September/October 2019 Volume 44 Issue 5

PaceSThe Officialetter Newsletter of the Breeders & Owners Association of NJ SBOANJ DIRECTORS SUCCESSFUL OUTSIDE OF NJ SBOANJ director and driver Yannick Gin- turn and wore down rival Hello Tomorrow gras won six KYSS races on Sunday (Sept. in the stretch to capture the rich event for 15) two $50,000 consolations and four of 2-year-old trotting fillies. the eight $250,000 finals at the Red Mile. Gingras won both KYSS consolations with Fade Into You for the 3-year-old trotting fil- lies and Bange Bi for the 2-year-old trotting fillies. Gingras started off his KYSS finals winning Inside with the 3-year-old Muscle Hill filly Asia- go for trainer Per Engblom 1:50.4. In the Dip Me Hanover with driver David Miller. 2-year-old pacing filly KYSS final Gingras New Image Media photo. this issue: won with Gai Waterhouse in 1:50.3 for trainer Domenico Cecere. Gingras then A $52,000 Harrisburg yearling purchase, won both the KYSS 2-year -old filly and Dip Me Hanover now sports a record of two 2 Southwind Ozzi 2-year-old colt trotting races for trainer Per wins and C$237,016 earned in eight starts Engblom. Winning with the 2-year-old fil- for owners Camelot Stable Inc, Dreamville ly trotter Ms Savannah Belle in 1:52.4 and Stable and Randi Farms LLC. The daughter then finishing the day with Ready For Moni of Father Patrick entered last week’s elimi- in 1:54.1. nation as a maiden. 3 NJSS SDF Races Yannick Gingras also won the Jugette in Delaware and the Metro Pace in Canada last week. 4 SBOANJ Sponsored Races

Bettor’s Wish with driver Dexter Dunn. 5 President’s Letter SBOANJ director Chris Ryder sent his 3-year-old pacing colt Bettor’s Wish into Warrawee Ubeaut with driver Yannick the KYSS final from post position 10 hoping Gingras. USTA/Mark Hall photo. for the best. Driver Dexter Dun left with Bettor’s Wish but was parked through the Warrawee Ubeaut won the $259,600 6 BCAP Medical first turn finally clearing after a 26.3 first Jugette for 3-year-old female pacers in quarter. Never looking back Bettor’s Wish dominant fashion at the Delaware County Clinic Dates stopped the clock in 1:48.1 to better his Fairgrounds with driver Yannick Gingras. season to nine wins in 13 starts with life- Then he steered the undefeated rookie Tall time earnings of $1,381,600. Dark Stranger to established a new stakes 7 Open Space Pace record with a 1:49.1 victory in Saturday’s Dip Me Hanover powered to a 1:55.2 (Sept. 21) C$750,000 Metro Pace. victory in Saturday evening’s (Sept. 14) C$405,000 Peaceful Way Stakes at Wood- Congratulations to Yannick Gingras, Chris bine Mohawk Park. The SBOANJ director, Ryder and Linda Toscano wishing you all Linda Toscano trainee and driver David continued success throughout the rest of Miller angled out from third on the final the year. SOUTHWIND OZZI WINS THE LITTLE BROWN JUG Vincent Ali Jr. stood in the winner’s circle clutching the Lit- me. He overcame post nine [in his Adios elimination] at The tle Brown Jug trophy, he repeated two words to sum up his Meadows. He overcame hernia surgery and getting shut emotions. down. He doesn’t mind a couple weeks off, but he doesn’t mind having to come right back. I just think that’s what great “I’m numb,” he said. horses do. This is my first one, but I’ve watched horses do this, and only the great horses are the horses that do this.”

The success of Southwind Ozzi was just one example of why it was great to be “Jersey Fresh” this summer when it came to .

Photo credit: Mark Hall/USTA

Southwind Ozzi, a horse co-owned by Ali Jr. with Alma Iafe- lice and trained by Iafelice’s grandson Bill MacKenzie, won the $640,000 Little Brown Jug, the third jewel in the Pac- ing Triple Crown, on Sept. 19 at the Delaware County Fair- Photo credit: Mark Hall/USTA grounds in central Ohio. The victory was Southwind Ozzi’s ninth in 11 races this year and increased his seasonal earnings Entering the final week of September, eight of the horse’s to $736,935. in the sport’s Top 10 poll were connected to New Jersey in some way, whether it was being trained in the Garden State, The colt, purchased for $85,000 as a yearling, was bred and bred, raised, or owned. At the same time, of the 32 richest raised by New Jersey’s Southwind Farms in Pennington. in racing this season, 23 had some connection Mike Klau, the farm’s syndicate manager, is on the SBOANJ’s to Jersey. Board of Directors. The horse’s Jersey connections run deep, with Ali Jr. a resident of Old Bridge and MacKenzie’s stable Bettor’s Wish, a multiple Grand Circuit stakes winner in based at his grandmother’s farm in Cranbury. 2019, was No. 1 in purses with $1.10 million. The 3-year- old pacing colt is trained and co-owned by SBOANJ officer Ali Jr. followed his father, who passed away in 2013, into the Chris Ryder. sport. MacKenzie was equally influenced by his grandfather, Anthony Iafelice, who passed away in 2017. Neither Ali Sr. Among the numerous other Grand Circuit winners, with nor Anthony Iafelice ever owned a horse the caliber of South- their Jersey connections, were: wind Ozzi, but their presences are felt with the 3-year-old pacing colt. Million-dollar North America Cup champion Captain Crunch, bred by Walnridge Farm and Sherri Meirs and trained by Nan- “This is a first for everybody,” MacKenzie said. “My grand- cy Johansson and co-owned by her mother Christina Takter; parents owned a couple nice horses, but nothing like him. $682,650 winner Best In Show, trained It’s great. This is what anybody that buys a yearling or buys a by SBOANJ board member Linda Toscano; $664,000 Levy horse is aiming to do. This is what we do it for. Unfortunate- Memorial champ Western Fame, co-owned by B&I Stables; ly, [my grandfather] is not here to see this, but I’m sure he’s $500,000 winner When Dovescry, bred looking down.” by the late Bill Weaver; $500,000 Yonkers Trot winner Gim- panzee, raised at Concord Stud Farm and trained by Marcus Said Ali Jr., “My dad never had nothing like this either. I wish Melander; $500,000 Hempt Memorial winner Shake That he was alive to see it. He’d be going crazy right now. That was House, bred by SBOANJ director Mark Mullen’s Fair Winds his dream, to have a horse like this. He’s the reason I do this, Farm; $500,000 Beal Memorial champ Marsaille, co-owned he got me involved.” and trained by Ake Svanstedt; and $450,000 Hambletonian Maturity winner Crystal Fashion, trained by Jim Campbell. Southwind Ozzi began this season with three wins and a sec- ond-place finish before being sidelined for nearly two months Bettor’s Wish, Southwind Ozzi, Gimpanzee, and Captain because of emergency hernia surgery. He returned in July Crunch were in the Top 10 rankings, along with Meland- and captured the $400,000 Adios. er-trained Greenshoe, Campbell-trained Real Cool Sam, Jo- hansson-trained Tall Dark Stranger, and Concord-raised and “He’s been doing this,” MacKenzie said about Southwind Gaitway Farm-based Atlanta, from the stable of trainer Ron Ozzi’s winning performances. “This is not like a secret to Burke. 2 2019 NJSS STANDARDBRED DEVELOPMENT WINNERS 2YO FILLY TROT 2YO COLT TROT TRICKY SISTER KYRIE DEO DRIVER: ATLEE BENDER DRIVER: DANIEL DUBE TR: JOHN BUTENSCHOEN TR: ANDREW HARRIS OWNERS: HARMONY OAKS RACING STABLE OWNERS: ROBERT KEY INC, DAVID MILLER, JAMES CRAWFORD IV Photo World Wide Racing Photo Photo World Wide Racing Photo 2YO FILLY PACE LUCY LIGHTYEAR DRIVER: STACY CHIODO TRAINER: STACY CHIODO OWNERS: TIMOTHY TOBIAS STABLE LLC

Photo World Wide Racing Photo UPCOMING 2019 NJSS STANDARDBRED DEVELOPMENT FUND DATES PACERS

TROTTERS

3 SBOANJ RACES AT FREEHOLD RACEWAY Freehold Raceway hosted two Standardbred Breeders and Own- ers Association sponsored races over the weekend. The Futurity #53 and the Home Grown Pace #1.

Driver Jordan Stratton with JK American Beauty. Photo World Wide Racing Photos. vision of the Homegrown pace very handly. Driver Jordan Strat- ton sent the filly to the front and wired the field in 1:54.2. Stood Up finished second with Fear No Evil coming in third. Driver/Trainer Ray Schnittker with Alternative Fact. Photo World Wide Racing Photos On Friday, (Sept. 20) the $30,000 SBOANJ sponsored Futuri- ty #53 for 3-year-old New Jersey sired trotters took place in a non-betting race before the start of the regularly scheduled card. Ray Schnittker sent, his Trixton colt, Alternative Fact straight to the front from post position four when the gate folded. Never looking back the driver and trainer of Alternative Fact coasted his colt home in 1:57.4. Sovereign Deo finished second with Mar- veloustrix coming in third. Alternative Fact was bred by Fair Winds Farm and Steve Jones for owners Ray Schnittker, Steven Arnold, and Joe Sbrocco. This win marked four wins and $48,375 lifetime for the 3-year-old Driver George Brennan with Prince Of Tides. Photo World Wide Racing Photos. trotting colt. In the $35,000 Homegrown pace for 3-year-old colts, Prince Of Tides ran away with the purse money in 1:52.3. George Bren- On Saturday, (Sept 21) the SBOANJ sponsored the first Home nan steered the Ross Croghan trainee from post position five to Grown Pace for 3-year-old New Jersey sired, New Jersey foaled the front just past the quarter easily paced home a winner. Just or StandardBred Development eligible pacers. Plain Loco came in second with Admiral Ballsy rounding out the trifecta. The 3-year-old fillies kicked off the racing action for the 8th An- nual Open Space Pace racing for a purse of $28,500. Freehold will resume racing on Saturday, September 28, 2019, with a 12:30 pm post time. The Nancy Johanson trained JK American Beauty won the first di- 2019 SBOANJSBOANJ 2019 SPONSOREDSPONSORED RACES RACES RACE CONDITION LOCATION DATE Garden State Trot #2 2-year-old trotters NJ sired 11/09/19 Futurity #54 2-year-old trotters NJ sired Freehold Raceway 09/27/19 Home Grown Pace #2 2-year-old pacers NJ sired, foaled, SDF Meadowlands Racetrack 11/09/19 Garden State Trot #1 3-year-old filly trotters NJ sired Freehold Raceway 10/25/19 Garden State Trot #1 3-year-old colt trotters NJ sired Freehold Raceway 10/26/19 4 Futurity #53 3-year-old trotters NJ sired Freehold Raceway 09/20/19 Home Grown Pace #1 3-year-old pacers NJ sired, foaled, SDF Freehold Raceway 09/21/19 The SBOANJ President’s Letter

Dear Members, Regarding our work to ensure the legislature’s continued fi- nancial commitment to racing, we have started the reporting It’s been a busy time process for data collection to support the state’s annual $10 for the SBOANJ. In million budget appropriation for our industry. Training cen- mid-September, the ters, trainers, breeding farms, and turnout facilities will be New Jersey Racing briefed on record-keeping in the near future. Commission reject- ed a request from the As a result of the improved economic situation, we have Meadowlands to elim- paid out $320,000 in breeders’ awards so far, with more to inate Lasix for 2-year- come. We began to pay out retroactively from April 1, 2019 SBOANJ President olds for 2020 and for New Jersey-sired awards for horses ages 6 and under. Mark Ford 2021 and for the 2021 Approximately $225,000 will be added to New Jersey-sired Meadowlands Pace. SBOA races and there will be at both Freehold and the Mead- Prior to the NJRC’s owlands a series for 3-year-old trotters with two $15,000 decision, this proposal was unanimously opposed by our legs and $50,000 final. Board of Directors as it saw no valid reason to change the race day administration of Lasix. In registering our oppo- Thank you to everyone for their work to make the eighth sition to the commission, we provided documents from the annual Open Space Pace Day a success. In addition to the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians, Dr. parade and other off-track festivities, Freehold hosted two Thomas Tobin, and Chris Wittstruck, an attorney, director of Homegrown Pace events and a $20,000 invitational pace the SOA of NY and USTA member, to support our position. sponsored by the SBOANJ. In addition, two $1,000 scholar- ships were awarded. Open Space Pace Day continues to be a We have held meetings with both the Meadowlands and great opportunity to unite the community with our industry Freehold to determine race dates for 2020. A number of our and raise awareness about our sport and the role equine-re- members have expressed frustration regarding Freehold not lated activities and businesses play in preserving the quality yet having sports wagering available. We have met with Free- of life in the state. hold on multiple occasions – in October 2018 as well as in the spring and summer – to discuss the situation. We were We must continue working together to keep horse racing, told management is working on the issue and a statement breeding and ownership strong in New Jersey. would be coming shortly. We must remind everyone the SBOANJ has no control over Freehold’s management oper- Mark Ford ations. However, the track must have an agreement in place with horsemen before it can open for sports betting.

TrotPAC trustees continue to attend October. TrotPAC really appreciates all many political functions to ensure the support received this past year especially long-term viability of Standardbred racing the generous financial donations. Without and breeding in New Jersey. Recently the trustees at- these contributions, TrotPAC would not be able to pre- tended functions for Assemblyman Bucco, Assemblyman serve the political position it currently has. Your help Houghtaling, Assemblyman Codey, Assemblyman Mckeon keeps our industry’s needs at the forefront of important and will be attending Assemblyman Dancer’s function in government officials.

5 SBOANJ 2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION Election results will be announced at the annual board meeting which 2019 Medical will be held on November 15, 2019, at Freehold Raceway. The meeting is currently scheduled to begin after the last race of the day, with a buffet Clinic & to follow. Screening SBOANJ INSURANCE Dates OPEN ENROLLMENT Open Enrollment is coming up October 15 - December 6. If you’re Screening Dates thinking of signing up for health insurance look out for open enrollment application on the SBOA of NJ website on October 15th.

Nov 16...... Freehold Paddock THE NJRC WILL NO LONGER ACCEPT Medical Clinic Dates CASH Attention all New Jersey horsemen, the New Jersey Racing Commission will Sept 30...... Gaitway Farm no longer be accepting cash. All owners, trainers, and groom must now pay for their license with a check or money order. Thank you for your coopera- tion. Oct 7...... Gaitway Farm LIFE AFTER RACING

Oct 21...... Gaitway Farm FOR STANDARDBREDS The New Jersey sired standardbred Re-Elect was foaled in 1996. The pacing gelding raced in New Jer- Nov 4...... Gaitway Farm sey, New York, and Virginia, he has a lifetime mark of 1:59.3 at Freehold Raceway. Nov 18...... Gaitway Farm Owner trainer Anthony Romano and Re-elect with owner Margret Romano and the his wife Margret Ramano decided to Indiana National Guard end Re-Elects racing career in 2003 due to an injury. After speaking with a friend, they decided to donate him to the National Guard in Indiana. He Dec 2...... Gaitway Farm excelled in his new career, he worked for 16 years as Sergeant First Class Reed.

The Indiana National Guard Ceremonial Unit held a retirement ceremony Dec 16...... Gaitway Farm for Sergeant First Class Reed on Monday, Sept. 1.

Reed has since returned to New Jersey where he will spend his days on the Romano’s farm with five other horses, four of which are retired as well. 6 THE 8TH ANNUAL Vendor Discount OPEN SPACE PACE Freehold Raceway hosted the 8th Annual Open Space Pace on Saturday (Sept. Participants 21). The Open Space Pace is a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate the horse, New Jersey’s official state animal, and promote open space in the nations most densely populated state. Open Space Pace is a day full of racing and fun for the whole family. dillsfeed.com • 732-462-2251 embroideryunl.com • 508-485-5522 263 Throckmorton St. 449 Boston Post Rd. East Ste #5, Freehold, NJ 07728 Marlborough, MA 01752

horze.com • 877-647-4422 freeholdraceway.com • 732-462-3800 Storefront at the 130 Park Avenue Meadowlands Racetrack Freehold, NJ 07728

knobhillbowling.com • 732-446-6001 732-780-1295 363 NJ-33, 91 Highland Ridge Rd. Manalapan Township, NJ 07726 Manalapan, New Jersey 07726

playmeadowlands.com • 201-460-4079 pantanonursery.com • 732-786-8503 1 Racetrack Dr. 145 Freehold Rd. East Rutherford, NJ 07073 Manalapan, NJ 07726

Shop online @ saddlesource.com 732-446-4330 609-223-0421 29 Park Ave. 282 Rt 539 1 Allison Way Englishtown, NJ 07726 Cream Ridge, NJ 08514 Allentown, NJ 08501

rudyscafeandrestaurant.com knobhillbowling.com 732- 851-4188 732-446-6001 363 NJ-33, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726 363 NJ-33, Manalapan Township, NJ 07726

Please contact the SBOANJ office if you have a Photos courtesy of John Sannucci and World Wide Racing Photos service you would like to offer. 7 64 Business Route 33 Manalapan, NJ 07726

Standardbred Breeders & Owners Association of New Jersey 64 Business Route 33, Manalapan, NJ 07726 Phone: 732-462-2357 Fax: 732-409-0741 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sboanj.com

Officers Directors Racetrack Rep Important Phone Numbers Mark Ford Stephen P. Dey III, VMD Paul Consol - Freehold President New Jersey Sire Stakes Michelle Smith - Meadowlands 609-292-8830 Robert Boni Yannick Gingras First Vice President Bookkeeper Michael Klau Mark Mullen Second Vice President Marie Lauer License/Fingerprint Sam Landy NJ Racing Commission Christopher Ryder Insurance Coordinator Third Vice President Trenton: 609-292-0613 Richard Meirs, VMD Maritsa Quijada Freehold: 732-462-3800 Michael Gulotta Meadowlands: 201-460-4137 Treasurer Julie Miller Stakes Coordinator Anthony Romano Anthony Perretti Secretary Linda Goss NJ Trailer Ban: NJTP Alfred Ochsner Jr. Thomas Pontone 800-336-5875 Executive Publicity Consultant Administrator Linda Toscano Courtney Stafford