Horse Racing
ILLINOIS HORSERACING VINDCATED IN U.S. SUPREME COURT
On Monday, the US Supreme Court denied a petition by riverboat casinos in Illinois to further withhold funds guaranteed to the Illinois horseracing industry, a legal battle that has been waged for the last three years. Defense of the “Molaro Bill” was championed by Hawthorne Race Course.
Jun 17, 2009, 13:09
Horse Racing
PETA thwarts efforts to bring home racehorses
As reported today on ESPN’s Outside the Lines, PETA has inserted itself into the issue of American racehorses being slaughtered in Japan. The slaughter of Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand in 2002 brought outrage to American horse owners and was the catalyst for anti- slaughter awareness in America.
The Program reported on two thoroughbreds, War Emblem and Charismatic who are both standing stud in Japan. ESPN interviewed Michael Blowen, owner and founder of Old Friends, A Kentucky Facility for Retired Thoroughbreds and Kathy Guillermo, vice president of laboratory investigations for PETA.
Jun 10, 2009, 12:51
Horse Racing
Old Friends Announces Winner of “Name that Horse” Challenge
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| "Escape From New York" |
It has been chosen. A panel of judges has spoken, and a winner has been selected from the more than 100 entries received last week in Old Friends “Name that Horse” challenge.
For the competition, participants were asked to submit a name for the five-year-old horse recently rescued by Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm in Georgetown, KY , from Ernie Paragallo’s Upstate New York stable. The horse was one of 177 Thoroughbreds found in various states of neglect.
And the winning entry is: Escape From New York, submitted by Fred Jones of Lexington, KY. The apt moniker is borrowed from the 1981 John Carpenter action-thriller starring Kurt Russell.
Jun 10, 2009, 10:55
Horse Racing
DASHED DREAMS FOR VIRGINIANS AT UPCOMING DERBY
Quality Road, a strong Derby contender prior to developing a quarter crack in his front hoof this week and being withdrawn from the Derby, was seeking to become the fifth Virginia-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby.
That stellar group of Virginia winners includes Triple Crown winner Secretariat (1973), Pleasant Colony (Derby and Preakness 1981), Sea Hero (1993) and Reigh Count (1928), but it leaves out other important Derby winners with Preakness connections.
The trail from Commonwealth to Commonwealth (Virginia to Kentucky) for the most famous horse race in America starts in 1918 when Kentucky-bred Exterminator (aka Old Bones) won the Derby for Virginian Willis Sharpe Kilmer.
May 1, 2009, 09:38
Horse Racing
HAWTHORNE RACE COURSE THROWS CHICAGO’S BIGGEST KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY
Catch the "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports" at the Nation’s Oldest Family-Owned and Operated Race Track
On May 2nd, Hawthorne Race Course, 3501 S. Laramie, will feature a weekend of festivities to celebrate the most prestigious horserace of the year. In celebration of 100 years of family-owned racing, Hawthorne is hosting Chicago’s biggest Kentucky Derby Party featuring live music, an outdoor barbecue and beer fest, a charity chili cook-off, and tent lounges with dozens of high-definition flat screen TVs so fans can watch and wager on the “Run for the Roses” in style.
For a mere $4.00 admission, Kentucky Derby fans can experience Hawthorne Race Course’s expansive grounds and exciting line-up of events offering the next best thing to being on the infield at Churchill Downs. Guests can also opt for a $50.00 VIP Pass for two which includes admission, program and a barbecue and beer package and a commemorative Mint Julep glass. Gates will open at 8:00 a.m. for those hoping to catch the first race at 9:30 a.m., while the outdoor party will kick off at 11:00 a.m.
Apr 20, 2009, 15:38
Horse Racing
218 Two Year-Olds offered In The John Franks Memorial Sale
Sale administrator Stemmans Inc. has cataloged a total of 218 two year-old thoroughbred horses for the 2009 edition of the John Franks Memorial Two Year-Old in Training Sale. This total is an increase of more than 14.1% from last year's total of 191. The sale, held in the racing paddock at Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino, is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, beginning at noon (CT). In addition, there will be a Preview Gallop Show on Saturday, March 21, which will begin at Noon (CT). Both the sale and the Preview Gallop Show are free and open to the public.
Mar 9, 2009, 11:05
Horse Racing
Texas Thoroughbred Association Executive Director's Update from Dave Hooper
TEXAS HORSE OF THE YEAR, DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONS TO BE HONORED SATURDAY, JANUARY 10TH
The Texas Thoroughbred Association will honor the owners and breeders of the 2008 Texas Horse of the Year and the respective divisional champions at its annual awards banquet at the Westin Park Central in Dallas on Saturday evening. There will also be several individual awards presented, including the Allen Bogan Award for TTA member of the year and the T. I. “Pops” Harkins Award for lifetime achievement.
Kirk Robison’s fleet Stealth Cat will be honored as the 2008 Texas Horse of the Year and Texas Champion Older Mare. Jann K. Jones and James S. Kenney bred Stealth Cat in partnership. Stealth Cat’s dam, Dixie’s Integrity, will be recognized as the 2008 Broodmare of the Year.
Jan 9, 2009, 10:14
Horse Racing
2009 Lone Star Park Thoroughbred meet features 32 stakes worth more than $3.5 million
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie announced that the track’s 2009 Spring Thoroughbred Season will feature 32 stakes, including five Grade 3 races, worth a total of $3.55 million in purses. The 65-day meet is scheduled for Thursday, April 9 through Sunday, July 26, 2009.
The season’s centerpiece is Lone Star Million Day – Texas’ richest day of Thoroughbred racing with stakes purses totaling $1.1 million – to be staged for the 11th consecutive year on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. Three graded stakes events top the holiday card -- the Grade 3, $400,000 Lone Star Park Handicap (3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles); Grade 3, $200,000 Dallas Turf Cup Handicap (3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles on turf) and Grade 3, $200,000 Ouija Board Distaff (fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up, at one mile on the turf).
Jan 9, 2009, 10:12
Horse Racing
THE GREAT RACEHORSE RUHLMANN, DEAD AT 23
Ruhlmann, the eight-time stakes winning stallion and winner of the 1990 Santa Anita Derby, died on Christmas Eve. He was 23. The news was announced today by a saddened Michael Blowen, founder and president of Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY, where the distinguished stallion had been pensioned since 2004.
Ruhlmann was found just shortly after being brought up from his paddock for the night. Veterinarian Dr. Doug Byars arrived within minutes, and, judging by the virtually undisturbed nature of his stall, concluded that the horse died instantly, most likely from an aneurysm. A full autopsy report is pending.
Dec 28, 2008, 22:46
Horse Racing
STAKES WINNING STALLION FLYING PIDGEON EUTHANIZED
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| FLYING PIDGEON 1981 - 2008 |
The people of Old Friends said farewell to a dear friend, millionaire Flying Pidgeon.
Winner of the Grade 1 Hollywood Invitational and member of the Calder Hall of Fame, Flying Pidgeon was humanely euthanized at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY due to the infirmities of old age. The 27-year-old son of Upper Case out of Miss Minnesota was retired to Old Friends by Jane White and the Flying Pidgeon Syndicate in October 2006.
Dec 16, 2008, 08:42
Horse Racing
Important Track Change... Houston race days now to run at Retama Park
Retama Park has agreed to add 43 days of racing to its present meet in response to the recently cancelled meet at Sam Houston Race Park. The Texas Racing Commission has scheduled a special meeting for Wednesday, October 29, at Sam Houston Race Park at 11am, “to consider proposals to modify the 2008/2009 live horse racing schedules as a result of Hurricane Ike damages to Sam Houston Race Park’s facility.” It is understood that there will be an opportunity to tour the grounds and view damage resulting from the high winds and heavy rain to the grandstand, the old simulcast building, Barn Q and the dormitory rooms on the backstretch.
Oct 27, 2008, 09:43
Horse Racing
Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame
Bill Allen was asked a quarter-century ago why he was putting up 12 percent of the $3 million purse to supplement his Wild Again in the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Classic at Hollywood Park when the thoroughbred had no chance.
Allen, who organized and led Black Chip Stables, promptly predicted his horse was going to win and he was betting on it, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Oct 23, 2008, 10:11
Horse Racing
Hawthorne Race Course Leads Unprecedented Bid for 10th Casino License
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| L to R: Joe Canfora, CEO, Merit Management Group; Ed Pilarz, President, Altium Development Group; Donald Tabor, Mayor, Village of Stickney; Tim Carey, President of Hawthorne Race Course and Chicago sports icon Mike Ditka are pictured at an October 15 press conference |
Just seven miles from downtown Chicago on I-55 at the gateway to Midway Airport, the owner-operator of Hawthorne Race Course is proposing an entertainment destination unlike any in the nation, in its unprecedented bid for Illinois� tenth casino license. Hawthorne�s Board of Directors, a 100-year old family business, has partnered with Altium Development Group and Merit Management Group, both leaders in gaming, entertainment and retail development and management to dramatically expand the use of its 136-acre holdings between Cicero and Laramie Avenues to create the premiere regional entertainment destination. The location is a ready-made setting for the proposed casino, resort and entertainment district, that could phase in casino operations within 180 days, generating nearly $200,000,0000 in immediate tax revenue.
Oct 23, 2008, 10:07
Horse Racing
Vital Winner: This 2004 gray gelding is one to watch for at the racetrack
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| Dustin Orona Photography |
The Bank of America Racing Challenge Championship night is November 8 at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, Louisiana. It will feature six championship races with some of the best horses in the country battling it out for titles in their respective divisions.
One of the stars to watch for is Vital Winner, who will run in the Red Cell Distance Challenge Championship (G1).
Vital Winner will be making his first start in Louisiana, but fortunately he is one of those horses who doesn’t have to bring his racetrack with him. That’s a good thing, too, because the 4-year-old gelding by Easy Winning Jet has logged some miles on a van.
Oct 22, 2008, 11:33
Horse Racing
2008 Texas Arabian Oaks & Texas Arabian Derby
TM Marie Laveau, Wire to Wire in the Texas Arabian Oaks
It was no contest for TM Marie Laveau as she blew away the field in the one mile $16,050 Texas Oaks. The 4-year-old nearly white filly by Burning Sand broke on top, led from the start and never looked back. She drew off in the stretch to win by 11 3/4 lengths as fans cheered wildly. TM Marie Laveau had prepped for this race four days ago turning in a modest 54:20 in an easy 1/2 mile breeze. TM Marie Laveau's Oak's performance adds to her already commendable record. Out of 12 races she's accomplished 3 wins, 6 seconds and 1 third placing. Two of these finishes were stakes placings, in the Cobra Oaks and Santa Rosa Arabian Stake.
Sep 9, 2008, 13:29
Horse Racing
Texas Thoroughbred Association Executive Director's Update from Dave Hooper - August 28
Have a comment or question about this week's update? Send an e-mail to davidh@texasthoroughbred.com. Read past updates in the Executive Director's Update archive.
FASIG-TIPTON TEXAS YEARLING SALE AVERAGE, MEDIAN DROP; GROSS UP
The Fasig-Tipton Texas Summer Yearling Sale concluded Tuesday with mixed results. With a larger catalog, the gross rose slightly but both median and average fell by double-digit percentages. But considering the disappointing results of yearling sales in other markets, the final results of the Texas sale were respectable.
From an offering of 443 yearlings, 281 sold for $3,369,700, an increase of 2.6% from the 2007 gross of $3,283,200 for 241 sold. The average dropped 12% from a sale-record $13,623 last year to $11,992, and the median fell to $4,500 from $6,200, a decline of 27.4%. Buybacks were virtually unchanged at 36.6% this year compared with 36.9% in 2007.
Sep 4, 2008, 14:58
Horse Racing
Media Briefing and Preview of Bay Meadows Race Cource Auction Items
What:The Bay Meadows Race Course will open its doors to media for a preview of the 2,600 items that are to be auctioned off following the closing of the race track.
Who:Auctioneers will be available to describe the auction and answer questions about the items and their significance.
Where:Bay Meadows Front Entrance
2600 South Delaware Street
San Mateo, CA 94403
When:Today: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Thursday, August 21, 2008
Why:The three-day public auction begins Saturday, August 23. All 2,600 items will be put up for public auction at the Bay Meadows Race Course. This media preview will allow an early look at the items available for auction.
Some of the items include:
· Photos
· Original Oil Paintings
· Signed Lithographs
· Horse and Sport Personality Portraits
· Signage, including the Finish Line sign
The Media Preview is not open to the public.
Prior to arrival, please RSVP by contacting Adam Alberti, Singer Associates, at (415) 227-9700.
Aug 26, 2008, 14:02
Horse Racing
Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Gala set for Oct. 4th
The Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame will once again honor those that have enriched the tradition of horse racing in Texas at the 10th annual Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Gala on Saturday, October 4, 2008.
The gala and induction of Hall of Fame honorees will be held before and during the races on that Saturday, beginning at 4 p.m. The gala includes valet parking, cocktails, a gourmet buffet dinner, wine tasting, induction of the honorees, silent auction, and races, of course. October 4th is the biggest night of Retama Park’s Thoroughbred racing season, with six races worth $500,000 in purse money.
Aug 8, 2008, 11:21
Horse Racing
Texas stallion Captain Countdown sires first stakes winner
Texas stallion Captain Countdown recorded his first stakes winner when his 2-year-old daughter Lady Countdown captured the $50,000 Debutante Stakes on August 4 at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Canada. The filly was bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Neal McFadden and she runs for owner/trainer Charles Smith of Texas. Lady Countdown won the 5 ½-furlong race by more than six lengths in wire-to-wire fashion.
Captain Countdown, a son of Relaunch out of a stakes-winning mare, earned $384,155 while winning 11 of 35 starts and six stakes, including three for Texas-breds. From three crops of racing age, he has sired 20 winners and the earners of nearly $550,000. The 12-year-old stallion stands at Double S Thoroughbred Farm in Poynor as property of Gearald Farris and Delwin Lovell.
Aug 8, 2008, 11:19
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