(Austin, TX – February 28, 2018) — A total of 126 head have been consigned for the Texas Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale on April 10starting at 12 noon at the Texas Thoroughbred Sale Pavilion at Lone Star Park. The under tack show is set for April 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the track located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
This catalogue represents a 20-percent increase in the number of head compared to last year, and the sale has also eclipsed itself with a considerably-improved quality in pedigrees. Such national sires as Blame, Congrats, Curlin, Flat Out, Gemologist, Into Mischief, Jimmy Creed, Kantharos, Kitten’s Joy, Munnings, Orb, Paynter, Point of Entry, Shanghai Bobby, Stay Thirsty, Street Boss, Street Sense, Tiznow, Twirling Candy and Uncle Mo give evidence that the sale has surged upward after the solid performance of last year’s auction. Cairo’s Prince and Will Take Charge lead a list of first-year sires that includes Can the Man, Cross Traffic, Goldencents, Moro Tap, Shakin It Up and Sum of the Parts. Leading the regional sire contingent is Texas’ leading sire Too Much Bling, with solid company from Closing Argument, Euroears, Grasshopper, Half Ours, Intimidator, My Golden Song and Special Rate.
The sale again features a unique interactive online catalogue where consignors can post photos and videos as well as the pedigrees of their sale horses for buyer perusal prior to the gallop show. This year the gallop show is being filmed by the Ocala, Florida-based group Dillon Video and Photo and is expected to be online shortly after the gallop show on April 8.
“I am very excited about this year’s sale,” commented Sale Director Tim Boyce. “Along with the solid increase in numbers and quality, I look forward to working with the Dillon crew for the production of our under tack show. This is something the market has wanted, and I am glad we are able to give it.”
The cover of this year’s catalogue features the 2017 winners of both divisions of the Texas Thoroughbred Futurity at Lone Star Park, Carl Moore and Brad Grady’s Galactica and Susan Moulton’s Janae. Both horses went through the ring at last year’s two-year-old sale and gave early returns to their owners. The two divisions of the race this summer are estimated to have purses of $100,000 apiece.
This will mark the third juvenile sale held by the Texas Thoroughbred Association in partnership with Lone Star Park. The 2016 auction featured 85 head, and the catalogue grew to 105 head last year.
“It’s very gratifying to see that we’ve been able to attract about 20 more head each year,” said TTA Executive Director Mary Ruyle. “Our goal was to re-establish a viable marketplace for consignors and buyers from around the Southwest, and the increased catalogue size each year shows that we are on the way to doing that.”
Catalogues will be mailed out the first week of March. The sale can now be viewed on the TTA Sales website at www.ttasales.com as well on the Equineline Sales Catalogue app.
The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association has announced the results of the 2017 Accredited Louisiana Bred Champions, 2017 Stallion of the Year, 2017 Broodmare of the Year and Breeders of the Year.
2yo filly ~ Testing One Two
2yo colt or gelding ~ Pound for Pound
3yo filly ~ Mr. Al’s Gal
3yo colt or gelding ~ Underpressure
4 & up filly or mare ~ Big World
4 & up male ~ Mobile Bay
Broodmare of the Year ~ Buttercup’s Song
Stallion of the Year ~ Half Ours
Breeder of the Year ~Margie Averett
High Percentage Breeder ~Richard and Bertram Klein
Accredited Louisiana Bred Champions and Broodmare of the Year are selected by a vote of the membership. Leading Stallion and Leading Breeders are based on statistics.
Award presentations will be made at the 2018 Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 6, 2018, at Equine Sales of Louisiana, in Opelousas, when the overall “Horse of the Year” will be revealed. This year’s Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet are being held following the Breeze Show for the Equine Sales 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale which will be the following day, Monday, May 7, 2018.
Lone Star Park has announced an increase in overnight race purses for the 2018 Thoroughbred season which opens April 19. All overnight races will see an increase of $2,000 each in purse money. Some overnight race categories will see as much as a 25% gain in their purses. No race throughout the 44-day season will have less than $10,000 in purse money offered.
This is the most significant increase to Thoroughbred purses in a decade. Track officials cited handle gains in all three categories (on-track live, off-track and simulcasting) as the major source of funding for the purse increase. And with a few less race days this year the track was able to share the monies that would have been allocated to those races.
“We are proud to offer our horsemen the benefit of this increase,” said Bart Lang, Lone Star Park’s Director of Racing. “We offer the longest race meeting with the most race days and the best overnight purses in the state. Our goal this spring is to build on the gains in handle we saw last year during our Thoroughbred season.”
The stable area opens on Monday, March 19. The track will open for training on Wednesday, March 21. Official workouts will begin on Monday, March 26.
Lone Star Park looks forward to welcoming horsemen for our 2018 Thoroughbred Racing Season which runs through Sunday, July 22.
Dermorphin was originally extracted from the South American tree frog
On Nov. 7, 2017, a federal jury found a Lake Charles veterinarian and a Nebraska pharmacy guilty of conspiring to sell an unapproved opioid drug 40 times more powerful than morphine for the purpose of improving the performance of race horses.
Kyle James Hebert, 42, of Lake Charles, La., and Kohll’s Pharmacy & Healthcare Inc. of Omaha, Neb., were sentenced this week, reports katc.com.
Evidence admitted at trial revealed that from November 11, 2010, to December 2012, Hebert, Kohll’s Pharmacy & Healthcare Inc. of Omaha, Neb., which operated as Essential Pharmacy Compounding, and others conspired to distribute a synthetic form of the drug Dermorphin, which was then given to racehorses to improve their racing performance. Essential Pharmacy Compounding was found to have repackaged a synthetic form of the drug that it obtained from a California chemical company, labeled it as D-Peptide, and sold it to Hebert and other veterinarians.
Hebert then put the drug into syringes and gave the loaded syringes to the racetrack trainers tasked with the horses’ care. Evidence at trial revealed that Dermorphin is a strong painkiller that masks horses’ pain and any pre-existing injuries. Depending on dosage, it can also act as a stimulant when injected in horses. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved the drug for use in humans or animals. Known widely as “frog juice” or “kambo,” dermorphin in its natural form comes from the excretion of Amazonian tree frogs. It is being used by humans recreationally or for drug addiction treatment or “cleansing — though it is not approved by the FDA for that use.
Hebert was sentenced to 15 months in prison, having been found guilty of one count of conspiracy, two counts of receipt of adulterated or misbranded drug with the intent to defraud and mislead, and one count of misbranding a drug while held for sale with the intent to defraud and mislead. He was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Kohll’s Pharmacy & Healthcare Inc. was ordered to pay a $200,000 fine and sentenced to five years of corporate probation. It was found guilty of one count of conspiracy and two counts of introduction of adulterated or misbranded drug in interstate commerce with intent to defraud and mislead.
Bossier City, LA – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs hosted an action packed day of racing on Saturday, February 24. Despite inclement weather, a nice crowd was on hand to enjoy the racing action and Family Fun Day activities.
A field of ten accredited Louisiana-breds kicked off the card in the $25,000 Mr Jess Perry Stakes, and Gone Cartel came flying to win his fourth race in a row. Trained by leading Louisiana Downs conditioner Vann Haywood, the 5-year-old son of Coronas Leaving You is owned by Tommy E. Rhodes. Regular pilot Damian Martinez guided his charge to the wire of the 350-yard feature in :17.517 seconds, outdueling Im All Out by a nose. Tf Racee Runaway closed solidly from his far outside post to clinch third under Everardo Rodriguez. Each earned a speed index of 101.
“He had been training so well, I really felt he could step up today,” said Haywood. “He didn’t break as sharp as he could have, but left good enough and came home strong.”
Haywood has been a fan of Gone Cartel since he first saw him in training as a 2-year-old.
“I tried to buy him from Doug Weeks three years ago and was finally able to get it done last October,” said Haywood. “Doug calls me after each win and is really happy that the horse is doing so well.”
Bred by Chad Hart, Gone Cartel ($11.20) has now won eight of his 21 starts and shown his affinity for a muddy track with a record of four wins from six tries on the off going. With today’s winner’s check for $15,000, his career bankroll stands at $143,082.
Im All Out owned by Girl Goes Racing and ridden by David Alvarez earned $5,000 for his runner-up finish. The 5-year-old son of Heza Fast Dash was one of two entrants trained by Kenneth Roberts, Sr. Mps Shake Em in Style completed the superfecta, followed by Icanonlyemagine, Ww Showtime, Ldn Jessasaltydog, Scoopies Leaving You, One Hot Flame and Coronaoro.
The stakes is named in honor of Mr Jess Perry, the acclaimed racehorse and stallion who passed away last November at the age of 25. Honored as AQHA Racing Champion 2-Year-Old and Champion 2-Year-Old Colt in 1994, he won 12 of his 21 career starts before setting new standards as a stallion. Mr Jess Perry sired 138 stakes winners and 156 stakes placed horses, including nine running champions. He remains one of only three Quarter Horse stallions to sire the racing earners of more than $52 million.
Kenneth L. Roberts Sr. Honored As LQHBA and AQHA Champion Trainer
A presentation took place in the Louisiana Downs winner’s circle today following the third race to honor Kenneth L. Roberts, Sr., 2017 LQHBA and AQHA Racing Champion Trainer. The popular horseman finished the year as the leading Quarter Horse trainer in North America with 116 wins and was ranked fourth in earnings with $2,847,909.
This was the first time Roberts was named AQHA Champion trainer and his stakes wins in Louisiana were pivotal to his award. He capped the year with an impressive victory by You Drive I Fly in the LQHBA Louisiana Million on December 16.
Tony Patterson, executive director of the LQHBA, is grateful to Roberts for his dedication to the state’s racing program and annual yearling sale.
“Kenny is an extremely talented and dedicated horseman who is a tremendous ambassador for Louisiana Quarter Horse racing,” said Patterson. “Several board members were on hand to congratulate Kenny and thank him for his continued support of our association and our efforts to run the top state-bred racing program in the country.”
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About Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
Located near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs opened in 1974 and was purchased by Caesars Entertainment in December, 2002. With annual Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing seasons, the track is committed to presenting the highest quality racing programs paired with its 150,000 square foot entertainment complex offering casino gambling, dining and plasma screen televisions for sports and simulcast racing.
For further information, please contact:
Trent McIntosh | Assistant General Manager
O 318-752-6980
8000 East Texas Street | Bossier City, LA 71111 www.caesars.com
(Washington, DC)- The American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF) is pleased to announce that the results of its 2017 Economic Impact Study will be announced on February 28th at a reception with the Congressional Horse Caucus on Capitol Hill.
“We know that the industry has been eagerly awaiting the results of this study,” said AHC President Julie Broadway. “We are pleased to be able to hold this event with the Congressional Horse Caucus to continue to demonstrate to members of Congress how important our industry is to the United States economy.”
The reception will be held at Top of the Hill, One Constitution Avenue, NE, in Washington, DC, from 2:30 – 4:00 pm, and will feature two special guests: Congressional Horse Caucus Co-Chairs Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY). Members of the equine community are encouraged to attend the reception as well.
“I look forward to attending the announcement of the American Horse Council’s 2017 Economic Impact Study. As the Representative of the Horse Capital of the World and as Co-Chairman of the Congressional Horse Caucus, I hope that this event will help demonstrate the economic benefits the equine industry has across our country,” said Congressman Andy Barr of Kentucky.
Congressman Paul Tonko of New York, a state with a robust racing sector, commented, “This report reinforces what we have long known: America’s horseracing heritage is more than just a valuable source of our history and culture, it also thrives as a vibrant industry supporting good jobs and driving significant economic activity. I am pleased to celebrate the release of these economic findings from the American Horse Council Foundation, which show just how important it is that we fight to maintain and grow this sport for enthusiasts and employees across New York and beyond.”
The full report of the National Economic Impact Study will be available for purchase on the AHC’s website starting on March 1st for $80 plus S/H. Additionally, a smaller booklet entitled “The Power of the Horse,” will also be available for purchase on the AHC site for $40 plus S/H. The AHC anticipates the 15 state breakouts to be available by the end of March.
If you have any questions, please contact the AHC.
Mobile Bay wins the $170,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Championship
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 1/16 mile, $170,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
MOBILE BAY
Lone Star Special-Tranquility Bay
Breeder: Tigertail Ranch
Owner: Tigertail Ranch
Trainer: Victor Arceneaux
Jockey: Diego Saenz
2nd Underpressure
Birdstone-Charming Colleen
Breeder: James McIngvale
Owner: Mallory Greiner
Trainer: Chris Richard
Jockey: G. Melancon
3rd Social Misfit
Porto Foricos-Unfriendly Koo
Breeder: Earl Hernandez and Keith Hernandez
Owner: End Zone Athletics
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: T. Thornton
Pacific Pink wins the Louisiana Premier Night Distaff. Photo by Coady Photography
Louisiana Premier Night Distaff
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 mile, $145,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares
PACIFIC PINK
Private Vow – Truly Romantic
Breeder: Brandon Adcock
Owner: Keith Plaisance
Trainer: Edward J. Johnston
Jockey: C.J. Hernandez
2nd Hyper Piper
Old Fashioned-Filaree
Breeder: Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez & John Duvieilh
Owner: John Duvieilh and Keith J. and Earl J. Hernandez
Trainer: Sam B. David
Jockey: T. Thornton
3rd Mr. Al’s Gal
Salute The Sarge-Spanish Ice
Breeder: J. Adcock & Neal McFadden
Owner: Brittany Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Justin Jeansonne
Jockey: D. Saenz
Ours To Run wins the Louisiana Premier Night Matron. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Matron
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 5 furlongs, $120,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares
OURS TO RUN
Half Ours – Brown Eyed Baby
Breeder: Clifford Grum
Owner: Colonel Thoroughbreds LLC
Trainer: J. Larry Jones
Jockey: R. Morales
2nd My Miss Chiff
Into Mischief-Carl’s Frosty Girl
Breeder: Steve Holliday
Owner: Town and Country Racing, LLC
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.
Jockey: M. Murrill
3rd Shamrock Star
Star Guitar-Indian Treaty
Breeder: Half Moon Stables, LLC
Owner: Carl R. Moore Management LLC
Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun
Jockey: T. Thornton
Monte Man wins the Louisiana Premier Night Sprint. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Sprint
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 5 furlongs, $120,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
MONTE MAN
Custom for Carlos – Sarah’s My Angel
Breeder: Val C. Murrell
Owner: Very Sisters Racing
Trainer: Ron Faucheux
Jockey: G. Melancon
2nd Sea Vow
Private Vow- Victory at Sea
Breeder: Ronald Webb
Owner: End Zone Athletics, Inc.
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: L. Negron
3rd Win Lion Win
Lion Tamer-Twinwinwin
Breeder: Rebecca Farm LLC
Owner: Farm d’Allie Racing Stable
Trainer: Allison Ramsay-Banks
Jockey: E. Martin Jr.
Gladyousawme wins the Louisiana Premier Night Prince. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Prince
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 mile, $120,000
Three-Year-Olds, Accredited Louisiana Breds
GLADYOUSAWME
Due Date-Flame Run
Breeder: Bertram Klein & Richard Klein
Owner: Klein Racing
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Jockey: R. Morales
2nd Ready Prospector
Custom For Carlos-Vera Belle
Breeder: Virginia Lazenby
Owner: Virginia Lazenby Racing Stable LLC
Trainer: Oscar Modica
Jockey: G. Melancon
3rd Bitsy’s Afleet
Northern Afleet-Streamin Bitsy
Breeder: Rose C. Hernandez & Earl Hernandez
Owner: Earl and Rose Hernandez
Trainer: Sam B. David, Jr.
Jockey: M. Pedroza
Remember Daisy wins the Louisiana Premier Night Starlet. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Starlet
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 mile, $120,000
Three-Year-Olds, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies
REMEMBER DAISY
Misremembered-Very Speightstown
Breeder: Al Ulwelling & Bill Ulwelling
Owner: Al & Bill Ulwelling
Trainer: Gary M. Scherer
Jockey: M. Murrill
2nd Sarah’s Holy Belle
El Corredor-My Holy Belle
Breeder: Perform Stables Inc.
Owner: Perform Stables Inc.
Trainer: Ricky Courville
Jockey: L. Negron
3rd Yes Gorgeous
Mass Media-Isn’t She Gorgeous
Breeder: J. Adcock & Montgomery Equine Center
Owner: Scott Gelner
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: D. Saenz
Theoryintopractice wins the Louisiana Premier Night Gentleman Starter. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Gentleman Starter
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 1/16 mile, $70,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
THEORYINTOPRACTICE
Into Mischief-Cayman Colada
Breeder: Cypress Bend Farm
Owner: Courtney Barousse
Trainer: Corale A. Richards
Jockey: C.J. Hernandez
2nd Harbor Pilot
Trappe Shot-Harbor Princess
Breeder: Curt Leake
Owner: Red Rose Racing
Trainer: Scott Gelner
Jockey: D. Saenz
3rd Bluegrass Punch
Bluegrass Cat-Bronze Abe
Breeder: Chrislin LLC
Owner: Courtney Barousse
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: L. Negron
Zyanara wins the Louisiana Premier Night Ladies Starter. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Ladies Starter
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 1 1/16 mile, $70,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares
ZYANARA
Zong-Ore Money
Breeder: Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC
Owner: Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC
Trainer: Philip Mark Dison
Jockey: A. Contreras
2nd Arctic Peace
Run Production-Arctic Indian
Breeder: Oak Leaf Farm TCLP
Owner: Wayne T. Davis
Trainer: Shane Wilson
Jockey: F.T. Rodriguez
3rd Lefthoofrightleft
Giant Fun-Dancing Shawklit
Breeder: Robert Odom
Owner: Rick Salter
Trainer: Rick Salter
Jockey: O. Martinez
Elegant Idea wins the Louisiana Premier Night Bon Temps Starter. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Bon Temps Starter
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 5 furlongs, $60,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Bred Fillies and Mares
ELEGANT IDEA
Private Vow-I Have and Idea
Breeder: Channon Farm, LLC
Owner: End Zone Athletics, Inc
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: O. Martinez
2nd Dale’s Lil Sis
Zong-Judy
Breeder: Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC
Owner: Indian Creek Thoroughbred Farms, LLC
Trainer: Phillip Mark Dison
Jockey: A. Contreras
3rd Just Glossy
Exclusive Quality-Lip Gloss
Breeder: Anna Paul
Owner: Brent Delahoussaye
Trainer: Brent Delahoussaye
Jockey: A. Broussard
River Bobcat wins the Louisiana Premier Night Ragin Cajun. Photo by Coady Photography.
Louisiana Premier Night Ragin Cajun Starter
Delta Downs, 2-19-18, 5 furlongs, $60,000
Four-Year-Olds and Upwards, Accredited Louisiana Breds
RIVER BOBCAT
Behindatthebar-Heroic Flight
Breeder: Divine Equine, LLC
Owner: Jacqueline Savoy
Trainer: Eduardo Ramirez
Jockey: T. Thornton
2nd Reckless Ransom
Regal Ransom-Indigo Girl
Breeder: Randy Davis & Associates, Inc.
Owner: End Zone Athletics, Inc.
Trainer: Karl Broberg
Jockey: L. Negron
3rd Mars Curiosity
Lunarpal-Kelly’s Lake
Breeder: Heiligbrodt Racing Stable
Owner: Jory Ferrell
Trainer: Tim Dixon
Jockey: R. Flores
The Elite Program, Inc. and Purple Power Racing Services owner C. Reid McLellan, PhD announced a full schedule of classes for the end of winter and beginning of spring. Two Trainers’ Exam Prep Classes, a first-of -its-kind one-day horse behavior and handling clinic and the second annual Horsemen’s Workforce Development at Magdalena Farms in Lexington, Ky highlight the schedule.
Horse Behavior & Handling – A One-day Clinic. For the first time, Dr. Mac will be teaching the foundation lessons of every Groom Elite, Owner Elite and Trainer Elite classes that he teaches. “ “Understanding how the pressure from predators molded the conformation and instinctive behavior of horses enables horsemen to develop a harmonious, peaceful, productive relationship between horse and handler”, stated McLellan. This one day clinic, held at Johnson’s Folly Stables, 5135 Conklin Drive, Delray Beach, FL 33484 has a low tuition of $99 and will possibly reach its participant limit.
Trainers’ Exam Prep Classes – A special Trainers’ Exam Prep Class is scheduled at Gulfstream Park February 22-24. With several from the Groom Elite 101/201 classes at Gulfstream Park aspiring to be assistant trainers, Dr. Mac offers this rules of racing class from 10 AM to 3PM. When asked about the shorter class time, Dr. Mac explained, “Most attendees of this class have completed Groom Elite classes. I go right into the rules of racing and don’t have to spend as much time on the barn test materials since we have covered that in the Groom Elite classes” Due to support from Florida HBPA and Gulfstream Park, tuition for this class is the “early bird” rate of $299 with Groom Elite graduates receiving a special scholarship rate of $150.
18th Lone Star Park Trainers Exam Prep Class scheduled April 11-13. This is the class that “started it all” as in 1998 the first such program at Lone Star Park sold out. Even with racing’s constant struggle for existence in Texas, Lone Star Park continues to be a popular venue for this class. Limited to enrollment of 12, recent classes in 2015 and 2017 sold out. Offered immediately following the Texas Thoroughbred Association’s Two-year old in Training Sale at Lone Star Park (April 10) classes are conducted Wednesday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; Thursday 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. In addition to barn test requirements, Dr. Mac spices up the lectures with philosophy and methods of training. Each year, McLellan updates the 120 page text to keep up with the regular changes, particularly claiming as more states change their claiming rules. Medication is always a concern as states work toward a uniform medication policy. As requested by stewards McLellan emphasizes rules regarding trainers’ daily responsibilities and activities to help cut down on procedural violations. Early bird tuition of $299 through March 17 and afterwards tuition advances to $349.
Second Annual Basic Horse Handling and Care (Basic Grooming -99) Workforce preparation class co-sponsored by Kenny McPeek’s Magdalena Farms will be held April 16-20. Through a developing partnership between Groom Elite and the Kentucky Horseshoeing School, classroom sessions will be held at KHS campus 3612 Lexington Road, Richmond, KY 40475. Hands-on barn sessions will be at Magdalena Farms 2651 Russell Cave Road, Lexington, KY 40511. Following the 2017 class every participant that was interested in employment was offered a job shortly after
The Elite Program, Inc.
completing the program. This class is designed to prepare people for entry level jobs in the racing industry. Principles learned may be applied to any situation in which horses are handled daily. Also targeted are individuals that may have recently acquired a retired racehorse (or other equine) and are interested in learning the basics for horse handling and care. Experienced horsepeople interested in learning how to teach others to work with horses are invited to attend. A special evening session will be scheduled to discuss those teaching principles. Program format is an hour and a half of classroom instruction followed by 2 hours of demonstrations and practice with live horses. On Friday, those interested in obtaining a job will be evaluated and counseled with recommendations and referral to individuals seeking employees With support from The Jockey Club, NTRA and HBPA, tuition for this spring class is only $99. A $25 deposit will hold a spot until April 2 when the balance would be due. (Tuition assistance is available for those looking for employment.)
Those interested in any (or all) of these programs are encouraged to go to http://www.groomelite.com or http://www.purplepowerracing.com for more information and to register. Anyone without internet access is invited to call Dr. “Mac” at 859-321-4377 to sign up
The Elite Program, Inc. is a 501(C)3 non-profit that provides equine education classes through it’s Groom Elite™ curriculum. With its initial primary mission (in 2001) to provide education to grooms and hotwalkers or Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Racehorses, Groom Elite continually adapts and updates it’s programming that now includes courses for grooms and owners of OTTB show horses and welcomes owners and grooms of any breed. One of it’s more notable programs is its Second Chances Groom Elite curriculum taught in five adult correctional facilities in partnership with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and it’s local affiliates in which participants learn life lessons while developing an employable skill working with retired racehorses.
Event is open to all track superintendents and staff.
Track Superintendents Field Day Press Release
Track Superintendents Field Day March 25-27 at Oaklawn Park.
Event founder Roy Smith said the event is open to all track superintendents and staff.
“We welcome and urge tracks to invest in sending your team,” Smith said. “The information shared and the industry networking are valuable resources relied upon long after the event concludes”
Featured speakers include: On Track Consulting with Javier Barajas, Dr. Kathy Anderson, DVM, Eric Jackson of Oaklawn Park, Dr. Scott McClure, DVM, Dr. Andy Roberts, DVM, Scott Dutile with Dale Carnegie, and a jockey panel (Gary Stevens, Alex Birzer, Channing Hill).
Attending Superintendents will be eligible to win prizes like the use of an Exmark Zero-Turn Mower and a John Deere Gator. Sponsors pay for the event; attendees only need to cover lodging and travel expense.
The superintendents are an independent group which meets annually to discuss best practices related to maintenance, safety, and operational issues for racing and training facilities worldwide.
“We look forward to welcoming all participants to Oaklawn for some Southern hospitality. We are honored to host the event and know it is a worthy investment attending, said plant superintendent John Hopkins.
All are encouraged to attend, whether it is a Thoroughbred track, Standardbred track or training facility.
The 2018 sponsors include host track Oaklawn Park, and the 2018 Title Sponsor is Equine Equipment.
Other event sponsors include: Toro, Exmark, Massey Ferguson, Farm Paint, Rhino AG, Horsemen’s Track and Supply, Double R Manufacturing, NTRA Advantage, Sherwin Williams, John Deere, Arbico Organics, Sun Coast Commercial, Clear Span, Stabilizer Solutions, Batts, Inc., On Track Consulting, Indiana Grand Racing & Casinoand Keeneland.
Sunday, March 25
1:00 PM Day of Racing at Oaklawn Park
6:00 PM Welcome Reception sponsored by Double R Stalls & Horsemen’s Track & Equipment
Monday, March 26
7:15AM Breakfast sponsored by Duralock Performance Fencing
8:00AM Welcome to Oaklawn Park – Moderator: Nancy Ury-Holthus
8:15AM Oaklawn History, Eric Jackson
9:00AM Dr Kathy Anderson, DVM
10:00AM John Deere, Auston Till
10:30AM Break sponsored by Rhino Ag
10:45AM Dr Scott McClure, DVM
11:45AM Group Photo
12:15PM Lunch sponsored by On Track Consulting, Javier Barajas
1:15 PM New Turf Courses, Glen Kozak & Irwin Driedger
Hot Springs, Ark. (Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018) – The richest purses in the Midwest just got richer.
Effective Saturday, Feb. 17, Oaklawn is increasing all allowance and maiden special weight races by $3,000. Allowance races will range from $79,000 to as high as $83,000. Maiden special weight races will increase to $78,000 from $75,000.
In addition, all claiming races and maiden claiming races with a claiming price of at least $30,000 will receive a $2,000 per race boost.
These increases mark the 18th consecutive year that Oaklawn has increased purses.
“Our goal is to offer the best purses in the country along with the most competitive racing,” General Manager Wayne Smith said. “These increases are another step in that direction and our fans are responding. We are attracting some of the largest crowds in racing. And, our fans are getting to see some of the best owners, trainers and jockeys from all over the country competing for record purses. We couldn’t be more excited heading into the final two months of our season.”
Oaklawn’s Presidents’ Day card, Feb. 19, will feature the $500,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds on the Kentucky Derby trail and the $500,000 Razorback Handicap (G3), which last year launched the Horse of the Year campaign of Gun Runner. The 2018 meet runs through Saturday, April 14.
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