Tag: The Biz

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced that it has renewed a five-year World Pool partnership agreement with Ascot Racecourse to continue to promote racing as a global sport.

The HKJC and Ascot Racecourse initiated the first World Pool partnership in 2019. The renewal agreement, signed at Royal Ascot on Friday will run from 1 July, 2023 until 2028.

The agreement will cover the commingling of bets into the World Pool as well as an integrity feed and other information which the HKJC will be permitted to transmit at its racecourses and betting outlets in Hong Kong, or re-transmit to television and radio broadcasters as well as mobile phone operators.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer, Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, said: “World Pool offers the best international racing for customers across the globe. The five-year renewal of the agreement with Ascot Racecourse demonstrates the Club's strong commitment to our World Pool partnership and underlines an unwavering belief in the benefits of World Pool for horseracing internationally.

“In the four years since we launched World Pool at Royal Ascot, the Club has forged — and enhanced — a host of World Pool partnerships around the world and we are delighted at the significant progress achieved so far.”

“The Club looks forward to working closely with Ascot in the future with a mutual goal of delivering benefits to horseracing globally, enabling our partners to make significant investments in horseracing, while also delivering world-class entertainment for our customers, who are able to enjoy unmatched liquidity and value from commingling partners in 25 countries and regions,” Engelbrecht-Bresges added.

Since its introduction, World Pool has developed significantly with Royal Ascot turnover alone growing from HK$1.09 billion in 2019 to HK$1.76 billion in 2022, generating greater value for customers and allowing participating clubs to make substantial investments for the betterment of horseracing.

The five-day Royal Ascot meeting and the King George Stakes Day and QIPCO British Champions Day meetings at Ascot Racecourse are all part of the World Pool Programs operated by the HKJC.

Alastair Warwick, Ascot Racecourse Chief Executive, said: “Our relationship with the Hong Kong Jockey Club is an amazing partnership and shows how global the sport is becoming. I couldn't be happier with the support that Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges and the team at the Hong Kong Jockey Club have provided.

“This is our fifth year of doing World Pool – the time has flown by. As one of the key instigators, it really doesn't feel like it was five years ago that we were doing our first World Pool.”

Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director, Wagering Products, at the HKJC, said: “The partnership is great for us, for Ascot and for racing generally around the world. The continuity of big brands working together for the benefit of racing has been really important in bringing familiarity of the product, and of the betting markets, to customers around the globe. Working together to really promote racing in a truly global sense has been brilliant for everybody.

“We know that our customers are familiar with UK racing, especially Ascot. Thousands of people are watching Royal Ascot this week in Hong Kong as Wellington runs in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (G1). We are all very keen for Hong Kong to put its own horses on the map, and the World Pool unites everybody in a way that's never really been done before and we are very proud of working with Ascot and other racetracks.”

Felicity Barnard, Commercial Director at Ascot Racecourse, said: “This is exciting for Ascot and exciting for racing in general. The relationship has grown and grown and this renewal shows that the Hong Kong Jockey Club invested in racing across the world. It gives us the opportunity to expand what we are doing on the global stage so we are absolutely thrilled.

“All the revenue we generate, we look to invest in the business so our partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club is incredibly important to allow us to invest a significant amount into prize money. That in turn generates better-quality runners and a better product for World Pool customers.”

The post HKJC, Ascot Renew World Pool Partnership Another Five Years appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) Saturday announced the stakes schedule for the 28-day 2023 Belmont at the Big A fall meet.

As previously announced, the 2023 Belmont Park fall meet will be conducted at Aqueduct Racetrack due to ongoing major capital improvement projects at Belmont Park. The fall meet will begin on Thursday, September 14 and run through Sunday, October 29 and includes three Grade 1s and six Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifiers. The meet will offer a total of 40 stakes worth $8.78 million in total purses.

The Belmont at the Big A stakes action kicks off on Saturday, September 16 with the 11-furlong Grade 3, $350,000 Fasig-Tipton Jockey Club Oaks, the final leg of the lucrative Fasig-Tipton Fillies Turf Triple for sophomore fillies.

The following week will see the first New York-bred stakes of the meet with the $125,000 John Hettinger for fillies and mares on Friday, September 22, followed by the Grade 3, $150,000 Noble Damsel for fillies and mares and the state-bred $125,000 Ashley T. Cole for 3-year-olds and up on Saturday, September 23. The weekend concludes with a pair of seven-furlong sprints worth $125,000 for state-bred juveniles on Sunday, September 24 in the Bertram F. Bongard and its female counterpart, the Joseph A. Gimma.

Saturday, September 30 features a loaded card of four graded events, including the first Grade 1 of the meet in the $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/2 miles on turf. The card is supported by a triad of Grade 2 events in the $400,000 Woodward at nine furlongs for 3-year-olds and up, the $250,000 Gallant Bloom at 6 1/2 furlongs for fillies and mares, and the $250,000 Vosburgh, a seven-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up that awards the winner a berth into the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Sprint in November at Santa Anita Park as part of the “Win and You're In” series.

The weekend wraps up with two more Grade 2 “Win and You're In” qualifiers on Sunday, October 1 with both events slated for juveniles at 1 1/16 miles on turf. The $200,000 Pilgrim awards a berth to the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf while the $200,000 Miss Grillo for fillies awards a berth to the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.

Saturday, October 7 provides another stacked card of graded events, led by two Grade 1 “Win and You're In” qualifiers at one-mile for juveniles in the $500,000 Champagne [Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile] and $400,000 Frizette [Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies]. The card is supported by the Grade 3, $200,000 Belmont Turf Sprint for 3-year-olds and up sprinting six furlongs; the Grade 3, $200,000 Fasig-Tipton Waya at 1 3/8 miles for fillies and mares; and the Grade 3, $500,000 Jockey Club Derby for sophomores, which will see its distance shortened to 1 3/8 miles from its previously-run distance of 1 1/2 miles.

Graded action continues into the Sunday, October 8 card, including the final “Win and You're In” event of the meet with the Grade 3, $150,000 Futurity for juveniles sprinting six furlongs on the lawn in hopes of securing a spot in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Also featured are the Grade 2, $250,000 Beldame at nine furlongs for fillies and mares; and the Grade 3, $150,000 Matron for juvenile fillies sprinting six furlongs on the turf.

Saturday, October 28 will offer four stakes, including the Grade 2, $300,000 Forty Niner, which was previously run as the Kelso. The one-turn mile for 3-year-olds and up will offer the top-three finishers a free nomination and starting fee in the Grade 2 Cigar Mile to be run during the Aqueduct fall meet. Forty Niner, a multiple Grade 1-winner on the NYRA circuit, captured the 1988 Grade 1 Travers at Saratoga Race Course en route to victory in the inaugural running of the NYRA Mile Handicap which later became the Cigar Mile.

The October 28 card also includes the Grade 2, $250,000 Mother Goose, a nine-furlong test for sophomore fillies that was previously held during the Belmont spring/summer meet; the Listed $135,000 Awad for juveniles going 1 1/16 miles on turf; and the Listed $135,000 Pumpkin Pie for fillies and mares sprinting seven furlongs.

Other graded events slated for the Belmont at the Big A fall meet are the Grade 2, $200,000 Sands Point for sophomore fillies traveling nine furlongs on the grass on October 14; the Grade 3, $150,000 Knickerbocker for 3-year-olds and up at nine furlongs on the grass on October 15; and the Grade 3, $200,000 Bold Ruler for 3-year-olds and up sprinting six furlongs on October 27.

The fall meet's stakes action concludes on closing day, Sunday, October 29, with Empire Showcase Day, which includes eight New York-bred stakes valued at $1.6 million in total purses. The card is highlighted by two nine-furlong events worth $250,000 in the Empire Classic and its counterpart, the Empire Distaff for fillies and mares. Empire Showcase Day will also include four $200,000 stakes in the Sleepy Hollow, Maid of the Mist, Mohawk and Ticonderoga, along with a pair of $150,000 stakes in the Iroquois and Hudson.

For the complete Belmont at the Big A stakes schedule, visit www.NYRA.com.

The post Belmont At The Big A Fall Meet To Offer 40 Stakes Worth $8.78 Million appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) is  committed to the well-being of all individuals within horseracing. RTCA is driven by its  core mission to minister to the spiritual, physical, social, educational, and emotional needs of the racing community. 

In April, a Jockey Mental Health survey was sent to jockeys nationwide by the  Jockeys' Guild and the results were presented to a group at Keeneland in late May.  Since that presentation, there have been discussions among industry leaders on the subject of mental health, in particular, how to identify and prevent potential suicide. In alignment with other prominent industry associations, the RTCA recognizes the importance of mental health concerns with the jockey colony and throughout the  horseracing family. 

RTCA Chaplains are uniquely positioned to actively engage with jockeys, trainers, and other racing personnel on a daily basis, providing guidance and support.

Dan Waits, the Executive Director of RTCA, emphasizes the significance of the Chaplains' regular presence at racetracks, stating: “For over five decades, the Chaplain at the racetrack, training facility or farm community has been a trusted resource for individuals who may be experiencing mental health challenges to turn to and get the help they need.  Through ongoing training, it is our aim to equip each Chaplain to provide assistance to those in need and guide them towards the appropriate help.” 

RTCA Chaplains have received training on these subjects at their National Conference and in their educational backgrounds. However, to bolster this current  endeavor, dedicated funding has been allocated to enable each RTCA Chaplain and all local support staff members to pursue immediate accreditation through QPR  Gatekeeper Training, a national program that equips individuals with the necessary skills to identify, understand, and respond to signs of potential suicide. By participating in this  program, the Chaplains will be better prepared to offer support and intervention when confronted with these issues. 

Janet VanBebber, a valued RTCA Board Member, passionately advocates for mental health support and expresses her satisfaction with RTCA's proactive steps.

She shares a personal connection to the cause, saying: “Having lost my husband to suicide over 20 years ago and subsequently witnessing the loss of more friends from the track, I deeply understand the importance of equipping those on the backside and the frontside to recognize silent suffering, identify warning signs, and facilitate meaningful support. Such tragedies have a profound impact on individuals and families. My prayer is that by educating our Chaplains, we provide them with the necessary tools to offer support and guidance, ultimately saving lives.” 

RTCA remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting mental health awareness and fostering a compassionate environment within the racing community.  Through the QPR accreditation of its Chaplains and local staff members, the RTCA aims to strengthen their ability to recognize and respond to mental health challenges effectively, and RTCA will continue to provide on-going training for increased responsiveness in the days ahead. 

For more information about the Race Track Chaplaincy of America and its  initiatives, please visit www.rtcanational.org or e-mail the RTCA National Office at  info@rtcanational.org. 

The post Race Track Chaplaincy Of America Making Strides To Enhance Mental Health Support appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Horse vans began arriving in earnest as the stable area at Colonial Downs opened June 19 in advance of the New Kent, Va., racetrack's 2023 season. The meet which spans 27 days from Thursday, July 13 through Saturday, September 9.

A record $5.25 million in stakes purses and an average daily purse distribution of $700,000 ensures the 2023 meet will offer some of the best Thoroughbred racing ever seen in the Commonwealth, topped by the G1 Arlington Million, G1 $500,000 Beverly D., and G2 $500,000 Secretariat Stakes on Saturday, August 12, plus the G3 $500,000 Virginia Derby and $250,000 Virginia Oaks which will highlight the Saturday, September 9 card.

Weekend racing returns for the first time since 2019 with live racing scheduled every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a first post time of 1:30 p.m.

Colonial Downs again will have a full complement of 850 horses on its backstretch. Among the first horses to arrive were those from the barn of Kelsey Danner, shipping in from Kentucky; Virginia mainstay Karen Godsey; and Angel Rodriguez, arriving from his Florida home base.

“People remember when I was 16 and hotwalking, learning the ropes around here. The quality from what used to be here compared to what is here now is unreal. It is so nice to see bigger outfits, nice quality horses and big stakes race days in New Kent,” said Godsey.

“I have a lot of turf horses and the purses there are great,” added Mark Casse, a member of both the Canadian and American Halls of Fame, who will have a full contingent here for time. “Seeing the opportunities there, it just made sense.”

Casse mentioned that he is considering the G1 Arlington Million for Strong Quality who was fifth in the G1 Manhattan at Belmont on June 10.

Other trainers expected for the 2023 meet include Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen; Graham Motion, winner of both the 2019 and 2021 editions of the G3 Virginia Derby; last year's leading trainer Mike Stidham; Jonathan Thomas; Mike Trombetta; and Michelle Lovell.

Colonial has added an Early 50-cent Pick 5 with a fan-friendly 12% takeout to the wagering menu covering the first five flat races daily and a $1 Pick 6 with a 15% takeout which covers the final six races each day.

All races from Colonial Downs can be seen daily on either FanDuel TV or FanDuel Racing. In house, Jason Beem returns for his fifth season at the mic while Kaitlin Free joins the broadcast team as racing analyst and paddock host.

About Colonial Downs

Colonial Downs Racetrack, in New Kent, Va., hosts live Thoroughbred racing on two nationally renowned surfaces – the Secretariat Turf Course, the widest turf course in North America at 180 feet wide, and on a 1 1/4-mile dirt track, second in length to only the world-famous Belmont Park.

The Colonial Downs Group, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates Rosie's Gaming Emporiums® in Richmond, Hampton, New Kent, Vinton, and Dumfries which offer innovative historic horseracing (HHR) gaming technology and full card simulcasting as well as Rosie's Game Room in Collinsville, which features a limited selection of some of their best HHR titles plus full card simulcasting. The 2023 live racing season, which consists of 27 days from July 13 through September 9, is highlighted by the Grade 1 Arlington Million, Grade 1 Beverly D. and Grade 2 Secretariat Stakes on August 12 and the Grade 3 New Kent County Virginia Derby on September 9. The Beverly D. is a Breeders' Cup Challenge “Win & You're In” race.

The post Stable Area Now Open At Colonial Downs; Meet Begins On July 13 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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