Month: December 2023

TRAINER STEVE ASMUSSEN WINS 18TH REMINGTON PARK TRAINING TITLE

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North America’s all-time winningest trainer Steve Asmussen has added to his list of endless accolades and awards, winning an unprecedented 18th Chuck Taliaferro training title at Remington Park. The 2023 Thoroughbred Season came to a close on Saturday.

Asmussen’s colleague in the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Donnie Von Hemel, is the closest to him with 12 training titles at Remington Park. Asmussen’s first training title came in the fall of 1991 at Remington. He added this season’s title when he won 43 times, 16 more than runner-up Karl Broberg. Broberg is the only reason Asmussen hasn’t won 17 training titles in a row at Remington Park. He has won 15 of the past 17 and Broberg has edged him out in the other two in 2022 and 2015. Asmussen has won every other title since 2007.

Asmussen also was top conditioner here in the fall of 1995, the fall of 1992 and the fall of 1991. Asmussen has trained here since the track opened in 1988.

“All the credit goes to (assistant trainer at Remington Park) Pablo (Ocampo),” Asmussen said Friday night as he witnessed one of the two biggest wins of the meet, Otto the Conqueror getting 10 Kentucky Derby points by winning the $300,000 Springboard Mile. Asmussen also won the Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby with How Did He Do That.

“Pablo deserves it for all 18 titles,” Asmussen continued. “It has been a great association with him all these years. I’ve worked with him here since 1989 and I am extra fortunate to have had him. Winning the first one is one of my fondest memories and I love coming here.”

In the early years, Remington Park ran Spring and Fall thoroughbred meets and consequently they were shorter. Hence, the fewer wins it took to win the title. Asmussen set the record here is 2018 when his horses made 104 trips to the winner’s circle. Here is a look at all Asmussen’s yearly titles and how many races his horses won:
* 2023 – 43; 2021 – 42; 2020 – 73; 2019 – 83; 2018 – 104; 2017 – 81; 2016 – 63; 2014 – 49; 2013 – 38; 2012 – 47; 2011 – 50; 2010 – 47; 2009 – 102; 2008 – 57; 2007 – 48; Fall 1995 – 20; Fall 1992 – tie with Donnie Von Hemel with 21, and Fall 1991 – 20.

This Fall, other than Otto the Conqueror in the Springboard and How Did He Do That in the Oklahoma Derby, Asmussen also won the Red Earth Stakes with Tap the Dot.

Rounding out the top five for trainers this meet behind Asmussen and Broberg were Ronnie Cravens III (26 wins) with Ray Ashford and Mindy Willis tied for fourth (20).
In his 37-year training career, Asmussen has won 10,332 races and his horses have earned more than $430 million since 1986, according to Equibase statistics. His top horses include three Horses of the Year – Curlin (twice), Gun Runner and Rachel Alexandra.

The Remington Park leading trainer award is named after Chuck Taliaferro, a two-time leading trainer here in the formative years of the track and a fellow Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Famer with Asmussen. Taliaferro passed in 1994.

Elliott Wins First Remington Title
In the jockey’s standings race this meet, Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Stewart Elliott won his first title at Remington Park in runaway fashion, capturing the Pat Steinberg Award.

Elliott posted 74 wins, 29 more than runner-up Lindey Wade at 45. Elliott made Remington Park his regular fall stop in 2019. He won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness aboard Smarty Jones in 2004.

Elliott’s 74 victories were three more than last year’s top rider Cristian Torres’ 71. Torres did not ride regularly at Remington Park this Fall. The high mark historically at Remington Park is 126 wins by Tim Doocy in 1997.

“I’m thankful I’ve had a lot of support here at Remington with Steve (Asmussen) loading me up with live horses and all the other trainers,” said Elliott. “I’m fortunate I have had such good business here and my agent Scott Hare gets a lot of the credit.”

Among the top winners Elliott brought back to the winner’s circle this meet were How Did He Do That (Oklahoma Derby), Run Slewpy Run (Bob Barry Memorial Stakes, Oklahoma Classics Distaff Turf), Fly to the Bank (Silver Goblin Stakes), Tap the Dot (Red Earth Stakes), Medalla Match (Ricks Memorial Stakes) and Sunlit Song (Remington Green Stakes).

In his career, Elliott has had more than 35,000 mounts, winning with 5,626 of them and their earnings in excess of $123 million, according to Equibase statistics.

Rounding out the top five riders behind Elliott and Wade were Richard Eramia in third (44 wins), Jose Alvarez in fourth (42) and Floyd Wethey Jr. fifth (40).

The leading jockey award is named after Pat Steinberg who dominated he Remington Park colony in the track’s first five years, winning nine riding title before his passing in 1993.

End Zone Athletics Gains Third Owner Title
In the owners’ standings, Broberg’s outfit End Zone Athletics, Inc., of Mansfield, Texas, won its second title in a row and third in the last five years. End Zone was responsible for 18 wins this meet, five more than runner-up L and G Racing Stables (Silvia Castillo) at 13. Following the top two were George A. Sharp and Bryan Hawk tied with 12 and Asmussen rounded out the five in fifth with 11.

The leading owner award at Remington Park is named in honor of Ran Ricks, Jr., the very first owner with horses on the grounds at Remington Park, Ricks won six owning titles in Oklahoma City prior to his passing in 1996.

Remington Park has provided more than $340 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. Remington Park presents simulcast racing daily and non-stop casino gaming. Parking and admission are always free. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

Longtime Director of Racing Chris Warren Embarks on a New Chapter

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By Martha Claussen

VINTON, LA—December 8, 2023—Chris Warren, who has served as Director of Racing for both Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs, will depart and head home to Ruidoso, New Mexico.  His last day will be December 15.

His Beginning

Warren, 64, grew up in Ruidoso, and credits his dad, Bill Warren, for introducing him to the Sport of Kings. He was a contractor, carpenter and builder by trade. Chris enjoyed watching the races at Ruidoso Downs and earned money in high school by writing and selling a tip sheet he titled “Simon Says.”

Chris Warren 2023. Paula Tindall / Coady Photography

“My dad loved horse racing and definitely got me started,” acknowledged Warren.

He worked summers at Ruidoso Downs and attended the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry program in Tucson.

“I remember in 1987  I worked as assistant clerk of scales at Santa Anita,” he said. “The first rider in the room was Billy Shoemaker. That was like a football fan interacting with Tom Brady; he could not have been nice; it was a big moment for me.”

In addition to Santa Anita, Warren traversed the country in various racing office positions early in his career. His employers included The Downs at Santa Fe and Canterbury Park in Minnesota. He first worked at Delta Downs when he was 22 year-old, serving as assistant racing secretary to Jim Grundy. He spent eight years at Delaware Park before returning to Delta Downs in 2001.

Demanding Job Description

The role of director of racing in Louisiana entails a myriad of responsibilities from interacting with horsemen and horsemen’s organizations, attending racing commission meetings, overseeing purses and condition books for Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing and ensuring racetrack safety. Hiring competent racing office staff is also a key element of the job, and there are far more positions than the average racing fan knows about! Placing judges, entry clerks, starter and assistants, gate crew, jockey room clerk of scales, valets and more! When Boyd Gaming acquired its second track in Louisiana in 2013, Warren was asked to take over the role at Evangeline Downs in addition to Delta.

“In hindsight, I should have said no,” quipped Warren. “In the beginning, I put a lot of miles making the 120 mile (one-way) commute between the two tracks. Those trips have not been as necessary in the last few years.”

He earned respect from both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred trainers throughout his tenure.

Kenneth Roberts, Sr. has been one of the leading Louisiana Quarter Horse trainers for decades and credited Warren for his commitment to the horsemen.

“I have always had a good relationship with Chris,” stated Roberts. “You could call him with concerns, and he listened. His hands were tied sometimes, but he pulled for the horsemen and was there for us.”

Allen Landry, who runs Thoroughbreds at both Delta and Evangeline, echoed the sentiments of Roberts.

“Despite his busy schedule, Chris would always take my call,” said Landry. “He would do his best in taking care of what I asked him to look into. We will miss him!”

The memories are plentiful for Warren for both breeds. Each year, Delta Downs concludes its Quarter Horse meet with the running of the Lee Berwick Memorial Futurity. Named in honor of the late Louisiana horseman who developed the Vinton racetrack and served as its first president. Warren extends an invitation to the entire Berwick family to watch the ten juveniles compete for the championship. Berwick’s widow, Betty, attends and is escorted to the very crowded winner’s circle by Warren.

“The race is always exciting and it’s nice to spend a few minutes with Betty,” acknowledged Warren. “I will miss her a lot.”

The $1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot was held for 15 years, and Warren enjoyed the high profile Thoroughbred event, which served as a springboard to the Kentucky Derby. A total of 16 Delta Jackpot participants made it to the starting gate on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs.

“It was cool to follow our Jackpot winners on the Triple Crown trail,” said Warren. “We welcomed many high profile trainers and saw some really great horses including Exaggerator, Goldencents and 2010 Eclipse Award Sprint winner Big Drama.”  

Steve Kuypers, Vice President and General Manager of Delta Downs praised Warren for his commitment and years of service to the Vinton, Louisiana racetrack.

“Chris’s dedication and intense passion for the sport had a tremendous impact on Delta Downs, as well as horse racing across the state of Louisiana,” said Kuypers. “His contributions helped make Delta Downs the #1 racetrack in the United States in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice poll earlier this year.  Chris is a great colleague and friend, and he leaves behind an incredible legacy at Delta Downs. We will all miss him greatly and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

Smooth Transition to Come

John Simon, currently the racing secretary at Delta Downs, will serve as Director of Racing at the Vinton racetrack and Tracey Coonce takes on the same role at Evangeline Downs.  

“They have done a great job and get along well with their staff,” said Warren.

Don Stevens, the popular announcer at Delta Downs, also worked closely with Warren. 

“I have worked with Chris for over 20 years at Delta Downs,” said Stevens. “His extensive experience in the racing industry, along with his ability to look at things from a unique perspective, have been an asset to Boyd Gaming and he will be sorely missed.”

Warren will return to his home in Ruidoso to the delight of his wife of 40 years, Patricia, and their feline family. He has no plans for retirement and hopes to remain in the racing industry in a smaller capacity.

“I’m looking forward to regrouping, enjoying the holidays and playing some golf when it gets warmer,” stated Warren. “Right now, I have no interest in working full time, but hope to do something to help pay the cat food bill!”

Set-Hut, Brittlyn Stable Both Snag Two Louisiana Champions Day Stakes

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Touchuponastar Turns Back Tumbarumba for Consecutive Classic

Touchuponastar with jockey Timothy Thornton aboard pulls away to win the 32nd running of the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.
  • The top three finishers in the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic were bred by Coteau Grove Farms 

New Orleans, La (Dec. 9, 2023) – Set-Hut’s phenom Touchuponastar set the pace and turned back Tumbarumba’s far-turn bid to win his second $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The 4-year-old son of Star Guitar out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic was bred by Coteau Grove, along with the second and third-place finishers, Tumbarumba and Cosmic Train.

When the top two Classic finishers went eyeball to eyeball in the far turn, it was only a matter of a few strides before Touchuponastar put Tumbarumba away and quickly took an insurmountable 3-length advantage. Tumbarumba never stopped trying to re-engage, making up ground late.

Trained by Jeff Delhomme and guided by jockey Tim Thornton, Touchuponastar finished 1 1/4 lengths in front of Tumbarumba and covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.12.

“He’s all class,” Thornton said. “I knew when he got away clean in the first jump that they were going to have to run today to beat him. I was in-hand waiting. He’s such a great horse, they’ve done such a great job with him. It’s a joy to ride him.”

With a lifetime record of 13-10-2-1 and $618,100 in purses, the question remains could former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme’s Touchuponastar step out of Louisiana and take on top stakes routers.

“The Louisiana breeders program is so great over here,” trainer Jeff Delhomme said. “It gives us the opportunity to run for the money. We don’t need to chase the money. We can stay right here. Would we like another chance next year in the Steve Sexton? Yes. Maybe try him this year in the New Orleans Classic? Yes. I don’t think we need to go far to take on better competition but I think all these Louisiana-breds are giving us all we can handle right now.”

On hand in the winner’s circle, Keith and Ginger Myers of Coteau Grove Farms were able to witness a few of the best of their breeding program run first, second, and third in the Classic.

“What’s special is where we are,” Keith Myers said. “We’re here at home in Louisiana. We’re very close to Jake (Delhomme), and we see the Delhommes as our family. Having success together makes it more special. To have three who were bred at the farm run one, two, three–it’s quite rewarding. Touchuponastar was big and athletic (as a yearling), but I don’t remember having thoughts that this was going to be the one. Really it was a little bit of a surprise.”

 

Mangum Cuts Back, Surges Late to Win $100,000 Sprint

Mangum wins the 2023 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint. Hodges Photo.

After winning the Classic with Touchuponastar earlier in the card, Jake Delhomme’s Set-Hut stepped back into the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots winner’s circle as Mangum surged late through traffic to surprise Bron and Brow in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint.

Finishing 1/2 lengths back, Bron and Brow survived a steward’s review to secure place honors. Trained by Jeff Delhomme, Mangum covered the six furlongs in 1:10.83.

​​“Jake (brother Delhomme) studied the Form last night,” Jeff said. “And the best numbers he threw were sprinting at Evangeline and Delta so we took a chance (running in the Sprint) and it worked out. We’ve got the entire family here. Winning big races on a day like this is like a dream come true.”

Winner of the Jacob V. Morreale going 1 mile 70 yards over opening weekend, Mangum was guided by Corey Lanerie in both stakes scores.

“Hats off to the entire team,” Lanerie said. “They had this horse ready. He was a lot better than the last time I rode him. We took a lot of dirt early and I was running out of goggles. We had to find somewhere to go. I was rerouting. We found a hole and luckily we had the horse to do it. It’s fun when you get there in time because a lot of times you don’t.”

In the mix against a full field of 14, bettors backed Mangum to the tune of 9-2.

With the Sprint score, the rising 3-year-old now boasts a 12-7-1-3 lifetime record totaling $315,360 in purse earnings.

According to Design Behemah Star Shines on Turf

Behemah Star with J. A. Guerrero aboard captures the 32nd running of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir

With little early speed signed on for the 33rd running of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf, Behemah Star stole to the front ahead of the far turn and turned back Who Took the Money in the final stages to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

Trainer Shane Wilson had cross-entered Brittlyn Stable’s son of Star Guitar in the Classic, but opted for the Turf.

“This was the total plan,” Wilson said. “We entered in both races. Earlier in the week I got beat on the turf when speed went to the front and we tried to be tactical but they didn’t come back to us. I handicapped this race and didn’t see any speed in here so we decided to go in this spot. (Behemah Star) had run once on the turf and he was forward to run second. We wanted to do something similar again today. It worked out.”

Ridden by jockey Jose Guerrero, Behemah Star pressed the pace through the first two calls and covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.76.

“The plan was to get him out aggressively from the gate,” Guerrero said. “It worked pretty well. I was able to get in a perfect spot behind the inside horse and he slowed down so I slowed down with him, saving energy, and when we got to the 3/8ths pole he exploded and finished it off in front from there.”

Behemah Star rewarded his backers to the tune of 18-1. With a career record of 19-5-5-4, Behmah Star’s first turf tally upped his bank to $309,821.

Ova Charged Survives Photo for Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint Three-peat

 

Ova Charged with jockey J. A. Guerrero aboard gets a head in front of Basalt Street to win the17th running of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

Employing her signature stalking speed, Ova Charged beat Basalt Street by a thin lip to take her third $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint in a row. Stablemate Spirited Beauty ran third. Together with Behemah Star’s Turf win, Brittlyn Stable added two on the day for a record 17 Louisiana Champions Day victories in 33 years of running

By the ubiquitous stallion Star Guitar, the Shane Wilson trainee ran the 6 furlongs in 1:10.67. At 7-5 under jockey Jose Guerrero, Ova Charged has now won 9 times in 12 tries with one place-finish, racking up $428,780 in purses along the way.

After the race trainer Shane Wilson said,  “She was coming off the layoff and we’re trying to get her ready for this date. We skipped the race opening day because I didn’t think she was ready….We hoped her talent and guts would get us there and it worked out. She got a little heavy (tired) at the end but she got there. If you want to win races in Louisiana, then breed to Star Guitar. He’s had more starters and winners today than any other stallion. If you want to be in these big races, then breed to Star Guitar. The credit goes to Miss Evelyn (Benoit). Instead of standing him in Kentucky she kept him here for the local people so we have a chance to have horses like this.”

Free Like a Girl Wires the $100,000 Distaff

Free Like A Girl with jockey Vicente Del-Cid wins the 32nd running of the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Distaff at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

Leading the pack of fillies at every call, Gerald Bruno Jr., Chasey Deville Pomier, and Jerry Caroom’s Free Like a Girl proved much the best wiring the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Distaff field on Saturday. Holding off all advances, the 4-year-old daughter of El Deal rolled down the homestretch as A G’s Charlotte scrambled to get second, a distant 4 3/4 lengths back.

Trainer Chasey Pomier had entered the versatile 4-year-old in both the Distaff and the Sprint, and just like ahead of her score last out in the Doris Hebert, it was a last-minute decision.

With Vicente Del-Cid back in the irons, Free Like a Girl covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.49.

“We made the decision to run in the Distaff instead of the Ladies Sprint this morning. It’s what we needed to do for her.” said Chasey Pomier, trainer and part-owner. “We thought about the route race last year but ended up going in the Sprint (second to Ova Charged). She’s matured (since then) and we thought she could go the distance today. Going right to the lead was not in my plan but it worked. I take it race by race. She’s going to tell me when she wants to go.”

The recently minted millionaire added $60,000 to bump her bankroll to $1,066,578 and her career record to a hard-knocking 32-15-8-4. The fans knew, making Free Like a Girl the 8-5 favorite.

Good and Stout Just Good Enough in $100,000 Juvenile

Good And Stout with jockey C. J. McMahon gets a nose in front of El Dinero to win the 32nd running of the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir

C.J. McMahon’s first win at the meet came on the center stage as he guided Whispering Oaks Farm’s Good and Stout to the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile winner’s circle on Saturday at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

Going 6 furlongs in 1:12.22, the son of Coal Front held off the late rail rally of El Dinero by a nose. Trained by Carol Castille, Good and Stout’s freshman grade card tallies up to 5-2-1-1         along with $101,000 in the piggy bank. Prescient backers were paid $4.80 on each dollar wagered.

 Owner and trainer, Carrol Castille, said of his of Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile winner Good and Stout, “We breed a bunch but we buy some at the sales too, kind of a mixture of both. He was a nice looking individual. We like him a lot. Got lucky and were able to buy the right one. Louisiana-breds dominate our stable and we like to run at home. This colt has been great from day one. He’s very smart, does everything right and he’s a really nice horse to be around. We had a little misfortune at Delta. That DQ was tough, but it’s horse racing and you just have to roll with it. He showed his talent and we got some redemption today, that’s all that matters. I think this horse will want to go further. He’s still learning and developing.

Accommodate Eva Flies Late in Lassie

Jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. makes a late charge to capture the 32nd running of the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie at Fair Grounds. Hodges Photography / Lou Hodges, Jr.

Flying down the center of the track late, Valene Farm’s Accommodate Eva nailed Clearly a Test to win the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Lassie by 3/4 lengths. After routing in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies, trainer Dallas Stewart’s decision to cut back the freshman daughter proved wise.

Under Brian Hernandez Jr., Accommodate Eva was sent postward at 4-1 and covered the six furlongs in 1:11.98. With a 6-2-0-1 record, the daughter of Munnings, maiden win came at Keeneland against open company. Accommodate Eva’s freshman earnings tally $126,230.

After the race Dallas Stewart, trainer of Lassie winner Accommodate Eva, said  “I love the filly. She trains great all the time. Murray Valene picked her out as a yearling. We think she’s got everything in front of her, we think she’ll be a two-turn horse, and she’s going to be very nice.”

 

 

 

 

Touchuponastar Untouchable in Louisiana Champions Day Repeat

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The Star Guitar gelding has won nine of his last 10 races.

 

Coming off convincing stakes victories, including one against open company, Touchuponastar  did exactly as expected back in against fellow Louisiana-breds, dominating the Dec. 9 Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. With Tim Thornton aboard, the 4-year-old Star Guitar   gelding led gate to wire, taking the $145,500 feature by a geared-down 1 1/4 lengths in 1:50.12 for 1 1/8 miles over a fast surface.

Tumbarumba  was second, 16 1/2 lengths clear of Cosmic Train  in third. Bayou Jam  was fourth and last.

Touchuponastar, sent off at 1/5, also won this race last year, clinching Louisiana’s champion 3-year-old colt or gelding honors. Jeff Delhomme trains the regional sensation for his brother, former New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme, and father, Jerry Delhomme, who race as Set-Hut. Jerry Delhomme trains Cosmic Train and all runners were individual betting interests.

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WINSTAR FARM’S SPEIGHTSTOWN EUTHANIZED

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Speightstown - Louis Reinagel photo
Speightstown – Louis Reinagel photo

WinStar Farm’s Speightstown, Eclipse Award-winning Champion Sprinter of 2004 and one of North America’s most prolific and most versatile sires, had to be euthanized on Friday, Dec. 8, due to foot issues from old age, the farm announced today. Speightstown, a Taylor Made/WinStar stallion, was 25 years old.

“Speightstown was a foundational sire for WinStar and helped stamp our legacy as a sire-making farm,” said Elliott Walden, president, CEO, and racing manager of WinStar Farm. “I want to thank Larry McGinnis and his team for all the love and care they gave “Speighty” as he was lovingly called. They helped him through three colic surgeries, and he had none in the last 13 years. His progeny ran on dirt, turf, six furlongs to 1 ¼ miles, and they always showed their grit. Like with any family member, he will be truly missed. We are fortunate to have his son Nashville in the shedrow, and we look forward to seeing Speightsown’s legacy continue through him, and as a broodmare sire.”

WinStar’s longtime Stallion Manager Larry McGinnis said, “We’ve been through a lot together in the last 19 years. We’ll miss our friend.”

A 1998 son of Gone West, Speightstown possessed a commanding presence that was evident right from the start. An outstanding physical specimen—handsome, compact, and muscular—Speightstown was a $2 million yearling sold out of the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment at the 1999 Keeneland July Sale of Selected Yearlings. Equipped with brilliant speed and a heart to match, Speightstown went on to be crowned a champion on the racetrack. All told, he won 10 of 16 lifetime starts, placed in four others, and amassed earnings of $1,258,256 for owners Eugene and Laura Melnyk and trainer Todd Pletcher.

Speightstown’s signature win came in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Lone Star Park in 2004, where he polished off a competitive field at age six, getting six furlongs in a blazing 1:08.11 under John Velazquez. The impressive victory earned Speightstown Champion Sprinter honors at season’s end. In addition to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in his championship season, Speightstown won the Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. (G2)—registering a 117 Beyer Speed Figure and equaling the track record for six furlongs in 1:08.04—the True North Breeders’ Cup H. (G2), the Churchill Downs H. (G2), and finished third in the Vosburgh S. (G1).

What made his championship season even more remarkable was what Speightstown overcame in his racing career leading up to that point. Injuries limited Speightstown to just one start at two in 2000. He returned and won four of seven starts at age three. Off nearly two years, he resumed his racing career in 2003, winning an allowance race in his first start since finishing second in the Amsterdam S. (G2) in 2001. He followed that win with a runner-up effort in the Jaipur H. in his only other outing that year.

Speightstown’s accomplished racing career was a prelude to establishing an enduring legacy as an influential stallion at WinStar. A sire of sires, Speightstown was a regular fixture among the ranks of leading stallions. In 2013, Speightstown was the leading sire in North America by number of stakes wins with 36, higher than Kitten’s Joy, War Front, Harlan’s Holiday, and Giant’s Causeway.

From 16 crops of racing age, Speightstown has sired 26 Grade 1 winners on every surface, from six furlongs to 1 ¼ miles all over the world. He is represented by 228 black-type horses, 138 black-type winners, 65 Graded stakes winners, and he has more than $154 million in progeny earnings. Speightstown is one of only three active sires to win a Breeders’ Cup race and sire multiple Breeders’ Cup winners—colt and filly, dirt, and turf. His Breeders’ Cup winners are Tamarkuz, winner of the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and Sharing, winner of the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).

Among Speightstown’s lifetime leading earners are Grade 1 winners Charlatan, winner of the Arkansas Derby (G1) and Malibu S. (G1) and an earner of $4,047,200; Mozu Superflare (3,704,317); Olympiad, a five-time Graded stakes winner in 2022 who bankrolled $3,027,560; Switzerland ($2,359,052); and Reynaldothewizard ($2,210,790), etc. Speightstown is also represented by Canadian champions Lady Speightspeare, Essence Hit Man, who was named Champion Sprinter in 2011 and 2012, Bold Script, and Italian champion Farmah.

While Speightstown was a champion sprinter and sired numerous top sprinters, he also sired horses that excelled over a route of ground such as Travers S. (G1) winner Golden Ticket, and Jockey Club Gold Cup S. (G1) winners Haynesfield and Olympiad. Top turf runners include the likes of Force the Pass, winner of the 2015 Belmont Derby Invitational S. (G1), 2013 Hollywood Derby (G1) winner Seek Again, and Lord Shanakill, winner of the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat in France in 2009.

In 2023, Speightstown is the sire of 106 winners, eight black-type winners, and 21 black-type horses. He is represented by Prince of Monaco, winner of the Del Mar Futurity (G1), Switzerland, a Graded stakes winner this year at age nine, and stakes winners Gold Sweep, Chiseler, Ultimate, Dean’s List, and Otago.

Poised to carry on his legacy, Speightstown’s sons are distinguishing themselves at stud, and are led by Munnings, currently the seventh-ranked General Sire of 2023. Nashville, the speedy stakes winner and new track-record setter at Keeneland (six furlongs in 1:07.89), will carry on his sire’s line at WinStar Farm with first foals arriving in 2024. As a broodmare sire, Speightstown is the sire of 451 dams of 1,383 named foals of racing age with 1,011 runners (73%), 698 winners (50%), and 68 stakes winners topped by 2021 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) winner Aloha West ($1,507,290).

Bred in Kentucky by Aaron and Marie Jones, Speightstown is produced from the Storm Cat mare Silken Cat, Champion 2-Year-Old Filly in Canada.

Correction: 2024 Gormley Stud Fee $2,500

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2024 Stud Fee for Gormley is $2,500 

The Louisiana Horse Stallion Register incorrectly lists the stud fee for Gormley as $1,500. The correct 2024 fee for Gormley is $2,500. Louisiana Horse sincerely apologizes for any confusion.

Please See Corrected Stallion Register Page for Gormley below

 
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association louisianabred.com
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Louisiana’s Best Enter to Add Next Chapters, New Battles on Champions Day

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  • Tumbarumba’s Class Clashes with Touchuponastar’s Commanding Speed in Classic
  • West’s Band of “G” Siblings Return To Find Wilson’s Barn Targeting Fillies and Mares Features
  • Advances for Saturday’s Nine Louisiana Champions Day Stakes Totaling $850,000 in Purses 

New Orleans, La (Dec. 7, 2023) – Saturday, Dec. 9 marks the 33rd edition of Louisiana Champions Day at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, and all six stakes winners from Louisiana Championships Preview Weekend are entered. They’ll face familiar foes looking to avenge opening weekend’s loss and fresh runners from across “The Boot.” The intrastate rivals will line up in the gates of one of the nine stakes, all racing for a share of the $850,000 combined purse total.

Louisiana Champions Day will pick up on several storylines which began over opening weekend’s six stakes. But the most anticipated race introduces a new showdown into the mix: Touchuponastar versus Tumbarumba. Both bred by Coteau Grove Farm, both graded-stakes placed, the two will battle for the first time in Saturday’s $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic, as Set-Hut’s Touchuponastar looks to run it back after his dominant performance in the 2022 edition.

The $50,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Starter kicks off Saturday’s 13-race card with a revised noon CT post time. Three 50-cent Pick 5s with 15% takeout will be offered beginning in Race 1, Race 4, and Race 9. The non-jackpot, $1 Pick 6 with 15% takeout will begin in Race 8 with the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf.

Tumbarumba’s Class Clashes with Touchuponastar’s Commanding Speed in Louisiana Champions Day Classic

A field of six 3-year-olds and up entered the 33rd running of the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic. Two of them are prize fighters who have thrown their La-bred weight around across the stateline, as Touchuponastar and Tumbarumba will rumble in the Bayou on Saturday–their first-ever meeting and only the second time each racehorse has attempted the Classic distance of 1 1/18 miles.

For the past eighteen months, no Thoroughbred in Louisiana has been able to keep up with the commanding speed of Set-Hut’s Touchuponastar. Trained by Jeff Delhomme, the 3-5 morning line favorite has nine wins from 12 starts, including the 2022 Classic, and has never finished out of the money. Facing open company for the first time last May at Lone Star in the Steve Sexton Mile (G3), Frosted Grace proved too much, but last out on Nov. 3, the 4-year-old son of Star Guitar defeated out-of-state rivals including Miles D and Five Star General in the $100,000 Delta Mile.

Touchuponastar’s main rival Tumbarumba has done nothing but face open company throughout his sophomore campaign. In the care of conditioner Brian Lynch, Amerman Racing’s son of Oscar Performance has proven his class across Kentucky. Beating the likes of Scotland, Damon’s Mound, and Denington when winning allowance races at Churchill Downs, Keeneland, and the Ellis Park Derby, Tumbarumba also proved he has a champion’s heart, dueling victoriously time and again through the final stages of those races.

“He loves to get engaged,” Lynch said. “He seems to always find more.”

In September’s Oklahoma Derby (G3), Tumbarumba stretched out to 1 1/8 miles and finished third, in front of Raise Cain, Cagliostro, and Hit Show, but a head shy of How Did He Do That.

“He can get the mile and one-eighth,” Lynch said. “He showed that there in the Oklahoma Derby. He fought hard to the wire there. He can duplicate something like that at least. We’re hoping for no rain. (Tumbarumba) wasn’t a big fan of the off track at Ellis this summer and I see they’re calling for some on Saturday.”

Scheduled as Race 5 with a 2:00 p.m. post time, here is the complete field for the Louisiana Champions Day Classic from the rail out (with jockey, trainer, and morning line odds): 1. Touchuponastar (Tim Thornton, Jeff Delhomme, 3-5); 2. Behemah Star (Jose Guerrero, Shane Wilson, 8-1); 3. Bayou Jam (CJ McMahon, Jonah Fuselier, 30-1); 4. Tumbarumba (Florent Geroux, Brian Lynch, 2-1); 5. Cosmic Train (Gerard Melancon, Jerry Delhomme, 20-1); 6. Mangum (Corey Lanerie, Jeff Delhomme, 6-1).

West’s Band of “G” Siblings Return To Find Wilson’s Barn Targeting Fillies and Mares Features

After finishing a game second in each of the three opening day stakes, Patricia West’s band of half-sibling fillies have unfinished business, as A G’s Charlotte, Olivia G, and Tommie G are entered on Louisiana Champions Day at Fair Grounds. But Shane Wilson’s barn is locked in, stocked up, and ready to barrel past Saturday’s statebred foes.

It was almost déjà vu on opening day of the 2023-2024 meet at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Saddling the second-place finisher in each of the three filly stakes, Patricia West nearly repeated the success which came a year prior. Opening day 2022 she took the $75,000 Big World (renamed the John Valene for 2023) with A G’s Charlotte, then scored the natural double when Norah G won on debut. But tough racing luck spelled out troubled or pace-compromised trips for each of Thomas Galvin’s homebred stakes fillies out of the Indygo Shiner mare Adrianne G.

“It was good. It could’ve been great,” West said. “If we could have had just a touch better luck, it could’ve been different.”

On Saturday, West’s band of fillies will have a chance to top her impressive 2022 opening day double, as the Louisiana Champions Day races they’re entered in line up for a shot at the natural triple. Each with a purse of $100,000, the Distaff is carded as Race 9, the Ladies Sprint as Race 10, and the Lassie as Race 11.

Besides the newly-minted millionaire Free Like a Girl, who is cross-entered in the Distaff and the Ladies Sprint, West’s trio will be challenged by the formidable Brittlyn Stable homebreds in the latter two contests as trainer Shane Wilson entered both Ova Charged and Spirited Beauty in the Ladies Sprint and Clearly a Test in the Lassie.

A G’s Charlotte Distaff Repeat Hinges on Revenge

Looking to reign victorious on a second Louisiana Champions Day, Thomas Galvin’s A G’s Charlotte will defend her $100,000 Distaff title against seven 3-year-old and up fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles. But the Mo Tom 4-year-old will have to get the better of D and S Stables’ Vale Male who seized the day when no other runner was sent to the front in opening day’s Valene Memorial.

“Maybe we should’ve gone to the lead last time,” West said. “There will be a little more speed in this race. But more distance will help her out.”

Since removing blinkers earlier in the year, A G’s Charlotte has two wins and three seconds from six races.

“I think she is the same with or without blinkers,” West said. “She runs the way she runs.”

Scheduled as Race 9 with a 4:00 p.m. post time, here is the complete field for the Louisiana Champions Day Distaff from the rail out (with jockey, trainer, and morning line odds): 1. Wholelottamo (Florent Geroux, Jayde Gelner, 10-1); 2. Free Like a Girl (Vicente Del-Cid, Chasey Pomier, 3-1); 3. Star Moment (Corey Lanerie, Bret Calhoun, 4-1); 4. Cheapskate Diva (Carlos L. Marquez, Joseph Felks, 15-1); 5. A G’s Charlotte (Marcelino Pedroza Jr., Patricia West, 5-2); 6. Fort Polk (Emanuel Nieves, Pat Mouton, 12-1); 7. Vale Male (James Graham, James Hodges, 6-1); 8. Sabra Tuff (Brian Hernandez Jr., Dallas Stewart, 9-2).

Second to Many, Olivia G Tasked with Outsprinting Ova Charged

Galvin and West will have a chance at another natural double, but this time with siblings, as Olivia G enters the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint looking to turn the tables on the newly-minted millionaire Free Like a Girl.

“Free Like a Girl only beat us by 3/4-length,” West said. “We couldn’t get out of traffic until the quarter pole. If she could’ve gotten through, that would’ve been interesting.”

A talented and honest filly, the 3-year-old Oliva G racked up five place-finishes before breaking her maiden in October at Delta Downs. Four of her eight career starts were in stakes, including the Doris Hebert on opening day, her first time racing with the confidence of a win under her belt.

“I’ve always had confidence in Olivia G, since last year,” West said. “Both in Norah G (3-year-old stablemate) and her, but the question was always who was better between the two. Now I’m back to my original confidence (in Olivia G).”

Fellow Ladies Sprint foes Beleout, Free Drop Maddy, and Miss Priority exit the Hebert where they finished third, fourth, and sixth, respectively.

To be the Ladies Sprint champion you’ve got to beat the Ladies Sprint champion, and that title decidedly belongs to Ova Charged. Brittlyn Stable’s star filly has won the last two editions of this race, and she enters for a third alongside her stablemate Spirited Beauty. Both trained by the current meet-leader Shane Wilson, and both working lights out.

“The rain last week messed up our schedule just a bit,” Wilson said. “I wanted to work her on Sunday, come back the following Sunday, and then race 6 days later. It rained and rained so we skipped that one and came back with one solid work last Wednesday. She went (5 furlongs) in a minute and some change, galloped out in 1:12.”

Ova Charged will be making her first start from Wilson’s barn. Having mopped the floor over the past two years with any statebred filly who would face her, the 5-year-old Star Guitar mare tried La-bred males at Fair Grounds last March only to finish fourth. She headed to Keeneland in April for her subsequent race, but failed to pass the open company acid-test, finishing seven lengths back in sixth.

“(Ova Charged) came out of the race at Keeneland with some small issues so they kicked her out and gave her a little break,” Wilson said. “She’s been bulletproof since she’s been back.”

In her one prior start with Wilson, the 5-year-old Star Guitar mare Spirited Beauty tried blinkers for the first time and failed to factor in August’s Louisiana’s Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Louisiana Downs.

“Spirited Beauty is a beautiful horse. She’s tall, wide, long, a gorgeous filly,” Wilson said. “She didn’t break well from the gates the last couple of times she raced, so we just stopped, let her get away from the track and get her mind straight. She’s come back with two bullet workouts. She should compliment Ova Charged very well because she’ll be coming with her run at the end where Ova will be pressing the pace.”

Scheduled as Race 10 with a 4:30 p.m. post time, here is the complete field for the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Sprint from the rail out (with jockey, trainer, and morning line odds): 1. Free Drop Maddy (CJ McMahon, Bret Calhoun, 12-1); 2. Olivia G (Marcelino Pedroza Jr., Patricia West, 6-1); 3. Basalt Street (Jareth Loveberry, Gary Scherer, 8-1); 4. Ova Charged (Jose Guerrero, Shane Wilson, 3-1); 5. Free Like a Girl (Vicente Del-Cid, Chasey Pomier, 5-2); 6. Snowball (Brian Hernandez Jr., Samuel Breaux, 10-1); 7. Spirited Beauty (Corey Lanerie, Shane Wilson, 8-1); 8. Beleout (Rey Gutierrez, Courtney Dandridge Jr., 6-1); 9. Miss Priority (Gerard Melancon, Paul Duhon, 20-1); 10. Speedy Dudette (Aubrie Green, Joe Duhon, 20-1).

Wilson Grades Clearly A Test 100% Ahead of Lassie

In the finale of the three Louisiana Champions Day fillies and mares affairs, trainers Shane Wilson and Patricia West’s fillies will have more than just each to worry about, as 13 juveniles are signed on to six dirt furlongs in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Lassie.

Having broken her maiden even though not fully cranked last out in the Donovan L. Ferguson, the 7-2 morning line favorite Clearly a Test will lay it all on the line this time and likely benefit from her outside draw in post No. 11.  Compromised by her rail draw after breaking towards the back in the Ferguson, Jose Guerrero guided Clearly a Test through a full field of traffic to have her positioned at the top of the stretch for a clear run to the wire.

“I wasn’t sure she was fit enough for (the Ferguson),” Wilson said. “I got one 3/8ths and two halves in her ahead of that one. It worked out when she didn’t break well and Jose had to sit behind horses and wait, he just swung her out and made one 3/8ths run with her. She’s a big strong filly and now that she has one race in her, we have to lead her to the track, lead her back. She went to the gates this morning and boy she was mad when she came out of the gates and didn’t get to run.”

Though entering her third stake, Thomas Galvin’s Tommie G is still a maiden. Overcoming a tough break from the gates herself, the last piece of Patricia West’s “G” puzzle ran well to finish second in the Ferguson. The half-sibling of A G’s Charlotte and Olivia G also showed her talent when finishing third in the Louisiana Jewel in her race prior.

Scheduled as Race 11 with a 5:00 p.m. post time, here is the complete field for the Louisiana Champions Day Lassie from the rail out (with jockey, trainer, and morning line odds): 1. Ready for Thunder (Edgar Morales, Chasey Pomier, 30-1); 2. Sarah’s Court (Gerard Melancon, Allan Kanfer, 15-1); 3. Emily’s Bullet (Vicente Del-Cid, Chasey Pomier, 10-1); 4. Tommie G (Marcelino Pedroza Jr., Patricia West, 10-1); 5. Tap Galore (Jareth Loveberry, Jayde Gelner, 8-1); 6. Accommodate Eva (Brian Hernandez Jr., Dallas Stewart, 8-1); 7. Undercover Girl (Corey Lanerie, Brad Cox, 4-1); 8. Guitar Solo (Joel Dominguez, Allen Landry, 9-2); 9. Lightofmaine (CJ McMahon, Bret Calhoun, 20-1); 10. She Smiled At Me (Thomas Pompell, Brett Brinkman, 12-1); 11. Clearly a Test (Jose Guerrero, Shane Wilson, 7-2); 12. One Line Ruler (Tim Thornton, Carrol Castille, 15-1); 13. Astrology Girl (Aubrie Green, Andrea Ali, 30-1).

Classic Cross-entered Behemah Star Likely to Opt for Turf, Who Took the Money

Whether it be in the Classic over the $100,000 Turf, cross-entered Behemah Star will have to take on the Pelican State’s foremost surface specialist on Louisiana Champions Day. Touchuponastar is ready and waiting to defend his Classic title. Allied Racing Stables Who Took the Money gives his best late kick across the sod, and he has back-to-back Turf titles to prove it. Winless as a 5-year-old, what does Behemah Star have? A new pilot in Jose Guerrero, a hot barn with Shane Wilson, and an excellent turf effort to build from.

“I’m leaning towards the Turf,” Wilson said. “He ran a big number at Evangeline on the turf. We’re in this to win, and you can’t beat Touchuponastar. Tumbarumba looks tough, too.”

This will be Behemah Star’s fourth start since Brittlyn Stable began transferring horses to Wilson’s barn. Since last year’s Classic, Behemah has lost to Touchuponastar four times, but since joining Wilson it has been Set-Hut’s other standout, Mangum who has got the best of Behemah twice. Last out in the Jacob V. Morreale, Mangum scored the upset with an up-close stalking trip more in line with what Wilson was hoping for his entry, who lagged behind and then ran into trouble trying to close in the homestretch.

Whichever race his connections choose, on Saturday Behemah Star will receive the services of a new rider, Jose Guerrero. Already with six wins, Guerrero came to Fair Grounds this year to be first call for Wilson, who currently leads all trainers with the same six wins.

“Jose won over 100 races with us the last two summers between Evangeline and Louisiana Downs,” Wilson said. “Just out of our barn. Me and him, we come back and watch replays of the horses who are riding today. We study the program and make a plan and go out there and win races.”

Winless from two turf attempts, both at the Turf’s 1 1/16 miles distance, Behemah Star drew post No. 7 and was assessed with 8-1 odds in the morning line.

Scheduled as Race 8 with a 3:30 p.m. post time, here is the complete field for the Louisiana Champions Day Turf from the rail out (with jockey, trainer, and morning line odds): 1. Silver Galaxy (Gerard Melancon, Paul Duhon, 10-1); 2. Budro Talking (Corey Lanerie, Sturgis Ducoing, 9-2); 3. Sonya Knows Better (CJ McMahon, Jonah Fuselier, 30-1); 4. Real City Speed (Ben Curtis, Jayde Gelner, 6-1); 5. Woods N Water (Thomas Pompell, Lee Thomas, 3-1); 6. Regal Kingdom (Jareth Loveberry, Graham Motion, 8-1); 7. Behemah Star (Jose Guerrero, Shane Wilson, 8-1); 8. Who Took the Money (Deshawn Parker, Bret Calhoun, 9-5).

Thomas’ Dynamic Duo Return In Contentious, Full-field Sprint 

Trainer Lee Thomas’s dynamic sprinting duo Mike J and Langs Day will look to run a high low offensive attack against Bron and Brow as a full field of fourteen clash in the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Sprint.

Piloted by James Graham in the Larry D. Robideaux, Keith Plaisance’s deep closer Langs Day attempted to make an out-of-the-clouds move to be first across the wire after falling more than 15 lengths back. He missed by a thin lip.

“I love watching him run,” Thomas said. “He almost had it last time. James said he’ll get the timing worked out.”

Sent off as the top choice in the same race, Robin Lane Thoroughbreds’ Mike J took the opposite route. An all-out, guns-blazing speedster, suited well by his regular rider Aubrie Green, Mike J scorched the earth on the lead in the Robideaux, while dueling with Scooteria, and was able to hang on for fourth. The Sky Mesa 4-year-old always runs his race and never quits, evidenced by his eight in the money finishes at the Sprint’s 6-furlong distance.

“We loved having the rail with him last time but Scooteria came after him and applied the pressure,” Thomas said. “But we don’t mind the 11-hole for Saturday. He doesn’t need to run straight out of the gate. He’ll be able to cut across from there to find his spot and save ground.”

Drawn to the far outside of the contentious field of 14, Gary Barber’s forward yet tactical Bron and Brow was made the 7-2 morning line favorite. Not having raced since finishing seventh in an open company allowance in July at Ellis Park, the 5-time winner trained by Mark Casse will have to overcome the post with the services of Rey Gutierrez.

“He had a nice summer, finishing five lengths back from Hoist the Gold at Ellis,” David Carroll said, Casse’s assistant trainer on the grounds. “They didn’t do us any favors with the post draw. It’s a tough assignment.”

The 32-1 winner of the Robideaux, Autumns Strong Man enters the Sprint in top form for trainer and owner Gary Husak. With his winning pilot Angel Suarez at home healing his dislocated elbow, the 4-year-old will be piloted by Jose Riquelme. Another major contender is Set-Hut’s Jacob V. Morreale winner, Mangum. Cross-entered in both the Sprint and the Classic, after winning routing in the Morreale his trainer Jeff Delhomme said they wanted to see how he measured against Who Took the Money and Behemah Star, but he was leaning towards the sprint for his star 3-year-old on Championship Day.

Scheduled as race 12 with a 5:30 p.m. post time, here is the complete field for the Louisiana Champions Day Sprint from the rail out (with jockey, trainer, and morning line odds): 1. Hooray Austin (David Cohen, Sean Alfortish, 12-1); 2. Langs Day (James Graham, Lee Thomas, 6-1); 3. Allnight Moonlight (Ben Curtis, David Terre, 12-1); 4. Unified Report (Brian Hernandez Jr., Dallas Stewart, 20-1); 5. Helaire (Emanuel Nieves, Pat Mouton, 20-1); 6. Scooteria (Jose Guerrero, Shane Wilson, 15-1); 7. Autumns Strong Man (Jose Riquelme, Gary Husak, 12-1); 8. Highland Creek (CJ McMahon, Bret Calhoun, 6-1); 9. Brian’s Iron Mike (Tim Thornton, Allen Landry, 15-1); 10. Fiesty Fist (Gerard Melancon, Carrol Castille, 30-1); 11. Mike J (Aubrie Green, Lee Thomas, 8-1); 12. Jax Man (Jaime Torres, Sam David Jr., 12-1); 13. Mangum (Corey Lanerie, Jeff Delhomme, 5-1); 14. Bron and Brow (Rey Gutierrez, Mark Casse, 7-2).

El Dinero Looks for Clean Trip Facing Spinning Aces in Juvenile

After taking blows from his foes out of the gates in the Joseph R. Peluso, Tav Enterprises’ El Dinero produced a last to first rail rally to win the second stake of his young career by a length. Three of El Dinero’s Peluso rivals enter the looking to find the upper hand. Of his eight foes in Saturday’s $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile, there’s only one the Patrick Devereux Jr’ trainee has not faced, and that’s Mike Diliberto’s 5-2 morning line favorite, Spinning Aces. owned by  Lynne Boutte and trained by Allen Landry, the gelded son of Hard Aces has two wins in three lifetime starts, including his last-out Jean Lafitte score by a neck. That was going 7 furlongs in the slop at Delta Downs. Nine juveniles will go 6 furlongs on Saturday in Race 7, hoping to assert themselves atop the division.

Scheduled to go off at 3:00 p.m., here is the complete field for the Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile from the rail out (with jockey, trainer, and morning line odds): 1. Good and Stout (CJ McMahon, Carrol Castille, 4-1); 2. Prodigy Paradise (Corey Lanerie, Bret Calhoun, 12-1); 3. Sounds Like Power (Deshawn Parker, Jayde Gelner, 12-1); 4. Rising Koto Star (Aubrie Green, Gary Husak, 20-1); 5. Hymn for Carlos (Vicente Del-Cid, Chasey Pomier, 20-1); 6. El Dinero (James Graham, Patrick Devereux Jr., 5-1); 7. Stovall (Rey Gutierrez, Samuel Breaux, 8-1); 8. Strong Promise (Florent Geroux, Jayde Gelner, 3-1); 9. Spinning Aces (Joel Dominguez, Allen Landry, 5-2).

Five Ladies Starters Look to Deny Thetruthisthetruth

Greg Hunter’s Thetruthisthetruth enters the $50,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Starter having won eight of her last nine races. Five older fillies and mares signed on to face the 2-1 morning line favorite, as they try to put an end to the Orrin Cogburn trainee’s four-race win streak.

Written for 5 1/2 furlongs across the main track, post time is noon for the Louisiana Champions Day Ladies Starter. Here is the complete field from the rail out (with jockey, trainer, and morning line odds): 1. Track Smart (Joel Dominguez. Isai Gonzalez, 3-1); 2. For Real Alice  (Vicente Del-Cid, Floyd Pitzer, 9-2); 3. Serape (Thomas Pompell, Brett Brinkman, 5-1); 4. Myfriendsawinner (Marcelino Pedroza Jr. Jonas Gibson, 4-1); 5. Thetruthisthetruth (Jansen Melancon, Orrin Cogburn, 2-1); 6. Blessed Anna (Jaime Torres, Jonas Gibson, 6-1).

Broberg Enters Blockade In Dixie Street’s Starter Encore 

Karl Broberg entered two in the $50,000 Louisiana Champions Day Starter, including the 5-2 morning line favorite, Bootsie’s Galaxy. Together with stablemate Hail State, the End Zone Athletics-owned duo make up one-third of the field of six older males who will go 5 1/2 furlongs on the dirt track.

Vanessa Motta’s Dixie Street entered looking to win this race for the second year in a row. Though the 6-year-old has not been able to run back to the 93 Brisnet Speed figure he earned when winning the 2022 edition, the Sean Alfortish trainee has won five of his eight races since that effort.

Slated as Race 3, post time is 1:00 p.m. Here is the complete field for the Louisiana Champions Day Starter from the rail out (with jockey, trainer, and morning line odds): 1. Charli Michael (Ben Curtis, David Terre, 8-1); 2. Bootsie’s Galaxy (Rey Gutierrez, Karl Broberg, 5-2); 3. Dixie Street (Jaime Torres, Sean Alfortish, 7-2); 4. Sharp Charlie (Joel Dominguez, Jorge Lara, 3-1); 5. Hail State (Tim Thornton, Karl Broberg, 8-1); 6. Izzy’s Baby Boy (Vicente Del-Cid, Juan Larrosa, 7-2).

 

NORTH AMERICAN BREEDERS’ CUP STALLION NOMINATION DEADLINE CLOSES DECEMBER 15

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$100 Deposit is Due with Nomination for 2024 Breeding Season

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 5, 2023) ― The Breeders’ Cup issued a reminder today that all North American stallion nominations to the Breeders’ Cup program for the 2024 breeding season are due by Friday, Dec. 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET. A $100 (USD) initial payment must accompany the nomination form at the deadline.

All stallions standing in North America are eligible to be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program on an annual basis. The nomination fee is equal to the advertised stud fee, but not less than $1,000 (USD). Following the receipt of the initial $100 deposit, Breeders’ Cup will send quarterly invoices to the individual nominators through the remainder of the breeding season. New stallions have 90 days from their first cover to be nominated.

All foals sired by a nominated Breeders’ Cup stallion are eligible for nomination to the Breeders’ Cup program in their year of birth for a one-time fee of $400 by Oct. 15 or by payment of a $1,500 late fee by Feb. 28 of the following year.

Breeders’ Cup Limited has administered Thoroughbred racing’s most significant international program for over 40 years. During this time, the Breeders’ Cup has allocated purses and awards in excess of $900 million to owners, foal nominators, and stallion nominators through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, the Dirt Dozen Bonus Series, and the $31 million Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

A Breeders’ Cup stallion nominator will earn Nominator Awards when any of their progeny finishes first through fourth in a Breeders’ Cup World Championships race regardless of whether or not those foals were nominated to the program.

For more information and to nominate online visit members.breederscup.com.

ABOUT BREEDERS’ CUP

Breeders’ Cup Limited administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships, as well as the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races through an 80-race series hosted by 11 countries, and the U.S.-based Dirt Dozen Bonus Series. The Breeders’ Cup supports and operates under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA), which, for the first time, establishes a national, uniform set of rules applicable to every Thoroughbred racing participant and racetrack. HISA seeks to enhance the safety of both horse and rider and to protect the integrity of the sport to the benefit of all racing participants, fans, and bettors.

The 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 Grade 1 Championship races, and $31 million in purses and awards, were held Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California. The Championships will return to the West Coast in 2024 with Del Mar in Del Mar, California, set to host Nov. 1-2. The Championships will be televised live by NBC Sports. Press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, BreedersCup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media.

Clear Creek Stud to Host Stallion Presentation, Saturday, December 16

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Clear Creek Stud is holding their annual Stallion Presentation Saturday, December 16th from 10:30 am until 2:00 p.m., at their farm in Folsom, Louisiana.

Several Louisiana legislators as well as thoroughbred industry dignitaries will be on hand to speak and visit with guests. Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner, Dr. Mike Strain; Louisiana Attorney Generel-elect Liz Murrill; Louisiana State Senator, Beth Mizell (R.-Dist. 12); Louisiana State Senator, Sharon Hewitt (R.-Dist. 1); and notable St. Tammany Parish businessman Peter Egan; are a few of the lawmakers and leaders who are planning to attend. This is an opportunity for horsemen and women to share ideas and concerns with each other as well as political leaders across the state.

The highlight of the day will be the presentation of Clear Creek Stud’s 2024 stallion roster.  Clearly Now (Horse Greeley-Bend, by Arch) is a multiple graded stakes winning millionaire. Clearly a Test  became his first black-type stakes winner capturing the $75,000 Donovan L. Ferguson Mem. Stakes on Fair Grounds opening weekend. Proven sire Custom For Carlos (More Than Ready-Meadow Oaks, by Meadowlake) is the #2 leading sire of Louisiana-breds for 2023, and the only advertised stallion standing in Louisiana who has a Grade 1 winner (Big World) to his credit. The only full brother to two-time Horse of the Year, California Chrome, Faversham (Lucky Pulpit-Love the Chase, by Not for Love) has moved to Clear Creek for the 2024 breeding season. Imperial Hint (Imperialism-Royal Hint, by Lahint) is a multi-millionaire, four time Grade 1 Stakes Winner and record setting sprinter. His first crop sold well at the 2023 yearling sales and will be running in 2024. Mr. Money (Goldencents-Plenty O’Toole, by Tiznow), a Grade 1 placed multiple graded Stakes Winner is one of only two sons of Goldencents at stud anywhere. His first crop are yearlings of 2023, and they are exceptional. Star Guitar (Quiet American-Minit Towinit, by Malagra) completes the 2023 stallion roster. Unequivocally the best Louisiana-bred runner in history, Star Guitar is a perennial leading sire in Louisiana. With seven crops to run, he has an impressive 43 stakes horses to date including three graded stakes horses.

A catered buffet  lunch will be provided starting at 11:30, with the stallion presentation beginning at 12:00 noon. A family friendly event, there will be pony rides, Santa Claus and many children activities to entertain younger visitors.

 

Clear Creek Stud Stallion Presentation
Saturday, December 16, 2023
10:30 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

Opening Ceremony 11:00 a.m.
Buffet 11:30 a.m.
Stallion show 12:00 noon

Entertainment
Special Guest Speakers
Including State Officials, Representatives from
the Racing Commisssion and HBPA
Door Prizes and more

11591 Hwy 1078
Folsom, LA 70437

James Graham Scores 3,000th Career Win on Sunday at Fair Grounds

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James Graham celebrates 3000th win.

New Orleans, La (Dec. 3, 2023) – On Sunday in Race 2, jockey James Graham won his 3,000th career victory, piloting Big Chief Racing and Rocker O Ranch’s Vortex for trainer Keith Desormeaux at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Coming into the 2023-2024 meet, Graham was ten away from the milestone. He wasted no time closing the gap, winning ten races over 9 cards, including stakes victories in the Claiming Crown Tiara and Iron horse, as well as the John Valene and Joseph Peluso over opening weekend.

“It’s quite emotional actually,” Graham said. “I came here in 2002 and all I ever wanted was a shot. I wish my mom was still alive to see this. Thank you to everybody who has ever put me on a winner throughout my whole career. This is all because of you guys. Thank you to my wife. If it wasn’t for her,  I wouldn’t be where I am. Fair Grounds has been good to me over the years. I’ve made a lot of friends and lost a lot of friends. Racing is a life and we are all a big family. Thank you to everybody.”

Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Graham attended jockey’s school and worked for four years as an apprentice, recording one win in his native Ireland before launching his career in the U.S. His first victory came at River Downs on July 1, 2003 aboard B.J. Star for trainer Allan Shapoff in just his 12th mount. Later that year his first Fair Grounds victory came aboard High Octave for trainer Ronny Werner. Graham has gone on to win 1,340 local races and stands tall as the third winningest rider at Fair Grounds since 1986, behind Ronald Ardoin and Robby Albarado.

“This is special for me doing it (at Fair Grounds),” Graham said. “My career took off here. When I first got here in 2003 and started riding, this is the meet that got the ball rolling for me. Look at the guys I started riding with here. Gerard (Melancon), Robby (Albarado), Shane Sellars, E.J. Perrodin–I got educated here. I’ve got a couple more goals at this track that I want to accomplish, so I’m banging on the door and I’m young, fit and healthy.”

Over his career, the 44-year-old has four local riding titles, and won many of the track’s most prominent stakes. Graham has won over 47 graded stakes, and 13 of those have come at Fair Grounds, including victories aboard 135-1 shot Ive Struck a Nerve in the 2013 Risen Star (G2), 28-1 shot Call Me Midnight in the 2022 Lecomte (G3), and 7-1 shot Ron the Greek in the 2010 Lecomte (G3). Ive Struck a Nerve and Call Me Midnight were both trained by Desormeaux.

“Keith has been very good to me since I started my career,” Graham said. “We’ve had a lot of luck. He’s always been a big supporter. I think he’s a brilliant horseman. Thank you to all the horsemen. All I ever wanted was a chance. To have a chance. And these guys gave me a chance.”

Having had three mounts in the Kentucky Derby, Graham’s best finish was aboard Lone Sailor in 2018 when he crossed the line in eighth for trainer Tom Amoss. One of Arlington Park’s all-time winningest jockeys, Graham earned his first graded stakes victory in the 2004 Arlington Breeders’ Cup Oaks (G3). With five grade ones to his name, Graham’s most recent came aboard 27-1 longshot Two Emmys in the 2021 Mr. D., affectionately known as “the last Arlington Million.”

Upon winning his 3,000th race, Graham has amassed $111,328,888 in career earnings from 22,095 mounts. In Graham’s 19th season at Fair Grounds, it is his first year being represented by agent Doug Bredar.