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FTBOA, Tampa Bay Downs Offer Lucrative Florida-Bred And Florida Sire Stakes Programs For 2020-21 Season

From the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association and Tampa Bay Downs will again present several added-money events and $860,000 in purse supplements for Florida-breds and Florida Sires Stakes-eligible runners during the Oldsmar, Fla. track's 2020-2021 season that is offering 90 days of thoroughbred racing from Nov. 25-May 2.

Horses eligible for the lucrative Florida Sire Stakes program will have extra money to run for starting Dec. 5 when the track presents the $100,000 Inaugural Stakes for 2-year-olds and the $100,000 Sandpiper Stakes for 2-year-old fillies, both set for six furlongs. The purse for each race includes a $50,000 win-only supplement for horses eligible for the Florida Sire Stakes program.

The following weekend, the track will offer the renewal of both the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Marion County for FSS-eligible horses, 3-years-old and older at seven furlongs; and the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes City of Ocala for fillies and mares eligible for the Florida Sire Stakes, 3-years-old and older, also at seven furlongs.

“We are pleased to, once again, partner with Tampa Bay Downs and their horsemen in offering some very nice stakes purses and supplements for our Florida-breds competing there this Winter and Spring,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “We enjoy working with the Tampa Bay management and ownership team and appreciate how hard they work the meet while attracting a nice on-track crowd filled with out-of-state 'snowbirds' while continuing to offer a very competitive and popular simulcast signal nationwide.”

Florida Sire Stakes horses and Florida-breds will have the first extra incentives of the New Year in the $125,000 Pasco Stakes and in the $125,000 Gasparilla Stakes.

The Pasco is for 3-year-olds and the Gasparilla is for 3-year-old fillies, both set to go seven furlongs.

The Pasco and Gasparilla purses both include a $50,000 win-only supplement for Florida Sire Stakes eligible runners and a $25,000 win-only supplement for registered Florida-breds.

“We are very excited to offer these supplements for Florida-bred and Florida Sire Stakes-eligible horses,” Tampa Bay Downs racing secretary Allison DeLuca said. “We will feature these purse enhancements throughout the season and look forward to attracting excellent fields.”

A celebration of Florida's rich thoroughbred breeding and racing heritage takes place Sunday, March 28, 2021, when Tampa Bay Downs plays host to its 18th annual Florida Cup Day for registered Florida-breds.

The Florida Cup is made up of six stakes races, each offering $110,000 in purse money and is a collaborative endeavor between Tampa Bay Downs; the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association; and the Tampa Bay Downs Division of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. Those purses include a $10,000 win-only supplement for Florida Sire Stakes-eligible competitors.

“Last year we had to cancel the Florida Cup races because of the impact of COVID-19,” DeLuca said. “So this year, we are more excited than ever to have our biggest day for Florida-breds. It is a very popular day with the horsemen and fans alike.”

Florida Cup 2021 will be made up of the following races restricted to registered Florida-breds.

$110,000 Grey Goose Turf Classic, 4-year-olds-and-older, mile-and-an-eighth, turf
$110,000 Ocala Breeders' Sales Sophomore, 3-year-olds, 7 furlongs, dirt
$110,000 Equistaff Sophomore Turf, 3-year-olds, mile-and-a-sixteenth, turf
$110,000 NYRABets Sprint, 4-year-olds-and-older, 6 furlongs, dirt
$110,000 Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies, 3-year-old fillies, 7 furlongs, dirt
$110,000 Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf, fillies and mares 3-years-old-and-older, mile-and-a-sixteenth, turf

The Florida Cup has seen such national stars as Live Oak Plantation's 2017 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1)-winner World Approval, who was also honored that year with an Eclipse Award as the North American champion turf male. That year, World Approval started his banner campaign, that included two Grade 1 wins in the Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga and the Ricoh Woodbine Mile in Canada, with a victory in the EG Vodka Turf Classic Stakes.

Imperial Hint, the 2018 FTBOA Horse of the Year and an earner of more than $2 million in his career, won the 2016 Ocala Breeders' Sales Sophomore Stakes in his second career start before going on to twice win both the Grade 1 Vosburgh Stakes and the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga.

Several other stakes throughout the season will offer purse supplements.

There will be a $25,000 win-only supplement for Florida-breds in four other stakes including the $175,000 Tampa Bay Stakes (Grade 3) for older horses going a mile-and-one-sixteenth on the turf, the $175,000 Endeavour Stakes (G3) for fillies and mares at a mile-and-one-sixteenth, both to be run on Feb. 6; the Feb. 13, $100,000 Pelican Stakes for older horses going six furlongs; and in the Grade 2, $225,000 Hillsborough Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile-and-one-eighth on March 6.

The $100,000 Lightning City Stakes for fillies and mares and the $100,000 Turf Dash for older horses will offer $25,000 win-only supplements on Feb. 20 that will be a paid to Florida-breds that finish in the top six on a 60%-20%-10%-5%-3%-2% basis.

On March 6, the $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby (G2) for 3-year-olds at a mile-and-one-sixteenth and the $200,000 Florida Oaks (G3) for 3-year-old fillies at a mile-and-one-sixteenth on the turf, will offer $50,000 supplements for Florida-breds to be paid on the same 60-20-10-5-3-2 basis.

For more information on races for Florida-breds and Florida Sire Stakes-eligible runners at Tampa Bay Downs, contact Allison DeLuca, Tampa Bay Downs racing secretary or Margo Flynn, with Horsemen's and Horsewomen's Services at 813.855.4401.

The post FTBOA, Tampa Bay Downs Offer Lucrative Florida-Bred And Florida Sire Stakes Programs For 2020-21 Season appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Training Begins At Colonial Downs; 18-Day Meet To Start July 27

With the return of live racing to Colonial Downs just two weeks away, trainers from Tampa Bay Downs were amongst the initial conditioners to arrive on the backstretch which recently opened. As a light rain shower passed through the area, the first horses made their way onto the mile and a quarter main track signaling the start of training for the 18-day meet that starts Monday, July 27.

The first horse onto the track was Mo Margarita from the barn of James Tsirigotis, Jr., who has eight horses here from Tampa.

“The Tampa horsemen definitely played a big role in the success of our 'racing revival' last year and I'm certainly glad to see so many of them return,” said Director of Racing and Racing Secretary Allison DeLuca, who serves in the same role at the Oldsmar, Florida, oval.

The Sunshine State outfits are topped by last year's co-leading trainer Mike Stidham, who will again have a string at Colonial this summer. The 62-year-old native of Neptune, New Jersey, won 10 races during the 2019 meet including stakes scores with Embolden in the Jamestown Stakes and with Doc's Boy in the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Kitten's Joy. He surpassed the 2,000-win mark in November.

“We enjoyed racing here last year,” Stidham said. “We had a lot of grass horses that we were able to run that we couldn't get in at other tracks. We won a lot of races. Our horses liked the grass course and the dirt surface was good as well.

“We're anxious and looking forward to another good meet,” he continued. “We will have a strong presence at Colonial and plan to run as many as possible this year.”

In addition to Stidham and Tsirigotis, others trainers who have made the trek from the western peninsula of Florida include Mike Campbell, Francisco Machado, Abdul Williams, James Dimmett, Jonathon Feron, Joseph Minieri, Mauricio Nunez, Derek Ryan, Dennis Ward, John Fennessey, Sarah Nagle, Moises Yanez, and Whitney Vallis to name just a few.

Among the prominent new trainers to have a Colonial Downs outfit is that of Christophe Clemente. The Paris-born Clemente, who saddled Tonalist to win the 2014 Belmont Stakes (G1), though based in New York this time of year he will have a contingent of eight horses here. Earlier this year, Clemente notched his 2,000th victory.

Of course, Virginia-bred, -sired or -restricted runners will be featured prominently during the Colonial Downs season with numerous stakes opportunities sprinkled throughout the meet with as many as six such events planned for the opening three programs.

“Move in day was hectic – we have 100 horses at home; trying to get a batch down here,” said trainer Karen Godsey. “Mom and I were throwing hay the other day trying to get it all done.  We have 11 (horses) here so far, nine or 10 more to come from the farm and some from other tracks. We'll trickle them in — I'll bring another couple more every day.

“It feels great to be back especially after this year that we've all had — at one point, didn't even know we'd be here,” she said. “I hope I have as a good meet as I did last year but don't know if you can get lucky twice. What the Beep, winner of the 2019 Tyson Gilpin Stakes is back and will compete in the same Virginia-bred stakes this year (Sept. 2).”

Another Virginia-based trainer David Bourke arrived over the weekend and will have 10 horses here for the meet. “I just brought the first set out to train and the track feels great — it has a really nice cushion on it. It is all manicured and looks A1,” he said. “We fortunately brought a bit better stock with us this year. We have two really nice 2-year-olds. We have something more to look forward to than we did last year. The quality in our stable this year is better.”

The Colonial Downs season begins Monday, July 27, with racing conducted three days a week – Monday through Wednesday – with a first post of 5:30 p.m. EDT with provisions for a limited number of spectators in attendance for the 18-day schedule.

Under conditions established in Virginia's Phase 3 reopening plan, which allows for outdoor venues to cap attendance at 1,000 spectators, Colonial Downs will plan the following protocols for the nightly meeting:

·        Up to 1000 spectators will be admitted to the outdoor areas of the grandstand and the track apron.

·        All guests will receive temperature checks upon arrival at the facility and a 6-foot social distancing policy will be enforced.

·        Guests are required to wear masks indoors and encouraged outdoors.

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Colonial Downs Opening 27 With Limited Spectators, Lots Of Interest From Horsemen

Officials of Colonial Downs Group, a subsidiary of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, today announced that its 2020 Thoroughbred meeting would begin on Monday, July 27, with provisions for a limited number of spectators in attendance for the 18-day schedule.

This year's meeting will be conducted on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with first post time at 5:30 p.m. ET. The meeting will conclude on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The former schedule has been changed from its original slate of July 23-Aug. 29, with racing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. All races during the meeting will be televised on the TVG Network, with wagering available through TVG.com and other platforms.

Under conditions established in Virginia's Phase 3 reopening plan, which allows for outdoor venues to cap attendance at 1000 spectators, Colonial Downs will plan the following protocols for the nightly meeting:

Up to 1000 spectators will be admitted to the outdoor areas of the grandstand and the track apron.
All guests will receive temperature checks upon arrival at the facility and a 6-foot social distancing policy will be enforced.
Guests are required to wear masks indoors and encouraged outdoors.

“With the advancement into Phase 3 of Virginia's reopening plan, and guidance from state and local health authorities, we are anxious to offer this year's race meeting with limited spectators in a safe and healthful fashion,” said John Marshall, Colonial Downs' Executive Vice President of Operations. “As we continue to monitor the effects of COVID-19, our top priority this meet is protecting the health and safety of our guests, team and racing participants.”

Safety protocols may evolve leading up to and during the race meeting as directed by governmental officials.

Enthusiastic Response from Horsemen

Response from horsemen for the 2020 meeting has been especially strong nationwide, with 90 stall applications for more than 800 stalls received. Among those received are from horsemen based in Arkansas, California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New York and Virginia. The Colonial Downs stable area will open on Monday, July 13.

The meet Condition Book is now available online at Colonial Downs. Please contact Racing Secretary, Allison DeLuca at allisondeluca@yahoo.com for any follow-up questions.

The daily purse distribution for this year's meeting will be approximately $340,000 per program due to temporary closure of the four Rosie's Gaming Emporiums and four VA-Horseplay OTBs since mid-March, which resulted in a reduction in historical horse racing and simulcast revenue. Rosie's and four VA-Horseplay locations are currently open for simulcasting.

“Under these difficult circumstances, we couldn't be happier with the enthusiastic response from our horsemen in the number of stall applications received for this month's opening,” said Jill Byrne, Colonial Downs' Vice President of Racing Operations. “Our stable area and dirt and turf courses received rave reviews from horsemen last season, and we look forward to hosting another successful race meet. We also feel our early week racing schedule will provide us with greater visibility to fans wagering around the country.

“We also thank the Virginia HPBA for their cooperation in working with us on adjustments to the purse program during this unprecedented period.”

Last year, under new management, Colonial Downs, which was conducting a race meeting for the first time since 2013, made sweeping improvements to the facility. Those enhancements included upgrades to the irrigation system for its world-renowned Secretariat turf course, renovations to the 1 ¼-mile dirt track, stable area and paddock, receiving and test barns and dormitories and a new jockeys' room kitchen.

Last year, Colonial paid out $614,000 in owner incentive bonuses and $364,300 in trainer bonuses, and in 2020 these popular owner and trainer incentives are back. This year, each owner will receive an $800 per start for any of its horses which do not earn $800 in that race, and each trainer will receive $250 for each time they start a horse. In addition, Colonial Downs and the Virginia HBPA will each pledge a $15 donation for each starter to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA).

“On behalf of the Virginia horsemen, we are delighted to be back racing at Colonial Downs this summer,” said Frank Petramalo, Jr., Executive Director of the Virginia HBPA. “Last year, we got off to a great start, and we're looking forward to building on that success, particularly since we have not had much opportunity to race in the Middle Atlantic during the first part of the season. As important, our horsemen are particularly pleased with the number of races written at the meet for Virginia-bred, Virginia-sired, and Virginia-certified horses, which support our local farms.”

Plentiful Stakes Racing

The 2020 meet will be highlighted by the 18th running of the $200,000 (G3) Virginia Derby on turf for 3-year-olds, and the $100,000 Virginia Oaks for 3-year-old fillies, both now held on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Purses for both races have been reduced by $50,000 each. The $60,000 Rosie's Stakes (2 YO, 5.5F) and $60,000 Kitten's Joy Stakes (2 YO, 1 1/16th miles) will support the Virginia Derby night program. 2019 Rosie's winner Four Wheel Drive went on to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.

A total of eight stakes for Virginia-bred/sired horses will take place over two programs. The Camptown, Nellie Mae Cox and Edward P. Evans will all be contested Wednesday, July 29 while the M. Tyson Gilpin, Brookmeade, Bert Allen, Jamestown and Punch Line will be held on closing night, Sept. 2. Purses for each will be $60,000 except for the Punch Line's, which is $75,000.

A total of 18 overnight races have been dedicated as Virginia restricted, which are open to horses that are either Virginia-bred, sired or certified. Another three restricted overnights are listed as substitute races throughout the meet. Additionally, a four pack of $40,000 restricted handicaps are scheduled — the Van Clief (July 27), Miss Oceana (August 5), William M. Backer (August 5), and Quarter Path Road (August 12). A pair of $40,000 restricted stakes — the White Oak Farms and Hansel — complete that program and will be held July 28.

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