Category: 2016

Owner Clifford Grum Dies at 82

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Clifford Grum, a prominent businessman and Thoroughbred owner, died Dec. 19 in Lufkin, Texas under the card of Hospice of the Pines. He was 82.

Grum once served as publisher of Fortune magazine and was an executive vice president of Time Inc. Grum served as a board member and then chairman of First Bank and Trust East Texas in Diboll, Texas until his death. He was a former member of national boards including Time Inc., Tupperware Brands, Cooper Industries, Guaranty Federal, Premark International, and Trinity Industries.

“He was just a wonderful human being,” said Dr. J. David Richardson, a member of The Jockey Club and Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. “He loved horses and loved racing. The last time I saw him was at Churchill Downs around the end of the meet. He was game to the end.

As an owner, Grum’s horses raced in the name of his first wife, Janelle, and later Mary. His only graded stakes win came in 1998 with Relic Reward in Oaklawn Park’s Exxex Handicap (gr. III). Mary Grum’s Athena won last year’s Thirty Eight Go Go Stakes at Laurel Park and this year’s Roxelana Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Grum was a serious buyer at the Louisiana yearling sales. In 2006 he made Louisiana sales history at the Breeders Sales Company of Louisiana Annual Yearling Sale, breaking the $100,000 mark for not just one, but two yearlings; a filly by Salt Lake out of Kathie’s Sister and colt by Grand Slam out of Lady’s Kiss.

Known to be a generous man, Grum was involved with Louisiana Downs’ Backside Benevelonce Fund, Inc., and was instrumental in getting the chapel built at the Bossier City track.

Grum had a long association with trainer Cecil Borel, and upon Borel’s retirement in 2014, Crum’s trainer had been Helen Pitts.

 

Report: Equine Herpesvirus Case Confirmed At Fair Grounds

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by  | 12.26.2016 | 10:27pm 

Fair Grounds Race Course
Fair Grounds Race Course

Fair Grounds officials on Monday have taken preliminary steps to quarantine a barn in which a horse tested positive for equine herpesvirus, Daily Racing Form reports. The report was based on confirmation by Jason Boulet, the track’s senior director of racing.

A Fair Grounds trainer who spoke to the Paulick Report said test results came back Monday confirming the finding.

Equine herpesvirus, a highly contagious disease. has one strain, EHV-1, that can be accompanied by neurological symptoms and may prove fatal for some horses. Daily Racing Form reported, based on a source familiar with the situation, that the horse testing positive died on Sunday.

Officials with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry were expected to be at Fair Grounds early Tuesday morning to determine what quarantine protocols will be necessary.

There are nine strains of equine herpesvirus on record, and many horses are exposed to some form of EHV with no serious side effects or symptoms. Three strains are considered serious health risks, including EHV-1, which may present with fever and respiratory symptoms and can also carry neurological symptoms and a risk of death. Symptoms of the neurologic form of EHV-1 include fever and nasal discharge, followed by lack of coordination, lethargy, head tilt, and inability to balance or stand. EHV-1 is highly contagious and may be transmitted through contaminated equipment, contact between horses, and on clothing or hands of humans working with sick horses. Veterinarians aren’t sure how long the virus can survive in the environment, or how well it travels through the air. The Paulick Report compiled a list of frequently-asked questions about EHV-1 during an outbreak at Sunland Park earlier this year.

The most recent case of equine herpesvirus at a racetrack occurred at Gulfstream Park in November. Horses in the quarantined barn were permitted to train but at separate times from the general population. The horses were tested and had their temperatures monitored during a 14-day quarantine period. There being no further positive tests, the quarantine was lifted after 14 days.

A website maintained by the Equine Disease Communication Center provides updates on equine herpesvirus and other equine diseases. Alerts on outbreaks can be found here.

Year End Reminders

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Dear Breeders,

 

In this busy holiday season, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association would like to remind you of a few tasks to be completed before the end of the year.

 

Louisiana Stallion Registrations and Louisiana Futurity Nominations (for pregnant mares) are due by December 31, 2016.

 

Also, anyone with information about Louisiana Breds winning outside of North America, please contact Roger Heitzmann. Roger@Louisianabred.com or 504-947-4676.

 

With warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

 

Any questions or need more info call
Roger A. Heitzmann III, Secretary/Treasurer
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association
504-947-4676, 800-772-1195

ASHLEY BROUSSARD SCORES SIX-WIN STREAK AND JOCKEY OF THE WEEK TITLE

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Posted by  | Dec 19, 2016 | 

Ashley Broussard secured the Jockeys’ Guild Jockey of the Week honors for December 12 – 18, 2016, after a six-win race streak on a single card at Delta Downs. The award is voted on by a panel of experts for riding accomplishments by members of the Jockeys’ Guild, the organization which represents more than 950 riders in North America.

Just two weeks after winning five races in one night, jockey Ashley Broussard took her riding to a new level by winning six consecutive races at Delta Downs on Wednesday, December 14. She began her win streak in the fourth race aboard Randinsky ($6.60) and continued through the ninth race aboard Private Songster ($5.40). She had two additional mounts on the ten-race card, finishing fourth and second in the first two races of the night.

This is Broussard’s second season at Delta; she was the leading jockey in the 2015 meet until a fall resulting in collarbone and rib injuries forced her to miss the last two months of the meet. Despite the time off for her injuries, she ended the meet as the second-leading jockey behind Gerard Melancon.

With Broussard’s Wednesday victories, she is the second-leading jockey by wins for the current Delta Downs meet, which runs through March. Only Diego Saenz tops Broussard’s Delta wins.

A former barrel-racer, Broussard was a natural when she began riding as a jockey in 2013. She has since won multiple stakes and amassed over $5 million in earnings so far in her career. Last week, Broussard earned $124,320 in 25 starts, seven wins, and seven second-place finishes, bringing her 2016 totals to $2,279,502 in earnings from 730 starts.

JockeyTalk360.com spotlights the riders across North America and around the world who may be the bravest, toughest and most accomplished of all athletes. The Jockeys’ Guild Jockey of the Week is selected by a vote of representatives of America’s Best Racing, The Daily Racing Form, Equibase, Horse Racing Nation, The Jockeys’ Guild, The Paulick Report, The Thoroughbred Daily News, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, Thoroughbred Racing Associations, and Turf Publicists of America.

Rodney Paul Frisard Obituary

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Rodney Paul Frisard, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 4:43 am, at the age of 70, after a nearly five year fight with ALS. Rodney is responsible for writing the programs that pay the breeders awards for both the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association and the program still in use today to accredit foals as Louisiana breds. Rodney joined the Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam. After his discharge from the Army he began pursuing a career in Computers, owning Frisard Computer Consultants. Rodney’s love of country was always proudly displayed in his characteristic Flag ties, which he began wearing after 9/11.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years,  Cindy Frisard; 2 sons Brian Fitzpatrick (Marie), Eric Fitzpatrick (Suzanne); 2 daughters Amanda Packer Osborne (Danny), and Tara Packer Sosa (Chris); and eight grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Friday December 16, 2016 at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Metairie, La.

Memorial Mass for Paul Richard “Dickie” Arceneaux to be held Wednesday, 12-21-16

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Obituary for Paul Richard “Dickie” Arceneaux

A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at 1:00 PM in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Mire for Paul Richard “Dickie” Arceneaux, 71, who died on Saturday, December 17, 2016 at his residence in Church Point surrounded by his family and close friends.

Reverend Michael J. Arnaud, Pastor of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, will be the Celebrant of the Memorial Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Charlotte Jagneaux, vocalist, accompanied by Phyllis Simar, organist, will sing for the services, “In The Garden”, “On Eagles’ Wings”, “Amazing Grace”, “Ave Maria” and “J’irai la voir un jour”.

A resident of Bosco, Louisiana, he is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Mitzie Arceneaux; his sons, Preston Arceneaux, David Arceneaux and his wife, Sarah, Scottie Lantier and Waylen Lantier; three daughters, Christina Arceneaux, Gwen Arnold and Carrie Robichaux; one sister, Annette Mouton and her husband, Butch; one brother, Victor “Doobie” Arceneaux; eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Maude Lyons Arceneaux.

“Dickie”, as he was known to family and friends, loved and spent many years training racehorses. He was a well known farrier and later became a successful Mud Engineer in the oil and gas industry. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and working on that old green tractor. Dickie cherished his family and friends and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family requests that visitation be observed at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Mire on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 from 9:00 AM until time of services. A Rosary will be recited by the Catholic Daughters on Wednesday at 11:00 AM.

A gathering of friends and family will be held immediately following the Memorial Mass at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church Hall in Mire.

View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com

Martin & Castille – DOWNTOWN, 330 St. Landry Street Lafayette, LA. 70506 337-234-2311

Broussard Wins Six Straight at Delta Downs

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Broussard Wins Six Straight at Delta Downs
Photo: Delta Downs

Ashley Broussard

While winning four races in a row already made for a memorable night, jockey Ashley Broussard sensed she could accomplish something even more special after scoring that fourth straight win in the seventh race Dec. 14 at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel.

Broussard’s feelings proved spot-on as she would rally from seventh aboard Terry Eoff’s Texas Jambalaya in the eighth race at 9-2 before winning the ninth race on 3-2 second-choice Private Songster, who is owned by Jacques Miramon Racing and trained by Karl Broberg.

In nailing down that sixth straight victory, Broussard tracked in third early, opened up by three lengths on Private Songster in the stretch, and raced steadily to the wire for a 1 1/4-length score in the five-furlong claiming race for fillies and mares.

“I thought I was going to win three or four going into the night. But when I won that fourth race in a row, I really liked my next two horses,” Broussard said. “I got real excited at that point.”

Broussard’s win streak began with a front-running score in the fourth race aboard Marie Miller’s Randinsky (2-1) before she rallied from fifth aboard Circle H Farms’ Big Risque (2-1) to win the fifth race.

Broussard actually reached the line second in the sixth race on 7-5 favorite Drummer Boy. But the stewards ruled that Dry Wood Creek, with Steve Bourque up, interfered with Tigertail Ranch’s Drummer Boy and put the latter up when Dry Wood Creek was disqualified to third. Broussard then pressed the pace in the seventh race aboard Randy Stone’s Disturbingbehavior, who scored a one-length victory as the 6-5 favorite.

Broussard, 24, of Youngsville, La., is riding her second full meet at Delta. Last year she was leading the meet in wins before missing the final two months after a fall in which she suffered a fractured collarbone and broken ribs. She still finished in second at that meet with 66 wins, behind veteran Gerard Melancon’s 78 victories.

At the current meet Broussard, a multiple stakes-winning jockey, ranks second in wins with 31; seven behind Diego Saenz.

Broussard didn’t ride in the 10th race of the night, the final event of the card. She’ll take her personal six-race win streak into the Dec. 15 Delta card where she’s scheduled to ride Concord’s Baby (3-1 ML) in the first race.

Fair Grounds Creates Racing Club

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Following the success of the Churchill Downs Racing Club, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has created the Fair Grounds Racing Club that will have two horses trained by veteran trainer Al Stall, Jr. The two horses, a 2-year-old colt and a 2-year-old filly, are already working under Stall’s care in Louisiana and will be purchased from Spendthrift Farm. Both horses are by Spendthrift’s fashionable young sire Into Mischief.

“The Fair Grounds Racing Club concept is an innovative way to get new owners involved in Thoroughbred racing,” said Spendthrift Farm Owner B. Wayne Hughes. “We are happy to lend our support to that effort to educate members about the exciting opportunities available to owners.”

The Fair Grounds Racing Club will offer 200 people a chance to experience the thrills of Thoroughbred racing as an owner. Memberships in the Fair Grounds Racing Club are available for $500 and incur no further expense throughout the club. The one-time annual membership dues are used to purchase the horses and pay for training fees and other associated expenses. The club gives members an opportunity to learn about the exciting opportunities as a Thoroughbred racing owner with complete transparency regarding all facets of ownership. Previous racing clubs at Churchill Downs and Arlington International Racecourse have sold out within 48 hours.

Perks of being a club member include regular updates on the program via email and a dedicated Facebook page, special club events for viewing certain morning workouts, privileged access to the paddock before the club’s horses race, special accommodations on race day and exclusive members-only events.

The Fair Grounds Racing Club has been organized as a 501(c)(7) Not for Profit Social Club and is structured as an educational association meaning members should not join with any profit motive or expectation of profit. Any purse earnings, should they exist, will be distributed to the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles Cancer Center. All decisions on the club’s horses will be made by trainer Al Stall, Jr. Gary Palmisano, Jr. will be the club’s director.

“These racing clubs have caught on and been successful and I’m happy to be involved,” Stall said. “Mr. Hughes is obviously a big part of it. He bought each of these horses for a good amount of money and the colt is ready to run. The filly is a Louisiana-bred and should be ready in January.”

“The popularity of other racing clubs at Churchill Downs properties has shown a real demand for the ability to become involved in horse ownership,” said Fair Grounds Track President Tim Bryant. “We look forward to an entertaining and educational season with our first Fair Grounds Racing Club.”

All previous racing clubs at Churchill Downs and Arlington have sold out quickly, so interested members are encouraged to join the club as soon as possible. To join the Fair Grounds Racing Club, please visit http://www.fairgroundsracecourse.com/fair-grounds-racing-club. 

AHC to Offer Internships in 2017

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Open to High School and College Students

 

(Washington, DC)- In 2017, the American Horse Council (AHC) will begin offering three different internship programs available to both high school and college students. Students will be eligible to apply to one internship per year in the AHC Internship Program.

 

“We recently announced the addition of a Student Membership, and wanted to continue the trend of being able to educate youth on the importance of AHC to ensure the industry’s long term sustainability,” said AHC President Julie Broadway. “We felt that offering an internship would be another great way for students to understand exactly what it is the AHC does here in DC, and educate the next generation to advocate on behalf of the industry be it at the local, state or national level.”

 

The three internships available are:

 

  1. 1 or 2 week shadowing program to gain a broader understanding of the AHC with a focus on expanding knowledge of equine industry and policymaking. Transportation and housing not included; stipend of $250 available to offset expenses. Open to high school and college students.
  2. 1 or 2 month internship- includes overview of AHC, student would conduct a research project and write a white paper on a specific topic of interest for academic credit. Transportation and housing not included; stipend of $500/month available to offset expenses. Open to college students.
  3. Semester internship- includes overview of AHC, research project and white paper for academic credit and attendance at annual AHC meeting. Transportation and housing not included; Stipend of $500/month available to offset expenses. Open to college students.

“We encourage those that apply for these internships to also join at the Student Membership level in order to get a fully rewarding experience,” said AHC’s Director of Communications Ashley Furst. “That way the student will be able to see the relationship between the work that we do, and the information that shared with members.”

 

Please visit the AHC website here for more details and to download the application form. If you have any questions, or would like more information about the internship program, please contact the AHC at info@horsecouncil.org.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact: Ashley Furst

202-296-4031

afurst@horsecouncil.org

 

View on AHC website

Retired Valet Ward Dies in Kentucky

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By 

 

Jim Ward, 64, a retired, long-time jockey’s valet, died Sunday, Dec. 4 in Frankfort, Ky.

Ward, husband of Kentucky Horse Racing Commission equine medical director Mary Scollay, had worked as a jockey valet at racetracks in Illinois, Louisiana, and Florida.

A Memorial Mass will be said by Father Tom of St. Thomas of Villanova, at Arlington Park in Arlington Heights, Ill., at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec 18. A celebration of Jim’s life will follow. Ward was born Aug. 31, 1952 in Chicago Heights, Ill.

Arrangements are pending for a similar celebration in Kentucky at a later date.

In the Lexington Herald-Leader obituary it was noted that, “Family and friends will miss his generous heart, fierce loyalty, and one-of-a-kind laugh. His was a life well-lived and for that he was well-loved.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund or Old Friends Thoroughbred retirement farm.