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Steve Castagnola Rejoins Taylor Made

Steve Castagnola, who was a Taylor Made team member between 1997-2009, has rejoined Taylor Made as Sales Recruiter. Castagnola's main focus will be the development of relationships and the recruitment of new business, while assisting in both the public and private sales divisions of Taylor Made.

“I came to Taylor Made in January 1997 as an intern, and over my 12 years, worked with Ben Taylor in helping manage the early books of Unbridled's Song and our then fledgling stallion operation before becoming the Director of Client Development,” Castagnola said. “Those were 12 of the best years of my life and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to be part of the Taylor Made family once again.”

Mark Taylor added, “Steve brings 25 years of industry experience to our team, and along with his positive attitude, enthusiasm and track record of success both with us and his Kempton Bloodstock, we feel fortunate to have him on our team. With the industry on an upswing, Steve will be a big asset in assisting our current client base as well as developing new business.”

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CHRB Responds to VMB Suspension of Dr. Blea

In response to the actions brought by the California Veterinary Medical Board (VMB) against Dr. Jeff Blea, Equine Medical Director, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) issued a statement Thursday morning regarding the interim suspension order of his license.

The investigation into the death of GI Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit (Protonico) will now be headed by the executive associate dean of UC Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine.

“Given the sensitive and very public nature of the necropsy and resulting investigation into the death of Medina Spirit, and in keeping with the CHRB's commitment to integrity and transparency, the CHRB has asked the executive associate dean of UC Davis' School of Veterinary Medicine to oversee the necropsy and forensic examination of Medina Spirit,” the release read. “The CHRB believes this also satisfies the VMB's stated reason for filing the temporary suspension petition and therefore requires it to consider its withdrawal.

The CHRB is capable and specifically vested with the regulatory authority to ensure that all investigations, including necropsy reviews, are performed accurately and with the utmost diligence and transparency. This is a responsibility of the CHRB, not the VMB, and its emergency actions are unnecessary and outside the scope of its authority.”

The release continues, “This point was confirmed in the emergency petition decision stating, 'There was, however, no evidence presented at hearing that would suggest that the Board (VMB) has the authority to invalidate Respondent's appointment or otherwise interfere with his duties as the Equine Medical Director.

That its emergency actions nevertheless seek to exclude Dr. Blea from contributing as the EMD to the critical and valuable work done through the necropsy program is unfortunate, and an improper application of its oversight and regulatory authority.'”

CHRB Chairman Dr. Greg Ferraro said, “In my view, the allegations against Dr. Blea have yet to be proven, and as such, he should be able to serve as the EMD until the final outcome of the accusation filed against his license can be fully adjudicated through the administrative process. At that point, the CHRB would be in a better position to determine any appropriate actions to take considering the final outcome and its full context in application and relationship to Dr. Blea's role as EMD.”

CHRB Executive Director Scott Chaney added, “Dr. Blea has done excellent work for the CHRB since he began his employment at UC Davis on July 1 and accepted the position of EMD. My concern is that not relying on his expertise, advice, and work in the role of EMD would diminish the CHRB's ability to effectively promote animal welfare and, in a very real way, make horses less safe in California. Of course, the full Board has the ultimate authority to determine its course of action, and the next opportunity for the Board to discuss the matter will be in closed session on Jan. 20 following the regularly scheduled Board meeting.”

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Laurel Cancels Live Racing Thursday

Laurel Park, the Maryland track with a new dirt surface that was hit by winter weather this week, cancelled the Jan. 6 nine-race card due to the continuing effects of the winter storm, announced the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC) Thursday. The storm brought sleet, freezing rain, and snowfall to the area.

Laurel, as well as Pimlico, Rosecroft, and the MJC OTB Network, will remain open for simulcasting.

Live racing at Laurel is scheduled to resume Friday, Jan. 7. First post is 12:25 p.m.

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Prominent NY Horsewoman O’Cain Passes Away

Suzie O'Cain, one of the most well-known and unique personalities in the Thoroughbred industry in New York and who managed the late Carl Lizza's Highcliff Farm in Delanson for 23 years alongside her husband Dr. C. Lynwood 'Doc' O'Cain, passed away Jan. 4 in Saratoga Springs following a battle with breast cancer.

Born in Madison, Wisconsin and raised in Mississippi, Suzie O'Cain attended the state university in Oxford and later graduated with a Bachelor's degree in education from The Ohio State University.

“We met in Louisiana and were married in Louisiana,” Doc O'Cain said. “She showed Quarter Horses in Louisiana and knew nothing about Thoroughbreds at all. I did some Thoroughbred veterinary work in Louisiana and when we moved up here she got involved in Thoroughbreds.”

The O'Cains relocated to the Northeast in 1985 when Doc O'Cain went to work at Everett and Gustave Schoenborn Sr.'s Schoenborn Brothers Farm in Coxsackie, which at the time stood leading New York sires Cormorant and Talc. Doc O'Cain also worked at Gus Schoenborn, Jr.'s Contemporary Stallions, where the roster included Ends Well, Double Negative and others.

The O'Cains' association with Highcliff began in 1989 and during their time with Lizza, the couple made important contributions that were key to the success of the Flying Zee Stable racing and breeding programs. The O'Cains maintained their involvement in the New York breeding and stallion programs following Lizza's passing in 2011 and managed and marketed stallions under the Saratoga Stallions banner.

“When we were at Highcliff she basically co-managed everything with me,” Doc O'Cain said. “She did all office work, all the advertising, all the stallion promotion, the booking of stallions. She was a big part of the operation and its success.”

Suzie O'Cain served the industry in a variety of capacities, including as a member of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's Board of Directors from 2003 until this past August. She was also the co-chairwoman of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders' Political Action Committee and chairwoman of the NYTB's Media Committee.

O'Cain was also the founder of the Find A Cure Sable to campaign horses to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. She was the host of a show called 'Suzie's Corner' that aired on the New York City and Capital OTB networks. O'Cain interviewed prominent women in the Thoroughbred industry and was honored in 2003 at the Governor's mansion in Albany during a Women's History Month reception to recognize Pioneering Women of the Capital Region.

“Suzie was a very unique person, a very smart person,” Doc O'Cain said. “And she had the personality to go with it. She could walk into a room and take it over.”

Plans for a memorial service and/or celebration of life, most likely in August at Saratoga Race Course, are pending. Donations can be made in Suzie's name to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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