Welcome to the 2020 Stay Lucky season with presenting sponsor Breeders' Cup! We have several exciting new prizes plus a smoother, faster app for the new season!
Month: October 2020
Mike Smith To CHRB: New Riding Crop Rule Putting Jockeys, Horses At Greater Risk
Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, co-chair of the Jockeys' Guild, has written a letter to California Horse Racing Board members on behalf of the Guild and California riders criticizing a restrictive riding crop rule that went into effect on Oct. 1 over concerns for the safety of horses and riders and the integrity of the sport.
The rule, CHRB 1688, restricts both the manner and frequency with which jockeys may use the riding crop. Under CHRB 1688:
- The crop must be used in an underhanded position with the crop always at or below the shoulder level of the jockey.
- A maximum of six strikes with hands off the reins is permitted during a race; not more than twice in succession.
- There is not a limit on the number of times a jockey may strike a horse on the shoulder while both hands are on the reins, and “flagging” a horse is permitted.
Smith said the rule “to restrict the use of the riding crop to the underhand position … is completely against the technique that every jockey has been taught on the proper use of the riding crop. It is contrary to our instincts and techniques, which in turn is impacting our balance and reaction time. We strongly believe that regulation is extremely hazardous and has added an even greater risk and uncertainty to our profession.”
He also voiced the concerns of riders for racing integrity, saying, “In multiple races over the weekend, jockeys were limited in the encouragement they were able to give the horses, which in turn impacted the outcome of the race and jockeys were unable to maximize placing of the horses.”
Following is the full text of the Oct. 8 letter from Smith to members of the CHRB, a copy of which was obtained by the Paulick Report:
——————————————————–
Dear Members of the California Horse Racing Board
Please accept this letter on behalf of the Jockeys' Guild and all of the jockeys in California. I am writing to you, as well as copying Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Bill Dodd, and Asm. Adam Gray, in yet another effort to express the concerns of the California jockeys regarding CHRB 1688 Use of the Riding Crop, which went into effect on October 1, 2020.
Since the consideration to the changes to the Use of the Riding Crop regulations were introduced, we have voiced various reasons for opposition, including our concerns about safety and the integrity of the sport. In the weeks leading up to the implementation, there were several meetings with the riders at Santa Anita, Golden Gate, and Los Alamitos, including both the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse jockeys, in which we had discussions on how to move forward.
After the jockeys have attempted to comply with CHRB 1688 this weekend, our concerns have been reiterated and we strongly believe that more than one of us will suffer a serious injury, or even possibly death, from your new rule 1688, which has never been used in the United States, or anywhere else for that matter. In light of the fact that one of our fellow jockeys, Vinnie Bednar, was recently paralyzed in a racing accident at Los Alamitos, the risks are fresh in our minds. And now, you have implemented regulations, that many people, including jockeys, owners, and trainers, believe have created even more safety hazards. The reality is we are very alarmed about the lack of concern for our safety and well-being. Furthermore, not only do we have a concern for our own welfare, but also have grave concerns about the risks being created for the horses.
The CHRB stated the intent is to improve the safety and welfare of the horses with the restrictions on the use of the riding crop. However, as Senator Dodd stated regarding his recently passed racing reform legislation in California, “the goal is to improve the safety of HORSES AND JOCKEYS.”
Unfortunately, historically jockeys have not had a voice and have been considered a lower aspect of racing, both socioeconomically and politically, often times due to race and lack of education. With regards to the Use of the Riding Crop in California it seems this has continued to be the case. We have attempted to participate in the rule making process and provide input based on our professional knowledge and experience. However, for whatever reason, our concerns were not given credence. Even though, the reality is, we are the people who are risking our lives, balancing on the balls of our feet, in a very narrow stirrup, going 35-50 miles per hour on a 1,200 pound horse, surrounded by other jockeys who are doing the same thing.
To restrict the use of the riding crop to the underhand position, as you have currently imposed, is completely against the technique that every jockey has been taught on the proper use of the riding crop. It is contrary to our instincts and techniques, which in turn is impacting our balance and reaction time. We strongly believe that regulation is extremely hazardous and has added an even greater risk and uncertainty to our profession.
Furthermore, to change to specifications of the actual crops we are using, adds to the difficulty of the regulation that is being imposed. The jockeys feel that the use current cushioned riding crop is safer for the equine athlete and does not compromise the horse's welfare. We were actively involved in the refinements and the adoption of the current riding crop to reduce the impact to the equine athlete. When the current cushioned riding crop was introduced, it was strongly encouraged that the horses be subject to inspection by a veterinarian, either regulatory or official, looking for cuts, welts, or bruises on the skin, with any adverse finding being reported to the Stewards. Over the past ten years, when the approved cushioned riding crops were used in the appropriate manner, the welts and cuts have almost been completely eliminated. With that being said, we are supportive of any improvements that can be made to the existing riding crop to create an even more humane crop.
However, any rule making on the composition of the crop must be done in a thoughtful manner after research and input and considerations from the jockeys.
In addition to the increased dangers, there has also been a serious impact on the integrity and outcome of the races. In multiple races over the weekend, jockeys were limited in the encouragement they were able to give the horses, which in turn impacted the outcome of the race and jockeys were unable to maximize placing of the horses. The owners, along with the betting public, both of whom are the driving force behind our sport, were not afforded every possible opportunity maximize return on their investment.
Given the penalties and perils you have created, you are imposing great pressures on the jockeys, to the extent that some are considering leaving California to ride in jurisdictions which are still allowing for reasonable and responsible use of the riding crop. My home, along with several other jockeys, many of whom are Latino, is in California. We do not want to be forced to leave. However, the fear of grave injury and the unreasonable penalties are making many of us reconsider continuing to ride in California.
As the Guild and the jockeys have continued to say the ultimate goal is to establish a standard that is in the best interest of the welfare of the horse, as well as the industry as a whole, including those whose lives are at stake. However, we believe that the new CHRB rule, as adopted, is actually unsafe and will be detrimental to our industry. As such, we are pleading and implore you to reconsider the changes that have been rushed through without thorough consideration of the dangerous implications you have created for us, as well as the horses.
Sincerely,
Mike E. Smith
Co-Chair, Jockeys' Guild
The post Mike Smith To CHRB: New Riding Crop Rule Putting Jockeys, Horses At Greater Risk appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
Curlin Tops Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa’s 2021 Roster
Hall of Famer Curlin (Smart Strike) once again leads the 2021 roster at Hill ‘n’ Dale, which recently moved to their new Xalapa property outside of Paris. The leading stallion’s 2021 fee remains unchanged at $175,000 LFS&N.
“We are aware of the pressures on the market due to the uncertain climate we find ourselves in. Hill ‘n’ Dale will once again look to be an industry leader by offering exceptional value in its entire roster. We are all in this together and together we will grow stronger as an industry,” commented John G. Sikura, President of Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa. “There are two stallions on the roster in particular who embody our effort to provide exceptional value in these challenging times. Maclean’s Music is emerging as an important young sire. Jackie’s Warrior has been described as the best two year old in the country. He is yet another example of his sire’s ability to produce an elite runner. In addition, Violence who has led virtually every category since his runners hit the track is the co-leading sire of Grade I winners with the likes of Into Mischief. His future remains bright. I repeat, we are all in this together.”
Kitten’s Joy (El Prado {Ire}), another perennial leading sire, had his fee decreased from $75,000 to $60,000 LFS&N. Maclean’s Music (Distorted Humor) remains at $20,000, but that is for contracts signed prior to the Breeders’ Cup, where his undefeated son Jackie’s Warrior will be favored in the GI Juvenile.
The rest of the roster is as follows with all fees LFS&N: Army Mule (Friesian Fire) went from $10,000 to $7,500; Bayern (Offlee Wild) was cut in half from $15,000 to $7,500; Flintshire (GB) (Dansili {GB}) was reduced from $15,000 to $10,000; Good Magic (Curlin), was cut from $35,000 to $30,000; Kantharos (Lion Heart) remains at $30,000; Lost Treasure (Ire) (War Front) is also unchanged at $5,000; Midnight Lute (Real Quiet) holds steady at $15,000; Stormy Atlantic (Storm Cat) is at $10,000; Violence (Medaglia d’Oro) remains at $25,000 after a stellar season; and Wolrd of Trouble (Kantharos) is also unchanged at $15,000.
The post Curlin Tops Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa’s 2021 Roster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.
Danzing Candy Colt Tops OBS Open Yearling Sale
Hip No. 632, a son of Danzing Candy consigned by Abbie Road Farm (Lisa McGreevy), Agent, went to Donato Lanni, Agent for $115,000 to top the open session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's 2020 October Yearling Sale.
The dark bay or brown colt is out of Bosserette, by Street Boss, a half sister to stakes winner Meditations.
- Hip No. 702, a son of Declaration of War consigned by K P Sales, Agent, was sold to Mick Price Racing for $72,000. The dark bay or brown colt is out of Miss Prudence, by Discreetly Mine, a half-sister to stakes winner Annulment.
- Hip No. 615, a daughter of Exaggerator consigned by Sennebec South Farm, went to Joseph Besecker for $62,000. The dark bay or brown filly, is out of stakes-placed Bazinga B, by Lion Hearted, from the family of champion Cash Deposit.
- Hip No. 440, Kenner, a son of Laoban consigned by Summerfield (Francis & Barbara Vanlangendonck), Agent, was sold to de Meric Sales for $55,000. The bay colt is out of Mystery Mix, by Awesome Again, a daughter of graded stakes winner Lovely Lil.
- Hip No. 458, a daughter of Lord Nelson also consigned by Sennebec South Farm, went to Afleet Equine, Agent for $52,000. The chestnut filly is out of stakes-placed Our Eponene, a half-sister to stakes winner Our Fantene.
- JAL Racing / Jose A. Lopez paid $52,000 for Hip No. 517, a son of Uncaptured consigned by Whitman Sales LLC, Agent. The chestnut colt is out of Senza Fina, by City Zip, a daughter of stakes winner Ragtime Gal.
For the session, 260 yearlings sold for a total of $2,887,400, compared with 267 bringing a total of $3,356,400 a year ago. The average price was $11,105 compared with $12,571 in 2019, while the median price was $7,750 compared with $8,000 a year ago. The buyback percentage was 20.7 percent compared with 23.3 percent a year ago.
At Tuesday's Selected session, 91 horses sold for a total of $3,650,500, compared with 130 yearlings bringing $5,689,200 at the 2019 Selected Sale. The average price was $40,115 compared with $43,763 last year, while the median price was $28,000 compared with $30,000 a year ago. The buyback percentage was 32.6 percent; it was 30.1 percent in 2019.
Hip No. 149, a daughter of Not This Time consigned by Abbie Road Farm (Lisa McGreevy), Agent, went to Tonja Terranova, Agent for $225,000 to top Selected Sale of Yearlings. The dark bay or brown filly is out of Midnight Magic, by Midnight Lute, a half sister to graded stakes winner Coalport.
For the 2-year-olds and horses of racing age section, 30 horses sold for a total of $823,500, averaging $27,450 with a $15,500 median figure and an 18.9 percent buyback percentage.
Zedan Racing Stables, Inc. went to $155,000 for Hip No. 39, a son of Empire Maker consigned by Top Line Sales LLC, Agent, to top the October Sale's Two Year Olds and Horses of Racing Age section. The 2-year-old bay colt, whose quarter in :21 1/5 was co-fastest at the distance at the Under Tack Show, is a half brother to graded stakes winner Majestic River out of graded stakes placed stakes winner Tempus Fugit, by Alphabet Soup.
The next item on the OBS agenda is the 2020 OBS Day of Racing, set for Tuesday, Nov. 24. The next sale is the 2021 Winter Mixed Sale, including the Horses of Racing Age section, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 25-26.
The post Danzing Candy Colt Tops OBS Open Yearling Sale appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
