Category Archives: Racing

Breeds, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Racing, Racing Sources

First Down Dash Dies at Age 26

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The American Quarter Horse Journal – American Quarter Horse racing’s most prolific stallion, First Down Dash, died on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, at Vessels Stallion Farm in Bonsall, California. He was 26.

“He lay down and went to sleep peacefully. He was missing Scoop and his sunflower seeds,” said Bonnie Vessels, referring to her late husband, Frank “Scoop” Vessels.

Dr. Ed Allred, the sport’s all-time leading breeder, released the following statement: “First Down Dash is unquestionably the greatest stallion of all time. No horse has had the influence of the great First Down Dash. He was an amazing horse. He was a sire of sires. What an incredible and great career… he was in one word ‘amazing.’”

The stallion was laid to rest at Vessels Stallion Farm on November 26. Bonnie Vessels said that First Down Dash was quietly eating hay in his stall when observed by ranch manager Kevin Dickson at 1 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. Three hours later, the night man observed First Down Dash taking his last breath.

Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=12652

Breeds, Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Events, Fundraisers, Racing

After the Finish Line Thoroughbred Racehorse Rescue Funding Non-Profit

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“The greatest victory for a Thoroughbred is not winning a race, but winning the race to live long past their days on the racetrack.”

You may have watched today’s Breeders’ Cup races. This select group of horses represents the fastest Thoroughbreds not only in the United States, but in the world. After the Finish Line congratulates these champions who provide all of us with a thrill of a lifetime.

Let’s not forget about the thousands of other racehorses who race with the will to win but do not have successful racing careers. There are other opportunities we can provide for them. After the Finish Line is dedicated to helping these ex-racehorses transition and excel in a second career.

Read about our dedication to the Thoroughbred ex-racehorses in After the Finish Line’s November newsletter, http://afterthefinishline.org/newsletter.htm. Please forward this message to your friends who are interested in helping the Thoroughbreds.

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Breeds, Contributors/Press, Publications/Media, Racing

After the Finish Line and JOCK Documentary Calendar Fundraiser

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After the Finish Line is pleased to announce the soon to be released JOCK limited edition 2011 collector’s calendars. JOCK, www.jockmovie.com, is a feature length documentary about the first generation of female jockeys. In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s these women fought for the right to ride professionally.

JOCK will make a donation to After the Finish Line for every calendar sold when you add AfterTheFinishLine in the Source Code at check out.

Not only will you get a great calendar, but you will be helping the rescued Thoroughbred horses that can no longer race or breed. Visit and join After the Finish Line’s Facebook FAN page to learn more: http://www.facebook.com/pages/After-the-Finish-Line/113665201978354?ref=ts.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Breeds, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Driving, Events, JRPR, Racing

American Shetland Ponies and Minis Wow the Crowd at the Secretariat Festival in Kentucky

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Chuck McCallister gave a harness demonstration with his award-winning pony Seamair All That Glitters during the Secretariat Festival in Paris, Kentucky. (Photo by JRPR)

Paris, KY (October 7, 2010) – While the recent Secretariat Festival in Paris, Kentucky was all about the famous Triple Crown winner called Big Red, some of Secretariat’s smaller equine cousins put on a show during the festival that brought the fans to their feet. Members of the American Shetland Pony Club and American Miniature Horse Registry (ASPC/AMHR) wowed the crowd with a driving exhibition, costume contest, jumping and halter demonstrations.

Chuck McCallister, of Tuigpaarden Farms in Ocala, Florida and Shelbyville, Kentucky, gave a harness demonstration with his award-winning pony Seamair All That Glitters, a double registered American Show Pony and American Hackney Pony. “Glitter is part of the American Show Pony Registry that was created by the American Shetland Pony Club in 1995,” said Zona Schneider, Director of Operations with the ASPC/AMHR, who was on hand for the Secretariat Festival. “The American Show Pony Registry includes Hackneys, Shetlands and Shetland/Hackney crosses that measure 48” and under at the wither. American Show Ponies are sought after as impressive athletes and are a crowd favorite when they drive into the show ring.”

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Community/Charity, Events, Publications/Media, Racing

A Celebration of Walt Disney Pictures’ ‘Secretariat,’ Presented by the International Equestrian Festival and Horze

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The party you don’t want to miss!

Sunday, October 3
1:30 p.m. – Triple Crown winning jockeys Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruguet and Steve Cauthen will share with festival goers reflections on their celebrated careers.

4-5 See Academy Award nominated actress Diane Lane!

** “A Celebration of Walt Disney Pictures’ ‘Secretariat,’ presented by the International Equestrian Festival and Horze” **
Sunday, October 3
Lexington Center, Ground Floor
Two lucky winners will receive two tickets each to the “Secretariat” special screening and reception at 6 p.m.
Stop by the International Equestrian Festival’s Hospitality Atrium. (Lexington Center, Ground Floor) between 1 p.m. 9 p.m. to enter to win.
Entries will be accepted in person until 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 3.
No purchase necessary to enter to win.
Hospitality Atrium does not require Festival admission ticket.

Festivities open to the general public include:

  • Pre-Red Carpet Walk of Fame by “Secretariat” film stars
  • Celebration party with appearance by the film’s stars
  • Movie clips, footage of Secretariat’s legendary races and chance to win “Secretariat” merchandise

Horse Capital Productions, LLC 2605 Fireside Circle Lexington, KY 40513-1467

Breeds, Community/Charity, Events, Racing

Legendary Jockeys to Appear at the International Equestrian Festival

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Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruguet, Steve Cauthen, Pat Day and Calvin Borel available for autographs

Lexington, KY (September 29, 2010) – The Pre-Vent Feeders International Equestrian Festival presented by HRTV today announced several special appearances planned to showcase Kentucky’s proud Thoroughbred heritage. Autograph sessions by legendary jockeys Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruguet, Steve Cauthen, Pat Day and Calvin Borel, and a special signing by Kate Tweedy of her book, “Secretariat’s Meadow,” take place at the Horze stage and display at the International Equestrian Festival, which runs now through October 10 at the downtown Lexington Convention Center.

Sunday, October 3
1:30 p.m. – Triple Crown winning jockeys Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruguet and Steve Cauthen will share with festival goers reflections on their celebrated careers.

2:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Ron Turcotte, Jean Cruguet and Steve Cauthen autograph session

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Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Media/Radio/TV Sources, Publications/Media, Racing

Stable Scoop Episode 111 by Omega Alpha – Dressage Rider and the Jockey

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Guest Co-Host Chrissy Joy brings back two of our favorite guests, Dressage Rider Reese Koffler-Stanfield and Jockey Frankie Lavato. Learn whether Reese’s marriage survived the building of a new barn and Frankie fills us in on a new DVD he has called “What It Takes to Be a Jockey”. Listen in.

Stable Scoop Episode 111 – Show Notes and Links:

  • Guest: The mighty Frankie Lavato of racing and Equicizer fame. Always a fun chat – thanks Frankie. Buy Frankie’s new DVD called “What It Takes to Be a
    Jockey”    .
  • Pic Below: Glenn the Geek on the Equicizer. He had handlers – no one trusted him to ride by himself.

_____________________________________

Listen, Download or Subscribe:
listennow125

Associations/Breeds, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Racing, Racing Sources

Stolis Winner after All-Time Earnings Record

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The American Quarter Horse Journal, September 30, 2010 – World champion Stolis Winner takes dead aim on world champion Refrigerator’s all-time earnings record when he starts in the race named after the record holder, the $100,000 Refrigerator Handicap (G1) Saturday night at Lone Star Park.

Jerry Windham’s Stolis Winner (Stoli-Veva Jean by Runaway Winner) has earned $2,097,731 while Refrigerator earned $2,126,309. If Stolis Winner takes the $55,000 first-place check then his career earnings would rise to a new-record $2,131,611.

The 4-year-old Stolis Winner started the year with two strong efforts and then couldn’t quite get the job done in his most recent start. He started the year by qualifying for the Bank of America Sam Houston Championship Challenge (G1) and came back to take the final for his fifth career stakes win. Then he finished sixth – beaten by only a neck – in the Sam Houston Classic (G2) as the 4-5 favorite.

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Contributors/Press, Racing

Paulick Report Flash: Rachel Alexandra Retires

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Reigning Horse of the Year to Be Bred to Twice HOY Curlin

Rachel Alexandra, the filly who shocked the racing world in 2009 by winning the Preakness and defeating the colts and male horses in two other G1 races en route to an 8-0 campaign and a Horse of the Year title, has retired, majority owner Jess Jackson announced today.

“As you know, despite top training and a patient campaign, Rachel Alexandra did not return to her 2009 form.  I believe it’s time to retire our Champion and reward her with a less stressful life.  We are delighted that she will retire healthy and happy to our beautiful farm in Kentucky.

Rachel Alexandra owes us nothing.  As a 3-year-old, she set standards and records that no filly before her ever achieved.  And I suspect it will be quite a while before a three year old filly ever equals or surpasses her achievements.  Although her fans were thrilled by a series of spectacular victories, I believe they, as we, were simply awed time and again by her sheer beauty, courage and athleticism,” said Jess Jackson.

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*Featured/Spotlights, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, Racing, Revolution Sports

HM Queen’s Horse to Represent Birmingham at Royal Windsor Racecourse’s PFA Football Furlong Raceday – Sunday, 8th August 2010!

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Richard Hughes with HM The Queen, courtesy of Rod Kohler.

6 August 2010 – Racehorse Olympic Medal, owned by Her Majesty The Queen, trained by Roger Charlton and ridden by Jim Crowley, is due to run in the 4.30pm race at Royal Windsor Racecourse on Sunday, 8th August 2010.

Participating in the Football Furlong raceday means that following the draw, Olympic Medal will be representing Birmingham as part of the PFA-partnered Premiership football-themed raceday, and will instead run in the yellow and blue silks bearing the number eight on the back of the silks instead of Her Majesty’s famous colours (purple body with gold braid, scarlet sleeves and black velvet cap with gold fringe).

Champion Jockey partners Arsenal, Spurs and Man Utd

Following the draw, Champion Jockey – Ryan Moore – will be partnering horses representing Villa, Arsenal, Spurs, Man Utd, Stoke and West Ham in Sunday’s PFA Football Furlong Raceday.

Continue reading HM Queen’s Horse to Represent Birmingham at Royal Windsor Racecourse’s PFA Football Furlong Raceday – Sunday, 8th August 2010! →