December, 2020 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Visionary Fred W. Hooper Opened Pathway For Latin Jockey Success In U.S.

A founder of TOBA, strong advocate for the creation of the Breeders' Cup and a member of countless industry boards, Fred W. Hooper was the first industry leader to foster Latin American jockeys to race at Florida tracks.

Hall of Fame jockeys Laffit Pincay, Jr., Braulio Baeza and Jorge Velasquez among others got their start with Hooper.

Living to be 102, Hooper's own rags-to-riches story of hard work, to always look ahead, and don't look back, is a truly Florida tale. Hooper later received racing's highest honor, an Eclipse Award of Merit.

Hooper's profile is the third in the Florida Thoroughbred History Moment series that has expanded into history profiles. The first two profiles featured Lugusta “Gus” Gray who actually worked for Hooper for more than 30 years and who still retells the legendary stories of Hooper and his horses in their heyday.

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association has launched a digital campaign promoting the successful history of Florida-breds born and raised in the Sunshine State.

The series titled “Florida Thoroughbred History Moment” features an opening and closing image of an old-timey newsreel much like those featured in movie theaters in the 1940s. Along with the sound of the whirr of the newsreel, each video is narrated by the distinctive voice of Hugh Kelly giving an even more nostalgic feel. Based in Florida, Kelly lends his voice perfectly to the series.

Each 'Florida Thoroughbred History Moment' vignette highlights a significant achievement in Florida-bred history focusing on the people, the horses and the farms that have contributed to its success since the industry kicked off in earnest after Needles' 1956 Kentucky Derby win.

Check out the previous installments of Florida History Moments here:

Ocala Stud Shaped Local, National Auction Markets

Affirmed Enthralled Nation With Triple Crown Triumph

Derby Winner Unbridled's Presence Felt Today In North American Bloodlines

Silver Charm Flies The Florida Flag Around The World

Needles' Derby Triumph Sparks Florida's Thoroughbred Industry

Dr. Fager Goes So Fast He Gets A Speeding Ticket

The post Florida Thoroughbred History Moments: Visionary Fred W. Hooper Opened Pathway For Latin Jockey Success In U.S. appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

James Bell Elected President Of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance's board of directors elected James G. Bell as president for the 2021 term, and also elected new board members at its meeting on Dec. 14.

Bell, president and racing manager of Godolphin, served as TAA president in 2014. During his tenure at Godolphin, he has overseen the careers of Sheikh Mohammed's many U.S.-based Grade 1 winners including Bernardini, It's Tricky, Cocoa Beach, Music Note, Questing, Better Lucky, Maxfield, and Essential Quality, among others. He has held various positions on industry and community boards, including the The Jockey Club, Keeneland Association, Fayette Alliance, Thoroughbred Club of America, and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, to name just a few.

“Seemingly, you can step aside but not away from an organization so meaningful and impactful as the TAA,” Bell said. “We've had great leadership, a totally dedicated staff, and a mission that continues to need fulfillment. As a part of the team, I'm looking forward to another year of new milestones and new relationships.”

John Phillips, owner of Darby Dan Farm, served as TAA president in 2018 and 2020. Phillips will remain on the TAA's board and executive committee for 2021 as immediate past president.

“In order for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to protect our sport by protecting our equine athletes, it takes a tremendous amount of time and dedication by staff and a board of directors,” Phillips said. “With these individuals' strong commitment to aftercare, I look forward to working alongside them to advance the TAA's efforts of providing a safe landing for our Thoroughbreds out of racing.”

Bell and Phillips are joined on the executive committee by TAA Vice President Jeff Bloom, managing director of Bloom Racing Stable; TAA Treasurer Jen Shah, director of tax services at Dean Dorton; and TAA Secretary Walter Robertson, attorney at Stites & Harbison.

The TAA rotates its board of directors and its executive officers.

The board members beginning service in 2021 are: Madeline Auerbach, a founding board member of the TAA, founder of the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), and a Thoroughbred owner and breeder; and Tom Cannell, board member of the Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association and a Thoroughbred owner.

They join current TAA board members: Boyd Browning, Brian Graves, Chip McGaughey, Craig Bandoroff, David O'Farrell, Donna Brothers, Dora Delgado, James Gagliano, Jeffrey Bloom, Jen Shah, John Keitt, John Phillips, Josh Rubinstein, Martin Panza, Nicole Walker, Richard Schosberg, Simon Bray, Susie Hart, Tom Ventura, Walt Robertson, and Yvonne Schwabe.

To read the biographies of the TAA's board of directors, visit ThoroughbredAftercare.org.

The post James Bell Elected President Of Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Maryland Stallion Season Auction to be Held Jan. 1-5

The Maryland Horse Foundation will host an online stallion season auction Jan. 1-5, 2021, featuring no-guarantee seasons for 19 Maryland-based stallions. Stallions include Holy Boss, Irish War Cry, Divining Rod, Mosler, Kobe’s Back and several others.

“We are grateful to the Maryland stallion farms for their support of this fundraiser. Proceeds will support our educational programs and the launch of the Maryland Horse Library and Education Center,” The Maryland Horse Foundation’s Director of Development Jordyn Egan said. “After an odd 2020, we are excited to move full steam ahead on some new projects in 2021.”

The post Maryland Stallion Season Auction to be Held Jan. 1-5 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Bell Elected TAA President

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance board of directors elected James Bell as president for the 2021 term and elected new board members at its meeting Dec. 14.

Bell, president and racing manager of Godolphin, served as TAA president in 2014. He has held various positions on industry and community boards, including the The Jockey Club, Keeneland Association, Fayette Alliance, Thoroughbred Club of America, and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association.

“Seemingly, you can step aside but not away from an organization so meaningful and impactful as the TAA,” Bell said. “We’ve had great leadership, a totally dedicated staff, and a

mission that continues to need fulfillment. As a part of the team, I’m looking forward to another year of new milestones and new relationships.”

John Phillips, owner of Darby Dan Farm, served as TAA president in 2018 and 2020. Phillips will remain on the TAA’s board and executive committee for 2021 as immediate past president.

“In order for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance to protect our sport by protecting our equine athletes, it takes a tremendous amount of time and dedication by staff and a board

of directors,” Phillips said. “With these individuals’ strong commitment to aftercare, I look forward to working alongside them to advance the TAA’s efforts of providing a safe landing for our Thoroughbreds out of racing.”

The post Bell Elected TAA President appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post