Pandagate takes New York Derby in return

[1]

Pandagate storms from off the pace under Dylan Davis to win Monday’s New York Derby at Finger Lakes. SV Photography.

Pandagate, off since a gallant third behind Japanese sensation Forever Young in the Grade 2 UAE Derby in late March, showed no signs of rust in his return to the races with a victory in Monday’s $159,000 New York Derby at Finger Lakes.

Pandagate and jockey Dylan Davis made a wide sweep – out at least six paths off the rail – around the far turn en route to a three-quarter-length victory over 4-5 favorite and recent Mike Lee Stakes winner Doc Sullivan. Owned by Adelphi Racing Club, Madaket Stables, Corms Racing Stable and On The Rise Again Stable and trained by Christophe Clement, Pandagate improved to 3-for-5 with the victory.

A son of the late Arrogate bred by Fred Hertrich III, Pandagate was purchased by his trainer for $130,000 out of the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale. He won two of his first three starts, including the Gander Stakes over Doc Sullivan, before his sojourn to the Middle East.

Pandagate finished third in the $1 million UAE Derby, beaten 6 3/4 lengths by eventual Kentucky Derby third-place finisher and multiple stakes winner Forever Young.

Back with New York-bred company off a string of five works in June and July at Belmont Park, Pandagate went off as the 6-5 second choice in the New York Derby.

Davis was content to led Pandagate race in fifth through the opening half-mile, with local longshot Skyler’s Starship clicking off splits of :24.66 and :49.38. Doc Sullivan, the winner of his last two including a 4-lengths score in the slop in the Mike Lee June 9 at Saratoga, took up the immediate chase behind the leader with Elysian Meadows and Aggelos the Great in close contention.

Skyler’s Starship continued to lead around the far turn as Doc Sullivan and Aggelos the Great ranged up to his outside through 6 furlongs in 1:14.27. Davis tipped Pandagate to the outside midway on the bend, the grey ridgling accelerated past rivals and put away Doc Sullivan in the stretch to win in 1:45.63 over the fast track. Doc Sullivan finished 2 1/2 lengths clear of the 33-1 Skyler’s Starship, who edged Elysian Meadows by a neck for third.

Pandagate, who picked up $95,400 to boost his earnings to $297,050, is the fifth foal out of the stakes-placed Sky Mesa mare Kitty Panda. A homebred for Oak Bluff Stables and Clement, Kitty Panda won two of nine starts and finished third in the 2013 Bouwerie Stakes.

Hertrich purchased Kitty Panda in foal to Blame for $160,000 at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky February mixed sale. Pandagate is one of three New York-bred winners out of Kitty Panda, who is 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 an unnamed Kentucky-bred 2-year-old colt by City of Light.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/7-15-24-R7-Pandagate-Action-2.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/15/pandagate-takes-new-york-derby-in-return/

Caldwell Luvs Gold powers to NY Oaks win

[1]

Caldwell Luvs Gold rolls to victory under Manny Franco in Monday’s $75,000 New York Oaks. SV Photography.

Caldwell Luvs Gold stretched out to two turns for the second time in her career and stormed to victory in Monday’s $75,000 New York Oaks at Finger Lakes.

Dicke Racing’s 3-year-old daughter of Goldencents, second last time out going 7 furlongs in the Bouwerie Stakes on New York Showcase Day, shipped from Saratoga Race Course for trainer Brad Cox and won the Oaks by 3 1/4 lengths over Sweet Brown Sugar.

Sent off as the 2-5 favorite under Manny Franco, Caldwell Luvs Gold settled into second early as Sweet Brown Sugar clicked off the opening quarter in :24.88 and half in :50.70. Caldwell Luvs Gold inched closer to the leader approaching the far turn and raced just a half-length behind through 6 furlongs in 1:15.12.

Sweet Brown Sugar, who came in unbeaten in three starts at Finger Lakes including the Niagara Stakes last time out, still led into the stretch before Caldwell Luvs Gold stormed past at the eighth pole. Caldwell Luvs Gold, winner of last year’s Seeking the Ante Stakes on Saratoga Showcase Day, poured it on from there and won in 1:46.22 for the 1 1/16 miles on the fast track.

Sweet Brown Sugar held second, 9 1/4 lengths clear of the second-time starting maiden Purpose with Dharma, Dreamery and Thirteen Red Flags completing the field.

Caldwell Luvs Gold improved to 3-2-2 in nine starts and picked up $45,000 for the victory to pad her bankroll to $299,765.

Bred by Jeremiah Desmond and Drumkenny Farm LLC, Caldwell Luvs Gold is the second foal out of the Quality Road mare Snow.

Caldwell Luvs Gold sold for $36,000 as a weanling at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga fall mixed sale before being purchased by Melissa and Kevin Dicke of Indianapolis for $73,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred sale.

Snow’s first foal, the Cupid gelding Eminency, was a winner who earned $98,413. Her third foal, the 2-year-old New York-bred Vekoma filly Saratoga Snow, sold for $125,000 at 2023 OBS October yearling sale before bringing $47,000 from trainer Mike Dini at this year’s OBS April sale. She’s in training at Monmouth Park with a string works, including a half in :48.60 last Wednesday.

Snow is also the dam of a yearling colt by Cupid and a colt by Mind Control, both bred in New York by Desmond.

Caldwell Luvs Gold won her debut last July at Saratoga before her victory in the Seeking the Ante. After back-to-back stakes placings, Caldwell Luvs Gold finished off the board going two turns for the first time in the Grade 2 Demoiselle Stakes at Aqueduct. She returned in 2024 in the East View Stakes, finishing third, before a sixth sprinting on the turf against older fillies and mares. Caldwell Luvs Gold finished a late-running second in the Bouwerie, under Franco, to set up her run in the New York Oaks.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/7-15-24-R5-Caldwell-Luvs-Gold-Action-3.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/15/caldwell-luvs-gold-powers-to-ny-oaks-win/

Name Changer sires first winner

[1]

New York-bred 2-year-old Tojo’s Mojo gives Name Changer his first winner Sunday at Laurel Park. Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club Photo.

New York-based freshman stallion and graded stakes winner Name Changer sired his first winner Sunday when Tojo’s Mojo won the first race at Laurel Park.

Bred in New York by Majestic View Farms Intl. and owned by Joanne Geruso, Tojo’s Mojo delivered in his second start in the $47,000 maiden special weight going 5 furlongs. The 3-5 favorite, Tojo’s Mojo won by 3 lengths under Jorge Ruiz for trainer John Salzman Jr.

Name Changer, an 11-year-old son of Uncle Mo out of the stakes-winning Northern Afleet mare Cash’s Girl, stands for $2,500 at Peter Kazamias’ Kaz Hill Farm in Middletown.

[2]

Name Changer, who stands for $2,500 at Kaz Hill Farm in Middletown, sired his first winner Sunday. Susie Raisher Photo.

Name Changer won eight of 24 starts with two seconds and eight thirds for $567,080 in earnings. Bred and raced by Richard Santulli’s Colts Neck Stables and trained during his career by Alan Goldberg and his successor with Colts Neck’s runners, Jorge Duarte Jr..

Name Changer won the Grade 3 Monmouth Cup Stakes in 2018 at Monmouth Park and finished third in the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby in 2016 at Mountaineer Park.

Name Changer won two other stakes during his career – the 2016 Richard W. Small at Laurel Park and 2018 Queens County at Aqueduct, and placed in five other stakes.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Tojos-Mojo-7.14.24.jpg
  2. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Name-Changer.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/14/name-changer-sires-first-winner/

Mo Plex scoots to Grade 3 Sanford victory

[1]

Mo Plex and Irad Ortiz Jr. cruise to the finish in Saturday’s Grade 3 Sanford at Saratoga. NYRA Photo.

By Tom Law

Jeremiah Englehart gave owners Rick Higgins and Howard Reed a bit of a warning after Mo Plex blasted to a 10-length victory last month during the Belmont at the Big A meeting, giving the New Yorkers reason to dream big about the biggest meet of the year in their backyard.

“This isn’t how it always happens with 2-year-olds when we buy them,” Englehart told the longtime friends, who race as R and H Stable.

Englehart might need to double down next time he puts the tack on Mo Plex, after the son of Complexity ran his record to 2-for-2 in Saturday’s co-featured Grade 3 Sanford Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

“That was awesome,” Reed, who lives in the Albany area, said after posing with Higgins and Englehart before heading to celebrate the latest graded stakes victory for a product of the New York-bred program.

“We liked his chances, even though not a single prominent handicapper picked him on top,” said Higgins, who lives on Union Avenue in Saratoga just down the road from the racetrack.

Mo Plex’s owners, Englehart and gamblers that packed Saratoga on a steamy afternoon Saturday liked the colt’s chances a lot more after morning-line favorite Mentee came out of the race in the morning with a temperature. Mo Plex went off as the 9-5 second choice behind Studlydoright, down significantly from his 6-1 morning-line price from the outside post in the reduced field of seven.

Irad Ortiz Jr. put Mo Plex on the lead from the break, clicking off strong fractions of :22.51 and :45.92 into the backstretch and around the far turn.

In control throughout, Mo Plex turned for home up by more than a length and extended his advantage to 1 1/2 lengths over the tiring chaser Mr. Squeaky Wheels through 5 furlongs in :58.26. Mo Plex wasn’t seriously threatened from there and finished a length clear of Tremont Stakes winner Studlydoright at the finish in 1:11.72. Three Echos rallied for third.

Bred by Avi and Rhoda Freedberg’s Everything’s Cricket Racing, Mo Plex is the first foal out of the unraced Uncle Mo mare Mo Joy.

A $27,000 RNA at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale, Mo Plex was purchased by Englehart’s JCE Racing for $45,000 at the OBS April sale of 2-year-olds in training. Englehart added R and H Stable to his client list late last year and is thrilled to bring the New Yorkers to his predominantly New York-bred stable bedded down in the Oklahoma Annex at Saratoga for the spring, summer and fall.

Englehart, a longtime player in the state who lives in Schuylerville and has turned much of his attention more to New York-breds in recent years, credited the program.

“This is where I call home all year long, and I concentrate and focus on buying New York-breds,” Englehart said. “Hopefully, we’ve got a few more we can unveil later in the meet and have some fun with. It’s just a tremendous program, and they’ve shown they can run with anything. To me, it’s fantastic and it’s almost like job security when you’re able to have New York-breds. I’m blessed.”

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mo-plex-the-sanford-credit-jeff.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/13/mo-plex-scoots-to-grade-3-sanford-victory/

NYTB Welcomes SUNY Administrators to Saratoga Race Course

[1]

Administrators from SUNY colleges with NYTB board member Tom Gallo and NYRA analyst and retired NY Champion jockey Richard Migliore on their visit to Saratoga Race Course. Photo: Skip Dickstein/NYTB Photos.

One day before the start of this year’s Saratoga Race Course meet, on Wednesday, July 10, The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., led a group of senior administrators and Presidents from the State University of New York System to experience morning training at Saratoga Race Course and learn more about the various segments of the Thoroughbred Industry.

The tour was organized by NYTB board member and education committee chairman Tom Gallo and NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson. Visitors included SUNY administrators and representatives from SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY Niagara, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Oswego and Clinton Community College. The group spent the early morning watching training at the Oklahoma training track and learning about the journey of a racehorse. From being foaled to training and racing on track and the care equine athletes receive day-to-day and also in thoroughbred retirement.

[2]

Retired Champion Jockey & NYRA TV Analyst Richard Migliore speaking with SUNY administrators at the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course. Photo: Skip Dickstein/NYTB Photos

Speakers included were NYRA TV Analyst and retired NY Champion Jockey Richard Migliore, NYRA Executive Vice President of Operations and Capital Projects Glen Kozack, and NYRA Board members and Education committee chair Tom Gallo.

 

Last year, NYTB launched an accredited Thoroughbred industry course with SUNY Cobleskill designed to expose upper-class students in the Animal Science program to all aspects of the Thoroughbred industry and this year NYTB is looking to build and expand on that program in partnership with more schools.

“Our goal in welcoming administrators across the SUNY system to experience and learn more about our industry. Additionally, the immersive tour and experience was an opportunity to expand on the Thoroughbred Industry course we partnered on with SUNY Cobleskill last year with more schools across the state,” said NYTB Board member Tom Gallo.

“It was a wonderful experience for me and my colleagues,” said Ken Knelly administrator in charge for Clinton Community College. “Thank you to the NYTB and NYRA for making it possible. We look forward to continuing to work together to ensure more students can learn about the various jobs and careers in the thoroughbred industry.”

 

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SUNYVISIT071024_DZ24099-21.jpg
  2. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/suny-visit-3.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/12/nytb-welcomes-suny-administrators-to-saratoga-race-course/

NYTB Membership Services booth at Saratoga Race Course

NYTB logo[1]Dear Members:

Following a successful Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in June, the traditional Saratoga summer racing meet is upon us!

To best support our members, NYTB will have a membership services booth located outside the paddock on select Fridays at the track.

As a reminder, your 2024 NYTB membership and pin grants you FREE general admission entrance to Saratoga Race Course on each live race day. 

If you need any help or assistance regarding your NYTB membership or want to direct friends, colleagues, and guests to a place where they can learn more about NYTB and the New York-bred program, please visit us.

Please find the schedule and operating hours for the Saratoga on-track NYTB Membership Services Booth (outside the paddock):

Our collective goal is to be visible to our members during the Saratoga season and share our mission with attendees all summer promoting breeding and racing in New York.

The Saratoga annual summer meet is an exciting time that brings great racing, fantastic purses, and tremendous opportunities for New York-breds at the track. We hope to see you soon!

map[2]nytb_sar_booth_1
Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/NYTB-Logo-for-web-e1614620864994.png
  2. [Image]: http://nytbreeders.org/events

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/10/nytb-membership-services-booth-at-saratoga-race-course/

Knicks Go colt, Tacitus filly fare well at FTK July sale

[1]

Buyers scoured the sales grounds for potential purchases this week at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July yearling sale. Fasig-Tipton Photo.

The only two New York-bred yearlings offered at Tuesday’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July sale commanded seven-figure bids that both came in significantly higher than the overall auction’s average price.

Hip 63[2], a filly by Tacitus bred by Apache Farm LLC, sold for $200,000 to Susan Moulton. Consigned by Perrone Sales, agent, the filly is out of the unraced Dixie Union mare Passe and is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner and $904,800-earning New York-bred Wonder Gal.

Winner of the 2015 Empire Distaff Handicap at Belmont Park and the 2017 Ladies Handicap at Aqueduct and placed in three Grade 1 stakes, Wonder Gal is the dam of 2022 champion 2-year-old filly and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades winner Wonder Wheel.

Passe is also the dam of Forgone, a 3-year-old New York-bred son of Hard Spun who cost $600,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale and two-time winner Freefall.

[3]

Hip 58, a colt by Knicks Go bred by Dr. Jerry Bilinksi and Lou Corrente, sold for $130,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky sale. Photo courtesy of Taylor Made Sales Agency.

Hip 58[4], a colt from the first crop of Horse of the Year Knicks Go bred by Dr. Jerry Bilinski and Lou Corrente, sold for $130,000 to Maddie Mattmiller, agent for Black Type and Swinbank Stables. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, the colt is out of the More Than Ready mare More Than Magic.

More Than Magic is the dam of five winners, including 2020 Grade 3 Schuylerville Stakes third-place finisher Hopeful Princess.

The two New York-breds sold for an average price of $165,000, which came in 46.7 percent more than the overall sale’s average of $112,461. Fasig-Tipton reported sales on 154 of the 231 yearlings offered during the one-day sale for a total of $17,319,000. That total was down 16.5 percent from last year when 210 yearlings sold for $20,732,000, while the median rose 16.9 percent to $90,000.

The next major yearling sales come during the Saratoga Race Course meeting in Saratoga Springs – the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale of selected yearlings August 5-6 and the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred sale August 11-12.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Scenics7-24FTK87.jpg
  2. Hip 63: https://www.fasigtipton.com/catalogs/2024/0709/63.pdf
  3. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/1a949a18-de6a-4ba2-91b3-bca2424780b7.jpg
  4. Hip 58: https://www.fasigtipton.com/catalogs/2024/0709/58.pdf

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/09/knicks-go-colt-tacitus-filly-fare-well-at-ftk-july-sale/

2024 Saratoga Calendar

There are no shortage of special events throughout the Saratoga meet! A selection, in alphabetical order, is included below. Keep an eye on NYTB social media platforms (Facebook[1], Instagram[2], Twitter/X[3]) for changes, additions, and more. A press release including a more extensive list of NYRA’s events can be found here[4].

Belmont Child Care Association Racing for the Children
BCCA’s popular annual fundraiser and auction is on tap for Thursday, August 22. Further information and tickets will be available here[5].

Breakfast & Breeding Farm Tours
Hosted in conjunction with NYRA, Breakfast & Breeding Farm Tours are offered on most racing days throughout the meet. Fans can enjoy breakfast on-track before visiting Song Hill Thoroughbreds on Wednesdays and Thursdays, Old Tavern Farm on Fridays, and Sugar Plum Farm on most Saturdays and select Sundays. Details are available here[6]; tickets are available here[7].

Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sales
The Saratoga Sale occurs August 5-6. The New York-Bred Preferred Sale takes place on August 11-23. Catalogues will be available here[8].

Horse Racing Women’s Summit
HRWS comes to Saratoga for a jam-packed July 23 filled with networking, speakers, and events. Tina Bond, Jane McMahon, and Kim Weir are among the speakers and Lisa Lazarus and Donna Barton Brothers will host the keynote discussion. Details and tickets are here[9].

Lustgarten Foundation Day
NYRA honors the late trainer Dominic Galluscio by fundraising for the Lustgarten Foundation, fighting pancreatic cancer, in his honor. A bevy of trainers will be available for an autograph session on August 17.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
The NMRHOF hosts a number of events throughout the meet. NYTB and NYTHA are co-hosting a Saturday Morning Social on July 20. The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for that Friday, August 2. The Racing Partnership and Syndicate event, connecting interested parties with the world of owning racehorses, is on Saturday, August 10. Their full calendar of events and more details can be found here[10].

New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day
NYRA, NYTHA, and NYTB join forces to host the third annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Thursday, August 15. OTTBs and the people and organizations that care for them will be in the spotlight throughout the day. Full details are available here[11].

New York Thoroughbred Breeders Special Events
NYTB is co-hosting the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Saturday Morning Social series on July 20. Admission will be free from 9am-12pm with NYTB on-hand to answer questions, promote the program, and more. Details are available here[12].

Join NYTB on Thursday, August 8, at Rood and Riddle for a BBQ to kick off the NY-bred Preferred Yearling Sale! Breeders, consignor, bloodstock agents, and friends are welcome to join us from 6-9:30pm at 63 Henning Rd for handcrafted BBQ, an open bar, and live music from The Wallies cover band. Admission is free with registration – here[13].

Celebrate the program and spend time together on-track at Paddock Suite on Thursday, August 22! Enjoy a day at the races and a VIP experience. Tickets are available here[13].

In addition, NYTB will be on-site at the races every Friday at a booth near the paddock entrance. Details are here[14].

NYRA Giveaways
There are four giveaways scheduled throughout the meet – July 19, August 2, August 16, and September 1. Full details, including images of the items, are here[15].

PDJF Day Across America
A jockey autograph session is among the activities planned for Saturday, July 27 to raise funds and awareness for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund[16].

Race Track Chaplaincy of New York
One of the most popular events of the season, the annual basketball game, is scheduled for Thursday, August 1. Head to the Saratoga Rec Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave) for the 15th annual charity basketball game, as jockeys face off against a collection of horsemen. Full details are here[17].

Len Green is the honoree at the annual brunch, which will be held on Wednesday, August 14, at Saratoga National. The event raises crucial funds for the organization. Tickets and details are available here[18].

ReRun’s Casino Night at Sugar Plum Farm
“Boots & Bling” from 7pm – 11pm on July 13 at Sugar Plum Farm will feature entertainment, food, drinks, casino games, and more. The beneficiary is the ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption Program, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization which is the largest of its kind in the area. Details and tickets are here[19].

Endnotes:
  1. Facebook: http://facebook.com/nytbreeders
  2. Instagram: http://instagram.com/nytbreeders
  3. Twitter/X: http://twitter.com/nytbreeders
  4. here: https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/news/nyra-announces-special-events-schedule-for-2024-summer-meet
  5. here: http://belmontchildcare.org/events
  6. here: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/06/19/expanded-nyra-saratoga-breakfast-breeding-farm-tours-for-2024-launches-july-12/
  7. here: https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/visit/experiences#farmtour
  8. here: http://fasigtipton.com
  9. here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hrws-x-saratoga-tickets-858613123967?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios
  10. here: http://racingmuseum.org/events
  11. here: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/08/retired-racehorse-of-the-year-award-to-highlight-new-york-aftercare-day-at-saratoga-august-15/
  12. here: https://www.racingmuseum.org/events/saturday-morning-social-presented-new-york-thoroughbred-horsemen%E2%80%99s-association-and-new-york
  13. here: http://nytbreeders.org/events
  14. here: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/10/nytb-membership-services-booth-at-saratoga-race-course/
  15. here: https://www.nyra.com/saratoga/news/nyra-announces-premium-giveaways-for-2024-summer-meet-at-saratoga-race-course
  16. Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund: http://pdjf.org
  17. here: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MjA1NjA1
  18. here: https://one.bidpal.net/nychaplaincybrunch2024/welcome
  19. here: https://qtego.us/l/rerun/tickets

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/09/2024-saratoga-calendar/

Retired Racehorse of The Year Award to Highlight New York Aftercare Day at Saratoga August 15

Soaring Star, bred in New York by Patricia Moseley and a graduate of New Vocations, participates in last year's inaugural event. Susie Raisher photo.[1]

Soaring Star, bred in New York by Patricia Moseley and a graduate of New Vocations, participates in last year’s inaugural event. Susie Raisher photo.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) will host the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Thursday, August 15, at Saratoga Race Course.

The event will be highlighted by the introduction of the Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award. Named for the first horse retired through the TAKE THE LEAD[2] Program back in 2013, the Down Broadway will feature nominations from the New York organizations that participate in Aftercare Day, with the winner to be decided by a vote of racing fans.

New York Aftercare Day showcases retired racehorses demonstrating the skills they’ve learned in second careers, and interviews with members of New York’s aftercare community. The $125,000 Rick Violette Stakes, named for the late trainer and NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program, will anchor the racing card.

Representatives of ACTT Naturally[3], Lucky Orphans[4], New Vocations[5], Old Friends at Cabin Creek[6], ReRun[7], Second Chance Thoroughbreds[8], Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga[9], and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation[10] will be on hand in the Community Booth behind the jockeys’ quarters to talk about their efforts on behalf of New York’s retired racehorses.

“All of the members of New York’s racing industry, including, owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, and racetrack management, are firmly committed to providing for our horses after they leave the track,” said TAKE THE LEAD President Rick Schosberg. “Collectively, we contribute more than $1.2 million a year to ensure they have the happy and healthy retirement they deserve. Aftercare Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase the success of our commitment.”

Milfer Farm-bred Uncle Sigh, multiple graded stakes placed, Kentucky Derby participant, and ReRun ambassador, meets fans at the 2021 event. Susie Raisher photo.[11]

Milfer Farm-bred Uncle Sigh, multiple graded stakes placed, Kentucky Derby participant, and ReRun ambassador, meets fans. Susie Raisher photo.

“Thoroughbred Aftercare Day reflects our ongoing commitment to re-training and rehoming these world-class equine athletes when their racing days are done,” said Andrew Offerman, NYRA Senior Vice President for Racing & Operations. “New York is the national leader when it comes to supporting and investing in meaningful aftercare efforts, and NYRA is pleased to host the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course on August 15.”

“New York Aftercare Day is an important event on the Saratoga calendar because it allows us to celebrate the good work done by leading Thoroughbred Aftercare organizations that care and retrain our equine athletes,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders. “We’re proud to collaborate with NYTHA, NYRA, and each participating organization in our collective efforts to highlight and bring awareness to Thoroughbred Aftercare across the industry.”

Schosberg, now himself retired from training, was Down Broadway’s conditioner when the decision was made to transition the New York-bred to a second career. Winless in 10 races, the handsome gray gelding was retired through New Vocations back in 2013 and is now living his best life in Ohio.

“After several successful years as a dressage horse, he’s living out in massive pastures at a friend’s farm in northeastern Ohio,” said adopter Megan Uditis. “He’s spoiled, so loved and happy as can be! He was by far my favorite to bring along, so sweet and kind, and he still is. He’s happy to have his forever home with his pasture mates.”

The nominations for the Down Broadway Award will be announced in mid-July, with voters casting their ballots online for the retired racehorse of their choice. Wristbands for each nominee will be given away on Aftercare Day so that fans can show their support, and the winner will be honored after the first race.

“The winner’s circle ceremony for Drafted last year was so popular, we wanted to find a way to celebrate one of our retired racehorses every year,” TAKE THE LEAD and NYTHA Executive Director Andy Belfiore explained. “Whether they were champions or never won a race, these horses have earned our love and respect, and we need to demonstrate that, not just on Aftercare Day, but every day.”

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Soaring-Star_1435NYTBsite.jpg
  2. TAKE THE LEAD: https://www.take2tbreds.com/about-take-the-lead/
  3. ACTT Naturally: https://www.acttnaturally.org/
  4. Lucky Orphans: https://www.luckyorphans.org/
  5. New Vocations: http://newvocations.org/
  6. Old Friends at Cabin Creek: https://oldfriendsatcabincreek.com/
  7. ReRun: http://rerunottb.com/
  8. Second Chance Thoroughbreds: http://secondchancethoroughbreds.org/
  9. Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga: http://thsaratoga.org/
  10. Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation: https://www.trfinc.org/
  11. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Uncle-Sigh_1131NYTBsite.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/08/retired-racehorse-of-the-year-award-to-highlight-new-york-aftercare-day-at-saratoga-august-15/

Silver Skillet romps to Port Washington win

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Silver Skillet returns to the grass and lands another stakes victory in Sunday’s Port Washington at Aqueduct. Susie Raisher/NYRA Photo.

Christophe Clement met Joel Rosario in the Aqueduct paddock before Sunday’s $116,250 Port Washington Stakes and offered one bit of advice for the latter’s ride on odds-on favorite in the New York-bred turf stakes.

“Just be comfortable, she’s doing well,” Clement said.

A few minutes later Rosario put Silver Skillet on the lead against her three foes in the 1 1/16-mile Port Washington, didn’t fight the daughter of Liam’s Map when she appeared headstrong early and let her settle around the first turn and into the backstretch. Silver Skillet responded and dominated the field en route to a 7-length victory.

“She broke a little slow, and got going with a little bit of speed, but I was able to slow it down on the backside a little bit and she did the work,” Rosario said. “Very nice. She’s really talented and sometimes she likes to do her own thing. She’s just a racehorse.”

Silver Skillet, who won in 1:43.33, added the Port Washington on closing day of the Belmont at the Big A meeting to her victory last month in the off-the-turf Mount Vernon Stakes during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course. She’s won five times in 14 starts with three seconds and two thirds for Clement and owners Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, Tango Uniform Racing and Steven Rocco. The $68,750 winner’s piece of the Port Washington boosted Silver Skillet’s bankroll to $440,240.

“It’s always nice to win, especially when you train for your friends,” Clement said.

Bred by Robert Chasanoff and foaled at Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, Silver Skillet earned champion New York-bred turf female honors last year after winning twice and finishing second three times in seven starts. She won an allowance and Suzie O’Cain Stakes at Saratoga and placed in a pair of stakes downstate.

Silver Skillet made her third start of 2024 in the Port Washington, after opening the year with a fourth in an open allowance April 25 at Aqueduct and the Mount Vernon June 9.

Facing just three following the scratches of Whatlovelookslike and main track only runners Bustin Bay and Bon Adieu, Silver Skillet went to post as the 1-2 favorite and backed up the support.

Silver Skillet clicked off splits of :23.22, :49.04 and 1:13.10 before withstanding a mild challenge from 12-1 longshot Lisa’s Vision around the far turn. Silver Skilled spurted clear in the stretch and drew off from there. Lisa’s Vision held second, 2 lengths ahead of 9-5 second choice Marvelous Maude with Snowy Evening fourth.

Joseph Migliore, agent, purchased Silver Skillet for $260,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale. She’s the second foal out of the stakes-winning Red Giant mare Catcha Rising Star. Chasanoff purchased Catcha Rising Star, winner of the 2016 West Virginia Senate President’s Cup Stakes and the earner of $235,050, for $85,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November breeding stock sale.

Catcha Rising Star produced her first foal, the New York-bred Congrats filly Gianduia, in 2019. Silver Skillet came next and Catcha Rising Star was sold in foal to New York-based stallion Honest Mischief to Thorndale Farm for $53,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga fall mixed sale.

Catcha Rising Star’s 2023 filly by Honest Mischief, named Ineedapop and bred by Eaton & Thorne Inc., was purchased by The Elkstone Group for $35,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale.

Endnotes:
  1. [Image]: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Silver-Skillet-the-Port-Washington-credit-Susie-Raisher4.jpg

Source URL: https://www.nytbreeders.org/news/2024/07/07/silver-skillet-romps-to-port-washington-win/

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