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Ben’s Cat, Mountain Dew Selected For Maryland-Bred Thoroughbred Hall Of Fame

Ben's Cat and Mountain Dew, two remarkable geldings who put on a show year after year to the delight of their legions of fans, are the Maryland-bred Thoroughbred Hall of Fame 2023 inductees after a vote by a committee of Maryland racing industry members coordinated by the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and Maryland Racing Media Association.

During his eight years of competition, Ben's Cat became a local legend and a national treasure. King T. Leatherbury's nearly-black gelding, a son of Parker's Storm Cat and Leatherbury's homebred mare Twofox, didn't make his first start until age 4 after suffering a broken pelvis at 2, for which he was stall-bound for six months. That only added to the lore.

By the time he retired in 2017, Ben's Cat was the all-time leader among Maryland-breds by number of state-bred championship titles, 17 in all, including four consecutive for Horse of the Year. He recorded a state-bred record 26 stakes wins and had earnings of $2,643,782. He started eight times in the Mister Diz Stakes, winning six, won the Jim McKay Turf Sprint on Preakness weekend five times, and was a multiple graded stakes winner while terrorizing turf sprinters on the East Coast. In 2017, he was awarded the Secretariat Vox Populi Award, chosen by voters from around the world.

“We are so proud that, with this year's inductees, we are able to celebrate not only two of our most important Maryland-bred horses, but Maryland's remarkable horsemen and the diversity of our sport that they represent,” said Cricket Goodall, executive director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. “King T. Leatherbury and the Fisher family are great examples of the persistence and longevity that Maryland is known for.”

Janon Fisher Jr.'s Mountain Dew was a star foxhunter before switching to timber racing in the early 1960s. At age 6, the son of *Hunters Moon IV and Fisher's homebred War Admiral mare Laelia launched a Maryland Hunt Cup career unequaled in longevity. In eight runnings, he recorded three Hunt Cup wins (1962, 1965 and 1967) with rider Janon Fisher III and was second to National Museum of Racing Hall of Famer Jay Trump in the 1963, 1964 and 1966 runnings. In his Hunt Cup debut in 1961 he finished third. When attempting a record fourth Hunt Cup win in 1968, he was injured at the 19th of 22 fences while leading (and continued on to jump the 20th fence while being pulled up).

Mountain Dew started 24 times in sanctioned timber races and never fell. In his only flat start (at 3) he exited with an injury. Mountain Dew holds the record of winning six Maryland Grand Nationals in eight starts and placing in the other two. After he recovered from his 1968 injury, he went back to life as a foxhunter.

“Our two newest inductees demonstrate both the depth and quality of Maryland breeding over the decades and its remarkable resilience to today,” said Maryland Racing Media Association president Frank Vespe. “It underlines what Ben's Cat was able to accomplish, especially given his modest beginnings, that he is the first horse to conclude his career since the Hall of Fame's creation to be inducted in his first year of eligibility.”

This year's inductees will be celebrated during a ceremony between races at Timonium Race Course on Saturday, Sept. 2.

Under the collaboration of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and Maryland Racing Media Association, the Hall of Fame was initiated in 2013 as a means of celebrating the excellence of state-bred Thoroughbred horses and debuted with an inaugural class of 12. There are now 33 members. Ben's Cat and Mountain Dew join MTHOF members Awad, Broad Brush, Caesar's Wish, Challedon, Cigar, Concern, Conniver, Dave's Friend, Deputed Testamony, Devil's Bag, El Gran Senor, Find, Gallorette, Heavenly Cause, Jameela, J. O. Tobin, Kauai King, Little Bold John, Politely, Safely Kept, Smoke Glacken, Social Outcast, Star de Naskra, Twixt, Vertex, What a Summer and Youth and steeplechasers Elkridge, Good Night Shirt, Jay Trump and Tuscalee.

The newest honorees, with biographies, photos, videos and complete race records, will be showcased online at www.mdthoroughbredhalloffame.com.

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Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Stops Accepting New Horses As Funding For Existing Herd Will Only Last 45 More Days

The year has proven to be an unparalleled financial struggle for Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare (CTA). With surging inflation, declining support, and reduced general donations, the organization is grappling with an unprecedented increase in rehab cases and a higher inventory of horses in need together with escalating operating expenses. CTA finds itself in a dire situation and is urgently seeking community support.

Effective Aug. 1, CTA regretfully announces that it can no longer accept additional horses due to depleted funds for quarantine and transportation. The organization is left with just enough financial resources to provide for the necessities of the current equine residents for the next 45 days. CTA will only be able to accommodate watchlist horses if the individuals who added them to the list can secure funding for their care.

The uncertainty of CTA's future looms large, compelling the organization to call upon the local horse racing industry, which brings hundreds of horses to the island annually. CTA urges the industry to join hands and devise a sustainable plan to support retired racehorses financially, beyond their racing careers, so that euthanasia need not be the sole solution.

If adequate funding is not secured, CTA will appeal to the local industry to assist in rehoming the piroplasmosis positive horses on the island, adhering to CTA's pre-adoption criteria. As for the imported horses, CTA will reach out to other aftercare on the mainland in hopes of finding suitable placements, contingent upon raising the required $3,295 for their travel expenses.

“Responsible aftercare is an imperative duty of the racing industry – one that cannot be overlooked or ignored. As they profit from breeding and bringing these magnificent horses into Puerto Rico, it is incumbent upon the industry to step up and provide the essential funding for their lifelong well-being and care. Embracing this responsibility with unwavering dedication will ensure a brighter future for these incredible athletes who have given their all on the racetrack.” – Chrissy Laughlin, Adoption Coordinator, former board member

On-island adoptions have witnessed a decline, posing a new challenge for CTA. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find suitable homes for these deserving horses, leading to extended stays at the facility. This situation places additional strain on CTA's limited resources and emphasizes the urgency of finding viable solutions.

The situation is critical, and the horses desperately need our collective help. Every day, countless equines face the risk of euthanasia or abandonment, and it is only through collaborative efforts that a difference can be made. Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare remains steadfast in its commitment to providing the best aftercare for these majestic creatures and aims to promote awareness and generate positive change.

CTA encourages the public to support its mission by sharing this message widely and following its blog, Facebook, or Twitter,

Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare (CTA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being and aftercare of retired racehorses in the Caribbean. With a focus on providing a safe haven and promoting responsible adoption, CTA aims to create a brighter future for these remarkable animals.

Over the last seven years, CTA has championed the cause of 288 horses, providing them with hope and a second chance at life. Notably, renowned champions like Don Carlos R and Tito Discount have found a haven and a well-deserved retirement at CTA, where they enjoy a safer and healthier life off the racetrack. The organization still houses many other horses eagerly awaiting loving forever homes.

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Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Faces Unsure Future, Seeks Community Help

The future of Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare is up in the air as the non-profit organization faces an unprecedented increase in both rehab cases and operating expenses.

“Responsible aftercare is an imperative duty of the racing industry–one that cannot be overlooked or ignored,” said CTA Adoption Coordinator Chrissy Laughlin. “As they profit from breeding and bringing these magnificent horses to Puerto Rico, it is incumbent upon the industry to step up and provide the essential funding for their lifelong well-being and care. Embracing this responsibility with unwavering dedication will ensure a brighter future for these incredible athletes who have given their all on the racetrack.”

The CTA, which has seen a decline in on-island adoptions, has struggled to place horses in suitable homes. So much so that they are unable to accept any additional horses as of Aug. 1 due to “depleted funds for quarantine and transportation.”

Those interested in assisting the CTA can find more information here.

The post Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare Faces Unsure Future, Seeks Community Help appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Goodwood: English Rain? Courage Mon Ami

While the 2023 English summer staggers on in dour misery, Britain looks to the Qatar Goodwood Festival which in terms of the weather is a far cry from its prior “Glorious Goodwood” standing but in terms of thoroughbred quality is up there with any of its counterparts. This week, we get to see the Royal Ascot heroes Courage Mon Ami (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Paddington (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) and the likes of Blue Rose Cen (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) and Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}), to name a few. If the rain that presaged the action at Ascot last week continues, soft-ground specialists will be the order of each day with the opening fixture set to take place on good-to-soft, soft in places.

That makes the G1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup even more of a stamina test than usual, which should be no hindrance to Wathnan Racing's Gold Cup hero Courage Mon Ami given how strongly he saw out that race over a further half a mile. Pointed here instead of the same connections' 3-year-old option Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}), the Gosdens' unbeaten representative has experience of this tricky circuit having won a handicap here in May.

“John [Gosden] was keen to train both him and Gregory for the race and soft ground or probable soft ground swayed the decision towards running Courage Mon Ami, while Gregory will now take a different route, with his main aim being the St Leger,” the owners' racing adviser Richard Brown said. “He's back in trip, but he won there impressively before the Gold Cup and we know he handles the track. I don't think it will be a problem coming back to two miles, it was always the question before Ascot if he would he stay two and a half.”

Fourth here last year, Mick and Janice Mariscotti's Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) is back an improved horse and has just 3/4 of a length to turn around with Courage Mon Ami from the Gold Cup. Oisin Murphy believes the high-class veteran has conditions in his favour to do so. “All the signs at home are positive and I think this two miles will suit him better than the two and a half at Ascot,” he said. “I don't think the quick ground was a problem in the Gold Cup as he obviously let himself down on it, but we know from his past form that he enjoys some dig in the ground, so that's a plus for him.”

Also helped by the rain is Ballydoyle's Emily Dickinson (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who bounced out of the Gold Cup in which she was fourth to win last Sunday's G2 Curragh Cup. “She loved the ease in the ground at the Curragh,” Aidan O'Brien said. “She comes out of races on fast ground perfectly, which suggests it does not bother her, but she appears much better with an ease in the ground.” In a deep renewal, the first four home from the G2 Yorkshire Cup re-oppose with the winner Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) a fresh horse and the runner-up Eldar Eldarov (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) back on a more suitable surface after flopping in the Gold Cup.

Marco Botti is hoping that Giavellotto can repay the resisted temptation to run at the Royal meeting. “He won well at York and it has always been the plan to skip the Gold Cup at Ascot and go to Goodwood,” he said. “He is well and his prep has gone to plan, we think he is fit and he looks in good order. We know he stays and we're looking forward to it. Two miles is not an issue, but we felt the Ascot Gold Cup may have stretched him a little bit. He settles well and he looks a stronger horse than last year. I just worry about the ground, I hope it will be nice ground for everyone and not extremes. Good-to-soft would be what he wants.”

All Boxes Ticked For Kinross…
Also on Tuesday is the G2 World Pool Lennox S., the next in the sequence of seven-furlong features which have been enhanced in recent years and which now provide a welcome narrative throughout the season. One of the finest in this category is Marc Chan's TDN Rising Star Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who has the rain and return to the trip over which he is most comfortable to suit. He also has Frankie Dettori back on board, with the partnership temporarily ruptured by a spurious riding ban in the G1 July Cup in which the high-class gelding again showed his versatility to be third. Having beaten Creative Force (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Space Blues (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in 2021, he was an unlucky second 12 months ago so this is clearly his bag. “There is no doubt this is his best distance,” Chan's racing manager Jamie McCalmont said of the Ralph Beckett yard's stalwart, who is set to be an integral part of Dettori's farewell tour. “He likes the course and he's justifiably the favourite, even though that doesn't mean he will win the race.”

Of this year's 3-year-olds, Wathnan Racing's G3 Greenham S. winner and G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains runner-up Isaac Shelby (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) looks tailor-made for this after finishing fourth on ground that was too fast in the G1 St James's Palace S. at Royal Ascot. “He's back to seven and hopefully that will see him in his best light,” Richard Brown said. “He got lit up and things didn't really go to plan at Ascot. I'm not trying to use an excuse and saying he would have won there, but back in trip and back in grade here, he should be thereabouts.”

Revived by a gelding operation last year, Cheveley Park Stud's TDN Rising Star Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) showed what he is capable of when making all in Newmarket's G3 Criterion S. and the stud's Chris Richardson is hoping he can back that up. “This race is the natural progression really and he came out of the Newmarket race well. He has not been straightforward, but gelding seems to have worked and we are now seeing what we were seeing on the gallops but not on the racecourse. It was just one of those rather frustrating things, but it was lovely to see him bounce back and follow up the previous win with such an emphatic success.”

Is Iberian Of The Right Vintage?
In the G2 Nicholson Gin Vintage S., Teme Valley and Ballylinch Stud's Newbury novice scorer Iberian (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) is one of the less-exposed types who was spared the beating by City Of Troy (Justify) that the Hannon stable's solid yardstick Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) had to endure in the G2 Superlative S. Richard Ryan, racing manager for Teme Valley, said of the former, “We're hopeful we have a nice horse and this race will answer a lot of questions. He is an impressive horse at home and Charlie [Hills] is having a great season with his two-year-olds.”
“He looks to have a number of promising horses, so we are in the slightly excited camp until proven otherwise,” Ryan added. “Although it is probably going to be wet at Goodwood, it's unwatered and well maintained for this meeting and probably with it being the first day, it won't have the same issues the July Course had at the time with conditions in the pouring rain.”

One of the eyecatchers of the Royal Ascot 2-year-old events was Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum's Golden Mind (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), a half-brother to the fellow Richard Fahey-trained star Perfect Power (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}) who was finishing to real effect when third in the Listed Chesham S. over this seven-furlong trip. He gets the Dettori treatment and Fahey has a special wish. “He's a horse that is improving the whole time, he's a bit of a laid-back character and with racing he's going to get better,” his trainer said. “He's in good order and I would love Frankie to ride me a winner before he retires, he's a legend.”

Paddington Set For Select Sussex…
Only five will take on this season's sensation Paddington in Wednesday's G1 Qatar Sussex S., the feature race of the meeting, with the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas, G1 St James's Palace S. and G1 Eclipse S. hero scaring off much opposition. One who hasn't been spared is Cheveley Park Stud's G1 Fillies' Mile, G1 Coronation S. and G1 Prix Jacques le Marois heroine Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), while soft ground means that Shadwell at least have an outside chance of another surprise with the William Haggas-trained Aldaary (GB) (Territories {Ire}).

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