february 12, 2019 american visionary art museum …mdhorsemen.com/images/pdf/2019 program.pdf ·...

FEBRUARY 12, 2019 AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

A Celebration of Maryland Racing

EvEning SchEdulE

About thE trophiESWhen the best of Maryland racing and breeding is celebrated this

evening at the second annual Renaissance Awards, the recipients will be handed a trophy – a striking bronze of an exquisite Thoroughbred head – specifically created by artist Peggy Kauffman.

Kauffman (left), an accomplished horsewoman, has been a portrait artist of more than 30 years who works in bronze sculpture and pastel painting. In addition to her portraiture, she has created trophies that are presented at Fair Hill Races, and for horse show events in New York.

MHBA Executive Director Cricket Goodall had seen the work of Kauffman on display at last fall’s “Art for Land’s

Sake” benefit for the Valleys Planning Council, and reached out to her about creating a Renaissance Awards trophy.

The bronze is approximately 11 inches long, 31⁄2 inches wide and 81⁄2 inches high, though a two-inch base adds to its height. Kauffman has her bronzes cast at New Arts Foundry in Baltimore, which uses the lost wax casing process. It can take months from the time a piece of art in its clay form arrives at the foundry until the bronze is finished. Design and size are among the factors.

Kauffman, who made the six-hour trip to Balti-more from her home in Millerton, N.Y., to oversee much of the process, launched her career as an artist by first going to art school in New York before taking courses at the Maryland Institute College of Art, but noted her main education was “when I worked and rode for a (show) horse dealer in New York state for years.” She had competed professionally with show and event horses.

While she no longer rides, Kauffman owns two off-the-track Thorough-breds, one a son of Affirmed. “I’ve always been partial to them – that’s what I grew up with and always had,” she said. “When you work for a horse dealer for that length of time and see all the horses coming in, you know exactly how a horse is put together to make it most suitable for a certain discipline–who would be a dressage horse, an event horse. . . that is the mainstay of my education.”

6:00 – 7:00 COCKTAILS

7:00 – 10:00 AWARDS / DINNER

Since 1929

MARYLAND HORSEBREEDERS ASSOCIATION

unity lEAdS to continuEd growth for rAcing, brEEding

The Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and Maryland Jockey Club welcome you to the second Renaissance Awards program recognizing excellence in Thoroughbred racing and breeding in 2018.

The name of the awards program—inaugurated last year to provide industry participants with one gala for all groups—is a reflection of what has occurred in Maryland in recent years as a result of a 10-year stakeholder agreement coupled with a dedicated share of revenue from video lottery terminals at the state’s six casinos to support purses and breed development programs.

The number of live racing dates has gradually increased at Laurel Park each year, and that will be the case again with 168 awarded for 2019. Combined with Pimlico Race Course and the Maryland State Fair at Timonium there will again be a year-round racing schedule.

The MJC, in partnership with the MTHA, continues to build upon an already strong open stakes schedule that includes new races for this year. One objective is to create additional Breeders’ Cup prep races in September, with a goal of hosting a Breeders’ Cup in 2022.

After a period of decline, the number of stallions and mares bred in Maryland began increasing several years ago and appears to have stabilized thanks to additional interest in investing in Maryland racing and breeding. MHBA officials said in 2018 the number of mares bred to Maryland stallions was nearly 13 percent higher than the previous year, recording highest jump of any state in the top 10.

“We have a great and thriving horse industry in Maryland,” said Michael Algeo, Chairman of the Maryland Racing Commission. “Part of the success recognizes that it takes all stakeholders to work together to make progress happen. We have challenges ahead but we hope to continue working together and hope our legislative partnership continues.”

“This industry could not survive without our partnership,” said Tim Ritvo, Chief Operating Officer of The Stronach Group. “Racing is in great health and growing in Maryland.”

Congratulations to all of the Renaissance honorees for 2018. Enjoy your evening as we celebrate the success of 2018 and look forward to another year of progress and growth for Maryland racing and breeding.


lAurEl bAckStrEtch workEr of thE yEAr

GABRIEL EMMANUELWhen Gabriel Emmanuel arrived from his native Haiti, he hadn’t worked with horses. But that’s where he landed in 1997, and he has been at it ever since.

Emmanuel, 63, who moved to the United States in 1994 and lives in Glen Burnie, Md., with his wife, Adeline, has been part of the team as a groom for trainer Mary Eppler at Pimlico Race Course for more than four years.

He regularly has five horses under his care and was the groom for Mid-Atlantic favorite Page McKenney, who was retired in August 2018 with a tendon injury.

Page McKenney, who won 22 races and earned almost $2 million in seven years of racing, took Emmanuel to a variety of racetracks outside of Maryland. Emmanuel said he had enjoyable experiences traveling to Gulfstream Park, Parx Racing, Charles Town and even Mountaineer to care for Page McKenney, who had most of his success after a claim by Eppler.

LUIS BARAJASLuis Enrique Barajas, a native of Mexico, said his love of animals has served him well during his 10 years working with horses in Maryland.

Barajas, 28, works as a groom for Laurel Park-based Brittany Trimble Russell, who launched her own training operation in early 2018. The native of Mexico worked for Dane Kobiskie when he came to the United States in 2008, and after that was employed by John Robb.

“I really like the horses—I like animals,” Barajas said. “They’re really smart and they understand. And Brittany is very nice. She has helped me a lot and so has Sheldon (Russell, the jockey who married Trimble in 2018).”

Barajas, who is responsible for six horses daily, has worked for Trimble for almost 15 months. He said he got involved in the business through his family, which has raced horses in Mexico for many years.

pimlico bAckStrEtch workEr of thE yEAr

Since 1929


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RAVEN’S CHOICEDance With Ravens—Millashand, by Regal Intention Foaled at Fox Harbor Farm, White HallBreeder: Cary W. Jackson Owner: Ann Jackson Trainer: Todd J. WyattRaven’s Choice raced twice during his 11-year-old year and once again showed his prowess for going long—very long—in timber races. At Grand

National in his 2018 debut, the gelding lost the lead late and finished a game second in the 3¼-mile Grand National Timber in Butler.

MAVOURNEENLangfuhr—Rowdy, by Malibu Moon Foaled at Murmur Farm, Darlington

Breeder: Mary Voss Owner: Bethany Baumgardner

Trainer: Gerard GalliganMavourneen got a late start as an 8-year-old in September and, after being pulled up in a race

at Shawan Downs, she won a maiden special weight event at Foxfield in October and then won an allowance race at Montpelier

in November over hurdles to wrap up her year.

DAWN WALLNot For Love—Guelph, by Sky Classic Foaled at Murmur Farm, DarlingtonBreeder: Mary Voss Owner: The Fields Stable Trainer: Elizabeth VossDawn Wall raced three times in her 5-year-old season, and recorded her first career victory in the Iris Ann Coggins Memorial Stakes at Fair Hill in late

May over 10 rivals, closing strongly from nearly 10 lengths back.

ALWAYSMININGStay Thirsty—What Will Be, by Anees Foaled at Hitchcock Plains, FallstonBreeder: Avla Pitts Owner: Runnymede Racing Trainer: Kelly RubleyAlwaysmining entered the Kelly Rubley barn in late summer and won three of four starts including two stakes—the Maryland Juvenile Futurity and the open

Heft Stakes, both at Laurel Park. The gelding banked $191,192 in his first season of racing.


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OUR BRAINTRUSTFreud—Caller Trust, by Trust N Luck Foaled at SBS Veterinary Services, Chesapeake CityBreeder: Barak Farm Owner: Cathal A. Lynch and Stanton J. Smith Jr. Trainer: Cathal A. LynchOur Braintrust debuted in early May and quickly broke his maiden at Laurel. That was followed by a trip to Belmont Park where he won the

Tremont Stakes. He returned to the races in the fall and in his final start of the year finished second to Alwaysmining in the Maryland Juvenile Futurity.

KNICKS GOPaynter—Kosmo’s Buddy, by Outflanker

Foaled at GreenMount Farm, GlyndonBreeder: Angie Moore

Owner: KRA Stud Farm Trainer: Ben Colebrook

Knicks Go didn’t compete in Maryland in his six starts but found much success at the

highest level of the sport. The richest Maryland-bred runner last year, with $672,515 earned, he won the Grade 1

Breeders Futurity at Keeneland and finished second in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs after scoring his first time out at Ellis Park and placing

third in the Arlington-Washington Futurity.

Since 1929


MONEY FROMHEAVENMunnings—Smart Policy, by Smart Strike

Foaled at Shamrock Farm, WoodbineBreeder: Timothy J. Rooney

Owner: Make Family First Stable Trainer: Hamilton A. Smith

Money Fromheaven raced eight times last year and it was her last couple of outings that had

the most impact. The filly broke her maiden at Laurel Park in late October and, despite a jump in class to stakes company, captured

the Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship to end the year.

MY STAR POTENTIALTritap—Cheers Darling, by Cuvee Foaled at Dance Forth Farm, ChestertownBreeder: Cary Frommer Owner: Euro Stable Trainer: Claudio A. GonzalezMy Star Potential began her career at Timonium in September with a maiden special weight victory and in her final start won the Maryland Million

Lassie gate to wire. In between, she finished second, beaten a nose, in an allowance event at Parx Racing to just miss a perfect 2018.

mArylAnd-brEd 2yo filly finAliStS

BRUCIA LA TERRAEl Padrino—Happy Refrain, by Not For Love Foaled at Willow Creek Farm, Glen ArmBreeder: Sallyellen M. Hurst and Hugh H. Hurst Owner: William M. Ferrone Trainer: Barclay TaggBrucia La Terra was a handy winner of her debut in a maiden special weight event at Saratoga Race Course in mid-August, and in her second start after

a rest finish second to eventual Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies-G1 and Eclipse Award winner Jaywalk in the Grade 1 Frizette Stakes at Belmont Park.

WHERESHETOLDMETOGOEl Padrino—Undisputed Legend, by Domestic Dispute Foaled at Sycamore Hall, Chesapeake CityBreeder: David H. Wade Owner: Madaket Stables LLC, Ten Strike Racing, Michael E. Kisber and Black Cloud Stable LLC Trainer: Anthony PecoraroWhereshetoldmetogo won two Laurel Park stakes, the Concern and the restricted Star de

Naskra, in the summer, and early in the year took the American Fabius Stakes at Gulfstream Park. In his final start, the Grade 3 Gallant Bob Stakes at Parx Racing, he just missed by a neck in a strong effort.


STILL HAVING FUNOld Fashioned—Casual Kiss, by Dehere Foaled at Thornmar Farm, Chestertown

Breeder: Mr. and Mrs. Charles McGinnes and Timothy L Keefe

Owner: Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable and Terp Racing LLC

Trainer: Timothy L. KeefeStill Having Fun made 11 starts, all stakes, and

earned $472,200, counting wins in the Frank Whiteley and Miracle Wood at Laurel Park and Grade 2 Woody Stephens at Belmont Park. His three stakes-placings

included a third in the Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita in his final start of 2018.


mArylAnd-brEd 3yo mAlE finAliStS

CORDMAKERCurlin—Tanca, by Polish Numbers Foaled at Chanceland Farm, West FriendshipBreeder: Robert T. Manfuso and Katharine M. Voss Owner: Hillwood Stable Trainer: Rodney JenkinsCordmaker kicked off his 3-year-old season with a blowout allowance victory at Laurel Park in early April, and after a turf race in May was on the

sidelines for several months. He returned in the fall and capped his year with a win against older runners in the Jennings Handicap at Laurel in December.

Since 1929


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Since 1929


MONTE CRISTACape Blanco (Ire)—Aruban Sandwich, by Alphabet Soup Foaled at Glade Valley Farms, FrederickBreeder: Howard M. Bender Revocable Trust Owner: Country Life Farm Trainer: Michael J. TrombettaAfter an off-the-board finish in her career debut on dirt, Monte Crista moved to the grass and rattled off three consecutive wins moving up the

ladder. Her high point in 2018 was a trip to Saratoga Race Course, where she won the Riskaverse Stakes after a third in the Ta Wee Stakes at Indiana Grand Race Course.

BLAMEDBlame—Salsa Star, by Giant’s Causeway Foaled at Sagamore Farm, GlyndonBreeder: Sagamore Farm Owner: Cleber J. Massey Trainer: Joel Marr and William I. MottBlamed raced five times in 2018, all in stakes, and came away with four wins and $386,000 in earnings. She began in New Mexico by winning the

El Paso Times, Island Fashion and Sunland Park Oaks by an average margin of nearly 6 lengths before hitting the sidelines. When she returned in the fall she was second in the Grade 2 Raven Run at Keeneland behind Eclipse Award winner Shamrock Rose and won the Grade 3 Comely at Aqueduct.

MAJESTIC REASONMajestic Warrior—Love’s Reason, by Not For Love

Foaled at Sycamore Hall, Chesapeake CityBreeder: Sycamore Hall LLC and Ellen Charles

Owner: Hillwood Stable LLC and Richard Golden Trainer: H. Graham Motion

Majestic Reason finished no worse than third in five starts last year, all at Laurel Park. She broke her

maiden in her debut in June and, after a second in allowance company, won the Miss Disco Stakes, finished second in the All Brandy Stakes

against older mares and wrapped up with a third in the Safety Kept Stakes.


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LEWISFIELDGreat Notion—Smart Crowd, by Crowd Pleaser Foaled at Willowdale Farm, ButlerBreeder: Linda L. Zang Owner: Linda L. Zang Trainer: Jeff C. RuncoLewisfield, who went 3-2-3 in 10 starts to earn $243,675, cleared his second-level allowance condition last winter at Laurel Park and then

raced in nine consecutive stakes. He won the Maryland Million Sprint Handicap in dominating fashion and also took the Not For Love in March at Laurel. His five stakes-placings included a third in the Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Stakes at Pimlico.

LAKICuba—Truthful Dutch, by Swear by Dixie

Foaled at Michaels and Baker Farm, DentonBreeder: Tom Michaels and Lorna Baker

Owner: Hillside Equestrian Meadows Trainer: Damon R. Dilodovico

Laki had three wins, two seconds and two thirds in nine starts for earnings of $221,880. A win in the Polynesian Stakes and second in the Grade 3

Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash gave him a MATCH Series division title, and he added the Howard and Sondra Bender Memorial Stakes at Laurel in December. He

finished third in Monmouth’s Mr. Prospector and Laurel’s Dave’s Friend Stakes.

BEACH VIEWGiant’s Causeway—Love’s Blush, by Not For Love Foaled at Sycamore Hall, Chesapeake CityBreeder: Sycamore Hall Thoroughbreds LLC Owner: Levy Racing Trainer: Leonard PowellCalifornia-based Beach View showed ability on dirt and turf, and came close to being a two-time graded stakes winner in 2018. He won the Grade 3

Cougar II at 1½ miles on dirt at Del Mar, and in the fall was a fast-closing third in the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup at Santa Anita.

Since 1929


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MY SISTERSLEDGEEtched—Blushing Bride, by Miesque’s Son Foaled at Bonita Farm, DarlingtonBreeder: John Banner and Cheri Banner Owner: John Banner and Cheri Banner Trainer: Michael J. TrombettaMy Sistersledge won half of her eight starts in 2018 with three wins on turf and the other on dirt, and she proved her versatility in going short

or long. Her stakes win came in the Maryland Million Ladies, and she finished a fast-closing third in the six-furlong Jameela Stakes.

CRABCAKESGreat Notion—Aunt Elaine, by Charismatic Foaled at Thornmar Farm, ChestertownBreeder: Buckingham Farm Owner: Morgan’s Ford Farm Trainer: T. Bernard HoughtonCrabcakes, the 2017 champion 3-year-old filly and sprinter in Maryland, had a limited campaign last year but still came away with a victory in the

Maryland Million Distaff Handicap and a second-place finish in the Jameela Stakes, both at Laurel Park. She also won allowance races at Laurel and Penn National.

I’M BETTY GInto Mischief—Lady in Ermine, by Honour and Glory

Foaled at Wellington Park Farm, WoodbineBreeder: Carol Kaye and Boyce Stable

Owner: Three Diamonds Farm Trainer: Michael J. Maker

I’m Betty G didn’t race in Maryland last year but found success in stakes in the Midwest and

Kentucky. Racing exclusively on the turf, she won the Lady Canterbury Stakes at Canterbury Park in June and followed with a victory in the

Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies at Ellis Park and was twice stakes-placed.


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STILL HAVING FUNOld Fashioned—Casual Kiss, by Dehere Foaled at Thornmar Farm, ChestertownBreeder: Mr. and Mrs. Charles McGinnes and Timothy L Keefe Owner: Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable and Terp Racing LLC Trainer: Timothy L. KeefeStill Having Fun made 11 starts, all stakes, and

earned $472,200, counting wins in the Frank Whiteley and Miracle Wood at Laurel Park and Grade 2 Woody Stephens at Belmont Park. His three stakes-placings included a third in the Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita in his final start of 2018.

LEWISFIELDGreat Notion—Smart Crowd, by Crowd Pleaser

Foaled at Willowdale Farm, Butler

Breeder: Linda L. ZangOwner: Linda L. ZangTrainer: Jeff C. Runco

Lewisfield, who went 3-2-3 in 10 starts to earn $243,675, cleared his second-level allowance

condition last winter at Laurel Park and then raced in nine consecutive stakes. He won the Maryland Million Sprint Handicap in dominating fashion and also took

the Not For Love in March at Laurel. His five stakes-placings included a third in the Grade 3 Maryland Sprint Stakes at Pimlico.

LAKICuba—Truthful Dutch, by Swear by Dixie Foaled at Michaels and Baker Farm, DentonBreeder: Tom Michaels and Lorna Baker Owner: Hillside Equestrian Meadows Trainer: Damon R. DilodovicoLaki had three wins, two seconds and two thirds in nine starts for earnings of $221,880. A win in the Polynesian Stakes and second in the Grade 3 Frank

J. De Francis Memorial Dash gave him a MATCH Series division title, and he added the Howard and Sondra Bender Memorial Stakes at Laurel in December. He finished third in Monmouth’s Mr. Prospector and Laurel’s Dave’s Friend Stakes.

Since 1929


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MONTE CRISTACape Blanco (Ire)—Aruban Sandwich, by Alphabet Soup Foaled at Glade Valley Farms, FrederickBreeder: Howard M. Bender Revocable Trust Owner: Country Life Farm Trainer: Michael J. TrombettaAfter an off-the-board finish in her career debut on dirt, Monte Crista moved to the grass and rattled off three consecutive wins moving up the

ladder. Her high point in 2018 was a trip to Saratoga Race Course, where she won the Riskaverse Stakes after a third in the Ta Wee Stakes at Indiana Grand Race Course.

BEACH VIEWGiant’s Causeway—Love’s Blush, by Not For Love Foaled at Sycamore Hall, Chesapeake CityBreeder: Sycamore Hall Thoroughbreds LLC Owner: Levy Racing Trainer: Leonard PowellCalifornia-based Beach View showed ability on dirt and turf, and came close to being a two-time graded stakes winner in 2018. He won the Grade 3 Cougar

II at 1½ miles on dirt at Del Mar, and in the fall was a fast-closing third in the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup at Santa Anita.

I’M BETTY GInto Mischief—Lady in Ermine, by Honour and Glory

Foaled at Wellington Park Farm, WoodbineBreeder: Carol Kaye and Boyce Stable

Owner: Three Diamonds Farm Trainer: Michael J. Maker

I’m Betty G didn’t race in Maryland last year but found success in stakes in the Midwest and

Kentucky. Racing exclusively on the turf, she won the Lady Canterbury Stakes at Canterbury Park in June and followed with a victory in the

Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies at Ellis Park and was twice stakes-placed.


mArylAnd-brEd horSE of thE yEAr finAliStS

STILL HAVING FUN2015 colt, Old Fashioned—Casual Kiss, by Dehere Foaled at Thornmar Farm, ChestertownBreeder: Mr. and Mrs. Charles McGinnes and Timothy L Keefe Owner: Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable and Terp Racing LLC Trainer: Timothy L. KeefeStill Having Fun made 11 starts, all stakes, and

earned $472,200, counting wins in the Frank Whiteley and Miracle Wood at Laurel Park and Grade 2 Woody Stephens at Belmont Park. His three stakes-placings included a third in the Grade 1 Malibu at Santa Anita in his final start of 2018.

BLAMED2015 filly, Blame—Salsa Star, by Giant’s Causeway Foaled at Sagamore Farm, GlyndonBreeder: Sagamore Farm Owner: Cleber J. Massey Trainer: Joel Marr and William I. MottBlamed raced five times in 2018, all in stakes, and came away with four wins and $386,000 in earnings. She began in New Mexico by winning

the El Paso Times, Island Fashion and Sunland Park Oaks by an average margin of nearly 6 lengths before hitting the sidelines. When she returned in the fall she was second in the Grade 2 Raven Run at Keeneland behind Eclipse Award winner Shamrock Rose and won the Grade 3 Comely at Aqueduct.

KNICKS GO2016 colt, Paynter—Kosmo’s Buddy, by Outflanker

Foaled at GreenMount Farm, GlyndonBreeder: Angie Moore

Owner: KRA Stud Farm Trainer: Ben Colebrook

Knicks Go didn’t compete in Maryland in his six starts but found much success at the highest level of the sport. The richest Maryland-bred runner last

year, with $672,515 earned, he won the Grade 1 Breeders Futurity at Keeneland and finished second in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs after scoring

first time out at Ellis Park and placing third in the Arlington-Washington Futurity.

Since 1929


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CASUAL KISS2008, Dehere—Bushel and a Peck, by NumerousOwned and bred by Charles and Cynthia McGinnes

Casual Kiss, the dam of 2018 graded stakes-winning sophomore sprinter and Maryland-bred champion finalist Still Having Fun and undefeated juvenile Stranger Danger, descends from generations foaled and raised at Charles and Cynthia McGinnes’ Thornmar Farm in Chestertown, going back to the couple’s long association with the horses owned by the late Dr. Philip J. Torsney. Casual Kiss is a granddaugher of stakes winner and sensational broodmare Foolish Kisses, bred by the McGinneses and raced by Torsney.

The McGinneses sold Casual Kiss as a yearling to owner Arnold Heft for $20,000. She was injured before she ever started and attempts to bring her back after lengthy layoffs were unsuccessful. Heft sought to find a home for her and Casual Kiss’ trainer, Tim Keefe, turned to the McGinneses. Casual Kiss has produced five foals, three of racing age, all winners. Not in foal for 2019, the mare is currently in Kentucky waiting to be bred to Arrogate.

GREAT NOTION2000, Elusive Quality—Evening Primrose, by DayjurStands at Northview Stallion Station, Chesapeake City

For the third year in a row, Great Notion has been named Maryland Stallion of the Year, and the award comes off his best year ever. The 19-year-old son of Elusive Quality, who has stood his entire career at Northview Stallion Station in Chesapeake City, had progeny earnings of nearly $3.8 million in 2018, more than a million better than his previous high set in 2017.

Great Notion led all Maryland stallions with 10 stakes winners, 17 stakes horses total, topped by his graded stakes-winning daughter Ruby Notion. Winner of back-to-back stakes at Saratoga (the Caress) and Kentucky Downs (Grade 3 Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint), the 5-year-old mare made her final start of the year in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint-G1 against males and finished fourth, just a length out of third after getting blocked in the stretch. Other 2018 stakes winners include Maryland-bred champion finalists Crabcakes (older female) and Lewisfield (older male/sprinter).


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SYCAMORE HALL THOROUGHBREDS

Richard L. Golden’s Sycamore Hall Thoroughbreds led all state breeders by number of stakes winners bred in 2018, and total earnings of runners bred solely or in partnership. This is Sycamore Hall’s first Maryland Breeder of the Year award.

Golden owns and operates Sycamore Hall in Chesapeake City, just down the road from Northview Stallion Station, which he was instrumental in launching with the late Allaire du Pont and other partners in 1989 and is president and CEO. Golden has regularly been among the leading breeders by Maryland Fund earnings, topping the list in 2015 and 2016, and has bred dozens of stakes winners.

Sycamore Hall-bred stakes winners in 2018 were Beach View, winner of the Grade 3 Cougar II Handicap at Del Mar and third in the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup and a finalist for Maryland champion turf horse and champion older male; Victory Rally, whom Golden campaigned to win the Geisha Stakes at Laurel; Elevated Vision, winner of Laurel’s Politely Stakes; and Maryland Million Nursery winner Follow the Dog. Elevated Vision and Follow the Dog are by Northview stallions Great Notion and Bandbox, respectively. In partnership with Ellen Charles’ Hillwood Stable, Golden bred and campaigned Maryland champion 3-year-old filly finalist Majestic Reason.

In all, Sycamore Hall-bred runners of 2018 made 243 starts, with 34 wins, 45 seconds and 43 thirds, for earnings of $1,694,996. The top earner was veteran Rockinn On Bye, who made a dozen starts in 2018 at age 7, placing in five stakes and earning $147,648.

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JORGE A. VARGAS JR.Jorge Vargas Jr. made the most of his commitment to ride in

Maryland in 2018 as he led all jockeys by wins with 110 over all meets. He set the stage for his success by taking the winter/spring meet title at Laurel Park with 52 victories.

Vargas, who also posted 109 seconds and 80 thirds for Maryland earnings of $4 million, won 34 races elsewhere and had total 2018 purse earnings of $5.4 million.

His biggest win in Maryland came with Ms Locust Point in the Grade 2, $300,000 Barbara Fritchie Stakes at Laurel Park roughly a month after the filly took the What a Summer Stakes, also at Laurel.

JULIAN PIMENTELJulian Pimentel had 370 starts at Maryland racetracks in 2018

but racked up 82 victories, 49 seconds and 49 thirds for in-state earnings of $2.8 million. The local mainstay recorded 94% of his starts in Maryland for the year.

Pimentel won five stakes in Maryland, three of them for trainer Mike Trombetta: In the Navy Now (Nellie Morse), Souper Striking (Hilltop) and My Sistersledge (Maryland Million Ladies). He also won the Maryland Million Nursey with Follow the Dog and the Sensible Lady Stakes with New York invader Fire Key.

Pimentel is the regular rider of the Trombetta-trained Win Win Win, who as a 2-year-old won his first two starts and then finished second in the Heft Stakes at Laurel Park.

WESTON HAMILTONWeston Hamilton, who rode as an apprentice for most of 2018,

won 106 races in Maryland and finished second overall by wins among jockeys in the state—and on Jan. 24 learned he had been voted the Eclipse Award winner as outstanding apprentice jockey.

Hamilton, who began riding in 2017, also had 90 seconds and 114 thirds for Maryland earnings of a little more than $3 million. Overall, he won 120 races for total earnings of $3.5 million. He was second by wins during the winter/spring meet at Laurel Park,

third in the standings during the summer meet and tied for second for the fall meet.Hamilton was the regular rider last year for trainer Dale Capuano. The list of

horses he rode includes Timeless Curls, who four races during her 3-year-old season and in her first start of 2019 captured the Nellie Morse Stakes at Laurel Park.


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MIKE J. TROMBETTAFair Hill-based Mike Trombetta won 79 races last year, 54 of

them in Maryland where his earnings topped $2.2 million.In the Navy Now (Nellie Morse), My Sistersledge (Maryland

Million Lassie) and Souper Striking (Hilltop) were Trombetta’s Maryland stakes winners in 2018. My Sistersledge is a finalist in the Maryland-bred older female category, and another of his trainees, Monte Christa, is a finalist in the turf runner category.

Monte Christa, who won four races last year after a move to the grass, captured the Riskaverse Stakes at Saratoga in August and was undefeated in two starts on the turf at Laurel Park.

PHIL SCHOENTHALWhen it came to stakes wins in Maryland, Phil Schoenthal had

quite a 2018. Of his 29 overall victories in Maryland, eight—27.5%—came in stakes, all of them at Laurel Park.

Schoenthal, whose horses overall won 56 races last year and earned more than $1.2 million, had two runners that won multiple

stakes including the veteran Sonny Inspired, who won the Ben’s Cat and Find stakes and earned $133,750 last year. Sonny Inspired, a

winner of more than $600,000, has been in Schoenthal’s barn for all 58 of his starts.River Deep, who banked $110,295, won the Bert Allen Stakes for Virginia-breds and

the open Hansel Stakes during his 4-year-old campaign.

CLAUDIO GONZALEZClaudio Gonzalez had the most starters of any trainer in Maryland

in 2018 with 478 and finished the year with 115 victories in the state. His Maryland earnings of $3.3 million alone eclipsed his best overall total in his career, and from all starts won 155 races with horses that earned $4.3 million.

Gonzalez won the training title at each of the three meets at Laurel Park, where he is based. Along with his win total, Gonzalez had

83 seconds and 71 thirds in Maryland.Six Gonzalez trainees each banked more than $100,000, led by the filly Sneaky

Betty at $281,700. The others were Afleet Willy, who won the Native Dancer and John B. Campbell stakes at Laurel; Grasshoppin, who captured two Pennsylvania-bred stakes; Lady by Choice, Sonic Boom E Jet; and Hashtag Selfie.

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SUPER C RACINGSuper C Racing, which was formed in 2017, ended up the

leading owner by wins in Maryland in 2018 with 48 from 173 starts. Along with 17 seconds and 30 thirds, the stable amassed $1,042,664 in earnings in Maryland.

Overall, the ownership group led by Michael Coombs banked more than $1.53 million with 64 total wins.

A major contributor to the earnings total was the filly Sneaky Betty, who won two allowance races in Maryland last year but

also finished second in the Grade 2, $750,000 Delaware Handicap.Two other horses in the stable cleared the $100,000 mark in earnings in 2018.

The filly Keep Your Distance won seven allowance or allowance/optional claiming races in Maryland last year, while Clare’s Dowery was a four-time winner of claiming and allowance events.

MEN’S GRILLE RACINGThe Men’s Grille Racing operation headed by David Robert Hughes

has grown in numbers in recent years, and 2018 proved very successful. The stable accounted for 82 Maryland starts and collected 12 wins, 15

seconds and 16 thirds for earnings of more than $587,000.The stable leader by earnings at $136,477 was Ghoul’s Night Out, who raced 15 times during her 4-year-old year and rarely missed

finishing one-two-three while competing in allowance races. Then 3-year-old Twin Valor raced 13 times and just missed hitting the $100,000 mark in earnings on the year.

Enchanted Ghost gave Men’s Grille Racing a stakes winner when she won the Wide Country Stakes for fillies early in her 3-year-old season and returned off a layoff

to be competitive in allowance races versus older runners.

HILLWOOD STABLEEllen Charles’ Hillwood Stable, comprised of homebred runners

and auction purchases, had 49 starts in Maryland in 2018 and came away with 11 wins, six seconds and 11 thirds.

Shimmering Aspen, a now 5-year-old mare, captured the first edition of the Timonium Distaff, and her $116,500 in earnings for the year included another stakes victory—the Tax Free Shopping Distaff at Delaware Park.

In late December, the gelding Cordmaker, then a 3-year-old, won the Jennings Stakes for Maryland-breds at Laurel Park versus older horses to net his first stakes victory.

february 12, 2019 american visionary art museum …mdhorsemen.com/images/pdf/2019 program.pdf ·...

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