Trainer Snapshot: Peter Eurton

Peter Eurton is a familiar sight in the early mornings at Santa Anita, where he can usually be spotted training on horseback. Eurton has been a Thoroughbred trainer in California since 1985.

Oak Tree Gears Up for Opening Day 2009

Horses School in the Santa Anita paddock in preparation for Opening Day 2009.

Oak Tree at Santa Anita kicks off its 41st season of racing Wednesday, Sept. 30. Highlighting the meet will be the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships – hosted by Oak Tree for the second consecutive year – on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6 and 7.

Jockey Joe Talamo Works Mine That Bird

Jockey Joe Talamo was aboard as Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird worked five furlongs this morning on the all-weather track at Santa Anita. He was clocked in 101.8. Trainer Chip Woolley and owner Mark Allen were both out for the work this morning. Mine That Bird is prepping for the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes at Oak Tree on October 10.

Talamo was a guest on the Tonight Show last night with Conan O'Brien, and he presented Conan with a jockey helmet!

In Memory of Warren Stute

Trainer Mel Stute holds a cake in memory of brother Warren's birthday.

Opening Day at Oak Tree this year falls on what would have been the 88th birthday of legendary trainer Warren Stute. Born September 30, 1921, Warren Stute passed away in 2007. But his memory is still alive at Clockers' Corner, Santa Anita, where a group of trainers, riders, jockey agents, owners, and racing fans gathered Monday morning to honor him. His younger brother, trainer Mel Stute, proudly holds a massive sheet cake made by the Santa Anita pastry chefs. (It was delicious!)

Happy birthday, Warren. We all miss you.

Living Our Dream Works for Trainer Eddie Truman

I caught a quick video of Living Our Dream, a flashy Montbrook filly, working at Santa Anita Friday morning for trainer Eddie Truman. She looked beautiful skimming over the track and was clocked in 1:00.6 for the 5-furlong work. Hoping to see more of her in the coming weeks!

Lookin At Lucky Works for Bob Baffert

Lookin At Lucky looked fabulous on the main track at Santa Anita Friday morning, where he put in a 6-furlong work with Joey Steiner up, for trainer Bob Baffert. Lookin At Lucky was clocked in 1:12.8 - the 4th fastest of 23 works at the distance.

Lookin At Lucky easily won his debut at Hollywood Park in July, then came back and took the Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar, and followed that up with a thrilling victory in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity. That win gave Bob Baffert a record 9th Del Mar Futurity win.

Trainer Snapshot: Henry Moreno

Long a familiar sight early mornings at Santa Anita is trainer Henry Moreno on his pony, Blue. While overseeing his horses training, Moreno spreads his unique brand of cheer as he trades quips with, and occasionally tosses candy to, exercise riders, other trainers, and railbirds like me.

There aren't many Thoroughbred trainers in California who have been around as long as the iconic Moreno. The 80-year-old California native has been training for nearly 60 years.

Moreno in his rodeo days.

Moreno grew up on his family's quarter horse ranch in southern California and began as a quarter horse trainer, switching to thoroughbreds in the early 1960s. Among the stakes horses he has trained were California-bred sprint star Red, dominating winner of the 1997 Cal Cup Sprint; Re Toss, upset winner of the Vanity Handicap in 1993; and top sprinter Sam Who. Moreno also conditioned Chilean import Tizna, winner of seven Santa Anita added-money events, and Sangue, winner of the 1983 Santa Maria Handicap and Yellow Ribbon Stakes.

Moreno with jockey John Longden in the late 1960's.

Master Sergeant Moreno in Korea.

In this Trainer Snapshot video interview, Moreno talks about his early days on the ranch and the transition from training quarter horses to training thoroughbreds. He also offers some insights into the life of a longtime trainer -- and some compelling reasons why his is one of the best careers around!

Well Monied Relaxing Before Heading for Keeneland

Here's a look at lovely graded stakes winner Well Monied relaxing in her stall at the Santa Anita barn of trainer Howard Zucker. She is pointing for the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at 1-1/8 miles on the turf on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Keeneland.

Well Monied now has her own video playlist on my YouTube channel, which now has nine videos going back to January!

A Visit with The Pamplemousse at Santa Anita

I visited The Pamplemousse in his stall at Santa Anita on Wednesday morning, and I found him heartily devouring his breakfast. In fact, he was enjoying his meal so much that he barely came up for air or to get a pat! He looked absolutely marvelous, though.

The Pamplemousse, whose racing career was sidelined in April just before the Santa Anita Derby -- costing him a chance at the Kentucky Derby -- has been recuperating very well according to trainer Julio Canani. Tentative plans call for a trip north for "The Mousse," where he could spend some time in the snow -- a remedy for tendon problems such as the one he suffered.

Stay tuned for updates!

Trainer Henry Moreno Celebrates 80th Birthday

Well-known California trainer Henry Moreno was recently feted on his 80th birthday at a surprise party given by his family. I was honored to be among the 80 or so guests celebrating with Henry at the Pasadena home of his daughter Elizabeth. I couldn't resist snapping a photo of the fabulous cake that was decorated with a depiction of the Henry Moreno silks.

A Teen's Dream of Becoming a Jockey: A Guest Post by an Aspiring Jockey

Frankie Lovato Jr. and me.

By Kayla Jarvinen

The life of a jockey isn’t all fame and fortune… No, not at all. Despite all of the risks that jockeys take on a day-to-day basis though, that’s what I want to do and am going to do. I’m going to be a jockey.

I remember watching the 08’ Triple Crown with Big Brown and all the drama that surrounded him. My family has never been involved with the racing industry but for as long as I can remember, every year we’ve watched the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont on TV -- and 2008 was no different… Except that was the year I fell in love with horse racing. It must have been right after the Preakness; I walked into the kitchen, told my mom I was going to be a jockey, and then settled down at the computer to do some research… And that was that. I don’t know what it was, but I’m hooked for life. Being a jockey is the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning and the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night.

It’s kind of amusing actually. I had, for some reason, never really noticed the guys perched precariously over the horses’ backs during the races. I guess I always knew they were there; I had just never given them much thought before. It kind of just came upon me suddenly… “Hey, those guys (called jockeys) ride horses for a living! I’d like to do that someday. Yes I think I will.”

At that point I didn’t realize what I was getting into. I didn’t know at the time that jockeys are the toughest athletes around (at least in my opinion), both physically and mentally. I didn’t know that it was a male-dominated sport and that only 10% of jockeys are female, and even fewer are successful. I didn’t realize, simply, the dedication that you have to possess to pursue a career as a professional jockey. All I knew was that it looked thrilling out there and I wanted to be a part of it!

That was just last year. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about horse racing and jockeys; I now have some pretty amazing people helping me achieve my goals and dreams; and this last August I attended a Jockey Camp put on by retired jockey, Eclipse Award winning apprentice, and creator of the Equicizer, Frank Lovato Jr. I learned so much at Frankie’s camp, and I actually won a jockey saddle there, which I practice on every day. I know my journey’s just beginning, and I have such a long way to go and so much more to learn. I’m up for the challenge though. I work out regularly -- running, lifting small weights, push-ups, sit-ups, etc. Because when it comes time for my first race, I want to be ready. I hope that when I become a jockey, I can make it a little easier, open the door up a little wider, for others girls that are like me and want to have this sort of career.

I just want to say thank you real quick -- first to my parents. I know it has to be hard for you to let your “little girl” pursue a career in such a dangerous profession but you both support me anyway and without you guys I really don’t know how I’d ever make it. I also want to thank Frankie. When I first saw your jockey videos on YouTube last spring, I had no idea how much of an impact you’d have on me. I’m always amazed at how much you know and how much I’m learning from you… So thank you for your belief in me as well as taking the time to help me and answer my never-ending stream of questions.

My parents, my family, Frankie, and so many others inspire me to work my hardest and never give up. I know this is going to be a long road, but I want to be a jockey more than anything and I know that with the help of these wonderful people, I will get there.

About Kayla:
My name’s Kayla Jarvinen, and I’m 14 years old and a freshman in high school. I’m home schooled and working hard to graduate early. My current goal is to attend the North American Racing Academy -- a college in Lexington, Kentucky -- to further pursue a career as a jockey. Some day, I’d like to race on the New York and California racing circuits.

Thoughts on a Match Race: Rachel Alexandra vs. Zenyatta

The latest in a series of guest posts

By Vic Harrison

We've discussed video displays, breakage and outs issues, past posting, starting gates and past performance info.

This week we turn our attention to Zenyatta vs. Rachel Alexandra.

Understatement Department:
"It sure would be a good race."

Obvious Statement Department:
"Rachel (R) is faster than Zenyatta (Z) and, on paper, should be favored and win."

Curious Statement Department:
My bottom line: Z beats R.

My qualifiers:

• Z likely wins at any distance over 1 1/16.
  
• R likely wins at 1 1/16 or shorter distances.
  
• In either case, the races would create a sensation for our industry – a cryin’ shame that it may not manifest.

The intangibles:

• Smart (or not) decisions by the jockeys
  
• Track surface – dirt, grass or synthetic
  
• Track condition
  
• Trouble at the start or during the race
  
• Whether I, Vic Harrison, the favorite killer, wagered on the horse.

I am of the opinion that, generally, the classy older horse beats the younger faster horse.

BLOGGING is not my full-time job. (“Thank God,” I can hear some of you say.) I try to squeeze out a BLOG or two every month or so. I tell you this in an attempt to lend credence to my excuse that I haven’t adequately performed research. I don’t have the time - You do it! Find match races or full field races, even, where two high profile horses square off against one another. I bet you find, in instances where the ages differ, that, more often than not, the classier older horse wins. What does “classier” mean? Honestly, in this case, I don’t know. We could talk consistency, earnings, number of wins – What I’m not saying is that Z is classy while R is not – she’s just, uhhhh…classier.

Too Much Information Department:
I was living in Orange, NJ in 1975 when I was introduced to horse racing by a girlfriend who attended Sullivan County Community College and had become a fan of harness racing at nearby Monticello Raceway. What an introduction she gave me, so to speak – a double-header: daytime Harness Racing at Freehold and evening Thoroughbred action at the Meadowlands. This was my first day ever at the races. All I did that first day was to hook up likely odds combinations in the exacta pools – In the same race, I’d hook up the 6-1 shot with the 9-2 shot and a 12-1 shot with a 3-1 shot and so on. By the end of that day I had $700 additional dollars and became a fan for life. Naturally, I’d spend thousands over the next few years actually learning how to handicap. The point here is, I lived in northern NJ and cut my teeth in the late '70’s at the Big M.

Whilst at the Meadowlands, I saw:

Cam Fella beat It’s Fritz. Both were aged 4 but you would say that Cam Fella was the classier of the two and It’s Fritz was the speedball.

The battle of the FS’s: Forest Skipper beat Falcon Seelster. Again both were 4 YO’s and again Skipper was perceived as the classier and Seelster the faster.

In 2003, Bunny Lake, aged 5, beat Worldly Beauty, aged 4.

These are examples on the Standardbred side that left me with the indelible sense that, all things being equal, class beats fast and Z beats R.

Until next time...

-- Vic

For more information about Vic Harrison, see Contributors on the About tab.

Equine Stem Cell Therapy and IRAP

At a recent veterinary medicine seminar hosted by Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) at Pleasanton, California, veterinarian Dr. Kim Kuhlmann discussed the details of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Protein (IRAP), how and why it is used, and how it is administered. This is the final part of a 5-part video series covering this seminar. For more information, visit the TOC website.

Watch Part 1 | Watch Part 2 | Watch Part 3 | Watch Part 4

Equine Stem Cell Research Seminar: Part Four

At a recent veterinary seminar focusing on equine stem cell research hosted by Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) in Pleasanton, California, Dr. Kim Kuhlmann, San Francisco Equine, Inc., explained equine joint inflammation and how the different methods of treatment can be used to solve the cycle of degeneration.

This is the 4th in a 5-part series of videos being posted on this site this week. For more information, visit the TOC website.

Watch Part 1 | Watch Part 2 | Watch Part 3 | Watch Part 5

Modern Veterinary Medicine Seminar: Equine Stem Cell Research

At a "Modern Veterinary Medicine" seminar hosted by Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) in July, Dr. Greg Ferraro discussed stem cell research companies and how to choose one. Dr. Kim Kuhlmann presented information regarding blood and plasma, and how it is used in stem cell research and therapy. This is the third in a 5-part video series I will be posting this week.

For more information, visit the TOC website.

Watch Part 1 | Watch Part 2 | Watch Part 4 | Watch Part 5

Equine Stem Cell Research, Video Seminar Part Two

In the second of a 5-part video series, Dr. Larry Galuppo continues an excellent discussion on equine stem cell research and new techniques in the areas of equine tendon and ligament repair, including soft tissue regeneration and joint therapy. Dr. Galuppo is an Associate Professor and Chief of Equine Surgery at U.C. Davis teaching equine surgery and lameness.

For more information, visit the TOC website.

Watch Part 1 | Watch Part 3 | Watch Part 4 | Watch Part 5

Dr. Larry Galuppo Speaks on Equine Stem Cell Research

At a veterinary seminar hosted by Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) at the Pleasanton Simulcast Facility in July, Dr. Larry Galuppo delivered an excellent presentation on equine stem cell research and new techniques in the areas of equine tendon and ligament repair, including soft tissue regeneration and joint therapy. Dr. Galuppo is an Associate Professor and Chief of Equine Surgery at U.C. Davis teaching equine surgery and lameness.

This video is part 1 of a 5-part series that I will be posting this week. For more information, visit the TOC website.

Watch Part 2 | Watch Part 3 | Watch Part 4 | Watch Part 5

Zap! of the Week: Bullsbay on Dirt

Larry Zap takes you back to see Grade 1 winner Bullsbay (Larry Zap Bloodstock purchased) training as a two year old at Santa Anita Racetrack on the old dirt track. Check him out galloping and his very first 1/4 mile workout between horses. Bullsbay just ran third to Rachel Alexandra in the Woodward.

For more information about Larry Zap, see Contributors on the About tab.

Laffit Pincay on Book Signing Tour

Pincay autographs his biography at Del Mar book signing, September 2009.

Anyone who follows jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. on Twitter knows that he has been busy jetting around this summer to various book signings for his recently released biography by Madelyn Cain, Laffit: Anatomy of a Winner. I was fortunate to catch him, along with the author, at Del Mar during closing week and get my very own autographed copy.

Pincay, who in 1999 surpassed Willie Shoemaker to become the winningest jockey of all time, has led an incredible and fascinating life. His riding career spanned an amazing 40 years and encompassed the lowest of lows and the highest of highs. The biography chronicles his life from his early days in Panama to his remarkable achievements in the world of Thoroughbred horse racing. It's an engrossing read not only for racing fans but for anyone who enjoys reading about the life of a truly dedicated and inspiring athlete.

Maui Mark Schools for Closing Day Try at Del Mar

Maui Mark schooling at Del Mar, 9/8/09.

I caught a photo of Maui Mark, a beautiful chestnut son of Unusual Heat, schooling in the Del Mar paddock Tuesday morning for trainer Howard Zucker.

Maui Mark returns to a synthetic track in the 7th race on Del Mar's closing day card, a six and a half furlong optional claiming event for three year olds and up. The meet's leading rider, Joel Rosario, has the mount.

Wild Promises Schools for Del Mar's Palomar Handicap

Wild Promises at Del Mar Tuesday morning, 9/8/09.

Trainer Greg Gilchrist was in the Del Mar paddock this morning to oversee the schooling of Wild Promises, who shipped in from Northern California for the closing day feature, the Grade 2 Palomar Handicap for fillies and mares three years old and up at 1-1/16 miles on the turf.

A 5-year-old Florida-bred daughter of Wild Event, Wild Promises is a multiple stakes winner with a record of 13 victories from 19 starts. She is coming off an impressive repeat victory in the Luther Burbank Handicap at Santa Rosa on Aug. 8. Wild Promises is owned by the estate of Harry Aleo, best known for campaigning champion sprinter Lost in the Fog.

Trainer Snapshot: Bruce Headley

One of California's native sons, Bruce Headley has been training Thoroughbreds in the Golden State for 50 years.

Two main things impressed me about trainer Bruce Headley. The first is the closeness of his family and the obvious time and effort they have put into building a life around a sport they love. Both of his children -- Gus and Karen -- are trainers. And Headley insists that his wife and lifelong sweetheart, Aase, is the "brains" of the operation.

The second thing is Headley's incredible memory and his connection to and respect for the great California trainers of the past under whose tutelage he learned his trade.


Headley was born in Baldwin Park on February 14, 1934 and grew up in Southern California when it was still a land of orange groves and dairy farms. He was introduced to racing at the age of six by an uncle who worked at Santa Anita, and he quickly fell in love with Thoroughbred horses, leaving home at 15 to live on a ranch and learn to ride racehorses.

When his weight caught up with his height and he realized he would be too big to continue as a jockey, he turned to training in 1959. But he transferred his knowledge and passion for riding to the jockeys he worked with and to his two children. Headley helped launch the riding careers of Eclipse Award winning apprentice jockeys Steve Valdez and Robyn Smith.

He trained Eclipse Award winning sprint champion Kona Gold, who at the end of his racing career served as Headley’s stable pony until his retirement to the Kentuky Horse Park. He also trained multiple graded stakes winners Got Koko, Kalookan Queen, Surf Cat , Variety Road, Bertrando, Silveyville, and Son of a Pistol, as well as a long roster of other graded stakes winners.

In this Trainer Snapshot video interview, Headley talks about his introduction to Thoroughbred racing, riding styles and how they have evolved, and what he loves about training horses.

Zap! of the Week: Zenyatta, Zensational and More

Larry Zap brings you Zenyatta's last gallop at Del Mar Racetrack before shipping to Hollywood Park. Also watch great morning footage of Zensational, Star Nicholas, Necessary Evil, Alfarabi and more. All nicely narrated by Zap. Enjoy!

For more information about Larry Zap, see Contributors on the About tab.

Colonel John Schools for Pacific Classic at Del Mar

Multiple grade 1 winner Colonel John schooled for trainer Eoin Harty during the races Saturday afternoon in preparation for Sunday's $1 million Pacific Classic. Colonel John heads a field of 12 that includes Einstein, Rail Trip, Informed and Awesome Gem.

The Pacific Classic is the ninth race on an 11-race card that begins one hour earlier than usual, at 1 p.m. Pacific. The card includes three other stakes races: the grade 1 Pat O'Brien Stakes, the grade 2 Del Mar Derby, and the Torrey Pines Stakes.

Lost Prophet Schools at Del Mar

Lost Prophet, an intriguing two-year-old filly by Yes It's True, got some special attention Tuesday morning when trainer Howard Zucker led her through her first schooling experience in the Del Mar paddock.

Lost Prophet is entered in today's 9th race, a maiden special weight at five and a half furlongs on the Polytrack. She has recorded a steady series of works at Del Mar, including Wednesday morning when she was clocked going 4 furlongs in :49.0.

Zenyatta vs. Rachel Alexandra: Another Viewpoint

Conor Foley of Darley Racing offers his opinion on the question... Would you like to see a match race between the two superstar fillies Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra? And if so, who do you think would win?

Queen of the Catsle Remains Queen of the Daisycutter

Queen of the Catsle with trainer Howard Zucker 9/4/09

Queen of the Catsle won Thursday's Daisycutter Handicap at Del Mar in scintillating fashion, successfully defending her title and showing she is back in form. She was three wide in the stretch and closed steadily to prevail over favorite Reba is Tops by a nose.

Queen of the Catsle is trained by Howard Zucker for owner C.T. Grether Inc.

Zenyatta vs. Rachel Alexandra: Clocker Toby Turrell Weighs In

The buzz is getting louder with the approach of Saturday's Woodward Stakes at Saratoga, when Rachel Alexandra will take on the boys. And the video poll continues out here on the west coast... Who would like to see a match race between the two superstar fillies Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra? And if so, which one would win? Toby Turrell, clocker and publisher of "The Yellow Sheet" offers a unique perspective on the question.

Queen of the Catsle Schools for Daisycutter Handicap

Here's turf sprinter and graded stakes winner Queen of the Catsle schooling in the paddock during the first race at Del Mar today. She will be defending her title in tomorrow's Daisycutter Handicap, a 5-furlong race on the turf for fillies and mares three years old and up.

Jockey Mike Smith has the call on Queen of the Catsle for trainer Howard Zucker and owner C.T. Grether Inc.

In addition to last year's Daisycutter Handicap, her stakes victories include the Dance in the Mood Stakes at Hollywood Park and the Sen. Ken Maddy Handicap at Santa Anita. She is coming off a fourth-place finish in the Great Lady M. Handicap at Hollywood Park.

Zenyatta vs. Rachel Alexandra: Larry Zap Weighs In

A recently ended poll on this site asked readers if they would like to see a match race between Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. The final count was pretty close, with 69 voting yes (49%), 56 voting no (40%), four votes for "not sure" (2%) and 11 votes for "who cares?" (7%). And still the buzz about the two superstar fillies continues in racing circles.

With Rachel Alexandra set to face the boys in Saturday's Woodward Stakes at Saratoga, Larry Zap offers an interesting slant on the question. Watch for more installments to the video poll over the next few days!

Silent Stalk Schools at Del Mar

Silent Stalk caught my eye as she was schooling in the Del Mar paddock this morning for trainer Julio Canani. Entered for tomorrow's second race at Del Mar, an allowance optional claiming race at 5 furlongs on the turf, she certainly looks fit and ready.

Trainer Snapshot: Hall of Fame Trainer Bob Baffert

An introduction is hardly necessary for Bob Baffert. One of the most successful trainers in the history of horse racing, Baffert was inducted into the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame on August 14, along with Silverbulletday, the champion filly he trained.

Baffert is a three-time winner of the Eclipse Award as outstanding trainer and has compiled seven Breeders’ Cup wins and eight victories in Triple Crown races. He has campaigned an astonishing roster of racing's superstars, including Eclipse Award champions Silver Charm, Real Quiet, Silverbulletday, Chilukki, Point Given, Vindication, War Emblem, Indian Blessing, and Midnight Lute.

The fourth of seven children, Baffert was born in Nogales, Arizona and grew up on his family’s cattle ranch. He got his start with horses at a very young age, grooming and galloping Quarter Horses owned by his father. After graduating from high school in 1971, he spent a year pursuing his dream of becoming a jockey, winning 30 races. He then attended the University of Arizona, graduating from the Racetrack Industry Program with a Bachelor of Science degree.


He began his training career with Quarter Horses and trained four Quarter Horse champions including Gold Coast Express. He made the transition to Thoroughbreds in the late 1980s, in large part due to the encouragement of owners Mike Pegram and Hal Earnhardt.

Baffert currently resides in Arcadia, Calif., along with his wife, Jill, a former news anchor at WLKY-32 in Louisville. He is the father of five children: Taylor, Canyon, Forest, Savannah and Bode.

In addition to his many accomplishments as a trainer, Baffert has done much to help the sport of racing. In 1997, he received the Mr. Fitz Award from the National Turf Writers Association, an award presented annually to an individual or group for typifying the spirit of racing. In 1998, he received the Big Sport of Turfdom Award from the Turf Publicists of America. This annual award goes to a person or group who enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with the media and racing publicists.

In this special Trainer Snapshot video interview, Baffert talks about the emotional experience of receiving Hall of Fame honors and reflects on his life and career.

Zenyatta vs. Rachel Alexandra: Trainer Howard Zucker Weighs In

In the latest of a continuing video poll, Howard Zucker, trainer of Well Monied (who indicated her choice in a post earlier this month), provides his opinion on a possible match race between the two superstar fillies.