Horse Racing Industry Adapts to Digital Sales, Strategic Shifts, and Track Evolution
TL;DR
- High yearling purchase prices for horses like Paladin ($1.9 million) and Cording ($5 million) in the Remsen Stakes indicate significant breeder and owner expectations for future success, particularly on the road to the Kentucky Derby.
- The Remsen Stakes, historically a precursor to Kentucky Derby success, features a deep and high-quality field of two-year-olds, suggesting potential for future classic contenders to emerge from this race.
- The digital sales platform is transforming the thoroughbred sales scene, enabling larger sales volumes and increased accessibility for buyers, potentially growing the sport by attracting new participants.
- The success of digital sales indicates a shift towards online platforms for selling breeding stock and racehorses, offering a less stressful and more efficient alternative to traditional in-person auctions.
- The jockey walkout at Aqueduct highlighted the interconnectedness of the racing ecosystem, demonstrating how disruptions by one group can negatively impact owners, trainers, grooms, and fans.
- The debate over December Derby preps suggests a strategic shift among trainers, prioritizing rest and development for two-year-olds to peak later in the season for the more critical 50 and 100-point races.
- The historical significance of Aqueduct's final season of racing underscores the evolution of tracks and the enduring legacy of iconic races, even as venues change.
Deep Dive
The core arguments of the source revolve around the economic and strategic implications of various aspects of the horse racing industry. Key discussions include the financial pressures on Florida's breeding industry due to political maneuvering and potential decoupling, the evolving landscape of horse sales with the rise of digital platforms, and the historical and developmental significance of specific racetracks and races. These elements collectively highlight the complex interplay of financial incentives, regulatory environments, and historical traditions shaping the sport's present and future.
The second-order implications of these discussions are substantial. The debate over decoupling in Florida, for instance, reveals deep-seated tensions between industry stakeholders and raises questions about the long-term viability of racing in the state if economic advantages are eroded. The success of digital sales platforms like Fasig-Tipton's December Digital Sale indicates a fundamental shift in how horses are bought and sold, potentially democratizing access but also creating new challenges for traditional auction houses and consignors. Furthermore, the examination of races like the Remsen and Cigar Mile, and the historical context of legendary horses and tracks like Aqueduct, underscores how past successes and traditions inform current strategies and expectations, influencing breeding, training, and race planning for future generations. This reveals a sector constantly adapting to economic realities, technological advancements, and the enduring legacy of its most celebrated figures and events.
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View Episode Notes →Key Quotes
"The focus of the racing world today is on Aqueduct. Aqueduct preparing or going through their final meet. So much history has been made at Aqueduct over the years and today we see more history with the Remsen and the Cigar Mile."
This quote highlights the historical significance of Aqueduct racetrack as it approaches its final racing meet. The speaker emphasizes that the Remsen and Cigar Mile races are not just contemporary events but are part of a rich history. This sets the stage for discussing the importance of these races within the broader context of thoroughbred racing.
"Paladin number two in the Remsen today, son of Gun Runner out of a Tapit mare, a $1.9 million yearling purchase at Fasig Tipton Saratoga last year. Highly regarded Chad Brown the trainer, Flavien Prat the jockey, Hall of Fame connections, if you will."
This quote introduces Paladin, a highly anticipated contender in the Remsen stakes race. The speaker details the horse's pedigree, significant yearling purchase price, and the esteemed connections of trainer Chad Brown and jockey Flavien Prat. This information underscores the high expectations placed on Paladin due to its breeding and the reputation of its team.
"How about number six, Code of Honor, a $5 million purchase at the Keeneland September sale last year, son of Curlin out of the brilliant Cavorting, Todd Pletcher the trainer, John Velazquez the jockey, more Hall of Fame connections."
This quote focuses on another prominent contender, Code of Honor, in the Remsen stakes. The speaker emphasizes the horse's substantial $5 million yearling purchase price, its pedigree by Curlin, and the notable trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez. This highlights the significant investment and high-caliber team behind Code of Honor, suggesting it is a horse of considerable potential.
"It speaks to my point that you don't have to spend millions of dollars on horses at auction to get a really good one in your barn and Probably Dreaming, although this is a massive class test for him, he looks like he's pretty good. He's dominated the competition at Laurel and Delaware."
This quote offers a counterpoint to the discussion of high-priced yearlings, emphasizing that success is not solely dependent on auction price. The speaker highlights "Probably Dreaming" as an example of a horse that, despite a modest purchase price, has shown significant ability and dominated lesser competition. This suggests that value and potential can be found outside of the most expensive prospects.
"I mentioned Mike Maker, he is going to join me coming up in just a few minutes. Mike has 'I Did It Again' in the Remsen. He's also represented in the Cigar Mile, and that's not his work is not done there. He has a horse in the H. Allen Jerkens Handicap at Gulfstream Park, the two-mile turf test, and then tonight he's going to saddle Vareb in the Boone County Stakes at Turfway Park. So Mike's a busy man today."
This quote illustrates the extensive involvement of trainer Mike Maker in multiple stakes races across different tracks on a single day. The speaker lists the specific horses Maker has running in the Remsen, Cigar Mile, H. Allen Jerkens Handicap, and Boone County Stakes. This demonstrates Maker's high volume of activity and the breadth of his stable's participation in significant races.
"Richard Migliore, the 'Mig,' who is part of the NYRA Fox Sports broadcast team on television, he's going to be with me at 9 o'clock Eastern to talk more about the Remsen, more about the Cigar Mile. He was part of a a nice feature on the Cigar Mile that NYRA put out on social media talking about the history of that race and some of the really tremendous racehorses that have come through not just Aqueduct but through this Cigar Mile."
This quote introduces Richard Migliore as a guest who will discuss the Remsen and Cigar Mile races. The speaker notes Migliore's role as a NYRA/Fox Sports analyst and highlights his involvement in a NYRA social media feature on the Cigar Mile's history. This indicates Migliore will provide expert commentary on the races and their historical context.
Resources
External Resources
Books
- "Legends of the Turf" - Mentioned as a historical racing publication.
- "High Peaks" by Cordellius Vanderbilt - Mentioned as a signed book in Tim Wilken's possession.
Articles & Papers
- "The Blood Horse" - Mentioned as featuring Forever Young's Breeders' Cup Classic victory on its December cover.
- "DRF" (Daily Racing Form) - Mentioned as a source for reporting on the jockey situation at Aqueduct.
- "The Blood Horse" - Mentioned as the publication where trainer Danny Gargan's comments on the jockey situation were reported.
People
- Colonel E.R. Bradley - Mentioned as a titan of the thoroughbred world, owner of Idle Hour Farm, and responsible for four homebred Kentucky Derby winners.
- Wayne Lukas - Mentioned as a legendary trainer and idol of Mike Maker and Dallas Stewart.
- D. Wayne Lukas - Mentioned as the trainer of Thunder Gulch.
- Thunder Gulch - Mentioned as the last horse to win the Remsen and then the Kentucky Derby.
- Ramon Dominguez - Mentioned as a jockey whose career was unfortunately cut short.
- Forgo - Mentioned as Tim Wilken's favorite horse of all time, a three-time Horse of the Year.
- Holy Bull - Mentioned as Mike Penna's favorite horse of all time.
- Russell Baze - Mentioned for achieving his 400th victory of the year in 2001.
- Rajiv Maraj - Mentioned for achieving his 2000th career victory.
- Woody Stephens - Mentioned as the author of a book that Tim Wilken cherishes.
- Cordellius Vanderbilt - Mentioned as the author of the book "High Peaks."
- Nick Zito - Mentioned as a trainer and a cherished commodity in racing.
- Silky Sullivan - Mentioned as a legendary late-running horse whose style is now a racing term.
- Concern - Mentioned as a Nick Zito-trained horse that came from far back.
- Walter Blum Jr. - Mentioned as having given Tim Wilken a silver trophy.
- Edgar Prado - Mentioned as having a set of goggles given to Tim Wilken.
- Mike Smith - Mentioned as having given Tim Wilken a whip.
- Victor - Mentioned as having signed a Belmont Stakes program.
- Bob - Mentioned as having signed a Belmont Stakes program.
- Damon Thayer - Mentioned for comments made on the program regarding Florida decoupling.
- Valerie Daily - Mentioned as the President of the FTBOA who sent a press release disputing Damon Thayer's comments.
- George Isaacs - Mentioned as the former president of the FTBOA under whom a piece was put out calling for vigilance on decoupling.
- Linda Strohnach - Mentioned as having a representative who engaged with Lonnie Powell regarding decoupling.
- Pete Aiello - Mentioned as an announcer.
- Brian Pokeman - Mentioned as an assistant clerk of scales whose dispute led to the jockey walkout.
- Kendrick Carmouche - Mentioned as a jockey supported by fellow riders in the protest.
- Danny Gargan - Mentioned as a trainer who commented on the jockey walkout.
- Rags to Riches - Mentioned as a filly who won the Belmont Stakes and was the subject of a "Stroll Through Racing History" segment.
- Ap Indy - Mentioned as the sire of Rags to Riches.
- Better Than Honor - Mentioned as the dam of Rags to Riches.
- Deputy Minister - Mentioned as the sire of Better Than Honor.
- Seattle Slew - Mentioned as the grandsire of Rags to Riches.
- Jazelle - Mentioned as the half-brother of Rags to Riches who won the Belmont Stakes.
- Curran - Mentioned as the eventual Horse of the Year that Rags to Riches beat in the Belmont Stakes.
- John Velazquez - Mentioned as the jockey for Rags to Riches.
- Garrett Gomez - Mentioned as the jockey for Rags to Riches in her maiden win and Las Virgenes Stakes.
- Michael McCarthy - Mentioned as the trainer of record for Rags to Riches' maiden win and Las Virgenes Stakes.
- Tom Durkin - Mentioned for his famous calls of races.
- Real Quiet - Mentioned as having his Triple Crown attempt thwarted by Victory Gallop.
- Personal Ensign - Mentioned as a great closer.
- Winning Colors - Mentioned as a horse Personal Ensign beat.
- Chuck McGee - Mentioned in relation to Personal Ensign.
- Zenyatta - Mentioned as a phenomenal closer.
- Myad - Mentioned as a horse that made an impressive move in the Derby.
- Strike the Gold - Mentioned as a Nick Zito-trained horse that was a favorite of Tim Wilken.
- Father Bill Daily - Mentioned as a potential origin for the racing term "on the bill daily."
- Leroy Talson - Mentioned as an old-time horseman.
- Early Fires - Mentioned as an old-time horseman.
- Walter Blum Jr. - Mentioned as having given Tim Wilken a silver trophy.
- Derrick Smith - Mentioned as an owner of Rags to Riches.
- Michael Tabor - Mentioned as an owner of Rags to Riches.
- Demeo Bern - Mentioned as the buyer of Rags to Riches.
- Dave Scannlan - Mentioned as the person who broke Rags to Riches.
- Dan Pride - Mentioned as part of the team at Darley.
- Bob Cleveland - Mentioned as being over at Woodford Feed.
- James Brown - Mentioned as a host.
- Bill Cawley - Mentioned as a host.
- Dennis Melvin - Mentioned as the host of "Midnight Snack Run."
- JV - Mentioned in the "Midnight Snack Run" segment.
- Bobby Neuman - Mentioned as hosting "Betting with Bobby."
- Rags to Riches - Mentioned as a horse that passed away a couple of weeks ago.
- Dale Romans - Mentioned as a trainer and co-host of "I Ask, They Answer."
- Tim Wilken - Mentioned as a turf writer and co-host of "I Ask, They Answer."
- Shane - Mentioned as a listener from North Carolina.
- Tom - Mentioned as a listener from St. Louis.
- Vance Hanson - Mentioned as providing the Twin Spires Triple Play selections.
- Brian Lynch - Mentioned as a trainer.
- Uncle Mo - Mentioned as the sire of Molle Ladies.
- Pete Aiello - Mentioned as an announcer.
- Chad Brown - Mentioned as a trainer.
- Coolmore - Mentioned as an owner.
- Gun Runner - Mentioned as the sire of Paladin.
- Tapit - Mentioned as the sire of Paladin's dam.
- Todd Pletcher - Mentioned as a trainer.
- Johnny Velazquez - Mentioned as a jockey.
- Danny Gargan - Mentioned as a trainer.
- Ricardo Santana Jr. - Mentioned as a jockey.
- Ruin Kraiton - Mentioned as a trainer.
- Vance - Mentioned as providing the Twin Spires Triple Play selections.
- Molle Ladies - Mentioned as a first-time starter.
- Paladin - Mentioned as Vance Hanson's top pick in the Remsen.
- Junction Road - Mentioned as Vance Hanson's top pick in the Gulfstream race.
- Cording - Mentioned as a Todd Pletcher horse in the Remsen.
- Renegade - Mentioned as a Todd Pletcher horse in the Remsen.
- Belboa - Mentioned as a horse in the Remsen.
- Brittany Russell - Mentioned as a trainer.
- Catmint - Mentioned as a horse in the Fasig-Tipton sale.
- Arrogate - Mentioned as the sire of Liberal Arts.
- Liberal Arts - Mentioned as a horse in the Fasig-Tipton sale.
- Evan Ferraro - Mentioned as the owner of Liberal Arts.
- Larry Johnson - Mentioned as the estate from which offerings are made in the Fasig-Tipton sale.
- Boyd - Mentioned in relation to Fasig-Tipton sales.
- Olivia - Mentioned as working at Fasig-Tipton.
- Taylor Made - Mentioned as a consignor.
- Elite - Mentioned as a consignor.
- Bob Baffert - Mentioned as having an agent at the Fasig-Tipton sale.
- Gainsway - Mentioned as a consignor.
- Juddmonte - Mentioned in relation to horses.
- Salimas - Mentioned as a Grade 1 winner.
- Salami - Mentioned as a Grade 1 winner.
- Tanner Tracy - Mentioned as the trainer of Wild Bout Hillary.
- Ray Tracy - Mentioned as the father of Tanner Tracy.
- Jamie - Mentioned in relation to Wild Bout Hillary.
- Courtney Stone - Mentioned in relation to Wild Bout Hillary.
- Wild Bout Hillary - Mentioned as a horse in the Fasig-Tipton sale.
- D. Wayne Lucas - Mentioned as a trainer.
- Dallas Stewart - Mentioned as a trainer and former associate of D. Wayne Lucas.
- Pep - Mentioned in relation to Mike Maker and Dallas Stewart getting stalls.
- Mike Penna - Mentioned as the host of the Equine Forum.
- Kurt Becker - Mentioned as hosting "Stroll Through Racing History."
- Dale Romans - Mentioned as a trainer and co-host of "I Ask, They Answer."
- Tim Wilken - Mentioned as a turf writer and co-host of "I Ask, They Answer."
- Richard Migliore - Mentioned as a former jockey and NYRA/Fox Sports analyst.
- Lonny Powell - Mentioned as the CEO of the FTBOA.
- Damon Thayer - Mentioned for comments made on the program regarding Florida decoupling.
- Valerie Daily - Mentioned as the President of the FTBOA.
- George Isaacs - Mentioned as the former president of the FTBOA.
- Linda Strohnach - Mentioned as having a representative who engaged with Lonnie