NEWS: nytb

NYTB, SUNY Cobleskill course kicks off in Saratoga

Wednesday, September 6th, 2023

Students from SUNY Cobleskill take in the scene from the Saratoga Race Course paddock last weekend. Susie Raisher Photo.

The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., and the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill’s accredited course designed to expose upper-class students in the Animal Science program to various segments of the Thoroughbred industry started last weekend at Saratoga Race Course.

The visit by students focused on the culmination of the breeding and racing industries and allowed for observation of the finished product during morning training and afternoon races. Students received a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oklahoma Training Track Saturday during training hours led by NYTB President Tom Gallo.

The group spent the afternoon at the races, with visits to the paddock, watching from the rooftop and helping the Backstretch Employee Service Team (B.E.S.T.) selected the “Best Turned Out Award” for the day.

Students helped pick the Best Turned Out winner as part of their visit to Saratoga Race Course. Adam Coglianese/NYRA Photo.

“The NYTB, through Tom Gallo’s leadership, provided SUNY Cobleskill students an experience at Saratoga Race Course that was second to none,” said Raymond Whelihan, SUNY Cobleskill Associate Professor in Animal Science who collaborated with Gallo to develop the program. “Time spent observing training at the Oklahoma track, lengthy discussion with a Hall of Fame trainer, comped racetrack entry and seats, a roof top view and the opportunity to enter the paddock and select the groom of the day. Every student was enthusiastic and appreciative. What a wonderful way to kick off the new Thoroughbred Industry course at SUNY Cobleskill.”

The pilot program is offered to 15-20 junior undergraduate students that have met prerequisites. The course, which runs from late August to early December, falls in line with the NYTB’s goals to make outreach with upper-level science students majoring in equine studies and finding the next generation of the industry’s workforce and leaders in racing and breeding.

NYTB President Tom Gallo gave SUNY Cobleskill students a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oklahoma Training Track last week. Susie Raisher Photo.

“When I first introduced the idea of the NYTB educational seminars years ago, along with raising the standard of care and awareness for the general population of the New York breeders, my ultimate goal was to use these seminars for the education of young people who may be interested in coming into our industry,” Gallo said. “This could not have been done without the help of NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson and our forward-thinking board members. With the help of my longtime friend, Ray Whelihan, we were able to put together a program which not only exposes these students to many different aspects of the horse industry in New York, but also allows them to gain college credits for their participation. These are seniors in college, and they have participated in the equine studies program for the length of their college career. This is a targeted-interested and engaged group of students, who hopefully will find one aspect of our industry interesting enough for them to enter with career expectations. I can’t tell you how happy I am that this is finally happening.”

The course continues through the remainder of the year, with a guided tour of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame led by legendary announcer Tom Durkin along with a tour Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga in Saratoga Springs in late September. In October, the students will attend the NYTB Annual general membership meeting, educational seminar and the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Sale. The course concludes in November with a tour of a Thoroughbred breeding farm and a visit to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga Springs.


From Warhorse to Warrior Princess – Aftercare Spotlight

Thursday, August 17th, 2023

Puparee under saddle in her new career. Photo courtesy of Corinne Gagnon.

By Teresa Genaro

Corinne Gagnon describes herself as someone who loves equine projects. Her Frazier Farm in Connecticut offers riding lessons, equine boarding, horse shows, and summer camps, and she trains horses, specializing in young horses that come to her as a clean slate.

Puparee was quite another story. Gagnon saw the 10-year-old mare listed for sale on a Facebook page, and at first glance, the daughter of Congaree didn’t look like much. She was thin. She didn’t look well cared-for.

“But I really liked her build,” said Gagnon, “and her movement caught my eye. When I went to see her, I could see that there was a really nice horse under that surface.”

Puparee didn’t make her first start until she was four years old, unusual for a Thoroughbred. She finished seventh in her first race, at Aqueduct on January 2, 2015, and then didn’t race again for five months. Trained by Domenick Schettino, she won her second start by three lengths at odds of 43-1 at Belmont Park, and then Puparee was, quite literally, off to the races.

Over the next seven years, the bay mare ran 62 times, compiling a record of 6-5-4. She ran for Schettino and her owner/breeder Joemar Racing Stables for 11 races, and in a race at Finger Lakes on Oct. 25, 2021, she “dropped far back, lost contact with the field, was distanced but did cross the wire,” reads the Equibase chart.

Puparee breaks her maiden at Belmont Park for owner/breeder Joemar Racing Stables. Coglianese Photos.

What happened between that race and her being posted on Facebook is unclear. So yes: part of Puparee’s story is a cautionary tale about what can happen to Thoroughbreds when they’re done racing, and we’ll come back to that.

But first:

Puparee presented Gagnon with challenges unlike the ones she was used to. Puparee was far from a blank slate; she was a veteran, and she had a mind of her own.

“She was a warhorse,” said Gagnon. “She knew her job and she’d been doing it for a long time. She was so determined, and she knew her job was to go fast. It was hard to convince her that her new life could be quite different from that.”

Gagnon focused at first on getting Puparee back to a healthy weight, and once the mare looked like an athlete again, she realized the potential that Gagnon had seen in her.

“She was just a powerhouse,” she said. “She raced for a long time, and she has that spark and that heart; she wasn’t going to dumb herself down for anyone. That’s why I appreciated her: she was a powerful mare on a mission, and so fun to work with.”

As much as Gagngon enjoyed that spirit, she also knew that the mare couldn’t be ridden by just anyone, and at first, she intended to keep her as an eventer. When her other responsibilities prevented her from riding “Puppy” often, she offered her for adoption.

Gagnon’s ad showed up in Samantha Dyche’s Facebook feed, and just as Gagnon was smitten the first time she saw Puparee, so too was Dyche. Now 18, Dyche lives in Indiana and couldn’t make the trip to Connecticut, so after watching lots of videos and Facetiming during vet examinations, she bought her.

“I’d never done that,”  she said. “I’d never bought a horse like that. But I took a chance. She’s a really pretty mover.”

Dyche knew little about Thoroughbred racing, but she looked up her new horse on Equibase and posted in a Facebook group trying to learn more about her. She was impressed at how many times Puparee had raced and won, and she heard from both Schettino and his daughter, who remembered her fondly.

Puparee under saddle in her new career. Photo courtesy of Corinne Gagnon.

Earlier this month, Dyche headed off to college to study nursing, and Puparee, now named Xena, like the warrior princess, went with her.

“She’s something else,” said Dyche. “‘Xena’ suits her. She just wants to gallop, or she’ll go into a super-fast trot, and she definitely doesn’t like to be confined.”

She also tends to get in trouble; Dyche jokes that her new mare has given her plenty of opportunity to practice nursing and first aid.

“She got mad at her neighbor and she kicked the stall,” she said. “Another time, out in a paddock, she either got bitten by another horse or she reached her neck over the fence and cut herself. In February, she was getting shoed and she stamped her foot with a shoe partly off, injuring her hoof on the nail.”

As Gagnon put it, “Relaxation is kind of tough for her. I’m happy that she’s with someone who appreciates her for what she is.”

On Thursday, Aug. 17, the New York Racing Association, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, and New York Thoroughbred Breeders will host the third Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course. Among the highlights will be a retirement ceremony for Drafted, a nine-year-old gelding trained by David Duggan for his last 22 starts. Drafted raced on three continents and retired with 10 wins and $1.1 million in earnings, and he was retired through NYTHA’s TAKE THE LEAD retirement program. He will be retrained at New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program before going on to a second career.

“We used to hope that horses would end up in a good place when they retired,” said Duggan. “Now we know they do, thanks to everyone in New York coming together to make aftercare a priority. We want to promote all that’s being done, and Drafted is the perfect poster boy for this event.

Soaring Star, bred in New York by Patricia Moseley and a graduate of New Vocations, participates in last year's inaugural event. Susie Raisher photo.

Soaring Star, bred in New York by Patricia Moseley and a graduate of New Vocations, participates in the inaugural event. He’ll be back this year. Susie Raisher photo.

Four other retired racehorses will strut their stuff on Thursday, demonstrating their post-racing versatility in everything from Revolutionary War reenactments to hunter/jumping to dressage to carrying small children and inexperienced adults in lead-line classes at local horse shows

Established in 2012, the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredits and funds retirement, retraining, and sanctuary facilities across the country, ensuring that horses have reputable, safe options for their lives after the racetrack. NYTHA’s own TAKE THE LEAD has retired and rehome more than 1,000 horses since it was created a decade ago

And so there is no reason for any horse that races in New York to face an uncertain future, as Puparee did. Horses don’t, and shouldn’t, need the sort of luck that landed her first with Corinne Gagnon and then with Samantha Dyche, and while there is still work to be done events like Aftercare Day and horses like Xena continue to highlight the positive pathways open to horses, trainers, and owners.

Aftercare Day will also provide options to donate to aftercare organization. On- or off-track, people can text AFTERCARE2023 to 44321 to donate to TAKE THE LEAD, and on-track, anyone cashing a winning ticket on an AmTote International self-service betting terminal will be given an option to donate to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. All donations are tax-deductible.


NYRA, NYTHA and NYTB to host third annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga on Thursday, August 17

Sunday, July 30th, 2023

Initially released by The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA)

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) will host the third annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Thursday, August 17 at Saratoga Race Course.

Free with paid track admission, the celebration will include a variety of events and demonstrations to highlight the work of the New York State aftercare community.

The featured race on Thursday’s card will be the $125,000 Rick Violette, a 1 1/16-mile turf test for New York-bred sophomores named for the late trainer and NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program.

Violette was a founding member of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), the non-profit organization that accredits, inspects, and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations to retire, retrain, and rehome Thoroughbreds. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the TAA is supported by owners, trainers, breeders, racetracks, aftercare professionals, and other industry members.

Representatives from TAA-accredited organizations will be on-site at Saratoga on August 17 to educate both racing fans and the general public about the importance of responsible aftercare efforts, including Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue, ACTT Naturally, Equine Advocates, Lollipop Farm, Lucky Orphans, New Vocations, Old Friends at Cabin Creek, ReRun, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, and Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga.

Fans can visit the Community Booth behind the jockeys’ quarters to learn more about the participating organizations.

“Thoroughbred Aftercare Day reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting and re-training equine athletes when their racing days are done,” said Dave O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “New York is the national leader when it comes to supporting and investing in meaningful aftercare efforts, and we are thrilled to host the third annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course on August 17.”

New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day will begin with an on-track demonstration of retired racehorses showcasing the skills learned in their second careers. New Vocations will be the first to demonstrate the Thoroughbred’s athleticism with a jumping display prior to the day’s races, and ReRun will follow after the second race with flatwork/dressage exhibition.

The Horse Sense stall, located just outside of the Saratoga grandstand, will feature retired racehorses from Old Friends at Cabin Creek between 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and from the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) afterwards between 1:45 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.

“We are so excited to present our third annual NY Aftercare Day,” said Rick Schosberg, the New York-based retired trainer who serves as Vice President of NYTHA and President of TAKE2/TAKE THE LEAD. “It is so important to be able to provide safe and purposeful retirements and second careers for these wonderful equine athletes, and to showcase all of the fine work to the public is so gratifying and rewarding. It’s a massive combined effort of the horsemen, NYTHA, the TAA and the many accredited aftercare organizations, the NYTB, and the New York Racing Association. It’s a full team effort! Enjoy the demonstrations and learn about the great work being done here in New York to provide safe and meaningful lives for our racehorses when their racing days are over.”

NYRA, NYTHA, NYTB, and New York owners contribute more than $1.2 million per year to aftercare support. New York’s racing community contributes more financial support to Thoroughbred aftercare than any state in the country.

In 2013, NYTHA’s TAKE THE LEAD (TTL) Thoroughbred Retirement Program was launched with NYRA and NYTB’s support and has placed over 1,000 horses retiring from the NYRA tracks with TAA-accredited organizations.

In 2014, NYTHA adopted a per-start fee for owners of $5 that provided funding to the TAA. In July 2019, NYRA and NYTHA increased the per-start fee to $10. NYRA matches those contributions, and then donates the proceeds to the TAA at the conclusion of each race meet conducted at NYRA.

In 2019, NYRA and NYTHA launched an aftercare assessment program that requires owners claiming a horse subject to contribute a 1.5 percent aftercare assessment on top of the claiming price of the horse with funding allocated to the TAA and TTL. For example, an owner claiming a horse for $50,000 will contribute an additional $750 toward aftercare. This program generated over $245,000 in 2022, and over $100,000 this year through June 30.

“We’re proud to partner with NYRA and NYTHA once again to highlight and bring awareness to Thoroughbred Aftercare in New York,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders. “The efforts undertaken by each of the participating Thoroughbred Aftercare accredited organizations to care, retrain and develop second careers for retired racehorses deserves to be featured. Being able to do so in front of racing fans at Saratoga speaks to the support our industry as a collective is providing to assure the long-term care of our equine athletes.”

Racing fans will be able to donate to TAKE THE LEAD by texting AFTERCARE2023 to 44321 to make a contribution, or by opting to make a donation to the TAA when cashing a winning ticket on an AmTote International self-service betting terminal. All donations are tax deductible.

There will also be a raffle on NY Thoroughbred Aftercare Day for an Exmark Radius-S Series 60” Zero Turn Mower, valued at $10,000.

“Exmark has been a longtime supporter of our industry, and with this donation they are providing a big boost to the great work that the NYTHA does for the New York equine community,” said Steve Andersen, founder of Equine Equipment. “We are proud to help facilitate this generous donation, and we are very thankful to have a partner like Exmark who gives back to the racing industry in so many ways.

“Equine Equipment is always available to help horsemen get discounts on a wide range of products and equipment, but if you are in the market for a new Exmark commercial mower, we encourage you to support this fundraiser or simply make a donation to the NYTHA,” added Andersen.

All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to TAKE THE LEAD.

 

About TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program:

Started in 2012, TAKE2 was created to provide second career opportunities for retired racehorses in the show ring and to increase the popularity of Thoroughbreds as Hunters and Jumpers. The program has grown from eight horse shows in three states and now partners with over 500 horse shows in 23 states. More than 2,500 Thoroughbreds have competed in the TAKE2 Hunter and Jumper divisions across the country.

TAKE THE LEAD works with owners and trainers to find placements for the horses retiring from the NYRA tracks with TAA-accredited aftercare organizations. TAKE THE LEAD is co-funded by members of the Thoroughbred industry around the country: New York Thoroughbred Breeders; New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund; Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Associations in Maryland (through Beyond the Wire) and Pennsylvania (through Turning for Home); Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company; and members of the racing and horse show communities across the country, For more information on TAKE2 and TAKE THE LEAD, go to www.take2tbreds.com.


2023 Saratoga Calendar

Monday, July 10th, 2023

There are no shortage of special events throughout the Saratoga meet! A selection, in alphabetical order, is included below. Keep an eye on NYTB social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) for changes, additions, and more. A press release including a more extensive list of NYRA’s events can be found here.

Belmont Child Care Association Racing for the Children

BCCA’s popular annual fundraiser and auction is on tap for Thursday, August 24. Further information and tickets will be available here.

Breakfast & Breeding Farm Tours

Hosted in conjunction with NYRA, Breakfast & Breeding Farm Tours are offered Wednesdays through Fridays throughout the meet. Fans can enjoy breakfast on-track before visiting Song Hill Thoroughbreds on Wednesdays and Old Tavern Farm on Thursdays and Fridays. Details are available here; tickets are available here.

Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sales

The Saratoga Sale occurs August 7-8. The New York-Bred Preferred Sale takes place on August 13-14. Catalogues will be made available shortly.

Lustgarten Foundation Day
NYRA honors the late trainer Dominic Galluscio by fundraising for the Lustgarten Foundation, fighting pancreatic cancer, in his honor. A bevy of trainers will be available for an autograph session on August 19.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
The NMRHOF hosts a number of events throughout the meet. Chief among them are the Racing Partnership and Syndicate Night on Tuesday, August 1, connecting interested parties with the world of owning racehorses. The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for that Friday, August 4. Their full calendar of events and more details can be found here.

New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day
NYRA, NYTHA, and NYTB join forces to host the third annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day on Thursday, August 17. OTTBs and the people and organizations that care for them will be in the spotlight throughout the day. Full details will be available soon.

New York Thoroughbred Breeders Special Events

NYTB is hosting the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Saturday Morning Social series on July 15. Admission will be free from 9-11 with NYTB on-hand to answer questions, promote the program, and more. Details are available here.

Join NYTB on Friday, August 11, to enjoy a day at the races in the 1863 Club. The card includes a pair of stakes races, the Evan Shipman and Union Avenue, both for New York-breds. Tickets are available here.

Get ready for the New York-bred sale with a cocktail party at Fasig-Tipton! Join us on Saturday, August 12, after the races to celebrate the program. Tickets are available here.

NYRA Giveaways

There are four giveaways scheduled throughout the meet, each on a Friday – July 21, August 11, August 18, and September 1. Full details, including images of the items, are here.

PDJF Day Across America
A jockey autograph session is among the activities planned for Saturday, July 29 to raise funds and awareness for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund.

Race Track Chaplaincy of New York

One of the most popular events of the season, the annual basketball game, is scheduled for Thursday, August 3. Head to the Saratoga Rec Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave) for the 14th annual charity basketball game, as jockeys face off against a collection of horsemen. Full details are here.

Todd and Tracy Pletcher are the honorees at the annual brunch, which will be held on Wednesday, August 16, at Saratoga National. The event raises crucial funds for the organization. Tickets and details are available here.

Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Seminar
TOBA’s educational seminars are designed for both prospective and established owners and breeders, with a mission of providing knowledge and increasing success. This year’s seminar is scheduled for August 17 and 18. Details and registration are available here.


Ponies, Politics, People: Howard Nolan Remembered

Thursday, June 22nd, 2023

The late Senator Howard Nolan, at the 2015 New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. Holiday Party, left his mark on the Empire State’s racing and breeding programs. Skip Dickstein Photo.

By Tracy Egan

Former New York State Senator Howard Nolan passed away in Florida on June 16, 2023 with his loving wife Shannon by his side. The news of his passing has affected people in all walks of life. From the people he represented in the State Senate to the friends he served with on the board of the New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund and, before that, as president of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.

One of the accomplishments Senator Nolan was most proud of was his launching of a program in 1983 with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at the Wallkill Correctional Facility that teamed up ex-racehorses with incarcerated men and women.

Many graduates of the program have been able to find employment in the horse industry thanks to the months or years of education they received via the TRF Second Chances program.

The legacy of the program he helped create is now helping horses and humans at correctional facilities in seven states, from New York to Florida and California.

“Howard’s positive influence spread across many lives, from the New York horse breeders to incarcerated people via the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation at Wallkill Prison and beyond who got a second chance,” said Bill Wilmot, DVM, a member of the Fund board. “Always positive and thinking of others. That’s how I think of my mentor and friend, Howard Nolan.”

Board member Joe McMahon remembered sharing van driving duties years ago with Senator Nolan when they decided Florida might be a good marketplace for their registered New York-breds.

“Over his 50-year involvement in the Thoroughbred horse industry, Howard was an owner, breeder, stallion owner, farm owner, past president of New York Thoroughbred Breeders and a board member of the New York State Breeding and Development Fund, as well as a keen political advisor,” McMahon said. “He was a mentor and personal friend to me and my family. We will all miss him terribly.”

Najja Thompson, executive director of NYTB, Inc. and a member of the Fund board, noted that “Senator Nolan was an influential and integral figure in helping to lead the New York-bred program to the success it has had today. On behalf of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc., we will be forever thankful for his support of New York breeders and we send his family our sincere condolences.”

Fund Board Member John Hicks credited his late friend with introducing him to racehorse ownership and breeding.

“I have known Howard for almost 50 years,” Hicks said. “He was instrumental in introducing me, along with many others into the horse business and was a wonderful mentor. He cared about all aspects of the horse business and dedicated much of his time to the New York racing and breeding program. I considered him a close friend and he will be sorely missed by many.”

Nolan served his Albany-centric Senate district from 1974 to 1994, and served on the Fund Board for 18 years, from 2002 through 2020. During his term he frequently asked what measures would help his constituency of breeders to produce more competitive horses and what steps the board might take to help those breeders stay in business.

Nolan’s friends will miss the sight of him sitting in his box at Saratoga Race Course and his enthusiasm for the sport that so frequently finds itself the focus of critics. Industry supporters would do well to honor his memory by pushing for positive change while enthusiastically encouraging a love for the sport, its horses and all the people who make it possible.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen St., Albany. Visitation will be from 4- 7 p.m. Sunday.

 

Click here for Senator Nolan’s obituary.


Message from NYTB Pres. Tom Gallo – A momentous moment for the NY-Bred program

Thursday, May 4th, 2023

On Wednesday, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law authorizing as part of the 2024 New York Fiscal State Budget a $455 million loan to the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) authorizing the redevelopment of Belmont Park. This accomplishment would not have been able to be achieved without the work and support of NYTB members alongside the efforts of NYRA, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Inc. (NYTHA) and the We Are New York Horse Racing Coalition.

Working together, we were able to showcase the widespread social and economic impact thoroughbred breeding and racing bring to New York State! The results of our efforts will ensure investment in thoroughbred breeding and racing in New York for many years to come.

I personally would like to thank our hard-working membership and leadership among NYTB, NYTHA, NYRA and the We are New York Horse Racing Coalition in not only showing up in key moments such as our momentous rally at the State Capitol on March 13 but being individuals who have made a personal investment to our equine athletes. It is your tireless dedication and support in assembling family, friends, employees, and everyone involved in the New York breeding industry that made this a possibility.

Looking ahead, there is still much to execute on with such an ambitious undertaking. NYTB will continue to need your support as we work on your behalf in the best interests of New York breeding and the New York-bred program.

We appreciate your continued support.

Regards,

gallo signature
Tom Gallo
NYTB President & Chairman of the NYTB PAC


NYTB announces 2022 New York-bred divisional championship nominees

Tuesday, March 28th, 2023

NYTB logoNew York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) is pleased to announce the nominees for the New York-bred divisional champions of 2022. A panel of New York Turf writers, broadcasters, handicappers, racing analysts and photographers will vote on the winners of each division and the 2022 New York-bred Horse of the Year.

The 2022 New York-bred divisional champions and New York-bred Horse of the Year will be announced at the NYTB Awards Dinner sponsored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund at 7 p.m. Monday, May 8 at Saratoga National Golf Club in Saratoga Springs.

New York riding legend and NYRA TV personality Richard Migliore will again host the Awards Dinner.

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

Also to be honored at the Awards Dinner with 2022 awards will be Broodmare of the Year, Champion Steeplechaser, Trainer, Champion Jockey and Outstanding Breeder.

A list of the 2022 New York-bred divisional championship nominees by category follows.

Champion 2-Year-Old Male: Acoustic Ave, Andiamo a Firenze, Arctic Arrogance, Vacation Dance.

Champion 2-Year-Old Filly: Gambling Girl, Les Bon Temps, Stonewall Star, You’re My Girl.

Champion 3-Year-Old Male: Barese, Rotknee, Un Ojo, Run Curtis Run.

Champion 3-Year-Old Filly: Fingal’s Cave, Spendarella, Sterling Silver, Venti Valentine.

Champion Older Dirt Male: Americanrevolution, Bankit, Dr. Blute, Wudda U Think Now.

Champion Older Dirt Female: Bank Sting, Betsy Blue, Kept Waiting, Make Mischief.

Champion Turf Male: City Man, Dancing Buck, Red Knight, Somelikeithotbrown.

Champion Turf Female: Dream Central, Robin Sparkles, Runaway Rumour, Spendarella.

Champion Male Sprinter: Dancing Buck, My Boy Tate, Thin White Duke, Wudda U Think Now.

Champion Female Sprinter: Bank Sting, Betsy Blue, Robin Sparkles, Sterling Silver.


First mare in foal to Sequel’s Fire At Will

Friday, March 10th, 2023

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Fire At Will, standing his initial season at Sequel Stallions New York in Hudson, has his first mare in foal. Breeders’ Cup/Eclipse Sportswire Photo.

Sequel Stallions New York’s first-year sire Fire At Will has his first mare bred reported in foal.

Day Dayenu, a winning 6-year-old daughter of Into Mischief out of the graded stakes-winning Not For Love mare Blind Date, checked in foal to the multiple graded stakes-winning son of Declaration of War. Fire At Will is standing his first season for $6,000 at Sequel in Hudson.

Day Dayenu, purchased by the Fire At Will Syndicate for $20,000 at the OBS January mixed sale, is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner and $133,803-earner Paulita. This will be her first foal.

Campaigned by Three Diamonds Farm and trained by Mike Maker, Fire At Will won three of six starts and earned $675,932. He won the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland Race Course and the off-the-turf With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga Race Course and Grade 3 Pilgrim on the turf at Belmont Park that same season.

Fire At Will is out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Flirt, who sold in foal to Lemon Drop Kid for $500,000 at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November mixed sale. He’s the first foal out of Flirt, who is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Decorated Invader (by Declaration of War), stakes winner Jubliant Girl and stakes-placed Cabral.

 


Message From NYTB President Tom Gallo – March 13 Rally at State Capitol

Thursday, February 16th, 2023

NYTB logo On Monday, March 13, New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. (NYTB) along with workers representing the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) and the New York Racing Association, (NYRA), will hold a press conference and rally at the State Capitol to raise awareness and support for horse racing as part of our We Are NY Horse Racing coalition.

The purpose of this rally is to make our collective voices heard in support of the Belmont Park modernization project.

As you may be aware, Governor Kathy Hochul included the Belmont Park modernization project in her state budget proposal, however the next step is to ensure the project is included in the final budget.

It is our sport, industry and breeder awards that are at stake!

NYTB will be providing bus transportation, box lunch, and refreshments to everyone who intends to travel to the rally. We are looking for at least 55 farm workers, blacksmiths, veterinarians, and individuals in all service-related sectors who work in horse racing to attend. The bus will depart from Saratoga Race Course at 9 a.m. and return approximately 3 p.m. Additionally details will be sent to all who register below.

NYTB has been at the forefront of the fight to protect horse racing in New York and ensure its long-term viability against extremist groups including PETA, NYCLASS, and others who have made it their mission to end our livelihood and the care we provide to our equine athletes by making notable contributions to members of the Senate and Assembly.

It is imperative that we have farm workers and all persons who support and make a living with horses and equine athletes on hand to show legislators the jobs and individuals who directly benefit from having a robust thoroughbred breeding industry in New York. Our lives will be severely impacted if the Belmont Park modernization plan is not included in the state budget by April 1.

Click here to RSVP to the rally and please share among your fellow farm owners, breeders, and supporters of horse racing.

If you cannot attend our rally on March 13, please also consider donating to the NYTB PAC which supports our fight to help protect and grow the New York-bred program.

Personal donations to the NYTB PAC can be made online here or personal checks can be made payable to the NYTB PAC and mailed to

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

No donation is too small. Thank you for your consideration and support in this fight.

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Tom Gallo
NYTB President & Chairman of NYTB PAC


New York Breeding Highlights from Governor Kathy Hochul’s State Budget Proposal

Thursday, February 2nd, 2023

NYTB logoOn Wednesday afternoon, Governor Kathy Hochul released her first state budget proposal since being elected to her first term in office last November. The $227 billion executive budget proposal includes key initiatives for horse racing in the state, including modernization of the historic Belmont Park on Long Island and a key modification of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to benefit farmers, including breeding farm owners.

The announcement of the Governor’s budget proposal begins a protracted negotiation process with state lawmakers, ahead of the April 1 start of the state’s fiscal year. 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, Assembly member 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. Below, please find a recap of the key initiatives from the governor’s budget that would positively impact horse racing and the thoroughbred breeding industry.

NYTB and our legislative affairs team in Albany, through your membership dues and donations to the NYTB PAC make it possible to ensure New York’s thoroughbred breeding and racing industry remains the best in the nation.

In the next week, you will receive your 2023 NYTB Membership Renewal Packet. You can renew your membership:

  • via Phone: Please call the NYTB Office – 518.587.0777
  • Online: Click here.

Please also consider donating to the NYTB PAC! The NYTB PAC allows your voice to be heard in the state capitol on all pertinent issues.

If you make a minimum voluntary contribution of $50 or more to the NYTB PAC, you will receive an NYTB branded logo hat. You can make your donation to the NYTB PAC by visiting here.

2024 New York State Executive Budget Thoroughbred Breeding & Horse Racing Highlights 

  • MODERNIZATION OF BELMONT PARK The governor’s executive budget proposal announced support for the New York Racing Association (NYRA) to receive $455 million in state-backed bonds for the modernization of Belmont Park to be repaid by NYRA at no cost to taxpayers. The Belmont Park modernization project is estimated to be completed in the next three years with $71 million towards the renovation of the turf courses, main track, and installation of a synthetic surface, and the remaining $384 million to be spent on modernizing the main building, including a new grandstand and clubhouse. The project will also unlock the 45-acre infield at Belmont Park for a variety of uses.

NYTB Action: NYTB has been pleased to be a founding member of the We are New York Horse Racing Coalition. The coalition’s efforts have been an integral part of ensuring the Belmont Park modernization project was included in the Governor’s proposal. A modernized Belmont Park, with the capability for year-round racing at a world-class facility, will not only ensure New York remains a leader in hosting top tier races including graded stakes and a future Breeders’ Cup World Championships, but would continue to positively support New York’s breeding industry with an increased demand for New York-breds and New York racing on the yearly calendar.

  • MODIFY THE INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT (ITC) FOR FARMERSThe governor’s budget proposal also includes a modification of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for farmers which would allow the conversion of Investment Tax Credits from nonrefundable tax credits into a refundable tax credit for five years. This is expected to provide farm owners and farm businesses the ability to utilize $7 million additional (ITC) credits annually.

NYTB Action: NYTB, in collaboration with the Farm Bureau, is actively working with the governor’s administration and state legislature to ensure the Investment Tax Credit, which was increased 20 percent last year, will now be refundable. A major step in helping to alleviate the rising costs experienced by farmers in New York, including breeding farms.

  • MOBILE SPORTS WAGERING HIGHLIGHTThe governor’s briefing book, including highlights and state achievements ahead of the announced executive budget proposal included the impressive figure of $16.6 billion in handle on mobile sports wagering through January 7 of last year with the one-year anniversary of mobile sports wagering in New York, achieved on January 8.

NYTB Action: NYTB along with our fellow industry stakeholders including NYRA and the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA) continue to evaluate the potential of mobile sports wagering for horse racing, including potentially through fixed-odds legislation. Currently, there is a 51 percent tax on mobile sports betting operators, which is a significant factor in evaluating any potential introduction to horse racing to complement pari-mutuel wagering and investment of revenue returned to support New York’s breeding industry.

There is a perpetual need for advocacy for our sport and industry. NYTB will continue our work on your behalf and also appreciates your support in these efforts.

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Najja Thompson
Executive Director