Tag: People

The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA) has announced that its members have selected horse owner and breeder Robert Hutt to serve as the new President of the organization. The PTHA's members also elected members to the association's board of directors of the horsemen's organizations for three-year terms.

Bob Hutt is President and CEO of Uptowncharlybrown Stud, LLC, a Pennsylvania-based Thoroughbred breeder and management firm. Hutt has 37 years of experience as an owner and a breeder and is the lead sponsor of the PTHA's Turning for Home, the association's signature racehorse aftercare and placement program. Hutt previously served on the Board of Directors of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation for five years. Working closely with the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association, Hutt proposed the recently created 2-year-old PA-Sired PA-Bred Stallion Series, which had its inaugural year in 2022.

Outside of horseracing, Hutt serves as President and CEO of Twenty-First Century Group LLC and is a producer of Back To The Future, The Musical, which will debut on Broadway this summer. Hutt, a resident of Washington Crossing in Bucks County, replaces outgoing President Salvatore DeBunda, who has led the organization since 2011.

“I am honored and thrilled to represent the horsemen at Parx,” said Bob Hutt. “As President of the PTHA, one of my top priorities is expanding our fan base and introducing a new generation to the thrill of live racing. From a horsemen's perspective, I'm committed to ensuring that we have a level playing field for all owners and trainers. I will be an advocate for all horsemen, from the smallest trainer to the largest stables. Every trainer, regardless of size, deserves the same respect and an opportunity to earn a living in this industry.”

PTHA members also elected three new individuals to the Board of Directors, including owners John Fanelli and John Julia, as well as trainer Robert “Butch” Reid, who previously served on the board from 2011 through 2019. The new members of the Board of Directors join seven existing members who were reelected by the association. Individuals who retained their position on the board include trainers Ed Coleti, Jr., Kate DeMasi, Scott Lake, and John Servis, as well as horse owners Jack Armstrong, Charles Asensio, and Jeffrey Matty, who also serves as Executive Director of the PTHA.

Hutt said another priority for the coming year is to continue to educate elected officials about the importance of Pennsylvania's horseracing and breeding sector to the state's overall agriculture industry.

“Pennsylvania racing and breeding support 23,000 jobs in Pennsylvania's agriculture and construction sectors, delivering an annual economic impact of $1.6 billion,” said Hutt. “Policymakers need to understand that racing and breeding are one of the major drivers of the state's overall agricultural industry. As a state, we should be looking at opportunities to expand and grow that economic impact by investing in our industry.”

The post Bob Hutt Elected President Of Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Amplify Horse Racing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to education, mentorship and career opportunities in the Thoroughbred industry for youth and young adults, has announced the appointment of Annise Montplaisir as executive director.

Guided by a goal to develop a platform for youth in horse racing, Montplaisir co-founded Amplify with Madison Scott in 2019, and has served as the organization's president since its incorporation in 2020. Scott remains on the board of directors alongside Price Bell, Jordyn Egan, Hallie Hardy, Laurel Humbert-Stock, Katie LaMonica, and Cate Masterson.

Originally from Fargo, North Dakota, and an alumna of North Dakota State University, Montplaisir completed internships with Fasig-Tipton, Keeneland and Mill Ridge Farm before getting accepted into the Godolphin Flying Start Program. Her professional background includes project managing for global networking organization Together for Racing International (TfRI), co-hosting Hípica TV's Spanish coverage of the Breeders' Cup in 2021 and 2022, and producing and co-hosting the Spanish language online horse racing program, La Trifecta, with America's Best Racing. Montplaisir recently culminated a 2-year term as equine education coordinator of the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation – a role that worked closely with Amplify to launch various initiatives connecting youth with horses, including the Equine Careers Tour Series, children and family events, a mentorship program, and representation at various equine events. Amplify will continue working with the KEEP Foundation as an industry partner.

“It is an honor for me to work with Amplify Horse Racing to showcase how enriching the Thoroughbred industry can be,” said Montplaisir. “From the time I started my own career journey in horse racing, my ambition has been to streamline the pathway for other youth to be involved. Amplify fulfills that purpose by creating new opportunities and promoting existing initiatives, and I believe it is going to be impactful in the lives of many youth.”

The hire of Montplaisir initiates a plan by Amplify to expand its outreach efforts nationally, and create educational and workforce pipelines for the industry. Pivotal supporters of this expansion include Aldevron co-founder and racehorse owner John Ballantyne, Breeders' Cup, Godolphin, Keeneland, and The Jockey Club.

“Annise combines all the elements necessary for an undertaking such as this: energy, drive, and above all a passion for this mission in our industry,” said Katie LaMonica, charities manager at Godolphin USA and Amplify board member. “Godolphin is proud to support Annise in her new role with Amplify, and excited to see it grow into the Thoroughbred industry's educational arm for youth and recruitment.”

“The Jockey Club is pleased to support the educational, mentorship and career initiatives of Amplify Horse Racing,” said Jim Gagliano, president and chief operating officer of The Jockey Club. “Creating immersive opportunities for people from all backgrounds is vital to sustain growth in the Thoroughbred industry. We look forward to working with Amplify on their youth educational initiatives.”

Amplify Horse Racing would like to thank all supporting organizations, companies, donors, and volunteers who have assisted in the development of its events and programs. If you would like to help support Amplify's mission to bring youth into the Thoroughbred industry, contact Annise Montplaisir at annise@amplifyhorseracing.org and visit www.amplify horse racing.org.

About Amplify Horse Racing: Amplify Horse Racing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying Thoroughbred industry education, mentorship and career opportunities for youth and young adults. Amplify welcomes newcomers, enhances existing educational initiatives, and develops new resources to lead the Thoroughbred industry into the future. Because Thoroughbred racing is not just a sport of kings… It is a sport for everyone! Amplify's programming includes a highly successful mentorship program, equine career exploration series, behind the scenes educational racetrack tours, virtual presentations, a podcast, and more. 

The post Annise Montplaisir Named Executive Director Of Amplify Horse Racing appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Some days unfold beyond your expectations and put you in the record books. Manny Franco started the year off at Aqueduct with six wins from seven mounts on Friday tying a NYRA record, and he continued his winning ways by adding a stakes race on Saturday.

Franco was voted Jockey of the Week for Jan. 2 through Jan. 8 by the panel of racing experts. The award honors jockeys for riding accomplishments and who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 1050 active, retired and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.

Franco started Friday's record-tying day by taking Race 1, a six furlong maiden special weight for newly minted 3-year-olds aboard Uncorrelated for trainer Chad Brown.

The Carolina, Puerto Rico native won Races 4-6 beginning with Quick Chaos for conditioner Jorge Abreu in a maiden special weight for New York-bred 3-year-olds going one mile. He then rode Vallarand to a 3 1/4-length win in a $25,000 claiming race for trainer Rob Atras. Franco completed the Pick-3 with Baron's Legacy winning a state-bred maiden claiming event at 6 1/2 furlongs for trainer Horacio De Paz.

Win number five was aboard the filly Kant Hurry Love for trainer Christophe Clement against New York-bred winners in Race 8. Franco completed the late double in a one-mile optional claiming race with Bourbon Calling for trainer Antonio Arriaga.

“Unbelievable day,” said Franco. “I'm just grateful to have a day like this. We started the year off on the right foot and hopefully we can keep it going. I didn't have all favorites, but every day I come in feeling positive and I just want to do well. Today, I really felt like I could have a big day and I was excited about it. The horses were running for me.”

Franco joined a legendary group of riders who posted six-win days at Aqueduct including Hall of Famers Ron Turcotte, Angel Cordero, Jr., Steve Cauthen, Mike Smith and Javier Castellano.

“I am so proud to be on that list,” said Franco. “When I graduated from school, I wanted to do something so everyone can remember who I was when I was riding. It's a dream come true.”

Red-hot Franco was not done as he posted four wins on Saturday including the Queens County aboard Law Professor for trainer Rob Atras. To end the week, Franco added two wins on Sunday to lead all riders by wins for the week with 12 and by total purses with $512,095.

“I can't believe it,” said Franco. “I'm just grateful to be a part of these winning horses. Thank you to my agent (John Panagot). He's been doing a great job and he's a part of it.”

The post Jockey Of The Week: Manny Franco Rides Record-Tying Six Wins At Aqueduct appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post

Kentucky Downs is seeking a full-time turf-course manager and groundskeeper to be in charge of year-round maintenance of the track's 1 5/16-mile grass course as well as overseeing care of the barn area and the facility's outdoor areas.

The person hired will work closely with consultant Butch Lehr, regarded among the best track superintendents in the world, and Kentucky Downs Vice President for Racing Ted Nicholson. The position includes full benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance, paid vacation and a 401K with company match.

Kentucky Downs' 2023 meet runs Aug. 31 and Sept. 2, 3, 7, 9, 10 and 13.

“We run only seven days a year, but we want the best turf course in America and that requires year-round attention,” Nicholson said. “We're looking for someone who has track-maintenance experience, is hands-on, works well with people and will mentor the other team members on the track crew. This is a prime job for someone who wants to be part of the country's best turf racing and also to learn under a legend like Butch.”

For more information and to apply, go to themintkentuckydowns.com/careers.

The post Help Wanted: Kentucky Downs Seeking Full-Time Turf Course Manager, Groundskeeper appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

Source of original post