The weekly TRC industry digest - a round-up of the international racing news from the past week.
Integrity and Safety Act clears Senate hurdle
North America: The new Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which will transform the sport’s drug and medication rules, was approved by the Senate on Monday and is expected to be signed into law by President Trump soon.
Its passage is part of a $1.4 trillion package that includes funding to prevent a government shutdown and provides Covid-19 relief provisions as well as facilitating key tax reform.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was “proud the Senate agreed to my legislation to preserve our signature racing industry and the 24,000 workers who support it”.
The bipartisan legislation has had the backing of most industry and animal welfare groups, spearheaded by the Jockey Club and the Water Hay Oats Alliance, with the notable exception of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
O’Brien waxes lyrical as ‘dream mare’ Magical is retired
Europe: Coolmore has confirmed that seven-time G1 winner Magical, world #7 in the latest TRC Global Rankings, has been retired and will join its broodmare band in Ireland, with mating plans for Aiden O’Brien’s “dream mare” yet to be decided. She was due to be covered by No Nay Never last year before a last-minute change of heart saw her campaigned across the world this season.
O’Brien paid tribute to the daughter of Galileo, saying, "She was a great filly. She ran at the very top level all the time until she retired. She was ultra-consistent and just an amazing filly, really. She travelled a lot. She won three Group 1s this year and I was delighted to have her again this year. It was a brave decision of the lads to keep her in training.”
The master of Ballydoyle added that “it would be exciting to train her offspring”.
The 5-year-old, who won 12 of her 28 races under rules and over £4.8 million in prize money, last ran when third to Normcore in the Hong Kong Cup in Sha Tin earlier this month.
Ben Melham banned for betting offences
Oceania: The Victorian Racing Tribunal has handed G1-winning jockey Ben Melham a five-month disqualification for betting offences, which is more lenient than the eight-month DQ Racing Victoria stewards had been pushing for.
The 2017 Golden Slipper winner avoided a mandatory 2-year ban on the opening day of the inquiry when two charges involving having a betting stake in races he was riding in were withdrawn by Racing Victoria stewards.
However, the 32-year-old did plead guilty to four charges – three for betting offences and one for providing false evidence.
The recognition keeps on coming for Hollie Doyle
Europe: On the same day that she reached 150 winners for 2020, Hollie Doyle was named Flat Jockey of the year at the 2020 Lesters Awards, the UK’s annual awards voted for by jockeys for jockeys and named for the legendary Lester Piggott.
Doyle – the first female to win the top award - also won Female Jockey of the Year and the Flat Jockey Special Recognition award, and becomes only the second jockey ever to win three Lesters in a single year - Paul Hanagan achieved the same feat in 2010.
“This means a lot to me, this one, because I know all the other lads have been behind me to get me to win it, so I'm just really grateful that everyone's got my back,” said Doyle, who has also been named Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year and finished third at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards.
Anderson is new Churchill racetrack president
North America: Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has named Mike Anderson as the 14th president of Churchill Downs racetrack, filling the position vacated by the retiring Kevin Flanery.
Anderson joined CDI in 1996 as controller and has held a number of executive roles within the organisation, having recently served as vice president of operations. He will report to Bill Mudd, the president and COO.
Anderson called the promotion the “privilege of a lifetime”. The Louisville native added that it is “humbling to consider what this historic place represents to so many people”. Mudd said Anderson is a “uniquely qualified leader to assume the role” and has “successfully and consistently delivered on company goals across multiple departments".
Elsewhere, CDI named Mike Ziegler as senior vice president and general manager of Churchill Downs racetrack, a role he will fulfil while retaining his current responsibilities as executive director of racing for CDI. It also announced that Ryan Jordan has been named vice president of corporate operations.
Elliston quits Keeneland role
North America: Bob Elliston has resigned as vice president of racing at Keeneland, effective from the end of the month.
The long-time racing industry executive joined Keeneland in August 2016 as vice president of racing and sales. Prior to joining Keeneland, he had been executive vice president and chief operations officer of Breeders’ Cup from May 2012.
“The wonderful experiences that I have had really created multiple avenues for continuing this fortunate journey that I have been a part of,” said Elliston, who is not in a position to reveal his next role.
In July, Keeneland announced a realignment that moved Elliston from vice president of racing and sales to vice president of racing.
George Wolf award: The final five
North America: Santa Anita Park has announced the five finalists for the 2021 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award: Jockeys Alex Birzer, Jorge Martin Bourdieu, Kendrick Carmouche, Aaron Gryder and Deshawn Parker.
The award – named for the jockey known for riding the people’s champion Seabiscuit - has been presented by the Californian track annually since 1950 to the Thoroughbred jockey in North America who demonstrates high standards of personal and professional conduct both on and off the racetrack.
The winner will be announced in February. It can only be won once. Luis M Quinones was the 2020 recipient, and the 2021 winner will become the 72nd jockey, dating back to Gordon Glisson in 1950, to be so honoured.
Ireland budgets to cope with two ‘lifetime challenges’
Europe: Horse Racing Ireland has announced its budget for 2021, increasing its minimum prize money level to €10,000 and including short-term measures to counteract the twin threat of Covid-19 and Brexit, which CEO Brian Kavanagh called “two lifetime challenges hitting the sector simultaneously”.
He added, “Thanks to the effort of many, the finances of Horse Racing Ireland are stable as we come to the end of one of the most challenging years any of us will ever face. The board wishes to acknowledge the effort and sacrifices made within the industry this year and is pleased to announce a progressive budget for 2021, which is aimed at giving some clarity in an uncertain environment.
“The quality of the Irish racing and breeding product remains strong and, working within our Plan, I am confident that we can put 2020 behind us and look forward with some optimism.”
Meanwhile, Kavanagh confirmed that, following an increase in Covid-19 restrictions in the UK and based on the “[Irish] government's policy” there will be “no Irish runners in the UK or UK runners in Ireland between now and December 31”, which includes jump racing’s winter showpiece, the King George VI Chase at Kempton on December 26.
“The only exceptions to that ban are for essential supply chains and services,” stated Kavanagh. “It's unfortunate but there are bigger issues at play. However, it was pleasing the government did announce racing will continue behind closed doors, which gives us some certainty.”
Elsewhere in racing …
North America: The Saratoga Derby Invitational, middle leg of NYRA’s new ‘Turf Trinity’ for 3-year-olds, has been given Grade 1 status in its first year of eligibility. It is the main mover in the U.S. Graded and listed stakes listings for 2021 just announced. More here
North America: Thoroughbred Charities of America has announced that the 31st Annual Stallion Season Auction will begin on January 6 and conclude on January 12. More here
North America: Woodbine Entertainment has revealed that it is giving back to the backstretch community during holiday season. More here