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Whitney winners Diversify and Commentator: Old Friends at Cabin Creek Honors NY-bred Excellence

Friday, August 1st, 2025

Diversify at Old Friends at Cabin Creek on July 29. Susie Raisher photo.

By Teresa Genaro

New York lost one of its more storied racehorses on June 27, when New York-bred Commentator was euthanized as a result of long-term complications from Potomac horse fever. His death stunned those closest to him.

“We thought he was going to be OK,” said JoAnn Pepper, who with her husband Mark owns and manages Old Friends at Cabin Creek, where Commentator has lived since 2016. From 2009 to 2016, he lived at Old Friends in Georgetown, KY. “He was a fighter, and he was doing so great. He beat the Potomac horse fever, and he basically beat an abscess and laminitis. But the abscess affected his joint, and he couldn’t recover.”

In 2008, Commentator joined the great Kelso and Discovery as the only multiple winners of the Whitney at Saratoga Race Course. He won the race for the first time in 2005, opening up a five-length lead on odds-on favorite St. Liam, who would go on to win that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic and earn Champion Older Horse and Horse of the Year honors. That five-length lead disappeared at the wire, but Commentator held on to win by a neck.

Three years later, the chestnut gelding was back at Saratoga for the Whitney, and back in the winner’s circle, this time prevailing by 4 3/4 lengths. He tried again the following year, too, finishing third by three lengths in his final start.

Commentator was bred by Michael Martinez, foaled at Blue Stone Farm, and owned throughout his career by Tracy Farmer, who paid $135,000 for him as a yearling. He began his racing career at age 3 and it ended when he was 8. Gelded as a juvenile because, as his trainer Nick Zito put it, “he was a wild horse,” Farmer opted to send him to Kentucky’s Old Friends.

A decade after Commentator arrived at Old Friends, he was joined by fellow New York-bred winner Diversify, who earned his own Whitney win in 2018. Trained by the late Rick Violette, who had been in treatment for cancer for several years, Diversify won the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup in 2017, and two months before he ran in the Whitney, he won the Commentator Stakes by a nose at Belmont Park on New York-bred Showcase Day.

The day of Diversify’s Whitney was one of weather extremes; as the horses walked in the paddock before the race, the skies opened and a deluge drenched everyone unable to take cover. After a delay of 40 minutes, the clouds parted, the sun came out, and, apparently unfazed by

Commentator’s grave at Old Friends at Cabin Creek. The plaque reads, “…The earth sings where he touches it… He is pure air and fire… He is indeed a horse…” Susie Raisher photo.

the change in routine, Diversify led wire to wire for a 3 1/2-length win, walking back to the winner’s circle with a rainbow arcing over the eastern end of the track.

He’d race once more, finishing fifth in that year’s Jockey Club Gold Cup, and the Whitney was the final stakes win for Violette, who died on Oct. 21in 2018.

Bred by Fred W. Hertrich III & John D. Fielding and foaled at Majestic View Farms, Diversify was purchased by Maverick Racing, the buying entity WinStar Farm, for $150,000 at the 2014 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale of preferred New York-breds. He raced twice for WinStar, winning both starts, before being sold at the 2016 Keeneland breeding stock sale for $210,000 to Lauren and Ralph Evans, a father-daughter team that owned Diversify until his retirement.

In his 16-race career, Diversity won 10 times and earned $1.9 million. A gelding like Commentator with no stud career ahead of him, he lived for six years at Old Friends in Kentucky, then, like Commentator, he came home to New York, arriving at Cabin Creek on July 28.

Commentator was voted New York-bred Horse of the Year and Champion Older Male in 2005 and 2008, honors that went to Diversify in 2018.

“The Whitney connection, and he won the Commentator Stakes…it just seems like Diversify is supposed to be here,” said Pepper.

Old Friends at Cabin Creek is hosting its annual fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 3. A cocktail party and silent auction, it will be held at the Marriott Excelsior Springs Event Center, 11 Excelsior Avenue in Saratoga Springs, at 6:30pm.

You can find more information and purchase tickets here.


2025 Saratoga Events

Tuesday, July 8th, 2025

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/X) 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 21. Further information and tickets will be available here.

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

Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sales
The Saratoga Sale occurs August 4-5. The New York-Bred Preferred Sale takes place on August 10-11. Catalogues will be available here.

Jockey Club Safety Net
The annual Fashionable Fillies Luncheon will take place at Saratoga National Gold Club on Monday, August 4. The keynote speaker and honoree is sports journalist Lindsay Czarniak, an owner through America’s Best Racing’s “A Stake in Stardom” initiative. Full details are here.

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 16.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
The NMRHOF hosts a number of events throughout the meet. The first two Saturdays feature farm tours, the first of McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds and the second of Mill Creek Farm. The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, August 1. The Racing Partnership and Syndicate event, connecting interested parties with the world of owning racehorses, is on Saturday, August 9. 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, July 17. OTTBs and the people and organizations that care for them will be in the spotlight throughout the day. Full details are available here.

New York Thoroughbred Breeders Special Events
Join NYTB on Thursday, August 7, at Rood and Riddle for a BBQ to kick off the NY-bred Preferred Yearling Sale! Breeders, consignor, bloodstock agents, and friends are welcome to join us from 6-9:30pm at 63 Henning Rd for handcrafted BBQ, an open bar, and live music from The Wallies cover band. Admission is free with registration – here.

Celebrate the program and spend time together on-track at Paddock Suite on Friday, August 8! Enjoy a day at the races and a VIP experience. Tickets are available here.

In addition, NYTB will be on-site at the races every Friday at a booth near the paddock entrance.

NYRA Giveaways
There are six giveaways scheduled throughout the meet – July 11, July 20, July 25, August 8, August 22, and August 31. Full details, including images of some of the items, are here.

PDJF
A jockey autograph session is among the activities planned for Saturday, July 26, to raise funds and awareness for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund. The popular annual Jockey Karaoke event will take place the following evening at Vapor Night Club. Details and tickets are available here. PDJF and TRF host a joint “For Jocks and Horses” fundraiser at the Adelphi in on Wednesday, July 30. Details are here.

Race Track Chaplaincy of New York
One of the most popular events of the season, the annual basketball game, is scheduled for Wednesday, August 6. Head to the Saratoga Rec Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave) for the 15th annual charity basketball game, as jockeys face off against a collection of horsemen. Full details are here.

Leona and John Velazquez are the honorees at the annual brunch, which will be held on Wednesday, August 13, at Saratoga National. The event raises crucial funds for the organization. Tickets and details are available here.

ReRun’s On the River
ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption Program, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization which is the largest of its kind in the area, hosts its annual Saratoga fundraiser at The Basin Grill from 5:30-9:30 with guest of honor Katie Davis McCarthy. Full details and tickets are available here.

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
The TRF hosts a trio of fundraisers – Gumbo with Kendrick Carmouche on July 21, the joint “For Jocks and Horses” evening at the Adelphi with PDJF on July 30, and Backyard BBQ hosted by Rood & Riddle on August 19. Details for all three are available here.

 


NYRA announces new weekend-friendly schedule for Saratoga Breakfast & Breeding Farm tours

Tuesday, May 13th, 2025

Photo courtesy Old Tavern Farm

Press release courtesy of The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA)
Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc, fan-favorite experience features breakfast at the track and tours of breeding farms

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that the popular Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm program will be offered Thursdays through Sundays during the 2025 Saratoga summer meet to better accommodate the schedules of families. Previously, the program was available Wednesdays through Saturdays.

This year’s Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours are presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) and will feature three area farms: Old Tavern Farm, Sugar Plum Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds.

The tours will be available every Thursday through Sunday during the 2025 Saratoga summer meet, beginning with Opening Day, Thursday, July 10, and continuing through Sunday, August 31. The lone exception is Sunday, August 10, whose tour to Sugar Plum Farm will be offered on Wednesday, August 6. In addition, there is no tour on DraftKings Travers Day, Saturday, August 23.

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

Tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14 at NYRA.com. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $95 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests.

“The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours have become a new and exciting tradition for racegoers and families throughout the summer racing season,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “Each tour offers the opportunity to learn every facet and stage in the development of our equine athletes: from watching horses of racing age at historic Saratoga Race Course to receiving a behind-the-scenes look at a locally based New York Thoroughbred breeding farm where racehorses are foaled and spend time before and after their racing careers. New York Thoroughbred Breeders is proud to partner with NYRA and CDTA to offer fans this unique experience.”

The all-inclusive experience begins with a buffet-style breakfast available from 7 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on the Porch at Saratoga Race Course against the backdrop of morning training on the main track. At 9:15 a.m., fans will board a CDTA trolley at the Clubhouse entrance for the short ride to the day’s breeding farm where they will enjoy a comprehensive guided tour before returning to Saratoga Race Course for an afternoon of live racing.

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

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 Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm program in 2022. More information is available at oldtavernfarms.com.

Established in 2005 and managed by owner Robin Malatino, Sugar Plum Farm is a private breeding operation located just minutes from Saratoga Race Course. The farm also serves as the summer home of New York’s leading Turf Sire, War Dancer, who is on hand to greet visitors from his paddock. More information is available at sugarplumfarmsaratoga.com.

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

In addition to Breakfast and Breeding Farm tour tickets, single-day general admission tickets to Saratoga Race Course will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, May 14 beginning at 10 a.m. at Admissions. General admission tickets allow fans to enjoy hundreds of free picnic tables located in the Rivers Casino Backyard as well as access to the apron and many other areas on-track.

A special July 4th Racing Festival general admission pass will also be available for purchase for just $20 beginning on Wednesday, May 14 by clicking here. The July 4th Racing Festival, typically held at Belmont Park, will take place from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6 at Saratoga while construction continues on the new Belmont Park.

The July 4th Festival will serve as the prelude to the 40-day Saratoga summer meet which will open Thursday, July 10 and continue through Monday, September 1, highlighted by the 156th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on August 23 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 2.

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


IHDV Stallions announces updated roster, stallion show date

Friday, December 6th, 2024

Peace and Justice, new to New York after previously standing in Pennsylvania, is one of six stallions on the roster for 2025 at Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions. Photo courtesy of Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions.

Stalwarts King for a Day, Lookin At Lee, Waiting and Warrior’s Charge will return with their fees remaining the same to stand the 2025 season at Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions in Stillwater. Those four will be joined by graded stakes winner Petulante and former Pennsylvania sire Peace and Justice for 2025.

Mind Control has moved back to Rockridge Stud in Hudson in a planned move that continues to emphasize the cooperative nature of the partnership that brought the three-time Grade 1 winner to the Empire State. IHDV remains active in Mind Control’s management for 2025. He will stand for $8,000 LFSN.

Peace and Justice will stand for $7,500 LFSN.  The established and speedy son of War Front moves from Pennsylvania. He is a sire of multiple stakes winners, highlighted by 2024 Grade 3 Caress Stakes winner Dontlookbackatall. He is also the sire of 2024 Claiming Crown Rapid Transit winner, 17-time winner and $563,411-earner Like a Saltshaker.

Petulante will stand for $5,000 LFSN. He is a graded stakes-winning son of Arrogate out of a multiple graded stakes placed Uncle Mo mare. Petulante was never off the board in seven starts.

King for a Day ($5,000 LFSN) and Lookin At Lee ($2,500 LFSN) have had very good first crop winners and both have stakes performers. King for a Day is represented by the four-time stakes-placed colt Soontobeking.

The first crop from Waiting ($2,500 LFSN), a son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah whose second dam is champion mare Wait a While, are ready to hit the track this summer.

Breeders are very happy with their Warrior’s Charge ($5,000 LFSN) foals. Ten Strike Racing and Madaket Stables remain very highly supportive of the son of Munnings. The foals appear to have their sire’s engine and will hopefully be able to carry their speed as Warrior’s Charge proved time and again in his career.

IHDV will work very closely with breeders by offering incentives for qualifying mares and multiple mare discounts across the entire roster.

IHDV will hold its stallion show this year from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 11 at Irish Hill Century Farm in Stillwater. Lunch will be served, there will be a raffle for a free season to each stallion and special stallion show/early-season pricing will be offered.

The stallions are available for inspection by potential breeders on request.

For further information, contact: Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions LLC; Moe Scavullo, info@IHDVStallions.com, (518) 398-5666; or Rick Burke and Bill Leak, info@IrishHillCenturyFarm.com, (518) 584-1515.


NYS Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund Salute to NY Aftercare on Sep 10

Saturday, August 17th, 2024

Press release courtesy of the NYS Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund

The New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund is proud to announce that it will hold a Salute to Thoroughbred Aftercare on September 10, 2024 at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

The event will honor retired trainer Rick Schosberg as the Fund’s “Champion of Aftercare” for his exemplary leadership at the Take2 organization. Rick and Take2 work tirelessly to promote responsible ownership, including stepping up when necessary to provide a safe landing for every horse that leaves the track and needs to find a new career path.

Additionally, attendees will watch the trailer for the documentary “Off Track: Fate of a Racehorse” and hear from the film’s director, John Wager, as well as Executive Producer Jay Hanley, who hope the film triggers support for the majestic animals that touch our souls and have inspired generations of artists to capture their beauty.

The event is an opportunity for members of the Fund Board of Directors to engage with the people who work 24/7 every day of the year to provide sanctuary care or rest and redirection for retired racehorses. Additionally, we expect local lawmakers and the Chairman of the Gaming Commission, Brian O’Dwyer, to attend the event along with board members from the membership and lobbying organization NYTB, Inc.

The NYS Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund has provided more than a million dollars in promotional support over the past dozen years for aftercare facilities in the state. This is our chance to personally tell those with “boots on the ground” that we value their efforts.

We are privileged to recognize the people who run these groups, as they are instrumental in the Fund’s efforts to encourage respect for Thoroughbreds at every stage of life.

Sept. 10, 2024 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m.
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
191 Union Avenue
Saratoga Springs, NY

For more information contact: Tracy Egan, Executive Director
NYS Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund 28 Clinton Street – 2nd floor
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
TEgan@NYBreds.com
Phone: (518) 886-1013

 


Voting Opens for Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award

Thursday, July 18th, 2024
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.

New York-bred Aftercare Day on-track demonstrations with retrained retired racehorses. Photo cred: Susie Raisher

The voting for the first-ever Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award opens today. The presentation of the Down Broadway Award, named for the first horse to retire through the TAKE THE LEAD Program back in 2013, will highlight New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course on Thursday, August 15.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), and New York Thoroughbred Breeders (NYTB) will host the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day, which showcases retired racehorses demonstrating the skills they’ve learned in second careers, and interviews with members of New York’s aftercare community. The $125,000 Rick Violette Stakes, 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, will anchor the racing card.

Seven retired Thoroughbreds have been nominated by the organizations who participate in Aftercare Day. They include a classy stakes winner of more than $800,000; a hard-knocking veteran of 79 starts who bankrolled more than $300,000; and a gelding who was not cut out for the track and went winless in 12 tries.

The seven nominees are:

Fortunate Storm – Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation
Kid Blast – Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga
My Boy Tate – ReRun, Inc.
Nucks – Second Chance Thoroughbreds
Ring of Fire – Lucky Orphans
Traffic Chief – ACTT Naturally
Zuzudini – New Vocations

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DOWN BROADWAY NOMINEES.

“We have a very deserving group of nominees for the first Down Broadway Award,” said NYTHA and TAKE2 Executive Director Andy Belfiore. “We hope that reading their stories and learning more about the aftercare organizations who guided them to their second careers will help to raise awareness of our efforts on behalf of retired racehorses.”

The winner of the Down Broadway Award will be decided by a vote of racing fans, with the voting open July 17 through August 8. Wristbands for each nominee will be given away on Aftercare Day so that fans can show their support, and the presentation of the award will be made in the Saratoga winner’s circle after the first race that day.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DOWN BROADWAY AWARD NOMINEE!

“Thoroughbred Aftercare Day reflects our ongoing commitment to re-training and rehoming these world-class equine athletes when their racing days are done,” said Andrew Offerman, NYRA Senior Vice President for Racing & Operations. “New York is the national leader when it comes to supporting and investing in meaningful aftercare efforts, and NYRA is pleased to host the fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day at Saratoga Race Course on August 15.”

 


Register for NYTB Events in Saratoga this August!

Wednesday, July 17th, 2024

NYTB logoDear Members:

We look forward to celebrating the summer racing season in Saratoga and the 2024 Fasig-Tipton New York-bred Preferred Yearling Sales at the following NYTB events this August!

 

 

  • Join NYTB for our New York-Bred Yearling Pre-Sales Kickoff BBQ & Clam bake! From 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 8 at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga!

Guests will enjoy a BBQ selection and clam bake with complimentary beer and wine. Entertainment will be provided by the cover band The Wallies!

Guests MUST RSVP by August 5

Tickets: FREE admission with registration at nytbreeders,org/events 

  • On Thursday, August 22 at Saratoga Race Course NYTB will host a premium VIP experience in the Paddock suite for a day at the races.

Affectionately known as “The Treehouse” the paddock suite is an expansive structure featuring a climate-controlled lounge, bar and balcony overlooking the historic Saratoga Race Course saddling area. The paddock suite offers panoramic views of the paddock.

*This event is limited to 100 participants, so RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot!

Tickets: $100 NYTB Members
$125 non-members.

Guests MUST RSVP by August 7 or a late fee will be applied. Register at nybreeders.org/events

 


2024 Saratoga Calendar

Tuesday, July 9th, 2024

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/X) 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 22. Further information and tickets will be available here.

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

Fasig-Tipton Yearling Sales
The Saratoga Sale occurs August 5-6. The New York-Bred Preferred Sale takes place on August 11-23. Catalogues will be available here.

Horse Racing Women’s Summit
HRWS comes to Saratoga for a jam-packed July 23 filled with networking, speakers, and events. Tina Bond, Jane McMahon, and Kim Weir are among the speakers and Lisa Lazarus and Donna Barton Brothers will host the keynote discussion. Details and tickets are here.

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 17.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
The NMRHOF hosts a number of events throughout the meet. NYTB and NYTHA are co-hosting a Saturday Morning Social on July 20. The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for that Friday, August 2. The Racing Partnership and Syndicate event, connecting interested parties with the world of owning racehorses, is on Saturday, August 10. 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 15. OTTBs and the people and organizations that care for them will be in the spotlight throughout the day. Full details are available here.

New York Thoroughbred Breeders Special Events
NYTB is co-hosting the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s Saturday Morning Social series on July 20. Admission will be free from 9am-12pm with NYTB on-hand to answer questions, promote the program, and more. Details are available here.

Join NYTB on Thursday, August 8, at Rood and Riddle for a BBQ to kick off the NY-bred Preferred Yearling Sale! Breeders, consignor, bloodstock agents, and friends are welcome to join us from 6-9:30pm at 63 Henning Rd for handcrafted BBQ, an open bar, and live music from The Wallies cover band. Admission is free with registration – here.

Celebrate the program and spend time together on-track at Paddock Suite on Thursday, August 22! Enjoy a day at the races and a VIP experience. Tickets are available here.

In addition, NYTB will be on-site at the races every Friday at a booth near the paddock entrance. Details are here.

NYRA Giveaways
There are four giveaways scheduled throughout the meet – July 19, August 2, August 16, 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 27 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 1. Head to the Saratoga Rec Center (15 Vanderbilt Ave) for the 15th annual charity basketball game, as jockeys face off against a collection of horsemen. Full details are here.

Len Green is the honoree at the annual brunch, which will be held on Wednesday, August 14, at Saratoga National. The event raises crucial funds for the organization. Tickets and details are available here.

ReRun’s Casino Night at Sugar Plum Farm
“Boots & Bling” from 7pm – 11pm on July 13 at Sugar Plum Farm will feature entertainment, food, drinks, casino games, and more. The beneficiary is the ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption Program, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization which is the largest of its kind in the area. Details and tickets are here.


NYS Gaming Commission Forming Advisory Committee to Guide Racehorse Aftercare Funding

Wednesday, June 26th, 2024

New York State Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer today issued a call for volunteers to serve on an advisory board to assist directing contributions from New York’s Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding funds to responsible racehorse aftercare organizations.

Thoroughbred and Standardbred owners and breeders, and animal protection organizations specializing in horse aftercare and rescue are eligible to serve on the panel.

“We are seeking responsible and dedicated horseracing industry participants and animal welfare organizations to work together to drive resources to equine aftercare organizations,” said Chairman O’Dwyer. “This advisory board of experts will help ensure that every dollar contributed for retired racehorses is spent wisely to promote the health and well-being of these magnificent animals.

New Yorkers may make contributions on personal and/or corporate state income tax returns to funding the operation of retired race horse aftercare facilities via the New York State Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund and/or the Agriculture and New York State Horse Breeding Development Fund (for Standardbreds). In addition, any fines collected for violations of New York State law prohibiting the slaughter of race horses and race horse breeding stock (Section 382 of the Agriculture & Markets Law) are remitted to the respective funds to be spent solely for the purpose of the care of retired race horses.

The funds will then distribute the funds to organizations, with consideration as to whether the group is an accredited horse retirement and rescue program.

Those who meet the aforementioned qualifications and are interested in serving are encouraged to contact Acting Secretary to the Commission Kristen Buckley at 518-388-3400 or emailing info@gaming.ny.gov.

 


2024 NYTB Stallion Season Auction set for Feb. 6 – 8th on Wanamakers.com

Wednesday, January 24th, 2024

New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) will conduct its annual Stallion Season Auction from Tuesday, February 6th to Thursday, February 8th on Wanamakers.com.

The annual auction raises funds that allow the NYTB to carry on its two-fold mission of promoting New York breeding and racing and protecting the welfare of industry stakeholders.

The auction has routinely attracted donated seasons from farms in the Empire State and Kentucky, including McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, Sequel New York, Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions, Rockridge Stud, Lane’s End, Darley America, Darby Dan Farm, and additional farms.

“We’re extremely proud of the widespread participation and diverse quality of stallions standing in New York state, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond for breeders to appropriately match their mare,” said New York Thoroughbred Breeders Executive Director Najja Thompson.

New York-bred program stakeholders receive more than $60 million distributed in purse money, breeding incentives, and awards for New York-breds eligible to compete in more than 600 New York-bred races run annually on the New York Racing Association circuit and Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack.

Contact NYTB directly at 518.587.0777 or info@nytbreeders.org if you are interested in donating a season.

Participants must register with Wanamakers.com prior to bidding. All bids will be subject to the rules and conditions of the auction and each season’s conditions will be posted. Click here to register your account with Wanamakers.com in advance.

Available Seasons

*Current as of 1/30

Stallion Standing At State
Al Khali Rockridge Stud NY
Aloha West Mill Ridge Farm KY
Americanrevolution Rockridge Stud NY
Bal A Bali (BRZ) Calumet Farm KY
Basin Spendthrift Farm KY
Bee Jersey Darby Dan KY
Big Blue Kitten Calumet Farm KY
Big Brown Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions NY
Bucchero McMahon Saratoga Thoroughbreds NY
Bravazo Calumet Farm KY
Busitn Stones Waldorf Farm NY
Catalina Cruiser Lane’s End KY
Capo Kane Bonner Hill Farms PA
Catholic Boy Claiborne KY
Central Banker McMahon Saratoga Thoroughbreds NY
Channel Cat Calumet Farm KY
City of Light Lane’s End KY
Cloud Computing Pin Oak Lane Farm PA
Connect Lane’s End KY
Copper Bullet Darby Dan KY
Core Beliefs Walmac Farm KY
Country House Darby Dan KY
Disco Partner Rockridge Stud NY
Drain the Clock Gainesway Farm KY
DR Large Oriskany Creek Farm NY
Enticed Darley America KY
Epicenter Coolmore America KY
Fire At Will Sequel New York NY
Flat Out Mighty Acres OK
Fulsome Walmac Farm KY
Game Winner Lane’s End KY
Good Samaritan Winstar Farm KY
Gift Box Lane’s End KY
Gift Box Lane’s End KY
Goldencents Spendthrift KY
Honest Mischief Sequel New York NY
Honor A.P. Lane’s End KY
Hightail Calumet Farm KY
Higher Power Darby Dan KY
Idol Taylor Made KY
Jimmy Creed Spendthrift KY
Karakonite Gainesway Farm KY
Keepmeinmind Sequel New York NY
Keen Ice Calumet Farm KY
Killybegs Captain Mill Creek Farm NY
King for a Day Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions NY
Leofric Darby Dan KY
Lexitonian Calumet Farm KY
Lookin At Lee Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions NY
Maximus Mischief Walmac Farm KY
Mind Control Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions NY
Mission Impazible Sequel New York NY
Modernist Darby Dan KY
Mystic Guide Darley America KY
Outwork WinStar Farm KY
Oxbow Calumet Farm KY
Pappacap Walmac Farm KY
Producer (GB) Calumet Farm KY
Raging Bull Gainesway Farm KY
Ransom the Moon Calumet Farm KY
Redesdale McMahon Saratoga Thoroughbreds NY
Real Solution Calumet Farm KY
Sir Winston Crestwood Farm KY
Slumber Rockridge Stud NY
Solomini McMahon Saratoga Thoroughbreds NY
Spun to Run Gainesway Farm KY
Tapiture Darby Dan KY
Tapwrit Gainesway Farm KY
Tale of Ekati Darby Dan KY
Tale of Silence Darby Dan KY
Temple City Spendthrift KY
The Factor Lane’s End KY
Title Ready Darby Dan KY
Tonalist Lane’s End KY
Tourist Rockridge Stud NY
True TImber Calumet Farm KY
Union Rags Lane’s End KY
Venezuelan Hug Mill Creek Farm NY
Warrior’s Charge Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions NY
War Dancer Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions NY
Wicked Strong Pin Oak Lane Farm PA
World of Trouble Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm KY