1st Racing

Three directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) have resigned from their positions in protest of the board's co-signature on a proposal to the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) that would concretize racing operations in South California at the expense, they say, of a potential viable racing circuit in the North. The former directors also claim the proposal was submitted without their prior knowledge. "On January 5th a letter from the TOC and the Southern California racetrack operators was sent to the CHRB requesting the allocation of race dates...

The remaining days in 2023 dwindled to a few last week, a welcome development considering the year that it was. Yes, there was some good news. Arcangelo (Arrogate) winning the GI Belmont S. for trainer Jena Antonucci was as good a story as we've seen in some time. The saga of Cody's Wish (Curlin) continued to tug at our heartstrings. The sales continue to post huge numbers. Purses have soared in Kentucky and at Oaklawn, with maidens running for pots in excess of $100,000. But for every good story there...

The Stronach Group's 1/ST Racing, the owner/operator of Golden Gate Fields, will request racing dates for the northern California Thoroughbred facility for the first half of 2024, the organization announced Saturday. The request will extend the previously announced closing of the facility at the end of 2023 until June 30, 2024. The decision to request dates falls on the heels of the passage of AB 1074, which authorizes the reallocation of purse and commission revenues generated in the Northern zone of California to support racing in the Southern and Central...

Belinda Stronach, Chairwoman, Chief Executive Officer and President of The Stronach Group has appointed Kevin Gilmore as the group's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, the organization said in a release on Thursday. Gilmore will work directly with her on corporate objectives and key strategic initiatives, including with matters relating to the group's 1/ST business. "I am pleased to welcome Kevin Gilmore to The Stronach Group and look forward to working with him to further strengthen our company's innovative and forward-thinking businesses," said Stronach. With 30+ years of senior...

Owners Leslie and Pierre Amestoy have been involved with a bunch of good horses, some of them stakes-winning Quarter Horses, but never anything like Practical Move (Practical Joke). The winner of the GII San Felipe S. and the GI Santa Anita Derby so far this year, he will be among the favorites in the upcoming GI Kentucky Derby. The TDN Writers' Room podcast, presented by Keeneland caught up with the Amestoys this week to find out more about their operation, their background and their thoughts on Practical Move. They were...

Legislation which will create the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) was passed by the state's House of Representatives by a vote of 132-2 on Apr. 10, the last day of the state's 2023 General Assembly session. Previously Senate Bill 720 , which is designed to participate in the development of racing and training facilities in the state and operate in the best interests of Thoroughbred racing, passed the state Senate by a 47-0 vote Apr. 6. The bill also states that, "If necessary, the authority will manage and oversee...

The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be present Apr. 1 once again for Florida Derby Day at Gulfstream Park, which includes the GI Curlin Florida Derby, they said in a release on Thursday. Partnering with 1/ST Racing, the TAA will be recognized with a named race on the day's undercard and a presentation to the winning connections will include a branded blanket and swag bag. Additionally, the organization will take part in the Best Turned Out Horse Awards, and jockeys will have the opportunity to pledge their mount fee. The...

Veteran horseman and racing official Jason Egan was promoted as the Director of Racing and Racing Secretary for Santa Anita Park beginning Jan. 27. He served as the track's Racing Coordinator since 2020, and he was named to his new post after Chris Merz announced his desire to take a more expansive operational role in the racing industry. Additionally, Rick Hammerle will join 1/ST Racing as a consultant. After stops in California, New Jersey and Florida, he was most recently the Racing Coordinator at Oaklawn Park and Director of Racing...

Nominations for five graded stakes to be run Saturday, Jan. 23 on Pegasus World Cup Invitational Day at Gulfstream Park will close Sunday, Jan. 10. The five graded races are: $200,000 GII Inside Information S. - Fillies & Mares, 4yo/up, Seven Furlongs; $150,000 GIII W. L. McKnight S., 4yo/up, 1 1/2 Miles Turf; $125,000 Fred W. Hooper S., 4yo/up, One Mile; $125,000 La Prevoyante S., Fillies & Mares, 4yo/up, 1 1/2 Miles Turf; $123,000 GIII Marshua's River S., Fillies & Mares, 4yo/up, One Mile Turf; $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup...