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NYTB, SUNY Cobleskill Course Kicks Off at Saratoga

The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. and the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill's accredited course designed to expose upper-class students in the Animal Science program to various segments of the Thoroughbred industry started last weekend at Saratoga Race Course.

The visit by students focused on the culmination of the breeding and racing industries and allowed for observation of the finished product during morning training and afternoon races. Students received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oklahoma Training Track Saturday during training hours led by NYTB President Tom Gallo.

The group spent the afternoon at the races, with visits to the paddock, watching from the rooftop and helping the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.) selected the “Best Turned Out Award” for the day.

“The NYTB, through Tom Gallo's leadership, provided SUNY Cobleskill students an experience at Saratoga Race Course that was second to none,” said Raymond Whelihan, SUNY Cobleskill Associate Professor in Animal Science who collaborated with Gallo to develop the program. “Time spent observing training at the Oklahoma track, lengthy discussion with a Hall of Fame trainer, comped racetrack entry and seats, a roof top view and the opportunity to enter the paddock and select the groom of the day. Every student was enthusiastic and appreciative. What a wonderful way to kick off the new Thoroughbred Industry course at SUNY Cobleskill.”

The pilot program is offered to 15-20 junior undergraduate students that have met prerequisites. The course, which runs from late August to early December, falls in line with the NYTB's goals to make outreach with upper-level science students majoring in equine studies and finding the next generation of the industry's workforce and leaders in racing and breeding.

“When I first introduced the idea of the NYTB educational seminars years ago, along with raising the standard of care and awareness for the general population of the New York breeders, my ultimate goal was to use these seminars for the education of young people who may be interested in coming into our industry,” Gallo said. “This could not have been done without the help of NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson and our forward-thinking board members. With the help of my longtime friend, Ray Whelihan, we were able to put together a program which not only exposes these students to many different aspects of the horse industry in New York, but also allows them to gain college credits for their participation. These are seniors in college, and they have participated in the equine studies program for the length of their college career. This is a targeted-interested and engaged group of students, who hopefully will find one aspect of our industry interesting enough for them to enter with career expectations. I can't tell you how happy I am that this is finally happening.”

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Cigar Mile Anchors Aqueduct Fall Meet

Aqueduct Racetrack's 31-day fall meet will feature 33 stakes–10 of them graded–worth $6.385 million. The stakes scheduled is once again headlined by the $500,000 GII Cigar Mile, which will be held Dec. 2. The Cigar Mile card also includes the $250,000 GII Remsen S. and $250,000 GII Demoiselle S., as well as the $200,000 GIII Go For Wand S.

Graded stakes action during the meet also includes the $200,000 GIII Pebbles S.–previously run at Belmont's fall meet–and the $300,000 GII Red Smith S. on Nov. 11 and the $300,000 GIII Long Island S. on Nov. 12. The $250,000 GII Hill Prince S. will be run Nov. 18.

Thanksgiving weekend at Aqueduct will feature a pair of Grade III events worth $200,000: the Nov. 24 GIII Fall Highweight H. and the Nov. 25 GIII Comely S.

The New York Stallion Stakes Series (NYSSS), open to progeny of eligible New York sires, returns to the Big A with four divisions offered in December. The Dec. 3 card will feature the $125,000 NYSSS Thunder Rumble for 3-year-olds and up sprinting seven furlongs on the main track, as well as the $125,000 NYSSS Staten Island for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up at the same distance.

The NYSSS returns with a pair of $500,000 stakes for juveniles Dec. 16 with a lucrative card that will see eligible New York-sired fillies contest the NYSSS Fifth Avenue at seven furlongs, alongside the NYSSS Great White Way going the same distance.

Following the conclusion of Belmont at the Big A fall meet, which runs from Sept. 14 through Oct. 29, the 31-day Aqueduct fall meet will run from Nov. 2 through Dec. 31.

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Panels, Speakers Announced For Sept. 27-29 Horse Racing Women’s Summit

The second annual Horse Racing Women's Summit, Sept. 27-29 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., will include a welcome reception, three panel discussions, morning and luncheon keynotes, and a Friday morning workshop.

Zoe Cadman, XBTV and 1/ST RACING Host and Analyst, will serve as the emcee for the event, which will kick off with a keynote from Reagan Cannon, an international leadership speaker and coach. Following the morning keynote, leaders at the frontline of industry change will gather for a discussion on the State of the Industry, moderated by Millie Ball, XBTV and 1/ST RACING simulcast host.

Attendees will enjoy lunch in Santa Anita Park's Chandelier Room featuring a presentation of the Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award and an address from Debbie Marshall, SVP, Client & Community Relations Director at PNC. Attendees of the inaugural HRWS will recall Marshall's powerful opening remarks highlighting the 257-year economic gender gap that was identified by the World Economic Forum's 2020 Global Gender Gap Report.

The second panel, titled Running the Show, will feature a conversation amongst industry professionals in various facets of management from race tracks across the county. Moderator Michelle Yu will guide the panelists through a discussion focused on their careers, the ins-and-outs of racetrack management, current events, and their outlook on the future.

“I am a firm believer in the philosophy that 'a rising tide raises all ships' and this sport is so much better when we are able to come together, elevate and support each other,” said Jessica Paquette, Parx Racing announcer and Running the Show panelist. “I am honored to join so many women I respect in the industry for an event that is sure to be educational and empowering.”

Thursday afternoon will wrap up with a conversation about the future led by FanDuel TV's Christina Blacker. The third panel discussion, titled Looking Forward, will delve into a variety of topics including diversity, mental health, the backstretch community, and how the industry can improve.

Karen Chavez, General Manager of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, who will join the Looking Forward panel said, “Attending the HRWS Meet Up in Saratoga was an inspiring experience that showcased the power of connection and empowerment within the horse racing industry, leaving a positive and lasting impact on the women of the backstretch community. I am excited to be on a panel at the second Horse Racing Women's Summit at Santa Anita Park, and continuing to build on the momentum that began one year ago.”

On Friday morning, attendees will gather one last time for a hands-on workshop designed to identify areas of focus and specific action items for the Horse Racing Women's Summit Committee in 2024. Those who wish to stay for an afternoon of racing will enjoy access to the Chandelier Room Balcony overlooking the finish line and the stunning views of the San Gabriel mountains.

Tickets for the Horse Racing Women's Summit are now on sale (click here to purchase tickets). Tax-deductible contributions for the October 3rd Horse Racing Women's Summit Backstretch Event, which will also take place at Santa Anita Park can also be made via the ticket link here.

Panel 1: State of the Industry
The Thoroughbred racing industry has historically had the greatest of triumphs as well as challenges. In recent years, what was known as “business as usual” for decades has been upended between legislative and regulatory changes, media prominence, and more. Listen in as leaders in the industry discuss their perspectives on the horse racing industry's State of the Industry.Featured Speakers:
Shannon Arvin – President & CEO – Keeneland*
Britney Eurton – Horse Racing Reporter – NBC Sports / FanDuel TV
Lisa Lazarus – CEO, Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority
Casille Batten, DVM – Equine Veterinarian – 1/ST RACING

Moderated by Millie Ball
Simulcast Host – XBTV & 1/ST RACING*Shannon Arvin to provide video address as she cannot attend in person

Panel 2: Running the Show (Racetrack Management)
Horse racing brings great thrills to customers and fans on a worldwide stage and it takes intricate preparation to make it all possible. Those behind the scenes and right out front share how they got there and how they succeed while reshaping assumptions of who might typically fill these positions.

Featured Speakers:
Joi Garner – SVP & General Counsel, Sports & Entertainment – NYRA
Ann Hall – SVP, Operations and Administration -DMTC
Jessica Paquette – Announcer, Parx Racing
Amy Zimmerman – SVP & Executive Producer for Santa Anita Park

Moderated by Michelle Yu
TV Personality – Santa Anita Park

Panel 3: Looking Forward
As the horse racing industry landscape is quickly changing we look ahead to identify and engage underrepresented stakeholders. Hear from incredible women doing important work while addressing groups that might get overlooked. From the backstretch workers, to diversity as a woman of color in the equestrian world to the NFL's perspective regarding the Professional Athlete's mental health and overall well-being as priorities.Featured Speakers:
Karen Chavez – General Manager – New York Race Track Chaplaincy
Chanel Minnifield – Let's Ride, Trainer and Equestrian
Catherine B. Iste – Chief Administrative Officer – Los Angeles Chargers

Annise Montplaisir – Executive Director, Amplify Horse Racing

Moderated by Christina Blacker
Racing Host, Analyst, & Reporter – FanDuel TV

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‘You’re Almost Disbelieving’: Work Rider Kayleigh Stephens Enjoyed Career Thrill With Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome poked his head out of his stall on a steamy Sunday morning at the isolation barn at Kentucky Downs. The 4-year-old colt looked like a million bucks. How about two?

The day before, the son of War Front had captured the Grade 3, $2 million Mint Millions at the FanDuel Meet at Kentucky Downs and had pocketed the winner's share of $1,176,600, boosting his career earnings to $1,528,247.

The English invader had taken down the richest turf race in the United States outside of the Breeders' Cup with Jamie Spencer also making the trip across the pond to ride him.

On the morning after, there was no big entourage waiting to see the big winner. Trainer Charlie Hills was back home in England; Dr. Jim Hay and his wife Fitri, the owners, were in Budapest when the big horse was rolling down the stretch to win the Mint Millions by a half-length.

Ancient Rome was with 26-year-old Kayleigh Stephens, who calls herself a work rider for Hills. She has been the constant companion of Ancient Rome, who arrived in the United States a couple weeks ago.

They flew from England to Indianapolis and then vanned to Churchill Downs, where they stayed for a week. Then they shipped south to Kentucky Downs, staying here for a week and then taking all the money.

Stephens expected that Ancient Rome would run well in the Mint Millions. But win? If she thought that going in, she wasn't telling anyone.

“When you come out for these trips abroad, it's so tough to know how the horse is going to handle it,” Stephens said after watching Ancient Rome munch on some carrots. “You could have every chance going … but if these horses come out and they don't eat or if they have a setback or things are not straightforward, it's a big change. Routine for these horses is massive.

“To come to another country and completely change their routine is a big ask to say you could be confident about them running well,” she said. “But, I would be silly to say we did not expect it. We hoped for it and we wanted it. We were quietly optimistic.”

What is next for Ancient Rome is unclear. Stephens said the colt will head home to England earlier this week. A return trip to the United States for the Breeders' Cup could certainly be possible, but Stephens said that decision would come from Hills.

Ancient Rome began his career in France, running for Coolmore and trainer Andre Fabre. After being sold to the Hays, Ancient Room eventually came into the Hills barn and the Mint Millions became an end of summer goal.

When he raced in France, the majority of Ancient Rome's starts on grass came on soft courses. Twelve of his 15 lifetime starts have come on wet turf and he has four wins to show for that. Stephens wasn't sure what to expect when they got to Kentucky Downs and found a very firm turf to run on.

“On his breeding, it would suggest he would like the quick ground,” Stephens said. “Soft ground in France is soft ground and he ran pretty well on it. It's pretty hard to say how he would handle it.”

Ancient Rome liked it just fine. Stephens said she was rooting her boy home through the stretch of the Mint Millions. She said she was “cantering home with him.”

“When I watched this turning and he's coming now, and I'm thinking, 'We're going to win this,'” Stephens said. “'No, we can't win this.' 'We're going to win this $2 million race.' It was up and done. You're almost disbelieving. You're thinking, 'We can't do this. We can't do this.' But he did. Full credit to the horse, everybody at home. Great training performance. Great ride.”

Then it was her and the horse afterwards. Following the pictures in the winner's circle, Stephens didn't stick around for any interviews. She immediately led the horse back to the barn. She did that because there was no one else here.

“My main priority was that horse,” Stephens said.

She has been working in the industry for 10 years. She was once a jockey and rode some winners. For the past two years she has worked for Hills. Being at Kentucky Downs was the first time she had ever been to the United States.

So, she and Ancient Rome disappeared from the paddock, made the short walk back to the barn and that was it.

Ancient Rome, who was bred in Kentucky is now 2-for-2 since transferring to Hills' barn. Overall, he has five wins, three seconds and two thirds in 15 starts.

“Brilliant,” Stephens said, looking at her horse. “Could not have expected anything better. Really, he has done all you could ask of him.”

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