Horse Racing in New York brings $3 Billion to the NYS Economy

[1]Today results from the American Horse Council (AHC) Economic Impact Study for New York State were released by the equine advocacy group SaddleUpNY!

The report shows New York’s racing sector remains an important hub of Thoroughbred & Standardbred racing in North America. This provides New York State with over $3 billion in economic impact and more than 19,000 jobs.

“The findings from the American Horse Council’s economic impact study for New York report that the breeding and racing industry is an invaluable asset to our state,” said NYTB President Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, D.V.M. “Our state-bred program has positioned itself as the leading regional program in the nation, and we look forward to continuing to work with our fellow stakeholders to ensure that the additional investment in breeding and racing in New York will result in added revenue for all areas across the state.”

SaddleUPNY! Press release continues below
Horse Racing in New York brings $3 Billion to the NYS Economy
New York is one of the largest racing hubs in the United States, and the recent results of the American Horse Council (AHC) Economic Impact Study, along with those of the associated New York State ‘breakout’ study, document the strength and importance of the racing sector in New York’s Equine profile. Together, the Thoroughbred and Standardbred Racing sectors in New York bring an economic impact of $3 billion (inclusive of tourism impact) and employment impact of 19,785.
[2]

With 11 pari-mutuel racetracks (four Thoroughbred and seven Standardbred), New York hosted 1078 live race days in 2022, with avtotal handle reaching $2.7 billion and purses topping out at $295 million. In addition to race days, New York hosts some of the top sales in North America. The Thoroughbred sales venue at Saratoga’s Fasig Tipton lands in the top 10 for both the Saratoga Sale and the New York Bred Yearling Sale, both of which take place in August. In Middletown, NY, the Goshen Standardbred Yearling Sale in September is among the Top 10 public Standardbred yearling sales in North America.

Horse racing has a long and robust history in New York, drawing tourists to tracks, farms, towns and communities. The economic value of tourism is part of the $3 billion total impact, as $575 million of that $3 billion comes from racing tourism. Saratoga, as the preeminent and oldest Thoroughbred track in the country, attracts more than a million visitors a year. The Goshen Historic Track in Goshen, NY, established as a Standardbred facility in 1838, is the oldest continuously operated track in North America, regardless of breed. Although horse training occurs year round at the half-mile oval, it is a tourism hub for Orange County during its summer race
meet. Because of the historic nature of both racing venues, Saratoga Springs and Goshen are home to their respective sports’ Hall of Fame Museums, a further tourism draw for New York.
[3]

While most of the highlights of racing come on the track at the sport’s various race meets, the behind-the-scenes work of the people that care for the horses – day and night – is what makes it all possible. That work takes place at home farms, stables and practice tracks across New York, including the rolling fields where young foals first stretch their legs, learning the basics and growing strong to one day become racing prospects. According to Tom Grossman, owner of Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, NY, “our standardbred nursery boasts an average population of 150 mares and their youngsters with enormous trickle-down economic benefits supporting agricultural entities like hay growers, grain and bedding suppliers, and equipment providers (tractors, trucks, hay balers etc.).” The expanded impact of horse farms is an often unrecognized benefit –including the impact on land preservation and associated capital improvement of the land. Based on the AHC study results, 51% of New York horse owners own or lease a farm, barn or stable, with total acreage estimated at 303,000. And while breeders hope those foals will make it to the track, that doesn’t always happen. Thoroughbred and Standardbred race prospects are highly desired for their ability to transition to new careers, however. New York was an early adopter of mechanisms to support such transitions, with programs such as Take2, TAKE THE LEAD, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption, and the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program. In addition, the NY Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund has provided well over a million dollars to Thoroughbred aftercare facilities in the state, and annually provides more than $100,000 to facilities that re-train Thoroughbreds or provide sanctuary homes for those that cannot have a useful second career.

This summer, New York will see an additional boost to racing’s economic impact, with Saratoga playing host to the Belmont Stakes – the third leg of the famed Triple Crown. According to Najja Thompson, Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, “Last summer, the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency (SCID) found that the Thoroughbred meet at Saratoga generated $371 million in economic impact and provided 2,900 jobs across the Capitol Region alone.” Those numbers will no doubt rise dramatically with the Belmont, and the buzz is growing around the potential for those figures. “The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce
thinks the four-day Thoroughbred meet in June for the running of the Belmont Stakes will pump $50 million into the area – and that’s just an estimate of the tourism dollars,” says Tracy Egan, Executive Director of the NY Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund. Enthusiasm for horses in New York is strong, with 2.4 million households (30% of all households) containing a horse enthusiast – and New York racing has something for everyone. Racing schedules for Thoroughbred racing in the state can be found at the NYRA website (www.nyra.com) and the Finger Lake Racetrack website www.fingerlakesgaming.com. The Standardbred racing schedule can be found at www.nysirestakes.com
.
The New York State Economic Impact study was commissioned by SaddleUpNY! and made possible through the generous contributions of the following industry partners and friends: New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Old Field Farm, Ltd, Blue Chip Farm, John Madden Sales, Cornell University Hospital for Animals, New York Farm Bureau, New York State Horse Council, Karin Bump, Timothy Williams, Sally Lynch, Kent Nutrition and Triple Crown Nutrition. In addition, a linked GoFundMe campaign was also utilized for essential broader support from individuals across the state.
This is the second in a series of press releases focusing on the results of the study. Additional highlights of the New York State Economic Impact study will be released in the coming weeks. Questions can be directed to Dr. Karin Bump, Executive Director of SaddleUpNY!, at Dr.kbump@gmail.com
Photo credit: Photo Courtesy of Blue Chip Farms, Wallkill, NY. Photo credit to Tammie Jean Photography.
Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/New-York-Report-2023-Pages-HQ-cover2.jpg
  2. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/study1.png
  3. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/study3.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/29/horse-racing-in-new-york-brings-3-billion-to-the-nys-economy/

NYTB Member Benefit: 10 percent discount Walker’s Farm, Home & Tack Shop

Members:

We are pleased to announce that all new and renewed 2024 NYTB members are now eligible to receive a 10 percent discount for purchases at Walker’s Farm, Home & Tack Shop located in Fort Ann, NY[1].

The NYTB member discount does not apply to items on sale. The member discount will be applied when presenting your 2024 NYTB Membership card at the counter when making purchases.

nytb-walker[2]

Walker’s Farm, Home & Tack Shop is a family-run business that prides itself on creating a friendly shopping experience. The store is a one-stop shop for customers offering quality products from top-name brands and products for all of your farm needs.

Walker’s Farm, Home & Tack is located at 5565 State Route 4 Fort Ann, NY 12827. Store hours are Mondays – Fridays: 8am – 6pm, Saturdays: 8a – 5p and Sundays: 9a – 4p. Their phone number is 518-639-5223.

We hope you appreciate this added NYTB membership benefit. To join or renew your NYTB membership for 2024, to take advantage of this special offer, please visit nytbreeders.org/membership.

Endnotes:
  1. Walker’s Farm, Home & Tack Shop located in Fort Ann, NY: https://www.walkersfarmhomeandtack.com/
  2. [Image]: https://www.walkersfarmhomeandtack.com/

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/28/nytb-member-benefit-10-percent-discount-walkers-farm-home-tack-shop/

Pandagate storms to victory in Gander Stakes

[1]

Pandagate improves to 2-for-3 with victory in $100,000 Gander Stakes at Aqueduct. NYRA Photo.

Christophe Clement shipped Pandagate back to his native state with confidence for the Arrogate ridgling’s first foray into stakes company and was rewarded.

Pandagate overcame a hard bump at the start and powered to a 5 ½-length victory in Sunday’s $100,000 Gander Stakes, improving to 2-for-3 in the process and giving his connections reason to think about bigger things down the road.

“He’s been training very, very well at Payson Park and we were excited to see him run,” Clement said. “Thank you to all the owners to be so patient. He’s a stakes winner and a New York-bred going long on dirt, so it’s a lot of fun for us.”

A 9-length winner in his debut under Dylan Davis during the Belmont at the Big A meeting, Pandagate reunited with that rider for the 1-mile Gander. He was ridden by Victor Carrasco when second in a 1 1/16-mile allowance-optional in early December. Davis liked the reports from Clement and his team and also came into the Gander with confidence aboard the morning-line pick and eventual post-time 7-5 favorite.

“He’s been training down at Payson Park with Clement’s crew,” Davis said. “They did a great job getting him ready. He had a little layoff, but I just wanted to break him well and not get too much distance from the front leaders. That is what the boss said.

“I haven’t seen him in a while, but the Clement crew gave me videos of him working and in the paddock. It was nice to see him again, he’s still the big horse that I knew before, but he was a little more mentally better today. Just hopefully will keep on improving.”

Pandagate wound up squeezed between Bali Amour and Brown Don’t Stop at the break and was last while The Big Torpedo, Liberty Central and Doc Sullivan scrimmaged through the opening quarter in :24.42.

The Big Torpedo, a 10-length maiden winner last time out and the 5-2 third choice, continued on the lead through the half in :48.55. Liberty Central, who hounded the leader most of the way on the backstretch and on the far turn, took the lead just before hitting 6 furlongs in 1:14.15 just as Pandagate found his best stride several paths off the rail. Pandagate widened his advantage all the way through the lane, kept to task by Davis to win in 1:40.67 over the fast track.

Doc Sullivan finished second, a neck in front of Liberty Central with Brown Don’t Stop fourth. The Big Torpedo and Bali Amour completed the field.

[2]

Pandagate’s connections celebrate victory in Sunday’s Gander Stakes. NYRA Photo.

“He did get a little bump there at the break but he got into stride, got on the bridle, and switched off, then at the three-eighths pole, I turned him out,” Davis said. “It took a little while to get going but once he did that, he was game. I kept him to task all the way to wire because he is still a young horse that doesn’t know what is going on, but he has a nice big stride and galloped out, not really that tired.”

Clement also heaped praise on Davis’ effort.

“Dylan knows him well and it was a perfect ride,” he said. “He was a little bit lost coming out of the gate and Dylan got him to settle. Then he got into a very good rhythm and when he decided to pick it up, he finished well. He’s a nice horse and by Arrogate – it’s a nice family. Everything seems to be working out nicely, and I’m just very grateful to the owners. I’m delighted to train this kind of horse.”

Bred by Fred Hertrich III and out of the stakes-placed New York-bred Sky Mesa mare Kitty Panda, Pandagate sold to Clement, as agent, for $130,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale. He races for Adelphi Racing Club, Madaket Stables, Corms Racing Stable and On The Rise Again Stable.

Pandagate is one of three winners – all New York-breds – out of Kitty Panda. She’s also the dam of three-time winner and $151,380-earner Panster and the two-time winner Countable. Kitty Panda is also the dam of a 2-year-old colt by City of Light. Hertrich purchased Kitty Panda, in foal to Blame, for $160,000 at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky winter mixed sale.

Pandagate picked up $55,000 for the Gander victory, boosting his bankroll to $101,650.

Clement didn’t commit to any specific for Pandagate’s next target, but is thinking about some lucrative summer stakes in the New York-bred 3-year-old division.

“At the moment, he just won, so we are going to enjoy that for 24 hours,” Clement said. “The way the program is made, the two New York-bred races going long on the dirt are the New York Derby at Finger Lakes or the Albany at Saratoga. That’s a long way down the road, so let’s try to find him something in late March or early April going long on dirt. Let’s keep him eligible for everything and enjoy this for a moment.”

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pandagate-the-gander.jpg
  2. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pandagate-the-gander2.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/25/pandagate-storms-to-victory-in-gander-stakes/

Whittington Park gets up in time to win Haynesfield

[1]

Whittington Park (left) gets past Anejo in the final stages of the Haynesfield. Chelsea Durand/NYRA Photo

By Melissa Bauer-Herzog

Whittington Park became a stakes winner in the $100,000 Haynesfield Stakes for New York-breds at Aqueduct Saturday, but it wasn’t easy.

The Midnight Lute 5-year-old broke a step slow from the inside post of a six-horse field and was last after a few strides. He refused to stay there for long, working his way outside and into a settled spot in fourth down the backstretch as the front runners caught up after Mama’s Gold went the first quarter-mile in :23.72 and opened 2 ½ lengths on the field. The pacesetter refused to bow to the early pressure when keeping a half-length on the field through a half-mile pole in :47.80.

By the turn, Mama’s Gold finally gave in as Anejo flew past to quickly open 5 ½ lengths on the field at the top of the stretch. Anejo looked like an easy winner near the wire, but Whittington Park didn’t give up and closed with every stride.

Racing down the center of the track on the leader’s outside for jockey Kendrick Carmouche, Whittington Park got to Anejo just in time to win by a half-length in 1:39.88 for the mile. Dr. Ardito finished third, 11 ¼ lengths behind.

“He just seems like he has a lot more desire and knows what he wants to do,” trainer Jeremiah Englehart said. “You give him a target now and he wants to run the horse down. Last year, a couple races, Kendrick would say he would just wait and make spotty moves. Now, he’s putting himself in the position rather than having to have Kendrick urge him somewhere. A lot of those Midnight Lutes seem to get better as they get older.”

Bred by Marshall Gramm and Clay Sanders, and racing for Gramm’s Ten Strike Racing, Whittington Park improved to 2-for-2 this year with six wins overall and six other top three finishes for $335,810 in 17 starts.

Whittington Park is the third stakes winner for six-time winner See The Forest, also the dam of New York-bred stakes winners Looms Boldly and Critical Value among her seven winners from seven to race. See The Forest is out of dual Grade 1 winner Critical Eye, who saw another daughter produce stakes winner Little Kansas and Grade 3-placed Headline Report.

After a few years without foals reported after Looms Boldly was foaled in 2020, See The Forest produced a New York-bred Constitution colt for Ten Strike Racing last year. The mare visited Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions’ Warrior’s Charge’s last year in his first season at stud.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/whittington-park-the-haynesfield-credit-chelsea-durand2.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/24/32138/

Mullion has first mares in Foal

[1]

Juddmonte homebred Mullion, a son of Into Mischief and full brother to Mandaloun, stands at Sequel Stallions New York. Coady Photography

Press release distributed on behalf of Sequel New York

Mullion, TDN Rising-Star and full-brother to Mandaloun, has first mares confirmed in foal. Mullion is by 4-Time Champion Sire, Into Mischief and out of

the multiple group winning Empire Maker mare, Brooch. Mullion stands at Sequel New York in partnership with Juddmonte Farm. STILLNESS, by Constitution, is a half-sister to G2 Pat O’Brien S. Winner, LAUREL RIVER (Into Mischief), was the first to be reported in-foal for Breeder, Juddmonte Farm. This report was immediately followed by a second confirmed mare in foal. ROCKIN EMMZY, by Tale of the Cat, and half-sister to black-type winner, OCEANIC, was also reported in foal for Richard Kern’s All In The Family Racing.

A full-brother to 2021 G1 Kentucky Derby winner, Mandaloun, Mullion’s speed exceeded even the highest of expectations. In only his second career start, after a 14-month layoff, Mullion showed absolute brilliance when breaking his maiden going a mile at Churchill Downs by 10 lengths. The performance garnered national recognition, a TDN Rising-Star title and an impressive

[2]

Mullion blasted a field of maidens off a more than 14-month layoff in early November at Churchill Downs. Coady Photography.

“Mullion is a beast to look at,” trainer Brad Cox said. “He showed freakish brilliance, so much so that we were pointing him to the Grade 1 Malibu after his 10-length romp at Churchill. He was a rare talent.”

The eye-catching performance garnered national recognition, a TDN Rising-Star title and an impressive 4- Ragozin number, faster than Cody’s Wish’s 2023 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile figure.

 

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MULLION-11-05-23-R02-Churchill-Downs-Finish-01.jpg
  2. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MULLION-11-05-23-R02-Churchill-Downs-Up-The-Track-01.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/24/mullion-has-first-mares-in-foal/

New York Equine Industry grows to $7 Billion Economic Impact

[1]Press release distributed on behalf of Saddle Up NY!

According to the New York State Equine Economic Impact Study (a ‘breakout study’ from the American Horse Council National study), the New York equine industry contributes $7 billion to the state’s economy and has a total employment impact of 52,319 jobs. These figures document growth in both economic and employment impact since the prior study conducted in 2016 ($5.3 billion and 42,400 jobs). The economic impact figures land New York in the top 10 states for equine economic impact and reinforce the importance of the New York equine industry as a significant contributor to the overall economy of the state.

Economic impact comes from spending on the horse itself (including feed, veterinary care, training costs, boarding costs, riding supplies, etc.) as well as spending related to involvement with equines. Those related expenditures include land, buildings, tractors, trucks, fuel oil and taxes. The economic impact goes further and includes horse owner and enthusiast spending on travel, dining and lodging while attending and/or participating in events – to the tune of $2.4 billion. Much of that spending is felt in the communities hosting events and competitions.

Demonstrating the variety of equine engagement in the state, the Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeds remain the top breeds in NY while the Quarter Horse Breed showed the most growth in the state. Trail riding landed at the top of household equine participation with just under 10% of households in New York participating in trail riding. The vast majority (87%) do so on public lands.

In terms of number of equines, the American Horse Council report identifies a decline both Nationally and in New York. Nationally, the figure moved from 7.2 Million to 6.7 Million for a 6.9% decline. In NY, the decline was smaller at 4.7% moving the figure from 154,000 to 146,700. New York ranks 16th nationally in total equine population.

Overall, the findings in the New York State Equine Economic Impact Study provide insights useful in understanding the state’s equine industry and the myriad of ways that equines are important to the overall economy and the lives and livelihood of many households in New York.

The New York State Economic Impact study was commissioned by SaddleUpNY! Industry Partners and made possible through the generous contributions of the following Industry Partners and friends: New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Old Field Farm, Ltd, Blue Chip Farm, John Madden Sales, Cornell University Hospital for Animals, New York Farm Bureau, New York State Horse Council, Karin Bump and Timothy Williams, Sally Lynch, Kent Nutrition, and Triple Crown Nutrition. In addition, a linked GoFundMe campaign was also utilized for essential broader support from individuals across the state.

This is the first of a series of press releases focusing on the results of the study. Additional highlights of the New York State Economic Impact study will be released in the coming weeks. Questions can be directed to Dr. Karin Bump, executive director of SaddleUpNY! at Dr.kbump@gmail.com

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/New-York-Report-2023-Pages-HQ-cover2.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/22/new-york-equine-industry-grows-to-7-billion-economic-impact/

My Mane Squeeze makes it 3 straight in Maddie May

[1]

My Mane Squeeze cruises to third straight stakes win in Sunday’s Maddie May at Aqueduct. NYRA Photo.

Buck Butler wryly admits he’d like to see My Mane Squeeze in some big spots, possibly against open company on one of racing’s biggest stages in a race like the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.

He’s just not about to get ahead of his skis.

“I do have the dreams, but I have the right people who make the decisions,” Butler told NYRA’s Richard Migliore after his homebred Audible filly won her third straight stakes in Sunday’s $100,000 Maddie May for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies.

My Mane Squeeze made relatively easy work of her nine foes under Jose Lezcano, adding the Maddie May to victories last fall in the Maid of the Mist Stakes on Empire Showcase Day and in mid-January in the Franklin Square. Butler will leave the decision where My Mane Squeeze, a finalist for 2023 New York-bred champion 2-year-old filly honors, will go next.

Meanwhile, he and wife Loretta will continue to enjoy the ride.

“The people I’ve surrounded myself with make it easy for me,” Butler said. “My job, I sign the checks. I went to school in Loyola, but I’m a New Yorker born and bred. I don’t have a plan [for a next start for My Mane Squeeze]. Mike has a plan and I follow Mike’s plan. It’s gotten me here; why should I change?”

The 3-5 favorite off those two stakes wins from the outside post, My Mane Squeeze was content to track the early speed first from Cara’s Time and then Florida shipper and recent claim Blue Eyed Warrior. Running several paths off the rail, Blue Eyed Warrior clicked off the opening quarter-mile in :23.27, ahead of Kentucky shipper Landed down on the rail.

Landed, a half-sister to New York-bred champion Venti Valentine and multiple stakes winner and $516,625-earner Espresso Shot, slipped through the inside to take over approaching the half in :47.59. Lezcano and My Mane Squeeze took up the chase with more pressure from there and the top two separated from the field approaching the stretch.

After passing the 6-furlong split in 1:13.76, My Mane Squeeze took over in upper stretch and edged clear approaching the eighth pole. Lezcano hand rode the filly from there, winning by 4 3/4 lengths and finishing in 1:40.64 over the fast track.

“She broke pretty good, especially (at) a mile it gives you more time to find your stride,” Lezcano said. “I rode her like she’s the best horse in the race and kept her face clean. When I asked her, she kept going and won the race.

“I liked [Landed] and wanted to keep her close to me and see what happens. Stay close enough and when I asked, she kept going and won the race. … She’s pretty versatile.”

Landed, a daughter of Omaha Beach who cost Lael Stable $500,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale of selected yearlings, finished second in her stakes debut. She was 8 lengths clear of third-place Bernietakescharge, with Walk With Me fourth. Midnight Concerto, Munny Grab, Cara’s Time, Baroness Bourbon, Rumint and Blue Eyed Warrior completed the field.

My Mane Squeeze earned $55,000 for her Maddie May victory, to boost her bankroll to $293,960 from a record of 4-0-2 in six starts.

Foaled at Keane Stud in Amenia, My Mane Squeeze is the fourth foal out of Butler’s Speightstown mare In Spite of Mama.

In Spite of Mama is also the dam of multiple stakes winner and $582,955-earner Rotknee, stakes-placed winner and $170,220-earner Lookin for Trouble, four-time winner and $166,181-earner Mama’s Gold and an unnamed 2-year-old filly by War of Will. In Spite of Mama is also the dam of a New York-bred yearling colt by Runhappy and was bred by popular young New York sire Honest Mischief in 2023.

Carrying Butler’s colors, Rotknee won the Say Florida Sandy Stakes Jan. 28 at Aqueduct to improve to 9-for-17 in his career. A five-time stakes winner, Rotknee joined his younger half- sister as a finalist for champion New York-bred honors. The son of Runhappy is one of four finalists in the male sprinter category.

The New York-bred championships will be presented at the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc.’s Awards Dinner sponsored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund Monday, May 13 at Sacred Saratoga on the property of GMP Farm in Schuylerville.

Coincidentally that’s five days before the 100th renewal of the $250,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.

“There’s a joke to that—to the extent that the world wants to get into the Kentucky Oaks or the Kentucky Derby,” Butler said about his dream of winning the Black-Eyed Susan. “I started watching horse racing down at Pimlico in Section AA at Pimlico. I would hang out there on a regular basis. On Fridays, there would be nobody there for the Black-Eyed Susan and I would see these magnificent fillies run. It was a goal I set back then—this is over 50 years ago.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/my-mane-squeeze-the-maddie-may.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/18/my-mane-squeeze-makes-it-three-straight-in-maddie-may/

Security Code unlocks first stakes score in Broadway

[1]

Security Code holds off Venti Valentine for her first stakes score in Saturday’s Broadway. NYRA Photo.

Phil Serpe never doubted Security Code’s ability, all the way back to the daughter of Frosted’s 2-year-old season. Security Code lived up to that billing in 2022, winning in her second start after a runner-up finish to the talented Maple Leaf Mel in her debut at Saratoga Race Course.

“We’re looking to run her longer as we get down the road,” Serpe told The Saratoga Special in his annual Fasig-Tipton Stable Tour. “She’s a nice filly and we like her a lot.”

Serpe said similar last season, when the bay filly came to Saratoga with one more win and three stakes placings

“I always thought she was going to be a nice horse,” Serpe said in 2023. “She seems like she just doesn’t quite get there in the stakes, but she ran well here and will get another chance before the end of the meet.”

Security Code made the most of that chance – winning a 6-furlong restricted allowance-optional over closing weekend – and ended her run of futility in stakes competition Saturday, holding off her late-running rivals to win the $100,000 Broadway for older New York-bred fillies and mares. Again, to the delight of her veteran conditioner.

“She’s got some fight in her, doesn’t she?,” Serpe said Saturday after Security Code won by a neck over 5-2 favorite Venti Valentine. “We were kind of resigned to the fact that 6 furlongs might be her thing. She did win at 7 furlongs before, but usually you see how good a horse is going to be somewhere into their 3-year-old year.

“She just keeps getting a little bit better and she just seems to be improving. Maybe seven-eighths will be as far as she wants to go, but it’s a good result considering the New York-bred program, which we love and we’re a big part of, so that works out for her.”

Campaigned by Dr. Robert and Laura Vokovich’s WellSpring Stables, Security Code landed her first stakes victory after winning a 6-furlong open-company allowance last month. She won the 7-furlong Broadway in 1:26.77 over the good track under Jose Lezcano.

Security Code improved to 5-for-19 with five seconds and five thirds and earnings of $419,040.

“Dr. Vukovich and his wife, Laura, are great people to train for and it’s always good to win for them,” Serpe said. “It’s good for this filly and she just keeps churning out a lot of good races. It’s funny, Andy Serling mentioned [on America’s Day at the Races] that she just keeps going. She was running here last January and she was running every month into February.”

Bred by Rockridge Stud LLC, Ascendant Farms LLC and Godolphin and out of the Grade 3-placed Montbrook mare Stopspendingmaria, Security Code is indeed proving to be a throwback. Since her debut Aug. 10, 2022, she’s made starts in every month but one (June 2023) since leading up to the Broadway.

Placed in the 2022 Key Cents at Aqueduct and the 2023 Franklin Square Stakes and East View Stakes, both also at the Big A, Security Code went to the post of the Broadway as the 5-1 fourth choice behind Venti Valentine, Kant Hurry Love and Majestic Return.

Lezcano put her in the race early from post six, keeping tabs on early battling leaders Kant Hurry Love and Majestic Return to through opening splits of :23.11 and :47.23. They stayed wide approaching the stretch run and needed to only pass Kant Hurry Love in the lane.

Security Code edged clear of that foe inside the final sixteenth and had enough left to hold off Venti Valentine. Kant Hurry Love finished another 1 ¼ lengths back with Sweetest Princess fourth in the field of seven.

“She broke pretty good and I was happy with the position I got,” Lezcano said. “She’s more comfortable when she’s outside horses. I put her in the clear and she take me from there. When I asked her at the quarter-pole, she kept running. My filly felt the other horse [Venti Valentine] outside and she picked it up again. She pinned her ears back and she wasn’t going to let her go by. She kept running.”

Security Code is one of four winners and two stakes winners out of Stopspendingmaria, originally a $90,000 purchase by Repole Stables at the 2010 OBS Calder sale of selected 2-year-olds in training. She later sold in foal to Outwork to Rockridge Stud for $32,000 at the 2019 Keeneland January horses of all ages sale.

Stopspendingmaria is the dam of the Uncle Mo mare No Mo’ Spending, winner of the 2020 Joseph A. Gimma Stakes; stakes-placed $360,765-earner Blewitt, an 8-year-old New York-bred son of Uncle Mo and the winning New York-bred Overanalyze mare Analyzeyurspending.

Stopspendingmaria is also the dam of the 2-year-old New York-bred Malibu Moon filly Maria Moon, who was bred by Rockridge, Ascendant and Spendthrift Farm and sold for $225,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October yearling sale; and a yearling New York-bred colt by Modernist bred by Rockridge and Ascendant. The same breeders also welcomed a filly out of the mare by Greatest Honour born on Valentine’s Day.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/security-code-the-broadway2.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/17/security-code-unlocks-first-stakes-score-in-broadway/

Kinza goes to 2-for-2 in Las Virgenes

[1]

Kinza and jockey Juan Hernandez win the Grade 3 Las Virgenes Stakes Saturday at Santa Anita. Benoit Photo.

An impressive maiden special weight winner on debut to end last year, the New York-bred Carpe Diem filly Kinza easily stayed undefeated Saturday with a win in the Grade 3 Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

Stretching out to 1 mile for her second start, the Bob Baffert trainee went straight to the lead and set an easy pace a length ahead of the rest of the field. Setting early fractions of :22.99 and :46.91, Kinza faced mild pressure for the first time going into the turn when Kopion tried to mount a challenge but Kinza proved to be too good.

Kinza was comfortably ahead throughout the stretch run to win by 2 lengths in 1:37.03 for owner Michael Lund Petersen. The 2024 Las Virgenes was the third win in the stakes in as many years for Baffert, who has eight Las Virgenes winners overall.

“I never asked her to go that fast she was doing it all on her own,” winning jockey Juan Hernandez said “That was the key to win the race, that she was comfortable the whole race. When I asked her at the quarter pole, she picked it up, so I think she is a really nice filly.”

The victory took the undefeated filly to $99,000 in earnings in her two starts with both those wins coming at Santa Anita. Kinza will most likely stretch out even more from here with assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes thinking there is more to come.

“She acts like a filly that can handle (two turns),” Barnes said. “You don’t know until you do it, but she had shown in the morning, in her workouts that she could go further. I was more concerned there was so much speed, with the small field and a lot of speed.”

Bred by JD Business Ventures, Brushy Hill Stables and the Carpe Diem Syndicate, Kinza was sold three times before her debut.

The filly made her auction debut as a weanling when consigned by Schuylerville Thoroughbred Farm and brought $17,000 from Marysue Stable at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga fall mixed sale. The following fall, she was purchased as a yearling for $30,000 by Grassroots Training and Sales for $30,000 at the OBS October sale.

Donato Lanni went to $350,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-year-olds in training sale to purchase her for Petersen as the second most expensive New York-bred of that sale. Kinza is the first foal out of winning Quality Road mare Secret Wonder.

A $100,000 Keeneland September yearling sale purchase in 2014, Secret Wonder is a half-sister to the stakes placed Mylastfirstkiss. The family also includes Grade 3 winner Gentler Ruler and two other stakes winners under Kinza’s third dam.

Secret Wonder’s youngest foal is a New York-bred Instagrand filly born March 9, 2022.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kinza-a2-360.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/10/kinza-goes-to-2-for-2-in-las-virgenes/

NYTB Member Exclusive: 2024 Belmont Stakes Presale Access

[1]

Dear Members:

All new and renewed 2024 NYTB members are eligible to access the advance ticket presale for the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

This year’s Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be contested at Saratoga Race Course for the first time in history to allow for the uninterrupted construction of a new and re-imagined Belmont Park.

The Presale will begin Wednesday, February 14 at 10:00 am EST on Ticketmaster.com.

Highlighted by the 156th edition of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 8, the four-day festival will begin on Thursday, June 6, and continue through Sunday, June 9. The festival will include 23 stakes races with the richest purses since the launch of the multi-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in 2014.

NYRA is operating the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival under many of the traditional Belmont Stakes policies, as such, please note the following as they are different from traditional practices at Saratoga Race Course:

All eligible NYTB discount ticket purchases will be verified. To join or renew your NYTB membership for 2024, to take advantage of this special offer, please visit nytbreeders.org/membership.

If you have any questions regarding this year’s Belmont Stakes Racing Festival NYTB member discounts, please contact the NYTB membership services team at (518) 587- 0777.

We hope you enjoy these discounted NYTB membership benefits and hope to see you at this year’s historic Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course!

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/BelmontFestival_logo.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/02/10/nytb-member-exclusive-2024-belmont-stakes-presale-access/

Copyright ©2024 New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News unless otherwise noted.