Linda Rice | Horse Racing Free Tips

Brown Wins Eighth Straight Year-End Title at NYRA, Davis His First

With 159 winners from 587 starters (27.09%), trainer Chad Brown secured an eighth consecutive year-ending training title at the tracks of the New York Racing Association (NYRA). Over the course of 196 racing days, Brown's runners finished in the top three 59.28% of the time. It was the Mechanicville native's best season on the NYRA circuit, surpassing the 154 he recorded in 2018. He completed the year with total New York purse earnings of just over $17.9 million.

“It means a lot and I'm so proud of my team,” said Brown. “They've worked hard from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. They're an outstanding group of men and women who have various skillsets they bring to our team. We have a lot of loyal clients and partners, and of course, the horses. So many different horses in so many categories really came through for us, so we feel very fortunate to work with these horses.”

Among Brown's 27 graded victories in New York in 2022 were nine at the Grade I level, topped by the successes of 'TDN Rising Star' Jack Christopher (Munnings) in the GI Woody Stephens S. on the Belmont S. undercard in June and the GI H. Allen Jerkens S. in August at Saratoga.

“We had a very diverse group of horses and my team showed that they are able to execute equally as good with turf or dirt horses,” said Brown. “We won with dirt sprinters, route grass horses, male and female. They showed versatility and there's not too many teams that can continue to [perform at this level] with any kind of horse.”

Todd Pletcher and Linda Rice were second and third with 110 and 73 winners, respectively.

Seth Klarman's Klaravich Stables won its fourth straight year-end NYRA title, with a record of 228-57-47-29 for earnings of $6,148,551. Horses to carry the red-and-white silks included GI Belmont Oaks Invitational winner McKulick (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Early Voting (Gun Runner), who won the GIII Withers S. en route to future success in the GI Preakness S.

Jockey Dylan Davis registered his first NYRA riding title, partnering with the winners of 186 races. The 28-year-old earned his first meet title at the 2021-2022 Aqueduct winter meet.

“It feels great,” said Davis. “I'm grateful and honored and couldn't have done it without the horses, the trainers, the owners, my agent Mike [Migliore]. We've been working hard and sticking it out on the NYRA circuit. Everything is coming together and we're just going to push on and try for a better year next year.”

The post Brown Wins Eighth Straight Year-End Title at NYRA, Davis His First appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

GMP Stable Takes Next Step Towards Big Dreams at the Spa

When Gary Gullo retired from training in September of 2020 after 40 years on the Belmont backside, it was with big goals in mind. Gullo teamed up with longtime owner Anthony Melfi to start GMP Stable, an operation focused on breeding, selling, racing and now an equine rehabilitation farm. Gullo and Melfi's main goal has always been to acquire and breed top- quality horses and the first member of their new-and-improved breeding program will be offered at the prestigious Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale next week.

“It's our first time upgrading our mares,” Gullo said. “This is the first time we are actually putting them through the sale and running it as a breeding business. We have one in the Select Sale and two in the [Fasig-Tipton] New York-Bred Sale.”

The horseman continued, “Anthony is a great guy, great to work for. He has the same vision as I have, just trying to be first class with everything. It takes time to do. It is a process. It's not going to happen overnight. We are trying to buy top quality mares in foals to nice stallions. We have them at WinStar Farm. Now we are looking to sell some of the babies to offset some cost and keep it running like a business. We might start to keep a few down the road, but our goal is to breed top-quality horses.”

The GMP team will offer Hip 151, a Curlin filly out of MGISP Cassies Dreamer (Flatter), during the second session of Fasig's Select Sale Tuesday. Consigned by Taylor Made, the bay is the first foal out of Cassies Dreamer, who completed the trifecta in both the GI Frizette S. and GI Spinaway S. GMP Stable purchased the now 6-year-old mare for $435,000 with this filly in utero at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton November Sale.

“It is exciting,” Melfi said of selling a horse in the Saratoga Select Sale. “We can't wait to see how it goes and what she brings. She is a beautiful filly by Curlin. We just love her.”

Just six days later, GMP Stable has a pair of More Than Ready yearlings bred in partnership with Dutchess Views Farm and Robert Valeri set to sell during the second session of Fasig's New York-Bred Sale Aug. 15.

The first to go through the ring will be Hip 523, a filly out of Cinderella Time (Stephen Got Even). A $245,000 acquisition at the 2019 KEENOV sale in foal to Twirling Candy, the 11-year-old mare is already the dam of MGSW & MGISP Horologist (Gemologist).

Their other NY-bred offering is Hip 574, a More Than Ready colt out of Giant Blossom (Giant's Causeway). Picked up for $100,000 in foal to Frosted at the same KEENOV renewal, Giant Blossom is a half-sister to GISW Cotton Blossom (Broken Vow).

“We feel good about our New York-breds as well,” Gullo said. “We are getting our feet wet. We are relying on Fasig-Tipton, WinStar and Taylor Made. We are with the right people.”

Breeding and selling is just one area that GMP Stable dabbles in. They also have 25 horses in training across the country with conditioners such as Todd Pletcher, Linda Rice, Gary Sciacca, Robertino Diodoro and Doug O'Neill. The racing stable is a mix of homebreds, 2-year-old purchases and horses claimed at Churchill with an eye on the Del Mar meet.

“We would like to expand eventually,” Gullo said. “We bought some 2-year-olds and will buy more next year. We will also buy another three of four mares in November. Right now we are claiming horses for some action for us, but we are focusing on the higher quality over quantity.”

Gullo and Melfi's main focus at the moment is their farm, which is geared towards racehorse rehabilitation. Previously the Stone Bridge Farm training center, the Schuylerville, New York facility is an equine oasis with a training track, saltwater spas, Theraplates, magnawave and much more.

“We have a beautiful farm that is set up like a rehab, like Fair Hill,” Gullo said. “We are bringing in a hyperbaric chamber. We have saltwater spas, the vibrating plates, lasers, magnawave, thermal imaging. We have a seven-eighths Tapeta track. We redid the base and put a new cushion on it. We had the guy from Keeneland come and redo it all. We are going to have 50 stalls. We have horses here for Linda [Rice], [Todd] Pletcher and Bill Mott. Wesley Ward came out and loved it.”

The GMP farm also houses a spa for humans, offering a wide variety of services. Additionally, Melfi owns two bed and breakfasts on Union Ave. in Saratoga and plans to tie all of the facilities together.

“The spa is called Sacred Spa and Wellness,” said Melfi, who operated an environmental contracting company, which he sold in 2019. “We offer massage, facials, infrared saunas, chiropractic, acupuncture, body sculpting and basically anything you'd find at a high-end spa or wellness center.”

He added, “I also own Union Gables and the Brunswick. We are in the process of incorporating all the properties together to make it more of a destination.”

Between what they already have in the works and their future plans, Gullo and Melfi have a lot to look forward to with their new operation.

The post GMP Stable Takes Next Step Towards Big Dreams at the Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

ERC Returns for Fourth Season

Officially kicking off its fourth season, the Empire Racing Club (ERC) will offer a reduced membership price of $400 through the official re-launch date of May 1. Membership dues for both new and returning members will be $475 beginning May 2, 2022. Membership is open to both licensed and unlicensed enthusiasts looking to enjoy the social and educational benefits of the Club.

The ERC will once again be managed by famed race-caller Tom Durkin. Training the current roster of runners for the 2022 season are Hall of Famer Mark Casse; two-time Hall of Fame nominee Christophe Clement; and four-time leading trainer in New York, Linda Rice. ERC team runners currently include stakes winner Proven Strategies (Sky Mesa), in addition to Community Adjusted (Summer Front) and Freedomofthepress (Mshawish), who is entered to run at Aqueduct Saturday, Apr. 16.

“AND WE'RE OFF!!!!!!! Once again, the Empire Racing Club is off and running for another new year of New York Thoroughbred racing,” said ERC Managing Partner Tom Durkin. “The Empire Racing Club makes possible to members the thrill of owning a racehorse and being part of the game with a behind the scenes experience. The Club will have a number of runners to follow this year. It's what we call 'action'. See you in the winner's circle!”

Similarly to last season, ERC members receive regular updates about their horses via conference call, email and social media. The Club will offer the opportunity to visit the backstretch for morning training and the paddock when the ERC horses run, and will host dedicated ERC events.

“The new season will continue to feature the ERC Educational ZOOM Series in addition to the popular Race Day Events at NYRA tracks,” said ERC Coordinator Christina Bossinakis. “New for this year, the ERC will craft initiatives to offer interested members the opportunity to dip their toe into various levels of ownership, including the claiming game. Whether the goal is to enjoy the social scene, take advantage of the educational aspects or to gain a stake in the game, there will be something for everyone.”

Spearheaded by the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) in 2019, the ERC is a non-profit organization designed to introduce new fans to racehorse ownership.

For more information, visit www.empireracingclubny.com

The post ERC Returns for Fourth Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

What Did You Read? Paulick Report’s Top Stories Of 2021

As we prepare to close the book on 2021, it's time for our traditional look back on the most popular stories of the year by traffic. We've done this for six years now (see previous editions of 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020).

This was the year of the litmus test for Thoroughbred racing: from the ongoing federal doping case against Jorge Navarro and Jason Servis to the actions of the sport's top jockeys, as well as the ongoing drama surrounding Kentucky Derby first-place finisher Medina Spirit.

Reports: Navarro Sobs In Court As Judge Sentences Him To Five Years In Prison For PEDs Case: This aggregation of the results of Jorge Navarro's sentencing hearing – in which the former trainer became emotional and eventually began openly weeping in court as Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil characterized his actions – was far and away our most-read story of 2021. Other stories about the Navarro were also well-read this year, including the feds' argument that performance-enhancing drugs “have corrupted much of the horse racing industry,” the news that Navarro's attorney believes he is facing “almost certain deportation” after his prison sentence is completed, and a recap of the prosecution's sentencing letter for Navarro which calls his use of PEDs “animal abuse in the service of greed.”

The federal trials are expected to continue through 2022, with another prominent former trainer, Jason Servis, among those who have entered a not guilty plea and are awaiting trial.
Report: Irad Ortiz Jr. Fined $1,000 For Punching Paco Lopez: Actions of the sport's jockeys were a particularly hot topic this year, with reigning Eclipse Award winner Irad Ortiz, Jr. on the top of that list. Other news about the elder Ortiz brother that made it into our most-read stories includes: a video and opinion piece about Ortiz' dangerous riding that caused another jockey to fall (and later resulted in a 30-day suspension for Ortiz), his escape from serious injury in a June fall at Belmont Park, and a three-day suspension for his ride in the G1 Vosburgh Stakes.
Medina Spirit Collapses, Dies After Santa Anita Workout: The tragic death of the Kentucky Derby first-place finisher was a shock to the racing community, and another hit at the end of a year in which the colt failed a post-race drug test after the Run for the Roses, trainer Bob Baffert's record of five positive tests in the preceding year was examined, Baffert issued a public apology for his handling of the scandal, Churchill Downs banned Baffert for two years, bettors filed lawsuits against Baffert in attempt to recoup losses on the Kentucky Derby, and Baffert filed a lawsuit against the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for extra testing of Medina Spirit's samples.

It isn't over yet. The KHRC has yet to schedule a hearing that may disqualify Medina Spirit from his Derby win, and the New York Racing Association has been legally required to hold a hearing to determine whether Baffert will be allowed to race at their tracks. It remains unclear when, whether, or how Baffert could fight CDI's action against him, or what the future holds for his stable's top 2-year-olds as owners contemplate the Derby.
Beloved Son Of Secretariat Passes At 30: One of the four final offspring of the legendary Secretariat passed away at the beginning of 2021. The Darley-bred Secret of the Sea, from Secretariat's final crop, fell victim to Cushing's disease at the age of 30.
Linda Rice's License Revoked, Trainer Fined $50,000: The New York State Gaming Commission revoked trainer Linda Rice's license for a period of three years and issued her a $50,000 fine for “actions inconsistent with and detrimental to the best interest of racing generally and corrupt and improper acts and practices in relation to racing.” The NYSGC first launched an investigation into Rice's operation in early 2018, on the claim that she traded money for information from the racing office, and an eight-day hearing at the end of 2020 concluded with a hearing officer's report that Rice's misconduct – which involved receiving and requesting confidential entry information in overnight races – was intentional, serious and extensive. Rice was subsequently granted a temporary restraining order on the license revocation until her appeals process is played out in court, and has continued to train in New York.
Mejia Taken Off Monmouth Park Mounts, Has Hearing Scheduled After Suspicious Photo Surfaces: A photo of jockey Tomas Mejia taken by the track photographer was posted on Monmouth Park's Facebook page, but it was subsequently removed after officials were alerted to what appeared to be an object in Mejia's left hand. The jockey was later handed a 10-year ban by the Monmouth Park stewards for possession of an electrical device.
Racehorse Escapes To Expressway At Ellis Park: The aptly-named Bold and Bossy drew widespread media attention for her jaunt down the interstate after getting loose at Ellis Park. That night, the 2-year-old filly survived a barn fire with some minor burns. The Paulick Report followed up on Bold and Bossy's condition and learned more about her trainer a few weeks later.
Joel Rosario Fined For Misjudging Finish At Oaklawn: A curious incident in Hot Springs resulted in Rosario receiving a $200 fine. Aboard Oaklawn Mile second-place finisher Rushie, Rosario rode his mount out for another sixteenth of a mile past the wire, apparently forgetting that a one-mile race at Oaklawn finishes at the first wire.
Owner Placed On No-Entry List At Fair Grounds After Horse Turns Up In Bail Pen: This Paulick Report investigation resulted in Churchill Downs Inc. placing owner Kim Jackson on the no-entry list at Fair Grounds after her horse appeared in a Texas bail lot while still in the entries at the New Orleans track. Little Red Kid was advertised on social media Jan. 30 by a kill pen, but at that time was still supposed to be headed to the ninth race on Feb. 3. Trainer Jacoby Landry was fined $500 for “entering a horse no longer under his care.”
Meet Kong, The Pony Who Stole The Show On Breeders' Cup Weekend: If you found yourself distracted during the horseback interviews of this year's Breeders' Cup winners, you weren't the only one. This year, people were interested in Donna Brothers' mount, black and white pinto – both readers and Paulick Report staff members. Kong is a 10-year-old American Spotted Draft/Percheron cross trainer Kristin Mulhall picked up at an auction. He was a pick-up horse at rodeos for many years, and the Breeders' Cup was his first weekend working the races. What a star!

We at the Paulick Report could not do the work we do without our readers and our advertisers. Thank you this holiday season (and always) for your support.

The post What Did You Read? Paulick Report’s Top Stories Of 2021 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post