Robin Goodfellow’s racing tips: Best bets for Thursday, March 7
Mail Sport's racing expert Robin Goodfellow delivers his tips for Thursday's meetings at Carlisle, Wincanton and Lingfield.
Month: March 2024
Light Up Racing Aims To Change Industry Narrative
If the crowd at Light Up Racing's first community event in Lexington, held Feb. 26 at Fasig-Tipton, was any indication of the support behind the industry's new grassroots initiative, the number of attendees at their second event held Tuesday, Mar. 5 at Keeneland only solidified that.
Over 300 people, spanning across all aspects of the Thoroughbred industry, gathered in Keeneland's Limestone Café to learn about how their own voices and platforms can be used to collectively transform negative opinions about racing into positive messaging through accurate information, transparency, authenticity and professional language.
Building on what she shared during the inaugural event, which covered six critical concepts that can help industry members reshape the public's perception of horse racing, presenter Vicky Leonard discussed turning challenges into opportunities through strategic communication and social media engagement.
“We can use the collective insights of everybody here and the deep knowledge that you all have. You have amazing stories, you know the industry better than anybody, and we can use that to ensure that the content we're putting outside of the industry is more creative than it ever could be if you weren't living it and breathing it,” said Leonard. “Of course, it's going to be more trusted. You guys have the voice that will be authentically representing the industry.”
In 2022, Leonard's Australian-based marketing agency Kick Collective launched Kick Up For Racing. Inspired to establish something similar stateside, Price Bell, Roderick Wachman, Jason Litt and Dr. Jeff Berk spearheaded the launch of Light Up Racing late last year.
With a foundation based on four key pillars of transparency, awareness, community and accountability, Light Up Racing offers three levels of engagement: network, community and cohort.
Beginning at the first tier, members within the Light Up Racing network will have access to resources via email and the initiative's website that will equip them with essential resources, key messages and talking points to address any difficult questions.
Light Up Racing's website has culminated a bank of common questions from the public regarding aftercare, racetracks, racing and welfare, and answers to those questions based on scientific research and expert vet advice. The website's research hub also provides access to various relevant scientific studies that can help in these responses.
“We just need you to be an educated advocate for the industry, in person and online. We want you to be our eyes and ears out there. When you spot something and you're not comfortable responding, let us know. And we also need you to share our information,” said Leonard.
From there, involvement would be expanded to the community level, which aims to bring together a social network of 1,000 industry members and supporters to combat misinformation about the industry with timely, educated responses, while also distributing positive racing content.
“Social media is where inflammatory content gets the most engagement, so people who are often quite irrational tend to get the most limelight and that's a little bit challenging and it's pretty scary. But you don't need to get in a tit-for-tat argument,” said Leonard. “It's just about responding to things that are completely incorrect with what is correct. When you've done that once, or perhaps clarified something once more, you don't need to get involved again.
“It's really important that people who are only there for the comments do see that there's been an educated response to a piece of misinformation.”
Light Up Racing's Vicky Leonard | Sara Gordon
Diving deeper into how best to handle any contentious conversations concerning the industry, Leonard encourages approaching from a mindset of curiosity, not defensiveness. She suggests using two important questions–'What makes you think that?' and then, 'Where does your information come from?'–in response to someone who poses a difficult question in order to discern what their value system is and how best to address the question.
Outside of those interactions, Leonard encourages every industry member to simply be more cognizant of the language they use when discussing the industry. Though many phrases or terms are easily understood internally, they can take on a whole new meaning when heard by someone outside of the industry.
“In the media too, we can also be a bit relaxed. We use terms like 'breaking its maiden' or 'breaking from the barriers,' and again, we don't realize that people that don't know the industry well, it's actually a poor way to be putting our sport out there,” she said.
Continuing on, the top tier would be the cohort, which Leonard explained would be the most time-consuming level of involvement. Within this level, Light Up Racing aims to establish a group of 100 people who have gone through official social media and media training.
The goal is to establish and support a team of people willing to become authentic influencers, forming a grassroots network of spokespeople for the industry.
“When a crisis happens, we don't just always have to turn to our CEOs. If we have the right people in the grassroots, you're always going to be far more trusted than somebody being told that they have to do that interview,” said Leonard. “Our job is to empower you, but ultimately, you have to do it. Whilst we can give you all the tools in the world and the strategy, along with giving you the support and the resources, we do need you, the people in this room, to make sure that it works.”
Outside of providing the resources for those industry advocates to be able to address the media, Light Up Racing hopes to inspire all industry members to use their personal experiences and share that on social media, giving the public a 'behind-the-scenes' look at everyday life in the racing industry. Online content that 'pulls back the curtain' not only garners an audience, but educates that audience as well, which in turn organically improves public perception.
“The time of looking towards just the elite has passed. We really look for relatable people in everyday life. People who know someone in an industry, even if just on social media, are far more likely to trust that industry,” said Leonard. “What's vital with social media is that authenticity trumps perfection. We need to stop worrying about being perfect and start being real.”
Light Up Racing is developing a curriculum that will be released in the next couple of weeks as they bring together their first group of 20 people, based out of Kentucky, to go through the media training. They will do five of these training sessions over the next several months based in different areas.
A full recording of the two community presentations will be available online. To learn more about Light Up Racing and how you can get involved, visit LightUpRacing.com.
The post Light Up Racing Aims To Change Industry Narrative appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.
Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Feb. 27 – Mar. 4
Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)-related rulings from around the country.
Among this week's rulings, trainer Daniel Franko has been suspended seven days after his trainee, Misty's Cat, tested positive for caffeine, when winning at Golden Gate Fields on Dec. 1 last year. He was also fined $1,000. Caffeine is a Class B controlled substance under HISA. The case was resolved without a hearing.
NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS
The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.
Resolved ADMC Violations
Resolution Date: 03/06/2024
Licensee: James Watkins, trainer
Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on March 7, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Xylazine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Dennis's Pride, who finished fifth at Fanduel Sportsbook and Horse Racing on 11/11/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolution Date: 03/28/2024
Licensee: Michael Simone, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Another Duke, who won at Tampa Bay on 1/28/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolution Date: 02/29/2024
Licensee: Howard Love, trainer
Penalty: None. Equine controlled medication charges withdrawn.
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Slender Slipper on 2/3/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolution Date: 02/29/2024
Licensee: Daniel Franko, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on March 1, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Caffeine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Misty's Cat, who won at Golden Gate on 12/1/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Pending ADMC Violations
Date: 12/27/2023
Licensee: George Arnold II, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Tramadol-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Figgy, who won at Turfway Park on 12/27/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 01/28/2024
Licensee: Isidro Tamayo, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Silent Beauty on 1/28/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 02/16/2024
Licensee: Patrick Biancone, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Infinite Diamond. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.
Date: 02/06/2024
Licensee: Patricia Farro, trainer
Penalty: Interim suspension
Alleged violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Cobalt Salts-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Deplane, who won at Parx Racing on 2/6/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212-Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout).
Date: 02/02/2024
Licensee: Brandon Kulp, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the potential breach of Rule 4221-Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)-on Me Darlin Kathleen, who won at Penn National on 2/2/2024. This is also a possible violation of Rule 3313-Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period.
Date: 02/14/2024
Licensee: Jose D'Angelo, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vets' list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole and Cimetidine-both Controlled Medications (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sun Azteca on 2/14/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 01/31/2024
Licensee: Jamie Ness, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the potential breach of Rule 4221-Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)-on Tops the Chart, who finished fourth at Parx Racing on 1/31/2024. This is also a possible violation of Rule 3313-Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period.
Violations of Crop Rule
One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.
Oaklawn Park
- Joe Bealmear – violation date March 3; $250 fine, no further details
- Rafael Jesus Bejarano – violation date March 2; $250 fine, no further details
- Joe Bealmear – violation date March 1; $250 fine, no further details
Santa Anita
- Tyler Baze – violation date March 1; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes
Sunland Park
- Larry Marquez – violation date Feb 29; $250 fine and one-day suspension
Tampa Bay Downs
- Carlos Eduardo Rojas- violation date Feb 28; $250 fine and one-day suspension
OTHER KEY RULINGS
The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.
Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.
California
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/01/2024
Licensee: Dale Brewer, owner
Explainer: Owner Dale Brewer, having satisfied a financial complaint filed by Farrier Kyle Baze for $750.00, is restored to good standing and California Horse Racing Board LATS Ruling #175 dated May 04, 2014, is set aside.
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/01/2024
Licensee: Armando Ayuso, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: Jockey Armando Ayuso, who rode Takes Three in the tenth race at Santa Anita Park on February 25, 2024, is suspended for 3 racing days (March 8, 9, and 10, 2024) for crossing over without sufficient clearance going into the first turn, causing interference resulting in the disqualification of his mount from first to second; a violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1699 (Riding Rules-careless riding).
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 03/03/2024
Licensee: Debbie Winick, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Prohibited use of an electro-magnetic blanket on race day
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2271 (Prohibited Practices) Trainer Debbie Winick, who was scheduled to run Ghostly Act in the fourth race at Santa Anita Park on January 26, 2024, is fined $500.00 for prohibited use of an electro-magnetic blanket on race day, necessitating a late declaration.
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Danny Gargan Joins the TDN Writers’ Room
The GII Fountain of Youth S. may have received a few key scratches that diminished the overall quality of the field, but Danny Gargan won't let that take anything away from the victory earned by his trainee Dornoch (Good Magic). As this week's Green Group Guest of the Week on the TDN Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland, Gargan recapped Saturday's Fountain of Youth score and made a case for why we still haven't seen the best from Dornoch.
“We've just gotta get someone fast enough to get next to him,” Gargan explained. “If someone will get next to him, you're going to see a fast horse. I mean, he does explode working. But Luis [Saez] was just sitting there playing around. He'll wait on competition because he wants to play. He's a big boy and wants the competition.”
While the goal was originally for Dornoch to get some experience coming from behind horses, the game plan changed after a late scratch from Todd Pletcher trainee Speak Easy (Constitution), who got loose behind the gate. Gargan had to break out his running shoes to get to Saez before the horses started loading.
“Right where the stand is where they do the interviews and they're on TV, I ran down to the track where the horses walk on and Luis was right around that area. We had to have a conversation again, but he knew what we wanted at that stage. He's a pretty smart kid…I had to change our game plan completely because I didn't want to be behind one of those horses and have them get in our way. So we went ahead and decided to just go to the lead.”
The plan was a success as Dornoch, who is a full-brother to last year's GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage, wired a field of five and earned 50 points on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Gargan has said that he is considering either the GI Florida Derby or the GI Blue Grass S. for the colt's next start. On the show, he reported that he's leaning toward the Blue Grass, but should have a final decision at some point later next week.
Until then, he plans to soak up the experience of the Derby trail. A native of Louisville, Gargan has been to the Kentucky Derby once before in 2019 with Tax (Arch), who finished fourteenth, but this time around he said his outlook is a bit different.
“We're just going to enjoy where we're at right now,” Gargan said. “We're lucky enough that we didn't have to run that hard to get the points. We're already probably in the race. I believe we have a horse that, if we get him in the gate on the first Saturday in May, he'd have a chance to win it. So it's a totally different ballpark and it's a fun thing to be a part of. Hopefully we get lucky and we're there.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, which is sponsored by Coolmore's Epicenter, WinStar Farm's Global Campaign, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association, 1/ST Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds and XBTV.com, the team of Randy Moss, Zoe Cadman and T.D. Thornton reviewed all the major Kentucky Derby and Oaks prep races from coast to coast and questioned the implications the many scratches might have had on the weekend's results. They also took a look at the new Tapeta track at Santa Anita, as well as the announcement of 1/ST's new racing series and the GI Preakness S. purse increase.
Click here for the audio-only version.
The post Danny Gargan Joins the TDN Writers’ Room appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.
