September, 2023 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Pennsylvania Stewards Hand Paco Lopez 30-Day Suspension For ‘Failure To Give Best Effort’ In Greenwood Cup

Racing officials in Pennsylvania have suspended jockey Paco Lopez 30 days for his ride aboard Ridin With Biden in the Grade 3 Greenwood Cup Stakes at Parx on Sept. 23. Lopez waived his right to appeal and began serving his sentence Sept. 28.

The ruling indicates that Lopez was cited for “failure to give his best effort and failure to use the proper diligence” in the race, where he finished third. It cites Pennsylvania regulations requiring horses be ridden out to the finish, as well as one requiring “a licensee shall not … engage in inappropriate, illegal, or unethical conduct which violates the commission's rules and regulations of racing, is inconsistent with the best interests and integrity of racing, or otherwise undermines the general public's faith, public perception, and confidence in the racing industry.”

According to the Equibase chart, Lopez and Ridin With Biden stalked eventual winner Next until midway through the final turn, when the favorite proved too much for him. Then, the chart indicates the horse was then “eased in the final stages, costing the place.” My Imagination (84-1) popped up for second by a nose over Ridin With Biden.

Ridin With Biden won the Greenwood last year and came to the race off an allowance victory at Parx on Aug. 22. He went off at odds of 3-1.

A message to Lopez's agent was unreturned Friday.

Lopez's suspension runs through Oct. 27.

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Pat Day Among New Board Members Of Kentucky Derby Museum

During the quarterly Kentucky Derby Museum Board meeting on September 15, 2023, four new Board members and a new Board Chair were unanimously approved.

The new Museum Board members include:

Mark Bacon, SVP Managing Director – Super Premium American Whiskey
Ashley Davis Sigman, Vice President of Davis Jewelers
Pat Day, Retired Hall of Fame Jockey
Eamon O'Brien, General Manager of Omni Louisville

Outgoing Board members Brandy Harmon, Michael Judah, and Loren Hebel-Osborne were honored during the meeting for completing their terms of service. The late Clinton Glasscock was also recognized for his 12 years of service to the Museum's Board. The entire Kentucky Derby Museum family was deeply saddened at the loss of Glasscock and will be forever grateful for his many contributions.

The Board's Vice Chair, David Nett, was then selected to replace outgoing Chair Glenn Haygood. Haygood served two years as Chair and is now Immediate Past Chair.

“I'm pleased to see the incredible success that is a result of the Board's collaboration and partnership with the Kentucky Derby Museum over the years,” said Haygood. “The Museum is on track to hit record attendance for 2023, and that momentum will only continue through what is expected to be an epic Derby 150. I can't thank the Board enough for their support in my time as Chair, and I know their unwavering dedication to the Museum will continue with the new Board members and Chair.”

In Haygood's time as Chair, the Board worked hand-in-hand with the Museum's Leadership Team to develop a five-year strategic plan that will catapult the visitor experience to the next level. The Board also championed major improvements, investments, and upgrades in the Museum's exhibits, programs, and facility.

“I am very excited to take on the role of Chair for the Kentucky Derby Museum's Board,” said Nett. “As the Museum prepares for the new fiscal year to start in October, I'm thankful that the Board's previous leadership helped pave the way for fantastic success, and I'm looking forward to supporting the Museum with two major milestones ahead — the 150th Kentucky Derby in 2024 and the Museum's 40th anniversary in 2025.”

Kentucky Derby Museum, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is governed by its 22-member Board of Directors and committed to the highest standard of business ethics. The Museum Board provides financial oversight and helps guide the strategic growth of the Museum. The new Board members will serve a three-year term, starting in December.

“The Museum is embarking on two thrilling years, and I'm so thankful for the incredible support the Museum has with its Board of Directors,” said Patrick Armstrong, Museum President and CEO. “Through the strategic planning process, a pandemic, construction projects, the success of Secretariat, and so much more — the Museum's Board has provided a clear vision and direction. We're looking forward to continuing that path to success for Derby 150.”

The Museum's 2024 fiscal year will start on October 1, 2023. New Board member orientation is scheduled for mid-October, and a directory of all 22 Board Members can be found on the Museum's website.

Details on each of the new board members are available below:

Mark Bacon

Mark C. Bacon is the Senior Vice President Managing Director of Woodford Reserve and Old Forester. He is responsible for the overall global strategic direction and marketing for the Woodford Reserve and Old Forester Family of Brands.

A graduate of the University of Louisville, Bacon has led various businesses at Brown-Forman Corporation in Louisville for over 34 years.

Bacon was chosen as a winner of Adweek's Brand Genius award in 2013 for his unique work on the Southern Comfort brand. Woodford Reserve was recognized by Market Watch as the spirit brand of the year in 2018.

He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association.

He has previously served on the Board of Directors at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Ashley Davis Sigman

Ashley Davis Sigman brings extensive experience and expertise to the luxury jewelry industry, having dedicated nearly 20 years to Davis Jewelers in various departments and roles. As the Vice President of Louisville's Largest Fine Jeweler, she collaborates closely with her father and CEO, Hank Davis.

Leading a team of 30 employees, Davis Sigman oversees a multi-million-dollar organization with a focus on delivering unparalleled shopping experiences. Her true passion lies in cultivating meaningful relationships that evolve into cherished friendships with her clients. With a deep commitment to sharing and celebrating life's unforgettable moments, Davis Sigman embodies the business' culture and aspires to become each client's personal jeweler. As part of her long-term vision, she actively engages in succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition when her father passes the reins.

Davis Sigman holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Indiana University, complemented by a minor in studio art. This artistic background allows her to unleash her creative prowess, particularly in spearheading custom jewelry designs. Beyond the realm of business, she actively contributes to the community by serving on the board of the New Albany Floyd County Education Foundation. Through the business, she partners with many non-profits, such as Hosparus Heath, Kentucky Opera, and USA Cares to name a few. Additionally, she took on the role of co-chair for the prestigious 2023 Kentucky Derby Museum Ball with Rhonda Jo Conner.

Pat Day

Patrick Alan “Pat” Day is a retired American jockey. He is a four-time winner of the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey and was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame in 1991.

Growing up in Colorado, Day envisioned becoming a rodeo cowboy. His dream of making a living riding horses came true, but not as he might have expected. Day instead turned to racehorses and rode his first winner in 1973 at Prescott Downs in Arizona, putting him on track to becoming one of America's most accomplished riders of all time.

Day established numerous records while based in Kentucky, where he became the all-time leading rider at both Churchill Downs and Keeneland. Day won the Kentucky Derby with longshot Lil E. Tee in 1992 — one of his nine winning individual Triple Crown-race winning mounts, which include such greats as Summer Squall, Tank's Prospect, and Louis Quatorze.

Over the years, Day has become an avid supporter of Kentucky Derby Museum by speaking to student field trips, making appearances for group tours, attending events, and more.

Eamon O'Brien

Eamon O'Brien is the General Manager at Omni Louisville Hotel. With two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, O'Brien is a business leader with a successful track record of developing client relationships, leading large sales teams in gateway cities, and achieving aggressive results.

Omni Louisville, located in the heart of Downtown Louisville, opened in March 2018 and was designed with intersecting towers that represent the crossroads of the past, present, and future of Louisville. Inspired by the city's rich history and authentic character, the Omni Louisville hopes to transform one of the city's most significant urban blocks into a unique and vibrant mixed-use environment offering hotel guests, residents, and locals a chance to connect and enjoy the best of a great city.

Before being named Omni Louisville's General Manager in 2021, O'Brien was the hotel's Area Director of Sales and Marketing for five years. For years, O'Brien has developed extensive marketing and sales experience with hotels from Chicago, to New York, and Louisville.

In his time as General Manager, the Omni Louisville has partnered with Kentucky Derby Museum on some of its most prestigious events, including the Secretariat Bourbon Dinner in April of 2023.

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FTC Approves HISA’s Proposed Enforcement Rule Modification, Publishes Proposed Budget

The Federal Trade Commission has issued an Order approving modifications proposed by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to its enforcement rule after a public comment period.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, which recognized the Authority, includes a requirement that its rules (and modifications to those rules, such as this one) must be submitted for approval to the FTC. The Act requires that the FTC approve submitted rules if it finds that they are “consistent with” the Act and the FTC's procedural rules governing the submission process.

The FTC's procedural rule provides that the FTC will publish the Authority's proposed rules or modifications in the Federal Register for public comment if the Authority's submissions meet certain criteria. Under the Act, the FTC has 60 days from the date of publication to approve or disapprove the proposed rule or modification.

In addition, the Commission voted to publish in the Federal Register the Authority's proposed 2023 budget as submitted to the Commission. The FTC's rule regarding oversight of the Authority's budget process requires the publication of the Authority's proposed budget in the Federal Register for public comment. The public will have 14 days from the date of publication to submit comments, after which the Commission will approve or disapprove the proposed budget.

The Commission votes to approve the rule modification and publish the proposed budget were 3-0. The Commission votes occurred on September 26, 2023.

The Federal Trade Commission works to promote competition, and protect and educate consumers. You can learn more about consumer topics and report scams, fraud, and bad business practices online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Follow the FTC on social media, read our blogs and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.

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Steeplechase: Legacy Chase Kicks Off Fall Season

The first two of 11 meets through mid-November take place this weekend at Shawan Downs near Hunt Valley in Baltimore County, followed by the Foxfield Fall Races in Charlottesville, Va.

After two months of high-profile flat-track steeplechase action at Saratoga, Colonial Downs, and Aqueduct, the National Steeplechase Association returns to the hunt-meet circuit this weekend for a combined 13 races that have drawn 129 entries.

What separates racing at the flat tracks from the hunt meets is the relaxed, family-focused atmosphere at the latter. At Shawan, for example, you'll find a kids zone and vendor village, petting zoo, and face painting, while Foxfield offers fun activities and events like a truck touch, pony rides, stick pony races, and junior pony races.

Seven races worth $167,000 are on tap for Saturday's fall opener in the Legacy Chase at the Shawan Downs equestrian center in Cockeysville, Md. Anchoring the eclectic card is the $35,000 Brown Advisory timber stakes at 3 ⅛ miles, where seven veterans, including two champions, are expected to face the starter.

At 13, Andi'amu, who runs in the colors of Tom and Roxy Collins' Ballybristol Farm, is still in top form. A winner of 11 races – nine stakes – in 16 outings since 2018, Andi'amu has finished second four times. In his 2023 debut, Andi'amu won the Middleburg Hunt Cup in April by a neck over a hard-charging Mystic Strike, a multiple stakes-winning 14-year-old, who turned the tables on the 2019 and 2022 timber champion in the four-mile Virginia Gold Cup at Great Meadow in May. This will be Andi'amu's first start for new trainer Neil Morris.

This season's leading conditioner, Leslie Young, who formerly trained Andi'amu, sends out Leipers Fork Steeplechasers' Tomgarrow, the 2019 timber champ. Tomgarrow began 2023 with a win in the My Lady's Manor stakes, and had won four of his previous five starts coming into the Virginia Gold Cup, where he fell. Young, who maintains a commanding lead in the standings, also saddles Boudinot Farm's Elusive Exclusive, who exits a narrow, hard-fought allowance win over The Hundred Acre Field's Cracker Factory in a timber allowance to close out the spring at the Radnor Hunt Races.

Cracker Factory, who is entered at Shawan, finished third in the Middleburg Hunt Cup for trainer Mark Beecher, less than six lengths behind Andi'amu and Mystic Strike, but went off course in the Virginia Gold Cup. Storm Team, who runs in the colors of Sheila Fisher and Northwoods Stable, was a stakes winner over timber and hurdles, and began a new career chapter last spring in steeplethon competition over mixed obstacles. But after a dazzling 14-length win at Great Meadow, he returns to timber seeking a second straight score in the Brown Advisory for Hall of Fame trainer Jack Fisher.

Rounding out the field is Fat Chance Farm's Flaming Sword (Richard Valentine), who was third in the Brown Advisory last year.

The rest of the card consists of a $20,000 maiden hurdle for three-year-olds; $30,000 maiden special; $25,000 handicap for horses rated at 115 or less; $35,000 allowance hurdle; $15,000 maiden timber; and a $7,000 allowance race over timber restricted to apprentice riders.

First race post time is 12:30 p.m. Gates open at 10 a.m. For additional information, click here: https://shawandowns.com/events/legacy-chase/

For full entries, click here: Entries

Six races set for Foxfield

Following a two-year hiatus, fall steeplechasing resumes at historic Charlottesville, Va., for the second straight year on Sunday.

After years of decline, the meet was put on hold in order to reimagine the event. During that time new leadership was put in place, leading to partnerships with charitable organizations, major improvements to the course and grounds, a de-emphasis on the consumption of alcoholic beverages, and a commitment to becoming a good neighbor to the community.

This year's meet will be bigger and better than ever, with six races worth $140,000 on the program, representing a substantial boost over last year's $95,000 card.

The Foxfield card consists of six races, highlighted by a $35,000 handicap for horses rated at 120 or less. The other races are a $15,000 maiden claiming hurdle; $30,000 maiden hurdle for fillies and mares; $30,000 maiden hurdle for three-year-olds; $25,000 handicap for horses rated at 110 or less; and a training race on the flat at 1 ¼ miles.

Click here for complete entries: Entries

First race post time is 12:30 p.m. Gates open at 9:30 a.m., with activities starting at 10 a.m. For a full schedule of the day's events, food, and vendors, click here: https://www.foxfieldraces.com/schedule/.

If you can't make it to the races, be sure to watch the live stream, sponsored by Brown Advisory, at www.nationalsteeplechase.com.

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