MARCH 2, 2010

Stronach And Schwarzenegger: Shouldn’t The Ties Bind?

I have a dumb question.

Frank Stronach is from Austria. Arnold Schwarzenegger is from Austria. What are the odds that this faraway country, which has less than 25% the population of California, has produced the two men who hold the most influence over the California racing industry at this critical point in our history? (Some might even say they are each holding our local racing industry hostage in different ways.)

Has Mr. Stronach ever used those unique homeland ties from Mother Austria to lobby Governor Schwarzenegger for pro-industry legislation? To invite the mega-celebrity and his family for a first-class racing experience at his Santa Anita, starting with an informative Seabiscuit tram tour of the backside, leading into a casual breakfast among the colorful horsemen assembled at Clocker’s Corner, then an afternoon of watching quality racing from the elegant Director’s Room, followed possibly by dinner at Arcadia’s historic Derby restaurant?

How about a behind-the-scenes tour of one of our beautiful California breeding farms, where all the hard work and preparation of getting a horse to the races actually begins? Let the governor see for himself the majesty of a Thoroughbred stallion, the tranquility of mares grazing in pastures and the irresistible charm of foals romping at play. Let him shake hands with the grooms, the office workers, the farm managers, the maintenance crew.

Experiences such as these would give our state’s top elected leader valuable first-hand knowledge of how many thousands of Californians are employed within our industry, and how deeply its roots run in the Golden State.

If Mr. Stronach has not extended such an invitation, why not? It seems a natural fit on the surface.

Perhaps if this happened, Mr. Schwarzenegger would not be publicly booed whenever he does show up at a major racing event, due to his destructive policies which, to date, have severely restricted California horsemen from competing fairly with the state’s tribal-owned casinos.

Slots at Santa Anita: now that would be a “free enterprise” goal worthy of attaining, Mr. Stronach!

JANUARY 30, 2010

Sunshine Millions: A Losing Bet For California?

Nobody likes to back a perpetual loser. Just ask the downtrodden fans of the lowly Los Angeles Clippers, the hapless Pittsburgh Pirates or the infamous 0-16 Detroit Lions. But apparently I am a glutton for punishment, because I’ll be back at Santa Anita today, cheering on my California-breds despite the depressing knowledge that my team will almost certainly be the losing one — for the eighth year in a row.

By its very concept, Sunshine Millions is a winner. You take two Magna tracks, one on each coast, and host an eight-race, head-to-head battle for bragging rights, California-breds versus Florida-breds. You throw in $3.6 million in total purses, a music concert in the infield, a few prancing bikini girls in between races, and voila! You’ve got yourself a ready-made event that highlights the annual racing calendar (and usually the gorgeous winter weather) at both host sites, Santa Anita Park and Gulfstream Park.

The 2010 Sunshine Millions event had to be trimmed to six races valued at a cumulative $1.8 million in order to be given the green light, and that’s certainly understandable in the current economy. Because it’s generally a fun and well-attended event, we should be glad it’s being held at all this year. However, reviewing the black-and-white results of the seven previous editions of Sunshine Millions, some serious questions need to be asked about its relevancy.

Does the Sunshine Millions program encourage the breeding of California-breds? Does it enhance the value of Cal-breds at auction? Does it make any difference to the average racing fan or handicapper if the on-track entertainment is a state-versus-state competition?

I don’t have the answer to those questions. But I can predict with near-certainty that, later today, California will yet again come out on the losing end of Sunshine Millions. It’s not that Cal-breds are inferior to their East Coast rivals; that is hardly the case. Instead, it is simple logistics that will always prevent the Golden State from shining the brightest on this special day that should be a public relations bonanza and boost for the winning state’s breeding program.

Points are scored in each of the designated races based on the following scale: 5 points for a win, 3 points for second and 1 point for third. Yet, while many Florida-breds train and compete year-round in the still-lucrative California racing program, very few California-breds call Florida home, meaning our state colorbearers have to ship clear across the country to participate in this one-day event. In 2009, we had only six Cal-bred starters in Florida; this year, we are down to just a single Cal-bred starter (the 20-1 claimer Tie Rod, bless him) among the 27 Sunshine Millions entries at Gulfstream Park. Here at home, we are, surprisingly, also at a disadvantage, with 15 Cal-breds entered against 17 Florida-breds at Santa Anita.

Applying a calculator to it, Florida is guaranteed to sweep two of the Gulfstream races (18 points) and finish at least second and third (another 4 points) in the other race before the starting gate even opens. California is heading into today’s competition down by at least 22 points. That’s a heck of a headstart to overcome, since the maximum points California-breds can earn here at home is 27, and that is only if they manage to sweep all three local races despite having fewer starters.

This numbers disadvantage has been a direct cause of California’s woes. From the 56 bicoastal races conducted in the Sunshine Millions series since its inception in 2003, California-breds have won only 18, or less than one-third, of those races. They have been outscored by a grand total of 333 points to 171 points, for a losing margin of nearly two to one. I don’t even want to know the amount of purse money that has been taken by Florida-bred owners in this $25 million-plus experiment, but it has most certainly been the lion’s share.

2003-2009 Sunshine Millions Results (8 races per year)

2003: Florida wins event 56-16 / 1 Cal-bred winner

2004: Florida wins event 45-27 / 2 Cal-bred winners

2005: Florida wins event 44-28 / 3 Cal-bred winners

2006: Florida wins event 37-35 / 5 Cal-bred winners

2007: Florida wins event 37-35 / 4 Cal-bred winners

2008: Florida wins event 58-14 / 1 Cal-bred winner

2009: Florida wins event 56-16 / 2 Cal-bred winners

I embrace the idea of a state-versus-state competition. After all, I was one of the roughly 12,000 who attended what was to be the only edition of the $1.65 million NTRA Great State Challenge at Sam Houston Race Park back in 2002, and I lamented its disappearance after that single occasion. In that neutral Texas site, California-bred shippers strutted their stuff by capturing two of the day’s six stakes races, even though the overall competition included runners bred in 10 different states.

So there is always hope for an upset, I suppose. After all, the New Orleans Saints (dubbed the “Aints” by their long-suffering fans) are making their first-ever appearance in the Super Bowl next weekend. Unfortunately for those tea leaves, however, the championship game is being held in…you guessed it, Florida.

P.S. Anyone else find it ironic that this year’s Sunshine Millions giveaway item — less than two weeks after Santa Anita Park lost three days of racing due to heavy rain — is an umbrella?

JANUARY 28, 2010

It’s Enough To Drive A Girl To Drink

Losing the Horse of the Year vote for the second year in a row can be pretty depressing. Especially when no horse, male or female, has ever beaten you, and you’ve earned more money than any other member of your gender in North America — ever. So it’s a good thing California girl Zenyatta can always rely on her faithful companion, John Shirreffs, to pick her up when she’s feeling down.

One bottle of Guinness Extra Stout, coming right up! (Skip forward to the 3:54 mark for all the drunken debauchery)

JANUARY 22, 2010

Congratulations To Our 2009 Freshman Sire Contest Winners!

Congratulations to Washington horseman Larry Stevens, the Grand Prize winner of our 2009 Don Engel California Freshman Sire Contest!

Larry may describe himself as “a retired Quarter Horse guy,” but he still knows how to pick Thoroughbreds. He previously won our Freshman Sire Contest in 2007. Larry’s repeat win is especially meaningful, since he has actually known Don Engel (the founder of Thoroughbred Information Agency and www.thoroughbredinfo.com) since the early 1970s.

Larry was the only player this year to correctly guess the top three eligible California freshman sires of 2009 in exact order, based on year-end progeny results as compiled by “The Blood-Horse.” His selections of Ministers Wild Cat, Singletary, Our New Recruit, Indian Country and Temescal Ridge gave him 30 points total, making him the clear winner of our Grand Prize.

(Regarding the freshman sire list: according to contest rules, the progeny earnings and year-end rankings for Southern Image and Strive were not considered, since neither stallion covered mares in California during the 2009 breeding season. The top five stallions, according to contest rules, were Ministers Wild Cat, Singletary, Our New Recruit, Terrell and Calkins Road.)

In addition to receiving $150 from Thoroughbred Information Agency, Larry will enjoy a destination prize to Del Mar later this year, highlighted by a day of fun and special gifts for four guests at the beautiful seaside track. Congratulations, Larry!

We expanded our Freshman Sire Contest last year to include more prize winners, and to increase the value of the total prize packages to more than $1,000. Also, for the first time, there was no entry fee to participate.

Our second-place through fifth-place finishers each tallied 28 points with their contest entries, so the tie-breaker rule of predicting the dollar amount of progeny earnings for the top-ranked California freshman sire came into effect.

Here are the final results:

Grand Prize Winner: Larry Stevens, Washington

Destination Prize to Del Mar and $150 cash ($500 total value)

Second-Place Prize Winner: Sue White, Connecticut

Destination Prize to Santa Anita Park and $100 cash ($300 total value)

Third-Place Prize Winner: Erin Paiva, California

Destination Prize to Fairplex Park and $50 cash ($150 total value)

Fourth-Place Prize Winner: Adrian Gonzalez, California

One-year subscription to “California Thoroughbred” magazine ($55 total value)

Fifth-Place Prize Winner: Stacey Watson, California

“Thoroughbred Times Racing Almanac” ($25 total value)

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2009 contest. We hope you’ll play again in 2010.

And a very special thank you to our generous sponsors for their support:

• Del Mar Thoroughbred Club
• Santa Anita Park
• Fairplex Park
• California Thoroughbred Breeders Association
• Thoroughbred Times

JANUARY 18, 2010

Travesty.
 

JANUARY 6, 2010

My 2009 Eclipse Award votes go to...

It was an interesting year in racing, made memorable by a pair of female titans and two perfect days of thrilling, safe competition in the glorious Southern California sunshine during the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

In recognition of the various achievements made by horses and their humans over the past 12 months, I’m revealing my choices for the 2009 Eclipse Awards, as submitted on my official voting ballot as a member of the National Turf Writers Association. Finalists are scheduled to be announced sometime today.

2-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Lookin At Lucky

Second Choice: Vale of York (Ire)

Third Choice: Noble’s Promise

Trainer Bob Baffert strikes again, this time with his precocious colt Lookin At Lucky, who captured three Grade 1 events and was beaten only by his far outside post position in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), which was won by Vale of York.

2-Year-Old Filly: Blind Luck

Second Choice: She Be Wild

Third Choice: Mi Sueno

If you missed the amazing run of Jerry Hollendorfer’s Blind Luck in the 2009 Hollywood Starlet (G1), I suggest you watch a replay of the December 20 race to get an idea of what a real championship effort looks like. That career breakthrough was at 1 1/16 miles; not too shabby for an $11,000 yearling who broke her maiden in 4 1/2-furlong claiming company last June.

3-Year-Old Colt/Gelding: Summer Bird

Second Choice: Quality Road

Third Choice: The Usual Q. T.

A rather uninspiring bunch overall this year, but Summer Bird did enough and performed admirably in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). I’m still convinced my Kentucky Derby (G1) pick, Quality Road, will end up being the best of this generation when all is said and done. I rounded out my ballot with California-bred The Usual Q. T., a turf specialist who put together a string of six consecutive victories to close out his sophomore campaign.

3-Year-Old Filly: Rachel Alexandra

Second Choice: Midday (GB)

Third Choice: Flashing

This one is a slam-dunk for the brilliant Rachel Alexandra, whose exploits have been covered ad nauseam elsewhere and will not be repeated here. I’d rather use the space to laud the forgotten Midday, who trounced her elders in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1), and the versatile Flashing, who ran nine times on the East Coast during 2009, winning five.

4-Year-Old & Up Male: Gio Ponti

Second Choice: Conduit (Ire)

Third Choice: Einstein (Brz)

I wish I could vote for the enigmatic Well Armed, whose record-breaking romp in the 2009 Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) last March portended great things to come. But that latter-half North American campaign did not materialize, so instead I will congratulate my husband, who has been high on Gio Ponti for more than two years now, for being among the first to notice this well-deserved older male champion.

4-Year-Old & Up Female: Zenyatta

Second Choice: Life Is Sweet

Third Choice: Informed Decision

There are no words left in the dictionary to describe this mare. Next category…

3-Year-Old & Up Male Sprinter: Dancing in Silks

Second Choice: Zensational

Third Choice: Kodiak Kowboy

The surprising Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) victory by Dancing in Silks was flattered when a horse he had beaten earlier in the year, M One Rifle, came back to win the Malibu Stakes (G1) on Santa Anita’s opening day. Just like he was in the Breeders’ Cup, however, Cal-bred Dancing in Silks will be a longshot to take home the trophy here, despite his three six-furlong stakes wins on the year.

3-Year-Old & Up Female Sprinter: Informed Decision

Second Choice: Ventura

Third Choice: Evita Argentina

It was fun watching the speedy gray Informed Decision all year, and she deserves to be recognized for her many accomplishments. The classy Ventura provided some sentimental thrills against both males and females on turf and all-weather, and 3-year-old Evita Argentina defeated the boys in the San Vicente Stakes (G2), the girls in the La Brea Stakes (G1) and her elders in the A Gleam Handicap (G2). I like this new Eclipse Award category.

3-Year-Old & Up Male Turf Horse: Gio Ponti

Second Choice: Conduit (Ire)

Third Choice: Presious Passion

First and second finishers in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1), topped by the winner of the Arlington Million (G1). Sounds about right to me.

3-Year-Old & Up Female Turf Horse: Goldikova (Ire)

Second Choice: Midday (GB)

Third Choice: Magical Fantasy

European wondermare Goldikova ships over to these shores to beat our males in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) yet again, and therefore gets my vote for the second consecutive year as the best female to run on the grass in North America in both 2008 and 2009. Meanwhile, I’m still scratching my head over Magical Fantasy’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf flop, which came on the heels of three local Grade 1 victories.

4-Year-Old & Up Steeplechase: Abstain

Not my particular area of expertise, so I believe the decision-making should be up to others here.

Trainer: John Shirreffs

Second Choice: Steve Asmussen

Third Choice: Bob Baffert

Can you imagine what it feels like to walk down your shedrow every morning and see the faces of the Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic Distaff (G1) winner staring back at you from their stalls? Just ask John Shirreffs; maybe he’ll describe it for you.

Jockey: Garrett Gomez

Second Choice: Julien Leparoux

Third Choice: Ramon Dominguez

No muss, no fuss and 100% raw ambition. That pretty much sums up Southern California jockey Garrett Gomez, who rightfully should be handed his third consecutive Eclipse trophy later this month.

Apprentice Jockey: Abstain

I don’t follow this group of riders regularly so, again, the choice is best left up to those who do.

Breeder: Juddmonte Farms

Second Choice: Kilboy Estate

Third Choice: Adena Springs

Boasting the most 2009 Grade 1 wins by any breeder (six) gives the edge to the masters of the pink-and-green silks. Second choice for me goes to the breeder of Grade 1 winners Gio Ponti and Miss World, while overwhelming earnings leader Adena Springs gets a nod for third.

Owners: Jerry and Ann Moss

Second Choice: Juddmonte Farms

Third Choice: Godolphin Racing

Unlike the media-savvy owner of the other top female racehorse of 2009, the soft-spoken Californians Jerry and Ann Moss let their mare do their talking for them. And what she had to say was a lot. Which leads me to…

Horse of the Year: Zenyatta

For the second year in a row, I have the privilege of giving my Horse of the Year vote to Zenyatta, the best horse I have ever seen. For the second year in a row, she remains unbeaten against all comers. And for the second year in a row, she soundly defeated the deepest field gathered in North America during the racing season: this time in the ultra-tough Breeders’ Cup Classic, which shook Santa Anita to its rafters when this perfect mare weaved her way through traffic and into racing immortality.

It’s a real travesty that the East Coast Eclipse voters are going to keep Zenyatta from getting the historical recognition she deserves this year, in favor of a filly who had a remarkable season, but who was inexplicably munching hay in her stall instead of participating in racing’s championship event.

You skip the Breeders’ Cup with a perfectly healthy horse, you don’t get my vote — it’s as simple as that. Even more importantly, it sets a dangerous precedent to reward this type of behavior with our sport’s highest honor: Horse of the Year.

JANUARY 3, 2010

2009 California Freshman Sire Contest Results Coming Soon!

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2009 Don Engel California Freshman Sire Contest, which offered cash and prizes valued at more than $1,000, thanks to the following sponsors: Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Santa Anita Park, Fairplex Park, California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and “Thoroughbred Times,” in addition to Thoroughbred Information Agency.

The contest results are being tabulated, and will be declared official after the final 2009 first-crop sire lists are published by “The Blood-Horse” in January 2010, per contest rules. We expect to announce the official results on our website, and personally notify our top five contest winners, by mid-January.

Good luck to all participants! 

DECEMBER 27, 2009

Blood flowing down both back legs and an exhausted, last-place finish.

Somehow, I doubt those elusive Hollywood scriptwriters will be calling Lava Man’s connections anytime soon. A feel-good Seabiscuit story it ain’t, no matter how deluded the aspirations are of his caretakers who have promised, time and again, to do what is best for him.

DECEMBER 18, 2009

Who is editing “The Blood-Horse” website these days?

Aside from their annoying recent trend toward promoting Blog-o-Mania, and away from providing actual news coverage by trained journalists, there have been numerous occasions over the past several months in which I have just had to roll my eyes and ignore inaccuracies in their reporting, concerning everything from the incorrect grade of a stakes race to the incorrect color of a racehorse. But this latest error takes the cake.

In their December 18 article entitled “Longtime KY Farm Manager Carr to Retire,” the first paragraph (which is visible right smack dab at the top of “The Blood-Horse” homepage) reads:

Ted Carr, farm manager for Gerald Ford’s Diamond A. Farm, will retire at the end of the year. Carr’s son Ted M. “Mac” Carr, who is currently serving as assistant farm manager, will take over the reigns as of Jan. 1.

That’s right; they spelled it “reigns.” R-E-I-G-N-S. As in what a king does in his kingdom, not what a jockey holds in his or her hands (reins).

If the racing industry’s supposed leading publication can’t even get the name of basic horse equipment spelled correctly in one of their lead stories, what incentive do readers have to believe anything they publish?

December 19 Update: “The Blood-Horse” weekend editors have found and corrected their mistake. Bravo! But still embarrassing for the 15 hours it was published.

DECEMBER 10, 2009

Does Lava Man Still Have The Heart To Win? I Don’t Have The Heart To Watch.

As first reported by Thoroughbred Info (see September 21, 2009 entry below), the resurrection of seven-time Grade 1 winner and three-time California Horse of the Year Lava Man from retirement is nearly complete. The 8-year-old gelding is entered for his first start in more than 16 months in Saturday’s Grade 3 Native Diver Handicap at Hollywood Park, unless a predicted rainstorm causes his connections to reconsider.

Despite the sugar-coating treatment now being given to this story by other media outlets, the bottom line is this horse has done enough. An ultra-tough campaigner who banked more than $5.2 million — $5.2 MILLION! — does not deserve to be put back through the rigors of racing, nor does he deserve to be treated as a science experiment. Can stem cell therapy improve his heart, his will to win, which his string of six (mostly lifeless) losses prior to his original “retirement” clearly indicated?

With the handicap division in shambles, I suppose the allure for additional glory and riches was just too irresistible for his caretakers to refuse. But the risks to all of us who make our living in this industry are far too great. Piled on top of all the other tragedies racing has endured over the past three years, from Barbaro to Eight Belles, our sport could not afford the cost of this California legend losing his life on the battlefield.

To the general public, perception is everything. And, right or wrong, it is easy to perceive that this old warrior was pulled from the pasture for the sake of the almighty dollar. Can you only imagine the headlines, the vitriol against racing, if this fairybook tale does not have a happy ending?

Journalism alone does not compel me on this one. Lava Man was raised as a baby by a good friend of mine. And, as the wife of the managing editor of “California Thoroughbred” magazine, I have been along for the entire ride while my husband has cheered and painstakingly covered every step of this gallant horse’s remarkable journey.

Good luck, Lava Man — win, lose or DNF. But this is one longtime fan who simply does not have the heart to watch.

NOVEMBER 29, 2009

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

Today, I was embarrassed to be a horse racing fan.

The weather was perfect. The atmosphere was perfect. And, most importantly, the mare was perfect. Reigning Eclipse Champion Zenyatta, the Southern California wonder who has never tasted defeat in 14 starts and who became North America’s highest-earning female runner in history ($5,474,580) with her resounding victory in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita Park on November 7, was paraded this afternoon in front of an adoring crowd at Hollywood Park, her home base. It was one of the last times any of us would get to see this incredible athlete before she sets off for her new life of relative anonymity as a Kentucky broodmare, and the opportunity was given to us as a thank-you gift from her generous connections.

The nearly 10,000 fans in attendance were treated to televised race replays, as well as some nifty take-home items: a commemorative DVD and poster both celebrating the potential 2009 Horse of the Year. Zenyatta herself was full of spunk, as usual: after departing from the barn area, she rounded the clubhouse turn in a clockwise pattern and showed off her familiar, ground-gobbling stride with an easy canter in front of her cheering, faithful public before she was feted in a special winner’s circle ceremony.

But the day’s biggest surprise — an unannounced appearance by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger — was marred by an ugly incident, and one which could have some pretty severe repercussions for all of us.

As the governor took the microphone to present an award to Zenyatta’s owners, Jerry and Ann Moss, he was met with an extremely loud, and totally uncalled-for, series of boos from a certain segment of the crowd. The jeers were so loud, and so extended, that his entire speech was unable to be heard over the public address system.

For the record, I don’t necessarily agree with the man’s political views, and I certainly have a problem with the favoritism he has shown to casino-owning Native American tribes to the detriment of California racing. I also understand that he is mired in his share of controversies. But the overriding fact is: this very busy, very famous and very important public official took time out of his holiday schedule to actually support a horse racing event. Common decency called for him to be applauded for that action as a show of respect, and of gratitude — not for him to be booed out of the building as if he had just stripped the 1-5 favorite off the top of the toteboard following a questionable stewards’ inquiry. After all, one of Schwarzenegger’s gubernatorial appointees is none other than Jerry Moss, a commissioner on the California Horse Racing Board; another CHRB commissioner, Bo Derek, was in the Hollywood Park winner’s circle today as well. I’m sure she wasn’t impressed by the obnoxious response either.

There is a time and a place for politics, and Zenyatta Day at Hollywood Park was not it. If you were there, and you had the nerve to boo our sitting governor, shame on you for displaying such an ugly reflection of our struggling sport. Whether you like it or not, the California racing industry demands a certain level of support from state lawmakers for its very survival — now more than ever. And your disgusting actions today did far more harm than good.

NOVEMBER 27, 2009

‘Tis The Season For (Stallion) Seasons!

Now that the turkey is out of the way, and the holiday shopping season is in full swing, it is also the time of year that Thoroughbred mare owners traditionally begin shopping for stallions. In fact, that might be the very reason you’ve stopped by this website today.

As you make your considerations for the 2010 breeding season, remember that there are several stallion season auctions available throughout the Western Region at this time of year, with proceeds directed to worthy causes. Through these auctions, you can often secure a competitive price to breed to the stallion of your choice (note that these auction seasons are typically no-guarantee).

Tranquility Farm of California is hosting its annual stallion season auction from Saturday, November 28 through Tuesday, December 1, with proceeds to benefit the 100 horses in retirement, in rehabilitation or awaiting adoption at the farm’s facility in Tehachapi. For a list of available stallion seasons and information on how to place your bid in the 2009 Tranquility Farm auction, click here.

On Tuesday evening, December 1, the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) is conducting its annual stallion season auction, with proceeds to benefit the organization’s political action committee fund. Full details, including a list of eligible stallions, are available here.

Seasons to many of our fine TIA Showcase stallions are available through these charitable auctions. You can read about the stallions and check their latest progeny results and statistics here at the Thoroughbred Info website, then place your bid with the Tranquility Farm or CTBA auction, or with one of the other regional auctions coming up this winter.

Happy shopping, everyone!

OCTOBER 24, 2009

ESPN’s Rick Reilly Lays An Egg At Oak Tree

A big, FAT (pun intended) thumbs down to ESPN personality Rick Reilly, who managed to insult both an Emmy Award-winning actress and Thoroughbred racing in general with his ill-advised guest call of the first race at Oak Tree today.

Taking announcer Trevor Denman’s microphone for a segment that was being videotaped to air during ESPN’s television coverage of the upcoming Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita, Reilly used the opportunity to expose himself as a failed comedian. Let’s hope the ESPN suits now have enough sense to nix this tacky thing before it does make it to a wider audience.

Reilly, a longtime columnist for “Sports Illustrated,” began his live call by rudely commenting that early trailer Benezit was “well behind, like he’s got Kirstie Alley on his back.” For those of you who might not be aware, this former “Cheers” actress has struggled with weight issues in recent years. And she is apparently a regular target of Reilly’s so-called wit. Strike #1.

Strike #2, and even more damaging to the sport itself, was Reilly’s dumb decision to end his 75-second verbal assault by yelling out, “Somebody test that horse!” as Bad Boy made his winning move near the wire.

Yeah, a drug testing joke in a horse race. Real original there, Rick. Why didn’t you just take your wanna-be Rodney Dangerfield routine a step further and crack that the losing horses’ next races would be to the Alpo factory?

As I listened to the call, I could only imagine Trevor, the epitome of a classy gentleman, standing next to this joker and wincing from embarrassment the whole time.

I have a sense of humor. But what I don’t have is the tolerance to put up with some “celebrity” who drifts into horse racing like a carpetbagger and does his very best to erase whatever good will racing has left among the general public while he’s gracing us with his presence.

My advice to Mr. Reilly: Keep your day job. And keep your degrading comments to yourself.

OCTOBER 23, 2009

David Slays Goliath: Louisiana Passes California In Number Of Mares Bred

Who could have ever predicted that California — the home of 50 state-bred millionaires and the well-heeled racing meccas of Santa Anita and Del Mar — would be poised to produce a smaller foal crop than Louisiana — the home of two state-bred millionaires and the quaint facilities of Delta Downs and Evangeline Downs? Well, according to the 2009 Report of Mares Bred released by The Jockey Club yesterday, David just slew Goliath.

According to the report, which can be viewed in its entirety here, 201 California-based stallions covered 2,946 mares this year, representing a 22.8% loss in mare numbers when compared to 2008. Meanwhile, in Louisiana, 216 stallions covered 3,048 mares, which meant a 13.3% loss for that state, but their overall numbers still smothered California.

For local breeders, it’s just another blow in a series of steady declines dating back for at least the last five years. Consider this harsh reality: in 2009, 42% fewer California stallions covered 47% fewer mares than in 2004.

California Breeding Statistics: 2004-2009

2009: 201 California stallions covered 2,946 mares

2008: 233 California stallions covered 3,817 mares

2007: 255 California stallions covered 4,447 mares

2006: 272 California stallions covered 4,695 mares

2005: 298 California stallions covered 5,052 mares

2004: 348 California stallions covered 5,561 mares

But California is not the only state experiencing significant mare losses. This year, Florida stallions covered 24% fewer mares than they did in 2008. Kentucky is also down, by 10.6%. In all of North America this year, 2,409 stallions covered 45,317 mares, representing an 8.9% decrease in stallions and a 13.5% loss in mares since 2008.

The only state among the top 10 to show any positive breeding statistics this year is Pennsylvania, whose slots-infused purses are attracting mares and quality stallions from other centers by the truckloads. In 2009, Pennsylvania leapfrogged from 10th to fifth on the list, with 1,603 mares bred by 97 stallions: a huge 29.6% increase from 2008 figures.

For California breeders, the 2009 Report of Mares Bred presents some sobering numbers to consider as we prepare for the 2010 breeding season. The bus is careening down the hill. Is everyone going to just bail out, every man for himself, and leave their fellow passengers up to fate? Or is someone — anyone? — going to take the wheel and steer us all back on the right path?

OCTOBER 10, 2009

A Thoroughbred Info Exclusive: “Photo Of The Week”

Today, we are excited to announce the newest feature of Thoroughbred Info: our “Photo of the Week!”

Every week, we will update our homepage with a different photo depicting the exciting and colorful world of Thoroughbred racing. To view the “Photo of the Week,” simply scroll down our homepage.

These photos are being provided in partnership with our friend Marcie Heacox. Marcie is a college student in California who has a real knack for taking artistic photos, and she often captures unique, behind-the-scenes perspectives through her lens. We are proud to be associated with Marcie at the beginning of what is sure to be her successful career in the Thoroughbred industry. To view more of Marcie’s work, you can visit her website (The Gallop Out) or just click on her weekly photo on our homepage.

We decided to kick off this exclusive new series with Marcie’s beautiful photo of the undefeated Eclipse Champion Zenyatta in full flight. This West Coast sensation (and my personal favorite!) will attempt to defend her title in the Grade 1 Lady’s Secret Stakes at Santa Anita Park later today.

We hope you all enjoy this fun new feature. Thank you, Marcie!

SEPTEMBER 29, 2009

Joe Finally Gets His Derby Winner

The experience came nearly five months later than expected, and the horse underneath him wasn’t who he expected it to be, but Southern California jockey Joe Talamo finally got a chance to ride his Kentucky Derby (G1) winner.

The 19-year-old rising star — who was forced to watch the 2009 Run for the Roses from the sidelines when his California-based morning-line favorite, I Want Revenge, was scratched the morning of the race — piloted the longshot Derby winner, Mine That Bird, through his first autumn work over the Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita Park this morning, moving five furlongs in 1:01.80 in a prep for the local Goodwood Stakes (G1) on October 10. [Watch a video of this morning’s work.]

Mine That Bird arrived in Arcadia last week, but the diminutive son of Birdstone is no stranger to Santa Anita; he finished last of 12 under Chantal Sutherland (Joe’s co-star in Animal Planet’s “Jockeys” television series) in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) last October.

On a related note, I find it endearing that Mine That Bird continues to sport his yellow Kentucky Derby exercise cloth, wherever he goes. That thing has surely seen some miles, traveling all across the country on the back of this plucky gelding.

P.S. Click here to watch a clip of Joe’s appearance on “The Tonight Show” last night. He was on as a guest of host Conan O’Brien to promote the Oak Tree Racing Association meet and upcoming Breeders’ Cup races at Santa Anita. Good job, Joe!

SEPTEMBER 27, 2009

A Thoroughbred Info Exclusive: First Photos Of Lava Man At Hollywood Park!

Well, the news we broke earlier this week about Lava Man’s return has certainly set the racing world on fire! Whether it is to agree or disagree with the decision to pull this old warrior out of retirement, it seems everyone has an opinion.

We are excited to follow up on our earlier newsflash with another Thoroughbred Info exclusive: the first photos of Lava Man back in training at Hollywood Park!

Southern California photojournalist Emily Shields was fortunate enough to spend an hour with Lava Man at Hollywood Park on Friday morning, September 25, just two days after he posted a bullet work for three furlongs — his first official timed work in more than 14 months. Emily reports that the 8-year-old gelding was frisky and bouncing around at the end of his exercise routine, and appeared to be content to have a job again.

Scroll down to see these new photos of the three-time California Horse of the Year for yourself!

SEPTEMBER 23, 2009

It Is Official

Lava Man posted his first work on the comeback trail this morning, and it was a doozy. He was clocked in a bullet :36 for a three-furlong move on the Cushion Track all-weather racing surface at his new (or should that be “old”?) Hollywood Park base. It was the joint fastest work among 24 posted at the distance this morning, and given the comment of “handily” by the official clocker.

Stay tuned to this blog for future updates on the return of this California legend.

P.S. To the several hundred newcomers who have logged on to our website over the past 24 hours, welcome!

SEPTEMBER 21, 2009

A Thoroughbred Info Exclusive: The Return Of Lava Man

I guess $5 million isn’t enough.

Seven-time Grade 1 winner Lava Man, a former claimer who ascended the ranks to become the California Horse of the Year in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and the only Thoroughbred in history to win a Grade 1 race on dirt, turf and all-weather surfaces, has returned to the barn of trainer Doug O’Neill at Hollywood Park to prepare for a comeback, 14 months after he originally ended his career.

The 8-year-old Slew City Slew gelding was retired in July 2008 with a lifetime record of 46-17-8-5 and $5,268,706 in earnings — all but about $100,000 of which he accrued after he was claimed at Del Mar for $50,000 in August 2004 by the ownership group of STD Racing Stable (Steve, Tracy and Dave Kenly) and Jason Wood. Over the next four seasons, he dominated the West Coast older male division, eventually attaining a position as the third-highest California-bred earner of all time, behind only two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) winner Tiznow ($6,427,830) and inaugural Pacific Classic winner Best Pal ($5,668,245). He also sealed his status as the most lucrative claim in racing history.

Although Lava Man, a fan favorite, raced in locales as far away from home as Japan, Dubai, Kentucky, Florida and New York, he lost those five races by a combined total of 122 1/2 lengths, only achieving success within the friendly confines of California.

His last victory was in the Hollywood Gold Cup on June 30, 2007 — his record-tying third win in Hollywood Park’s signature race. But he was never the same afterward. The classy gelding strung together consecutive losses in six Southern California stakes races, running sixth, sixth, sixth, third, third and, finally, sixth and last in Del Mar’s Grade 1 Eddie Read Handicap on July 20, 2008 before his connections mercifully decided to end his career.

After Lava Man said goodbye to the racetrack, he was sent to Magali Farms in Santa Ynez, California. In an effort to increase his comfort level, he underwent arthroscopic surgery at nearby Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center to remove bone chips from his ankles, followed by stem cell therapy to help prevent the future onset of lameness and arthritis.

Last September, it was announced that Lava Man would live out a much-deserved life of leisure at the Old Friends equine retirement facility in Kentucky. But that trip east never materialized. After galloping at Magali in recent months, he is now back in his old barn at Hollywood instead.

Godspeed, good boy.

Click here to read a comprehensive review of Lava Man’s illustrious career from the September 2008 issue of “California Thoroughbred.” (It is a large file, so your download time may be slow.)

September 22, 2009 Update: Because this news is now breaking across the internet, I would just like to clarify that the above information was received from a very reliable source. Some fans are questioning whether Lava Man has returned to be a stable pony, rather than a racehorse. Although that would be a worthy career alternative for this gallant horse, we shall see what the official spin from his camp is now...

SEPTEMBER 18, 2009

We may have our share of problems in the Thoroughbred industry, but at least we are not at the point of having to conduct wholesale racing exorcisms.

I received the following advisory from the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) on Thursday evening:

The stewards at Fairplex Park in consultation with the California Horse Racing Board and Fairplex management canceled the first two races on the program for Thursday, September 17, when they received documentation that 11 of the 14 mules in those two races had received medication within 24 hours of the race in contravention of CHRB rules.

According to this cryptic message, nearly 80% of the floppy-ears entered at the Los Angeles County Fair yesterday were doped up on something they shouldn’t have been. Hopefully, an investigation will reveal what the violations were, and proper disciplinary action will be taken.

Unfortunately, this does not bode well for the Fair’s popular pig races.