NYTB to honor Vivien Malloy with Lifetime Achievement Award

April 24th, 2024

Edition Farm’s Vivien Malloy will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NYTB at the Annual Awards Dinner Monday, May 13.

The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) is pleased to announce Thoroughbred breeder and owner Vivien Malloy will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in the New York-bred program.

Malloy, who owned and operated Edition Farm for more than four decades and bought her first racehorse in 1971, will be recognized at the NYTB’s Awards Dinner sponsored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund from 6-9 p.m. Monday, May 13 at Sacred Saratoga on the property of GMP Farm in Schuylerville.

“What a thrill it was to hear I’ll receive this award,” Malloy said, who first joined the NYTB board in the 1980s on the advice of the late prominent New York breeder Gerald Nielsen. “He called and she I should be on the board. I told him I needed to talk to my husband first, and Harry said “oh, don’t get into anything political.’ ”

“I told him it’s not political and that I hoped I’d be able to represent small breeders and help in any way I can. Then in the years following I thought, ‘it’s all political.’ I spent so much time in Albany with lobbyists and politicians, but it’s all been worth it.”

Malloy was honored by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association as the New York State Breeder of the Year in 2007 and 2010. She also earned the NYTB’s Breeder of the Year Award in 2010.

“Vivien has been an integral and influential person in the development of New York breeding and racing,” said NYTB President Dr. Scott Ahlschwede. “She has been involved in every facet of our industry from breeding to ownership and standing stallions. On behalf of our board of directors and membership, we are proud to honor and recognize her lifetime contributions.”

Malloy’s run of success in the Empire State was centered on her two farms – Edition Farm in Waccabuc and Edition Farm North in Hyde Park. Malloy is the breeder of A Shin Forward, a son of Forest Wildcat who sold for $125,000 at the 2006 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga selected yearling sale before going on to become a Grade 1 winner in Japan. A Shin Forward earned $3,416,216 in his career, which ranks him as the third highest earning New York-bred in history.

“A Shin Forward was picked for the select sale at Saratoga and after I had a discussion with Craig Bandoroff who told me, ‘you’re going to be lost in the select sale, go to the preferred, you’ll be a star,’ ” Malloy said of her longtime consignor who operates Denali Stud. “I told him I didn’t want to be a star, that it will be good for my ego just that one time to be in the select sale. And he did quite well in there.”

In addition to A Shin Forward, stakes winners bred or co-bred by Malloy or Edition Farm include Mine Tonight, Minetonightsfirst, Bayou Blurr, Mistah, Then She Laughs, Kiss the Pro, Cliffie and Zow.

“We look forward to celebrating Vivien’s contributions to the New York-bred program at our upcoming annual marquee event alongside our New York-bred Divisional Award nominees and Champions at what will be a wonderful event,” said NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson.

Tickets are still available for the NYTB Awards Dinner – $150 for NYTB Members and $175 for non-members – and can be purchased at nytbreeders.org/events or by calling the NYTB Office at (518) 587-0777.

NYTB Legislative Update: 2025 NY State Budget Recap

April 23rd, 2024

Following weeks of protracted budget negotiations, the Legislature and Executive reached an agreement that led to the final bills being printed early in the morning on Saturday, April 20, and voting was finished later that afternoon.  As a result, the New York State Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget was finalized totaling $237 billion.

Our aim is always to protect and grow New York breeding and racing. There is a perpetual need for advocacy for our sport and industry which we hope you can help contribute towards.

NYTB and our legislative affairs team in Albany continue to work on your behalf to ensure New York’s thoroughbred breeding program and racing industry continue to be the best in the nation.  Below, please find updates from the 2025 state budget regarding New York’s horse racing and the thoroughbred breeding industry. These developments are in addition to accomplishments in recent years made possible from support by NYTB members such as:

  • A state-backed loan for the redevelopment of a new and improved Belmont Park.
  • Increased Breeder Awards offering up to 40 percent for New York Sired progeny and 20 percent for Non-NY-Sired progeny.
  • Annual Fund Caps legislation that allows the Breeding Fund to payout program awards as advertised.
  • Groundbreaking anti-slaughter legislation with the support of the entire racing industry.
  • Continuing to prevent legislation that would impose sales tax on the sale on the purchase of thoroughbreds sold at auction in New York.
  • Protecting of Racing support payments made from Video-Lottery Terminal revenue from Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct racetrack which ensures increased purse levels in New York and the overall increase in value of stallions standing in New York.

We are thankful and appreciate the support of Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. (D-15), chair of the New York Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, Assemblymember Gary Pretlow, Jr. (D-89), chair of the State Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, and all members of the New York Senate and State Assembly who continue to recognize the importance of horse racing to the New York State economy.

It is clear that New York farms, breeders, and all stakeholders in our program depend on the policymakers in our State Capitol. This year is especially important as all New York State legislators are up for election this coming November, and those who are aligned with our priorities and help us achieve our policy goals are looking to the NYTB PAC for our support.  Our PAC can only be successful if it receives support from members like you.

Personal donations to the NYTB PAC can be made payable to the NYTB PAC online here and mailed to:

NYTB PAC
P.O. BOX 5120
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. 12866

NYTB will continue our work on your behalf and appreciates your support in these efforts.

Regards,
signature
Najja Thompson
Executive Director

New York Fiscal Year 2025 State Budget Thoroughbred Breeding Industry & Horse Racing Updates

 

  • EXTEND USE OF CAPITAL FUNDS BY OFF-TRACK BETTING CORPORATIONS

If certain conditions are met, Capital OTB is authorized to use $1 million in Fiscal Year 2025, and Catskill is authorized to use up to $2.5 million towards:

  • Expenditures necessary to accept authorized wagers;
  • Past due obligations, including funds owed to: New York licensed or franchised racing corporations or associations, other racing associations or organizations for the costs of acquiring a simulcast signal,the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund Corporation, the agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund, or the Harry M. Zweig Memorial Fund for equine research.
  • EXTEND PARI-MUTUEL TAX RATES AND SIMULCAST PROVISIONS FOR ONE YEAR
  • EXTEND NEW YORK JOCKEY INJURY COMPENSATION FUND, INC. AUTHORITY THROUGH 2027
  • BELMONT AT SARATOGA MEET

    Extend certain licensing flexibilities for the Belmont Festival to apply while conducted at Saratoga Race Course (through December 31, 2026).

*Contributions to the NYTB PAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes. Total contributions from a corporation or LLC may not exceed $5,000 per calendar year in the aggregate to all New York state and local candidates and committees. Any LLC that contributes will be required to provide the NYTB PAC with details regarding the LLC’S members and their ownership interests. It is strictly prohibited to reimburse another individual’s or entity’s contribution. All contributors must be either US citizens or permanent resident aliens (green card holders).

NYRA expands Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours for 2024 Season

April 23rd, 2024

Photo courtesy Old Tavern Farm

(Press Release courtesy of NYRA)

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is expanding the highly popular Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tour program this summer with the addition of a third participant, Sugar Plum Farm, to complement incumbents Old Tavern Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds.

Thanks to overwhelming interest from fans, Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours will now be offered Wednesday through most Saturdays, plus select Sundays, beginning Friday, July 12 through Saturday, August 31.

Tickets are $95 for adults and $35 for children 12 years of age and under and are available on a first-come, first-served basis at NYRA.com. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests.

Tours will be available weekly as follows: Wednesdays and Thursdays at Song Hill Thoroughbreds, 290 County Road 75 in Mechanicville; Fridays at Old Tavern Farm, 45 Brown Road in Stillwater; and, new this year, six Saturdays and two Sundays at Sugar Plum Farm, 96 Gilbert Road in Saratoga Springs.

The all-inclusive experience begins with a buffet-style breakfast at Saratoga Race Course from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. against the backdrop of world-class thoroughbreds during morning training. At 9:45 a.m., fans board a CDTA trolley at the Clubhouse entrance for a short ride to the day’s breeding farm. Upon arrival, fans will enjoy a 60-minute guided tour with the farm’s owners and expert staff before returning to the track for an afternoon of live racing.

“Thanks to our friends at NYRA and CDTA, the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours have quickly become an important part of the complete Saratoga experience for racing fans and newcomers to the sport alike,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “These tours showcase the importance of the New York State breeding industry, and also demonstrate the care, dedication and passion that breeders bring to their craft. Each of these three farms embodies the spirit of New York’s thoroughbred breeding community.”

War Dancer meets one of his sons at Sugar Plum Farm in Saratoga Springs. Barbara Livingston photo.

War Dancer meets one of his sons at Sugar Plum Farm in Saratoga Springs. Barbara Livingston photo

Photo courtesy of Song Hill Thoroughbreds

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to be involved with NYRA’s breeding farm tours. They give us a chance to meet new people and introduce them to another facet of the thoroughbred world,” said Robin Malatino, Sugar Plum Farm Owner and Breeder. “Everyone loves to see where a racing career begins and following a tour, people leave with a greater appreciation and a more holistic understanding of the thoroughbred industry.”

Located just minutes from Saratoga Race Course, owners Robin and Tony Malatino have operated Sugar Plum Farm since 2005. More information is available at sugarplumfarmsaratoga.com.

Song Hill Thoroughbreds, owned by Jim and Tina Bond, was established in Mechanicville in 2005. Song Hill joined the Breakfast and Breeding Farm Tours in 2023. More information about the expansive 100-acre horse farm can be found at jamesbondracing.com/song-hill-thoroughbreds.

Old Tavern Farm is a private boutique thoroughbred-breeding operation in nearby Stillwater that was founded in 2016 by Walt and Michelle Borisenok. The farm helped launch the Breakfast and Breeding Farm program in 2022. More information is available at oldtavernfarms.com.

Highlighted by the 155th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on August 24 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 3, the annual 40-day summer meet will open Thursday, July 11 and continue through Monday, September 2.

Following the four-day opening week, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, apart from closing week, when the 2024 summer meet will conclude on Labor Day.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.

Winning ‘Spirit’ continues in open company

April 21st, 2024

Spirit of St Louis returns a winner and against open company in Saturday’s Danger’s Hour Stakes at Aqueduct. Walter Wlodarczyk/NYRA Photo.

By Paul Halloran

Saturday’s Danger’s Hour Stakes at Aqueduct may have been the first foray into open company for Spirit of St Louis, but when you have stared City Man in the eye twice in your last three races – and beaten him once – how hard could it be?

As it turned out, not very.

Confidently handled by jockey Manny Franco, who was seeking his fourth straight win on the card, the Chester and Mary Broman-bred Spirit of St Louis swung wide on the far turn and rolled down the middle of the fresh turf course to win the $150,000 stakes for 4-year-olds and up.

“He can compete in open company,” said Franco, who has ridden the 5-year-old Medaglia d’Oro gelding in five of his eight races, winning four of them. “He’s a nice horse. I’m glad to be on him.”

Franco had Spirit of St Louis in sixth, well off the pace set by Heaven Street, who went a quarter-mile in :23.25 and a half in :46.35. He maintained that position before asking his horse to pick it up midway on the far turn and getting the response he was looking for.

“I cut the corner at the three-eighths pole and I had a lot of horse,” Franco said.

The winning margin was 1 3/4 lengths with a final time of 1:33.57, a track record over a course that was being used for the first time this year.

“He’s a hell of a nice horse,” said trainer Chad Brown, who also ran second with Equitize and last with pace-pressing Masen. “We gave him a little break and he’s really used his time off well to refresh himself. I couldn’t ask for anything more from his first race back. It was an excellent race for him.”

Spirit of St Louis was coming off a win over City Man in the Mohawk Stakes, after getting caught by the $1.2 million earner and Grade 2 winner two races prior in the West Point Stakes on New York Showcase Day at Saratoga Race Course August 27. That is one of only two blemishes on his record, the other coming when he ran second in a state-bred allowance in his second career start.

Purchased by Michael Dubb for $280,000 at the 2023 Keeneland April horses of racing age sale, Spirit of St Louis is a full brother to 2017 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner and New York-bred champion Bar of Gold. They are out of the Lemon Drop kid mare Khancord Kid, a Grade 3 winner who has produced five winning foals. Madaket Stables and Richard Schermerhorn bought in after the purchase.

“I’m just fortunate to have bought the horse,” Dubb said. “I knew when he was at the sale last year that he had all kinds of ability. He, to me, seems a lot better than just a restricted, state-bred type of New York-bred, but I’ll leave it to Chad to tell me what is next.”

After winning three of his first four starts, Spirit of St Louis, a $300,000 Keeneland September yearling in 2020, tried state-bred stakes company for the first time in the West Point. He bounced back by taking the Ashley T. Cole Stakes, followed by a win in the Mohawk, with City Man second.

The Bromans bought Khancord Kid’s dam, Confidently, in 2000. In addition to Bar of Gold and Spirit of St Louis, Khancord Kid produced stakes-placed Land Mine and Homeland, as well as Im Just Kiddin. She has an unraced 2-year-old filly by Uncle Mo named Mo Khanfidence, and a yearling full brother to Bar of Gold.

The Danger’s Hour is named for a Grade 1 winner who made 21 of his 25 career starts in New York and was owned by Rokeby Stables, trained my Mack Miller and ridden by Jerry Bailey.

Pair sell for $600,000 to highlight OBS finale

April 20th, 2024

Hip 928, a daughter of New York-bred Horse of the Year Tiz the Law bred by Elser & Raine, sold for $600,000 Friday at the OBS April sale. Photo courtesy of On Point Training & Sales.

A pair of New York-breds – including a filly by New York-bred Horse of the Year and classic winner Tiz the Law – sold for $600,000 to close out the OBS April 2-year-olds in training sale Friday in Ocala.

Those two juveniles were part of a group of six that sold for $300,000 or more during the four-day sale and two of 25 that brought $100,000 or more. Overall, 58 of the 74 New York-breds through the ring brought $7,392,500, an average price of $127,457 and median of $87,500.

The two $600,000 juveniles sparked a strong final session, which saw 13 New York-breds bring $1,884,500, an average price of $144,962 and median of $50,000. The $600,000 prices were also co-second best at the sale, only behind the $800,000 paid by Donato Lanni, agent for Zedan Racing Stable, for Hip 411, a colt by Vekoma bred by Chester and Mary Broman.

The Tiz the Law filly, offered as Hip 928 out of the On Point Training & Sales consignment, sold to Three Amigos. Bred by Elser & Raine and a $30,000 buy out of last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale, the filly is out of the stakes-placed Leroidesanimaux mare Animal Appeal.

Animal Appeal is the dam of New York-bred wines Ableton (by Twirling Candy) and Sandy Sweet Tooth (by Blame), who were also bred by Elser & Raine. Animal Appeal, a New York-bred who won four of 14 starts and $220,298, sold in foal to Twirling Candy for $35,000 at the 2018 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. She sold in foal to Solomini for $9,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga fall mixed sale.

Tiz the Law, named New York-bred Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male in 2020, won six of nine starts and earned $2,735,300. He won the Grade 1 Champagne at 2 before a sophomore campaign – interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic – featuring victories in the Grade 1 Curlin Florida Derby, Grade 1 Belmont Stakes and Grade 1 Travers Stakes. He stands at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Kentucky and his first foals are 2-year-olds.

Hip 972, a colt by Quality Road out of Bar of Gold bred by Chester and Mary Broman, also brought $600,000 Friday at the OBS April sale. Photo courtesy of Sequel Bloodstock.

Hip 972, the son of Quality Road named Metallix, went to Pedro Lanz, agent for KAS Stables for $600,000.

Bred by Chester and Mary Broman and foaled at their Chestertown Farm in Chestertown, the colt is out of New York-bred champion and Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint winner Bar of Gold. A half-brother to graded stakes winner Coinage, the colt breezed an eighth in :10 during presale workouts.

Consigned by Sequel Bloodstock, agent for the Bromans, the colt is the fourth foal out of the 12-year-old Medaglia d’Oro mare Bar of Gold. Coinage, a 5-year-old son of Tapit who remains in training, has won three of 20 starts including the Grade 3 With Anticipation in 2021 and Palm Beach Stakes in 2022 and earned $354,272. She’s also the dam of Coinage’s 3-year-old full brother Slammin Gold, a winner for the Bromans last fall at Aqueduct; and the 4-year-old Justify colt Chilligan, who sold for $825,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling sale.

The Bromans also bred and Sequel sold the top-priced New York-bred, the colt by Vekoma named Rookie Racer who brought $800,000 during the second session. Offered as Hip 411 and foaled at Chestertown Farm, the colt is the seventh foal out of Newbie, who is the dam of Grade 3 winner Classy Edition, multiple stakes winner and $516,738-earner Newly Minted and stakes-placed winner New Girl in Town.

Classy Edition, who sold for $550,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale, won six of 10 starts including the Grade 3 Royal Delta in 2023 at Gulfstream Park. She is a finalist for 2023 champion New York-bred older dirt female honors.

Fillies lead strong day at OBS April sale

April 19th, 2024

Hip 613, a filly by Munnings bred by West End Thoroughbreds LLC, sold for $350,000 during strong session at the OBS April sale Thursday. Photo courtesy of Niall Brennan Stables.

A pair of fillies sold for $350,000 and another brought $300,000 to spark a strong showing by New York-breds during Thursday’s third session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s April 2-year-olds in training sale.

That trio of New York-breds – daughters of Munnings, Omaha Beach and Maclean’s Music – were part of a group of 11 that sold for six figures and five that commanded final bids of $235,000 or more.

Trainer John Kimmel, agent for Nedlaw Stables, landed the first $350,000 filly when he signed for Hip 613, a daughter of Munnings out of the stakes-winning New York-bred Posse mare Sheriffa. Bred by West End Thoroughbreds LLC and foaled at Edition Farm in Hyde Park, the filly originally sold for $160,000 to Niall Brennan, agent for JR International Holdings, at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale. She breezed an eighth in :10 during presale workouts.

Consigned by Niall Brennan Stables, agent, the filly is the fifth foal out of $469,984-earner Sheriffa. She’s the dam of three New York-bred winners – Bobbies, Flattering Gal and Kid Billy – and the unraced 3-year-old Nyquist gelding Home Front who sold for $125,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred sale.

Hip 637, a daughter of Omaha Beach bred by Joseph DeRico, also brought $350,000 Thursday at the OBS April sale. Photo courtesy of Wavertree Stables.

Bloodstock agent Justin Casse bought the second $350,000 filly, Hip 637, a daughter of Omaha Beach out of the winning Pulpit mare Sister Margaret. Bred by Joseph DeRico and foaled at River Valley Farm in Gansevoort, the filly originally sold to Bronco Bloodstock for $65,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred sale.

Consigned by Ciaran Dunne’s Wavertree Stables Inc., agent, the filly breezed an eighth in :9.4 during presale workouts. She’s the fifth foal out of Sister Margaret, who is out of New York-bred stakes winner Dance Gal Dance and is the dam of the stakes-placed New York-bred Palace Malice 3-year-old filly Maggy’s Palace.

Those two fillies played a role in strong returns for New York-breds Thursday. OBS reported sales on 16 of 18 New York-breds offered in the session for a total of $2,627,000, an average price of $164,188. Overall, 43 New York-breds have sold for $5,453,000, an average price of $126,814.

Hip 611, a filly by Maclean’s Music and half-sister to New York-bred Grade 1 winner Varda, sold for $300,000 to Mike Ryan, agent. Bred by Masters 2013 LLC and foaled at Song Hill Thoroughbreds in Mechanicville, the filly is out of the winning Sky Mesa mare She’ll Be Right. She’s the dam of Varda, winner of the Grade 1 Starlet Stakes in 2020 and a $1.15 million broodmare prospect sale at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November mixed sale. She’ll Be Right is also the dam of Grade 3-placed winner Big Family, stakes-placed winner Getouttamyway and three other winners.

Thursday’s session also featured the sale of Hip 870, a daughter of New York-based freshman sire Honest Mischief to Carson McCord for $235,000. Bred by Sequel Stallions New York LLC, foaled at Sequel New York in Hudson and consigned by Sequel Bloodstock, the filly is out of the unraced Woodman mare Woodflower. She’s the dam of nine winners, including stakes winner and $167,560-earner Magna Rose and stakes-placed $274,820-earner Where’s Dominic.

Honest Mischief stands for $6,500 at Sequel New York in Hudson.

Hip 752, a colt by three-time leading New York-based sire Central Banker, also factored in Thursday’s six-figure haul on a bid of $140,000 from BSW/Crow, agent for Team Hanley & 30 Year Farm. Bred by Spruce Lane Farm, Edition Farm, Mashnee Stables, Copper Beach Stables and partners and foaled at Edition Farm in Hyde Park, the filly is out the second foal out of the unraced Candy Ride mare Tanmawwy. An $8,000 purchase out of last year’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky winter mixed sale, the filly then sold for $32,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred sale to Bronco Bloodstock. She was consigned at the OBS April sale by Wavertree Stables, agent.

Central Banker stands for $7,500 at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds in Saratoga Springs.

The sale concludes with the final session at 10:30 a.m. Friday.

 

Broman-bred juveniles shine at OBS April

April 18th, 2024

Hip 411, a colt by Vekoma named Rookie Racer bred by Chester and Mary Broman, sold for $800,000 to highlight Wednesday’s bidding at the OBS April sale. Photo courtesy of Sequel Bloodstock.

A pair of colts bred by Chester and Mary Broman, including a son of multiple Grade 1 winner Vekoma that commanded a bid of $800,000, highlighted the action during the second session of the Ocala Breeders Sales Co.’s April 2-year-olds in training sale Wednesday.

Donato Lanni, agent for Zedan Racing Stable, signed for Hip 411, a son of Vekoma out of the winning Bernardini mare Newbie. Bred by the Bromans and foaled at their Chestertown Farm in Chestertown, the colt named Rookie Racer was consigned by Sequel Bloodstock, agent. He breezed an eighth in 9.4 during presale workouts and was the co-fourth most expensive juvenile sold during the second session.

The colt is the seventh foal out of Newbie, who is the dam of Grade 3 winner Classy Edition, multiple stakes winner and $516,738-earner Newly Minted and stakes-placed winner New Girl in Town.

Classy Edition, who sold for $550,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale, won six of 10 starts including the Grade 3 Royal Delta in 2023 at Gulfstream Park. She is a finalist for 2023 champion New York-bred older dirt female honors.

Hip 487, a colt by Game Winner named Win Me Gold and bred by Chester and Mary Broman, sold for $190,000 Wednesday at OBS. Photo courtesy of Sequel Bloodstock.

Hip 487, a colt by Game Winner named Win Me Gold and also bred by the Bromans, went to Mr. B LLC, agent for Golden Bear Racing on a bid of $190,000.

The gray or roan colt, who breezed an eighth in 9.4, is out of the Grade 3-winning Silver City mare Promise Me Silver. Purchased in foal to Ghostzapper at the 2020 Keeneland November breeding stock sale, Promise Me Silver won 10 of 14 starts including the Grade 3 Eight Belles Stakes in 2015 at Churchill Downs, and earned $486,681.

Promise Me Silver is the dam of winners Cyclone and Silver Smoke, along with the New York-bred 3-year-old Ghostzapper filly Pont Neuf who sold for $100,000 at last year’s OBS March sale.

Hip 592, a daughter of New York-based freshman sire Honest Mischief, brought the second session’s top price for a New York-bred filly on a bid of $30,000 from Gatsas Stables. Bred by Sequel Stallions NY LLC and Scott Miller and foaled at Waldorf Farm in North Chatham, the filly is out of the Tiznow mare Sea Gazer. Consigned by Universal Performance Horses, agent, the filly breezed a furlong in 10.1 and was a $32,000 RNA at last year’s OBS October yearling sale.

OBS reported sales on 12 of the 18 New York-breds offered during Wednesday’s session for a total of $1,477,000, an average price of $123,083. Overall, 27 New York-breds have sold for $2,826,000, an average price of $104,667.

The sale continues with the third of four sessions at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Successful breeder, owner Spielman passes at 83

April 17th, 2024

Michael Spielman, as at home watching a race from the backstretch at Saratoga as an owner’s box in the clubhouse, passed away in early April.

By Tom Law

Longtime successful New York owner and breeder Michael Spielman, who made the shrewd purchase of Compliance out of a horses of racing age sale and played a key role in the stallion becoming a leader in the Empire State, died in early April in South Florida at the age of 83.

A native of Brooklyn who grew up in Cedarhurst, New York, Spielman attended Lawrence High School and Union College. He met his wife Alix during those years and the couple later had three daughters – Amy, Wendy and Stacey.

A longtime resident of Oyster Bay, New York, Spielman ran a manufacturing company in Hudson. Spielman stayed in touch with his many friends from childhood throughout his life and joined with one of those friends, the late owner and breeder Richard Bomze, in 1982 to purchase Compliance as a stallion prospect for $125,000 out of the Windfields Farm dispersal at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga horses of racing age sale.

A stakes-placed son of Northern Dancer and full-brother to eventual European classic winner El Gran Senor and Group 1 winner Try My Best, Compliance started his stallion career in New York at Keane Stud in Amenia. He later stood at The Stallion Park in Millbrook. One of the Empire State’s leading sires of all-time, Compliance is perhaps best known for siring full brothers Fourstardave and Fourstars Allstar.

“He loved the early morning workouts, talking with the trainers, going back to the barn and chatting and sharing stories with other horse people,” Spielman’s family said. “As much as he enjoyed the owner’s box, he equally if not more loved watching a race from the backstretch in Saratoga. He would take everyone there.”

Top horses bred by Spielman include multiple graded stakes winner Casa Eire and stakes winners Seminole Spirt and Dreamboat Annie.

Casa Eire and Seminole Spirt were foaled at Tom and Dr. Mia Gallo’s Blue Stone Farm in Cambridge. Tom Gallo, former president of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc., remembered Spielman as relaxed and savvy.

“I knew him for years and years. We did a lot of business, not lately, but for a long time,” Gallo said. “He was a real, super, easy-going guy, but he was game. He put his money where his mouth was.”

Casa Eire, a daughter of Compliance out of the Upper Case mare Casarette, went 4-4-3 in 30 starts and earned $279,778. She won the Grade 3 Astoria Breeders’ Cup Stakes as a 2-year-old on the dirt at Belmont Park and defeated males in the Grade 3 Saranac Stakes as a 3-year-old on the turf at Belmont. Casa Eire also won the Egret Stakes at the Meadowlands, placed in the Grade 2 Adirondack and Grade 3 Miss Grillo and placed in five other stakes.

Seminole Spirt compiled a record of 6-9-9 in 61 starts, over eight seasons and including a lengthy stint over jumps, and earned $198,320. Third in the Empire Stakes and fourth in the Grade 3 Pilgrim, the son of Compliance out of the Hasty Flyer mare Hello Poppy won the Damon Runyon in 1993.

Dreamboat Annie, a daughter of Freud out of the Honour and Glory mare Extra Impact, won the 2015 Cupecoy’s Joy division of the New York Stallion Series Stakes at Belmont. She won four of 17 starts with five placings and earned $195,645.

Spielman also teamed with Bomze to purchase Morning Bob for a price reported to be more than $1 million in May 1984 and before making a run at the 116th running of the Belmont Stakes.

Previously trained by Woody Stephens and in the same barn as the likes of Swale and Devil’s Bag, Morning Bob won the Grade 2 Pennsylvania Derby in late May for his prior connections and started for Mike-Rich Stable in the Belmont 11 days later. Supplemented for $7,500, Morning Bob finished third and 7 lengths behind Swale in the Belmont.

“He loved the excitement of owning and racing horses, especially taking Morning Bob to the Belmont, but the real joy to him was being around the stables, especially in Saratoga,” Spielman’s family said. “Of course he loved Belmont, and later Gulfstream, but our summers in Saratoga were the highlight of his love for racing.”

Morning Bob made 25 additional starts for Spielman and Bomze after the Belmont and through the end of the 1985 season, winning the Grade 2 Excelsior Handicap and placing in six other stakes, including the 1984 Travers at Saratoga.

“I had mares on my farm for him for years and years,” Gallo said. “He was the nicest guy in the world, always had a smile on his face and never had a bad word to say about anybody. He invested a lot, had a farm in Hudson and at one time owned like 20 something mares.”

Mendelssohn filly leads at OBS April opener

April 17th, 2024

Hip 197, a filly by Mendelssohn bred by David and Christine Stack, sold for $210,000 Tuesday at the OBS April sale. Photo courtesy of Niall Brennan Stables.

A filly by Mendelssohn from the family of graded stakes winners Caroline Thomas and Bit of Whimsy sold for $210,000 to highlight the New York-bred returns during Tuesday’s opening session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s April 2-year-olds in training sale.

Phil Hager’s Taproot Bloodstock signed for Hip 197, named Tralee Girl, on behalf of trainer Christophe Clement.

Bred by David and Christine Stack and foaled at Mill Creek Farm in Stillwater, the filly is the first foal out of the Pioneerof the Nile mare Kerry Girl. Unplaced in one start, Kerry Girl is out of Grade 2 winner and $406,387-earner Caroline Thomas, who is out of Grade 1 winner Bit of Whimsy.

Consigned by Niall Brennan Stables, agent, Tralee Girl turned in an eighth-mile breeze in :10 during presale workouts. She originally sold for $50,000 to Ryston Stables at last year’s OBS October yearling sale.

Tralee Girl was one of six New York-breds to sell for $100,000 or more during the opening session. OBS reported sales on 15 of the 20 New York-breds offered Tuesday for a total of $1,349,000, an average price of $89,933.

Hip 253, a filly by Vino Rosso bred by Gold Square, sold for $190,000 Tuesday at the OBS April sale. Photo courtesy of Wavertree Stables.

Hip 253, a filly by Vino Rosso who breeze in 9.4 during presale workouts, sold for $190,000 to Carolyn Wilson. Bred by Gold Square LLC and foaled at Rockridge Stud in Hudson, the filly is the first foal out of the winning Super Ninety Nine mare Little Miss Raelyn.

Consigned by Ciaran Dunne’s Wavertree Stables Inc., agent, the filly originally sold for $65,000 to Bronco Bloodstock at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale.

Lucky Man Racing LLC paid the highest price for a New York-bred colt during the opener, going to $140,000 for Hip 37, a colt by Tapiture. Bred by Phillips Racing Partnership, Christopher Elser and George Elser and foaled at Song Hill Thoroughbreds in Mechanicville, the colt is out of the winning Kitten’s Joy mare Full of Joy. A half-brother to stakes-placed winner Thirty Four Coupe, the colt breezed an eighth in :10 during presale workouts.

Consigned by Harris Training Center LLC, agent, the colt sold for $30,000 to HTC at last year’s Keeneland September yearling sale.

Hip 204, a daughter of Solomini who breezed in 9.4 during presale workouts, commanded the top price for a juvenile by a New York-based stallion on a bid of $95,000 from Clear Stars Stable. Bred by Torie Gladwell, foaled at Stonegate Stables in Fort Edward and consigned by Top Line Sales, the filly is the second foal out of the Into Mischief mare Kiska.

Solomini, a 9-year-old son of Curlin who currently ranks third on the New York general sire list, stands for $7,500 at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds in Saratoga Springs.

The sale continues with the second of four sessions at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Owner, breeder Sanford Bacon dies at 95

April 15th, 2024

Sanford Bacon, who bred New York-bred superstars Say Florida Sandy and Dancin Renee, passed away last week. NYRA Photo.

Successful and longtime New York owner and breeder Sanford Bacon passed away April 12 at a rehabilitation facility in South Florida. Bacon’s death at age 95 was first reported by Daily Racing Form.

Bacon bred and raced New York-bred champions Say Florida Sandy and Dancin Renee – half out of the Sweet Candy mare Lolli Lucka Lolli who have stakes named in their honor on the NYRA circuit – along with stakes winners Ricky Rachel and Ete Indien.

Say Florida Sandy, campaigned by Bacon for his first 15 starts, earned New York-bred Horse of the Year and champion sprinter honors in 2000 and 2001. Also honored as champion New York-bred 4-year-old and up male in 2001 and champion New York-bred 2-year-old in 1996, Say Florida Sandy won 33 of 98 starts, including five graded stakes, and earned $2,085,408.

Dancin Renee also earned New York-bred Horse of the Year honors, in 1997, along with champion sprinter and 4-year-old and up female honors that season. She won 14 of 21 starts and earned $490,258 racing for her owner and breeder Bacon. Dancin Renee is the dam of Risky Rachel, who won nine of 27 starts and earned $493,736 for Bacon.

Lolli Lucka Lolli was a multiple winner campaigned by Bacon’s Bacon Barn. She was named New York-bred Broodmare of the Year in 1997 and 2001.

Bacon campaigned Ete Indien in partnership with several other owners including trainer Patrick Biancone. The son of Summer Front won three of eight starts, including the Grade 2 Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes in 2020 at Gulfstream Park, and finished third in the Grade 1 Curlin Florida Derby.

Bacon’s breeding program earned national headlines in 2018 when a New York-bred colt by Scat Daddy out of Risky Rachel – later named Yale and campaigned by Coolmore in Ireland – sold for $1 million at the Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream 2-year-olds in training sale.

Bacon is survived by his daughter Jill Brookner and granddaughters Erin and Rachael.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Montefiore Cemetery, 121-83 Springfield Boulevard, St. Albans, New York. Funeral arrangement are being directed by Hellman Memorial Chapels in Spring Valley, New York.