Ocean Road, an Irish import who earned her first graded score in the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes, has been retired from racing due to injury, BloodHorse reports.
Trainer Brendan Walsh told BloodHorse that the 4-year-old daughter of Australia suffered a torn ligament in a front leg while training toward last weekend's G1 Diana Stakes. Breeding plans will be decided at a later time.
Ocean Road began her career in England with owner Qatar Racing and trainer Hugo Palmer, winning at two and finishing second in the Novibet Oaks Trial Stakes to kick off her 3-year-old campaign. After finishing sixth in the G1 Cazoo Oaks, Ocean Road ended her season with a third in the G3 Newmarket Pony Academy Pride Stakes, and a trip overseas for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Del Mar, where she finished sixth.
The filly was moved to Walsh's barn for the 2022 season, starting with an allowance victory at Keeneland. Her final career start came in the G1 Gamely Stakes at Santa Anita Park, where she closed from last to win by a half-length.
Ocean Road finished her career with three wins in eight career starts for earnings of $351,772.
Read more at BloodHorse.
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The Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission reported Monday on the progress of its Equine Safety and Welfare Plan, a list of tangible steps intended to increase protections for horses racing at Pennsylvania's six tracks. The measures, which the commission began implementing Mar. 1, 2022, included an Integrity Hotline for reporting suspected illegal or unethical behavior.
“Early results from the hotline and other measures have been promising and reinforce the thorough consideration that went into developing the action plan,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, who chairs the commission. “Implementing the strategy will be a long-term effort. The commission is committed for the long haul to protecting the integrity of the sport and the safety and welfare of the horses and participants.”
The development of an equine fatality database was among the plan's 10 measures. Thoroughbred fatalities from Apr. 1-June 30 were 30 in 2021 and 17 in 2022. Fatalities to date in 2022 include 10 at Parx Racing in Philadelphia, five at Penn National in Dauphin County, and two at Presque Isle Downs in Erie County. Harness racing fatalities included three in 2021 and two during the same period in 2022–one at The Meadows in Washington County and one at Pocono Downs in Luzerne County.
Other new measures included an independent, third-party analysis of the racing surfaces at each track. No racing surface issues were flagged as a result of the analysis.
As a result of increased commission veterinary oversight of morning workouts, eight horses were placed on the veterinarians' list and deemed ineligible to race. As a result of enhanced post-race supervision and stricter criteria, 17 horses were placed on the veterinarians' list and six horses were retired from racing.
Five horses were deemed ineligible to race in Pennsylvania based on the new rule providing for the disqualification of any horse that finished 12 or more lengths behind the winner in five consecutive starts.
The Integrity Hotline received 51 calls from Mar. 1 through June 30. Every call is investigated and referred for action as warranted. Ten calls are pending investigation and 41 alleged issues have been closed. No fines or penalties have been issued as a result of issues alleged in calls.
Allegations at Thoroughbred tracks accounted for 32 calls, including unethical conduct by race officials and horsemen, use of illegal devices by a jockey, unethical treatment of horses, unauthorized ingress or egress by horses, wagering irregularities and monetary disputes.
Among 17 allegations made regarding standardbred race tracks were incorrect decisions by judges, unethical conduct by horsemen and training center officials, unethical treatment of horses, licensing concerns, and administration of performance-enhancing medications.
Two calls without a specific location included an allegation of unethical treatment of horses, and a question about standardbred racing.
Tips can be reported to the hotline anonymously at any time by leaving a detailed message at (717) 787-1942. More information about the Pennsylvania State Horseracing Commission can be found at agriculture.pa.gov.
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Jockeys competing on Saturday, July 30 (or another mutually agreed upon date that week at racetracks not racing that day) will pay tribute to National Disability Independence Day and raise awareness and funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Last year's event raised more than $50,000 at racetracks across the country.
Jockeys at some 20 racetracks are expected to participate in various activities to support the PDJF while also saluting National Disability Independence Day, which marks the 32nd anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Throughout the day, fans and industry participants will be encouraged to contribute to the PDJF at PDJF.org. The PDJF is a 501(c)(3) public charity that provides financial assistance to approximately 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on-track injuries.
“The PDJF welcomes teaming up with the Jockeys' Guild and NTRA to honor the passage of this very important piece of legislation that has changed the lives for all Americans living with a disability,” said Nancy LaSala, Board President of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. “The lives of PDJF recipients are improved as a result and for this we are very grateful.”
Racetracks and jockey colonies set to participate in the promotion include: Arizona Downs; Colonial Downs; Del Mar Thoroughbred Club; Delta Downs, Horseshoe Indianapolis, Monmouth Park, Prairie Meadows, and Saratoga Race Course. A complete listing of participating outlets will be released prior to the event date(s).
The post Jockeys to Pay Tribute to National Disability Independence Day, Fundraise for PDJF July 30 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.
