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.

Dutrow Suspension Reveals Hypocrisy of NYSRWB

Rick Dutrow’s father was a racing hero. About 15 years ago, I was thrilled to own a broodmare out of a half sister to Dutrow’s claimer turned Grade One millionaire KING’S SWAN.

In 1987, I had horses with Bobby Frankel in New York. At the time, Rick’s older brother Anthony was Frankel’s assistant. I lived in Manhattan, so I spent five mornings a week at Belmont Park, not only to see my horses, but to explore the wicked crush I had on Tony.

I never really got to know Rick except through brief social encounters, usually on a late-summer night in Saratoga. I have stayed current on his exploits through the press.

John Sabini’s hubristic quote in the New York Times compelled me to write this post. John said, “the court’s action confirms that cheaters who repeatedly violate the rules have no place in New York racing.”  Really?! One look through the NYSRWB Equine Breakdown, Death, Injury and Incident Database and Racing and Wagering Board Ruling Database shows dozens of trainers with multiple violations racing every day.

The simple bureaucratic fact is that NYSRWB investigators pick and choose who to go after. Obnoxious and arrogant personalities are easy prey, whether guilty or innocent, their big mouths help investigators.

When it comes to enforcing its rules, the NYSRWB acts as investigator, prosecutor, judge, and jury. How does the same agency perform all four roles?

Dutrow, and his alter-ego Lou Pena in harness racing, are long time rule breakers. Had they each been served with bigger fines and longer suspensions for previous offenses I probably wouldn’t be writing this post. So, why didn’t NYSRWB deal with this matter more effectively years ago? Why weren’t both charged criminally under the anti-cruelty statute? The offenses fit the statute. And, why aren’t all trainers investigated with the same vigor NYSRWB utilized to nail Dutrow and Pena?

I do not condone the abuses of Dutrow or Pena.Their actions are unconscionable. Drugging an innocent creature for financial gain is SICK, it is an ill of the human condition, a stain upon what is left of the sport of horse racing and an insult to any genuine horse lover.

There will never be integrity in racing until the State, along with every industry participant, comes to recognize the well-being of each individual horse as a precious life and partner from which its own power and authority are derived, and treats each with respect and dignity.

That being said, I find the selective sanctioning by the NYSRWB just as offensive, and that is why I find Sabini’s statement so disingenuous.

Dutrow never claimed innocence in the violations against him, instead, his defense has claimed that the process was biased against him and there were significant conflicts of interest.  

Dutrow is suspended is because an investigator chose to focus his time and energy on Dutrow. It was common knowledge among insiders that Dutrow “juiced” -- and so it is with many of the leading trainers. Cheats are light-years ahead of drug tests, and Lasix provides the perfect cover for oxygenating, pain-killing concoctions.

In February of 2012, I presented the NYSRWB with original signed treatment records by a long-standing, well-respected equine practitioner on the NYRA circuit confirming illegal drugging. Documents clearly show nine instances of a trainer violating 4043.2 (e, g) (7) which could add up to $225,000 in fines and untold days banned from the shedrow.

The trainer has a history of drug overages, so the infractions are not out of character, the offense is ILLEGAL DRUGGING, equal to the wrongdoing of Dutrow and Pena. The trainer in question is a friend of the NYSRWB investigator assigned to the matter -- so is it any wonder the investigator refuses to sanction his friend?!

This is an example of the type of cronyism crippling New York racing from ever eradicating deceit in the Sport of Kings. 

In February [2013], the NYSRWB merges with the NYS Lottery under the Gaming Commission. What then my friends? Who will look after the horses? I’d value your thoughts, please share your comments.

Posted by Susan Kayne

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.

Clint Eastwood & Wild Siren

Clint E. and Wild Siren on the training track. Both progressing well.

Click here to read more about Clint's sire MUSTANFAR.

Watch Wild Siren's sire WILD DESERT will his way to victory in the 
Classic Queen's Plate in 2005 at Woodbine.

Casner: A Hero For Horses....

No Salix, No Bleeding = Competitive Edge:

Source: www.ThoroughbredTimes.com TODAY

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

Just Say NO to Toe Grabs - NOT worth the risk at any length.....

Look at the magnificent motion of these thoroughbreds.

Anatomically, the horse doesn't pull from the front legs --
he pushes from behind.

A hoof strikes the ground with 5,000 pounds of pressure on a bone the size of your wrist.

Steve Wood, superintendent of Del Mar's dirt track.

So WHY, WHY. WHY are American trainers, farriers and horseshoe manufacturers continuing to damage our beautiful thoroughbreds by installing toe grabs into shoes and affixing them to the feet of horses?

 

UR Stable will not allow toe grabs on any of its racing stock. Empirical evidence exists proving increased risk and the damages caused by using toe grabs on racehorses. 

I have personally seen way too many injuries directly associated with the use of toe grabs. 

Here is a list of TOE GRAB facts that every horse owner, trainer, FARRIER, partner, caregiver and horseshoe manufacturer should be FULLY aware of ....

FATAL musculoskeletal injuries have a 1.8 higher chance of occurring with a low toe grab than with a Queen's Plate [no toe grab horseshoe], that nearly doubles to 3.5 with a regular toe grab.

There is a 6.5 greater chance of having a suspensory apparatus failure

with a low toe than there is with a Queen's Plate,

 and that more than doubles to 15.6 with a regular toe grab.

Cannon bone condylar fractures are seven times more likely to happen with a low toe grab than with a Queen's Plate and it nearly triples to 17.1 with a regular toe grab… read more

The Detrimental Effects of Toe Grabs

Lethal Toe Grabs ~ Thoroughbred Times

EIGHT BELLES, who broke both front legs after finishing 2nd in the 2008 Kentucky Derby WAS WEARING TOE GRABS --
no one will admit to the size.

Photo: Grayson-Jockey Club

Chris McCarron, along with several other riders including Gary Stevens and Steve Cauthen, have testified that, "toe grabs are the single biggest reason why horses fall when they clip heels."

With all this evidence, I am surprised we haven't had a class-action lawsuit over the damages caused to horses wearing toes grabs. There is no warning on the side of the shoe box, and what choice does the horse have in the matter?

In my lifetime, I have watched horses win 1000s of races without toe grabs -- just look at all the shoes in the Hall of Fame --
NO TOE GRABS.

The reality is, that toe grabs can do a lot more damage to a horse than myriad of other things that are policed around the racetrack.

For me, running any horse in toe grabs is simply not an option.

FRIENDS -- HOW CAN YOU BE AWARE OF THIS AND ALLOW TOE GRABS ON ANY HORSE???  Have a conscience..... please.

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.

and SNOW it goes...SNOW JOB....36 inches and counting!

Our little hamlet is getting snowed on again. We've had about 4 feet of snow and intermittent electric power. The horses think they are back at a show barn with daily exercise taking place in the indoor arena. We have had 6 beautiful foals so far and 10 to go, thank goodness we are on hiatus this week with all the crazy weather.

And of course, as breeding season begins we've had a flurry of owners and agents trekking through the storm to evaluate our handsome stallion Wild Desert. Friends, why didn't you come when the roads were clear!

To all my partners in Florida....enjoy! What a time it is in Westerlo -- perhaps I should rename this post, the real cost of breeding NY-Breds (LOL)!

From the rooftop ~ 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

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & BLESSINGS

Get unbridled with a Wild Girl this Holiday Season

Give yourself the best gift -- take 5 minutes and watch

THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD

UR Horses Enjoy Holiday Snow!

The first weekend in December covered the fields with a sparkling array of perfectly white snow. UR young horses played as if the universe delivered a new toy just to brighten their day…

Above: 2008 Midas Eyes - Austin Runner Filly

"The Wild Girls" UR 2009 Fillies by millionaire Wild Desert

Get a piece of a wild Girl for the Holidays

A CALL TO ACTION -- Support the disclosure of horses' medical records.

Dear Friends,

I was outraged when I learned in Joe Drape's NY Times article that members of our industry who are making their living looking after the welfare of horses have risen in opposition of the most positive proactive step racing officials have taken to ensure the future of racing......

I have therefore created an online petition to support the New York State Racing and Wagering Board’s proposed rule requiring disclosure of racehorses' medical records for 45 days prior to their race-day. As a lifelong thoroughbred owner and breeder, I fully endorse this rule. It is a safety measure for horses and jockeys, and an assurance of integrity for the betting public, prospective owners, and other new arrivals to the sport.

If you are involved in horseracing in any capacity, this rule change is designed to improve the quality of racing, by separating unhealthy horses from those ready to race. Full disclosure is the only way to move horseracing forward.Ultimately, it is the abusive practice of drugs that results in unfit horses running on the track, and making poor contributions to the thoroughbred bloodline. Drugs compensate for crooked legs, poor shoeing jobs, lack of conditioning, and an inability to breathe, among a host of other problems. Concealing these realities has created numerous problems for both people and horses; overpopulation with few humane plans for equine retirement and rising veterinary costs for overtaxed, unhealthy horses are serious issues.

Honesty, transparency, and a genuine love and respect of the horse is the only way racing will thrive. This new rule is the first step in answering the question, "What's wrong with racing, how do we fix it, and how do we market it?". The more available information becomes on horses and their health, the better decisions we can make about what will benefit everyone-- humans and horses. The only people who will not benefit are those that would manipulate, deceive, and actively practice animal cruelty through the secret use of drugs to push horses on the track who do not belong there--all in the name of profit.

Veterinarians who oppose this suggested rule should examine their own motives. Stephen Selway‘s claim in the NY Times that time and paperwork would be wasted on the measure, as well as the AAEPs statement that what medications are administered to racehorses is privileged information are both highly absurd!

Personally, I am disappointed that those who supposedly have dedicated their lives to the care of animals are more concerned about protecting private revenue streams than improving conditions for the horses that make their jobs possible. How many drugs are being administered, and in what possible combination and frequency, that it will take "hundreds of thousands of hours" to record by veterinarians? Just because the state isn’t testing for a drug yet, doesn’t mean that its use is ethical, in the best interest of the horses, their caretakers, or the public, let alone that it isn't in their right to know. Personally, I have 30 years of detailed medical bills that veterinarians were never too short on time to send.

The implementation of this new rule will make life better for racehorses and the people who work with them. If you really care about the future of racing and the welfare of horses I encourage you to sign this petition. Click here to read and sign.

What does winning mean in a changing economy and racing industry?

Particularly since the shift in the economy, many interested fans and prospective clients ask me about the risks of owning through a thoroughbred partnership; with the myriad of factors involved, how can you really be sure of any horse? The real answer lies in how sure you are of yourself and your team. The majority of thoroughbreds born into the world have at least the potential to perform on a small scale--but is your partnership smart enough to manage a horse for what he or she is actually able to do well? It is as much of a mistake to believe that mediocre conformation can maintain a long career as it is to believe that a $500,000 price tag on a two- year-old guarantees success. People push or pamper horses everyday based on sometimes inaccurate beliefs about what method of breeding, training, and managing is best. For me, a realistic, long-term approach has always been effective in both assuaging any fears, and counterbalancing any illusions that might distract me from making good decisions. Pictured: Fine Behind - A now happy and pleasantly plump rescue from Paragallo.

Unfortunately, racing has sometimes had a bad reputation for its excesses, corrupt procedures, and inconsideration for the animals it profits from. In regard to this, I actually believe the recession scare has been good for the industry in the long run. Without a financial wake-up call, a lot of necessary restructuring to the management style of thoroughbreds might not have been contemplated for some time. Fair partnership operations, reasonable pricing, responsible breeding and training, solutions for equine retirement and overpopulation, and pragmatic education are all critical issues to be tackled in today's market. The future of the racing industry depends on the confidence we can have in its practices, and therefore, our own.

Over the years, I have formulated my own strategy for thoroughbred ownership based on what I observed to be successful, in the best interest of the horse, and fair for everyone involved. As I have spoken and written about many times and will continue to advocate for, conscientious breeding is the keystone in any champion's career. Big, strong, solid thoroughbreds last over time, are consistent, and make excellent bloodstock. Quality horses come from careful selection, and for me this is best realized in home-breds, rather than at auction or in claiming races. This is not to say that there aren't some great horses through those avenues, but to me, the degree of care is never quite the same as in a horse that has been cultivated to succeed from the womb. Home-breds are also better for the breed as a whole; the ubiquitous nature of auctions and claiming races perpetuate the idea that thoroughbreds are disposable, and that it is acceptable to simply sell to whomever wants to buy. In reality, this is the kind of attitude that weakens bloodlines through constant breeding in the haphazard hope of a profit, and sends many horses that could be adapted to another sport straight to the slaughterhouse. This is also where management comes in--a good manager is educated enough to place a horse where he or she can win, not where the horse will flounder and be considered an unworthy investment. Often the best test of character for a manager is whether or not administrative fees are taken from partners; a quality manager will benefit only when the partnership does, because he or she is confident in the decisions being made.

When comes to the concept of a "win" in ownership, the industry needs a more holistic definition. A win is not the achievement of one race, but the deliberate choices that comprise a long and healthy career. Surrounding yourself with others in your partnership and training stable who are excited about horses, realistic in their expectations, and educated in their actions is also part of accomplishing a win.

It is my personal goal in everything that I do with Unbridled to improve the world for horses and the people who love them, and if anything, uncertain times can be a great motivator to evaluate your own goals in the industry. I would encourage anyone that an investment in an ethical, proven partnership team is a surprisingly rewarding long-term venture to consider--and unlike any other speculation, it will get your heart pounding in a positive way!

UR FORMULA FOR ETHICAL PROFIT --

When discussing pedigree, I'm often drawn into the larger subject of breeding as a whole.

My personal philosophy is to conscientiously breed the most correct and durable thoroughbreds possible, because longevity creates ethical profit. (Pictured left: Austin Runner and 2009 Ten Most Wanted colt)

However, on the business side of horse-racing, most owners are looking for a quick turnover on their investment. Rather than truly loving the horse or genuinely respecting the sport they inbreed for speed producing fast, fragile-boned babies giving no thought to their future or the reliability of any offspring they might produce. This is not to say that being business-oriented implies carelessness in the industry--on the contrary, breeding big, solid, sound horses will ultimately reward the owner far and above both financially and ethically than any one-race wonder ever could. Without strength and soundness, a horse will not likely make it past its 3 y.o. year, and miss out on the many opportunities older horses have in their division to win large stakes race purses.

On international tracks, it is much more common to see 5 and 6 y.o. thoroughbreds who have been bred and raised to acclimate to the pressures of racing through strong bone structure, size, and correct conformation. However in American racing, all too often young horses are retired from racing after one big win for the sake of recouping expenses in the short-term.

What does this all mean for the thoroughbred? The best scenarios are all too rare; many beautiful animals that worked tirelessly for their owners are simply led to slaughter when there is no profit to be made from them. A perfect example of this kind of brutality is the recent tragedy caused by owner Ernie Paragallo, who allowed the starvation and neglect of 177 thoroughbreds, many of which were valuable, prize-winning horses in recent years, on his New York farm.

To me, the real question is, how many horses have been neglected or slaughtered that don't make it to the news?

As a part of the industry, I am appalled at the trend of these kind of practices. This is why I approach breeding, owning, and managing racehorses with the greatest degree of care and humane treatment as possible, and this process begins with pedigree. A legacy of successful lineage is of course, the best place to start when getting involved with breeding, but taking a hard look at the physique and attitude of a potential stud is also important.

Without practically flawless conformation, I personally will not consider breeding to any thoroughbred no matter what the hype is surrounding him. He needs to be big, durable, and sound of body and mind like millionaire Wild Desert pictured winning Canada's greatest race the Queen's Plate in 2005. I am not looking for a baby who might win a race or two early in his career, but rather, an athlete made for endurance and stamina that will provide consistency I can bank on over time.

Broodmares should also be selected with lineage and conformation in mind, and if timing allows, taking a look at her skills as mother is helpful. Some mares are more attentive and protective than others, so choosing one with intelligence, a good attitude, and excellent care for her babies is practically like buying another form of insurance on your potential foal.

If and when you decide to get involved with the exciting process of thoroughbred breeding, think about the future of the horse you aim to bring into the world. Protect that future by making smart decisions about pedigree that will carry your colt or filly firmly through his or her career and beyond. It will prove rewarding in every sense!

Things to Remember:

-- After studying up on the lineage of potential mates for your mare and the history of their careers, take visits to as many farms as necessary to really get a solid grasp on what your options are; looking at conformation and attitude should be critical in finalizing your decision!

--Take a stand on humane measures within the industry by being an example. The higher the quality and durability of the thoroughbreds you produce, the more you are advocating for positive change. Overpopulation benefits no horse and no person within racing, so choose wisely and carefully.

This formula has served us well and I am sure you will find it beneficial too so get yourself to the rail and study the great horses at Saratoga this season -- Rachel Alexandra, Mine That Bird and Summer Bird to name a few....