Some may argue that Thoroughbred racing is a contact sport. Twelve-hundred-pound athletes running at 40 mph around an oval and navigating through holes as tight as the eye of a needle might support that reasoning. Our racing stewards are there to guard against the worst from happening and protecting the integrity and safety of the sport of Thoroughbred racing. With the eyes of a hawk, they are doing their job well from their perch atop the clubhouse. All are accredited with experience and must be commended for what they do. For example, in just 18 days of the 2023 Saratoga meeting, five jockeys have been censured for careless riding. All but one, Tyler Gaffalione, was suspended. Gaffalione appealed and had his suspension stayed.

It becomes less effective when their on-track decision making fails to be communicated to fans and players. In each of the incidents above, stewards were silent to racing constituents about why they made their decision. The reports on the New York Gaming Commission site refer to careless riding. Without the details, damage occurs. With the lack of information, the rumor germinates in social media. Thousands of fans conveniently grow their own explanations without facts and embellish the rumor. Soon the stream flows to enemies of racing and we are under attack. The last thing racing needs is the unnecessary promotion of more racing haters. Like brushfires, lies about racing and the unethical that run it and the cruel that participate in it will saturate social media. Not necessary; there are solutions.

First, each track that runs a Thoroughbred racing meet could host a symposium, virtual or live, before a meet begins where the track's stewards explain the rules that apply and how they might adjudicate an inquiry. Vignettes, real or fictional, could be used to underscore the points made. Fans and players could interact and raise questions. Such a forum would be educational. When an inquiry sign appears fans and players would better understand the stewards' thought processes as they evaluate the incident. The emotions of the pending decision would be less fueled by the loss of a wager or placement of a horse.

Second, when an inquiry is decided the stewards might immediately appear on the tote board and video feed explaining how and why in this specific case they arrived at their decision. The current approach of a flashing inquiry or objection sign followed by minutes of silence and selected replays and then the public address officer announcing, there would be “no change in the finish position” doesn't serve racing well. This model frustrates fans and players and fosters conspiracy theories and fictional explanations by anyone dissatisfied with the outcome. If there is a legitimate reason to withhold an explanation it could be offered by the stewards or their spokesperson. Fans understand the litigiousness in gambling and would accept the explanation without blame.

Finally, racing would do well to recognize the value of the millions of racing fans and players across the country. Inviting them to participate on committees or workgroups that advise racing/gaming commissions or for that matter HISA would be an initiative-taking move. In this time where transparency is a buzz word for ethical behavior more would be gained than lost by such a move.

The call to action from fans of Thoroughbred racing is “keep us in the loop.” Many of us come to this sport from professions that would benefit racing if included. Fans, if their voice is recognized and matured, could be racing's best cheerleaders.

Michael Amo

ThoroFan

Editor's Note: The Stewards' Corner section of the NYRA website has now been updated with explanations of recent decisions at Saratoga Race Course, including last Saturday's GII Jim Dandy S.

The post Letter to the Editor: ‘Fans Could be Racing’s Best Cheerleaders’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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“I'm aware of a photo circulating on social media,” the trainer tweeted late on Saturday night. “The IHRB have been in contact with me regarding this photo and I will be cooperating fully with their investigation.”

On Sunday evening, Elliott released another statement in addition which reads: “I would like to address the speculation and rumours that have been rife since an old photo of me began circulating on social media yesterday afternoon.

“Firstly, I apologise profoundly for any offence that this photo has caused and can categorically state that the welfare of each and every horse under my care is paramount and has been central to the success that we have enjoyed here at Cullentra.

“The photo in question was taken some time ago and occurred after a horse had died of an apparent heart attack on the gallops. I appreciate that an initial viewing of this photo suggests it is a callous and staged photo but nothing could be further from the truth.

“At what was a sad time, which it is when any horse under my care passes away, my initial reaction was to get the body removed from where it was positioned.

“I was standing over the horse waiting to help with the removal of the body, in the course of which, to my memory I received a call and, without thinking, I sat down to take it. Hearing a shout from one of my team, I gestured to wait until I was finished.

“Such background information may seem trivial at this time and will not allay the concerns of many people both within and outside the world of horse racing.

“However, I feel it is important to provide people with some context surrounding this photo. To the racing community, to anyone who has worked with and loves horses and to anyone offended by this image I cannot apologise enough.

“Horse welfare and the care and attention to detail involved is absolutely at the core of everything we do here and both myself and all of my team pride ourselves on those standards.

“Again I apologise for any offence caused and ask people to consider this statement as opposed to the various falsehoods and misinformation being circulated on social media.

“At this time I would like to stress that I continue to extend my full cooperation with the ongoing IHRB investigation.”

Early on Saturday the IHRB said that it was “aware of an image circulating on social media and the matter is under investigation.”

An IHRB spokesman added to the BBC on Sunday,” The investigation is ongoing and will be dealt with as quickly as possible.”

The British Horseracing Authority has been made aware of the situation and is in contact with the Irish authorities.

Said a BHA spokesperson, “We hope the Irish authorities will quickly confirm how this shocking picture originated. Respect for horses is a fundamental value of our sport, contrary to the impression in this picture. The IHRB have assured us that the investigation will be carried out as quickly as possible and that they will keep us informed as more information becomes available.”

Elliott is currently readying a strong squad of horses to contest the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. Among his stable is two-time Grand National winner Tiger Roll (Ire) (Authorized {Ire}) who is targeting the Cross-Country Chase there before a potential record-equaling third National at Aintree in April.

The post Gordon Elliott Cooperating With IHRB Regarding Disputed Photo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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In Thoroughbred racing, a strong debut victory can be the springboard into stakes competition that can last for the rest of a horse's career, and potentially into the breeding shed. The sport is built on catching lightning in a bottle, and when the world sees what it thinks is a flash, it can be potentially life-changing.

On this edition of INQUIRY, we ask the folks on the sales grounds to recall a rookie sensation with the question, “What is the most impressive debut win you've ever seen?”

Chris Knehr – WinStar Farm

“The one that sticks out is probably Maclean's Music. That was a freakish performance.”

Carl McEntee – Ballysax Bloodstock

“Maclean's Music. That first out of his, running the 106 Beyer was insane. That was something special.”

Scott Mallory – Mallory Farm

“A filly named Promise Me More. She was entered in a stakes race for her very first race, and she ended up winning by five when she trailed the field the whole time. That was pretty impressive, and it gave me my first win as a breeder.”

Tom Hinkle – Hinkle Farms

“Back in the early '80s, we owned a filly named Romper, and she won here at Keeneland. It was the first race we won at Keeneland, and she won by 15 lengths in 1:09 and change.”

Marc McLean – Crestwood Farm

“We bred Xtra Heat, so to us, that was a big deal when she won her first start.”

The post INQUIRY Presented By Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders And Owners Association: Most Impressive Debut Victory? appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The logistics between racetracks, training centers, auctions, farms, and breeding sheds can give a person a lot of time behind the wheel, which leads to a lot of time listening to the radio.

In this edition of INQUIRY, we ask folks on the sales grounds what they're listening to while traveling from place to place with the question, “What is your favorite music for the road?”

Seth Gregory – Seth Gregory Bloodstock

“Country. I like a little bit of everything from old school guys like Hank Williams Sr. to '90s country, and some of the new stuff.”

Ron Blake – Blake-Albina Thoroughbred Services

“I listen to Bachata music. It's a Latin dance originated in the Dominican Republic. I Bachata myself, it's a dance. I go to the Dominican Republic three or four times a year, and it makes me feel like I'm down there.”

Mike Recio – South Point Sales Agency

“R&B and hip hop. I like Drake, Tupac, and I've always been a Notorious B.I.G. fan from back in the day. It's good party music, it's got a good feel and beat, and that's what the kids are listening to.”

Joe McMahon – McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds

“'60s on 6 on Sirius Radio. All the great bands were in the '60s – There were the Beatles of course, and Elvis had some great songs in the '60s. Herman and the Hermits, Tommy James and the Shondells.”

Freddie Seitz – Brookdale Sales

“Wilco. I've liked them ever since I was 20 years old, and they come out with great music all the time.”

Chris Bernhard – Hidden Lake Farm

“Probably corny 1990s pop music. I usually listen to the news or something else, so I rarely listen to music, but if I had to pop a CD out of the case, it's probably something that's been sitting in there for 15 years.”

The post INQUIRY Presented By Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders And Owners Association: Favorite Road Music? appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The Keeneland November Breeding Stock sale rolls on to Book 2, and the Paulick Report has the reading material you need in the latest edition of the PR Special.

Today's issue, like every edition of the PR Special, offers exclusive, detailed bloodstock content not yet seen on the rest of the website in a pdf format that's easy to read and print. Here is what's inside:

• Front Page: A look at the veteran stallions moving to Kentucky for 2021, including the red-hot Laoban, and why stallions make the move to the Bluegrass State.
• Stallion Spotlight: Tom Hamm of Three Chimneys on Funtastic.
• Florida-Bred Leaderboard: Florida-breds in the 2020 Breeders' Cup.
• INQUIRY: What is the most impressive debut win you've ever seen?
• First-Crop Sire Watch: First-time sires of in-foal mares in the Keeneland November catalog.

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS EDITION OF THE PR SPECIAL

Thanks to the advertisers in this edition of the PR Special. Your continued support is crucial to the functioning of our publication.

• Farmers National Bank
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• NTRA Advantage/John Deere Equine Program
• Lane's End
• Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association
• Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association
• Virginia Thoroughbred Association
• Shadwell Farm

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS EDITION OF THE PR SPECIAL

The post PR Special Keeneland November: Familiar Stallions In New Places appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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In this edition of INQUIRY, we ask the folks on the sales grounds to choose how they'd share that expertise with the world by asking the question, “If you taught a college course about horse racing, what would it be called?”

Catherine Parke – Valkyre Stud

“'Training A Racehorse, And Its Care.”

Tommy Eastham – Legacy Bloodstock

“It would be called 'Nonverbal Communication,' or 'Being Sensitive.' Communicating with this beast (the horse) without being able to go up and talk to them. Probably the biggest thing I see people miss with their horse care is it's not a 'to do' list. It's more of an art. Before you make a plan, you need to take a look at that horse, figure out its emotional state, try to figure out what's bothering it. The best way is to communicate with it.”

Conrad Bandoroff – Denali Stud

“'Horse Racing Economics.' You could look at how the market for horses mirrors the stock market. You could do some analytical data into economic trends in the horse business, and just showcase how large of an industry it is, and the size and scope of it.”

Katelyn Jackson – Elite Sales

“'Save Ground: How To Pick Your Spot.”'

Alfred Nuckols, Jr. – Hurstland Farm

“'Risk and Reward.' The class would be about trying to evaluate pedigrees. I like proven horses, but the risk market and reward market seem to be with a lot of these early horses, so I guess what you need to do is teach about these nice horses with pedigrees coming off the racetrack that everyone wants to breed to the first year.”

Bob Feld – Bobfeld Bloodstock

“It would be 'Handicapping 101.' For anyone in this business, it's the gambling and action that really drives the whole machinery.”

The post INQUIRY Presented By Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders And Owners Association: Back To School appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The Breeders' Cup is a celebration of the Thoroughbred industry's achievements on the racetrack, and on farms around the world, and the Paulick Report puts the spotlight on both in a unique Breeders' Cup edition of the PR Special.

In this edition, bloodstock editor Joe Nevills counts down the horses by freshman sires in each of Friday's five Breeders' Cup races for 2-year-olds. A win by one of their runners can turn the 2020 freshman sire race upside down, or put a leader out of reach for the rest of the year.

Nevills then examines all 14 championship races and identifies the most expensive auction graduate in each field. In INQUIRY, we have the members of the sales grounds go back to school, asking them what the name of their class on horse racing would be, if they taught one.

This issue's Ask Your Insurer sees Bryce Burton of Muirfield Insurance discuss coverage for in-utero foals purchased at auction. Then, Erin O'Keefe of BTE Stables goes over what to look for in a weanling-to-yearling pinhook prospect, especially on a budget. Finally, we see which stallions are represented by the most entries in the championship races this weekend in Breeders' Cup Sire Watch.

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS EDITION OF THE PR SPECIAL

Thanks to our advertisers for making this edition of the PR Special possible. Your support is crucial to the functioning of our publication.

• Farmers National Bank
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• Thoroughbred Review
• Lane's End
• Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders And Owners Association
• Thoroughbred Charities of America
• Muirfield Insurance
• BTE Stables
• Virginia Thoroughbred Association
• Shadwell Farm

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS EDITION OF THE PR SPECIAL

The post PR Special Breeders’ Cup Edition: Freshman Sire Race Reaches Its Lightning Round appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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In this edition of INQUIRY, we see who participants in the bloodstock industry cheer for away from the racetrack by asking the question, “What is your favorite sports team?”

Donato Lanni – Hill 'n' Dale Farms

“My favorite team is the Chicago Blackhawks. It's an electric place to go watch a game, and I met and got to know Joel Quenneville, their [former] coach, through John Sikura, and John's nephew played for the Blackhawks, so it's nice to see that all come together. Denis Savard, Eddie Olczyk, a lot of those Blackhawks seem to like the horse business. You see them out in the grandstand, and it's pretty cool.”

Mark Taylor – Taylor Made Sales Agency

“The Clemson Tigers. I went to Clemson, and if you went to Clemson, it's a cult, and once you get indoctrinated, you can't get it out of your blood. I live, breathe, eat, sleep Clemson football. I went down there a basketball fan because I'm from Kentucky, but I came out a football fan.”

Stuart Morris – Morris Bloodstock Services

The post INQUIRY Presented By Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders And Owners Association: Favorite Sports Teams On The Sales Grounds? appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The 2020 yearling auction season comes to a close with the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale, and the Paulick Report has the reading material you need in the sale preview edition of the PR Special.

In this edition, bloodstock editor Joe Nevills examines the elite fraternity of sires who had a North American classic winner in their first crop. This year's Triple Crown saw the club add two new members in Constitution, sire of Belmont Stakes winner Tiz the Law, and Daredevil, sire of Preakness Stakes winner Swiss Skydiver.

The Stallion Spotlight turns on Fast Anna, with Tom Hamm of Three Chimneys describing what makes the son of Medaglia d'Oro appealing for potential breeders. Then, Nevills polls the members of the sales grounds about their favorite sports teams in this issue's edition of INQUIRY.

Bryce Burton of Muirfield Insurance discusses protections important for consignors on the sales grounds in the latest edition of Ask Your Insurer. Finally, we take a look at the rookie stallions represented in the October sale catalog in First-Crop Sire Watch.

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS EDITION OF THE PR SPECIAL

Thanks as always to our sponsors for making this edition of the PR Special possible. Your support is crucial to the functioning of our publication.

• Muirfield Insurance
• Spendthrift Farm
• NTRA Advantage/John Deere Equine Program
• Lane's End
• Virginia Thoroughbred Association
• Blue Grass Farms Charities
• Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association
• BloodstockAuction.Com
• Shadwell Farm

CLICK HERE TO READ THIS EDITION OF THE PR SPECIAL

The post PR Special Fasig-Tipton October: An Exclusive Club Gains Two New Members appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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That's the thought on the minds of folks in this edition of INQUIRY, where we ask members of the bloodstock industry to reminisce on the “tell your grandchildren” moments they've been fortunate enough to see by posing the question, “What is the greatest race you've seen in person?

Seth Gregory – Seth Gregory Bloodstock

“That one's easy. The 1996 Dubai World Cup. I was fortunate enough to go be Cigar's groom for that race. I was Bill Mott's foreman at the time, and his groom couldn't go, so I went as his groom. It was a huge blast.”

Mike Recio – South Point Sales

Jimbo Gladwell – Top Line Sales

Chris Bernhard – Hidden Lake Farm

“I would have to say the Travers that Arrogate won. I'm just in awe of the horse. We got a nice mare to Arrogate, and you just watched him show up, shipping all over the country, and it was cool to be in his presence.”

Joe McMahon – McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds

Freddie Seitz – Brookdale Farm

The post INQUIRY: What Is The Greatest Race You’ve Seen In Person? appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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