‘Moon’ Shines Over Rivals in American Oaks

Rhea Moon (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) was produced by the hot-riding Juan Hernandez approaching the final furlong and fought her way past pace-pressing stablemate School Dance (Animal Kingdom) in the final couple of jumps to win Monday's GI American Oaks at Santa Anita.

A 6-1 gamble exiting a 1 1/4-length success in the GIII Autumn Miss S. going a mile over this course Oct. 29, Rhea Moon was one of the last away, but improved along the inside while tugging a bit for her head and raced fourth-last with a circuit to travel as favored East Coast shipper and 'TDN Rising Star' Salimah (Ire) (El Kabeir) pulled her way along beneath Flavien Prat with School Dance in close attendance.

Hard held as she continued to scrape paint into the backstretch, Rhea Moon was shuffled back one spot and raced with just two behind into the final half-mile, but was always traveling smoothly. Full of run as she was ridden for luck at the fence, the bay was a bit short of room and in tight quarters with two furlongs to race. But allowed to follow the move of GIII Sands Point S. heroine Skims (GB) (Frankel {GB}) into the final three-sixteenths of a mile, Rhea Moon found the daylight she needed four or five off the inside and motored home to peg back School Dance on the money.

“I think going a mile and a quarter, the one hole was an advantage,” said winning trainer Phil d'Amato. “Juan took advantage, just saving every inch of ground and getting her out in time. He gets a lot of credit for developing this filly…Juan and I are really in a groove, as much as Flavien [Prat] and I do well, Juan and I just seem to really get on a hot streak and I have a lot of confidence in him as does everyone else. It is just great to see. I don't need to give him a lot of instructions and he gets the job done.”

Placed on a pair of Irish appearances for Ken Condon as a juvenile, Rhea Moon finished runner-up in her first two U.S. starts before graduating in a nine-furlong test over this course June 4. A wide-trip third in a first-level Del Mar allowance July 24, Rhea Moon cleared that hurdle Aug. 21 and overcame a bit of trouble to win the Autumn Miss by 1 1/4 lengths Oct. 29.

Pedigree Notes:

Rhea Moon completes a truly phenomenal season around the globe for the underappreciated Starspangledbanner, joining Prix Ganay and Prince of Wales's S. hero State of Rest (Ire); Longines Hong Kong Mile victor California Spangle (Ire); and G1 Prx Jean Romanet heroine Aristia (Ire) as top-level scorers in 2022. Rhea Moon is one of two winners from just two to race for Callisto Star. Her 2-year-old sister There's The Door (Ire) won her maiden at third asking at Haydock this past July and was a near-miss runner-up in a Newmarket handicap over nine furlongs Oct. 29. Rhea Moon, who is inbred 4×3 to the legendary Danehill, also has a yearling half-sister by Magna Grecia (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}).

Monday, Santa Anita
AMERICAN OAKS-GI, $303,000, Santa Anita, 12-26, 3yo, f, 1 1/4mT, 2:00.75, fm.
1–RHEA MOON (IRE), 124, f, 3, by Starspangledbanner (Aus)
1st Dam: Callisto Star (Ire), by Fastnet Rock (Aus)
2nd Dam: Livia Galilei (Ire), by Galileo (Ire)
3rd Dam: Mohican Princess (GB), by Shirley Heights (GB)
1ST GRADE I WIN. (£24,000 Ylg '20 TATIRY). O-Rockingham Ranch & Talla Racing LLC; B-Kevin J Molloy (IRE); T-Philip D'Amato; J-Juan J Hernandez. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 9-4-3-2, $371,831. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–School Dance, 124, f, 3, by Animal Kingdom
1st Dam: Ann of the Dance (SW & GSP, $198,332), by English Channel
2nd Dam: Dans La Ville (Chi), by Winning
3rd Dam: Syracuse, by Sharp-Eyed Quillo
1ST BLACK-TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK-TYPE, 1ST G1 BLACK-TYPE. O-Agave Racing Stable & Rockin Robin Racing Stables; B-Betz/Lamantia/Ramsby/Strong, B & K Canetti/J Betz (KY); T-Philip D'Amato. $60,000.
3–Sparkle Blue, 124, f, 3, by Hard Spun
1st Dam: Silk n' Sapphire, by Smart Strike
2nd Dam: Golden Tiy, by Dixieland Band
3rd Dam: Tiy, by Nalees Man
1ST G1 BLACK-TYPE. O-Augustin Stable & Catherine Parke; B-Catherine Parke (KY); T-H Graham Motion. $36,000.
Margins: HD, 3/4, HD. Odds: 6.80, 11.70, 8.80.
Also Ran: Oakhurst, Skims (GB), Pizza Bianca, Salimah (Ire), Duvet Day (Ire), Lady Clementine (GB), Mise En Scene (GB), Bellstreet Bridie (GB). Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

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Weekly Rulings and Commissions Rulings: Oct. 4-10

Every week, the TDN publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

With the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) having gone into effect on July 1, the TDN will also post a roundup of the relevant HISA-related rulings from the same week.

California
Track: Santa Anita
Date: 10/07/2022
Licensee: Leonard Rivero, owner
Penalty: Suspended license
Violation: Failure to appear for hearing
Explainer: Owner Leonard Rivero (DBA; WINNER CIRCLE STABLES), having failed to respond to written notice to appear before the Board of Stewards at Santa Anita Park on October 6, 2022, is suspended for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1547 (Failure to Appear) pending an appearance at a hearing before the Board of Stewards to answer to charges alleging violation of CHRB rule #1876 (Financial Responsibility- $2594.52 to K C Horse Transport, Inc.). Suspension to commence on October 13, 2022.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 10/07/2022
Licensee: Luis Aguilar, owner
Penalty: $200 fine
Violation: Shoeing without license
Explainer: Owner Luis Aguilar is fined $200.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1481 (Occupational Licenses and Fees–shoeing without a proper license)

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 10/07/2022
Licensee: Lloyd Wicker, trainer
Penalty: $500 fine
Violation: Out of competition medication violation
Explainer: Trainer Lloyd Wicker, who worked out the horse HOLLYWOOD RUMOR at San Luis Rey Downs on July 20, 2022, is fined $500.00 and assessed one half (1/2) point in accordance with California Horse Racing Rule #1843.4 (Multiple Medication Violations–Expires 10/08/23) for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule #1868 (Authorization Medication During Workouts) and Rule #1843.1  (Prohibited Drug Substances – Phenylbutazone [(Class 4]).

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 10/09/2022
Licensee: Juan Hernandez, jockey
Penalty: One-day suspension, $250 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip

Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties–Class 3), Jockey JUAN HERNANDEZ, who rode TURN ON THE JETS in the ninth race at Santa Anita Park on October 8, 2022, is suspended for one (1) day (October 16, 2022), and fined $250.00 for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Jockey JUAN HERNANDEZ is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on April 9, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties. Jockey JUAN HERNANDEZ has accrued a total of nine (9) points. Pursuant to California Horse Racing Board rule #1766 (Designated Races), the term of suspension shall not prohibit participation in designated races.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 10/09/2022
Licensee: Ian Kruljac, trainer
Penalty: Reimbursement by owner of claim and stabling costs
Violation: Voided claim
Explainer: In the matter of the claim submitted for the horse GYPSY LYNN; Having received first notice of a Prohibited Substance (methocarbamol) in the post-race test sample, pursuant to Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Rule 2262 (c)(5) (Void Claim), the claim submitted for the horse GYPSY LYNN, in the first race on August 21, 2022, at Del Mar Racetrack is hereby deemed void.

The horse, GYPSY LYNN trained by IAN KRULJAC, shall be returned to owner CLARKE M. COOPER (DBA: CLARKE M. COOPER FAMILY TRUST) and CLARKE M. COOPER (DBA: CLARKE M. COOPER FAMILY TRUST) shall return the amount of the claim of TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($20,000) to owner TODD CADY by October 16, 2022. Furthermore, owner CLARKE M. COOPER (DBA: CLARKE M. COOPER FAMILY TRUST) shall reimburse owner TODD CADY in the amount of $1,679.54 for the care and training of the horse during the time the horse was in the claimant's barn.

Track: Santa Anita
Date: 10/10/2022
Licensee: Drayden Van Dyke, jockey
Penalty: Reimbursement by owner and jockey of purse money
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Pursuant to a formal hearing held on October 8, 2022, it is hereby ordered that BOLT'S BROAD, who finished first in the sixth race at Del Mar Race Track on September 9, 2022, be disqualified and deemed unplaced pursuant to HISA Rule 2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties [Class 2 Violation]) for violation of HISA Rule 2280 (Use of Riding Crop).

It is further ordered that the purse money awarded to Owner WENDY RUIS (RUIS RACING LLC), $60,000 and Jockey DRAYDEN VAN DYKE, 4,800 be distributed in accordance with the revised order of finish by the Paymaster of Purses at Del Mar Race Track

Revised order of finish is as follows:
1st  Classymademoiselle; 2nd La Peer; 3rd Anacaro; 4th Balenciaga Betty; 5th  Free and Humble; 6th  Shirley's Bane

All records are ordered to reflect this ruling. In accordance with California Horse Racing Board rule #1956 (Race Declared Official) neither pari-mutuel payoffs nor the distribution of any pari-mutuel pool shall be affected.

New York
Track: Aqueduct
Date: 10/06/2022
Licensee: Tom Morley, trainer
Penalty: Ten-day suspension, $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Having received a report from the NYS Gaming Commission Equine Drug Testing Laboratory of the finding of Phenylbutazone in the post-race sample taken from Horse “Built to Last” (#4) which raced in the 3rd race and finished 1st on August 24th 2022. Trainer of record Mr. Thomas Morley having been notified of the post-race positive and having waived his right to appeal is hereby fined the sum of $1,000 and suspended ten Calendar days effective Thursday October 13th 2022, through Saturday October 22nd 2022, inclusive.

Furthermore, the Stewards order horse “Built to Last” disqualified from any part of the purse and the purse redistributed as follows:

  1. (#11) Kingstown
  2. (#12) Tommy Gun
  3. (#13) Full Complement
  4. (#10) Magic Truck

Ordered that during your period of suspension, you shall not directly or indirectly participate in New York State pari-mutuel horse racing. You are denied the privileges and use of the grounds of all racetracks, you are forbidden to participate in any share of purses or other payment. Every horse is denied the privileges of the grounds and shall not participate in pari-mutuel racing in New York State, that (a) is owned or trained by you, or by any individuals who serves as your agent or employee during your suspension: or (b) for which you during your suspension are directly or indirectly with training, including any arrangements to care for, train, enter, race, invoice, collect fees or other payments, manage funds, employ or insure workers, provide advise or other information or assist with any aspect of the training of such horses.

Track: Aqueduct
Date: 10/07/2022
Licensee: Edmund Davis, trainer
Penalty: Fifteen-day suspension, $1,500 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: Having received a report from the NYS Gaming Commission Equine Drug Testing Laboratory of the finding of Phenylbutazone in the post-race sample taken from Horse “Cap't Remington” #6 which raced in the 3rd race and finished 2nd on August 5th 2022. Trainer of record Mr. Edmund Davis having been notified of the post-race positive and having waived his right to appeal is hereby fined the sum of $1,500 and suspended fifteen Calendar days effective October 16th 2022 through October 30th 2022, inclusive.

Furthermore, the Stewards order horse ” Cap't Remmington” disqualified from any part of the purse and the purse redistributed as follows:

  1. (#5) Jay'stalker
  2. (#3) Barone Marchis
  3. (#4) Makart
  4. (#2) Devil Or Angel
  5. (#7) My Slick Nick

Ordered that during your period of suspension, you shall not directly or indirectly participate in New York State pari-mutuel horse racing. You are denied the privileges and use of the grounds of all racetracks, you are forbidden to participate in any share of purses or other payment. Every horse is denied the privilages of the grounds and shall not participate in pari-mutuel racing in New York State, that (a) is owned or trained by you, or by any  individuals who serves as your agent or employee during your suspension: or (b) for which you during your suspension are directly or indirectly with training, including any arrangements to care for, train, enter, race, invoice, collect fees or other payments, manage funds, employ or insure workers, provide advise or other information or assist with any aspect of the training of such horses.

Kentucky
Track: Keeneland
Date: 10/08/2022
Licensee: Carlos Villasana, jockey
Penalty: Suspended license
Violation: Failed drug test
Explainer: Carlos Villasana is hereby immediately suspended by the Board of Stewards for his failed drug test (reported on October 7, 2022 as positive for cocaine) and is ordered to undergo an evaluation by a professional in the field of addictive or substance abuse disorders approved by the KHRC. Consideration for reinstatement is contingent upon the adherence to the recommendation of the approved counsellor. Mr. Villasana must also provide a negative drug test prior to reinstatement. During his suspension Carlos Villasana is denied the privileges of all facilities under the jurisdiction of the KHRC.

Track: Keeneland
Date: 10/09/2022
Licensee: Jose Ortiz, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Jose Ortiz who rode Raging Sea in the ninth race at Keeneland on October 7, 2022, is hereby suspended three days, October 19 through October 21, 2022 (inclusive) for careless riding in the stretch that resulted in the disqualification of his mount.

Track: Keeneland
Date: 10/09/2022
Licensee: Irad Ortiz, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Irad Ortiz who rode Longpants Required in the tenth race at Keeneland on October 7, 2022, is hereby suspended three days, October 19 through October 21, 2022 (inclusive) for careless riding near the 3/8 pole.

Track: Keeneland
Date: 10/09/2022
Licensee: Joel Rosario, jockey
Penalty: Three-day suspension
Violation: Careless riding
Explainer: After a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Joel Rosario who rode Olga Isabel in the fifth race at Keeneland on October 7, 2022, is hereby suspended three days, October 19 through October 21, 2022 (inclusive) for careless riding near the 1/4 pole that resulted in the disqualification of his mount.

NEW HISA STEWARDS RULINGS
Note: While HISA has shared these rulings over the past week, some of them originate from prior weeks.

Violations of Crop Rule
Churchill Downs
Francisco Arrieta – ruling date October 4, 2022
Francisco Arrieta – ruling date October 8, 2022

Hawthorne
Eduardo Gallardo – ruling date October 6, 2022

Horseshoe Indianapolis
Adam Beschizza – ruling date October 6, 2022
Javier Padron-Barcenas – ruling date October 6, 2022
Kendal Deann Sterritt – ruling date October 6, 2022
Eduardo Perez – ruling date October 7, 2022

Mountaineer Park
Juan Gabriel Lagunes – ruling date September 27, 2022
Luciano Barron Hernandez – ruling date September 27, 2022
Eder Luis Martinez – ruling date October 3, 2022
Luciano Barron Hernandez – ruling date October 5, 2022
I'm Praying for That – ruling date October 5, 2022
Marco Ccamaque – ruling date October 7, 2022 (violation date Sept. 28)
Marco Ccamaque – ruling date October 7, 2022 (violation date Oct. 3)

Penn National
Pedro Requena – ruling date October 6, 2022

Pimlico
Xavier Perez – ruling date September 10, 2022

Presque Isle Downs
Alexis Valdes – ruling date October 10, 2022
Wilfredo Martinez – ruling date October 10, 2022

Remington Park
Obed Sanchez – ruling date October 6, 2022

Zia Park
J.C. Villanueva – ruling date October 8, 2022

Voided Claims
Churchill Downs
Thatch – ruling date October 1, 2022

Hawthorne
Gotta Chase It – ruling date October 2, 2022

Belterra Park
Monolito – ruling date October 5, 2022

Violations Involving Forfeiture of Purse
Mountaineer Park
Marco Ccamaque – $500 fine; 3-day suspension; 5 points; redistribution of purse; 7-day additional suspension due to accumulation of HISA points; ruling date October 7, 2022 (violation date Sept. 28)

Mountaineer Park
Marco Ccamaque – $500 fine; 3-day suspension; 5 points; redistribution of purse; 15-day additional suspension due to accumulation of HISA points; ruling date October 7, 2022 (violation date Oct. 3)

Appeal Request Updates
Mountaineer Park
Marco Ccamaque
Crop rule violation
Ruling date October 7, 2022 (violation date Sept. 28)
Appeal filed October 8, 2022
Stay granted

Mountaineer Park
Marco Ccamaque
Crop rule violation
Ruling date October 7, 2022 (violation date Oct. 3)
Appeal filed October 8, 2022
Stay granted

Horseshoe Indianapolis
Eduardo Perez
Crop rule violation
Ruling date October 7, 2022
Appeal filed October 11, 2022
Stay granted

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Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings Sept. 27-Oct. 3

Every week, the TDN publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where.

With the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) having gone into effect on July 1, the TDN will also post a roundup of the relevant HISA-related rulings from the same week.

California:
Track: Los Alamitos
Date: 10/02/2022
Licensee: Juan Hernandez, jockey
Penalty: One-day suspension, $278 fine
Violation: Excessive use of the whip
Explainer: Having violated the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2280 (Use of Riding Crop) and pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties – Class 3), Jockey Juan Hernandez, who rode COUNTRY GRAMMER in the eighth race at Santa Anita Park on October 1, 2022, is suspended for one (1) day (October 9, 2022), and fined $278.00 (10% of jockey's portion of the purse) for one (1) strike over the limit. Furthermore, Jockey Juan Hernandez is assigned three (3) violation points that will be expunged on April 2, 2023, six (6) months from the date of final adjudication pursuant to Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority Rule #2282 (Riding Crop Violations and Penalties. Jockey Juan Hernandez has accrued a total of six (6) points.

Florida:
The following was reported on the Association for Racing Commissioners International's recent rulings website.
Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 10/05/2022
Licensee: Herbert Miller, trainer
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: STEWARD'S RULING FINAL ORDER # 2022-037344 – F.S. 550.2415 = METHOCARBAMOL. $1000 FINE IMPOSED AND DUE 10/20/22 TO GULFSTREAM PARK HORSEMENS BOOKKEEPER. LOSS OF PURSE IMPOSED ALSO. “I'LL FIGURE IT OUT”

Track: Gulfstream Park
Date: 10/05/2022
Licensee: Lis Duco, trainer
Penalty: $1,000 fine
Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: STEWARD'S RULING FINAL ORDER # 2022-037253 – F.S. 550.2415 VIOLATION = TRANEXAMIC ACID. $1000 FINE IMPOSED AND DUE 10/20/22 TO GULFSTREAM PARK HORSEMENS BOOKKEEPER. LOSS OF PURSE ALSO IMPOSED. “AMOR LEJANO”

Kentucky:
Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 10/01/2022
Licensee: Keith York, owner-trainer
Penalty: Suspended license
Violation: Disorderly conduct
Explainer: Keith York is hereby suspended for disorderly conduct and his formal rejection from Ellis Park that occurred on September 29, 2022.

Track: Churchill Downs
Date: 10/02/2022
Licensee: Sonny Leon, jockey
Penalty: 15-day suspension
Violation: Intentional attempt to interfere during racing
Explainer: After being represented at a hearing before the Board of Stewards, Sonny R Leon, who rode Rich Strike in the tenth race at Keeneland on Oct. 1, 2022, is hereby suspended 15 racing days, October 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, and October 29, 2022, for intentionally attempting to interfere with and impede the progress of a rival by repeatedly making physical contact with another rider into the stretch.

NEW HISA STEWARDS RULINGS
Note: While HISA has shared these rulings over the past week, some of them originate from prior weeks.

Violations of Crop Rule:
Albuquerque Downs
Luis Ramon Rodriguez–ruling date September 18, 2022
Alejandro Medellin–ruling date October 1, 2022
Miguel Angel Perez–ruling date October 1, 2022

Aqueduct
Manny Franco–ruling date September 29, 2022
Jose Ortiz–ruling date September 29, 2022
Jose Lezcano–ruling date September 30, 2022

Churchill Downs
Jose Riquelme–ruling date September 25, 2022
Edgar Moorales–ruling date September 25, 2022
Joseph Talamo–ruling date September 25, 2022
Joseph Rocco, Jr.–ruling date September 30, 2022
Corey Lanerie–ruling date October 2, 2022

Delaware Park
Carlos Eduardo Lopez–ruling date October 1, 2022
Prairie Meadows
Cassidy Fletcher–ruling date October 2, 2022

Remington Park
Erick Medellin–ruling date September 28, 2022
Presque Isle Downs
Helen Alice Beckman–ruling date September 28, 2022
Eduardo Rojas–ruling date September 30, 2022

Voided Claims
Churchill Downs
Violent Gigi–ruling date September 21, 2022
Beverly's Charge–ruling date September 21, 2022
Mine Own Star–ruling date September 25, 2022
Indimaaj–ruling date September 25, 2022
Supremacy – ruling date September 28, 2022

Horseshoe Indianapolis
Rio Lady–ruling date September 27, 2022

Violations Involving Forfeiture of Purse
Albuquerque Downs
Luis Ramon Rodriquez–$500 fine; 3-day suspension; 5 points; 7-day additional suspension due to accumulation of 11 HISA points

Appeal Request Updates
Albuquerque Downs

Luis Ramon Rodriquez
Crop rule violation
Ruling date September 18, 2022
Appeal filed September 28, 2022
Stay denied

Oscar Ceballos (rider of horse owned by Joseph Peacock, Jr.)
Crop rule violation
Ruling date September 25, 2022
Appeal filed October 3, 2022
Stay granted

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Del Mar Summer Meet Set New Records on Multiple Fronts

Highlighted by the buzz around Flightline (Tapit)'s stellar GI TVG Pacific Classic performance in the track's signature event, Del Mar had record wagering and field size for the 31-day summer meet that ended Sunday, as well as a continued excellent safety record for the fourth consecutive year. There were no catastrophic injuries among 2,688 starters in the meet's 294 races.

The 83rd summer meet at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) set new records for average daily handle with $18.69 million a day, an increase of 1.5% from last year's $18.41 million, which was the previous record. Total wagering for the meet increased to $579.24 million, compared to the $570.78 million wagered during the 2021 summer session. In addition, on-track business increased with average daily wagering of $1.52 million, which represented a 4.8% growth from 2021. Total attendance of 278,702 was up 16.1% from 2021's total of 240,030.

With an average of more than $800,000 in purses per day, field size reached 9.77 for turf races and 8.67 for main track races. Together they combined for a Del Mar record of 9.14 horses per race, well above last year's average of 8.45 and among the top in field size for the entire country.

“Just an incredible meet on all levels,” said Joe Harper, Del Mar's CEO. “All season long the racing was ultra-competitive and extremely safe. Our racing office, led by Tom Robbins and David Jerkens, was phenomenal. We're also very appreciative of the support we received from our fans and our players both here on track and all across the country.”

In addition, Del Mar's “Ship & Win” program had its best season yet with 222 new runners shipping in to race well ahead of last year's record 186 shippers.

“This meet is the culmination of a year-long plan to revitalize California racing and return it to its rightful place as one of the best circuits in America,” said Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) chairman Gary Fenton. “A big thank you to our partners at DMTC and our members. Without owners there is no California racing and they continue to make a strong statement that Del Mar is their favorite place to be.”

Rider Juan Hernandez, who won five graded races at the meet, captured the jockey title in a runaway with 49 total victories. Umberto Rispoli trailed in second with 27 wins for the meet. Hernandez won his first rider's title at Del Mar last fall.

In contrast, the trainer's title was so close that it came down to the last day of the meet. Bob Baffert got a victory with Cave Rock (Arrogate) in the GI Runhappy Del Mar Futurity, a win that put him on even terms with Phil D'Amato. The two finished the day tied with 19 wins apiece. It's D'Amato third summer title at Del Mar and his fourth overall, as well as Baffert's eighth (but first title at Del Mar since 2003). A total of 70 different trainers won races at the meet.

The leading owner crown went to the partnership of Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, who finished first both in number of wins and money won. They won a total of nine races (35%) and purses of $849,680. Hronis Racing was the runner-up with wins (six) and J. Paul Reddam's Reddam Racing was second in purses ($628,834).

Racing will return to Del Mar for the Bing Crosby meet, which runs Nov. 11 through Dec. 4.

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