Month: August 2016

How to Protect Your Horse from West Nile Virus Infection

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By Kristen Browning-Blas
Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

Late summer is peak transmission season for West Nile Virus, and confirmed cases are rising among horses in many regions.
Veterinarians and public health experts urge owners to protect their horses by reducing mosquito populations and possible breeding areas. Equine veterinarians at Colorado State University’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital say two important methods will help protect horses against West Nile Virus infection: reduce exposure to mosquitoes and vaccinate against the virus.

Reduce exposure to mosquitoes
• When possible, stall horses during peak mosquito activity, at dawn and dusk.
• Eliminate areas of standing or stagnant water on property, dispose of discarded tires, and change birdbath water and water in tanks for horses at least weekly.
• Use fans on horses while stabled.
• Use insect repellants designed for horses. A fly sheet and fly mask will minimize your horse’s exposure to mosquitoes.
• Use incandescent bulbs around the perimeter of the stable.
• Remove any dead birds found on the property, as birds are part of the virus cycle. To pick up a bird, use rubber gloves or a plastic bag turned inside out. For information on testing of birds for West Nile Virus, contact your public health office.

Vaccinations for West Nile Virus
There are currently four licensed vaccine formulations available for use in horses based on efficacy and safety studies for protection against West Nile Virus. “West Nile is one of our core vaccines, so most people vaccinate here,” said Dr. Luke Bass, a veterinarian with CSU’s Equine Field Service. The American Association of Equine Practitioners recognizes the West Nile Virus vaccine as a core vaccination for all horses regardless of geographic location.
Though the West Nile Virus vaccine is commonly used in horses, vaccination is just one part of the preventive strategy; methods to reduce mosquito exposure should be employed at the same time. Vaccination against other causes of equine encephalitis (eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis) does not protect your horse against West Nile Virus.
The initial West Nile vaccination or booster vaccine must be given prior to exposure to the virus and your horse should be vaccinated well in advance of mosquito season. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination protocol for your horse depending on previous vaccination history and virus and mosquito activity.

Vaccinations for the pregnant mare
It is important to consult your veterinarian to determine the best method of protection against West Nile Virus for broodmares. Several of the West Nile vaccines have been given to pregnant mares without observed adverse outcomes. As a general recommendation, reproductive specialists suggest avoiding vaccines of any kind in the first 40 days of pregnancy.

Diagnosis and treatment of West Nile Virus
Clinical signs of West Nile infection include fever, incoordination, muscle twitching, head pressing, hyper-excitability, anorexia, lethargy, recumbency (lying down), and death.
Diagnosis of West Nile Virus is made by noting the clinical signs and by positive diagnostic tests on blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
Treatment is primarily supportive, with anti-inflammatory drugs and fluids. Some horses may require hospitalization and assistance with a sling in order to remain standing. Products that provide antibodies to West Nile Virus are available, and the use of these products in equine cases should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Frequently asked questions:
Should I vaccinate my horse for West Nile Virus?
Yes, work with your veterinarian to determine the optimal plan for your horse.
Can I vaccinate my mare if she is in foal?
Yes, work with your veterinarian to determine the optimal plan for your mare.
How old should a foal be to receive the vaccine?
Recent research has shown that foals 3 months of age can be safely vaccinated against West Nile, and will subsequently build an immune response. If your foals are in a high-mosquito area, you may want to vaccinate them as early as 3 months for this disease.
Can a horse infected with West Nile Virus infect horses in neighboring stalls or infect me?
No, the virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito, not by contact with an ill horse.
Find current information on West Nile Virus here:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Mosquito Control Association
American Association of Equine Practitioners

The Jockey Club Projects Foal Crop of 22,500 in 2017

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The Jockey Club is projecting a 2017 North American registered Thoroughbred foal crop of 22,500.

The projection for the 2016 foal crop was also 22,500.

The 22,500 foals estimated for 2017 and for 2016 is a 2.3% increase from the 22,000 projected for both the 2015 and 2014 foal crops.

“As always, this projection is based on reports of mares bred received to date, and we estimate that approximately 80% of those reports have been received,” said Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club’s executive vice president and executive director.

The foal crop projection, traditionally announced in mid-August, is computed by using Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) received to date for the 2016 breeding season. RMBs are to be filed by
August 1 of each breeding season.

Additional foal crop information is available in The Jockey Club’s online fact book at jockeyclub.com/factbook.asp and in the online state fact books.

Stallion owners who have not returned their RMBs for the 2016 breeding season are encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Interactive RegistrationTM, which enables registered users to perform virtually all registration-related activities over the Internet, is the most efficient means of submitting RMBs and is available at registry.jockeyclub.com.

SIR GENGHIS IN CHARGE TO WIN THE OWNER’S DAY CUP

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OPELOUSAS, LA- SirSIR GENGHIS - Owner's Day Cup - 08-20-16 - R08 - EVD - Finish Genghis went right to the lead and never looked back to score a victory in the $60,000 Owner’s Day Cup on Saturday night at Evangeline Downs. The win was the second stakes score of the season for the gelding, who had previously won the $60,000 Need For Speed at Evangeline Downs in June. There is an odd twist to both stakes wins for Sir Genghis this season in that both races were taken off the turf.

 

Sir Genghis, who was sent off as the 6-5 betting favorite, was sent to the front by jockey Kerwin Clark right out of the gate and set solid early fractions of 24.09 seconds for the quarter-mile and 48.38 seconds for the half-mile. He received token early pressure from longshot Mr. Shad and withstood a late charge from Future Express, who ranged up on the outside on the far turn. Sir Genghis had plenty left in the tank to register a four-length victory in a final time of 1:46.14 for the 1 1/16 miles over the fast main track.

 

Sir Genghis paid $4.60 to win, $3.20 to place and $2.80 to show. Future Express finished second and returned $10.40 to place and $5.80 to show. Four Leaf Chief came home third and paid $3.60 to show.

 

Sir Genghis is a 5-year-old gelding bred in Louisiana by Randel Stutes. He is owned by Gillian and Kirk Harris and the trainer is Chad Pitzer. He was sired by Tale of the Cat and is out of the Unbridled’s Song mare, Staria. The win is the eighth in Sir Genghis’ 26-race career. The $36,000 first-place purse increases his lifetime earnings to $271,512.

DELTA DOWNS ANNOUNCES STAKES SCHEDULE FOR ITS 2016-17 THOROUGHBRED SEASON

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– A TOTAL OF $4.6 MILLION WILL BE OFFERED DURING 32 EXCITING EVENTS –

 

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel today announced its 2016-17 Thoroughbred stakes schedule. The track will offer a total of 32 stakes races during its 84-day season that runs from October 19, 2016 through March 11, 2017. The stakes schedule offers $4.6 million in total purse money.

 

The annual highlight of the season will come on Saturday, November 19 when the track hosts the 14th running of Jackpot Day featuring the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot (Gr. 3) for 2-year-olds competing at 1-1/16 miles. Jackpot Day will include eight stakes races and total purse money of more than $2.3 million.

 

The $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot is expected to once again be part of Churchill Downs ‘Road to the Kentucky Derby’ series of races. The Jackpot race has produced a total of eight starters for the Kentucky Derby since 2012 when Churchill Downs first implemented its qualifying system that features points of 10-4-2-1 to the top four Jackpot finishers. Since its inception in 2003 the Jackpot has produced 14 starters for the Derby overall.

 

Other important races on Jackpot Day include the $400,000 Delta Downs Princess (Gr. 3) for 2-year-old fillies; the $250,000 Delta Mile for 3-year-olds and up; the $200,000 Treasure Chest for fillies and mares; the $150,000 Louisiana Legacy for Louisiana-bred freshmen colts and geldings; and the $150,000 Louisiana Jewel for 2-year-old Louisiana-bred fillies.

 

Delta Downs will also card a pair of important stakes races at the beginning of the season which could have a major impact on the Jackpot Day program. The winner of the $200,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes on October 22 will get an automatic berth into the $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot and the winner of the $100,000 My Trusty Cat on October 21 will score a bid into the $400,000 Delta Downs Princess.

 

On Saturday, February 11 the track will host another edition of Louisiana Premier Night featuring 10 stakes races for Louisiana-bred horses. The highlight of the program will be the $200,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses competing at 1-1/16 miles. The Louisiana Premier Night card will offer a total of $1,030,000 in purse money.

 

Delta Downs renamed one of its stakes races this year to honor an Eclipse Award winner. The $75,000 Take Charge Brandi Stakes, which will take place on Saturday, March 4, will replace the By The Light Stakes. Take Charge Brandi won the $400,000 Delta Downs Princess in 2014 before being honored with the Champion 2-year-old Filly title that year.

 

Post times each Wednesday through Saturday during the upcoming season will be at 5:40 pm Central Time.

 

For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.

 

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

 

Louisiana Horses in Need Following Historic Flooding

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The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation and other Louisiana veterinary organizations are seeking donations to assist with the rescue and care for horses impacted by the current flooding in Louisiana as well as for future preparedness planning and education for first responders.

To assist with immediate veterinary needs for animals, donate here to the Louisiana State University (LSU) Foundation.

To assist with the rescuing and sheltering of animals, you can donate here to the Louisiana State Animal Rescue Team, a program developed by the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association.

To assist these and other horses impacted by floods, fires, and other natural disaster through preparedness education and training, you can donate here to the AAEP Foundation’s disaster relief fund.

While certain veterinary supplies to care for animals are needed, especially horses and farm animals, cash donations are preferred.  However, if you have supplies you are willing to donate, please contact Keith Kleine at the AAEP Foundation (859) 233-0147or kkleine@aaep.org to offer your assistance.  A list of needed supplies and details can be provided to you.

The AAEP Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization created in 1994, serves as the charitable arm of the American Association of Equine Practitioners to improve the welfare of the horse. Since its inception, the Foundation has allocated more than $3.3 million to support its mission.

Louisiana Residents Urged to Register with FEMA

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Baton Rouge, La – Louisiana disaster survivors in East Baton Rouge, Livingston, St. Helena, and Tangipahoa parishes are urged to register for federal disaster assistance with FEMA.

Individuals and business owners in the designated parishes who had severe storm or flood damage may register for assistance the following ways:

  • Online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
  • By calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
    • People who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585.
    • For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.
    • These toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Assistance provided by FEMA for homeowners and renters can include grants for rent, temporary housing and home repairs to their primary residences, as well as other serious disaster-related needs, such as medical and dental expenses or funeral and burial costs.

Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) also may be available to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. The loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

Residents and business owners should apply as quickly as they can, even if they have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.

Residents are urged to contact their insurance company first to file their flood insurance claims. For flood insurance policyholders who may have questions, FEMA has aligned its call center to better support them with the servicing of their claims and getting answers to their questions quickly. Policyholders may call 1-800-621-3362 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and select Option 2. Call center staff are available to assist policyholders with information regarding their policy, offer technical flood guidance to aid in recovery, and respond to general as well as complicated questions about the NFIP. Policyholders with questions specifically about an insurance claim can be transferred to their insurance carrier for additional assistance.

Survivors seeking information on flood clean up, repairing, and rebuilding can find valuable tips and guidance at www.fema.gov/Louisiana-disaster-mitigation.

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We urge everyone to continue to use caution in areas where floodwaters remain. Monitor DOTD’swww.511la.org website for updated road closure information. Look for advisories from your local authorities and emergency managers. You can find the latest information on the state’s response atwww.emergency.la.gov. GOHSEP also provides information on Facebook and Twitter. You can receive emergency alerts on most smartphones and tablets by downloading the new Alert FM App. It is free for basic service. You can also download the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness Guide and find other information at www.getagameplan.org.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

EQSOL Yearling & Mixed Sale; Consignments are now being accepted

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2016 OPEN YEARLING & MIXED SALE

Sale Date: Sunday, October 16, 2016

CONSIGNMENTS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED

Equine Sales of Louisiana is now accepting consignments for the 2016 OPEN YEARLING & MIXED SALE, which will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2016. Consignment contracts can be downloaded from our website (www.equinesalesofla.com)

Click this link: 2016 Open Yearling & Mixed Sale Consignment Contract

or you can contact Equine Sales Company by email (sales@equinesalesofla.com) or call: 337-678-3024.

2016 CONSIGNOR SELECT YEARLING SALE

You can view the catalog by clicking this link:

2016 Consignor Select Yearling Sale

The catalog is available on line at www.equinesalesofla.com.
or you can contact Equine Sales Company by email (sales@equinesalesofla.com) or call: 337-678-3024.

Equine Sales Company, 372 Harry Guilbeau Road, Opelousas,, LA 70570

LTBA Selects Harang as President

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Warren Harang, III was unanimously voted President of the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) during the Board of Directors Meeting held August 6, 2016 in Bossier City, Louisiana. The LTBA is a non-profit organization, which seeks to promote and further the thoroughbred breeding industry within the State of Louisiana. The Association is engaged in programs for the encouragement and improvement of the raising and breeding of Louisiana-bred thoroughbred horses.

Harang has been a thoroughbred breeder and member of the LTBA for over 30 years. A graduate of University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science, Harang owns and manages B&W Farms, Inc., a sugar cane farm in Donaldsonville where he resides with his wife Becky. He has served as a member of the Board of Directors of Lafourche Sugars, LLC., Past President of Ascension Parish Farm Bureau, Past Chairman of the Board of the American Sugar Cane League, Past President of the Ascension Parish Cattleman’s Association among others.

Says Harang, “I am honored to accept this position, and I will do the best job I possibly can to represent the interests of all who work in and enjoy the Louisiana Thoroughbred industry. We are facing some tremendous challenges at this time, but I will do all that I can to help our industry continue to move forward. Our program is centered around the Louisiana-bred thoroughbred, but it is the people in our program that drive our success. I commend the LTBA staff for the capable, efficient, helpful and professional service they provide. I also commend the breeders for continuing to work together toward improving our product and our program. If we all work together, I am optimistic that we will have a brighter future ahead.”

At the same meeting, First Vice President, Jake Delhomme and Second Vice President, Brett Brinkman were unanimously re-elected to their respective positions.

Zong has First Stakes Winner

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Louisiana based stallion Zong had the first stakes winner of his career Sunday, August 9, 2016 at Suffolk Downs.

Jeb, 4-year-old filly by Zong out of Never Neverland, won the $75,000 First Episode Stakes at Suffolk Downs Sunday. The filly won by ¾, going 1 mile, 70 yards in 1:44.85. The victory was her fourth and brings her earnings to $78,033.

Just a day earlier, another Zong filly, Tania (Blue’s River Gal) ran 2nd in the Louise Kimball Stakes, also at Suffolk Downs. After an early lead, the 3-year-old was edged in the final strides of the race to come in just a head behind winner Angry Patty.

From only seven starters to date, Zong has four winners. Five of his seven runners have been in the money this year. The son of Unbridled’s Song out of Storm Cat mare, Zing, stands at Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farm in Spearsville, Louisiana for a fee of $1,500.

Sunbean registers first grass win in Louisiana Cup Turf Classic

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Mary Rampellini
Daily Racing Form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The millionaire Sunbean won the first turf race of his career Saturday at Louisiana Downs, when he forged to a length win over Benwill in the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Turf Classic. It was another nose back in third to Berniestrike.

The Turf Classic was one of seven stakes on the card. The program worth $450,000 included the Prelude, the prep for next monthʼs Grade 3, $400,000 Super Derby that was won by Texas Chrome ($8.20). The other stakes were divisional races restricted to horses bred in Louisiana.

Sunbean ($16.40) had made just one other start on turf in his career, and finished fourth in the $60,000 Dixie Poker Ace in February at Fair Grounds. He was content to stalk the pace Saturday, settling in behind Berniestrike and Hail to the Nile, who dueled through an opening quarter-mile in 23.64 seconds, a half-mile in 48.36, and six furlongs in 1:12.39.

Sunbean, riding the rail, angled off the fence into the stretch and was in a drive to the wire. He covered 1 1/16 miles on firm ground in 1:41.89. Richard Eramia was aboard the winner for trainer Ron Faucheux.

String King, who was seeking his fourth consecutive win in the Louisiana Cup Turf Classic, finished seventh as the 4-5 favorite.

Sunbean was winning his 14th career stakes race. He is a son of Brahms and races for his breeder, Brittlyn Stable. Sunbean has now won 15 of 25 career starts for earnings of $1,112,250.

 

Jockey Diego Saenz had a double on the card, taking the opener, the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile Fillies, with Chases Dixie Belle ($8.80), and the second race, the $75,000 Louisiana Cup Distaff, with Calamity Jane ($4.60). Saenz is based at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, La.

Chases Dixie Belle became a stakes winner, when she stalked the pace and darted clear by two lengths over Long Legged Model. The winner covered six furlongs on a fast track in 1:12.78. Chases Dixie Belle is by My Pal Charlie and she races for Bobby Salome and is trained by Charles Hukill.

Calamity Jane also became a stakes winner Saturday, when she defeated older rivals in the Distaff. The filly, a 3-year-old by Cowboy Cal, closed for a three-quarter length win over Kinky Vow. Calamity Jane covered 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:42.83. Eddie Johnston Jr. trains the winner for Keith Plaisance.

Gentlemengentlemen ($26.60) set the pace and prevailed by a half-length over Street Honor in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Juvenile. The winner covered six furlongs in 1:12.63. Williams Naupac was aboard for Wilburn Smith and trainer Bob Schultz. Gentlemengentlemen, who is now 2 for 2, is a son of Yankee Gentleman.

Greeleyʼs Wish ($7.20) won his third consecutive race – and first in a stakes – in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Sprint. He was a half-length winner over So Sorry Ruston. Greeleyʼs Wish covered six furlongs in 1:10.93. John Jacinto was aboard the horse, who is a son of Greeleyʼs Galaxy, for owner-trainer Brian Schweda.

Look Into My Eyes ($13.20) won her fourth race in her last five starts when she sailed home by 2 1/2 lengths over Smittys Cougar in the $50,000 Louisiana Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. Edgard Zayas was aboard for trainer Efren Loza Jr. Look Into My Eyes is by City Zip [2] and she races for Kathleen Amaya and Raffaele Centofanti. She covered six furlongs in 1:10.35.