Month: November 2021

TAA Accredits 29 Organizations

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The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance announced today that 29 Thoroughbred aftercare organizations have been awarded accreditation.

The 29 organizations include 25 previously accredited organizations and four that received accreditation for the first time. The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the only accrediting body in Thoroughbred aftercare, now has a network of 82 organizations with approximately 180 facilities in North America.

“Congratulations to the 29 organizations who earned their Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation,” said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance President Jimmy Bell. “Receiving that stamp of approval is a true testament to an organization’s dedication to providing the best care possible for our Thoroughbreds.

“A total of 82 accredited organizations across North America will represent the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance during our tenth year,” Bell continued. “As we expand our roster of accredited organizations, we continue to encourage industry participants to support the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance’s mission to provide funding for the thousands of retired racehorses Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance-accredited organizations have in their care.”

The 29 organizations earning accreditation this year are: ACTT Naturally, Inc.; After The Homestretch; Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue; Beyond The Roses Equine Rescue & Retirement; Blue Bloods Thoroughbred Adoption and Placement, Inc.; Circle A Home for Horses; Florida Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care (Florida TRAC); Hope After Racing Thoroughbreds; Hope for Horses, Inc.; Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation; James River Horse Foundation; Life Horse; LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society; Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue; New Beginnings Thoroughbreds, Inc.; New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society; Racing For Home, Inc.; Redwings Horse Sanctuary; ReRun, Inc.; Second Wind Thoroughbred Project, Inc.; Secretariat Center; South Florida SPCA; Southern California Thoroughbred Rescue; Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga; Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Inc.; Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation; Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, Inc.; Virginia Thoroughbred Project; Win Place Home, Inc.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organizations undergo a thorough application and inspection process prior to accreditation being awarded to ensure they meet Code of Standards, which covers five key areas: operations, education, horse health care management, facility standards and services, and adoption policies and protocols. Facility inspections are conducted at all facilities housing Thoroughbreds for each organization. Ongoing updates and re-inspections are required of all organizations as a condition of accreditation.

“As a member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Accreditation Committee, its eye opening to see first-hand how much goes into the lengthy process of reviewing and vetting every single organization,” said Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board member Susie Hart. “Earning accreditation is no easy feat and I feel confident with the 82 amazing groups we will represent for 2022.”

All organizations that hold Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accreditation are eligible to receive financial grants to support the care of their Thoroughbreds. Grant applications are currently being reviewed and the total grant amount awarded by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be announced this month. Since 2012, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance has awarded $20.7 million to accredited organizations.

JOCKEY TIM THORNTON HONORED FOR AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT AT DELTA DOWNS

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LEADING RIDER WINS SEVEN RACES IN ONE DAY TO SET NEW TRACK RECORD 

 

VINTON, LA. – Tim Thornton set a single day track record for wins by a jockey on Saturday, October 23 when he rode seven winners during a 10-race program. The feat eclipsed the old mark of six wins in a day set by Steve Bourque and current rider Ashley Broussard.

 

Thornton’s accomplishment was honored by Delta Downs during its live program on Saturday as Vice President and General Manager Steve Kuypers presented a special plaque to him in the winner’s circle. The track’s jockey colony joined Thornton in the festivities as Kuypers commented on the accomplishment.

 

“What Tim did was incredible,” said Kuypers. “It’s something special when a rider wins two or three races in one day, but to visit the winner’s circle seven times on a single card is just amazing. I’m sure this record will stand for a very long time.”

 

After his unbelievable day, Thornton was humble about what he had just happened.

 

“It’s always awesome to win races,” Thornton commented. “I just took it one race at a time and kept trying to put horses in the right spot to win and luckily they were all fit and ready to go. I was able to get them there.”

 

Thornton’s biggest win during his seven-win day was with the Dallas Stewart trainee Unified Report ($2.40) in the $100,000 Louisiana Legacy Stakes. He also scored with Relax Town ($2.80), Blue Darter ($6), Dreaming of Neany ($8.60), Laughing Latinos ($14), Shackleford Strong ($4.20), and Interactif Moment ($9.60).

 

Thornton has dominated the jockey standings at Delta Downs since he moved his tack to Vinton, Louisiana in 2017. This season he ranks at the top once again as he attempts to win his fourth consecutive riding title.

 

Fans can watch Thornton ply his trade each week at Delta Downs this season. The track hosts live programs each Wednesday through Saturday afternoon beginning at 12:55 pm through March 5.

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

Trainer Stewart Tries to ‘Crush It’ as Sequist Co-Owner

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“You can’t make any money training horses,” he said.

 

As NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) entrant Sequist  fidgeted on a wash rack when receiving a bath on the Del Mar backstretch this week, her handler adjusted a shank and encouraged her to be still.

Holding the 2-year-old filly wasn’t a hotwalker. It was trainer Dallas Stewart.

Asked of his hands-on approach, he responded, “I’m the owner. I’d better.”

He is—one of them. The graded-placed filly is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Gervais Racing, Charles Pigg, Stewart Racing Stable, Tom Andres, and Karen Kraft—or as Stewart describes Andres and Kraft, “my doctor and my real estate neighbor.

 

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Breeders’ Cup Diaries: Leonard Looks Back At His Racing Start In Louisiana Backcountry

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by

 

Leonard and California Angel

 

 

This is our third edition in a daily diary series following trainer George Leonard’s first trip to the Breeders’ Cup with California Angel. Find Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

It may be the first time George Leonard has brought a horse to Del Mar, but he managed to find a familiar face on the West Coast. Leonard left his regular exercise riders back home with his Indiana Grand string, and picked up the services of jockey Chester Bonnet to help him work California Angel ahead of her run in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.

Bonnet and Leonard go way back, to the days when both were still in their home state of Louisiana. Leonard transferred to Indiana and Kentucky, and Bonnet came to California to be nearer to his son.

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2022 TEXAS 2-YEAR-OLDS IN TRAINING SALE SET FOR APRIL 6, 2022

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The Texas Thoroughbred Association and Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie have announced that the 2022 Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale will be held on Wednesday, April 6, at the Dallas-area racetrack. The breeze show will be held Monday, April 4.

 

The 2022 Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale comes on the heels of the strong 2021 Texas Summer Yearling Sale. That sale saw an increase in the number of horses cataloged and sold, as well as a positive jump in the average and median sale prices.

 

“Based on what we saw with the Texas Summer Yearling Sale, I think there’s a lot of anticipation for the upcoming Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale in April,” TTA Sales Director Foster Bridewell said. “I think we’re uniquely positioned in the 2-year-old sales landscape to provide a quality sale for our owners, trainers, and breeders and still attract out of region buyers and sellers.”

 

The sale will be held about three weeks before Lone Star Park kicks off its 2022 Thoroughbred meet with 48 days of racing starting on April 28th. As usual, the Texas Thoroughbred Association Futurity, for TTA Sales graduates and Accredited Texas-breds made eligible through consignor or buyer berths, will be held on closing weekend at Lone Star with two divisions, each at $150,000 guaranteed.

 

Graduates of the Texas Yearling or 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale will also be eligible for the new Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby and Oaks for 3-year-olds. Both will be held at Sam Houston Race Park in 2023.

 

“The expanded stakes program for Texas Thoroughbred Association sales graduates certainly gives buyers something extra to think about when they’re bidding on horses,” Bridewell said. “Our graduates have had success in the Texas Thoroughbred Association Futurity, and that’s carried over in other stakes races around the country, including the first, second, and third place finishers in this year’s Clever Trevor Stakes at Remington Park.”

 

“Also, thanks to the passage of HB 2460 in 2019, the Texas horse industry benefits from the infusion of $25 million per year, increasing purses and Accredited Texas-bred incentive awards,” Bridewell added. “It really does pay to breed, sell and race in Texas.”

 

The Entry Deadline for the Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale is January 17, 2022, and consignment forms are now available at www.ttasales.com.

LANGS DAY RALLIES FOR UPSET WIN IN THE $100,000 GOLD CUP AT DELTA DOWNS

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LEE M. THOMAS TRAINEE STORMS HOME TO VICTORY UNDER TY KENNEDY

 

Langs Day wins the 19th running of the Gold Cup at Delta Downs. Coady Photography

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the $100,000 Gold Cup Stakes on Saturday afternoon and the winner was Keith Plaisance’s Langs Day with jockey Ty Kennedy in the saddle.

 

The heavy 1-2 wagering favorite in the Gold Cup was No Parole, who had a Grade I win on his resume and was undefeated at Delta Downs entering Saturday’s showdown. But the speedster was confronted early on by Scarlettsblackjack and the pair dueled each other into submission as they set fractional times of 22.79 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 47.32 for the half before both were overtaken by closers entering the second turn of the seven-furlong affair.

 

Turning for home it was Speaktomeoflove who gained a short lead, but it didn’t last long as Langs Day and Underpressure swung into the stretch with momentum and blew by the leader. At the finish line Langs Day was 3-1/4 lengths in front of Underpressure who finished second while Grand Luwegee picked up the pieces to be third, another 1-1/2 lengths behind the top pair. Langs Day covered the distance over a fast track in a final time of 1:26.94.

 

The win by Langs Day was the fifth of his 15-race career. He earned $60,000 for the effort and now boasts a lifetime bankroll of $177,840.

 

Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock & Adcock’s Red River Farm LLC, Langs Day is a 4-year-old chestnut gelding by New Year’s Day, out of the Langfuhr mare Langsyne.

 

Distpatched at odd of 14-1, Langs Day paid $32.80 to win, $32.80 to win, $14.20 to place and $7.80 to show. Underpressure was worth $8.40 to place and $6 to show. Grand Luwegee returned $6.60 to show.

 

Jockey Miguel Mena Killed In Vehicular Accident

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Jockey Miguel Mena

 

 

Miguel Mena, one of the winningest jockeys in Churchill Downs history and a two-time winner of the prestigious Stephen Foster Stakes, was killed in a pedestrian accident on westbound I-64 between Blakenbaker Parkway and Hurstbourne Lane in Louisville on Sunday night. He was 34, just days shy of his 35th birthday on Saturday.

 

“This news is absolutely shocking, terrible and heartbreaking,” said Churchill Downs Racetrack President Mike Anderson. “Our team is devastated to learn of Miguel’s passing. He was such a courageous rider who fought to overcome several challenges and adversity. We’ll miss his bright smile. Our deepest condolences are extended to his many friends, fellow riders and family, and our immediate thoughts are with his wife April and his daughters Naelah and Montserrat.”

 

 

Mena won 2,079 races in North America and his mounts in 16,234 races earned $72,483,396 in prize money. He recorded 136 career stakes wins, including 37 against graded stakes company led by the 2010 Test (Grade 1) aboard Champagne d’Oro and 2011 Stephen Foster (G1) on Pool Play.

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Desormeaux Brothers Team Up with Oviatt Class

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Son of Bernardini starts Nov. 5 in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Del Mar.

 

Racing fans don’t need the overnight to learn the jockey on the Keith Desormeaux-trained Oviatt Class  in the $2 million TVG Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) Nov. 5 at Del Mar. It’s Keith’s brother, Kent.

“As I told you and I tell everybody else, I’ve got no choice while my mother’s still living,” quipped Keith.

One liners aside, Keith wouldn’t want it differently. Ask him to comment on Kent, and he is quick to praise his younger sibling, who resumed riding over the winter after addressing repeat alcohol abuse. Last summer in the Del Mar area, he was involved in a physical altercation after drinking and was also accused of using a racial epithet—actions that led the track to bar him from riding for the rest of its summer meet.

 

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NET A BEAR RALLIES LATE TO WIN THE $100,000 MAGNOLIA STAKES AT DELTA DOWNS

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Net A Bear edges Quikfast N Ahurry to win the 2021 Magnolia Stakes at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.

 

 

VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted the $100,000 Magnolia Stakes on Friday afternoon. The race featured a field of six Louisiana-bred fillies and mares competing at seven furlongs and it was Maximo Lamarche and Federico Deltoro’s Net a Bear who came away with the win under jockey Tim Thornton.

 

Breaking from the inside post position, Net a Bear was reserved early and dropped back to trail the field while Carondelet set the early fractions of 23.30 seconds for the quarter mile and 47.76 for the half. As the field entered the second turn, Thornton began a rally with Net a Bear that resulted in a come-from-behind victory by a half-length over Quikfast N Ahurry while Inawic settled for third, another neck behind the top pair.

 

Net a Bear covered the distance over a fast track in a time of 1:26.88.

 

The win by Net a Bear, who is trained by Allen Landy, was the eighth of her 27-race career. She garnered another $60,000 for the effort which raised her overall bankroll to $412,070.

 

Bred in Louisiana by Lora Pitre & Elaine Carroll, Net a Bear is a 5-year-old bay mare by Awesome Bet, out of the Eddington mare Edacious Reality.

 

Sent to the gate even money, Net a Bear paid $4.20 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.10 to show. Quikfast N Ahurry returned $2.60 to place and $2.40 to show. Inawic was worth $3.80 to show.

 

The win by jockey Tim Thornton also marked his second straight tally in a $100,000 stakes event. He won the $100,000 Louisiana Legacy aboard Unified Report last Saturday. On that program he also set a track record for jockeys with seven wins in one day. Thornton is attempting to take his fourth consecutive leading rider title at Delta Downs this year.