Tag: People

The Chair of British racing's Independent Judicial Panel has today approved an application from the BHA that an interim suspension should be placed on the training license of Sir Mark Todd following the emergence over the weekend of a video showing him striking a horse with what appears to be a branch.

This interim suspension means that while investigations continue into the circumstances of this incident, Sir Mark will be unable to race horses in Great Britain or internationally.

The trainer has admitted the individual involved in the video was him, has apologised for his actions and agreed to the imposition of an interim suspension.

On Sunday the BHA condemned the video and confirmed that it was looking into the incident.

The BHA will provide further updates as necessary in due course, though will not be able to comment on the detail of the investigation itself until it is concluded.

The interim suspension has been approved on the basis that it can be reviewed at a later date if necessary, on application by either party.

Read the Paulick Report's earlier account of the video and its impact here.

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For the fourth time in the past 15 years, the Alfred Z. Solomon Testamentary Trust of Saratoga Springs, NY., has provided a grant allowing the New York Race Track Chaplaincy to purchase a vehicle to transport backstretch workers at the three New York Racing Association racetracks (Saratoga Race Course, Belmont Park, and Aqueduct Racetrack), as well as Saratoga farms. to medical appointments, grocery stores and various program activities administered by the NY Chaplaincy.

“It's hard to adequately convey the importance of having a reliable vehicle to move food, clothing and people around the backstretch area,” said Humberto Chavez, the lead chaplain and executive director of the New York chaplaincy. “Mr. Solomon had a vision when he created this trust to help charitable organizations in the Saratoga area and I hope people will think of him every time they step into this van bearing his name or see it cruising through the backstretch and around town.”

The new minivan will replace one that has more than 200,000 miles on the odometer. In past 15 years, the Solomon Trust has helped the New York chaplaincy purchase a 15-passenger van and two cargo vans.

Solomon, who lived in Gansevoort, NY., and New York City, was a leader in the women's hat industry, a horse racing enthusiast and a philanthropist. A race named in his honor on opening day of the Saratoga meet was held for the last six years of his life.

He died September 4, 2004 at the age of 104. The Alfred Z. Solomon Testamentary Trust of Saratoga Springs, NY was formed in 2005 to benefit non-profit scientific, medical, educational, cultural, religious and charitable organizations by funding projects and programs in memory of Solomon.

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Honored in a ceremony February 10, Jessica Pyfer became just the third female jockey to receive the Eclipse Award as Outstanding Apprentice, America's highest honor for fledgling riders. In recognition of that accomplishment, Pyfer was voted Jockey of the Week for February 7 through February 13. The honor, which is voted on by a panel of racing experts, is for jockeys who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 1050 active, retired and permanently disabled jockeys in the United States.

Pyfer is part of a racing family as her mother is an exercise rider for trainer Phil D'Amato who is also Pyfer's stepfather. Her father, Roger, was also a jockey. She credits her mother for playing a role in her development both on and off the track. “My mom has been everything; she's the one that put me on a horse when I was a few days old,” said Pyfer. Though she started her professional riding career in her early twenties, later than most apprentices, she quickly become in demand on the very competitive Southern California circuit.  Originally wanting to become a lawyer, Pyfer is a graduate of Azusa Pacific University with a degree in political science and a minor in constitutional law. A meeting with Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella, however, convinced her to pursue a career as a professional jockey. 

Pyfer, 23, won her first race on October 9, 2020 at Santa Anita. On May 16, 2021 she set what is believed to be a record in Southern California by becoming the first female apprentice to win four races in a single day. She tied for sixth place in the 2020-21 Santa Anita winter/spring meet and in the top 10 in the Del Mar rider standings.  She led all North American apprentices by mount earnings last year and ranked second in wins.  Her statistics after losing her weight allowance as an apprentice were 59 wins from 557 mounts with purse earnings of over $2.8 million. 

Pyfer follows Rosemary Homeister, Jr. in 1992 and Emma-Jayne Wilson in 2005 as female recipients of the Outstanding Apprentice Eclipse Award.

Pyfer is confirmed to ride in the stc International Jockeys Challenge at King Abdulaziz Racetrack on February 25, the day before the $20 million Saudi Cup.

“I am super excited! It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Pyfer in the Saudi Cup press release.” I've only been race-riding for about a year and a half and have never competed outside the U.S., so for an opportunity like this to come along is pretty cool.”

Other nominees for Jockey of the Week were Gerardo Corrales who won a stakes race at Turfway Park, Irad Ortiz, Jr. with three stakes wins at Tampa Bay and led all jockeys in wins for the week with 13, Flavien Prat with a 40% win percentage and Joel Rosario who won the Eclipse Award as Outstanding Jockey and the Gr. III Razorback at Oaklawn.

The post After Eclipse Win, Pyfer Named As Jockey Of The Week appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Prairie Meadows Casino, Racetrack, & Hotel is proud to announce the hire of Bob Blackburn as its new track superintendent.

Blackburn brings a stellar record of over 30 years of experience as a track superintendent. His previous stints include 15 years at Remington Park, 10 years overseeing track maintenance at an Ocala, Fla., Thoroughbred farm and track superintendent at Bandera Downs and Manor Downs in Texas.

“I am blessed and excited for this new opportunity in Iowa working at Prairie Meadows”, Blackburn says. “Working at racetracks has always been a love of mine, which started in Texas growing up around my dad's Quarter Horses to my experiences either at racetracks or horse farms. I've seen it all and done it all.”

Blackburn replaces Prairie Meadows Racing Hall of Famer Lamont Marks, who retired last year after years of dedicated service to Prairie Meadows in various roles, but most notably as track superintendent.

The 2022 live racing season with 84 race days, begins with 22 days of Thoroughbred-only racing from May 13 – June 18 with an additional two days of Thoroughbred-only racing on Thursday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 2. A mixed Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse schedule of 60 race days will take place from June 19 – October 1.

The post Blackburn Hired As Track Super For Prairie Meadows appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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