Posts Tagged ‘john sadler’
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
By Ray Paulick
Trainers in Northern and Southern California have elected a new board of directors to California Thoroughbred Trainers after the sitting board agreed to resign en masse when confronted by possible decertification last year by a new organization, California Horsemen for Change, started by one-time California Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association leader Darrell Vienna.
Ed Halpern, executive director of the CTT, said the following nine trainers were elected to the new board: Bob Baffert, Jeff Bonde, Gloria Haley, Terry Knight, Doug O’Neill, John Sadler, John Shirreffs, Darrell Vienna, and Kathy Walsh. Bonde, Haley and Knight were elected to represent Northern California, while the remaining six represent Southern California.
Baffert, Bonde, O’Neill, Sadler, Shirreffs, Vienna, and Walsh were listed as supporters of California Horsemen for Change in a letter written to trainers last October. Shirreffs was the only member of the previous CTT board reelected in balloting that took place from early January until Jan. 18.
The new board is scheduled to meet and elect new officers next Wednesday. Jim Cassidy served as the last CTT president.
“I’m hopeful this election will generate a new sense of participation among the membership,” said Halpern.
When the Thoroughbred Owners of California was created 15 years ago, replacing the HBPA in matters such as purse negotiations with racetracks, the CTT was created to deal with backstretch conditions, track safety, and benevolence matters. As California racing’s fortunes have declined in recent years, there has been growing unrest among trainers over a number of issues.
California Horsemen for Change pointed to the following as areas of concern:
- the closing of Fairplex Park to stabling and training due to revenue shortfalls;
- the poor economic state of the racetracks and the uncertainty over the future of Hollywood Park, Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields and Del Mar;
- questions about the safety of synthetic tracks;
- a desire to be more closely engaged with TOC.
(For additional background on the dispute among California trainers, click here to read an earlier Paulick Report article on the issue.)
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Tags: Bob Baffert, california horsemen for change, california thoroughbred trainers, ctt, darrell vienna, doug o'neill, ed halpern, gloria haley, jeff bonde, jim cassidy, john sadler, john shirreffs, Kathy Walsh, Paulick Report, Ray Paulick, terry knight, thoroughbred owners of california, toc
Posted in California, Trainers | 6 Comments »
Friday, January 15th, 2010
By Ray Paulick
Over 20 years ago, during a trip to Japan to ride Pay the Butler in the Japan Cup and participate in the World Super Jockeys competition, jockey Chris McCarron was asked to speak at the Japan Racing Association’s jockey school, where teenagers with professional riding aspirations are taught about the sport, about horses and about life. McCarron was impressed by what he saw, and returned home vowing to someday help start a similar school in the United States.
“We’ve got the best racing in the world,” he said. “Yet we’ve never had a place to formally train for a job in the industry as a jockey. There are riding schools around the world. Panama has the most famous one, but there are others, including one in Newmarket, and the oldest one in the world was established in South Africa.”
Following his retirement in 2002, Hall of Famer McCarron ramped up his efforts and sought support for the idea of a jockey school, something the late Hall of Fame Bill Shoemaker toyed with during the latter stages of his career. He met with a group that included Keeneland president Nick Nicholson, who had worked with Shoemaker on the concept, and with seed money provided by Keeneland found a home for the school within the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. McCarron called it a “match made in heaven.”
The North American Racing Academy was launched in the fall of 2006, with a first-year class of 11 students who would spend the next two years in the classroom, getting hands-on training from McCarron and be placed in an internship with a top trainer. The 11 students were selected from more than 50 applicants, and eight of them completed their studies, getting an associate degree. Subsequent classes included 10 students that enrolled in 2007 (six graduated), 17 in 2008 (16 are on target to graduate this spring), and 11 enrolled in the fall of 2009. In addition to those enrolled to learn how to become jockeys, the 2008 enrollment class included eight students on what McCarron calls the “horseman’s pathway.”
The North American Racing Academy has a staff of four. McCarron, the director, lectures in the classroom and offers hands-on lessons; there is a second full-time instructor; a barn manager; and a director of program facilities. The NARA is based at the Kentucky Horse Park and uses the Training Center on Paris Park classroom work.
Cost to students ranges from $132 per credit hour for Kentucky residents to $425 per credit hour for out of state students. Seventy hours are required for an associate’s degree.
The latter half of 2009 was a bittersweet time for McCarron, who was devastated to see one of NARA’s early graduates, Michael Straight, severely injured in a spill at Arlington Park. The final month of the year brought some good news when Ben Creed became the first NARA graduate to win a riding title, when he led all jockeys at the Turfway Park holiday meeting.
Creed is an example, McCarron said, of how students can really blossom during their on-track internships. “He surprised the heck out of me,” McCarron said. “He was not very far along when he was here, but he interned in California with John Sadler and came back a lot more polished. He really came along in a short period of time. Ben is one of those guys like me who had no previous experience at all with horses. He would not have been one of my picks at this time last year to stand out.”
Trainers involved in the internships include Todd Pletcher, Jonathan Sheppard, Shug McGaughey, Nick Zito, Wesley Ward, Doug O’Neill and Tom Proctor, among others. Interns are asked to gallop and breeze horses, clean tack and help around the barn. “I want them to know as much as possible about what it takes to get a horse ready to race in the afternoon,” McCarron said.
McCarron said he is “ecstatic” with the launch and early progress for the North American Racing Academy (which was not named a “riding” academy because he wants it to include programs for prospective grooms and trainers as well as jockeys).
He has even bigger plans for the school’s future, including a campus at the Kentucky Horse Park and possible expansion to a second division in the Ocala, Florida, area that would be part of the the Central Florida Community College System.
For more information, click here to visit the web site of the North American Racing Academy.
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Tags: Ben Creed, chris mccarron, doug o'neill, Good News Friday, japan racing association, jockey, jockey school, john sadler, jonathan sheppard, Keeneland, Kentucky Community and Technical College System, liberation farm, michael straight, NARA, nick nicholson, nick zito, North American Racing Academy, shug mcgaughey, South Africa, todd pletcher, Tom Proctor, turfway park, Wesley Ward
Posted in Good News Friday, Jockeys | 4 Comments »
Friday, January 1st, 2010
Press Release
For the first time, female Thoroughbreds occupy the top two spots on the list of leading North American earners in 2009, according to final statistics released today by Equibase Company LLC, the Thoroughbred industry’s official database for racing information.
Zenyatta earned $3,330,000 in 2009 to become the fourth filly or mare, and the first since Dance Smartly in 1991, to top the leading earners list. Runner-up Rachel Alexandra earned $2,746,914.
In the other categories, Steven Asmussen, Garrett Gomez and Michael Gill head the individual lists of the leading trainers, jockeys and owners, respectively, by North American earnings in 2009.
The year-end compilations are distributed annually by Equibase and include results from Thoroughbred racing in North America only. The top 100 North American leaders in each category are accessible at equibase.com.
Asmussen, who previously topped the trainers’ list in 2003 and 2008, won a single-season record 650 races from 2,944 starts for North American earnings of $21,876,405 in 2009. Runner-up was Todd Pletcher, whose horses won 238 races from 1,108 starts for earnings of $15,454,429 in 2009.
Completing the list of top 10 trainers by North American earnings in 2009 were Bob Baffert, $9,574,394 (117 wins/504 starts); William Mott, $7,957,370 (116/689); Jerry Hollendorfer, $7,309,169 (273/1,210); Kiaran McLaughlin, $6,983,433 (113/555); Scott Lake, $6,928,884 (307/1,462); Christophe Clement, $6,849,013 (91/448); Robert Frankel, $6,586,098 (42/293); and John Sadler, $5,999,956 (132/637).
Garrett Gomez, with earnings of $18,571,171, topped the North American leading jockeys’ list for the fourth consecutive year in 2009. He rode the winners of 210 races from 967 mounts. Julien Leparoux finished second, with 247 wins from 1,284 mounts and earnings of $18,560,565.
Rounding out the list of top 10 jockeys by North American earnings in 2009 were Ramon Dominguez, $18,348,422 (391 wins/1,651 mounts); Kent Desormeaux, $13,262,760 (177/936); Joel Rosario, $13,073,777 (284/1,476); John Velazquez, $13,069,881 (204/1,160); Rafael Bejarano, $12,403,993 (240/1,129); Rajiv Maragh, $11,736,729 (236/1,479); Robby Albarado, $11,504,625 (204/1,148); and Alan Garcia, $11,280,481 (183/1,049).
Michael Gill won 370 races from 2,247 starts and earned $6,669,950 in North America in 2009 to lead all owners. Runner-up was Juddmonte Farms Inc., which won 27 races from 116 starts for earnings of $6,525,818.
Completing the list of top 10 owners by North American earnings in 2009 were Zayat Stables LLC, $6,323,286 (113 wins/573 starts); Darley Stable, $4,977,513 (78/343); Heiligbrodt Racing Stable, $4,880,906 (151/819); Augustin Stable, $4,825,552 (57/244); Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss, $4,172,533 (31/128); Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey, $4,108,857 (140/521); Melnyk Racing Stables Inc., $3,991,368 (81/387); and Maggi Moss, $3,799,637 (193/716).
In addition to the official North American racing leaders’ lists available at equibase.com, Equibase also provides a second set of leaders’ lists that includes the results of the Dubai World Cup card from March 28, 2009, at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. Including these international earnings, Well Armed was the leading Thoroughbred with earnings of $3,649,000 and WinStar Farm LLC was the leading owner with earnings of $7,145,236. Steven Asmussen remained the leading trainer with earnings of $21,876,405 and Garrett Gomez the leading jockey with earnings of $18,571,171.
Equibase Company is a partnership between The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America and serves as the Thoroughbred industry’s official database for racing information. In addition to year-end rankings of the top trainers, jockeys, owners and horses, the company’s website, equibase.com, features daily rankings of the top 100 by category for the current year as well as an ever-increasing menu of racing information and handicapping products for handicappers of every skill level.
Tags: Alan Garcia, Augustin Stable, Bob Baffert, Christophe Clement, darley stable, equibase, garrett gomez, Hellingbrodt Racing Stable, Jerome Moss, jerry hollendorfer, joel rosario, john sadler, john velazquez, Ken Ramsey, kent desormeaux, kiaran mclaughlin, maggi moss, Melnyk Racing Stables, Michael Gill, Paulick Report, Rachel Alexandra, rafael bejarano, Rajiv Maragh, ramon dominguez, Robby Albarado, robert frankel, Scott Lake, steve asmussen, todd pletcher, winstar farm, zayat stables, zenyatta
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Friday, December 4th, 2009
December brings the American graded stakes racing schedule into the homestretch. This weekend there will be a pair of graded stakes for juveniles at Delta Downs, in Vinton, Louisiana, and a pair at Hollywood Park.
Friday night racing at Delta Downs offers $1.6 million in purse money and is capped off by the Grade 3 Delta Jackpot, the final leg (race 9) of a $100,000-guaranteed pick four, which includes the G3 Delta Princess (race 7) and two other stakes races.
The Jackpot’s generous $750,000 purse has attracted runners from such high-profile barns as Steve Asmussen (Grand Slam Andre), Rick Violette (Litigation Risk) and Todd Pletcher. Pletcher has one of the top contenders in this race with Rule, who will be ridden by John Velazquez. Rule, a son of Roman Ruler, broke his maiden at Belmont and scored by a handy nine lengths over the Delta Downs strip in the Jean Lafitte. Shipping in from Southern California is Gallant Gent, whose 7th-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile merits him consideration here, especially with Kent Desormeaux aboard. Also entered in the 1 1/16-mile affair is Uh Oh Bango, a close second in the G3 Iroquois at Churchill Downs in his last out.
The counterpart to the Jackpot is the one-mile Delta Princess for fillies. Installed as the 5-2 morning line favorite is Truth and Justice, a winner in her last three starts. The daughter of Is It True won the Sorority at Monmouth and the Presque Isle Downs Debutante, both in September, and most recently, the My Trusty Cat at Delta Downs. Second- and third-place finishers in the My Trusty Cat are also entered here—Bella Diamante and Best Reward, respectively. At 3-1 is Joanie’s Catch, who posted a win and two runner-up finishes in her last three starts, all stakes races at Calder. Another possibility is Quiet Temper; though a maiden, she’s finished second in her three outings, all in open company in New York.
Saturday’s Hollywood Park feature is the G2 Bayakoa Handicap, for fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles on the Cushion Track surface. Life is Sweet, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic, was slated to run here, but her connections have decided to rest her in anticipation of a 2010 campaign. Instead, John Shirreffs, who knows a little about training horses, has entered Zardana, who last ran in the G2 Las Palmas, the race that immediately followed that electrifying run of the Ladies’ Classic. Zardana was never a factor in that race and now returns to a synthetic surface after ten turf starts. Briecat won the Bayakoa last year in a 13-1 upset. Since then, the only win she has posted was in the Adoration at Del Mar. In her last out, the G1 Lady’s Secret, she was crushed by Horse of the Year candidate Zenyatta after setting a leisurely pace throughout. Also in the field of 11 are two others coming out of the Las Palmas, Cat by the Tale (3rd) and Teamgeist (6th), a multiple Group 2 winner in her native Argentina.
On Sunday at Hollywood Park, sprinters will be in the spotlight in the G3 Vernon O. Underwood and it may be a John Sadler exacta. He trains both Machismo, who appears to be the dominant speed in this 6-furlong contest, and Noble Court, the probable favorite. Noble Court was last seen in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint where he broke last in the field of 14 but made up ground in the late stages to finish 4 ¼ lengths behind wire-to-wire winner California Flag. Look for Noble Court to be flying in the stretch, dueling with his stablemate to the wire.
Tags: Adoration, Bayakoa Handicap, Bella Diamante, Best Reward, Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic, Briecat, California Flag, Cat by the Tale, Del Mar, Delta Downs, Delta Jackpot, Delta Princess, Gallant Gent, Hollywood Park, Iroquois, is it true, john sadler, john shirreffs, john velazquez, KBC Horse Supplies, kent desormeaux, lady's secret, Las Palmas, Life is Sweet, Machismo, Monmouth, My Trusty Cat, Noble Court, Quiet Temper, Rick Violette, Roman Ruler, steve asmussen, todd pletcher, Uh Oh Bango, Vernon O. Underwood, Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch, Zardana, zenyatta
Posted in Weekend Stakes: Where to Watch | Comments Off
Saturday, September 27th, 2008
By Ray Paulick
Curlin passed Cigar to become North America’s all-time earnings leader and first $10-million horse with his second consecutive victory in the $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup on a sloppy Belmont Park track on Saturday afternoon.
Ridden by Robbie Albarado, Curlin raced in midpack early as Wanderin Boy set the pace under Alan Garcia — his fractions in :24.67, :48.79, 1:13.08, and 1:36.70. Curlin ommenced his rally on the turn, swung out wide at the top of the stretch and wore down Wanderin Boy late to win by three-quarters of a length. Merchant Marine was third, 3 3/4 lengths behind the runner-up. Mambo in Seattle was fourth, followed by Ravel, Stones River, A.P. Arrow and Angliana. Time of the race on a sloppy track was 2:01.93.
(VIDEO), (CHART)
The win, worth $450,000, was Curlin’s 11th in 15 lifetime starts (all as a 3- and 4-year-old in 2007-08), and moved his earnings to $10,246,800, surpassing Cigar’s previous record of $9,999,815.
Curlin, a 4-year-old son of Smart Strike out of Sherriff’s Deputy, by Deputy Minister was bred in Kentucky by Fares Farm. He is owned by Jess Jackson’s Stonestreet Stables and the Midnight Cry Stable of Shirley Cunningham and William Gallion, is trained by Steve Asmussen. Curlin began his career racing for Midnight Cry and was trained by Helen Pitts. An 80% interest in Curlin was purchased following his maiden win by Jackson, Satish Sanan and George Bolton, but Jackson eventually bought out those partners and now owns 80%.
There is great speculation about whether Curlin will face Kentucky Derby-Preakness winner Big Brown in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but Jackson would not commit to the race during a teleconference earlier this week. He indicated Curlin could race two more times this year, leaving the door open for the Breeders’ Cup and a possible subsequent appearance in either the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs in late November of the Japan Cup Dirt at Hanshin race course in Japan in early December.
"As to going out to Santa Anita, we’ll probably load him up, but first we’ll have to get him adjusted," Jackson said. "But it is up to him whether he likes the track and the surface. So those are concerns we still have. But we’ll consider it now that we’re past this hurdle. That’s the next prospect for us, and we’ll give it every bit of attention."
Albarado never appeared to use the whip on Curlin, who seemed to lose ground down the backstretch, but quickly moved into contention when asked by his rider. "Robby was really comfortable down the backside," Asmussen said. "I think he knows who he is on, and he let it sort out in front of him. He lost a little bit of position on the backside when Robby decided he didn’t want to be that wide. He immediately moved up in the bridle and came into the stretch the way you wanted him to be. He looked fabulous through the stretch."
"I can’t say how proud I am to be part of what’s just happened," Asmussen said. "To make history — the all-time money-winning horse in North America — it’s very special. The job that (assistant) Scott Blasi and (exercise rider) Carmen Rosas have done with him on a day-to-day basis enabled him to maintain the consistency. For him to be able to carry the weight of expectation, I’m very proud."
The 3-year-old Kingmambo colt Mambo in Seattle, a narrowly beaten second in the Travers Stakes to Colonel John, was never a factor in the Gold Cup.
Results from Saturday’s other major Breeders’ Cup prep races from Belmont Park, Turfway Park, Oak Tree at Santa Anita and Hawthorne. Updates from each race as they are run.
KENTUCKY CUP JUVENILE FILLIES (Turfway Park): Sugar Mom made a late run in the two-turn mile race to make it three straight wins on synthetic tracks for the owner-trainer combination of Frank Calabrese and Wayne Catalano. First stakes win for daughter of Monarchos out of Plenty of Sugar, by Ascot Knight. Winless in first three starts at Churchill Downs, including her last for a maiden claiming tag of $30,000. Complicity finished second, a length back, with Saxxy Rose Lee third and favored Bold Union tiring to be fourth. Time for the mile was 1:37.86.
KENTUCKY CUP SPRINT (Turfway Park): Fatal Bullet completely dominated his rivals as the 6-5 favorite, setting fast fractions and pulling away in the stretch for an impressive7 3/4-length victory in track-record time 1:08.03 for six furlongs on Polytrack. This was the seventh win in 10 starts for 3-year-old Red Bullet gelding out of Sararegal, by Regal Classic. Owned by Bear Stables and trained by Canadian Reade Baker, Fatal Bullet was coming off stakes victories on Polytrack at Woodbine and Tapeta track at Presque Isle Downs. Silver Sword and No Advantage finished second and third, respectively. Baker said it’s on to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint for Fatal Bullet.
KENTUCKY CUP JUVENILE (Turfway Park): West Side Bernie rallied into the stretch and pulled away by three lengths under Stewart Elliott. The 2-year-old by Bernstein out of Time Honored, by Gilded Time, is unbeaten in two starts for trainer Kelly Breen and owners Lori and George Hall, having broken his maiden by 1 ½ lengths at Monmouth Park Aug. 28. He covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.22 as the 9-5 favorite, with Retap and Gresham finishing second and third.
KENTUCKY CUP DISTAFF (Turfway): Getting their second stakes win of the day, Bear Stable, trainer Reade Baker and jockey Eurico Da Silva teamed up for a four-length victory with Bear Now (Tiznow–Controlled, by In Excess), who sat just off the pace of Devil House, moved to the lead at the head of the stretch and drew off by daylight. Unforgotten rallied late for second, with Devil House holding third. Bear Now, eighth in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff, has won three of six starts this year, her two previous wins coming on Woodbine’s Polytrack. She covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.37. Baker said he would give Bear Now another chance in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (formerly the Distaff).
KENTUCKY CUP CLASSIC (Turfway): Well-traveled Zanjero pulled away in the final furlong to win the Kentucky Cup Classic by 1 1/2 lengths under Shaun Bridgmohan. Trained by Steve Asmussen and owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds, Zanjero was winning for the sixth time in 18 starts. He is a 4-year-old by Cherokee Run out of Checkered Flag, by A.P. Indy. Extreme Supreme finished second, followed by Canela and 8-5 favorite, Honest Man. Time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:49.27. Owner Ron Winchell said Zanjero will be pointed to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile Oct. 25.
BELDAME (Belmont Park): Godolphin’s Cocoa Beach wore down odds-on favorite Ginger Punch, the reigning Eclipse Award-winning older filly and mare to make it two straight in the U.S., following an easy win in the ungraded Love Sign Stakes at Saratoga. The 4-year-old Chilean-bred daughter of Doneraile Court out of Visionera, by Edgy Diplomat, raced four times in Dubai over the winter, including a third-place showing in UAE Derby, after beginning career unbeaten in four starts in native Chile. She is trained by Saeed bin Suroor. Ginger Punch was second, beaten a half length, after setting fractions of :24.61, :48.18, :1:12.26; and 1:36.76. Final time was 1:49.50 on a sloppy track.
FLOWER BOWL INVITATIONAL STAKES (Belmont): Alan Garcia coaxed Dynaforce to a four-length wire-to-wire victory over heavily favored Mauralakana, who was gunning for her fifth straight win. The 5-year-old daughter of Dynaformer was winning on U.S. soil for the first time in four starts after racing in France for owner-breeder John Chandler.Mauralakana made a bold early run going into the far turn under Kent Desormeaux, but the Bill Mott-trained Dynaforce had too much in reserve, winning by daylight after setting fractions of :26.23, :52.87, 1:19.22 and 1:43.45. Comminque was third in the four-horse field. Time for 1 ¼ miles was 2:07.59 on a yielding track.
VOSBURGH (Belmont): Black Seventeen shipped in from California for trainer Brian Koriner to score a major upset over defending champion Fabulous Strike. The 4-year-old son of Is It True out of Fuzzy Navel, by Strike the Anvil, won the Carry Back Stakes at Calder in July for his only previous stakes win. Black Seventeen raced just behind a three horse duel (Fabulous Strike, J Be K, First Defence), moved to the lead in the stretch, and overtook Fabulous Strike late. Kokiak Kowboy rallied late to get third.
JOE HIRSCH TURF CLASSIC INVITATIONAL (Belmont): Alan Garcia guided Grand Couturier to a 10 1/4-length victory, his second Grade 1 turf triumph in a row for trainer Robert Ribaudo and owner Marc Keller. The 5-year-old son of Grand Lodge out of Lady Eigar, by Sadler’s Wells, comes off a victory in the Sword Dancer over Better Talk Now Aug. 16 at Saratoga. Grand Couturier won last year’s Sword Dancer and then finished sixth behind English Channel in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Turf. Interpation edged Summer Patriot for second. Kent Desormeaux, aboard Interpation, filed a complaint against the winner alleging interference on the turn, but it was not allowed. Precious Passion set the pace in the Hirsch, with slow fractions of :24.97, :50.52, 1:16.84, and 1:42.35 for the opening mile of the 1 1/2-mile event. Strike a Deal took a brief lead with a quarter mile to go, the 1 1/4 miles clocked in 2:09.07, but Grand Couturier charged past to win in hand, getting the distance on yielding turf in 2:34.84.
CLEMENT L. HIRSCH MEMORIAL TURF INVITATIONAL STAKES (Oak Tree at Santa Anita): Making just his second start of the year, Peachtree Stable’s Red Giant (by Giant’s Causeway) set a new track and world record of 1:57.16 for 1 1/4 miles on the Santa Anita turf while edging Out of Control by a head. Transduction Gold was third. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Red Giant was winning for the sixth time in 12 starts. Last year he won the Virginia Derby and was second in the Secretariat Stakes. In his 2008 debut at Saratoga, Red Giant took the Fourstardave by a neck Aug. 3.
LADY’S SECRET (Oak Tree at Santa Anita): Zenyatta tracked from last in the four-horse field under Mike Baze, swung wide into the stretch and pulled away down the stretch under a hand ride to win by 3 1/2 lengths — her eighth straight without a defeat. Pacesetter Hystericalady was second, with Santa Teresita third. The daughter of Street Cry out of Vertigineux out of Kris S, is trained by John Shirreffs and owned by Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Moss. She was odds-on to win her sixth consecutive graded stakes and eighth overall and will be a solid choice in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic Oct. 24 at Santa Anita. Time for the 1 1/16 miles on the new Pro-Ride synthetic track was 1:40.30.
ANCIENT TITLE STAKES (Oak Tree at Santa Anita): Cost of Freedom made the first run under Tyler Baze, getting the lead at the top of the stretch, and then holding off the late charge of 9-10 favorite, Street Boss, to win by a half-length in 1:07.53 for six furlongs (fractions were :21.27, :43.57, :55.50) . In Summation was third. Cost of Freedom was a $50,000 claim by Gary and Cecil Barber in late July at Del Mar. Formerly owned by Harris Farms and trained by Carla Gaines, he is now under the care of John Sadler. A 5-year-old California-bred gelding by Cee’s Tizzy out of Freedom Dance, by Moscow Ballet, Cost of Freedom has now won six of 10 starts, but the Ancient Title was his first stakes victory.
OAK LEAF STAKES (Oak Tree at Santa Anita): Making her 4-5 odds look generous, Stardom Bound overwhelmed her 11 2-year-old filly rivals, rallying from far off the pace to win by 3 1/2 lengths over pacesetter Palacio de Amor. The gray daughter of first-crop sire Tapit (out of My White Corvette, by Tarr Road) broke behind the field and was allowed to settle near the back of the pack by Mike Smith as Palacio de Amor set fractions of :23.32, :46.37, 1:10.61 and 1:35.90 for the opening mile. Stardom Bound swung widest of all into the stretch and easily moved to the lead under a hand ride, completing the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.44. Oro Blanco was third. The winner, owned by Charles Cono and trained by Christopher Paasch, broke her maiden in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante after running second in a maiden race and second in the Sorrento Stakes — all at Del Mar. The Oak Leaf was her first race around two turns.
YELLOW RIBBON STAKES (Oak Tree at Santa Anita): John Velazquez registered career win No. 3,999 aboard Wait a While for Arindel Farm and trainer Todd Pletcher, racing from just off the pace, taking command in mid-stretch and holding Vacare at sway to win by about three-quarters of a length. Black Mamba was a fast-closing third. Final time for the 1 1/4 miles on firm turf was 1:59.16 after fractions of :24.53, :47.83, 1:12.31, and 1:35.63. Longshot Live Life showed the way for the first six furlongs, then gave way to Solva, Velazquez used Wait a While’s good tactical speed to overcome the No. 10 post position, and raced just off the lead before moving to the front. This was the 12th win in 23 starts and pushed Wait a While (a 5-year-old by Maria’s Mon, out of Flirtatious, by A.P. Indy) over the $2-million mark in career earnings. It Wait a While’s first Grade 1 victory since taking the Yellow Ribbon in 2006.
GOODWOOD (Oak Tree at Santa Anita): Using new off-the-pace tactics, Aaron Gryder guided7-10 favorite Well Armed to a one-length victory over Tiago. Rating in third position most of the way as Mast Track and Informed volleyed for the lead, Well Armed swung to the outside at the head of the stretch, drifted out with a furlong to run, but switched leads and kept to his task to get the win for trainer Eoin Harty. Final time was 1:47.11 for the 1 1/8 miles. Albertus Maximus finished third.It was the sixth victory in 19 starts for Well Armed, and his first in a Grade 1 race. He won the San Antonio and San Diego Handicaps (both Grade 2) going wire to wire earlier this year. Well Armed is a 5-year-old gelded son of Tiznow out of Well Dressed, by Notebook. Harty said Well Armed would be pointed for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, along with another WinStar runner in his barn, Santa Anita Derby and Travers Stakes winner Colonel John.
HAWTHORNE GOLD CUP (Hawthorne): Richard Migliore gave Team Valor’s Fairbanks a perfect trip in the 1 1/4-mile Gold Cup, racing just off the pace, moving between horses on the turn for home, and drawing away down the stretch for an easy 2 3/4-length victory as teh 7-10 favorite. Magna Graduate finished second, with Wayzata Bay third Fairbanks (by Giant’s Causeway out of Alaska Queen, by Time for a Change), was winning for the sixth time in 18 starts. He is trained by Todd Pletcher.
Copyright © 2008, The Paulick Report
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Tags: aaron gryder, Add new tag, Alan Garcia, Beldame, bill mott, Breeders' Cup, Breeders' Cup Challenge, breeders' cup classic, breeders' cup preps, Breeders' Cup Win and You're In, cee's tizzy, charles cono, christopher paasch, cigar, clement hirsch, Cocoa Beach, cost of freedom, Curlin, Doneraile Court, Dynaforce, eoin harty, fairbanks, Fatal Bullet, Flower Bowl Invitational, Frank Calabrese, gary and cecil barber, ginger punch, Godolphin, goodwood, grand couturier, grand lodge, Horse Racing, is it true, jess jackson, John Chandler, john sadler, john velazquez, Kentucky Cup, Kentucky Cup Sprint, Kentucky Juvenile Fillies, lady's secret, mauralakana, monarchos, Oak leaf, Paulick Report, polytrack, Ray Paulick, Reade Baker, Red Bullet, robbie albarado, stardom bound, steve asmussen, street boss, Sugar Mom, tapit, team valor, tiago, todd pletcher, tyler baze, wait a while, Wayne Catalano, well armed, west side bernie, winstar farm, Yellow ribbon, zenyatta
Posted in Breeders' Cup, Curlin, Horse Racing | Comments Off
Friday, September 19th, 2008
By Ray Paulick
Californian Mike Mitchell has produced a steady stream of winners – mostly in the claiming ranks – since taking out his trainer’s license in 1974. He also has been cited quite regularly for various rules violations, including numerous medication and medication procedural infractions, by track stewards and the California Horse Racing Board, the latest being a positive test for the Class 3 drug Procaine in Scat Thief, third-place finisher in a race at Del Mar Aug. 3.
Procaine is commonly found in the antibiotic Pencillin G.
The longtime California claiming king consistently ranks among meeting leaders at Santa Anita Park, Hollywood Park and Del Mar, and he usually cracks the top 50 in the national standings by earnings. Horses he trains have won $3.5 million thus far in 2008, and he’s winning at a 24% clip. Mitchell makes semi-frequent forays into graded stakes, as he did in 2007 when the $50,000 claim Sun Boat won Del Mar’s Grade 2 San Diego Handicap. Sun Boat died a month later after contracting laminitis.
Earlier this summer, Thoroughbred Times reported that Mitchell received 10 notifications for anabolic steroid positive tests during the transition period to ban the substance in California. The only trainer with more notifications, according to the article, was Del Mar’s leading trainer, John Sadler, who reportedly received 18 notifications. The article said there was a total of 38 notification letters to all trainers, which means Sadler and Mitchell allegedly accounted for 74% of them.
Those reported anabolic steroid notices do not go on Mitchell’s record at the CHRB or into the database of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, which compiles rulings from around the country. The RCI’s compilation of rulings involving Mitchell are shown below.
One of the more interesting rulings in the list of violations is a $5,000 fine in 2004 against Mitchell for an Acepromazine positive that occurred in 2003. Apparently, then CHRB executive director Roy Wood cut a deal with Mitchell for a fine and no suspension before the case even reached track stewards. According to a 2004 article in Bloodhorse magazine by Michael G. Wagner, Wood bargained for fines and no suspensions with trainers whose horses tested positive in order to save the racing board money spent on attorneys.
According to the article, when stewards conducted a hearing on the matter with Mitchell and asked him to discuss how the case was resolved, he told them: "Talking to some of the (CHRB) investigators, they said, ‘You know they really don’t like to suspend anybody now — if you acknowledge the fact that it happened, and you want to pay the fine.’ … So I went through Roy Wood, talked to him. … I felt I just — you know, a 30-day suspension just would have been devastating to me. It would have been terrible. The fine was great."
Wood is no longer with the CHRB.
A hearing for Mitchell has been scheduled Oct. 11 at Santa Anita on the Procaine charge.
Below is Comprehensive Ruling Report on Mitchell from the RCI.
Rulings Against: MICHAEL RAY MITCHELL
46 total ruling(s) listed.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: LATS090 Date: 3/16/2007
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: LOS ANGELES TURF CLUB
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Horse Breed: Thoroughbred
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 300 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: ALTERATION OF SEX OF HORSE
________________________________________
Ruling Number: LATS083 Date: 3/14/2007
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: LOS ANGELES TURF CLUB
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Horse Breed: Thoroughbred
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 3000 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: 06HP192/TC02 POSITIVE
________________________________________
Ruling Number: OTTS001 Date: 10/1/2006
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Horse Breed: Thoroughbred
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 500 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: 06DM072/1629 LATE DECLARATION
________________________________________
Ruling Number: OTTS005 Date: 10/1/2006
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Horse Breed: Thoroughbred
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 1000 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: 06DM075/1843 DICIOFENAC
________________________________________
Ruling Number: HRTH104 Date: 6/29/2006
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Horse Breed: Thoroughbred
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 300 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: HORSE INELIGIBLE TO START
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*10101543 Date: 6/29/2006
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 300 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: ENTERED AN INELIGIBLE HORSE.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*10092082 Date: 5/5/2005
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: SANTA ANITA PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 300 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: METHOCRBAMOL - "ALPHABETIC", 2ND RACE, 3-72-05.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*10080229 Date: 11/11/2004
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 100 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: IMPROPERLY SHOD FOR TURF COURSE.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*10090571 Date: 11/11/2004
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 100 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: 04SA179/E0681/IMPROPERLY SHOD
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*10073956 Date: 3/27/2004
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s): Promazine Promazine
Fine Amount: $ 5000 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: PROMAZINE, "SWEET STEPPER," 3RD RACE, 9/7/03.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*10075126 Date: 2/29/2004
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Positive Drug Test
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s): Prednisolone Prednisolone
Fine Amount: $ 300 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: METHYPREDNISOLONE, "AREYOUTALKINTOME", 1ST RACE, 12-20-03, WINNER.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*10065309 Date: 7/26/2003
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: DEL MAR
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 100 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: LATE TO THE RECEIVING BARN.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*10054303 Date: 6/27/2002
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 100 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: LATE TO RECEIVING BARN.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*10023128 Date: 3/17/2001
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 200 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: PENALTY FOR LATE DECLARATION.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*339217 Date: 5/8/1998
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Positive Drug Test
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s): Flunixin
Fine Amount: $ 300 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: EXCESS FLUNIXIN.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85390 Date: 6/8/1996
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 100 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: FAILED TO FILE A DECLARATION AT THE PROPER TIME.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85389 Date: 10/22/1995
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s): Methocarbamol Methocarbamol
Fine Amount: $ 750 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: TWO POSITIVE TESTS FOR METHOCARBAMOL.
________________________________________
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85372 Date: 2/13/1991
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 100 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $100 - EMPLOYMENT OF UNLICENSED PERSON.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85391 Date: 2/13/1991
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 200 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - EXCESS BUTAZOLIDIN FOUND INSAMPLE TAKEN FROM "SILVER STRAND", 2ND RACE ON 2-1.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85398 Date: 7/31/1990
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 200 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS OF AND DISRESPECT TO PADDOCK JUDGE.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85373 Date: 9/7/1989
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: DEL MAR
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $500 - FOUND EQUIPROXEN IN "BELLE MO", 1ST RACE, 8-30.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85374 Date: 9/1/1989
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: DEL MAR
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $500 - FOUND EQUIPROXEN IN "SPEEDRATIC", 8TH RACE, 8/17/89.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85375 Date: 7/15/1989
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - FOUND ROBAXIN IN "SUCESS FORMULA", 3RD RACE, 7-4.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85376 Date: 1/28/1989
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Positive Drug Test
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s): Hydrocortisone Hydrocortisone Hydrocortisone
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - VIOLATION OF RULE 1844 (MEDICATION-HYDROCORTISONE).
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85399 Date: 8/22/1988
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: DEL MAR
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $100 - EXHIBITING CONDUCT UNBECOMING TO A LICENSEE.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85377 Date: 7/9/1988
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $100 - EMPLOYMENT OF UNLICENSED PERSON.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85392 Date: 12/5/1987
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - NEGLIGENCE IN RACE DAY BLEEDER MEDICATION PROCEDURES.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85378 Date: 11/25/1987
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: 00$200 - FAILURE TO DELIVER HORSE TORECEIVING BARN AT PROPER TIME.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85393 Date: 1/15/1987
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $300 - VIOLATION OF RULE 1844(C) (AUTHORIZED MEDICATION; MORE THAN ONE APPROVED DRUG SUBSTANCE, SECOND OFFENSE).
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85400 Date: 1/3/1987
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - VIOLATION OF RULE 1843(D) (MEDICATION IN EXCESS OF PERMITTED LEVEL - BUTAZOLIDIN).
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85379 Date: 10/3/1986
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - VIOLATION OF RULE 1843(D) (MEDICATION IN EXCESS OF PERMITTED LEVEL - BUTAZOLIDIN).
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85401 Date: 6/11/1986
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - VIOLATION OF RULE 1843(D) (MEDICATION IN EXCESS OF PERMITTED LEVEL - BANAMINE).
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85380 Date: 2/22/1986
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: Unknown
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - MEDICATION IN EXCESS OF PERMITTED LEVELS.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85381 Date: 3/28/1984
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: SANTA ANITA PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - MEDICATION IN EXCESS OF LIMITS.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85382 Date: 9/7/1983
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: DEL MAR
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $200 - VIOLATION OF RULE #1845(E) (BLEEDER LIST).
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85383 Date: 7/8/1982
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $100 - FAILURE TO HAVE HORSE, A CONFIRMED BLEEDER, TREATED FOR RACE.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85402 Date: 6/21/1981
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $300 - NEGLIGENCE IN PROCEDURE OF RACEDAY BLEEDER MEDICATION CONDITIONS.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85384 Date: 5/29/1981
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $100 - NEGLIGENCE IN PROCEDURE OF RACE DAY BLEEDER MEDICATION CONDITONS.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85394 Date: 9/14/1980
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: DEL MAR
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $50 - FAILURE TO BE PRESENT AT PADDOCK TO SUPERVISE SADDLINGOF HIS HORSE.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85385 Date: 5/23/1980
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $300 - NEGLIGENCE IN PROCEDURE FOR RACE DAY BLEEDERMEDICATION CONDITIONS.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85395 Date: 2/17/1979
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: SANTA ANITA PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $300 - NEGLIGENCE IN PROCEDURE OF RACE-DAY BLEEDER MEDICATIONCONDITIONS.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85386 Date: 1/25/1979
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: SANTA ANITA PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $100 - NEGLIGENCE IN PROCEDURE OF RACE-DAY BLEEDERMEDICATION.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85403 Date: 5/26/1978
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: HOLLYWOOD PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $100 - FAILURE TO PROPERLY REGISTER A HEEL NERVED HORSE.
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85387 Date: 1/2/1978
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: SANTA ANITA PARK
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $150 - VIOLATION OF RULE 1895 (UNLICENSED GROOM IN RECEIVINGBARN).
________________________________________
Ruling Number: *N*85388 Date: 12/10/1975
Issued By: California Racing Commission Facility: BAY MEADOWS
Ruling Type: Unknown
Division: Unknown Breed: Unknown
Drug(s):
Fine Amount: $ 0 Fine Paid: Not Submitted
Suspension Start: None Suspension End: None
Description: $50.00 FOR VIOLATION OF CHRB RULE 1629 (PENALTY FOR LATEDECLARATION).
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Tags: acepromazine, anabolic steroids, association of racing commissioners international, California Horse Racing Board, california racing, CHRB, Del Mar, drugs in racing, Hollywood Park, Horse Racing, john sadler, Medication, michael ray mitchell, michael wagner, mike mitchell, Paulick Report, procaine, Ray Paulick, RCI, roy wood, santa anita, scat thief, sun boat, thoroughbred trainer
Posted in California, California Horse Racing Board, Medication, Regulatory Issues | 7 Comments »
Monday, September 8th, 2008
By Ray Paulick
John Sadler, the leading trainer at the recent Del Mar meeting whose barn was raided Aug. 18 by California Horse Racing Board investigators amidst allegations of multiple postive tests for anabolic steroids in horses he trains, has taken a "voluntary leave of absence" from his position as president and as a member of the board of directors of the California Thoroughbred Trainers.
In a Sept. 8 email to the Paulick Report, Ed Halpern, executive director of the CTT, confirmed that both Sadler, who in July was elected by the organization’s board of directors as president, "and the board agreed" on the action at an August meeting "because of the controversy surrounding recent revelations by the CHRB."
In addition, Halpern said, Jeff Mullins, a member of the CTT’s board, also agreed to take a voluntary leave of absence
"while current CHRB charges against him are litigated." Jack Carava and Clifford Sise were named as interim directors by the board. Jim Cassidy was named to replace Sadler as president of the organization.
During a phased-in ban on anabolic steroids, the CHRB began testing July 1 without treating positive tests as violations but informing trainers and owners if a horse tested positive. From Aug. 1-Sept. 3, positive tests were to be reported as violations but but penalized. Beginning Sept. 4, penalities are to be meted out on steroid positives. According to Thoroughbred Times, Sadler accounted for 18 of 38 positive tests after testing began.
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Tags: anabolic steroids, California Horse Racing Board, california thoroughbred trainers, CHRB, clifford sise, ctt, Del Mar, ed halpern, Horse Racing, jack carava, jeff mullins, john sadler, Medication, Paulick Report, Ray Paulick
Posted in California, California Horse Racing Board, Medication | 3 Comments »
Friday, August 22nd, 2008
By Ray Paulick
Del Mar’s publicity office put out an updated press release Friday afternoon saying that Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella will appear at Del Mar’s "Donut Days" fans forum Saturday morning. There was no mention made of trainer John Sadler, Del Mar’s leading trainer who was originally scheduled to appear at the event that gives fans an opportunity to ask questions of the featured guests.
Sadler has been at the center of a storm involving anabolic steroids since his Del Mar barn was searched Monday by California Horse Racing Board investigators. On Thursday, CHRB executive director Kirk Breed told Thoroughbred Times that Sadler horses came up positive for anabolic steroids on 18 different occasions since testing began July 1. There have been a total of 38 positives for anabolic steroids from the 418 samples tested for steroids.
Also on Thursday, the CHRB said any horses treated with anabolic steroids on or after today (Aug. 22) would be placed on the vet’s list a minimum of 30 days.
Copyright © 2008, The Paulick Report
Visit the Paulick Report for all the latest news throughout the racing world.
Tags: anabolic steroids, California Horse Racing Board, CHRB, Del Mar, john sadler, kirk breed, Paulick Report, Ray Paulick, richard mandella
Posted in California, California Horse Racing Board, Medication, Regulatory Issues | 1 Comment »
Friday, August 22nd, 2008
By Ray Paulick
California racing fans who are curious why Del Mar’s leading trainer, John Sadler, reportedly has had 18 horses test positive for steroids since July 1 will have the opportunity to quiz him on the subject during a “Donut Days” promotion at the Southern California seaside racetrack Saturday morning from 8-10 a.m. The program, emceed by track announcer Trevor Denman, promises a “behind-the-scenes look into the world of Thoroughbred racing.” If medication issues come up with questions from the audience, however, it may not be the behind-the-scenes examination the track’s marketing department was looking to promote.
(UPDATE: Sadler scratched from Donuts Days)
 Sadler, with 25 winners from 83 starters at the current meet for a 30% win percentage, will saddle Zappa in Sunday’s Pacific Classic. But he’s been in the news this week following a search of his Del Mar barn by California Horse Racing Board investigators and the disclosure by CHRB executive director Kirk Breed that Sadler’s horses have accounted for 18 of the 38 positive tests among all trainers for anabolics since July 1. Mike Mitchell, who is second behind Sadler in the Del Mar trainer standings, has had 10 horses test positive for anabolic steroids, according to Breed. Those figures were first reported by Thoroughbred Times. A total of 418 tests have been conducted.
Jeff Mullins, third in the trainer standings, is facing a possible suspension and fine after one of his horses exceeded the permitted level for TCO2 (bicarbonates, or milkshaking). The positive occurred while Mullins was on probation for an earlier violation. Doug O’Neill, who is fourth in the trainer standings, was forced to have his horses stabled in a detention barn at the outset of the Del Mar meeting because of an earlier medication charge by the CHRB.
Sadler currently is president of California Thoroughbred Trainers and Mullins is on the organization’s board of directors.
The CHRB’s ban on anabolic steroids was phased in after testing began July 1, with warning letters issued for positive tests during the month of July. Starting Aug. 1, a positive test was to be considered an official violation, with a notation on the trainer’s record and public notification, but no penalties were to be assessed until Sept. 4, when steroids are reclassified from Class 4 to Class 3 drugs. Beginning with races on Sept. 4, steroid positives could result in a fine, suspension and redistribution of the purse.
The CHRB’s chairman, Richard Shapiro, and executive director Breed have admitted with the benefit of hindsight that the phased-in approach was a mistake. On Thursday, the CHRB took an additional step of announcing that any horse administered anabolic steroids on or after Aug. 22 will be placed on the vet’s list for a minimum of 30 days.
A Thursday press release from the CHRB quoted an “obviously angry” Shapiro saying, “We mean business!” after the board’s medical director, Rick Arthur, reported at a Medication Committee meeting that some trainers were still using steroids. The press release also quoted CHRB vice chairman John Harris saying: “We will have no sympathy for any owners or trainers who flaunt our rules.” The meeting occurred the day after the search of Sadler’s barn.
The “Donut Days” promotion takes place at the west end of the grandstand. Other scheduled guests are retired Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Delahoussaye and Jockeys’ Guild representative Darrell Haire.
Donuts are being provided by Yum Yum Donuts.
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Tags: anabolic steroids, California Horse Racing Board, california thoroughbred trainers, CHRB, ctt, darrell haire, Del Mar, donut days, doug o'neill, eddie delahoussaye, jeff mullins, john harris, john sadler, mike mitchell, milkshaking, Paulick Report, Ray Paulick, richard shapiro, rick arthur, steroids ban, tco2, trevor denman
Posted in California, California Horse Racing Board, Medication, Regulatory Issues | 5 Comments »
Thursday, August 21st, 2008
By Ray Paulick
The definition of the term “illegal” has always been a bit fuzzy in the horse racing world, especially among trainers. Several years ago I asked a very prominent horseman point blank if he was giving the blood-doping agent EPO to his horses as racing’s rumor mill had it. His response was a non-answer. “It ain’t illegal.” I assured him that the drug was, in fact, quite illegal, and that there were harsh penalties for anyone who got caught using it.
His reply surprised me. “How can it be illegal if they can’t test for it?” he asked.
Reminded me a little of former President Bill Clinton’s testimony to a grand jury about his affair with Monica Lewinsky. “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is,” Clinton said, explaining why he told White House aides there was nothing going on between he and the intern.
The definition of what’s illegal and when are legitimate questions concerning the phased-in ban of anabolic steroids by the California Horse Racing Board. Monday’s search of the barn of Del Mar’s leading trainer John Sadler and comments by state regulators indicate not everyone has been on the same page in regard to the ban on steroids. The CHRB and its medical director, Dr. Rick Arthur, hoped all trainers and veterinarians would follow the guidelines suggested during the process of reclassifying anabolic steroids from Class 4 to Class 3 drugs (according to Association of Racing Commissioners International guidelines). That apparently hasn’t been the case.
Sadler said he and his attorney, Donald Calabria, have discussed possible litigation as a result of the barn search.
The first directive was issued by the CHRB May 12. That was followed by a May 26 informational Q&A that suggested, among other things, that trainers and veterinarians “not use anabolic steroids beyond this point.” But the Q&A also said there would be a period beginning July 1 when testing for steroids would be conducted but nothing more than a warning letter would be sent for positive tests. On July 24, CHRB executive director Kirk Breed issued a directive saying, effective Aug. 1, the board would begin to “strictly enforce all regulations concerning anabolic steroids and will no longer issue ‘unofficial notices’ when the test samples reveal unauthorized levels of anabolic steroids …complaints will be filed against trainers or other licensees alleged to have violated the regulations.”
Then, on Aug. 8, Breed issued another advisory saying the CHRB “will begin enforcement of the amended (steroids) rule” effective with races run Sept. 4.
From my reading of those directives and advisories, steroids became “illegal” on Aug. 1, with violations going on a trainer’s record, but there would be no penalty for positive tests until Sept. 4 because of California’s bureaucratic process of adopting new regulations. Trainers would effectively be on an “honor system” between those two dates. That’s kind of like saying it’s illegal to go over the speed limit on a highway this month, but the police will only give you a warning if they catch you speeding. But next month, when they start issuing tickets with penalties, you’d better slow down!
“We are trying to implement this enforcement regulation in the most logical, timely way,” CHRB chairman Richard Shapiro said in one of the advisories. “We have given notice to the owners, trainers, veterinarians and other track personnel. It is part of the process. The administration of all anabolic steroids to horses in competition must stop immediately. Complaints will be issued. The hammer is coming down. In this way, we are protecting the public and all of those who are playing by the rules.”
Apparently it’s a velvet hammer that chairman Shapiro is wielding until Sept. 4. And I wonder how the public is being protected by having rules that have no teeth for enforcement. While most trainers followed the guidelines, some apparently have not, and the betting public has no way of knowing who is and who isn’t giving steroids to their horses.
One of Sadler’s principal owners is Gary Barber, who with his brother, Cecil, has won more races at Del Mar this season than anyone else. (Another of Sadler’s owners is CHRB commissioner Jerry Moss.) Barber was extremely upset about the barn search and any suggestions that Sadler is doing anything illegal.
“John is a stand-up guy and there is no reason to believe that there is anything he’s done beyond what’s in the rules and regulations,” Barber told the Paulick Report. “It’s quite shocking to me that these people without any evidence or knowledge have gone on a witch hunt and are trying to recover from the mistakes they made themselves.
“It’s all about steroids,” Barber continued. “I’m a total supporter for getting rid of them. We’re all for cleaning up the game. Lots of people have been receiving letters (warning of positive tests for steroids). These letters are purely notifications that in the future this will not be tolerated.
“You either should ban something or not; there’s no in between. They should have said ‘no use, period.’ But now they regret the decision they made and are trying to find scapegoats. Wait till Sept. 4 and go after everybody at the same time. Write the rules and abide by them.”
CHRB executive director Breed, commenting in a published report, admitted it was a “mistake” to phase in the ban on steroids.
Copyright © 2008, The Paulick Report
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Tags: anabolic steroids, association of racing commissioners international, California Horse Racing Board, cecil barber, CHRB, Del Mar, donald calabria, gary barber, Horse Racing, jerry moss, john sadler, kirk breed, Medication, RCI, richard shapiro, rick arthur, steroids
Posted in California, California Horse Racing Board, Medication, Regulatory Issues | 11 Comments »
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