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Belfiore Named New Executive Director Of Florida HBPA

Andy Belfiore, who has served as the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association's Project Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Strategic Plan to Reduce Equine Fatalities for the last two years, has been named the new Executive Director of the Florida HBPA.

As Project Manager for the Strategic Plan, Belfiore worked with the plan's architects — Equine Medical Director Dr. Scott Palmer and Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association Chairman Alan Foreman — to organize and implement all aspects of the initiative, including coordination among industry stakeholders and regulators in the region, and communication with the Thoroughbred industry, legislators and the public.

“The FHBPA Board members as well as myself are delighted that Andy accepted our offer to serve as Executive Director,” FHBPA President Stephen Screnci said. “With her experience, knowledge and industry contacts, she's undoubtedly the perfect fit.”

A native of Massachusetts, Belfiore started her career in racing on the backstretch at Belmont Park, working as a hotwalker, groom, exercise rider and assistant trainer. After 10 years with the horses, she moved to the frontside at the track, and spent five years in the communications and marketing departments at NYRA. Belfiore left NYRA in 1993 to take the reins as editor-in-chief at the Thoroughbred Daily News, a position she held for 18 years. She was hired as Director of Communications for the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association in December, 2011, and took over as Executive Director of in 2015, a post she held for four years. Belfiore has also served as Executive Director of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc., and as co-Chair of the Board of the Backstretch Employee Service Team.

“I'm looking forward to working with Stephen and the Florida HBPA,” Belfiore said. “Racing in South Florida faces its challenges, but the horsemen have elected a terrific Board, and Stephen has proven to be a strong leader. I'm excited to be a part of the team.”

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Cody’s Wish Makes Dreams Come True For 15-Year-Old Namesake

It was the perfect start to racing Saturday at Churchill Downs where 3-year-old colt Cody's Wish recorded his first lifetime victory. Cody's Wish is named after 15-year-old Cody Dorman who suffers from the rare genetic disorder Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome.

“This went from a wish and turned into a dream come true,” said Kelly Dorman, father of Cody.

In 2018, Godolphin, who owns Cody's Wish, sponsored the Dorman family at Keeneland's Make-A-Wish day. Dorman developed a special bond with Cody's Wish when he was just a foal. Three years later, Cody's Wish recorded his first victory with the Dorman family in attendance.

“This was such a special win for everyone involved,” trainer Bill Mott's assistant Kenny McCarthy said. “We are certainly glad the family was able to be here for the special day.”

Cody's Wish defeated seven rivals by two lengths in Saturday's first race, a $120,000 maiden special weight contest. Ridden by Joel Rosario, Cody's Wish completed the one-mile distance in 1:33.88, just .62 seconds off the track record that was set by Fruit Ludt in 2014.

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Jockey Charles Roberts Making Stakes Debut In G1 Champagne

Charles Roberts, a 29-year-old New Jersey native, rode his first two races at Belmont Park last week, finishing sixth with London Gold last Friday and second aboard Madame Rose at odds of 36-1 in the Saturday nightcap.

Roberts, a newcomer to the NYRA jockey colony who is represented by agent David Grace, will ride his first career stakes race Saturday at Belmont, where he is named aboard Kavod in the Grade 1, $500,000 Champagne, a one-turn mile for juveniles.

Roberts got into racing through his uncle, a Monmouth Park patron who said he was the right size to become a jockey.

“My Uncle Bob would take me to Monmouth and Meadowlands as a kid. When I realized I was done growing, I decided to give it a shot,” Roberts said.

The rider said he studied for a time at Chris McCarron's North American Racing Academy in Kentucky before testing his talent at the track.

“I got my foot in the door with racing at the Academy and then I stayed in Lexington for a couple of years and galloped horses for Eric Reed and Kellyn Gorder. I would also freelance a bit at The Training Center in Lexington,” Roberts said.

Roberts started riding in June 2019 in Louisiana at Evangeline Downs and picked up his first win on July 6, 2019 aboard So Serious at Louisiana Downs. The up-and-coming rider said he knew right away that he wanted to be a jockey.

“I knew I liked it the first time I got on a horse,” Roberts said. “It was scary at first but also exciting.”

Roberts said he is looking forward to his first stakes experience Saturday aboard Kavod, who he breezed on September 25 through four furlongs in 48.19 on Big Sandy in company with 2-year-old colt Ready to March.

“I know there's some nice horses in the race but the way he worked, I have a lot of confidence in him,” Roberts said. “It doesn't even feel like real life. I haven't ridden a stakes race yet and now my first one is in a Grade 1 at Belmont.”

Roberts knows Saturday's assignment is a tall order with Kavod listed at 50-1 on the morning line, but he said he will ride to win.

“I know he likes the rail and hopefully he'll make a run,” Roberts said. “After working him, I really liked what I felt so I have a lot of confidence. I know he likes the surface here, so that will help.”

Heading into Friday's card, Roberts [115 pounds] sports a record of 618-56-65-75, including wins at Evangeline, Louisiana Downs, Delta Downs, Oaklawn Park, Arlington Park, and most recently at Hawthorne.

“I constantly try to better myself,” Roberts said. “Every race I ride, I look back at the replay and consider what I could have done better. I also watch the guys here who are already great and try to emulate them.”

Roberts has worked horses for a number of barns since arriving in New York, including for veteran New York trainer Carlos Martin.

“He's a young rider and comes with a good reputation. His agent is a good friend of ours that used to work for us many years ago,” Martin said. “He's been working horses for us the last week to 10 days since he arrived and he's just got a real good way about him. He's quiet on the horses and they seem to respond to him.

“He's stepping up to the big leagues but I think he deserves the opportunity,” Martin added. “We have him on a filly this Sunday [Positive Skew, Race 7] and he's working another one that he'll ride. He's an exciting young rider. It's a tough meet and one of the toughest jockey colonies in the world, but all he needs is an opportunity. I think he can ride, there's no question in my mind.”

Grace, who has previously represented Channing Hill and Mike Luzzi, said Roberts is willing to work hard to make the most of his opportunities.

“He's well-spoken and rides a good race,” Grace said. “This is a tough race tomorrow but anything can happen in a horse race.”

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Kevin Flanery Honored As Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners’ Warner Jones Award Winner

Kevin Flanery is the 2021 recipient of the Louisville-based Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners' Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award. Flanery will be honored at the KTO's 33rd annual awards gala Saturday, Nov. 13 at the Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Avenue adjacent to Churchill Downs. Cocktails begin at 6 p.m. ET, with dinner at 7. Tickets are available for $125, including dinner and drinks, by contacting Marlene Meyer at 502-458-5820.

The award recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to Kentucky racing and sharing the passion exemplified by Jones, who spent 50 years on the Churchill Downs board, including eight as chairman during the iconic track's resurgence. Warner Jones — the first, and so far only breeder of a Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks and Breeders' Cup winner — was the inaugural award winner in 1988, six years before his death.

“I am so grateful for this acknowledgement, and I'm especially honored to be recognized by horsemen. Having grown up in the area surrounding Churchill Downs Racetrack, I have a deep appreciation for all the men and women who invest their whole lives into racing. I have always strived to put them first as they are the essence of what is best about this industry,” said Flanery. “I'm genuinely a fan of racing and I love horses. I will be forever thankful for being a part of the history of Churchill Downs. Witnessing the joy of winner's circle triumphs at all levels of the game will always be cherished.”

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners is an educational and social organization dedicated to the betterment of racing in the state. Membership is open not only to owners, but anyone interested in the sport, including prospective owners.

“Kevin may have left the helm at Churchill Downs, but he will always be a part of the racing family,” said Loren Hebel-Osborne, KTO President. “We are grateful for Kevin's leadership for so many years, and Kevin always provided a welcoming bridge between the frontside and backside. As changes were made on a macro level at the track, Kevin made sure that what was good for horses was always the first consideration.”

Because of the COVID-19 health crisis, the KTO was forced to cancel its traditional November awards gala last year. Steve Asmussen, the 2020 recipient, will also be presented his award at this year's event.

“We want to celebrate, elevate and honor the accomplishments of both men – we've got a particularly solid 1 and 1A entry to recognize this year,” added Hebel-Osborne.

Flanery's 15-year tenure at CDI began in December 2005 as vice president of national public affairs. He was named senior vice president of national public affairs and communications in March 2008 before being named the 13th President of Churchill Downs Racetrack and a Senior Vice President of CDI in July 2009. As President of Churchill Downs Racetrack, Flanery led several significant capital investments that greatly improved the live racing experience including permanent track lighting and the Big Board. He also spearheaded major expansion projects including the Paddock Plaza, The Mansion, the Starting Gate Suites and Rooftop Lounge, the Colonnade, the new Infield Gate and, most recently in 2020, the completion of the equine medical center and Matt Winn's Steakhouse.

Flanery came to Churchill Downs following several key positions in government and private business, including secretary of the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, deputy secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and president of Hagan Properties.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen recently broke the North American record for wins by a trainer, passing Dale Baird's record of 9,445. Asmussen stands at 9,499 wins over his thirty-five-year career.

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