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Beloved Midwest Jockey J.J. Sunseri Succumbs To Injuries From Automobile Accident

He may have weighed 110 pounds – but most of that was his heart.

James “J.J.” Sunseri, 70, of Erlanger, Ky., born as Tito Libero Cavanti in Ascoli Piceno, Italy on May 4, 1950, passed away on Jan. 2, 2021, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Dec. 13, 2020.

Sunseri was adopted in the United States when he was thirteen by Joseph and Dorie (Osinski) Sunseri of Erie, Penn., who preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Erie Cathedral Prep High School in 1968. After high school, he spent a year at Penn State Behrend Campus where he found his passion for horses.

Sunseri spent his adult life as a professional jockey with nearly ten thousand Thoroughbred mounts over 45 years. He rode races in Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida, entering the winner's circle 545 times. Sunseri also appeared in the movie “Dreamer” as the stunt jockey.

Sunseri received numerous awards over the course of his career including a Kentucky State Senate citation for his professional dedication. He was also a member of the Florence Elk Lodge #314 for 17 years serving in several capacities, including chaplain.

He was a great storyteller and dancer. He never forgot a birthday or special occasion for anyone in his huge extended family. He was always sending cards with underlines on the meanings he wished to emphasize. His love for his cousins and their children went beyond happiness. Mr. Santa is what he was! He gave love and smiles to all who knew him.

He is survived by his “Lady” Judith Costigan of Cincinnati OH, an uncle, and many aunts and cousins.

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Proposed Kentucky Legislation Would Help Lighten Financial Strain From Animal Control In Abuse Cases

Animal cruelty and neglect cases are often fraught with legal and logistical challenges for the law enforcement or animal control officers handling them – not the least of which is what to do with animals that must be seized. A 2016 case of large-scale equine neglect in Mercer County, Ky., highlighted many of those challenges as dozens of horses had to be kept in place and fed by volunteers with donated hay while authorities investigated and worked to determine their ownership. One of the challenges in that case was finding someplace for the horses to go once volunteers received clearance to move them.

That case received plenty of publicity and horses were dispersed to rightful owners or to rescue facilities quickly, but in many lesser-known cases in more outlying areas, animal control officers don't have many resources to care for seized animals. Animals seized in the course of a cruelty investigation cannot be adopted out or sold until the case is closed or unless the owner gives consent, sticking already-strapped local law enforcement with months' worth of bills. When horses are involved, a seizure can be even more expensive than a case limited to dogs or cats.

Kentucky State Rep. Cherylynn Stevenson (D-District 88) is hoping new legislation could make that burden lighter. HB100 could make the owner of an animal seized during the course of a cruelty investigation responsible for the cost of the animal's care during the course of the criminal case or until the animal is relinquished.

The bill was born from a discussion Stevenson had with an animal control officer in her home district of Lexington, but improving Kentucky's animal care laws has been on her radar for some time.

“As I was campaigning and going door to door canvassing, we realized that nine out of ten houses in my district had an animal, so we started carrying cat treats and dog treats with us,” said Stevenson. “We realized that it was a really great bridge for the political divide. A lot of people care about animals and want to see [animal welfare] improve here in our state.”

For many years the Animal Legal Defense Fund placed Kentucky last on its rankings of states based on the strength of their animal welfare laws. Stevenson said that ranking may improve slightly after the state amended a law last year that had previously prohibited veterinarians from reporting suspected animal cruelty.

The cost of seized animals is no small consideration – Stevenson recalled one seizure of over 100 cats where board bills for the animals topped $80,000. Many local authorities don't have facilities to house horses at all and are reliant on non-profits to find a stall or pasture space. Then they're faced with the fact that horses are even more expensive to feed and maintain.

“I think we'll see a greater number of animals be saved if this goes through, because there will be a recourse then for all the upkeep, any vet care,” she said. “Ultimately if shelters aren't doing this and taxpayers aren't paying for it, that's a win for everybody.”

Legislation on other types of animal welfare topics has sometimes faced an uphill battle in Kentucky, where agriculture is prevalent and many residents have strong feelings about private property rights. Stevenson admitted this bill could face some opposition from those factions, as well as from defense attorneys who might bristle at the idea their clients could face financial judgments in addition to fines or other sanctions. It's not uncommon for attorneys or clients to prolong cases a part of their legal strategy, which would result in a higher care bill for the animal's owner under the proposed legislation. Sometimes, Stevenson said, animals are returned to their owner prior to the end of a case because the county can no longer afford to care for them.

The bill does have bipartisan support however, and the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) has placed its support behind the language.

“I think getting that equine stamp of approval is very helpful,” she said. “I think there's going to always be some folks out there who look at that property rights issue and they're not going to budge. And that's ok – not everyone has to agree all the time … we're trying to be as transparent as we can and have conversations with folks before it comes up before committee.”

Stevenson expects the bill to come before committee on Feb. 17.

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‘All Systems Go’ As Breeders’ Cup Third Leinster Readies For 2021 Debut In Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint

Leinster looms as a solid favorite in Saturday's $100,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint (G3) on the strength of a third-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Keeneland.

The Rusty Arnold-trained 6-year-old son of Majestic Warrior is set to make his 2021 debut in the five-furlong turf sprint for 4-year-olds and up that will co-headline Saturday's 12-race program with the $100,000 Gulfstream Park Sprint (G3). Saturday's program will also feature a mandatory payout of the Rainbow 6 jackpot pool and the return of undefeated 2019 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) winner Structor in an optional claiming allowance on turf.

Leinster, who is owned by Amy Dunne, Brenda Miley, Westrock Stables LLC and Jean Wilkinson, finished a length behind victorious Glass Slippers and a half-length behind runner-up Wet Your Whistle in the 5 ½-furlong Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in his 2020 finale.

“He's doing really well. We sent him to Ocala for about a month. He was on the farm and I picked him up when I got to Florida in early December. He's been here two months and all systems are go,” said Arnold, whose stable is based at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream Park's satellite training facility in Palm Beach County.

Leinster raced evenly over a 'good' course in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, encountering a slight bumping incident in the stretch.

“He ran his race. I think the turf got a touch softer than what is his favorite, but he got in a great spot and made a run for the lead. He got bumped around a little, but when you're in these full fields, that's the way it goes,” Arnold said. “I was very proud of him. He fought right on to the wire. He got beat by what? A length? I was very proud of him. I think the soft turf hurt him more than the bumping around.”

Leinster was victorious in his two starts prior to the Breeders' Cup over a firm Keeneland turf course in the Shakertown (G2) and the Woodford Stakes (G2).

“I think [the Gulfstream course] should suit him well,” Arnold said. “He's got two track records and they were both in [midsummer], one at Keeneland and one at Saratoga. They were both on hard ground, and that's the way he likes it.”

Leinster ran 5 ½ furlongs in 1:00.86 to win the July 11 Shakertown in track-record time. He also set a record while winning the 5 ½-furlong Troy (G3) in 1:00.23 at Saratoga Aug. 3, 2019.

Arnold also entered Pat Madden LLC's Borracho, a 5-year-old son of Uncle Mo who is Grade 1 stakes-placed on dirt and who pressed the pace before fading in his Jan. 23 turf debut in a mile optional claiming allowance at Gulfstream.

Luis Saez has the return mount aboard Leinster, while Joe Bravo has the call aboard Borracho.

Silverton Hill LLC's High Crime is scheduled to make his first start at Gulfstream since finishing fourth in the Swale (G3) on dirt two years ago. The Darrin Miller-trained 5-year-old son of Violence has gone on to prove himself as a solid competitor on turf. In his most recent start of turf, he pressed the pace on his way to a half-length victory in a 5 ½-furlong optional claiming allowance at Keeneland.

Julien Leparoux has the call on High Crime.

Sam Wilensky and Harry Orgo's Harry's Ontheloose enters the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint off a fourth-place finish behind multiple graded-stakes winner Imprimis in the Janus stakes last time out. The 5-year-old son of Uncaptured previously finished third in the Claiming Crown Canterbury and won an optional claiming allowance at Gulfstream Park West, both at five furlongs on turf.

Junior Alvarado has the call aboard the Herman Wilensky-trained Florida-bred.

G. Watts Humphrey and Brendan O'Brien's Smart Remark, Nimet Arif Kurtel's Shared Legacy, and Santa Rosa Racing Stables' Inter Miami round out the field.

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Historical Horse Racing Bill Introduced In Arizona

A broad coalition of horse racing and gaming enthusiasts from across Arizona are working with Legislators to advance legislation to modernize gaming in the state.

Senate Bill 1794, introduced by Sen. David Gowan, would authorize historic horse racing and stands to generate up to $140 million in new tax revenues, while also providing desperately needed support for the state's horse racing industry and supporting local businesses. The bill is set to be heard in a Senate committee on Tuesday.

Horse racing has been a key economic driver in Arizona for decades – creating thousands of jobs, supporting hundreds of local businesses and generating millions of dollars in state and local tax revenues. But since 2004, Arizona has seen parimutuel handles drop by $55 million a year, purses drop by $5 million a year and live racing attendance has dropped 45 percent.

Senate Bill 1794 would modernize Arizona wagering laws, while limiting the number of HHR terminals to just 15% of tribal gaming positions – minimizing any impact on those revenues. HHR also relies on parimutuel wagering, which was legal in Arizona before tribal gaming compacts began, so their authorization would not violate those state agreements.

“The modernization effort led by Senator Gowan will save the horse racing industry in Arizona and help keep horsemen in our state,” said Bob Hutton, President of the Arizona Horseman's Benevolent & Protective Association. “Implementing historic horse racing will provide much-needed support to the various industry partners that are involved in each race day, attract high quality horses, and revitalize the horse racing experience throughout Arizona.”

If passed, the measure would generate between $100 million and $140 million in new state tax revenues, create 4,000 new jobs and lead to more than $300 million in capital investments in Arizona Downs, a shuttered horse racing track north of Phoenix. In addition, daily purses would increase from $80,000 to $300,000, positioning Arizona to be an industry leader on the west coast.

“By modernizing Arizona's horse racing industry, we are well-positioned to become the premier destination for horse racing on the West Coast,” Sen. Gowan said. “Arizona has an ideal climate for hosting year-round horse races and attracting fans, horses, breeders, trainers and others looking to escape the hostile environment in California.”

Historic Horse Racing allows players to bet on previously run horse races. Gameplay begins when the player deposits a wager and then picks the winners of three randomly chosen races in the projected order of finish. Identifying information including the location, date, and names of the horses and jockeys are not shown, but the player can view handicapping information like the jockeys' and trainers' win percentage. After the wager is placed, the player can watch an animated re-enactment of the selected past race results.
To learn more about the legislative efforts, visit www.savearizonahorseracing.com.

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