PRESS ON

**Thoughts and prayers continue to roll in for the horses who lost their lives in a barn fire on Monday night at Classy Lane Training Centre. Thorughblog has received a number of comments and emails, some comments have been gathering on this post:

https://canadianthoroughbred.com/thoroughblog/hearts/#comments

 

 

SHE’S BAAAAACK – LEXIE LOU ENTERED AT TAMPA BAY DOWNS ON WEDNESDAY

 

 

 

 

 

The long awaited return to racing of LEXIE LOU, the 2014 Canadian Horse of the Year, is scheduled to take place on Wednesday at Tampa Bay Downs in a 1 mile turf allowance/optional claiming event. The champ has been away since the early winter of 2015 with various issues, most recently an eye injury. She has post 8 in the race and Anthony Gallardo will ride for Gary Barber and trainer Mark Casse.

Lexie Lou has been working at Winding Oaks Farm…

Winding Oaks Farm  12/31/2015   Turf 4F 48.20 Breezing 1/1
Winding Oaks Farm  12/24/2015  Turf 5F 1:00.60 Breezing 1/1
Winding Oaks Farm  12/15/2015   Turf 7F 1:27.00 Breezing 1/1
Winding Oaks Farm  12/9/2015     Turf 5F 1:00.00 Breezing 1/2
Winding Oaks Farm  12/2/2015     Turf 5F 1:00.40 Breezing 1/1

 
QUEEN’S PLATE THOUGHTS TURN TO GULFSTREAM
Plate sleeper Sandman starts from post 14 today

Mark Casse chatted with Thoroughblog recently about his Queen’s Plate prospects for 2016 and one of his up-and-comers, CONQUEST SANDMAN, is set to make his 2nd career start at Gulfstream today in race 8.

The Ontario bred by Scat Daddy – Toula by Bold Executive had a wild career debut on Dec. 19 in a 9 furlong grass race when he broke slow,y raced a bit rank into the backstretch, was very wide and still almost won. Bred by Josham Farms Limited, the $80,000 yearling purchase is on the dirt for the 9 furlong race today but post 14 is no gift.

Casse still thinks the world of CONQUEST ENFORCER, the Cup and Saucer Stakes winner by Into Mischief, bred by Ivan Dalos. “He’s doing great. I think he could be any kind. Still not sure when he will return,” said Casse. The colt was said to be injured after the Cup and Saucer.

CONQUEST DADDYO, the Summer Stakes winner is ” doing well, nothing for him on the turf until the last week in February at GP. I’m think about trying him on the dirt,” said Casse.

CONQUEST TWISTER is at Oaklawn and casse suspects he may be a sprinter.
BELIVEAU has only returned to training after a lengthy layoff in which he was seriously ill.

 

Also today at Gulfstream, trainer TODD PLETCHER sends out Queen’s Plate hopeful BATTERY, a son of Bernardini – Flawless Diamond by Saint Ballado in race 9, an allowance/optional claiming race at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. Battery, owned by Harrel Ventures LLC won his maiden at Gulfstream West on Nov. 21 with a 73 Beyer Figure for 1:47 3/5 for 1 1/16 miles. Battery is the 5-2 early favourite in the 9 horse field.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS – 

CALIFORNIA CHROME! If you saw his workout on YouTube, 1:10 for 6 furlongs, you will know he is going to be tough to beat in his scheduled return in the San Pasqual at Santa today. The weather may not be great, however, so let’s hope the Derby/Preakness winner and superstar has a safe journey.

Woodbine trainer JOSIE CARROLL starts 2 horses in the  Grade 2 Ft. Lauderdale Handicap at Gulfstream today, a 1 1/16 mile turf event.

Canadian champion LUKES ALLEY, the champion older horse of 2014 is in post 4 for his 3rd try on grass and MONEY TALKER is in post 21 for his first race since he was 2nd in the Labeeb Stakes.

Also in this good field is Canadian-bred HEART TO HEART, winner of the Grade 3 River City Handicap at Churchill Downs on Nov. 26 in his last start and a tough speed runner owned by Terry Hamilton. Brian Lynch trains.

 

CANADIANS ELSEWHERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRST GIRL led all the way to win her maiden for $35,000 claiming at Gulfstream on Thursday for Tucci Stables and trainer Sid Attard. The Florida bred is by First Dude and she was 9-5 in her second race at the Florida track.

Ontario-bred SPRING SPIRIT may have taken a while to win her maiden but the 5-year-old mare parlayed her first win at Woodbine in November into a victory on the grass at Gulfstream on Friday for owner Gary Barber. The pring at Last – Hold the Spirit, by Hold our Peace chestnut surged to a 1 1/2 length won in the $30,000 claiming race at 1 1/16 miles on Friday. Mark casse trains and James and Janeane Everatt and Arika Everatt- Meeuse are the breeders.
Also on Friday, Uri Fishman and RCC Racing Stable celebrated a win in a $16,000 turf sprint with GAGAOVERYOU, a speedy Florida bred by Sensational. The winner was 4-1 on Friday and making her first start since November when she ws at Churchill Downs.
John Mattine trains.

At Charles Town, VOLSTEAD was a winner for Layne Giliforte, a longtime trainer at Woodbine and Fort Erie (and he was the groom of the great Izvestia). Volstead is an Ontario bred by Rebellion (GB) bred by Jamie Begg. The gelding led all the way through 7 furlongs in the $5,000 claiming event.

At Penn National, SCOTT FAIRLIE continues his roll as 4-5 shot RITZY LASS, an Ontario bred by Old Forester – Ritzy Dame by Distored Humor, led all the way and won a 1 mile race for $12,500 claiming on Thursday. The 4-year-old filly was claimed by Premier Stable and Michelle Rainford rode.

 

LUIS CONTRERAS TAKES OUT LICENSE IN JAPAN

Berry, Contreras, Foley and McDonogh receive short-term JRA Jockey’s Licenses

The Japan Racing Association (JRA) has announced that short-term riding jockey licenses have been issued to four foreign jockeys.

Francis Berry from Ireland has received a short-term riding license, effective from January 4 to March 2, 2016. He will be primarily riding for host trainer, Noriyuki Hori, from the JRA Miho Training Center, and Owner, Kazuko Yoshida.

Canada-based Mexican jockey Luis Contreras has received his short-term riding license, effective from January 5 to February 29, 2016. He will be primarily riding for Owner, Kazumasa Yano and host trainer, Yoshitaka Ninomiya, from JRA Miho Training Center.

Irish jockey Shane Foley has received a short-term riding license, effective from January 5 to February 28, 2016. He will be primarily riding for host trainer, Yasuo Tomomichi, from the JRA Ritto Training Center, and Owner, Katsumi Yoshida.

Declan McDonogh from Ireland has received his short-term riding license, effective from January 5 to 29, 2016. He will be primarily riding for Owner, Ryoichi Otsuka and host trainer, Hisashi Shimizu, from JRA Ritto Training Center.
LIGHT VIGIL JANUARY 12

In response to the enormous outpouring of grief and shock at the Classy Lane tragedy, by the entire equine community and beyond, a Light Vigil has been planned for Tuesday, January 12, 2016 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m in front of Classy Lane Training Centre.

This quiet, respectful gathering will provide an opportunity to honour and remember the 43 horses that perished so tragically and extend support to the owners, trainers and grooms whose lives have been so terribly affected.

In consideration of the nature of this tragedy and for safety sake, there will be NO FLAME of any kind at this gathering. Please bring flashlights and/or battery-operated candles. You are also invited to bring cards, flowers, letters and/or poems if you feel so inclined.

For those without something to illuminate, 180 electronic candles have been donated by Ideal Training Centre and Alec at Giant Tiger in Acton.

This is a free, respectful gathering. Donations will NOT be requested or accepted at this peaceful vigil so please do not hand over cash to anyone claiming to be fundraising. To make a donation, please visit to the GoFundMe page set up by COSA.

Washroom facilities will not be provided so please plan accordingly. There will be no food or beverages provided or for sale.

For the safety and respect of those attending, neighbours, and vehicles driving through the area, please follow the instructions of the OPP officers that will be present and any traffic/parking attendants. Carpooling is suggested if possible.

 

HAMILTON SPECTATOR – feature

A must read..

http://www.thespec.com/news-story/6225107-the-last-horse-life-after-the-fire/

 

 

OLD FORESTER TOPS CANADA’S  SIRES FOR 2015

Sire name YOB Fee Location Fls Starters Wnrs, SW SH Learning Earner  Progeny Earnings

 

1 Old Forester Forestry, 2001 $4,000 (CAN) T. C. Westmeath Stud Farm Inc., Canada 137 68 28 3 3 – – Goodoldhockeygame
($222,611) $3,260,220

2 Where’s the Ring Seeking the Gold, 1999 $3,000 (CAN) Colebrook Farms Stallion Station, Canada 107 59 22 2 2 – – Tahnee
($128,823) $2,517,374

3 Milwaukee Brew Wild Again, 1997 $6,000 (CAN) Adena Springs North, Canada 107 67 29 3 5 1 – Kingsport
($197,666) $2,427,376

4 Giant Gizmo Giant’s Causeway, 2004 $5,000 (CAN) Adena Springs North, Canada 58 35 16 3 7 – – Amis Gizmo
($260,233) $2,226,244

5 Sligo Bay (IRE) Sadler’s Wells, 1998 $7,500 (CAN) Adena Springs North, Canada 90 39 23 1 2 – – Ol Winedrinker Who
($190,676) $1,763,090

6 Badge of Silver Silver Deputy, 2000 $2,500 (CAN) Colebrook Farms Stallion Station, Canada 78 44 16 1 1 – – Bigger Picture
($110,885) $1,652,369

7 Silent Name (JPN) Sunday Silence, 2002 $7,500 (CAN) Adena Springs North, Canada 66 26 15 2 3 2 – Fanticola
($300,420) $1,585,538

8 Niigon Unbridled, 2001 Died 2012 Canada 57 28 10 1 1 – – Seen It All Before
($123,785) $1,556,589

9 Wilko Awesome Again, 2002 Private Adena Springs North, Canada 58 34 14 2 5 1 – Melmich
($252,774) $1,341,806

10 Strut the Stage Theatrical, 1998 N/A Canada 34 15 7 1 2 1 – Strut the Course
($333,972) $1,019,283

11 Wando Langfuhr, 2000 Died 2014 Canada 39 18 11 1 1 – – Shake Down Baby
($119,533) $1,006,901

12 Imperialism Langfuhr, 2001 $2,500 (CAN) Esquirol Farms, Canada 66 31 16 – – – – Miss Wilby
($173,940) $975,621

13 Bold Executive Bold Ruckus, 1984 Died 2011 Canada 55 27 10 – – – – Super Colerosa
($77,799) $959,007

14 North Light (IRE) Danehill, 2001 Private Adena Springs North, Canada 62 29 12 – – – – Artic North
($77,583) $887,639

15  Omega Code  Elusive Quality, 2000 $2,000 Peaceful Valley Farms, Canada 47 28 14 1 1 – – Zeta Zody
($158,258) $829,267

16 Rosberg A.P. Indy, 2001 N/A Canada 49 31 10 4 5 – – Lady Rosberg
($126,400) $780,557

17 Kentucky Bear Mr. Greeley, 2005 $2,500 (CAN) Curraghmore Farm Inc., Canada 19 13 6 2 2 – – Bear’s Pride
($140,219) $757,337

18 Second in Command Silver Deputy, 2000 $2,000 (CAN) Road’s End Farm, Canada 42 28 15 2 3 – – Two Pump
($70,560) $706,789

19  Olmodavor A.P. Indy, 1999 N/A Canada 55 27 8 – – – – Persuasive Paul
($101,297) $695,160

20 Singing Saint  El Prado, 2004 Private Adena Springs North, Canada 25 15 6 1 1 – – Harp N Halo
($129,270) $693,692
21 Finality  Dehere, 1999 $2,500 (CAN) Red Rock Farm, Canada 53 28 12 2 3 – – Arabella’s Muse
($90,802) $680,057
22  Gottcha Gold Coronado’s Quest, 2003 $2,500 Strideawayacres, Canada 54 22 9 – – – – Hows My Gold
($55,970) $646,239
23  Not Bourbon  Not Impossible, 2005 $5,000 (CAN) Colebrook Farms Stallion Station, Canada 31 18 5 1 1 – – Conquest Strate Up
($134,535) $641,595
24  Marcavelly  Johannesburg, 2004 N/A Canada 29 15 10 1 4 1 – Killin Me Smalls
($139,190) $626,252
25  Cape Canaveral  Mr. Prospector, 1996 $3,000 (CAN) Highfield Stock Farm, Canada 55 33 15 – – – – Queenoftheforest
($61,220) $597,332
LEADING FIRST CROP SIRES OF 2015 BY EARNINGS

# Stallion ’16 Stud Fee/ Farm Current 2YOs Rnrs Wnrs Rpt. Wnrs SWrs GSWrs SHs Yearling Average Chief Earner (Earnings) ’15 Earnings

1  Society’s Chairman  Not Impossible, 2003 $5,000 (CAN)
Shannondoe Farm, Canada 19 7 3 3 3 – 3 $14,575 Caren
($340,818) $555,365

2  Exhi  Maria’s Mon, 2007 $3,500 (CAN)
Park Stud, Canada 24 12 2 1 1 – 1 $27,926 Victory Day
($40,995) $92,644

3 Spaniard  Candy Ride, 2006 N/A
Canada 20 4 1 1 – – 1 $13,135 Moon Doggie
($58,187) $78,276

4 Schramsberg  Storm Cat, 2006 $3,000 (CAN)
Bar None Ranches Ltd., Canada 27 13 4 – – – 1 $16,497 Hippie
($16,229) $63,849

5 Senor Cactus Ridge, 2005 Private
Huarte Farm, Canada 3 2 1 – – – – $- Flamenco Dancer
($34,769) $35,068

6 Mike Fox  Giant’s Causeway, 2004 N/A
Canada 3 1 – – – – – $14,980 Pacific Fox
($11,136) $11,136