Low (Below 3') A/O Hunter Low (Below 3') Junior Intermediate Eventing Introductory Dressage Jumper - High Jumper - Low Jumper - Low (Junior) Novice Test Combined Novice Eventing Other Combined Test Other Dressage Preliminary Eventing Second Level Dressage Third Level Dressage Training Level Combined Test Training Level Dressage Training Level Eventing Western Performance - Barrels Western Performance - Other

Proper Timing Inside Trading (Curb Appeal) Smokey Half Bruno Frigerio Relic's Hope (Perfect Image) Bold Esteta (Crash Overide) Jacq de Naskra (Yelon) Mudzima Proper Timing Cougarette Red Phase (Raphael) Genius Gold Full Rate (Unexpected Fuller) Hesitant Groom (Snow Bird) Hat City Innerkip (Vancouver) Sell 'M Short (Simply Topsider) Genius Gold Hey Doc (Hey Now) Magic Horn (FR) (Armed 'N Dangerous) Storming Marine (Made You Look) Proper Timing Real Yankee (Count Me Twice) True George (True Gold) My Lovely Louise My Lovely Louise Rocket Zone Midway Home (Better Than Chocolate) Fagedaboudit Pal Anubis Lump Sum Accolade Dick's Gamble (Maxfli) Look Cody Over Red Phase (Raphael) Un 03% Sold the Yacht (Freeman) Pat A (Pitter Pat) Bold Benson (Bold Impression) Big Daug Big Daug He's A Ten Exclusive Story Timeforrikki (Red Bull) Genius Gold And Miles To Go (Miles to Go) New Cash (Amazing Savings) Absolut' Teyn Dick's Gamble (Maxfli) Swelson Absolut' Teyn Robb That Glitters (Pretty in Pink) I'm Something Royal Key to the City Shadow Hunter (Heineken) Lemon Twister (Unbridled Mystery) Bay Bayou (Maverick) Timeforrikki (Red Bull) Silver B Dancing (Autograph) Sydney Harbor (A La Carte) Dick's Gamble (Maxfli) Big Daug Shant Speed (Speed Zone) Catasauqua (Forrest Gump) Magic Horn (FR) (Armed 'N Dangerous) Dynamic Lisa Mr. Popps Indy Almighty (Full Gallop's Indy Almighty) Old Charade Absolute Ability Cougarette Choo Choo Me Home (One Nation) Bar Room Dancer (Pick Your Poison) Rewarding Moment King Katz (On Broadway) I'm Something Royal Karakorums R Wild (Sweet Emotion)

Meghan Richey Marilyn Lee Hannah, ridden by Kayla White, Darian Maude Nahmi Jones Julie Baswell Briana Kenerson Lara Anderson (ridden by Alanna Stefanek) Joan Fleser Jacqueline Greener Meghan Richey Cassandra Andersen Rebecca Sturdy Judy Schaefer Calista Plante Jennifer Smith Cobb Lauren Moran Katie Sheedy Aleah Levendusky Judy Schaefer Stacey Ingram Lainey Gerber Selina Petronelli Meghan Richey Jessica Goggio Melissa Smith Michelle Blunda Michelle Blunda Maranda Schill Kelly Quick Kim Coleman Trina Gomez Hannah Ong Skyler Voss Deborah M. Iezzi Letha Calvin Rebecca Sturdy Eliza Harman Kristina Firth (ridden by Susan Posner Hayley Clark Sabrina Hundley Sabrina Hundley Amy Visscher Cassandra Andersen Elizabeth Cloutier Judy Schaefer Eliza Harman Jenna Calcaterra Nancy A. Ray (Lauren Hagen, Rider) Deborah M. Iezzi Krasi Henkel (ridden by Adrian Alvord) Nancy A. Ray (Lauren Hagen, Rider) Brooke & Brianna Kenerson Julie Moorcroft Freda Jessen Ashton Wiebe Chloe Bellerive RebeccaO'Neill Elizabeth Cloutier Sara Lee Chad Mahaffey (Ridden by Mila Boudreau) Deborah M. Iezzi Sabrina Hundley Deanna Schirmaier Sasha Moran Lainey Gerber Tracey Woods Rebecca Barber Lara Anderson (ridden by Kylie Cahoon) Trina Gomez Kelly Rappuchi Cassandra Andersen Kristin Semegen Bridget Logue Jaime Topinka Nunn Alex Reed Julie Moorcroft Amy Bernstiel

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FTBOA MEMBERSHIP UPDATES

FTBOA AWARDS GALA – MARCH 16 Having attracted about 400 industry members, trainers, breeders, fans and their guests last year, this year’s FTBOA Awards Gala returns to the Ocala Circle Square Cultural Center Monday, March 16.

The event starts at 6:00.

Cocktail attire or fancier is recommended. Enjoy the cocktail party starting at 6 p.m. along with the Florida Thoroughbred Charities’ extensive silent auction, followed by a lavish dinner, a short live auction and the awards ceremony. Come honor Florida’s champions both human and equine and find out who will be crowned Horse of the Year.

Tickets are $100 for members and up to three of their guests and $125 for non-members. A table of eight including gold sponsorship is $1,200 and a party of two for dinner is the silver sponsorship of $750.

We would like to thank the sponsors that have already committed to the FTBOA Horse of the Year Gala. As of publishing date, they are as follows:

DIAMOND Jessica Steinbrenner/ New York Yankees Foundation Live Oak Stud

PLATINUM Stonehedge Farm South

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Second Chance

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Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Farm

Open House Celebrating the 15th Anniversary in 2015

Sponsored by Bach Stables Noon to 2 p.m. •April 24 • Ocala, Florida

First and only program in the country pairing women with retired thoroughbreds • Adoptable horse showcase • Meet former program students and learn how the program changed their lives • See the inspiring connection between current students and the horses • View the facility and identify program needs • Meet Florida champions including: Old timer Carterista Millionaire Shake You Down (pictured) Florida’s 2001 Horse of the Year Forbidden Apple SALLY MOEHRING PHOTOS

■ Donation $10 includes lunch $15 includes lunch and a souvenir photo of a retiree

■ RSVP Pre-payment/RSVP required for entrance by April 17 Correctional Farm directions provided upon RSVP/payment Additional security information may be required Call FTBOA at 352-629-2160 Checks payable to Florida Thoroughbred Charities Brought to you by The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) National Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) Florida Thoroughbred Charities (FTC)

801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala FL 34474 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

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By REG LANSBERRY

n a sport where good old-fashioned horsemanship has become more important than ever, Ocala’s Eddie Woods continues to leave an indelible imprint on nearly every aspect of the racing industry – whether breaking and training horses for clients, consigning either his own horses or those for clients, as agent, at sales from coast to coast, or legging up runners for their eventual return to the racetrack. Indeed, the results of his handiwork at the Eddie Woods Training Center, located on West Highway 40, can seemingly be found everywhere.

To cite one recent stunning example, look no farther than the 2014 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park on Oct. 31-Nov. 1. No fewer than 11 runners over the event’s two days had gone through Woods’ training and sales program. Finding the winner’s circle courtesy of brilliant performances were Bayern, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and an Eclipse Award finalist in the Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male categories, and Lady Eli, whose facile triumph in the Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) enabled her to conclude the year with a perfect 3-for-3 record en route to being named an Eclipse finalist in the 2-year-old filly category. There was also Stephanie’s Kitten, a game second in the Filly and Mare Turf (G1).

Even a cursory glance at his website (eddiewoods.com) reveals a plethora of prominent horses that have learned their lessons well under Woods’ discerning eye and gone on to confirm their talent on the racetrack. Listed by category on the website (see Sidebar) are Champions,

I

44 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

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CHAMPIONS Big Brown Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes Eclipse Champion

Commentator Multiple G1 winner and multi-millionaire

Left Bank Eclipse Champion

Mifnight Lute Birthdate: April 13, 1958 Birthplace: Ashbourne, County Meath, Ireland Residence: Ocala, Florida Family: Father, Paddy; Mother, Phyllis; one brother and six sisters

Spring In The Air Champion 2YO Filly in CAN, G1 SW in U.S.

SERITA HULT PHOTOS

EDDIE WOODS

Breeders' Cup Sprint Champion twice Eclipse Champion twice

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 45

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Eddie WOODS

Notable Sales Graduates, Sales Graduate Stakes Horses, and a raft of Notable Training Graduates and Training Program Stakes Horses. Most prominent among the five champions that have come into his orbit is Big Brown, winner of the 2008 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1), and Eclipse champion 3-year-old male.

It is impossible not to be impressed by all of it.

Unless you are the man himself, that is. Woods’ reaction when asked about his Midas Touch with horses is both matter of fact and a studied lesson in the dual virtues of modesty and hard work. After all, as someone who grew up in a little village by the name of Ashbourne, which over the years has grown to the size of a town, located in County Meath, Ireland, in-and-amongst horses (“It was like a culture,” he says) as the oldest of eight children, and used to work for his father, Paddy, while learning anything and everything about horses, it is fair to say the lessons imparted—along with heaping doses of wisdom—will never leave him.

46 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

“My father was very strict. He was a very hard worker, and still is. Although he’s 80-something now and basically retired, you don’t understand what hard work is unless you’ve ever worked for your Dad,” Woods says candidly. “You can never work hard enough. Those are the rules, right? It’s a different deal than working for someone else. It doesn’t matter how hard you were working, you didn’t work hard enough.”

Intensely passionate about the sales aspect of the racing industry, and one of its prolific consignors of 2-yearolds, Woods was the second-leading consignor of juveniles in the U.S. in 2014, selling 99 of 123 horses offered for $15,039,500. He is certain to once again make his presence felt just down the road at the upcoming Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale from March 17-19, and OBS’s Spring 2-YearOlds in Training Sale from April 21-24.

Woods was the leading consignor by gross at OBS March last year, selling 18 of 20 horses for a tidy $5,235,000. Included in that total was the co-sale topper,

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a $1.6 million son of Tapit out of Rhumb Line, by Mr. him. When Arkle blossomed into arguably the greatest steeplechase horse in Irish racing history in the post-war Greeley that he sold, as agent.

“We are only as good as the horses we get to sell, and era, capturing three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups Eddie certainly has been one of our premier consignors (1964-’66) with Pat Taaffe aboard, it then becomes easy since he went out on his own. He has had the confidence to understand Woods’ remark that, “Arkle has done us a in us to bring his top tier horses here, and he has been re- lot of favors.” A framed picture of the iconic champion rests prominently on a glass-topped table in Woods’ ofwarded for it,” says Tom Ventura, OBS president.

“I think his credibility is probably his biggest asset. fice foyer. (Arkle’s skeleton is on display at the Irish He’s a horseman that, when he tells you something, it Horse Racing Museum.)

When his father began breaking ponies and hunters means something.”

While Woods’ all-consuming lifestyle may seem ex- on the side in the evenings, it led to renting a little yard of hausting to the uninitiated, it is easy to understand how his own. “That was the start of him being around horses. it is part of his DNA. Paddy Woods was a “jump jockey” I was about 8 or 9, then. And it just went on from there.”

Woods’ own career in the saddle lasted a dozen years. when his first-born was young. Back in that era, when jockeys worked for “yards” (as the Irish refer to them), After a slow start it accelerated and began a steady and successful climb. “It looked as if it he worked for Dreaper’s. During his I think his credibility was going to go great, and then it just career in the saddle he had the good fortune to ride a nice horse-cum-bud- is probably his biggest didn’t happen,” he says. Noting that ding superstar (back before the term steeplechase riding is a young man’s asset.

He’s a horsesport, and that by age 27 or 28 a rider was coined), including a winner on

“

man that, when he tells you something, it means something.

”

—Tom Ventura, OBS president

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 47

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ter in Ocala prior to moving to Post Time Training Center, owned by Country and Bea Roberts. Woods was renting several barns there and, thankfully, growing. Two of his clients, Dennis Foster and Bob Leonard, encouraged him to get out of the leasing game and instead buy some property and develop it.

When the trio found Woods’ current location, after having walked and driven it several times, his immediate reaction was, “How am I going to afford 414 acres?”

Messrs. Foster’s and Leonard’s solution was not complicated. They bought the entire property, and because it was marked in blocks of 40 acres, sold Woods six blocks (240 acres) that same day while they kept the rest, some to be developed, the remainder to be sold off.

“So I came in and built this. Built the road , my track, and the barns at the same time,” Woods says. “We actually . . . nothing happened quick enough. But from the day we started building to the day we moved in it was nine months. It was pretty staggering. Actually it was less than nine months; we started in May and moved in on Dec. 31, 2000.”

After Woods consummated his purchase and construction began, fellow Irishman Ciaran Dunne subsequently bought a 50-acre lot of his own. (The two share an entrance from W. Hwy. 40 with a winding drive leading to Woods’ property.) Dunne built his own house and barn and eventually purchased another 40-acre block from Foster and Leonard for purposes of building additional barns and expanding his operation.

That decision clearly paid off in spades given that Dunne has carved out his own We’ve made a lot of mistakes, and you learn from those, top-class niche in both Ocala me tell you. Real fast. Because there’s nothing that will give you and the sales industry. His Wavertree Stables finished No. 1 a good education like losing money. It’ll smarten you right up. among 2-year-old consignors And if you don’t smarten up, then you’re done. —Eddie Woods in 2014, with Dunne selling 117 of the 146 horses he ofCompliance who raced through age 10, was immensely fered for total sales of $16,283,000.

Woods has assiduously grown and developed his popular at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where the gelding won a race for eight consecutive property and his clientele. His training center today conyears (1987-’94), beginning with his 2-year-old season. sists of 41 paddocks, five barns, 166 stalls, and multiple Upon his retirement the town named a street after him, round pens. Whether a horse is being “legged up” for a “Fourstardave Way.” His younger full brother, Fourstars particular client, or his young charges are learning their Allstar, both of whom earned more than $1 million and daily lessons, the options of utilizing a one-mile dirt were trained by Irishman Leo O’Brien, was also a mul- track or 7/8-mile turf course await. There is also a fourtiple graded-stakes winner. Fourstars Allstar scored the stall starting gate.

A new addition will be a swimming pool to help aid most significant victory of his career when he crossed the ocean and registered a surprise triumph in the 1991 a horse’s recovery, especially if they have a problem with Irish Two Thousand Guineas (Ire-Gr. 1) at The Curragh. a shin or cannot exercise for whatever reason. Woods Once Woods made the decision to strike out on his calls it “a little tool in the whole toolbox.”

In charge of more than 150 horses at any one time, own, he began by renting at Classic Mile Training Cen-

Eddie WOODS

let

needs to start looking around to do something else if they are not really nailing it, Woods, ever the clear-eyed realist added, “Because a jockey is an apprenticeship to nothing. There’s not too many guys who go on into their 40s riding jumpers. And then you need a new profession when you’re done.”

His brother, Francis, was a top-class rider who rode a lot of “really nice horses and good winners,” Woods said. His career ended due to an automobile accident which resulted in the loss of most of the use of one arm.

Francis Woods is now heavily involved in a stud farm in Ireland, including pinhooking.

Woods traveled across the pond in 1986 with the intention of gaining experience in the stud farm industry.

At that time, the Arabs were buying the old stud farms in Ireland which meant that, in order to attain one of the good jobs, having experience with stallions was vital.

Utilizing connections in the Sunshine State, Woods put in a very brief stint at Cashel Stud in Ocala before going to work for Tony and Joanne Everard (who were married at the time) at their Another Episode Farm. The Everards needed help to get horses prepped for the 2year-old sales in Miami. Those chores were squarely in Woods’ sweet spot as, truth be told, he had always loved the sales element of the racing industry dating back to childhood. He particularly relished the top-drawer yearling venues such as Goffs and Ballsbridge, and the jumping horse sales.

Woods worked with a bevy of nice horses during his time with the Everards, particularly the “Fourstars,” as he calls them. Fourstardave, a New York-bred son of

“

”

48 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

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whether youngsters to be broken and trained, runners to be legged up for various trainers prior to returning to the racetrack, or yearlings and 2-year-olds being put through their paces prior to being sent to various sales, every day places a premium on organization and attention to detail—as it would for anyone with a staff of 56—in order to make it all pan out.

In-and-around those chores which begin prior to sunrise, there are also trips to various sales to inspect potential purchases, catalogues to be poured over and pedigrees to be scrutinized with the various qualities – pro and con—in certain families to be weighed before deciding on which ones to bid, and at what price, with an eye on the horse’s future potential.

To employ an American sports analogy, Woods must necessarily be equal parts general manager, coach and scout. Prior to making purchases at sales, he must utilize years of experience and “project” the future possibilities for a yearling, analyze their pedigree, and envision what type of athlete the horse might conceivably become. It is a blend of alchemy—part art, part science with a pinch of instinct and hard-won experience thrown in—that is hard to quantify, much less describe. He allows as much.

“You know, that’s the hardest thing in the world to explain,” Woods says. “It’s like . . . you just see it. It’s not what you like. Basically, it’s kind of unconscious, in a way. Part feel, part, oh, I don’t know.

“We’ve made a lot of mistakes, and you learn from those, let me tell you. Real fast,” he adds. “Because there’s nothing that will give you a good education like losing money. It’ll smarten you right up. And if you don’t smarten up, then you’re done.”

Woods invests a lot of sweat equity examining pedigrees as a vital part of the equation. While many of the great old American families—prolific producing broodmares and their offspring—have now departed to various destinations around the globe, and a horse must, as always, jump through any and all veterinary hoops, the truth is that the lack of overall quality, and depth, in comparison to years past makes buying a yearling today that much more challenging. What Woods terms “the equaling out of pedigrees” has also made it that much more challenging to get horses sold in today’s environment, too.

But, as always, it’s all about the horse.

“To begin with, there’s the horse. I love him,” Woods says. “Now what’s he by and what’s he out of? And you go, oh, I hate that [certain] stallion – you know what I mean?”

Woods related how bloodstock agent Mike Ryan set him straight one time by giving him the benefit of his view. It was at a sale where Ryan had purchased a horse with a hind leg that left Woods thinking, “Oh, my God.

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Eddie WOODS

. . .” So much so, in fact, that he asked Ryan point-blank why he decided to buy him.

“I said, if you don’t mind me asking, how could you buy a horse with that hind leg? And he said, ‘He’s supposed to have that hind leg.’ I then asked why. And Mike said, ‘Because he’s 3x3 to Northern Dancer. That’s what he’s supposed to look like.’ I said, fair enough.”

Woods keeps that moment in mind when inspecting horses. A good example being those sired by the late Dynaformer (by champion sire Roberto), whose son Barbaro ran away with the 2006 Kentucky Derby (G1) to remain undefeated. Known for siring progeny that could not only flat-out run but were tough, hard-knocking horses and gritty competitors, the downside was that his get were far from pleasing to the eye.

“The Dynaformers tended to be big, coarse, plain horses with bad hind legs on them,” Woods says. “They could re-

50 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

ally run, though. Very good horses, very good horses.”

Lamenting the dropoff in quality nowadays, especially at the yearling sales, the prevailing reality is, “There’s the very good, and then there’s the rest. There’s kind of nothing in the middle any more,” Woods says.

For someone who is buying solely to race they are more likely, in general, to be more forgiving of a horse’s faults. The challenge for Woods and his fellow consignors is that they are buying horses they hope buyers will like the next time around. Thus the reason why some faults cannot be forgiven.

“The fact is that we need numbers. Every year we need numbers to go,” Woods says. “We go to the sales in the summer and fall and we’re basically buying ourselves a job for the next year. You just can’t wait for the perfect one [horse] to show up.”

Woods’ favorite aspects of the business are buying

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horses at sales and then breaking them. Once they ar- standing there with my partner, Angela (Mellerick, his rive in Ocala and are turned out, breaking and training life partner), and I’ll say, ‘We’re dead here.’ We’re chores meld into observing a horse’s day-by-day learn- months away from breaking that one. ing and maturation. It is what he describes as “the “The truth is, you need luck,” he continues. “And I’m change” that excites him the most. superstitious; you need luck.”

“Again, it’s hard to explain. The way a horse changes Woods admits he tries to avoid buying horses that and evolves,” Woods says. “You’re watching one and might need too much time to come to hand. “Because thinking, I didn’t care for that horse much but, gosh, he that’s not the deal with our business. Even though we goes good. Look at that one, I love him. It’s that kind of do buy some late foals, nice horses. I do think you can thing. We have a couple at the moment that we got for plan to get a great buy on a backward horse that’s a sixty [$60,000], and one of them, he’s changed, he’s younger horse.” grown. That’s the really fun part, watching all that hapIt was in early November, with a New Year looming, pen in front of you.”

The downside, obviously, We’ve had great luck there. OBS is a great place, being just the opposite. basically the 2-year-old capital of the world. You can “But we’ve got others it’s just not happening for. And I’m sell anything there. There’s no more prejudice at the

“

sales compared to a time when you could just consign to the select sales and certain people, the top end buyers, would only buy at the select sales. —Eddie Woods

”

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Eddie WOODS

that plans were very much being formulated for 2015. As always, it was nice to know OBS was just down the road.

“We’ve had great luck there,” Woods said. “OBS is a great place, basically the 2-year-old capital of the world. You can sell anything there. There’s no more prejudice at the sales compared to a time when you could just consign to the select sales and certain people, the top end buyers, would only buy at the select sales.”

Watching Woods’s parade of “draft choices” circle the shedrow on a pretty November morning, it was hard not to

52 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

consider the likelihood that several future Grade 1 winners were walking by. If not a 2016 Triple Crown race winner.

“We have to start making decisions now and I haven’t made any yet,” Woods remarked. He smiled when asked how much he was being hectored by sales companies who wanted him to commit sending them his best horses.

“I think we’ve got a lot of really nice horses. I’m really struggling to separate them at the moment as to where I want to go,” he admitted. “You have to take into consideration various factors. Fasig-Tipton has a new venue,

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new format, new date. Barretts (in California) is earlier.

“As much as I would love to sell everything at OBS because it’s our sale, I can’t, because I’ve got too many horses by the same stallion who are competing with one another in the same spots. So we need outlets. Different outlets sell different horses. And that’s the really tricky part of it, getting that right. You need to have your horse in the right venue.”

To cite one example that Woods is certainly not opposed to taking a horse out to California, at the 2008

Barretts May 2-year-old sale, as agent, he consigned a Florida-bred who was purchased for $70,000 by Rick Taylor, as agent, for the late B.J. Wright. Sired by multiple Grade 1 winner Congaree out of the Jeblar mare, Jera, the California fan favorite and turf-loving Jeranimo would become a multiple graded-stakes winner who amassed more than $1.5 million in purse earnings.

Woods’ talent is also prized by some of racing’s leading trainers, all of whom have had success racing horses he has either broken and trained, sold, or legged up prior to their return to the racetrack from a layoff. Bill Mott, Christophe Clement, and Chad Brown, an Eclipse finalist as champion trainer, have all sent horses to him over the years. Brown registered a “hat trick” at the 2014 Breeders’ Cup by winning a trio of races with the aforementioned Lady Eli; the Filly and Mare Turf with Dayatthespa; and the Turf Sprint (G1) with Bobby’s Kitten. Lady Eli was sold by Woods, as agent, to Jay Hanley for $160,000 at last year’s Keeneland April 2-YearOlds in Training Sale.

Eddie broke my first Breeders’ Cup winner, Maram [2008 Juvenile Fillies “ Turf] and also was responsible for Normandy Invasion, my first-ever [2013] Kentucky Derby starter. I’ve had a lot of good horses come to me from Eddie.

They have a strong foundation under them and I have a lot of confidence in his horses that I buy at the sales. He is always very open and honest and an excellent horseman. —Chad Brown

”

“Eddie broke my first Breeders’ Cup winner, Maram [2008 Juvenile Fillies Turf] and also was responsible for Normandy Invasion, my first-ever [2013] Kentucky Derby starter,” Brown said. “I’ve had a lot of good horses come to me from Eddie. They have a strong foundation under them and I have a lot of confidence in his horses that I buy at the sales. He is always very open and honest and an excellent horseman.”

Racing Hall of Fame conditioner Allen Jerkens, who continues to train horses at age 85, said he has always marveled “At the way the Irish have with horses. What Eddie Woods does is a kind of genius, really.”

Gliding past those accolades, Woods admits, “We’ve been very lucky. We have maintained and grown the whole way since we started, which I find shocking. But every year has been just that little bit better. We have a lot of really good clients, good-paying guys, and it’s fun when it’s like that. When you are chasing money it’s not so fun.”

What Woods is really chasing is success -- seven days a week. For him, you see, it is all in a day’s work. Simple as that. ■

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 53

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FLORIDA INDUSTRY

NEWS

Uniform Drug Rule Passes Through Committee

A

54 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

Florida Senate committee on Feb. 18 took the first steps toward the state of Florida adopting medication guidelines that are in line with the new uniform model medication guidelines being encouraged by the local and national industry and adopted by several other North American states and provinces according to a report in Daily Racing Form.

The Senate Regulation Industries Committee passed the bill unanimously and will ultimately forward the bill to the full Senate.

The bill went to the committee with full support from the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Ocala Breeders Sales, the state’s thoroughbred tracks and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium. RMTC is comprised of a wide range of persons and organizations associated with the pari-mutuel industry in Florida. Dionne Benson, the executive director of the RMTC, attended the committee meeting. The uniform medication rules are also broadly supported by National industry groups such as The Jockey Club, Racing Commissioners International and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell, a steady proponent for such rules, was in Tallahassee for the meeting and is encouraged by the committee’s actions.

“The unanimous vote in committee on [Feb. 18] shows that the state is moving forward to follow suit with other major horse racing jurisdictions of Kentucky, New York and California to adopt uniform medication rules which have been advocated by all stakeholders in Florida and the national thoroughbred industry for quite some time,” Powell said.

Currently Florida allows for the race-day administration of furosemide, an anti-bleeding medication; and prednisolone sodium succinate, an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid.

The new regulations prohibit the administration of prednisolone in Florida within 48 hours of a race. Furosemide will be allowed to be administered four hours before a race and only by a state employed veterinarian. The bill also opens the door for testing lab quality assurance requirements, tougher penalties, enhanced testing technology and other related rules and regulations.

Last year, a similar bill was presented to the Florida Legislature but failed after being introduced late in the session due to a then hold by the Legislature on all racing and gaming legislation. This year, the Florida racing industry united and collaborated in their presentation and also was able to introduce their rules earlier in the legislative session giving leaders optimism for passage. ■

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Equine Care

Creeping Indigo

By DR. ROBERT MacKAY

I

56 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

n south Florida, a mysterious and often fatal condition of adult horses and livestock had begun to be recognized in the 1970s. Affected horses were dull, apathetic and incoordinated, some had convulsions, ulcers of the tongue, and whitening or streaking of the corneas of the eyes. Most of them died within weeks.

The problem was seen most commonly in the late summer or fall.

Beginning in 1973, a University of Miami botanist, Julia Morton, began to walk the properties on which these deaths were occurring. She noticed an abundance of wild indigo plants (Indigofera suffruticosa) and initially supposed that these were the culprits. By the 1980s, however, Dr. Morton had investigated many more incidents and had become convinced that the condition was actually caused by a different indigo herb, creeping indigo (also known as trailing indigo; Indigofera spicata), that had widely invaded local pastures and was being enthusiastically eaten by horses. In 1987 she decided to present her findings at a local meeting of concerned equine veterinarians and horseowners. Dr. Morton explained that creeping indigo had first been imported into the United States in 1933 and established at (embarrassingly) the University of Florida in Gainesville, so that its supposed utility as livestock forage and ground cover could be studied. When it was found that rabbits died when they grazed the experimental plots, the project was quickly abandoned. The neglected but apparently hardly plants escaped containment, invaded locally, and spread inexorably southward over the subsequent decades; they now can be found growing along the sidewalks of Key West. She also noted reports from Queensland of Birdsville Indigo Poisoning, an almost identical nervous system disease of horses grazing another Indigofera species, I. linnae.

The presentation was well attended but Dr. Morton’s creeping indigo theory was not well accepted with many attendees holding fast to the notion that toxic chemicals sprayed on trees in local fruit groves

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were the problem – thus the name “Grove poisoning”. Madagascar, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It was valBy the early 1990s even the doubters had acknowl- ued as a cover crop in coffee estates in Africa and was edged the obvious and, although feeding trials have introduced into India, Java, Malaya, and the Philipthankfully not been performed in horses to formally pines both as ornamental ground cover and a cover establish cause and effect, it is now generally accepted crop for tea, rubber, oil palm, and sisal plantations. It that creeping indigo causes the neurologic syndrome has also been introduced into Australia, several pacific islands, and the Caribbean. previously known as Grove poisoning.

Surprisingly, there is still some confusion as to the Over the last 10 years, we have seen similar small outbreaks of the disease in horses and in donkeys in identity of the creeping indigo plants originally decentral and north-central parts of the state, especially scribed by Dr. Morton. At the time she published her in areas north of Tampa and around Brooksville. This work, I. spicata/I. hendecaphylla were considered synextension in geographic range of the syndrome appears onymous and referred to as I. spicata complex. In to correspond to increasing abundance of creeping in- 1993, however, it was discovered that they were actudigo in the central and north central parts of the state. ally different species and Dr. Morton had in fact deThe origins of this recent wave of invasion by creep- scribed I. hendecaphylla. This obscure point probably ing indigo are unclear. It is interesting to hypothesize should be of interest only to the author and like-minded possible roles for climate change or for introduction or emergence Over the last 10 years, we have seen similar small outbreaks of the disof a new more invasive strain. This ease in horses and in donkeys in central and north-central parts of the state is explored more fully below. In Figure 1. Indigo spicata any event, creeping indigo has become a very common specimens obtained at the plant around Alachua and Seminole counties and can University of Florida and be found growing along the edges of many pathways, authenticated at the UF Herbarium including many at the University of Florida. Even more threateningly, it has become the dominant herb in some pastures in the Ocala area.

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”

CREEPING INDIGO

The Indigofereae are a small tribe of often very attractive, pink to red-flowered shrubs and herbs. The largest genus is Indigofera which is pantropical, with 75% of the ~750 species restricted to Africa–Madagascar, and the rest in the Sino-Himalayan region, Australia, Mexico, and Brazil. Because of their complex chemistry, Indigofera contain many toxic and medicinally used species. These toxic chemicals have evolved as a defensive response to predation by herbivores and pathogens. Other Indigofera are economically important indigo dye-producing and pasture legume species that occupy an extremely wide range of different habitats. Indigofera spicata is native to East Africa and

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 57

EquineCare_March_Florida Horse_template 2/24/15 3:06 PM Page 58

Equine Care

nerds; however, multiple exemplars of the plant harvested around Gainesville have been identified by the University of Florida Herbarium as I. spicata on the basis of the latter’s relatively smaller leaves, flowers, and pods. If these identifications are correct, it suggests that there are two closely related species of creeping indigo in Florida with their respective origins now unclear. Both I. hendecaphylla and I. spicata have been connected with equine and livestock deaths, although such an association remains to be confirmed for authenticated for I. spicata in Florida and thus it will be important to collect plants from all future outbreaks and have them identified by the UF Herbarium.

TABLE 1.

Comparison of characteristics of two closely related creeping indigo species, I. hendecaphylla and I. spicata.

Feature Posture Leaves

I. hendecaphylla I. spicata Prostrate spreading perennial Pinnate, 7-10 leaflets, 20-55 mm, Pinnate, 5-7 leaflets, alternate, 12-40 mm, Leaflets Obovate to elliptical, 5-16 × 3-7 mm, dull green, Obovate, 4-11 × 3-8 mm, dull green Inflorescences Red, 120-150 mm, Pink to orange-red, 30-65 mm Pods Descending, 22-27 mm, brown Descending, 10-18 mm, yellow-brown

Both plants are prostrate to sub-erect with branched runners fanning out in all directions from the crown of a white, slender, tapering taproot firmly set in the earth and descending nearly a meter (Figures 1-3). The stems are pale-green to yellow, tough, and thickly set with alternate, pinnate, clover-like leaves that are 1-5 cm long. The slender, tubular flowers are brickred to pink (mostly pink around Gainesville).

The most characteristic and identifiable feature, the needle-like, stiff, sharp-tipped seed pods, 13 cm long, are borne profusely in dense, downward-pointing clusters. The plant, perennial in tropical and subtropical climates, is killed back in winter in central and north-central Florida but sprouts from the root in spring.

SIGNS OF CREEPING INDIGO TOXICITY

Consumption of 10 pounds I. linneae daily for 3 weeks is sufficient to cause disease. Both neurologic and non-neurologic signs are seen.

58 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

Non-neurologic signs.

There may be weight loss, inappetance, high heart and respiratory rates, labored breathing, high temperature (a rare finding), hypersalivation (ptyalism) or foaming from the mouth, dehydration, pale mucous membranes, feed retention in the cheeks (quidding), halitosis, watery discharge Figure 2. Indigo spicata showing typical pink flowers and clusters of pods (upper part of image) growing at University of Florida in Gainesville. from the eyes (epiphora; Figure 4) and squinting (blepharospasm), light characterized by incoordination and weaksensitivity, corneal opacity, corneal ulceration ness in all limbs, with unpredictable crossing and neovascularization, severe ulceration of of pairs of limbs, interference between the tongue and gums (Figure 5), and promi- hooves, buckling of joints during weightnent digital pulses without other signs of bearing, a “crab-like” gait and abnormal posturing at rest. Some affected horses develop laminitis.

Neurologic signs. Often an early sign is a bizarre goose-stepping gait in their front a change in personality – affected horses at legs. Most horses that continue to consume first seem quieter and less energetic than the plant eventually become cast on their usual. Degrees of obtundation (depression) sides and are unable to rise. They either beranging from mild lethargy to recumbency come unconscious or develop convulsions and loss of consciousness may be seen as the which may become generalized and severe condition progresses over days to weeks. before death or euthanasia after days in reHead carriage is low and there may be cumbency. episodes of standing sleep-like activity (narLaboratory Findings. Abnormal findings colepsy), head-pressing into corners, or com- on routine hemograms and plasma chemistry pulsive walking around the inside of a stall panels are mild, non-specific, and unhelpful in or paddock. Some affected horses have been making the diagnosis. Typically, there is lowseen with their head tilted to one side and normal or low total white blood cell count with their necks and bodies twisted in the same di- lymphopenia and mild electrolyte derangement rection indicating involvement of the balance that may include hyponatremia, hypophoscenters (vestibular system) of the brain. phatemia, hypomagnesemia and metabolic These signs may be accompanied by rhyth- acidosis. Aspartate aminotransferase and cremic blinking and jerking eye movements atine kinase activities often are slightly to mod(nystagmus), The blink response to hand erately above reference range. gestures toward the eyes (menace response) is frequently absent or reduced although constriction of the pupils to bright light is usually retained. The muzzle and lips may hang flaccidly.

In retrospect, it is often clear that an abnormal gait has been seen deFigure 3. Indigo sp. Dense thatch of creeping indigo comprising >40% veloping over the pre- of a bahiagrass pasture in Ocala. Note the abundant pods and eviceding several days, dence of grazing by horses in the pasture.

EquineCare_March_Florida Horse_template 2/24/15 3:06 PM Page 59

Necropsy Findings. Both gross and histologic examinations of horses poisoned by creeping indigo are most notable for the lack of diagnostic findings. It has been shown in experimental animals that subacute and chronic toxicity by 3-NPA, the creeping indigo toxin that causes neurologic signs, does not cause changes evident on light microscopy, although Brazilian investigators documented changes in by electron microscopy of the mitochondria of horses that had consumed I. lespedezioides. Horses may show mild liver pathology, evident histologically as periacinar necrosis, infiltration of lymphocytes and haemosiderin-laden macrophages in periacinar regions and vacuolation and swelling of surviving hepatocytes.

TOXINS

Over the last decade, there has been resolution of the previous confusion about the roles of the two putative toxins of creeping indigo, 3-nitropropionate (3-NPA) and indospicine. It is now clear that 3-NPA causes the largely irreversible neurologic signs described above while indospicine causes the corneal edema, ulcerations, and other nonneurologic signs. Each of these toxins is described briefly: 3-nitropropionate. 3-NPA is a highly toxic compound produced by the plant primarily as defense against destruction by herbivores. This nitrotoxin is by no means unique to Indigofera but is produced as antiherbivore defense by a vast array of plants and fungi. Poisoning associated with 3-NPA

Figure 4. 11-year-old mixed-breed gelding with creeping indigo toxicity from near Brooksville.

Note the dull appearance, staining with ocular discharge below the eye, and flaccid lower lip.

On close inspection there was also marked edema of the right cornea and blepharospasm or the right eyelids.

therefore occurs quite commonly in a variety of settings and the mechanism is well understood. The toxin is a potent and irreversible inhibitor of mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase, a key enzyme in transforming glucose and oxygen into useable energy.

Nerve cells are extremely vulnerable to energy deprivation, thus accounting for the early and prominent neurologic signs seen with all types of 3-NPA toxicity. 3-NPA accounts for 0.24 to 1.5% of the dry matter of creeping indigo. Because it is metabolized quickly, it is unlikely to be found in the serum of affected animals.

Indospicine. Indospicine is a non-protein amino acid. It is toxic to the liver because of antagonism to the essential amino acid arginine, with which it competes. One of its principal toxic actions is inhibition of nitric oxide synthase, an action likely associated with the development of corneal edema and ulceration of mucous membranes. Although horses are relatively resistant to the liver damaging effects of this toxin, it persists in the tissues of horses dying or killed with the disease and these tissues are potentially toxic if fed to dogs.

Indospicine accounts for 0.1 to 0.5% of the dry matter of creeping indigo and it can be detected in the serum of affected animals.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Horses that are quickly removed from the offending plants may recover completely, but more often there are persistent gait abnormalities. There is no effective treatment. Early investigations into the prevention and treatment of Birdsville disease in Australia proposed the use of argininerich protein sources such as peanut meal (4.3% arginine) and gelatin (8.0% arginine).

The lack of significant liver lesions in horses because of their relative resistance to indospicine, together with the likelihood that the neurological disease results from 3NPA poisoning, suggests that arginine alone would have little benefit in the treatment of nervous signs although nonneurologic signs may respond. Thiamine was also suggested as an effective treatment for nitrotoxicity in ruminants but others showed this treatment

to be ineffective. The fact that 3-NPA neurodegeneration is used as an induction model for Huntington’s disease research is testament to the current futility of all treatments. Management of affected horses should include their removal from the source, confinement to prevent any injuries and non-specific supportive therapy. It was previously suggested that livestock poisonings by I. spicata can be prevented by keeping the proportion of this plant below 25% of the total forage available but recent evidence does not support this view. The best means for preventing poisoning is to stop access by horses to paddocks where creepFigure 5. 5-year-old Paso Fino gelding with creeping indigo toxicity from near Homestead.

Note the extensive ulcerations of the gums above the upper incisors. This horse’s tongue was also severely ulcerated.

ing indigo is present or to remove plants by physical means or herbicide application.

Although there is no herbicide commercially recommended for eradication of creeping indigo, the University of Florida Pasture Weed Identification and Control page a the IFAS Extension EDIS website (https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_pasture_wee ds), suggests spraying either of two herbicides containing aminopyralid: Milestone (Dow AgroChemicals) at 5 fl oz per acre or GrazonNext HL(Dow AgroChemical) at 24 fl oz per acre. Retreatment the following year will likely be necessary. Dead plants retain toxicity and must be removed and disposed of. Manure from animals that graze herbicide-treated pastures should not be composted. Also, any grass clippings removed from these treated pastures should not be composted. Be sure to follow all label directions when using pesticides! ■ THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 59

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AroundCountry_March_Layout 1 2/20/15 12:36 PM Page 64

■FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY ————By Race Type/Grade ————

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—STAKES RACES Win/Place/Show Horse Name

Sex Age Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Race Name

Grade/ Value $100,000

$60,000

$50,000

$30,000

$100,000

$60,000

$90,000

$60,000

$96,250

$60,000

$100,000

$59,520

Lindisfarne

F

3

City Zip

Aidan

Donald R. Dizney

1/29/15

LRL

1

Marshua S.

It''s Not Me

G

3

D'wildcat

Jovetta

Karen Silva

1/27/15

OTC

1

OBS Sprint S.

Firespike

C

3

Flower Alley

Fairy Valley

Carlos Rafael Michael Bossio & Cherie Abner

1/27/15

OTC

1

OBS Championship S.

Star Harbour

H

7

Indian Charlie

Snug Harbour

Peter Vegso & Anne Vegso

1/24/15

TAM

1

Pelican S.

Double Secret

F

4

Double Honor

Smart Secretary

Southern Cross Farm

1/24/15

TAM

1

Lightning City S.

Manchurian High

G

7

The Daddy

Corredor's Wind

Greg Norman

1/17/15

GP

1

Florida Sunshine Millions Turf S.

Earngs

Pink Poppy

F

4

Tiznow

Boa

Arindel Farm LLC

1/17/15

GP

1

Fla. Sunshine Milli Filly & Mare Turf $100,000

$58,900

Sr. Quisqueyano

H

5

Exclusive Quality

Royal Navy

Do-Little Farm LLC

1/17/15

GP

1

Florida Sunshine Millions Classic S. $250,000

$153,450

Control Stake

C

3

Discreetly Mine

Be a Quiet Honey

B.P.N.

1/10/15

DED

1

Big Drama S.

$75,000

$45,000

Calculator

C

3

In Summation

Back to Basics

Ocala Stud

1/10/15

SA

1

Sham S.

3/$100,750

$60,000

Parranda

M

6

English Channel

Dynamic Feature

Kinsman Farm

1/10/15

GP

1

Marshua's River S.

3/$150,000

$88,350

El Kabeir

C

3

Scat Daddy

Great Venue

Rustlewood Farm Inc.

1/3/15

AQU

1

Jerome S.

3/$200,000

$120,000

Awesome Warrior

F

3

A. P. Warrior

Awesome Medicine R. C. Van Voorhees & Liz Steinbach

1/1/15

CMR

1

Clasico A o Nuevo S.

3/$26,460

$15,660

1/27/15

OTC

2

OBS Sprint S.

$50,000

$10,000

Charlie''s Brother

C

3

With Distinction

Rockandrollqueen Dr. Tiffany A. Atteberry & Scott Brown

Big Yum

C

3

Kantharos

Hi Avie

Melissa Lynn Anthony Mr. & Mrs. David Nowicki & The Boys

1/27/15

OTC

2

OBS Championship S.

Hammer the Bay

G

6

Half Ours

Quelle Surprise

Haras Santa Maria de Araras S.A.

1/24/15

HOU

2

Frontier Utilities Turf Sprint S.

You Bought Her

M

5

Graeme Hall

Striking T

CLDelaplane & RGDelaplane Trust UA 6/1/92 & Shade Tree Thoroughbred

1/24/15

TAM

2

Lightning City S.

$96,250

$20,000

Quality Rocks

F

3

Rock Hard Ten

Elusive Virgin

Destiny Oaks of Ocala

1/24/15

GP

2

Sweetest Chant S.

3/$100,000

$19,000

$100,000

$20,000

$75,000

$15,000

X Y Jet

G

3

Kantharos

Soldiersingsblues

Didier Plasencia

1/24/15

GP

2

Hutcheson S.

3/$150,000

$29,700

Old Time Hockey

G

6

Smarty Jones

Grat

Glen Hill Farm

1/24/15

TAM

2

Tampa Bay S.

3/$150,000

$30,000

Grande Shores

H

7

Black Mambo

Sexy Stockings

Jacks or Better Farm Inc.

1/17/15

GP

2

Florida Sunshine Millions Sprint S. $100,000

$19,600

Reporting Star

G

5

Circular Quay

Classic Beauty

Gilbert G. Campbell

1/17/15

GP

2

Florida Sunshine Millions Turf S.

$100,000

$19,200

Sheer Drama

M

5

Burning Roma

Riveting Drama

Harold L. Queen

1/17/15

GP

2

Florida Sunshine Millions Distaff S. $150,000

$27,600

East Hall

G

4

Graeme Hall

East Long Lake

Mary K. Haire

1/17/15

GP

2

Florida Sunshine Millions Classic S. $250,000

$49,500

Sassy Bear

3/$100,000

$19,600

$79,250

$15,600

$100,000

$10,000

3

Exclusive Quality

F

3

Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) Astrid

Prince Vincenzo

C

3

Exclusive Quality

Risk Factor

H

5

Stormy Atlantic

Happy My Way

G

5

Wilko

Bad Debt

G

8

Grand Reward

Stand and Salute

C

3

Saint Anddan

El Kabeir/Jerome S. (G3) F

4

Congrats

1/3/15

GP

2

Old Hat S.

1/1/15

SA

2

Blue Norther S.

Christmas Lights

Brent Fernung & Crystal Fernung

1/27/15

OTC

3

OBS Championship S.

Samantha O

Westbury Stables

1/24/15

TAM

3

Pelican S.

$90,000

$10,000

Holy Queen

Mayo West Farm & Liam Benson

1/17/15

GP

3

Florida Sunshine Millions Sprint S. $100,000

$9,800

Pleasant Ring

Pennston Farms Inc.

1/17/15

GP

3

Florida Sunshine Millions Turf S.

$100,000

$9,600

Gotham City Girl

Red Oak Stable

1/17/15

GG

3

California Derby

$100,315

$12,000

Zoobie

Parranda/Marshua’s River S.

1/17/15

GP

Florida Sunshine Millions Distaff S. $150,000

$13,800

The Jerome G. Bozzo Trust

COGLIANESE PHOTO

Flutterby

Brent Fernung & Crystal Fernung Joseph Barbazon & Helen Barbazon

64 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

Calculator/Sham S. 3

BENOIT & ASSOCIATES PHOTO

F

American Sun

COGLIANESE PHOTO

R Sassy Lass

AroundCountry_March_Layout 1 2/20/15 12:36 PM Page 65

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—STAKES RACES Win/Place/Show

continued

Horse Name Sex Age Sire

Dam

Breeder

Off Date Track ID Pos Race Name

Grade/ Value

Tiznow R J

C

3

Tiznow

Ruban Bleu

Haras Santa Maria de Araras S.A.

1/17/15

FG

3

LeComte S.

3/$200,000

$20,000

Catholic Cowboy

G

5

Heatseeker (IRE)

Kombat Lake

Luis de Hechavarria

1/17/15

GP

3

Florida Sunshine Millions Classic S. $250,000

$24,750

Stormofthecentury

G

7

Dark Kestrel

As of Now

University of Florida Foundation

1/10/15

TAM

3

Turf Dash S.

$80,000

$10,000

Pioneerof the West

C

3

Pioneerof the Nile

Del Mar Cat

Faraway Farm

1/10/15

SA

3

Sham S.

3/$100,750

$12,000

It''s Not Me

G

3

D'wildcat

Jovetta

Karen Silva

1/3/15

GP

3

Spectacular Bid S.

$100,000

$9,500

Cutty Shark

G

4

Old Fashioned

A Sea Trippi

Bridlewood Farm

1/3/15

LRL

3

Fire Plug S.

$100,000

$10,000

General Bellamy

C

3

Bellamy Road

Sweet Again

Kinsman Farm

1/3/15

AQU

3

Jerome S.

3/$200,000

$20,000

Earngs

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—ALLOWANCE Win/Place/Show Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Earngs

By My Side

M

5

The Kaiser

Shaye Alone

Frank Bertolino

1/25/15

CMR

1

$6,747

$3,993

Chiseled

G

4

Malibu Moon

Big Promise

Glen Hill Farm

1/24/15

TAM

1

$23,000

$14,100

Southern Valentine

M

6

Sweetsouthernsaint

Foxy Endeavor

Roger Chak

1/21/15

MVR

1

$14,500

$8,100

Vuelve Ruben M.

G

7

Concerto

Candlelightdinner

Ocala Stud

1/19/15

CMR

1

$10,329

$5,990

Behind Closeddoors

M

5

Yes It's True

Mystery Dance

Susan Kahn

1/19/15

HOU

1

$21,000

$12,540

African Rose

M

6

Bwana Charlie

Darby Rose

Heiligbrodt Racing Stable

1/17/15

SUN

1

$32,500

$19,500

Watch Me Go

H

7

West Acre

Sabbath Song

Gilbert G. Campbell

1/9/15

SUN

1

$35,985

$21,540

Corinthian Luck

F

4

Corinthian

Racing Luck

Farm III Enterprises LLC

1/9/15

LRL

1

$42,000

$23,940

Bet On Jack

G

6

With Distinction

Rokyjam

Gilbert G. Campbell

1/8/15

PEN

1

$30,680

$17,700

Boom Boys

G

4

Strong Contender

Gritsie Girl

Kathie Haines & Carol Hershe

1/2/15

SUN

1

$25,600

$15,360

Bonita Luna

M

5

Graeme Hall

Story of Glory

Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd H. Carnes

1/30/15

LRL

2

$43,386

$8,820

Blue Bomber

G

4

Congrats

Tartan Tigress

James K McFadyen Kenneth F Bailey & Edward H Molstad 1/28/15

TUP

2

$13,800

$2,677 $5,632

Laugh It Up

F

4

Straight Faced

E Major

Adam Parker & Suzette Parker

1/26/15

SUN

2

$25,855

Mr Thunder Boy

G

4

First Defence

Unhurried

Vegso Racing Stable

1/24/15

TAM

2

$23,000

$4,800

Flaring

F

4

Two Step Salsa

Flipaway

Southern Cross Farm

1/23/15

AQU

2

$67,000

$13,400

Lucy E.

M

7

Pure Prize

Marquet Niche

Lucy Edwards & Randell Edwards

1/21/15

MVR

2

$14,500

$2,700

Shine for Jon

G

3

West Acre

The Envelopeplease

Gilbert G. Campbell

1/21/15

CT

2

$26,000

$5,180

Fortyshadesofgreen

M

5

The Green Monkey

Truly Loved

David J. Whelan

1/17/15

CT

2

$27,000

$5,320

Remarkable Teresa

F

4

Concorde's Tune

Shimmering Brook

Patricia Generazio

1/17/15

GP

2

$43,800

$10,020

Fabulous Kid

C

4

Congrats

Lemon Drop Girl

Dr. K. K. Jayaraman MD & Dr. Vilasini Devi Jayaraman MD

1/15/15

OP

2

$60,500

$12,100

Negrito

G

4

Wildcat Heir

White Ruffle

Jacarie Farm

1/3/15

LRL

2

$52,695

$9,450

By My Side

M

5

The Kaiser

Shaye Alone

Frank Bertolino

1/1/15

CMR

2

$9,709

$2,066

Fire Mission

G

5

Wildcat Heir

Perujia

Bailey Bolen

1/24/15

TAM

3

$23,000

$2,300

Stallwalkin'' Dude

G

5

City Place

Chelle Spendabuck

Maria M. Haire

1/19/15

AQU

3

$67,000

$6,700 $4,800

Libby''sluckycharm

F

4

Benny the Bull

Look Closely

Greg James

1/17/15

GP

3

$43,800

I Am Awesome

G

10

Awesome Again

I Certainly Am

Live Oak Stud

1/13/15

TUP

3

$9,000

$873

Movie Night

G

4

Congrats

Feature Film

Stan Boileau

1/12/15

PRX

3

$56,300

$4,950

Vexor

H

6

Wildcat Heir

Real Clever Trick

Carlos Rafael & Briggs & Cromartie Bloodstock

1/3/15

LRL

3

$52,695

$4,950

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Earngs

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

$44,500 $12,500 $12,500 $36,000 $60,000 $43,500 $12,827 $57,000

$27,500 $7,500 $7,500 $21,600 $36,000 $27,500 $7,439 $36,000

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—ALLOWANCE Win/Place/Show continued Horse Name Sum Up Wild Skye Travelers Dream Wildcat Gaze Kantune J S Bach Deland Hold Me Down

Sex Age C G G F C C C F

4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3

Sire In Summation D'wildcat Corinthian Wildcat Heir Kantharos Tale of the Cat Gottcha Gold Hold Me Back

Dam

Breeder

Roger's Sue Darian Skye Elle Runaway Sky Gazer Our Tune Ten Carat Lady Star Brook Heart Ofa Champion

SF Bloodstock David Wylie Perkins Live Oak Stud Patricia Generazio Susan Kahn Donald R. Dizney Sherry R. Mansfield & Kenneth H. Davis Rowling Oaks Farm LLC

Date 1/30/15 1/27/15 1/26/15 1/25/15 1/23/15 1/17/15 1/16/15 1/16/15

Track ID GP MVR MVR GP OP GP CMR AQU

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 65

und The Country

Florida-Breds Aro

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Florida-Breds Aro

The Country und

■FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS—ALLOWANCE Win/Place/Show continued Horse Name

Sex Age

Sire

Dam

Breeder

Date

Track ID

Off Pos

Grade/ Value

Earngs

Cool Man Walkin Well Maybe Fair Prospect Swagner Celebrategoodtimes Silver Fog Thoughtless Dreaming of Gold Replay Dream Police Abounding Legacy Alliteration Darwin''s Dream

C G C C F F F C G G C F G

3 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4

Cool Coal Man Yes It's True Exclusive Quality Maimonides Harlan's Holiday Value Plus Rockport Harbor Unbridled's Song Flatter Wildcat Heir Flashstorm Congrats Old Fashioned

Walkinforkisses Lets Dance Charlie Andria's Forest Sheazee Habiboo Hemline Whistle Call Zehoorr Andrea Gail Powerful Package Abounding Truth Royal Card Destiny's Yield

Dorothy Raffa Classic Oaks Farm BryLynn Farm Inc. Zayat Stables Hardacre Farm LLC John C. Rosselle & Dana L. Vacca Peggy S. Dellheim Norman Dellheim & Darley Rustlewood Farm Inc. Craig L. Wheeler Angela M Ingenito Northwest Stud Woodford Thoroughbreds Destiny Oaks of Ocala

1/7/15 1/3/15 1/30/15 1/29/15 1/26/15 1/25/15 1/23/15 1/23/15 1/17/15 1/16/15 1/7/15 1/4/15 1/27/15

GP SA GP OP FG GP FG GP TAM SA GP AQU MVR

1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3

$36,000 $57,000 $44,500 $60,000 $37,000 $36,000 $39,000 $41,500 $20,600 $57,000 $36,000 $60,000 $12,500

$21,600 $33,600 $8,600 $12,000 $7,400 $7,560 $7,800 $9,000 $4,600 $11,200 $7,200 $12,000 $1,250

Sierra Squall El Almirante Bon Heir Sea Warrior Unbridled Memory Deputy Dia Northern Freeway Not Guilty La Luna Rouge Luvuryan Pilatus Total Joint Just Kidding Lake of the Isles Another Chance

F C F C F G C C F F G C C F F

3 3 3 3 4 5 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4

Grand Slam Admiral's Cruise Wildcat Heir Warrior's Reward Unbridled's Song Seeking the Dia Northern Afleet Wildcat Heir Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) Artie Schiller Shakespeare Tiz Wonderful Kiss the Kid Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) Survivalist

Midway Squall La Fama Bon Lil A Sea Trippi Divine Rockette Sarah's Wish Freeway Fun Sayes Court Tori's Portia Pure and Simple Smart Sis Major's Girl Catomaria Rebellious Nature Oakshela

Donald R. Dizney 1/25/15 Santa Cruz Ranch Inc. 1/23/15 Marablue Farm LLC 1/19/15 Bridlewood Farm 1/16/15 Andy Cant & Susy Cant & Taylor Made Stallions Inc. Agent 1/16/15 Peacock Ridge 1/16/15 Liam Benson & Mayo West Farm 1/16/15 Bill Rasco & Ben-D Farm South LLC 1/15/15 George De Benedicty 1/11/15 Stuart Tsujimoto 1/11/15 William C. Schettine 1/8/15 Kinsman Farm 1/7/15 Steve Tucker 1/4/15 Firefly Farm 1/2/15 Luisa Degwitz & Ric-Deg Farm 1/1/15

GP GP OP CMR TAM SUN CT DED FG SA FG GP SA TAM LRL

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

$36,000 $41,500 $60,000 $12,827 $20,300 $20,580 $25,000 $30,240 $37,240 $57,008 $37,000 $36,000 $58,508 $20,300 $40,000

$3,600 $4,100 $6,000 $1,283 $2,300 $2,050 $2,460 $3,300 $4,070 $6,720 $4,070 $3,600 $6,720 $2,300 $4,400

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’s Association •Lonny Powell – CEO, Executive Vice President •Brock Sheridan – Editor-in-Chief •Tammy Gantt – Membership Services, Events Director, Contributing Editor, Industry and Community Affairs

Gulfstream Park •Michael Costanzo – Claims Clerk Hialeah Park •R. Peter Aiello IV – Director of Simulcasting, Track Announcer

Tampa Bay Downs •Allison DeLuca – Racing Secretary •Doug Murray – TRPB Agent

Adena Springs South •Declan Doyle – Director of Stallion Seasons & Sales

Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park •Heather Belmonte – Executive Assistant

Trainer •Todd Pletcher

66 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

Ocala Breeders’ Sales •Tom Ventura – President •Kevin Honig – Mutuels

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THE FLORIDA HORSE FARM & SERVICE DIRECTORY:

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Florida-breds Are

Built Tough

The devastating news had Withstandley reeling

but her immediate response was to investigate what could be done to save her beloved Calvin.

By SALLY MOEHRING arly last year I wrote a piece on Darksideoftheforce, a Florida-bred colt by Weekend Cruise out of R Fair Dee, by Waki Bob, bred by the Gruningers’ Cambridge Star Farm in Anthony, Fla. After a short racing career, the big dark bay started his transition to an amateur jumper.

Just before that piece was printed and shortly after qualifying for the prestigious Devon Horse Show, I learned through owner Jane Withstandley of Devon, Pa., that Darksideoftheforce – known in the arena as “Stateside” but known around the barn as “Calvin” – was very sick with an as-yet-diagnosed illness.

Calvin developed an unusual abscess. Not one to wait around, Withstandley made an appointment with nearby New Bolton Center, a facility that she had used many times in the past, each time with a successful outcome.

Veterinarians suspected that Calvin might have

E

LOUISA SHEPHARD PHOTOS

Calvin, aka Stateside, and Withstandley compete at the prestigous Devon Horse Show

68 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

strangles due to the symptoms presented and he was quickly moved to an isolation stall at James M. Moran Jr. Critical Care Center.

Tests proved negative but he was diagnosed with a rare Actinomyces bacterial infection. Medication was started.

During treatment, nodules developed underneath the skin in Calvin’s hindquarters. The area was biopsied, with a diagnosis of lymphoma.

The devastating news had Withstandley reeling but her immediate response was to investigate what could be done to save her beloved Calvin.

Treatment plans, under the guidance of Dr. Amy Johnson, assistant professor of large animal medicine at New Bolton, were discussed and the decision was to attack the disease, to treat it with chemotherapy.

Trailering-in, weekly or bi-weekly, to New Bolton Center for treatment would be on the agenda for the next nine months.

Penn veterinary graduate Angela Frimberger (VMD Diplomat, ACVIM) developed a five-drug chemo protocol.

Amazingly, although Calvin had some side effects, such as fever, his symptoms of the lymphoma were gone after the first two treatments. Withstandley kept him in light work and even showed him twice leading up to the Devon Horse Show. During this time, because of the strict drug rules imposed by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), chemotherapy was stopped for 30 days to make sure there would be no conflict with the drugs and medication program.

Although Withstandley and Calvin (showing as “Stateside”) didn’t place in their classes at Devon, they certainly made an impression with their myriad of supporters from family and friends; New Bolton veterinarians and staff, and even horse lovers that had been following Calvin through social media.

Withstandley was amazed by the outpouring of support for her and her OTTB (Off-the-Track Thoroughbred).

SallyMoehring_Calvin_Florida Horse_template 2/20/15 1:18 PM Page 69

Since then, Calvin has continued with his chemo protocol and even had a couple of setbacks when it seemed like the lymphoma was back, but in his own courageous way Calvin has fought back and has, in fact, been back out showing and winning.

When asked about her roller coaster experience with her horse over the last year Withstandley had this to say: “Sometimes I wish people could see horses through the eyes of my 3½-year-old daughter. She really loves ‘Cal.’ And I can only imagine how confused and upset she would be if I ever told her that we had to give her horse away/sell him because he was injured or sick or couldn't be used under saddle anymore.

“To her, his value is not tied to his ability to jump big jumps or win ribbons. His value is tied to the love we have for him and to all that

he gives back to us. Her face lights up when he nickers every time we walk towards his stall. She giggles and tells me how silly he is when he ‘dances’ on the cross ties while being brushed. She closes her eyes and hugs him when she pets the soft fur on his neck.

“She tells him how brave he is when he doesn’t even flinch for a shot. She gives him a pat and thanks him for a 10-minute walk around the arena. She always reminds me to buy carrots at the store. And when she is running around the yard she asks me if she is as fast as Calvin yet. He is family.”

Withstandley’s final comment says it all: “How could I not do everything in my power to try to save his life? When Calvin is gone there will be no regrets. I will know that I have done my best to provide him with a healthy and happy life.” ■

Calvin (below left) receives chemotherapy at New Bolton.

Jane Withstandley, daughter Blair and Calvin (above).

THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015 69

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FARM MANAGEMENT

Slow-release Fertilizers and the Benefits

H

ello to all. It can still be a little chilly occasionally, but the growing season is actually now almost in full swing. Proficient rain amounts this winter have been great for helping Mother Nature start pasture grass growth for the horses and livestock. Spring is also the ideal time of year

by Jamie Cohen, to get pasture management practices in order for the year.

Farm Outreach Soils should get tested to determine pH and nutrient levCoordinator els, especially if results have not been determined in the last two or three years. If needed, proper and appropriate fertilization can greatly assist forage to grow strong and stay healthy. Nutrients are required to help maintain and strengthen pastures, whether or not they are present in soil.

This is where proper fertilization can help; utilizing slow-release, or controlled-release fertilizers are a smart, pro-active management technique to help in this quest. When nutrients are in the soils and able to be utilized by grasses/plants, they will not leach or run-off into the ground and surface waters.

Recent fertilizer technology advances have resulted in new products that slowly release nutrients specifically into the root zone, improving efforts to minimize potential overall fertilizer nutrient loss from the root zone while maximizing plant uptake. Nutrient management utilizes a combination of fertilizer type, application rate, application time, and application placement. Most commonly, commercial fertilizers are water-soluble, quick-release fertilizers (QRFs). While these are predictively readily available

ent losses and increase nutrient availability because they work by slowing release or altering reactions, enabling a more ideal nitrogen supply to the plant. Ultimately, this better meets the plant’s nutrient demands and helps curtail excess nutrient loss to the ground and surface waters.

Controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) are an EEF type of which are coated with a substance (i.e. resin, wax, sulfur, or polymer) to aide in fertilization efficiency. The coatings prevent nutrients from being immediately plant available. Because of this, nutrients are released over an extended period of time, as opposed to being immediately available to the plant. Please also understand that factors such as temperature, substrate moisture level, and type and thickness of the coating can potentially affect the release rate of the CRF. Many people argue that controlled release fertilizers are too expensive to be used, so they continue using QRF’s.

There is a greater initial cost, but long-term benefits for the grasses, as well as the protection for the water, can outweigh initial purchase costs. Because controlled release fertilizers help to increase efficiency by allowing nutrients to be more correctly taken up by plants, there can be an increase in plant yield with the same rate as QRF with a DECREASE in fertilizer application rate, meaning more nutrients are taken up per unit applied. Additionally, costs vary among types of coatings, brands and companies, so a little shopping around to find better prices may prove to be time well spent.

Lastly, proper nutrient management should always include the “Four R’s” of fertilizer use: apply the right nutrient using the right rate at the right time and in the right place for the selected crop.

This theory helps fertilizer use be its most efficient. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or your local Extension agent to learn more about more efficient fertilizer practices, or to schedule a FREE, non-regulatory farm visit. As always, keep up the good management practices! ■

Proper nutrient management should always include

the “Four R’s” of fertilizer use: apply the right nutrient using the right rate at the right time and in the right place. for plants when properly placed in soil, they can become a serious problem where nutrient leaching is a serious concern. This is especially true in highly unpredictable, hileaching/flooding events, like those found with Florida’s heavy rains and hurricanes.

When compared to conventional fertilizers, enhanced efficiency fertilizers (EEFs) reduce losses to the environment and/or increase nutrient availability. Nitrogen (N), in particular, can be lost to processes such as leaching, runoff, etc.

The enhanced efficiency fertilizers are able to reduce nutri70 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

Jamie A. Cohen Farm Outreach Coordinator jamiecohen@ufl.edu • UF/ IFAS Extension Service, Marion County • 352-671-8792

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Call: 352.732.8858 www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

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PRACTICALLY SPEAKING

Horse Farm Weed Control: Myths and Misconceptions

M

any myths related to weed control in horse pastures are alive and well as evidenced by the numerous inquiries I receive each year.

The following discussion of the most common misconceptions is also available as a 30 minute video of the 2012 Florida Equine Institute available online at http://cflag.ifas.ufl.edu/FLEquine_2012.shtml.

HERBICIDES ARE TOXIC TO HORSES

It is well understood that horses are not as hardy as other pasture animals, but that does not mean they are overly sensitive to herbicides. All herbicides currently registered for use in pastures have undergone rigorous review by USEPA. The vast majority of these herbicides have no grazing restrictions for horses. Therefore, these products, when used according to the label directions, pose little if any threat to the welfare of horses. For a list of grazing restrictions, reference Table 5 in the pasture weed management guide (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wg006).

HERBICIDES ARE THE BEST ANSWER FOR WEED MANAGEMENT

It is true that herbicides can be highly effective at controlling unwanted weeds. However, herbicides are a tool and may not always be the best tool for the job.

Weed management should consist of a total system approach that employs proper grazing, fertility, mowing and herbicides. Any of these options when used alone will not likely provide the desired results, but partnering them together is a powerful strategy.

HORSE PADDOCKS ARE ALWAYS WEEDY

Not necessarily. Excessive weed growth can be the result of over-grazing. Over-grazing a pasture will weaken the desirable grasses and reduce its ability to suppress weed growth. As a rule of thumb, a pasture can properly sustain 600-700 lb. of horses per acre. Therefore, the larger your horses are, the more grazing area they will require.

The first indication that over grazing is occurring will be excessive manure on the pasture and horses grazing close to the piles. A proper stocking rate and proper fertility will ensure healthy grass that helps suppress weed growth.

72 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

HERBICIDES AND FERTILIZER CAN RESTORE MY PASTURE

It is true that weed control and fertility can jumpstart grass growth. However, it is possible to do more harm than good if herbicides and fertilizer is your chosen method. Why? Some pastures have been degraded by grazing or neglect to the point that there is very little desirable grass present. If herbicide and fertilizer are used in this situation, large areas of the pasture will be bare ground (after the weeds are killed). This can lead to soil erosion or pollution as the fertilizer washes away with no plants available to utilize the nutrients. In general, if the pasture has degraded to more than 60% weeds, the best option will likely be to remove the animals and completely renovate the pasture (tillage, reseeding, fertility and lime).

HORSE PADDOCKS NEED HEALTHY GRASS

What purpose do you need the paddock to perform? Is it there to provide nutrition or exercise? If you need nutrition, then low stocking rates, rotational grazing, and healthy grass is a must. But, if you are providing nutrition in the form of hay and other supplements and only need the area for exercise, then healthy forage grass may not be necessary. Additionally, if you have no option of lowering stocking rates, then having lush healthy forage grasses is not likely to be possible anyway. If this is the case, common bermudagrass will likely establish and should be encouraged. Usable forage will be low, but common bermudagrass is dense, holds up well under traffic, is highly competitive with weeds and very effective at stopping erosion.

There are many myths and opinions about how horse pastures should look. But knowing your options and having proper expectations can lead to a happy balance between animal and pasture welfare. â– Jason Ferrell, PhD UF/IFAS Extension Weed Specialist, IFAS Agronomy Department University of Florida

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LIKE HORSE PHOTOGRAPHER

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PLEASANT ACRES STALLIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 RACE TRACK INDUSTRY PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 THOMAS NICHOLL LAW FIRM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 WOODFORD THOROUGHBREDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

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WRIGHTS OF DEROSA

Racing is Cool

by Ed DeRosa

T

hrough the misfortune of my son’s illness I've had the good fortune to meet a lot of great people. Small talk with nurses, doctors, security guards, various therapists (respiratory, occupational, speech, etc.), social workers, Ronald McDonald Housemates, and whomever else happens to be near, helps to pass the time and has introduced me to an arena of different human experiences and backgrounds.

And I'm happy to say that I return the favor by sharing my zeal for horse racing. Even better, though, is that many seem genuinely interested in our world, including several who told me how much they enjoy going to the of racing’s races, how they wish they could go more often, and ills, and it is important for us to con- how they dream of attendtinue to discuss ways to improve our ing the Kentucky Derby sport, but for all the problems out Presented by Yum! Brands (no one actually said “prethere, spending a day at the racetrack sented by Yum! Brands,” provides some of the very best in live but I gotta remember those entertainment (especially at the price who help pay the bills).

I’m willing to allow point) for friends and family. that certain social constructs require people to humor the dad with the sick kid, but as someone who delights in reading people’s expressions (how great was Lie To Me?), I don't think people were merely being polite when the topic shifted to horse racing. I saw eyes light up, big smiles and greater eye contact when talking about my passion.

I spent many days in a place dedicated to healing sick kids, yet many people have told me how cool it is that I work in horse racing.

I mention all of this because it’s often said that racing has an image problem and has trouble attracting new fans, and while that may be true day to day, there is clearly an audience willing to enjoy the sport. How to convert the people who are interested in what I do, to actually experience what I do, is a tough question. But at least we know these people exist.

And the most encouraging thing for me about their

Insiders certainly know

74 THE FLORIDA HORSE • MARCH 2015

existence is that people’s interest clearly goes beyond the big events. Sure, the Derby is a bucket-list event for many people, but more people waxed poetic about taking the kids to see the horses run at Belterra Park than went on about fancy hats.

My aunt lives in Tucson, and she said there is a huge amount of cachet associated with running horses at Rillito Park. A Cincinnati Children’s Hospital nurse who has only been to the races at Belterra Park said her son loves the pageantry of each race with the call to post, announcing, people scrambling to bet, etc.

Having been introduced to racing at Thistledown, I can relate. I was 19 years old before I ever saw a graded race live, but I was still drawn in by the excitement of live racing, the glitz of the clubhouse, and the glamor of being in the paddock (or even better the winner’s circle!) with your horse.

Insiders certainly know of racing’s ills, and it is important for us to continue to discuss ways to improve our sport, but for all the problems out there, spending a day at the racetrack provides some of the very best in live entertainment (especially at the price point) for friends and family. Not only spreading that word, but encouraging others to do so as well could grow the sport.

One thing most of us who do this for a living have in common is that we’re in it because we love it.; the takeaway of my experience talking about racing is that word of mouth is a powerful thing, and one of the best marketing tools horse racing has at its disposal. ■ Ed DeRosa is director of marketing for Brisnet.com, the official data source of the Kentucky Derby and TwinSpires.com. Ed joined Brisnet.com in July 2011 following nine years as a writer and editor with Thoroughbred Times.

He grew up in Cleveland and learned to love horse racing while going to Thistledown with his grandfather. Ed is a diehard Indians fan, leaving him to wonder which--if either-will come first: A Triple Crown winner or an Indians world championship. Ed's favorite horses are Real Quiet, Ghostzapper, and Rachel Alexandra.

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