The Florida Horse - October 2023

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

PRESIDENT

George Isaacs

CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Lonny Taylor Powell

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

George Russell

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Francis Vanlangendonck

TREASURER

Joseph M. O’Farrell III

SECRETARY

Nick de Meric

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Valerie Dailey

DIRECTORS

T. Paul Bulmahn, Jerry D. Campbell, Marilyn Campbell, Laurine Fuller-Vargas, Mike Hall, Bobby Jones, Richard Kent, Milan Kosanovich, Mary Lightner, Dr. Fred Yutani

PAST PRESIDENTS

Phil Matthews, DVM, Brent Fernung, Greg Wheeler, Don Dizney, John C. Weber, MD

ADMINISTRATIVE VICE PRESIDENT & CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER & ASSISTANT TREASURER

Peggy Yost

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTMEMBER SERVICES & EVENTS

Tammy A. Gantt

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTOPERATIONS

Steve Koch

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT & OFFICE MANAGER & ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Elaine K. Ansbacher

REGISTRATIONS & PAYMENTS COORDINATOR

Sheila Budden

STAFF ACCOUNTANTS

Liz Adorno

Kerrie Riber

ADMINISTRATIVE/MEMBERSHIP ASSISTANT

Vicki Davis

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Executive Office – 801 SW 60th Avenue Ocala, Florida 34474

(352) 629-2160 • Fax: (352) 629-3603 • e-mail: info@ftboa.com • www.ftboa.com

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Closed 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm & Federal Holidays

Horse Capital of the World® is a registered trademark of The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association

FLORIDA EQUINE COMMUNICATIONS

PRESIDENT/BOARD CHAIR

George Isaacs

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

George Russell

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Francis Vanlangendonck

TREASURER

Joseph M. O’Farrell III

SECRETARY

Nick de Meric

CEO & PUBLISHER

Lonny Taylor Powell

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Peggy Yost

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Brock Sheridan

ASSISTANT EDITOROPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT

Steve Koch

CONTRIBUTING EDITORINDUSTRY & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Tammy A. Gantt

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Antoinette Griseta

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Nancy Moffatt

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Cynthia M. Harper

Published

Horse Capital of the World

Florida 34474. Advertising rates available upon request. All rights reserved. Reproduction of contents without permission prohibited. Opinions expressed in Wire to Wire are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of the editors and owners of this publication. We are not responsible if the information reported to us is in error. Statistics in the publication relating to results of racing in North America are compiled from data generated by Daily Racing Form, Equibase, Bloodstock Research Information Systems Inc., the copyright owners of said data. DRF content: Copyright 2004 Daily Racing Form, LLC and Equibase Company LLC, all rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

© THE FLORIDA HORSE (ISSN 0090-967X) is published monthly except May & July by THE FLORIDA HORSE, INC., 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474, including the annual Statistical Review in February. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Florida Equine Communications or the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Publication of any material originating herein is expressly forbidden without first obtaining written permission from THE FLORIDA HORSE©. Statistics in the publication relating to results of racing in North America are compiled from data generated by Daily Racing Form, Equibase, Bloodstock Research Information Services, and The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc., the copyright owners of said data. Reproduction is prohibited. Advertising copy deadline 5th of month preceding publication. Subscriptions and change of address: Please mail to – Circulations Department. THE FLORIDA HORSE, 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, Florida 34474.

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Communications Innovations

On page 22 of this issue, we announce innovative next steps for Florida Equine Communications and the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association with the introduction of the all new FTBOA.com website and a total redesign of our daily digital publication, Wire to Wire—both of which were launched during the first week of September.

Built in conjunction with Blue Million in Lexington, Ky., the new FTBOA website is designed with the FTBOA member and Florida Thoroughbred enthusiast in mind by simplifying the navigation process for the user accessing Florida-bred registrations, Florida Sire Stakes and registered Florida-bred registry searches. The new website also includes a concise presentation of FTBOA breeding and racing incentives, Florida Equine Communications, Florida Thoroughbred Charities and the Horse Capital of the World®.

Users will appreciate a new streamlined newsfeed that gives updated accounts of Florida-bred success on the track and on the farms as well as advance articles, entries and results on Florida-breds racing in stakes throughout North America. The website interacts with the new Wire to Wire in presenting this information in a format that is smartphone and tablet optimized while making it easier for the user

to share on their social media channels.

The new Wire to Wire, which continues to offer free subscriptions, is delivered to inboxes with an emphasis on news and information on racing, sales and breeding topics related to the Florida Thoroughbred on a more timely basis with issues now produced with “same day” coverage.

Wire to Wire will continue to feature the popular daily Florida Stallion Progeny and Florida Breeders’ lists for Florida-breds entered to run at race tracks throughout North America and stakes entries and results for Florida-breds.

The new Wire to Wire further enhances our mission of promoting the Florida Thoroughbred, Florida breeders and Florida horsemen while providing a communication vehicle that keeps FTBOA members up-to-date on current and important information and news related to our industry and Association.

Our advertisers will benefit from the optimal vehicle for creating exposure, brand awareness and call to action opportunities for their products and services that make the Florida Thoroughbred industry world renowned.

For your free Wire to Wire subscription or to visit the new FTBOA website, scan to the respective QR Codes below for more information. TFH

Florida Focus

Me and Mr. C Surges Late to Win Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup in Record Time

Paradise Farms Corp and David Staudacher’s Me and Mr. C rallied in deep stretch to catch Cellist at the wire for his third straight stakes victory in the $190,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup at Ellis Park on Aug. 6. Me and Mr. C finished the mileand-one-quarter on the turf in a course record time of 1:57.94

then won the $102,000 Jonathan B. Shuster Memorial at a mileand-one-sixteenth on the grass at Horseshoe Indianapolis in his last race on July 8. He also counts the 2021 Grey Goose Turf Classic at Tampa Bay Downs and last year’s Mr. Steele at Gulfstream Park among his stakes victories.

The 6-year-old son of Journeyman Stud’s leading Florida sire Khozan has now won nine of 32 career starts, including four of his last seven going back to an allowance victory on the all-weather course at Gulfstream on Nov. 6. He has six seconds and five thirds while banking $545,039.

Out of the Dynaformer mare Abiding, Me and Mr. C was bred by Stonehedge LLC. He went through the 2019 Ocala Breeders’ Sale March Sale from the Paul Sharp consignment but was an RNA at $50,000.

Abiding also produced multiple stakes-winner Abiding Star, by Uncle Mo, a winner of $700,565. From six foals, all have started of which five are winners. The late Gilbert Campbell purchased the unraced Abiding for his Stonehedge breeding operation while she was in foal to Hard Spun for $85,000 out of the 2010 Keeneland November Sale. n

All That Magic Holds on for Fourth Straight Win in Incredible Revenge

against 10 other 3-year-olds and older. The time equaled the course record set by Bluegrass Parkway in the 2021 Kentucky Downs TVG Preview Turf Cup.

Ridden by Gerado Corrales for trainer Mike Maker, Me and Mr. C was ninth through the first quarter-mile as multiple graded stakes-winner Get Smokin clipped off a :23.94 fraction. Get Smokin and jockey Luis Saez continued to show the way ahead of Cellist in second while finishing the half-mile in :47.80 and the mile in 1:33.97 as Me and Mr. C raced about five lengths back in seventh. Turning for home, Me and Mr. C had only three horses beat while six lengths behind Get Smokin but began to navigate through the pack to get within three lengths at the eighth pole. Cellist took a short lead from Get Smokin inside the final sixteenth before Me and Mr. C split horses and surged to the front in the final strides to win by a neck.

Cellist finished three-quarters of a length faster than Siege of Boston in third. Get Smokin, War Campaign, McLovin, Camp Hope, Mount Rundle, Spooky Channel, Kitodan and King Cause completed the order of finish.

Let go at 16-1, Me and Mr. C paid $34 to win.

Me and Mr. C won the $90,000 Soldier’s Dancer going a mileand-70-yards on the synthetic course at Gulfstream on July 11

Florida-bred All That Magic extended her winning streak to four with a nose victory ahead of Train to Artemus in the $100,000 Incredible Revenge at Monmouth Park on Aug. 6. Trained by Kathleen DeMasi for Pewter Stable and Spedale Family Racing LLC, All That Magic sprinted to victory in the Incredible Revenge

against seven other fillies and mares, 3-years-old and older, who went five-and-a-half-furlongs on the turf.

With jockey Nik Juarez aboard, All That Magic broke a step slow but quickly assumed the lead with Train to Artemus just off her outside hip through the first quarter-mile in :21.95. Around the turn, the field began to spread out as those two put four lengths on Florida-bred Magic Moonstar in third and Florida-bred Band Sweetheart another length-and-half back in fourth. All That Magic pulled away for a clear lead turning for home but Train to Artemus would not surrender and began closing in. Train to Artemus surged at All That Magic approaching the wire but came up just short as they finished in 1:03.37 on the firm turf. Can’t Buy Love was three-quarters of a length farther back in third followed by Florida-bred Baby Steps in fourth. Roselba, Floridabred Magic Moonstar, Captainsdaughter and Florida-bred Band Sweetheart completed the order of finish.

All That Magic paid $3.60 as the 4-5 favorite.

“This is the first time she broke slowly in the four starts I have ridden her,” Juarez said of All That Magic. “I wanted her on the lead. I was a little worried when she wasn’t on the lead immediately and she wasn’t as comfortable as she usually is. I had to use her early to get the lead. But she’s a talented filly.”

DeMasi said she was also concerned about the slow start.

“Once I saw the break I was like `oh, that’s not good,’” DeMasi said. “I saw she was being a little fussy at the gate. The [assistant starters] did a great job getting her straightened out. She didn’t break as sharply as she could have but Nik Juarez did a great job of getting her where she needed to be. She recovered well enough.”

“She didn’t get a breather, but I thought to win this race she had to be in front of Train to Artemus. I was a little concerned that horse was right on her hip the whole way and started thinking `okay, I’ll take second money.’ But she dug in so gamely.”

All That Magic began her streak when switched to the turf for the first time on June 9 at Monmouth Park, going wire-towire against $40,000 claiming fillies and mares at five furlongs. DeMasi then shipped All That Magic to Penn National for her next start on June 28 and she dominated first level allowance fillies at the same distance, winning by five lengths. In her last start on July 28, she again defeated first-level allowance fillies and mares at five furlongs on the turf, this time winning by six lengths after returning to Monmouth Park.

“She’s just amazing,” DeMasi said. “I wasn’t really worried about the added [half-furlong] because she has been drawing away in her wins lately. My biggest concern was having just nine days rest. But she is just very good right now.”

Juarez said he too was impressed with All That Magic off the quick turnaround.

“To do this again nine days later with a horse [Train to Artemus] hounding her the entire way really shows how impressive this was. It felt like a rushed pace for us. So for her to be able to throw it down in the lane and hold on, says a lot about her class on the grass.”

All That Magic has now won five of eight career starts with a second and third and the $60,000 first-place check increased her earnings to $150,391.

All That Magic is by Fast Anna out of Hermione’s Magic, by Forest Wildcat and she was bred by English Range Farm. She is a two-time graduate of Ocala Breeders’ Sales having first gone through the auction ring at the 2020 October Yearling Sale when she was consigned by Summerfield but did not meet her reserve. She then sold for $40,000 to her current owners at the 2021 OBS Spring Sale where she was consigned by Envision Equine.

All That Magic is the first stakes-winner for graded stakesplaced Hermione’s Magic, who was third in the Grade 2 Schuylerville won by future Hall of Famer Ashado in 2003. Hermione’s Magic has 11 starters and 10 winners from 15 foals including an unraced 2-year-old colt, Sniper Jack, by Army Mule and an unnamed yearling colt by Army Mule, both also bred in Florida by English Range Farm. Sniper Jack sold for $145,000 to Karen McCleave at this year’s Ocala Breeders’ Sales Spring Sale from the Envision Equine consignment. n

Bentornato Remains Unbeaten With Proud Man Score

Florida-bred Bentornato repeated his victorious debut score with a four-and-a-quarter-length victory in the $65,000 Proud Man against seven other 2-year-olds at Gulfstream Park on Aug. 12.

In winning the six-furlong test, the son of Bridlewood Farm stallion Valiant Minister also earned a $25,000 Florida-bred win bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

“He is a very nice horse. He improves with every race. I’m very happy with him,” trainer Jose D’Angelo said. “I think he’s going to be a very good horse and I think he’ll run a big race in the Dr. Fager.”

Ridden by Emisael Jaramillo from post three, Bentornato broke a step slow after being bumped at the start by Gentle Breeze to his inside as Big Effect bounced out to a quick lead from post six. Jaramillo hustled Bentornato to the front along the rail down the backstretch and had a half-length on Reaper to his outside

Florida Focus

through two furlongs in :21.93 on the fast track.

Bentornato momentarily quickened to a length advantage on Reaper into the far turn before 7-5 favorite Divieto made a big move to get close while four-wide, Reaper advanced on the rail and Gentle Breeze moved into contention in the three-path through a half-mile in :45.15. But Bentornato pulled away from his rivals turning for home and drew off in the stretch to win in 1:10.28.

Florida-breds Gentle Breeze and Reaper were a neck apart in second and third.

Bentornato paid $8.60 to win as the co-second choice at 7-2 with fourth-place finishing Florida-bred Keep on Coming. Divieto, Prevent, Northshore Drive and Big Effect completed the order of finish. Divieto was the only Proud Man starter not bred in Florida.

Owned by Leon King Stable Corp, Bentornato is now undefeated

Minister and a weanling filly by Saketini, both bred in Florida by Terry Dyer and Audrea Dyer.

Bentornato is a two-time graduate of OBS having first sold for $45,000 at the 2022 OBS October Yearling Sale to Pro Racing Stable from the Stuart Morris consignment. Champion Equine purchased him for $170,000 out of the Golden Rock Thoroughbreds consignment at the OBS March Sale. n

Let Them Watch Lives Up to Expectations to Win Sharp Susan

Florida-bred Let Them Watch kept her record unblemished in winning the $65,000 Sharp Susan, her second career start at Gulfstream Park on Aug. 13. Running off to a two-and-threequarter-length victory against six other 2-year-old fillies going six furlongs, the bay daughter of Maximus Mischief also earned a $25,000 Florida-bred win bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

Sent to the post as the odds-on choice at 4-5, Let Them Watch chased frontrunning Florida-bred Avellino down the backstretch as those two finished the first quarter mile in :21.90. Just past the half-mile pole, Let Them Watch and jockey Hector Diaz Jr. began to pull away from Avellino around the turn and were well clear approaching the quarter pole. Turning for home Florindia, Epona’s Hope, Avellino and Kiss battled for second after a half mile in :45.34 but they were no match for a tiring Let Them Watch, who won with ease and finished in 1:12.73.

Kiss, the only non-Florida-bred in the race, took second, three quarters of a length ahead of Epona’s Hope in third. Florindia, Avellino, She Has Class and Kitty’s Pretty completed the order of finish.

Let Them Watch paid $3.60 to win.

in two starts after a neck victory in a state-bred maiden special weight over a sloppy five furlongs at Gulfstream on July 1. With the $37,830 first-place check for winning the Proud Man and the FTBOA bonus money, Bentornato has now earned $98,830 in his two starts.

“Right from the start of training, he showed he had something special,” D’Angelo said.

A dark bay colt, Bentornato was bred by Tanma Corp and is out of Her Special Way, by Put It Back, who was purchased in foal to Valiant Minister by Terry Dyer for $2,500 at last year’s OBS Winter Mixed Sale. Her Special Way has produced five foals with two winners from three starters and Bentornato is her only blacktype performer. She has an unnamed yearling colt by Valiant

Trained by Mike Maker for Case Chambers, Let Them Watch was impressive in her first career start when she defeated statebred maiden special weight fillies by six-and-a-quarter lengths going five-and-a-half furlongs on July 7 at Gulfstream, also with Diaz aboard.

Although Let Them Watch broke her maiden while leading from start to finish, Diaz said he thought her running style was more versatile.

“When I was working her, I thought she didn’t need to be on the lead,” Diaz said. “But she has so much speed, that she gets it. She got a little tired late because we moved a little early. I think she’s going to keep improving.”

Bred by Tracy Pinchin, Let Them Watch was a $55,000 purchase by Chambers at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Spring Sale

where she was consigned by Randy Miles. She has now earned $97,220 in her two starts.

Let Them Watch is out of the Florida-bred mare My Rolex, by Proud Accolade. My Rolex has produced eight foals with four winners from five starters including It’s High Time, by Gone Astray, winner of the 2015 Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen. She has a yearling filly, Wiggle An’ Wine, by Ocala Stud stallion Awesome Slew and was bred to Journeyman Stud’s Uncle Chuck in 2023.

Let Them Watch is not eligible for the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes. n

Orseno Wins 2,000th Career Race in Dead Heat at Gulfstream

Trainer Joe Orseno hit the 2,000 milestone in career victories as a trainer on Aug. 13 when Lord Eddard Stark won in a dead heat with Shankar in the ninth race at Gulfstream Park.

Through racing on Sunday, Aug. 13, Orseno had trained 14,566 starters who earned $52,989,072 with 2,000 wins, 1,896 seconds and 1,850 thirds.

“It’s a big accomplishment for me, my barn and my staff,” Orseno

told the Monmouth Park publicity staff of his milestone victory. “It shows all the hard work that everyone has put in has paid off. We’ve been grinding for years so it’s nice to add this to the list of achievements.”

Ridden by Edgar Perez, Lord Eddard Stark was last of nine early but rallied late to hit the wire in unison with Shankar in the $35,000 claiming run at a mile-and-70-yards on the all-weather surface.

It was a Florida-bred dead heat with Lord Eddard Stark winning for owner John Rowe and Shankar racing in the colors of trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. and Norman L. Rader.

Orseno began training horses in 1977 and won the Grade 1 Preakness and Grade 3 Gotham in 2000 with Red Bullet. That year Orseno also won two Breeders’ Cup races at Churchill Downs with Macho Uno in the Grade 1 Juvenile and with Perfect Sting in the Grade 1 Filly and Mare Turf. Other Grade 1 victories in 2000 included Macho Uno in the Grey Breeders’ Cup at Woodbine, Collect the Cash in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland and Golden Missile in the Pimlico Special at Pimlico. That year the New York Turf Writers honored Orseno with the C.V. Whitney Award.

Florida Awards Contribution Program

Starting with races conducted on or after January 1, 2024, the long-standing program under which 5% of Florida breeder and stallion awards could be contributed to the PAC is changing from an “opt-in” to an “optout” program. Unless you choose to opt out, 5% of Florida breeder and stallion awards will be contributed to the PAC to help promote the growth of the Florida Thoroughbred industry.

To learn more about the PAC’s importance, please contact Jon

Florida Focus

Among his other Grade 1 victories are the 1998 Gazelle at Belmont Park with Tap to Music, the 1999 Selene at Woodbine with Roaring Twenties and the 1999 Garden City Breeders’ Cup Handicap with Perfect Sting. Florida-bred stars trained by Orseno include Imprimis, winner of the Grade 2 Shakertown at Keeneland in 2019 and Grade 3 Runhappy Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs in 2020. n

R Adios Jersey Dominates Sheer Drama From Start to Finish

R Adios Jersey led from start to finish to win the $65,000 Sheer Drama by sixand-a-half lengths against six other Florida-bred fillies and mares going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park on Aug. 19. Ridden by Edwin Gonzalez and trained by Georgina Baxter, the 5-year-old daughter of Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie also took down a $25,000 Florida Sire Stakes win bonus presented by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. Racing with blinkers off for the first time in her career, R Adios Jersey had little trouble showing her typical speed as she started quickly from post three and had a length on Restofthestory and Charlie’s Wish to her outside before they hit the six furlong pole. Down the backstretch, R Adios Jersey extended her advantage to a length-and-a-half through the first quarter mile in :22.45 as Restofthestory and

Principia continued to give chase in second and third.

R Adios Jersey stretched her lead to two lengths around the turn with a :45.31 half-mile then drew off down the stretch to finish in 1:23.28 on the main track labeled good.

Charlie’s Wish was second with Race Day Speed third. Rosie’s Halo, Restofthestory, Chick’s Shadow and Principia completed the order of finish. Flakes was scratched.

“She was more like her old self today. I couldn’t be more proud,” Baxter said. “She has a big heart. Seven furlongs, blinkers off and Edwin [Gonzalez] gave her a great ride.”

R Adios Jersey returned $4.20 as the even-money favorite.

It was the first victory in five starts this year for R Adios Jersey and the first since winning the $100,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes City of Ocala at Tampa Bay Downs in December. She started her 2023 campaign finishing fourth in the Grade 2 Inside Information won by fellow Florida-bred Maryquitecontrary on Jan. 28, then finished third to Frank’s Rockette in the Grade 3 Hurricane Bertie on March 11. She was also second to Bluefield in the $60,000 Musical Romance overnight handicap on May 28 and second to Muted in an upper level, $62,000 optional claiming in her last start on July 1.

The $63,220 Sheer Drama payday for owners Averill Racing LLC, ATM Racing and Jayson R. Werth increased the career earnings for R Adios Jersey to $373,245 from winning half of 14 career starts, four of which were stakes, with two seconds and two thirds.

Bred by Ocala Stud and J. Michael O’Farrell Jr., R Adios Jersey is out of Marion Theatre, by Montbrook and was purchased by Averill Racing for $12,000 out of the Ocala Stud consignment at the 2020 Ocala Breeders’ Sales March Sale. Marion Theatre has five winners from six starters with R Adios Jersey her only blacktype performer. n

Sister Otoole Defends Title in CTT and TOC

Sister Otoole went from last to first with a sweeping seven-wide move in the final turn and ran down Paris Peacock (Ire) inside the last eighth of a mile to win the $100,000 CTT and TOC at Del Mar for the second consecutive year on Aug. 18. Ridden by Antonio Fresu, Sister Otoole defeated eight other fillies and mares, 3-yearsold and older, winning by a length-and-a-quarter after a mile-andthree-eighths on the turf.

Trained by Graham Motion for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Sister Otoole was last through the first mile-and-an-eighth as Paris Peacock and Drayden Van Dyke set quarter-mile fractions of :25.79, 50.69, 1:15.78 and the mile in 1:40.65. Paris Peacock continued to show the way in the run for home when Sister Otoole

jetted down the middle of the track through the stretch to win going away in 1:17.45.

Eylara (Ire) was second with 2-1 favorite Neige Blanche (Fr) third. Paris Peacock held on for fourth followed by Symphony Perfect (Ire), Myfavoritedaughter and Queen Ofthe Temple. Happy Happy and Oakhurst were scratched.

Sister Otoole paid $12.60 to win.

Making just her second start of the year after finishing fifth in an $80,000 optional claiming won by Salimah (Ire) going a mileand-a-sixteenth on the inner turf at Saratoga on July 12, Sister Otoole improved her career ledger to four wins, five seconds and four thirds in 21 starts with earnings of $395,470. She is

graded-stakes placed with seconds in the Grade 3 Robert G. Dick Memorial at Delaware Park last year and in the Grade 3 Maple Leaf at Woodbine in 2021. She was also third in the Grade 3 Rood and Riddle Dowager at Keeneland last year.

Sister Otoole was bred in Florida by Helen and Joseph Barbazon and is by Amira’s Prince (Ire), who stands at their Pleasant Acres Stallions in Morriston, Fla. Sister Otoole is out of the unraced Distorted Humor mare O’ Toole, who has also produced Floridabred Lady O’Toole, by Colonel John, winner of the 2017 Happy Ticket at Louisiana Downs. O’ Toole has seven winners from eight starters plus an unnamed yearling colt by Gun Runner and an unnamed weanling colt by Neolithic, the 2021 champion freshman sire in Florida who stands at Pleasant Acres Stallions. O’ Toole was bred to Uncle Mo in 2023. The Gun Runner colt was bred in Florida by the Gun Runner Syndicate with Helen and Joseph Barbarzon. The Barbazons bred the Neolithic colt in Florida. n

Florida Focus

three wins and three seconds from six starts at Parx including a six-length victory in a $40,000 optional claiming against fillies and mares going seven furlongs in June.

The $115,200 first-place check in the Cathryn Sophia improved her career earnings to $443,750.

Foggy Night is out of Settling Seas, by Stormy Atlantic and was bred by Brent and Crystal Fernung, who sold her from their Journeyman Bloodstock consignment to Pine Brook for $20,000 at last year’s Ocala Breeders’ Sales Spring Sale in April.

Settling Seas has five winners from seven starters with Foggy Night her only black-type performer. Foggy Night has an unraced full brother in Show Boat, who Journeyman Bloodstock consigned and sold for $45,000 to Just for Fun Stables at the OBS Spring Sale in April. Settling Seas was bred to Journeyman Stud stallion Uncle Chuck in 2022.

Foggy Night Wins Second Stakes in Three Starts With Cathryn Sophia Victory

Pine Brook Farm’s Foggy Night put away Yesternight at the top of the stretch before pulling away to win the $200,000 Cathryn Sophia by two-and-a-quarter lengths at Parx Racing on Aug. 22.

The victory in the mile-and-70-yards Cathryn Sophia against six other 3-year-old fillies was the second stakes victory in the last three starts for Foggy Night, who won the Grade 3 Delaware Oaks by a length-and-three-quarters at Delaware Park on July 1. In her last race, the daughter of Journeyman Stud’s leading Florida sire Khozan was second to Occult in the Grade 3 Monmouth Park Oaks on July 29.

Yesternight led Cathryn Sophia through quarter-mile fractions of :23.89 and :49.29 as Foggy Night and jockey Luis Saez tracked in third on the rail from about a length-a-half back. Foggy Night used her inside path around the far turn to get within a halflength of Yesternight before the two fillies straightened for home heads apart. Foggy Night proved to be much the best in the final three-eighths as she drew clear to win in 1:47.34 on the fast track.

Yesternight held on for second with Majestic Creed another half-length back in third. Miranda’s Rocky, Stellar Lady, 8-5 favorite Southlawn and Promiseher America completed the order of finish.

Foggy Night paid $7.20 as the 5-2 second choice.

The chestnut filly is trained by Robert Reid and improved her consistent record to four wins with five seconds in 10 starts with her only blemish coming when sixth in the Grade 2 Demoisel won by Julia Shining over a sloppy nine furlongs at Aqueduct in December. Foggy Night was second to Good Sam in the $150,000 Tempted at Aqueduct in November in her stakes debut. She has

Social Inclusion’s Gordian Knot Wins Salvatore M. DeBunda

Gordian Knot, a Pennsylvania-bred son of Social Inclusion, who stands privately at Briardale Farm near Belleview, Fla., held off a late run by 15-1 longshot Praetorian Guard to win the $75,000 Salvatore M. DeBunda by a neck at Parx Racing on Aug. 22. A field of seven 3-year-olds went six-and-half furlongs in the Salvatore M. DeBunda with Gordian Knot winning his third straight in a final time of 1:19.83 on the fast track.

Sent to the post as the 4-5 favorite, Gordian Knot went after frontrunners Stud Lovin and Joey Freshwater with a quarter-mile to the finish and those three hit the top of the stretch three across the track with Gordian Knot on the outside. Gordian Knot drew off to a length-and-a-half advantage inside the final sixteenth when

Praetorian Guard came with a furious rush from last in the middle of the track to finish second.

Stud Lovin was another length-and-a-half farther back in third followed by Depoli, No Confession, Florida-bred Awesome Strong and Joey Freshwater.

Gordian Knot paid $3.60 to win.

Gordian Knot is a homebred for Joseph M. Imbesi of Manalapan, Fla., who also stands Social Inclusion at his Briardale Farm. Gordian Knot is out of the Florida-bred mare Mia, by Put It Back and is a full-brother to an unraced filly, Flamingo Way and a Florida-bred yearling colt, Lanky Leader. Mia has a Floridabred weanling filly by Social Inclusion and was bred again back to Social Inclusion in 2023. n

Damon’s Mound Draws Off to Win Robert Hilton Memorial

Florida-bred Damon’s Mound and Swirvin, two sons of Girvin, went at each other in the early stages of the $350,000 Robert Hilton Memorial at Charles Town Races on Aug. 1. Damon’s

Mound put away his rival in the far turn and drew off to a twolength victory in the seven-furlong test for 3-year-olds. At the start, Swirvin and rider Trevor McCarthy sprinted to

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the front from post one but jockey Junior Alvarado put Damon’s Mound right to his outside as they sprinted together around the clubhouse turn and down the backstretch through a half mile in :45.91. Damon’s Mound accelerated away from his rival inside the final two furlongs then Prince of Jericho, Ghost Hero and 9-5 favorite Ryvit tried to make a run at the leader at the top of the stretch. But they could not get close to Damon’s Mound, who extended his lead in the run for home to win by daylight in 1:25.88 on the fast track.

Lord Miles made a big run from last to finish second, threequarters of a length in front of Ghost Hero in third.

Damon’s Mound is trained by Michelle Lovell for owners Cliff and Michele Love of Friendswood, Tex. Cliff Love bred Damon’s Mound.

Damon’s Mound paid $8 to win.

The winner of the Grade 2 Saratoga Special in his second career start in August of last year, Damon’s Mound was winless in five added-money starts since. Just prior to the Robert Hilton, he was fourth in the $171,000 Maxfield won by Ryvit at Ellis Park over a sloppy seven furlongs on July 2.

Damon’s Mound has now won three of eight career starts with one second and the $201,600 payday increased his earnings to $379,700. Damon’s Mound was the first graded-stakes winner for Girvin and is the first foal out of San Antonio Stroll, by Stroll.

Love bred and still has an unraced 2-year-old full-sister to Damon’s Mound, Moon Mist; a unnamed full-brother yearling and a weanling full-sister. San Antonio Stroll was bred to Ocala Stud stallion Roadster in 2023.

“We have the 2-year-old full sister and she hasn’t started yet but is very highly regarded by David O’Farrell and Michelle Lovell,” Love said. “She is special and we’re going to run her and all of these babies.” n

Dam of Florida-bred Damon’s Mound Tops Broodmares at Fasig-Tipton August Digital Sale

San Antonio Stroll, the 9-year-old dam of Florida-bred graded stakes-winner Damon’s Mound, topped all broodmares during the Fasig-Tipton August Digital Sale when Girvin’s Girls purchased her for $175,000. Both San Antonio Stroll and Damon’s Mound were bred by Cliff Love of Friendswoods, Tex., and are owned by Cliff and Michele Love.

The August Digital Sale closed Aug. 29. Offerings included

breeding stock, horses of racing age, and yearlings.

Consigned by Ocala Stud, San Antonio Stroll, by Stroll, received a timely update when Damon’s Mound won the $350,000 Robert Hilton Memorial at Charles Town on Aug. 29.

Multiple stakes-placed during her racing career, San Antonio Stroll was sold carrying a foal from the first crop of Ocala Stud stallion and Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby-winner Roadster.

San Antonio Stroll is a fifth-generation broodmare from Love’s Texas breeding operation.

San Antonio Stroll is out of Twenty Three Red, by The Prime Minister.

“She is such a nice mare but I think she belongs in the hands of somebody who is willing to spend more money on the high dollar stallions,” Cliff Love said. “She needs to go to one of those big sires. I’m just not big on paying that big money.

“I’m not really what you call a professional breeder. I’m just trying to breed some horses to run. I’ll run [Moon Mist], she is very highly regarded by Michelle Lovell and David O’Farrell and we’ll run the other two babies.

“I’ll keep breeding in Florida. I love breeding in Florida and can’t say enough good things about Florida and Florida breeding. The only reason I’m selling her is she is worth a lot of money.

“I had to talk David O’Farrell into selling [San Antonio Stroll]. But I’ve been in the business for 40 years and I can’t say enough good things about Ocala Stud and David O’Farrell.” TFH

“I love breeding in Florida and can’t say enough good things about Florida and Florida breeding.”

– Cliff Love

D’Angelo Doubles Up With WELCOME Sweep of Florida Sire Stakes Dr. Fager, Desert Vixen

Jose D’Angelo earned his first two victories in the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Florida Sire Stakes as the trainer welcomed a sweep of the first two legs of the lucrative series Sept. 9 at Gulfstream Park. D’Angelo saddled Welcome Back to a narrow win in the $100,000 Desert Vixen before he trained Bentornato, which means “welcome back” in Italian, to a dominating victory in the $100,000 Dr. Fager division.

The six-furlong Florida Sires Stakes Desert Vixen is for 2-year-old fillies by FTBOA registered stallions while the Dr. Fager is for 2-year-old colts and geldings under the same conditions.

“I’m very happy,” D’Angelo said. “Last year, it was my goal to pick up and train horses for the Florida Sire Stakes. We worked hard at the sales. Thank God, we won both races.”

Bentornato, who races for Leon King Stable Corp., is a two-time graduate of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company having sold for $45,000 to Pro Racing Stable out of the Stuart Morris consignment at the 2022 October Yearling Sale. He was then a $170,000 purchase by Champion Equine out of the Golden Rock Thoroughbreds consignment at this year’s OBS March Sale.

Bentornato and Emisael Jaramillo broke best of all from post nine in the Dr. Fager but Dickens, Raging Fury, Lasso and Jive made it a five-horse battle for the lead through two furlongs in :22.33.

As they headed into the turn, Bentornato was given a subtle cue from Jaramillo and he immediately took a half-length lead on Dickens as those two put three lengths on Jive in third. Dickens tried to stay close but Bentornato stretched that margin to four lengths at the top of the stretch and cruised home to win by a record seven-and-a-half lengths in 1:11.44.

The winning margin eclipsed the seven-length victory by Three Rules in the 2016 Dr. Fager.

Dickens was second, a length-and-a-half ahead of third-place finisher Jive. Secret Lover, Raging Fury, Lasso, Gentle Breeze, Ninja Star and Northshore Drive completed the order of finish.

Bentornato paid $2.80 to win as the 2-5 favorite. He was the shortest-priced winner of the Dr. Fager since Chance It won at 1-5 in 2019.

Bentornato is now three-for-three in his career with earnings of $158,830. He is by Bridlewood Farm stallion Valiant Minister out of the Florida-bred mare Her Special Way, by Put It Back.

Her Special Way has produced two winners from three starters and Bentornato is her only black-type earner. Bentornato has a unnamed yearling full sister and and a weanling half-sister by Saketini.

Bred in Florida by Tanma Corp., the dark bay or brown colt won on debut by a neck going five furlongs over a sloppy track against state-bred special weight maidens at Gulfstream Park on July 1. He then turned heads for the first time with a four-and-a-halflength score in the $90,000 Proud Man over six furlongs at Gulfstream on Aug. 12.

“I was very confident in him today,” D’Angelo said. “In [the Proud Man] he wasn’t really ready because he had a fever before the race and missed a couple of very important workouts. For this race, I just worked him two times, easy for him, without company. Last race I had to push him to get ready.

“He ran his race today. I liked the post position today because he was on the outside and he could set his own pace and didn’t have to get rushed from the gate. When he goes long, he’s going to be better.”

D’Angelo said he plans to run Bentornato next in the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Affirmed at seven furlongs at Gulfstream on Oct. 21.

Welcome Back Surges to Narrow Victory in Desert Vixen

It took five-and-a-half furlongs for Welcome Back to find her best stride but the big filly was astonishingly fast in the last 100 yards in winning the FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen by a nose at Gulfstream Park Sept. 9.

With jockey Edwin Gonzalez aboard, Welcome Back started well and was just off the hip of the frontrunning Fields of Green in the early stages with Epona’s Hope and Florindia making it four across the track through a quarter-mile in :23.46.

Epona’s Hope shot to the lead around the far turn when Mist began her rally from last

“I’m very happy. Last year, it was my goal to pick up and train horses for the Florida Sire Stakes. We worked hard at the sales. Thank God, we won both races.”

– Jose D’Angelo

and Welcome Back dropped back to fourth turning for home. Epona’s Hope and Mist hooked up at the top of the stretch before the latter took a short lead inside the final furlong. Then Welcome Back launched a furious run in the final strides to win the photo finish in 1:14.28 on the fast track.

Mist was second by a half-length ahead of Epona’s Hope in third. Fields of Green and Florindia completed the order of finish in the field shortened to five with the scratches of Kitty’s Pretty, R Harper Rose and She Has Class.

Welcome Back paid $3.60 to win as the 4-5 favorite.

“My filly was a little green, between horses, she’s never run between horses,” Gonzalez said. “So today she was between horses and she’s so big so I have to check a little when [Epona’s Hope] comes down, [she] almost clipped heels. When I take her out she grabbed her spot and she came running.”

D’Angelo also noted a change of equipment gave Gonzalez more control over Welcome Back.

“We put her on a new bit,” he said. “She looked much better today because when Edwin wants to move her, she responds very well. I’m very happy with the race.

“I think the hard race for her is going to be this one because she’s perfect to go long. I was afraid this was going to be too short for her.”

The Desert Vixen victory was not the first time Welcome Back surprised D’Angelo and Alfonso Soued, who owns and bred the filly in the name of his Soldi Stables.

She came into the Desert Vixen out of a length-and-three-quarter victory against winners in a $75,000 optional claiming in her first career start on July 29

Soued said he and trainer Jose D’Angelo had no intention of starting Welcome Back against winners, but fate intervened.

“We had no plans to run [Welcome Back]. There wasn’t any strategy. God was behind us,” Soued said. “We had Escape Room, who was a winner, and we were going to take her to Kentucky. We had Escape Room entered for winners. But we needed one more horse to [fill] the race. So we entered Welcome Back. But we didn’t think she was really ready. But she ran that big race and won.

“That filly for me is like the summit of everything I’ve done. Since she was a baby, I’ve believed in her. This is a dream. A dream come true.”

Welcome Back is by Ocala Stud stallion Adios Charlie out of Lady Marchella, by Floridabred Afleet Alex. She has now $91,300 and both D’Angelo and Soued indicated they plan to run her next in the $200,000 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes Susan’s Girl going seven furlongs on Oct. 21 at Gulfstream.

Welcome Back is the first foal out of Lady Marchella, who has a yearling filly, Flamant, by Khozan. She was bred to Caracaro in 2023. TFH

she was a baby, I’ve believed in her. This is a dream. A dream come true.

“That filly for me is like the summit of everything I’ve done. Since

”

– Alfonso Soued, Welcome Back Owner

Florida Equine Communications Rolls Out Innovative Wire to Wire and FTBOA Website

OCALA, FL—Florida Equine Communications

Editor-in-Chief Brock Sheridan announced Sept. 6 that Wire to Wire Daily Florida Racing Journal will be produced in a new format.

“The redesigned Wire to Wire achieves several objectives to better serve the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association membership and others who enjoy the free Wire to Wire subscriptions,” Sheridan said. “The new format is smartphone and tablet optimized, more timely, searchable and shareable, website enhanced and improves user metrics to better serve our advertising clients.”

Wire to Wire will now be produced four days per week, Thursday through Sunday, with special holiday and auction editions. Thursday and Friday issues will predominantly feature advance coverage of that weekend’s racing plus industry news, all with an emphasis on Florida Thoroughbreds. Saturday and Sunday race recaps will now be available with same-day, evening coverage along with late-breaking news or bulletins important to FTBOA members and Florida Thoroughbred enthusiasts.

“The new Wire to Wire features provide additional exposure, brand awareness and call-to-action opportunities for advertisers,” Sheridan said. “Advertisers may also receive value-added benefits with strategic placement on the FTBOA website.”

Wire to Wire will continue to feature the popular Florida Stallion Progeny List and Florida Breeders’ List for daily races at racetracks throughout North America and the Florida-bred Update, featuring Florida-bred entries and results in stakes races.

Selected national racing coverage remains but new editorial objectives emphasize Florida racing, Thoroughbreds bred in Florida, and those who are started, trained or sold in Ocala/Marion County, Horse Capital of the World®

The mobile-optimized Wire to Wire eases smartphone and tablet access to readily shareable content, maximizing social media engagement. Florida industry news now links to the new FTBOA.com website that was launched Sept. 6.

The all new FTBOA.com website built-from-scratch by Blue Million in Lexington, Ky., emphasizes simplicity and user ease with quick access to registrations, FSS and Florida-bred registry searches, concise presentation of breeding and racing incentives and thoughtful integration of newsfeeds, such as the newly redesigned Wire to Wire

“Blue Million understood our objectives clearly and delivered an intuitive, mobile-friendly website that strengthens the FTBOA’s service to our members and public,” FTBOA’s Assoc. Vice President of Operations Steve Koch said. “Blue Million’s portfolio of national brands and diverse horse racing projects ensured a great fit for our rebuild. We encourage feedback from our members as the site continues to evolve in the coming months.”

FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell expressed his enthusiasm for the new Wire to Wire and FTBOA website.

“The FTBOA is really excited to see Wire to Wire and our Association website discussions and drafts evolve over the past year to now launch in a timely and robust fashion under our subsidiary Florida Equine Communications,” Powell said. “I can’t applaud enough the numerous FTBOA/FEC management and staff for all of their contributions in both of these successful media business initiatives.

“These now re-energized and enhanced platforms along with The Florida Horse, our podcasts and other FEC media are robust sources of timely and relevant information. They are of significant service to our members and industry.” TFH

SPORTS BETTING FIGHT HEADING TO SUPREME COURT FLORIDA

TALLAHASSEE — Arguing that the outcome of the case could represent a “blueprint for expanding gaming outside of Indian lands,” a Florida pari-mutuel owner plans to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on whether a multibillion-dollar deal giving the Seminole Tribe control of sports betting throughout the state violates federal law.

A Washington, D.C.-based appeals court in early September refused to reconsider a ruling by a three-judge panel that found the 2021 agreement did not violate the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, or IGRA, which regulates gambling on tribal lands.

But a motion filed Sept. 15 by West Flagler Associates and Fort Myers Corporation, a corporation doing business as Bonita Springs Poker Room in Southwest Florida, argued the decision conflicts with other appellate rulings and “enables an extreme shift in public policy on legalized gaming that, once started, may be difficult to stop.”

The three-judge panel’s June 30 ruling reversed a November 2021 decision by a federal judge who halted a 30-year gambling agreement signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. and approved by the state Legislature.

West Flagler Associates and the Bonita Springs pari-mutuel— owned for many years by the Havenick family—challenged the sports-betting part of the deal, alleging it violated federal law and would cause a “significant and potentially devastating impact” on their operations. At the time the lawsuit was filed, West Flagler

Associates owned Magic City Casino in Miami but has since sold it to PCI Gaming, which is not a part of the litigation. West Flagler Associates continues to have an interest in other Florida gambling operations, including jai alai.

The Sept. 15 motion came after the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rejected the plaintiffs’ request for a full-court hearing to reconsider the panel’s ruling. The gambling operators are asking that the panel decision be put on hold while they seek Supreme Court review.

The panel ruling “presents an important question” for the high court “as to the scope of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act” and mobile sports betting, lawyers for West Flagler Associates and Fort Myers Corporation argued in the document filed Sept. 15.

A “hub and spoke” mobile sports-betting plan in the Florida deal would allow gamblers anywhere in the state to place bets online, with the wagers run through servers located on tribal lands. The deal, known as a compact, said bets “using a mobile app or other electronic device, shall be deemed to be exclusively conducted by the tribe.”

Washington, D.C.-based U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich Friedrich called the setup a “fiction” and also invalidated other parts of the compact. The judge’s November 2021 ruling found that U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland was wrong when she allowed the deal to go into effect. The Department of the Interior, which oversees tribal gambling, appealed Friedrich’s decision.

The three-judge panel’s unanimous ruling in June, however, said Friedrich erred when she found the compact violated the federal law.

The federal law “does not prohibit a gaming compact—which is, at bottom, an agreement between a tribe and a state—from discussing other topics, including those governing activities ‘outside Indian lands,’” the panel’s decision said.

But Friday’s motion argued that the ruling conflicted with other appellate decisions on the interpretation of the federal law.

The panel “held that a tribe and state may use the process set forth in IGRA to grant exclusive statewide internet gaming franchises to Indian tribes,” the motion said.

“This understanding contradicted Congress’ clear intent in enacting IGRA which was to provide for gaming ‘on Indian lands,’ not to provide a means to introduce internet gaming statewide,” Hamish Hume, a partner with the Boies Schiller Flexner LLP firm who represents West Flagler Associates and Fort Myers Corporation, wrote.

Hume also argued that the panel decision also authorized Haaland to provide approval to types of gambling “even where— as here—the law of the state prohibits the type of gambling in question” when conducted off of tribal lands.

“These holdings depart from all other courts’ interpretation of IGRA and allow for its misuse in a manner that Congress did

not and could not have intended. As such, it raises a ‘substantial question’ warranting Supreme Court review,” Hume wrote.

Hume urged the appellate court to issue a stay blocking the panel’s decision, pointing in part to an amendment in the Florida Constitution that requires a statewide vote for expansions of gambling.

Allowing the compact to go into effect “will upset the status quo in the entirety of Florida” and have a far-reaching impact, Hume wrote.

“Moreover, the panel opinion’s unprecedented interpretation of IGRA may well be used by other states and tribes as a blueprint for expanding gaming outside of Indian lands where such gaming generally is not permitted in a state. The panel opinion thus enables an extreme shift in public policy on legalized gaming that, once started, may be difficult to stop. It therefore is in the public interest to preserve the status quo with respect to online gaming until such time as the Supreme Court has had a chance to review appellees’ (the pari-mutuels’) petition for a writ of certiorari,” he argued.

Along with giving the Seminoles control over online sports betting, the compact allowed the tribe to offer craps and roulette at its casinos. Also, the deal would allow the Seminoles to add three casinos on tribal property in Broward County.

In exchange, the tribe pledged to pay the state a minimum of $2.5 billion over the first five years and possibly billions of dollars more throughout the three-decade pact. The deal also added Florida to numerous states that jumped into sports betting after a 2018 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for such wagering in New Jersey.

The Seminoles briefly rolled out the Hard Rock SportsBook mobile app amid the legal wrangling but stopped accepting wagers and deposits on the app in December 2021 after Friedrich’s ruling.

Critics of the compact have argued that the sports-betting arrangement would not comply with a 2018 constitutional amendment that requires statewide voter approval of gambling expansions in Florida.

The appellate panel’s June decision did not opine on whether the compact violated the amendment, which was backed by the group No Casinos. No Casinos and prominent South Florida businessmen Armando Codina and Norman Braman filed a separate federal lawsuit challenging the compact.

Eugene Stearns, an attorney who represents No Casinos and the businessmen, told The News Service of Florida on Monday that his group does not plan on waging a legal challenge in state court over the Seminoles’ gambling deal.

“The reality is, [mobile] sports betting is now ubiquitous,” said Stearns, who is chairman of the Stearns Weaver Miller firm’s board of directors. “To me, that ship has sailed.” TFH

FTC Receives $112K for Thoroughbred Retirement in Honor of Cathy D. Perry

Florida Thoroughbred Charities announced a generous pledge of $112,899.74 to support the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Second Chances Farm at the Lowell Correctional Institution made by Brandon and Diannah Perry in honor of Brandon’s mother, Cathy D. Perry.

“When Brandon first called me about this, I was obviously thrilled,” former Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association President Phil Matthews, DVM said. “But I must say, I wasn’t surprised that they chose Florida Thoroughbred Charities for the fact Brandon and Diannah are consummate horse people. It’s a very generous gift and a real shot in the arm to FTC. We couldn’t be more pleased or grateful.”

“The FTBOA is very grateful and honored that the Perry’s chose us to make such a meaningful gift,” FTBOA President George Isaacs said. “This allows the Florida Thoroughbred Charities to continue to quietly make an impact throughout the equine community.”

The Perry family has been involved with Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and Paint show horses and later became involved in the Thoroughbred industry. They have been dedicated to honoring Cathy’s memory with donations to equine charities and thoroughbred retirement programs close to their heart. Their history and success in the horse racing world runs deep and their donation to the retirement farm will help change the lives of the women working with the horses there.

As a couple, the Perrys Thoroughbred bloodstock story began in 2000 with the purchase of a 50-acre portion of the former Classic Acres in Ocala. Having decades of diverse equine industry experience in all aspects of operations, they founded and operated Paragon Farms, a commercial Thoroughbred Nursery.

In 2003, expansion took them to Kentucky, with the purchase of Newgate Stud in Lexington. Newgate Stud, was a 210-plus acre, first-class, prime farmland facility and division of a global operation owned by HRH Saudi Prince Fahd Salman, a world-leading breeder and owner.

In Kentucky, the Perrys success in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry came through the development of private and syndicated Thoroughbred acquisition portfolios. They bought, sold and brokered Thoroughbreds worth millions of dollars each year that also competed at the pinnacle of the industry in Triple Crown and

Breeders’ Cup races. Thus, catching the keen eye of Thoroughbred enthusiast and Irish billionaire businessman, Eamon Cleary.

In 2009, the Perrys sold Paragon Farms to Cleary and the inception of Clearsky Farm developed shortly afterward, with headquarters currently occupying the Lexington location. For more than two years, working alongside Mr. Cleary, the Perry’s performed bloodstock advisory, management and operational duties, as well as the procurement of a bloodstock portfolio that resulted in several notable champion race horses and numerous graded stakes winners. Additionally, the Perrys managed and sourced the expansion and redevelopment of Clearsky’s land holdings making it one of the finest breeding facilities in Kentucky.

Brandon and Diannah also owned and founded Vision Racing LLC and Vision Sales LLC in Lexington.

Brandon’s mother Cathy, who passed away in 2020, was a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman. She was an engaged and supportive resident of the Ocala community since her arrival in 1994. Cathy, and her former husband Roger, founded Weisheimer Cos., operator of the Petzazz pet superstore chain, which later was sold to PetSmart in the early 1990s. Subsequent to the sale of her company, Cathy moved to Ocala, FL and became an important contributor to the vibrant growth of the community, often alongside Connie Brown, her most dear friend, and her only son Brandon.

“The FTBOA and our charitable arm, FTC, is proud of the role we play with this unique thoroughbred retirement farm – the only female program in the country,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “The FTBOA believes the care and support of retired Thoroughbreds is a common-sense responsibility shared by all who participate in the racing and breeding industry. What makes this particular program different at Lowell, it cares for and heals people as well as horses. That is an awesome combination, and this generous donation will help continue those life-changing efforts.”

To learn more about the farm program, visit https://www.trfinc.org/farms-andfacilities/lowell-correctional-institution/ and to discuss a donation, sponsorship or fundraiser, contact Tammy A. Gantt, Executive Director, at 352-629-2160 or e-mail tgantt@ftboa.com. TFH

Clapton (by Brethren)

Owner – Arindel

$25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus–Grade 3 Ghostzapper S., Gulfstream Park, April 1

swan lake (by Fort Loudon)

Owner – Elizabeth L. Dobles & Imaginary Stables

$25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus–English Channel S., Gulfstream Park, May 6

Max K. O. (by J P’s Gusto)

Owner – Ten Twenty Racing

$25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus–Mr. Steele S., Gulfstream Park, May 14

Dean Delivers (by Cajun Breeze)

Owner – Stonehedge LLC

$25,000 FSS Win Bonus–Big Drama S., Gulfstream Park, May 20

$25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus–Grade 3 Smile Sprint S., Gulfstream Park, July 1

Me and Mr. C (by Khozan)

Owner – Paradise Farms Corp. & David Staudacher

$25,000 FSS Win Bonus–Soldier’s Dancer S., Gulfstream Park, June 11

flakes (by Frosted)

Owner – BC Racing LLC

$25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus–Game Face S.,Gulfstream Park, June 17

Lightning tones (by Tonalist)

Owner – Daniel C. Hurtak

$25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus–Carry Back S., Gulfstream Park, June 24

WARRIOR’S PRIDE (by Poseidon’s Warrior)

Owner – Just for Fun Stable, Inc.

$25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus–Bob Umphrey Sprint S., Gulfstream Park, July 2

Charlie’s Wish (by First Dude)

Owner – Royalight Racing, LLC

$25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus–Azalea S., Gulfstream Park, July 22

Bentornato (by Valiant Minister)

Owner – Leon King Stable Corp.

$25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus–Proud Man S., Gulfstream Park, Aug. 12

Let Them Watch (by Maximus Mischief)

Owner – Case Chambers

$25,000 FTBOA Win Bonus–Sharp Susan S., Gulfstream Park, Aug. 13

R Adios Jersey (by Adios Charlie)

Owner - Averill Racing LLC, ATM Racing and Jayson R. Werth

$25,000 FSS Win Bonus - Sheer Drama S., Gulfstream Park, Aug. 19

FROM THE BOARDROOM

A meeting of the FTBOA board of directors was held on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at which the following were among the items discussed or acted upon:

1. The board reviewed and considered a Proposed 2024 Annual Plan for Payment of Awards. This portion of the meeting was open for members of the public to provide comments and/or observe the board’s proceedings. FTBOA President George Isaacs, FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell, FTBOA CFO Peggy Yost, and General Counsel Warren Husband briefed the board on the Plan and on the new state funding under HB 7063 that made the Plan possible. If approved by the state, the Plan would take Florida breeder and stallion awards from the 15% level in 2023 and move them up to 20% of the announced gross purse in 2024, with breeder awards paid at 12.5% on first place, 5% on second place, and 2.5% on third place, subject to specified caps. Those caps would also increase to $12,500 for first (up from $10,500), $5,000 for second (up from $3,000), and $2,500 for third (up from $1,500).

Stallion awards in 2024 would be capped at $20,000 (up from $15,000). Florida-bred racing incentives would also be substantially increased. These awards and incentives would be the strongest in the history of the FTBOA. Incentives would extend to many race categories, like maidens and allowances, and would extend to older horses as well.

After discussion, the board unanimously approved the Plan for submission to the Florida Gaming Control Commission.

2. CEO Powell announced the annual membership meeting will be conducted online via Zoom on Oct. 18, with a link sent to all regular members. The return to conducting the meeting via Zoom is due to the much larger member audience that it reaches as compared to previous in-person meetings.

3. The board received a briefing from lobbyist Matt Bryan regarding the new HB 7063 funding and the continued effort to educate legislators about the industry. Jon Rees updated the board on the launch of the revised 5% awards contribution program to the Florida Thoroughbred PAC, which will move from an “opt in” to an “opt out” for 2024 as approved by the executive committee. Notice will go out to the Florida Thoroughbred industry through multiple media channels and direct communications to explain the program, its purpose, and the process for opting out. He also highlighted the PAC golf tournament to be held on Oct. 6, the Friday before the OBS October sale.

4. The board received a legal briefing from Warren Husband on the effects of HB 7063 and on the progress of various court cases challenging the validity of the federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act/Authority and the most recent Gaming Compact entered into by the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe.

5. The 2023 FTBOA board of directors’ election was discussed, per the timeline announced at the May 26 board meeting. For 2023, there are five director vacancies to be filled on the FTBOA board, for three-year terms running until October 2026. Pursuant to the Association’s Bylaws, the current board of directors nominated the following five candidates for these vacancies: (1) Beckie Cantrell; (2) Valerie Dailey; (3) Brent Fernung; and incumbents (4) Milan Kosanovich and (5) Francis Vanlangendonck. Each candidate has agreed to run and to serve as an FTBOA director.

Continued on page 33

Back Pain in Horses

There are many types of back injuries in horses, including acute and chronic problems and repetitive injuries from use of the horse. Back pain can hinder a horse’s ability to perform.

Bill Casner, a former trainer and co-founder of WinStar Farm in Versailles, Ky., has been working with racehorses most of his life and keeping them sound has always been his passion. Part of keeping them sound—and avoiding back injuries—is keeping them fit without overdoing the exercise.

“This is something a person needs to start early on, when working with young horses,” Casner said. “Fitness, whether we’re looking at tendons, ligaments, muscle or bone, must go through a process. Trainers often have to walk a knife’s edge in their goal to move the horse forward in fitness without taking things too far and creating serious damage. Overuse can damage young legs and can also cause back injuries.”

There has to be some stress and strain, for any body part to become stronger.

“The process of strengthening involves creation of micro-damage,” Casneer said. “Fitness conditioning involves stressing bone, muscle, tendons, ligaments, heart and lungs. You are putting enough stress on certain structures to create a small amount of damage, and as it heals it heals stronger. With bone, this process is called remodeling.”

Casner feels that many back problems begin when young horses are first started under saddle, especially in young Thoroughbred race horses because this breaking process often starts when they are only 18 months old.

“They are still immature and most of them have not yet been conditioned to carry the weight of a rider,” he said.

“With our young horses we try to build them up and start conditioning them before they have to carry a rider. We start swimming yearlings in April and try to build some athleticism. We go through a methodical process of getting them fit and strong enough to carry a saddle and rider,” explains Casner.

“We often start the breaking process in August or September—several months after they start swimming. Swimming develops the top line and creates strength and fitness over their whole body. Their bodies have been conditioned to handle a saddle and rider. It’s tougher on the riders when we’ve developed some fitness in these young horses because the horses are stronger and don’t ‘ride down’ easily.”

He also feels it is important to use a full tree saddle when breaking them to ride.

“Earlier we used a small barrel racing saddle, but then I bought a used Australian stock saddle and it seems to be ideal. The barrel racing saddle and the Australian stock saddles have full trees, and both of them allow the rider to be softer on their mouths because the rider has more to hold onto with his/ her legs than with an English saddle or racing saddle. The Australian stock saddle also allows a rider to swing feet forward easiest and keep his/her balance if the horse bucks,” he says.

Having the young horses already becoming fit by the time they are ridden, they don’t lose ground when put into race training.

“Studies at Texas A&M years ago showed that these horses lose bone when you start breaking them, during the remodeling process,” Casner said in referencing the study. “But it’s about 120 days before you get back to the same bone density where they started—basically four months—and then the bone continues to build. Young horses are very vulnerable to injury during that time. This not only happens in their legs, but also in their back.”

“A big strong colt might not be affected so adversely, but starting fillies that young might be too much stress on them. You put a saddle and rider on that 800-pound filly and she may be carrying 175 pounds, and she’s never had that kind of stress on her back before. The riders are posting on that young horse, and it’s a lot of stress,” Casner said.

“We try to avoid that vulnerable remodeling process. By the time we start riding those horses, they’ve already been subjected to a strengthening program, so everything they are doing when ridden is building muscle and bone. We must use common sense with this training process,” he says. t

EQUINE CARE

Young kids don’t go to the gym and start trying to bench press 50 pounds. They start out gradually and work up to it. Horses, like humans, need to build the muscles that help support the back and strengthen the bones, to be able to handle extra stresses.

If young horses can be started gradually in this strengthening process, there are fewer back injuries as they are in training and starting their athletic careers.

DIAGNOSIS: IDENTIFYING BACK PAIN

Proper diagnosis of the source of back pain is essential for a successful treatment plan to be developed and implemented. Dr. Jenny Johnson, of Oakhill Shockwave and Veterinary Chiropractic in Calabasas, Calif., says that all the horses she works with, despite being in different disciplines, push from behind.

back pain before the trainers or riders are able to,” Johnson said.

Many things can cause back pain, which can be primary, originating in the back, or secondary, as a result of pain in another location in the body.

“Primary back pain can result from a variety of issues, including chiropractic abnormalities, kissing spines, muscle strain or sprain, etc. Secondary back pain is frequently thought to be the result of hock or stifle pain. With secondary back pain, it is essential that the primary source is identified and treated as well as the back pain. Treating either without the other will not result in satisfactory resolution of back pain. To be effective in treatment, it is essential that we consider the horse as a whole, and not just an accumulation of parts. This is especially true when addressing back pain.”

Some cases are obvious and some less obvious.

“One of the most common ways to check the back is via palpation” Johnson said. “Owners, grooms or trainers may report that the horse is sensitive when they brush the horse or put the saddle on. Palpation can help locate the sore areas, when the horse flinches or tries to resist touch in that area.”

With the imaging modalities that we can now utilize—MRI, nuclear scintigraphy, digital radiography, ultrasound, etc.—we can identify more clearly and more specifically the areas of lameness in horses.

“We are able to identify areas of pain in the back that are related to abnormalities such as kissing spines, inflammation of the sacroiliac joint, and muscular pain, as well as identifying other sources of pain that may be contributing to back pain,” Johnson continued.

TREATMENT

Treatments for back pain vary with the cause.

“If the horse has kissing spines, treatment will depend on severity of the pain and severity of the lesions,” Johnson said.

“They must be able to engage their hind end,” Johnson said. “To achieve this, and thus the power of the stride, the abdominal muscles contract, the hind limbs come up underneath the horse, there is flexion of the pelvis and lumbo-sacral spine, and the potential energy created is transferred forward through the spine.”

If a horse has back pain, he is unable to do this effectively because pain makes the horse reluctant to fully use his body. There is resistance to flexion of the pelvis and the lumbo-sacral spine and thus to the transmission of energy forward, and this affects his performance.

“Through my chiropractic work on a horse, I can often identify

“The horse may be successfully managed with chiropractic care and acupuncture. In other cases shockwave therapy may be helpful and in some cases, injecting between the dorsal spinous processes [the kissing spines] may be useful.

“Similarly, if the problem originates in the sacroiliac joint, chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, shockwave therapy, injection or a combination of these modalities may be utilized to treat the condition. I can’t stress enough how important it is that we look at the whole picture. While it is tempting to try and isolate

FROM THE BOARDROOM

Continued from page 29

Because there are only five candidates for the five director vacancies, members will not be required to cast ballots and these five candidates will be deemed elected to office upon the presiding officer calling the FTBOA’s Annual Meeting to order on Oct. 18 via Zoom. An official notice for the Annual Meeting will be sent out on Sept. 18 via e-mail (or mailed to those without e-mail), giving details related to the time of the Annual Meeting and the reservation link to sign up for the meeting. The meeting is also typically noticed in trade publications and other member communications.

The board recognized the outstanding contribution of outgoing board members Bobby Jones, Dr. Fred Yutani, and Richard Kent.

6. The board received a report on Florida-bred racing and breeding programs from AVP of Operations Steve Koch. He noted it’s “all Florida, all year,” with 39% of starters and 39% of winners taking 40% of purses at Florida tracks. Additionally, 73% of those Florida-bred winners are sired by Florida stallions. He analyzed awards-per-foal among the six leading U.S. breeding jurisdictions and how the newly enhanced Florida awards will help Florida retain second, ahead of California, in annual foal production. His analysis shows awards per-foal in three jurisdictions outpace Florida, a point that Florida legislators will be informed about when asking for enhanced funding of awards and purses. Gross breeder and stallion awards will be competitive with all but two jurisdictions (Kentucky and New York) in 2024 thanks to the $55 million package, however, there is a need for continued funding to remain ahead of awards programs in other states.

7. The board received a report from FTBOA events from Associate VP for Membership & Events Tammy Gantt regarding

a problem to one area, this is rarely the case. Pain or injury in one area of the body will have ramifications on other parts of the body,” Johnson said.

“Think about human injuries. If a person has an awkward gait, favoring a foot or leg for some reason, this puts the entire spine off balance and causes that person to compensate in other areas. This not only potentially leads to back pain but also creates pain in other joints because you are stressing them abnormally,” Johnson explains. TFH

the need for surveys to be completed for the American Horse Council’s National Economic Impact Study and specifically for Florida and Marion County. FTBOA is the sole funder of the Florida survey. The deadline is Sept. 29 and the survey is at https://horsecouncil.org/economic-impact-study/

Gantt highlighted the first leg of the Florida Sire Stakes (FSS) on Sept. 9, the PAC golf tournament on Oct. 6, the annual meeting via Zoom on Oct. 18, the second leg of FSS on Oct. 21, and the finals on Dec. 2. The FTBOA Annual Open House is Dec. 8. Upcoming deadlines include Nov. 15 for late Florida Sire Stakes yearling payments and for late Florida stallion registration payments.

8. The board received a briefing from Ms. Ansbacher about students awarded scholarships for the 2023/24 school year. Scholarships are funded by Florida Thoroughbred Charities, endowments, and a grant from Quail Roost Foundation.

9. The board received a report from Brock Sheridan, EditorIn-Chief, regarding the relaunch of the Wire to Wire Racing Digest in September, featuring all new design, mobile friendly capabilities, an enhanced focus on original Florida-bred content, and integration with the new FTBOA website, with a news ticker for the Association’s social media and for both Wire to Wire and The Florida Horse news stories. The board received a sneak peek of the new FTBOA.com website from Koch. Both were launched in early September.

10. The board received a briefing from Valerie Dailey regarding the Florida Thoroughbred Charities, to include the addition of Give4Marion, an online community fundraiser, to the FTC schedule. In addition, she announced a donation from the Cathy D. Perry Trust, presented by Diannah and Brandon Perry, of more than $112,000 (see page 26). TFH

LEADING FLORIDA SIRES

The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Sept. 10, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

Learn more about our Florida Thoroughbred industry, the horses and the people that make an impact. Brought to you by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association..

The following list includes currently active, deceased, and pensioned stallions, with racing results updated through Sept. 10, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

LEADING FLORIDA JUVENILE SIRES STAKES WINNERS BY STATE

The following list updated through Sept. 10, 2023. Statistics provided by The Jockey Club Information Systems Inc.

FLORIDA-BREDS AROUND THE COUNTRY

August 2023

Stakes, Allowance, Allowance Optional Claiming and Maiden Special Weight statistics below are listed for the month of August 2023 for win, place and show, alphabetically by horse name.

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – STAKES RACES

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING (cont’d)

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT

FLORIDA-BRED FINISHERS – MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT (cont’d)

Upcoming Industry Events And Deadlines

EVENTS

Oct. 6 - The Florida Thoroughbred PAC golf tournament will be held at the Del Webb Stone Creek Golf Club in Ocala. A shot gun start kicks off golf at 12:30 p.m. with many promotions held on the course. In addition, a cocktail reception and dinner will be held at the end of the tournament. For tickets call Debbie at 850-224-5081.

Oct. 10 – FTBOA booth at OBS Sales.

Oct. 18 – The FTBOA annual membership meeting will be held via Zoom at 11:00 a.m. Regular members were sent via email details in late September regarding the meeting agenda. An RSVP is required to confirm the Zoom link, it is open to current, regular FTBOA members.

Oct. 21 - The second leg of the Florida Sire Stakes featuring the $200,000 Susan’s Girl and $200,000 Affirmed at Gulfstream Park. Breeders and owners of FSS entrants, contact Tammy to confirm attendance in the hospitality suite.

Nov. 16 – Horse Farms Forever is hosting a Conservation Summit featuring Carlton Ward, Jr., producer of Path of the Panther, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ocala Breeders’ Sales to continue the conversation on safeguarding horse farmland. Visit horsefarmsforever.com

Dec. 2 - The final leg of the Florida Sire Stakes featuring the $300,000 My Dear Girl and $300,000 In Reality at Gulfstream Park. Breeders and owners of FSS entrants, contact Tammy at 352-598-6832 to confirm attendance in the hospitality suite.

Dec. 8 - The FTBOA Member Holiday Charity Open House will be held from 6 pm to 8:30 p.m. at the FTBOA offices at 801 SW 60th Avenue in Ocala. The theme is ‘Yellowstone’ and includes a chuckwagon dinner cookout, saloon beverages, a silent auction, music and outdoor fireside chats. Admission is a toy valued at $10 or more which goes to the Boys and Girls Club of Ocala. RSVP is required by Dec. 1 to 352-629-2160. The event is open to a member and one guest. Additional RSVP’d guests are $50 as space permits.

Dec. 9 – The Florida Sire Stakes comes to Tampa Bay Downs featuring the $100,000 FTBOA City of Ocala and $100,000 FTBOA Marion County for three-year-olds and up. Breeders and owners of FSS entrants, contact Tammy to confirm attendance in the hospitality suite.

DEADLINES

Nov. 15 - The Florida Sire Stakes registration deadline is for yearlings whose May 15 payment was not made. It is $500. Missing this yearling deadline means a $5,000 fee on January 15. Do not assume a horse you purchased in a sale or privately has had a payment made. Sales catalogs list horses who are FSS eligible at the time of the sale because the deadline had not passed yet, meaning a payment may still be due. Contact FTBOA at 352-629-2160 to check. The two-year-old payment deadline is Jan. 15. If missed, check for additional deadlines. TFH

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