Remembering Bobby Frankel on his 72nd Birthday

In 1986, I was a naïve, horse-crazy 18-year-old living in Manhattan focused on a Wall Street career.  I spent Monday through Friday at Eisenberg & Sons learning to trade options and understand things like arbitrage. The weekends were reserved for my true loves – Aqueduct, Belmont, and the Meadowlands, the trio enveloped my every upright moment. On Saturday and Sunday, I traded stock charts for RagozinSheets.

This was also the year I put together my first racing partnership. The horse, a stunning gray son of Graustark, the trainer Bobby Frankel.

Jerry Castle, father of my dear friend Willy, recommended Bobby. Mr. Castle, was a leading owner in the 1970s with the notorious Buddy Jacobson, and later Jose Martin.  Willy, now goes by William. He is the agent for jockey David Cohen. Bobby Frankel had apprenticed with Jacobsen [father of David Jacobson].  Castle knew Frankel well.

Sounded good to me, but, seriously -- how is a California-based trainer going to train horses in New York?  Why Anthony Dutrow of course! Young Tony, brother to another notorious racing figure [Richard Dutrow], earned Frankel’s confidence and headed-up the New York division. My beautiful grey boy was front and center in the Frankel shedrow at Belmont Park [in my mind J]. Really, the star of the time was Garthorn, aka “the Believe It colt”.

In May [1986], Garthorn was prepping for the prestigious Met Mile at Belmont. Bobby was en route from California with owners Jerry and Ann Moss.  I was so excited at the thought of meeting Bobby Frankel in person. 

Tony introduced me to Bobby. Bobby was gracious and reserved, later I learned what a good mood he was in – lucky for me! I tracked Bobby to learn as much as I could during his weekend on the east coast. 

It was an unforgettable experience….

Garthorn won the Met Mile. Bobby, Jerry, and Ann invited me to join them in the NYRA Trustee’s room to celebrate with champagne and delectable hors d’ouevres . I didn’t know such a room existed at NYRA – wow, it was an eye opener. The celebration continued into Manhattan…limos, penthouses, fine-dining and drinks…until the wee hours of the morning.

Bobby was a perfect gentleman.  Although, it didn’t surprise me to learn years later, he was quite the ladies man. He was endearing and charming; he spent most of his time speaking about his daughter Bethenny.

Ann was so sweet and so gorgeous, I believe she was a model before becoming Mrs. Moss. And Jerry, I learned was the 'M' of A & M Records. Amazingly, we had a friend in common, New York music man Morris Levy. Zenyatta couldn’t have happened to nicer people.

It is funny how certain conversations rattle about in the mind for decades. Truly, it is like yesterday I remember Bobby sitting at the dinner table bragging on his daughter. She was 15 at the time. We were three years apart. It wasn't the age though, it was the name.  Bethany Blaisdell was one of my very best friends in grade school, she was the only Bethany I knew.

When I first saw Bethenny Frankel, I saw Bobby; her beautiful smile and kind eyes are a gift from her father.

Today [09.July.2013] is Bobby Frankel's 72nd Birthday. Though he is not here physically, I will raise toast tonight and remember the good time he showed me in the Big Apple. 

In 2004, I officially interviewed Bobby for Unbridled TV. He candidly spoke about his rise to success, love of horses, and how he'd like to be remembered.

I hope this post gives you pause to take a moment today to recall a win, a memory, good times, and happy trails with Bobby Frankel -- he was a good man, and he left us too soon.... Susan.

Breeder's Cup, Ravishly, Deborah Jones

Exceller & Willie Shoemaker

Today is the biggest Day in Horse Racing..The 29th Breeders Cup at Santa Anita Park in California…it is running as I write.

Broadcast around the world, millions of viewers tune in to watch the worlds top thoroughbreds vie for million dollar prizes.

I too am tuned in, but not with anywhere near the naivety or enthusiasm  I once had for horse racing ...

Watching the Kentucky Derby -- the first leg of the triple crown -- 41 years ago ... I fell head over heels in love with the sport of kings as I watched a little brown horse from South America charge to victory in the 1971 Run For The Roses.

CANONERO II

Some years later I had the joy of meeting the my TV idol  Canonero II face-to-face at Gainesway Farm in Lexington, KY. During that visit I also met John Gaines, the visionary behind the Breeders’ Cup we see today.

My family owned shares in stallions at Gainesway including my personal favorite, the late great EXCELLER -- a victor in major stakes over the Santa Anita Course with Willie Shoemaker in the irons. Later in his life a casualty of slaughter.

Repeat visits to Gainesway and the surrounding iconic farms solidified my resolve to spend my life with thoroughbreds. I thought the career of a trainer or veterinarian to be noble pursuits….both front line caregivers..to the most beautiful creature on earth. 

Seeing thoroughbreds living at glorious bluegrass farms impressed me as to how well horses were treated…, and why wouldn't they be? Look at the amazing lifestyle they afforded their owners. I was young, naive, and quite impressionable.

What I didn't know  then… I know now. 

Never in my worst nightmare did I imagine that which I have recently learned people will do to horses. 

In my own zeal to share the "good" about racing – I brought you interviews with top racing people that I really, really believed had the best interest of their horses at heart. In the years since then I have learned, first hand, quite the opposite….and for that my friends, I apologize.

I believe adults should hold themselves accountable for failure.


Owners and trainers willing to sacrifice horse care for the sake of a win, or ship a horse out-of-state to an unknown destiny have contributed to an overwhelming problem in the racing world….the grotesque and inhumane butchering of America’s  thoroughbreds.

Many related in pedigree to the magnificent horses we see gracing our TVs today at the Breeder's Cup.

Whether dying on the track or in a slaughterhouse, the fact of the matter is -- the majority of American thoroughbreds are sent away on long torturous trips over US highways to Mexico and Canada. Terrified in a foreign land their skull is crudely fractured and their sinewy bodies hung  upside down by a hind leg to bleed out. According to USDA inspectors, some are still alive while being cut apart.

Rendering and processing it is not – it is an excruciating, horrific death. The journey begins in the breeding shed and ends at an auction -- ALL on American soil.

In my opinion .. if not acknowledged, addressed and  rectified with real solutions --- this will be the end of horse racing… and so it should be.

Overbreeding is the genesis of this train-wreck, and excessive drugging at the racetrack piles on even more innocent victims. Recently among them, RAVISHLY, a resident NY mare, owned throughout her career by IEAH Stable who purchased her for $75,000 as a two-year-old.

RAVISHLY did all that was asked of her on the racetrack and in the breeding shed. Upon retirement from the IEAH broodmare band, she became a "giveaway". No protection, no PENSION, no follow-up, and compounding the offense .... no names.

RAVISHLY at SARATOGA GLEN FARM

RAVISHLY was butchered the morning after she sold for $50 to a meat packing plant through an auction in Unadilla, NY. The same NY promoting and incentivizing more breeding without an effective and safe retirement plan for its equine participants.

RAVISHLY produced five foals for her owner IEAH. As the breeder, they may collect state-bred awards up to 30% of prizes earned by each offspring. WHAT A NICE RETIREMENT FUND THIS COULD HAVE PROVIDED FOR RAVISHLY.

California-based Deborah Jones revealed the plight of RAVISHLY on her facebook page, "emaciated, and injured from barbed wire, Ravishly was once again wearing a hip tag but this time there was no announcement promoting her bloodlines, progeny, race earnings not even her name....known ONLY as hip # 0715".

Deborah Jones is a first-responder on the front lines in kill pens. She saves dispirited and forgotten horses from the ultimate betrayal. Each of whom were once the apple of someone's eye. Now Deborah is their only hope.

Journalist Joe Drape featured the work of Deborah Jones in Friday's edition of the New York Times. She is a hero to every horse on death row and to those who do truly love thoroughbreds.  

So, on racing's biggest day, as winners celebrate their new found millions and championship honors, I mourn for the hundreds-of-thousands left in their wake. 

May there be a heaven for horses, Susan.

Related Links:

Exceller's Story: http://www.excellerfund.org/

Ravishly: http://www.ieah.com/cgi-bin/photo_gallery2.cgi?gallery=1000006

Ravishly and her foals at Saratoga Glen Farm: http://www.saratogaglenfarm.com/Ravishly.htm

NY Times Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/02/sports/rescuing-racehorses-from-slaughter-as-industry-bides-its-time.html?pagewanted=all

####

New York Horse Racing & AIA Press Conference

This video is of the New York Horse Racing and Agricultural Industry Alliance press conference in its entirety from the Capitol Building on October 16, 2012. The purpose of the press conference was to  release the Economic Impact study conducted by the group which reveals that the horse serves as a "job creator" in New York and is responsible for billions of dollars of commerce.

My question is… what does this mean for the horse…?

New York will have a  huge number of unwanted horses in the state unless it FIRST addresses the drug abuse that takes place on racetracks and a comprehensive solution to care for horses bred in the state that have an average life span of 25 years after they retire from racing.

Racehorses that are subjected to multiple injections and painkillers leaves most limited as to their usefulness in second careers. The reason being, chips, stress fractures, arthritis, tendonitis, and a myriad of other ailments that trainers and veterinarians refer to as "racing sound" will not equate to soundness for other less stressful disciplines. It is absurd that the same veterinarians that administer joint injections and painkillers for a horse to race, will not pass that same horse on a vet exam for a simpler easier life. It is a backward system leaving the innocent horse as its victim.

The revenue from the VLTs that is increasing prize money and breeders awards serves as incentive to race unsound horses and breed without any measure of quality or control. Currently, 70% of the American thoroughbred crop ends up in slaughter....what is to stop this in NY?

The reality is there is no effective aftercare program in place that addresses thousands of horses that fall through the cracks from the time they retire from racing.

Please share your thoughts and comments…

Aqueduct Racing Officials Faulted in Horse Deaths - NYTimes.com

I was delighted to learn that Gov. Cuomo's task force investigation will be leading to some reform of pain-masking drug use  and clenbuterol abuse on the backstretch. What they uncovered validated what I went through with Bourbon Bandit.

So...here is an x-ray of Bourbon Bandit's knee in which he broke a bone (the equine knee has 5 bones) racing at Aqueduct on November 5, 2011. His breakdown went unreported by NYSRWB, when I inquired why?,  I was told, "because he was not vanned off the track". I am still trying to find out what Bourbon Bandit was racing on that he did not feel the pain of a broken bone until two days later.....???

In today's NY Times article, Aqueduct Racing Officials Faulted in Horse Deaths, Howard B. Glaser, Mr. Cuomo’s director of state operations, said in an interview, “At the New York Racing Association, concern for the health of the horses finished a distant second to economics”.

CLICK TO READ ARTICLE IN NY TIMES

...Thank you Gov. Cuomo for caring enough about horses to be the change that they need to see. These changes are a step in the right direction.

I stepped up and out about the abuse to my horse Bandit suffered...how many others are out there? Do you care enough to speak up? Please comment and share your thoughts, Susan.

Bourbon Bandit update...

At the Track, Racing Economics Collide With Veterinarians’ Oath - NYTimes.com

This is a groundbreaking piece about the ethical dilemma veterinarians face when working on racehorse.

I had the privilege of contributing Bandit's story. He is one of the lucky ones.

As always, I'd value your thoughts and feedback, Susan.

UR Horse Report

Clint and Speedy making progress at beautiful Belmont Park! On Wednesday, both getting comfy in their new surroundings and training well, see videos...

UR Stable has a few partnership interests available in horses of racing age. 

Email for details and own a racehorse today 1.877.WINS.BIG 

Breaking Down Data & Drugs....a Holistic View

The recent article in the NY Times was a long overdue wake-up call to ALL thoroughbred horse industry participants. Thank you Joe Drape et al.

Breakdowns, catastrophic, and career ending injuries, have long gone unreported to the general public unless captured on camera during a major broadcast.

Thankfully, the NYSRWB has responded to this new found public awareness by making previously veiled industry reports readily available.

The Equine Breakdown, Death, Injury and Incident Database, and the Racing and Wagering Board Ruling Database are new resources for owners to investigate trainers and make informed decisions. Had this information been available in the past, I for one, would have selected different trainers to handle my beloved horses.

Over the past month, I have interviewed several trainers. I am abhorred by the number of prominent names who openly flaunt the rules by engaging in the debilitating practice of daily training on bronchodilators, pain-killers, muscle relaxers, and steroid-effect like drugs.

Abetted by profiteering veterinarians, trainers erroneously believe these drugs give them an edge. Sadly, day-to-day training on drugs creates a dependence on DRUGS, the ones that are illegal on race-day!

The problem with the use of training on controlled substances is that they mask the very subtle signs, symptoms, and pain that tell the educated eye it’s time for a change. They wreak havoc with horse’s own cellular intelligence which is designed to strengthen itself. Unnoticed, horses’ train onward only to collapse on race-day when their system hasn’t the integrity to withstand the demands of racing clean. While researching within the NYSRWB database I was surprised by the number of cardiovascular collapses reported; the workload on heart and lungs must be enormous on an animal suffering withdrawal on race-day.

Veterinarians addicted to profit, coupled with trainers addicted to finding an edge, are co-creating a generation of drug-riddled addicted animals. I see this first-hand as retired runners come to my farm for re-homing. Often, they go through weeks of withdrawal and depression while enduring the side-effects of long term drug abuse -- in the name of "therapy".

Shockingly, trainers I have spoken with justify the use of illegal-to-race-on-drugs siting, “that is what the other trainers do”. Unfortunately, I too see veterinarians, who are entrusted to ethically prescribe, instead simply filling orders for trainers. To which I ask, what authority licenses trainers to diagnose and prescribe controlled substances? And yet, the veterinarians who supposedly control the controlled substances, by supposedly writing prescriptions and determining dosages are held to the same malpractice laws as human doctors.

Furthermore, the misuse of drugs like Clenbuterol, is on the rise. Traditionally, a medication prescribed to clear up an inflammatory irritation, it is now being administered en masse for its anabolic steroid like effect. A finding noted and acted upon in California at Los Alamitos.

As trainers and veterinarians fill horses with a continual stream of inappropriately classified “therapeutic” drugs such as clenbuterol, bute, banamine, magnesium sulfate, and naquasone...to name a few, they are setting up horses, and jockeys, for disaster.

It is my belief, that the excessive amounts of controlled substances in use on a daily basis are causal to the rise in breakdowns -- this was alluded to in Dr. Susan Stover’s in-depth report to Congress in 2008.

On race-day, most entrants are given lasix, a diuretic that further insults the equine athlete through dehydration. Now, with comprised bodies suffering drug withdrawal the horse is asked to deliver its biggest most strenuous effort. It is my fear for the safety of all involved, that unless measures are taken to eradicate drugs all together, the lack of them on race-day will lead to even more casualties.

If a horse is not allowed to race on certain substances, why then are they allowed to train on the same? This methodology implodes; each horse an innocent victim.

The problem with racing is not race-day medications, the surface, or the purse...it is rather the willingness of certain people to exploit horses at any price.

I have spent nearly everyday of my life in the company of thoroughbreds. I see no harm in racing strong, sound, healthy horses -- there is however, something seriously inhumane about drugging animals to “run through pain” as one trainer put it, and, “because they need to race” as a one veterinarian noted.

It is my hope that NYSRWB will see fit to place a ban on all drugs, all the time, and regularly conduct drug testing on the backstretch in between races. Between now and then, perhaps the Board will revisit the 2009 plan to disclose drug records, a truly effective way to regain the public’s trust. A proposal criticized only by veterinarians, none of which seem to have any difficulty with the same record-keeping when it comes to billing unsuspecting owners.

By Susan Kayne. Horse Lover, Animal Activist, Racehorse Owner.

Related Links:

Drugs banned by NYSRWB, see 4043.2 Restricted use of drugs, medication and other substances.

The Chemical Horse: Drugs in Racing

WinStar Lasix Study

Business of Racing on Lasix

Kentucky Derby Vet Records

Hong Kong & Horse Care

What do you think is an ethical and morally responsible behavior as the use of drugs to train racehorses?

Morning Gallops

Despite wicked high winds this AM the Girls and Clint
put in a solid few miles around the training oval on the farm.
I am pleased with each horse's progress...Susan.

UR TEAM 2012

Hey Friends... It has been a while, here's why...I have been super busy developing our last crop of big, bold, beautiful NY-Breds. This glorious NY winter has allowed us to gallop outdoors nearly every day. The window of opportunity to race for the richest purses in the history of NY Racing --- with the least competition is NOW!

Have a look at UR Racing Team, Three 2YOs, and Three 3YOs,...we have just a few partnership interests available and you can enjoy responsibly racing with our Team.....

 2009 Hook And Ladder Filly

 2010 Aragorn (IRE) Filly

 2010 Wild Desert Filly

 2010 Big Brown Filly

 Baal Perazim 2009

Clint Eastwood 2009

Interested? I invite you to give us a call at 1.877.WINS.BIG and check out our website UnbridledRacing.com, our partnerships are straightforward -- no management or administrative fees, no mark-ups, no take-outs.





Buy for the next 5 days, get 100% Depreciation, Race for the Richest purses in the country with hardly any competition...in a New York minute....

In New York $39,000,000 is up for grabs:

•  600-plus restricted New York-bred races with $35-plus million in NY-Bred purses
• Over 40 stakes races with total purses exceeding $4 million scheduled annually

According to the Jockey Club, ONLY 4,287 foals were born and registered in NY over the past 3 years:

• 2008: 1,741 Registered (4YOs of 2012, 5YOs 2013, 6YOs 2014, and so on)

• 2009: 1,638 Registered (3YOs of 2012, 4YOs 2013, 5YOs 2014, 6YOs 2015, and so on)

• 2010:   908 LF Report (2YOs of 2012, 3YOs 2013, 4YOs 2014, 5YOs 2015, 6YOs 2016, and so on)

 

ONLY these horses are eligible to race in company restricted exclusively for NY-Breds.

 

According to Jockey Club statistics only about 2/3rd of live foals reported actually start in a race.  So, about 3,000 thoroughbreds will be competing annually for $39,000,000 in purses designated for NY-Breds.

 

Translated: THE SMALLEST CROPS IN THE HISTORY OF NEW YORK BREEDING WILL RACE FOR THE RICHEST PURSES IN THE HISTORY OF NEW YORK RACING.

 

THE WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY TO GET IN IS NOW. All the buzz and reality of increased purses already has resulted in horses shipping into NY from all over the country. I do not believe that we will ever again see such small crops in New York as 2008-2011.

 

Why New York-Breds Now?

 

VLTs at Aqueduct generate a $40-million increase in prize money distributed at Belmont, Aqueduct and Saratoga.  Here is an example of the effect of VLTs on NY-purse money:

 

New York-bred races:

 Maiden Special Weight - $55,000 for routes, $50,000 for sprints, up from $39,000 and $38,000

 Allowance N1X - $57,000 for routes, $52,000 for sprints, up from $41,000 and $40,000

 Allowance N2X - $59,000 for routes, $54,000 for sprints, up from $43,000 and $42,000

 

Open Company races: NY-Breds earn an 20% extra prize bonus winning in open company!

 Maiden Special Weight - $65,000 for routes, $60,000 for sprints, up from $43,000 and $42,000

 Allowance N1X - $67,000 for routes, $62,000 for sprints, up from $45,000 and $44,000

 Allowance N2X - $69,000 for routes, $64,000 for sprints, up from $47,000 and $46,000

 Overnight Stakes - $80,000 for routes, $75,000 for sprints, up from $60,000

 Claiming $10k - $31,000 for routes, $30,000 for sprints, up from $21,000 and $20,000

NY-BRED RESTRICTED RACES: In NY there are 600-plus restricted New York-bred races with $35-plus million in NY-Bred purses. Unlike "open company" races which allow horses from anywhere in the world to compete for the purse, "restricted races", like their very name, are restricted to a specific group of uniquely qualified horses -- and the level and number os competitors is substantially smaller. This is the real NY-Bred advantage, more money, less competition -- and that's before we even get to stakes races and open company bonuses!

Another plus for NY-Breds is that all restricted wins, including those in NY-Bred races, DO NOT count against open company Allowance conditions. This means a NY-Bred can win the NY-Bred Maiden Special Weight, the NY-Bred N1X, and the NY-Bred N2X and then still be eligible for the open company N1X, etc. Non-NY-Breds do not have this loophole and must move into the open company N1X immediately after its maiden win. A NY-Bred that has the ability to get through the NY-Bred N2X should have earned in excess of $100,000 BEFORE running in open company N1X. This is a WIN-WIN-WIN when it comes to racing NY-Breds in New York.

 

NY-Bred Stakes Races: NYRA and Finger Lakes (4 tracks throughout the State) present 40 stakes race with total purses exceeding $4 million. Races are offered for different age groups, on dirt and turf, from 6 furlongs to a mile and an eighth.

 

Every October, the New York Thoroughbred Breeders and Belmont Park conduct New York Showcase Day -- a card of stakes races exclusively for registered NY-Breds designed to showcase NY’s best state-bred runners. In 2011, over $900,000 was paid out in seven races for 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds and up run from 6 furlongs to 1 1/8 mile on both dirt and turf. It culminates with the $200,000 Empire Classic for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/8 mile. Read about in Forbes!

 

Sales Prices for NY-Breds up, up, and away...

OBS August – All horses +15% - New York-breds +40%

Keeneland September - All horses +18% - New York-breds +3%

Fasig-Tipton Eastern Fall - All horses +16% - New York-breds +37%

Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall - All horses +76% - New York-breds +62%

You don't have to be a math whiz to see the awesome opportunity NY-Breds born in 2009, 2010, and 2011 have to win the most money of any NY-Breds past.

 

Investors who have substantial income that they want to shelter, and who want to invest in the horse business with the intention of making a profit can take 100% depreciation if the buy their horses in the next 5 days ...read more (Equine Law Journal).

 

 

Unbridled Racing is pleased to offer a NY RACING TEAM of 15 sound, solid thoroughbreds for outright sale as a business opportunity:

• 7 yearlings (2010)
• 4 Two-year-olds (2009)
• 1 Three-year-old (2008)
• 1 Four-year-old (2007) 2x winner.
• 2 Stakes-producing mares.

 

 

All are proven race families, stakes pedigrees, sired by top stallions including BIG BROWN, all will pass vet inspection.

 

Ready to live your dream and dominate the Sport of Kings? Email and get a NY-Bred today!

 

Industry Insights: Let's be Frank (about drugs) - Thoroughbred Times

Industry Insights: Let's be Frank - Thoroughbred Times

I just read the above linked article written by John P. Sparkman, a quote from it:

“The struggling global economy, decline in public interest in horses in general, the attenuated attention span of the Internet age, public perceptions of widespread drug abuse, all these and other factors have combined to earthquake Thoroughbred racing, collapsing the house that generations of racing men built. We cannot control most of the factors that have negatively affected our industry. We can control our medication rules”.

My question to ALL interested parties:

Do industry participants really care enough about their horses to actually go drug-free?


The gross reality of thoroughbred racing is that horses are commoditized; to most they are not viewed as living, feeling, sentient beings. They are instruments to make money; when one horse breaks down, another waits to fill its stall. A horse no longer able to race becomes, at best, someone else’s responsibility.

The genesis of the problems that now plague racing began years ago in breeding sheds across the country. As with genetically engineered factory farming, we are now realizing the error of manufacturing animals for obsolescence. Thoroughbreds that were once bred for stamina, strength, and durability have fallen prey to human's shortsighted need for speed. When breeding began focusing on creating “sale” horses, those that could run early as two-year-olds and turn in a 20-second quarter at a breeze show, equine pharmaceutical companies jumped at the chance to market products to trainers struggling to keep up an unnatural pace.

Veterinarians, as the distributors of drugs, have everything to gain from advocating their use--the vet bills for pre-race, post-race, and everything in between, average approximately $2,000 a month, even for a sound horse. If a horse falls apart under the stress of racing, either on drugs or against horses who are using them, even more money goes to the veterinarian.

So how does one get new owners and fans into a sport that is perceived as drug-riddled, cruel, funded by gambling, embroiled in political hold-ups, only for the super-rich, and generally doesn’t allow for hands-on interaction with the horse?

The drugging and substance abuse America’s thoroughbreds are subjected to has landed the industry in a quagmire. I am ashamed of the actions of the HBPA. What’s benevolent and protective about permissive, unsafe medication rules? Is the HBPA proud of enabling horses to race that otherwise would not be on the track? Why are people breeding or racing any horses that need drugs to perform? If a horse bleeds it shouldn't be running; breed them stronger, condition them better. Steve Zorn has a super informative blog, here is the link to Lasix as it relates to bleeding: http://businessofracing.blogspot.com/2011/06/lasix-what-is-to-be-done.html

I am a lifelong horse owner and breeder; I have brought many new owners into NY racing. I truly love horses and have spent every day of my life with them.

I grew up winning with horses across multiple disciplines as a result of excellent horsemanship, superior care, and conscientious training. Horses have given too much to me personally to ever consider practices that would detract from the quality and length of their lives--they would NEVER do the same to us.

Racing needs to consider its principles first, and let public relations follow.

What's your opinion? I'd value your insights and love to hear from you. Together, lets find ways to make life better for horses. Susan

Belmont puts Mott back on top in June -- That's Life in the world of thoroughbred racing

Bill Mott revealed the long and arduous process of winning his first Triple Crown race in a recent NYRA Live Chat, "The preparation that goes into a win starts six months or a year before the horse actually runs and wins. The preparation is a gradual. It takes a long time to get them up to the level of winning a race like the Belmont Stakes." Click here to read the full transcript on NYRA site.

While filming the first few seasons of Unbridled I galloped horses at Saratoga for Bill Mott. Of all the horsemen I have worked for he was by far the most particular about how his horse's were ridden -- the stride, the rhythm, the timing, the cadence. His perception from the ground as to what a rider feels atop a horse is exquisitely accurate. I learned more from Bill in the handful of tutorials he gave me on galloping than in many previous years going round-and-round the historic oval on Union Avenue. 

In my unbridledTV interview with Bill Mott he shared his goal to win Triple Crown races. For a deeper look inside the Mott Racing Stable and the guiding philosophy to this trainer's success -- click here to watch Bill Mott on YouTube.

Congratulations to WinStar and all of the Drosselmeyer connections.

New Foals, New Silks & A New Day at the Races for UR Stable

As a hands-on horse owner and manager, my time has been fully occupied this year in the stable yard, especially assisting mares with the delivery of their new foals. We were blessed with a perfect season; 15 foals due--now, 15 live, healthy mares and babies. In retrospect, I should have been blogging on those sleepless nights. I received many emails this winter and spring with the heading, “Where are you?!?!?”. So to recap this exciting time, the foaling barn opened with a double header on February 2nd and came to close with the same on April 30th. Interestingly, both mares in each case are the very best of friends--a great example of how horses’ emotions are strongly connected to their physiological state. Altogether, the 2010 crop consists of 9 spectacular fillies and 6 outstanding colts; sired by Wild Desert (12), Big Brown (1), Aragorn (IRE) (1), and Suave (1), respectively. Each baby has a distinct personality, incredible racing conformation, and a bright NY-Bred future!

On Saturday, May 8th, jockey Rosemary Homeister debuted UR new silks at beautiful Belmont Park. We were blessed with pristine weather and several of UR partners on location. The collective energy was really thrilling, and seeing our horse go off the favorite had us on the edges of our seats.

Desenfrenado came into the 4th race well shod, fit, and focused. He warmed-up well, and stood like a seasoned performer when the horse next to him bolted from the starting gate before the race. Rosemary gave our boy an excellent ride and most importantly, kept him out of trouble, despite a few hard bumps from the eventual winner. We finished 3rd in the mile and 1/16th race, and galloped out on top. Had the distance been a little longer we knew he would have taken the purse -- next time! To learn more about why Rosemary is our favorite rider, visit her at http://www.jockeyrose.com/.

Earlier in the day, we enjoyed a winning connection when Bridge To Nowhere crossed the wire ahead of the rest in the first race. He is out of our beloved mare, Motel Malibu, who had a huge, solid filly by Wild Desert in February at Unbridled Stable.

Belmont Park is a jewel on the NY Racing Circuit -- do yourself a favor and make a trip to the track established in 1905 -- or win a trip! We spent most of Saturday on the ground level patio overlooking the paddock, studying the physiques of thoroughbreds and watching handlers and the myriad of last minute preparations in an effort to finish first. To the observant fan, this is a great place of education, given the living, side-by-side comparisons. To watch the races, monitors and seats are everywhere, and the same goes for wagering windows. An added bonus to the handicapper or owner looking to make a claim, or simply follow a horse into its next race, horses visibly exit the same way as they enter.

Unfortunately, as I write, the cold weather has returned! Brrrrrrr…. Stay warm my friends. Till next time, Susan.

NY-Breds & VLTs --- a very good thing!

Aqueduct Entertainment Group’s (AEG) VLT strategy could make NY-Breds the most sought after state-breds in the country... the plan is good for New York breeders, good for horsemen, good for owners and good for racing....

AEG is projecting that NY Racing will receive $67 Million in 2010 and within a few years these payments will exceed $100 million per annum. By then, on an annual basis, NY Thoroughbred Breeders will receiving nearly $10 million and Racing Purses will be receiving nearly $50 million in Racing Support Payments.

Total Racing Support Payments between 2010 and 2023 areprojected to be over $1.5 billion.

http://www.aqueductentertainment.com/index.php

To get UR share of NY purses with a Wild Girl call 1.877.WINS.BIG

The Empire Strikes Back -- NY Stallion Show a Success

What is now Empire Stud has long been one of my favorite equine properties in upstate New York. Located in Hudson, the picturesque farm is set atop a hill that shows off its bluegrass-style barns and elegant paddock design.

I remember visiting the farm as little girl, and it made an indelible impression on me -- the big stalls, high ceilings, miles of fencing, and the long tree-lined drive leading up to the stables were remarkable; it set a standard in my mind, which I have appreciatively held onto as a professional.

On this past Saturday, January 16th, Empire Stud held an Open House to show off their 2010 roster of stallions, and give an opportunity for clients and associates to mingle. It was a bright, beautiful day as the lauded horses paraded by, each one standing for observation and photos. The atmosphere overall was fun and relaxed, including a projector screen running video clips of the in-house studs’ memorable wins, tasteful catering, and plenty of available staff for conversation and questions.

The occasion displayed a successful break with the past; over the previous 25 years, many different outfits have tried their hand at NY breeding on the property, but none could get a foothold--even with the support of the state’s lucrative incentive program. Year after year, driving past the farm at the intersection of routes 9H and 23, the name on the entranceway would rotate like a billboard on the Northway.

Since Jamie LaMonica took over the estate, the facility has consistently been improved and a solid management team is in place, led by farm manager Bertrand deBrevedent.

I began doing business with Empire in 2007, when we sent UR mare Austin Runner to the farm to deliver her Catienus baby, now known as Desenfrenado. We then bred back to Midas Eyes, whose fiery temperament was in play for the crowds yesterday, when during his walk outside he reared onto his back feet with impatience. Truly her sire’s daughter, our girl Goldie is a mischievous, blazing Chestnut filly, who seemed ready to race the moment she was born.

A man with a vision, LaMonica has now stocked the farm with both proven sires and hot young prospects, a mix that certainly drew a large turnout for this week’s event. The vibrant spirit among NY Breeders suggested optimism for the future, and an eagerness to take advantage of the pro-business climate in racing; the imminent VLT program, high purses, and small foal crop are all excellent reasons to get involved in NY thoroughbred ownership at this time.

Unbridled Racing is proud to recommend Empire Stud, and wishes them a victorious 2010.

Frost Giant ~ Regally bred G1 Winner by Giant's Causeway

Posse ~ Champion Sire of Eclipse contender Kodiak Kowboy (G1)

Unbridled Expansion

UR Stable is fast out of the gate in 2010 prompting the construction of a dozen new stalls to house our young NY-Bred horses by Wild Desert, Ten Most Wanted, Hook and Ladder, Mustanfar and Midas Eyes. For those of you trying to reach me, I suggest the cell number this weekend! The pictures tell the story along with a few of my favorite quotes -- I hope you too will draw inspiration from them...

A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step....

This is kind of work that makes the gym seem easy.

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time.

Vision with action can change the world.” Joel A. Barker

My husband and best friend Andrew.

“The key elements in the art of working together are how to deal with change, how to deal with conflict, and how to reach our potential...the needs of the team are best met when we meet the needs of individuals persons.” Max De Pree (1924-); Author, Former Ceo Of Herman Miller, Inc.



“Integrity is what we say, what we do, and what we say we do.” Don Galer

Motel Malibu and Appro listen to the contruction.

“In life you can never be too kind or too fair; everyone you meet is carrying a heavy load. When you go through your day expressing kindness and courtesy to all you meet, you leave behind a feeling of warmth and good cheer, and you help alleviate the burdens everyone is struggling with.” Brian Tracy (1944-); Motivational Author

Tired from a long day's work, covered in dirt and just plain cold --, my daughter Rachel, the photographer, cheered me up with a mural on the wall.

“If you're trying to achieve, there will be road blocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

Michael Jordan (1963-); Retired Professional Basketball Player, Businessman