American Racehorse - September/October 2015

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w w w . A MERICANrace ho rs e. com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Special Retired Racehorse Issue


A Division of Center Hills Farm

CHECK OUT THE CONSIGNMENT OF MIGHTY ACRES, AGENT HERITAGE PLACE THOROUGHBRED SALE OCTOBER 4 • OKLAHOMA CITY WWW.HERITAGEPLACE.COM

BROODMARES BY: • Awesome Again • Bertrando • Birdonthewire • Dynaformer • Foxhound • Olympio • Omega Code • Our Emblem • Robyn Dancer • Saarland • Value Plus

2-YEAR-OLDS IN TRAINING BY: • The Visualiser • Toccet

YEARLINGS BY: • Discreet Cat • Dominus • Kipling • Omega Code • Save Big Money • The Visualiser • Toccet

IN FOAL TO: • It’s My Lucky Day • Kipling • Notional • The Visualiser • Toccet

BROODMARE PROSPECTS BY: • Affirmatif • Kipling • Warrior’s Reward WEANLING BY: • Save Big Money

ALL ARE ACCREDITED OKLAHOMA-BREDS

Previews available at the farm before the sale, contact Randy Blair at Mighty Acres. Mighty Acres

675 W. 470 Rd. • Pryor, Oklahoma 74361 Phone: 918-825-4256 • Cell: 918-271-2266 • Fax: 918-825-4255 www.mightyacres.com



WHY RACE IN INDIANA?

More than six months of consecutive racing with 120 race days at Indiana Grand from April 21 through October 31

Indiana Grand is a world-class racing and gaming facility with a renowned dirt and turf course

In 2014, Thoroughbreds in Indiana ran for total purses of $24.4 million with an average purse per race of more than $25,600

There are 37 Thoroughbred stakes events in Indiana worth more than $4 million in 2015, including the $500,000 Indiana Derby (G2) and $200,000 Indiana Oaks (G2) Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (317) 709-1100 • info@itoba.com • itoba.com


my golden song Unbridled’s Song – Golden Par, by Gold Meridian

Benoit Photo

Sire of TWO graded stakes winners: Grade 2 winner and Grade 1-placed THEGIRLINTHATSONG ($479,945) and Grade 3 winner FIFTYSHADESOFGOLD ($420,521)

thegirlinthatsong – G2

early flyer Reed Palmer Photography/Churchill Downs

Gilded Time – Bistra, by Classic Go Go

Sire of EIGHT stakes horses in 2015 alone, including HE’S COMIN IN HOT, winner of the Grade 3 Bashford Manor at Churchill Downs

he’s comin in hot – G3

Silver City Unbridled’s Song – Proposal, by Mt. Livermore

Steve Queen

Sire of SEVEN-time stakes winner PROMISE ME SILVER, an earner of $440,415 and winner of the Grade 3 Eight Belles Stakes at Churchill Downs

promise me silver – G3

ALSO STANDING CROSSBOW

Bernardini – Forest Heiress, by Forest Wildcat Look for his first crop on the track in 2016

JET PHONE Phone Trick – Jet Route, by Alydar The sire of four stakes horses from his first 19 starters The Estate of Clarence Scharbauer, Jr. Ken Carson, General Manager Donny Denton, Farm Manager • David Unnerstall, Attending Veterinarian Post Office Box 966 • Pilot Point, Texas 76258 (940) 686-5552 • Fax (940) 686-2179 www.valorfarm.com • www.facebook.com/valor.farm


ABOUT AMERICAN RACEHORSE

American Racehorse (formerly Southern Racehorse) covers Thoroughbred racing and breeding in the Southwest, Midwest and Midsouth regions. The magazine reaches more than 6,000 readers and is mailed to all members of the following associations: • Alabama Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association • Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Horsemen’s Association • Colorado Thoroughbred Breeders Association • Georgia Horse Racing Coalition • Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association • Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association • Michigan Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association • North Carolina Thoroughbred Association • Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma • South Carolina Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association • Texas Thoroughbred Association • Plus more than 1,200 Louisiana horsemen.

For more information or to inquire about advertising, contact Denis Blake at (512) 695-4541 or visit www.americanracehorse.com.

CONNECT WITH AMERICAN RACEHORSE HHH

Online: www.americanracehorse.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/americanracehorse Twitter: @AmerRacehorse Email: info@americanracehorse.com Phone/Text: (512) 695-4541 • Fax: (512) 870-9324 Published by Pangaea Enterprises LLC d/b/a American Racehorse American Racehorse P.O. Box 8645 • Round Rock, TX 78683 Physical Address American Racehorse 1341 Meadowild Drive • Round Rock, TX 78664 Editor/Publisher Denis Blake • info@americanracehorse.com Senior Art Director Amie Rittler • arittler3@gmail.com Graphic Designer Julie Kennedy • julie@digitalcitydesigns.com Copyeditor Judy Marchman Contributors Mary Cage Rick Capone Annie Johnson

Jen Roytz Dr. Katie A. Seabaugh Photographers Benoit Photo Coady Photography Mary Cage Terri Cage Photography Rick Capone Adam Coglianese Linda Earley Traci Hoops imagehounds/K.Carmona Steve Heuertz Judy Jones Linscott Photography Dustin Orona Photography Jen Roytz Cover Photo Terri Cage Photography

Copyright © 2015 American Racehorse All rights reserved. Articles may not be reprinted without permission. American Racehorse reserves the right to refuse any advertising or copy for any reason. American Racehorse makes a reasonable attempt to ensure that advertising claims are truthful but assumes no responsibility for the truth and accuracy of ads.

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AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015


WHAT’S INSIDE

American

Racehorse September/ October 2015

29

Thoroughbreds find work away from the track

Departments

41 Grade 1 winner

Editor’s Letter Fast Furlongs State Association News The Marketplace Classifieds

Bonapaw is an Old Friend

6 10 18 58

Features Racehorse Retirement: Will You Know What to Do When It’s Time? 29 Options abound for placing Thoroughbreds into a second career after the track Golden Horse 36 Texas-bred transitions from the track to the barrels

50

Painting a Pharoah

The Ride of a Lifetime Louisiana legend Bonapaw is still enjoying life at Old Friends in Kentucky

41

Good Fortune Fate smiles on both horse and human

47

Painting History Artist Thomas Allen Pauly captures the glory of American Pharoah

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American Racehorse Stakes Roundup A review of the state-bred and restricted stakes winners, plus horses bred in the region who won open company stakes

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AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 5


Editor’s letter This issue marks the third anniversary of American Racehorse magazine, which started out as Southern Racehorse covering Texas and Oklahoma. Thanks to the support of the horsemen in those two states, particularly the staff and boards of the Texas Thoroughbred Association and Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma, the magazine hit the ground running and before long added more states, which necessitated the name change. The most recent additions bring the magazine into the Midwest, as we will now cover the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry in Indiana, Iowa and Michigan, and members of the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and Michigan Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association will receive a subscription. We are pleased to have expanded into those states and hope to add a few more to blanket that region. This issue also marks a slight departure from our normal magazine—you will still find all the same racing, breeding and sales news from the 12 states we now cover—but this edition features a special focus on retired racehorses, or off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs). I’m not sure when that OTTB acronym came into being, but if you had asked me 10 years ago what that meant, I probably would have assumed you meant off-track betting. To the credit of the industry and the horsemen who make it so great, the dilemma of what to do with racehorses after they leave the track (or if they never make it to the track) is now a top priority. That wasn’t the case in the not-too-distant past. That’s good news for the horses, and for horse racing in general, as we can ride the wave of good publicity generated by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah while knowing that things are always improving for the horses who are not quite as fast as him. We have tried to feature at least one article on an OTTB in every issue, but this one offers much more with several stories about individual horses and a look at some of the careers OTTBs can tackle. We hope you enjoy the special theme of this issue, and we look forward to continuing to bring the unique stories of both active and retired racehorses for many years to come. As always, if you have a story idea, suggestion or concern about the magazine, please contact us at any time. Sincerely, Denis Blake Editor/Publisher

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AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

American Racehorse Advertisers Index 7S Racing Stables....................................... 59 Arkansas-bred Yearlings for Sale.............. 58 Arkansas Breeders’ Sales Company........ 49 The Art of Horse Racing............................. 58 Asmussen Horse Center................. 26, 27, 58 ATBA Fall Yearling and Mixed Sale........... 13 Biomedical Research Laboratories............ 7 Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana.... 57 Channon Farm LLC.................................... 59 Cinder Lakes Ranch................................... 15 Cytowave............................................. 16, 17 Diamond D Ranch..................................... 24 Equine Sales Company............................. 40 EuroXciser.................................................... 58 Equiwinner................................................... 11 Finish Line Horse Products Inc..................... 9 Foal to Yearling Halter............................... 58 Harmony Training Center.......................... 53 Heritage Place......................................... IBC Indiana Thoroughbred Owners & Breeders Assoc. .................................... 2, 8 Inside Move................................................ 58 ITOBA Fall Mixed Sale................................. 46 JEH Stallion Station.................................... BC Lane’s End Texas.......................................... 1 Mallory Farm............................................... 58 Michigan Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Assoc................................ 46 Mighty Acres..............................................IFC NTRA/John Deere....................................... 25 palaMOUNTAINS......................................... 45 Pancho Villa Mare Wanted...................... 59 Paradise Farm Inc...................................... 59 Red Earth Training Center......................... 39 Rockin’ Z Ranch......................................... 60 Santa Fe Horse Transport..................... 28, 58 Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma........................................... 38 Valor Farm..................................................... 3


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ILLEGAL DOPING MEETS ITS MATCH Trainers Praise Natural Alternative By: Mark Hansen

The pressure to win is so enormous that many horsemen resort to whatever it takes to get a piece of the purse or a decent sale…even if it means putting their horses’ lives in mortal danger by doping them with illegal synthetic erythropoietin (EPO) drugs to boost endurance. Veterinarian Gary Smith said, “It’s a problem all over the industry. There is no way horses should be put on (synthetic) EPO.” So how do racers win? How do you gain a competitive edge without harming your horses or risking your livelihood? The answer may be found in a safe all-natural horse supplement that supports natural EPO function. Why is EPO boosting so critical? Just like in people, a horse’s muscles require oxygen for fuel. Red blood cells are the body’s oxygen-carrying cells. A higher red blood cell count = more oxygen = more muscle energy. Elevated muscle energy helps the horse perform harder, faster and longer during endurance events. All horses naturally produce EPO in their kidneys to stimulate production of new red blood cells from bone marrow. In short, EPO is a natural “blood builder.” With EPO doping, trainers try to boost the EPO effect to get a winning performance every time. They use a synthetic EPO (recombinant human EPO), even though the side effects can harm the horse. That’s one reason why it’s illegal. Fortunately there’s another option. EPOEquine® is a safe, highly effective natural dietary supplement scientifically engineered for performance horses. A Kentucky trainer who refused to give out his name, said, “I don’t want my competition to know about this.” He found EPO-Equine® to be

so effective that he’s dead set against disclosing who he is, who his horses are, or even where he trains and races. He first started ordering a single jar of EPO-Equine® once a month. Now he’s ordering several CASES each month. And he won’t tell BRL exactly why. He said respectfully, “Sorry – no way.” Bioengineers at U.S. based Biomedical Research Laboratories (BRL), first discovered a completely natural EPO-booster for human athletes (and it’s working miracles for top athletes and amateurs around the world). Seeing these results, horse trainers contacted BRL and asked about using this natural formula for their animals. That’s when the BRL team dug deeper and discovered a proprietary, horse-friendly strain of a common herb that promotes optimal bloodbuilding results. EPO-Equine® is based on the blood-boosting abilities of a certain strain of Echinacea that’s astounding researchers and trainers alike. (It’s not a strain you can find at the local health store.) Veterinarians at the Equine Research Centre in Ontario, Canada ran a double-blind trial investigating the blood building properties of the active ingredient in EPO-Equine® in healthy horses. For 42 days, one group of horses was supplemented with the active ingredient in EPOEquine® and another group of horses was given a placebo. The supplement delivered significant blood building results, increasing red blood cell count and hemoglobin levels. Researchers also observed improved blood quality and increased oxygen transport in the supplemented horses. Improved blood levels leads to elevated exercise physiology and performance. The patent-pending formula in EPO-Equine® contains a dozen different herbs, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components combined to promote natural red blood cell production…for remarkable speed, strength and stamina right out of the gate. Trainers find it easy to add just 1 scoop (3.2 grams) of EPO-Equine® to the horse’s daily feeding routine in the barn or on the road. Within a few weeks of daily use, you can expect to see increased red blood cell levels with no undesirable side effects. An increase in red blood cell levels can improve muscle performance, supercharge endurance, and enhance recovery after hard exercise. Nothing else is scientifically proven to deliver these benefits in a completely safe and natural formula. Compared to the cost of veterinarians, drugs, icing, tapping the knees, and putting the horse on Bute; or even the consequences of being banned for synthetic doping, EPOEquine® is very affordable at the low price of just $59.95 per jar. Or save $180 if you are ready to commit to a larger trial of 12-jar case for just $539.55 with FREE shipping. EPOEquine® can be ordered at www.EPOEquine.com or 1-800-557-9055, and comes with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee.


WHY BREED IN INDIANA?

The Indiana Breed Development Fund totaled $10.3 million in awards and purses in 2014

Indiana-bred and -sired maidens and allowance horses run for approximately $35,000 per race

In 2015, there will be 26 stakes for Indiana-bred or -sired horses with four offering purses of $150,000-guar. and 20 for $85,000-added

Over the past three years, Indiana-breds won or placed in stakes from coast to coast at Gulfstream Park, Woodbine, Monmouth Park, Colonial Downs, Hollywood Park, Oaklawn Park, Canterbury Park, Turfway Park, Hazel Park, Arapahoe Park, Mountaineer Park, Ocala Training Center and more

Increased sire power with approximately 75 stallions standing in the state



fastfurlongs Remington Park Announces Purse Increase to Open Season, Berry to be Celebrated Remington Park announced an across the board 10 percent increase in overnight purses, just days ahead of the opening weekend of the 2015 Thoroughbred season that began August 14. The 67-date season continues through December 13 and will feature a meet-long salute to retiring jockey Cliff Berry. The Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma (TRAO) approved the increase for all overnight purses, effective with the first night of racing. The boost in purses will place Remington Park at an estimated $230,000 for daily average purse distribution. Open company maiden special weight races will now be worth $33,000. Maiden special weight races for Oklahomabreds will increase to $42,750. Open allowance company races will now be worth $44,000. “We are ecstatic to see horse racing in Oklahoma as strong as it’s ever been,” said Danielle Barber, executive director of the TRAO. “During a period in our industry when declines have become an unfortunate trend, we are proud to be moving the purses at Remington Park in a positive direction.” Since Global Gaming purchased the track in 2010, Cliff Berry increases in pari-mutuel handle during the Thoroughbred season have become the norm. The developments are a result of the revitalization of the facility and grounds, along with new marketing initiatives. “We’ve grown our relationship with TVG through a sponsorship agreement for several years now which has helped in getting our racing product out to core ADW players,” noted Matt Vance, vice president 10

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

of operations at Remington Park. “Since TVG’s acquisition of HRTV last year, the nightly racing schedule has been revamped and will now include Remington Park on HRTV regularly beginning this season. We are pleased to see our racing go into even more homes with the addition of HRTV broadcasting.” Berry, 52, of Jones, Oklahoma, has determined this Remington Park season will be his final in the saddle. The all-time leading Thoroughbred rider at the Oklahoma City track with 2,078 victories, Berry will put the finish on a career that has included more than 4,400 wins and nearly $66 million in earnings. He is also the all-time leading rider at Lone Star Park with 1,072 wins and five riding titles. In honor of his career and accomplishments, Remington Park will present “A Berry Special Season” celebrating Berry’s final months of raceriding with promotions to engage fans throughout the meeting. The salute will also include “Cliff Berry Night” on Saturday, December 12. The season-long promoCoady Photography tion will reward racing guests based on the success Berry has during his final meet. Basically, when Berry wins, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the victory with cash and other prizes. The promotion will change slightly each month. Race dates where Berry wins multiple races will include prizes for all in attendance. The prize-winning begins on nights once Berry has posted his third win on the program.


s

Oaklawn Boosts 3-Year-Old Stakes Purses The strongest Triple Crown prep schedule in the country just got even stronger for 2016. Oaklawn Park, where American Pharoah launched the first successful Triple Crown campaign in 37 years, has made several enhancements to its 2016 stakes schedule––most notably increasing the purse of the Rebel Stakes (G2) from $750,000 to $900,000. American Pharoah dominated both the Rebel and $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) en route to his Triple Crown success this year. Oaklawn also increased the purse of the Southwest Stakes (G3) from $300,000 to $500,000. When coupled with the $150,000 Smarty Jones Stakes, Oaklawn now offers more than $2.5 million in stakes purses for 3-year-olds with Triple Crown aspirations. “It’s amazing to think of how far our 3-year-old stakes program has come over the last dozen years,” Director of Racing David Longinotti said. “The Rebel’s purse was $125,000 in 2003 and is now the richest prep in March. Thanks to the success of our overall business plan, we’ve been able to deliver on the promises we made to our racing fans several years ago. Our goal has always been to bring the highest quality of racing to Arkansas. This is a testament to that commitment.” Since 2004, when champion Smarty Jones won the Southwest, Rebel and Arkansas Derby before victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, Oaklawn’s 3-year-old stakes program has produced eight horses that have accounted for 12 Triple Crown race

victories. In addition to Smarty Jones and American Pharoah, this list also includes dual Classic winner Afleet Alex, two-time Horse of the Year Curlin and champion 3-year-olds Summer Bird and Lookin’ at Lucky. Oaklawn has also significantly boosted purses for several of its key stakes for older horses, highlighted by the Oaklawn Handicap (G2), which was increased from $600,000 to $750,000 for 2016. The Razorback Handicap (G3), the last local prep for the Oaklawn Handicap, was increased $50,000 to $300,000. The boosts to the Oaklawn Handicap, which shares the card with the Arkansas Derby, and the Razorback, which is part of the Rebel Day undercard, help create two of the richest days in Oaklawn history. Rebel Day will feature $1.5 million in stakes purses and Arkansas Derby Day will feature $2 million in stakes purses. Other significant changes to the 2016 stakes schedule include a $100,000 increase to the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3), which will now be worth $400,000. The Carousel Stakes for older female sprinters received a $50,000 boost to $150,000. In addition, all five Arkansasbred stakes were raised $25,000 to $100,000, and the Northern Spur and Instant Racing Stakes, which share the card with the Oaklawn Handicap and Arkansas Derby on closing day, April 16, were both increased $25,000 to $125,000. Oaklawn’s 2016 meet begins January 15.

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 11


ff Lone Star Park Posts Gains in Attendance Amid record rainfall, which caused record race cancellations, Lone Star Park concluded its 19th spring Thoroughbred racing season with increases in both attendance and total on-track wagering. Attendance during the meet, which was conducted over 50 dates between April 9 and July 19, increased 4.8 percent to 366,720, compared to 349,396 during the 50-date 2014 season. Average daily attendance was 7,325 compared to 6,988 a year ago. A total of 16.96 inches of rain fell in June, shattering the previous record of 13.66 recorded in May 1982, according to the National Weather Service. A total of 26.47 inches fell in the area during the months of April through June. “Having to endure record-breaking rainfall, which forced us to cancel part of our live race cards several times, the rise in attendance is encouraging,” President and General Manager Scott Wells said. “The increased numbers are a testament that fans are pleased with the experience they have here. I give credit to our exceptional team of employees who do everything within their power to create winning experiences for our guests. “Our live handle suffered not only from cancelled races caused by the deluge, but numerous scheduled turf races that had to be transferred to the main track. Late scratches reduce field sizes, making those races less attractive to bettors.” On-track wagering on the live product was down 11.1 percent to $12.2 million compared to last year’s total of $13.7 million. Total on-track simulcast wagering showed a positive gain, rising 7.6 percent to $26.7 million compared to the $24.8 million wagered in 2014. The on-track wagering total including both live and simulcast rose 1 percent to $38.9 million versus $38.5 million last year. Daily averages were $777,677 compared to $770,129 one year ago. Overall, there was a 3.1 percent decline in all-sources wagering with $67.6

million wagered during the meet as opposed to $69.7 million wagered in 2014. On the track, a total of 3,581 starters competed in 447 races compared to 3,774 runners in 458 races during the 2014 meeting. Average field size was 8.1 compared to 8.2 from last year, a decrease of 5.1 percent. Average daily purses were $140,099 compared to $142,729, a 1.8 percent decrease. The local riding title went to a new face at Lone Star, C.J. McMahon. The 20-year-old Louisiana native won 95 races from 284 starts. His mounts won a total of $985,127. This was McMahon’s first-ever riding title. Finishing in second with 53 wins from 198 starts was Lone Star Park’s alltime winningest jockey, Cliff Berry. This was his last season to compete at the Grand Prairie track as he announced he will retire from his riding career at the end of 2015. Berry rode his first winner during Lone Star Park’s inaugural Thoroughbred season aboard a horse named Ifihadawishforyou. That was on April 18, 1997. During his Lone Star Park career, he has ridden a total of 5,422 races at the Grand Prairie track, winning 1,028 of them. Trainer Karl Broberg of Arlington, Texas, won his second consecutive title. From a total of 167 starters, Broberg’s horses made 66 trips to the winner’s circle. Broberg’s stable won a total of $610,531 for the meet. A new record was reached for single season wins by an owner. Danny Keene of Greenville, Texas, won a total of 38 races from 140 starters, posting earnings of $495,034. This was Keene’s third consecutive title at the track. The previous record of 37 wins by an owner was set in 2010 by Tom Durant. Majestic City, winner of the Grade 3, $200,000 Lone Star Park Handicap, was voted Champion Horse of the Meeting. Champion Texas-bred of the Meet honors went to Texas Air, who won the Grade 3, $200,000 Texas Mile. Get in Da House, who was a perfect 4-for-4 at the meet, was voted Champion Claiming Horse.

Equine Sales Company and Evangeline Downs Announce New Sales Stakes Equine Sales Company and Evangeline Downs in July announced an extended partnership that creates two new 3-year-old stakes for sales graduates to be run at the Opelousas, Louisiana, racetrack. The new stakes will offer divisions for fillies and colts/geldings at $75,000 apiece, and will first be contested in spring 2016 in conjunction with Equine Sales’ 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, which is also held in Opelousas. “With our sales pavilion being located so close to Evangeline Downs, we think this partnership is a win-win for everyone involved, including the horsemen,” said Foster Bridewell, sales director for Equine Sales. “We purposefully designated this race for 3-year-olds as opposed to 2-year-olds to give owners and trainers another racing opportunity on what is already a great stakes schedule at Evangeline. We believe this combined effort will help achieve our goal of having the premier in-training sale in the region.” The stakes will be restricted to graduates of any of the three Equine Sales Company auctions held each year: the 2-year-old sale in the spring, 12

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

consignor select yearling sale in late summer and open yearling/mixed sale in the fall. The race will be open to all sale graduates, no matter what state they were bred in. Graduates of the 2015 Stars of Tomorrow 2-year-old sale at Evangeline will also be eligible for the 2016 races, but that auction will no longer be held in the future. “We are excited to be working with Equine Sales Company in making the future sales and stake races successful for horsemen,” said Chris Warren, director of racing for Evangeline Downs and Delta Downs. “We believe we are moving in a very positive direction.” In addition to the 2-year-old auction and the sales stakes being held on the same weekend next spring, Evangeline Downs will host a gala at the track for all horsemen and those involved in the sale. Additional details and dates for the auction and sales stakes will be announced later this year.


Breyer to Produce American Pharoah Model Horse

Coady Photography/Breyer

Breyer Animal Creations has announced it will honor Thoroughbred racing’s first Triple Crown champion in 37 years, American Pharoah, with a Breyer portrait model. Owned by Zayat Stable LLC and trained by Bob Baffert, American Pharoah and jockey Victor Espinoza had a hard-fought win in the Kentucky Derby, returned two weeks later to persevere over a sloppy track and torrential storm in the Preakness Stakes and came down the homestretch of the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes in New York to a grandstand erupting in cheers as the pair succeeded where 13 Triple Crown hopefuls before them had failed, executing–––in the second-fastest time (2:26.65) since Secretariat–––a wire-to-wire win by 5 1/2 lengths. In that moment, American Pharoah became only the 12th horse in racing history, and the first since Affirmed in 1978, to earn the title Triple Crown Champion. The American Pharoah Traditional 1:9 scale model captures him at full gallop as if reaching for the finish line, in rich semi-gloss tones of deep bay with black points and grey hooves, and expressive, hand-detailed attention to the eyes and muzzle. True to every detail, the model also bears his distinctive tail. There will also be a Stablemates scale (1:32) model and an American Pharoah holiday ornament. New sculptures of the colt are currently in progress. The packaging will feature a photo of American Pharoah winning the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn shot by Coady Photography, the official track photographer at the Arkansas track and numerous others around the region. “This is a huge honor,” said Kurtis Coady. “We were thrilled when Breyer contacted us about using our photos from the Arkansas Derby.” Models will be available at breyerhorses.com and toy stores and tack shops nationwide.

Advertising in American Racehorse is easy and affordable! To find out more, go to americanracehorse.com, send an email to info@americanracehorse.com or call (512) 695-4541. AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 13


ff Regional Stallions Represented by First Winners As 2-year-old racing kicked into high gear around the region several stallions recorded their first winners, including Euroears (Oklahoma), Kennedy (Oklahoma), Native Ruler (Iowa) and Silver Mountain (Indiana). In the Oklahoma stallion ranks, Euroears jumped to the top of the firstcrop sire list with two early winners. First up was Eurodevilwoman, a Texasbred filly owned by Jerry Caroom who won a maiden special weight contest at first asking on July 11 at Lone Star Park. Bred by Mike Neatherlin and conditioned by Jack Van Berg, Eurodevilwoman sold for $3,000 at the FasigTipton Texas 2-year-olds in training sale. On the first night of the Remington Park meet, Eurofast Boy also won his debut against Oklahoma-bred maiden special weights. The colt won for breeder, owner and trainer Jim Helzer, who also stands the millionaire Langfuhr stallion at his JEH Stallion Station in Purcell, Oklahoma. Kennedy, an A.P. Indy stallion standing at Dr. Robert Zoellner’s Rockin’ Z Ranch in Beggs, Okalhoma, got his first winner when the Oklahoma-bred

gelding D J Max took a maiden race at Prairie Meadows on July 31. Bred by Zoellner, owned by Big Sugar Racing LLC and trained by Timothy Martin, D J Max sold for $4,000 at Carter Sales Company’s OKC Summer Sale. Iowa stallion Native Ruler of Abraham’s Equine Clinic in Cedar Rapids has recorded two winners in his young stallion career including stakes-placed Native Princess. The Iowa-bred filly, who runs for breeders Richard Bremer and Cheryl Sprick, broke her maiden July 4 at Prairie Meadows and then hit the board in the Prairie Gold Lassie Stakes against open company and the Iowa Sorority Stakes against state-breds. She is trained by Chris Richard. Native Ruler is a multiple stakes-winning son of Elusive Quality. South Fork Creek Stables Inc.’s Indiana-bred Big Silver Hoss rolled to a maiden special weight victory on August 23 at Presque Isle Downs to become the first winner for stallion Silver Mountain. A graded stakes-placed son of Victory Gallop, Silver Mountain stands at Nicks Farm near Sellersburg, Indiana.

Carter Sales Company Records Strong Numbers at OKC Summer Sale The Carter Sales Co.’s OKC Summer Sale saw a 15 percent jump in the median on August 16 as the auction recorded figures mostly on par with last year’s record-setting sale. The average of $8,517 was just shy of the record average $8,863 set last year. From 73 horses offered, 47 sold this year for a total of $400,300 with a median of $6,000. The buyback rate was 36 percent. “Our market was bolstered by the just announced 10 percent purse increase at Remington Park,” said Sales Manager Terri Carter. The across the board increase became effective when the meet opened two days before the sale. “Maiden special weights are running for $42,750. That increases my buyback rate, but that also makes these horses worth more money,” Carter added. “Scott Wells [Remington’s GM] and the Chickasaws are doing such a good job. They worked with TRAO [Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma] to get the purse increase and the improvements to the facility are incredible. Remington is a world-class facility and continues to put our state in the national spotlight. Even

though these purses make owners want to keep them and run them, we had more horses this year than ever at the $15,000 to $20,000 level.” Henry Thilmony of Minneapolis, Minnesota, took home the $27,500 sale topper, an Oklahoma-bred Country Day colt out of the Not For Love mare Love in Paris. Leading consignor Buena Madera prepared the colt for James and Tracy Strachan. Buena Madera had gross sales of $113,700. Mighty Acres was the second-leading consignor at $98,500. Eureka Thoroughbreds presented the second-highest seller, a $22,000 Kentucky-bred Shackleford colt out of the Tiznow mare Tizmeanttobe, bought by Redtail Ridge Racing Stables. “This is the ninth year for this sale, and we had two of the Oklahoma champions this year,” Carter said. “We had the champion 2-year-old filly Zealous Vision and the champion sprinter Dancing Diva. We’ve also had two recent Iowa Stallion Stakes winners. We are doing what we set out to do and our horses can compete on the highest levels.” For complete results, go to cartersalesco.com.

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AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015



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HOW CYTOWAVE WORKS Cytowave uses Superconductive Quantum Interference Device technology to measure the waveforms for healthy and unhealthy tissues a complex formula is used to balance the healthy and unhealthy waveforms for soft, dense, hard and nerve tissues. !The balanced, healing signals for each tissue type are similar to the healing signal transmitted naturally by the body. They are stored in the Cytowave controller unit. !Each treatment program starts with an initial signal to reduce inflammation, followed by the appropriate combination of signals to promote healing of the specific tissue type being treated. !These signals are transmitted into the tissue with a mild electromagnetic energy (about 1/3 the strength of a refrigerator magnet). !All treatment programs are 60 minutes. The “inflammation only” programs are 30 minutes. Treatments need to be applied every day to continue reducing inflammation and accelerate healing of the tissue.

WHAT CYTOWAVE USERS ARE SAYING “We’ve used Cytowave most effectively for tendon injuries, some suspensory branch injuries. It’s been very helpful.” Tim Ober, DVM Head Veterinarian - US Olympic Equestrian Team Over ten of Dr. Ober’s clients rent the Cytowave Therapy System

“It’s not a miracle...but it’s getting close.” Barry Eisaman, DVM Thoroughbred racehorse owner and trainer. Owns an estimated 250 racehorses. “It most definitely takes the horse’s pain away faster than normal. When the swelling goes away, all the cardinal signs of inflammation - heat, swelling, loss of function and pain - disappear at an accelerated rate.” Jon Allen, DVM CYTOWAVE LLC

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State Association News Alabama HBPA News Special Session Update Alabama Governor Robert Bentley has called a special session regarding a balanced state budget plan. Legislation to create a state lottery and legalize casino-style gambling, being touted as a cure for the state’s financial ills, has been approved by the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee on a 6-2 vote. The bill will now go to the full Senate, where it is still considered very controversial. A nonprofit foundation created by business interests to push the bill is headed by former Auburn football coach Pat Dye, who was quoted as saying, “The long-term needs of state government, the education needs of the state would all be helped by taxing gambling.” As of this writing, we have dispersed $8,800 in Alabama-bred supplemental purse funds. That leaves us with a balance of $11,200 on a firstcome, first-served basis. Keep the notifications coming in, either by email to nancy.m.delony@ms.com or by phone to (205) 969-7048. If you know of someone running an Alabama-bred, pass the information on.

Alabama Horsewoman Finds Second Careers for Thoroughbreds It all starts with a glimmer of hope that the Thoroughbred foal a breeder delivers into the world will be a future Kentucky Derby winner. But considering only one horse from approximately 22,000 foaled each year will make it to that coveted winner’s circle at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May, to most, it’s just an unrealized lifelong dream. That’s where Elaine Carroll of Bar-El Farm in Montgomery, Alabama, comes into the picture. She brings home some of the Thoroughbreds that aren’t Kentucky Derby caliber. These off-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) come to Carroll’s farm when their racing careers are over. Many retired racehorses are sound but are just not fast enough to compete successfully on the track any longer. Carroll re-trains these OTTBs for second careers in show jumping, eventing, fox hunting, dressage and trail riding, among other disciplines. Carroll makes several trips a year to the Louisiana tracks, inspecting and choosing horses that she feels have potential in second careers. Because of the connections she has made in the breeding and racing industry there, she is able to visit the stable area Elaine Carroll helps retired racehorses at that is restricted to her Bar-El Farm in Montgomery, Alabama. horsemen licensed by the state racing commission. “Most of the horses that come here are bred and raced by Marcia Lamarche and Lora Pitre,” she said. “I’m always excited about Mrs. Lamarche’s horses because they are sound, have good brains and are easy to re-train.” The horses Carroll chooses on these trips then go to her farm for re-training. Once a horse just off the track comes to Bar-El Farm, it 18

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

usually is given about one or two weeks to adjust to its new life away from the track. The horses usually settle into a routine very quickly. Depending on the individual, some are lunged for about a week or so and then started under saddle. Once under saddle, they start a lot of slow, methodical work. They learn how to stand to be mounted, walk quietly, trot, canter both ways and how to bend and be supple going both directions. Ground poles are introduced, and then jumps are slowly added. “I haven’t had a horse here who didn’t enjoy jumping,” Carroll said. “Most of our horses go on to eventing careers and have done very well. These are not finished horses but have had enough basics to go on to continue their training. The clients range from ages 14 to mid40s, experienced young riders to professionals.” Once an OTTB is advanced enough in its re-training, Carroll seeks potential buyers that will be the perfect match. She matches a person with a horse based on personality, wants and needs. “It’s very important to me, along with the previous breeder/owner/ trainer, that these horses are placed in homes that have the horse’s welfare in their best interest,” she added. “I have been very fortunate to be able to do that and have made several friends who still stay in contact with me about their horse. I have had some amazing horses come here. They all have a piece of my heart.” One special horse Carroll had named Earthquake ended up as her personal horse after race retirement. Bred and raced in Louisiana by Maximo Lamarche and Federico Del Toro, he was re-trained and then competed by Bar-El Farm’s main rider Sallie Johnson. Unfortunately, Carroll lost him to colic. “Sallie and I were devastated,” she said. “He had such an eventing career ahead of him, so much talent.” Even now it’s hard for Carroll to talk about him, and Sallie still rides with his name engraved on her saddle. Shortly after Earthquake’s death, Carroll’s good friend Lora Pitre of Peach Lane Farms in Louisiana found Earthquake’s weanling brother, purchased him and gave him to Carroll as a gift. Now a 3-year-old, he is at Bar-El, and Carroll has high hopes for him. OTTBs are quickly becoming known worldwide for being versatile, sturdy and willing to please. Thoroughbreds are more than the “first

Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Horsemen’s Association News Sale Set for November, Higher Purses on Tap at Oaklawn Frank Newman of the Arkansas Breeders’ Sales Company is conducting a Thoroughbred sale in Hot Springs on November 29. This is a perfect time for breeders and owners to sell their horses, especially 2-year-olds in training. And, if you’re a buyer, you can get a 2-year-old in training and race it at Oaklawn Park during the 2016 live meet. Restricted Arkansas-bred stakes purses have been raised to $100,000 each beginning in 2016. It wasn’t that long ago that restricted stakes purses were $50,000 each, so we are excited to announce this substantial purse increase. In addition to the increased purses, we optimistically anticipate increases in the incentive awards percentages that will be paid in 2016 to the owners of registered Arkansas-breds at Oaklawn, the breeders of registered Arkansas-breds and the owners of Arkansas Thoroughbred


Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association News Fall Mixed Sale Set for October 25

stallions. These increases are a direct result of the amounts deposited into the purse and awards fund by Oaklawn from which annual incentive awards are paid to our breeders, owners and stallion owners. The amount Oaklawn pays is calculated based on the handle on live racing, simulcast racing, Instant Racing, electronic games of skill (EGS) and advance deposit wagering. So, since Oaklawn’s gaming expansion opened in January 2015 and EGS will have operated for most of those 12 months with 50 percent more games and 50 percent more fun, the total EGS handle in 2015 should be more than that of previous years. The word “increase” is the word we look for in every category. It all begins with the purse and the handle, then deposits into the purse and awards fund, and ends with the percentages paid out in incentive awards. It’s like a chain reaction of amounts, deposits and payments, all of which are vital to the Arkansas Thoroughbred industry.

Fusaichi Pegasus Colt Tops Colorado Yearling Sale The average and median prices improved modestly at the Silver Cup Yearling Sale, conducted by the Colorado Thoroughbred Breeders Association, on August 8 at Arapahoe Park. Top seller Way Out West is a Colorado-bred son of Fusaichi Pegasus out of the stakes-winning Bianconi mare Labar. Kent Bamford and Randy Patterson signed the ticket for the colt, consigned by Menoken Farms, for $24,500. Nye Brookover purchased the runner-up, a colt by first-crop local sire Tulsa Te, and a half-brother to R Dub, a 2-year-old local stakes winner of $60,000. Breeder Willard Burbach consigned the colt. Burbach also offered the top-selling filly, another Colorado-bred Tulsa Te product out of the stakes-producing Indian Charlie mare Charlie’s Haze. Jessie T went to top buyer Annette Bishop for $19,000. Of 46 horses offered, 33 sold for a total of $200,900 with an average of $6,088, up 2.5 percent from 2014 when 43 horses averaged $5,937. Median price increased to $4,500, up 21 percent from the previous year. The buyback rate dropped from 33 percent to 28 percent. All horses in the sale are eligible for next year’s Silver Cup Futurity at Arapahoe Park. This year’s sales stakes were won by R Dub (by Fort Prado), a $20,000 purchase who won the $40,645 colts and geldings division, and Make Us Famous (Successful Appeal), a $7,100 purchase who captured the $40,815 fillies race. For complete sale results, go to cotba.com.

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Tiz Shea D Takes Indiana Derby

Tiz Shea D and jockey Jose Lezcano used a perfectly timed move to rally home for the win in the 21st running of the Grade 2, $508,000 Indiana Derby presented by the Indy Star on July 18 at Indiana Grand. The race was the Tiz Shea D wins the Indiana Derby highlight of the program that featured six stakes with purses in excess of $1 million. Starting from post three, Tiz Shea D appeared to leave the gate with some speed but was no match for Mr. Z, who powered out along the inside for jockey Joe Bravo. Mr. Z had the top spot secured as expected before the eight-horse field hit the first turn, leading the way over a racetrack that had become sloppy due to heavy rains earlier in the night. Heading down the backstretch, Mr. Z was in full control of the fractions as Tiz Shea D sat patiently behind during the 1 1/16 mile race. Around the turn, Mr. Z still had the field at his heels and appeared to be primed and ready for the stretch drive home when he swung wide at the top of the stretch and was immediately joined by Tiz Shea D on the outside and Divining Rod and Alex Cintron on the inside. Midway through the stretch, the field began to tighten up and Tiz Shea D got a head in front but Mr. Z fought back between horses, creating an exciting scenario to the finish line. In the end, Tiz Shea D was able to move ahead for the win by 1 ¼ lengths over Mr. Z, whose saddle had slipped forward in the stretch. Divining Rod finished a head back in third. The time of the race was 1:43.02. Tiz Shea D, trained by Bill Mott, paid $10.80 as the third choice in the race. The son of Tiznow is owned by Brous Stable, Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber. He now has two wins in six starts and increased his career bankroll to more than $460,000. The Grade 2, $206,900 Indiana Oaks went to Alex and JoAnn Lieblong’s High Dollar Woman with Joe Rocco Jr. riding for trainer Steve Hobby. The daughter of Super Saver scored a 15-1 upset. A total of 12,304 people were on the grounds at Indiana Grand during the night, and the Derby alone brought in a total of $521,260 in wagering, for an increase of more than $100,000 over the previous year. Total

Linscott Photography

Colorado Thoroughbred Breeders Association News

Horsemen are reminded that the ITOBA Fall Mixed Sale will be held October 25 at 2 p.m. in the Champions Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Last year’s sale recorded gross receipts of $145,100 with 44 horses sold for an average of $3,297. A yearling filly by the Unbridled stallion Spanish Steps topped the sale with a $16,500 bid from Gary Patrick. Consigned by Justice Farm, the registered Indiana-bred named Slicktrickjustice has already earned back her purchase price with a maiden victory on June 30 at Indiana Grand. The filly has banked $26,480 running for Cindy Patrick. For more information and a catalogue, go to itobasales.com.

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State Association News

Coady Photography

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handle for the 10-race card was $1,773,565, also showing more than a and was ridden to victory by Alex $100,000 increase from the 2014 event. Canchari in 1:11.73 for six furlongs. “Indiana Grand is becoming a national force in Thoroughbred and The $80,000 Iowa Breeders’ DerQuarter Horse racing,” said Jim Brown, president and COO of Centaur Inc. by featured the local debut of Winand general manager of Indiana Grand. “Our racing attendance and wastar Farm’s Net Gain, who is based gering is up over 25 percent this year. We continue to build and improve at Churchill Downs with trainer Bill our racing product and the entire Indiana Grand experience.” Mott. The son of Include out of the The Indiana Derby and the Indiana Oaks were both broadcast live on Elusive Quality mare Triple o’ Five, WISH-TV Channel 8 based in Indianapolis. Anthony Calhoun, WISH-TV One Fine Dream who brought down the gavel for sports director, and Peter Lurie, nationally known racing analyst, co- $325,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2-year-olds in trainhosted the hour-long show. In addition to the two races, the program ing sale, was seeking his first stakes victory after breaking his maiden on included features on Indiana racing as well as a behind-the-scenes look the inner dirt at Aqueduct in Februat the preparation that goes into a race at Indiana Grand. ary and finishing close up in subsequent stakes races at Laurel Park and Woodbine. Despite being burdened with the outside post in a field of Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners 13, he was sent off as the 1-5 favorAssociation News ite and did not disappoint, making a Iowa Classic Night sweeping move around the turn and drawing off to win by a comfortable By Todd Lieber Net Gain 6 1/4 lengths under Terry Thompson. The largest crowd of the season packed Prairie Meadows Racetrack “He settled further back than we’d planned and he didn’t like the dirt,” and Casino on August 8 for the 23rd renewal of the Iowa Classic with Thompson said, “but I had to save ground somewhere. Once he got his seven stakes for Iowa-breds offering footing, he really went.” $585,000 in guaranteed purses. Time for the 1 1/16 miles was Jody Mueller’s Shock Hazard 1:47.24. Bred by Lane Thoroughproved a repeat winner of the breds, Net Gain is a half brother to $75,000 Dan Johnson Memorial Iowa-bred Cat Five O, winner of the Sprint (formerly the Iowa Classic 2012 Mistletoe Stakes at Remington Sprint), grabbing an early lead and Park. sprinting to the wire 4 ¾ lengths In the $80,000 Iowa Breeders’ clear of Dixie Surge in 1:10.71 for Shock Hazard Oaks, the meet’s leading rider, Rasix furlongs. The 4-year-old son of Dunkirk is trained by Jon Arnett and Wait N C Spring mon Vazquez, used a ground-saving was ridden by David Mello, who recently returned to the saddle after trip aboard Wait N C Spring to give owner Allen Poindexter and trainer being sidelined for more than three Lynn Chleborad a Classic Night victory. Poindexter had purchased the months this summer with a broken daughter of Spring At Last from breeder Mario Silva for $30,000 at the pelvis. Bred by Burden Creek Farm 2013 Keeneland January horses of all ages sale. The filly covered the mile and Clifton Farm LLC, Shock Hazard and seventy yards in 1:45.51. is a 2012 ITBOA fall sale graduate. The twin $100,000 features for older horses went to classy veterans, Iowa-based stallion Woke Up both of whom were favored despite not having found the winner’s circle Dreamin had a “dream night” as his in multiple starts this year. In the Ralph Hayes at 1 1/16 miles for colts and offspring took both of the $75,000 geldings, Oh My Gravy hugged the races for juveniles. Long-time Iowa Dreamin rail under jockey Glenn Corbett and breeder Don Downing’s homebred drew off by 6 3/4 lengths in 1:45.60 Dreamin, trained by Tim Martin and ridden by Belen Quinonez, took the for owners Russell Placzek, Steve Iowa Sorority at whopping odds of 41-1 after a seventh-place finish in the Oeschlager and Rick Engel. The vicIowa Stallion Futurity in her last start. Sent to the front in her previous tory marked the ninth year in a row races, this time Dreamin rallied from far back into blazing fractions of that trainer Kelly Von Hemel has :21.97 and :45.74 set by It’s The Swede and Mywomanfromtokyo. Time saddled at least one Iowa Classic for the six furlongs was 1:12.54. winner. Oh My Gravy is a 5-yearIn the $73,500 Iowa Cradle, Umbrella Stables III LLC’s One Fine Dream, Oh My Gravy old Repent gelding bred by William a son of Woke Up Dreamin bred by Gary Lucas and Linda Woods out of Hobbs. multiple stakes winner and Iowa champion One Fine Shweetie, surged The meet’s leading owner Danny Caldwell, leading trainer Federico Vilthrough an opening along the rail late to just catch No Holds Barred. Anlafranco and leading rider Vazquez combined to score in the mile-andother ITBOA sale graduate, One Fine Dream is trained by Chris Richard 70-yard Donna Reed with Rallydownthealley, who rallied wide and just

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got up at the wire. She prevailed by a head in a time of 1:45.02. Bred by Ashby Thoroughbreds, Rallydownthealley is a 5-year-old daughter of Flower Alley. It was sweet revenge for both winners. Oh My Gravy came up a head short in the 2013 Iowa Breeders’ Derby, while Rallydownthealley finished second by a similar margin in last year’s Donna Reed. Despite rain showers that sent the crowd scurrying inside before the fourth race and again after the sixth, the track remained listed as “fast” and on-track handle for the 10-race Rallydownthealley (inside) card was a season-high $124,315.

Prairie Meadows Meet Recap Iowa Classic Night brought down the curtain on the 67-day Prairie Meadows meet, which reported slight gains over 2014 in attendance and total handle. The showpiece of the meet was the annual Iowa Festival of Racing on June 26 and 27, headlined by Prairie Meadows’ three Grade 3 stakes, the $200,000 Iowa Oaks, $250,000 Iowa Derby and $300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap for older horses. Sarah Sis, fresh off a win in the May 30 Panthers Stakes at Prairie Meadows, repeated in the Oaks for trainer Ingrid Mason. Bourbon Lane Stables’ Bent On Bourbon scored his first stakes win in the Derby. Javier Castellano flew in to ride for trainer Eddie Kenneally. Castellano made it a double aboard Todd Pletcher-trained veteran Golden Lad in the Cornhusker. Iowa-breds made a significant contribution to the meet. Restricted races averaged 8.15 starters, while open races averaged just 6.85. The state-breds also fared well in open company, winning 15 percent of those races. Danny Caldwell and Federico Villafranco repeated as leading owner and trainer, respectively, though the trainer title came down to the penultimate race of the meet, the Donna Reed Stakes, when Villafranco’s Rallydownthealley won over Lynn Chleborad’s Ella’s Glory, who had led the entire way but ended up a close third. The victory gave Villafranco a two-win lead and for good measure he won the last race as well to finish three wins ahead. Ramon Vazquez had a much larger margin in the race for leading jockey, riding 94 winners compared to 63 for his closest competitor, Alex Birzer.

Sales Notes The Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association’s annual fall mixed sale will be held Sunday, October 18, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines. Early consignments closed August 12 with four broodmares, nine horses of racing age and 55 Iowa-bred yearlings, including five from the complete dispersal of long-time successful Iowa breeders Jim and Linda Leech. Sale catalogues will be available online at the ITBOA website, iowathoroughbred.com, and videos of the yearlings will be posted there beginning October 1. The sale will be streamed live on the website. An Iowa-bred yearling sold for $500,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select sale on August 10, the highest price ever paid for an Iowa-bred Thoroughbred at auction. The colt by Pioneerof the Nile out of True Blessing was bred and raised by Allen Poindexter of Rogersville, Missouri, and consigned by Gainesway Farm. Poindexter keeps about 40 mares on his Missouri farm, breeds mostly to Kentucky stallions, and foals and races in seven different states, including Iowa, Louisiana and Oklahoma. “Consignors and representatives of the major sales companies come to my farm each spring to look at the yearlings,” Poindexter said, “and Boyd Browning of Fasig-Tipton told me that physically they’d seen nothing better than this one, and they wanted him for Saratoga.” The colt sold to China Horse Club Limited.

Michigan Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association News MTOBA Online Mixed Sale and Breeders’ Cup Package Auction Starting with this issue of American Racehorse, all members of the Michigan Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (MTOBA) will receive a free subscription to the magazine at no cost. Future issues of the magazine will include coverage of Michigan racing, breeding and sales along with member updates from MTOBA. MTOBA members and horsemen around the region are reminded of the 2015 MTOBA Online Mixed Sale, which includes yearlings, weanlings, unraced 2-year-olds and broodmares. This online-only auction runs from September 14-20 and the catalog can be viewed at mtoba.com. You may also call (616) 844-5662 for more information. If you are looking for Breeders’ Cup tickets, MTOBA is auctioning a special package that includes reserved grandstand seating for both days, October 30-31, at Keeneland Race Course and two nights at A True Inn, a historic bed and breakfast in downtown Lexington. Bidding ends October 1. For more information or to place a bid, go to mtoba.com.

www.americanracehorse.com AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 21


State Association News President’s Message I would like to thank all the hard-working people who help me every month in giving up their time to report on racing and breeding so that the information can be posted to Facebook and our website, ncthoroughbreds.com. We get very little thanks and do this for a love of the horse and to help us have a viable association. Without them, we would never get any news about what our members are doing and what horses are racing, and we would not even have a newsletter to put in the Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred or American Racehorse. There were years where this happened. I think we do stimulate interest in our horses and have gathered a few followers on Facebook, which grows our numbers each month. Mistakes have been brought to my attention, and yes, they will happen. Four people keep up with all the news and what is happening with our members. We keep up with 250 horses and 50 members and do it in our spare time. Most of us have full-time jobs so we do it after long days of work. This may not be an excuse for mistakes or misspellings, but if you can do a better job please let me know and I will let you do it. Thank you to all who help me in this process. Without you this would not be possible. Following is a recap of the recent winners connected to NCTA members. Due to space constraints, there is not room for all the second- and thirdplace finishers, but those are always available on our Facebook page. Joanne Dew

win going 1 1/8 miles at Churchill Downs in June. Congratulations to all of our NCTA member owners and breeders with horses who ran in the money.

Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma News 2014 Oklahoma Champions Honored The fourth annual Oklahoma Thoroughbred Champion Awards Banquet was held July 31 at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. Hosted by the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma and Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission, the event honored the 2014 Oklahoma-bred champions and leading owners and breeders. Congratulations to all the winners!

Dustin Orona Photography

North Carolina Thoroughbred Association News

Racing News

The Richter Family Trust brought home numerous awards, including one for Horse of the Year Okie Smokey.

HORSE OF THE YEAR, CHAMPION THOROUGHBRED RACING STOCK AND CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD THOROUGHBRED FILLY George and Stephanie Autry scored with Milaya, a five-length maiden Okie Smokey (Cavvy—Spooky Okie) winner at Delaware Park on June 23. The Autrys also hit the board with Owner: Richter Family Trust Bebop Raindrop and True Bet at Belmont Park. CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD THOROUGHBRED FILLY Nancy Shuford had some strong performances from her horses. InZealous Vision (The Visualiser—American Sound) cremental, who Nancy bred in Kentucky, was a maiden winner at Prairie Owner: Center Hills Farm/Big Sugar Racing LLC Meadows in June; the gelding is out of Sister Chelsey, who is a daughter of Nancy’s stallion Chelsey Cat standing on her farm in Hickory, North Carolina. CHAMPION 2-YEAR-OLD THOROUGHBRED COLT/GELDING Nancy bred and owns Fitzfarris, a maiden winner at Penn National in June. Shotgun Kowboy (Kodiak Kowboy—Shotgun Jane) Finally, and most impressively, Nancy is the breeder of undefeated Pretty N Owner: C.R. Trout Cool, a daughter of Scat Daddy who broke her maiden in July at Del Mar and CHAMPION 3-YEAR-OLD THOROUGHBRED COLT/GELDING then captured the Grade 2 Sorrento Stakes there in August. Fesstune (Omega Code—Fess) Taliesin, bred by Jim Chandley, earned her third career win in June at Owner: Clark Brewster Belterra Park. Jim also owns her sire, Misbah. Son of Posse, bred by Bob Sandford, picked up two recent wins at Parx CHAMPION AGED THOROUGHBRED MARE More Than Even (Stephen Got Even—Sallybrooke) Racing in June and July. Clint Lowry’s homebred Allegheny Jack is still going strong at age seven Owner: Doyle Williams with a July win at Charles Town to put his earnings at $335,875 with nine CHAMPION AGED THOROUGHBRED STALLION/GELDING AND career wins. CHAMPION MALE SPRINTER Steve Laymon and John Eaton’s homebred Daring Kathy went over the Okie Ride (Candy Ride [Arg]—Tic Tic) $400,000 mark in career earnings with a win in the Perfect Sting Stakes Owner: Richter Family Trust at Belmont Park. Double the Cheers, bred by Elizabeth Muirhead and owned by her and CHAMPION OKLAHOMA-BRED THOROUGHBRED HORSE, MIXED MEETS David Benge, scored his third career victory in a claiming race at Presque Lainy’s Sweetness (Omega Code—Lainy’sagolddigger) Owner: Ra-Max Farms LLC Isle Downs. Quando Wando broke her maiden at Fort Erie for owners Bill ThompCHAMPION FEMALE SPRINTER son and Laurie Silvera and was claimed out of that race. Dancing Diva (Affirmatif—Midsummer Magic) Frank Coniglio, Nick Rebro, Richard Rendina and Sydney Ritman’s Duke Owner: Harmony Stable LLC of Luke took a starter allowance race at Delaware Park in July. Tiz Kismet, owned by Denise Walsh in a partnership, scored a maiden 22

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015


CHAMPION FEMALE TURF RUNNER Bringinginthelute (Midnight Lute—Starry Pie) Owner: C.R. Trout CHAMPION MALE TURF RUNNER Perfect to Please (Pleasantly Perfect—Your Pleasure) Owner: Elada D. Kirk LEADING OWNER AND LEADING BREEDER OF THOROUGHBRED RACING STOCK Richter Family Trust LEADING DAM OF THOROUGHBRED RACING STOCK Spooky Okie Owner: Richter Family Trust LEADING SIRE OF THOROUGHBRED RACING STOCK Omega Code Owner: Robert Zoellner/Clark Brewster LEADING OWNER OF SIRES OF THOROUGHBRED RACING STOCK Stallions LLC CLAIMER OF THE YEAR What Lola Wants (Don’t Get Mad—Tulane) Owner: Catherine Lokey INDUSTRY SERVICE AWARD John Smicklas

Thoroughbred Charities of America Announces July Award of Merit Winner

of Fame in the contemporary category during a ceremony held August 7 in Saratoga Springs, New York. Antley, who was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and grew up in Elloree, South Carolina, won 3,480 races and had purse earnings of $92,261,894 in a career that spanned from 1983 until his death in 2000 at the age of 34. Antley rode his first winner, Vaya Con Dinero, at Pimlico in November 1983. He won 127 graded stakes races and 293 overall stakes. The leading North American rider by wins in 1985 with 469, Antley was a two-time Kentucky Derby winner, taking the Run for the Roses with Strike the Gold in 1991 and Charismatic in 1999. He also won the Preakness Stakes with Charismatic. Antley ranked in the top 10 nationally in wins each year from 1984 through 1987 and was the leading rider at Monmouth Park in 1984, 1985 and 1986. He led the New York circuit with 234 wins in 1989 and was the leading rider at Saratoga in 1990. Other major victories for Antley included the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Woodward, Santa Anita Handicap, Hollywood Derby, Alabama, Wood Memorial, Manhattan Handicap, Carter Handicap, Louisiana Derby, Blue Grass, Coaching Club American Oaks and Jerome Handicap. On October 31, 1987, Antley won nine races when he had four victories at Aqueduct and five at the Meadowlands. He also had a streak of 64 consecutive days with at least one win in 1989.

Texas Thoroughbred Association News Texas Racing Commission Keeps Historical Racing Rules in Place

The Texas Racing Commission on August 25 voted not to repeal rules for historical racing, despite pressure from some legislators to do so. A Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) announced the Oklahoma large number of horsemen attended the meeting, with both individuals Thoroughbred Retirement Program (OTRP) as the July recipient of its and the Texas Horsemen’s Partnership, TQHA and TTA asking the commisAward of Merit. Launched in January in celebration of its 25th anniversa- sion not to repeal the rules and let the legal process play out. After the ry, TCA has honored nearly 20 recipients to date this year. Recipients are commission passed rules for historical racing last year, the 261st District nominated by the leadership of various state Thoroughbred owner and Court of Travis County ruled that the commission had exceeded its authority; however, that ruling is currently under appeal. breeder associations and honored at their annual awards ceremonies. This is a developing story as of press time. To get the latest updates, go On July 31, representatives of OTRP were acknowledged with the Award of Merit at the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma’s to texasthoroughbred.com. awards banquet in Oklahoma City. Started in 2007, OTRP is a nonprofit organization that works to transi- Nominations Being Taken for TTA Board of Directors tion non-competitive Thoroughbreds from the racetrack into new careers This winter, TTA members will elect candidates to fill five at-large directhrough rehabilitation and retraining. OTRP also provides permanent tor positions in addition to regional director positions for the South and sanctuary for horses not suitable for adoption. Northeast regions on the TTA Board of Directors. Those elected will serve Award of Merit nominees consist of individuals or organizations work- three-year terms beginning in 2015. ing to provide a better life for Thoroughbreds or the people who care for Ballots must be received for tabulating by December 15. All TTA memthem. Both achievements are reflective of TCA’s all-encompassing mis- bers will receive ballots for the at-large positions, while only members in sion to help Thoroughbreds and the people who care for them on the the South and Northeast regions will be eligible to vote in their respective backstretch and the farm. regions. A list of counties that comprise these regions is below. The nominating committee will be accepting recommendations for candidates until September 21. Candidates must have been a TTA member in good standing for the past two years and a resident of Texas. To submit a candidate for consideration, contact any member of the Nominating Committee: Ken Carson • (940) 686-5552 • kencarson@valorfarm.com Ed Few • (409) 383-0555 • edfew@ymail.com Jockey Chris Antley, trainer King Leatherbury and the racehorses Lava Danny Keene (Chair) • (903) 454-3939 • dkeene5745@aol.com Man and Xtra Heat were elected to the National Museum of Racing’s Hall

South Carolina Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association News South Carolina-raised Chris Antley Inducted into Hall of Fame

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 23


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Roses to Ribbons Set for October 10 at Retama After successful events at Sam Houston Race Park and Lone Star Park, the TTA and Paddock Foundation will hold a third Roses to Ribbons Old Fashioned Horse Fair at Retama Park on October 10. The event helps showcase and place Thoroughbreds into new careers by introducing them to potential new buyers. Look for more information at texasthoroughbred.com.

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TTA Announces 2-Year-Old Sale and Changes to Sales Futurity The Texas Thoroughbred Association has announced the establishment of a 2-year-olds in training sale to be held next April at Lone Star Park. The auction will be similar to the one held by Fasig-Tipton Texas in previous years. “We are excited to be continuing the tradition of Thoroughbred sales in Texas,” said Mary Ruyle, executive director of the TTA. “We were unsuccessful in bringing back the summer yearling sale after Fasig-Tipton decided to leave the state, but the 2-year-old sale has always been the strongest in the region and we expect that to continue.” The sale will be operated by the TTA and managed by Tim Boyce, who formerly ran the sale for Fasig-Tipton Texas. “The sale facility and racetrack at Lone Star are among the best you will find anywhere for a 2-year-old sale, so we expect a strong response to the continuation of this auction,” Boyce said. “We also think the changes to the TTA Sales Futurity will benefit both buyers and consignors.” The TTA announced changes to the former TTA Sales Futurity, which in past years had been restricted to graduates of the Texas yearling and 2-year-olds in training sales or accredited Texas-breds made eligible through a berth entry. Starting in 2016, the race with divisions for fillies and colts/geldings to be held during the summer at Lone Star Park will be open to all accredited Texas-breds with a free nomination for horses that went through any yearling sale or a $250 nomination for a horse that did not go through a yearling sale. In addition, every horse consigned to the 2016 Texas 2-yearolds in training sale, regardless of where they were bred, will receive a free nomination. Purse information, a complete payment schedule and information about late nominations will be released shortly. The race will also have a name change to be announced.

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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Thoroughbreds make great jumpers, and there is much more they can do after retiring from racing. Linda Earley

Racehorse Retirement:

Will You Know What to Do When It’s Time? Options abound for placing Thoroughbreds into a second career after the track . By Jen Roytz

For racehorse owners, racing is so much more than winning. It’s the memories with family and friends, the early morning trips to the track to watch their horses train, the quiet moments spent in the shed row, the celebrations and commiserations. The all-encompassing experience of owning racehorses can be nothing short of life-changing. But what is an owner to do when the horses who have done so much for them need the favor returned at the end of their career? Thankfully, the answers are much easier to find today than they once were, but it can still be all too confusing for an owner unfamiliar with the world of equine aftercare. Today, there are nearly endless opportunities for Thoroughbreds to be productive after their racing careers come to an end. Movements like the Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover and Remember Me Rescue’s Battle of the X’s, in which competitors retrain newly retired racehorses in a wide variety of disciplines to win cash and prizes, have brought seasoned and new off-track Thoroughbred fans together not only to show what they can do as trainers, but also to demonstrate what endless amounts of versatility retired racehorses possess. The Jockey Club’s Thoroughbred Incentive Program offers added-money opportunities for Thoroughbreds at non-breed-restricted horse shows and sponsorships for Thoroughbred-only horse shows, and the numerous Thoroughbred-specific horse shows, like the Sport of Kings Challenge put on by AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 29


Thoroughbred Athletes Inc. and Remington Park, that are popping up across the country are reminding equestrians of the Thoroughbred, America’s original sport horse.

Jen Roytz

horse and the people, either at an equine adoption facility or a private individual, who will transition it to a second career. “The most common injuries that we see when horses are donated to us are bone chips in the knees and ankles,” said Lynn Sullivan, How Do You Know When It’s Time? executive director of Thoroughbred Athletes Inc. in Oklahoma. There comes a time in every horse’s career when it’s time to start “We also see bowed tendons and suspensory and hock pain. thinking about retirement. Sometimes the answer is clear, as is the Sometimes we see SI joint or stifle soreness, but that isn’t as prevalent case with significant injuries or a sharp downgrade in performance. as the others.” Other times, however, it is more of an ambiguous path. When a horse with an injury is donated to an aftercare Maybe the horse is no longer competitive at the level it once was organization, the cost for its rehabilitation and care is exponentially higher. Sometimes, owners or trainers will send a donation to the organization to assist with the horse’s care and rehabilitation, but all too often that is the exception rather than the norm. Aside from the cost of any surgery, other expenses include veterinary care, medicine, additional bedding for long-term stall rest and supplies. Those all add to the cost of the horse’s rehabilitation long before it can even be started back under saddle. That, combined with the cost of caring for and retraining a retired racehorse and eventually adopting it out, means that a horse donated with an injury can cost an equine aftercare and adoption organization double, if not triple, quadruple or more than Some former racehorses stay at the racetrack what a sound horse would, and often the horse as pony horses. with the injury is adopted out at a reduced rate, but could drop down incrementally and earn a few more dollars. But netting less income for the organization. as owners and trainers have learned time and time again, a drop in “Depending on the type of injury a horse comes into our performance is often due to an underlying issue that can go from program with, the cost can be several thousand dollars,” said minor to major in a split second. Robin Brookins, president and co-founder of the Oklahoma “There is plenty of room to increase demand for retiring racehorses Thoroughbred Retirement Program, which was honored by the with effective marketing and education, but only the ones that are Thoroughbred Charities of America with its Award of Merit in July. sound,” said Retired Racehorse Project President Steuart Pittman, “Some horses may need up to a year off due to their injuries, but whose website offers free classified listings for off-track Thorough- those who require little to no rehab can be adopted out within 30 to breds (OTTBs) for sale. “Sport horse trainers don’t want unsound 60 days.” horses and riders don’t want them either. Even some aftercare organiWhen asked what owners and trainers can do to set their horses zations list soundness as a possible intake criteria. up for success in their off-track lives, Brookins’ answer was simple: “Racing owners should get rewarded financially for sound retire- “Retire them before they sustain serious injuries so they have the best ment,” he added. “That reward is sitting in the bank accounts of own- chance for another career and a future.” ers on the sport horse side of the industry.” There are also many riders who prefer to get their horses straight While more and more owners and trainers concerned about their from the racetrack, and many trainers who have a solid network of horses’ long-term viability and quality of life are retiring their horses people in the equestrian world they can call when they have a horse from racing before injury forces them to, the fact is that racehorses ready to retire from racing. For these horse shoppers, an injury might are high-intensity athletes and sometimes they are going to get hurt. not necessarily be a deal-breaker, but knowing a horse’s injury is alIt is how their connections choose to support that injured horse as ready on the path to recovery can mean the difference between taking it transitions to retirement that can make the difference for both the the horse or passing on it.

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AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015


A career as an artist might not be in the cards for a former racehorse, but Highland Ice gives it a try to raise money for the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Project.

Courtesy OTRP

Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference While everyone wants that stakes winner in their stable, the truth is that the majority of horses run in claiming races at some point in their career. With horses changing hands and tracks, it can become difficult to keep track of a horse once it leaves your stable. Owners like Ran Leonard of CresRan Stable add a sticker to the papers of horses they’ve bred or raced that lists their contact information, should the horse ever be found in an adverse situation or seemingly without options. “My grandfather taught me valuable lessons about being a good horseman and a responsible breeder,” Leonard said. “He felt it was our responsibility to care for these horses, regardless of their success on the track, when their careers are over. “I had a trainer call me in 2013 and ask if that sticker on his horse’s papers was for real,” he continued. “I told him that yes, it definitely was, and he explained that a horse that we bred and had previously raced had gotten hurt and had knee surgery, but it just hadn’t worked. He had no options for the horse and didn’t know what to do. That horse is still alive and kicking and having a good old time at our farm. If that sticker hadn’t been there or if the horse had been in different hands, he could easily have ended up being slaughtered.” Leonard explained that he was re-introduced to the issue of inadequate accountability for retiring racehorses through his role as chair of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. The agency distributes grants to Thoroughbred aftercare organizations throughout the state, and becoming involved with the dissemination of this money gave him an eye-opening look at what can happen to horses who fall through the cracks. “True horsemen know how to treat their horses with respect and

compassion,” Leonard said. “If the horse shows you he doesn’t want to be a racehorse anymore, he doesn’t need to be a racehorse. He shouldn’t be pushed until he breaks.” Another wise idea that will protect your horse in retirement is to never sell or give it away without a contract. Aftercare organizations will have adoptees sign an extensive contract stating what the horse can and cannot be used for, any accountability measures they require to keep tabs on the horse, and what to do if the horse can no longer be adequately cared for. It would behoove racehorse owners to follow suit when selling or giving away a horse privately. If papers will be transferred with the horse, owners can note in ink on the papers that the horse’s ownership is being transferred with the understanding that it will not be permitted to race or to be sold at auction.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Facilities in the Region Alabama: Bar-El Farm • barelfarm.com Arkansas: Race Horse Reclaim (based in Florida) • racehorsereclaim.com Colorado: CANTER Colorado • canterusa.org/colorado Indiana: Friends of Ferdinand Indiana Inc. • friendsofferdinand.com Iowa: Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds (HART) • iowahart.com Louisiana: Louisiana Horse Rescue Association • louisianahorserescue.com Michigan: CANTER Michigan • canterusa.org/Michigan North Carolina: BlueBloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement Inc. • bluebloodstb.org Oklahoma: Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Program • otrp.info, Thoroughbred Athletes Inc. • thoroughbred-athletes.com South Carolina: South Carolina Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation • trfsc.org Texas: CANTER Texas • canterusa.org/Texas, LOPE • lopetx.org, Paddock Foundation • texasthoroughbred.com/paddock-foundation, Remember Me Rescue • teamkeen.com

Helpful Links for Thoroughbred Retirement

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance • thoroughbredaftercare.org OwnerView • ownerview.com Retired Racehorse Project • retiredracehorseproject.org

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 31


Terri Cage Photography

TAA Accreditation Sets the Standard Established in 2012, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) was created to become the accrediting body for Thoroughbred aftercare organizations nationwide and a fundraising body to help support these accredited organizations. The standards for TAA-accreditation are high and take into account an organization’s facilities, adoption policies and protocols, business operations and bookkeeping, equine health management and education.

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sultant for the TAA. Since its inception, the TAA has awarded $3.4 million in grants to its 42 accredited aftercare organizations. Breeders, owners, trainers, buyers and sellers of racehorses can donate a portion of the proceeds from their horses’ sales prices or race earnings or make donations outright by visiting thoroughbredaftercare.org. “People can visit the TAA website to see a list of accredited aftercare organizations in their geographical area,” Rogers said. “Most racetrack HBPA [Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association] offices or horsemen’s groups also have useful connections and resources when it comes to racehorse retirement.” While TAA accreditation is a solid indicator of a reputable aftercare organization, there are plenty of other worthy organizations that might not be accredited simply because they do not meet some of the accreditation criteria, such as being in operation for at least three years or housing a minimum of 50 percent Thoroughbreds. As with any other equine endeavor, some due diligence is recommended before adopting from or donating to any aftercare organization.

For the Love of the Horse If you ask anyone at the track, sales or farms why they are involved with racing, the answer will often be the same: they love the horses. The thrill of the competition is unparalleled and the handicapping and wagering get people hooked, but it’s the horse at the center of it all for which people develop a unique and undying affinity. With so many opportunities for Thoroughbreds to be successful in their post-racing lives combined with the spotlight social media (and thus mainstream media) has at times put on the industry’s unethical practices, there is a growing trend toward responsible racehorse retirement. And, with so many options for horses to have viable second careers—from jumping, eventing and dressage to barrel racing, equineassisted therapy work and competitive trail riding, just to Among the racing breeds, American Quarter name a few—owners should be thinking both about the Horses are better known for working cows, short-term goal of on-track success and the long-term goal but plenty of Thoroughbreds can also do it. of longevity and productivity away from the track. Five Thoroughbred aftercare facilities in the region—CANTER “It’s just all about the love of the horse,” Leonard said. “They give Michigan, Friends of Ferdinand, Remember Me Rescue, the Okla- us so much more than what they earn in purses or the few win photos homa Thoroughbred Retirement Program and Thoroughbred Ath- they might get for us. Why would a horse that gave his owners his letes Inc.—have met the standards set fourth by the TAA and have all, no matter what that ended up being, not be offered the same in received accreditation. return? As racehorse owners, it’s our duty.” H “Despite where the accredited organizations are located, when they Jen Roytz is a Lexington, Kentucky-based marketing and publicity consultant and are granted TAA support, both through accreditation and funding, freelance writer. Her clients include companies in the Thoroughbred, sport horse, they are able to take on more because they are now connected to a healthcare, nonprofit and film production industries. In her spare time, she competes network across North America that can assist in helping horses move as an amateur-owner at regional hunter/jumper shows aboard her off-track Thoroughon to their second careers,” said Stacie Clark Rogers, operations con- bred, Lucky to Be Wild. AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015


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Stallion Statistical Page Reservations: Friday, October 9, 2015 ONE FORM PER STALLION (please type or print) Stallion__________________________________________________________ Year Foaled___________________ Sire______________________ Dam________________________ Dam’s Sire______________________________ Standing at___________________________________________ Address__________________________________ Inquiries to________________________________ Phone (____ )_________________ Fax (____ )____________ Email___________________________________________ Website_______________________________________ Property of_______________________________________ Address_______________________________________ Phone (____ )_________________ Fax (____ )____________ Email______________________________________ Year Entered Stud_________ 2016 Fee_________________ Live Foal Guarantee? Yes / No Stallion is accredited/registered in (list state or states) ______________________________________________________ Stallion is nominated to the stallion/sire stakes programs in (list state or states)__________________________________ Other accreditations or eligibility_______________________________________________________________________

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Mary Cage

Golden Horse

Brooks Open Gold never found the winner’s circle on the track, but he’s still a winner in the eyes of his owner.

Texas-bred transitions from the track to the barrels By Mary Cage

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There are two meanings of the word “race” for Texas-bred Brooks Open Gold. A 7-year-old gray gelding by Open Forum, Brooks Open Gold has competed not only in races at the track but also in barrel races. After Brooks Open Gold finished fifth in his final career start at Lone Star Park on July 16, owner Haley Thorne will now focus on the gelding’s barrel racing career. The gray, who she calls Steel, ended his racing career with 40 starts. Although he never reached the winner’s circle, he garnered three seconds and five thirds with earnings of $20,014. Steel entered Thorne’s life in March 2014, shortly after the gelding finished third in a maiden claiming race at Sam Houston Race Park—his first in-the-money finish since December 2012. Brought to her attention by a friend, veterinarian Geneve Dundas, Steel immediately impressed Thorne with his calm demeanor. This quality convinced Thorne to purchase him and begin training him for barrel racing. After having spent most of his life at the racetrack, Steel had the chance to “just be a horse” now that he was in Thorne’s care. With the help of her friend Catherine Thompson, Steel was started on barrels. The gelding learned the basics such as stopping, backing and loping circles and, along the way, he impressed Thorne with his intelligence. But the allure of flat racing lingered in Thorne’s mind. Now that she owned Steel, her interest in the sport had a chance to become more than just a daydream. She continued to race the gelding, entering him in races at Lone Star Park during the spring Thoroughbred meet. In the five races Steel competed in for Thorne during 2014, he earned a pair of seconds, two fourths and a sixth, earning $10,306.

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015


Mary Cage

Along with his success on the track, Steel also was learning the skills needed for barrel racing. When the 2014 Lone Star Park meet concluded, Thorne put a greater emphasis on barrels for the gelding, even entering him in competitions. As the first racehorse she has worked with, Steel has impressed her not only by defying the “crazy Thoroughbred” reputation but also with his demeanor in general. “Steel is a joy to ride, and anyone can handle him,” Thorne said.

went to post for the final race of his career. Thorne, his biggest fan, sported a black tank top with bright green text that read, “Run Steel Run.” She was hoping the gelding could go out with a win. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. Sent off as the second-longest shot in a field of eight, Steel received a rough trip, managing to cross the wire in fifth. Now that Steel’s racing career has likely reached an end, Thorne plans to make him a full-fledged barrel horse. The gelding still has much to learn, but Thorne is confident that the intelligent gelding will take everything in stride and continue to transition well from flat racing to barrel racing. “He adapted very well to his new home, as well as his new training and competing in barrel racing,” Thorne said. “I have learned good horsemanship skills in any discipline can carry over and are relevant in another discipline. Having success in one aspect of the horse business definitely can carry over and help in another area … As with every horse I have, Steel has taught me a great deal of information, and we will continue to learn and grow on our journey together.” H Mary Cage, a 19-year-old avid fan of horse racing, authors Past the Grandstand, a blog about an array of horse racing topics, and a blog of the same name on Horse Racing Nation. She has had work published with the websites of The Blood-Horse and The Equine Chronicle, the American Quarter Horse Association’s magazine America’s Horse and Mules and More Magazine. Her blog is at pastthegrandstand.blogspot.com.

Owner Haley Thorne sports a custom “Run Steel Run” shirt at Lone Star Park.

imagehounds/K.Carmona

“He is gentle, calm, level-headed and wants to please … He has taught me that a good horse is just a good horse. No matter what I ask him to do, he will do it. He may not be great at anything, but he will dang sure try to please with anything you ask him to do. “We have a mutual respect for one another and can predict each other’s moves,” she added. “I know him and he knows me!” Steel spent the latter half of 2014 as a barrel horse, but when the 2015 Lone Star meet neared in the spring, Thorne began to ponder the prospect of racing the gelding yet again. “I knew he was not near in good enough shape to run a mile so I began taking him to Lone Star Park about every other day to exercise,” Thorne said. “Once I felt we were in shape enough, we began entering races.” Steel’s 2015 racing campaign was not quite as successful as that of the previous year, seeing him finish off the board in four of five starts. The highlight of his year was his runner-up effort in a maiden claiming event on the turf in July. Unlike most racehorses, Steel spent his nights turned out on pasture and even trained barefoot up until his first race of the year. On July 16, just days prior to the conclusion of the meet, Steel

The 7-year-old gelding already has some experience on barrels, and now that will be his primary pursuit after being retired from the racetrack. AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 37



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Bonapaw captures the Grade 1 Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont Park.

Louisiana legend Bonapaw is still enjoying life at Old Friends in Kentucky By Rick Capone

The Ride of a Lifetime

I

t was on a September morning during the 1997 Keeneland September Yearling Sale that James Richard and his wife, Mercedes, were walking around the barns looking for a horse to purchase for themselves and James’ twin brother, Dennis. James had purchased one earlier in the week but was taking one last look around to see if there was any other horse that might be of interest. Suddenly, something off to his side caught his attention. He looked over and there, standing at the opening to a stall, was a beautiful bay horse with a thin white stripe down his nose. The horse looked right at James, and for some reason, drew his complete attention.

Adam Coglianese

“He just got a chill that went down his spine that he never, ever in his life felt before,” said James Richard Jr., explaining what his father told him about that moment. James turned and walked toward the horse, but a man at the barn told him to be careful and not to touch the horse as he was very mean. But James didn’t listen. “My dad walked right up to the horse, and the horse put his head on his shoulder like they knew each other,” said James Jr. “My dad looked at my mom and told her, ‘Merc, I don’t care if this horse costs $50,000, I’m buying this horse.’ ” The lifelong bond between Bonapaw and James Richard was created in that instant. AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 41

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Dennis Richard (in dark jacket with wife, Kathy, on his right) and James Richard (light jacket with wife, Mercedes, in pink) celebrate a stakes win at Arlington Park.

James called his brother back home in New Orleans and asked him what he thought if he came home with a second horse. Dennis wasn’t for it, but James was determined. According to James Jr., whatever his dad said he was going to do, he did it. And, while the two brothers might argue about some things, when it was done, that was it, and they moved on. While waiting for the horse to come into the sales arena, James read the catalogue and learned that Bonapaw was bred in Kentucky by Dr. William O. Reed and foaled April 13, 1996, that he was a gelding and that his pedigree—by Sabona out of Pawlova, by Nijinsky II—looked good but not great. So, when the horse entered the sales ring, James began to bid and the hammer fell at $6,500. It would turn out to be one of the best purchases of his life.

!"#$%&'()*+,$*-$%.+, While Bonapaw broke his maiden in his fourth start for the Richards in a maiden special weight at Fair Grounds Race Course on November 27, 1998, he wasn’t really that spectacular early in his career and finished off the board in his first three starts after that win. Then, after winning the Inaugural Handicap at Evangeline Downs on April 17, 1999, Bonapaw was injured and rested for over a year. When he returned in August 2000, he was a completely different horse. 42

Benoit Photo

“Once he [came back], he started winning all these big races, stakes races, handicap races, graded stakes races, and then it was history from there,” said James Jr. As Bonapaw’s wins began to grow, the twins decided that since they were so blessed to be winning all these races with him, they should share it. That began a wonderful association with Children’s Hospital of New Orleans. It seems the twins’ father always made a donation to the hospital every year, and when he died, they continued the tradition and started donating a percentage of Bonapaw’s winnings. When the twins approached the marketing person at the hospital and told him what they planned to do, though, the person simply said, “OK,” as he’d heard that story before. But, the twins meant it. “When Bonapaw won a race, they sent a check,” said James Jr. “A couple weeks later, they win a race, the check goes. A few weeks later, they win, a check goes … Well, needless to say, they wrote checks for a lot of money to the hospital.” The hospital soon realized the Richards weren’t kidding, “So, they came down to our office and gave [the twins] some plaques [made by the kids at] Children’s Hospital. The hospital wound up, after the twins had passed away, naming the cancer ward after them,” said James Jr.

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!"#$%&'()*+,,+,-".%/0+,' In his first race back from injury in 2000, the Evangeline Mile Handicap at Evangeline Downs on August 19, Bonapaw finished second. He then won an allowance race at Louisiana Downs in September with two stakes wins in November in the

According to James Jr. though, on the day of the race, “[My dad] kept telling the nurse and the doctor, ‘You all have got to let me out of here. Either you’re going to let me out or I’m going to walk out of here. You all don’t realize that my horse is running today, and we’re going to win the race and I’ve got to be there.’ ”

!"#+-,%$12'"3+/$425 On the day of the Vosburgh, there were 8,452 fans in the stands watching the races. Also there, against doctor’s orders, was James, along with Dennis, and some other family members, all of them ready to cheer for their beloved Bonapaw in the race. At the post, the horses were loaded into the starting gate, the bell rang, the gates slammed opened, and Bonapaw, The Old Friends retirement with regular rider Gerard Melancon facility is home to Bonapaw and dozens of other former racehorses, aboard, was in top form. He took comincluding notable regional mand of the seven-furlong race from the stallions Afternoon Deelites and start, led the entire way, and crossed the Tinners Way and Kentucky finish line a 2 ½-length winner over race Derby winner Silver Charm. favorite Aldebaran. Rick Capone There was joy and celebration in the winner’s circle Island Whirl Handicap at Louisiana Downs and the that day, as everyone enjoyed seeing Bonapaw get his first Grade 1 win. It would be the biggest stakes win of Thanksgiving Handicap at Fair Grounds. Bonapaw opened his 2001 campaign in March at Fair his career. Grounds and won the Pelleteri Breeders’ Cup Handicap, much to the delight of the fans at the track, who began to 64,%7%8"94('(":+(";8,'2 Upon returning home, James’ health deteriorated fall in love with Bonapaw and the twins. Next, the twins took Bonapaw to Oaklawn Park where quickly according to James Jr., and six months after their he won the Count Fleet Special Handicap (G3) and then Vosburgh win, James lost his battle with the disease and to Prairie Meadows where he won the Iowa Sprint Handi- died on March 26, 2003. After that, Bonapaw was never the same. It was as if he cap. After that, it was back to home turf at Fair Grounds knew his longtime friend that he’d met in the barn at the where he won his second Thanksgiving Handicap. Bonapaw began his 2002 season with victories in the Keeneland sale was gone. Sure, Dennis was James’ twin Colonel Power Handicap and the Taylor Special Handicap, brother, but it seemed Bonapaw knew the difference. After James died, “We tried to make him [Bonapaw] both at Fair Grounds. With the gelding running so well, the twins decided to take him to the United Arab Emirates run. We tried,” said James Jr. “But he wouldn’t. He just and run him in the Group 1 Dubai Golden Shaheen on wouldn’t. Being identical twins, you would think that an animal might sense things. Now, people might not want March 23. But, it wasn’t his day and he finished sixth. Soon after, James was diagnosed with cancer. It came to believe that, but I’m a firm believer, and I see it in my just before the Vosburgh Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park in animals today. They’re more attached to one than they are September, and while his doctor said he had to start treat- to another.” Bonapaw raced nine times after James died—six times ments right away, James said no. He was determined to in 2003, twice in 2004 and once in 2005. But, except for see Bonapaw run in that race. So, James travelled to New York but got sick and had a win in an allowance race at Keeneland, Bonapaw had lost interest in racing. to be hospitalized. AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 43

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On October 6, 2005, Bonapaw ran in an allowance optional claiming contest at Fair Grounds and finished ninth. The chart said, “Speed to drive, stopped.” It was his final race. Soon after, Bonapaw was retired, turned out at the farm and just allowed to be a horse. He finished with 18 wins, seven seconds, four thirds and $1,158,752 in earnings in 49 career starts.

arrived at Old Friends courtesy of Sallee Horse Vans. According to Blowen, besides being a beautiful, intelligent and friendly horse that fans adore meeting, Bonapaw is important to Old Friends for what he represents. “Bonapaw fulfills a very important niche at Old Friends,” explained Blowen. “He’s one of those horses that was purchased cheap, was a hard worker, and he won a lot of great races. … He’s a poster boy for people going to the sale and not worrying about whether they’re going

!"#$%&'"($)*+,Following James’ death and Bonapaw’s retirement, James Jr. and his cousin Dennis Jr. tried to get Dennis Sr. interested in racing again. “When my dad passed, my Uncle Dennis was like a lost bull in high weeds without his brother … without horses,” said James Jr. So they purchased a horse named JRs Wild Event. They raced the horse with their old jockey Melancon and had some fun. But then the horse was claimed at Evangeline Downs, which, according to James Jr., was a blessing. “You know, we went out and were able to win a race and we were able to get a couple dollars with the horse before he got claimed,” said James Jr. “To me, that meant a lot because he [Dennis Sr.] was lost without having his brother and without having a horse, and with [JRs Wild Event], it really made a big difference in my life and my cousin Dennis Jr.’s life, also. It gave him [Dennis Sr.] a second chance, or another chance, before he died.” On January 21, 2009, Dennis passed away after his own battle with cancer.

!".+,*/-"01*$,121%* Before their fathers passed away, James Jr. and Dennis Jr. made a promise that they’d look after Bonapaw and make sure he had a good life. However, as the bills grew, they needed to find a place to retire Bonapaw and keep their word to their fathers. In talking to people, James Jr. learned about Old Friends, a Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Kentucky. He did some research, talked to people about it, and liked what he heard. So, he made the call to the owner and founder, Michael Blowen, and told him the story of Bonapaw. Blowen exclaimed, “I know that horse, and I know the twins!” It turned out Blowen had met James and Dennis in New York and had seen Bonapaw race. The two men talked and worked out the deal. Blowen made the arrangements, and in February 2009, Bonapaw 44

Bonapaw, an earner of $1.1 million on the track, will turn 20 next year. Rick Capone

to spend $2 million or $3 million on the first day. But, on the last day, with just a couple of horses left, you never know who’s going to be there.” Bonapaw, now 19, lives happily in a huge paddock at Old Friends with seven other horses. There he enjoys his days grazing on sweet Kentucky bluegrass, napping, running around and having fun with all his paddock pals. Each year at Fair Grounds, the track runs the Bonapaw Stakes, which is named after the horse that race fans at the track used to love and cheer for, much to the delight of the Richard family. Back home in New Orleans, 13 years after Bonapaw’s big win in the Vosburgh Stakes, James Jr. and Dennis Jr. run the family business started by their fathers, Twin Tire & Auto Care, and from time to time, they recall all of the great times their dads had with Bonapaw. “It was a life story,” said James Jr. “A wonderful story.” It was a story about the bond between a horse and a man, the bond between brothers and the ride of a lifetime. H

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Fortun


Veterinarian Anne Lorkowski fell in love with Film Fortune at Santa Anita and is now charting a new career for the retired racehorse.

Courtesy Anne Lorkowski

Good Fortune Fate smiles on both horse and human By Jen Roytz

Growing up in San Diego, Anne Lorkowski loved horses since she could remember, but living in such an urban environment meant she spent many more hours playing with her Breyer models than in the saddle taking lessons. That didn’t put a damper on her passion, however. As Lorkowski grew up, she got her “horse fix” wherever she could, and in 1987 she fell in love with Jack Van Berg trainee Alysheba from afar after his historic Kentucky Derby win. That passion for horses, and animals in general, led Lorkowski to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, and in 1999 she graduated from the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

In a perfect world, Lorkowski would have enjoyed a thriving career with animals at that first job and made the millions all college grads dream about. Unfortunately, seldom do things go as planned. “My path to obtaining ‘Fortune’ began when I was laid off in 2011,” Lorkowski explained. “I had always turned to horses and racing as my comfort during crisis points, and that’s how I ended up at Santa Anita on a day Jack Van Berg was running some horses.” Lorkowski gathered the courage to introduce herself to the man she had admired for so many years. That introduction turned into an invitation to visit his barn, which led to regular weekly trips to the backside to spend time learning from one of the greatest trainers the sport has known. “Film Fortune was the first horse I’d ever hot-walked for Mr. Van Berg,” Lorkowski said. “A big, almost black gelding with a kind eye and gregarious personality, it was love at first sight. He walked calmly beside me that day for about 20 minutes, then for no apparent reason, began bucking and plunging on his lead.” AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 47

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An accomplished racehorse on the track, Film Fortune is now a winner as a hunter/jumper as well.

Courtesy Anne Lorkowski

A sharp, corrective jerk on the shank and “Ho!” brought Film Fortune’s manners back, and with that, the two were bonded for the long haul. “I swear at that moment he looked at me and said, ‘You know what? You know what you’re doing. You’re okay.’ From that point on, he was known as ‘my horse,’ and I was known as ‘his human,’ ” Lorkowski said. Fortune had been no slouch on the racetrack. Once on the 2006 Kentucky Derby trail, he lined up in the starting gate in the Rebel Stakes (G3) and Arkansas Derby (G2) at Oaklawn Park against the likes of Lawyer Ron, Steppenwolfer, Private Vow and others who competed against Barbaro in that year’s Derby. Fortune was just a cut below that level of competition and headed toward smaller stakes and allowance races as the spring and summer progressed, and as the years passed he dropped down into claiming competition. While he changed ownership several times through the years, the gelding remained in training with Van Berg for the entirety of his career. While Film Fortune had not visited the winner’s circle since 2010, he was still competitive, running at Del Mar and Santa Anita and still paying his way as a mid-level claiming horse by the end of 2012, and his connections planned to bring him back for his 10-year-old year. “After a routine gallop in 2013, Fortune tied up very badly—so badly we thought we might lose him,” Lorkowski said about the Grade 3-placed earner of more than $150,000. “Jack prepared me for the worst, but a miracle happened and he pulled through without any lasting effects.” It was after that scare that Jack came to Lorkowski and said, “I know you love him and you’ll give him a good home. He’s yours if you want him.” 48

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By then, Lorkowski was back practicing veterinary medicine and spending time at Van Berg’s barn whenever she was not working. It was the perfect work-life balance for her and gave her the luxury of having the means to accept Van Berg’s generous offer and the financial responsibilities that came with owning a horse. While Lorkowski had ridden English in college, she was confident that she was in no position to retrain a racehorse as a riding horse. She found a farm to let him down and after six months found someone to put a few months of riding into him away from the track, but what he needed was some serious retraining. “A friend of my boyfriend told me about Showcase Training Stables, a hunter/jumper training facility in Redlands, California, and owner Gretchen Clark is a consummate professional in the hunter/jumper world and we hit it off right away,” Lorkowski said. “So, on April 6, 2014, I moved Fortune to her stable.” Clark coached Lorkowski and Fortune both together and separately, and after just six weeks of professional training, Fortune went to his first show with one of Clark’s advanced students, Jessica Abbott, in the irons, then won his first blue ribbon in Schooling Cross Rails just a few weeks later.

Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, pictured with jockey David Cabrera at Lone Star Park, made sure Film Fortune went to a good home upon his retirement from racing. Traci Hoops

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Fortun


“A green horse-green rider combination has many challenges, but Gretchen has met them at every turn,” Lorkowski said. “At the end of the year he had two firstplace ribbons and enough points, and lack of other registered horses, to be named Inland Empire Hunter/Jumper Association’s 2014 Reserve Champion Modified Hunter.” Lorkowski spent the winter training with Clark on the flat and re-learning how to ride as well as teach an inexperienced ex-racehorse how to be a show horse. “It was Gretchen’s version of hunt seat boot camp, and after months of hard work and many peaks and valleys, we made our show debut together at Showcase on March 29,” Lorkowski said. “With Gretchen’s student Jessica, he placed with a second and two thirds in Schooling Cross Rails Over Fences. Then, I got into the saddle and competed in my first horse show in 30 years.” Together, Lorkowski and Fortune placed first in Schooling Cross Rails Hunter Under Saddle, and Fortune was named Reserve Champion in Schooling Cross Rails. He was also named the Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP) Champion in Schooling Cross Rails and the TIP High Point Low Hunter. “I love and am so proud of my wonderful horse,” Lorkowski explained. “Little did I know that day two years ago that I was taking home a champion show hunter and that I would be riding him! I am forever grateful to Jack Van Berg for his friendship, his wonderful gift of Fortune

to me and his advocacy for OTTBs [off-track Thoroughbreds], and I’m also so grateful to Gretchen Clark for being an incredible trainer and helping me realize my wildest dreams of being on the back of my own horse.” H Jen Roytz is a freelance writer and marketing and public relations consultant for various entities, both equine and nonequine. She can also be found on the back of an OTTB most days. This article originally ran in the Paulick Report’s “OTTB Showcase” at paulickreport.com. If you have or know of a retired Thoroughbred with an interesting story to tell, we’d love to hear about it! Just email Jen Roytz (jenlroytz@gmail.com) with the horse’s Jockey Club name, background story and a few photos. This section is sponsored by the Retired Racehorse Project, which works to facilitate placement of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in second careers by increasing demand for them in the marketplace and inspiring an army of equestrians to provide the training that secures their futures. RRP programs include online educational resources, programs at major horse expos, interactive databases including a Bloodline Brag and Retired Racehorse Resource Directory, featuring 300 farms and organizations, and more than 200 online horse listings, with most of the horses having some second career training. RRP’s Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium moves in its third year to the Kentucky Horse Park October 23-25, 2015. For more information, go to retiredracehorseproject.org.

The Arkansas Breeders’ Sales Company Fall Mixed Sale November 29, 2015 Hot Springs, Arkansas Since 1905, Oaklawn Park and Hot Springs have been the winter home to champions. With record purses on the horizon for the 2016 race meet, there’s never been a better time to make Hot Springs your winter racing home. This season, races restricted to Registered Arkansas-Breds will offer the largest purses between New York and California. Come join us in Hot Springs on November 29 for our fall mixed sale featuring Registered Arkansas-bred 2-year-olds, yearlings, weanlings, and in-foal broodmares. For More Information and Catalogues Contact: C. F. (Frank) Newman, Sales Director Arkansas Breeders’ Sales Company (479) 650-5837 • nvbfrank@gmail.com AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 49

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Courtesy Thomas Allen Pauly

Artist Thomas Allen Pauly captures the glory of American Pharoah By Annie Johnson

When 25-year-old artist Thomas Allen Pauly had his photo taken with a Triple Crown winner back in 1985, he couldn’t have known that America would endure another drought between victors that would last even longer than the 25-year lapse between Citation and Secretariat. Nor could he have foreseen that once the 37-year Triple Crown losing streak was broken by a new champion in 2015, he’d be the one honored with the opportunity to paint the official portrait of America’s new Thoroughbred hero, American Pharoah. 50

Chicago-based Pauly has been successfully capturing the courage and spirit of the sport’s most remarkable equine athletes since 1978. Although his work as a sporting artist originated with photographing and producing portraits of harness racers, within the next decade he was fortunate to meet and photograph the legendary Secretariat. Equine artist and colleague Judith Berkshire Jones, who Pauly says was influential in his beginning years as an artist, took him to Claiborne Farm to see “Big Red” in 1985, four years before the horse’s death due to complications from laminitis.

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“The minute they brought the horse out, he just stood in perfect conformation. He knew he was getting his picture taken,” Pauly said, who walked away with two rolls of photos of Secretariat that day. “I really cherish those photos—in fact, I’ve done a lot of paintings off those photos.”

as with Hall of Fame jockeys Jerry Bailey, Pat Day, Chris McCarron, Bill Shoemaker and Gary Stevens. Before getting the chance to paint his second Triple Crown winner—and this time, receiving the commission from American Pharoah’s owners, Zayat Stables, to produce the official portrait—Pauly had attended the previous 16 consecutive Kentucky Derbys to photograph the winners, beginning with Charismatic’s victory in 1999. Thomas Allen “It was very magical, the whole event, and being there !"#$%&'()*+,( for the very first time,” Pauly recalled of that Derby. “It visit to see Secretariat was Chris Antley’s resurgence, or his comeback on that inspired horse, same way as it was for D. Wayne Lukas. It was a numerous really wonderful day and the lighting was just beautiful.” future paintings The artist counts his Derby portrait Charismatic with of the Triple Chris Antley Up as one of his favorites. While on exhibit at Crown winner. Churchill Downs, the painting was spotted by Don Berg, former CFO of spirit and wine company Brown-Forman, Judy Jones who later purchased it from Pauly’s Chicago studio. The artist later attended a Derby party at Berg’s home, where Since then, Pauly has painted Secretariat nine times, his cherished painting hung above the fireplace. including depictions at Churchill Downs, Belmont Park “I sat alongside the table looking at Charismatic while and Claiborne Farm. His portrait of Ron Turcotte titled eating dinner at his house, and that was really surreal,” Waiting for Secretariat, which portrays the jockey clad in he recalled. the blue and white Meadow Stable racing silks with hands Pauly continued his annual Derby pilgrimage, and in clasped behind his back, is included in Kate Chenery 2006 he was selected as that year’s Official Artist of the Tweedy’s (daughter of Secretariat’s owner Penny Chen- Kentucky Derby Commemorative Print, a privilege that ery) book, Secretariat’s Meadow: The Land, The Family, required producing a portrait of Barbaro within just a The Legend. few days to be distributed as a print to thousands on fan Waiting for Secreappreciation day. tariat was commisPauly was in atsioned by Arlington tendance that day Park in 2003, and the for what ended up original portrait was being a marathon presented to Penny four-hour poster Chenery that year in signing session to honor of the inauguaccommodate all of ral Penny Chenery the waiting fans. Distinguished Wom“I would like to an in Racing Award. say it was because of The oil painting remy artwork, but evmains in Chenery’s erybody loved that Courtesy Arlington Park private collection, horse,” he said. while numerous other !"#$%("-.(/01203"24"3&'(56-02(!0--%(780-02%(6438(84'(6529(Waiting for Secretariat. In 2010 Pauly equine portraits by was invited by Pauly have also residChurchill Downs ed in the homes of such owners as Jerry Moss (Giacomo), to present a solo show of his artwork that was exhibited Gretchen and Roy Jackson (Barbaro), Kenny Troutt (Su- at three gate locations on the grounds during the Oaks per Saver) and Merv Griffin (Stevie Wonderboy), as well and Derby weekend. Churchill brought the artist back AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 51

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again in 2011 during the Oaks and Derby for a second exhibit, which featured his 19” x 24” watercolor Calvin Borel Up—Silks of WinStar Farms, depicting the jockey of 2010 Derby winner Super Saver. Pauly returned to Churchill Downs this May for his 17th Derby to witness American Pharoah’s triumph, and he was also present at Belmont Park to experience firsthand the highly anticipated Triple Crown victory. “I was just hoping that my autofocus on my Canon camera was working because I had so many tears in my eyes, I couldn’t focus on what was going on,” the artist recalled about the Belmont win to a Washington Post reporter after the Haskell Invitational Stakes, in which American Pharoah easily won his first post-Triple Crown start. In late June, Zayat Stables owner Ahmed Zayat announced the selection of Pauly as the artist to paint his once-in-a-lifetime horse for the fans. Zayat refers to American Pharoah as “America’s horse,” and says that the colt “belongs to everyone now.” “Thomas Allen Pauly’s ability to capture the beauty and excitement of Thoroughbred horse racing was the reason I commissioned him to portray our Triple Crown champion,” said Zayat at the time of the announcement. “Right after the Preakness, I invited him to portray our colt winning the Kentucky Derby, which was published as a limited edition print. It sold out in hours. We were so impressed with his first portrait that I commissioned him to paint ‘Pharoah’ capturing the Triple Crown. I am very

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proud to share with every single fan this beautiful commemorative print.” The 22” x 28” print of American Pharoah’s Belmont Stakes finish is a limited edition offering of 950 signed and numbered prints, which Pauly began selling at Monmouth

Steve Heuertz Pauly, here with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, is an active '#++/4.*4(/1(.5*(!8>?(./("'','.(,0@#4*)(@/-7*%'=

Park during the three-day Haskell Festival. Prints can be purchased online at Pauly’s website, horseartist.com. As an industry professional who personally gives back to the sport, Pauly utilizes his artwork to benefit the sport’s riders, who play a prominent role in many of his portraits. He’s an avid supporter of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF), which fills a critical need in the industry by providing financial assistance to former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries. Since the charity’s launch in 2006, he has assisted the organization in various ways, including providing artwork for promotional materials and fundraising events. “PDJF is grateful to Thomas Allen Pauly for his contributions throughout the year, but most importantly in providing the artwork for our commemorative magazine that was published with Blood-Horse,” said Nancy LaSala, PDJF’s president. Pauly recently contributed original artwork for the Hope & Help commemorative magazine, which was first distributed at racetracks on “PDJF Day across America” held on August 1. He provided the cover art of a jockey in Lane’s End Farm silks, as well as his portrait First Quarter, depicting jockeys piloting their mounts, for a special fold-out page that was created for jockey autograph signing events at tracks across the country.

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Thomas


Pauly also regularly donates a portion of his sales to PDJF, such as proceeds from his Secretariat series and his 2010 Arlington Million limited edition art print of Gio Ponti. His donation of an official Triple Crown print, signed by jockey Victor Espinoza, fetched $3,000 at PDJF’s Saratoga Jockey Karaoke Contest and Fundraiser on August 3. His newest endeavor is the production of a series of nine 5” x 7” postcards of Triple Crown winners American Pharoah, Secretariat, Affirmed and Seattle Slew, with a percentage of the sales again benefiting the fund. It’s no surprise that the artist has been busier this year than ever before—“I really don’t think I could compare the last four months,” Pauly said—having painted four different works of American Pharoah and additional portrait commissions of Work All Week and The Pizza Man (who just became the first Illinois-bred to win the Arlington Million) for Midwest Thoroughbreds’ Richard

Papiese, as well as artwork for the PDJF, since the spring. Even with the whirlwind of activity that has surrounded him due to Zayat Stables’ official commission, he doesn’t take for granted his unique opportunity, one that he called “the pinnacle of my career.” Pauly said it’s very special to him to have painted the official portrait of American Pharoah, especially considering there are countless artists who would have loved to fill that role. “I am very honored to be part of that,” he said. H Annie Johnson is a freelance writer currently working on a book about antebellum Thoroughbred racing in New Orleans. Her work has appeared in Deep South Magazine and on her website, antebellumturftimes.com, which features articles related to her research on the sport’s history. Follow Annie on Twitter at @AntebelTrfTimes.

Looking for our regular magazine features? Selling the Game, Tax Talk and Ask a Vet will return next issue!

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In 2013, HTC-trained horses earned just over $3 million, and in 2014 that number jumped to nearly $4.8 million. Through August of this year, HTC-trained horses have already earned $4,784,633.

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American Racehorse Stakes Roundup A review of the state-bred and restricted stakes in the Southwest and Midwest during the busy summer months, plus horses bred in the region who won open company stakes around the country BAD MOON

$73,775 Iowa Stallion Stakes • Prairie Meadows • 3yo gelding by Tactical Cat • Owner: Poindexter Thoroughbreds LLC • Breeder: James Hobbs (Iowa) • Trainer: Lynn Chleborad • Jockey: Alex Birzer Tactical Cat stands in Oklahoma at Raywood Farm

C J’S STAR

$45,800 CTBA Lassie Stakes • Arapahoe Park • 2yo filly by Oliver’s Twist • Owner/Breeder: Robert Schreiber (Colorado) • Trainer: Kenneth Gleason • Jockey: Michael Ziegler Oliver’s Twist stands in Colorado at Menoken Farms

CORNFED

$69,975 Iowa Stallion Futurity • Prairie Meadows • 2yo gelding by Pass Rush • Owner: Runaway Racing LLC • Breeder: Jeff Hartz (Iowa) Trainer: Ray Ashford Jr. • Jockey: Ramon Vazquez Pass Rush stands in Indiana at Swifty Farms

DADDY JUSTICE

$75,000 Paul Tinkle ITOBA Stallion Season Colts and Geldings Stakes Indiana Grand • 3yo gelding by Lantana Mob • Owner: Cindy Patrick Breeder: Justice Farm and Greg Justice (Indiana) • Trainer: Gary Patrick Jockey: Albin Jimenez Lantana Mob stands in Indiana at Southern Indiana Equine

$50,000 Valor Farm Stakes • Lone Star Park • 7yo mare by Pulling Punches • Owner/Breeder: Judy Peek (Texas) • Trainer: Kevin Peek Jockey: Luis Quinonez

MAKE US FAMOUS

$40,815 Silver Cup Futurity (Fillies) • Arapahoe Park • 2yo filly by Successful Appeal • Owner: Rushton Farms • Breeder: High Peak Farm (Kentucky) • Trainer: Temple Rushton • Jockey: Brian Theriot

MEMPHISINMAY

$150,000 Governor’s Stakes • Indiana Grand • 3yo colt by Rockport Harbor • Owner: Brent Gasaway • Breeder: Justice Farm and Greg Justice (Indiana) • Trainer: Kellyn Gorder • Jockey: Joe Rocco Jr.

MORE THAN EVEN

$45,000 Muscogee (Creek) Nation Stakes • Fair Meadows • 5yo mare by Stephen Got Even • Owner/Breeder: Doyle Williams (Oklahoma) Trainer: Roger Engel • Jockey: Cliff Berry

NOTCH

$45,850 Michigan Sire Stakes • Hazel Park • 5yo gelding by Sky Approval • Owner/Trainer: Denis Culey • Breeder: Denis and Cathie Culey (Indiana) • Jockey: Alvaro Hernandez-Lopez

DEVIL’S DUE WEST

PERFECT TO PLEASE

EBO

PURE TACTICS

$89,450 Snack Stakes • Indiana Grand • 3yo gelding by Devil His Due Owner: James and Tami Eads • Breeder: Steven West and Sharon Baker (Indiana) • Trainer: Michael Weaver • Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz $45,417 CTBA Derby • Arapahoe Park • 3yo gelding by Grand Minstrel Owner: P and S Racing Stables LLC • Breeder: Willard Burbach (Colorado) • Trainer: Tyron Gleason • Jockey: Brian Theriot Grand Minstrel stands in Colorado at Menoken Farms

ESPERANZA

$63,625 Iowa Stallion Filly Stakes • Prairie Meadows • 3yo filly by Rockport Harbor • Owner: Poindexter Thoroughbreds LLC Breeder: Allen Poindexter (Oklahoma) • Trainer: Lynn Chleborad Jockey: Ramon Vazquez

FLEET GREY

$93,720 TTA Sales Futurity • Lone Star Park • 2yo filly by Too Much Bling • Owner: Clark Brewster • Breeder: W.S. Farish (Texas) Trainer: Steve Asmussen • Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr. Too Much Bling stands in Texas at Lane’s End Texas

GLOW GIRL

$46,055 CTBA Breeders Oaks • Arapahoe Park • 3yo filly by Golden Shine • Owner/Breeder: Tom and Linda Thurman (Colorado) Trainer: Stacey Rushton • Jockey: Alfredo Triana Jr.

HEART’S SONG

$88,100 Ellen’s Lucky Star Stakes • Indiana Grand • 3yo filly by Desert Party • Owner: Bernard Schaeffer • Breeder: Justice Farm and Greg Justice (Indiana) • Trainer: William Connelly Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.

HIGHER LOGIC

$88,750 Shelby County Stakes • Indiana Grand • 5yo mare by High Fly • Owner/Breeder: Bone Doctors Stable (Indiana) • Trainer: Michael Lauer • Jockey: Dylan Davis

IVAN FALLUNOVALOT

$76,500 David M. Vance Sprint Stakes • Remington Park • 5yo gelding by Valid Expectations • Owner: Lewis Mathews Jr. • Breeder: Eileen Hartis (Texas) • Trainer: Tom Howard • Jockey: Calvin Borel

JOHNNY WHIP

$45,000 Route 66 Stakes • Fair Meadows • 6yo gelding by Stephen Got Even • Owner: George Straw Jr. • Breeder: Robert Zoellner (Oklahoma) Trainer: Jody Pruitt • Jockey: Benny Landeros

LADY FOG HORN

$150,000 Indiana First Lady Stakes • Indiana Grand 3yo filly by Zavata • Owner/Breeder: The Elkstone Group LLC (Indiana) Trainer: Anthony Granitz • Jockey: Albin Jimenez 54

LASTING BUBBLES

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

$50,000 Red Earth Stakes • Remington Park • 5yo gelding by Pleasantly Perfect • Owner: Elada Kirk • Breeder: John and Barbara Smicklas Living Trusts (Oklahoma) • Trainer: Veronica Griggs • Jockey: Bryan McNeil $86,350 Wickerr Stakes • Del Mar • 6yo horse by Pure Prize Owner: Nita Winner LLC • Breeder: Donald Eberts (Texas) Trainer: Doug O’Neill • Jockey: Flavien Prat

R DUB

$50,433 CTBA Futurity and $40,645 Silver Cup Futurity (Colts/ Geldings) • Arapahoe Park • 2yo gelding by Fort Prado Owner: Nye Brookover • Breeder: Willard Burbach (Colorado) Trainer: Kenneth Gleason • Jockey: Dennis Collins

SANDHILL LADY

$46,055 Spicy Stakes • Arapahoe Park • 6yo mare by Oliver’s Twist Owner: Daley Family Thoroughbreds LLC • Breeder: Gale Delsley (Colorado) • Trainer: Ty Garrett • Jockey: Russell Vicchrilli Oliver’s Twist stands in Colorado at Menoken Farms

SHOW ME INDY

$75,000 ITOBA Stallion Season Fillies Stakes • Indiana Grand • 3yo filly by Ocean Indy • Owner: Neal Allread • Breeder: James and Amy Elliot (Indiana) • Trainer: Barbara McBride • Jockey: Albin Jimenez

SON OF A NUT

$89,550 William Henry Harrison Stakes • Indiana Grand • 3yo gelding by Unbridled Express • Owner: Sherri Greenhill • Breeder: Greenhill Racing (Indiana) • Trainer: Jeffrey Greenhill • Jockey: Dylan Davis

TEXAS BLING

$50,000 Assault Stakes • Lone Star Park • 5yo horse by Too Much Bling Owner/Breeder: Hall’s Family Trust (Texas) • Trainer: Danele Durham Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr. • Too Much Bling stands in Texas at Lane’s End Texas

TEXAS CHROME

$111,020 TTA Sales Futurity at Lone Star Park and $100,000 Gold Rush Futurity at Arapahoe Park • 2yo colt by Grasshopper • Owner: Danny Keene • Breeder: Craig D. Upham (Texas) • Trainer: Stuart Shea Jockey: Deshawn Parker • Grasshopper stands in Texas at Lane’s End Texas

WHO’S SMOKIN

$58,488 Prairie Gold Lassie Stakes • Prairie Meadows 2yo filly by Smoke Glacken • Owner/Breeder: James Hobbs (Iowa) Trainer: Jon Arnett • Jockey: Alex Canchari

ZETA ZODY

$50,000 Bob Barry Memorial Stakes • Remington Park • 4yo filly by Omega Code • Owner: Al and Bill Ulwelling • Breeder: Robert Zoellner (Oklahoma) • Trainer: Michael Biehler • Jockey: Alex Birzer Omega Code stands in Oklahoma at Rockin’ Z Ranch


Linscott Photography

Coady Photography

Texas-bred Texas Chrome, by Grasshopper, already the winner of the colts and geldings division of the TTA Sales Futurity at Lone Star Park, takes the $100,000 Gold Rush Futurity at Arapahoe Park.

Ebo, a Colorado-bred gelding by Grand Minstrel fresh off a maiden win at Arapahoe Park, comes right back to score again in the CTBA Derby.

Dustin Orona Photography

Coady Photography

The Indiana-bred Lantana Mob gelding Daddy Justice went over the $200,000 mark in career earnings with a victory in the Paul Tinkle ITOBA Stallion Season Colts and Geldings Stakes at Indiana Grand.

With her third win in as many starts this year, Oklahoma-bred Zeta Zody, by Omega Code, draws clear to win the Bob Barry Memorial Stakes on the Remington Park turf.

Coady Photography

Dustin Orona Photography

Ivan Fallunovalot, a Texas-bred gelding by Valid Expectations, captures Remington Park’s David M. Vance Sprint Stakes for the second straight year and could be pointed to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland.

Linscott Photography

More Than Even, an Oklahoma-bred daughter of Stephen Got Even, picks up her seventh career stakes win in the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Stakes at Fair Meadows.

Show Me Indy, an Indiana-bred filly by Ocean Indy, records the first stakes win of her career in the ITOBA Stallion Season Fillies Stakes.

AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 55


2015 b

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AMERICAN Racehorse • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015


2015 breeders sale am racehorse_Layout 1 5/15/15 10:58 AM Page 1

Tuesday, September 29 BN

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