BloodHorse associate editor Byron King presents his latest Derby Dozen presented by Spendthrift Farm with a look at his leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve on May 1.
Month: April 2021
Rob Havlin Cops 21-Day Ban
Jockey Rob Havlin was banned for three weeks by the Lingfield stewards after finishing second aboard John and Thady Gosden's 16-1 second string Stowell (GB) (Zoffany {Ire}) on Wednesday evening. The Sky Sports Racing HD Virgin 535 Novice S. was won by fellow Gosden trainee Polling Day (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) with Frankie Dettori in the irons as the 2-9 crowd's pick. Havlin's mount met with some traffic throughout the race, but was making up ground while under a conservative ride to miss by a head. There was a stewards' inquiry into the finish as they felt Stowell had been given “an apparently tender hands and heels ride” entering the straight.
According to Havlin, his instructions were “to settle the colt and ride him to obtain his best possible position. [Stowell] was a fragile type who had a high knee action, and that John Gosden had instructed him to ride the colt hands and heels and not to use his whip.” From the jockey's point of view, he stated that the winner had idled in front and “therefore it appeared that Stowell had finished faster than he actually had.”
The stewards reported that the trainers' representative said they were satisfied with the ride and pleased with Stowell's debut effort. However, they ruled that Havlin had not taken all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure Stowell obtained his best placing possible. Havlin's ban lasts from May 5-8 and May 10-26.
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American Farmland Trust, Visit Horse Country Announce Strategic Partnership
American Farmland Trust and Visit Horse Country have announced a strategic partnership aligning AFT's mission of farmland protection with the agritourism experiences offered through Horse Country and its members.
“AFT is proud to partner with Visit Horse Country and as a national organization, supports the conservation of equine land,” said Billy Van Pelt, AFT director of external relations and senior advisor. “We strongly support the thoroughbred industry and want to draw attention to the importance of the equine industry and the permanent protection of its 'factory floor,' farmland.”
“Most people aren't regularly in contact with our critical productive farmland, but our experiences allow guests to engage in a personal and intimate way with agriculture,” said Anne Sabatino Hardy, executive director of Visit Horse Country. “We're excited to help carry the message of how important it is to keep farmers on the land, and preserve that land in a truly hands-on way.”
Agritourism is a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness, and a growing segment of tourism overall, with 62 million people visiting farms, ranches and wineries annually, according to the National Tour Association. Likewise, awareness of land preservation and sustainability has trended upward as a concern for Americans in recent years.
“While we know the messaging of preservation is serious, we also recognize and celebrate the value of fun,” said Hardy. “Letting people get up close and personal with the horse, land and people of Horse Country really is a delightful way to spend time and, ultimately to fall a little bit in love.”
Experiences at Visit Horse Country member locations are offered daily, and open equine locations around Central Kentucky to guests from around the United States and the globe. Since the nonprofit's formation in 2015, Visit Horse Country has welcomed more than 140,000 guests and counts the premier stallion, nursery, clinics and other equine organizations among its membership, with the unifying mission of fan development for the horse and Kentucky.
American Farmland Trust has counted among its supporters many farm owners and community leaders also participating with Visit Horse Country's touring program. AFT partners with land trusts across the nation. Bluegrass Land Conservancy is AFT's local land trust partner in Kentucky.
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Hugh Fitzsimons Jr. Passes: Texas Owner-Breeder Held Numerous Industry Leadership Positions
Hugh Asa Fitzsimons, Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 17, 2021, with his beloved Andrea by his side. A master of the quick quip and possessing an infectious humor, Hugh loved life. He had a great love for people, dogs, horses, and cattle. He also had a passion for land conservation that continues with his children and grandchildren. An Irishman to the core, he was a master storyteller. As he recently said, “If an Irishman dies while telling a story, he will be back.” Hugh will be back in the lives of his family and friends.
Known as “Pappy” to his nine grandchildren and “Pappylito” to his four step-grandchildren, Hugh was born in Shreveport, La., on January 19, 1930, to Hugh Asa Fitzsimons and Val Burch Fitzsimons. The family moved to San Antonio in 1933. Hugh graduated from Texas Military Institute in 1946 and attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Schooling did not end with college, however, as Hugh was an avid reader, especially of history.
In 1951, Hugh married Laura Lu “Lolly” Carrigan of Wichita Falls, Texas. They had three children, Pam, Sunny, and Joseph. The family divided their time between San Antonio and the San Pedro Ranch in Dimmit County, Texas, where Hugh continued his father's passion for cattle and horses. Fascinated by bloodlines and breeding, he was always looking for innovations, and befriended leading beef and range experts, including Rhodesian native Alan Savory and Dr. Jan Bonsma from South Africa, a proponent of “functional efficiency,” to help with his Brahman and Hereford herds.
His interests led him to leadership positions in numerous livestock and ranching organizations, including the Texas Beef Council and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.
Besides his family, perhaps no passion ranked as high as horses. An avid horseman, Hugh began playing polo with his father at the age of 12 when many of the players in San Antonio's fabled polo community went to fight in World War II. Many years later, he found tremendous joy in watching his grandchildren play. Later, Hugh took up three-day eventing. But perhaps nothing excited him more than horse racing.
Breeding and racing thoroughbreds was Hugh's lifelong passion. He was a walking encyclopedia of bloodlines. A member of The Jockey Club, he held leadership positions in numerous other racing-related organizations and, from 1988 to 1993, served as chairman of the Texas Racing Commission. Hugh's contributions to horse racing always focused on the welfare of his first love, the horse. As such, he supported the tireless work of many people that culminated in the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, signed into law by President Trump in 2020. In later years, when no longer at the track, he could be found bouncing his great-grandchildren on his lap while watching live races.
In addition to his ranching and equine interests, Hugh was an accomplished pilot, businessman, and philanthropist. He served on the Texas Aeronautics Commission from 1966-1972 and was either a director or co-founder of three South Texas banks.
As a trustee of the Ewing Halsell Foundation, Hugh was instrumental in the establishment of charter schools in San Antonio. He was a firm believer in the power of school choice to provide opportunities for those seeking a high-quality education for all. Beyond his philanthropy, Hugh was generous with his time and mentored many young friends. As one young admirer said, “I always felt better after talking with him.”
In 1994 Hugh married Berthica Andrea Fitzsimons. Together they pursued passions for travel, music, and hunting, and enjoyed the company of many great friends. In addition to Andrea, Hugh is survived by a large loving family, including his children: Pamela Fitzsimons Howard and husband, Ryland; Hugh Asa Fitzsimons, III, and wife Sarah; Joseph B.C. Fitzsimons and wife Blair; and his nine grandchildren: Hugh Asa Fitzsimons IV; Patrick Fitzsimons; Evelyn Fitzsimons Clark and husband Matt; Fay Fitzsimons Walker and husband Brevard; Anson Boulware Howard, and wife Meredith; Laura Isabel Howard; Jonathan Calvert Fitzsimons and wife Burkley; Louisa Carrigan Howard and fiancee Devon; and Katherine Burgwin Fitzsimons. He was also devoted to his stepchildren: Bertha Maria Castellvi Bryant and husband Brad; Susie Castellvi Streller and husband, Steve; Carol Castellvi Marable and husband, Todd; and David Castellvi; and their children, Julia and Joseph Streller, and Amanda and William Marable. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his three sisters: Pauline Fitzsimons Love, Jamie Fitzsimons Adger and Seawillow Fitzsimons Perron.
Due to covid restrictions, there will be a family-only memorial service at 1:00 pm on Friday, April 23, 2021. You may find the link to view the service within Hugh's obituary page at www.porterloring.com and share stories about Hugh. We are deeply grateful to Hugh's long-time assistant, America Vargas, for many years of faithful service and devotion; to Felisha Singer, Valentina Pereida, Angel Orta, Mari Torrez and the staff of 4242 Broadway for their loving care; and to Four Seasons Hospice and Porter Loring for their guidance. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Village at Incarnate Word; Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word; or the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation.
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