Horse Racing
Legislation Introduced to Ease Federal Sports Betting Ban (AHC News Spring 2013)
Several states have attempted to offer sports betting, most notableNew Jersey, which went to court to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act that was enacted in 1992 and prohibits sports betting. The state lost that suit in the lower court, but has appealed the decision. Now two New Jersey representatives have introduced legislation to amend the ban. One bill would allowNew Jerseyto offer sports betting; the other would give all states a limited opportunity to do so.
May 7, 2013, 08:05
Horse Racing
CANTER Transitions 1,000+ Ex-Racehorses in 2012
CANTER chapters are celebrating a milestone year for transitioning ex-racehorses into second careers through their free online sales listings. The 10 CANTER chapters online sales websites served 596 trainers at 30 racetracks nationally in 2012 and successfully transitioned 1,015 racehorses nearing the end of their racing careers.
"Our horses try hard for us on the racetrack so our loyalty to them goes beyond their race careers," noted Bob and Marcia Wolfe, trainers at Penn National Race Course, Grantville, Pa. "We feel very fortunate to work with CANTER to find great homes for our horses. It's the best program we've come across to display our available horses for buyers who are knowledgeable and sincere about their interest. We've had tremendous success placing horses and continue to stay involved in their futures through regular updates from buyers. It's a great feeling to see our horses excel in secondary careers and we sincerely appreciate the efforts of all CANTER volunteers."
Mar 13, 2013, 04:26
Horse Racing
Iroquois Steeplechase Teams with Jackson National Life to Create Family Area, Tailgating Section
Jackson Family Area will provide fun for the entire family on May 11, 2013
The Iroquois Steeplechase, set for May 11, 2013, has something for the entire family—a vibrant social scene for the chattiest member of the family, an entire day of horse racing for the sports enthusiast, and food trucks to satisfy even the pickiest eater. And this year, the event will be even more fun for the entire family with the addition of a FREE family area on race day.
Sponsored by Jackson National Life, the Jackson Family Area will be located behind Hospitality Village, and offer an entire day of free games and entertainment, such as face painting, inflatables, pony rides and more, for children 12 and under who are supervised by a parent. It’s accessible from all areas of the track, and open to all race-attending families from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Feb 26, 2013, 00:04
Horse Racing
GR1 Winner Marquetry, 26, Euthanized at Old Friends
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| Marquetry at Old Friends. Photo by Rick Capone. |
Marquetry, a GR1 winner and top sire, died today at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.
The 26-year-old stallion was humanely euthanized after an accident in his stall. Veterinarians from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute attended to him, and a full necropsy report is expected in a few days.
Michael Blowen, president and founder of Old Friends, made the announcement this afternoon.
Marquetry, by 1982 Horse of the Year Conquistador Cielo out of the Vice Regent mare Regent’s Walk, won 10 of 36 career starts and retired with earnings of $2,857,886. He was a Grade 1 winner on both dirt and turf, registering victories in the 1991 Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap (G1), 1992 Eddie Read Handicap (G1), and 1993 Meadowlands Cup Handicap (G1).
He is the sire of Breeders’ Cup winners and Eclipse sprint champions Artax (1999) and Squirtle Squirt (2001).
Feb 18, 2013, 02:17
Horse Racing
On Kentucky Derby Eve, the KFC Yum! Center becomes the ‘Love Shack’
B-52s headline The Julep Ball as it expands into new venue
The “Love Shack” is coming to Louisville, setting up on Derby Eve at the KFC Yum! Center.
That’s when the World’s Greatest Party Band, the B-52s, will perform at The Julep Ball, the premiere Derby Eve Party with a Purpose, being held in the Yum! Center for the first time.
The fun starts with a 6:30 p.m. cocktail hour on Friday, May 3. Dinner will take place on the main floor at 8 p.m. followed by a live auction. The B-52s will take the stage at 10 p.m.
The Julep Ball makes its move to the Yum! Center for the first time this year to take advantage of the venue’s cutting-edge technical and staging capabilities. “As the event has grown over the years, we realized we wanted to feature bigger entertainment, and the Yum! Center is the venue that can best showcase all the events and entertainment that make up The Julep Ball,” said Michael Neumann, associate director for special projects in the Office of Development at the UofL Health Sciences Center.
As big a party as The Julep Ball is, it has an even bigger purpose: to support the clinicians, researchers and patients of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center at the University of Louisville.
Feb 14, 2013, 16:24
Horse Racing
HRTV PREMIERES CHASING: A STEEPLECHASE STORY ON SUNDAY, JAN. 27 AT 8 P.M. ET
Poignant Documentary Chronicles Injured Jockey Jake Chalfin's Courage
HRTV (R), The Network for Horse Sports, will premiere a documentary chronicling a poignant story of courage and determination in the world of steeplechase racing, titled Chasing: A Steeplechase Story, which will air on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. ET.
The half-hour unveiling will take a special look at former steeplechase jockey, Jake Chalfin, whose promising career in the saddle ended when he was paralyzed from a fall during a race at the Blue Ridge Point-to-Point Races in Virginia in September, 2010.
Chalfin's love of horses, and racing, placed him in a position for a very productive riding career, which was being fueled by tutelage from Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, as well as top jump conditioner, Ricky Hendriks. The horrific injury cut short a hoped-for career in the saddle, but has not dimmed Chalfin's strong will and passion for the sport -- and his love of horses.
Jan 22, 2013, 13:52
Horse Racing
APHA announces 2012 Running Champions
Logging a fantastic year on the track, CRM Livewire and Flashthechicks were named the American Paint Horse Association’s 2012 Running World Champions. CRM Livewire took home the World Champion title for Regular Registry Paints, and Flashthechicks was the Solid Paint-Bred World Champion. They topped the field of 20 APHA Running Champions for the 2012 season.
The Running Champion awards are presented annually to Paint Horses that demonstrate athleticism on the racetrack. Selection is based on their level of competition, location, races won and earnings. Awards are presented in three age categories for both Regular Registry and Solid Paint-Bred Registry horses, and the winners are selected by the APHA Racing Committee. Canadian/International, Distance and Claiming Champions were also named, along with racing Honor Roll champions.
Jan 13, 2013, 00:16
Horse Racing
SEABISCUIT'S STUD BARN NOMINATION TO NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT
-Non-profit seeks to preserve and protect the home of horse racing legend-
The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and protecting the cultural legacy of Ridgewood Ranch, home and final resting place of the legendary racehorse, plans to submit a National Register of Historic Places nomination for Seabisuit's restored stud barn and is garnering support both locally and internationally.
"Seabiscuit's home at Ridgewood Ranch is a resource of significant importance and an integral connection to the local culture and history of the Willits community and Mendocino County" stated Alan R. Falleri, Community Development Director of the City of Willits. In addition to providing people who have enjoyed and appreciated the inspirational story of Seabiscuit the ability to visit the very place that he lived, and the important economic benefit to the area that Ridgewood Ranch offers as a tourist attraction, Ridgewood Ranch is a source of great pride within the community. "
Nov 28, 2012, 08:27
Horse Racing
Paint Horse Racing goes digital in 2013
Paint Horse Racing—the industry’s only magazine dedicated to Paint racehorses and barrel racing horses—is transitioning to a free, digital-only format beginning with the January 2013 issue. The American Paint Horse Association encourages everyone interested in colorful, speed-bred horses to sign up for a complimentary subscription.
The transition to a digital-only format has numerous benefits for the industry, including the opportunity for expanded content, integration of video and web links, and more timely information. APHA hopes the move will help expand awareness of these two important Paint Horse segments. In addition, Paint Horse Racing has signed on as the title sponsor of the 2013 Masterpiece Challenge—the racing industry’s premier race for 3-year-old Paints and Appaloosas—and will contribute $10,000 to the race’s purse next year.
Nov 28, 2012, 01:21
Horse Racing
PLEASE HELP OUR HORSES - After the Homestretch
While our horses will not be having Thanksgiving dinner like the rest of us, they are looking forward to giving thanks. Can you help? We are a 100% volunteer organization and all donations go for the care and feeding of our horses at each of our two satellite locations. What we’ve accomplished with your support is the ability to rescue horses, get them needed veterinarian attention, have regular farrier visits, pay our fosters for hay and bring in holistic approaches for those hard to solve cases. For a profile of each of the horses currently in our care, go to the following link to our website http://afterthehomestretchaz.org/ and click on the "Our Horses" tab at the top of the page.
We are so appreciative of donations made to us in the past. New donations can be made to our rescue in one of two ways: EITHER go to our website at http://afterthehomestretchaz.org/ and click on the "Donate" button on the upper right side of the page where you can make a secure donation through Pay Pal using your credit card OR you may send a check to Linda Philbin, Treasurer for After The Homestretch - AZ, at 9559 E. Cavalry Drive, Scottsdale, AZ 85262. All donations will be acknowledged with a letter which you may retain for your records. We are a 501(c)3 certified non-profit corporation and all donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Nov 14, 2012, 13:51
Horse Racing
National Register of Historic Places Nomination Sought for Seabiscuit Stud Barn
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| Stud Barn |
Non-Profit seeks to Preserve and Protect Historic Treasure
Admirers of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit will be pleased to learn a National Register of Historic Places nomination is being sought for the stud barn where Seabiscuit enjoyed his life during retirement at C.S. Howard's world-famous Ridgewood Ranch. Biscuit's stud barn, newly restored in 2004 thanks to the generosity of the Willits Rotary Club, continues to draw hundreds of visitors each tour season.
The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation (SHF), through its board of directors, is seeking the nomination with the support of members and friends including honorary board member Laura Hillenbrand, author of best sellers Seabiscuit and Unbroken (laurahillenbrandbooks.com).
The California State Office for Historic Preservation is working with the SHF nominating party to complete the nomination process, estimated to take 6 months to 1 year. If approved, inclusion in the California State Point of Interest Program is automatic and the National Register of Historic Places listing could then be celebrated with an official ceremony and a bronze plaque. This honor generally produces not only a positive public response but also the qualification to pursue Federal grants for historic preservation funds.
SHF spokesperson Jacqueline Cooper states, "I know people recognize the importance of the mission of the foundation, and I am glad to have the opportunity to be involved and bring folks up-to-date regarding the organization's activities and positive achievements."
Nov 13, 2012, 15:06
Horse Racing
HRTV PREMIERES "ZENYATTA" DOCUMENTARY ON FRIDAY, NOV. 2
Brilliant Mare's Career Revisited in Moving Tribute
The legendary Zenyatta captivated the racing world during a spectacular career, and HRTV (R), The Network for Horse Sports, will present a poignant documentary on the impeccable mare when "Zenyatta" premieres on Friday, Nov. 2 at 10 p.m. ET.
The half-hour offering is perfectly placed between the two-day, 29th running of the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park, a world stage where Zenyatta punctuated her place in the racing history. While the HRTV broadcast is thirty minutes, it represents part of an in-depth 60-minute DVD that will be released for the holiday season by Zenyatta.com, featuring extensive bonus features and additional footage.
Zenyatta's illustrious career totaled 19 wins in 20 starts, Horse of the Year recognition in 2010, and more than $7.3 million in earnings.
Produced for HRTV by the accomplished Kristen Rocky, whose credits include working the 2012 Olympics and Tour de France for NBC, the emotional documentary underscores the essence of Zenyatta's connection with the racing world, and her uncanny ability to cultivate even casual observers.
Affectionately nicknamed "The Queen," many believe she is the most charismatic champion since the wondrous Secretariat. During her remarkable four-year racing campaign, Zenyatta's "fan club" seemed to quickly blossom and grow exponentially with each impressive victory.
Oct 29, 2012, 12:37
Horse Racing
Old Friends Welcomes New York Horse of the Year Dancin’ Renee
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| Dancin' Renee at Old Friends, photo by Rick Capone |
Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, has welcomed new retiree Dancin’ Renee, a graded-stakes winning mare and 1997’s New York Horse of the Year.
A homebred for owner Sanford Bacon, Dancin’ Renee is the New York-bred daughter of Distinctive Pro out of three-time New York Broodmare of the Year Lolli Lucka Lolli.
For three seasons, Renee had a stellar career on the track, with 14 wins from 21 starts. In her banner year, 1997, she claimed seven consecutive victories, including the GR3 Honorable Miss at Saratoga, the Broadway Handicap at Aqueduct, and the Monmouth Park Regret Stakes, which was her final start. Her earnings totaled $490,258.
For her efforts in ‘97, Dancin’ Renee was crowned New York Horse of the Year as well as Champion Sprinter and Champion Older Female by the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.
Sep 19, 2012, 19:00
Horse Racing
Ochoa Sets Earnings Record: Racing American Quarter Horse Ochoa tops the all-time earnings list after his victory in the September 2 All American Derby
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| Ochoa sets the all-time earnings record in the All American Derby. Andrea Caudill photo. |
American Quarter Horse racing has a new leader on top of the all-time earnings list after Ochoa scored a dominating victory in the $2,234,540 All American Derby (G1) on Sunday in front of a crowd of 20,932 at Ruidoso Downs. It’s only fitting that Ochoa broke the record in the 440-yard race that sets its own record for the richest Quarter Horse purse for any race for 3-year-olds or older.
Breaking from the outside Post 9 after the scratch of A Toss Up, Ochoa and jockey Roy Baldillez battled for the early lead and then drew clear to win by 1 ¼ lengths with a clocking of :21.272 over a fast track with no wind. The first-place check for $938,507 increased Ochoa’s earnings to $2,584,243. Bred in Texas out of the Stoli mare Stolis Fortune by John Jones Jr. Interests Ltd., Ochoa runs for Jones’ J Bar 7 Ranch LLC, Monte and Katsy Cluck, and Douglas Benson.
“He broke good,” said Baldillez. “The inside horse, (Testing The Ice), had us beat by about a neck in the first 50 yards. After 50 yards, Ochoa turned it on and from then on he did it by himself. The farther he goes, the better he gets. He’s an awesome horse.”
Sep 17, 2012, 01:16
Horse Racing
Horse Dies in 'World Famous Suicide Race' Qualifier
A horse has died as a result of injuries sustained while attempting to qualify for the World Famous Suicide Race, slated to take place during the Omak Stampede in Omak, Wash., on Aug. 12.
Inspired by Native American endurance races, the Suicide Race is best known for the portion of the race during which horses and riders run down a 62° slope that runs for 225 feet to the Okanogan River. The race has been run during the Omak Stampede for decades.
Pete Palmer, president of the World Famous Suicide Race Owners and Jockeys Association, said that on Aug. 3, a Thoroughbred horse named Little Big Man was participating in the third qualifying test for the race when it sustained a fracture to its front leg.
"The horse came off the hill with a rookie jockey and got ahead of himself and fractured his front leg at the bottom of the river," Palmer said. "He was euthanized at the scene."
Aug 6, 2012, 02:05
Horse Racing
The Jockey Club Announces Project to Identify At-Risk Horses; AAEP to Assist
The Jockey Club today announced plans to develop a statistics-based system that would notify track officials and regulatory veterinarians when a horse that has been entered in a race is facing a heightened risk of injury.
Dr. Tim Parkin, a noted epidemiologist from the University of Glasgow who has conducted research and studies on Thoroughbreds in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong, is currently developing the protocols, which are based on The Jockey Club’s Equine Injury Database. The project is expected to be complete in August 2012.
Jun 18, 2012, 16:37
Horse Racing
Havre de Grace Retired With Ankle Injury
Apr 26, 2012, 15:30
Horse Racing
NINETY NORTH RACING STABLE BREAKS FROM THE GATE; NEW SYNDICATE SELLING SHARES OF THOROUGHBREDS BACKED BY EXPERIENCED TEAM, MULTIPLE TRAINING SITES
Twenty-six year-old Justin Nicholson’s upstart group
to compete at Gulfstream, Keeneland and Saratoga
At 26, Justin Nicholson may be the nation’s youngest thoroughbred racing syndicate owner with the recent launch of his Ninety North Racing Stable (www.90northracing.com). But don’t mistake his youth for a lack of experience.
Nicholson has his boutique ownership group off and running with a quintet of horses ready to rumble early in 2012. His plan for success? Be approachable. Stay small. Offer unbridled access. Have fun.
Born into the sport of kings, Nicholson has developed a keen eye for finding talent both on the track and on the backstretch – quite a feat when one considers Nicholson could not go near a horse or a stable as a youth owing to severe allergies.
“Fortunately, I outgrew the allergies,” said Nicholson. “I’m also fortunate to have been around some incredibly bright racing minds who have truly helped to pique my interest in this great sport.”
Ninety North Racing Stable is a collaborative effort between Nicholson and fellow New Yorker James “Jimmy” Toner, a respected veteran trainer who also has worked with Justin’s father, Ronald Nicholson and the Kimran Racing Stable.
Mar 19, 2012, 13:12
Horse Racing
Calzone Agency Tapped to Promote Horse Racing
Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino has hired the Louisiana-based firm, Calzone advertising | innovation | public relations, to market its horse racing program.
Calzone will design promotions and marketing activities to increase attendance at the racetrack by creating new fans, increasing lifetime value of current customers and integrating the successful rewards and database marketing systems developed by the Opelousas, Louisiana –based facility. The program will be a team effort with the Evangeline Downs racing and marketing staff.
“We want to create more traction and visibility for the racing product,” said Mike Howard, general manager for Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino. “Calzone has several years of experience in horse racing and has helped this industry through many changes including off track betting, video poker, slots at the racetrack and our move from Carencro and is experienced with Louisiana’s breeding and racing incentive programs.”
Feb 29, 2012, 11:44
Horse Racing
Ferdinand’s Star Retires to Old Friends
Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, has joined with Lexington’s Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center and CANTER Michigan to permanently retire two Thoroughbreds, Ferdinand’s Star and Mikethespike.
Michael Blowen, Old Friends founder and president, made the announcement today.
Ferdinand’s Star, a son of 1986 Kentucky Derby winner Ferdinand out of the Dare to Command mare Rose and Betty, comes to Old Friends from The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center, an equine adoption and rehabilitation facility located at the Kentucky Horse Park.
The 16-year-old gelding is a testament to the versatility of the Thoroughbred as he has run the gamut of careers since making his first start on the racetrack in 1998.
Dec 27, 2011, 10:03
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