The Hall of Famer did not have a set number of confirmed runners, stall applications were due Thursday, Feb. 29, but Sandy Ridge racing manager Terry Oliver was reportedly instrumental in getting Asmussen back to his roots in Quarter Horse racing. His family had been involved in the industry in the early 1970s, originating with parents Marilyn and Keith Asmussen. It would be his first such starter since 2014.

The 2024 meet, averaging daily purse totals of $200,000 per eight-race card, is set to go Mar. 17 to Mar. 26 at the Lexington track.

“Quarter Horse racing is and always has been extremely important to me and my family's origins in the sport of horse racing,” Asmussen told stallionesearch.com. “To have the opportunity to run Quarter Horses at the Red Mile is something that I am looking forward to doing, as I am all for supporting the industry.”

“Both Wayne [Lukas] and I do not forget where we came from, and we are both proud of our backgrounds in running Quarter Horses that has been so instrumental with making us the horsemen we are today.”

The post Steve Asmussen to Run Quarter Horse Starter at Sandy Ridge at Red Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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“My wife and I were very emotional after the win,” said Pierre Amestoy. “It was phenomenal. It was exhilarating. We're just elated.”

“I guess we're heading to the Kentucky Derby!” he laughed.

Adding some dramatic flavor to the story, the Amestoy's trainer, Tim Yakteen, had just taken over several of Bob Baffert's Classic contenders, including three colts that would make it into the San Felipe lineup on race day.

Was Amestoy worried?

“It was all about the trip,” he said. “As long as we didn't get stopped, or bumped or fall down out of the gate. It was more about something silly happened rather than fearing any of the other horses.”

He added, “Tim told us that this horse has been maturing and coming along, getting stronger and better. We were really confident in our horse going into the race.”

“He will point him toward the Santa Anita Derby [Apr. 8], that is the right progression. Hopefully, everything goes good there and then on to the Kentucky Derby. And if we can get a good trip there and get up to the top third of the pack, then I think we have a real chance. I think our style has been working and I think it often works in the Kentucky Derby too.”

Coming up Aces in the First Sales Foray
Up until last year, the Amestoys bred their own state-foaled runners at their five-acre farm in Albuqurque, New Mexico. However, once they determined they wanted to dive into the 2-year-olds in training sales scene, and branch out beyond the New Mexico racing scene, it didn't take long to hit paydirt.

Teaming up with Beasley last spring at the OBS Spring Sale, the Amestoys extended to $230,000 for the son of Practical Joke, who was represented by his first 3-year-olds in 2022. The final price represented the second highest priced offspring by his sire at that venue. Offered as Hip 97 by Eisaman Equine, the late Apr. 30 foal covered an eighth of a mile in :10.1 during the breeze show.

“That was the only box we could not check,” said Amestoy of the late foaling date. “We much would have preferred to have had a Feb. 30 colt than an April foal. But physically, he didn't look behind. Yes, it was a concern at first, but Tim said, “let him take us there.” If we needed to, we were prepared to back off and wait. We let him tell us.”

Extolling the colt's virtues, he continued, “He was never undersized and we could see the maturity in him even at that point. He was big enough, he had enough bone and a great foot. He had the scope and the walk. Most importantly, he had the mentality. We went and saw him every day we were there. We watched him and we thought there would be room to improve being that he was young.”

Ack Naughty selling at the 2023 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale | Keeneland

Adding some nuance to the colt's page, New York-based Ack Naughty had amassed over $300,000 during her racing career while competing mainly on the turf for Sol Kumin and partners and trainer Chad Brown, who had Practical Joke in the barn at the same time. Later combining their resources when both sire and dam had retired, Brown and Kumin are registered as the colt's breeders

After producing a Complexity colt in 2022, Ack Naughty sold for $500,000 at this year's Keeneland January sale, however, the foal she was carrying at the time was stillborn. Practical Move is from the family of champion Vino Rosso.

“We liked his sire because he was a speed sire,” he said. “He was a good miler and a three-time Grade I winner and by one of the hottest horses in the world, Into Mischief. So the top side was strong. On the bottom, we liked that the mare was stakes placed and earned over $300,000. She is by Afleet Alex, so there was distance there. We were hoping that the top side would bring the speed and the bottom side the stamina. So this time, it looks like it worked out.”

Once hitting the racetrack, Practical Move showed talent early, finishing second behind the Bob Baffert-trained Cave Rock (Arrogate)–a subsequent dual Grade I winner–going 6 1/2 furlongs in his debut at Del Mar before finishing third next time over that same track and distance. Second under the wire but later promoted to first after the disqualification of Baffert trainee Fort Bragg (Tapit) while stretching to a mile at Santa Anita last October, he was third behind two more Baffert runners–Havnameltdown (Uncaptured) and Newgate (Into Mischief)–in the seven-panel GIII Bob Hope S. at Del Mar Nov. 20. Given one more start at two, the bay proved an easy winner of the 1 1/16-mile GII Los Alamitos Futurity Dec. 17.

“After the Los Alamitos Futurity we gave him a little time off, and he actually blossomed over that time,” said Amestoy. “He put on 45 pounds and he kept it. He is all muscle and has turned into an absolute specimen.”

“We've always been Thoroughbred people”
Following their latest win, much has been made of the  Amestoy's involvement in Quarter Horse racing. Indeed, they have held a significant stake in the Quarter Horse industry over the past two decades, having campaigned the likes of champions First to Flash (2002) and First Moonflash (2009). However, Amestoy is quick to point out that Thoroughbreds was always the main attraction.

“Even when my wife trained in the 70s and 80s, she trained Thoroughbreds. And even today, we probably have 3 to 1 more Thoroughbreds than Quarter Horses,” said Amestoy.

He continued, “We have done very well in the Quarter Horse industry. We've had two champions, lots of graded and Grade I wins, but Thoroughbreds have always been our first play.”

Explaining the decision to venture into Quarter Horses over a decade ago, he explained, “When you race in New Mexico, there is a lot of Quarter Horse racing. So even though we were winning Thoroughbred races in New Mexico, there were still four to five races a day for Quarter Horses. So, we thought, 'Heck, why don't we play in there?' There are a lot of races and money we can be playing for and it's right at home.”

Practical Move's co-owner Pierre Amestoy, Jr. and jockey Ramon Vazquez | Benoit Photo

Following the Amestoy's marriage in 1988, the couple purchased a farm in Paris, Kentucky, Lobo Farm, while choosing to reside in New Mexico, where Pierre operated his construction and development company.

“We stood stallions, had broodmares and pinhooked yearlings, we just about did it all,” said Amestoy of his Kentucky-based operation.

Despite all their success with Quarter Horses, it was their Thoroughbred operation that yielded of the couple's biggest coups in either industry. In 2008, Irish Cherry (Irish Open) sold for $2.7 million at the Keeneland January sale. Sold in partnership with Mike Abraham, the then 14-year-old mare was best known for producing MGISW Spun Sugar and GSW Daaher.

“We bought Irish Cherry in foal to Storm Cat [for $800,000 at KEENOV in 2006] and we bred her back to Ghostzapper. We had a very nice pinhook there. We did very well at the sales. We also sold several high-dollar yearlings in Kentucky as well.”

After selling Lobo farm in 2011, the Amestoys opted to focus on their Quarter Horse operation as well as their small group New Mexico-based Thoroughbred mares, usually numbering about five to six. The resulting yearlings were sent to the Amestoy's training center next to Sunland Park, and from there, the youngsters would either go to the sales or the remain in training with the Amestoy's New Mexico-based trainer, Todd Fincher.

When asked why much of the post San Felipe news led with the narrative describing the Amestoys as 'Quarter Horse owners', he said, “We had the farm in Kentucky for 12 years. We bred there, we raced there. We've done it all there. We have a substantial background with Thoroughbreds. It's probably because this is the first time that we got to this level [in Thoroughbred racing]. But we've been doing this a long time and have been good at it.”

Sales Savvy
While all roads lead to Thoroughbreds, the Amestoy's most important Thoroughbred to date was derived through a connection made via their Quarter Horse dealings. And that important alliance spearheaded the decision to take a swing at the Thoroughbred sales in search of a Classic horse.

“After we sold our farm, we concentrated on racing in New Mexico because the purses were very good. That's when I met my current partner, Roger Beasley, through a mutual friend and we bought some Quarter Horses together. We did really well together. [Early last year, we were just talking and [Beasley] said, 'Pierre, why don't we get a couple of Thoroughbreds and let's try and go for the big races.' So I said, “I have the experience and I'll do the work.” There was a sale [OBS] coming up in Florida and Leslie and I said we would go down for a week and find a couple.”

And the venture proved fruitful.

“We went out there, and found Practical Move and we found another, Blessed Touch [Girvin], who ran third [in the GIII Santa Ysabel S.] last Sunday.”

The $140,000 OBS Spring buy, who won second time out at Santa Anita last October, subsequently finished runner up in the Desi Arnaz S., in November. Additionally, the partnership purchased a colt by Valiant Minister for $38,000 and, in conjunction with Mike Abraham, secured a $50,000 colt by Munnings, who had been slated to run on the San Felipe undercard and was scratched because of a minor issue but is expected to return.

“He appears to have some talent,” said Amestoy of the Munnings colt.

While breeding to race had been the Amestoy's M.O. for much of their past involvement in the Thoroughbred game, the sparkling success of their first foray into public sales last season makes it a safe bet that they will be returning to the well this year.

“Roger and I were just talking the other day and he asked, Partner, do you want to go back [to OBS]? In order to find another one we would have to go back!” he said with a laugh. “We might go back to OBS and sniff around and see what we can find.”

The post OBS Grad Practical Move Looking for Roses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Pending approval at this Thursday's Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC) meeting, the 2023 mixed meet will run Apr. 18-Nov. 17.

That's roughly the same template that Horseshoe Indianapolis used this past season, although next year's meet is scheduled to end on the Friday before Thanksgiving instead of running into the holiday week and closing the day before Thanksgiving, like it did this year.

“The 2023 mixed Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet will begin and end at roughly the same time as the 2022 season but, in an attempt to adapt to the changing national racing calendar, there will be some movement of racing days to maximize handle and attendance,” Horseshoe Indianapolis stated in its application package to the IHRC.

For 2022, Horseshoe Indianapolis had been awarded 127 total days, with six of those dates dedicated exclusively to Quarter Horse cards. Although there will be some Quarter Horse racing mixed in on the Thoroughbred dates, which is standard for the track, there will again be six stand-alone Quarter Horse programs in 2023.

In order to meet the state's minimum requirement for unlimited simulcasting, Horseshoe Indianapolis must run at least 120 total Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse dates.

“The stakes schedules for both breeds will likely see some minor changes, but on the Thoroughbred side, our signature events–[the GIII] Indiana Derby and [the GIII] Indiana Oaks–will see a minor change as well,” the application stated.

“We feel there's an opportunity to make the event even bigger by turning it into a potential two-day, stakes-filled display of the best racing in Indiana. With that in mind we have added Friday, July 7, to the calendar and we'll keep the Indiana Derby on Saturday, July 8, as we try and follow up our remarkable success from 2022,” the application continued.

The 2022 running of the Indiana Derby marked the fourth straight year in which Horseshoe Indianapolis established a new track-record handle.

Four race dates in 2023 (from 12 to 16) will shift to Saturdays.

“Although it is proven the racing program captures more attention and more eyes with its Monday-through-Thursday racing schedule, it's also evident that weekends draw the best crowds,” the application stated.

Stabling will remain open through the winter again this year at Horseshoe Indianapolis, an amenity designed to bolster the horse population for when racing resumes next spring.

“Winter training continued to be an important tool for our [2022] early season racing program,” the application stated. “In all, nearly 400 horses took advantage of our racing surface and barn area being open year-round. The entries in April increased over 2021 and the new barn gives us the opportunity to have even more horses this upcoming winter. We believe it is likely that over the course of the next few months that almost 500 horses will use our facilities to stay fit and in training.”

Horseshoe Indianapolis also detailed in its application a 2023 spending strategy for capital investments.

“For 2023, there is a considerable sum ($813,708) set aside for rolling capital…more than we are likely going to need to use to sufficiently replace aging equipment,” the application stated. “Most of the maintenance capital plan calls for the replacement of harrows, floats and snow removal equipment. We will be doing a thorough inventory of our current equipment, and its condition, and coming to the IHRC with a request for substitute capital at the March 2023 meeting as there are other needs that could improve our facility and product.”

The application continued: “Due to the unplanned year-round use of our tractors, we are experiencing unexpected wear and tear. It is likely that we will need to plan for a phasing in of new tractors over a number of years.

“Additionally, Horseshoe Indianapolis continued its improvements with the Racing Capital Fund Appropriation Committee (RCFAC) capital,” the application stated. “The 2022 RCFAC items have been very productive for our racing program and we will have some equipment in 2023 that will not only bring value to horsemen and our facility, but for our customers as well.”

According to Horseshoe Indianapolis, among the RCFAC expenditures already approved for 2023 are an apron tent and awning structure ($650,000), the installation of a new turf rail and geolocation services ($150,000), Eurocizer material ($25,000), and sand for a turf course renovation ($25,000).

The post Horseshoe Indianapolis Seeks Four-Date Thoroughbred Trim in ’23 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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The license is the ninth and final of its kind to be awarded in Kentucky.

Although the focus of press releases announcing the deal accentuated the rebirth of Quarter Horse racing in a state better known as the nation's Thoroughbred epicenter, the real prize for applicant Revolutionary Racing will be the privilege of operating historical horse race (HHR) gaming at the facility and its satellite locations.

Although the July 26 KHRC meeting was short on details, the Daily Independent newspaper in the town of Ashland, where the racino will be located, has previously reported that the track will be built behind a mall there, with the 400 HHR machines to be installed in a vacant Sears department store.

In a press release, Revolutionary Racing stated that it envisioned a $55-million investment in the 177-acre property would transform the suburban site near the Ohio River into a “world-class facility.”

The 660-yard sprint track is projected to feature purses of $500,000, which would make the facility the kingpin of Quarter Horse racing east of the Mississippi River, where the breed gets only sporadic support from sanctioned racetracks.

No specific race dates or an opening date were discussed during the public portion of the KHRC meeting. The facility is projected to get year-round use for Quarter Horse shows and other equestrian competitions, and an adjacent entertainment complex is also part of the plan.

No existing Thoroughbred or Standardbred track licensees stated objections to the Quarter Horse racino. Its nearest in-state Thoroughbred competitor would be Keeneland, some 120 miles west.

Four years ago Revolutionary Racing was a partner in the $20-million purchase of then-dormant Colonial Downs in Virginia. Revolutionary Racing was eventually bought out of that deal, and Colonial Downs was subsequently sold in 2022 to the gaming corporation Churchill Downs Inc., for $2.5 billion.

According to the KHRC, in 2021 The Kentucky House of Representatives passed a resolution in support of the Quarter Horse industry in the commonwealth, recommending that at least one race track license be awarded or held explicitly for Quarter Horse racing.

According to the brief comments made prior to the vote, Revolutionary Racing needed to adhere to six conditions to achieve its licensure. But it was not publicly disclosed during the meeting what those conditions were.

One day prior to the meeting, TDN requested from the KHRC the portion of the public meeting packet that contained the license application and related materials. That query did not result in a reply from the KHRC prior to the Tuesday deadline for this story.

Two commissioners, William May and James Worley, abstained from the vote, citing interest conflicts.

The post Quarter Horse Racino Approved for Eastern Kentucky appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Nominations for the first “official” futurity of the year topped previous numbers with Bruce Salard, executive director of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association (LQHBA) sharing that a record 223 payments had been received. Based on that level of interest, it was clear that trials for the 300-yard championship could not be completed in one day.

On Friday, January 28, the Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) approved a request from David Heitzmann, director of racing for the Bossier City racetrack, to amend its schedule. Approval was granted for the following changes:

• Trials for the Mardi Gras Futurity will now take place on Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6. The draw will take place on Saturday, February 26
• Closing day of the 2022 live racing season will be on Wednesday, April 6, instead of  Thursday, April 8

“We appreciate the efficiency of the LSRC in approving the change in our schedule so that we can safely run all the trials for the Mardi Gras Futurity,” said Heitzmann. “Last year's purse was $349,946, but with such strong interest by horsemen, the ten finalists will run for a record purse on March 27.”

Louisiana Downs will also present the 15^th running of the $50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby on Sunday, March 27 with trials set for Monday, March 7. Trials for the $75,000-added Louisiana Downs Futurity (G3) will be run on Sunday, March 13 with the top ten qualifiers advancing to the final on Sunday, April 3. Schooling races will be offered On February 12 and 19 for 2-year-olds paid into the Mardi Gras Futurity as well as the Louisiana Downs Futurity.

Live Quarter Horse racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through March 2. Beginning Sunday, March 6, the schedule changes to Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. One Thursday race card will be added on March 31. Post time will be 1:00 p.m. (Central), except for Mardi Gras trial dates, which will begin at 11:00 am.

Dates have also been approved for the 2022 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred live racing season. The 84-day meet will begin on Saturday, May 7 and conclude on Tuesday, September 27.

Louisiana Downs 2022 Quarter Horse Stakes Schedule

Revised as of January 28

March 27         $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity(RG2)     2 YO LA-Bred            300 yards

$50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby                     3 YO   LA-Bred         400 yards

April 3             $75,000-added Louisiana Downs Futurity(G3)             2 YO               300 yards

2022 Quarter Horse Trial Dates

March 5 and March 6             Mardi Gras Futurity

March 7                                   Mardi Gras Derby

March 13                                 Louisiana Downs Futurity

2022 Schooling Race Dates

February 12                             Mardi Gras Futurity

February 19                             Louisiana Downs Futurity

The post Louisiana Downs Announces Changes To 2022 Quarter Horse Schedule appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Lip Chip offers advanced equine microchipping technology and was built by horsemen, for horsemen. The program will offer access to the Chip Link System, which will be available to horsemen everywhere in 2023.

The Chip Link System includes the following:

• Each horse is microchipped with a low frequency microchip, either in the superior lip placement, or the nuchal ligament.
• Each horse has their owner information, breed, age, sex, color, markings, and emergency contact information uploaded into the secure
• Each horse has four current photos as well as copies of their current Coggins, piroplasmosis, health certificates, and registration papers uploaded into the secure

o Only a certified track identifier or an approved veterinarian may upload information into the database.

• Once a horse has been implanted with their unique microchip, a simple scan with the Chip Link Reader will unlock this data and send it to a mobile app housed on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

American Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds alike will be included in the program. Each time a horse enters or exits the backside gates, they will be scanned to secure identification and documentation. When a horse arrives at the holding barn, paddock, clocks for a morning work, or test barn, they will be scanned to verify identity.

Lip Chip has been partnering with Ruidoso Downs for the last year to beta test the Chip Link System. With the help of the tracks, Lip Chip hopes to lessen issues such as cheating and gain transparency.

“We are excited to team up with Lip Chip to protect our horses and better serve our racing fans,” said Rick Baugh of Ruidoso Downs. “Our track is continually working to improve security on the backside and keep our equine population safe. We want to produce a product that assures the fans a level playing field.”

Julie Farr, horsemen's Liaison with Lip Chip LLC, also expressed her excitement for the upcoming program.

“Lip Chip would like to thank AARD Managing Partner Johnny Trotter and Ruidoso Downs for their continued support,” said Farr.

The post Ruidoso To Implement New Enhanced Identification System For Microchipped Thoroughbreds And Quarter Horses appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The penalty was recommended by Indiana Horse Racing Commission executive director Deena Pitman in a Nov. 17 administrative complaint into what officials said remains an “ongoing” matter.

The complaint states that Dr. Katie Naughton, a track veterinarian employed by Caesars Entertainment, recovered the device – also referred to as a machine, battery  or buzzer – from the track surface following the seventh race on Sept. 4, 2021. Michael Morris, director of security for the racing commission, was notified of the discovery and immediately began an investigation into who may have carried it.

Morris interviewed Mendez on three separate occasions, according to the complaint, with Mendez admitting during the interviews that he “possessed and used the machine on three separate occasions to train horses” at Indiana Grand and that he “possessed and used the machine during race 1 … on Sept. 4, 2021.”

According to Equibase, Mendez rode Rock Candy Almighty to victory in the first race Sept. 4 for owner-breeders Lance and Tammy Finlinson and trainer Randy Smith. The ruling recommends the $11,275 purse won by Rock Candy Almighty be redistributed. Any disqualification would not affect pari-mutuel payouts.

Mendez, who last rode on Sept. 13, was summarily suspended on Sept. 15.

Mendez rode first call for Smith the last two years, setting Indiana Grand Quarter Horse records for most wins by a jockey in both 2020 (36) and 2021 (38). Mendez won with 27% of his mounts in 2020 and 28% in 2021.

Smith is the all-time leading Quarter Horse conditioner at Indiana Grand and has been the track's leading trainer every year since 2015.

During one of his tape recorded interviews with Morris, Mendez is said to have turned over a photograph “purportedly showing the Facebook page of Felipe Becerra.” The complaint states that “Mr. Becerra is the individual that Mr. Mendez alleges manufactured and sold him the machine…”

Mendez has 20 days after the administrative complaint was filed to ask for a hearing. Additionally, Mendez had 10 days after the report's issuance on Nov. 17 to provide materials to the commission that could be considered in mitigation of the recommended penalty. In that case, Pittman may at her discretion withdraw, amend or modify the complaint and penalty.

The post Indiana Grand’s Leading Quarter Horse Jockey Faces 20-Year Ban For Alleged Use Of Electrical Device appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Louisiana Downs is now under new ownership. Rubico Acquisition Corporation purchased the Bossier City racetrack for $22 million with approval from both the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and Louisiana State Racing Commission.  The new ownership became official effective November 1, 2021.

“This is a big win for everyone involved,” said Kevin Preston, president of Rubico Acquisition Corporation. “Louisiana Downs is such an iconic institution of the Bossier City and Northwest Louisiana landscape. At one time it was one of the premier horseracing tracks in the state and our plan is to restore it as a place of entertainment for the entire family.”

Three Quarter Horse stakes will be contested in 2022 highlighted by the $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2), which is the  first official futurity of the year, on Sunday, March 27. The 15^th running of the $50,000 Mardi Gras Derby will also be run that day. Both are restricted to Louisiana-bred Quarter Horses. The $75,000-added Louisiana Downs Futurity (G3) will be run on Sunday, April 3.

Stall applications are due by Monday, December 6 and the barn area will open on Sunday, Dec. 26. Louisiana Downs will also offer schooling races for 2-year-olds paid into the Mardi Gras Futurity as well as the Louisiana Downs Futurity.

Live Quarter Horse racing will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday through March 2. Beginning Sunday, March 6, the schedule changes to Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Two Thursday race cards will be added for the final two weeks of the season. Post time will be 1:00 p.m. (Central).

Dates have also been approved for the 2022 Louisiana Downs Thoroughbred live racing season. The 84-day meet will begin on Saturday, May 7 and conclude on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Louisiana Downs 2022 Quarter Horse Stakes Schedule

March 27: $100,000-added Mardi Gras Futurity(RG2)     2 YO LA-Bred            300 yards

$50,000-added Mardi Gras Derby                     3 YO   LA-Bred         400 yards

April 3 : $75,000-added Louisiana Downs Futurity(G3)             2 YO               300 yards

2022 Quarter Horse Trial Dates

March 6                                   Mardi Gras Futurity

March 7                                   Mardi Gras Derby

March 13                                 Louisiana Downs Futurity

2022 Schooling Race Dates

February 12                             Mardi Gras Futurity

February 19                             Louisiana Downs Futurity

The post Louisiana Downs Begins 46-Day Quarter Horse Meet Jan. 10 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The trials for the $3-million race take place on Friday and Saturday, and seven entries over the course of the 30 trials have a Thoroughbred sire or dam. The American Quarter Horse Association allows half-Thoroughbred runners, known as “appendix horses,” to compete in races, with certain restrictions on their breeding careers to maintain AQHA registration.

Thoroughbred stallions as notable as Storm Cat and Alydar have sired Quarter Horse runners, and Spendthrift Farm advertised Into Mischief and Mitole for Quarter Horse breedings in 2020. The AQHA features several full-blooded Thoroughbreds in its Hall of Fame who had an impact on the breed.

Following is a list of the half-Thoroughbred appendix horses in the All American Futurity trials, with pedigree notes for each entry's Thoroughbred parent. The Thoroughbred half of each runner's pedigree will be in all-caps.

Friday, August 20

Race 2
#5 Lukka
Br. c., FAVORITE TRICK x Jess a Cartel
Breeder: Bobby Simmons (TX)

Favorite Trick, Thoroughbred racing's Horse of the Year in 1997, is one of the most successful Quarter Horse sires of the past two decades. After beginning his stud career in Kentucky, Favorite Trick was eventually moved to JEH Stallion Station in New Mexico, where his sturdy frame and elite sprinting ability made him a candidate to try crossing with the breed.

The stallion died in a barn fire less than a year after arriving in New Mexico, but because Quarter Horse racing allows for artificial insemination, JEH Stallion Station was able to collect semen to freeze and use for years to come. Had he strictly been covering Thoroughbreds, Favorite Trick would have only been able to cover mares in-person, and his final crop would have been born in 2007.

Favorite Trick has sired a pair of champion Quarter Horses, in $1.4-million earner Good Reason SA and champion distance horse Prankster CF. He's also the sire of Grade 1 winner Favorite Cartel.

Race 5
#6 Conant Valley
Br. g., One Famous Eagle x CLUSTER OF STARS
Breeder: McColee Land & Livestock (UT)

Cluster of Stars was a perfect seven-for-seven during her on-track career, including victories in the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom Handicap at Belmont Park and the G2 Distaff Handicap at Aqueduct. The daughter of Greeley's Galaxy was named New York-bred Horse of the Year in 2013.

She had one Thoroughbred foal in 2015, a winning Graydar filly named Kenzie, before exclusively producing appendix foals.

The best of her 12 starters to date is Valiant Stars, a 3-year-old daughter of Valiant Hero who finished second in this year's G1 Ruidoso Derby.

Race 8
#8 Double Duty
Ch. f., A Revenant x BRICKYARD LANE
Breeder: D Hubbard & Lee Lewis (TX)

Brickyard Lane, a New Mexico-bred daughter of Devon Lane, won one of five career starts, all at Sunland Park.

She has been bred to a mix of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in the Southwest, but her three foals that were successfully carried to term have all been Quarter Horses. Double Duty is by far her best runner to date, with a third-place effort in the G1 Rainbow Futurity.

Race 11
#9 One Famous Trick
Br. c., FAVORITE TRICK x One Famous Surfer
Breeder: Darling Farms (OK)

While his long-term legacy is in the Quarter Horses, Favorite Trick's best Thoroughbred runners include Grade 3 winners Datrick and Trick's Pick, Grade 2-placed Sum Trick, and Australian Group 3-placed French Favorite.

In addition to being the sire of two runners in the All American Futurity trials, Favorite Trick is also the paternal grandsire of 19 additional trial runners over the two days through sons Favorite Cartel and Good Reason SA.

Race 13
#8 The Stars of Corona
B. f., Corona Cartel x CLUSTER OF STARS
Breeder: McColee Land & Livestock (UT)

Because Quarter Horse racing permits embryo transfer, as opposed the stricter Thoroughbred side, Cluster of Stars is able to have multiple foals per year through surrogate mares. She has produced three or more foals each year since 2017.

The 2019 crop that produced The Stars of Corona and Conant Valley also includes the Corona Cartel colt Next Galaxy and the One Famous Eagle gelding Irwin.

Saturday, August 21

Race 4
#7 Ryder Lee
Gr. g., TOO MUCH BLING x Backwoods Bar B
Breeder: Rio Rojo Racing Stables (TX)

Like Favorite Trick, Too Much Bling was a successful sprinter. Unlike Favorite Trick, he is much better know at stud for his work on the Thoroughbred side of the aisle.

The son of Rubiano entered stud at Lane's End Texas in 2007, and has remained in the state since then. His Thoroughbred exploits include siring regional stars Direct Dial and Texas Bling.

Too Much Bling has just five registered Quarter Horse foals, and Ryder Lee is his lone winner, having taken a Ruidoso Downs maiden race on July 23.

Race 7
#9 Riii de Axe
Gr. f., Howdoyalikemesofar x STORMINTHEMORNING
Breeder: Rafter 3 Holdings (SK)

Storminthemorning is an unraced North Dakota-bred daughter of Category Five. Riii de Axe is her first foal of either breed, and she is unplaced in two starts. The mare produced a colt by the same stallion in 2020.

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At Wednesday's monthly meeting, CHRB vice chair Oscar Gonzales updated the full board on the two-hour dates subcommittee teleconference that took place Tuesday and included representatives from tracks and horsemen's groups.

“We obviously didn't take a vote on any ideas or measures, although I felt that the groundwork was laid for the 2022 race dates,” Gonzales said.

Gonzales said to expect “mostly what we've seen over the last year or two in terms of dates layout. One of the issues that the board will be having to take up as we look to solidify that calendar will be the idea of a break, a week in which there will be no racing. That was communicated for a variety of reasons.”

Gonzales said that he wants “to make sure that any kind of a break does not happen arbitrarily, but rather with the full understanding of the impact” the time off will have on workers,” both backside and frontside.

To that end, CHRB executive director Scott Chaney said that the concept of breaks generated robust discussion among stakeholders and subcommittee members, including “whether they are effective, what they are for, and whether they should be mandated or association-determined.”

Gonzales also cautioned that the CHRB's planning for 2022 will still have to be mindful of potential COVID-19 contingencies as the global pandemic nears its 18-month mark with no definite signs of abatement.

Gonzales said it's imperative to note that “until we get the all-clear signal…we will be continuing to operate under the emergency rules and the guidelines handed down by the counties and the state.”

Sept. at Los Al Greenlighted

Race dates in California are doled out in blocks for an upcoming year, then the actual applications get approved by the CHRB as each track's race meet approaches.

Thus, the September Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos Race Course was approved unanimously by the CHRB at the Aug. 18 meeting.

But it was only nine months ago when debate raged within the CHRB over the course of two separate meetings about whether Los Al was a safe enough track to merit the granting of a year-round Quarter Horse license, as has been routine.

Amid concerns that Los Al wasn't doing enough to mitigate the 29 equine deaths that occurred at the track in 2020, the CHRB in December 2020 voted 5-1 to only grant the track a six-month license.

In the immediate aftermath of that controversial vote, Los Al owner Ed Allred had threatened to close his Quarter Horse track and develop the property for a purpose other than racing, which would also affect the Thoroughbred meets that Los Al hosts in June/July, September and December.

One month later, in January 2021, the CHRB took up the issue again, re-voting 4-3 to grant Los Al its customary full-year Quarter Horse license.

Even though that Quarter Horse license is separate from the Thoroughbred meet that got approved for Los Al on Wednesday, safety still percolated to the top of discussion, with Gonzales wanting to make it known that he now believes Los Al has worked diligently to make improvements.

“I have been part of the commissioners that really have raised the bar on Los Alamitos,” Gonzales said. “And I have seen what I would describe as improvement and the right commitment of leadership, resources and time on the part of Los Alamitos. If I were to ask a direct question about, 'Is Los Alamitos doing better than it has in the past?' I am very, very confident that the answer would be yes.

“Is there room for improvement? Always,” Gonzales continued. “That applies to not just California racing, but across the country. I just want to see continued improvement by the leadership of Los Alamitos. I believe that they have made all of the adjustments and honored the requests of this board. And again, I have gone on record as being among the toughest [safety critics]. But I also want to acknowledge leadership when I see it. And I have seen that effort being made.”

CHRB Chairman Gregory Ferraro, DVM, said that he would endorse what the vice chairman said.

The two commissioners haven't always been in agreement on how to handle Los Al's licensure.

Back in December 2020, Ferraro had been the lone dissenting board member in that 5-1 vote to issue only a six-month license. He said at the time that granting only a half-year license made no sense considering the CHRB has the power to halt any California track's Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred racing at any time over safety issues.

Gonzales, by contrast, had pushed hard for the six-month license and had said back in January that Los Al's safety needed to be more closely monitored.

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