Hastings' Weekly Winter Round-Up
Hastings' horsemen have been out and about, while some are already taking advantage of the Fresh Horse Program. In other news, next season's racing dates have now been finalized
Catching Up With Old Friends
Hastings’ handlers Peter Milburn and Mark Freeman (and friends) enjoyed a trip to picturesque Del Mar recently, where they caught up with Kentucky Derby-winning jockey and former Hastings’ raiding star, Mario Gutierrez.
Freeman said: “As always, Mario was very accommodating for the Vancouver connections.”
Milburn and Freeman, enjoyed recent California success when their BOUNDFORJAMAICA (formerly trained by Milburn at Hastings) landed a claiming event at Golden Gate.
Racing Fixtures Finalized
Next season’s racing calendar has been finalized, with the first day of action slated for Sunday April 30th - a week before the Kentucky Derby.
As you’ll notice, next year also sees the return of Friday night racing, with four evenings scheduled for July 28 and August 4, 11 and 18, respectively.
Other key dates include: Friday January 20th for track set-up, with the move-in day on Sunday January 22nd.
The track will open on Tuesday January 24th. Clockers will be in situ from March 1st and the starting gate will open two weeks later on March 15.
As a result of the annual PNE, there will also be two Monday night meetings on August 21st and 28th. Closing Day is October 15th.
Fresh Horses Incoming
The generous Fresh Horse Program continues to be a great boon to Hastings’ connections, with several already securing new recruits for their 2023 campaigns.
One of Hastings’ newer owners, Jordan Froelich, enjoyed plenty of success last season, especially with horses claimed at Fair Grounds (his distinctive silks carried to victory by the Dino Condilenios-trained duo MR QUALITY and DR BENNY) and he is currently recruiting reinforcements for next year.
So far, Froelich has added the 4yo filly TALES OF MAKENNA (Tale of Ekati) and BC-bred 4yo gelding MORETHANSOULTITLE (More Than Ready). Both horses were claimed out of Presque Isle and are currently under the stewardship of Robertino Diodoro at Turf Paradise.
Froelich expects several more to join the team during the winter.
Fresh Horse Program
Bar None Ranches Shutters Breeding Op
Renowned Alberta breeders and stallion managers Bar None Ranches has closed its breeding division with connections citing post-pandemic economic conditions as the reason.
The Bar None operation, based near the hamlet of De Winton, south of Calgary, has been a leading source of winners in Alberta since its founding by Saskatchewan natives Lynn and Cheryl Chouinard in the 1980s.
Bar None’s decision to close its breeding division, along with its equine rehabilitation program, brought a robust response from Horse Racing Alberta (below) as the region looks to mitigate the loss of such an important supplier of racing stock.
“Bar None Ranches regrets to announce that we have dis-continued our reproduction / foaling division and will no longer be accepting new stallions / mares.”
https://barnoneranches.com/equine-reproduction/
New Stride News
California Horse Power Coalition Launches
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2022) — Today, equine industry leaders and stakeholders across California announced the launch of the California Horse Power Coalition (CHPC). The new coalition’s mission is to preserve and protect California’s vibrant equestrian culture by bringing together equine industry leaders, workers, families and fans of the sport to illustrate its significant benefits.
Founded by Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Santa Anita Park, and Thoroughbred Owners of California, the coalition is creating a space for the public to learn about the significant impacts that the industry has on California’s economy, tourism, agricultural sustainability, and culture.
“As one of the oldest and most celebrated sports in the world, horse racing contributes billions to California’s economy annually and employs tens of thousands of workers,” said Bill Nader, Thoroughbred Owners of California, President & CEO. “I am proud to be a part of a community that not only brings together family and friends but also continuously challenges itself to be the model of care and best practices for equine communities around the world.”
This unprecedented partnership between Thoroughbred associations, backstretch workers and jockeys, aftercare providers, and veterinarians is a testament of the industry’s commitment to working together and pushing the industry to new heights across core impact areas.
Economic Impact
The equine industry is proud to be a sustainable, stable, and ever-growing industry in California.
$8.3 Billion in contributions to California’s economy through horse racing annually.
$1.7 Billion in tourism spending generated by participants and spectators.
Jobs and Labor
The industry supports a diverse range of skills, employing hard-working individuals whose work in the industry is often a multi-generational tradition.
77,000+ workers employed by the horse racing industry.
Workforce includes veterinarians, carpenters, jockeys and backstretch workers such as grooms, exercise riders, hot walkers, and more.
Agriculture and Sustainability
The industry contributes to California’s cyclical and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
15-20 pounds of hay locally sourced and fed to every horse daily, supporting local farms’ overall profits and sustainability.
8,000 tons of straw waste diverted from landfills to sustainable farms each year.
“Our community strives to create a culture of inclusivity and accessibility to local communities of all ages, genders and economic backgrounds, which has resulted in a long tradition of deep cultural ties to our industry. In fact, over 30% of households in California report having a horse enthusiast in their home,” said Amy Zimmerman, Santa Anita Park, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer. “I look forward to seeing our industry continue to prosper, garner more fans, and foster a sense of belonging.”
To learn more or to become a member, visit: californiahorsecoalition.com
About the California Horse Power Coalition
The California Horse Power Coalition is a growing partnership among thoroughbred associations, organizations representing backstretch workers and jockeys, animal wellness advocates and more. Founded by Santa Anita Park, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and Thoroughbred Owners of California, the coalition’s members include California Retirement Management Account, California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, California Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Foundation, California Thoroughbred Trainers, Edwin J. Gregson Foundation, and Winner’s Foundation.
Bloodhorse Headlines - Saturday Nov 26
Note: We don’t always notice locally-owned runners and winners over the winter months so, if you know of any, or any claims by local owners, or even sale purchases, and you’d like them included in a future newsletter, please drop us a line and let us know.