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Maximum Security Sires First Foal

Four time Grade I-winning champion Maximum Security (New Year's Day–Lil Indy, by Anasheed) sired his first foal at Dell Ridge Farm this morning when Pussyfoot (Tiznow), a full-sister to Grade I winner Morning Line, foaled a bay filly at 5:39 a.m.

The filly was fittingly bred by Gary and Mary West, who also bred and raced Maximum Security, an earner of over $12 million on the track with wins including the GI Florida Derby, GI Haskell Invitational, GI Cigar Mile H., inaugural Saudi Cup and GI Pacific Classic.

“She's outstanding. She's a big strong foal and is very well put together, I'm delighted with her. We have a lot of Maximum Security foals on the way and if they all look like this we'll be very happy,” said Des Ryan of Dell Ridge Farm.

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Dan Mearns Passes Away

Dan Mearns, the former managing editor of the Blood-Horse and the Thoroughbred Record, passed away Sunday, January 16 due to complications from Covid-19, according to his brother, Greg, who posed the news on Facebook.

“Dear Friends of Dan,” he wrote on Mearns's Facebook page. “This post is from his brother, Greg. I am heartbroken to report to you that Dan sadly and suddenly left us on Sunday, January 16, 2022 due to complications from Covid. His last communications with family were, `you don't want to get this,' and `make sure you get the booster.' As you all know, Dan was a beautiful soul who made us all smile, and even laugh out loud, at his love of life. I miss him sorely already. Peace.”

Mearns was a larger-than-life character with a big smile and a hearty laugh, who had posted a profile picture of himself on July 8, 2021 on his Facebook page that said, “I got my Covid-19 Vaccine. We can do this.”

His post was quickly filled with comments from fellow co-workers and friends who expressed their sorrow at the loss.

“Greg, I am so very, very sorry to hear this,” posted Eve Hutcherson. “I worked with Dan at the Blood-Horse all those years ago and have so many fond memories of how kind, funny, and talented he was. I can hear him laugh as I write this. Deepest condolences to you and all his family, and thank you for sharing his final communication as encouragement to all to take self-protection seriously. All the best.”

Wrote Amie Kahane Conti, “My deepest condolences to you and all his family. I am beyond grateful to have known Dan for so many years and he was such a kind hearted , true good man. I will so miss him and so saddened.”

According to his Facebook page, Mearns was a graduate of the University of Kentucky and was working at the Charlotte State Bank and Trust at the time of his passing.

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KEEP Foundation Hires Harper As Executive Director

The Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation has announced the hiring of Alexandra Harper as its new executive director.

“I'm excited about taking the reins as Executive Director,” Harper said. “I look forward to taking the KEEP Foundation to the next level through enhanced fundraising efforts and educational events, continued workforce development initiative, and expanding the efforts toward making the industry more accessible. I've spent my entire professional and personal life in this industry and I can't wait to see what we can accomplish as we work together toward the common goal of a thriving and ever evolving Kentucky horse industry.”

Harper, who graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.A. in corporate communications and completed an MBA at Midway University, was the practice manager at Park Equine Hospital before joining the KEEP Foundation. She also worked for the American Saddlebred Horse Association (AHSA) and also worked as the operations and communications coordinator for the University of Kentucky Ag Equine Programs, where she was involved with a number of education initiatives in the Thoroughbred, Sport Horse, and other equine disciplines.

In addition to hiring Harper, the KEEP Foundation added Price Bell and Reese Koffler-Stanfield to its Board of Directors. Bell is the General Manager of Mill Ridge Farm and Koffler-Stanfield is an International Dressage rider, trainer, clinician, and owner of Maplecrest Farm.

The Board of Directors also elected officers for 2022. Elisabeth Jensen will serve as Chair while continuing to manage the policy and legislative affairs of the KEEP Alliance. Katie LaMonica will serve as Vice Chair and Shannon Cobb will serve as Treasurer.

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Laurel Cancels Live Racing Monday

Having returned from a brief hiatus with a full program Sunday, Jan. 16, Laurel Park was forced to cancel its holiday racing card Monday due to the lingering effects of a winter storm that swept through the Midlantic region Sunday.

The Maryland track was closed for 18 days in late autumn over safety and weather-related concerns despite the installation of a new multi-million surface. No live racing had been held since Jan. 2 prior to Sunday. A 30-minute video conference was held with members of the Maryland racing community and track executives Jan. 11 to discuss the timeline for a return to racing. Trainers were largely in favor of a sooner-than-later approach, even with the knowledge of the approaching weather system, as opposed to a more conservative plan that would have seen racing delayed to Thursday, Jan. 20.

Racing is scheduled to resume Thursday at Laurel.

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