August, 2022 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Agent Switch: Steve Rushing Will Now Represent Both Ortiz Brothers

Jockey Jose Ortiz's longstanding relationship with agent Jimmy Riccio, Jr. has come to an end, reports bloodhorse.com. Ortiz will be represented by Steve Rushing, who also represents his brother, Irad Ortiz, Jr., beginning with the Aug. 17 card at Saratoga.

“I've been thinking about this for a while. My business is not what it used to be, and I felt it was a good time to make a change,” Jose Ortiz told bloodhorse.com. “It's never easy to do something like this. I've been with Jimmy a long time, and he's been great. We've done a lot of great things together, and I appreciate all of the things he did for me. But I felt I needed to make a change.”

Jose Ortiz and Riccio had been a partnership since the younger Ortiz brother began riding in the United States in 2012. Ortiz, 28, won the Eclipse Award as Outstanding Jockey in 2017, has won two Triple Crown and five Breeders' Cup races, and is currently fourth in the standings at Saratoga.

“I was shocked and disappointed,” Riccio told bloodhorse.com. “We did some great things together, but I know nothing is promised in life.”

Finalists Announced for 2022 TIEA Awards

The finalists for the 2022 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in America have been announced, including three finalists in six of the seven categories, as well as the winner and runner-up of the Thoroughbred Industry Community Award–Jessica Hammond of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, and Kyle Roper of CHI St. Vincent, respectively.

This year's Awards Ceremony will once again be hosted by Keeneland and will take place on Friday, Oct. 14. Finalists and their guest will be provided with travel and accommodation for out-of-town finalists, a tour of a local horse farm, dinner for finalists and their connections, and the Ceremony luncheon followed by an afternoon of racing at Keeneland.

Panel Chair Rogers Beasley commented, “Being a part of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards is more than an honor, it is the most meaningful program in the industry. Being able to recognize and reward these individuals who contribute so much to our industry is truly special. But all the nominees should be very proud of their accomplishments that prompted someone to nominate them and tell their story.”

“I'd also like to thank the National HBPA, TOBA, The Jockey Club, Breeders' Cup, and Godolphin, without whose underwriting and support these awards would not be possible to implement. Lastly, a heartfelt thanks to our media partners–BloodHorse Publications, The Thoroughbred Daily News, Daily Racing Form, TVG, Paulick Report, and America's Day at the Races–for helping to spread the reach of the awards.”

TIEA welcomed category sponsors for the first time in 2021 and all seven will be returning as sponsors again this year–Hallway Feeds, NTRA, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Keeneland, NYRA, I Am Horse Racing and Churchill Downs.

The winners of the Administration, Dedication to Breeding, Dedication to Racing, Leadership and Support Services Awards will receive a prize of $7,500, with an additional $2,500 awarded to the winner's team at their farm, stable or organization. The two runners-up in these categories will win $2,500 each, with $2,500 awarded to their farm, stable or organization.

The winner of the Newcomer Award will receive $2,000 and a five-day educational trip to Dubai, with $1,000 awarded to their team at their place of work. The two runners-up in this award will receive $1,000 each, and $1,000 will also be awarded to their farm, stable or organization.

The 2022 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards finalists are:
• Katherine McKee Administration Award sponsored by Keeneland
• Darla Shoemaker Gaige (Charles Town HBPA)
• Blaire Eads (EQUIX)
• Angela Ramsey (Sequel Holdings)

Support Services Award sponsored by I Am Horse Racing
• Walter “Stretch” Johnson (Protravel International)
• Timothy Tullock, Jr. (Maryland Jockey Club)
• Laura Scheer (New York Racing Association)

Dedication to Breeding Award sponsored by Hallway Feeds
• Don Jenkins (Darby Dan Farm)
• Danny Mitchell (Denali Stud)
• Steve Holbrook (Coolmore America

Dedication to Racing Award sponsored by National Thoroughbred Racing Association
• Alice Clapham (Graham Motion)
• Felipe Pulido Mendoza (Richard Mandella)
• Danny Ramsey (McPeek Racing Stables)

Leadership Award sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
• Matthew Zehnder (University of Kentucky Maine Chance Farm)
• Leanna Willaford (Bill Mott)
• Anne Eberhardt (BloodHorse Publications)

Newcomer Award sponsored by New York Racing Association
• Charles Churchill (Ed Brown Society and 1/ST Racing)
• Maddie Rowland (Elizabeth Merryman)
• Jonathan Estrada (David Donk)

Thoroughbred Industry Community Award sponsored by Churchill Downs
• Winner Jessica Hammond (Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association)
• Runner-up (Kyle Roper, CHI St. Vincent)

The post Finalists Announced for 2022 TIEA Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Wing Pony For Hire: New Skills Keep Eventer Connected To Local Community

Even though her horse is no longer able to participate in the jumping phases, one Kentucky three-day eventer has found a unique way to stay involved in the sport she loves and support her fellow competitors at the same time.

Jodi Dickey and her longtime partner Jake have garnered extra attention at this year's Kentucky Horse Park events in their lime green “working” attire. Jake's steady demeanor and Jodi's friendly face make them the perfect choice to accompany young, green horses in need of extra emotional support at the busy, often chaotic facility in Lexington, Ky.

“I pick competitors and their horses up at the barn, then walk them to the ring, putting my horse between the nervous horse and scary things,” Jodi explained. “It helps protect the horse from the busyness of the Kentucky Horse Park, particularly with dressage as the horses can get really uptight and nervous on the long walk down to the dressage complex. Sometimes the rider needs some emotional support, as well!”

The “Wing Pony” idea was born earlier this year when Jake's soundness issues were revealed to be caused by an ill-fitting dressage saddle.

Jodi had been signed up to compete at the KHP in May, along with her friend riding a first time KHP competitor.

“I realized I couldn't show because I only had a western saddle that fit Jake,” Jodi said. “I wondered if I could go as a non-compete and just be a babysitter for my friend's horse. Another friend of mine got excited about that idea, and that was when the helmet and the saddle cover and all of that came about.”

The official “Wing Pony” on the clock at the Kentucky Horse Park

The small fee Jodi charges competitors for the service goes to cover her expenses, then everything above that is donated to the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. The 501(c)3 organization is dedicated to achieving the vision for the KHP as the world's leading equestrian destination as a working horse farm, a world-renowned center for show and competition, and an international center for equine education.

“That was my first office job out of undergrad, so it is something that's near and dear to my heart,” Jodi explained. “I just cover my expenses and then send the rest to improve the Kentucky Horse Park for all of us.”

Though she has 38 years of experience in the saddle, Jodi had never ridden western before this year. There was definitely a learning curve in adapting to one-handed riding, but Jake is truly enjoying his new gig.

“It's been a really fun adventure, invigorating for both of us to learn something new,” Jodi said. “Now I'm learning to pony polo horses and young Thoroughbreds on the farm, and we're hopefully going to try ponying at the racetrack a little bit later this year.”

If all goes well, Jodi hopes to be able to pony a few horses at the Breeders' Cup World Championships being held at Keeneland in November. It's a lofty goal, but she's made friends in the racing community who will help her guide Jake step-by-step through the qualification process to make sure both of them are up to the task.

“I have never been on the track, so the next step is to take Jake to go get my exercise license,” Jodi said. “At any point, if either of us don't like it, we'll just stop. But so far, he's been really tolerant and he seems to like the challenge. Jake has always been the low horse on the totem pole, but with a rider on his back he really does like leading another horse around!”

At the end of the day, all that matters to Jodi is that Jake has a fulfilling, interesting job that isn't too hard on his body. It's another way to stay connected with her longtime partner, and a fun way to challenge her own horsemanship skills as well.

“I've had a ton of support, people telling me that this is a great idea,” Jodi said. “I really love the idea that I can still participate in the horse trials, but I don't have to stress!”

The post Wing Pony For Hire: New Skills Keep Eventer Connected To Local Community appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Finalists Announced For 2022 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards

The finalists for the 2022 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in America have been announced, including three finalists in six of the seven categories, as well as the winner and runner-up of the Thoroughbred Industry Community Award – Jessica Hammond of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, and Kyle Roper of CHI St. Vincent, respectively.

This year's Awards Ceremony will once again be hosted by Keeneland and will take place on Friday, Oct. 14, in Lexington, Ky. Finalists and their guest will be provided with travel and accommodation for out-of-town finalists, a tour of a local horse farm, dinner for finalists and their connections, and the Ceremony luncheon followed by an afternoon of racing at Keeneland.

The shortlist judging panel, the first of the two judging panels, met on Friday, July 29, to determine the finalists in each category as well as the Community Award winner and runner-up. Their meeting was hosted by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York. The second and final stage of judging will be conducted as in person interviews with each finalist on Thursday, Oct. 13.

Panel Chair Rogers Beasley commented: “Being a part of the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards is more than an honor, it is the most meaningful program in the industry. Being able to recognize and reward these individuals who contribute so much to our industry is truly special. But all the nominees should be very proud of their accomplishments that prompted someone to nominate them and tell their story.”

“I'd also like to thank the National HBPA, TOBA, The Jockey Club, Breeders' Cup, and Godolphin, without whose underwriting and support these awards would not be possible to implement. Lastly, a heartfelt thanks to our media partners – BloodHorse Publications, The Thoroughbred Daily News, Daily Racing Form, TVG, Paulick Report, and America's Day at the Races – for helping to spread the reach of the awards.”

TIEA was pleased to welcome category sponsors for the first time in 2021 and all seven will be returning as sponsors again this year – Hallway Feeds, NTRA, Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, Keeneland, NYRA, I Am Horse Racing and Churchill Downs.

As the winner of the Community Award, Jessica Hammond will receive a prize of $7,500 and an additional prize of $2,500 will be donated to the charity of her choice. Kyle Roper will receive $2,500 as the runner-up in this category.

The 2022 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards finalists are:

Katherine McKee Administration Award sponsored by Keeneland
Darla Shoemaker Gaige (Charles Town HBPA)
Blaire Eads (EQUIX)
Angela Ramsey (Sequel Holdings)

Support Services Award sponsored by I Am Horse Racing
Walter “Stretch” Johnson (Protravel International)
Timothy Tullock, Jr. (Maryland Jockey Club)
Laura Scheer (New York Racing Association)

Dedication to Breeding Award sponsored by Hallway Feeds
Don Jenkins (Darby Dan Farm)
Danny Mitchell (Denali Stud)
Steve Holbrook (Coolmore America

Dedication to Racing Award sponsored by National Thoroughbred Racing Association
Alice Clapham (Graham Motion)
Felipe Pulido Mendoza (Richard Mandella)
Danny Ramsey (McPeek Racing Stables)

Leadership Award sponsored by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute
Matthew Zehnder (University of Kentucky Maine Chance Farm)
Leanna Willaford (Bill Mott)
Anne Eberhardt (BloodHorse Publications)

Newcomer Award sponsored by New York Racing Association
Charles Churchill (Ed Brown Society and 1/ST Racing)
Maddie Rowland (Elizabeth Merryman)
Jonathan Estrada (David Donk)

Thoroughbred Industry Community Award sponsored by Churchill Downs
Winner Jessica Hammond (Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association)
Runner-up (Kyle Roper, CHI St. Vincent)

The post Finalists Announced For 2022 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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