Gordon Elliott: The extraordinary rise and fall of Grand National-winning racehorse trainer
Profile of Irish racehorse trainer Gordon Elliott, who faces an inquiry after being pictured sat on a dead horse.
Month: March 2021
NYTB Awards To Honor Generazios, Ellen Bongard, Jeffrey Cannizzo
The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) is pleased to announce Thoroughbred breeders and owners Patricia Generazio and her late husband Frank Generazio, in addition to the recently deceased Ellen Bongard, will each receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in the New York-bred program.
Former NYTB executive director Jeffrey Cannizzo will also receive a special award for his exemplary service.
The honorees will be recognized at the NYTB's Annual Awards event, held in a special virtual format on Monday, April 5 at NYTBAwards.com. The 2020 New York-bred divisional champions and New York-bred Horse of the Year will also be unveiled during the event sponsored by the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund.
“On behalf of our board of directors we are proud to honor each of these noteworthy individuals for their contributions and service to the New York racing and breeding industry,” said NYTB president Tom Gallo. “Each one of them has made significant efforts as owners, breeders and administratively helping to make New York the best and most lucrative state-bred program in the country.”
Patricia Generazio and her husband Frank Generazio, Jr., who passed last November at the age of 91, campaigned a number of homebred multiple graded stakes winners. Mr. Generazio, who owned New England Sand and Gravel company, first got his start in the Thoroughbred industry in his native New England and was a trainer at Rockingham Park and Suffolk Downs before he and his wife built a successful breeding operation that notably made an impact in New York, New Jersey and Florida.
Outstanding New York homebreds campaigned by the Generazios include multiple graded stakes winners Discreet Marq and Disco Partner. Subsequent homebred standouts include multiple graded stakes winner Pure Sensation, Precious Passion, Dowse's Beach and Saratoga Treasure.
“We've always been big supporters of the New York-bred program and will continue to breed in New York year-round,” said Patricia Generazio. “Frank always selected our breedings, and he loved the New York-bred program. I'm very thankful and appreciative to receive this award on behalf of both of us. His loss still hurts and our stable will be reduced substantially, but we already have many Disco Partner babies and we will continue to have a presence in New York.”
Ellen Bongard, who passed away at the age of 77 last December, was a pioneer in the New York Thoroughbred industry and her family owned one of the oldest active breeding farms in the state.
The daughter of the late attorney Bertram F. Bongard, who played a key role in the formation of the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund and New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., Ellen and her sister Barbara Bongard owned Rojan Farm in Pine Plains, a flagship New York farm and a staple to the New York breeding industry for many years before moving to the Town of Northumberland near Saratoga Springs.
The Bongards stood many successful stallions at their Rojan Farm including Santa Anita Derby winner An Act, Northern Dancer's son Kick, Rare Earth, Back Bay Barrister and many others. Ellen was also credited with the creation of The Bongard Room at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The room is used for conferences and honors pioneers and legends of the state's breeding industry.
“She would definitely appreciate this,” said Barbara Bongard. “She's certainly done a lot for the New York-bred program. I like to say our father started our family's influential success in the industry and Ellen took the reins and continued on. We're thankful she's receiving this recognition.”
Jeffrey Cannizzo served as executive director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. for nearly 13 years before leaving to join the New York Racing Association, Inc. as senior director of government affairs in January. During his tenure, the New York-bred program gained significant exposure, stability and continued development and success. He elevated the position of executive director to one of leadership and national recognition for the New York Thoroughbred breeding program.
“New York's breeding industry has flourished in recent times and I feel very fortunate to have played a small role in that success story,” said Cannizzo. “I'd like to thank the NYTB board of directors for their commitment to those working every single day on the 250 farms throughout New York. The success of the state-bred program comes with the tireless efforts of so many stakeholders. Being able to represent so many wonderful people and speak on their behalf for over a decade is something I will always cherish. The many relationships formed during my time with NYTB will always be important to me. The New York-bred program will always hold a special place.”
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Shadwell Reveals 2021 Mating Plans for Their Quality Broodmare Band
The mating plans for the high-quality Shadwell broodmare band were announced by the stud on Monday. Nunnery Stud's four stallions, led by new recruit Mohaather (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), will all be well supported by Shadwell.
Several top-flight winners are booked to the 2020 G1 Sussex S. victor, among them dual Group 1 winners Nazeef (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Ghanaati (Giant's Causeway) and South African multiple Grade 1 winner Majmu (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}). They are joined by Ghanaati's Rahy half-sister, the stakes winner and G1 Oaks third Rumoush, who already has foaled a trio of black-type scorers; two-time Grade 2 winner and multiple Grade 1-placed Nafaayes (Aus) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}); and the stakes-placed Asheerah (GB) (Shamardal), the dam of Classic hero and young stallion Awtaad (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}).
Eqtidaar (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) landed his best prize in Royal Ascot's G1 Commonwealth Cup and his first foals are hitting the ground this season. Shadwell is sending him the stakes-placed Tamadhor (Ire) (Arcano {Ire}) from the family of G2 Cherry Hinton S. victress Memory (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). Mudaaraah (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}), who struck at listed level, placed in the G3 Prestige S. and is out of a half-sister to outstanding European highweight Bahri (Riverman), will be bred to Tasleet (GB) (Showcasing {GB}). The three-time Group 1 runner-up's first foals are yearlings of 2021. Rounding out the quartet of Nunnery Stud stallions, champion sprinter Muhaarar (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) is the beau of choice for stakes winner Etaab (Street Cry {Ire})-also from the family of Bahri–and is just one of several mares headed to the sire of nine black-type performers.
Other Group 1 winners and producers from Shadwell's paddocks will go farther afield for their mates. G1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Tawkeel (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) and Ghanaati's daughter Alandalos (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) are both headed to Darley sire Dubawi (Ire). G1 Oaks and G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. victress Taghrooda (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is booked to Lope de Vega (Ire). She is not the only mare to visit the Ballylinch supremo, with Group 3 striker and Group 1 placed Thawaany (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), who is a half-sister to Classic winner Kew Gardens (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), also on Lope de Vega's dance card; as is stakes winner Mutebah (Ire) (Marju {Ire}), the dam of G2 Champagne S. runner-up Albasheer (Ire) (Shamardal).
A quintet of Shadwell mares will visit Juddmonte's Kingman (GB) at Banstead Manor Stud, with the recently retired five-time Group 2 winner and G1 Royallieu third Enbihaar (Ire) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}) leading the way. The other four mares are rounded out by G3 Sweet Solera S. heroine Tajaanus (Ire) (Arcano {Ire}); multiple group winner Tantheem (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}); G2 Blandford S. scorer Tarfasha (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}); and Nazeef's dam Handassa (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).
Kingman's barnmate Frankel (GB) will also be patronised by some Shadwell mares including Tatweej (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), herself a half-sister to champion 3-year-old Palace Pier (GB) (Kingman {GB}); and Group 3 producer Rayaheen (GB) (Nayef), a daughter of G1 1000 Guineas heroine Natagora (Fr) (Divine Light {Jpn}).
A mare bound for the court of Sea The Stars (Ire) is Garmoosha (Kingmambo). A daughter of Oaks winner Eswarah (GB) (Unfuwain), she has already produced the highly progressive Group 3 winner Raabihah to the cover of the Gilltown Stud-based stallion. The other five mares to also visit Sea The Stars, include the Awtaad's half-sister Alghabrah (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), listed winner Maqsad (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), and Tamayuz's half-sisters–Ettisaal (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Muhawalah (Ire) (Nayef). Mubhirah (GB) (Raven's Pass), a half-sister to Classic heroine Taghrooda, will also visit the Aga Khan stallion.
Dark Angel (Ire) will once again welcome G1 Cheveley Park S. third Maqaasid (GB) (Green Desert), who already has a juvenile colt and yearling filly by the son of Acclamation (GB).
In Ireland, Derrinstown Stud residents Tamayuz (GB) (Nayef), Awtaad, and incoming sire King of Change (GB) (Farhh {GB}) are also being supported by Sheikh Hamdan's broodmare band. Roster veteran Tamayuz welcomes Safwa (Ire) (Green Desert), who has already produced G1 Lockinge S. winner Mustashry (GB) (Tamayuz {GB}) on this same mating and the group-placed Munaaser (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), as well as her daughter Rabaabah (Ire) (Shamardal). Tamayuz, the sire of 22 black-type winners, will also cover G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Bethrah (Ire) (Marju {Ire}) and the stakes producer Masaafat (GB) (Act One {GB}), both of whom visited the 16-year-old last term.
Awtaad, the winner of the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas and whose oldest foals are 3-year-olds, will cover Group 3 winner Rawaaq (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). King of Change, the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. hero and G1 2000 Guineas runner-up, will be sent the winning Qaadira (Mr. Greeley), who hails from the extended family of prolific blue hen Height of Fashion (Fr) (Bustino {GB}).
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Keeneland Announces Spring Meet Ticketing Plans
Keeneland has released plans to offer fans a limited number of ticket packages for dining, Reserved Grandstand seating and General Admission for the 2021 Spring Meet, to be held Apr. 2-23. All ticket packages were designed in accordance with COVID-19 safety protocols and will be pre-sold online in two phases. Fans are encouraged to visit Keeneland.com/tickets for information on Spring Meet ticket options and the process to purchase.
“Keeneland is eager to welcome fans, although fewer in number, back this spring for what promises to be an exciting race meet,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We have missed our fans as much as they've missed Keeneland, particularly at this time of year as we shake off winter to celebrate the return of spring. While we are still limited in capacity, our team is hard at work creating unique touches that will deliver the exceptional and safe race-day experience our guests expect from Keeneland. And for those fans who can't attend in person, Keeneland will provide ways for you to enjoy your race-day traditions from the comfort of your home.”
Beginning Monday, Mar. 8, fans may apply for the opportunity to purchase a table for six in the fourth-floor Lexington/Kentucky Room or Phoenix Room or up to six Reserved Grandstand seat ticket packages on specific race days.
Fans may purchase General Admission ticket packages online on a first-come, first-served basis starting Wednesday, Mar. 24. A maximum of six tickets may be purchased per order. Reserved Grandstand and General Admission ticket packages will include admission, a race-day program and a concession allowance. Dining ticket packages will include admission, a race-day program and a prix fixe three-course meal.
Keeneland will continue to enforce COVID-19 protocols during the Spring Meet and implement new initiatives with regard to mobile ticketing and cashless payment to further create a safe environment for all guests.
All forms of seating at Keeneland, including dining tables, outdoor boxes, pods of tickets in the Reserved Grandstand area and Grandstand benches, will be kept at a social distance. All individuals will be required to wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds. Health screenings and temperature checks will resume at all entrance gates for the race meet.
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