The horse racing world like all other areas of society continues to make changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health crisis. Most racetracks currently operating are doing so without spectators, and have instituted strict safety screening protocols for essential employees who are already on the grounds to provide daily care for horses.
Month: July 2020
Cancer Trials Ireland Donates €100K for Genetic Sequencer
A €100,000 cheque from Cancer Trials Ireland was presented by nine-time champion jockey Pat Smullen to doctors at St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin for a next generation sequencing (NGS) machine, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Monday. The donation is a direct result of the money raised on Smullen’s behalf at last September’s Longines Irish Champions Weekend which included the Pat Smullen Champions Race for Cancer Trials Ireland at The Curragh.
“I’m delighted the generosity that people showed is having impacts like this, and I look forward to seeing more opportunities for people with pancreatic cancer open up very soon,” said Smullen.
Added Cancer Trials Ireland Clinical Lead Professor Ray McDermott, “The sequencing machine enables users to define the genetic sequence of pancreatic cancer patients in Ireland. The NGS machine will enhance the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cancer in the hospital, and it will also allow the team to participate in more pancreatic research and clinical trials for the benefit of pancreatic cancer patients.”
“Pat’s vision has made new pancreatic treatment on trials a reality,” said Cancer Trials Ireland CEO Eibhlin Mulroe. “Patients will benefit from the support he inspired–and continues to inspire. Once again, thank you Pat.”
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Thomas Leffray Joins Arqana
Thomas Leffray has joined the Arqana Bloodstock team, where he will focus on horses-in-training and the National Hunt sphere, the sales company announced on Monday. The Irish National Stud graduate, who earned a BTSA in ‘Production Animales’ in Laval, began at Haras de Montaigu, before joining Haras d’Ombreville. Leffray then worked at Dromoland Farm in the United States, Ballylinch Stud in Ireland, and a year in Australasia at Waikato Stud and Newgate Farm. He was most recently involved with the stallions at Coolmore in Ireland since the beginning of 2020.
“We are delighted to welcome Thomas to the Bloodstock team,” said Arqana Team Bloodstock Director Ludovic Cornuel. “His many past experiences in France and abroad, as well as his good knowledge of sales, will enable him to adapt quickly and strengthen our team. Thomas will work in collaboration with Dominique Boulard on assembling the horses in training catalogues and will also be involved in the visits of young horses, particularly those in the National Hunt sphere. Finally, Thomas’s addition to the team demonstrates Arqana’s commitment and its eternal quest to improve the quality of its service.”
“I’m passionate about breeding and sales, and I am delighted to join the Arqana team,” added Leffray. “My travels over the last few years and my training at the Irish National Stud have enabled me to participate in the biggest sales in the world and to deepen my knowledge of breeding. Joining the Arqana team is a logical next step for me and I am very happy that this opportunity has presented itself.”
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Del Mar Live: Televised, Online Opportunities For Seaside Racing Fans In 2020
They're calling it the next-best-thing-to-being-there when it comes to the races at Del Mar this summer. It's “Del Mar Live” – “From your #HomeTurfClub.”
Though the track plans to run its 2020 summer season with an empty grandstand, televised and online racing opportunities will abound for Del Mar racing fans in shared and exciting environments all around San Diego.
More than 20 local restaurants, hotels and a casino have signed on to be part of “Live,” which will launch when the track begins running this Friday (July 10).
Those locations will offer a full scope of their unique foods and libations, notably the Del Mar signature drinks – the Del Margarita and the Del Martini. Also, they'll be presenting special sign-up betting propositions from TVG – the nation's foremost racing channel and advanced deposit wagering site – with a chance to be part of the action for fans, families and friends.
And that Opening Day jewel – this year's 26th edition of the Opening Day Hats Contest – will strut on stage via Instagram and Twitter for all to see with a panel of celebrity judges ready to declare the 2020 winner of a fashion statement that has become one of Del Mar's most sought-after honors.
The television connection for “Del Mar Live” consists of the TVG Network, DirecTV 602, Dish Network 399, AT&T U-verse 672 (SD) 1671 (HD) and Verizon FiOS 315 (SD) 815 (HD). Additionally, races can be seen on the TVG app.
The location lineup for “Live” includes many establishments in the immediate area of the seaside oval, among them Brigantine Del Mar, Red Tracton's, Truluck's, Jake's Del Mar, Tony's Jacal, Pizza Port (four locations), Fidel's Little Mexico and Jimmy O's. Also on the roster are a pair of popular hotels – the Del Mar Hilton across the street from the track and Pendry San Diego, the boutique hotel in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. An added starter in the mix is Sycuan Resort and Casino, which will be offering a Del Mar experience complete with guest handicappers, a dedicated area for TVG watch and wagering and a handicapping tournament where the winner can earn two VIP tickets to the 2021 Breeders' Cup World Championship.
Each “Live” location will be offering many TV screens to view the day's 10-race card, the Del Mar drink specials and colorful Del Mar/TVG coasters for all. Fans can watch the majestic Thoroughbreds do their thing and be part of the sporting activity by wagering on their TVG app or at TVG.com.
The Opening Day Hats Contest is available to all who forward pictures using the hashtag #DelMarHatsContest and tagging @DelMarRacing in the photo. The Instagram location is www.instagram.com and the Twitter access is at www.twitter.com and they accept entries anytime on July 10 up until 6 p.m. PST. The profile must be publicly accessible to be viewed and judged.
The grand prize winner gets two VIP tickets to the 2021 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar and a $500 gift certificate for Christine A. Moore Millinery. The total value of the prize is $1,500. Second-place finisher gets a $250 Studio Savvy Salon gift basket and a $250 gift certificate to Christine A. Moore Millinery. Third prize is a $250 gift certificate to Christine A. Moore Millinery and fourth is a $200 gift certificate to Studio Savvy Salon.
The “Hats” celebrity judges are Heather Lake (Fox 5), Lauren Phinney (KUSI), Ashley Jacobs (TV personality) and Deena Von Yokes (Studio Savvy).
Del Mar will race every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from July 10 up to and including Labor Day Monday, September 7. First post daily will be at 2 p.m.
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