2014/2015 MEDIA GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to Tampa Bay Downs…...……………………………………………………….……………………………………………. 3 Map, Directions, Telephone Numbers and Addresses..……………..………………………………………...………...... … 4 Media Policies…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…. 5 Staff………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 6 2014-2015 Racing Calendar……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7 The Track…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8 The Downs Golf Facility.……………….……….………………………………………………………………………………………….9 The Silks Poker Room and Tampa Bay Downs in the Community…..………..………...…….………………………………….…10 Tampa Bay Downs History………………..……………………………….……………………………………………...……..…...11-21 Tampa Bay Downs Logos…………………………………………………………………………………..…………………… 22 Jockey Profiles…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………23-33 Trainer Profiles…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…….34-46 Owner Profiles………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….47-54 Track Records……………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………...55-58 Stakes Histories…………………………………………………………………………………...…………….……………………59-116
All photographs in the Media Guide are by Stephanie Valenti except:
Page 8: Gray horse, photo by Alan Messerschmidt Page 10: Relay for Life, photo by Bob Argus Page 34: Horses at the gap, photo by Alan Messerschmidt Page 60: Chris Thomas, www.sptimes.com/.../_Chris_Thomas_touched.shtml Page 60: Minarets, collegeprofiles.com/tampa.html Page 60: Space Shuttle Endeavour, www.aerospaceguide.net/spaceshuttle/index.html Page 60: Wayward Lass: http://www.bloodhorse.com/articleindex/article.asp?id=16892
2 WELCOME TO TAMPA BAY DOWNS!
A half-century before the NFL arrived in Tampa; 66 years before the birth of the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey franchise; and 72 years prior to Major League Baseball welcoming a team in St. Petersburg, Florida‘s west coast became home to big-time Thoroughbred racing.
Matt J. Winn, legendary promoter of the Kentucky Derby, teamed with Ohio investor Harvey Mayers to bring horse racing to the ―Top of the Bay‖ in 1926. Since then, Tampa Bay Downs has provided area sports fans and visitors with live racing action from late autumn through May, while in 2013 adding an annual two-day Summer Festival of Racing held each June 30 and July 1.
Originally opened as Tampa Downs, the racetrack has amassed a long and colorful history. It was renamed Sunshine Park in 1947 and entered the modern era that year with the installation of an electric starting gate, photo-finish camera and electronic tote board. The racetrack became popular with sportswriters who came to the area to cover baseball spring training. Grantland Rice, Red Smith, and Arthur Daley were devoted regulars, describing the track as the ―Santa Anita of the South.‖
In 1965, the track was acquired by a group of Tampa sportsmen and renamed Florida Downs. It became Tampa Bay Downs 15 years later after another change in ownership. The current owners assumed the reins before the start of the 1986-1987 season, and the facility has been in a state of constant improvement since.
In the spring of 1997, Mrs. Stella Thayer, President and Treasurer of Tampa Bay Downs, announced plans for the installation of a 7/8-mile turf course with a quarter-mile chute. The course was completed in the spring of 1998 and the first turf race was contested on Kentucky Derby Day, May 2, 1998, as excited fans watched the from the infield. This improvement has provided more opportunities for horsemen and patrons alike.
In 2003 Tampa Bay Downs launched The Downs Golf Practice Facility, a state-of-the-art, first-of-its-kind golf practice and wagering facility. The 22 acres of fully lighted golf property include 270 yards of open range for full-swing shots, plus putting and short-game areas. The Downs Golf Clubhouse features a fully stocked pro shop, snack bar and wagering terminals complete with numerous TV monitors to catch all the action.
The opening of the 2003-2004 season saw the debut of The Silks Poker Room. In July of 2007, the Florida Legislature granted Tampa Bay Downs permission to operate The Silks Poker Room year-round. It is now open daily from 10 a.m.-4 a.m.
In 2007, the track‘s profile skyrocketed when Street Sense used his thrilling nose victory in the then-Grade III Tampa Bay Derby as a springboard to winning the Kentucky Derby. In 2010, third-place Tampa Bay Derby finisher Super Saver triumphed in the Run for the Roses, and the Tampa Bay Derby was awarded Grade II status the following spring. It is one of six graded stakes conducted annually at Tampa Bay Downs.
The 2011-12 season was highlighted by eight track records and a 3-percent increase in on-track handle to more than $40 million. Bettors her- alded the introduction of Trakus, an electronic system which displays the position and location of each horse during a race.
Prior to the start of the 2013-14 season, the grandstand was remodeled to include a pub-style gathering place, Riders Up!, featuring marble countertops, a candy-apple redwood finish and a variety of craft beers. Also new on the downstairs level of the grandstand is the Metro Deli, de- signed to resemble an old-time, big-city eatery. Contemporary racing fans, journalists and horse lovers embrace the Downs for its distinctive, country fair-style charm, and it is regarded far and wide as one of America‘s most pleasant and well-maintained racetracks. 3
CONTACT INFORMATION
Physical Address Mailing Address
11225 Race Track Road P. O. Box 2007 Tampa, FL 33626 Oldsmar, FL 34677
Telephone Numbers
Main Number 813.855.4401 Racing Office 800.200.4434 Main Fax 813.854.3539
Web and E-mail Address
www.tampabaydowns.com [email protected] DIRECTIONS
From I-275:
Take Tampa Airport exit. Follow signs to Veterans Expressway. Take Expressway to Exit 4 (Hillsborough Avenue). Turn west on Hillsborough Avenue. Travel approximately 10 miles to Race Track Road. Make a right on Race Track Road and travel 1 mile to Tampa Bay Downs.
From Pinellas County:
On U.S. Highway 19, go to the intersection with State Road 580 at Countryside Mall; go east on State Road 580 about 6 miles to the stoplight at Race Track Road; go left on Race Track Road, 1 mile to Tampa Bay Downs.
From St. Petersburg:
Take the Bayside Bridge north to McMullen Booth Road; go east on State Road 580 about 4 miles to the stoplight at Race Track Road; turn left on Race Track Road, 1 mile to Tampa Bay Downs.
From Pasco County:
On U.S. Highway 19, go to the intersection with Tampa Road (State Road 584); go east on Tampa Road 7 miles to the stoplight at Race Track Road; turn left on Race Track Road, 1 mile to Tampa Bay Downs. 4
MEDIA POLICIES
Tampa Bay Downs is extremely pleased to have you with us for our 89th anniversary season of Thoroughbred racing. Outlined below are guidelines to assist your coverage of the current meeting that commenced on July 1, 2014 (resuming Nov. 29):
1. In order to gain access to the stable area, all media MUST have prior approval and the proper credentials. These credentials are available in the Publicity Office, and the press are required to wear their Press ID at all times.
2. All photographers MUST check in with the Track Photographer, Stephanie Valenti, Ext. 1246. Ms. Valenti will issue credentials to all photographers, as well as offer any advice on good lo- cations to shoot from, both on the front side and the stable area. These credentials are manda- tory in order to shoot from the area adjacent to the track surface; publication credentials alone will not suffice. Ms. Valenti‘s office is located on the lower level of the Grandstand adjacent to the State Licensing Office.
3. Phone lines are available in the Press Box for those who need to file their stories electronically. If any other special needs exist, please contact the Publicity Office, Ext. 1368. Tampa Bay Downs provides free wireless access throughout the facility.
4. The Press Box is located on the fourth floor of the Grandstand.
5. Photography is NOT permitted in the Grandstand or Clubhouse Mutuel areas at any time without prior permission of Track Management.
6. On March 7, 2015 (Tampa Bay Derby Day), winning owners, trainers and jockeys will be taken to the V.I.P. Room for interviews immediately after the presentation in the winner‘s circle.
7. Parking for all credentialed media will be in the Horsemen‘s Parking Lot, north of the Grandstand.
For further information or questions, contact Margo Flynn in the Publicity Office at Tampa Bay Downs at 813-855-4401, Ext. 1368 or [email protected].
5 TAMPA BAY DOWNS OFFICERS
Track Officers
Stella F. Thayer.………………...…………..…………………….……………………………………………………...President and Treasurer Howell Ferguson……………………………………...………………………...……………………….………….Vice President and Secretary Peter N. Berube……………………………..………………...…………………………………………..Vice President and General Manager Greg Gelyon……………….……………………………………..…………...…………………..…………………….Vice President of Finance Margo J. Flynn…………………………………………………...…………...…………………...….Vice President of Marketing and Publicity Tom McLaughlin………………………………………………………………………………..Vice President of Facilities and Track Surfaces
Operating Officials
Stephanie Valenti……..………………………………………………...………………………………………….………….Track Photographer Allison De Luca…..……………………………………………....…………………………...………Director of Racing and Racing Secretary Richard Grunder……………………………………………………………...…….……………………………………………..Track Announcer Deanna Nicol……………………………………………...………………………………………………...…………………...Frontside Security Dennis Lima……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Association Steward Nicole McGill…..………………………………………………………………..…..……………………………………..Director of Group Sales John Morrissey…….……….…………………..……………………………………………………………………………..Association Steward Richard Toda……………………………………………………………………………………….……….…………..Director of Client Services John Hernandez………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Information Technology Frank White...…………………………………………………...……………...….……………………………………………..Mutuels Manager Andy York…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Food and Beverage Director
6 2014 -2015 LIVE RACING SCHEDULE
NOVEMBER 2014 DECEMBER 2014 JANUARY 2015 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 1 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 30
FEBRUARY 2015 MARCH 2015 APRIL 2015 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30
MAY 2015 JUNE 2015 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 LIVE RACING 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 SIMULCASTING ONLY 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 CLOSED 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31
7 THE TRACK
MAIN TRACK
The main track is a one-mile oval with a sand-and-loam composition, and is rated one of the best surfaces in the nation for both training and racing. The surface is unrivaled in terms of drainage and cushion. The main track is 75 feet wide, the length of the stretch is 976 feet, and the track features a seven-furlong chute. Starting-gate schooling is available on race days from 7:30-10 a.m., and training hours are 6-10 a.m. unless otherwise noted (the track is closed for harrowing from 8:30-9 a.m.). The banking of the track is 4 degrees on the straightaways and 6 degrees on the turns.
TURF COURSE
The turf course was completed for competition in 1998 and is seven-eighths of a mile in circumference with a quarter-mile chute. The width of the turf course is 80 feet. The grass is Tifton #419 Bermuda Turf. The course supports rails settings of 0 feet, 12 feet, 24 feet and 30 feet.
PADDOCK & WALKING RING AREA
Located adjacent to the Grandstand at the north end of the facility, the paddock consists of a 14-stall cov- ered saddling area that abuts the wood-chip walking ring where the horses are united with their jockeys and paraded prior to each race. Once the field has circled the walking ring, the horses move onto the track for the Post Parade and pre- race warm-up.
BACKSTRETCH
The backstretch houses 1,460 horses in 31 barns, including two receiving barns. The backside kitchen and Racing Office complex are located on the south end of the backstretch along with soccer and softball fields and the Veterinary Office. Adjacent to the en- trance and exit chutes on the backside of the track are the Horsemen‘s Benevolent and Protective Association Office, the Chap- lain‘s Office, main shower and restroom facilities, a tack shop and basketball court. A feed-and-tack store is located east of the barn area, as are paddocks available to trainers for seasonal rental.
SEATING & PARKING
The Grandstand seats 4,300 people and the Clubhouse seats 1,700 patrons. There are also many casual options available trackside, including the Picnic Pavilion Area, which seats 500; the Grandstand apron benches; and picnic-table seating. On the Clubhouse apron, bench seating is also offered, along with the Stella Artois Trackside Garden Suite, a fully contained private area that seats a party of 35 comfortably. There is parking for approximately 5,000 cars on the property.
8 THE DOWNS GOLF PRACTICE FACILITY
A first-of-its-kind golf-practice and simulcast-wagering complex, The Downs Golf Practice Facility is located just south of the race- track. The 22 acres of fully lighted property include 270 yards of open range for full-swing shots, plus putting, short-game and bun- ker areas. The facility has been open since 2003. It celebrated its 10th anniversary on March 23, 2013 with free club fittings, clinics and pro shop discounts. It has also been the site of four weekend Golfest events — featuring celebrities such as retired LPGA leg- end Annika Sorenstam, world-renowned instructor David Leadbetter and major-championship winner Brittany Lincicome of nearby Seminole, Fla. — as well as local qualifying events for the annual Drive, Chip & Putt Championship for junior golfers.
―Our goal in building the range was to make Tampa Bay Downs a total entertainment destination. With live racing, full-card simul- casting, golf, concerts and poker, we are realizing that vision,‖ says Tampa Bay Downs General Manager Peter Berube. ―We cur- rently offer facility rental, full-service dining, and group plans tailored to our patrons‘ needs, rounding out the total experience.‖
The Downs is committed to offering the finest learning and practice environment in the community, featuring 45 grass-tee stations that are rotated daily to give the golfer near-perfect practice conditions every day. ―We have developed a first-class golf practice fa- cility to introduce more players to the game and to help those who already are playing keep their practice habits on the right track,‖ says Golf Practice Facility Manager Jon Johnson.
Johnson, formerly of All In One Golf Practice and Learning Facility in Largo, Fla., and the Michael Jordan Golf Center in Illinois, is a PGA Class A professional who brings with him more than 25 years of experience within the golf community. He is responsible for day-to-day operations including the Clubhouse, range, instruction, food and beverage and grounds maintenance.
The Downs Golf Academy offers top-of-the-line instructional clinics that cover a range of topics from swing and short game to spe- cialty shots. Matt Mitchell, formerly of Countryside Driving, is highly respected as one of the area‘s premier instructors. With more than 30 years of experience, he is a PGA Class A professional and conducts lessons, clinics and schools on an ongoing basis. Also on staff is Joey DiPompo, the Assistant Teaching Professional at the Matt Mitchell Golf Academy who graduated from Professional Golfers Career College in 2010 and excels in club fitting and club repair.
The range is uniquely designed with the look and feel of a golf course, encouraging players to bring every club in their bag. There are numerous bunkers and practice-green areas to help golf- ers fine-tune pitching, chipping and approach shots. The nearly two-acre short game area consists of:
8,000 square feet of putting green surface 6,000 square feet of greens for practicing chipping and sand game 7,000 square feet of greens for approach shots from 10 to 65 yards
Best of all, golf enthusiasts can practice 363 days a year (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas) while enjoying simulcast racing and wagering from the convenience of The Downs Golf Clubhouse, a first in the nation for any racetrack or golf facility.
9 THE SILKS POKER ROOM
The Silks Poker Room offers players virtual non-stop excitement, with a variety of games, high stakes and no-limit poker. The offer- ings include games such as Five- and Seven-Card Stud, Texas Hold 'Em, Omaha and more.
The elegant air-conditioned room is completely non-smoking and includes 30 poker tables. There are plenty of television monitors and roaming tellers, so fans can watch, wager and win on all the live horse racing and simulcast action. Tableside beverage service and in-house masseuses are available, so no one has to miss a hand.
Whether patrons are experienced poker players, newcomers, or somewhere in between, The Silks Poker Room is a friendly, welcoming environment. Our professional, outgoing, and experienced staff is always willing to help.
The Silks Poker Room, which opened in December of 2003, is located on the third floor of the Grand- stand and is accessible by both stairs and elevator. During live racing hours on weekends, players pay the track's regular $2.00 Grandstand admission at the gate and proceed to the Poker Room. Guests can stop by the reception desk to reserve a spot at the table where the game of their choice is being played.
The Silks Poker Room is open year-round except for Christmas and Easter Sunday, offering no-limit games and expanded poker and dining hours from 10 a.m.-4 a.m.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS IN THE COMMUNITY
Each season Tampa Bay Downs holds five Charity Days during its meet, with proceeds earmarked for charitable organizations that qualify under Florida law to receive such contributions. The recipients are in both the Tampa Bay community and the Thoroughbred industry. Over the past nine seasons, more than $1-million has been raised for these organiza- tions through Charity Day at Tampa Bay Downs. A sampling of the charities that have received direct aid from Tampa Bay Downs include Rotary‘s Camp Florida in Brandon, Tampa Bay Sports Commission, Upper Tampa Bay Education Foundation, Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Oldsmar Cares, Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, Inc. (TROT) and Children‘s Home Society of Florida (Joshua House) in Tampa.
In addition, Tampa Bay Downs directly contributes more than $31 million into the community each year, and also provides more than 500 employment positions during the live racing season. In the summer months, Tampa Bay Downs continues to support the community by offering job opportunities to more than 100 individuals. The track‘s annual payroll exceeds $7.1 million. In 2007 and 2008, Tampa Bay Downs hosted the Upper Tampa Bay Relay for Life, an all- 10 night walkathon that raised more than $37,000 for the American Cancer Society.. HISTORY
Nature’s pastels showcase the Downs at dusk 11 HISTORY
1926 - The track opens for its inaugural meeting under the name of Tampa Downs. The season lasts 39 days and is headed by Ohio investor Harvey Mayers and Kentucky Colonel Matt J. Winn, famed promoter of the Kentucky Derby. Babe Ruth, Jack Dempsey, Gene Sarazen and John Ringling help inaugurate the opening on Feb. 18. Torcher wins the $4,450 ―Florida Derby,‖ a precursor to the Flamingo Stakes at Hialeah Park.
1927 - Tampa Downs reopens, but for only nine days.
1932 - Desha Breckinridge and Major Thomas McDowell of Lexington oversee repairs and restoration of the facility. Conflicts cause the cancellation of the meet.
1934 - Tampa Turf and Field Club is formed, headed by Hal Thompson. The track reopens as Tampa Downs. Inadequate handles during the heart of the Great Depression force the meeting to close after only six days.
1943 - As World War II rages on, the U.S. Army constructs barracks and turns the track into a jungle warfare training center.
1946 - Sunshine Park Racing Association is formed and provides 650 stalls. A 1947 season is approved by referendum. New Yorker Justin O‘Connor buys the track but dies just two days before opening.
1947 - Frank Hobbs buys the track from the O‘Connor family. The modern era begins as Sunshine Park runs its inaugural meet. The first official tote board is in operation, an electric starting gate is introduced and a photo finish camera is installed.
1948 - A horsemen‘s boycott is averted by increasing the daily purse distribution by $500.
1950- Legendary sportswriters including Grantland Rice, Red Smith, Fred Russell and Arthur Daley are regulars at the track as they travel south to cover baseball spring training games. Rice coins the phase ―Santa Anita of the South‖ in his columns, referring to the facility. John W. Kane of Wilmington, Del., wins control of the track following a stockholders‘ squabble. A Quarter Horse meet runs for three weeks in February.
1953 - A dozen barns burn but are quickly replaced. The Florida Legislature passes a special bill allowing the track to keep 15% of the takeout and to pay a $4,000 daily fee instead. The track begins to show a profit for the first time and new Clubhouse construction begins at a cost of $300,000.
1954 - The new Clubhouse opens.
1955 - Control of the track is passed to a syndicate headed by Frederick Ballon, director of Yonkers Raceway; Richard West of Rhode Island; and Frank Hobbs, a Tampa attorney.
12 HISTORY
1956 - A $1,000 minimum purse is instituted.
1957 - President Frank Hobbs creates the Florida Breeders‘ Futurity and is voted Florida‘s Man of the Year. Champion filly Indian Maid wins the first Futurity.
1958 - Benell captures the second running of the Florida Breeders‘ Futurity.
1959 - Top owners Sanford Stud, Llangolen Farm, Gene Mori and Fred Hooper send strings to race at Sunshine Park.
1964 - A syndicated TV show called ―Let‘s Go to the Races‖ debuts in numerous major markets, using filmed races from Sunshine Park to award prizes and money to game-card holders.
1965 - The franchise is acquired by a group of Tampa sportsmen headed by Chester Ferguson.
1966 - The track is renamed Florida Downs and Turf Club. Purses total $566,060. The track hosts its first sale of Thoroughbreds.
1968 - The double quinella wager is introduced, requiring bettors to pick the first two finishers in either order on the last two races. In September of 1968, a spectacular fire destroys the Grandstand facility, sparing only the Clubhouse building.
1969 - A new $800,000 Grandstand with the capacity for 6,000 people replaces the one ravaged by fire. The new building debuts with season opener on January 17.
1972 - Tampa industrialist Sam F. Davis takes the reins of Florida Downs, and with his presidency the track goes into the black and season handle totals a record $11 million.
1973 - Eastern Airlines supports a series of races. An attendance record of 5,878 is established for a single day.
1979 - Highest season average attendance record of 4,414 is set.
1980 - Total handle reaches $29 million. Sam F. Davis retires as president at age 73. In a switch of corporations, the track is renamed Tampa Bay Downs. On March 15, Richard DePass becomes the first jockey in history to go 7-for-7 on a single card.
1981 - Paristo wins the $50,000-added Budweiser Tampa Bay Derby in its inaugural running. He would finish third in the Preakness. Apprentice jockey Julie Krone earns her first career victory aboard Lord Farkle on February 12 for trainer Les St. Leon, and subsequently becomes the most successful female jockey of all time and a member of the sport‘s Hall of Fame.
1983 - Arabian-bred racing is introduced at the track, which becomes the first in the nation to hold a regular racing program for the breed. Morganmorganmorgan wins the Budweiser Tampa Bay Derby, defeating subsequent Eclipse champion Slew o‘ Gold.
13 HISTORY
1984 - The track adds a seven-furlong chute.
1985 - Regal Remark wins the Tampa Bay Derby for owner Ernie Samuel‘s Canadian-based Sam-Son Farm, winner of seven Sovereign Awards as Canada‘s leading breeder. Richard Grunder is hired as track announcer.
1986 - A new dirt track is installed prior to the start of the 1985-1986 meeting at a cost of $250,000. The old base and cushion are replaced and the track is crowned and banked to provide better drainage and give horses a safer racing surface. Bob Clark is named Racing Secretary, replacing Warren Wolf. Hall of Fame jockey Bill Hartack, who rode here briefly as an apprentice when the track was known as Sunshine Park, is named as a steward.
1987 - Stella F. Thayer and her brother, Howell Ferguson, take full control of Tampa Bay Downs with a $16.2-million bid a month be- fore the start of the meeting. Tampa Bay Downs controller Lorraine M. King is named General Manager, completing what is believed to be the first instance in which a wagering facility has separate female ownership and management. Mike Mangan- ello, who won the 1970 Kentucky Derby on Dust Commander and won six track jockey titles, rides career winner No. 2,500 on Siberian Gold. The first Sunday card in the history of Tampa Bay Downs is conducted on Dec. 7, 1986, drawing a crowd of 5,893. Ronnie Allen, Jr., wins the second of his four track riding crowns with 76 victories. Phantom Jet, trained by Phil Gleaves, becomes the first horse to win the Sam F. Davis Stakes and the Tampa Bay Derby.
1988 - Ronnie Allen, Jr., becomes the first jockey in track history to surpass 100 victories in a meeting, winning his third title in four seasons with 102 winners. In one of the most exciting renewals of the Tampa Bay Derby, cefis rallies from 25 lengths off the pace to win for legendary trainer Woodford Cefis Stephens. The popular mare Queen Alexandra wins her second consecu- tive running of the Wayward Lass Stakes. Storm Predictions, owned by Three G Stables and trained by Luis Olivares, used a victory in the Challenger Stakes as a 2-year-old at the outset of the meeting to build a foundation for his Tampa Bay Derby triumph.
1989 - Inter-track wagering debuts in Florida, and Tampa Bay Downs remains open year-round as a simulcast facility. Tampa Bay Downs owner Stella F. Thayer is installed as the first woman president of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce in the group‘s 103-year history. The winner of the Florida Oaks, She‘s Scrumptious, pays $169.20 to win. Gene, a 5-year-old Flor- ida-bred purchased the previous year by horseman Gary Patrick for $150, wins two starter allowance races at the start of the 1988-1989 meeting to give him 16 victories for 1988, earning the Horsemen‘s Benevolent and Protective Association Claiming Horse of the Year Award. Adored by Oldsmar fans, he is nicknamed ―Gene the Racing Machine‖ and wins his first two starts in 1989. The Sports Gallery opens and the Clubhouse Turn Restaurant is enlarged and renovated. Minors are officially al- lowed anywhere on the track except in the Sports Gallery and wagering lines.
1990 - The $1-million Tampa Premier Bonus is instituted to reward the connections of any horse winning the Challenger Stakes for 2 -year-olds, the Tampa Bay Derby, the Tampa Premier Stakes (on closing day, April 8) and the Kentucky Derby. Jockey Ken Blackstun marries assistant publicity director Juli Youngren in a winner‘s-circle ceremony on March 10; Blackstun wins that day‘s sixth race on Easter Hawk. Former Oakland Raiders head coach John Rauch is employed as a security guard.
14 HISTORY
1991 - A new inner rail is installed, and a new Grandstand dining area called the Silks Bistro opens, decorated with prominent silks from all eras of the track‘s history. A tornado tears through the backside, ripping the roofs off barns and uprooting an oak tree. The overnight disaster causes the following day‘s races to be canceled.
1992 - To the north of the Grandstand, the Picnic Area opens to give families a chance to enjoy the Florida sunshine and a day at the races. A Z-Alpha display board is added to the infield to keep the patrons better informed. Tampa sends its live racing signal to Birmingham, Ala., the track‘s first out-of-state site. More than $2.7 million is bet that season at Birmingham on Tampa Bay Downs races. Jockey Willie Martinez rides 123 winners, establishing a single-season track record.
1993 - John E. Grady is named Vice President and General Manager. Jockey William Henry rides 123 winners to tie the meet record. John Reading captures his second consecutive training title.
1994 - A $2,600 yearling, Prix De Crouton, wins the Tampa Bay Derby for Lorne and Kathleen Berg.
1995 - The Tampa Bay Derby and the Florida Oaks are run on the same day for the first time in the history of the track. Don Rice wins the first of his track-record eight training titles.
1996 - The track‘s first 70 years are observed in gala style, and the Florida Oaks gains a Grade III status. A record 360 simulcast outlets take Tampa Bay Downs‘ signal, and 540 take the Tampa Bay Derby card. The Florida Legislature approves full-card simulcasting, giving pari-mutuel facilities the option of hosting signals from out-of-state tracks. Tampa Bay Downs takes over concession areas in the plant, providing more flexibility and lower prices to patrons. A new barn is constructed to house 50 horses.
1997 - The plant remains open seven days a week to host simulcast signals for the first time. Six purse increases of 5% result in a major bonanza for horsemen and establish the highest average purse distribution in the track‘s history. The Challenger Stakes returns to the schedule. Attendance is up 4.3% over the previous season and the on-track handle jumps an additional 15.74%, while out- of-state wagering increases 22%. Ground is broken for the turf course on May 14, and the grass is planted Sept. 9. Road improve- ments allow greater access with the Linebaugh Extension to the north. Widening and repairs also improve Racetrack Road, Hills- borough Avenue and Tampa Road. William Henry wins the jockeys‘ title for the fourth time in five seasons. Jerry Bailey wins the Tampa Bay Derby aboard Zede for owner Allen Paulson and trainer William Mott.
1998 - A record is set for an all-time, single-day total handle on Jan. 16 when $3,155,905 is wagered on the Tampa Bay Downs signal on- track, in-state and out-of-state. Tasso's Magic Roo sweeps the Pepsi Challenge Series and becomes only the second filly to do so since the series began in 1988. Will Farish's Parade Ground wins the 18th running of the Tampa Bay Derby, and Helen Alexan- der's Pantufla captures the Grade III Florida Oaks. The unveiling of the turf course on May 2, Kentucky Derby Day, draws a crowd of 8,669, the second largest in the track's history at the time. Ship Liner, owned by Phillip Williams, wins the inaugural running of the Tampa Bay Turf Handicap and Artz Racing Stable's Mercedes Song prevails over fillies and mares in the Tampa Bay Distaff Turf Handicap. Records are established during the 1997-1998 season for total handle, purses and simulcast outlets, making it the most successful meet in the track's 72-year history. 15 HISTORY
1999 - The conclusion of the 1998-99 racing meet once again sees gains over the previous season as Tampa Bay Downs enjoys the most suc- cessful season in the 73-year history of the track. The 91-day meet saw a rise in the average daily attendance and daily on-track handle, this during the third year of full-card simulcasting. Simulcasting revenue also leaped to an all-time high with an increase of 46%. Purses were additionally bolstered to record levels during the same period, luring top-quality horses and stables to compete. Track owner Stella F. Thayer is the first woman to be elected head of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations in the organization‘s 57-year history.
2000 - The Clubhouse is totally remodeled with fan comfort as the highest priority. Renovations include new central air conditioning and a newly refurbished elevator, plus paint, plush carpeting and luxury seating. The lower floor of the Clubhouse showcases a ―Sports Book‖ atmosphere, with 100 individual carrels complete with private TV monitors. A state-of-the-art sound system is installed throughout the entire Clubhouse and Grandstand areas. Once again new handle records are set and purses achieve all-time high levels. Secret Status, a 3-year-old filly owned by William S. Farish and partners, uses a Florida Oaks victory as a stepping stone to winning the Kentucky Oaks. A crowd of 6,381 attends March 4 to watch a National Steeplechase Association race, won by Red Classic and jockey Sean Clancy.
2001 - Tampa Bay Downs celebrates its 75th Anniversary season on Feb. 18, 2001, a day that highlights a meet of record-breaking purse levels and an increase in average intra-state wagering on Tampa Bay Downs for the seventh consecutive year. A new single-day co-mingled handle record is achieved on Tampa Bay Derby Day, March 18, with $3,877,477 wagered on the Tampa signal. Peter Berube is named Vice President and General Manager on June 10, 2001.
2002 - The Tampa Bay Derby regains Grade III status. Various maintenance projects continue throughout the year, including a new Grandstand roof, repaved backstretch roads, and a remodeling of the General Office. Tampa Bay Downs concludes the meet with the handle on live races from all-sources averaging nearly $2.1 million per day. The track also posts record-breaking purses for the eighth consecutive year and eclipses an all-time record for a single day's handle on-track. In December, live racing was canceled on Opening Day due to street and parking-lot flooding caused by county drainage issues.
2003 - Tampa Bay Downs launches a state-of-the-art, first-of-its-kind Golf Practice and Wagering Facility. The 22 acres of fully lit property include 270 yards of open range, plus putting and short-game areas. The Downs Golf Clubhouse features a fully stocked Pro Shop, Snack Bar and wagering terminals, complete with TV monitors to catch all the action. The racing season concludes with purses at their highest level ($128,620 a day) and a new record for average all-sources live handle ($2,550,096). Tampa Bay Downs once again posts a new single day co-mingled record of $3,880,693, and Florida Cup Day debuts, offering six $75,000 stakes races on the one-day card.
2004 - Tampa Bay Downs enjoys an incredibly successful meet with track records set in 10 statistical categories, including double-digit increases in total live all-source handle (24% increase) and total attendance (11%). Tampa distributes a record $12,622,650 in purses ($135,727 per day), which leads to fields that average 9.4 starters per race, an all-time high for the Oldsmar oval. Horsemen also halter a record $2,418,250 worth of horses at the claims box. Track improvements include a permanent tent over the popular picnic area, a new seven-furlong chute, and the opening of The Silks Poker Room, the track‘s card room, an immediate hit with local poker enthusiasts.
2005 - Bucking national trends that have seen tracks across the nation experience declines in either handle, attendance, or both, Tampa Bay Downs concludes its 79th season by establishing 10 records in handle, attendance and purses. Increases include an all-time high atten- dance of 10,246 on Festival Day, which features Sun King winning the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby. Before the season starts, the track continues its expansion of and improvements to the track‘s highly popular picnic area; adds a new luxury suite called the Trackside Gar- den Suite; and adds daily Texas Hold ‗Em tournaments in the Silks Poker Room. Horsemen benefit from a new winner‘s circle, a new outside rail, and a new receiving barn. 16 HISTORY
2006 - Explosive growth in on-track wagering, total handle and purse payouts, along with record-high attendance, highlight the th track‘s 80 year of Thoroughbred racing. As they did in 2004-2005, bettors on-track and nationwide continue to embrace Tampa Bay Downs‘ full fields and improved racing quality on turf and dirt. Tampa Bay Downs receives the Large Business of the Year Award for 2006 from the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce on May 10, 2006. The award is based on community involvement and support, and pays tribute to the tremendous growth the facility has recently undergone. Local racing fans, treated to an average of 9.57 horses per race, send the on-track handle up nearly 7 percent to $30,192,981, the highest since 1991; and the daily average on-track handle of $321,202 is the highest since 1994.
2007 - Prior to the commencement of the 2006 -2007 season, a Daktronics 16:9 ratio jumbo video board is installed in the infield, providing patrons with a state-of-the-art flat-screen monitor on which to view the live racing action. In front of a then record- high single-day crowd of 10,593, Street Sense wins the Grade III, $300,000 Tampa Bay Derby by a nose in track and stakes-record time of 1:43.11 for 1 1/16 miles. Festival Day also marks the track‘s largest co-mingled handle of $10,916,634 wagered. Tampa Bay Downs welcomes its largest crowd to date on May 5, 2007 when 11,014 fans cheer on Street Sense as he crosses the wire in front in the 133rd Kentucky Derby, becoming the first Tampa Bay Derby participant to win the prestig- ious race. Allison De Luca takes the reins as Racing Secretary, and the season ends with Tampa Bay Downs boasting record increases in total live-sources handle, purses paid, number of turf races offered, and total amount of horses claimed. Trainer Jamie Ness captures the first of his record eight (and counting) consecutive Tampa Bay Downs titles.
2008 - Tampa Bay Downs‘ 82nd season was highlighted by records set in both attendance and out-of-state wagering handle. On Fes- tival Day, March 15, 2008, a record 12,746 fans arrived at the Oldsmar oval to witness Big Truck capture the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby. Tampa Bay Downs had three Eclipse award winners compete during the 2007-2008 meeting. Rosemary Homeister, Jr., who won the Outstanding Apprentice award in 1992, was a regular fixture in the jockeys‘ room at the Oldsmar oval, finishing the season as the second-leading rider overall. Dreaming of Anna, who was the Champion Juvenile Filly of 2006, swept both the Grade III Endeavour Breeders‘ Cup and the Grade III Hillsborough Stakes. War Pass, who was the 2007 Two-Year-Old Champion, competed in the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby. Jockey Daniel Centeno established a track record by riding 144 winners. Before the 2007-2008 race meet began, Tampa Bay Downs underwent several renovations, including the installlation of the Grandstand elevator and the introduction of the all-new Silks Poker Room, located on the third floor of the Grandstand. The Party Suite, adjacent to the Silks Poker Room, was also updated with new flat-screen TVs installed. The Legends Bar, which includes a museum-quality exhibition of famed Thoroughbred Seabiscuit, became the newest feature on the second floor of the Grandstand. Horsemen enjoyed improvements to the Paddock area, with all-new stalls in the saddling barn ensuring the safety and comfort of horses and their connections. Other facility upgrades at the Oldsmar oval include a refurbished Racing Office on the backstretch, as well as a renovated track kitchen.
2009 - Tampa Bay Downs saw horses graduated from its stakes program make up one-fourth of the Kentucky Derby field, with Grade III Tampa Bay Derby winner Musket Man placing third in the Run for the Roses. Prior to the opening of the 2009-2010 race meeting, Tampa Bay Downs renovated all tack rooms in the barn area and formed an alliance with Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, Inc., (TROT), a non-profit organization dedicated to re-homing the Oldsmar oval‘s equine athletes after their racing careers are over. The outset of the 2009-2010 race meeting saw a reduction in takeout for exacta, Pick-3, Pick-4, Super Hi-5 and Pick-6 wa- gering at the Oldsmar oval. 17 HISTORY
2010 - Tampa Bay Downs‘s 84th season of live racing saw its second Tampa Bay Derby graduate, Super Saver, win the Grade I Kentucky Derby. Other national performers competing at the Oldsmar oval in the 2009-2010 season include Grade I winners Dr. Zic and Karelian and dual Eclipse Award winner Gio Ponti, as well as Musket Man, Uptowncharlybrown, Rule, Schoolyard Dreams, Odysseus and Phola, among others. Despite a slumping economy, Tampa Bay Downs concluded the season with its comingled all-sources handle increasing by 1.8%, bucking national trends for wagering across the nation. The season also saw the implementation of the track‘s social media campaign, with Tampa Bay Downs starting profiles on both Facebook and Twitter. Prior to the beginning of the 2009 -2010 meet, Tampa Bay Downs officially affiliated itself with the Thoroughbred Retirement of Tampa, Inc., (TROT), a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to repurposing Tampa Bay Downs Thoroughbreds into show and pleasure horses as their careers on the racetrack ended. Additionally, the 2009-2010 season saw the arrival of Mouse, the Tampa Bay Downs mascot. Mouse, a 3-year-old miniature horse, was rescued by an affiliate of TROT and was rehabilitated by the staff of Tampa Bay Downs and quickly grew in popularity both locally and nationally. In July of 2010, Florida state legislation allowed for expanded hours and no-limit games in the Silks Poker Room. In the months following the 2009-10 meet, the Tampa Bay Derby received a purse boost to $350,000 and was awarded Grade II status; also, the Tampa Bay Stakes for older horses on the turf, formerly the Tampa Bay Breeders‘ Cup, was awarded a Grade III classification for the first time. Daniel Centeno won his fourth consecutive riding title with 133 victories, giving him 540 at the track over the past four campaigns.
2011 - The Oldsmar oval‘s 85th racing season ended with across-the-board increases for the track. Handle, attendance, claims, and field size all expanded from last season; additionally, the track saw the Tampa Bay Derby achieve Grade II status for the first time, as well as an expanded purse of $350,000. The Tampa Bay Stakes (formerly the Tampa Bay Breeders‘ Cup) was awarded Grade III status, also a first. Two track records were posted at Tampa Bay Downs this season. Sneaking Uponyou, ridden by Huber Villa- Gomez for owner/trainer Jamie Ness, raised the bar for the six-furlong main-track distance by covering the ground in 1:08.69 in April 9‘s Hilton Garden Inn Sprint on Florida Cup Day. Also on Florida Cup Day, Manicero captured the Ocala Breeders‘ Sales Sophomore Stakes in track record-setting fashion, traveling the seven panels over the main track in 1:22.13 for owner Leo Azpu- rua, Sr., and trainer Leo Azpurua, Jr., with Paco Lopez in the irons. Local trainers finished 1-2 in the Tampa Bay Derby, as the Kathleen O‘Connell-trained Watch Me Go edged Crimson Knight from the barn of Gerald Bennett. Luis Garcia rode the 43-1 shot Watch Me Go to victory. The Florida Oaks for 3-year-old fillies was run on turf for the first time, with Dynamic Holiday under jockey Ramon Dominguez winning for owner Augustin Stable and trainer H. Graham Motion. Ness and Bennett tied for the training title with 61 victories apiece. It was the fifth consecutive title for Ness, who tied O‘Connell the previous season with 51 victories. On the jockeys‘ side, Ronnie Allen Jr. claimed his fourth riding title at Tampa Bay Downs — and first since 1987-88 — with 109 victories, 30 more than runner-up Daniel Centeno. Average daily wagering handle during the 90-day meeting was a record $4,572,074, an increase of 9.2 percent from the previous season. The Tampa Bay Derby card attracted a record all-sources wagering handle of $10,949,948, of which $876,063 was wagered on track. Average daily attendance was 3,195. The 2011-2012 season features a Dec. 3 opening, the track‘s earliest ever. Tampa Bay Downs underwent a $1.5-million capital improvements project, high- lighted by the introduction of Trakus, an electronic tracking system which displays the position and location of each horse at every point in a race. Other improvements included the addition of a CREE LED lighting system throughout the clubhouse and grandstand and a ―Cool Roof‖ coating system, the first steps in the track‘s goal to provide a ―net-zero impact‖ on the environment.
18 HISTORY
2012 - Spectacular on-track accomplishments highlighted a season in which Tampa Bay Downs was again the fourth- most popular winter simulcast signal in the country. Eight track records were set – four apiece on both the main dirt surface and the turf track. It‘s Me Mom, a 4-year-old filly owned by area residents Thomas and Jean Bosch, was the equine star of the meeting, winning three of her four starts, including the Minaret Stakes and the Florida Cup Hilton Garden Inn Sprint. In the latter, she set a six-furlong track record of 1:08.67. Jamie Ness won his sixth consecutive training title, saddling a record 79 winners. His horses earned $875,384 and he tied a track record by saddling four winners Jan. 19. Ness trained exclusively for Midwest Thoroughbreds, Inc., which captured a third consecutive owners‘ title for Richard and Karen Papiese with 79 victories. Leandro Goncalves was the leading jockey for the first time with 88 victories, eight more than defending champion Ronnie Allen, Jr. Goncalves rode his 1,000th career winner Dec. 28. The top apprentice jockey was Erik Barbaran, who rode 27 winners. Veteran
rider Scott Spieth joined the 4,000-victory club April 6 aboard 4-year-old filly Ula. Owner John C. Oxley‘s 3-year-
old colt Prospective won the 32nd running of the Grade II, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby in 1:43.35, the second-
fastest renewal ever. The Tampa Bay Derby drew a season-high crowd of 9,247 and total wagering of $9,183,788. Zagora, a 5-year-old mare owned by Martin Schwartz, won both of the track‘s graded stakes for older fillies and mares on the turf, the Endeavour and the Hillsborough. Zagora set a track record of 1:46.97 in the mile-and-an-eighth Hillsborough and went on to win the Breeders‘ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita. Other Tampa Bay Downs participants to experience Breeders‘ Cup glory were Challenger Stakes winner Fort Larned, who won the Classic; trainer William Bradley, who captured the Filly and Mare Sprint with Groupie Doll; and past leading jockey Willie Martinez, who won the Sprint with Trinniberg. A new mile-and-a-sixteenth turf record of 1:40.95 was set by Lentenor, a full brother to 2006 Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro. Tampa Bay Downs intro- duced Trakus, an electronic system which displays the position and location on the track of each horse during a race and provides handicappers with a wealth of valuable information. Prior to the start of the meeting, the track installed a CREE LED lighting system throughout the clubhouse and grandstand and a Gaco Sil S-20 ‗Cool Roof‘ coating system as part of an ongoing green initiative. Average daily purses paid increased from $160,944 to $162,320. Average field size decreased from 9.11 to 8.54 runners, mirroring a nationwide trend.
19 HISTORY
2013 - Numerous firsts enhanced Tampa Bay Downs‘ reputation as a major player on the winter-spring Thoroughbred racing scene during its 87th season. For the first time, the top three finishers in the Grade II, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby — Verrazano, Java‘s War and Falling Sky — competed in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum!
Brands (Verrazano also won the Grade I Wood Memorial and Grade I Haskell Invitational and Java‘s War cap- tured the Grade I Toyota Blue Grass). Tampa Bay Downs staged three graded stakes on a single card for the first time on Feb. 2 after the then-$150,000 Florida Oaks, a turf race for 3-year-old fillies, was awarded Grade III status by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. In addition to the Oaks, the Festival Preview Day program included the Grade III, $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes for 3-year-olds and the Grade III, $150,000 Endeavour Stakes on the turf for older fillies and mares. Jockey Daniel Centeno won his fifth title, riding 90 winners, and Jamie Ness was the first trainer to capture seven consecutive crowns, saddling 46 winners. Two-time Eclipse Award finalist Midwest Thoroughbreds, Inc., also with 46 winners, won its fourth consecutive owners‘ title (Ness trained exclusively for Midwest). The leading apprentice was 20- year-old Ricardo Mejias from Puerto Rico. For the second straight year, Tampa Bay Downs conducted 25 stakes worth $2.6-million in purse money, highlighted by the Tampa Bay Derby on Festival Day, March 9. The 33rd re- newal drew a crowd of 10,476, the fifth-largest in track history; total all-sources handle of $10,291,827.76 was the fourth-highest ever. Verrazano‘s jockey, Hall of Fame member John Velazquez, rode five winners on the Festival Day card, tying six other jockeys for the second-most in track history. Tampa Bay Downs reached an agreement with TVG, America‘s Horseracing Network, to broadcast the meeting, spreading the track‘s signal to countless new viewers. In addition to Verrazano‘s victory, trainer Todd Pletcher scored two additional graded-stakes tri- umphs with his 5-year-old mare Old Tune, who won the Endeavour and the Grade III, $150,000 Hillsborough on the turf, both times under Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Joel Rosario. The rider was also aboard Florida Oaks winner Tapicat for Hall of Fame trainer William Mott. Combining to win two of the track‘s six graded stakes were trainer John Terranova II and jockey Jose Espinoza, who won the Sam F. Davis with Falling Sky and the Grade III, $150,000 Tampa Bay Stakes with Swift Warrior. The 11th annual Florida Cup Day on April 6 attracted many top Florida-breds, with James and Nannette McCullough‘s 4-year-old gelding Wild About Chrome remaining un- beaten (5-for-5) in the Hilton Garden Inn/Hampton Inn & Suites Sprint. In winning the Super Stakes on Feb. 23, Thomas Shank and Stan Young‘s 6-year-old gelding Good Lord set a seven-furlong track record of 1:22.03. Phase Two of the track‘s ongoing green initiative continued to gain momentum with the introduction of a state-of- the-art geothermal HVAC system designed to save energy and costs while requiring almost no maintenance. The water and energy-saving system uses the constant below-ground temperature of soil or water to cool homes, commercial buildings and public facilities. On Feb. 16, the track held the ―Walk for Roz‖ to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fight against breast cancer in memory of former Association Veterinarian Rosalyn Randall.
20 HI 2014 - The 88th anniversary season of Thoroughbred racing officially began July 1, 2013, the second day of Tampa Bay Downs‘ inaugural Summer Festival of Racing. The Summer Festival was begun to enable Tampa Bay Downs to
control its simulcast income by becoming a year-round live-racing facility. By the time the horses returned for the
December restart, horsemen and fans observed a new look on the first floor of the grandstand. The enhance-
ments included the Riders Up! Pub, featuring a variety of craft and domestic beers and liquor, and the Metro Deli,
offering pizza, Cuban sandwiches, roast beef, ham, corned beef and turkey. On the racing front, a record $2,695,000 was paid out in stakes purses. The purse for the Grade III Florida Oaks for 3 -year-old fillies on turf was increased $50,000 to $200,000; the race joined the Grade II, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby and the Grade III, $150,000 Hillsborough Stakes on turf on the annual Festival Day card. Increases of $25,000 for the Turf Sprint and Lightning City Stakes, from $75,000 to $100,000, gave Tampa Bay Downs a record 11 races worth six fig- ures. Jamie Ness won his record eighth consecutive training title by sending out 53 winners. The late Don Rice is the only other conditioner to win eight titles, but they were not consecutive. Antonio Gallardo, a native of Spain, won his first jockeys title by riding 124 winners and surviving a ding-dong battle with four-time leading jockey Ronnie Allen, Jr. Midwest Thoroughbreds, Inc., the ownership group of Rich and Karen Papiese, captured its fifth consecutive owners title with 45 victories. Track officials established the Tampa Bay Downs Million Dollar Derby Bonus, with $1-million to be awarded to the owners of any horse winning the Grade III, $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes, the Grade II, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby and the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. Vincere- mos — owned by WinStar Farm and Twin Creeks Racing Stables — won the Davis and finished second to Ring Weekend in the Tampa Bay Derby before fading to 17th in the Kentucky Derby. Additionally, a fan who picked Vinceremos in the Davis was given an opportunity to win a $100,000 bonus. The Tampa Bay Derby winner, Ring Weekend, is owned by St. Elias Stable and West Point Thoroughbreds, trained by H. Graham Motion and was ridden by Daniel Centeno. In tandem with Equus Technology Group, Tampa Bay Downs instituted the Live It Up Challenge handicapping contest, won by Glenn Wilson of nearby Westchase. Wilson was the only player to stay alive through the duration of the event; he won $1,500 and a seat at the 2015 Daily Racing Form/National Thor- oughbred Racing Association National Handicapping Championship in January in Las Vegas. On March 29, Tampa Bay Downs played host to the first Jockeys and Jeans barbecue luncheon to benefit the Permanently Dis- abled Riders Fund. Among those who attended were seven-time Tampa Bay Downs leading jockey Mike Man- ganello; Hall of Famers Pat Day, Walter Blum, Jacinto Vasquez and Bill Boland; Ramon Dominguez; Dr. Eddie Donnally; early female pioneers Barbara Jo Rubin, Diane Crump and Mary Russ; and disabled former riders Ei- bar Coa, William Klinke, Julia Brimo, Jose Diaz and Michael Straight. On Feb. 21, in what is believed to be a first, brothers Fernando, Walter and Juan De La Cruz all rode winners on a single card. L.J. McKanas, a trainer com- peting at Tampa Bay Downs for the first time, delighted racegoers by appearing as a contestant on the CBS real- ity show Survivor. Announcer Richard Grunder marked his 30th season at Tampa Bay Downs.
21 TAMPA BAY DOWNS LOGOS
The above logos are the only official marks of Tampa Bay Downs. To gain permission for usage, please call 813.855.4401, ext. 1368.
22 JOCKEY PROFILES
Jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr., expresses gratitude to his mount after a winning performance.
23 JOCKEY PROFILES - LEADING JOCKEYS
YEAR JOCKEY WINS YEAR JOCKEY WINS 2013-2014 Antonio Gallardo 124 2012-2013 Daniel Centeno 90 1995-1996 Jorge Guerra 97 2011-2012 Leandro Goncalves 88 1994-1995 William Henry 93 2010-2011 Ronnie Allen, Jr. 109 1993-1994 William Henry 97 2009-2010 Daniel Centeno 133 1992-1993 William Henry 123 2008-2009 Daniel Centeno 138 1991-1992 Willie Martinez 123 2007-2008 Daniel Centeno 144* 2006-2007 Daniel Centeno 125 1990-1991 Ricardo Lopez 106 2005-2006 Jose Lezcano 92 1989-1990 Ricardo Lopez 92 2004-2005 Jesus Castanon 101 1988-1989 Ricardo Lopez 114 2003-2004 Jesus Castanon 87 1987-1988 Ronnie Allen, Jr. 102 2002-2003 Joe Judice 117 1986-1987 Ronnie Allen, Jr. 76 2001-2002 Manoel Cruz 91 1985-1986 Richard DePass 61 2000-2001 Derek Bell 93 1984-1985 Ronnie Allen, Jr. 54 1999-2000 T.D. Houghton 80 1983-1984 Rick Luhr 62 1998-1999 T.D. Houghton 81 1982-1983 Heriberto Rivera, Jr. 70 1997-1998 Jesse Garcia 63 1981-1982 Heriberto Rivera, Jr. 74 1996-1997 William Henry 78 1980-1981 Benny Feliciano 67
24 *Tampa Bay Downs Record JOCKEY PROFILES Mike Allen
Born: August 9,1967 Birthplace: Detroit, MI Residence: Oldsmar, FL Family: Wife, Lisa; daughter, Alexis, sons, Garrett, and Connor. First Win: More Crafty, Tampa Bay Downs, 1986 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Presque Isle Downs
One of Allen‘s top moments at Tampa Bay Downs came in the 2006 Budweiser Challenger Stakes. Riding the 6-year-old gelding Cherokee Prince for his father, trainer Ronald Allen, Sr., the younger Allen piloted the Kentucky-bred to a 6 3/4-lrength, wire-to-wire victory at odds of 29-1. Allen was aboard later that year when Cherokee Prince won the Labor Day Stakes at Mountaineer. It seems Allen was born to be a jockey. In addition to being the son of a trainer, Mike is the younger brother of jockey Ronnie Allen, Jr., who has won four Tampa Bay Downs riding titles. Mike enjoyed considerable success riding for his father at Great Lakes Downs in Michigan.
Mike finished tied for 11th this summer at Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pa., with 18 victories and is approaching the 1,900 mark for his career. . A top rider in Washington state from 1992-99 and at Prairie Meadows in Iowa from 2003-07, he rode more than 100 winners every year from 1993- 96 and again in 2006 and 2007. Allen won the Grade III Budweiser Mile Handicap (formerly the Longacres Mile) at Yakima Meadows in 1995 on L J Express for trainer Bob Gibson. In 2007, Allen celebrated career victory No. 1,500 at Tampa Bay Downs with friends and family in atten- dance. Mike is a keen water-skier and enjoys slaloming and boating. Wife Lisa and daughter Alexis are pony riders.
Ronnie Allen, Jr.
Born: April 24, 1964 Birthplace: East Liverpool, Ohio Residence: Oldsmar, FL Family: Son, Christopher; brothers, Mike and Kevin; sister, Kimberly First Win: H.‘s Shady Lady, Detroit Race Course, 1983 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Presque Isle Downs, Keeneland
The four-time Tampa Bay Downs riding champion achieved a career milestone in September of 2013 at Presque Isle Downs & Casino when he posted victory No. 3,000 on Ghost Flower, a 3-year-old filly trained by his fiancée, Maria Bowersock. Allen has won 80 stakes, including the 1993 Tampa Bay Derby and Sam F. Davis Breeders‘ Cup Stakes aboard Marco Bay. He rode Sport Jet in the 1985 Preakness. His brother Mike is also a jockey, and their father, Ronnie Allen, Sr., has saddled almost 1,400 winners over a 38-year career. In the 1980s, young Ronnie was a major force in the Tampa Bay Downs jockey colony. So it was especially rewarding in 2010-11 when he won his fourth Tampa Bay Downs riding title with109 wins, 23 years after he was last on top. During the 2013-14 Oldsmar meeting, he rode 110 winners, second in the meet standings. He was third during the summer at Presque Isle Downs with 82 winners. In 2012-13 at Tampa Bay Downs, Allen finished third with 57 victories despite a late-season spill in which he suffered fractured ribs, a punctured lung, a lacerated liver and abrasions on his head. When he‘s not in the irons, Ronnie plays golf or takes it easy, relishing the peace that comes from knowing hard work and dedication to his craft are their own best rewards. His agent is a former Tampa Bay Downs jockey, Paula Bacon.
25 JOCKEY PROFILES Dean Butler
Born: March 21, 1971 Birthplace: Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Residence: Oldsmar, FL Family: Daughters, Kayleigh, and Kendall First Win: Rexson‘s Express, Suffolk Downs, 1993 Started Riding: 1992, Aqueduct Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Canterbury Park
Butler tied for second in the standings this past summer at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn., with 63 victories while leading all riders at the track with purse earnings of $1,386,030. His top horse was 3-year-old filly Sky and Sea, who won three stakes while piloted by Butler. Known as ―Dino,‖ Butler has won Canter- bury‘s riding title four of the past six seasons. Butler began his career in 1992 at Aqueduct after learning the game from the ground up from Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, conditioner of the great Alysheba and Preakness winner Gate Dancer. After apprenticing under Van Berg on his Ghent, N.Y., farm and in south- ern California, Butler won his first race in 1993 at Suffolk, then moved to Philadelphia (now PARX Racing), where he won four track titles. One of Butler‘s biggest scores came in the 2011 Remington Park Oaks aboard 25-1 shot Tourmaline for trainer Bernell Rhone. Butler and Rhone have proven a tough combination to beat at both Tampa Bay Downs and Canterbury. During the 2013-14 Oldsmar season, Butler tied for eighth in the standings with 25 victories. Butler rode the prominent gelding Poor But Honest, who finished second to the great Cigar and jockey Jerry Bailey in the 1995 Massachusetts Handicap. Poor But Honest and Butler won a pair of Grade III stakes that year and finished second in the Grade I Philip H. Iselin at Monmouth and the Grade I Meadowlands Cup. Butler loves spending time with his two girls in his spare time.
Daniel Centeno
Born: December 18, 1971 Birthplace: Caracas, Venezuela Residence: Tampa, FL Family: Fiancee, Ashley George; son, Daniel, daughter, Jazmyn First Win: Big Jack, 1990, Venezuela Started Riding: 1990 (Venezuela), 2003 (Ohio) Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Delaware Park, Laurel Park
First and foremost, Daniel Centeno is a student of the sport. His attention to detail — working horses each morning, studying past performances and watching replays — have kept him atop the Tampa Bay Downs jockey colony for much of the past eight seasons. Last March, Centeno won the Grade II Tampa Bay Derby for the second time aboard Ring Weekend for trainer H. Graham Motion. In July, he notched his 2,000th victory in the United States at Parx Racing on 4-year-old gelding Forest Rim for owner George Strawbridge and trainer Jonathan Sheppard. Centeno won his fifth TBD riding title during the 2012-13 season with 90 victo- ries, and he finished second at Delaware Park in 2014 by riding 45 winners. ―Daniel has the ability to put a horse in the right spot and rides a smart race,‖ said perennial leading trainer Jamie Ness. ―He is very good as a front-end rider, but he is also a very strong finisher.‖ From 2006-10, Centeno strung together four consecutive TBD riding crowns while averaging 1.48 winners per performance. During the 2006-2007 Tampa Bay Downs meeting, Centeno took home his first riding title, and in the 2007-2008 season, he booted home a record-setting 144 winners to again become leading jockey. That included six stakes wins. That year he amassed $2,145,528 in purses, setting a track record. In 2009, Centeno won the Tampa Bay Derby on Musket Man. Centeno began race riding in Venezuela in 1990, assembling a successful 14-year career — mostly at the fabled La Rinconada track — that eventually took him to the United States to stay in 2003 (he had ridden briefly at Calder in 1996). Centeno cites his major influences in the racing world as fellow jockeys Eibar Coa and Ramon Dominguez, with whom he grew up in Venezuela. With more than 2,000 victories and $38 million in purse earnings, Centeno is himself a professional worth emulating.
26 JOCKEY PROFILES
Fernando De La Cruz
Born: June 24, 1986 Birthplace: Huancavelica, Peru Residence: Greenfield, Indiana Family: Wife, Rosa; son, Brian, daughter, Norma First Win: Santelmo, Hipodromo de Monterrico, Peru, 2006 Started Riding: 2006 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Indiana Grand
No one in the riding De La Cruz family will forget the afternoon of Feb. 21, 2014 at Tampa Bay Downs. After watching his brothers, Juan and Walter, win races earlier on the card, Fernando completed the unique trifecta aboard 5-year-old gelding Rocky Gap. It is believed to be the only time three brothers have won races on a single card in Thoroughbred history. The 2013-14 meeting was memorable for De La Cruz for other reasons as well. He rode his 1,000th career winner aboard Jungle Princess for trainer Jamie Ness and captured the $100,000 Sandpiper Stakes on My Sweet Dove for Monte Tho- mas. He also missed several weeks after fracturing a bone in his arm early in the meeting, but returned in time to climb to fourth in the standings with 66 victories. Healthy for the summer, De La Cruz ran away with the jockeys‘ crown at Indiana Grand, riding 129 winners. During the 2012-13 TBD meeting, De La Cruz started heating up around the time his daughter Norma was born on Feb. 4. Less than three weeks later, he won the $75,000 Super Stakes aboard 6-year-old gelding Good Lord in track-record time of 1:22.03 for seven furlongs. Fernando is one of eight children.
Chris Emigh
Born: January 14, 1971 Birthplace: Portsmouth, Virginia Residence: Chicago, Illinois Family: Son, Hunter, daughter, Taylor First Win: Evangeline Downs, 1989 Started Riding: 1989 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Arlington International, Hawthorne, Oaklawn
From 2004-2008, Emigh averaged 214 victories a season while amassing purse earnings in excess of $25-million. In August, he notched career victory No. 3,500 aboard Avanzare for trainer Tom Proctor in the Grade III Washington Park Handicap at Arlington International. ―It took 25 years, a lot of hard riding, a lot of broken bones and a lot of surgeries to get here,‖ Emigh said. Emigh — whose twin brother Aaron was also a jockey and later a steward at Delta Downs — grew up riding on the Louisiana circuit while his father worked on offshore oil rigs. As a result, many racetrack observers think he is a born-and-bred Cajun, but he has been a consistent winner in the Midwest for much of the last two decades. He moved to Chicago in 1996 and has won multiple riding titles in the Windy City. His biggest career victories include the 1996 Hawthorne Gold Cup on Come On Flip, the 2008 Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn on Sierra Sunset and the 2009 Hawthorne Derby on Proceed Bee. Emigh also won two stakes this year on Work All Week, the upset winner of the Breeders‘ Cup Xpressbet Sprint. Emigh, who threw out the first pitch at a Chicago White Sox game this past summer, competed in the 2014 Summer Festival of Racing at Tampa Bay Downs.
27
JOCKEY PROFILES
Ricardo Feliciano
Born: August 4, 1976 Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio Residence: Cleveland and Tampa, FL Family: Wife, Lady; son, Benny, son, Armani First Win: Clever Express, Mountaineer Park, 1997 Started Riding: 1997, ThistleDown Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Presque Isle Downs, ThistleDown
Feliciano was born to ride. His father Benny Feliciano was the leading jockey at Tampa Bay Downs during the 1980-81 meeting and is currently training. Ricardo‘s uncle Miguel Feliciano is also a successful trainer, primarily in Ohio, and has saddled more than 1,300 winners. Ricardo, who has ridden more than 1,800 winners, grew up around ThistleDown Race Course outside Cleveland, and says of his early years around the oval, ―I was fascinated by it. I went a lot when I was really young, and then I went back when I was about 15 or 16 and I carried on. I started galloping horses in the morning, and then I was a (jockey‘s) valet for three years. After that, I got my license and started riding.‖ First, though, his father required him to complete his education, although he was allowed to gallop horses. Among the top horses he has ridden is the venerable mare Pay the Man, an Ohio-bred trained by his uncle Miguel. She won more than $1-million while racing through age 10 and won 21 stakes, the major- ity with Ricardo in the irons.. On Nov. 1, Feliciano won the $130,000 Mountaineer Mile Stakes at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort aboard Good Lord.
Antonio A. Gallardo
Born: July 18, 1987 Birthplace: Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz, Spain Residence: Miami, FL Family: Wife, Polliana; son, Carlos, daughter, Christa Started Riding: Costa del Sol, Malaga, Spain First winner: Teifani, Costa del Sol, 2006 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Presque Isle Downs, Gulfstream Park
Despite travelling to Spain for a one-month vacation to visit relatives after winning the Presque Isle Downs jockey championship in September, Gallardo finished sixth in North America with 268 victories for 2014. He begins the 2014-2015 Tampa Bay Downs meeting still firmly entrenched in the top 10 and eager to continue his rapid career ascent. ―I‘m super ready. I have a lot of confidence in myself,‖ said Gallardo, who won his first Tampa Bay Downs riding title last season with 124 victories while riding four winners on a card seven times. Gallardo emerged as a force to be reckoned with at Calder Race Course on Aug. 24, 2013 by winning four consecutive stakes, the last three for trainer Kathleen O‘Connell. Gal- lardo‘s first victory came in the Lindsay Frolic Stakes for 2-year-old fillies on Flat Out Charming. He and O‘Connell then teamed to capture the Catcharisingstar Stakes with sophomore filly Secret Kitten; the Florida Stallion Susan‘s Girl Stakes with 2-year-old filly Scandalous Act; and the Florida Stallion Affirmed Stakes with My Brown Eyed Guy. Gallardo‘s breakthrough victory at Tampa Bay Downs came two years ago in the Challenger Stakes on 14-1 shot Flatter This for O‘Connell and owner Blackacre Farms, Inc.. Gallardo won the 2014 Presque Isle Downs riding title with 94 victories, including a victory on Miss Mischief in the season-ending H.B.P.A. Stakes.
28 JOCKEY PROFILES Luis Garcia
Born: Sept. 2, 1984 Birthplace: Carolina, Puerto Rico Residence: Hanover, Maryland Family: Wife, Elizabel; daughter, Brithany; son, Justin Joel Started Riding: El Comandante, Puerto Rico Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Delaware, Pimlico, Laurel
Garcia tied for eighth place during the 2013-2014 meeting with 25 victories. Although he manages to keep a relatively low profile, that changed in 2011 when he piloted Watch Me Go, a 43-1 long shot from the barn of trainer Kathleen O'Connell, to a thrilling neck victory over Crimson Knight in the Grade II, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby. "I knew this horse was something special," said Garcia, who had ridden Watch Me Go in his three previous starts, including an eight-length allowance victory and a third in the Grade III Sam F. Davis. "I just had to stay with Kathy (O'Connell) no matter what. She did an amazing job."
Garcia's huge score came a week after Hall of Fame trainer William Mott asked him to ride Drosselmeyer, the 2010 Belmont Stakes winner, in the 4-year-old's seasonal debut in the Challenger Stakes. In his fourth start since the Belmont, Drosselmeyer could only manage a fourth, but eight months later he won the Breeders' Cup Classic with Mike Smith in the irons. "Everybody wants to ride a horse like Drosselmeyer," Garcia said at the time. It was believed to be the first time a Triple Crown race winner had raced subsequently at Tampa Bay Downs. In 2007, Garcia won the Maryland Million Turf on Forty Crowns.
Garcia is the older brother of mid-Atlantic rider Geovany Garcia, and they are nephews of jockey Julio Garcia. A product of the El Comandante Jockeys‘ School in Puerto Rico, Luis came to Tampa Bay Downs four seasons ago at the urging of trainers Arnaud and Leigh Delacour, who use him on many of their horses. "We're happy to have Luis ride for us," Leigh Delacour said. "He can do anything you ask and ride any style of horse." Garcia is approaching 1,400 victories.
Rosemary Homeister, Jr.
Born: July 5, 1972 Birthplace: Hollywood, FL Residence: Streamwood, Illinois Family: Daughter, Victoria Rose, mother, Rosemary Homeister, Sr.; stepfather, Frankie Inserra Started Riding: Calder Race Course, 1992 First winner: Mezzanotti, Calder Race Course, 1992 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Arlington International, Hawthorne
The daughter of south Florida trainer Rosemary Homeister, Sr., has provided her legion of fans with countless thrills and successes en route to compiling more than 2,700 victories, second only to Julie Krone among female jockeys in the sport‘s history. The younger Homeister won an Eclipse Award in 1992 as the top apprentice jockey in North America, winning 172 races. She joined the exclusive club of women jockeys to ride in the Kentucky Derby in 2003, finishing 13th on Supah Blitz. In 2009 at Santa Anita, she rode Cloudy‘s Knight to a second-place finish in the Breeders‘ Cup Marathon for Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard, coming up a nose short; two starts later, Cloudy‘s Knight and Homeister won the Grade II W.L. McKnight Handicap at Calder. Homeister won 204 races that year, with purse earnings of more than $4-million. Homeister, who stopped riding for 10 months when her daughter, Victoria Rose, was born on Aug. 21, 2011, is set to renew a love affair with Tampa Bay Downs fans that percolated when she was twice second in the track standings. Few in attendance on Feb. 20, 2010 will forget her dramatic victory aboard Karelian in the $150,000 Tampa Bay Stakes by a nose over reigning Eclipse Turf and Older Horse cham- pion Gio Ponti and his champion jockey, Ramon Dominguez. Homeister has spent the past two winters at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas.
29 JOCKEY PROFILES Ricardo Mejias
Born: Nov. 20, 1992 Birthplace: Canovanas, Puerto Rico Residence: Cleveland, Ohio Family: Mother, Wanda; father, Raul First win: Zyanya, Camarero Race Track, 2012 Started riding: Camarero Race Track, Puerto Rico Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, ThistleDown, Presque Isle Downs, Mountaineer
Don‘t let that angelic face fool you. Mejias rides hard, he rides to win and he expects to continue climbing toward the top rung of his profession. He finished among the top-five riders at the recently concluded ThistleDown meeting outside Cleveland with more than 43 victories. Mejias was the leading apprentice jockey at Tampa Bay Downs during the 2012-13 season with 20 victories. After starting his career at Camarero Race Track in Puerto Rico, he moved his tack to Parx Racing in Philadelphia before coming to Oldsmar. Mejias was forced to put his dreams of be- coming a top jockey on hold in December of 2010 and undergo surgery to remove a non-cancerous tumor in his jaw. The procedure left a 4-inch scar on his neck. Unable to ride, he took a job as a jockeys‘ room valet, riding a mechanical Equicizer between duties. Subsequent operations followed in May of 2011, in which bone was grafted from his hip to replace part of his jaw, and last year, but now he is set to devote all his ener- gies to race-riding.
―He seems like a bright young kid who wants to work and gallop horses in the mornings, and it looks like he can get out of the gate and get close, or whatever your instructions are,‖ said veteran trainer Gerald Bennett. ―He looks like he will keep moving forward.‖
Pablo Morales
Born: September 5, 1988 Birthplace: Lima, Peru Residence: Tampa, FL Family: Wife, Erin; daughter, Sophia, son, Camilo First Win: Alena‘s Boy, 2005, Gulfstream Park Started Riding: 2004, Monterrico, Peru Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Presque Isle Downs
Precocious is one word used to describe Pablo Morales. He earned his first North American victory at Gulfstream in 2005 before his 17th birth- day; that same year, just after turning 17, he captured the Grade II, $750,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs aboard The Daddy. Talented is another spot-on definition. Morales won three consecutive riding titles at Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pa., before settling for second this past sea- son, only four victories out of the top spot. After enjoying considerable success locally, Morales spent the last two winters riding at Aqueduct in New York for such leading trainers as Gary Contessa, Kiaran McLaughlin and H. Graham Motion, but welcomes the chance to compete for his first Tampa Bay Downs title. He recorded career victory No. 1,000 on July 9 at Presque Isle Downs aboard For Scipion. One of several jockeys from Peru to compete at Tampa Bay Downs in recent years, Morales graduated from the same jockeys school in Peru as Hall of Fame member Edgar Prado, Rafael Bejarano and Oldsmar rival Fernando De La Cruz. He is eager to renew relationships at Tampa Bay Downs while enrolling daughter Sophia in pre-kindergarten.
30 JOCKEY PROFILES
Brian Pedroza
Born: October 23, 1991 Birthplace: Los Angeles, California Residence: Tampa, FL Family: Mother, Kim Wichmann; father, Martin Pedroza; sister, Mya Vail First win: Fast n‘Clear, 2010, Gulfstream Park Started riding: Laurel, 2009 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Delaware, Parx, Penn National
Even though his father is Martin Pedroza, a fixture at southern California tracks since 1983, and his mother is a former jockey (she rode as Kim Davis) and an exercise rider in Ocala, Brian had little interest in becoming a jockey until he turned 18. But he soon felt a need to learn if he had inherited his father‘s ability, and since then he has impressed horsemen and fellow riders with his skill and instincts. ―Brian is a natural,‖ said trainer Dennis Ward. ―He gets them in the right spot, and a lot of horses just run off the screen for him.‖ Brian also has a cousin, Marcelino Pedroza, who is a jockey. Brian opened eyes in Oldsmar last season by riding 35 winners, good for seventh place in the standings. Brian was sidelined for two months earlier this year with a broken clavicle incurred at Delaware Park, but he returned before the end of the meeting and is back to full strength. From the time he was 4 until he was 16, Brian spent summers with his father in California, and he still relies on him for ad- vice, and his influence shows in Brian‘s ability to judge pace and save a horse‘s best effort for the stretch run.
E. E. Perez
Born: February 17, 1966 Birthplace: Toluca, Mexico Residence: Chicago, Illinois First Win: Red Teepee, 1988, Balmoral Park Started Riding: 1988 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Arlington International, Hawthorne
Eduardo E. Perez was working in a restaurant busing tables when he met trainer Moises Yanez, who surmised from his diminutive stature — Perez is 4-feet-11 — he could be a jockey. Although he struggled to stay aboard a midget pony Yanez kept at his barn, Perez agreed to go to Florida and work on Yanez‘s farm near Ocala. ―I had to learn everything about horses and caring for them,‖ Perez said. ―From cleaning the stalls, to rubbing the legs and wrapping them, to grooming the horses, all before I could really start to become a jockey.‖ The early lessons have paid off handsomely. Perez has won more than 2,300 races in his career, with purse earnings in excess of $45 million. Tampa Bay Downs fans re- ceived a glimpse of his ability last season, when he rode Cool Cowboy to victory in the $100,000 Inaugural Stakes for Savoy Stable and trainer Dale Bennett. Perez has won numerous stakes throughout his career for such trainers as Bennett and Chris Block, but he says every victory is special. ―Wherever you ride, it is very tough,‖ he said. ―I‘m going to do like I always do — work hard, ride hard and get out in the mornings and take it from there. I‘m not going to just say I‘m going to get there and do great. All I can do is show up every day and do my best.‖ From 2006-11, Perez won more 100 than races each year. He earned his 2,000th career victory aboard Lighthouse Judge at Hawthorne in 2011. Perez captured the Grade III Kentucky Cup Turf Stakes in 2008 at Kentucky Downs on 59-1 shot Rumor Has It for conditioner David Hinsley.
31 JOCKEY PROFILES
Erick D. Rodriguez
Born: March 3, 1980 Birthplace: Ponce, Puerto Rico Residence: Tampa, FL Family: Sons Cristian, and Adrian, daughter, Ericka First win: Parx Racing, 2002 Started riding: Calder Race Course, 2001 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Presque Isle Downs, Laurel, Pimlico
Rodriguez learned early in his career that a jockey‘s existence is often fraught with peril, but that the rewards can be immense. In 2005, four months after breaking four vertebrae in his back, he won the abbreviated summer meeting at Pimlico. The majority of his 1,300-plus victories have come at Pimlico and Laurel, but Oldsmar and western Pennsylvania were where Rodriguez made hay in 2014. In fact, Rodriguez was the only jockey to win two graded stakes last season at Tampa Bay Downs, capturing the Grade III, $150,000 Endeavour Stakes and the Grade III, $150,000 Hillsborough Stakes aboard the 5-year-old mare Cloud Scapes, a Pin Oak Stable homebred trained by H. Graham Motion. From Olds- mar, Rodriguez went to Presque Isle Downs, where he finished fourth in the overall standings with 78 victories while compiling a meeting-best 25 -percent win rate. Rodriguez built his career from the ground up, galloping and breaking horses in Puerto Rico before coming to the mid-Atlantic region. Rodriguez earned his first graded-stakes victory on Ryan‘s For Real in the 2008 Grade III, $200,000 Bill Hartack Memorial Handicap at Hawthorne for trainer Dale Capuano.
Oriana Rossi
Born: Oct. 23, 1982 Birthplace: Kingston upon Thames, England Residence: Oldsmar, FL and Louisville, Ky. Family: Mother, Heidi Mortimer; brother, Guiliano; stepfather, Trevor Mortimer First Win: 2009, Dancing Sky, Ellis Park Started Riding: 2009 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Ellis Park, Indiana Grand
Rossi knew she wanted to become a jockey shortly after her mother put her on a Welsh Mountain Pony when she was 2. ―Riding is my passion,‖ she says. ―I love winning, I love horses and I have a drive and ambition for it.‖ Rossi was involved in several sports from a young age, playing basketball and running cross-country in addition to riding horses. She rode a few races in England before coming to the United States and going to work for trainer Jeff Thornbury. Rossi was working for Tim and Natalie Glyshaw in 2009 when they saw she had developed a rapport with one of their horses and asked that she take the assignment for a race. Although it didn‘t win, Rossi‘s career was off and running. She tied veteran Corey Lanerie for fourth place in the standings at Ellis Park in 2011.
Rossi has enjoyed good success the past two season at Tampa Bay Downs, especially with trainer Kenneth Wirth and such horses as Saffron Hall; they teamed to set the track‘s mile-and-a-quarter main-track record in March of 2013. Rossi has attracted numerous fans through her witty and informative postings on Facebook — win or lose, she is a force to be reckoned with on social media and the racetrack.
32 JOCKEY PROFILES Harry Vega
Born: September 21, 1965 Birthplace: New Brunswick, N.J. Residence: Ocala, FL Family: Daughters, Mercedes, and Devin, son, Tyler First Win: Hazel Park, 1983 Started Riding: Hazel Park, 1983 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Presque Isle Downs
With 4,104 victories entering the 2014-2015 meeting, Vega stands 26th among active jockeys in North America. But he is always looking for ways to get better. That may explain, in part, his decision to take time off shortly after the conclusion of last year‘s Oldsmar meeting because he wasn‘t happy with how he was performing. Vega has spent the past several months at Alan Cohen‘s Arindel Farm in Ocala preparing for the up- coming meeting. He was barely short of sensational last season, placing fifth in the standings with 37 victories and winning the Pelican Stakes aboard Palace Barista for breeder-owner-trainer Lynne Scace. Vega‘s best horse, in all likelihood, was Xtra Heat, a filly he rode to several graded stakes victories in 2002 and a third-place finish in the $2-million Dubai Golden Shaheen in the United Arab Emirates. Other top mounts over the years include Disco Rico and Scottish Halo. Vega‘s biggest fan is his mother Mercedes Lopez, who watches his races on TV from her Puerto Rico home. When he was a teenager, she gave him permission to follow his dream of becoming a jockey and move in with Hall of Fame rider Angel Cordero, Jr., for early lessons. More than three decades later, Vega continues to pay back that debt.
Huber Villa-Gomez
Born: January 28,1976 Birthplace: Ayacucho, Peru Residence: Tampa Family: Son, Maxy, daughter, Abby Started Riding: 1997 First winner: Victorio, in Peru, 1997 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Presque Isle Downs, Thistledown
Villa-Gomez, who finished 11th in the standings with 35 victories last season, is the epitome of a lunch-bucket jockey. He goes to work every day, quietly goes about his business and at the end of the day, he rewards his owners, trainers and backers with the best possible effort from their horses. Villa-Gomez won the 2014 Florida Cup Sprint on Sneaking Uponyou for trainer Jamie Ness. A measure of the respect in which he is held came toward the tail end of the 2011-12 Tampa Bay Downs meeting, when he rode 11 winners during a seven-day stretch — for nine differ- ent trainers. Villa-Gomez began riding in his native Peru after he gained an interest in horses through a cousin who worked at a racetrack. ―The first day I went to the track, that‘s when I knew I wanted to ride,‖ says Villa-Gomez. At 18 he attended jockey school in Peru, and won his first race there on a horse named Victorio. He had an exceptional meet at Presque Isle Downs last summer, finishing fifth with 56 victories. In 2011, he tied Pablo Morales for the PID crown. During the 2010-11 TBD meeting, Villa-Gomez was aboard Sneaking Uponyou for Ness when the 5- year-old gelding set a six-furlong track record of 1:08.69 (since lowered) in the Florida Cup Hilton Garden Inn Sprint. He also won the Pelican Stakes on the Ness-trained See I A for owner Midwest Thoroughbreds. When he‘s not riding, Villa-Gomez enjoys playing with his children, Maxy and Abby. 33 TRAINER PROFILES
Steeds and riders await the track’s re-opening for morning workouts 34 TRAINER PROFILES
LEADING TRAINERS
YEAR TRAINER WINS 2013-2014 Jamie Ness 53 YEAR TRAINER WINS 2012-2013 Jamie Ness 46 2011-2012 Jamie Ness 79* 1995-1996 Don Rice 33 2010-2011 Jamie Ness/Gerald Bennett 61 1994-1995 Don Rice 28 2009-2010 J. Ness/K. O'Connell 51 1993-1994 Jason Stodghill 30 2008-2009 Jamie Ness 62 1992-1993 John Reading 28 2007-2008 Jamie Ness 68 1991-1992 John Reading 37 2006-2007 Jamie Ness 38 1990-1991 J.C. Barnhill 30 2005-2006 Kirk Ziadie 34 1989-1990 Joe Waunsch 33 2004-2005 Don Rice 35 1988-1989 A. Pedregal/D. Jordan 36 2003-2004 Lynne Scace 25 1987-1988 Art Pedregal 28 2002-2003 Don Rice 43 1986-1987 Norm Wismer/Braddy 27 2001-2002 Don Rice 44 1985-1986 Don Jordan 25 2000-2001 Don Rice 37 1984-1985 Mary Hodge 23 1999-2000 Don Rice 33 1983-1984 J.D. Braddy 29 1998-1999 Kathleen O'Connell 26 1982-1983 Fred Warren 40 1997-1998 Joe Cesarini 33 1981-1982 Jacqueline Branham 34 1996-1997 Don Rice 28 1980-1981 Robert Guciardo 23
35 *Tampa Bay Downs Record TRAINER PROFILES
Dale Bennett
Born: July 8, 1972 Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario Residence: Arlington Heights, IL Family: Wife, Denise; daughters, Donna, and Haleigh Started Training: 1998 in Detroit First Win: Spirit of Austin, Detroit Race Course, 1998 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Arlington International, Hawthorne, Keeneland, Mountaineer
Bennett enjoyed an outstanding 2013-2014 season at Tampa Bay Downs, saddling 26 winners to tie for fourth in the standings. He started with a rush, winning the $100,000 Inaugural Stakes with Cool Cowboy for Savoy Stable. His success carried over to Arlington International, where he was seventh with 25 victories. The son of Tampa Bay Downs trainer Gerald Bennett grew up on a farm in Campbellville, Ontario, Canada. He was raised around horses, and began working with them at a very early age. As time went by, Bennett began to progress through the ranks of the backside, starting out hot-walking for his father, then working as a groom and an exercise rider, all the while finding time to graduate from Guelph Collegiate in 1991.
Bennett earned his trainer‘s license In 1998, beginning his career with three horses in his barn. One of the three, Spirit of Austin, gave him his first win at Detroit Race Course. Since then, Dale Bennett has excelled at any track where he keeps a stable. Bennett says his father has had the biggest influence on his ca- reer. He grew up working in his barn, and says that his father taught him the art of communicating with horses, as well as the need to treat and train the horses as individuals. Bennett‘s most memorable horse is Marley‘s Revenge, who gave him his first stakes win. Marley‘s Revenge covered the five-and-a-half furlongs on the turf at Arlington Park in 1:02.44, shattering a 22-year-old stakes record there.
Gerald Bennett
Born: March 12, 1944 Birthplace: Springhill, Nova Scotia Residence: Tampa, FL Family: Wife Mary; sons, Dale and Jerry; daughter, Katharine; two grandchildren Started Training: 1974 First Win: Greenwood, Canada Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Presque Isle Downs, Indiana Grand, ThistleDown
Gerald Bennett sports one of the most remarkable records in the history of racing. With almost 3,500 victories, he ranks No. 20 all-time and 13th among active conditioners. From 2003-2011, he saddled at least 100 winners every year. Bettors value the consistency of Bennett, who saddled 37 winners last season to place second in the standings. During the 2010-11 campaign, Bennett tied Jamie Ness for the top spot with 61 triumphs; three years ago Bennett finished second with 32 victories, and his 44 second-place finishes were the most of any trainer. With a 40-horse stable featuring several talented youngsters, expect the veteran conditioner to make a serious run at this year‘s top spot. Bennett picked up minor stakes winner Beau Genius after his 3-tear-old season and trained him to vic- tory in 13 stakes, including the 1990 Philip H. Iselin (then a Grade I) and the 1990 Michigan Mile and One-Eighth Handicap, then a Grade II. Beau Genius won the Hallandale Handicap for Bennett at Gulfstream in 1990, a race also notable as the final victory for Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker. Among other notable Bennett trainees are Secret Romeo, winner of the 2002 Super Stakes and Pelican Stakes; and Banker‘s Jet, winner of seven stakes and over $670,000.
36 TRAINER PROFILES William “Buff” Bradley
Born: August 26, 1963 Birthplace: Frankfort, KY Residence: Frankfort, KY Family: Wife, Kim; son, Drew, daughters, Kory and Jett Started Training: 1993 First Win: 1993 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Gulfstream Park, Ellis Park
Bradley reached the pinnacle of the sport for the second year in a row in the 2013 Breeders‘ Cup when his 5-year-old homebred mare Groupie Doll successfully defended her title in the Filly and Mare Sprint at Santa Anita. Bradley helped deliver Groupie Doll at the Bradley family‘s Indian Ridge Farm near Frankfort in April of 2008. ―I remember the day she foaled because she was such a beautiful red filly,‖ Bradley said. ―I don‘t remember them all, but she stood out from Day 1.‖ Groupie Doll was bred by Bradley in partnership with his father, former Kentucky state senator and fighter pilot Fred Bradley. A few days after her Breeders‘ Cup repeat, Groupie Doll was sold to Mandy Pope as a broodmare for $3.1 million at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale.
Prior to Groupie Doll, the Bradleys‘ greatest success came with the popular gelding Brass Hat, a Grade I winner who earned more than $2.1 million. Brass Hat remains part of the family as a stable pony. Buff worked four years as an assistant to Clarence Picou before going out on his own in 1993. He and his family are proactive in Thoroughbred aftercare and have several retirees at the farm, including Free Spirit‘s Joy, the 1991 Grade I Super Derby winner Bradley worked with when he was an assistant to Clarence Picou before going out on his own. His nickname, Buff, is short for ―Buffalo Bill,‖ which he acquired as a boy.
Jane Cibelli
Born: July 7, 1961 Birthplace: Leicester, United Kingdom Residence: Odessa, FL Family: Mother, Barbara; sister, Lesley; brother, Trevor Started Training: 1987, High Minimum, Brimingham Race Course First Win: 1987, High Minimum, Birmingham Race Course Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Monmouth Park, Delaware, Gulfstream Park, Pimlico, New York
Cibelli made history in the summer of 2011 by becoming the first woman to win a training title at Monmouth Park. She proved it was no fluke the following sum- mer, saddling 30 winners to emerge victorious against the likes of Juan Serey, Edward Plesa, Jr., Benjamin Perkins, Jr., and Todd Pletcher. Cibelli made a splash on the first day of the 2012-2013 Tampa Bay Downs meeting by saddling 2-year-old Purple Egg to win the Inaugural Stakes in stakes-record time of 1:09.93. As a 3-year-old, Purple Egg won the Barbaro Stakes at Delaware Park. Other stakes winners in the Cibelli barn include Wicked Tune, Rose Brier and Red Sashay, a promising 2-year-old filly by Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown. She also trained Chirac to win the Grade III Iselin at Monmouth in 2009. Cibelli, who moved to the United States in 1983 after working with hhorses in her native United Kingdom, tries to delve into the psyches of her horses, searching for tell- tale clues to determine which path to follow. After working as an assistant and exercising horses for Linda Rice, Cibelli reached a crossroads after she fell from a horse she was galloping and broke her back. She says that is when she became serious about her career in racing.
37 TRAINER PROFILES Jason DaCosta
Born: July 11, 1985 Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica Residence: Oldsmar, FL Family: Single Started Training: 2009 First Win: 2009, Miss Aristocrat, Calder Race Course Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream Park
DaCosta has made a strong impact at Tampa Bay Downs his first two seasons. After winning 20 races from a mere 58 starters during the 2012-2013 meeting, he followed up last season by placing sixth in the track standings with 25 victories. DaCosta‘s success should come as no surprise; his father, Wayne DaCosta, is a 13-time leading trainer in Jamaica with more than 1,600 victories, and a member of the island nation‘s Racing Hall of Fame. Jason worked for his father for al- most five years at his Caymanas Park stable before coming to the United States. He says not to underestimate the quality of racing in Jamaica, nor the passion of horsemen and fans. ―On race days, you see guys with a transistor radio pressed to their ear, the stands are packed and there are off-track betting parlors eve- rywhere,‖ he said. He credits his father with teaching him to be a hands-on conditioner and not to cut corners in the horses‘ preparation and care. His first career stakes winner was Silver Cloud, who won the Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint at Calder. As his successes continue to mount, DaCosta seems certain to make a name for himself while continuing the family legacy of excellence on the racetrack.
Arnaud Delacour
Born: April 7, 1975 Birthplace: Lisieux, France Residence: Elkton, Maryland Family: Wife, Leigh; sons, Luca, and Julien Started Training: 2013, Pimlico First Win: Country Lyric, Pimlico Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Delaware Park, Pimlico, Laurel, Penn National
Although last season marked his official introduction, Arnaud Delacour is a familiar face to Tampa Bay Downs race goers. Delacour is the husband of trainer Leigh Delacour, who tied for 10th in the Tampa Bay Downs standings during the 2012-2013 meeting with 16 winners. After the birth of their son Luca in August of 2012, the couple began to plan for Arnaud to take over the conditioning duties on a full-time basis once he received a permanent work visa. Arnaud has added to the couple‘s success, winning at better than 21 percent. He tied for eighth last season at Tampa Bay Downs with 16 victories from only 67 starters. Delacour‘s top horses is the 5-year-old, graded-stakes winning mare Ageless, owned by Lael Stables. She finished fourth in the Breeders‘ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita, beaten less than a length by winner Bobby‘s Kitten.
In the summer, the Delacours keep their horses at Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland, allowing them to ship to a variety of mid-Atlantic tracks. ―We work pretty much the same way we always have, except she does the housework and the baby work,‖ Arnaud said. A native of Normandy, France, Arnaud was introduced to the racing game at his family farm with lay-ups and mares. He worked as an assistant for Alain de Royer-Dupre and was an exercise rider for Christophe Clem- ent in the late 1990s. His future wife Leigh Offutt, meanwhile, galloped horses for trainer H. Graham Motion at Laurel Park while attending the University of Vir- ginia (she graduated with degrees in biology and economics). The Delacours were married in 2007 and struck out on their own as a training team. Their devotion to their horses, and each other, is certain to pay off with more important stakes victories in the near future.
38 TRAINER PROFILES
Miguel Feliciano
Born: April 8, 1946 Birthplace: Lares, Puerto Rico Residence: Cleveland Family: Wife, Sandra; stepson, Miguel; stepdaughter, Sylvia; four grandchildren First Win: ThistleDown, Ohio Started Training: ThistleDown, 1983 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, ThistleDown
Underneath Miguel Feliciano‘s quiet exterior lies a fiercely competitive nature. With his main client, Dr. D.W. Frazier, Feliciano is a fixture on the Ohio racing cir- cuit, having trained such popular stakes winners as Bernie Blue and Pay The Man. The latter, a recently retired, 10-year-old mare, passed the $1-million mark in career earnings in 2013 at ThistleDown outside Cleveland with her victory in the Scarlet & Gray Handicap; it was her fourth consecutive victory in the Scarlet & Gray, and 21 of her 27 victories were stakes scores. The first of her three career victories at Tampa Bay Downs came as a 2-year-old in 2006. Bernie Blue, who won 12 stakes races, earned his first added-money triumph in the 2005 Ocala Breeders‘ Sales Sophomore Stakes. A former assistant to Robert Guciardo, Fe- liciano has more than 1,300 career victories. He has one of the highest winning percentages of any trainer on the Ohio circuit on an annual basis. His brother Benny is a former jockey and now works as a trainer; Benny‘s son Ricardo is one of the top jockeys annually at Tampa Bay Downs.
Anthony Granitz
Born: October 25, 1963 Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois Residence: Lemont, Illinois; Safety Harbor, FL Family: Wife, Joy; daughters, Tiffanie, Taylor, Eve First win: 1984, Balmoral Park Started Training: Illinois, 1983 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Arlington International, Indiana Grand, Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Parx, Woodbine
Granitz, who was approaching the 1,000 career-victory mark entering the 2014-2015 Tampa Bay Downs meeting, became interested in Thor- oughbred racing when he was 13 by picking up his father‘s copy of the Daily Racing Form. That summer, he got a job at Arlington Park working for friends of his father‘s, and he has been involved in the sport ever since. He was an assistant to his brother, Chris Granitz, Jr., before Chris took a job with the railroad and Anthony took over the stable. Granitz sends many of his young horses to Ocala to be broken by Chad Stewart before they return to the racetrack. Earlier this year, Granitz‘s 5-year-old Tell All You Know won the Honor the Hero Stakes at Canterbury Park.
39 TRAINER PROFILES
Eoin Harty
Born: November 23, 1962 Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland Residence: Arcadia, CA Family: Wife, Kathy; son, Eddie First Win: 2000 Started Training: 2000, West Coast Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, southern California
Harty is a fifth-generation horseman. His great-grandfather began his racing career in Ireland in 1880, working as both a jockey and a trainer. Eoin‘s grandfather Cyril trained Knight‘s Crest, winner of the 1944 Irish Grand National. His father, Eddie, was an accomplished equestrian who competed in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome and later won the Grand National Steeplechase as a jockey. Eoin Harty moved to the United States at 17 after working for one year at the Irish National Stud. He spent 14 years as an assistant trainer in southern California, first with John Russell, then with Bob Baffert. Harty was part of the Baffert team when Silver Charm and Real Quiet won the Kentucky Derby back-to-back in 1997 and 1998. Harty trained Tempera, who won the 2001 Breeders‘ Cup Juvenile Fillies and was recognized after the season with an Eclipse Award. He also trained the Juvenile Fillies runner-up, Imperial Gesture. Harty earned the richest vic- tory of his career when his Well Armed won the $6-million Dubai World Cup by a record 14 lengths in 2009. His best-known Thoroughbred is Colonel John, who won the Santa Anita Derby and the Travers in 2008. One of Colonel John‘s offspring, the 2-year-old filly Colonel Joan, finished third for Harty in the 2013 Breed- ers‘ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita. Colonel Joan is owned by Kathy Harty in partnership with Mark DeDomenico LLC. The Hartys met in 1986 when Kathy was exercising horses for John Russell.
Forrest Kaelin
Born: January 18, 1935 Birthplace: Louisville, KY Residence: Louisville, KY, and Clearwater, FL Family: Wife, Betty; daughter Terry, granddaughter, Brittany King; grandson, David Hall; two great-grandchildren, Cohl and Piper Started Training: Ak-Sar-Ben, Nebraska, 1963 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Indiana Downs, Keeneland, West Virginia
In 1966, Kaelin sent out a horse named Two Relics to win the Florida Handicap when the Oldsmar oval was known as Florida Downs. A full 47 years later, he achieved greater stakes success at Tampa Bay Downs, saddling 6-year-old gelding Good Lord to win the then-$75,000 Super Stakes. Good Lord‘s time of 1:22.03 was a stakes and track record, eclipsing the 1:22.28 time of Grade II winner Sir Shackleton in 2006. The victory extended a streak during which Good Lord won five stakes at five different tracks. Now 7, Good Lord recently captured the $130,000 Mountaineer Mile Stakes at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Re- sort for his ninth career stakes victory. Three have come in track-record setting efforts, and Good Lord has earned almost $750,000. Kaelin has trained at Tampa Bay Downs for seven seasons, but his introduction to the Florida west coast racing scene occurred in 1956, when he was a jockey at the track then known as Sunshine Park. As an 18-year-old jockey at Wheeling Downs in West Virginia, Kaelin rode 89 winners in 48 days, including six in a row on a single card. He suf- fered a near-disastrous spill shortly afterward, incurring a brain concussion and several fractures, and was out of action for a year. He returned to riding and rode about 800 winners, but began planning to switch careers after marrying Betty in 1955. ―I got tired of reducing and fighting weight,‖ he said. ―I liked the riding end of it, but I wanted to train more than I wanted to ride.‖ Kaelin has sent out almost 1,600 winners since starting in 1963; his horses have earned more than $17 million. He has trained his share of major winners, including Da Devil, who won the 1998 West Virginia Derby and the 1999 Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway (defeating subsequent Breeders‘ Cup Classic winner Cat Thief). Da Devil paid $132.80 to win under Calvin Borel. Kaelin won back-to-back runnings of the Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs in 1982-83 with Vodika Collins, who also won the Michigan Mile and One Eighth Handicap. He saddled his only Kentucky Derby starter in 1997; Crimson Classic finished 11th. Kaelin trained King Cohl, named after his great-grandson, to three consecutive stakes victories at Charles Town in West Virginia in 2005. ―You cannot take him away from his horses. He just loves them,‖ Betty said. ―The horses are his life, and they all are spoiled rot- ten.‖ 40 TRAINER PROFILES
Barbara McBride
Born: November 11, 1949 Birthplace: Detroit, MI Residence: Anderson, IN Family: Sons, Jason and Jeremy; daughter, Lisa; seven granddaughters; one grandson; one great-granddaughter First Win: Dusty Red Kettle, Turfway Park, 1994 Started Training: Standardbreds (switched to Thoroughbreds in 1994) Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Indiana Grand
McBride wrapped up the 2014 season at Indiana Grand in grand fashion when her 2-year-old filly Spooled captured the Miss Indiana Stakes for her second stakes victory. That gave McBride 28 victories for the meeting, more than all but three conditioners, and she is approaching the 1,300 mark for her career. McBride acknowledges being afraid of horses when her ex-husband first got started with Standardbreds. ―I had never even had a cat or dog as a child,‖ she said. ―But after I screamed in front of 1,000 people because a horse blew its nose, I said to myself, I will never be afraid again.‖ McBride led all women trainers in the United States in victories in 2000, with 110, and repeated that feat the following year, with 93. After cutting back on her involvement in 2012 — ―Sometimes this is a very stressful business, and I needed a break,‖ she says — McBride has returned to top form. Her best horse, a 5-year-old mare named Yeardley, is a multiple- stakes winner with earnings of more than $500,000. When asked what accounts for her success, McBride says it starts with knowing what to expect. ―It‘s know- ing the condition book and entering your horses where they belong,‖ she said. ―I try to pick the right horses to bring with me when I come down here from know- ing the competition for so many years.‖
Jamie Ness
Born: October 29, 1974 Birthplace: Heron, South Dakota Residence: Odessa, FL Family: Wife, Mandy; daughters, Hannah, Emma, and Jessy Smith Started Training: 2000, Canterbury Park First Win: 2000, Blue Rocket, Canterbury Park Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream, Laurel, Penn National, Pimlico, Aqueduct, Presque Isle Downs, Monmouth, Delaware
Ness, a South Dakota native, has captured a record eight consecutive training titles at Tampa Bay Downs (he tied for first with Kathleen O‘Connell during the 2009-10 meeting, and with Gerald Bennett in 2010-11). He wrapped up his most recent Oldsmar title in style when his 8-year-old gelding Sneaking Uponyou, with Huber Villa-Gomez in the irons, won the Florida Cup Hilton Garden Inn/Hampton Inn and Suites Sprint, a race he had also captured in 2011. Ness led North American trainers in 2012 with 395 victories, with an overall 31-percent strike rate. He set a Tampa Bay Downs record during the 2011-2012 meeting with 79 victories. The majority of his runners are owned by Rich and Karen Papiese‘s Midwest Thoroughbreds, Inc. In November of 2013, he earned his 2,000th career victory at Laurel Park with 6-year-old gelding Caylee‘s Song; he is now approaching 2,200 victories and his horses have career earnings of more than $31 mil- lion. One of his biggest success story was multiple Tampa Bay Downs stakes winner Lookinforthesecret. Ness claimed Lookinforthesecret for $12,500 at the beginning of the 2006-07 Tampa Bay Downs meet, and within five starts moved the gelding to stakes company. Ness also won the 2011 Pelican Stakes for Mid- west. with See I A.. ―My father was a trainer, and I grew up in the summers going to tracks with him to work. Racing got into my blood at an early age.‖ Wife Mandy is also a trainer and a former jockey.
41 TRAINER PROFILES Kathleen O’Connell
Birthplace: Detroit, MI Residence: Davie, FL Family: Single Started training: early 1980s, Detroit Race Course First Win: Kim‘s Lucky Spot, 1981, Detroit Race Course Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Calder Race Course, Colonial Downs
When Kathleen O‘Connell saddled 43-1 shot Watch Me Go to win the 2011 Grade II, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby for her long-time client, Florida owner-breeder Gilbert Campbell, it was one of the most popular outcomes in track history. O‘Connell treats everyone with kindness, and her work ethic is an example to any young trainer making their way. And her results speak loud and clear: more than 1,600 victories, numerous stakes winners, two training titles at Tampa Bay Downs and the 2009-10 title at Calder, making her the first woman to capture the crown at the south Florida track. O‘Connell gained national recognition in 2013 as the trainer of the 2-year-old filly Scandalous Act, who swept the Florida Stallion Stakes series for fillies en route to a berth in the Breeders‘ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
The daughter of a retired Detroit policeman, O‘Connell rode show horses as a youth but had no racetrack experience when she took a hotwalker's job at age 19 at Detroit Race Course. O'Connell began her training career in her native Michigan, but has been competing in Florida since 1985. O‘Connell counts millionaire Blazing Sword among her trainees; Blazing Sword captured two divisions of the 1996 Florida Stallion Stakes, the Grade II Washington Handicap and the Calder Derby. Besides Blazing Sword, O'Connell has trained such stakes performers as Shananie's Beat, Lindsay Lane, Shan's Ready, Shananie's Finale, Sheer Bliss and Bettarun Fast. Her 2002 juvenile filly Ivanavinalot won two Florida Stallion Stakes series races, including a record-setting 13 3/4-length win in the My Dear Girl Stakes. O‘Connell‘s horses have earned at least $1 million in 15 consecutive years.
Anthony Pecoraro
Born: April 23, 1962 Birthplace: New York City Residence: Westin, FL Family: Wife, Francine; daughter, Christina Started training: 1983, Tampa Bay Downs First Win: Tampa Bay Downs, 1984 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream Park, Delaware Park, mid-Atlantic, New York
Pecoraro opened the Oldsmar oval‘s 84th season in 2009 by winning the first three races run, the only time that has happened in the recorded history of Tampa Bay Downs. ―We tried to focus on getting a good early start,‖ he said. ―Much of our stock had been racing up north and were pretty fit already, then when we got in here we continued to train them steadily because it‘s survival of the fittest here. Fortunately, we put them in the right spot and had some luck.‖ Dame Fortune is only part of the story behind Pecoraro‘s ongoing success. With more than 1,100 victories and earnings in excess of $15 million, he is competitive everywhere he sends horses. In September of 2011, he notched career victory No. 1,000 when his 3-year-old I‘m Steppin‘ It Up won the $250,000 Kent Stakes at Delaware wsith Jeremy Rose in the irons. In a recent interview, Pecoraro said he spends more time studying a horse‘s conformation and body language than pedigree when evaluating young talent. ―I just prefer to spend more time watching young horses, getting a feel of how they move and travel more than digging up stats and studying pedigrees,‖ he said. ―I would like to think I‘ve learned down through the years how to get a feel for a horse‘s makeup by observing them. It‘s certainly not an area where you‘re always right, and they don‘t always turn out to be good ones. But making enough of the right choices is what keeps you in the game.‖ Pecoraro won the 2014 Florida Cup Distaff Turf with Cuppy Cake for Roman Hill Farm.
42
TRAINER PROFILES Thomas Proctor
Born: April 21, 1956 Birthplace: Gilmer, TX Residence: Louisville, KY Family: Son, Will; daughter, Heather Started training: 1978, Hollywood Park First Win: 1978, I‘m Smokin, Hollywood Park Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Arlington International, Del Mar, Santa Anita, Gulfstream, Churchill Downs, Keenaland
Proctor had one of those seasons most trainers only dream of last year, winning 26 races from 89 starts to tie for fourth in the Oldsmar standings. While the ma- jority of his victories came on the turf course — including the Florida Cup Tampa Turf Classic with the gelding Old Time Hockey — he won the $50,000 Wayward Lass Stakes with Dress the Part for owner Glen Hill Farm. His barn has been a model of consistency since he began his training career. He conditioned Glen Hill‘s homebred One Dreamer, the 47-1 long shot winner of the 1994 $1 million Breeders‘ Cup Distaff at Churchill Downs. One Dreamer won 12 of 25 career starts and earned $1,265,967. She scored six other stakes wins in addition to the BC Distaff. Proctor trained Marketing Mix, a multiple-Grade I winner who fin- ished second in the 2012 Breeders‘ Cup Filly and Mare Turf. Other graded stakes winners Proctor has saddled include Broken Dreams, Keertana, Snow Top Mountain, Dilemma, Banned and 3-year-old filly Pontchatrain. Proctor, who has trained for Leonard Lavin‘s Glen Hill for three decades, is a son of the late Willard Proctor, who trained such stakes winners as Convenience, Gallant Romeo and Major Impact. Thomas Proctor considers I‘m Smokin one of his best horses: the California-bred won 14 of 44 career starts, including three stakes. Del Mar named a $100,000 stakes after the swift sprinter in 1991. Proctor says that his favorite horse at Tampa Bay Downs is House Account, a horse he trained in the 1980s who won his first race here. After breaking his maiden, House Account went on to win the Tampa Bay Juvenile as well as the Sam F. Davis Stakes. When asked if he could pinpoint a favorite moment at Tampa Bay Downs, Proctor says, ―I‘ve had so many, I can‘t pick one!‖ Followers of the successful conditioner would no doubt agree.
Bernell Rhone
Born: April 17, 1949 Birthplace: Harvey, North Dakota Residence: Oldsmar, FL Family: Daughter, LeAnn; son, Scott; two granddaughters First Win: Brown County Fair, Aberdeen, South Dakota (Villa‘s Jet), 1977 Started Training: Marquis Downs, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 1977 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Canterbury Park
Bernell Rhone knows about getting on a hot streak. On Aug. 14, 2003 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn., Rhone saddled six winners from seven starters. ―I thought my first one was my best shot, and when it ran fourth or fifth I said to myself, ‗It‘s going to be a long night,‘ ‖ Rhone recalls. It was actually much longer than he expected. ―I couldn‘t even sleep that night,‖ says Rhone, a member of Canterbury Park‘s Hall of Fame. ―The only thing I regret is, I didn‘t buy a lottery ticket.‖ Rhone has accumulated more than 1,200 victories. He enjoyed superlative success this summer with the 3-year-old Minnesota-bred filly Sky and Sea, who won three consecutive stakes races at Canterbury. Rhone is a former social studies teacher and guidance counselor with a Master‘s degree in counseling. Some of his other top runners include multiple-stakes winner Dontbotherknocking, a Farma Way gelding who won more than $700,000; Indiana-bred gelding Heza Wild Guy, who won eight stakes, 30 races overall and more than $650,000; Minnesota-bred multiple-stakes winning distaffer Dot‘s Moment; and Game N Laughin,‘ who won the 2008 Lightning City Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs as a 5-year-old mare at odds of 29-1. He won five consecutive races at Tampa Bay Downs three seasons ago with 8-year-old gelding Gold Brew, a former $5,000 claimer. Rhone finished third at Canterbury this summer with 29 victories.
43 TRAINER PROFILES Derek Ryan
Born: Sept. 22, 1966 Birthplace: Tipperary, Ireland Residence: Eatontown, New Jersey Family: Son, Christopher First Win: Gulfstream Park, 1996 (Moosethegoose) Started Training: Gulfstream Park, 1995 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Monmouth Park, New York, Parx, Laurel
Derek Ryan vaulted to prominence in the spring of 2009 by saddling Musket Man for a victory in the then-Grade III Tampa Bay Derby for owners Eric Fein and Vic Carlson. Musket Man, who had won the Pasco Stakes earlier in the meeting, later captured the Grade II Illinois Derby and finished third in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. As a 4-year-old, Musket Man won the Super Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and finished second in a pair of major Grade I stakes, the Carter Handicap and the Metropolitan Handicap, as well as finishing third in the Grade I Whitney at Saratoga.
One of eight siblings, Ryan became interested in horses at an early age. ―I began riding ponies as a little kid, and things just progressed from there,‖ he recalls. Ryan galloped horses in Europe for trainers Criquette Head, Tommy Stack and Barney Curley. After coming to the United States in 1989, he became a free- lance exercise rider and galloped for Hall of Fame trainer William Mott, Phil Johnson, Joseph Orseno and Richard DeStasio. Ryan set out on his own in 1995 and shortly afterward won his first stakes race with Java Nagila, a former $12,500 claimer. His first graded stakes victory came in the 2002 Jersey Derby with 55-1 shot Emergency Status. Among his current top horses is the multiple stakes-placed gelding Joe Tess.
Lynne Scace
Born: July 20, 1950 Birthplace: Pittsfield, MA Residence: Ocala, FL Family: Son, David; granddaughters, Katherine and Rebecca; grandson, William Started training: Pocono Downs, late 1960s First Win: Falls Church, Narragansett Park , 1972 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Delaware Park
It‘s one thing to win a maiden special weight event with a first-time starter you bred, own and train that pays $125.40 to win. But it‘s rare indeed to wheel that horse back two races later to capture an open stakes race against proven stakes winners. Over the years, the unusual has become somewhat commonplace for Ocala-based horsewoman Lynne Scace, who achieved those feats last season with her homebred 4-year-old colt Palace Barista. Three seasons ago, the Scace- trained filly It‘s Me Mom emerged as one of the most exciting runners to compete at Tampa Bay Downs in recent years. After winning the Dec. 31 Minaret Stakes against older distaffers on Dec. 31, 2011 as a 3-year-old, It‘s Me Mom traveled to Gulfstream to capture the Florida Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Sprint. She capped her Florida campaign April 7 at TBD by winning the Florida Cup Hilton Garden Inn Sprint against males in a track-record time of 1:08.67. She went on to win the Satin and Lace Stakes at Presque Isle Downs in June. Scace didn‘t always know she was going to be a top Thoroughbred trainer: before she started her life at the track, Scace worked as a hairdresser. It was a twist of fate that a needy friend brought her to the backside. Her friend, who worked as a hotwalker at Green Mountain in Vermont, needed a ride to work after her car broke down. Scace agreed and made the 30-mile trip with her friend only to be told to ―sit in the car and wait.‖ When her friend needed another ride a few days later, Scace, who owned saddle horses and competed in gymkhanas (multi-game equestrian events) growing up, agreed but arrived at the track with a different attitude. ―I saw there was no sense just sitting there,‖ said Scace. ―So, I started walking hots and mucking out stalls.‖ As her career took off, she expanded her interests to include the 60-acre Double-S Farm in Ocala, which she operates with Ray Stifano. In 2009, she won two Florida Cup Day races with Bridlewood Farm‘s Snow Lass in the Stonehedge Farm Sophomore Fillies and On the Vineyard, which she bred and owned, in the Hilton Garden Inn Sprint. Scace bred multiple Grade I winner44 Vineyard Haven, who she sold to late trainer Bobby Frankel as a 2-year-old. TRAINER PROFILES Joan Scott
Born: January 30, 1967 Birthplace: Harrisonburg, Virginia Residence: Lexington, Ky., and Tampa, FL Family: Mother; brothers, Chris and Steve Started training: Hoosier Park, 2002 First Win: Hoosier Park, 2002 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Keeneland, Indiana Grand, Presque Isle Downs, Churchill Downs, Woodbine, ThistleDown
Scott trains the 5-year-old gelding Ancil, who set a Tampa Bay Downs turf-course record of 54.88 seconds for five furlongs in winning last win- ter‘s $100,000 Turf Dash Stakes. The victory earned Ancil an invitation to Royal Ascot in England for the King‘s Stand Stakes and although he finished off the board, the trip was a thrill for Scott and another indication of her training prowess. Before branching out on her own, Scott toured the world working such prestigious sales as Deauville in France and Newmarket in England, as well as exercising and breaking yearlings for top outfits like Juddmonte Farms, Fares Farm, Ashleigh Stud, England‘s Stowell Hill Farm and Haras du Quesnay.
Scott, who sent out 12 winners from only 51 starters during the 2013-14 Tampa Bay Downs meeting, is the conditioner of stakes winner Ruler of Love, who finished second in the Grade II West Virginia Derby and Grade II Super Derby in 2013. Another Scott trainee, 3-year-old filly Cor Cor, is a multiple stakes winner, including the Sandpiper Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs as a 2-year-old. Scott trained Dr. Zic to win the Grade I Vinery Madison at Keeneland in 2010. The filly had won the 2008 Sandpiper Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Before going out on her own in 2002, Scott galloped for and/or assisted many top trainers, including Buddy Delp, Elliott Walden, Carl Nafzger and Nick Zito. She was with Zito when he had such stakes stars as Acceptable, Louis Quatorze, Love That Jazz, Diligence and Storm Song. ―That‘s a lot of fun,‖ she said. ―It‘s like having your own kindergarten class. It‘s a great feeling when you see the light come on and off they go.‖ Scott loves the effect Tampa Bay Downs has on her stable and is always among the first arrivals. The track here is super,‖ Scott said. ―I‘ve worked all over the country from California to New York and this is a great track.‖
Chad Stewart
Born: October 25, 1964 Birthplace: Wisner, Nebraska Residence: Ocala, FL Family: Wife, Dr. Laurie Stewart; sons, Christian, Zackary, and Jacob First win: Atokad Park, 1983 (Bobadodadee) Started Training: Atokad Park 1983 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream
Stewart grew up on a crop farm in the ―metropolis of Wisner,‖ a town of about 350 folks 90 miles northwest of Omaha. His family moved to Arkansas when he was 13 and he started hot-walking horses and galloping at a nearby training center. By the early 1980s, Stewart was getting on 12-to-15 head a day at Park Jef- ferson at South Dakota and making $40-$50 a day. ―I thought, ‗I‘m rolling now,‘ ― he recalls.
Stewart lives in Ocala with his family (wife Laurie is a veterinarian) at their 94-acre Grace Full Oaks Farm, where the Thoroughbred population ranges anywhere from 70 to 120 or so horses. He ships in his runners to Tampa Bay Downs. Stewart was sixth in the Tampa Bay Downs standings during the 2012-2013 meeting with 22 victories and had a 23-percent win rate, seventh-best among trainers with 40 or more starts. In addition to running his own stable, Stewart breaks dozens of horses annually, preparing them for the races before sending them to such successful45 trainers as Chris Block, Anthony Granitz, Diane Alvarado and Peter Walder. Stewart trained Don‘ttalktome for client World Thoroughbreds Racing, Inc.; her victory in the 2011 Connie Ann Stakes at Calder came at the expense of subsequent Eclipse Award champion Musical Romance. Before settling in Ocala, Stewart trained throughout the Midwest in Kentucky, Arkansas, Chicago and Minnesota. Chad and his wife Laurie bred Tightend Touchdown, who dead-heated for second in the 2013 Geico Breeders‘ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. TRAINER PROFILES
Dennis Ward
Born: August 25, 1946 Birthplace: Seattle, Washington Residence: Tampa, FL Family: Wife, Jeanne; son, Wesley; grandsons, Riley and Jack and granddaughter, Denae First Win: Portland Meadows, 1983 Started Training: Portland Meadows 1983 Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream
Dennis Ward received enough face time during the Breeders‘ Cup at Santa Anita to be nominated for an Emmy Award. With son Wesley home in Florida with his children, the elder Ward was deputized to pick up the hardware after victories by Hootenanny in the Juvenile Turf and Judy the Beauty in the Filly & Mare Sprint — not to mention two seconds and a third. Wesley Ward won an Eclipse Award as Outstanding Apprentice Jockey in 1984 and is a heralded trainer, but his father has shown the past few seasons a knack for winning with all kinds of horses. He finished seventh in the standings last season with 22 victories. Dennis Ward has also had a hand in helping tutor three other Eclipse Award-winning ap- prentice jockeys: Dale Beckner (1994), Ariel Smith (1999) and Christian Santiago Reyes (2009). Dennis Ward was a top apprentice jockey him- self in 1962 at Longacres in Washington state and also enjoyed success as a jockey in New York and on the East Coast. Wesley was 16 when he won the Eclipse, winning 335 races. In 2009, he became the first American trainer to win a race at the Royal Ascot meeting in England; he saddled Strike the Tiger and Jealous Again on successive days with his proud father in attendance. ―It is the greatest experience I‘ve ever had at a racetrack,‖ Dennis Ward said. In addition to training locally, Dennis Ward operates the family‘s Ward Ranch in Ocala. Ian Wilkes
Born: May 25, 1965 Birthplace: Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia Residence: Louisville, Kentucky Family: Wife, Tracey; children, Shelby and Brodie Started Training: 2005 First winner: 2006, Gulfstream Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Churchill Downs, Saratoga
Wilkes engineered one of the most masterful training feats in memory in 2012 with Breeders‘ Cup Classic winner Fort Larned, the then-4-year-old colt he conditioned for breeder-owner Janis Whitham. On March 3, Fort Larned won the $60,000 Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs for his first added-money triumph. Eight months later — after subsequent victories in the Grade III Skip Away, the Grade III Cornhusker Handicap and the Grade I Whitney Invitational at Saratoga — Wilkes led Fort Larned and jockey Brian Hernandez into the Santa Anita winner‘s circle following their hard-earned triumph in the $5-million Classic. Not that he needed it from those knowledgeable in the sport, but Fort Larned‘s ascension was affirmation of Wilkes‘ arrival in racing‘s top tier of conditioners. Wilkes grew up working on a dairy farm in New South Wales, becoming a groom and exercise rider at 16. He worked in the stables of Australian trainers Paul Sutherland, Vic Thompson, Jr. and Colin Hayes before arriving stateside to work for Carl Nafzger in 1989. Wilkes' timing couldn't have been better: He galloped Unbridled, who won both the 1990 Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic for Nafzger. After returning to Australia for three years, Wilkes rejoined Nafzger in 1993 as the stable's top as- sistant. Wilkes played a key role in the development of Nafzger's second Kentucky Derby winner, Street Sense, the Tampa Bay Derby winner who was the first horse to pull off the Breeders' Cup Juvenile-Derby double in 2006 and 2007. Tracey Wilkes, Ian's wife, was an exercise rider for Street Sense. Wilkes is based at Palm Meadows Training Center in Boynton Beach on Florida's east coast. His Neck ‗n Neck, who competed at TBD, later won the Grade II Indiana Derby and two Grade IIIs. Wilkes 46won the Wayward Lass Stakes in 2013 with Magic Hour. OWNER PROFILES
The lush, immaculate turf course is an attraction for top horsemen across North America
47 OWNER PROFILES Amaty Racing Stables
Owner: Dennis Amaty Born: November 17, 1971 Birthplace: Elmont, New York Residence: Lake Worth, FL Tampa Trainers: Dennis Griffith, Sandino Hernandez
Amaty is the owner of Broward Aviation Services, which buys airplanes and resells parts back to the airline industry. He and Sandino are boyhood friends, with Hernandez having trained horses for more than 20 years. In June of 2013 at Calder, Amaty claimed a 2-year-old filly, Nesso, for $25,000 through trainer Herman Wilensky. Amaty sent her to the West Coast, hoping to make a profit by selling her, but his plans quickly changed. Nesso placed second in stakes at Del Mar and Santa Anita and competed in the Breeders‘ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Two months later, Nesso captured the $100,000 Gasparilla Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs for newly-turned 3-year-old fillies. She followed that up with a second in the Suncoast Stakes and finished third in September in the Grade III Charles Town Oaks.
Amaty, who has owned Thoroughbreds for 13 years, used to dabble in pinhooking, but now he primarily claims to race, looking for future standouts such as Nesso. Amaty owns the retired mare Capitalism At Risk, who is in foal to 2007 Eclipse Award-champion sprinter Midnight Lute. Capitalism At Risk won 18 times in her career, including the 2013 U Can Do It Handicap at Calder. Amaty plans to keep about 15 horses in training at Tampa Bay Downs this season. Amaty Racing Stables won nine races from 35 starts during the 2013-2014 meeting, with an outstanding 77-percent finishing in the money.
Gilbert G. Campbell
Owner: Gilbert G. Campbell Residence: Tyngsboro, MA Family: Wife, Marilyn; son, Gary; daughter, Susan; five grandchildren Farm Location: Williston, FL Tampa Trainer: Kathleen O‘Connell
Campbell is a real estate developer in Lowell, Mass. He has been involved in the Thoroughbred industry since 1982 and has bred or raced more than 50 stakes winners, including 1996 Arlington Million winner Marlin, Blazing Sword and Ivanavinalot. Campbell owns Stonehedge Farm South in Williston, Fla., where he stands Big Bad Bernie, Factum and Revolving. The Campbells — Gilbert and his wife, Marilyn — have formed a highly successful part- nership with two-time leading Tampa Bay Downs trainer Kathleen O‘Connell. Their homebred filly, Scandalous Act, competed in the 2013 Breeders‘ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita after sweeping all three races of the Florida Stallion Stakes series for fillies. Campbell bred and owned Watch Me Go, the 2011 Tampa Bay Derby winner who took part in that year‘s Kentucky Derby.
In 1997, Campbell was honored as Florida Breeder of the Year by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders‘ and Owners‘ Association and was named Out- standing Owner/Breeder of the Year in the nation by Thoroughbred Owners‘ and Breeders‘ Association. In 1988, Campbell purchased Waldemar Farm in Williston and renamed it Stonehedge Farm South. It is one of the premier full-service farms in Florida for breeding, training and breaking horses. Camp- bell keeps about 200 horses at the farm, including stallions, broodmares, weanlings, yearlings and lay-ups, and another 20-30 at the track. Campbell serves on the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders‘ and Owners‘ Association Board of Directors.
48 OWNER PROFILES Glen Hill Farm
Owner: Leonard H. Lavin Born: October 29, 1919 Birthplace: Chicago, IL Residence: Glencoe, IL Family: Wife, Bernice; daughters, Carol and Karen; son, Scott (deceased) Farm Location: Ocala, FL Tampa Trainer: Tom Proctor
Leonard H. Lavin, founder of the Alberto-Culver hair-care products company, has won awards and honors for his philanthropic, civic and busi- ness endeavors. Lavin received the 1994 Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association‘s Florida Breeder of the Year award and is the author of a book entitled Winners Make It Happen: Reflections of a Self-Made Man. During World War II, he served four years of sea duty and partici- pated in nine invasions. In the late 1960s, the 94-year-old Lavin purchased the former Greentree Stud Property near Ocala to serve as Glen Hill‘s 400-acre breeding operation. Lavin‘s top horses include Relaunch, a top turf runner in 1979-80 who stodd for years as the farm‘s preeminent sire. He often passed on his striking roan coat to his offspring. Relaunch sired numerous stakes winners, including 1994 Breeders‘ Cup Distaff winner One Dreamer, a 47-1 long shot. Other horses campaigned by Lavin include Potentiality, Carload and Media Plan. Lavin recently turned over the day-to-day operation of Glen Hill to his grandson, Craig Bernick. Glen Hill and trainer Thomas Proctor have a relationship that dates back more than 30 years. They campaigned Marketing Mix, a 5-year-old multiple-Grade I-winning mare who won more than $2 million in her ca- reer and was second in the 2012 Breeders‘ Cup Filly and Mare Turf. Glen Hill has won six Florida Cup Day races, including the 2014 Tampa Turf Classic with Old Time Hockey. Jacks or Better Farm, Inc.
Owner: Fred Brei Born: September 26, 1942 Birthplace: Poplar Grove, IL Residence: Ocala, FL Family: Wife, Nancy; four daughters; two sons; nine grandchildren Farm Location: Ocala, FL Tampa Trainer: Stanley Gold
Jacks or Better Farm has twice won the Needles Award, which honors the most successful small Florida breeding facility. But the outfit made a big splash on the national racing scene in recent years with its homebred filly Awesome Feather, who capped her perfect (6-for-6) 2-year-old season in 2010 with a victory in the Grey Goose Breeders‘ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Churchill Downs. At the end of that campaign, owner Fred Brei sold Awesome Feather for $2.3 million to Frank Stronach; she won her next four starts before finishing unplaced in the 2012 Breeders‘ Cup La- dies Classic. A developer of retirement and health care facilities in Illinois, Brei retired in the 1990s and, with his wife Jane, entered the Thor- oughbred business. At the end of that campaign, owner Fred Brei sold Awesome Feather to Frank Stronach for $2.3 million. Brei employs a hands-on approach at his 89-acre facility. Jacks or Better, which the Breis purchased in 1997, has produced several stakes-winning horses in- cluding Hear No Evil, Awesome of Course and Monsieur Cat. Another top runner is Fort Loudon, who swept the Florida Stallion Stakes series for 2-year-olds in 2011 and is a multiple-graded stakes winner. The Breis bred Jackson Bend, who won the Grade I Forego at Saratoga in 2011.
49 OWNER PROFILES Kinsman Stable
Owner: The George M. Steinbrenner, III Family Born: July 4, 1930; died July 13, 2010 Birthplace: Rocky River, OH Family: Wife, Joan; children Hank, Jennifer, Jessica and Hal Farm Location: Ocala, FL Tampa Trainer: Greg Griffith
Kinsman Stable has become a powerhouse, much like the other holdings of ―The Boss‖ — George Steinbrenner III, the late owner of the New York Yankees. Kinsman Stable maintains approximately 25 horses in training with such quality conditioners as Bill Mott, Greg Griffith and Nick Zito. Among the stable‘s most notable runners is 2005 Wood Memorial winner Bellamy Road, who became the sixth Kentucky Derby starter for Kinsman Stable. Other Kinsman homebreds include Sweet Symphony (winner of the Grade I Alabama Stakes), Beacon Shine (Flash Stakes, a Grade III at the time), and Diligence (winner of the 1997 rendition of the Grade II Tom Fool Handicap). Kinsman Stable has also had a presence at the Breeders‘ Cup with 1996 Juvenile runner-up Acceptable. Other notable runners include Bellamy Road‘s sire Concerto, who won the 1997 Jim Beam and Whirlaway Stakes and earned more than $1.3 million; and Tampa dominator Ebony Breeze, who won the Grade III Florida Oaks in 2003. Also worth mentioning is Yogi Berra, who broke his maiden in his career debut at Tampa Bay Downs last February for Jessica Stein- brenner‘s Bach Stables. Steinbrenner is best remembered as the Managing General Partner of the New York Yankees and was named Tampa‘s Citizen of the Year in 1998. No stranger to Florida racing, Steinbrenner owned Tampa Bay Downs (formerly known as Florida Downs) from 1980 through 1986.
Midwest Thoroughbreds
Owner: Richard Papiese Birthplace: East Side of Chicago Residence: Dyer, IN Family: Wife, Karen Farm Location: Anthony, FL Tampa Trainer: Jamie Ness
On the verge of capturing its fifth coinsecutive North American wins title, the Midwest Thoroughbreds operation of Dyer, Ind., residents Rich and Karen Papiese entered a new realm by winning the Breeders‘ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita with homebred 5-year-old gelding Work All Week, bred by the couple in Illinois. Work All Week was their first Breeders‘ Cup starter. Roger Brueggemann trains Work All Week, while Jamie Ness trains the Midwest string at Tampa Bay Downs. Midwest, which has won five consecutive Tampa Bay Downs owners‘ crowns, set a track record with 79 victories during the 2011-12 meeting. Midwest established a North American record in 2012 with 542 victories and led all stables in purse earnings with $10,145,328. Papiese — the founder of Midwest Store Fixtures, a leader in the design, manufacturing and implementation of retail merchandising displays, fixtures and environments — joined forces with Ness in 2008. The following year, Papiese purchased Thunder Ranch in Anthony, Fla., a 137-acre facility where Midwest keeps yearlings, layups, horses recovering from minor ailments and a handful of retirees. Papi- ese started with two horses in 2001 and now has almost 200 in training. The outfit won the 2011 Pelican Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs with See I A and won eight races in a row with Guam Typhoon, claimed for Midwest by Ness at TBD. ―We do a lot of homework, watch a lot of replays,‖ Papiese said. ―We‘re not throwing darts, but obviously you can do all the work in the world and it‘s still very difficult. I try and stay out of the way — most of our successes have been created through our trainers.‖ For now, nothing is bringing Papiese more pleasure than the Thoroughbreds. ―To me, racing is the purest form of athletic competition there is. The horses50 do it because they love it. And to me, that‘s something incredible,‖ Papiese said. OWNER PROFILES Cindy Patrick
Residence: Brooksville, FL Family: Husband, Gary; daughter, Cheyanna Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Indiana Grand
Cindy Patrick tied for third in the 2013-2014 owner standings at Tampa Bay Downs with nine victories, but that was merely an appetizer for the outstanding summer she enjoyed at Indiana Grand Race Course. With her husband, R. Gary Patrick, as trainer, Cindy won 33 races to win the title at the Shelbyville, Ind., track for the second consecutive year. In 2013, she won 29 races, one more than Maggi Moss and Midwest Thor- oughbreds, Inc. Cindy is no strainer to long-time Tampa Bay Downs fans. She was the track‘s leading apprentice jockey in 1988 and was the regular jockey on Gene, who was honored that same year by the National Horsemen‘s Benevolent and Protective Association as its Claimer of the Year. Gene lived on the family‘s 153-acre farm in Brooksville until his death at age 27.
Cindy and Gary met in 1978 when she was the Princess of the Pendleton (Ore.) Roundup. He has been training for 47 years, and they have been married 30 years. Daughter Cheyanna, 18, is an apprentice jockey who rode 15 winners at Indiana Grand. A youth barrel-racing champion, she is enrolled at the University of South Florida and hopes to become a lawyer. Cindy is the daughter of long-time trainer Charlie Ridley. In many regards, the Patricks are the quintessential blue-collar, mom-and-pop operation; they haul their own horses between tracks and Gary shoes his horses. Gary is a former saddle bronc rider. They also understand the roller-coaster aspect of the racing game. ―A lot of times, it‘s chicken today and feathers tomorrow,‖ Cindy said. ―You have to keep your head down and keep working, and that‘s what we do.‖
Pyrite Stables
Owner: Dr. Daniel W. Frazier Born: April 21, 1942 Birthplace: Pittsburgh, PA Residence: Clearwater, FL Family: Wife, Karen; four children First Winner: World Pennant, Tampa Bay Downs, 1975 Started Ownership: 2007 Tampa Trainer: Miguel Feliciano
Dr. Daniel Frazier is a family practitioner, and also operates an independent practice association of 800 physicians in the Tampa area. Frazier attended undergraduate and medical school at the University of Louisville, and began his interest in horses at a young age when he begged his father for a pony. It was his father who got him interested in racing. He grew up in Louisville where his dad took him to Miles Park and Churchill Downs. After a failed attempt to buy a horse with a group of fellow medical students, he claimed World Pennant at Tampa Bay Downs in 1975. Frazier bred Anet, a Grade II winner, and Grade III winner Regal Joy. Another favorite was Alice Ruth, who produced three stakes winners for Frazier including two 1997 stakes winners that raced in the Pyrite name, Fervent Affair and Pyrite Dinner. Pyrite Stables enjoyed great success with 10-year-old mare Pay The Man, who in 2011 in Ohio won the Angenora Stakes, the William Petro Memorial, the Rose DeBartolo Memorial, the Best of Ohio Distaff and the Scarlet & Gray Handicap. Pay The Man won 21 stakes and amassed more than $1 million in career earnings. She won a Tampa Bay Downs handicap in 2010-2011 and paid $42.40. ―What I really enjoy is having a horse who enjoys running,‖ Frazier said. ―I used to watch her go out in the morning to work, and she just dances when she gets on the track.‖ 51 OWNER PROFILES Ridenjac Racing (Dennis Ward)
Born: August 25, 1946 Birthplace: Seattle, Washington Residence: Tampa Family: Wife, Jeanne; son Wesley; grandsons, Riley, and Jack; granddaughter, Denae Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream
Dennis Ward is the father of Wesley Ward, the 1984 Eclipse Award winner as Outstanding Apprentice Jockey and a heralded trainer in his own right. So the elder Ward didn‘t have far to look when naming his stable after Wesley‘s three children: Riley, Denae and Jack (RI-DEN-JAC). Be- sides paving the road for Wesley, Dennis Ward had a hand in helping tutor three other Eclipse Award-winning apprentice jockeys: Dale Beckner (1994), Ariel Smith (1999) and Christian Santiago Reyes (2009). Dennis Ward was a top apprentice jockey in 1962 at Longacres in Washington state and also enjoyed success as a jockey in New York and on the East Coast. He stopped riding in 1968, a week after Wesley was born, and worked as a jockey‘s agent and valet while schooling Wesley on what it takes to be a championship jockey.
Wesley was 16 when he won the Eclipse, winning 335 races. In 2009, he became the first American trainer to win a race at the Royal Ascot meeting in England; he saddled Strike the Tiger and Jealous Again on successive days with his proud father in attendance. In addition to training locally, Dennis Ward operates the family‘s Ward Ranch in Ocala. Ward trained Houyhnhnm Stable‘s Great Attack, winner of back-to-back edi- tions of the Turf Dash.
Bruno Schickedanz
Born: March 2, 1947 Residence: King City, Ontario, Canada Family: Wife, Elizabeth; two children Started Ownership: 1981 Tampa Trainer: Yvon Belsoeur
Schickedanz is CEO of B.G. Schickedanz Homes, Inc., builders of homes all around Ontario. He entered racing in the early 1980s as a way t promote a sales competition within his multi-branch real estate company. The promotion offered a 10% interest in a Thoroughbred to the top pro- ducer at each branch. ―I went out to buy a racehorse for my employees, and realized that I didn't have one, so I bought myself one too,‖ Schickendanz told The Blood-Horse. Since his first purchase, Schickendanz has acquired about 200 horses, 60 of which are of racing age, with about half of those being 2-year-olds. He owns Schickedanz Farm near Berry, Ontario, as well as Rising Sun Stables near Ocala, Fla. His uncle is Gustav Schickedanz, who has raced Sovereign Award winners Langfuhr, Glanmire and 2003 Canadian Triple Crown winner and Horse of the Year Wando. Sermon Time was the first stakes winner for Bruno Schickedanz as an owner. Sermon Time produced Wake At Noon, a multiple- grade III stakes winner who earned more than $1.6 million and was Canadian Horse of the Year in 2002. Schickedanz has also raced stakes win- ners Big Ruckus, Big Virg, Effective Gal, My Heart Sez, Salty Note, Whomsoever Proud and 1995 Canadian champion 3-year-old filly and cham- pion sprinter Scotzanna. He raced Canadian champion One Way Love, champion older horse and sprinter in 2000, in partnership with John Hill- ier. Schickedanz was leading owner at three meets in 1999: Gulfstream Park, Woodbine and Fort Erie.
52 OWNER PROFILES Sharyn and Peter Wasiluk, Jr.
Birthplaces: Sharyn—Jamestown, N.Y.; Peter—Camden, N.J. Residence: Oldsmar, FL Family: Daughter Jaclyn, son Philip First Win: 1982, Chance Reason, Keystone Park Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream Park
It seems Peter Wasiluk and his wife Sharyn were born to be Thoroughbred owners. ―My father used to take me to Delaware Park, because that was the only track that would let kids in,‖ Peter Wasiluk said. He first took out a trainer‘s license at Keystone Racetrack (now PARX) in 1982. That same year at Keystone, he saddled his first winner, Chance Reason. Wasiluk said the favorite horse he has trained is Dinner in Odem, now a 10-year-old gelding. Many Tampa Bay Downs fans remember Dinner in Odem‘s upset victory in the $75,000 Chris Thomas Turf Classic on Kentucky Derby Day in 2009. ―He‘s just a fun horse to be around,‖ Wasiluk said. ―He won a mile-and-a-half grass stakes at Delaware (the Cape Henlopen Stakes, as a 4-year-old), and it was quite a thrill.‖
Sharyn is a former private secretary who competed in weekend rodeos in barrel racing, goat tying and steer undecorating. She got hooked on racing on her first visit to Finger Lakes in upstate New York, and got her first job at Tampa Bay Downs walking horses and cleaning tack. Besides assisting Peter, she is President of the Tampa Bay Downs Division of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America and a director on the board of the TBD Chapter of the Horsemen‘s Benevolent and Protective Association. The Wasiluks‘ offspring, Jaclyn and Philip, also help around the barn. Jaclyn is a fifth-grade teacher and assists in Group Sales on weekends, and Philip works on the gate crew at Delaware Park.
Carolyn Wilson
Birthplace: Montgomery, Alabama Residence: Tampa, FL Family: Two sons, two daughters Farm locations: Tampa, Ocala Tampa Trainers: Wayne Catalano, William Mott
What does it feel like to win a stakes race at historic Saratoga in upstate New York? "They had to escort me down to the winner's circle, I was shaking so bad," said Carolyn Wilson. And that was twice within the span of less than a month in 2011, with her then-4-year-old filly Arena Elvira! The $210,000 2-year-old purchase, a daughter of Ghostzapper out of Two Item Limit, won the Madame Jumel and Sightseek Stakes back-to- back at the Spa. "I do not take it for granted, because it is really hard to do," she said. Arena Elvira exceeded her previous feats on Breeders' Cup weekend, winning the Grade III Turnback the Alarm Stakes at Aqueduct by almost seven lengths for trainer William Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado. She followed that up with a victory in the Grade II Falls City Handicap at Churchill and another, in her 5-year-old debut, in the Wayward Lass Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Five stakes triumphs in a row doesn‘t happen often. "I'm just thrilled to death," Wilson said. "I was the queen of bad luck for so long -- I didn't even know where the winner's circle was." Wilson, who has a background in painting and sculpture, is the owner and president of both the Wilson Company, which builds and manages affordable apartment units, and Solutions, a commercial construction company. She and her late husband Jack had four children, but she was always the family member most interested in horses. She still has the first racehorse she purchased, a 19-year-old past Tampa Bay Downs winner named Jeblar Bush who lives in Ocala. "My dearest friends are at Tampa Bay Downs. Every year, it gets better," Wilson said. 53 OWNER PROFILES Winning Stables (Gerald Bennett)
Born: March 12, 1944 Birthplace: Springhill, Nova Scotia Residence: Tampa, FL Family: Wife, Mary; sons, Dale and Jerry; daughter, Katharine; two grandchildren Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Thistledown Race Course, Presque Isle Downs, Indiana Grand Tampa Bay Downs Trainer : Gerald Bennett
Gerald Bennett has a reputation for being able to rehabilitate injured racehorses, and that reputation brought him his biggest horse, Beau Genius. Bennett condi- tioned Beau Genius to victory in 13 stakes including the Haskell Invitational (GI), Philip H. Iselin Handicap (GI), Deputy Minister Handicap, Hallandale Handicap, Churchill Downs Handicap and the Olympic Stakes. Among other Bennett trainees are Secret Romeo, winner of the 2002 Super Stakes and Pelican Stakes and second to the excellent sprinter Bonapaw in the $100,000 Arlington Park Sprint Handicap; and Banker‘s Jet, winner of seven stakes and over $670,000.
Bennett was a mainstay in Michigan racing, having dominated the trainer standings at Hazel Park and Detroit Race Course throughout the 1980s and at Great Lakes Downs. Gerald Bennett conditioned the filly Down From Heaven to nine straight wins at Detroit Race Course from 1988 through 1989 after claiming her for $5,000. He was leading trainer in 2005 at Great Lakes Downs with 86 wins and 50 percent of his entries finished in the money. Among his many accomplish- ments, Bennett has won five races in one day. Adding to his talents, Bennett also trained and rehabbed Standardbreds in Ontario, Canada. Gerald Bennett ended the 2006-2007 Tampa Bay Downs meet as the third leading trainer with 31 wins from 163 starts; on May 5, 2007, Bennett escorted his trainee Bucky's Prayer to the winner‘s circle after her victory in the Lightning City Stakes. Bennett finished the 2010-2011 Tampa meet tied as leading trainer with Jamie Ness with 61 victories apiece. His Crimson Knight finished second in the Tampa Bay Derby at odds of 86-1.
World Thoroughbreds Racing, Inc. (Gene Phelps)
Birthdate: July 8, 1932 Birthplace: Cabin Hollow, KY Residence: Minneapolis, MN and Midway, KY Family: Four children, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild Circuit: Tampa Bay Downs, Arlington Park, Hawthorne, Gulfstream Park, Calder Tampa Bay Downs Trainer: Chad Stewart
Gene Phelps owns World Aerospace Corporation of Maple Grove, Minn., which manufactures complex, precision-machined components and assemblies, such as space shuttle and airplane parts, to meet aircraft and aerospace industry needs. ―We have a part on the moon,‖ said Phelps, who worked for General Electric for 14 years before entering private business. His son Ike Phelps serves as President of the company. Customers include Boeing, GE Transportation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce and the U.S. government.
World Thoroughbreds Racing has about 20 horses in training, 19 broodmares and a number of retired older mares at the outfit‘s 120-acre facility in Midway, Ken- tucky. Phelps began racing at Tampa Bay Downs about 17 years ago and competed at Prairie Meadows in Iowa and Canterbury in Minnesota. Wayzata Bay, who won the 2008 Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, also captured the Grade II Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap that year for Phelps and won eight stakes and more than $700,000 in his career. The elder Phelps said he and trainer Chad Stewart are on the same page when it comes to handling their athletes. ―Chad takes good care of them and if they need time, we take them back to the farm, turn them out and let them be horses,‖ Phelps explained.
54 RECORDS
Ring Weekend and jockey Daniel Centeno are home free in the 2014 GII Tampa Bay Derby 55 RECORDS SET ON A SINGLE CARD
JOCKEYS RIDING RECORDS OWNER, TRAINER & JOCKEY COMBINATIONS
JOCKEY WINS DATE OWNER, TRAINER & JOCKEY WINS DATE Richard DePass 7 March 15, 1980 Christos Gatis (Owner), William Mitchell 3 April 10, 2001 Rick Luhr 5 December 10, 1983 (Trainer), Manoel Cruz (Jockey) Jorge Guerra 5 December 30, 1996 Midwest Thoroughbreds (Owner), Jamie Ness 3 March 1, 2009 (Trainer), Ronnie Allen, Jr. (Jockey) Herson Sanchez 5 January 2, 1996 Jesse Garcia 5 May 4, 1996 TRAINER AND JOCKEY COMBINATIONS Joe Judice 5 April 21, 2003 Daniel Centeno 5 February 22, 2009 TRAINER & JOCKEY WINS DATE John Velazquez 5 March 9, 2013 Sam Cronk (Trainer), Sean Jones (Jockey) 3 December 28, 1997 TRAINERS RECORDS Kirk Ziadie (Trainer), Sally Mitchellhill (Jockey) 3 March 23, 2007 TRAINER WINS DATE MUTUEL RECORDS Jamie Ness 4 3/3/2009; 1/19/2012
Kathleen O’Connell 4 February 23, 2003 WAGER PAYOFF DATE Don Rice 3 February 13, 1997 $2.00 Win $249.00 March 23, 1988 Sam Cronk 3 December 28, 1997 $2.00 Daily Double $6,638.60 March 6, 2009 William Mitchell 3 April 10, 2001 $2.00 Exacta $3,648.20 May 1, 2005 Duane Knipe 3 April 24, 2001 $1.00 Trifecta $54,155.60 February 3, 2010 Richard Ciardullo, Jr. 3 January 14, 2003 $2.00 Perfecta $9,754.00 February 8, 1973 Greg Griffith 3 March 31, 2003 $2.00 Quinella $5,067.60 February 21, 1995 Rick Slomkowski 3 January 25, 2007 $2.00 Pick 3 $41,555.80 March 19, 2008 Kirk Ziadie 3 March 23, 2007 $2.00 Pick 4 $248,045.20 February 27, 2010 Charles Fontana 3 April 2, 2007 $1.00 Superfecta $154,377.50 December 6, 2013 $ .10 Superfecta $38,169.08 March 21, 2008 Peter Wasiluk, Jr. 3 January 26, 2008 $1.00 High Five $31,246.80 March 2, 2013 Rick Slomkowski 3 March 28, 2008 $1.00 Pick 5 $88,417.10 February 25, 2012 Anthony Pecoraro 3 December 12, 2009 Ian Wilkes 3 January 23, 2013 56 Rory Barron 3 March 15, 2013 RECORDS
Main Track Turf Distance Horse Age Weight Time Date Distance Horse Age Weight Time Date 2 furs Silver Dollar Boy 2 120 :21.8 Jan. 18, 1990 5 Fur Ancil 5 118 :54.88 3/1/2014 3 furs Hot Star 2 117 :33.40 Feb. 14, 1980 Abt 5 Fur Charlie Papa 6 118 :56.04 4/21/2007 Wynn Dot Comma 2 118 :33.40 Apr. 21, 2003 One Mile Lucky JJ 3 115 1:33.79 2/12/2000 4 furs Camp Izard 2 122 :46.8 May 1, 1993 4-1/2 furs Geronimo J. 2 120 :52.8 Mar. 16, 1984 Abt One Mile Alley Oop Oop 5 120 1:34.37 1/19/2013 5 furs Jr‘s Exchange 5 119 :56.57 Apr. 2, 2011 1M 1/16 Legs Galore 4 122 1:39.65 2/20/1999 5-1/2 furs Lady of Greatness 6 118 01:02.79 Mar. 14, 2012 Abt 1M 1/16 Lentenor 5 118 1:40.95 12/23/2011 6 furs It‘s Me Mom 4 117 01:08.67 Apr. 7, 2012 Abt. 1M 1/8 Zagora 5 122 1:46.97 3/10/2012 6-1/2 furs Action Andy 5 121 01:15.47 Mar. 10, 2012 Abt 1M 3/8 Hertzalot 3 117 2:16.35 4/6/2014 7 furs Good Lord 6 122 01:22.03 Feb. 23, 2013 Abt 1M 1/2 Top Senor 6 118 2:31.30 2/26/2002 Abt. 1m Prosico 4 115 01:37.5 Mar. 24, 2007
1m 40y Bear Always 6 118 01:39.07 Apr. 20, 2012 Abt. 1m 40y Ravencliff 5 118 01:40.5 Jan. 29, 2008 Arabians 1-1/16 m Bold Start 6 116 01:42.8 Mar. 6, 2010 Distance Horse Age Weight Time Date 1-1/8 m Position Leader 4 122 01:50.6 Apr. 9, 1989 5 Furs Keen Edge 3 117 1:05.1 3/12/1989 1-3/16 m Warning Flag 8 126 01:59.6 Jan. 25, 1986 5 1/2 Furs Mr Full Service 10 118 1:12.25 1/20/2002 1-1/4 m Saffron Hall 6 116 02:05.10 Mar. 23, 2013 1-3/8 m Bandshee Brad 7 118 02:20.3 Mar. 26, 2005 6 Furs FMR Country Doc 4 116 1:18.2 4/23/1995 1-1/2 m Royal Jacopo 6 118 2:33 Mar. 12, 1955 7 Furs Mucho Caliente 4 122 1:32.59 3/11/2000 1-5/8 m Most Valiant 11 110 02:48.2 Mar. 29, 1997 Abt 1M (T) Smoke N Kisses 5 122 1:48.96 4/1/1999 1-3/4 m Our Day 4 119 03:00.2 Mar. 20, 1957 1M 70 Yds Sams Bey 4 116 1:54.1 2/12/1989 1-7/8 m Best Hearted 5 118 03:18.3 Mar. 22, 1986 1M 1/16 Patriot Missle 6 122 1:56.0 3/16/1997 2 miles Boss Man Jarett 10 118 03:30.3 Apr. 24, 1999 1M 1/8 Redames Ben Rabi 7 122 2:00.1 1/28/1986 2/1/2016 Mystic Fox 5 116 03:37.6 Mar. 27,1988 1M 1/4 Oh By Gosh 5 126 2:19.4 2/9/1992 1M 1/2 Tikisflaming Jet 6 126 2:52.3 1/20/1990 Steeplechase Distance Horse Age Weight Time Date
Abt. 2M 1/16 Red Classic 6 154 3:43.82 3/04/2000 57 RECORDS
SEASON RECORDS ATTENDANCE RECORDS Season Largest Handle Largest Attendance Attendance Date Event 2014-2015 12,746 March 15, 2008 Tampa Bay Derby Day 2013-2014 11,025 March 14, 2010 Tampa Bay Derby Day 2012-2013 $10,291,827.76* (March 9, 2013) 10,476 (March 9, 2013) 11,014 May 5, 2007 Kentucky Derby Day (Street Sense) 2011-2012 $9,183,788* (March 10, 2012) 9,247 (March 10, 2012) 10,755 March 12, 2011 Tampa Bay Derby Day 2010-2011 $10,949,948* (March 12, 2011) 10,755 (March 12, 2011) 10,690 May 3, 2008 Kentucky Derby Day 2009-2010 $10,807,264.71 (March 13, 2010) 11,025 (March 13, 2010) 10,593 March 17, 2007 Tampa Bay Derby Day 10,476 March 9, 2013 Tampa Bay Derby Day 2008-2009 $9,165,514* (March 14, 2009) 10,420 (March 14, 2009) 10,451 March 19, 2006 Tampa Bay Derby Day 2007-2008 $10,282,952* (March 15, 2008) 12,746 (March 15, 2008) 10,420 March 14, 2009 Tampa Bay Derby Day 2006-2007 $10,916,634* (March 17, 2007) 11,014 (May 5, 2007) 10,311 May 4, 2013 Kentucky Derby Day 2005-2006 $10,529,973* (March 18, 2006) 10,451 (March 18, 2006) 10,246 March 19, 2005 Tampa Bay Derby Day 2004-2005 $6,889,834* (March 19, 2005) 10,246 (March 19, 2005) 10,144 May 2, 2009 Kentucky Derby Day 2003-2004 $5,353,782* (March 14, 2004) 8,131 (March 14, 2004) 9,803 May 7, 2005 Kentucky Derby Day 2002-2003 $3,880,693* (March 8, 2003) 8,340 (May 3, 2003) 9,765 April 8, 1990 Closing Day (Pick 6) 2001-2002 $3,396,237* (March 17, 2002) 8,332 (May 4, 2002) 9,308 May 6, 2000 Kentucky Derby Day 2000-2001 $3,877,477* (March 18, 2001) 8,133 (May 5, 2001) 9,247 March 10, 2012 Tampa Bay Derby Day * co-mingled handle 9,199 May 1, 1999 Kentucky Derby Day 9,028 May 5, 2012 Kentucky Derby Day 8,669 May 2, 1998 Kentucky Derby Day/Turf Course Unveiling 8,533 March 20, 1998 Tampa Bay Derby Day
58 STAKES HISTORIES
It’s Me Mom, ridden by Willie Martinez, gives backers59 a reason to celebrate with her 2011 Minaret Stakes score STAKES HISTORIES HOW DOES TAMPA BAY DOWNS NAME ITS STAKES?
The Names of Tampa Bay Downs Some of the names of the stakes races run at Tampa Bay Downs are obvious: The Tampa Bay Derby, the Florida Cup Races, and so forth. The Florida Oaks is named as such simply because races for 3-year-old fillies run at classic distances are all referred to as ―Oaks;‖ the male divisions run under the much more widely-recognized ―Derby‖ headings. The Florida Cup is a series of races that are restricted to Florida-breds. The Turf Dash earned its name from the fact that it is a short race run on the lawn. However, some of the stakes races run at Tampa Bay Downs leave pa- trons scratching their heads and wondering, ―Now, where did that name come from?‖ The explanations are quite simple…
Local Color The Pelican Stakes and Sandpiper Stakes are both named after animals common to the Tampa Bay Area; the Hillsborough, Pasco and Pi- nellas Stakes are named for the counties surrounding Tampa Bay Downs. The Lightning City Stakes is named after widespread, albeit un- proven, idea that Tampa Bay is the lightning capital of the world. The Suncoast Stakes is named for the region of Florida in which Tampa Bay Downs is located; with year-round sunny weather, horsemen are happy to return to Tampa each winter for the Thoroughbred racing.
The Minaret Stakes gets its name from the spires found at the University of Tampa. University of Tampa‘s Minarets
Space Race The Challenger and Endeavour Stakes are named after space shuttles that have launched in previous years.
Friends from the Past The Chris Thomas Turf Classic, which was discontinued after the 2009 running, was named for the prominent sports talk radio host and Space Shuttle Endeavour Thoroughbred owner who used to frequent the Oldsmar oval. The Sam F. Davis Stakes was named after the former Tampa Bay Downs President who helped the track regain financial stability and brought in a period of growth for the track.
Chris Thomas Florida Fun The Gasparilla Stakes is named for Tampa‘s annual Gasparilla Fest, which celebrates the spirit of legendary pirate Jose Gaspar. It is rumored that Gaspar defected from the Spanish Navy in 1873. Gaspar took the pirate name ―Gasparilla‖ and set up his den off of Florida‘s west coast, allegedly plundering vessels in the Gulf of Mexico for 38 years.*
Lovely Lass Jose Gaspar* The Wayward Lass Stakes is the only stakes at Tampa Bay Downs named after a horse. Wayward Lass, who was the 1981 Eclipse Award-winning 3-year-old filly, was bred in Florida by Hall of Fame trainer Horatio Luro, but she never raced at Tampa Bay Downs.
1981‘s Champion 3-Year-Old Filly 60 Wayward Lass
* THE LEGEND OF GASPARILLA: MYTH AND HISTORY ON FLORIDA‘S WEST COAST by André-Marcel d‘Ans Translated by Marie-Joèle Ingalls The Challenger Stakes Formerly The Budweiser Challenger Stakes
The Challenger Stakes $60,000 Guaranteed 4-Yr-Olds-and-Up 1 1/16 Miles
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Tulira Castle (1:43.68) Angel Serpa Curtis C. Green James DiVito Nicklaus Way Managed Account 2013 Flatter This (1:44.90) Antonio Gallardo Blackacre Farms, Inc. Kathleen O'Connell Nicklaus Way (DH) Argentine Tango (DH) 2012 Fort Larned (1:42.93) Ronnie Allen, Jr. Janis Whitham Ian Wilkes Wiki Imperial Czar 2011 Colizeo (1:42.94) Willie Martinez Wertheimer and Frere Todd Pletcher Jardim Yummy with Butter 2010 Bold Start (1:42.83)## Willie Martinez Lawrence E. Carroll Kenneth McPeek J's Sundance Halo Birdrun 2009 Fierce Wind (1:45.01) Daniel Centeno Minor Stables William Phipps Fearless Vision Paradise Dancer 2008 Wayzata Bay (1:44.82) Luis Gonzalez World Thoroughbred Judi Hicklin Riversrunrylee Imawildandcrazyguy 2007 Istan (1:43.64) Jose Ferrer Darpat S.L. Stables William Mott Anglers Reef Cherokee Prince 2006 Cherokee Prince (1:43.13) Mike Allen Volar Corporation Ron Allen, Sr. Seek Gold Nightmare Affair 2005 Tap Day (1:44.58) Jose Velez Edward Evans Mark Hennig Above the Wind Attack the Books 2004 Attack the Books (1:44) Derek Bell Michael Crowe David Hinsley Native Hawk Burning Roma 2003 Admiral Lance (1:38.58) Pedro Rodriguez James Little James Little Askforaraise North Broad 2002 Classic Case (1:36.16) T.D. Houghton Stonerside Stable Mark Casse Red Masque AWOL Soldier 2001 First Spear (1:36.56) Chris DeCarlo Peachtree Stable Todd Pletcher Creek's Shore A.P. Topper 2000 Lucky J J (1:33.79)# Pedro Rodriguez Richard Ciardullo, Sr. Richard Ciardullo, Jr. Cool N Crafty Exclusive Dawn 1999 Marquette (1:35.16)** Jean-Luc Samyn J.R. Cavanaugh Richard Violette Belfast Appeal Whatkindadealisthis 1998 Sejm Run (1:25.1) Luis Gonzalez Harvey Tenenbaum Julian Canet Rock and Roll Roguish Prince 1997 Favorable Regard (1:24.4)* Kevin Whitley Suzanne Gladden Marshall Novak Chin Up Wilt the Tilt 1991 Lee N Otto (1:49.4)% Willie Martinez Tedford M. Randolf Glenn Wismer Randy Striding Ruler 1990 Darian's Reason (1:47) Eduardo Nunez Schweiger Stable, Inc. R.J. Richards, Jr. Gold Peak Stutz Blackkat 1989 Slew of Angels Ricardo Lopez Sam-Son Farm James E. Day Saratoga Spender Mitigated Bid 1988 Storm Predictions Steve Gaffalione Three G Stable Luis Olivares 1987 Strike the Knight Herson Sanchez J.M. Cutrona John F. Reading
* -- Reinstated, 3-year-olds Taken off the 2013 Triple Crown trail as a 3-year-old, ## -- Stakes, track record Tulira Castle improves to 2-for- 2 at Tampa Bay Downs with # -- Turf stakes record, 1 mile his Challenger score. breeder 61 ** -- First turf running, 1 mile % -- Final 2-year-ol,d running The Challenger Stakes
The $60,000 Challenger Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:33.79 (turf) LUCKY J J (2000) 1:42.83 (dirt) BOLD START (2010)
Slowest Time: 1:38.58 (turf) ADMIRAL LANCE (2003) 1:49.4 (dirt) LEE N OTTO (1991)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 14.40 (turf) FAVORABLE REGARD (1997) $ 61.60 (dirt) CHEROKEE PRINCE (2006)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.20 DARIAN‘S REASON (1990)
Closest Winning Margin: NECK (turf) CLASSIC CASE (2002) HEAD (dirt) ATTACK THE BOOKS (2004)
Largest Winning Margin: 7 ½ Lengths DARIAN‘S REASON (1990)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .70 LEE N OTTO (1991); WIKI (2012)
Track Condition: FIRM All turf runnings FAST All dirt runnings
Richest Purse: 2004 (dirt) $75,000 (2004); became $60,000 in 2011
Other Notes: Tulira Castle is a son of War Pass, the winner of the 2007 Bessemer Trust Breeders‘ Cup Juve- nile. Fort Larned used his 2012 Challenger victory as a springboard to his outstanding multiple-graded stakes success, culminating in his Breeders‘ Cup Classic victory at Santa Anita. Fort Larned also won the Grade III Skip Away at Gulf- stream (in track-record time); the Grade III Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap; and the Grade I Whitney Invitational Handicap at Saratoga. The Challenger started out at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt for 2-year-olds from 1987 – 1991. The 1988 Challenger winner, Storm Predictions, returned the following year to win the Tampa Bay Derby. The Challenger was not run from 1992 –1996, and was reinstated for the 1996 – 1997 season for 3-year-olds at 7 furlongs. In 1999 the race was run at a mile on the turf. The 2004 race was put back on the dirt for older horses. The 2006 renewal marked a track and stakes record for Cherokee Prince with Mike Allen aboard for trainer Ron Allen, Sr. Another member of the Allen family, Ronnie Jr., was aboard Fort Larned in 2012. Willie Martinez has ridden three winners of the Challenger: Lee N Otto in 1991, Bold Start in 2010 in stakes and track-record time and Colizeo in 2011. The 2010 Belmont Stakes winner, Drossel- meyer, finished fourth in the 2011 Challenger; he went on to win the 2011 Breeders‘ Cup Classic. Istan, the 2007 Chal- lenger winner trained by Hall of Fame conditioner William Mott, went on to win a pair of Grade III stakes later that sea- son. 62 Lambholm South Endeavour Stakes—Grade III Formerly the Endeavour Breeders’ Cup
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Cloud Scapes (1:42.75) Erick Rodriguez Pin Oak Stud H. Graham Motion Wholelottashakin Floral Romance 2013 Old Tune (1:41.48) Joel Rosario Stud TNT Todd Pletcher Appealing Cat Last Full Measure 2012 Zagora (1:40.92) Javier Castellano Martin S. Schwartz Chad Brown Exclusive Love Keertana 2011 Silver Reunion (1:43.98) Ramon Dominguez Gov. Brereton C. Jones H. Graham Motion C.S. Silk Denomination 2010 Lomaki (1:46.39) Chris DeCarlo Chiefswood Stable Eric Coatrieux Cure for Sale (ARG) Coulee 2009 Ballymore Lady (1:42.37) Jose Lezcano R. McCauley and C. Purcell Eddie Kenneally Elusive Lady Sousaphone 2008 Dreaming of Anna (1:42.38)^ Cornelio Velasquez Frank C. Calabrese Wayne Catalano Lear's Princess Meribel 2007 Cassydora (1:43.05) John Velazquez Green Hills Farm Todd Pletcher Bright Abundance Warrior Girl 2006 My Lordship (1:40.26)# Cornelio Velasquez Live Oak Plantation William Mott Laurafina Amorama 2005 Delta Princess (1:43.54) Herberto Castillo Saud bin Khaled William Mott Fast Cookie Lentil 2004 Madeira Mist (1:43.54)* Edgar Prado Skymarc Farm, Inc. Christophe Clement Something Ventured Coney Kitty 2003 Wander Mon (1:50.89) Manoel Cruz Jaime Carrion Edward Plesa, Jr. Strait From Texas Kimster 2002 Chausson Poire (1:50.40) Tommy Pompell Pia M. Kirkham Duane Knipe Kelly Bag Golden Antigua 2001 Cybil (1:48.48) Felix Ortiz Carol F. Dooner J.J. Graci Megans Bluff Golden Saint 2000 Office Miss (1:48.93) Joe Bravo Sam Morell Gary Sciacca Seducer Diablo's First Lady
^ -- Became Grade III in 2008 # -- Stakes record
Cloud Scapes and jockey Erick Rodriguez (No. 5) hold off Wholelottashakin by a neck to win the Endeavour, the second victory in the race for trainer H. Graham Motion.
63 Lambholm South Endeavour Stakes—Grade III The Grade III $150,000 Lambholm South Endeavour Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:40.26 MY LORDSHIP (2006)
Slowest Time 1:51.56 CLOUD SCAPES (2014)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 24.40 CYBIL (2001)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.80 CASSYDORA (2007), ZAGORA (2012)
Closest Winning Margin: Nose OFFICE MISS (2000), DREAMING OF ANNA (2008)
Largest Winning Margin: 3 Lengths CASSYDORA (2007)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .20 MEGANS BLUFF (2001)
Track Condition: FIRM All but 2005 and 2011 (good) and 2010 (yielding)
Richest Purse: 2008, 2012-present $150,000
Other Notes: Cloud Scapes‘ breeder and owner, Josephine Abercrombie‘s Pin Oak Stud, and trainer H. Gra- ham Motion combined in 2002 to win the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby with Equality. Cloud Scapes was the third consecutive Endeavour winner to add the Grade III Hillsborough to her ledger later in the meeting. The 2013 winner, Old Tune, became the first Brazilian-bred distaffer and fourth foreign-bred horse to win the Endeavour. Old Tune‘s trainer Todd Pletcher also won both races in 2007 with Cassydora. The 2012 Endeavour winner, Zagora, cemented her reputation as one of the na- tion‘s top turf mares with subsequent victories in the Grade III Hillsborough and Gallorette, the Grade II Ballston Spa and the prestigious Breeders‘ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita. Hall of Fame trainer William Mott won the Endeavour in back- to-back years: in 2005 with Delta Princess and 2006 with My Lordship. Dreaming of Anna — the 2006 Eclipse Award Juve- nile Filly champion — edged Lear‘s Princess by a nose under jockey Cornelio Velasquez in 2008, the first year the Endeav- our was a graded stakes. . It was the second Endeavour victory for Velasquez, who was aboard My Lordship in 2006. Cloud Scapes was the 100th lifetime stakes winner for her sire, Smart Strike.
64 The Florida Cup Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies—3 Year Olds
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Holiday Magic (1:23.20) Juan Leyva Pinnacle, Hendricks, Justice William Kaplan Quick as a Bunny Legal Laura 2013 Putitinmypocket (1:25.39) Juan Leyva Pinnacle/Wm. Kaplan William Kaplan Cindys Casino Cotton Pickin 2012 Xunlei (1:23.17) Leandro Goncalves Gold Mark Farm Dale Romans Citizen Advocate Backstage Magic 2011 My Sunshine Gal (1:22.75) * Ronnie Allen, Jr. Wisteria Lane Stable Derek Ryan Devilish Lady White Merlot 2010 Dances With Ashley (1:23.1 Elvis Trujillo Denholtz Stables Martin Wolfson Island Time Joanie's Catch 2009 Snow Lass (1:23.78) R. Homeister, Jr. Bridlewood Farm Lynne M. Scace Sweet Yulianna Brinca 2008 Moonshine Alice (1:24.29) Andrew Ramgeet Kenneth McFarland Gerald Bennett Dee's Rose Tight Precision 2007 Trainee (1:25.71) Jose Lezcano Glen Hill Farm Thomas Proctor Suaveness Saint Barbara 2006 Quelle Surprise (1:24.03) T.D. Houghton Haras Santa Maria deAraras Richard Ciardullo, Sr. Love Boot Running Lass 2005 Running Bobcats (1:24.87) Julio Garcia Gatrou Farm Rodolfo Garcia Forever Brilliant British Event 2004 Chenia (1:26.73) Russell Woolsey Novak and Richard Marshall Novak Bird Chatter Runaway Rizzi 2003 Just Bill Me (1:24.45) R. Homeister, Jr. J. Reynolds & D. Dwyer Enrique Alonso Ozilda's Nancy Lee Sara's Yankee Girl
* -- stakes record
Holiday Magic rewards trainer William Kaplan and jockey Juan Leyva with their second con- secutive Sophomore Fillies win.
65
The Florida Cup $75,000 Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies
Fastest Time 1:22.75 MY SUNSHINE GAL (2011)
Slowest Time 1:26.73 CHENIA (2004)
Longest Priced Winner $61.00 QUELLE SURPRISE (2006)
Shortest Priced Winner $4.20 JUST BILL ME (2003)
Closest Winning Margin NECK CHENIA (2004)
Longest Winning Margin 7 ¾ Lengths JUST BILL ME (2003)
Shortest Price Loser $ .70 FOREVER BRILLIANT (2005)
Track Condition Fast All Runnings
Richest Purse $85,000 2007
66 The Florida Cup
Florida Cup Sophomore Turf $75,000 3-Year-Olds 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Ex Pirate (1:43.42) Daniel Centeno Averill Racing, Clark Freeman Ralph Ziadie I'm the Lucky One Best Plan Yet 2013 Boy of Summer (1:43.67) Daniel Centeno Lone Star LLC Rodolfo Garcia China Holiday Balino 2012 Star Channel (1:41.20) * Pedro Cotto, Jr. GDS Racing Stable Todd Pletcher Didn't Take It Crafty Unicorn 2011 Extensive (1:43.81) Leandro Goncalves Glen Hill Farm Thomas Proctor Master Dunker Dan's My Man 2010 Thunder Brew (1:42.39) Victor Lebron Roman Hill Farm, LLC Anthony Pecoraro Gator Tiger Saint Judge 2009 Tamborim (1:43.05) Daniel Centeno Haras Santa Maria deAraras William Mott Duke of Mischief Cheeks Malone 2008 El Sultry Sun (1:43.45) Jose Velez, Jr. Live Oak Plantation John C. Kimmel Gibbler's Gold Waywardwillie 2007 Soldier's Dancer (1:42.71) Sebastian Madrid Herman Heinlein David Vivian A Bit of Madness Fair Weather Stan 2006 Mr. Silver (1:42.61) Abel Castellano, Jr. Thorobeam Farms Edward Plesa, Jr. Go Between World Battle 2005 Nicandro (1:41.73) Jesse Garcia Mary Beth Thomas Myra Mora Rich In Spirit Shoot Out 2004 Keystone Point (1:42.58) Joseph Rocco, Jr. Mouttet & Hoo Kirk Ziadie Indigo Flyer Soldier of Faine 2003 Hear No Evil (1:42.85) Eduardo Nunez Jacks or Better Farm Kenneth Decker Amon Regal Bear
* -- stakes record
Claimed for $32,000 three races back, Ex Pirate wins for owners Rich Averill and Skinny‘s boss Clark Freeman.
67
The Florida Cup
The Florida Cup $75,000 Sophomore Turf
Fastest Time: 1:41.20 STAR CHANNEL (2012)
Slowest Time 1:43.81 EXTENSIVE (2011)
Longest Priced Winner $ 77.00 NICANDRO (2005)
Shortest Priced Winner $ 3.20 SOLDIER‘S DANCER (2007)
Closest Winning Margin Head BOY OF SUMMER (2013)
Largest Winning Margin 2 3/4 Lengths STAR CHANNEL (2012), EX PIRATE (2014)
Shortest Price Loser $ .30 GO BETWEEN (2006)
Track Condition Firm All runnings except 2013 (good)
Richest Purse $ 85,000 2007
68 The Florida Cup
Florida Cup Soph. Colts/Geldings $75,000 3-Year-Olds 7 Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd
2014 Prudhoe Bay (1:22.58) Angel Serpa Rustlewood Farm, Inc. Edward Plesa, Jr. Brothersofthetime C. Zee
2013 City of Weston (1:23.52) Paco Lopez Cloud Nine Lumoni Antonio Sano Ruler of Love Risk Factor
2012 Tarpy's Goal (1:23.52) Leandro Goncalves Mike Tarp Dale Romans Midnight Serenade Indirectly A.P.
2011 Manicero (1:22.13) * Paco Lopez Leo Azpurua, Sr. Leo Azpurua, Jr. Turbo Compressor Jaggermonster
2010 Thank U Philippe (1:22.37) Elvis Trujillo Kramer Stables, et al Martin Wolfson My Charming Clyde Good Lord
2009 Bee Cee Cee (1:22.80) Daniel Centeno J. Robert Harris, Jr. Edward Plesa, Jr. Biblionico Golf Pal 2008 Repenting (1:22.79) Daniel Centeno Balkrisna Sukharan Jamie Ness Brother Joey Mr. Flatter
2007 Whiskey Lit (1:25.07) Rajiv Maragh Rookie Stables Jane Cibelli Steelix Chief Thief 2006 Electrify (1:23.25) Abel Castellano, Jr. Padua Stables Edward Plesa, Jr. Vanilla Scoop R Smoken Star
2005 Bernie Blue (1:24.20) Roberto Perez Pyrite Stables Miguel Feliciano Lite Brigade Roman Candles 2004 Weigelia (1:24.45) Aurelio Toribio Joseph Balsamo Manuel Azpurua Avid Skier Spirit of Montreal
2003 My Champion (1:24.09) J.J. Delgado Robert DuBois Douglas Potter Who's Crying Now Paris Adventure
* -- stakes record
Prudhoe Bay, No. 1, wins a three-horse photo, giving trainer Edward Plesa, Jr., his fifth Florida Cup win.
69
The Florida Cup
The Florida Cup $75,000 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Sophomore
Fastest Time: 1:22.13 MANICERO (2011)
Slowest Time: 1:25.07 WHISKEY LIT (2007)
Longest Priced Winner: $126.40 MY CHAMPION (2003)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.60 ELECTRIFY (2006), MANICERO (2011)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE CITY OF WESTON (2013)
Largest Winning Margin: 10 1/2 Lengths REPENTING (2008)
Shortest Priced Loser: $ .70 ANYTHINGYOUWANT (2009)
Track Condition: Fast All runnings
Richest Purse: $ 85,000 2008
70
The Florida Cup
Florida Cup Distaff Turf $75,000 F/M 4-and-Up 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Cuppy Cake (1:41.47) Ricardo Feliciano Roman Hill Farm, LLC Anthony Pecoraro E B Ryder Lori's Store (DQ from 1) 2013 Hooh Why (1:42.56) Ronnie Allen, Jr. Hoffman, M. & Trostrud, E. Rick Slomkowski Inaugurate Sweet Little Lion 2012 Hooh Why (1:41.46) * R. Homeister, Jr. Estate of Gail Gee, Hoffman Shirley Girten-Drake Unbridled Humor Another Smokey 2011 Trip for A.J. (1:44.04) Paco Lopez Peter D. Fuller Milton Wolfson Wild Mia Ruling Class 2010 Closeout (1:41.91) Jesus Castanon Glen Hill Farm Thomas Proctor Scolara Many Kisses 2009 Quiet Meadow (1:42.30) Elvis Trujillo Hidden Brook Chad Brown Scolara Azura 2008 Bayou's Lassie (1:43.05) Daniel Centeno Jacks or Better Farm Christophe Clement Inhonorofjohnnie Adif'rntTune/Jaunty Gale 2007 Quite a Bride (1:42.30) Carlos Montalvo Haras Santa Maria deAraras William Mott Prop Me Up A Different Tune 2006 Thetactics Ofdance (1:42.70) Eddie Castro Preferred Pals,Wachtel Stbl. William Mott Pattiano Changing World 2005 Joyful Ballad (1:42.05) Jose Lezcano Glen Hill Farm Thomas Proctor Marwood Vidlocity 2004 Skip to Savannah (1:42.12) Joe Judice Pinky Mendoza William Houle Formal Miss Mrs. M 2003 Chef's Choice (1:42.65) Tommy Pompell Alan Amato Don Rice Cellar's Shiraz Laurica
* -- stakes record
No. 9 Cuppy Cake, white blink- ers, gets her just desserts when Lori‘s Store is disqualified and placed third for bumping E B Ryder.
71
The Florida Cup $75,000 Pleasant Acres Stallions Distaff Turf Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:41.46 HOOH WHY (2012)
Slowest Time: 1:44.04 TRIP FOR A. J. (2011)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 29.00 SKIP TO SAVANNAH (2004)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 2.80 TRIP FOR A.J. (2011)
Closest Winning Margin: Head HOOH WHY (2012 AND 2013), CUPPY CAKE (2014)
Largest Winning Margin: 2 ¼ Lengths QUITE A BRIDE (2007)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .50 SCOLARA (2009)
Track Condition: Firm All runnings except 2013 (GOOD)
Richest Purse: $ 85,000 2007
72
The Florida Cup
Florida Cup Turf Classic $75,000 4-Year-Olds-and-Up 1 1/8 Miles (Turf)
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Old Time Hockey (1:48.87) Ronnie Allen, Jr. Glen Hill Farm Thomas Proctor Racing Aptitude Bad Debt 2013 Hobbs (1:49.22) Daniel Centeno Peter D. Kelly Kathy Mongeon Star Channel Bad Debt 2012 Roman Tiger (1:48.10) Angel Serpa Dennis Manning Dennis Manning Vanquisher Slew's Answer 2011 Slew's Answer (1:50.16) Leandro Goncalves Live Oak Plantation H. Graham Motion Blazen Vanquisher 2010 Picou (1:47.00) * Elvis Trujillo John Eaton & Steve Laymon Chad Brown Allie's Event Vanquisher 2009 Fearless Eagle (1:48.09) Elvis Trujillo Isaac Muhtar Edward Plesa, Jr. Marquet Cat Ruff and Ready 2008 Soldier's Dancer (1:49.95) Daniel Centeno Herbert Heinlein David Vivian Silver Tree Fearless Eagle 2007 Go Between (1:48.06) Carlos Montalvo Peter Vegso William Mott Therecomesatiger Art of Diplomacy 2006 Silver Tree (1:48.45) Eddie Castro Peter Vegso William Mott Icy Atlantic Ballonenostrikes 2005 Revved Up (1:49.62) Eddie Castro Live Oak Plantation Christophe Clement Admiral Lance Attack the Books 2004 Restage (1:49.24) Jesus Castanon Glen Hill Farm Thomas Proctor Final Prophecy Drink a Toast 2003 Guardianofthegate (1:48.33) Tommy Pompell Brett Rice Don Rice Sir Brian's Sword Love the Game
* -- stakes record
Grade II winner Old Time Hockey turns back all challeng- ers to win the Tampa Turf Classic — a record sixth Flor- ida Cup victory for breeder- owner Glen Hill.
73
The $75,000 Florida Cup Tampa Turf Classic
Fastest Time 1:47.00 PICOU (2010)
Slowest Time 1:50.16 SLEW‘S ANSWER (2011)
Longest Priced Winner $10.80 FEARLESS EAGLE (2009)
Shortest Priced Winner $ 3.20 SILVER TREE (2006)
Closest winning Margin NOSE RESTAGE (2004)
Largest Winning Margin 3¼ Lengths REVVED UP (2005)
Shortest Priced Loser $ 1.40 ORCHARD PARK (2004)
Track Condition FIRM All runnings except 2013 (good)
Richest Purse $ 85,000 2007
74
The Florida Cup
Florida Cup Sprint $75,000 4-Year-Olds-and-Up 6 Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Sneaking Uponyou (1:09.08) Huber Villa-Gomez Jagger Inc. Jamie Ness City of Weston Evolution Rocks 2013 Wild About Chrome (1:10.91) Ronnie Allen, Jr. Jim & Nannette McCullough James McCullough Sneaking Uponyou Soaring Stocks 2012 It's Me Mom (1:08.67)+ Jorge Vargas Thomas and Jean Bosch Lynne M. Scace My Charming Clyde Jackfrost Ofcourse 2011 Sneaking Uponyou (1:08.69) Huber Villa-Gomez Jagger Inc. Jamie Ness Tommy's Memory On the Vineyard 2010 Tommy's Memory (1:09.56) David Amiss Thomas J. Ryan Anthony Ryan Blind River Fox For All Who Conga 2009 On the Vineyard (1:09.59) Willie Martinez Lynne M. Scace Lynne M. Scace How's Your Halo Ruby's Red Socks 2008 Blue Pepsi Lodge (1:10.65) Wesley Henry, Sr Chester Bishop Kirk Ziadie Lookinforthesecret BL's a Runner 2007 Roman Candles (1:10.61) Jose Martinez, Jr. C. Robert Valeri Lynne M. Scace Lookinforthesecret Weigelia 2006 Nightmare Affair (1:10.21) Eddie Castro Timber Side Stables Manuel Azpurua Vazandar Above the Wind 2005 Nightmare Affair (1:10.15) Eddie Castro Timber Side Stables Manuel Azpurua Scrubs Hi Time Scott 2004 Scrubs (1:10.70) Winston Thompson Jacks or Better Farm Kenneth Decker Rock Country Built Up 2003 Built Up (1:10.72) Eibar Coa Raymond Susi Enrique Alonso Straight A Hana Highway
* -- stakes, track record
Sneaking Uponyou and jockey Huber Villa-Gomez win by more than six lengths in repeat of 2011 Sprint triumph.
75
The $75,000 Florida Cup Hilton Garden Inn/Hampton Inn & Suites Sprint
Fastest Time: 1:08.67 IT‘S ME MOM (2012)
Slowest Time: 1:10.91 WILD ABOUT CHROME (2013)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 63.00 ON THE VINEYARD (2009)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.20 IT‘S ME MOM (2012)
Closest Winning Margin: Neck BLUE PEPSI LODGE (2008)
Largest Winning Margin: 7 Lengths SNEAKING UPONYOU (2011)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .70 LOOKINFORTHESECRET (2008)
Track Condition: Fast All runnings
Richest Purse: $ 85,000 2008
76 The Florida Oaks The Florida Oaks $200,000 Fillies 3-Year-Olds 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd
2014 Testa Rossi (1:43.51) Jose Lezcano Covello,J.,Coleman,T.,Doheny Chad Brown Istanford Interrupted 2013 Tapicat (1:41.89) * Joel Rosario Besilu Stables William Mott Kitten's Dumplings Wave Theory 2012 Dixie Strike (1:43.30) Jose Lezcano John Oxley Mark Casse More Than Love Regalo Mia 2011 Dynamic Holiday (1:45.56) ^ Ramon Dominguez Augustin Stable H. Graham Motion Holidaysatthefarm Niji's Grand Girl 2010 Diva Delite (1:46.10) R. Homeister, Jr. B. Vivian & D. Vittese David Vivian C C's Pal Mallory Square 2009 Don't Forget Gil (1:43.65) ** Rajiv Maragh Alan Brodsky Mark Hennig Ameribelle Rock Candy 2008 Awesome Chic (1:44.38) Irwin J. Rosendo Aurora Springs Stable Rafael Ramos Elusive Lady My Baby Baby 2007 Cotton Blossom (1:45.06) John Velazquez Dogwood Stable Todd Pletcher Suaveness Maria's Kitty 2006 Bushfire (1:46.25) John Velazquez Ron and Ricki Rashinski Eddie Kenneally Saratoga Drive Crystal Current 2005 R Lady Joy (1:44.58) Jose Lezcano Richard Averill Kirk Ziadie Toll Taker Gotta Rush 2004 Ender's Sister (1:45.66) Pat Day Green Lantern Stables George Arnold, II Menifeeque America America 2003 Ebony Breeze (1:45.20) Mark Guidry Kinsman Stable William Mott Dakota Light Crimson and Roses 2002 French Satin (1:45.2) Ramon Dominguez Sabine Stables Steven Standridge Romancin Dixie Ciudad De Carson 2001 Quick Tip (1:45.1) Richard Migliore W.S. Farish Neil J. Howard Southern Fiction Emery Board 2000 Secret Status (1:45) Pat Day Farish/Elkins/Webber Neil J. Howard March Magic Musical 1999 Crown Jewel (1:46.3) Luis Martinez Donald Murray Evelio Garcia Madison's Charm Here I Go 1998 Pantufla (1:45.2) Pat Day Helen Alexander David Carroll Puddlejump Try N Sue 1997 Anklet (1:45) Shane Sellers Loeb/Ray/Sullivan Elliott Walden Global Star Screamer 1996 Mindy Gayle (1:45.4) Jorge Guerra Tanenbaum Racing Stable Julian Canet Plum Country Weekend In Seattle 1995 Sneaky Quiet (1:45.4) Mike Smith W.S. Farish/Webber Neil J. Howard Commando Dance Smooth Quest 1994 Cavada (1:46.2) Kevin Whitley Bebe Dalton K. Kelley Come On Joy Strategic Maneuver 1993 Star Jolie (1:45.3) Eduardo Nunez Five Star Stables Ron McKenzie Hollywood Wildcat Jacody 1992 Luv Me Luv Me Not (1:45.3) Willie Martinez Philip and Judy Maas Glenn Wismer Now Dance Foxy Persuasion 1991 Designated Dancer (1:45.2) Willie Martinez David Melin O.S. Edwards Car Gal Fantastic Morning 1990 Dance Colony (1:45.1) Herb McCauley Buckland Farms Ross Pearce Premier Question Sun Luck 1989 She's Scrumptious (1:46) Rick Adkins Philip and Judy Maas Glenn Wismer Iron and Silver Georgies Doctor 1988 Colonial Waters (1:44.4) Victor Molina Buckland Farms John P. Campo Tomorrow's Child Tilt My Halo 1987 Single Blade (1:45.3) Julio Pezua Greentree Stable R. Reinacher Without Feathers Merry Mercedes 1986 Noranc (1:44.3) Herb McCauley GallopingAcres/HiddenPoint J. Provost Man A Stan An Affirmation 1985 Erstwhile (1:48) Charles Hussey Hunter Farm 77 Cam Gambolati Erin's Double Flickering Match 1984 Sure Too Explode (1:24.2) ^^ Rick Luhr F. Lehmann S. Ingram April Sonnet Northern Jazz
* -- turf stakes record ^ -- run on turf at 1 1/16 Miles ** -- dirt stakes record ^^ -- run at seven furlongs
The Grade III $200,000 Florida Oaks
Fastest Time: 1:43.65 (MAIN TRACK) DON‘T FORGET GIL (2009) 1:41.89 (TURF) TAPICAT (2013)
Slowest Time 1:48.0 ERSTWHILE (1985)
Longest Priced Winner: $169.20 SHE‘S SCRUMPTIOUS (1989)
Shortest Priced Winner: $2.60 EBONY BREEZE (2003)
Closest Winning Margin: Nose MINDY GAYLE (1996), DIXIE STRIKE (2012)
Largest Winning Margin: 9 Lengths R LADY JOY (2005)
Shortest Price Loser: $.30 PLUM COUNTRY (1996), STRATEGIC MANEUVER (1994)
Track Condition: FIRM All turf runnings but 2011 (good)
Richest Purse: 2006, 2014-present $200,000
Other Notes: As a 2-year-old, Testa Rossi won the Grade III Miss Grillo Stakes and finished second in the Grade I Breeders‘ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. It was the third Florida Oaks victory for jockey Jose Lezcano, following victories on R Lady Joy in 2005 and Dixie Strike in 2012. Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day also won the race three times. In 1996, the Florida Oaks attained Grade III status; it lost graded status twice in ensuing years but was graded for the 2013 edition. It was contested on the turf for the first time in 2011. Jockey Jorge Guerra won the Tampa Bay Derby and the Florida Oaks on the same day in 1996, a first-time accomplishment for any rider. Pat Day won both races in 1998; Rich- ard Migliore won both in 2001; and Ramon Dominguez won both in 2002. Trainer Glenn Wismer has won the race twice, in 1989 and 1992. The trainer-owner-jockey combination of Will Farish, Neil Howard and Pat Day has won the Florida Oaks twice, in 1995 and 2000. Howard and Farish also won in 2001 (with jockey Richard Migliore). Buckland Farm has had two victories as owners in the Florida Oaks in 1988 and 1990. Secret Status, the 2000 winner, went on to win the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. The 2003 winner, Ebony Breeze, developed into a multiple-graded stakes winner and millionaire for George Steinbrenner‘s Kinsman Stable.
French-bred Testa Rossi over- comes the extreme outside No. 12 post position to add her name to the distinguished list of Florida Oaks 78 champions. The Gasparilla Stakes
The Gasparilla Stakes $100,000 Guaranteed Fillies 3-Year-Olds 7 Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Nesso (1:24.93) Abdiel Jaen Amaty Racing Stables Herman Wilensky Ice for the Lady Runway Giant 2013 Vitameta (1:23.86) Jose Cruz Arindel Farm David Fawkes Cindys Casino Martha's Moon 2012 Salad Girl (1:24.14) Angel Serpa Joel Kligman Edward Plesa, Jr. Delightful Magic Ciguaraya 2011 Devilish Lady (1:25.28) Daniel Centeno Cairoli Racing Stable Antonio Sano My Pal Chrisy Fashionable Elsa 2010 Diva Delite (1:25) R. Homeister, Jr. B. Vivian & D. Vittese David Vivian Dattt Echo Miss Aristocrat 2009 Rock Candy (1:25.63) Carlos Montalvo W. Farish, Mrs. W. Kilroy Mike Zwiesler Vicki'sprideandjoy Market Vendor 2008 Awesome Chic (1:25.98) Irwin J. Rosendo Aurora Spring Stables Rafael Ramos Formal Arrangement Unfolding Wish 2007 Suaveness (1:24.03) Charles Forrest Robert Arango Robert Arango Foret Pretoria Light 2006 Sweet Fervor (1:23.78) * T.D. Houghton Kinsman Stable William Mott Sparkling Pink Taylor Madison 2005 Cool Spell (1:24.36) Daniel Centeno Burris, Mr. and Mrs. W.D. John Hennig Sherrie Belle Gallant Secret 2004 Crafty Tears (1:26.81) Federico Mata Equest Racing Stable Ronald Allen, Sr. Wild Speed Ladyinareddress 2003 Ebony Breeze (1:25.01) Joe Judice Kinsman Stable William Mott Crimson and Roses Splasha 2002 Afnan (1:24.91) Jesus Castanon Bayard Sharp, Rich Nielson Mike Zwiesler Expected Roll Rebecca's Charm 2001 Frozen Dinner (1:28.69) Felix Ortiz Pyrite Stables Miguel Feliciano Bigcuz Hidden Creek 2000 Silver Stockings (1:25.23) Juan Umana Savas, Chait, Inwood Farm L.L. Palmer Castlebrook Bea D J 1999 Crown Jewel (1:26.54) ^ Luis Martinez Donald Murray Evelio Garcia A Par Tea Shutrina Sand 1998 Tasso's Magic Roo (1:25.3) Marland Suckie Eileen Bathen Richard Ciardullo, Jr. Beaties for Real Catherine's Girl 1997 Zesty Zoe (1:24.4) Danny Scocca Stonehedge Farm Kathleen O'Connell Bracey Poopsie 1996 Suggestion (1:26.4) Chin Yang Kenny Davis Ray Tamargo Pariente Barbara Believe It Shesdue 1995 Calming Sea (1:28.2) Robert Messina Dakar Stable Anthony Ferraro Smooth Quest Simply Blue 1994 Cavada (1:25.2) Kevin Whitley Bebe Dalton Kathleen Kelley Shananie's Beat Deaf Power 1993 Lindsey Lane (1:26.3) ** William Henry Stonehedge Farm Kathleen O'Connell Sezyou Queen Thou Shalt Not Lie 1992 My Gallant Birdie (1:47.0) ^^ Herson Sanchez Alan Haft/Martin Haft Angel Rosado Aggie Gene Foxy Persuasion 1990 Learn By Heart Heriberto Rivera, Jr. Harold Queen Andrea Cunningham 1989 Tajawa 1988 Bold Midway 1987 Smart Honors * -- stakes record *** -- run at 6 furlongs ^ -- purse formerly $25,000- ** -- first time 3-year- 1986 Never Company added olds only 1985 Never Company 1984 Never Company *** 79
The $100,000 Gasparilla Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:23.78 SWEET FERVOR (2006)
Slowest Time: 1:28.69 FROZEN DINNER (2001)
Longest Priced Winner: $141.40 SUAVENESS (2007)
Shortest Priced Winner: $2.80 DEVILISH LADY (2011)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE CAVADA (1994), CALMING SEA (1995)
Largest Winning Margin: 8 ½ Lengths ZESTY ZOE (1997)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .50 HIDDEN CREEK (2001)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings but 1996 (good ) and 2001 (sloppy)
Richest Purse: $100,000 2012-present
Other Notes: As a 2-year-old, Nesso finished second in stakes at Del Mar and Santa Anita before competing in the Breeders‘ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. The 2013 Gasparilla winner, Vitameta, is a daughter of Street Sense, who won the 2007 Tampa Bay Derby (then-Grade III) and Kentucky Derby; her broodmare sire, Grindstone, won the 1996 Kentucky Derby. Salad Girl‘s in 2012 victory was the first triumph in a stakes worth at least $100,000 for jockey Angel Serpa, who was a finalist for a 2010 Eclipse Award as Outstanding Apprentice Jockey. The Gasparilla was open to older fillies and mares prior to 1993. Never Company won three times in a row in 1984, 1985, and 1986. In 1984, the race was run at 6 furlongs. Stonehedge Farm with trainer Kathleen O‘Connell won the Gasparilla twice: in 1993 with Lindsey Lane and again in 1997 with Zesty Zoe. The race was not run in 1991. It was run at 1 1/16 miles in 1992 and was won by My Gal- lant Birdie in 1:47.0. Jockey Daniel Centeno has won the Gasparilla twice: in 2005 with Cool Spell and in 2011 with Dev- ilish Lady. In 2010, Diva Delite and jockey Rosemary Homeister, Jr. used a Gasparilla victory as a springboard to Florida Oaks glory. In 1994, Cavada also won the Suncoast Stakes and the Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs. The purse was increased by $35,000 for the 2012 edition.
Bred in Florida, Nesso makes a triumphant re- turn to the Sunshine State in the Gasparilla.
80
The Hillsborough Stakes—Grade III
$150,000 F/M 4-and-Up 1 1/8 Miles (Turf)
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Cloud Scapes (1:51.56) Erick Rodriguez Pin Oak Stud H. Graham Motion Waterway Run Riposte 2013 Old Tune (1:48.92) Joel Rosario Stud TNT Todd Pletcher Forces of Darkness Mystical Star 2012 Zagora (1:46.97) ^ Javier Castellano Martin S. Schwartz Chad Brown Federation (GB) Unbridled Humor 2011 Denomination (1:48.69) Frederic Lenclud Ghislaine Head Christophe Clement Zagora (FR) Keertana 2010 Phola (1:52.51) Ramon Dominguez J.J. Pletcher, et al Todd Pletcher Cure For Sale (ARG) Liberally (IRE) 2009 Backseat Rhythm (1:51.43) Eibar Coa Paul Pompa, Jr. Patrick Reynolds Elusive Lady Ballymore Lady 2008 Dreaming of Anna (1:52.18) Cornelio Velasquez Frank C. Calabrese Wayne Catalano Lady Digby Mary Louhana 2007 Cassydora (GB) 1:48.90 John Velazquez Green Hills Farm Todd Pletcher My Typhoon Masseuse 2006 Ready's Girl (1:50.50) John Velazquez James Scatuorchio Todd Pletcher Amorama (FR) Marchonin 2005 Rizzi Girl (1:52.59) Oliver Castillo Joshua and Marnie Whitney William Downing Sister Star Noisette 2004 Coney Kitty (1:48.83) Jose Santos Betz, Humphrey, Seelbinder James Toner Madeira Mist Alternate 2003 Strait From Texas (1:41.14) Jesus Castanon J & J Investments James Michael Dedication Stylish 2002 Platinum Tiara (1:41.34) Manoel Cruz M375 Thoroughbreds Joe Waunsch Step With Style Loya Two 2001 Song For Annie (1:41.23) Larry Melancon Live Oak Plantation Henry Cochran Megans Bluff Inside Affair 2000 St. Clair Ridge (1:41.17)*** Pat Day Van Meter II, et al Elliott Walden Office Miss Royal Bloomer 1999 Pleasant Temper (1:42.62)** Pat Day Mark Stanley Elliott Walden Sandy Gator Scatter Buy
^ -- stakes record ** -- purse $50,000 *** -- purse $75,000 1 1/16 miles from 1999-2003 Cloud Scapes and jockey Erick Rodriguez edge Wa- terway Run in a thrilling Hillsborough renewal.
81
The Grade III $150,000 Hillsborough Stakes
Fastest Time: 1 1/16th 1:41.14 STRAIT FROM TEXAS (2003)
Fastest Time: 1 1/8th 1:46.97 ZAGORA(2012)
Slowest Time: 1 1/16th 1:42.62 PLEASANT TEMPER (1999)
Slowest Time: 1 1/8th 1:52.59 RIZZI GIRL (2005)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 29.20 PLATINUM TIARA (2002)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.40 PLEASANT TEMPER (1999), ST. CLAIR RIDGE (2000)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE BACKSEAT RHYTHM (2009), CLOUD SCAPES (2014)
Largest Winning Margin: 6 ¾ Lengths DREAMING OF ANNA (2008)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .70 SNOWDROPS (2005)
Track Condition: FIRM All runnings but 1999 and 2005 (good) and 2008 (yielding)
Richest Purse: 2008 $175,000
Other Notes: Cloud Scapes became the fifth distaffer, and third in succession, to win both the Hillsborough and Grade III Endeavour in the same year. She is a homebred product of Josephine Abercrombie‘s Pin Oak Stud, LLC operation. Old Tune‘s 2013 Hillsborough victory was her sixth consecutive stakes score. She won Brazil‘s Filly Triple Crown in 2012. Her trainer, Todd Pletcher, won three previous editions of the Hillsborough: in 2006 with Ready‘s Girl, in 2007 with Cas- sydora and in 2010 with Phola. After winning both the Grade III Endeavour and the Hillsborough in 2012, Zagora won the Grade III Gallorette at Pimlico, the Grade II Ballston Spa at Saratoga and the Breeders‘ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Santa Anita. She was also a Grade I winner in 2011. The Hillsborough Stakes attained Grade III status in 2004. In 2008, Dreaming of Anna swept both the Endeavour Breeders‘ Cup on Festival Preview Day and the Hillsborough on Festival Day. The 2002 winner, Platinum Tiara, was owned by M375 Thoroughbreds, a partnership that included former major league pitcher Rob Murphy.
82 The Inaugural Stakes $100,000 Guaranteed 2-Year-Olds 6 Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2013 Cool Cowboy (1:11.13) Eduardo Perez Savoy Stable Dale Bennett Early Entry Trisha's Trove 2012 Purple Egg (1:09.93) * R. Alvarado, Jr. Goodwood Racing II Jane Cibelli Brave Dave Capital City T'braue,Brenda/ 2011 Angelofdistinction (1:11.49) Pablo Morales Andrea'sFrm Daniel Pita Wildcat Creek Dangerous Trick 2010 Manicero (1:11.57) Luis Saez Leo Azpurua, Sr. Leo Azpurua, Jr. Bert B Don Uno Caliente 2009 Gesu (1:11.58) Paco Lopez James W. Steil Joe Calascibetta Hellen's Choice Mr. Green 2008 Top Speed (1:10.91) Eibar Coa Harry and Tom Meyerhoff Michael Trombetta General Quarters Miles and Miles 2007 HoneyHoneyHoney (1:11.15)^ Jose Lopez Jacks or Better Farm Stanley Gold Run Sully Run Surrealdeal 2006 Dream of Angels (1:10.89) Richard Eramia Pamela Halter Steven Standridge Captain Cameron El Bandito Rojo 2005 R Loyal Man (1:11.91) Rajiv Maragh Alfred Kowalewski Timothy Ritvo Forestry Prince Neverbeendancin' 2004 Hostile Witness (1:12.23) Cecilio Penalba Thomas Willmott Larry Bates Sounds Impossible Captain Lindsay 2003 Tricks of Glory (1:12.21) Federico Mata Equest Racing Stable Ronald Allen, Sr. Aloha Mya Misguided Left 2002 Awesome of Course (1:11.99) Jesus Castanon Jacks or Better Farm Kenneth Decker Run For You Penthouse Promise 2001 Bog Hunter (1:11.43) Bobby J. Walker, Jr. Nelson Jones Debbie Thacker Showmeitall How About My Place 2000 One Special Judge (1:11.16) Sidney LeJeune, Jr. Peppertree Farms Ron Moquett Diablo's Choice Run Kush Run 1999 B L's Appeal (1:11.87) Kevin Whitley Monarch Stables, Inc. Larry Pilotti Rich Celebration Bearcat Ruckus 1998 San Gennaro (1:10.98) Pedro Rodriguez Richard Ciardullo, Sr. Richard Ciardullo, Jr. Do It My Way Cut For Luv 1997 Sejm Run (1:11.3) Luis Gonzalez Harvey Tenenbaum Julian Canet Glow Over Pyrite Rock and Roll 1996 Darling Jeb (1:13) Enrique Jurado Joel W. Sainer David Braddy Threshhold Triple Great
1995 Betweenhereorthere(1:24.1)** Ender Jimenez Dominick Vittese Daviod Vivian Cashier Coyote Dirtman 1994 Soldier On (1:25.2) Eddie Algarin Frederick Kirby Frederick Kirby Brunette Crusader Valid Coup 1993 Roglee (1:25.2) William Henry Roger Kumar Glenn Wismer Exclusive Praline Loadofhope 1992 Virgil Cain (1:24) Eduardo Nunez S.W. Ballou Daniel Hurtak Numerically Aarons Classi Boy 1991 No Mecourtney (1:26.3) Eric Valles Oliver S. Edwards Valerie Sciaretta Critical Quad Oh My Blue Boy 1990 Darian's Reason Schweiger Stable, Inc. Robert Richards, Jr. 1989 Ignition Switch 1988 Storm Predictions * -- stakes record 1987 Cook's Brown Rice ^ -- Run in December 2007 1986 Tough Castin' 83
^ -- Run in December 2007
The $100,000 Inaugural Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:09.93 PURPLE EGG (2012)
Slowest Time: 1:14.0 LINDSEY LANE (1993)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 79.40 HONEY HONEY HONEY (2008)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.00 COOL COWBOY (2013)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE HONEY HONEY HONEY (2008)
Largest Winning Margin: 3 ½ Lengths COOL COWBOY (2013)
Shortest Price Loser: $ 1.10 KING DIABLO (1996)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings but 1999 (good)
Richest Purse: $100,000 2013-present
Other Notes: Cool Cowboy is a son of 2009 Eclipse Award-winning Outstanding Sprinter, Kodiak Kowboy. The 2012 winner, Purple Egg, was the first Inaugural Stakes winner to finish in under 1:10 since the race was shortened from seven furlongs in 1996. The fourth-place finisher in that race, Falling Sky, won the Grade III, $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and finished third in the Grade II, $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby. The purse was $25,000 from 1986 through 1998; in 1999 it was run for $40,000 and in 2000 the race was valued at $50,000. In December of 2007, the Inaugural began running for $65,000 and was raised again for the 2011 edition. The 2011 Tampa Bay Derby winner, Watch Me Go, finished fifth in the 2010 Inaugural. The 1988 Inaugural winner, Storm Predictions, won the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby in 1989 and also won the Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and the Palm Beach Stakes at Gulfstream and the Americana Handicap at Calder. The 2008 Inaugural runner-up, General Quarters, won the Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes in 2009 and was a multiple-Grade I winner and career millionaire.
Cool Cowboy led every step of the way in the Inaugural, serving notice that trainer Dale Bennett was back after a two-year hiatus.
84
The Lightning City
$100,000 Guaranteed F/M 3-and-Up 5 Furlongs (Turf)
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Shrinking Violet (55.54) % Quincy Hamilton Wesley A. Ward Wesley A. Ward Allwewantforxmas Ageless 2013 Smartys Emperoress (55.50)* ^ Angel Serpa Jerry Jamgotchian James Spicknall Trippin' Along Christina d'Oro 2011 Jenny's So Great (56.02) R. Homeister, Jr. Vicki and Bill Poston Jason Servis Supreme Bounding Bi/Suzzona 2010 Suzzona (56.83) Hector Ramos Sandy Valley Farms Benny Feliciano Trippi's Sailor Tremendamente 2009 Taletobetold (58.19) Tony Farina Robert DeWitt Eddie Kenneally Easy Ashley Kosmo's Buddy 2008 Game N Laughin' (57.21) Dean Butler Diamond G Ranch, Inc. Bernell B. Rhone Jazzy Charlie Papa 2007 Royal Regan (56.61)** Pedro Cotto, Jr. J. Pesci, S. Sharma, W. Ward Cathy Rountree Bucky's Prayer Message of a Myth 2007 Bucky's Prayer (55.50) * Luis Gonzalez Winning Stables, Inc. Gerald Bennett Zooming By Mohegan Sky 2006 Jewels N Gems (57.14) Eddie Castro Richard Averill Kirk Ziadie Jabalski Princess Yes It's Gold 2005 Whenthedoveflies (56.54) Jose Lezcano Kalacan Racing Stable Kirk Ziadie Inhonorofjohnnie Impressive Star
% -- purse increased to $100,000 * -- stakes record ^ -- run in Jan. during 2012-13 ** -- run in Dec. during 2007-08 A determined late rush under jockey Quincy Hamilton enables Shrinking Violet to bloom bright in Lightning City Stakes, only .04 seconds off the stakes record.
85
The $100,000 Lightning City Stakes
Fastest Time :55.50 BUCKY‘S PRAYER (2007), SMARTYS EMPERORESS (2013)
Slowest Time :58.19 TALETOBETOLD (2009)
Longest Priced Winner $ 61.40 GAME N LAUGHIN (2008)
Shortest Priced Winner $ 3.80 WHENTHEDOVEFLIES (2005)
Closest Winning Margin Nose SMARTYS EMPERORESS (2013)
Largest Winning Margin 5 Lengths WHENTHEDOVEFLIES (2005)
Shortest Priced Loser $0.70 MADAME GIRY (2013)
Track Condition FIRM All runnings but 2009 (good)
Richest Purse $ 75,000 2005, 2010-present
Other Notes: Shrinking Violet is a girl for all seasons and all racetracks. Her successful venture to Tampa Bay Downs for the Lightning City Stakes marked the 10th different track at which she had competed. Shrinking Violet‘s trainer, Wesley Ward, was an Eclipse Award winner as an apprentice jockey and is the son of Tampa Bay Downs trainer Dennis Ward. The 2013 winner, Smartys Emperoress, tied the stakes record in her Lightning City victory; in her only previous start at Tampa Bay Downs, she won a five-furlong allowance/optional claiming turf race in 55.42 seconds. The 2011 win- ner, Jenny‘s So Great, was bred by pop singing star David Cassidy, best known for playing Keith Partridge on ―The Par- tridge Family.‖ Jenny‘s So Great was the first betting favorite to win since Bucky‘s Prayer at the end of the 2006-07 sea- son. Suzzona is the most accomplished Lightning City winner; she also captured stakes at Pimlico, Monmouth and Parx. Trainer Kirk Ziadie has won two editions of the Lightning City Stakes: in 2005 with Whenthedoveflies and in 2006 with .Jewels N Gems. The purse for the Lightning City was increased from $75,000 to $100,000 for the 2014 renewal.
86 The Manatee (Formerly run as the Lassie Stakes)
$50,000 Guaranteed F/M 4-and-Up 7 Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Risky Rachel (1:23.48) ^ Daniel Centeno Sanford Bacon Juan Coronel Cookie Ambusher 2013 Spectacular Sky (1:23.51) Daniel Centeno Farnsworth Stables LLC Martin Wolfson Cheechako Appealing Stella 2012 Taylors Irish (1:23.55) Pedro Cotto, Jr. Michael Newman Charles Harvatt Island Bound Much Rejoicing 2011 Hyperlink (1:23.52) Daniel Centeno Joseph Engelhart Kenneth McPeek Choragus Tripped 2010 Lady Alexander (1:23.80) Ricardo Feliciano Rosemarie Kesselring Bruce Alexander Satans Quick Chick Choragus 2009 Rising Fever (BRZ) 1:25.22) Daniel Centeno David Soifer Christophe Clement Star Operator Dee's Rose 2008 Marina Ballerina (1:24.22) Pedro Cotto, Jr. Robert L. Pastor Steve Margolis Meredith Bee Haddie Be Good 2007 Summer Cruise (1:25.43) Carlos Montalvo Will Farish and Gasparilla Michael Zwiesler Gadolinium Zooming By 2006 Ebony Breeze (1:25.03) T.D. Houghton Kinsman Stable Edward Sexton Toll Taker Beautiful Bets 2005 Grab Bag (1:24.22) Tom Turner Henry Waring Thomas Skiffington Ebony Breeze Habiboo 2004 Mary Murphy (1:26.64) Pedro Rodriguez M375 Thoroughbreds Joseph Waunsch Really Royal Cherry Tree Hill 2003 Romancin Dixie (1:25.51) Jose Espada Dorothy Leonard Perry Johnson Four Plus Four Belle Artiste 2002 Little Won (1:24.37) Derek Bell Elisa Spencer David Hinsley Flashing Lil Alley Ball 2001 Silver Stockings (1:24.45) Felix Ortiz Inwood Farm L.L. Palmer Inside Affair Little Won 2000 Misstress (1:24.56) Pedro Rodriguez D & H Stable William Downing Little Won Shutrina Sand 1999 Inside Affair (1:25.85)* Luis Martinez Harold Queen Shirley Girten Kipper Quila Lolabell 1998 Hail the Queen (1:25.1) Ricardo Lopez Cass Stable/Foggiano Donna Foggiano Blind Trust Whats It Gonna Be 1997 Littlest Secretary (1:25.3) Paula Bacon Deborrah Artz Don Rice Whats It Gonna Be Effervescence 1996 Naughty Notions (1:25.1) Benny Feliciano M. and J. Mulholland John Hennig Portent Show No Fear 1995 Show No Fear (1:24.2) Eduardo Nunez Ramon Coto Hank Caballero Jellied Madrilene Wild Lady A 1994 Show No Fear (1:25.3) Eduardo Nunez R. Coto and C.Y. Justi Luis Olivares Slew Knew Jovial Sez 1993 Forli's Lass (1:23.3) William Henry Star Racing Stables Art Pedregal, Jr. Magal Golden Wildcat 1992 Magal (1:25) Willie Martinez Dolores Tamargo Ray Tamargo Forli's Lass Premier Question 1991 Victorious Trick (1:26) Ricardo Lopez John Franks David Bell Jo Jo's Sparkle Sassy N Brassy 1990 Leave It Be Liberty D Stable, Inc. Norm Wismer 1989 Foxy Alexis 1988 Brief Fame ^ -- stakes record * -- formerly $25,000 added 1987 An Affirmation 1986 Is Rosalind 87 1985 Delicate Lady
The $50,000 Manatee Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:23.48 RISKY RACHEL (2014)
Slowest Time: 1:26.00 VICTORIOUS TRICK (1991)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 116.40 ROMANCIN DIXIE (2003)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 2.80 RISKY RACHEL (2014)
Closest Winning Margin: HEAD MISSTRESS (2000), LITTLE WON (2002) LITTLEST SECRETARY (1997)
Largest Winning Margin: 3 ¾ Length RISKY RACHEL (2014)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .70 EBONY BREEZE (2005)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings but 1991 and 2007 (good); 2006, 2010 (wet fast)
Richest Purse: $ 65,000 2008
Other Notes: The New York-bred 6-year-old mare Risky Rachel made the Manatee her sixth career stakes victory, fol- lowing her earlier score in the Minaret. She eclipsed the stakes record set the previous year by Spectacular Sky. Risky Rachel is a daughter of Limehouse, who won the 2004 Tampa Bay Derby. Spectacular Sky followed up her stakes- record Manatee triumph with a solid second in the Grade II Inside Information Stakes at Gulfstream. Daniel Centeno, the leading jockey at Tampa Bay Downs last season, has won four of the past six editions of the race. The 2012 winner, Taylors Irish, has scored all six career victories at Tampa Bay Downs. Her jockey, Pedro Cotto, Jr., won on Marina Balle- rina in 2008. Jockey Eduardo Nunez won this race twice with Show No Fear in 1994 and 1995. Show No Fear made 103 career starts, winning 13 races; her back-to-back Manatee triumphs were her only stakes scores. Jockeys Ricardo Lo- pez and Pedro Rodriguez won the Manatee twice.
Empire State-bred mare Risky Ra- chel improves to 2-for-2 at the Olds- mar oval with her stakes-record per- formance in the Manatee.
88 The Minaret (Formerly run as the Regret Stakes)
$50,000 Guaranteed F/M 3-and-Up 6 Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Risky Rachel (1:10.95) Daniel Centeno Sanford Bacon Juan Coronel Cor Cor Ambusher 2012 Appealing Stella (1:12.57) Angel Serpa Cindy Nassal Jane Cibelli Becausei'mworthit Nakano 2011 It's Me Mom (1:09.68) * Willie Martinez Thomas and Jean Bosch Lynne Scace Moon Buzz Yournotthebossofme 2011 Stormy Publisher (1:10.71) Frederic Lenclud Waratah Thoroughbreds Christophe Clement My Irish Girl Choragus 2010 Perf (1:10.78) Luis Gonzalez Harold L. Queen Mary Bennett Rate of Exchange Nicks 2009 Dream Rush (1:10.73) Daniel Centeno Minor Stables William Phipps Rising Fever (BRZ) Star Operator 2008 Taylor Madison (1:10.65) Carlos Montalvo Dini Racing Stable, et al Michael Dini Twiceasbeautiful Rockaway Beach 2007 Summer Cruise (1:11.06) Carlos Montalvo Will Farish/Gasparilla Michael Zwiesler Rgirldoesn'tbluff Taylor Madison 2006 Platinum Perfect (1:10.68) Jose Lezcano Robert Valeri Lynne Scace Beautiful Bets Louve Sauvage 2005 Slew's Final Answer (1:10.54) Jose Ferrer Live Oak Plantation William Mott Diablosangeleyes Beautiful Honor 2004 Sea Span (1:10.42) Jesus Castanon James R. Lewis Emanuel Tortora Mooji Moo Diablosangeleyes 2003 Smoke Chaser (1:12.18) Joseph Judice Savoy Stables/Goldish Kathleen O'Connell Little Won Roman Romance 2002 Away (1:11.47) Chris DeCarlo John Kimmel, et al John Kimmel Flashing Lil Little Won 2000 Shutrina Sand (1:11.41) Luis Gonzalez Chris Powell Deborrah Artz Little Won Lady Cherise 1999 Lolabell (1:11.41) William Henry Mrs. James B. Malcolm John Hennig Make Me Conquer Kipper Quila 1998 Whats It Gonna Be (1:12.0) Jesse Garcia Bob Peterson Bob Peterson Mydaddysthemann Fortunate Smile 1997 Whats It Gonna Be (1:12.1) Jesse Garcia Bob Peterson Bob Peterson Bushy's Pride Blueshirts' Dream 1996 Pyxen (1:12.3) Chin Yang Jean Schunmann Paul Cimini Free Quest Portent/Double Dan (DH) 1995 Shananie's Beat (1:11.4) Jorge Guerra Stonehedge Farm Kathleen O'Connell Wild Lady A Hooded Dancer 1994 Slew Knew (1:12.3) Ron Buchanan Mar Vic Stable Diana Cesarini Debby's Honeypie Primetimeexclusive 1993 Forli's Lass (1:10.2) William Henry Star Racing Stable Art Pedregal Summerhill Girl Magal 1992 Forli's Lass (1:11.3) William Henry Star Racing Stable Art Pedregal Magal Summerhill Girl 1991 Majesty's Missy Chris Morales James B. Tafel Luis Olivares Winds of Forli Victorious Trick 1990 Sunny Stunner 1989 Diamond Sunjet 1988 Millie Prospect * -- stakes record 1987 Gentle Screen DH -- dead heat 1986 Medieval Decoy 1983-84 -- run in two divisions 1985 Isayso 1983FleurdePrintemps/ParisRoulette 89 1983 Sugar's Appeal/Bee A Problem
The $50,000 Minaret Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:09.68 IT‘S ME MOM (2011)
Slowest Time: 1:12.3 SLEW KNEW (1994)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 72.00 PYXEN (1996)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.60 IT‘S ME MOM (2011)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE WHATS IT GONNA BE (1998), LITTLE WON (2000), STORMY PUBLISHER (2011)
Largest Winning Margin: 8 1/4 Lengths IT‘S ME MOM (2011)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .80 MAKE ME CONQUER (1997)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings except 2012 (WET FAST)
Richest Purse: $ 65,000 2008
Other Notes: Owner Sanford Bacon of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., bred Risky Rachel from his champion mare Dancin Renee, who died less than 24 hours earlier at Old Friends Equine Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Kentucky. Appeal- ing Stella‘s 2013 victory was the first for owner Cindy Nassal, who bred the now-5-year-old mare with her husband Bill at their Stonecliff Farm in Ocala. It‘s Me Mom and her connections celebrated New Year‘s Eve in grand style in 2011, win- ning the Minaret in stakes-record time by the largest margin in race history. Two horses have won consecutive runnings of the Minaret: Forli‘s Lass in 1992-93 and Whats It Gonna Be in 1997-98. IJockey William Henry won this race three times: in 1999, he won for owner Mrs. J. Malcomb and trainer John Hennig on Lolabell; in 1992 and 1993, he won with owner Star Racing Stables and trainer Art Pedregal on Forli‘s Lass.
Risky Rachel and jockey Daniel Centeno appear to be out for a weekend stroll in their dominant Minaret triumph.
90
The Pasco
$100,000 Guaranteed 3-Year-Olds 7 Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Mighty Brown (1:24.17) Dean Butler Tri-StarRacing&TheFarmOn4 Tim Ice Cool Cowboy Giancarlo 2013 Dynamic Sky (1:22.79) Luis Contreras John C. Oxley Mark Casse Sky Commander Divine Ambition 2012 Prospective (1:23.88) Luis Contreras John C. Oxley Mark Casse Wildcat Creek Adirondack King 2011 Manicero (1:24.58)*** Luis Saez Leo Azpurua, Sr. Leo Azpurua, Jr. Bert B Don Depeche Chat 2010 Uptowncharlybrown (1:24.28) Daniel Centeno Fantasy Lane Stables Alan Seewald Big Looie Black Diamond Cat 2009 Musket Man (1:25.63) Luis Gonzalez Eric Fein, Vic Carlson Derek Ryan General Quarters Miles and Miles 2008 Honey Honey Honey (1:24.75) Jose Lopez Jacks or Better Farm Stanley Gold Gentleman James Surrealdeal 2007 Barkley Sound (1:24.31) Enrique Jurado Pinebloom Stables Joan Scott Steelix Dippi Trippi 2006 R Loyal Man (1:22.55)* ^ Manoel Cruz Alfred Kowalewski Timothy Ritvo Electrify Doc Cheney 2005 Electric Light (1:23.67) Winston Thompson Live Oak Plantation Nick Zito Captain Lindsay Dazzling Dr. Cevin 2004 Misguided Left (1:25.94) Jesus Castanon Joel W. Sainer J. David Braddy Wire Bound Bourbon N Blues 2003 Super Fuse (1:25.07) Carlos Gonzalez C. T. Stable, LLC Richard Ciardullo, Jr. Hear No Evil Kipper Chemo 2002 Major Focus (1:24.53) Earlie Fires Glen Hill Farm Thomas Proctor Expected Hour Ran South 2001 One Special Judge (1:25.31) Sidney LeJeune, Jr. Peppertree Farm Ronald Moquett Simply Sir Mute Gingrich 2000 Bearcat Ruckus (1:24.87)* Derek Bell Teaberry Acres Javier Contreras Tour the Hive Sweeping Analysis 1999 Slew the Message (1:24.1) T.D. Houghton Chris Powell Jason Stodghill Do It My Way Skootin Skooter
* -- purse formerly $25,000 added ** -- purse formerly $50,000 *** -- purse formerly $75,000 ^ -- stakes record
91
The $100,000 Pasco Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:22.55 R LOYAL MAN (2006)
Slowest Time: 1:25.94 MISGUIDED LEFT (2004)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 36.80 BEARCAT RUCKUS (2000)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.00 ONE SPECIAL JUDGE (2001)
Closest Winning Margin: NECK SUPER FUSE (2003)
Largest Winning Margin: 5 1/2 Lengths HONEY HONEY HONEY (2008)
Shortest Price Loser: $ 1.10 RUN SULLY RUN (2008)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings
Richest Purse: $ 100,000 2012-present
Other Notes: Mighty Brown, the 2014 Pasco Stakes winner, is a son of 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness cham- pion Big Brown. Dynamic Sky‘s victory represented back-to-back Pasco scores for his connections: owner John Oxley, trainer Mark Casse and jockey Luis Contreras. Prospective found Tampa Bay Downs much to his liking in 2012. After his Pasco Stakes victory, he finished second in the Grade III Sam F. Davis Stakes before winning the Grade II Tampa Bay Derby. The 2009 Pasco Stakes winner, Musket Man, won the Grade III Tampa Bay Derby and Grade II Illinois Derby and finished third in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, while 2009 runner-up General Quarters used the race as a spring- board to victories in the Grade III Sam F. Davis and the Grade I Blue Grass at Keeneland. Musket Man returned to Tampa Bay Downs as a 4-year-old to annex the Super Stakes. Jockey Earlie Fires, who won the 2002 Pasco on Major Focus at age 54, is a member of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.
Mighty Brown and jockey Dean Butler are all alone at the finish of the Pasco Stakes for owners Tri-Star Racing, LLC and The Farm on 4 LLC and trainer Tim Ice.
92 The Pelican
$60,000 Guaranteed 4-Year-Olds-and-Up 6 Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Palace Barista (1:09.94) Harry Vega Lynne M. Scace Lynne M. Scace W.B. Smudge One Buck Roma 2013 Action Andy (1:09.14) * Danny Coa Robert Gerczak Carlos Garcia Indiano Black Belt 2012 Action Andy (1:09.58) Jesse Garcia Robert Gerczak Carlos Garcia Good Lord Why Pretend 2011 See I A (1:10.18) Huber Villa-Gomez Midwest Thoroughbreds Jamie Ness Gary D Good Lord 2010 Sneaking Uponyou (1:11.21) Daniel Centeno Jagger, Inc. Jamie Ness Conchacer War Fighter 2009 Blind River Fox (1:10.09) Willie Martinez Winning Stables, et al Gerald Bennett Ruby's Red Socks Duke's Flying Tiger 2008 Lookinforthesecret (1:09.30) Daniel Centeno Balkrisna Sukharan Jamie Ness He's So Chic It's His Time 2007 Roman Candles (1:09.88) Jose Martinez, Jr. C. Robert Valeri Lynne M. Scace Wonone D'artagnans'spirit 2006 Above the Wind (1:10.83) Federico Mata Hamco Group Ronald Allen, Sr. Morine's Victory Pirate King 2005 Above the Wind (1:10.04)^ Federico Mata Hamco Group Ronald Allen, Sr. Ranger Chance Sing Me Back Home 2003 Above the Wind (1:10.89) Federico Mata Hamco Group Ronald Allen, Sr. Secret Romeo Wackey For Love 2002 Secret Romeo (1:10.87) Federico Mata A A C Stables Gerald Bennett Tour the Hive Winnie's Pooh Bear 2001 Winnie's Pooh Bear (1:11.0) T.D. Houghton A A C Stables Gerald Bennett Distinctive Mr. B Mountain Top 2000 Mountain Top (1:10.69) Juan Umana John D. Murphy Michael Gorman Diamond Studs Distinctive Mr. B 1999 San Gennaro (1:10.66) Dec. Pedro Rodriguez Richard Ciardullo, Sr. Richard Ciardullo, Jr. Salty Glance Mann the Shipp 1999 Brisco Jack (1:10.48) ** William Henry Martin L. Cherry Raymond Tamargo Blues Away Mann the Shipp 1997 Brisco Jack (1:12.1) Ricardo Lopez Donald Murray Evelio Garcia Ray of Gold Triple Great 1996 Little Don (1:11.2) Bubba G. Wilson Duane Knipe Duane Knipe Prince of Gallapiat Journeys Express 1995 Fort Edward (1:10.40) Dec. Jorge Guerra Dennis Brida Dennis Brida Here Come Da Perks Bankers Forbes 1995 Not Surprising (1:10.4) Jan. William Henry Robert Van Worp Judson Van Worp Honor Colony Reigning Glory 1994 Not Surprising (1:10.2) William Henry Robert Van Worp Judson Van Worp Oh So Striking Bob the Hat 1993 Lord Try On (1:10.3) Eddie Algarin River Bend Farm E.P. Cantlon, Sr. Intown for the Day Junk Bond King 1992 Hidden Tomahawk (1:11.3) Ismael Gonzalez J.R. Solomon R.J. Richards, Jr. Aim High Daniel Franklin Me 1991 Mr. Hot Shot Jose A. Rivera, II James Stewart William Stewart Jilsie's Gigalo Position Leader 1990 Cook's Brown Rice Victor H. Molina Rupert Brown Joseph Fabrizio Strike the Knight Katie Come Lately 1989 Intown for the Day (1:09.1) Rick Adkins T.D. Shank Robin Shank Sunny Go North Private Express 1988 Bobin's Key 1987 Tyantson * -- Stakes record 1986 Rupert's Wing ^^ 93 ^ -- Run in January 2005 1983 Big Mary ** -- Purse formerly $25,000 ^^ -- Renewed in 1986
The $60,000 Pelican Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:09.14 ACTION ANDY (2012)
Slowest Time: 1:12.1 BRISCO JACK (1997)
Longest Priced Winner: $132.40 ABOVE THE WIND (2003)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.80 NOT SURPRISING (1995), ACTION ANDY (2012)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE LORD TRY ON (1993)
Largest Winning Margin: 11 ½ Lengths NOT SURPRISING (1995)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .70 Entry: PLEASANT TOO and WILD RAINBOWS (1996)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings but 1995 (good) and 1997 (sloppy)
Richest Purse: $ 65,000 2008-2010
Other Notes: Palace Barista won the Pelican in only his third lifetime start. Before setting the stakes record in 2013, Action Andy enjoyed a stellar 2012 campaign. He won the Super Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, the Da Hoss at Colonial, the Mary- land Million Sprint Handicap and the $350,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash, the latter two at Laurel. Jockey William Henry won this race three times: twice (1994 and 1995) with the combination of Not Surprising, owner Robert Van Worp and trainer Judson Van Worp. Not Surprising‘s 1995 Pelican victory kicked off a year in which he won the Eclipse Award as the nation‘s top sprinter with eight victories, including four graded stakes in New York. Above the Wind won this race three times. All three of his wins came with reinsman Federico Mata in the irons and Ronald Allen, Sr. as the trainer. Above the Wind was not the favorite in any of his Pelican triumphs; he paid $132.40 to win in 2003 as the longest shot in a 12-horse field. Mata also won the Pelican aboard Secret Romeo in 2002, his first of four consecutive victories. Trainer Gerald Ben- nett has won the Pelican three times — in 2001 with Winnie‘s Pooh Bear, in 2002 with Secret Romeo and in 2009 with Blind River Fox. Jockey Daniel Centeno and trainer Jamie Ness have won the Pelican twice together: in 2008 with Lookinforthe- secret and 2010 with Sneaking Uponyou. Ness won the Pelican a third time in 2011 with See I A.
Palace Barista runs his rivals off their feet to reward trainer Lynne Scace with her second Pelican Stakes victory.
94 The Sam F. Davis Stakes—Grade III $250,000 Guaranteed 3-Year-Olds 1 1/16 Miles
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd
2014 Vinceremos (1:47.34) Edgar Prado WinStar Farm & Twin Creeks Todd Pletcher Harpoon Cousin Stephen 2013 Falling Sky (1:44.79) Jose Espinoza N'wtownAnner,C'vello,B'lger John Terranova II Dynamic Sky My Name Is Michael 2012 Battle Hardened (1:44.58) Julien Leparoux M. Tabor & Mrs. J. Magnier Eddie Kenneally Prospective* Reveron 2011 Brethren (1:45.07) Ramon Dominguez WinStar Farm Todd Pletcher Too Experience Watch Me Go* 2010 Rule (1:44.15) John Velazquez WinStar Farm Todd Pletcher Schoolyard Dreams Uptowncharlybrown 2009 General Quarters (1:43.54) ^ James Lopez Thomas McCarthy Mark Miller Sumo Musket Man* 2008 Fierce Wind (1:44.13) Cornelio Velasquez Four Roses Thoroughbred Nicholas Zito Big Truck* Smooth Air 2007 Any Given Saturday (1:44.47) John Velazquez WinStar Farm Todd Pletcher All I Can Get James Wilfred 2006 Bluegrass Cat (1:44.17) John Velazquez WinStar Farm Todd Pletcher Deputy Glitters* R Loyal Man 2005 Andromeda's Hero (1:46.63) Rafael Bejarano Robert LaPenta Nicholas Zito Summer Legacy Captain Lindsay 2004 Kaufy Mate (1:44.60) R. Zimmerman Gregory Kaufman Kirk Ziadie The Cliff's Edge Zakocity 2003 White Buck (1:45.47) Roger Velez Olga Paradise Jerry Paradise Freedom Lane Coach Jimi Lee 2002 Bunk N Ted (1:49.86) Derek Bell Danny Hunt Kenneth Wirth Tails of the Crypt Raymond Springs 2001 Burning Roma (1:45.2)* Juan Umana Harold Queen Heather Giglio American Prince Talking Red 2000 Go Lib Go (1:44.84) Robert Landry Ray Cottrell Kenneth McPeek Kombat Kat Cool N Crafty 1999 San Gennaro (1:45.54) Pedro Rodriguez Richard Ciardullo, Sr. Richard Ciardullo, Jr. Groomstick Stock's Gander 1998 Dabney Carr (1:46.1) Kevin Whitley My Jolee Stable/Everard Elizabeth Zemp-Everard Rock and Roll Midnight Coyote 1997 Wilt the Tilt (1:46.0) Luis Gonzalez Michael Smith Cyndi Smith Part the Waters Favorable Regard 1996 Thundering Storm (1:47.3)* Jorge Guerra Deborrah Artz Don Rice Copy Cat My Game 1995 Akiba (1:47.2) Santos Chavez Scott Savin Hubert "Sonny" Hine Dr. Ktonborg Dontstopthejukebox 1994 Parental Pressure (1:47.2) Jack Lauzon Hammer Kopf Farm, et al Fred Loschke Able Buck Mr. Blueberry 1993 Marco Bay (1:45.3)* Ronnie Allen, Jr. Jay Shaw Sarah Lundy Antrim Rd. Flashy Regent 1992 Randy (1:46.2) Herson Sanchez Martin Haft Angel Rosado Wolf Brigade Critical Quad 1991 Speedy Cure (1:47.4)* Ricardo Lopez Susan Fisher Harvey Culp One No Trump Northern No Trump 1990 Fiery Best M.A. Santos Berens & Garazi Jose Mendez 1989 Papa Leonard ^ -- stakes record 1988 House Account * -- Tampa Bay Derby winner 1987 Phantom Jet* ** -- run in two divisions 1986 Fellow's Lady 1985 Tamao's Gray 1984 Morning Bob/D. White** 95 1983 Saverton 1982 Tampa Bay Buck 1981 Croziers Ace
The $250,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:43.54 GENERAL QUARTERS (2009)
Slowest Time: 1:49.86 BUNK N TED (2002)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 56.40 WHITE BUCK (2003)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 2.40 ANY GIVEN SATURDAY (2007)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE RANDY (1992), AKIBA (1995), VINCEREMOS (2014)
Largest Winning Margin: 6 ¾ Lengths SAN GENNARO (1999)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .40 WOLF BRIGADE (1992)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings but for 1991 and 1998 (good); 2003 (sloppy)
Richest Purse: $ 250,000 2011-present
Other Notes: Vinceremos is named for the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, Fla. Owner Win- Star Farm and trainer Todd Pletcher have combined to win the race five times since 2006 (WinStar owns Vinceremos in partnership with Twin Creeks Racing Stables). Falling Sky was purchased less than three weeks before the 2013 Sam F. Davis Stakes at the Ocala Breeders‘ Sales Company‘s winter mixed sale for $425,000 by the partnership of Maurice and Samantha Regan‘s Newtown Anner Stud, James Covello and Joseph Bulger. Five Tampa Bay Derby winners have won this race: Phantom Jet (1987), Speedy Cure (1991), Marco Bay (1993), Thundering Storm (1996) and Burning Roma (2001). Trainer Nick Zito has won the Sam F. Davis Stakes twice: in 2005 with Andromeda‘s Hero and in 2008 with Fierce Wind. The Sam F. Davis received Grade III status for the first time in 2009, the year in which General Quarters set a stakes record for the race. The 2001 winner, Burning Roma, was owned by Clearwater‘s Harold Queen, who won the 2010 Breeders‘ Cup Sprint with Big Drama.
Vinceremos, a 12-1 shot, surges along the rail to edge Harpoon, also trained by Todd Pletcher, in a classic Sam F. Davis Stakes. Hall of Fame jockey Edgar Prado was the winning rider.
96 $100,000 Guaranteed The Sandpiper 6 Furlongs Fillies 2-Year-Olds Stakes WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2013 My Sweet Dove (1:11.42) Fernando DeLa Cruz Peter A. Lawson Monte Thomas Enquete Secret Kitten 2012 Cor Cor (1:10.02) * Scott Spieth S. Ballou & H. Waldron Joan Scott Vitameta R Free Roll 2011 Quick Flip (1:10.96) Pedro Cotto, Jr. Klaravich/W.H. Lawrence Terri Pompay Blue Forty Live Every Day 2010 Devilish Lady (1:11.51) Daniel Centeno Cairoli Racing Stable Antonio Sano It's Me Mom Juanita 2009 Criolla Bonita (1:12.00) Abel Lezcano Shirley Duco Hector Mackenzie Joanie's Catch Yournotthebossofme 2008 Dr. Zic (1:10.77) Daniel Centeno Derby Lane Farm, et al Joan Scott Sunday In Malibu Hooh Why 2007 Unfolding Wish (1:11.37) Carlos Montalvo Kinsman Stable Dale Bennett Bear Lahania Awesome Chic 2006 Special Cheers (1:11.60) Luis Gonzalez Elizabeth Muirhead, et al James Little Storm Savvy Foret 2005 Misty Rosette (1:10.33) ^ Sebastian Madrid Sonia Chapman James Chapman Runaway in Love Running Lass 2005 Portsea (1:11.26) Chris DeCarlo Vinery Stables Todd Pletcher Lady In Pink Joyous Song 2004 Wild Speed (1:11.93) Derek Bell Victoria Farm Javier Contreras Crafty Tears Atti Girl Fergie 2003 Ebony Breeze (1:11.4) Pedro Rodriguez Kinsman Stable William Mott Ozilda's Nancy Lee Lavander Lass 2002 Rebecca's Charm (1:11.42) Aurelio Toribio, Jr. Rousseau Racing Robert Hale Expected Roll Forum Search 2001 Political Wife (1:13.0) Federico Mata Emerald Pastures Farm Cathy Rountree Quite Spender Bigcuz 2000 Whitney's Best (1:11.51) Luis Gonzalez Carl Bowling/Robert Velotta Chris Velotta Sami's Proud Squaw Bea D J 1999 Shutrina Sand (1:11.42) % William Henry Chris Powell Jason Stodghill Bella Gatto Sweet Singing Sami 1998 Tasso's Magic Roo (1:11.3) Marland Suckie Eileen Bathen Richard Ciardullo, Jr. Proud Ridge Beaties for Real 1997 Star Performer (1:14.2) William Henry Carl Cooper/Robert Brown Carl Cooper Dawn Pretty Prospective Rosie 1996 Mercedes Song (1:13.1) Paula Bacon Deborrah Artz Don Rice Flo's Z Fury American Tango 1995 Expensive Lunch (1:14.4) William Henry Les Stables, Inc. Fred Warren Miss Carson Commando Dancer 1994 Shananie's Beat (1:11.3) William Henry Stonehedge Farm Kathleen O'Connell Tipper Too Sweet Hollyann 1993 Lindsey Lane (1:14.0) William Henry Stonehedge Farm Kathleen O'Connell Real Bucks Consentida 1992 Bet Your Bonnet (1:13.2) Pedro Rodriguez F. Berens and S. Garazi Jose Mendez Phi Phi Hi D Aggie Gene 1991 Tenacious Treasure (1:13.5) Ricardo Lopez Bee Bee Stable, Inc. Emanuel Tortora Dark Stage Vatican Dancer 1990 Premier Question John Franks David Bell 1989 Grau Madchen * -- stakes record 1988 Bill of Sale ^ -- run in Jan. of 2004-05 season 1987 Beau Love Flowers % -- purse formerly $25,000-added 1986 Sagadhoc ** ** -- run at 5 1/2 furlongs 1985 Flickering Match *** -- run in two divisions 1984 Strawberry Road 1983 Sugar Charlotte *** 1983 Best Game *** 97 1982 Supertam *** 1982 Exclusive Love *** 1981 Cherokee Frolic
The $100,000 Sandpiper Stakes
Fastest Time 1:10.02 COR COR (2012)
Slowest Time 1:14.4 EXPENSIVE LUNCH (1995)
Longest Priced Winner: $28.20 MERCEDES SONG (1996)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.60 SHANANIE‘S BEAT (1994)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE STAR PERFORMER (1997), SPECIAL CHEERS (2007)
Largest Winning Margin: 9 Lengths SHANANIE‘S BEAT (1994)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .60 ENQUETE (2013)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings but 1995 (sloppy)
Richest Purse: $ 100,000 2013-present
Other Notes: My Sweet Dove‘s broodmare sire, Dove Hunt, won five Grade III stakes in his career. In addition to her record-setting 2012 Sandpiper triumph, Cor Cor won the Battle of New Orleans Stakes at Fair Grounds and the Ocala Breeders‘ Sales Filly Division Sprint at Ocala Training Center. Jockey William Henry won the Sandpiper Stakes five times in seven years: with Shutrina‘s Sand (1999), Star Performer (1997), Expensive Lunch (1995), Shananie‘s Beat (1994), and Lindsey Lane (1993). Two of those wins (in 1993 and 1994) were with owner Stonehedge Farm and trainer Kathleen O‘Connell. In 1986, the Sandpiper was run at 5 ½ furlongs; the 1982 and 1983 races were run in two divisions. In the 2004-2005 racing season, the Sandpiper was run in January of that meet; the 2005-2006 edition was carded in December, as were all subsequent runnings. The late George Steinbrenner‘s Kinsman Stable has won this race twice: in 2003 with Ebony Breeze (trained by William Mott and ridden by Pedro Rodriguez) and in 2008 with Unfolding Wish (trained by Dale Bennett and booted home by Carlos Montalvo.) Jockey Daniel Centeno won twice, in 2008 with Dr. Zic and in 2010 with Devilish Lady. Dr. Zic, trained by Joan Scott, won the Grade I Vinery Madison Stakes at Keeneland in 2010. Luis Gonzalez won the Sandpiper aboard Whitney‘s Best in 2000 and Special Cheers in 2006.
My Sweet Dove and jockey Fernando De La Cruz have enough left to stave off heavy favorite Enquete in the 34th edition of the Sandpiper.
98 The Suncoast Stakes
$100,000 Guaranteed 3-Year-Old Fillies Mile-and-40-Yards
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Please Explain (1:44.94) Julien Leparoux Niall Racing Thomas Proctor Nesso Light Bringer 2013 Manuka Honey (1:41.75) Edgar Prado Curragh Stables John Terranova II Wild About Irene Cindys Casino 2012 Wait Til Dawn (1:40.58) Javier Castellano Michael Tabor Todd Pletcher Ciguaraya Melrose Woods 2011 Wyomia (1:39.93) Frederic Lenclud B. Anderson and E. Seltzer Curtis Garrison Devilish Lady Her Smile 2010 Diva Delite (1:41.58) R. Homeister, Jr. B. Vivian and D. Vittese David Vivian Miss Aristocrat Imaginary Saint 2009 Rock Candy (1:41.22) Carlos Montalvo W. Farish & Mrs. W.S. Kilroy Mike Zwiesler Ameribelle Don't Forget Gil 2008 Vaulcluse (1:39.36) * Eibar Coa Melnyk Racing Stable Thomas Albertrani My Baby Baby No Use Denying 2007 Autobahn Girl (1:38.39) ^ Daniel Centeno Live Oak Plantation Nicholas Zito Trainee Saint Barbara 2006 Crystal Current (1:45.37) Cornelio Velasquez Kinsman Stable William Mott Saffronista Taylor Madison 2005 Toll Taker (1:45.15) Cornelio Velasquez Sea Gull Associates Timothy Hills Gotta Rush Gallant Secret 2004 Ender's Sister (1:47.16) Brian Peck Green Lantern Stables George Arnold, II Fall Fashion Ladyinareddress 2003 Just Bill Me (1:46.57) R. Homeister, Jr. J. Reynolds/D. Dwyer Enrique Alonso Crimson and Roses Dakota Light 2002 Romancin Dixie (1:50.03) Dale Lynch Dorothy Leonard Perry Johnson Ease Ahead Quick Bird 2001 Classy Place (1:48.88) Paula Bacon Blaine Davidson Don Rice Frozen Dinner Chinsegut 2000 Silver Stockings (1:45.99) Juan Umana Savas/Chait/Inwood Farm L.L. Palmer Grey Sky My Special K's 1999 Crown Jewel (1:47.0) ** Luis Martinez Donald Murray Evelio Garcia Second Degree Christie Light 1998 Tasso's Magic Roo (1:46.3) Marland Suckie Eileen Bathen Richard Ciardullo, Jr. Catherine's Girl Gemley 1997 Poopsie (1:44.4) William Daniels Stephen Ferguson Stephen Casey Pyrite Annie Zesty Zoe 1996 Faithful City (1:46.2) Jorge Guerra White Cross Stable Luke Poulos Mercedes Song Elise's Valentine 1995 Commando Dancer (1:46.2) Jesse Garcia Eugene C. Cashman Frederick Kirby Street Code Smooth Quest 1994 Cavada (1:46.1) Kevin Whitley Bebe Dalton Kathleen Kelley Sweet Hollyann Dominating Dottiet 1993 Thou Shalt Not Lie (1:47.0) Kevin Whitley Don Campbell (lessee) Don Campbell O.P. Cat Sezyou Queen 1992 My Gallant Birdie (1:26.2) Herson Sanchez Alan and Martin Haft Angel Rosado Aggie Gene Pi Phi Hi D 1991 Dark Stage (1:26 4/5) Danny Scocca Verbanic and Obser John Foggiano Quiet Chaos Vatican Dancer 1990 Premier Question John Franks David Bell 1989 Grau Madchen * -- stakes record 1988 Leave It Be ^ -- formerly seven furlongs 1987 An Irish Dream ** -- purse formerly $25,000 added 1986 Royal Tasha ^^ -- two divisions 1982 & 1983 1985 Flickering Match 1984 Sure Too Explode 99 1983 Silvered Silk/Millcreek Court 1982 Burned Crisp/GenuineDiamond 1981 Secret Kingdom
The $100,000 Suncoast Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:39.36 VAULCLUSE (2008) (1 MILE 40 YARDS) 1:38.39 AUTOBAHN GIRL (2007) (ABOUT 1 MILE)
Slowest Time: 1:50.03 ROMANCIN DIXIE (2002) (1 1/16-MILE)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 23.20 FAITHFUL CITY (1996)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 2.80 TASSO‘S MAGIC ROO (1998)
Closest Winning Margin: Head WYOMIA (2011)
Largest Winning Margin: 10 ½ Lengths TASSO‘S MAGIC ROO (1998)
Shortest Price Loser: $ 1.00 SECOND DEGREE (1999)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings but 2002 (sloppy) and 1991 (good)
Richest Purse: $ 100,000 2012-present
Other Notes: In addition to Please Explain‘s Suncoast Stakes victory, trainer Tom Proctor won the 2014 Wayward Lass Stakes with Dress the Part and the Florida Cup Tampa Turf Classic with Old Time Hockey. Manuka Honey‘s 2013 victory was one of three stakes triumphs during that season for trainer John Terranova II. From 1993 to 2006, the Sun- coast was run at 1 1/16 miles. It was run at about one mile in 2007 and the following year switched to its current mile and 40 yards. In 1982 and 1983 it was run in two divisions. Jockey Kevin Whitley won twice with Thou Shalt Not Lie (1993) and Cavada (1994). Flickering Match and Tasso‘s Magic Roo both swept the now-defunct Tampa Bay Challenge Series, which was comprised of all 3-year-old filly races held at Tampa Bay Downs. Flickering Match was owned and trained by Carroll Barnhill of nearby Bradenton. In 2008, Vaulcluse won the race in 1:39.36, setting a new track and stakes record for the distance. Jockey Cornelio Velasquez won back-to-back in 2005 and 2006 with Toll Taker and Crystal Current. Rosemary Homeister, Jr., rode two Suncoast winners, scoring aboard Just Bill Me in 2003 and Diva Delite in 2010.
Favored Please Explain and jockey Julien Leparoux draw away to a 6-length victory for top trainer Tom Proctor.
100 The Super Stakes
$100,000 Guaranteed 4-Year-Olds-and-Up 7 Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014Our Double Play (1:22.09)^ Victor Lebron Rigney Racing Philip Bauer Sneaking Uponyou Action Andy 2013 Good Lord (1:22.03)+ Fernando De La Cruz Thomas Shank/Stan Young Forrest Kaelin Action Andy Bellefire 2012 Action Andy (1:23.22) Danny Coa Robert Gerczak Carlos Garcia Watch Me Go Gold Strike Begins 2011 Capt. Candyman Can (1:23.25) Frederic Lenclud Rosemary Rauch/David Zell Ian Wilkes Legal Move A Diehl 2010 Musket Man (1:23.10) Daniel Centeno Eric Fein Derek Ryan Guam Typhoon Chief Talkeetna 2009 Hypocrite (1:22.84) Manoel Cruz J. Tortora, T. & R. Ancona Emanuel Tortora Paradise Dancer Let It Rock 2008 Lookinforthesecret (1:23.18) Daniel Centeno Balkrisna Sukharan Jamie Ness I'vegottabeme Paradise Dancer 2007 D'artagnans'spirit (1:23.62)** Jose Lezcano Richard Averill Kirk Ziadie Weigelia Above the Wind 2006 Sir Shackleton (1:22.28) Jeremy Rose Tracy Farmer Nick Zito Purim Above the Wind 2005 Above the Wind (1:22.60) Federico Mata Hamco Group Ronald Allen, Sr. Avis Skier Attack the Books 2004 Above the Wind (1:23.78) Federico Mata Hamco Group Ronald Allen, Sr. Scrubs Attack the Books 2003 Above the Wind (1:24.57) Federico Mata Hamco Group Ronald Allen, Sr. Attack the Books Dr.Thunder/SeaofTranquility 2002 Secret Romeo (1:22.62) T.D. Houghton A A C Stables Gerald Bennett Tour of the Cat Mountain Top 2001 Sea of Tranquility (1:24.08) Luis Gonzalez Triple M Farm Inc. Richard Paulus Fort Metfield American Dot Com 2000 Conan (1:23.99) Dodie Duys Vivian and Cleo Hall Tandi Wheeler Fort Metfield Royal Romp 1999 Man the Shipp (1:23.91) Joseph Rocco, Sr. Barry Shipp James DiVito Sea Legs Diplomatic Corps 1998 Pleasant Too (1:24.2) Heriberto Rivera, Jr. Harold Queen Shirley Girten Man the Shipp Axe of Courage 1997 Request a Star (1:25.2) Punchie Goberdhan Paul O'Toole Jason Stodghill Pleasant Too Country Coy 1996 Winous Point (1:25.1) Fred Castillo Eutropia Farm Jerry Lepre Letters of Truth Boisterous 1995 Boisterous (1:23.1) Jesse Garcia D.J. Campbell (lessee) Donald Campbell Mr. Tooth Not Surprising 1994 Not Surprising (1:24.3) William Henry Robert Van Worp Judson Van Worp Premier Angel Junk Bond King 1993 King Corrie (1:23.4) Robert Landry Aubrey W. Minshall Sherry Noakes Lord Try On Lord John 1992 Aim High Daniel (1:25.2) David Neider J. Crayton Pruitt T. Wynn Jolley Hidden Tomahawk Proud Lion Club 1991 Democritus (1:26.3) Ricardo Lopez Fred Boyd E.P. Cantlon, Jr. Bandit Corsair Mr. Hot Shot
^ -- Purse increased to $100,000 * -- track, stakes record ** --purse increased to $75,000 101
The $75,000 Super Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:22.03 GOOD LORD (2013)
Slowest Time: 1:26.3 DEMOCRITUS (1991)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 74.60 ABOVE THE WIND (2003)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 2.80 MUSKET MAN (2010)
Closest Winning Margin: HEAD MAN THE SHIPP (1999), SECRET ROMEO (2002)
Largest Winning Margin: 3 3/4 Lengths OUR DOUBLE PLAY (2014)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .20 NOT SURPRISING (1995)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings but 1991, 1994 and 1998 (good); 1997 (sloppy); 2011 (wet fast)
Richest Purse: $ 100,000 2014-present
Other Notes: Owners Richard and Tammy Rigney named the 2014 Super Stakes winner after their twin daughters, Claire and Madison. In 2013, the popular 6-year-old gelding Good Lord set a track record in his victory for trainer Forrest Kaelin, who was a jockey here in 1956 when the track was called Sunshine Park. Good Lord broke the stakes record of 2006 win- ner Sir Shackleton, a multiple-graded stakes winner. Above the Wind (owned by the Hamco Group, trained by Ron Allen, Sr. and ridden by Federico Mata) won this race three times, from 2003-05. The 2011 winner, Capt. Candyman Can, was trained by former Carl Nafzger assistant Ian Wilkes. The 2012 winner, Action Andy, won the $350,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash at Laurel in October of 2012. Musket Man, the 2009 Tampa Bay Derby winner, returned to Oldsmar in 2010 to annex the Super.
Our Double Play used a string of bullet workouts to prepare for his out- standing Super Stakes victory, the first stakes triumph for trainer Phil Bauer.
102 Tampa Bay Stakes—Grade III (Formerly the Tampa Bay Breeders’ Cup)
$150,000 4-Year-Olds-and-Up 1 1/16 Miles (Turf)
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Guys Reward (1:43.44) Abdiel Jaen Michael J. Bruder Dale Romans Salto Golden Sabre 2013 Swift Warrior (1:43.14) Jose Espinoza James Covello, James Dolan John Terranova II Alley Oop Oop (DH) Doubles Partner (DH) 2012 Roman Tiger (1:40.42) Angel Serpa Dennis Manning Dennis Manning El Commodore Swift Warrior 2011 Doubles Partner (1:40.67) Julien Leparoux WinStar Farm Todd Pletcher Rahystrada Voodoo Swinge 2010 Karelian (1:42.61) R. Homeister, Jr. Green Lantern Stables George Arnold, II Gio Ponti Rahystrada 2009 Victory Alleged (1:41.35) Carlos Marquez Mac Fehsenfeld Dennis Manning Classic Campaign Society's Chairman 2008 Cosmonaut (1:44.14) Edgar Prado Flying Zee Stable Philip Serpe Ballonenostrikes Soldier's Dancer 2007 Hotstufanthensome (1:41.24) Rajiv Maragh Runnin Horse Farms Norman Pointer Classic Campaign Defer 2006 Fort Prado (1:40.76) Brice Blanc Team Block, et al Chris Block Icy Atlantic Interpatation 2005 Wire Bound (1:40.14) Eduardo Nunez Silver Diamond Thoro'breds Manuel Criollo Remind Above the Wind 2004 Burning Roma (1:41.68) Jesus Castanon Harold Queen Heather Giglio Remind Native Hawk 2003 Burning Roma (1:41.53) Jesus Castanon Harold Queen Heather Giglio Tour of the Cat First lieutenant 2002 Boastful (1:40.95) T.D. Houghton Kinsman Stable William Mott Dog Tags Tour of the Cat 2001 Delay of Game (1:41.91) Chris DeCarlo John Peace George Arnold, II Johnny Dollar An Oscar for Bert 2000 Delay of Game (1:39.72) Ramon Perez John Peace George Arnold, II Nasello Bogatyr 1999 Legs Galore (1:39.65) *^ William Henry Ann and Clinton Lagrosa Reed Combest Tangazi Orleans Road 1998 Ship Liner (1:44.1) Punchie Goberdhan Philip Williams Don Pittman Fig Fest Pleasant Too 1997 Request a Star (1:45.2) Punchie Goberdhan Paul O'Toole Jason Stodghill Pleasant Too Country Coy 1996 Iron Racketeer (1:46.2) Danny Scocca Charles Fink Mike Falzone Jane's Jet Letters of Truth 1995 Not Surprising (1:44.2) William Henry Robert Van Worp Judson Van Worp Mighty Avanti Boisterous 1994 Pride of Burkaan (1:44.2) Eric Valles A. Johnson & G. Murchibon Leo Azpurua, Jr. Not Surprising Repletion 1993 Lord John (1:45.1) William Henry John Callaway John Callaway Island Chatter Wynsum Wayward 1992 Lord John (1:45.8) Willie Martinez John Callaway John Callaway Color Me Ande Rebounding Thrill 1991 Gallant Mel (1:45.2) Ricardo Lopez Edwards and Mitchell Don Campbell Velcro Fly Dangerous Dawn 1990 Majesty's Imp Ricardo Lopez Batarasan Stable Sturges Ducoing 1989 Gallant Mel Ricardo Lopez Edwards & Penhale Don Campbell * -- stakes record 1988 Homebuilder Larry Saumell Ryehill Farm Woody Stephens ^ -- first turf edition 1987 My Prince Charming O.B. Aviles Estate of Don Aronow Newcomb Green 103
The Grade III $150,000 Tampa Bay Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:39.65 LEGS GALORE (1999)
Slowest Time: 1:51.1 LORD JOHN (1992)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 59.40 ROMAN TIGER (2012)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.00 DELAY OF GAME (2000)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE KARELIAN (2010), ROMAN TIGER (2012)
Largest Winning Margin: 5 ¾ Lengths DELAY OF GAME (2000)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .20 GIO PONTI (2010)
Track Condition: FIRM All but 2008 (SOFT), 2013 (GOOD), 2014 (YIELDING)
Richest Purse: 2007-present $150,000
Other Notes: Guys Reward is no stranger to graded turf stakes success; in 2012, he won the Grade II Firecracker Handicap at Churchill Downs. Swift Warrior, who finished third in the 2012 Tampa Bay Stakes, won the 2013 renewal three weeks after capturing the Grade III John B. Connally Turf Cup Stakes at Sam Houston. The race was run at 1 1/8 miles until 1993, when it was run at 1 1/16. It was moved to the turf in 1999. John Callaway won twice as owner/trainer with Lord John in 1992 and 1993. Jockey William Henry won three times: in 1993 with Lord John, in 1995 with Not Sur- prising and in 1999 with Legs Galore. Not Surprising went on to be voted an Eclipse Award as Outstanding Sprinter based on eight stakes victories that year, including a quartet of graded New York events. Jockey Punchie Goberdhan won twice: in 1997 with Request a Star and in 1998 with Ship Liner. Delay of Game was a two-time winner in 2000 and 2001. Burning Roma (with jockey Jesus Castanon, trainer Heather Giglio and owner Harold Queen) won twice, in 2003 and 2004. Previously known as the Tampa Bay Breeders‘ Cup, the race enjoyed its most exciting renewal in 2010, when Karelian and jockey Rosemary Homeister, Jr., edged Eclipse champion Gio Ponti and Ramon Dominguez by a nose, then withstood an inquiry. Trainer Dennis Manning won in 2009 with Victory Alleged and 2012 with Roman Tiger.
Jockey Abdiel Jaen rallies 14-1 shot Guys Reward past 1-2 favorite Salto for owner Michael J. Bruder and trainer Dale Romans.
104 $350,000 Guaranteed The Tampa Bay Derby —Grade II 3-Year-Olds 1 1/16 Miles WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Ring Weekend (1:43.71) Daniel Centeno St.Elias&WestPointThoro'br H. Graham Motion Vinceremos Surfing U S A 2013 Verrazano (1:43.96) John Velazquez Let's Go Stable, Tabor et al Todd Pletcher Java's War Falling Sky 2012 Prospective (1:43.35) Luis Contreras John C. Oxley Mark Casse Golden Ticket Cozzetti 2011 Watch Me Go (1:44.25) Luis Garcia Gilbert G. Campbell Kathleen O'Connell Crimson Knight Brethren 2010 Odysseus (1:44.31) Rajiv Maragh Padua Stables Tom Albertrani Schoolyard Dreams Super Saver* 2009 Musket Man (1:43.67) Daniel Centeno Eric Fein & Vic Carlson Derek Ryan Join in the Dance Justdontcallmejeri 2008 Big Truck (1:44.25) Eibar Coa Eric Fein Barclay Tagg Atoned Dynamic Wayne 2007 Street Sense (1:43.11) * ^ Calvin Borel James Tafel Carl Nafzger Any Given Saturday Delightful Kiss 2006 Deputy Glitters (1:44.26) Jose Lezcano J. Lacombe Stable Tom Albertrani Bluegrass Cat Winnies Tigger Too 2005 Sun King (1:43.98) Edgar Prado Tracy Farmer Nicholas Zito Forever Wild Global Trader 2004 Limehouse (1:43.99) Pat Day Dogwood Stables Todd Pletcher Mustanfar Swingforthefences 2003 Region of Merit (1:44.61) Eibar Coa Calumet Farm Christophe Clement Aristocat Hear No Evil 2002 Equality (1:43.66) Ramon Dominguez Pin Oak Farm H. Graham Motion Tails of the Crypt Political Attack 2001 Burning Roma (1:44.30) Richard Migliore Harold Queen Heather Giglio American Prince Paging 2000 Wheelaway (1:43.90) Richard Migliore C. Kimmel & P. Solondz John Kimmel Impeachment Perfect Cat 1999 Pineaff (1:45.33) Jose A. Santos Roy and Joyce Monroe Kenneth McPeek Menifee Doneraile Court 1998 Parade Ground (1:45.2) Pat Day W. Farish and S. Hilbert Neil Howard Middlesex Drive Rock and Roll 1997 Zede (1:44.4) Jerry Bailey Allen Paulson William Mott Brisco Jack Favorable Regard 1996 Thundering Storm (1:43.4) Jorge Guerra Deborrah Artz Don Rice El Amante Natural Selection 1995 Gadzook (1:45.1) Gary Boulanger Du-Zee Stables J. Bert Sonnier Composer Bet Your Bucks 1994 Prix de Crouton (1:46.3) Mickey Walls Lorne and Kathleen Berg Lorne Berg Able Buck Parental Pressure 1993 Marco Bay (1:44.2) Ronnie Allen, Jr. Jay Shaw Sarah Lundy Thriller Chiller Tunecke Charlie 1992 Careful Gesture (1:45.4) Robert Lester Cecilia Dixon Elbert Dixon Chief Speaker Clipper Won 1991 Speedy Cure (1:46.1) Ricardo Lopez Susan B. Fisher Harvey Culp Link Shudanz 1990 Champagneforashley (1:44 Jacinto Vasquez Baker/Kaskel/Feinbloom Howard Tesher Slew of Angels Always Running 1989 Storm Predictions (1:43.4) Steve Gaffalione Three G Stables Luis Olivares With Approval Mercedes Won 1988 Cefis (1:44.2) Eddie Maple Ryehill-Kirkham Partnership Woody Stephens Buck Forbes Twice Too Many 1987 Phantom Jet (1:43.4) Keith Allen Aisco Stables Phil Gleaves Homebuilder You're No Bargain 1986 My Prince Charming (1:46.3) Craig Perret Aronow Stable Newcomb Green Lucky Rebeau Major Moran 1985 Regal Remark (1:46.4) Jeffrey Fell Sam-Son Farm James Day Verification Sport Jet 1984 Bold Southerner (1:44.3) Wayne Crews Rusticwoods Farm Paul Maxwell Rexson's Hope Stickler 1983 Morganmorganmorgan(1:47.1) Willie Rodriguez Morgan Bishop Arthur Monteiro Slew o' Gold Quick Dip 105 1982 Reinvested (1:45.1) Rick Luhr Harborview Farm Stanley M. Hough Stage Reviewer Real Twister 1981 Paristo (1:45.2) David Ashcroft Belmont Farm George Handy Bravestofall Darby Gillic * -- Kentucky Derby winner ^stakes record
The Grade II $350,000 Tampa Bay Derby
Fastest Time: 1:43.11 STREET SENSE (2007)
Slowest Time: 1:47.1 MORGANMORGANMORGAN (1983)
Longest Priced Winner: $179.40 BOLD SOUTHERNER (1984)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 2.10 SUN KING (2005)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE BOLD SOUTHERNER (1984), STREET SENSE (2007), ODYSSEUS (2010)
Largest Winning Margin: 5 Lengths THUNDERING STORM (1996)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .05 WAR PASS (2008)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings except 1986 (sloppy)
Richest Purse: $ 350,000 2011-present
Other Notes: Ring Weekend rewarded trainer H. Graham Motion and jockey Daniel Centeno with their second Tampa Bay Derby victories. Motion won in 2002 with Equality, and Centeno was aboard Musket Man in 2009. The top three finishers in the 2013 Tampa Bay Derby — Verrazano, Java‘s War and Falling Sky — competed in the Kentucky Derby, marking a first for the Grade II event. In 2007, Street Sense (owned by James Tafel, trained by Carl Nafzger and ridden by Calvin Borel) became the first Tampa Bay Derby participant to win the Grade I Kentucky Derby. The colt went on to win the Grade I Travers Stakes and the Grade II Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga. In 2010, Super Saver became the sec- ond Tampa Bay Derby graduate to win the Kentucky Derby, for owner WinStar Farm and trainer Todd Pletcher. In 2002, The Tampa Bay Derby attained Grade III status. It was elevated to Grade II for the 2011 edition. Centeno, Richard Migli- ore, Pat Day and Eibar Coa are the the only jockeys to win the race twice: Migliore in 2000 with Wheelaway and in 2001 with Burning Roma; Day in 1998 with Parade Ground and 2004 with Limehouse; and Coa in 2003 with Region of Merit and 2008 with Big Truck. Motion, Todd Pletcher and Tom Albertrani are the only trainers to score a double. Pletcher won with Limehouse in 2004 and Verrazano in 2013, while Albertrani won with Deputy Glitters in 2006 and Odysseus in 2010. Eric Fein is the only owner to have won the race twice: in 2008 with Big Truck and in 2009 with Musket Man, who finished third in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Cefis, trained by Hall of Fame legend Woody Stephens, staged a whirlwind rally from last place to win the 1988 renewal. Ring Weekend and jockey Daniel Centeno shock most observers with a front-running Tampa Bay Derby score. 106 The Turf Dash $100,000 Guaranteed 3-Year-Olds-and-Up 5 Furlongs (Turf)
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Ancil (54.88) * Daniel Centeno Scott Farmer, Kathy Thompson Joan Scott Pyrite Green Tell All You Know 2013 Great Attack (56.13) Angel Serpa Houyhnhnm Stable Wesley Ward Silver Cloud Hold On Smokey 2012 Great Attack (55.93) Jeffrey Sanchez Houyhnhnm Stable Wesley Ward Western Prospector Private Jet 2011 Bridgetown (55.28) Willie Martinez Melnyk Racing Stables Todd Pletcher Great Attack Quite a Dude 2010 Sneaking Uponyou (58.11) Huber Villa-Gomez Jagger, Inc. Jamie Ness Probation Ready Twiceasbeautiful 2009 Castles in the Sky (55.75) Daniel Centeno Balkrisna Sukharan Jamie Ness Cooper County Our Friend Harvey 2008 Lookinforthesecret (57.70) Daniel Centeno Balkrisna Sukharan Jamie Ness Prosico Fort Prado 2007 Lookinforthesecret (56.61) Daniel Centeno Ness Racing Stable Jamie Ness Mr. Silver The Nth Degree 2006 Western Kind (56.55) Juan Umana Grace Harris Dewaine Glenn Whenthedoveflies Around the Cape 2005 Whenthedoveflies (57.62) Jose Lezcano Kalacan Racing Stable Kirk Ziadie Scattering Breezes Relaunch Star
* -- stakes, track record
Ancil sets a stakes and track record of 54.88 sec- onds for five panels on the lawn under jockey Daniel Centeno.
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The $100,000 Turf Dash
Fastest Time :54.88 ANCIL (2014)
Slowest Time :58.11 SNEAKING UPONYOU (2010)
Longest Priced Winner $17.00 SNEAKING UPONYOU (2010)
Shortest Priced Winner $ 3.80 WHENTHEDOVEFLIES (2005)
Closest Winning Margin NECK WESTERN KIND (2006), CASTLES IN THE SKY (2009), BRIDGETOWN (2011)
Largest Winning Margin 3 Lengths SNEAKING UPONYOU (2010)
Shortest Priced Loser $0.90 CHAMBERLAIN BRIDGE (2009)
Track Condition FIRM 2005, 2010, 2012, 2013 (good), 2008 (yielding)
Richest Purse $ 100,000 2014-present
Other notes: With his record-shattering performance in the 2014 Turf Dash, 5-year-old gelding Ancil earned an invita- tion to Royal Ascot in England for his owners, Kathy Thompson of Brooksville, Fla., and Scott Farmer, and his trainer, Joan Scott. Daniel Centeno rode Ancil, one of five stakes victories during the 2013-14 meeting for the five-time track riding champion. Trainer Dennis Ward saddled two-time Turf Dash Stakes winner Great Attack in 2012 and 2013 for his son, trainer Wesley Ward. Great Attack won the Grade III Twin Spires Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs in 2012 on Kentucky Derby Day and has competed in two editions of the Breeders‘ Cup Turf Sprint. He finished second in the 2011 Turf Dash. Great Attack is owned by Jeffrey Seder‘s Houyhnhnm Stable. The Houyhnhnms were a race of intelligent horses in Jona- than Swift‘s classic Gulliver’s Travels. Trainer Jamie Ness was unbeatable in this race from 2007-10, winning back-to-back with Lookinforthesecret, then saddling Castles in the Sky and Sneaking Uponyou. Jockey Daniel Centeno was aboard for the first three Ness triumphs and Huber Villa-Gomez rode Sneaking Uponyou. Bridgetown, the 2011 Turf Dash winner, was second in the 2009 Breeders‘ Cup Juvenile Turf.
108 The Wayward Lass
$50,000 Guaranteed Stakes F/M 4-and-Up 1 1/16 Miles
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2nd 3rd 2014 Dress the Part (1:45.13) Ronnie Allen, Jr. Glen Hill Farm Thomas Proctor Ambusher Montana Native 2013 Magic Hour (1:45.48) Ronnie Allen, Jr. Janis R. Whitham Ian Wilkes Fire Assay I Like It 2012 Arena Elvira (1:44.57) Leandro Goncalves Carolyn Wilson William Mott R Gypsy Gold Dash Dot Dash 2011 Choragus (1:44.39) Leandro Goncalves Lothenbach Stables Anthony Reinstedler C C's Pal Striking Dancer 2010 Don't Forget Gil (1:44.76) Daniel Centeno Alan Brodsky Mark Hennig Choragus Miss Match (ARG) 2009 Striking Tomisue (1:45.50) J. Bridgmohan T. Hilbert & J.R. Menard Nicholas Zito Moon Catcher Boudoir 2008 Cash's Girl (1:44.93) Pablo Morales Cash is King LLC Tim Ritchey Lil's Lassie Colony Queen 2007 Funny Annie (1:45.23) Cecelio Penalba Matthews Stable Michael K. McDonald Porta Clasica Gadolinium 2006 Tasha Sangue (1:45.61) Carlos Montalvo George I. Elso Walter Rosas-Canessa Preach It Pitanga 2005 Joyful Ballad (1:44.71) Jose Lezcano Glen Hill Farm Thomas Proctor Slews Final Answer Grab Bag 2004 Pampered Princess (1:45.77) Jesus Castanon Martin Cherry Martin Wolfson Crimson and Roses Dakota Light 2003 Win's Fair Lady (1:43.94)^ Joseph Judice Sabine Stables Steven Standridge La Nina Dancer Four Plus Four 2002 Technical Key (1:45.20) Bobby Walker, Jr. Steve Richardson Don Rice Coolbythepool Pearly White 2001 Inside Affair (1:45.10) Juan Umana Harold Queen Heather Giglio Royal Fair Silver Stockings 2000 Inside Affair (1:45.23) William Henry Harold Queen Anthony Dutrow Misstress Kipper Quila 1999 Little Won (1:46.45) * Joseph Rocco, Sr. John Spencer, III Arnold Fink Native Gate Dancer Summit Park 1998 Topic Gallapiat (1:46.0) Gary Bain Richard Cummins Bob Peterson Hail the Queen Cindy's Sonnet 1997 Jeffreys Mom (1:46.2) Jose Velez, Jr. Queen's Land Farm R.J. Richards, Jr. Duchess Grace Effervescence 1996 Roadways (1:48.0) Jesse Garcia P. D. K. Racing Ltd. Kenneth Wirth Littlest Secretary Kate Howard 1995 Cavada (1:45.0) Ricardo Lopez Bebe Dalton Archie Smith, Jr. Jellied Madrilene Norfolk Lavender 1994 Current Gossip (1:46.0) Sebastian Madrid Sheila Dimare David Brownlee Miss Obsession Debby's Honeypiat 1993 Magal (1:44.4) Scott Spieth Dolores Tamargo Ray Tamargo My Gallant Birdie Golden Wildcat 1992 Forli's Lass (1:45.4) William Henry Star Racing Stable Art Pedregal, Jr. Sassy N Brassy Magal 1991 Leave It Be (1:46.0) Maureen Andrews D. Liberty Stables Norm Wismer Sassy N Brassy Victorious Trick 1990 Tia Juanita 1989 Stutz Goldrush ^ -- stakes record Jockey Ronnie Allen, 1988 Queen Alexandra Jr., repeats in the Way- * -- purse formerly $25,000-added 1987 Queen Alexandra ward Lass, this time ** -- run at 1 1/8 miles aboard Dress the Part. 1986 Is Rosalind 1985 Sunset Strait ** 109
The $50,000 Wayward Lass Stakes
Fastest Time: 1:43.94 WIN‘S FAIR LADY (2003)
Slowest Time: 1:48.0 ROADWAYS (1996)
Longest Priced Winner: $95.00 TASHA SANGUE (2006)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.40 MAGAL (1993)
Closest Winning Margin: NOSE INSIDE AFFAIR (2000)
Largest Winning Margin: 10 Lengths WIN‘S FAIR LADY (2003)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .70 MAGAL (1992)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings except 1991 and 1996 (good) and 2003 (wet fast)
Richest Purse: 2008 $ 65,000
Other Notes: Dress the Part was 3-for-3 at Tampa Bay Downs during the 2013-14 season, all with Ronnie Allen, Jr., in the irons. Her sire, Malibu Moon, also sired 2013 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands winner Orb. The 2013 Way- ward Lass Stakes winner, Janis R. Whitham‘s 4-year-old homebred Magic Hour, takes a backseat to few Thoroughbreds in terms of pedigree. Her sire, Awesome Again, won the 1998 Breeders‘ Cup Classic. Magic Hour‘s dam Affluent won four Grade I stakes for Whitham and trainer Ron McAnally; Affluent‘s sire, the great Affirmed, won the 1978 Triple Crown. Arena Elvira‘s thrilling Wayward Lass victory in 2012 was her fifth consecutive stakes score for local owner Carolyn Wil- son. Previously, Arena Elvira won a pair of stakes at Saratoga in the summer of 2011, the Grade III Turnback the Alarm at Aqueduct and the Grade II Falls City Handicap at Churchill Downs. Arena Elvira‘s Wayward Lass jockey, Leandro Gon- calves, won the 2011 edition on Choragus. Don‘t Forget Gil, the 2010 winner, loved Tampa Bay Downs; she won the Grade III Florida Oaks in 2009. In 1985, the first running of the Wayward Lass Stakes was at 1 1/8 miles. Jockey William Henry won this race twice: in 1992 with Forli‘s Lass and in 2000 with Inside Affair, for owner Harold Queen. Inside Affair won again for Queen in 2001 with Juan Umana in the irons. Queen Alexandra won both the 1987 and 1988 editions of the Wayward Lass Stakes. She was trained by George Baker.
110
Discontinued Stakes The Discovery
$40,000 Guaranteed Fillies 2 Year Olds Seven Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2ND 3RD
1991 Aggie Gene (1:27.3) William Henry Star Racing Stables Art Pedregal, Jr. Blanche Be Mine Bet Your Bonnet 1990 Erica's Dream (1:25.45)+ Ricardo Lopez Shirley Howell B. E. Howell National Finalist Wekive Run
+ Stakes Record GTBOA Stallion Season Auction Stakes
$25,000 3 Year Olds & Up 1 1/16 Miles
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2ND 3RD
2000 Ben's Quixote (1:41.23) Jesse Garcia Sarah and Kenneth Ramsey Kenneth Wirth Keep Striking Kool Ruckus
The Pinellas Stakes $50,000 Guaranteed Fillies 3 YearsOlds 1 1/16 on the turf
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2ND 3RD
2001 The Goddess Athird (1:43.08) Danny Scocca Gilbert G. Campbell Kathleen O'Connell Chausson Poire Across the Creek 2000 Jera (1:41.46)+ Derek Bell Steve Trizis Peter Klesaris Grey Sky Trouville 1999 Sangam (1:44.19)* Jim McAleney A. Bhangoo Arthur Silvera Schmoopy Dyna Might
* Purse formerly $25,000 added + Stakes Record 111
Discontinued Stakes
The Tampa Bay Downs Steeplechase
$25,000 Maiden 4 Year Olds & Up 2 1/16 Miles
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2ND 3RD
2001 P. C. Plod (3:46.83) Craig Thornton Mrs. S. K. Johnston Janet Elliot How Goes It Clearance Code 2000 Red Classic (3:43.82)+ Sean Clancy Brushwood Stables James Lawrence Banjo Man Hall of Angels
+ Stakes Record The Vulcan Stakes
$25,000 Guaranteed 3 Year Olds Six Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2ND 3RD
1999 Mr. Carter (1:12.94) Lenny Frazzitta, Jr. Gladys Moreland Zelko Krcmar Hogans Chief Dusty Ibis 1998 Broom Rider (1:12.2)+ Dodie Duys Allen Koslin Larry Bates Pretty Dee Dee Poppas Beach, Daring Lass (DH)
(DH) Dead Heat + Stakes Record
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Discontinued Stakes
The Chris Thomas Turf Classic
Formerly the Columbia Stakes
$75,000 Guaranteed 3 Year Olds & Up 1 1/8 Miles (turf)
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2ND 3RD
2009 Dinner in Odem (1:46.68) Phil Teator Peter & Sharyn Wasiluk Peter Wasiluk Sir Dave Sporting Art 2008 Revved Up (1:48.48) Daniel Centeno Live Oak Plantation Christophe Clement Victory Alleged I‘m Only Laughing 2007 Therecomesatiger (1:49.53) Luis Gonzalez Charles Patton Thomas Proctor Revved Up Puppeteer 2006 Revved Up (1:48.25) Eddie Castro Live Oak Plantation Christophe Clement Ballonenostrikes Big Tex 2005 Hear No Evil (1:49.40)^ Melvin Toro Jacks or Better Farm Kenneth Decker Revved Up Headline 2004 Restage (1:48.03) Jesus Castanon Glen Hill Farm Thomas Proctor Coahoma Milky Way Guy 2003 Guardianofthegate (1:50.16) Tommy Pompell Brett Rice Don Rice Total Anilation Dell Place 2002 Guardianofthegate (1:48.12) Dodie Duys Brett Rice Don Rice Fun ‗N' Gun Viva Pentelicus 2001 Guardianofthegate (1:47.9) Paula Bacon Brett Rice Don Rice Trooper Red Special Coach 2000 Lilys Cousin (1:46.34)+ Derek Bell Lois Allen V. W. Reedy Atiba Ben's Quixote
+ Stakes record ^ Name Changed to Chris Thomas Turf Classic in 2005 -- In 2010 race suspended
Dinner in Odem puts his neck in front to capture the 10th running of the Chris Thomas Turf Classic
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Discontinued Stakes
The $75,000 Chris Thomas Turf Classic
Fastest Time: 1:46.34 LILYS COUSIN (2000)
Slowest Time: 1:50.16 GUARDIANOFTHEGATE (2003)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 34.40 GUARDIANOFTHEGATE (2001)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 3.20 REVVED UP (2006)
Closest Winning Margin: NECK GUARDIANOFTHEGATE (2001), DINNER IN ODEM (2009)
Largest Winning Margin 4 Lengths GUARDIANOFTHEGATE (2002)
Shortest Price Loser: $ 1.00 TV SPORTS DIRECTOR (2002)
Track Condition: FIRM All runnings
Richest Purse: 2005 $75,000
Other Notes: Thomas was a popular radio talk-show host who was also a Thoroughbred owner. Owner Brett Rice and trainer Don Rice won three times with Guardianofthegate in 2001, 2002, and 2003, with three dif- ferent jockeys: Paula Bacon, Dodie Duys and Tommy Pompell. Restage, with jockey Jesus Castanon and trainer Tho- mas Proctor, was the first winner of the Chris Thomas Turf Classic when it was renamed in 2004. Proctor subsequently won the race again with Therecomesatiger in 2007 for owner Charles Patton and jockey Luis Gonzalez. Revved Up has won the race twice for owner Live Oak Plantation and trainer Christophe Clement: in 2006 under Eddie Castro and in 2008 with Daniel Centeno in the irons. The winner of the 2009 Chris Thomas Turf Classic, Dinner in Odem, has earned almost $400,000 in his career.
114 ARABIAN STAKES HISTORIES (Discontinued) The Diamond Derby $75,000 Est. Arabian 4 Year Olds Seven Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2ND 3RD
2003 Stellarr (1:35.13) Jesus Bracho Dianne Waldron Dianne Waldron Just Lyke Me Tops the Stars 2002 Doran Sbfar (1:34.9) Jesus Castanon Dianne Waldron Phil Saxer Bonuz On the Mufv 2001 Pardon My French (1:33.41) Federico Mata Trackside Farm Loren Nichols Raising Cano LF Fleetwood Mac 2000 Mucho Caliente (1:32.59)+ Juan Umana Town and Country Farms Hilton Werneth Djolly Good Storrmy Weather 1999 Dreams of Valor (1:32.85) Tommy Zamora Margo Wallace (lessee) Lynn Ashby Seyvilla Proof Genuine Monarch 1998 Tigres Light (1:35.0) Mike Pindell Town and Country Farms Roger Werneth Paving the Way Tigger 1997 The Wiking (1:34.3) C. K. Murphy Town and Country Farms Roger Werneth Vanilla Shaikh Lucky Shawn 1996 Jest You Wait (1:34.2) Sean Jones Dunromin Arabians Lynn Ashby Noble Man Light the Night
+ Stakes Record $75,000 Diamond Derby
Fastest Time: 1:32.59 MUCHO CALIENTE (2000)
Slowest Time: 1:35.0 TIGRES LIGHT (1998)
Longest Priced Winner: $ 21.40 MUCHO CALIENTE (2000)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 2.60 TIGRES LIGHT (1998)
Closest Winning Margin: NECK DREAMS OF VALOR (1999)
Largest Winning Margin: 12 ½ Lengths JEST YOU WAIT (1996)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .80 SEYVILLA PROOF (1999)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings
Richest Purse: 1999 $95,000
Other Notes: No jockey won this race more than once. Owner Town and Country Farms won three times: twice with trainer Roger Werneth (in 1997 and 1998) and once with Hilton Werneth (in 2000). 115 ARABIAN STAKES HISTORIES (Discontinued) The Sapphire $75,000 Est. Arabian 4 Year Old Fillies Seven Furlongs
WINNER JOCKEY OWNER TRAINER 2ND 3RD
2003 More Adorable (1:37.73) Christobal Morales Kinsman / Cheryl Wright Maureen Stillwell Dream Keeper Sey Proofs Fara 2002 Tornade Du Loup (1:35.99) Jesus Castanon Dianne Waldron Phil Saxer French Braids Allez France 2001 Djezebel (1:35.12) Jesus Castanon Dianne Waldron Maureen Stillwell Djenzel Vamonos Juanita 2000 Adoraable (1:37.2) Gary Boag Kinsman / Cheryl Wright Phil Saxer Prince Tiki Mega C S 1999 Royal Atheena (1:34.79)+ Tommy Zamora Genellen and H. Pike Lynn Ashby Lore Zeralda Josniere 1998 Dixie Darlene (1:36.0) Sean Jones Bill Waldron Bill Waldron Star of Orzell Golly What a Day 1997 Super Tiki (1:38.4) Sean Jones J. and L. E. Brauninger, Jr. Lynn Ashby Shes the Most Hidden Treasure 1996 Sweet Girl Ma (1:36.4) Roxane Losey Sharon and Bob Magness Lynn Ashby Electyra Miss Bobbie Socks + Stakes Record The $75,000 Sapphire Sprint
Fastest Time: 1:34.79 ROYAL ATHEENA (1999)
Slowest Time: 1:38.4 SUPER TIKI (1997)
Longest Priced Winner: $10.00 TORNADE DU LOUP (2002)
Shortest Priced Winner: $ 2.40 DIXIE DARLENE (1998)
Closest Winning Margin: HEAD ADORAABLE (2000), TORNADE DU LOUP (2002)
Largest Winning Margin: 8 Lengths SWEET GIRL MA (1996)
Shortest Price Loser: $ .70 FRENCH BRAIDS (2002), A FOREIGN AFFAIR (2002)
Track Condition: FAST All runnings except 2003 (sloppy)
Richest Purse: 1999 $100,000
Other Notes: Jockey Jesus Castanon won this race twice for owner Dianne K. Waldron: in 2001 with Djezebel and in 2002 with Tornade Du Loup. Jockey Sean Jones also won twice: in 1997 with Super Tiki, and in 1998 with Dixie Darlene. Trainer Lynn Ashby won three times: in 1996 with Sweet Girl Ma, in 1997 with Super Tiki, and in 1999 with Royal Atheena.
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