The Biz | Horse Racing Free Tips

The Jockey Club Commends Gulfstream Park For Eliminating Post Time Drag

The Jockey Club commends Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla. for committing to run races at their scheduled post times during the track's Championship Meet, which began Dec. 2, 2020. Not only does post time drag frustrate bettors, but it also has a negative impact on handle.

At the 2017 Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing, Ben Vonwiller of McKinsey & Company spoke on the importance of race scheduling among different racetracks to maximize total handle. According to McKinsey's models, a more synchronized race schedule could lead to an annual handle increase of $400 million across the United States.

“Our question was, 'Do the preconditions for schedule optimization exist in racing and can applying scheduling analytics really drive value?' We left that exercise with real conviction that the answer is yes.”

In response to these findings, Equibase established a scheduling office to assist tracks in communicating to each other about their post times to minimize overlap. Through a scheduling hub, tracks submit their proposed off-times, and Equibase suggests changes based on a tool developed by McKinsey & Company. On race day, any changes to post times can be communicated to other tracks. The Jockey Club encourages racetracks to participate in this service for the benefit of the horseplayer and of the racing industry.

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Photo Raises Questions About Status Of Suspended Quarter Horse Trainer Ponce

A photograph captured by Track Magazine's Mark Herron after the Grade 1 Refrigerator Stakes at Lone Star Park on Oct. 25 raised questions about the status of suspended trainer Josue Ponce. The image, published in the print edition of the magazine and republished here with permission, shows winner Valiant Tiberias exiting the Grand Prairie, Texas, track's winner's circle after having his picture taken while sporting a lime green shadow roll and a matching black and lime green browband with “Ponce” stitched in the center. Valiant Tiberias ran the race with blinkers, and the browband became visible after their removal.

Ponce is currently serving a 365-day suspension delivered for a clenbuterol positive in Oklahoma this spring. A urine sample from runner Oh Fancy Go came back positive for clenbuterol after the horse won the sixth race at Remington Park April 25. Ponce appealed the summary suspension given to him after the positive without success. According to transcripts of a hearing before the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission earlier this year, his attorney raised doubt about the validity of that positive, arguing that Oh Fancy Go was negative for clenbuterol in pre-race hair testing April 11. His appeal of his summary suspension was denied, and stewards issued a 365-day suspension and a $10,000 fine for the positive.

Ponce has continued to fight the suspension, appealing the stewards' decision to the full commission at last month's meeting. The commission voted to uphold the stewards' ruling.

According to the program, 4-year-old Valiant Tiberias is trained by Alonso Neri. Neri has trained since 2016 but his statistics exploded this year when he went from 17 starters in 2019 to 298 this year, with stable earnings of $1.8 million and a win percentage of 28 percent.

When consulted about the photograph, a spokesman for the Texas Racing Commission would neither confirm nor deny whether an investigation was ongoing into the situation.

Neri is also listed as the trainer for I Am Valiant, winner of the G2 Dash for Cash Derby and Jordan Eagle, winner of the G2 TQHA Classic Stakes – both in 2020. Those two had previously been trained by Ponce.

Valiant Tiberias is owned by Sergio Holguin, Clifton Nielsen, and Felix Rodriguez. He was also the winner of this year's G2 Mr. Jet Moore, as well as last year's G1 Championship at Sunland Park and G3 AQHA Adequan Derby Challenge Championship at Ruidoso Downs.

Ponce was banned by Ruidoso in 2018 after sending out four winners in trial races for that year's All American Quarter Horse Derby. Track officials told the Paulick Report at the time that two of the four horses saddled by Ponce that day were vanned off the track after winning their trials, and the other two were “in distress” and required medical attention. Those horses later recovered.

“The decisions to exclude your further participation from racing at Ruidoso are due to the apparent inhumane treatment of the horses under your care,” read a letter written to Ponce from Jeff True, general manager of All American Ruidoso Downs LLC notifying him of his ban. “Horses under your care demonstrated that they were unfit to complete the race and return to the winners' enclosure reflecting a lack of conditioning or some other mistreatment which puts them and all other horses and jockeys competing with them at risk of catastrophic injury.

“(All American Ruidoso Downs) is taking this action to protect the horses and riders competing at its facility from negligence or mistreatment by trainers, grooms, jockeys, or others on its property or competing in races here. The racing public, track management, and regulatory authorities expect horses to be treated and raced under humane and safe conditions and the performance of your horses on Sunday, August 19^th, reflect negligence, a failure to prepare them adequately, or indicate some other improper treatment prior to the races.”

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Limited, Socially-Distanced Seating Available For 2021 Pegasus World Cup

The Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series is returning to Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Launched in 2017 as part of 1/ST's mission to modernize the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing, the $4 million Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series has captured the attention of the racing industry, celebrities, and fans from around the world and has cemented itself as a premier event on the racing calendar.

Evolving into a Championship Invitational Series featuring two Grade 1 (G1) stakes races, the Pegasus World Cup in 2021 will feature a combined $4 million purse. The Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1), run on the dirt at 1 1/8 miles, offers a $3 million total purse. The Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1), run on the turf at 1 3/16 miles, offers a $1 million purse. 1/ST entirely provides the $4 million total purse contribution.

This year's event will provide exciting opportunities in North American Thoroughbred racing for horse owners by showcasing their equine athletes competing free of medications on race day while providing the winner of the Pegasus World Cup Invitational with an automatic entry into the 2021 $20 million Saudi Cup. The medication-free format, for both the Pegasus World Cup Invitational and Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational, is consistent with the International Federation of Horse Racing Authorities (IFHA) standards and reflects the commitment that 1/ST, along with other major racing organizations and associations, made in April 2019 to eliminate Lasix in all graded stakes races in 2021.

In 2021, the Pegasus World Cup continues to innovate by redefining the guest experience with limited, socially distanced ticket offerings for every race day enthusiast. From the action of the Grandstand to elegant dining in Ten Palms to the luxury of the Flamingo Room and Suites, guests will enjoy a day of world-class Thoroughbred racing excitement and gourmet food and hospitality in safety. Reserved seating tickets and packages range in price from $100.00 – $1,150.00+.

Tickets are available online at www.pegasusworldcup.com/tickets or by calling the Pegasus World Cup Box Office at Gulfstream Park at 1-833-464-7924 between 9:00 am – 6:00 pm ET, daily.

Wagering on the 2021 Pegasus World Cup can be enjoyed regardless of where fans view the race day card with handicapping tools available on the 1/ST BET app. Part of the 1/ST TECHNOLOGY suite of handicapping and betting products, 1/ST BET is changing the game by delivering a user-friendly experience that suits everyone from the experienced horseplayer to the first-timer.

Since the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, 1/ST has developed and implemented industry-leading COVID-19 safety measures at its tracks and facilities across the United States. The 2021 Pegasus World Cup will implement strict social distancing protocols and new health and safety guidelines for riders and spectators. On-premise, attendance for this year's event has been reduced to 20% to allow all guests to socially distance accordingly. Thermal sensing cameras at all entrances check guest temperatures, and masks are required. Cleaning protocols provide regular sanitizing of public spaces, and cashless wagering via 1/ST BET eliminates handling of currency. For more information on the health and safety measures for the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, please visit www.pegasusworldcup/com/health-safety.

At the 2020 Pegasus World Cup, Jennifer Lopez, Alex Rodriguez, Vin Diesel, Justise Winslow, Kelly Olynyk, DJ Cassidy, Jake Paul, Dr. Mike, Zion, Alec Monopoly and Cedric Gervais witnessed Mucho Gusto win the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational purse and Zulu Alpha win the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Turf Invitational. Afterward, guests and stars alike enjoyed a concert with performances by Nelly and T-Pain.

NBC Sports returns as the official broadcast partner of the 2021 Pegasus World Cup and will broadcast the race day excitement live from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm ET.

For more information about Pegasus World Cup, please visit www.pegasusworldcup.com and follow the excitement on social media @PegasusWorldCup and #PegasusWorldCup #RunWithUs.

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‘Unusual Times Call For Creative Solutions’: NYRA Goes Virtual To Support Toys For Tots

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is proud to announce that it will continue its longtime support of the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation, which is being conducted virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NYRA encourages fans to donate at https://www.toysfortots.org/donate/ during the upcoming virtual weekend of giving on Friday, Dec. 4; Cigar Mile Day on Saturday, Dec. 5; and on Sunday, Dec. 6. Members of the Marine Corps Reserve will use the funds to collect and distribute new and unwrapped toys for children and families during the holidays.

In contrast to previous years when NYRA and the Marine Corps Reserve set up donation boxes around Aqueduct Racetrack to collect toys, cash contributions, and checks for Toys for Tots, fans are asked to make donations online – via credit card with a secure one-step process; or by selecting and donating toys via the organization's virtual toy box. This process also allows donations both this weekend and throughout the year.

“Unusual times call for creative solutions and by giving virtually, fans can continue the tradition of working with the Marine Corps Reserve to make sure children throughout New York City and across Long Island receive toys for the holidays,” said Vanessa Rodriguez Payne, NYRA Community Relations Manager. “New York racing fans and our employees have generously supported Toys for Tots for years, and we're pleased to encourage that giving spirit again in 2020.”

As part of its support of the Toys for Tots Foundation, NYRA is making a financial contribution to the organization. Toys for Tots is also supported by generous contributions from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and thoroughbred owner Harold Lerner.

“NYTHA is proud to one again support the Marine Corps' Toys for Tots Foundation and the outstanding work they do in bringing joy to children,” said NYTHA President Joe Appelbaum. “Our horsemen are a vital part of our local communities, and we strongly believe it is our responsibility to support our friends and neighbors during the holidays, and all year round.”

Lerner cited the age-old mission of making the holidays extra special for children as his reason for supporting Toys for Toys, now in its 73rd year of giving.

“There has never been a more important time than now to lend a helping hand to our fellow New Yorkers,” he said. “I hope these acts of kindness will inspire the children receiving gifts to go on to do great things, knowing that there is a community that cares about them.”

Though New York state currently requires all racetracks to operate without spectators in attendance to combat the spread of COVID-19, the employees, horsemen and jockeys at Aqueduct will be able to leave donations of new and unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots this weekend in a bin outside the Jockey Room. Checks made out to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation can be mailed to: U.S. Marine Corps; Attention: GySgt, John Sardine; 605 Stewart Avenue; Garden City, NY 11530.

Live racing resumes Thursday at Aqueduct with a nine-race card. First post is 12:20 p.m. Eastern.

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