Month: May 2023

Fan-Favourite Sodashi Lands Horror Draw For Victoria Mile

Sodashi (Jpn) (Kurofune), the world's most recognisable not to mention most talented registered white horse, has drawn the widest barrier in a field of 18 while making her 5-year-old reappearance in defence of her title in Sunday's G1 Victoria Mile at Tokyo, a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for this year's GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita Park in California.

A two-length winner of this event last season, Sodashi was only fifth as the favourite in last August's G2 Sapporo Kinen (2000m) behind Jack d'Or (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) and Win Marilyn (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}), each of whom have since recorded top-level successes. A head second in the nine-furlong G2 Fuchu Himba over this course in October, the two-time champion was last seen finishing a competitive third behind Serifos (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) in the G1 Mile Championship last November. Sodashi gets a noteworthy change in the saddle Sunday.

“Jockey Damian Lane rode her two weeks ago, and he said he found her easy to ride,” said trainer Naosuke Sugai. “He has been studying all her races and I do want him to ride her as he feels is right. There are a lot of top horses in the lineup, but I want her to be able to bring out her best. Of course, I want results, but the most important thing is that she runs safely and comes out of the race well.”

 

 

 

Reining Japanese champion 3-year-old filly Stars on Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) won the first two legs of last year's Japanese Filly Triple Crown, the G1 Oka Sho and G1 Yushun Himba, ahead of a luckless third behind Stunning Rose (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) in the G1 Shuka Sho. Sidelined thereafter, she flew home late and was unfortunate not to get past the aforementioned Jack d'Or in the G1 Osaka Hai on her seasonal return Apr. 2.

“She'd been coming off a layoff in her previous race, but this time, with a race behind her, I think she has improved,” said jockey Christophe Lemaire, back from his sixth-place effort in the GI Kentucky Derby last weekend. “She feels to be in perfect shape. We lost last time because we were racing from too far back. The start will be important.”

Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) is back at the mile, having finished a somewhat disappointing 10th behind Bathrat Leon (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) when going for back-to-back victories in the G3 1351 Turf Sprint in Saudi Arabia Feb. 25. She improved from a well-backed fifth in this spot to cause a mild upset in last term's G1 Yasuda Kinen in her next visit to the races.

So deep is this year's renewal that Lotus Land (Point of Entry), a dual Group 3 winner and near-miss second in the 2022 G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen, is no better than a 100-1 chance. She exits a sixth in the latter event Mar. 26 when the ground at Chukyo was exceptionally testing.

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BetMakers Launches Fixed Odds Mobile App

MonmouthBets, the first legal and regulated mobile application for fixed odds betting on horse racing in the United States, has launched announced BetMakers Technology Group Friday. Approved by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the MonmouthBets app is now available for New Jersey residents to accept wagers on mobile devices ahead of Monmouth Park's 78th season beginning Saturday, May 13.

In addition to being able to place bets on Monmouth Park races, New Jersey horseplayers can now place fixed odds wagers on races from Tampa Bay Downs, Canterbury Park, Delaware Park, Hawthorne Race Course, Emerald Downs, and Century Mile.

“With last year's retail offering setting the foundation, we are excited and honored to bring fixed odds betting to horseplayers through our MonmouthBets digital platforms,” said BetMakers CEO Jake Henson. “Fixed odds betting will help to form a healthy betting ecosystem for horse racing in New Jersey and beyond, with the transformative potential to provide a massive benefit to the entire racing industry.”

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NYRA To Expand Saratoga Breakfast And Breeding Farm Tours For 2023

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced plans to significantly enhance opportunities for fans to experience the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour package, which debuted to sold out crowds each Friday in its inaugural season.

Expanded due to its overwhelming popularity in 2022, the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour will this year be offered every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday during the Saratoga meet and will now feature two active thoroughbred breeding farms. The tours will accommodate up to 52 guests each day beginning Friday, July 14, and will conclude on Friday, September 1.

This year the tours will be offered every Wednesday at Song Hill Thoroughbreds, 290 County Road 75 in Mechanicville, NY; and every Thursday and Friday at Old Tavern Farm, 45 Brown Road, in nearby Stillwater.

The all-inclusive fan experience package, presented by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), features

  • Buffet breakfast at Saratoga Race Course;
  • Opportunity to watch world-class thoroughbreds during morning training;
  • Round-trip, trolley ride from Saratoga Race Course to Song Hill Thoroughbreds on Wednesdays or to Old Tavern Farm on Thursdays and Fridays;
  • 60 to 90-minute guided walking tour of an active thoroughbred breeding farm;
  • Admission to Saratoga Race Course.

 

The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm package is $85 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may be purchased at NYRA.com.

“Last year's inaugural Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm package was such a huge success that we have expanded it to three days per week and added a second thoroughbred breeding farm to accommodate demand,” said NYRA Vice President of Communications Pat McKenna. “The opportunity for fans to go behind-the-scenes to experience this side of the sport clearly resonated beyond all expectations. We thank Old Tavern Farm for helping us launch this innovative program last summer and welcome them back alongside our newest partner, Song Hill Thoroughbreds, in addition to our presenting sponsor, CDTA.”

The itinerary begins with Breakfast at Saratoga, featuring a buffet at Saratoga Race Course between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. with a backdrop of world-class thoroughbreds participating in morning training. Guests may arrive for breakfast at any time during these hours.

At 9:45 a.m., fans will board one of two CDTA trolleys at the Clubhouse entrance and embark on a picturesque 15-minute ride to Old Tavern Farm or 20-minute excursion to Song Hill Thoroughbreds. Upon arrival, guests will be led on an experiential walking tour by the farm's owners and expert staff. Fans will return to Saratoga Race Course at approximately 11:45 a.m., well before racing gets underway at approximately 1 p.m.

Song Hill Thoroughbreds, owned by Jim and Tina Bond, was established in 2005. The expansive 100-acre horse farm is home to mares, foals, weanlings, yearlings and retired Thoroughbreds. Features include an all-encompassing, sophisticated facility that is detail oriented, meticulously clean and was designed with the horses' comfort in mind. It operates alongside Bond Racing Stables and is focused on breeding, sales and turning out champion thoroughbreds.

“We are truly honored to be part of the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm program as it expands in just its second year of operation,” said Song Hill Thoroughbreds Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner Tina Bond, who is likewise vice president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. “There is something magical about visiting the horses at their earliest stages of life and gaining a better understanding of how they are loved and nurtured as well as prepared for the prospect of a racing career. We look forward to educating and welcoming horse lovers of all ages to Song Hill Thoroughbreds this summer.”

Old Tavern Farm is a private boutique thoroughbred-breeding operation in Saratoga Springs that was founded in 2016 by Walt and Michelle Borisenok. Located just a short distance from historic Saratoga Race Course, Old Tavern Farm has been developed into a state-of-the-art facility focused on the breeding and sale of thoroughbreds to compete at the highest levels of the sport. The name Old Tavern was derived from the 19th century tavern that once graced the property.

“We are honored to once again be part of this exciting program after launching it last year in partnership with NYRA and the New York Thoroughbred Breeders,” said Old Tavern Farm founder and owner Walt Borisenok. “Throughout the inaugural season, we had the opportunity to meet hundreds of fans who gained a new appreciation for what takes place on a working thoroughbred breeding farm. We look forward to welcoming new and returning guests who will walk away with a greater appreciation for how thoroughbred racing and breeding support our local economy.”

“The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour was a fantastic new addition to the Saratoga experience in 2022, highlighting the importance of the New York State breeding industry,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “We were thrilled with its inaugural success that spawned this expansion for the 2023 season and extend our thanks to Old Tavern Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds, two of the leading breeding farms in our state. We also want to thank our partners at NYRA for spearheading this extraordinary opportunity.”

The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tour is presented by CDTA. In addition to transporting guests to and from Old Tavern Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds aboard a pair of classic trolleys, CDTA is the presenting sponsor of Breakfast at Saratoga, which is offered daily at Saratoga Race Course from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (excludes Travers Day).

“We are excited to continue our partnership with NYRA and enhance this year's experience alongside Old Tavern Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds for the 2023 racing season,” said CDTA's Director of Business Development, Jonathan Scherzer. “This experience is a great way to connect fans and visitors to the historic Saratoga Race Course and the rich history of horse racing. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back on board our iconic trolley for an enjoyable 'Summer in Saratoga' experience.”

Highlighted by the 154th edition of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on August 26 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 5, the 40-day summer meet will open on Thursday, July 13 and continue through Monday, September 4. Following the four-day opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week, when the 2023 summer meet will conclude on Labor Day.

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Dance Shoes Named Alberta’s 2022 Horse Of The Year

The Paddock Room at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino was sold out on the evening of May 5 as over 130 Alberta Thoroughbred breeders, owners, trainers and backstretch workers celebrated the achievements of the Alberta Thoroughbred industry in 2022. 

Master of Ceremonies Ken Gee began the awards program with greetings and a positive outlook from Horse Racing Alberta Chief Executive Officer, Kent Verlik.

“In 2022, Alberta horse racing moved forward from the pandemic and began the recovery process with reasons for optimism on many fronts,” he said. “An exciting accomplishment was the long-term funding agreement signed by Horse Racing Alberta and the Alberta Government that provides stability to the industry until March 31, 2031.” 

Dance Shoes dominated the awards presentations winning in all four of the categories she was nominated for – Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy for Champion Sprinter, Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd. Trophy for Champion Older Mare, the Ted Connor Memorial Trophy for Champion Alberta bred and the Horse Racing Alberta Trophy for Horse of the Year. 

As a 4-year-old last season, the Alberta bred Mank filly earned $163,618 to finish with an impressive record of six wins from eight starts at Century Mile Racetrack and Casino. Four of those wins included the RedTail Landing Handicap, the Shirley Vargo Handicap, the Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap and the R.K. Smith Handicap.

Owner Mohamad Khan thanked, “the CTHS of Alberta, HBPA of Alberta, Century Mile (Racetrack and Casino) and all the other good people who have made this a most memorable evening for me, my family, friends and horse people.”

Mohamad also thanked breeder James McFadyen, jockeys Alex Marti and Dane Nelson and had special words for his trainer Jim Brown,

“Jim has transformed this filly and she genuinely enjoys racing,” he said. “Thanks, Jim.”

Mohamad came to own Dance Shoes through the claiming route as “one of my horses ran against Dance Shoes twice and lost. Expecting Dance Shoes to win that second encounter, I asked James Brown, my trainer, to put in a claim for her and, as they say, the rest is history.”

Another Alberta bred Big Hug took the Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy for Champion 2-Year-Old filly home for owners Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm. The Mr. Big filly earned $142,900 last season in only five starts including victories in the CTHS Alberta 2-Year-Old Sales Stakes, the Sturgeon River Stakes and the Princess Margaret Stakes.

The C.T.H.S. Trophy for Leading Breeder was awarded to Pierre Esquirol who bred horses that earned a total of $262,108 and 17 wins last season.

Craig Smith presented the Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award to longtime Alberta horseman Rod Cone.

The award is presented to members of the industry who have dedicated a substantial amount of time and effort to preserving or improving the thoroughbred racing industry here in Alberta. As Craig stated, “In this case and many others, this is in fact a lifetime.”

Rod's training career began in 1988 and he has earned 987 wins at every major racetrack in Canada and other U.S. tracks. Notable horses trained by Rod include Switch N Win, Racaholic, Latshaw, Northern Prospector, Cozzy Grey, Go Eighty Eight, Quiet Approach, Notoriously, Double Bear, Afleets Dancer, Tempered Sapphire and Bird Of Pay who Rod says, “may have been the best horse he ever trained.” 

All the 2022 Alberta Thoroughbred award winners are shown below:

Champion 2-year-old male – Rocky Mountain Turf Club Trophy
Cuban Cobra
Owner: Crystal Cates and Gonzalo Anderson
Trainer: Tim Rycroft
Breeder: Moonshine Meadow Ranch (AB)
DK. B. C. 2 by Flat Out – A E Phi Sensation
2022: 5 Starts – 3 wins – 2 seconds – 0 thirds – $90,800
Winner: Canadian Juvenile Stakes (BT), Winnipeg Futurity
Placings: Birdcatcher Stakes (BT), Martin Deerline Juvenile Stakes

Champion 2-year-old female – Dwight McLellan Memorial Trophy
Big Hug
Owner: Empire Equestrian and Kerredge Farm
Trainer: Rick Hedge
Breeder: Chalet Stable (AB)
DK.B.F. 2 by Mr. Big – Temeeku (Unusual Heat)
2022: 5 starts – 4 wins – 0 seconds – 0 thirds – $142,900
Winner: CTHS Alberta Two Year Old Sales Stakes (BT), Sturgeon River Stakes, Princess Margaret Stakes

Champion 3-year-old male – Sponsored by Bar None Ranches Ltd.
Asyoubelieve
Owner: Shot In The Dark Racing Corp
Trainer: Tim Rycroft
Breeder: Bennett/Caravetta (BC)
DK.B.G. 3 by Second in Command – I Believe in Angel (Cause to Believe)
2022:  7 starts – 4 wins – 1 second – 0 thirds – $92,000
Winner: CTHS Alberta Three Year Old Sales Stakes, Western Canada Handicap

Champion 3-year-old female – Dave Kapchinsky Memorial Trophy
Oneofthemgirls
Owner: Highfield Investment Group Inc., Curtis Landry, Irving Devey
Trainer: Greg Tracy
Breeder: Highfield Investment Group Inc. and Curtis Landry (AB)
CH.F. 3 by Exhi – Eustacia (Forestry)
2022: 4 starts – 3 wins – 0 seconds – 1 third – $95,000
Winner: Sonoma Handicap, Chariot Chaser Handicap (BT), Alberta Sire Debutante Stakes
Placings: Alberta Oaks

Champion older male – Century Mile Racetrack and Casino Trophy
At Attention
Owner: Dr. Bryan Anderson and Carol Anderson
Trainer: Barbara Heads
Breeder: Dr. Bryan Anderson and Carol Anderson (BC)
DK.B.G. 5 by Shanghai Bobby – Unattended (Quality Road)
2022:  8 starts – 5 wins – 3 seconds – 0 thirds – $233,900
Winner: Speed to Spare Championship Stakes (BT), BC Premier's Handicap (G3), Century Mile Handicap (BT)
Placings: S.W. Randall Plate Handicap (BT), BC Cup Classic Handicap

Champion older female – Moore Equine Veterinary Centre Ltd. Trophy
Dance Shoes
Owner: Mohamad Khan
Trainer: James Brown
Breeder: James McFadyen (AB)
CH.F. 4 by Mank – Dancin for Dellana (WhyWhyWhy)
2022: 11 starts – 6 wins – 1 second – 2 thirds – $163,618
Winner: R.K. Red Smith Handicap, Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap, Shirley Vargo Handicap (BT), RedTail Landing Handicap (BT)
Placings: City of Phoenix Stakes, Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Stakes

Champion Claimer – H.B.P.A. Trophy
Bon Prix
Owner: James Wyness
Trainer: James Wyness
Breeder: Roberto Martinez (KY)
2022: 11 starts – 5 wins – 3 seconds – 0 thirds – $48,790
Winner: 2 Starter Optional Claiming, 1 Starter Allowance, 2 Claiming
Placings: Allowance Optional Claiming, Starter Allowance

Champion Sprinter – Century Downs Racetrack and Casino Trophy
Dance Shoes
Owner: Mohamad Khan
Trainer: James Brown
Breeder: James McFadyen (AB)
CH.F. 4 by Mank – Dancin for Dellana (WhyWhyWhy)
2022:  11 starts – 6 wins – 1 second – 2 thirds – $163,618
Winner: R.K. Red Smith Handicap, Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap, Shirley Vargo Handicap (BT), RedTail Landing Handicap (BT)
Placings: City of Phoenix Stakes, Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Stakes

Champion Alberta-bred – Ted Connor Memorial Trophy
Dance Shoes
Owner: Mohamad Khan
Trainer: James Brown
Breeder: James McFadyen (AB)
CH.F. 4 by Mank – Dancin for Dellana (WhyWhyWhy)
2022: 11 starts – 6 wins – 1 second – 2 thirds – $163,618
Winner: R.K. Red Smith Handicap, Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap, Shirley Vargo Handicap (BT), RedTail Landing Handicap (BT)
Placings: City of Phoenix Stakes, Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Stakes

Horse of the Year – Horse Racing Alberta Trophy
Dance Shoes
Owner: Mohamad Khan
Trainer: James Brown
Breeder: James McFadyen (AB)
CH.F. 4 by Mank – Dancin for Dellana (WhyWhyWhy)
2022: 11 starts – 6 wins – 1 second – 2 thirds – $163,618
Winner: R.K. Red Smith Handicap, Alberta Fall Classic Distaff Handicap, Shirley Vargo Handicap (BT), RedTail Landing Handicap (BT)
Placings: City of Phoenix Stakes, Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Stakes

Leading Breeder – C.T.H.S. Trophy
Pierre Esquirol
2022:  Starts – 178   Wins – 17    Seconds – 23   Thirds – 27
Earnings: $262,108

Alberta bred horses bred by Pierre Esquirol earned over $260,000 with 17 wins. The top Esquirol bred horse last season was the Alberta bred runner Wildcat Willy by Wildcat Red out of Silver Chest (Silver Deputy).

Leading Jockey – The Lou Davies Memorial Trophy
Enrique Gonzalez
2022: Starts – 296   Wins – 71    Seconds – 59   Thirds – 40
Earnings: $1,054,955

The multiple graded stakes placed jockey Enrique Gonzalez earned over $1 Million last season including 71 wins. The top horse ridden by Gonzalez was the Champion 3-year-old colt Asyoubelieve; other horses included Cuban Cobra, Mudinator, Greek Geek and Stone Carver.

Apprentice Jockey
N'Rico Prescod
2022: Starts – 208   Wins – 26    Seconds – 33   Thirds – 38
Earnings: $426,215

The stakes winning jockey N'Rico Prescod earned over $400,000 last season including 26 wins. The top horse ridden last season by Prescod was the Three Year Old Alberta bred colt Above and Beyond with a win in the Alberta Sire Stakes Derby. 

Leading Trainer – H.B.P.A. Trophy
Tim Rycroft
2022: Starts – 334  Wins – 62  Seconds – 62  Thirds – 44
Earnings $984,075

The multiple grades stakes winning trainer Tim Rycroft earned the Leading Trainer title for the fifth consecutive year with Rycroft trained horses earning close to $1 Million with 62 wins last season. The top runner for Tim in 2021 was the multiple stakes placed Alberta bred winner, Greek Geek.

Leading Owner – Jockey Club of Canada Trophy (Provided by JCC)

Crystal Cates and Gonzalo Anderson
2022:  Starts – 56    Wins – 16  Seconds – 10  Thirds – 8
Earnings $236,500

The multiple winning owners Crystal Cates and Gonzalo Anderson earned the Leading Owner title for the 2022 season with horses owned by this partnership earning $236,500. The top runner for Cates & Anderson last season was the champion 2-year-old colt Cuban Cobra

Ken Cohoe Lifetime Achievement Award
Rod Cone

Rod Cone was presented with the 'lifelong personal involvement and contribution for the love of the Thoroughbred' honor for his commitment to the Alberta Thoroughbred industry. Rod is a multiple graded stakes winning trainer with 987 wins and over $9.8 million in earnings. Horses trained by Rod include such well known runners as Double Bear, A Fleets Dancer, Cozzy Grey, A Quiet Approach, Tempered Sapphire, Northernprospector, Notoriously, Double Bear, Go Eighty Eight and Bird of Pay. 

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