What Are the Secrets of This Farm's Extraordinary Success?

A special look at the top stories from thoroughbredracing.com. April 2018

What are the secrets of this farm’s extraordinary success?

Also inside: British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher

/ThoroughbredRacingCommentary @TRCommentary TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P2

TB10498 GBRI TRC advert V3.indd 1 27/04/2018 16:05 They’re doing something very right at the farm that bred both Justify and Vino Rosso

Nancy Sexton | April 23, 2018 Cover photo: glennwoodfarm.com photo: Cover Justify at Glennwood Farm. Photo: Tanya Gunther

Several major outfits will head to Churchill Downs All of which makes the achievement of Glennwood Farm in on May 5 with a hand in multiple Kentucky Derby Kentucky, owned by John Gunther (pictured left) and his daughter Tanya, runners. Some won’t deny that such opportunity is all the more meritorious. A family run operation 15 miles the result of investment via the benefit of hindsight. southwest of Lexington in Versailles, Glennwood heads to Churchill as For various others, particularly the juggernauts of the breeder of two major Derby hopefuls in Justify and Vino Rosso, our sport, it comes as the result of substantial and both leading prospects in a renewal rated as one of the deepest in recent continued investment from grassroots level. history.

TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P3

TB10498 GBRI TRC advert V3.indd 1 27/04/2018 16:05 Vino Rosso at Glennwood Farm. Photo: Tanya Gunther.

The pair provided Glennwood debut victory at Newcastle last Only three years ago, the farm with a memorable afternoon on November that earned the colt entries enjoyed another major quickfire double Saturday, April 7, when striking in in the 2000 Guineas and Dante Stakes when Materiality and Tamarkuz swept their respective preps. First came from John Gosden. the G1 Florida Derby and G2 Godolphin Vino Rosso, who out-duelled Enticing “It was an exceptionally special Mile within hours of each other on a to take the G2 Wood Memorial at day, watching Vino Rosso’s gutsy Saturday in March, 2015. The difference Aqueduct, before Justify romped win in the Wood Memorial followed is, of course, is that Materiality and the over Bolt d’Oro in the G1 Santa Anita by Justify’s romp in the Santa Anita older Tamarkuz hailed from different Derby. Derby,” says Tanya Gunther. “It is crops, unlike paddock mates Justify One of the most exciting colts of hard to get my head around what and Vino Rosso, who were part of a the current season, the unbeaten it means to have these two colts 20-strong group of yearlings sold by the Justify has consistently vindicated among the leading 3yos right now farm in 2016. the high opinion held of him by Bob and the prospect of watching them The Gunthers have made a point Baffert this spring with a series of both compete in the Kentucky Derby. of developing various families. Take impressive front-running displays. Plainly speaking it means a great deal! that belonging to the Storm Bird mare Not since Apollo in 1882 has a colt “For my dad and I personally, Marozia as an example. Bought for who was unraced at two struck in the it underscores that we are doing $50,000 by John Gunther in 2003, Kentucky Derby, but such has been something right with our programme Marozia went on to foal G1 winner Stay the arrogance of Justify’s wins to and helps to motivate and encourage Thirsty as well as Without You Babe, date that he heads into the race vying us during the many moments in the dam of Tamarkuz and Without for favouritism with Mendelssohn this industry where you can feel Parole. As for Materiality and his G2- and Audible. discouraged.” winning half-sister, My Miss Sophia, Meanwhile in Europe, there are Remarkably, that April afternoon they descend from Dial A Trick, a 1991 hopes for Glennwood homebred wasn’t the first time that a pair of purchase whose son, Eye Of The Tiger, Without Parole, who reappears at Glennwood graduates had combined ran fifth behind Funny Cide in the 2003 Yarmouth tomorrow* after a taking to steal the show. Kentucky Derby.

TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P4 Tanya Gunther: “I believe the ability to breed and raise young horses consistently well can be attributed … to a combination of many elements,” she says

Justify’s family joined the fold with than anything limited how much she the time of this mating, which we the purchase of his granddam, the accomplished on the track. Her heart believed to represent good value (in G1 Coaching Club American Oaks and desire were never in question.” hindsight of course it turned out to be third Magical Illusion, for $450,000 at Justify is from the penultimate crop incredible value) and so we were keen Keeneland in January 2005. By Pulpit, of the much-missed Coolmore stallion to breed a few mares to him.” she foaled Stage Magic in her second Scat Daddy, bred when the son of In the case of Stage Magic, it year at Glennwood, a talented filly Johannesburg stood for $25,000. At was a cross that yielded several who was G3-placed under the care that stage, he was very much on an interesting patterns, not least of Helen Pitts after failing to sell for upward curve thanks to the exploits inbreeding to Narrate, the third dam $70,000 as a yearling. of No Nay Never and a string of high- of Johannesburg (sire of Scat Daddy) Justify, by Scat Daddy, is the third profile representatives in Chile, but his and granddam of Pulpit (sire of foal and second stakes runner out of star has really ascended since then, Magical Illusion). the Ghostzapper mare, following the especially - as fate would have it - in “When researching the possibility listed-placed colt The Lieutenant. the years following his death in late of mating Stage Magic to Scat “My dad purchased the dam of 2015. Daddy, the extended pedigree of Stage Magic at Keeneland and loved Justify is one of three colts by the the prospective mating was one her pedigree, physical attributes stallion en route to the Kentucky that made my pulse race that little and racing ability,” says Gunther. Derby, alongside the spectacular bit faster,” says Gunther. “The “Naturally, this strong belief UAE Derby winner Mendelssohn and opportunity to cross two full sisters sometimes passes along to the remarkably versatile Flameaway, who were highly accomplished daughters and this was the case with serving to further underline the extent broodmares [Yarn and Preach] Stage Magic. of his loss. and inbreed to Narrate was one of “Stage Magic showed ability on “We had identified Scat Daddy early the most interesting facets of the the track and was a gutsy runner. She on as a sire with significant momentum prospective pedigree. is not the most correct through her and upward potential,” says Tanya “Furthermore, it meant that front limbs and this probably more Gunther. “He stood for $25,000 at full brothers For The Moment and

TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P5 The Storm Bird mare Marozia, one of the most important broodmares in the development of Glennwood Farm. Photo: glennwoodfarm.com

Honest Pleasure would be inbred “Having identified Curlin as a the market,” says Gunther. 5x6x6. Nijinsky is also inbred in the potentially top stallion in the making, She adds: “Breeding Mythical Bride pedigree, adding further appeal from we were keen to get the mare on an to Curlin inbreeds both Mr. Prospector a quality and stamina perspective. upward trajectory as well. We thought and Deputy Minister relatively close Although Justify shows a great deal that Curlin offered the chance to do up in the pedigree. I typically like to of natural early speed, his pedigree just that and hopefully produce a see a combination of both stamina has a number of top-class, classic- talented racehorse to help ‘make’ the and speed elements in a pedigree distance influences, so hopefully this mare.” and this mating suited the purpose combination will serve him well in his Vino Rosso is the second foal quite well.” upcoming endeavours!” out of Mythical Bride, a winning The resulting colts were daughter of Street Cry. In turn, she is commercially rewarding, with Vino Upward trajectory a half-sister to Breeders’ Cup Sprint Rosso realising $410,000 to Mike It was at the same time that Vino runner-up Laugh Track and Belmont Repole and St. Elias Stable and Justify Rosso’s sire, Curlin, was on a similarly Stakes runner-up Commissioner; selling for $500,000 to the China upward curve. Then available for both emerged to enhance the family Horse Club and Maverick Racing. Both $25,000, the son of Smart Strike now following the mare’s $42,000 sale to were sold by Glennwood at the 2016 commands $150,000 at Hill ’n’ Dale Glennwood in November 2011. Keeneland September Sale. Farm off the back of a series of strong “Mythical Bride did not prove seasons. He is also well represented herself on the racetrack and so, Justify was the cocky one on the classic trail by champion 2yo when breeding her initially, there “Justify seemed to enjoy and Good Magic, in addition to Vino Rosso. was a necessary balancing of stud thrive on the action and attention “If a breeder wants to breed a fee level and quality of stallion, with while Vino Rosso seemed unfazed horse with classic potential, I think the constant aim of breeding to the by the activity, taking it all in stride,” Curlin is one of the best stallions to best stallion possible and trying to remembers Gunther. include in the breeding programme,” breed a top racehorse that will then “Justify was a strong-bodied, says Gunther. facilitate breeding to any stallion on imposing individual with a willful

TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P6 character and a clear understanding “He is training well and we are the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Mile. The and high opinion about his rank looking forward to his seasonal debut, son of Speightstown now stands at versus his peers. which we hope is imminent, though Shadwell Farm in Kentucky and has “Vino Rosso was a well-balanced, the weather in England has not understandably been well supported attractive colt but more laid-back and been exactly accommodating,” says by the Gunthers, which recently he really enjoyed his beauty sleep. Gunther. welcomed a close relation to Justify And, while Vino Rosso never lacked “We also have a 2-year-old by the stallion. confidence, he wasn’t as cocky as Kingman half-sister to Without Parole Justify!” who will similarly be trained by John Formula for success While attention is focused on the Gosden and, in France, we have a 2yo So is there any particular secret to first Saturday in May, hopes are also colt by Noble Mission in training in the farm’s success? building in Europe behind Without Chantilly.” “I believe the ability to breed and Parole. The Gunthers have long Considering the select numbers raise young horses consistently well held a presence in Europe - they are involved, this is a farm that can be attributed not to any one thing regular investors at auction and were consistently punches above its but rather a combination of many represented in the 2014 2,000 Guineas weight. elements all coming together well,” by homebred Bookrunner - and this Before Justify and Vino Rosso, says Gunther. particular son of Frankel, who was there was Mo Town, successful in last “The strength and the potential retained for 650,000gns as a yearling, year’s G1 Hollywood Derby. Delve of the broodmare band are very made quite the impression when further back into history and there important. High mare quality winning his debut by six lengths at was Stay Thirsty, Materiality, My Miss alone isn’t usually enough though; Newcastle last November. Sophia, Stevie Wonderboy and First finding the right stallion that best He has several high-profile entries Samurai (fittingly the Gunthers have complements or enhances that mare’s coming up, although, like for many one of his best horses, multiple G3 specific qualities, both physically and based in Newmarket, the wet spring winner Last Gunfighter). And let’s from a bloodlines perspective, is also has not made setting a definitive early not forget Tamarkuz, who defeated imperative. season schedule easy. none other than Gun Runner to win “The land is another key ingredient

BREEDERS’ CUP FESTIVAL WEEK OCTOBER 29–30, 2018 • LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY Kentucky International Convention Center

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TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France and overseas / View from the Rail / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P7 Playmates: the 2011 Glennwood foals My Miss Sophia and Bookrunner (the one doing the nipping). The filly went on to run second to Untapable in the Kentucky Oaks, and Bookrunner, who ran in Night Of Thunder’s 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, was G1-placed in Italy. Photo: glennwoodfarm.com

to successfully raising young horses time, like many farms, we struggle rewarding for the whole team at the – the quality and lay of the land, to have the right amount of staff farm plus our extended team. maintaining and managing pastures with the requisite level of experience “I think or hope it gives meaning to to a high standard, the layout of and expertise. Having long-term all those long days during the deep, the farm – all of these aspects employees that really care about the dark cold of winter and through the are essential in order to provide horses is so important in terms of hot and sweaty summer months as an effective environment that will factors such as them working closely well. The accomplishments of these facilitate the desired growth path and with and knowing the horses well, colts are something for the whole development of young stock to their making sure little issues are noticed team to be proud of – each person full potential.” and action taken before minor issues has a part to play and collectively While hands-on herself, Gunther grow into bigger problems, and they help to make it happen.” also pays much credit to the stud’s noticing small changes in a horse that Indeed, few farms deserve to be as team of staff. could be indicative of pending illness proud heading into the first Saturday “Attention to detail and a or some other aspect that needs to of May. proactive approach facilitate our be addressed.” *Without Parole was an impressive ability to keep the herd healthy and She adds: “Having both Vino Rosso six-length winner of the Yarmouth prospering,” she says. “From time to and Justify on the Derby trail is also race.

Tanya Gunther: “I believe the ability to breed and raise young horses consistently well can be attributed … to a combination of many elements”

James Crispe | April 08, 2018

Enable and Frankie Dettori winning last year’s Arc at Chantilly was the headline British victory in France in 2017, but British-trained horses are heading there in increasing numbers at much lower levels. Photo: John Gilmore

International racing is growing all the time, To add the factual meat to the bones of the internationalisation of our sport, but where is it really booming, where is it 30 years ago there were 555 British runners in overseas European races. dwindling, and which countries are likely By 2017 that figure had risen to a new record of 902. to offer most fresh opportunities in the near And, to provide a slightly broader future? James Crispe, the International Racing perspective, in the year 1997, British, European and United Arab Emirates Bureau’s associate director of editorial, sifted trainers made 67 sorties outside Europe. Come 2017, and this number had risen through a wealth of statistics going back more to 385. But the most detailed statistics I than 30 years, to find out the trends as far as possess concern Britain alone, so I will concentrate on these while attempting British-trained runners are concerned. to figure out in which direction

TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France and overseas / View from the Rail / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P9 international racing is going. From a British point of view, the British-trained runners abroad 2005–2007 main growth area over recent seasons concerns our nearest neighbour, France. 600 Thanks to the excellent levels of prize money and owners’ premiums on offer, 500 the number of runners there has more than doubled since 2010 with new 400 annual record totals for cross-Channel raiders set in five of the last seven years. 300 Britain had 75 wins from 519 runners 200 there in 2017. Back in 2004, it was 20 wins from 205 runners. 100 Despite its geographical remoteness,

Australia has also flourished as a 0 target for foreign visitors during the 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 same period, mainly because overseas trainers are beginning to realise that, France Dubai Ireland USA Australia with Aussie dollars galore on offer, the Melbourne Spring Carnival need not just be about the Melbourne Cup. Britain had four wins from 20 runners in 2017. In 2004, it was no winners from four Prize money earned by Britosh-trained runners abroad runners. (in millions sterling) In terms of strike rate, of late by far the best port of call for adventurous 9 British trainers has been Veliefendi in 8 Istanbul, Turkey. The last four renewals 7 of its early September International 6 Racing Festival have witnessed the hoisting of the Union Jack on no less 5 than 17 different occasions (from 50 4 starters), meaning more than one in 3 three of the British shippers returned 2 home triumphant. Less positive pictures are portrayed 1 by the statistics provided by Italy, Japan, 0 Hong Kong and America. 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Italy is the one major racing nation to have suffered a genuine financial France Dubai Ireland USA Australia meltdown over the past decade, and its plight has been mirrored by a downturn in overseas competition. Britain had 97 Italian runners in 2002, yet just a no prize money in two of the last three number of runners crossing the pond combined total of 39 runners there over years. has been relatively static throughout the past five years. America, the pioneer of this century. In comparison, other countries’ intercontinental racing through its There has been the odd bonanza problems are insignificant. Indeed, in inauguration of the Washington DC year – 2009 springs to mind, when a the case of Japan, the major reason International in 1952, was the largest quartet of victories were achieved at a why not a single yen has been pocketed single contributor to Britain’s overseas Breeders’ Cup made Euro-friendly by a by a British-trained horse over the last coffers way back in 1985, when synthetic dirt surface at Santa Anita – four years is the strength of the local transatlantic shippers earned £1.64 but America is no longer necessarily the opposition. Tokyo is a long way to go million. premier destination for globetrotting unless you can be sure your horse will be Remarkably, 30 years on, two of Thoroughbreds. highly competitive. Britain’s most recent U.S. prize money That title looks to have shifted to Hong Kong has, to a lesser extent, tallies have failed to surpass that figure Dubai, especially since the three-month suffered from a similar issue, hence no and the other, from 2017, topped it by long International Carnival there was British victories there since 2012 and little more than £250,000, while the instigated back in 2004. Interestingly,

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2010 2007 2005 2002 2000 1997 1995

British runners in 902 889 784 795 662 604 568 547 499 636 538 555 457 Ireland and Europe

European (inc. GB) and 85 82 76 64 46 85 57 55 76 65 80 36 62 UAE in USA/Canada

European and UAE in 22 10 15 12 24 22 23 20 24 23 23 10 13 Hong Kong / Macau

European and UAE in 3 3 4 3 3 5 8 5 6 14 12 7 9 Japan

European and UAE in 35 22 22 22 23 18 13 7 5 11 8 2 2 Australia

European and UAE in 0 0 2 4 6 5 3 2 4 10 6 0 0 Singapore

European and UAE in 240 216 243 277 288 274 248 187 183 23 20 12 0 Qatar

however, there are signs that even of international racing thanks to two And Casablanca in Morocco at Meydan’s brightly floodlit star may be new racing festivals – the Qatar Derby present stages an international meeting beginning to wane. Festival in December and the Emir’s in November, which regularly attracts After last month’s World Cup Night, Sword Festival in February. runners from France and Spain but there have been just 104 British runners Are there any other countries that may possibly won’t appeal to visitors from at the Carnival this year – compared with soon become stamps on the passports of the rest of Europe until it begins to 168 at the same time in 2016. Indeed, the best racehorses in the world? stage some turf racing – it currently the overall number of British raiders in Going back two decades and more, plays out entirely on sand. Dubai is the lowest since 2004. Brazil, Russia, Tatarstan (a Russian Of course the holy grail for the This can partly be explained as a republic) and Macau have been among global racing industry would be the delayed reaction to Meydan’s shift the exotic locations ventured to by legalisation of gambling, and therefore back to dirt in 2015 after the first five European Thoroughbreds, though each justification of racing, in the home of seasons at the world’s most shiny new has enjoyed short-lived status as part of the world’s most prosperous economy racecourse had seen the non-turf racing the global racing calendar. - China. But, despite numerous contested on Tapeta, a more familiar It is great to see Singapore returning experiments with trial meetings and surface for British visitors. to the fold in 2018, thanks to the newly-built courses hosting expatriate While Dubai may be starting to internationalisation of May 26’s US$1.14 trainers, that scenario looks no more experience a decline, its neighbour million Kranji Mile, after two years in the likely now than it did a quarter of a Qatar is very much the coming force wilderness. century ago.

MARSHA MARSHA Sold in 2017Sold for European in Record 2017 of 6,000,000 forGns European Record of 6,000,000 Gns Tattersalls December Mare Sale Tattersalls December Mare Sale

Foal FoalYearling 2yo Horse in TrainingYearlingMare 2yo Horse in Training Mare

REKINDLINGREKINDLING HIGHLAND REEL BRANDO LIBRISAHIGHLAND BREEZE LADDIES POKER REEL BRANDO LIBRISA BREEZE LADDIES POKER Melbourne Cup Gr.Melbourne 1 Hong Kong Vase Gr.Cup 1 Gr.Prix Maurice 1 de Gheest Gr. 1 British ChampionsHong Sprint Kong TWO damVase of WINTER Gr. 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest Gr. 1 British Champions Sprint TWO dam of WINTER Sold at Tattersalls SoldPrince Ofat Wales’s Tattersalls Stakes Gr. 1 Sold at Tattersalls Craven PrinceStakes Gr. Of 1 Wales’sNassau Stakes Stakes Gr. 1 Gr. 1 Sold at Tattersalls Craven Stakes Gr. 1 Nassau Stakes Gr. 1 December Foal SaleDecemberCoronation Cup Gr.Foal 1 SaleBreeze Up Sale Sold at TattersallsCoronation Autumn Coronation Cup Stakes Gr.Gr. 1 1 Breeze Up Sale Sold at Tattersalls Autumn Coronation Stakes Gr. 1 Sold at Tattersalls October SoldHorses in Training at Sale TattersallsIrish 1000 Guineas OctoberGr. 1 Horses in Training Sale Irish 1000 Guineas Gr. 1 Yearling Sale, Book 1 Yearling Sale,1000 Guineas Book Gr. 1 1 1000 Guineas Gr. 1 Sold at Tattersalls Sold at Tattersalls December Mare Sale December Mare Sale

T: +44 1638 665931 [email protected] www.tattersalls.com T: +44 1638 665931 [email protected] www.tattersalls.com TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P12 in 2017 View from the Rail: forget Gr.1 winners Lasix for now – let’s solve the fundamental issue first in every category Charles Hayward | April 24, 2018

MARSHA Sold in 2017 for European Record of 6,000,000 Gns Tattersalls December Mare Sale

Foal Yearling 2yo Horse in Training Mare

If we cannot get control of the integrity of our racing product ... then it will not matter whether our horses are running on Lasix or not. Photo: NYRA.com

View from the Rail is a new fortnightly TRC The U.S. Thoroughbred breeding and REKINDLING HIGHLAND REEL BRANDO LIBRISA BREEZE LADDIES POKER racing industry is in serious trouble. The Melbourne Cup Gr. 1 Hong Kong Vase Gr. 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest Gr. 1 British Champions Sprint TWO dam of WINTER series in which Charles Hayward gets a few lack of consistent, proper, state-of-the- Sold at Tattersalls Prince Of Wales’s Stakes Gr. 1 Sold at Tattersalls Craven Stakes Gr. 1 Nassau Stakes Gr. 1 art regulation by the individual state December Foal Sale Coronation Cup Gr. 1 Breeze Up Sale Sold at Tattersalls Autumn Coronation Stakes Gr. 1 things off his chest about what’s right and Sold at Tattersalls October Horses in Training Sale Irish 1000 Guineas Gr. 1 bodies is a huge threat to its future. Yet Yearling Sale, Book 1 1000 Guineas Gr. 1 what’s wrong in the world of horse racing. there is a solution in sight that should Sold at Tattersalls be acceptable to everyone across all December Mare Sale He starts today with a simple answer to one aspects of the sport, even those on opposite sides of the big sticking point - of the biggest problems facing the industry race-day medication. The Horse Racing Integrity Act was in the United States. introduced in the summer of 2015 by

T: +44 1638 665931 [email protected] www.tattersalls.com TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P13 More than 95 percent of Thoroughbreds run on Lasix in the U.S. There are strong arguments and feelings on both sides

Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and less than two percent are out of • 78 percent believed states are not Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) to competition. In England, France and effectively catching trainers or replace the largely ineffectual network Hong Kong that figure is between ten veterinarians using illicit drugs of state regulatory agencies currently and 14 percent. Joe Gorajec, 25-year • 77 percent thought regulation and managing all medication rule-making, former Executive Director of the Indiana enforcement of Lasix and other race- testing and penalties for the industry. Horse Racing Commision and an day medication rules should reside In my view, the bill, which would industry expert and TRC contributor, in a national entity put the independent U.S. Anti- was asked by the Paulick Report’s • 60 percent believed states were Doping Agency (USADA) in charge Natalie Voss in an article on September incapable of adopting uniform of all anti-doping activities, was the 7, 2016, “What is stopping states from regulations without the structure most important development in the out-of-competition testing?” that would be imposed by the Horse regulation of Thoroughbred racing for “It is either a lack of funding or a lack Racing Integrity Act decades. of will or a combination of both,” he • 64 percent were in favor of the Three years later, it still hasn’t been told her. “Without out-of-competition passage of the Act passed, but there are sound reasons testing, horsemen can cheat with for believing that a modified version impunity. This is a disservice to the So what’s the solution? of it would go all the way. But more of sport and the betting public.” that later. Owner, breeder and industry The original 2015 bill was silent on Clearly it will need a lot of expert Barry Irwin wrote on this site Lasix and race-day medication. I believe collaborative effort from the industry in September, 2016, “Today in racing, this was the proper approach. The to get the support to get this bill there is abundant reason to believe Jockey Club, the Breeders’ Cup and passed. There is built-in resistance that cheating is being conducted at other industry organizations have been from the participants of the current the highest level of the game. Yet very strong advocates of the abolition of state regulatory structure, but there little, if anything, is being done to Lasix and secondarily all other race-day are strong arguments to be made detect it. As far as I can tell, there is no medications, and this had become a against the current structure, or lack regulatory body that is actively involved controversial and divisive issue in racing. of it. in conducting investigations aimed More than 95 percent of Look how badly it’s all working at at detecting cheating by uncovering Thoroughbreds run on Lasix in the U.S. the moment: physical evidence of illegal substances There are strong arguments and feelings for which tests can be developed.” on both sides. Uniformity I have first-hand experience of this. To date only 11 of the 32 Wagering I was working at the New York Racing Thoroughbred horseracing states Total wagering on Thoroughbred Association (NYRA) when the Lasix issue have adopted all components of racing in the U.S. peaked in 2003 at became front and center. It was the the Racing Medication Testing and $15.2 billion and it has bottomed out most polarizing issue I have witnessed in Consortium’s 2012 National Uniform in the last five years, 2013-2017, to 30 years’ following Thoroughbred racing. Mediation Program (NUMP), which between $10.5 and $10.9 billion - an I took part in a NYRA Board meeting deals with all medications, penalties, approximate decline of 30 percent. where it was agreed to keep the status lab accreditation and third-party If you owned a business or worked in quo and not eliminate Lasix. NYRA had Lasix administration. Clearly, the a business that sustained a consistent just gotten out of bankruptcy, we had current status quo does not want loss of revenue of that proportion, you just received a new 25-year franchise uniformity and enhanced integrity in would likely sell or leave that business. and the renovation of the VLT (Video Thoroughbred racing. Lottery Terminals) facility was about Confidence to get underway. NYRA did not need a Out-of-competition testing As noted in an earlier commentary controversial issue that would divide For any effective integrity program here, in 2015 the Daily Racing Form the racing community and jeopardize for drug testing, a robust out of conducted a major survey of 1,860 the future of the restructured NYRA. I competition testing program is industry participants and bettors that believe the proper decision was made at essential. Of all the U.S. drug tests, found: the time.

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This NYRA experience does have some Lasix off to the side, get USADA in place, together and support a newly revised bill similarities with this current legislation. clean up the game and deal with the Lasix that would not stipulate the elimination of If we cannot get control of the integrity issue as an important priority of the new Lasix. of our racing product and clean up what regulatory body. Lasix has to come out of Incidentally, many industry participants has become a dirty game, then it will not the proposed bill. have grave concerns about getting the matter whether our horses are running It is an important moment in time, one in Federal Government involved in the on Lasix or not. which we need all industry participants to Thoroughbred racing and breeding work together to support the Horseracing industry and, given the partisan nature Important priority Integrity Act of 2017. of Washington at this time, I can certainly The 2017 version of the Horse Racing From my NYRA experience, I am fully understand the concern. Integrity Act (about 100 additional aware of both sides of the issue and also However, the federal law that authorized Congressmen and women have signed the intensity of the positions for each side. simulcasting of racing signals over the on to support it since it was introduced) We need owners, breeders, trainers, phone, internet and over state lines is the does mention Lasix. It prohibits jockeys, regulators, racing executives, Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978, which administration of any medications on front and backside employees, customers gives the Federal Government oversight of race day, including Lasix. and executives/employees of related over 90 percent of the U.S. annual wagering Yet, to get this legislation passed, it companies that support the Thoroughbred business. So Washington is already deeply is my strong opinion that we have to set racing and breeding business to come involved in the racing business.

It is an important moment in time, one in which we need all industry participants to work together to support the Horseracing Integrity Act of 2017

TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P15 JOHN CAMILLERI purchased the dam of the world’s best turf racehorse WINX BUYERS SOURCED ELITE PRODUCERS FROM THE GOLD COAST NATIONAL BROODMARE SALE KATSUMI YOSHIDA bought the dam of Gr1 Golden GREG PERRY Slipper winner ESTIJAAB found Regard carrying 4-time Gr1 winner ATLANTIC JEWEL

bought DRIFTINGJOHN CUBE SIKURAwhose first foal topped the Keeneland Weanling Sale at US$1.45m BARBARA BANKE purchased MIRACLES OF LIFE who subsequently JOHN MESSARA claimed two Gr2s and another Gr1 purchased SABANCI whose first two yearlings grossed $1.625m

SHEIKH FAHAD AL THANI found the dam of multiple Group winning 2YO SUNLIGHT

TOM MAGNIER found ESTELLE COLLECTION with the resultant foal making $1.8m DEAN HAWTHORNE OLLY TAIT on behalf of GSA Bloodstock purchased The bought the dam of subsequent Broken Shore carrying multiple Gr1 winner SHOALS ATC Derby winner, LEVENDI MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST NATIONAL BROODMARE SALE | 29 MAY-1 JUNE

Catalogue available online and via the Equineline app for ipad www.magicmillions.com.au

JOHN CAMILLERI Emily Shields | April 11, 2018 purchased the dam of the world’s best turf racehorse WINX BUYERS SOURCED ELITE PRODUCERS FROM THE GOLD COAST NATIONAL BROODMARE SALE KATSUMI YOSHIDA bought the dam of Gr1 Golden GREG PERRY Slipper winner ESTIJAAB found Regard carrying 4-time Gr1 winner ATLANTIC JEWEL

SHEIKH FAHAD AL THANI found the dam of multiple Group winning 2YO SUNLIGHT Bright future: the plan is to create a city within the grounds of Woodbine Racetrack, complete with an entertainment center, apartments, and retail. Artist’s impression: Woodbine Entertainment

Sandwiched between Pearson International There is the racetrack itself – a TOM MAGNIER unique outer turf course, an inner found ESTELLE COLLECTION with the resultant foal making $1.8m Airport and an industrial area north of synthetic main track, and an even DEAN HAWTHORNE smaller harness racing strip – nestled OLLY TAIT on behalf of GSA Bloodstock purchased The Toronto sits Woodbine Racetrack, a 700- under a looming grandstand. There is bought the dam of subsequent Broken Shore carrying multiple Gr1 winner SHOALS ATC Derby winner, LEVENDI acre property of sprawling, green paradise. a one-mile dirt training track, another seven-furlong grass course within It is easy for frequent visitors to take the that, and even a peaceful, half-mile MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST NATIONAL BROODMARE SALE | 29 MAY-1 JUNE path called Baker’s Acres tucked into a landscape for granted, but Woodbine’s sheer corner behind the barns. Despite all that, Woodbine still size dwarfs even that of its closest North has acres of open, unused space. Catalogue available online and via the American rival, Belmont Park. Plans have been made to create a city Equineline app for ipad within the grounds, complete with an www.magicmillions.com.au

TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P17 entertainment center, apartments, and retail, all while keeping the horses and horsemen at the focal point of the experience. But, before those plans could come to fruition, Woodbine executives labored to improve the workplace dynamic. Woodbine Entertainment’s CEO, Jim Lawson, understood the challenges ahead when he was named to that position in 2015. “Racing has competition that we didn’t have years ago,” he said. “Toronto is a world-class city, but we’re competing with the Blue Jays [baseball] and the Raptors [basketball]. The competition for the entertainment dollar is intense.” Before addressing the Woodbine product that guests see and experience, Lawson turned inward. “I polled the management team and say in what is going on.” hotels,” Lawson said. “Part of the asked what the first thing we need Once the internal culture agreement is that the same process to fix was,” Lawson said. “Six out of improved, it became time to advance would happen at Mohawk.” eight said culture.” the racing product. Starting in 2018, Mohawk is Lawson defined culture as having Woodbine is famous for its becoming a year-round harness “a workforce that loves coming to 12-furlong E.P. Taylor Turf Course, racing facility. work every day”. “This is a fun place with its grass races not only drawing Jessica Buckley, the president to work - the employees look forward worldwide interest but also driving of Mohawk said, “We’ve made to coming here - and that sort of a significant portion of handle. But $10 million worth of investments enthusiasm and momentum spills Woodbine’s Thoroughbreds also to winterize the facility and get it over to our customers,” he added. shared their racing season with ready. The number one priority was To test the level of satisfaction Standardbreds, who raced on the winterizing the paddock for our within Woodbine’s 1,700 full-time innermost track at night once the horsemen, with new doors, new employees, the business took part Thoroughbred card was completed. windows, and new heat curtains in the Great Places to Work survey. The idea to replace the harness for the winter months. The second “The first year we had something surface with a second turf course, biggest thing we did was replaced like 20 or 25 percent participation,” which gives Woodbine the option of all of the glass in front of the dining Lawson said. “We had a lot of internal running six grass races a day, was room, which was original glass communications, a lot of town halls, made possible after a chain of events. to the building. We upgraded the we hired a culture specialist and In addition to the main property bathroom facilities and will continue added recognition programs. This outside Toronto, the Woodbine to invest in the coming years.” is something other companies do Entertainment Group also owns With the Standardbreds now well, but the horse racing industry Woodbine Mohawk Park, another year-round in their own facility, does not. Racing is not attracting 450-acre parcel of land that raced that left more options open for the good young talent, such as the star harness horses in the summer and Thoroughbred track. of the commerce department at fall. Vanderbilt.” When the Ontario government More wagering on turf races Last year, 80 percent of employees decided to privatize and thus permit “We had some debate,” Lawson participated, and Woodbine did so the expansion of gaming at Woodbine said, “as to whether we should well in the ‘Trust Index’ it is now on and Mohawk, they awarded that turn the old Standardbred track the list of top 20 employers Canada. ability to Great Canadian Gaming and into a dirt course or another turf “Three years ago that would have the development company Brookfield course. Like a lot of racetracks, we been unheard of,” Lawson said. Asset Management. “Brookfield has struggle with horse supply. Our view “We’re getting young people out aggressive plans to invest over $1 is that, in order to attract horses of top Canadian universities from billion on our site, from expanded up to Canada, we can offer five or commerce and business programs. gaming to a music auditorium, six turf races a day at all levels for It’s fun here, our employees have a restaurants, tiered parking, and eight months of the year. The turf

TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P18 goes hand in glove with our Tapeta surface; when we get monsoon rainstorms, a lot of horses transfer nicely from the turf to the Tapeta and aren’t faced with running on a sloppy track.” Lawson is pleased with the ultimate decision of a second turf course. “How can Woodbine be effective at recruiting and keeping horses? We think the answer is more turf racing. Owners, trainers, and jockeys like the turf, and on an apples to apples basis we get more wagering in our turf races.” Now comes the challenge of building the new course while the Woodbine chief executive Jim Lawson: “The competition for the entertainment dollar is intense.” live Thoroughbred meet, which Photo: Michael Burns opens on April 21, begins. “We are well under way now to putting the irrigation system in,” Lawson said. “We’ve spent $250,000 to add In 2017, Woodbine streamed what websites under a simplified address, fiber to it to ensure that it drains Lush classified as a “network level woodbine.com, to make it easier for our well, similar to the turf course in broadcast” for the Natalma Stakes, a G1 customers to find us. “In order to have Hong Kong. We will be full bore Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ event. a true branding experience, we felt on installation, and we plan to be “We took feed from live high- we had to tie Woodbine and Mohawk racing on it in June of 2019.” definition cameras, got separate together under a moniker that makes Woodbine board member John on-air personalities, and streamed it more sense.” Fielding added, “It’s been proven live to Facebook in partnership with With all the developments coming to us that turf racing does attract Breeders’ Cup,” he said. “We had over for this season and beyond, the mood more wagering and larger fields 8,000 simultaneous viewers streaming at Woodbine is undeniably optimistic. and is a very positive thing for the and watching, which is spectacular for American trainer Mike Maker has Thoroughbred product, particularly our first go round. People from Asia, decided to send a string north of the to the other parts of the world Australia, South Korea, and Italy were border, a decision that Fielding said such as in Australia and the United watching live and commenting. This is was, “Really great. Having more trainers Kingdom. We are really trying to do where the market is going.” makes our whole product better.” the right thing for the horsemen as He had nothing but praise for well as to grow our business, and International markets the way Lawson has handled the our simulcast business. We have a Integration into international innovations at Woodbine. “The great broadcast that we keep trying markets has long been a priority at leadership here is fantastic,” Fielding to upgrade as well.” Woodbine. “This sport, which used said. “Jim Lawson has done a Woodbine’s Senior Vice President to be very regional, has grown so phenomenal job assembling a top of Technology, Chris Lush, noted global,” Lush said. “We host separate team, and they’re not just sitting on exciting developments are being pools for Australian racing here. Our their laurels.” explored a broadcast perspective. partnership with the Hong Kong “We as an industry cannot be “Last year we did a partnership Jockey Club has been fantastic. We complacent,” Lawson said. “We all with DirecTV, where we did the first have a substantial Asian population face the challenge of attracting a new network broadcast of a live horse in Canada, and having direct content generation of fans and owners. We’re racing event in 4K [resolution], first from Hong Kong is well received. investing for the long term here, and with the Woodbine Mile and then We’ve introduced simplified Chinese our mindset is to make decisions that the Canadian International. Our language on our advance-deposit will benefit horse. product looks good on simulcast, wagering platform. Now we are trying “We are taking this 700 acres and but even better in a 4K broadcast, to get our simulcast over there.” building it into a small city for one which in turn leads to higher Last year, Woodbine released a purpose, and that is to promote and wagering. And we want to stop guest-experience mobile application. sustain horse racing. In 25 years I want focusing on just North America; “It shows what’s happening here, our Woodbine to be healthier than it is where does our product appeal racing schedule, and you can book today. I want to build something we internationally?” a reservation. We are launching new can all be passionate about.”

Bob Ehalt | April 17, 2018

Moment to savour: Todd Pletcher with jockey John Velazquez after Rags To Riches won the Belmont Stakes in 2007. Photo: NYRA.com

Welcome to a new fortnightly TRC series of Who do you think is the most important figure in short Q&A sessions with leading figures in racing history? It’s hard for me to answer in Thoroughbred racing. In What They’re Thinking, regards to the history of horse we will be putting the same five questions to each racing, but in the last 20-25 years you would have to say subject, and it should take you no more than two it’s John Magnier because of his international presence in or three minutes to read what they have to say. the breeding industry and the stallions he has developed We start with one of America’s top U.S. trainers of the last 50 years through Coolmore and Ashford. greatest trainers. Seven-time Eclipse last December. The country’s all-time He also has a big presence in Award-winning Todd Pletcher ranked leading money winner, he is currently Australia. tenth in a racing industry poll of the #10 in the TRC Global Rankings.

The leading first crop sire in Europe and North America by yearling average in 2017 (over £244,000 for 37 sold) 443 mares covered in his first BLACKTYPE EARNERS three books OR PRODUCERS First 2YOs in 2018

Contact Shane Horan, Claire Curry or Eoin Fives +44 (0)1638 731115 [email protected] www.juddmonte.com

® KINGMAN 2011 b h Invincible Spirit - Zenda (Zamindar) 2018 Fee £55,000 1st oct special live foal

Which is your favorite to think the win of Rags To Riches If you could change one venue and race? in the 2007 Belmont Stakes (video thing in racing, what would The Kentucky Derby is certainly below) was the most exciting one it be? the race. I’ve been fortunate and the one I hold in very high We need racing to promote itself enough to be in Dubai and Royal regard. I take every opportunity I in a positive manner. We have one Ascot and numerous other places, can to promote her for the Hall of of the most exciting sporting events but to me there’s no race event like Fame. I’m so stunned she’s not in there is in the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Derby. It’s something the Hall of Fame and I’ll use this there is an immediate gratification very, very unique. I think the opportunity to give her a plug once in that most of the races are done atmosphere at the Kentucky Derby again. in less than two minutes. It’s a very, is the equivalent of what you’ll find very exciting sport and we need to in any other sport. What do you see as the promote it as such, showing people In terms of a venue, you would biggest challenge racing how clean it is and focusing on all have to say Churchill Downs on faces today? the positive aspects of it. Derby Day is the best, though I think racing faces the same A lot of times we sabotage Saratoga still has great historical challenges that the entertainment ourselves by not promoting all the ambience. The New York Racing industry and sports leagues face. good things we do. We’re a sport Association has been able to We’re trying to appeal to the next where every one of our winners is maintain that historical feel while generation. I have children who are tested, so instead of focusing on the staying with the times, which is 19, 18 and 15 and they never have negative, let’s focus on how great really great to see. to be home at a certain time to of a sport it is and how clean it is. watch a sporting event or television Compared to other sports, let’s say What is your fondest show. Everything is on the phone it’s the cleanest and mostexciting. memory in racing? or on their iPad and is accessible. Let’s all work in the same I’ve been blessed with a lot of Trying to generate interest from that direction to promote the well-being great moments, but I would have demographic is vital for the sport. of the sport and help it to grow.

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Join the conversation on social media... /ThoroughbredRacingCommentary @TRCommentary TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P23 22 April 2018

Jockeys Owners

Modal Modal Rank Name Points Rank Name Points Country Country

1 Ryan Moore Great Britain 1105 1 Coolmore Partners Ireland 1096

2 Mirco Demuro Japan 1058 2 Godolphin Australia 1072

3 Hugh Bowman Australia 1055 3 Magic Bloodstock Et Al Australia 1040

4 Mike E Smith USA 1040 4 Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum Great Britain 1033

5 Frankie Dettori Great Britain 1032 5 Juddmonte Farms / Prince Khalid Abdulla USA 1027

6 Christophe-Patrice Lemaire Japan 1028 6 Sunday Racing Co Ltd Japan 1021

6 Javier Castellano USA 1028 7 Al Shaqab Racing France 1015

8 Christophe Soumillon France 1014 8 WinStar Farm Et Al USA 1013

9 Kerrin McEvoy Australia 1010 9 China Horse Club Et Al Australia 1010

10 Joao Moreira Australia 1009 10 H H Aga Khan France 1008

10 Jose L Ortiz USA 1009 11 Hajime Satomi Japan 1005

12 William Buick Great Britain 1002 12 Mayfair Speculators Et Al South Africa 998

13 Yutaka Take Japan 1001 13 Stonestreet Stables USA 996

14 Florent Geroux USA 999 14 Peters Investments Et Al Australia 994

15 Joel Rosario USA 995 15 Te Akau Syndicates New Zealand 993

Trainers Sires

Modal Modal Rank Name Points Rank Name Points Country Country

1 A P O'Brien Ireland 1077 1 Galileo Great Britain 1052

2 Bob Baffert USA 1049 2 Dubawi Great Britain 1044

3 Charlie Appleby Great Britain 1041 3 Snitzel Australia 1029

4 Chad C Brown USA 1038 4 Deep Impact Japan 1025

5 Darren Weir Australia 1037 5 Frankel Great Britain 1021

6 John Gosden Great Britain 1023 6 I Am Invincible Australia 1017

7 J Size Hong Kong 1018 7 Not A Single Doubt Australia 1010

7 John Moore Hong Kong 1018 7 Scat Daddy USA 1010

9 Saeed bin Suroor Great Britain 1014 7 Street Cry Australia 1010

10 Chris Waller Australia 1013 10 Curlin USA 1009

11 Todd Pletcher USA 1009 11 Medaglia D'oro USA 1005

12 A Fabre France 1006 12 Fastnet Rock Australia 1004

13 A S Cruz Hong Kong 1002 12 Iffraaj Great Britain 1004

13 Peter & Paul Snowden Australia 1002 14 Dark Angel Great Britain 1001

13 Yasutoshi Ikee Japan 1002 15 Kitten's Joy USA 1000

TRC April 2018 / Glennwood Farm, Kentucky / British trainers target France / View from the Rail: the Latex issue / The spectacular future of Woodbine / What They’re Thinking: Todd Pletcher / P24