2023 TX yearling sale topper HIP 122 b. Olivia Friesen/TTA photo.
(Grand Prairie, Texas) The hammer fell after a final bid of $110,000 on a Texas-bred Practical Joke colt to lead the way at the 2023 Texas Summer Yearling Sale.
Cataloged as hip 122, the Practical Joke colt, who is out of the stakes-winning Imperialism mare Jan’s Perfect Star, was purchased by Al Pike, agent, Monday at Lone Star Park. The colt is a half brother to four winners from as many to race from the dam, including the stakes-winning Road Bloc (Street Sense) who won the Arm Holding Jebel Ali Sprint stakes in Dubai in March this year. Scott Mallory consigned the colt on behalf of the breeders, Michael and Linda Mazoch.
“We’re grateful to Mike and Linda Mazoch and Scott Mallory for bringing the colt to our sale and we’re proud that a Texas-bred topped our sale again this year,” TTA Sales Director Foster Bridewell said. “He was quality and presented himself well to our buyers, so when the hammer dropped it all made sense.”
A Vekoma colt, also consigned by Scott Mallory, agent, was the second highest priced yearling sold at $90,000 on Monday at the sales pavilion at Lone Star Park. Scanlon Training and Sales signed the ticket for the Louisiana-bred colt out of the winning Tale of the Cat mare Winning Saga.
Three others reached the $80,000 mark. Hip 24, a Texas-bred Competitive Edge colt consigned by Highlander Training Center, sold for $85,000 to KDE Equine. Hip 51, a Texas-bred Competitive Edge filly also consigned by Highlander Training Center, was purchased for $80,000 by Lone Star Thoroughbreds. Straight Line Equine Sales sold Hip 110, a Louisiana-bred Spun to Run colt, for $80,000 to Whispering Oaks.
“We’re grateful to our breeders, owners, consignors, and buyers for trusting in us and coming to Texas to buy or sell,” Foster said. “We’re looking forward to seeing how these athletes develop and are already looking forward to our two-year-old sale in the spring of 2024.”
In total, 175 horses sold Monday at the 2023 Texas Summer Yearling Sale for a total $3,244,900. The average price was $18,542. The median was $11,000.
Special Events and Family Festivities Begin at Noon
Bossier City, LA – The highlight of the 61-day Thoroughbred racing season at Louisiana Downs will take place Saturday, September 2 with the return of one of the most prestigious races in the racetrack’s history. Super Derby 41 makes its long awaited return on Saturday as the featured event on the card. The eight-race program gets underway at 2:05 pm (Central) with the $200,000 Super Derby, presented by Lip Chip LLC, to be contested and one mile and one eighth on the main track, will run as race seven, with an approximate post time of 4:53 pm.
Louisiana Downs is under its second year of operation under president and owner Kevin Preston and from the beginning, one of many priorities set by Preston, was bringing back the track’s marquee race, the Super Derby. Inaugurated in 1980, the annual event attracted the top owners, trainers and jockeys in North America. Belmont Stakes winner Temperence Hill won the first edition of the Super Derby. Three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba were honored with Eclipse Awards as Horse of the Year, the industry’s highest award.
“The Super Derby has been a very important goal for owner Kevin Preston,” said Matt Crawford, Louisiana Downs racing secretary. “He has made many notable improvements to both the racetrack and casino. We are all looking forward to an exciting Super Derby 41 with plenty of events sure to entertain fans of all ages.”
Louisiana Downs ran several editions of the Super Derby, beginning in 2017 with Mr Misunderstood winning on the turf for trainer Brad Cox. Reverted to the main track, the next year, Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen won the next two editions with Limation in 2018 and Rotation in 2019.
In pursuit of his third Super Derby victory, Asmussen will send in How Did He Do That for owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison.
The top earner in the field, the son of Good Magic, bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, LLC, will make his 13th career start on Saturday. Sold as a yearling for $190,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Fall Yearling Sale, he broke his maiden at Churchill Downs on September 30, 2022. He won his first stakes in New Mexico, in the Zia Park Juvenile Stakes before embarking on a busy Derby season. His standout victory came on July 8 at Prairie Meadows, where he was sent off at 48-1 in the $225,000 Iowa Derby, finishing in a dead heat for the win with One in Vermillion. After a lengthy steward’s inquiry, One in Vermillion was disqualified for interference and placed second. How Did He Do That rewarded his supporters with a win payout of $98!
Joel Dominguez, currently tied for the leading rider title at Louisiana Downs, has the call and will break from post five aboard the 9-5-morning line favorite.
Dominguez, 33, has been riding at Louisiana Downs since 2005, and was tabbed by Asmussen in 2020 to ride first call at the Bossier City oval. He earned the leading rider title that year and is currently tied with Jose Guerrero in the 2023 meet, which will conclude on September 12.
His association with Asmussen began in Kentucky when Dominguez, who was born in Durango, Mexico, galloped for the top conditioner when he first came to the United States.
“When I was in Kentucky, I worked for Steve and he began to trust me galloping some of his top horses,” said Dominguez. “I remember the first time I worked Rachel Alexandra. That was very special and gave me so much confidence!”
Dominguez, who is represented by former jockey, Don Simington, is deeply appreciative to Asmussen for his support.
“Steve is really smart and has helped my career so much,” added Dominguez. “It means a lot to me to have a mount in the Super Derby. I look forward to this opportunity on Saturday!’
The Super Derby 41 field from the rail out includes the following 3-year-olds:
#1 Machine Gun Man (6-1) has earned $100,630 in 11 starts for owner Patrick Lee Racing LLC. Trained by Jose C. Sanchez, the gelding by Mor Spirit, competed in two stakes earlier this year, and exits a five-length score on August 11 at Evangeline Downs. He will be ridden by Vicente Del Cid, who was one of the apprentice riders nominated for the 2022 Eclipse Award.
#2 Tiz Donegal (15-1) is one of two Super Derby 41 entrants owned by Donegal Racing (Jerry Crawford). Jockey Thomas Pompell has the call aboard the son of Tiznow, who ran second to his stablemate at Evangeline Downs on July 22. That race was the first for the New York-bred gelding.
#3 Donegal Arrow (12-1) will make his fourth career start for Donegal Racing (Jerry Crawford), and exits his maiden-breaking victory on July 22 for trainer Dane Noel. The Kentucky-bred colt by Arrogate made two starts at Turfway Park before competing at Evangeline Downs. He will reunite with rider Juan P. Vargas, who guided him to the wire last month.
#4 Big Data (9-2) ships in from Gulfstream Park for trainer Michael Lerman. Sired by Cloud Computing, the Kentucky-bred colt has won two of his seven races in Florida for owner Petal Power Racing Stable (Kimberly Boulmetis) Jockey Emisael Jaramillo, has the return call following a three-length victory in a $75,000 allowance on July 23 at Gulfstream Park.
#6 Promise Me A Ride (7-2) will make his stakes debut for 2022 Eclipse Award winning trainer Brad Cox. Owned by Kueber Racing, LLC, Big Easy Racing LLC and Martin S. Schwartz, the colt by Mastery won his debut on March 19 at Fair Grounds and made his second trip to the winner’s circle on August 4 at Ellis Park. One of the top Louisiana-based riders, Tim Thorton, has the call.
# 7 No White Flags (10-1) has won two races at Louisiana Downs this meet for owner LG4 Racing LLC (Donald D. Clark, et al). The son of Union Rags is conditioned by retired jockey Carl J, Woodley, who piloted 19,917 runners from 1981-2007, Woodley, who prefers to be called CJ, has been training since 2008. C.J. McMahon will guide No White Flags in his stakes debut.
Super Derby Festivities Set for Saturday, September 2
Several promotions and special events are planned for Super Derby 41 so that both racing fans and families will have an enjoyable afternoon at the racetrack.
With several dining options available this year, watch and wager on the Super Derby Card in the air-conditioned comfort of the Clubhouse or the Skyroom. Both rooms will feature an All You Can Eat Buffet, beginning at 11:00 am. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by emailing reservations@ladowns.com. Box Seats is also available and can be reserved for only $45 via www.ladowns.com. For a quick casual bite, join us in the Inside Rail Sportsbook Bar & Grill for tasty specials such as KP’s Ribeye for only $19.74, as a nod to the year the property opened, and the introduction of our Colts & Fillies kids’ menu.
Festivities kick off at Noon with Louisiana Downs track announcer John McGary and Louisiana Downs racing ambassador Roxanne Tanner teaming up for a pre-race handicapping preview. They will offer detailed analysis of the $200,000 Super Derby as well as their selections for each of the races on the Super Derby card.
Family activities will get underway at 12:00 pm, a Children’s Area will open on the Racing Apron. Face Painting is available for an additional charge. Children can join in the fun with the Super Derby Stilt Walker, Caricaturist, Balloon Twister and Hula Hoop Stars! Food Trucks from across the region will be serving up great local bites for purchase.
Also, at 12:00 pm, registration begins for the Super Derby Ladies Hat Contest. Hats will be judged in three categories: Spirit of Louisiana, Classic and Most Original. The winners will receive $100 cash.
At 12:30pm, enjoy a Jockey Meet and Greet and Autograph Signing. A photo of the riders will be available for $5.00 with the proceeds to benefit the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund(PDJF).
Take advantage of the Super Derby $5 Free Bet where Racing fans can swipe their Club 74 card at the racing kiosks for a $5.00 Free Bet that can be redeemed on Saturday, September 9, 2023.
After the 3rd Race Louisiana Downs Super Derby 41 Opening Ceremony will include a Proclamation by Bossier City Mayor, Tommy Chandler, posting of the colors by the Boy Scouts Troop 104 and a live performance of The National Anthem.
Special guest, Former NBA and Hall of Famer, “the Mailman” Karl Malone, will be in the paddock for the Riders Up call prior to Super Derby41.
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.
August 23, 2023 – Texas-breds are receiving a raise during the 2024 Thoroughbred race meets at Class 1 tracks in Texas. The Texas Thoroughbred Association, Texas Horsemen’s Partnership, Sam Houston Race Park and Lone Star Park came together to collectively approve the new purse structure alteration.
For 2024, Texas-bred maiden special weight and allowance races will carry a minimum purse of $40,000 at Sam Houston and Lone Star Park. This is being accomplished by reconfiguring the allocation of funds provided by the TTA to the tracks from Texas Horse Industry Escrow Account (HIEA). The minimum purse of $40,000 for these races is a $7,000 increase per race – a 21% increase over 2023 levels for the same race conditions.
“It is gratifying to see what can be accomplished when the Thoroughbred industry and the racetracks work together. Supporting Texas horse owners and breeders and promoting the value of Texas-bred horses is our number one priority,” commented Tracy Sheffield, President of the Texas Thoroughbred Association.
HB 2463 was passed in the 2019 legislative session. Derived from a portion of state sales taxes on equine goods and services, it provides up to $25-million per year to stimulate the Texas Equine Industry, with 70% ($17.5 million) earmarked for purse funds and the remaining 30% ($7.5 million) available to the official state breed registries (TTA, TQHA, TABA, TPHA) for TRC approved events and programs. Funds became available in 2020.
“The purse restructuring shows dedication to Texas-breds on the racetrack and it has a positive impact on a large number of Texas horsemen,” said Bryan Pettigrew, Vice President and General Manager of Sam Houston Race Park. “The owners and trainers I have spoken with are praising the change. It’s putting more money on the table for Texas-breds.”
Finalizing the purse transition comes at an opportune time. The Texas Thoroughbred Association’s annual Summer Yearling Sale is August 28. According to TTA, the sale will be one of the largest in history and there’s a tremendous level of excitement and anticipation for Monday’s sale. Of the 271 catalogued sale entries, almost 100 are Texas-breds, proving they are in high demand, thanks in part to the numerous Texas breeders’ incentives now in place and proven by their success on the racetrack.
One of the largest consignors at the sale is Highlander Training Center whose catalogue includes 22 Texas-breds in Monday’s yearling sale.
“Increasing purse money for Texas-breds and raising the level of maiden special weight purses will absolutely have a positive impact on the yearling sale,” noted Jeff Hooper, Chairman & CEO at Highlander Training Center. “Purses drive the business, and this very positive news will create increased enthusiasm and interest among owners and trainers looking for quality Texas-bred racing prospects.”
Since the passage of House Bill 2463, the racing program has been expanded in the State. First of all, the Texas Thoroughbred Association Futurity at Lone Star Park was revamped with a $150,000 purse for each division. The $100,000 Texas Thoroughbred Association Derby and Oaks were both added to the Sam Houston Race Park calendar to further support the industry. Numerous top stallions have moved into the state which has strengthened the Texas Stallion Stakes, a six race series for the offspring of participating Texas stallions. The increase in Texas-bred maiden special weight and allowance race purses is the latest development. The overall 2024 HIEA plan is pending Texas Racing Commission approval.
Andrew John Cascio 67, won the biggest race of his life when St. Peter opened the Gates of Heaven on Friday, August 18, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at St. Jude Catholic Church, 4700 Palmetto Road, Benton, Louisiana, at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery, in Bossier City, Louisiana. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. Officiating the services will be Father Charles Glorioso and Father Kelby Tingle.
Andrew John Cascio was born on June 23, 1956, to Johnnie and Concetta Miciotto Cascio in Shreveport, Louisiana, and left behind his beloved wife and best friend, Angelina Cush of 47 years, their three beautiful daughters, and six wonderful grandchildren to continue his legacy.
Andrew was a graduate of Fair Park High School and attended Northeast Louisiana University, currently known as ULM, for a short time before returning home to be married to Angelina. Soon after they started their family, and he began his career at General Motors Shreveport. Andrew was a hard worker and at times worked three jobs to provide for his family. He retired in 2009 after 30 years of dedicated service. He was honored with an award of perfect attendance for never missing a day of work.
His second love and favorite pastime, thoroughbred racing, began in the 80s and continued to grow throughout his life. Later he became a very successful owner, trainer, and breeder. He would spend hours day and night researching for proper maintenance and health of his thoroughbreds for optimal performance. He was able to devote more time after retirement where he was able to care for them daily at his farm. One of his proudest moments was winning the $100,000 Arkansas Bred Race.
Above all, Andrew was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, affectionately known as “Papa”. He was a devoted husband and a shining example of true love, commitment, and dedication to his three daughters, whom he was so proud of. He absolutely adored his grandchildren and spending quality time with them. Due to his traditional Catholic-Italian upbringing, he was able to instill those values in his own family. He was an active member of St. Catherine’s and Cathedral of St. John Berchmans for many years. He always put family first and instilled those values in his daughters and their families.
He took care of anyone in need and gave his time, talent, and treasure to help a friend or stranger. He was a genuine kind soul and whether family or friend you were blessed to know him. He is loved beyond measure and will be missed by so many. Although this is a great loss for us all, we can find great comfort just knowing that he is finally standing in the Winner’s Circle of Heaven.
Andrew is preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Anthony Cush and brother-in-law, Michael Cush. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Angelina Cush; daughters, Ashley Timmons and husband, Chris, Alicia Cascio-Lafitte and husband, Jeremy and April Cascio; six grandchildren, Ethan, Andrew, Evelyn, Harper, GianLuca and Haven; brothers, Michael Cascio and Roy Cascio and wife, Charlotte; sister, Connie Norton and husband, Tom; uncles, George Cascio and Anthony Cascio and wife, Martha along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Honoring Andrew as pallbearers will be his nephews, Chris Cascio, John Norton, Eric Norton, Jason Cascio, Kevin Cush Jr. and Chase Duggins. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his siblings, Roy Cascio, Michael Cascio, Connie Norton, and Kevin Cush Sr.
The LTBA invites you to join us Wednesday, September 27 at Equine Sales Company of Louisiana in Opelousas for an evening of fun with fellow horsemen and women for a purpose.
We are raising money for a Political Action Committee (LTBA PAC) to advocate for the Louisiana thoroughbred industry.
Appetizers and a bar will be available. The event is being held on the evening prior to the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana yearling and mixed sale.
Donations may also be made at the door.
Or mail a check to: LTBA PAC P.O. Box 24650 New Orleans, LA 70123
OPELOUSAS, LA –Vicente Del-Cid pulled away in the final weeks to repeat as the top jockey at the recently concluded Evangeline Downs Thoroughbred meet. Bolstered by a 4-win night with a week to go, Del-Cid finished the season with 76 wins from 380 mounts. Add in 41 runner-up finishes and another 63 shows, his mounts won at a 20% rate and hit the board in 47% of his chances, while earning $1,513,675. The champion jockey led a trio of riders to eclipse the million-dollar mark in purses. Tim Thornton was second with $1,409,235 and apprentice Elio Barrera was third with his mounts earning $1,312,420.
The complete top 10 jockeys for the 2023 season were: Vicente Del-Cid (76 wins), Elio Barrera (64), Tim Thornton (55), Juan Vargas (42), C.J. McMahon (41), Jose Luis Rodriguez (29), Joel Dominguez (25), Joe Stokes (23) and a tie for ninth between Thomas Pompell and Casey Fusilier with 21.
Trainer Lee Thomas emerged as the leading trainer in a tight battle that came down to the final night of the season. Thomas trainees were victorious in 24 trips to the post from 98 starters. His runners hit the board at a solid 48% rate and topped the list with $540,055 in purses, just ahead of the Allen Landry barn with $506,425.
The complete top 10 in the trainer standings: Lee Thomas (24 wins), Eduardo Ramirez (22), Sam Breaux (22), Juan Larrosa (21), Allen Landry (20), Karl Broberg (18), Sturges Ducoing (15), Edith Mojica (15), Keith Bourgeios (15), and Jayde Gelner (13).
Elite Thoroughbred Racing, LLC (Michele Rodriguez) topped the owner standings with 17 wins from 76 starters. With nine places and 10 shows, Elite Thoroughbred runners hit the board 47% and earned a meet leading $310,925. Other owners to surpass the quarter-million mark in earnings included End Zone Athletics ($260,945), Set-Hut LLC ($237,520), Whispering Oaks Farm LLC ($237,390), and Norman Stables ($226,290). Owner Sandy Badeaux runners won at a 32% strike rate, best among the top 10.
The complete top 10 in the owner standings were: Elite Thoroughbred Racing, LLC (17 wins), End Zone Athletics (14), Sandy Badeaux (12), Norman Stables, LLC (9), Whispering Oaks Farm, LLC (7), Mojica Stables, Inc. (7), Jason Grudzien (7), Tres Portillos Ranch Inc. (7), and L and G Racing Stables and Set-Hut LLC with 6 wins apiece.
Evangeline Downs will be dark for a few weeks. Live racing resumes with the start of the American Quarter Horse meet on Friday, September 29. Post time for the 46-day season will be at 5:35pm Central Time.
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is located in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.
The 2023 Summer Texas Yearling Sales is next Monday at the Lone Star Park Sales Pavilion. With the addition of eight yearlings that have been supplemented to the sale, there are now 270 cataloged, marking this one of the largest yearling books in TTA Sales’ history. Click below to learn more about the top Texas-bred yearlings and their graded stakes-winning sires.
Part of the Thoroughbred OwnerView Virtual Conference Series.
The seventh panel of the OwnerView Virtual Thoroughbred Owner Conference held Tuesday, August 15, featured bloodstock agents Erin Birkenhauer, Marette Farrell, and Mike Ryan and auctioneer Tom Biederman discussing horse selection and the bidding process at Thoroughbred auctions. The panel was moderated by OwnerView’s project manager, Gary Falter.
The conference is hosted by The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and sponsored by Bessemer Trust, Stoll Keenon Ogden, and The Green Group. This panel was sponsored by Fasig-Tipton and Woodbine.
Attendees were able to ask questions through Zoom’s Q&A feature, sponsored by West Point Thoroughbreds.
Topics included yearling sales, buying 2-year-olds, buying horses in training, the importance of vet records, and conformation.
For new owners, Ryan said, “For people getting into the business for the first time, a great approach is to buy some fillies because you have some exit strategy, you’ve got resale/residual value.”
Birkenhauer emphasized that even in select sales, you never make assumptions. “Do your due diligence, whether you are at the select sale or the last book at Keeneland,” she said.
Regarding 2-year-old sales, Ferrell said, “I am a firm believer in giving all 2-year-olds a break. They need it. … They don’t lose their fitness if they get a few weeks downtime or a month downtime.”
Biederman agreed. “Once the September or October sale is over, they go to the farm, are broken and then trained consistently every day until that 2-year-old sale,” he said. “It’s very important to get that break afterward.”
There are four more Thoroughbred Owner Conference virtual panels scheduled for 2023, with the next session, Claiming, to be held September 12 at 2 p.m. ET. A full schedule can be found here: bit.ly/OVSchedule, and a replay of all panels can be viewed here: bit.ly/OVVideos.
There is no registration fee for the virtual conference series, but registration is required. For more information about the owner conference, please visit ownerview.com/event/conference or contact Gary Falter at 859.224.2803 or gfalter@jockeyclub.com.
The Transferred as Retired from Racing process can now be completed digitally through the Interactive Registration (IR) website at registry.jockeyclub.com.
Previously, the retired from racing process required notarized signatures on a hardcopy form. With the assistance of digital signature verification, The Jockey Club can confidently collect the signatures required to complete the retired from racing process through IR.
“Being able to ensure a horse can still be used for breeding but cannot race is important for many owners, and we wanted to make the retired from racing process as easy as possible yet still ensure the integrity of the process,” said Rick Bailey, registrar of The Jockey Club.
The Jockey Club amended Rule 18 of the Principal Rules and Requirements of The American Stud Book from Sold Without Pedigree to Transferred as Retired from Racing in 2013 so that an owner can retire a Thoroughbred from racing without affecting its breeding privileges. To date, more than 5,400 Thoroughbreds have been recorded as retired from racing. A list of these horses can be viewed through IR.
The Jockey Club, founded in 1894 and dedicated to the improvement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing, is the breed registry for North American Thoroughbreds. In fulfillment of its mission, The Jockey Club, directly or through subsidiaries, provides support and leadership on a wide range of important industry initiatives, and it serves the information and technology needs of owners, breeders, media, fans and farms. It founded America’s Best Racing (americasbestracing.net), the broad-based fan development initiative for Thoroughbred racing, and in partnership with the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, operates OwnerView (ownerview.com), the ownership resource. Additional information is available at jockeyclub.com.
(Austin, TX) – Eight yearlings have been supplemented to the 2023 Texas Summer Yearling Sale catalog, ahead of the August 28th sale at Lone Star Park.
Six of the entrants will be catalogued as hips 265-270, two of the supplemented horses will replace horses already reported as scratched from the sale.
“The additions to the catalog add to our strong regional base already and we’re glad to have these additional offerings in our sale,” TTA Sales Director Foster Bridewell said. Two of Texas’ leading stallions Bradester and the late My Golden Song are represented by four of the additions. Yearlings by Early Flyer, Airoforce, Cutting Humor, and new Texas stallion King Zachary complete the octuplet.
A supplemental paper catalog will be available on the sales grounds. The interactive catalog has been updated at TTAsales.com.
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