JANUARY 22, 2010

Congratulations To Our 2009 Freshman Sire Contest Winners!

Congratulations to Washington horseman Larry Stevens, the Grand Prize winner of our 2009 Don Engel California Freshman Sire Contest!

Larry may describe himself as “a retired Quarter Horse guy,” but he still knows how to pick Thoroughbreds. He previously won our Freshman Sire Contest in 2007. Larry’s repeat win is especially meaningful, since he has actually known Don Engel (the founder of Thoroughbred Information Agency and www.thoroughbredinfo.com) since the early 1970s.

Larry was the only player this year to correctly guess the top three eligible California freshman sires of 2009 in exact order, based on year-end progeny results as compiled by “The Blood-Horse.” His selections of Ministers Wild Cat, Singletary, Our New Recruit, Indian Country and Temescal Ridge gave him 30 points total, making him the clear winner of our Grand Prize.

(Regarding the freshman sire list: according to contest rules, the progeny earnings and year-end rankings for Southern Image and Strive were not considered, since neither stallion covered mares in California during the 2009 breeding season. The top five stallions, according to contest rules, were Ministers Wild Cat, Singletary, Our New Recruit, Terrell and Calkins Road.)

In addition to receiving $150 from Thoroughbred Information Agency, Larry will enjoy a destination prize to Del Mar later this year, highlighted by a day of fun and special gifts for four guests at the beautiful seaside track. Congratulations, Larry!

We expanded our Freshman Sire Contest last year to include more prize winners, and to increase the value of the total prize packages to more than $1,000. Also, for the first time, there was no entry fee to participate.

Our second-place through fifth-place finishers each tallied 28 points with their contest entries, so the tie-breaker rule of predicting the dollar amount of progeny earnings for the top-ranked California freshman sire came into effect.

Here are the final results:

Grand Prize Winner: Larry Stevens, Washington

Destination Prize to Del Mar and $150 cash ($500 total value)

Second-Place Prize Winner: Sue White, Connecticut

Destination Prize to Santa Anita Park and $100 cash ($300 total value)

Third-Place Prize Winner: Erin Paiva, California

Destination Prize to Fairplex Park and $50 cash ($150 total value)

Fourth-Place Prize Winner: Adrian Gonzalez, California

One-year subscription to “California Thoroughbred” magazine ($55 total value)

Fifth-Place Prize Winner: Stacey Watson, California

“Thoroughbred Times Racing Almanac” ($25 total value)

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2009 contest. We hope you’ll play again in 2010.

And a very special thank you to our generous sponsors for their support:

• Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
• Santa Anita Park
• Fairplex Park
• California Thoroughbred Breeders Association
• Thoroughbred Times

JANUARY 18, 2010

Travesty.
 

JANUARY 6, 2010

My 2009 Eclipse Award votes go to...

It was an interesting year in racing, made memorable by a pair of female titans and two perfect days of thrilling, safe competition in the glorious Southern California sunshine during the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

In recognition of the various achievements made by horses and their humans over the past 12 months, I’m revealing my choices for the 2009 Eclipse Awards, as submitted on my official voting ballot as a member of the National Turf Writers Association. Finalists are scheduled to be announced sometime today.

2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Lookin At Lucky

Second Choice: Vale of York (Ire)

Third Choice: Noble’s Promise

Trainer Bob Baffert strikes again, this time with his precocious colt Lookin At Lucky, who captured three Grade 1 events and was beaten only by his far outside post position in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), which was won by Vale of York.

2-Year-Old Filly: Blind Luck

Second Choice: She Be Wild

Third Choice: Mi Sueno

If you missed the amazing run of Jerry Hollendorfer’s Blind Luck in the 2009 Hollywood Starlet (G1), I suggest you watch a replay of the December 20 race to get an idea of what a real championship effort looks like. That career breakthrough was at 1 1/16 miles; not too shabby for an $11,000 yearling who broke her maiden in 4 1/2-furlong claiming company last June.

3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Summer Bird

Second Choice: Quality Road

Third Choice: The Usual Q. T.

A rather uninspiring bunch overall this year, but Summer Bird did enough and performed admirably in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). I’m still convinced my Kentucky Derby (G1) pick, Quality Road, will end up being the best of this generation when all is said and done. I rounded out my ballot with California-bred The Usual Q. T., a turf specialist who put together a string of six consecutive victories to close out his sophomore campaign.

3-Year-Old Filly: Rachel Alexandra

Second Choice: Midday (GB)

Third Choice: Flashing

This one is a slam-dunk for the brilliant Rachel Alexandra, whose exploits have been covered ad nauseam elsewhere and will not be repeated here. I’d rather use the space to laud the forgotten Midday, who trounced her elders in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1), and the versatile Flashing, who ran nine times on the East Coast during 2009, winning five.

4-Year-Old & Up Male: Gio Ponti

Second Choice: Conduit (Ire)

Third Choice: Einstein (Brz)

I wish I could vote for the enigmatic Well Armed, whose record-breaking romp in the 2009 Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) last March portended great things to come. But that latter-half North American campaign did not materialize, so instead I will congratulate my husband, who has been high on Gio Ponti for more than two years now, for being among the first to notice this well-deserved older male champion.

4-Year-Old & Up Female: Zenyatta

Second Choice: Life Is Sweet

Third Choice: Informed Decision

There are no words left in the dictionary to describe this mare. Next category…

3-Year-Old & Up Male Sprinter: Dancing in Silks

Second Choice: Zensational

Third Choice: Kodiak Kowboy

The surprising Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) victory by Dancing in Silks was flattered when a horse he had beaten earlier in the year, M One Rifle, came back to win the Malibu Stakes (G1) on Santa Anita’s opening day. Just like he was in the Breeders’ Cup, however, Cal-bred Dancing in Silks will be a longshot to take home the trophy here, despite his three six-furlong stakes wins on the year.

3-Year-Old & Up Female Sprinter: Informed Decision

Second Choice: Ventura

Third Choice: Evita Argentina

It was fun watching the speedy gray Informed Decision all year, and she deserves to be recognized for her many accomplishments. The classy Ventura provided some sentimental thrills against both males and females on turf and all-weather, and 3-year-old Evita Argentina defeated the boys in the San Vicente Stakes (G2), the girls in the La Brea Stakes (G1) and her elders in the A Gleam Handicap (G2). I like this new Eclipse Award category.

3-Year-Old & Up Male Turf Horse: Gio Ponti

Second Choice: Conduit (Ire)

Third Choice: Presious Passion

First and second finishers in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), topped by the winner of the Arlington Million (G1). Sounds about right to me.

3-Year-Old & Up Female Turf Horse: Goldikova (Ire)

Second Choice: Midday (GB)

Third Choice: Magical Fantasy

European wondermare Goldikova ships over to these shores to beat our males in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) yet again, and therefore gets my vote for the second consecutive year as the best female to run on the grass in North America in both 2008 and 2009. Meanwhile, I’m still scratching my head over Magical Fantasy’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf flop, which came on the heels of three local Grade 1 victories.

4-Year-Old & Up Steeplechase: Abstain

Not my particular area of expertise, so I believe the decision-making should be up to others here.

Trainer: John Shirreffs

Second Choice: Steve Asmussen

Third Choice: Bob Baffert

Can you imagine what it feels like to walk down your shedrow every morning and see the faces of the Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic Distaff (G1) winner staring back at you from their stalls? Just ask John Shirreffs; maybe he’ll describe it for you.

Jockey: Garrett Gomez

Second Choice: Julien Leparoux

Third Choice: Ramon Dominguez

No muss, no fuss and 100% raw ambition. That pretty much sums up Southern California jockey Garrett Gomez, who rightfully should be handed his third consecutive Eclipse trophy later this month.

Apprentice Jockey: Abstain

I don’t follow this group of riders regularly so, again, the choice is best left up to those who do.

Breeder: Juddmonte Farms

Second Choice: Kilboy Estate

Third Choice: Adena Springs

Boasting the most 2009 Grade 1 wins by any breeder (six) gives the edge to the masters of the pink-and-green silks. Second choice for me goes to the breeder of Grade 1 winners Gio Ponti and Miss World, while overwhelming earnings leader Adena Springs gets a nod for third.

Owners: Jerry and Ann Moss

Second Choice: Juddmonte Farms

Third Choice: Godolphin Racing

Unlike the media-savvy owner of the other top female racehorse of 2009, the soft-spoken Californians Jerry and Ann Moss let their mare do their talking for them. And what she had to say was a lot. Which leads me to…

Horse of the Year: Zenyatta

For the second year in a row, I have the privilege of giving my Horse of the Year vote to Zenyatta, the best horse I have ever seen. For the second year in a row, she remains unbeaten against all comers. And for the second year in a row, she soundly defeated the deepest field gathered in North America during the racing season: this time in the ultra-tough Breeders’ Cup Classic, which shook Santa Anita to its rafters when this perfect mare weaved her way through traffic and into racing immortality.

It’s a real travesty that the East Coast Eclipse voters are going to keep Zenyatta from getting the historical recognition she deserves this year, in favor of a filly who had a remarkable season, but who was inexplicably munching hay in her stall instead of participating in racing’s championship event.

You skip the Breeders’ Cup with a perfectly healthy horse, you don’t get my vote — it’s as simple as that. Even more importantly, it sets a dangerous precedent to reward this type of behavior with our sport’s highest honor: Horse of the Year.

JANUARY 3, 2010

2009 California Freshman Sire Contest Results Coming Soon!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2009 Don Engel California Freshman Sire Contest, which offered cash and prizes valued at more than $1,000, thanks to the following sponsors: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Santa Anita Park, Fairplex Park, California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and “Thoroughbred Times,” in addition to Thoroughbred Information Agency.

The contest results are being tabulated, and will be declared official after the final 2009 first-crop sire lists are published by “The Blood-Horse” in January 2010, per contest rules. We expect to announce the official results on our website, and personally notify our top five contest winners, by mid-January.

Good luck to all participants! 

DECEMBER 27, 2009

Blood flowing down both back legs and an exhausted, last-place finish.

Somehow, I doubt those elusive Hollywood scriptwriters will be calling Lava Man’s connections anytime soon. A feel-good Seabiscuit story it ain’t, no matter how deluded the aspirations are of his caretakers who have promised, time and again, to do what is best for him.

DECEMBER 18, 2009

Who is editing “The Blood-Horse” website these days?

Aside from their annoying recent trend toward promoting Blog-o-Mania, and away from providing actual news coverage by trained journalists, there have been numerous occasions over the past several months in which I have just had to roll my eyes and ignore inaccuracies in their reporting, concerning everything from the incorrect grade of a stakes race to the incorrect color of a racehorse. But this latest error takes the cake.

In their December 18 article entitled “Longtime KY Farm Manager Carr to Retire,” the first paragraph (which is visible right smack dab at the top of “The Blood-Horse” homepage) reads:

Ted Carr, farm manager for Gerald Ford’s Diamond A. Farm, will retire at the end of the year. Carr’s son Ted M. “Mac” Carr, who is currently serving as assistant farm manager, will take over the reigns as of Jan. 1.

That’s right; they spelled it “reigns.” R-E-I-G-N-S. As in what a king does in his kingdom, not what a jockey holds in his or her hands (reins).

If the racing industry’s supposed leading publication can’t even get the name of basic horse equipment spelled correctly in one of their lead stories, what incentive do readers have to believe anything they publish?

December 19 Update: “The Blood-Horse” weekend editors have found and corrected their mistake. Bravo! But still embarrassing for the 15 hours it was published.

DECEMBER 10, 2009

Does Lava Man Still Have The Heart To Win? I Don’t Have The Heart To Watch.

As first reported by Thoroughbred Info (see September 21, 2009 entry below), the resurrection of seven-time Grade 1 winner and two-time California Horse of the Year Lava Man from retirement is nearly complete. The 8-year-old gelding is entered for his first start in more than 16 months in Saturday’s Grade 3 Native Diver Handicap at Hollywood Park, unless a predicted rainstorm causes his connections to reconsider.

Despite the sugar-coating treatment now being given to this story by other media outlets, the bottom line is this horse has done enough. An ultra-tough campaigner who banked more than $5.2 million — $5.2 MILLION! — does not deserve to be put back through the rigors of racing, nor does he deserve to be treated as a science experiment. Can stem cell therapy improve his heart, his will to win, which his string of six (mostly lifeless) losses prior to his original “retirement” clearly indicated?

With the handicap division in shambles, I suppose the allure for additional glory and riches was just too irresistible for his caretakers to refuse. But the risks to all of us who make our living in this industry are far too great. Piled on top of all the other tragedies racing has endured over the past three years, from Barbaro to Eight Belles, our sport could not afford the cost of this California legend losing his life on the battlefield.

To the general public, perception is everything. And, right or wrong, it is easy to perceive that this old warrior was pulled from the pasture for the sake of the almighty dollar. Can you only imagine the headlines, the vitriol against racing, if this fairybook tale does not have a happy ending?

Journalism alone does not compel me on this one. Lava Man was raised as a baby by a good friend of mine. And, as the wife of the managing editor of “California Thoroughbred” magazine, I have been along for the entire ride while my husband has cheered and painstakingly covered every step of this gallant horse’s remarkable journey.

Good luck, Lava Man — win, lose or DNF. But this is one longtime fan who simply does not have the heart to watch.

NOVEMBER 29, 2009

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Today, I was embarrassed to be a horse racing fan.

The weather was perfect. The atmosphere was perfect. And, most importantly, the mare was perfect. Reigning Eclipse Champion Zenyatta, the Southern California wonder who has never tasted defeat in 14 starts and who became North America’s highest-earning female runner in history ($5,474,580) with her resounding victory in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita Park on November 7, was paraded this afternoon in front of an adoring crowd at Hollywood Park, her home base. It was one of the last times any of us would get to see this incredible athlete before she sets off for her new life of relative anonymity as a Kentucky broodmare, and the opportunity was given to us as a thank-you gift from her generous connections.

The nearly 10,000 fans in attendance were treated to televised race replays, as well as some nifty take-home items: a commemorative DVD and poster both celebrating the potential 2009 Horse of the Year. Zenyatta herself was full of spunk, as usual: after departing from the barn area, she rounded the clubhouse turn in a clockwise pattern and showed off her familiar, ground-gobbling stride with an easy canter in front of her cheering, faithful public before she was feted in a special winner’s circle ceremony.

But the day’s biggest surprise — an unannounced appearance by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger — was marred by an ugly incident, and one which could have some pretty severe repercussions for all of us.

As the governor took the microphone to present an award to Zenyatta’s owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, he was met with an extremely loud, and totally uncalled-for, series of boos from a certain segment of the crowd. The jeers were so loud, and so extended, that his entire speech was unable to be heard over the public address system.

For the record, I don’t necessarily agree with the man’s political views, and I certainly have a problem with the favoritism he has shown to casino-owning Native American tribes to the detriment of California racing. I also understand that he is mired in his share of controversies. But the overriding fact is: this very busy, very famous and very important public official took time out of his holiday schedule to actually support a horse racing event. Common decency called for him to be applauded for that action as a show of respect, and of gratitude — not for him to be booed out of the building as if he had just stripped the 1-5 favorite off the top of the toteboard following a questionable stewards’ inquiry. After all, one of Schwarzenegger’s gubernatorial appointees is none other than Jerry Moss, a commissioner on the California Horse Racing Board; another CHRB commissioner, Bo Derek, was in the Hollywood Park winner’s circle today as well. I’m sure she wasn’t impressed by the obnoxious response either.

There is a time and a place for politics, and Zenyatta Day at Hollywood Park was not it. If you were there, and you had the nerve to boo our sitting governor, shame on you for displaying such an ugly reflection of our struggling sport. Whether you like it or not, the California racing industry demands a certain level of support from state lawmakers for its very survival — now more than ever. And your disgusting actions today did far more harm than good.

NOVEMBER 27, 2009

‘Tis The Season For (Stallion) Seasons!

Now that the turkey is out of the way, and the holiday shopping season is in full swing, it is also the time of year that Thoroughbred mare owners traditionally begin shopping for stallions. In fact, that might be the very reason you’ve stopped by this website today.

As you make your considerations for the 2010 breeding season, remember that there are several stallion season auctions available throughout the Western Region at this time of year, with proceeds directed to worthy causes. Through these auctions, you can often secure a competitive price to breed to the stallion of your choice (note that these auction seasons are typically no-guarantee).

Tranquility Farm of California is hosting its annual stallion season auction from Saturday, November 28 through Tuesday, December 1, with proceeds to benefit the 100 horses in retirement, in rehabilitation or awaiting adoption at the farm’s facility in Tehachapi. For a list of available stallion seasons and information on how to place your bid in the 2009 Tranquility Farm auction, click here.

On Tuesday evening, December 1, the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) is conducting its annual stallion season auction, with proceeds to benefit the organization’s political action committee fund. Full details, including a list of eligible stallions, are available here.

Seasons to many of our fine TIA Showcase stallions are available through these charitable auctions. You can read about the stallions and check their latest progeny results and statistics here at the Thoroughbred Info website, then place your bid with the Tranquility Farm or CTBA auction, or with one of the other regional auctions coming up this winter.

Happy shopping, everyone!

OCTOBER 24, 2009

ESPN’s Rick Reilly Lays An Egg At Oak Tree

A big, FAT (pun intended) thumbs down to ESPN personality Rick Reilly, who managed to insult both an Emmy Award-winning actress and Thoroughbred racing in general with his ill-advised guest call of the first race at Oak Tree today.

Taking announcer Trevor Denman’s microphone for a segment that was being videotaped to air during ESPN’s television coverage of the upcoming Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita, Reilly used the opportunity to expose himself as a failed comedian. Let’s hope the ESPN suits now have enough sense to nix this tacky thing before it does make it to a wider audience.

Reilly, a longtime columnist for “Sports Illustrated,” began his live call by rudely commenting that early trailer Benezit was “well behind, like he’s got Kirstie Alley on his back.” For those of you who might not be aware, this former “Cheers” actress has struggled with weight issues in recent years. And she is apparently a regular target of Reilly’s so-called wit. Strike #1.

Strike #2, and even more damaging to the sport itself, was Reilly’s dumb decision to end his 75-second verbal assault by yelling out, “Somebody test that horse!” as Bad Boy made his winning move near the wire.

Yeah, a drug testing joke in a horse race. Real original there, Rick. Why didn’t you just take your wanna-be Rodney Dangerfield routine a step further and crack that the losing horses’ next races would be to the Alpo factory?

As I listened to the call, I could only imagine Trevor, the epitome of a classy gentleman, standing next to this joker and wincing from embarrassment the whole time.

I have a sense of humor. But what I don’t have is the tolerance to put up with some “celebrity” who drifts into horse racing like a carpetbagger and does his very best to erase whatever good will racing has left among the general public while he’s gracing us with his presence.

My advice to Mr. Reilly: Keep your day job. And keep your degrading comments to yourself.

OCTOBER 23, 2009

David Slays Goliath: Louisiana Passes California In Number Of Mares Bred

Who could have ever predicted that California — the home of 50 state-bred millionaires and the well-heeled racing meccas of Santa Anita and Del Mar — would be poised to produce a smaller foal crop than Louisiana — the home of two state-bred millionaires and the quaint facilities of Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs? Well, according to the 2009 Report of Mares Bred released by The Jockey Club yesterday, David just slew Goliath.

According to the report, which can be viewed in its entirety here, 201 California-based stallions covered 2,946 mares this year, representing a 22.8% loss in mare numbers when compared to 2008. Meanwhile, in Louisiana, 216 stallions covered 3,048 mares, which meant a 13.3% loss for that state, but their overall numbers still smothered California.

For local breeders, it’s just another blow in a series of steady declines dating back for at least the last five years. Consider this harsh reality: in 2009, 42% fewer California stallions covered 47% fewer mares than in 2004.

California Breeding Statistics: 2004-2009

2009: 201 California stallions covered 2,946 mares

2008: 233 California stallions covered 3,817 mares

2007: 255 California stallions covered 4,447 mares

2006: 272 California stallions covered 4,695 mares

2005: 298 California stallions covered 5,052 mares

2004: 348 California stallions covered 5,561 mares

But California is not the only state experiencing significant mare losses. This year, Florida stallions covered 24% fewer mares than they did in 2008. Kentucky is also down, by 10.6%. In all of North America this year, 2,409 stallions covered 45,317 mares, representing an 8.9% decrease in stallions and a 13.5% loss in mares since 2008.

The only state among the top 10 to show any positive breeding statistics this year is Pennsylvania, whose slots-infused purses are attracting mares and quality stallions from other centers by the truckloads. In 2009, Pennsylvania leapfrogged from 10th to fifth on the list, with 1,603 mares bred by 97 stallions: a huge 29.6% increase from 2008 figures.

For California breeders, the 2009 Report of Mares Bred presents some sobering numbers to consider as we prepare for the 2010 breeding season. The bus is careening down the hill. Is everyone going to just bail out, every man for himself, and leave their fellow passengers up to fate? Or is someone — anyone? — going to take the wheel and steer us all back on the right path?

OCTOBER 10, 2009

A Thoroughbred Info Exclusive: “Photo Of The Week”

Today, we are excited to announce the newest feature of Thoroughbred Info: our “Photo of the Week!”

Every week, we will update our homepage with a different photo depicting the exciting and colorful world of Thoroughbred racing. To view the “Photo of the Week,” simply scroll down our homepage.

These photos are being provided in partnership with our friend Marcie Heacox. Marcie is a college student in California who has a real knack for taking artistic photos, and she often captures unique, behind-the-scenes perspectives through her lens. We are proud to be associated with Marcie at the beginning of what is sure to be her successful career in the Thoroughbred industry. To view more of Marcie’s work, you can visit her website (The Gallop Out) or just click on her weekly photo on our homepage.

We decided to kick off this exclusive new series with Marcie’s beautiful photo of the undefeated Eclipse Champion Zenyatta in full flight. This West Coast sensation (and my personal favorite!) will attempt to defend her title in the Grade 1 Lady’s Secret Stakes at Santa Anita Park later today.

We hope you all enjoy this fun new feature. Thank you, Marcie!

SEPTEMBER 29, 2009

Joe Finally Gets His Derby Winner

The experience came nearly five months later than expected, and the horse underneath him wasn’t who he expected it to be, but Southern California jockey Joe Talamo finally got a chance to ride his Kentucky Derby (G1) winner.

The 19-year-old rising star — who was forced to watch the 2009 Run for the Roses from the sidelines when his California-based morning-line favorite, I Want Revenge, was scratched the morning of the race — piloted the longshot Derby winner, Mine That Bird, through his first autumn work over the Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita Park this morning, moving five furlongs in 1:01.80 in a prep for the local Goodwood Stakes (G1) on October 10. [Watch a video of this morning’s work.]

Mine That Bird arrived in Arcadia last week, but the diminutive son of Birdstone is no stranger to Santa Anita; he finished last of 12 under Chantal Sutherland (Joe’s co-star in Animal Planet’s “Jockeys” television series) in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) last October.

On a related note, I find it endearing that Mine That Bird continues to sport his yellow Kentucky Derby exercise cloth, wherever he goes. That thing has surely seen some miles, traveling all across the country on the back of this plucky gelding.

P.S. Click here to watch a clip of Joe’s appearance on “The Tonight Show” last night. He was on as a guest of host Conan O’Brien to promote the Oak Tree Racing Association meet and upcoming Breeders’ Cup races at Santa Anita. Good job, Joe!

SEPTEMBER 27, 2009

A Thoroughbred Info Exclusive: First Photos Of Lava Man At Hollywood Park!

Well, the news we broke earlier this week about Lava Man’s return has certainly set the racing world on fire! Whether it is to agree or disagree with the decision to pull this old warrior out of retirement, it seems everyone has an opinion.

We are excited to follow up on our earlier newsflash with another Thoroughbred Info exclusive: the first photos of Lava Man back in training at Hollywood Park!

Southern California photojournalist Emily Shields was fortunate enough to spend an hour with Lava Man at Hollywood Park on Friday morning, September 25, just two days after he posted a bullet work for three furlongs — his first official timed work in more than 14 months. Emily reports that the 8-year-old gelding was frisky and bouncing around at the end of his exercise routine, and appeared to be content to have a job again.

Scroll down to see these new photos of the two-time California Horse of the Year for yourself!

SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

It Is Official

Lava Man posted his first work on the comeback trail this morning, and it was a doozy. He was clocked in a bullet :36 for a three-furlong move on the Cushion Track all-weather racing surface at his new (or should that be “old”?) Hollywood Park base. It was the joint fastest work among 24 posted at the distance this morning, and given the comment of “handily” by the official clocker.

Stay tuned to this blog for future updates on the return of this California legend.

P.S. To the several hundred newcomers who have logged on to our website over the past 24 hours, welcome!

SEPTEMBER 21, 2009

A Thoroughbred Info Exclusive: The Return Of Lava Man

I guess $5 million isn’t enough.

Seven-time Grade 1 winner Lava Man, a former claimer who ascended the ranks to become the California Horse of the Year in 2005 and 2006 and the only Thoroughbred in history to win a Grade 1 race on dirt, turf and all-weather surfaces, has returned to the barn of trainer Doug O’Neill at Hollywood Park to prepare for a comeback, 14 months after he originally ended his career.

The 8-year-old Slew City Slew gelding was retired in July 2008 with a lifetime record of 46-17-8-5 and $5,268,706 in earnings — all but about $100,000 of which he accrued after he was claimed at Del Mar for $50,000 in August 2004 by the ownership group of STD Racing Stable (Steve, Tracy and Dave Kenly) and Jason Wood. Over the next four seasons, he dominated the West Coast older male division, eventually attaining a position as the third-highest California-bred earner of all time, behind only two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Tiznow ($6,427,830) and inaugural Pacific Classic winner Best Pal ($5,668,245). He also sealed his status as the most lucrative claim in racing history.

Although Lava Man, a fan favorite, raced in locales as far away from home as Japan, Dubai, Kentucky, Florida and New York, he lost those five races by a combined total of 122 1/2 lengths, only achieving success within the friendly confines of California.

His last victory was in the Hollywood Gold Cup on June 30, 2007 — his record-tying third win in Hollywood Park’s signature race. But he was never the same afterward. The classy gelding strung together consecutive losses in six Southern California stakes races, running sixth, sixth, sixth, third, third and, finally, sixth and last in Del Mar’s Grade 1 Eddie Read Handicap on July 20, 2008 before his connections mercifully decided to end his career.

After Lava Man said goodbye to the racetrack, he was sent to Magali Farms in Santa Ynez, California. In an effort to increase his comfort level, he underwent arthroscopic surgery at nearby Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center to remove bone chips from his ankles, followed by stem cell therapy to help prevent the future onset of lameness and arthritis.

Last September, it was announced that Lava Man would live out a much-deserved life of leisure at the Old Friends equine retirement facility in Kentucky. But that trip east never materialized. After galloping at Magali in recent months, he is now back in his old barn at Hollywood instead.

Godspeed, good boy.

Click here to read a comprehensive review of Lava Man’s illustrious career from the September 2008 issue of “California Thoroughbred.” (It is a large file, so your download time may be slow.)

September 22, 2009 Update: Because this news is now breaking across the internet, I would just like to clarify that the above information was received from a very reliable source. Some fans are questioning whether Lava Man has returned to be a stable pony, rather than a racehorse. Although that would be a worthy career alternative for this gallant horse, we shall see what the official spin from his camp is now...

SEPTEMBER 18, 2009

We may have our share of problems in the Thoroughbred industry, but at least we are not at the point of having to conduct wholesale racing exorcisms.

I received the following advisory from the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) on Thursday evening:

The stewards at Fairplex Park in consultation with the California Horse Racing Board and Fairplex management canceled the first two races on the program for Thursday, September 17, when they received documentation that 11 of the 14 mules in those two races had received medication within 24 hours of the race in contravention of CHRB rules.

According to this cryptic message, nearly 80% of the floppy-ears entered at the Los Angeles County Fair yesterday were doped up on something they shouldn’t have been. Hopefully, an investigation will reveal what the violations were, and proper disciplinary action will be taken.

Unfortunately, this does not bode well for the Fair’s popular pig races.

SEPTEMBER 12, 2009

CHEERS & JEERS For The Week Of September 7

CHEERS!
To: Thoroughbred Owners of California
For: Working to keep Santa Anita in the family

What welcome news to read that the forward-thinking folks at Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) are putting together plans to make a bid on Santa Anita Park during the bankruptcy proceedings of Magna Entertainment Corp. Golden Gate Fields in Northern California is on the TOC’s acquisition wishlist as well.

The effort is being organized through the TOC’s newly formed Thoroughbred Racing Association of California (TRAC), a non-profit corporation. According to the official announcement, net income stemming from ownership of the racetrack(s) will be reinvested into the track(s) and their purses — creating a “win-win” situation that not only helps the bottom line for horsemen, but helps preserve the future of these very important racing landmarks for generations to come.

Two of the most successful annual meets in California are operated by non-profit entities: the Oak Tree Racing Association meet at Santa Anita and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. I see no reason why Santa Anita (and Golden Gate) would not benefit tremendously from the same type of operation.

Good luck to TOC with this most worthy endeavor!

JEERS!
To: Calvin Borel
For: Excessive use of his whip

Although there has been some grumbling in the media and among racing fans about the lack of television coverage for last week’s Woodward Stakes, in which the 3-year-old filly Rachel Alexandra made history by defeating older males, I am actually relieved that the race was not viewed by a larger, non-racing audience, for one reason only: jockey Calvin Borel’s excessive use of the whip.

Yes, I realize that Borel was doing his job by trying to get everything he could out of the filly, no doubt because her owner, Jess Jackson, knew going in that this race would likely serve as her 2009 season-ender, and that a win here would practically ensure Horse of the Year honors. But, from my count, Borel smacked his filly nearly two dozen times in an all-out stretch drive to hold off Macho Again. In a disturbing trend, he also spanked her pretty harshly a few times in the stretch of the Haskell last month, even after she was in front by a comfortable margin.

His tactics worked, but at what cost? This type of treatment is not beneficial for the horse, or for the viewing audience. For one thing, it could break her spirit and her willingness to perform, thereby robbing us all of a 2010 campaign from this very special racehorse. Borel himself even made the following hypocritical comments after the Woodward: “Hitting her is not going to make her run faster,” “She does what she has to do” and “She was going fast enough.”

So why the PDA*, Calvin? (*Public Display of Aggression)

I have never particularly had a problem with the normal use of a whip in any race. I’m just glad I didn’t have to explain to my non-racing friends who might have happened to catch a broadcast of this race why such a beautiful and willing creature, with her mane braided like a show pony, was being punished so severely, and so frequently, in front of a roaring grandstand full of gamblers. They would never understand. Frankly, I don’t think I really understand it myself.

SEPTEMBER 5, 2009

CHEERS & JEERS For The Week Of August 31

CHEERS!
To: Equibase
For: Expanding its customer service

Like many racing industry participants, I visit the Equibase website to view race results and statistics on a regular basis: at least five times a day, and perhaps up to 20 times a day on Saturdays and Sundays. But up until a few days ago, I had to make a mental note to either review or print out each Equibase result chart within one week of any given race, or else I would be forced to pay $1.50 a pop to access that same chart after the company’s seven-day window of free availability had expired.

Not any longer.

Thanks to a new policy, Equibase is offering free access to historical race charts dating back to January 1, 1999. Now, instead of nickeling and diming its customers, the company is providing additional resources — at no additional cost — for the benefit of anyone who is interested in racing data. From what I understand, Brisnet is now offering free chart archives to its regular users as well.

Customer service: What a concept, especially in these difficult economic times!

JEERS!
To: The San Mateo Jockey Club
For: Limiting the expansion of racing

Let me get this straight. An off-track wagering center which is barely a year old, in a community that actively supported the demolition of its own historical racetrack, now has the power to prevent one of the country’s largest population centers from adding two new wagering outlets which could significantly expand horse racing’s handle and fan base?

Well, it happened. The San Mateo Jockey Club, which opened just a few days after Bay Meadows Racecourse was erased from existence in its own Northern California backyard, raised such a stink over the fact that two bars/restaurants in the greater San Francisco area were interested in operating as mini-satellite wagering facilities that the newcomers’ applications were subsequently withdrawn over a technicality. The San Mateo Jockey Club contends that the two proposed facilities are located slightly within the legislated 20-mile radius that allows them to monopolize horse racing wagers throughout nearly the entire Bay Area. In other words, they don’t want any competition for gambling dollars, even if that competition would actually improve the state’s horse racing industry by increasing those dollars.

The problem with the San Mateo Jockey Club’s argument is: both proposed mini-satellite sites are actually outside the 20-mile limitation, according to the San Mateo Jockey Club itself. See for yourself. Go to the “Maps & Directions” page of the San Mateo Jockey Club’s website and type in the addresses of both proposed locations: Pete’s Tavern (128 King Street San Francisco, CA 94107) and Sotto Mare (552 Green Street San Francisco, CA 94133). You’ll see that Pete’s is 20.5 miles away and Sotto Mare is even further away, at 22.2 miles.

For more in-depth background on this subject, including why the term “radius” has apparently become a deal-breaker, read pages 34-72 of the California Horse Racing Board’s July 23, 2009 meeting transcript.

Too bad for such short-sightedness. California racing could sure have used the extra exposure. Not to mention the extra money.

AUGUST 23, 2009

CHEERS & JEERS For The Week Of August 17

CHEERS!
To: Animal Planet’s “Jockeys” television program
For: Coming back with a bang

Well, our living room television was tuned in; was yours?

The much-anticipated second season of Animal Planet’s “Jockeys” docudrama series began last Friday, and its production company deserves a lot of credit for the obvious improvements made since the first season, many of which no doubt stemmed from suggestions made by those of us within the racing industry. The program packed its new, 60-minute format with more personality profiles and informative behind-the-scenes footage, while wisely retaining some holdovers from last season: Santa Anita Park remains a glorious backdrop, Joe Talamo remains the breakout star and Kanye West’s “Stronger” remains the coolest of all television theme songs.

Oh sure, there were still some melodramatic editing choices that raised an occasional eyebrow, such as making trainer John Sadler out to be a shifty-eyed villain who lurks in the dark grandstand during early morning training hours just to surreptitiously scope out rival trainers’ claiming runners, and those race call re-dubs by poor Trevor Denman continue to grate the nerves. But, by and large, this program does the Thoroughbred racing industry a tremendous service by presenting our niche sport in an exciting, easy-to-digest format suitable for a whole new generation of potential fans.

“Jockeys” airs on Friday nights at 9 p.m. Pacific.

JEERS!
To: The American Association of Equine Practitioners
For: Sitting on its wallet

A few days ago, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced that its Safety and Integrity Alliance received a $15,000 contribution from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). While the donation is certainly good news, its amount should have been a lot higher.

According to the AAEP’s website, the organization has nearly 10,000 members at present. Perhaps I’m just being unduly influenced by the $200 horse vet bill that’s sitting here on my desk waiting to be paid, but a meager donation of roughly $1.50 per AAEP member toward this important cause seems to be little more than a token gesture by the AAEP to gain good press. Especially when the same news release announces that the Pfizer corporation donated a cool $50,000.

Are the large animal vets really that hard up for money these days? That’s funny, because I’ve never seen any of them pull up to my barn driving an economy car.