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Background Check: Del Mar Oaks

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is Del Mar's GI Del Mar Oaks, inaugurated in 1957 on the dirt but a permanent fixture on the grass since the 1965 edition.

As always, when there's racemares of this caliber, many will go on to become excellent producers. A few especially leap off the page for their accomplishments after racing. Following are highlights of some of the most important Del Mar Oaks winners by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

No Matter What (1997, Nureyev–Words of War, by Lord At War {Arg}), bred by Arthur B. Hancock III and Stonerside, Ltd.: Not too many mares produce five graded/group winners, but this one did. Her best was English/Irish highweight and MG1SW Rainbow View (Dynaformer).

Hollywood Wildcat (1990, Kris S.–Miss Wildcatter, by Mr. Prospector), bred by Irving and Marjorie Cowan: One of the few mares to both win a Breeders' Cup and produce a Breeders' Cup winner, she is the dam of GI Mile winner War Chant (Danzig). She would go on to produce three other stakes winners, including GSW Ivan Denisovich (Ire) (Danehill), who also placed in Grade I/Group 1 races in three countries. Japanese G1SW Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) and Canadian Classic winner Danish Dynaformer (Dynaformer) are among the stakes performers produced by her daughters.

Hidden Light (1983, Majestic Light–Tallahto, by Nantallah), bred by Howard B. Keck: Her pièce de résistance was her 11th foal, the tough Breeders' Cup winner Artie Schiller (El Prado {Ire}), who has doubled up on siring Grade I/Group 1 winners in both the U.S. and Australia. His best to date is Australian champion Flying Artie (Aus), in turn the sire of Australian MGISW and English invader Artorius (Aus).

French Charmer (1978, Le Fabuleux {Fr}–Bold Example, by Bold Lad), bred by A. D. D. Rogers: England's 1989 Horse of the Year and nice sire Zilzal (Nureyev) was her top son, while other descendants include Canadian champion and U.S. GISW Negligee (Northern Afleet).

Country Queen (1975, Explodent–Carrie's Rough, by Rough'n Tumble), bred by Ocala Stud, Inc.: This Florida-bred mare produced one minor stakes winner, but a daughter of hers went to France and made a massive splash. Among the latter's sons were MG1SW and sire Slickly (Fr) (Linamix {Fr}) and among her daughters were the dams of European champion Siyouma (Ire) (Medicean {GB}) and G1SW Siyouni (Fr) (Pivotal {GB}). Currently one of the world's leading sires and based in France, Siyouni is responsible for the likes of Sottsass (Fr), St Mark's Basilica (Fr), Laurens (Fr), and Paddington (GB).

Sandy Blue (1970, Windy Sands–Blue Nola, by Limelight {GB}), bred by Mr. & Mrs. Dan Gershon: A long list of stakes winners traces to this California-bred chestnut, most notably the wonderful champion grass mare and six-time GISW Possibly Perfect (Northern Baby). Other GISWs include Eddington (Unbridled), Coil (Point Given), Chiropractor (Kitten's Joy), and Miserden (Private Account), the latter in France.

Desert Trial (1963, Moslem Chief–Scotch Verdict, by Alsab), bred by Joseph M. O'Farrell: Among this mare's four stakes winners were dual champion and six-time GISW Desert Vixen (In Reality), as well as a full-brother to that champion in GSW & GISP Valid Appeal. The latter was an excellent Florida-based sire, known for throwing early runners with an abundance of speed. Desert Vixen, in turn, produced French GSW & MG1SP Real Shadai (Roberto), who would become a leading sire in Japan.

Fun House (1958, The Doge–Recess, by Count Fleet), bred by C. V. Whitney: Before there was a Winchell Broodmare of the Year with the same name, this dark bay produced six black-type winners, including GISW Court Ruling (Traffic Judge) and eventual leading Argentinean sire Good Manners (Nashua). Her descendants include dual Canadian champion and U.S. MGISW Windsharp (Lear Fan), dam of Breeders' Cup winner Johar (Gone West) and 2003 Del Mar Oaks winner Dessert (Storm Cat).

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Wertheimers Acquire Wildenstein Family’s Dayton Investments Bloodstock Portfolio

Wertheimer et Frere have purchased the entirety of the Wildenstein family's Dayton Investments bloodstock, including 'TDN Rising Star' and G3 Prix Penelope heroine Pensee Du Jour (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). She was due to race in the Ballymore Thoroughbred Racing colours in the G2 Prix de la Nonette on Sunday, but will instead carry the blue silks with white sleeves and seams of Alain and Gerard Wertheimer.

A storied operation since the 1920s, the Wildenstein family's bloodstock have produced a slew of stars on an international scale, including a quartet of G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winners. Current flagbearers for the breeding programme are four-time Group 1 winner Paddington (GB) (Siyouni {Fr})–an €420,000 yearling at the Arqana October Yearling Sale–and three-time top-level winner-turned Darley stallion Persian King (Ire) to name just a few.

“We confirm that we have recently acquired all the horses belonging to Dayton Investments,” a spokesperson for Wertheimer et Frere told Jour de Galop on Thursday evening. “This is a rare opportunity to integrate many elements of exceptional quality into our broodmare band, such as the dams of Classic [winners] Persian King and Paddington, the winner of the [2014 G1] 1000 Guineas Miss France (Ire) (Dansili {GB}), as well as horses-in-training, including Pensee Du Jour. The yearlings and foals also join the Wertheimer et Frere squad.

“We hope to continue to develop the success of the great families of Dayton Investments who, since 1923, have been among the most important families in the European stud book and have notably produced four Arc de Triomphe winners. The main lines that will thus join the stable are from iconic mares such as Albertine (Fr), Madelia (Fr) or even Petroleuse (Ire).”

A yearling and horses-in-training dispersal was conducted for the Wildenstein family by Goffs during the 2016 Orby Sale.

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Background Check: Belmont Oaks

In this continuing series, we examine the past winners of significant filly/mare races by the lasting influence they've had on the breed. Up today is Belmont Park's GI Belmont Oaks Invitational S., now the first leg in New York's Turf Tiara series for 3-year-old fillies on the lawn.

Originally known as the Rare Perfume and then the Garden City, the Belmont Oaks under its current name has only been in existence since 2014, although the race itself dates to 1979. The history may not be long and some of the winners were better racemares than producers, but a trio of particularly illustrious future broodmares stands out.

Following are highlights of some of the most important Belmont Oaks winners by what impact they've had on the sport through their sons and daughters.

Sky Beauty (1990, Blushing Groom {Fr}–Maplejinsky, by Nijinsky II), bred by Sugar Maple Farm: Early in her broodmare career, she sold for $2.85 million at Keeneland and would produce just a handful of more foals, with the best on the track being England's GSW Hurricane Cat (Storm Cat). However, her great-grandson Violence is keeping her name relevant today. He's currently among the top 10 leading sires in the U.S. for 2023 by earnings.

November Snow (1989, Storm Cat–Princess Alydar, by Alydar), bred by D. J. Stable and Overbrook Farm: Although she didn't produce a stakes winner herself, November Snow's daughters have done her proud. Among her descendants are Irish champion and G1 Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}); New Zealand champion Bounding (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}); GISWs Morning Line (Tiznow) and Express Train (Union Rags); and a number of other graded performers.

Personal Ensign (1984, Private Account–Grecian Banner, by Hoist the Flag), bred by Ogden Phipps: This grand mare has to be among the sport's best examples of what a top racemare remodeling into a top broodmare can look like. Considered one of the best fillies or mares of the 20th century as an undefeated champion and Breeders' Cup winner, Personal Ensign's foals included GISWs My Flag (Easy Goer), Miner's Mark (Mr. Prospector), and Traditionally (Mr. Prospector), as well as MGISP Our Emblem (Mr. Prospector). Her descendants through her daughters include champion Storm Flag Flying (Storm Cat); Breeders' Cup winner Seeking the Soul (Perfect Soul {Ire}); GISWs Mr Speaker (Pulpit) and Arabian Lion (Justify); and a plethora of other graded winners, including recent MGSW Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro). Four 'TDN Rising Stars', including Arabian Lion and GSW & GISP Ocho Ocho Ocho (Street Sense), have her as a granddam or great-granddam. Personal Ensign was honored as Broodmare of the Year in 1996.

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Hagyard’s Dr. Walter Zent Dies at 84

Renowned equine reproduction specialist Dr. Walter W. Zent, D.V.M. passed away June 29 in Lexington, Kentucky. He was 84 years old.

A New York native, Zent began his love affair with horses as a young child when visiting family in Kentucky. He graduated from Cornell University's School of Veterinary Medicine in 1963, interned at Purdue University, then spent two years investigating infectious disease outbreaks and pathology at the University of Kentucky's Department of Veterinary Science. He began practicing at Hagyard-Davidson-McGee, now Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, in 1966 and was synonymous with that institution for decades.

Zent also remained affiliated with the Veterinary Science Department at the University of Kentucky, as well as the Gluck Equine Research Center. He served as Chair for the Gluck Equine Research Foundation and was instrumental in securing funding for facilities on the University's research farm. The mare reproduction facility is named the “Walter W. Zent-Mare Reproductive Health Facility.”

Zent's career focused on advancing the field of equine reproduction, particularly among Thoroughbreds, and nurturing theriogenology (the reproduction specialty in veterinary medicine) among other veterinarians. He played a pivotal role in revolutionizing mare management practices. A past president of the Society for Theriogenology, he was also involved in many other professional veterinary and equine organizations, including the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). He was an honorary Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists and delivered numerous presentations at national and international conferences, as well as authored several book chapters and articles for publication.

In partnership with Tony and Susan Holmes, Zent and his wife June bred a number of successful Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds, including 2005 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Stevie Wonderboy (Stephen Got Even) and 2010 GI Breeders' Cup Turf winner Dangerous Midge (Lion Heart).

Zent is survived by his wife, June; daughter Megan Neelis (Trey); son, Drew Zent (Lisa); grandchildren Christine Neelis, Carter Zent, Harry Neelis, Emma Zent, and Maggie Zent; his sister, Phyllis Shapiro; and two nieces.

Visitation will take place Thursday, July 6 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 463 East Main Street, Lexington. A celebration of Zent's life and contributions will be held later this year.

Any donations in Zent's name may be made to the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Scholarship Endowment through The Foundation for the Horse and/or the Society for Theriogenology.

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