William J. Walsh has been named the new Director of the Arizona Department of Racing by Governor Jan Brewer. Walsh had been acting as interim Director since the departure of Lonny Powell, who had resigned effective Dec. 31, 2011. For additional detail, click here: Governor Jan Brewer Appoints New Racing Director.
Mark the date: ATBA members can look forward to a silent auction during the Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Dinner on April 27, followed by an exciting day of racing celebrating Arizona-Breds on April 28. On Friday evening the AZ Champions of 2011 will be unveiled, and some exclusive auction items await the highest bidder. […]
The Jockey Club has released the 2012 edition of the Online Fact Book, a valuable collection of statistics regarding racing, breeding and sales during the 2011 season. The new Online Fact Book can be accessed here. The Jockey Club also offers the State Fact Book, covering similar topics for each state and province. The recently updated Arizona […]
Uh Oh Bango, the highest-earning active Arizona-bred, finished third behind Ron the Greek and Setsuko in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) on March 3, 2012. Far behind a torrid early pace, Uh Oh Bango was last with a half-mile to go and closed strongly to miss second by a half-length. Uh Oh Bango earned $90,000 […]
The ATBA Board of Directors welcomed four newly elected board members, John Campo III, Shawn J. Haggstrom, Bill Matthews and Jan Osborn, at board meetings on February 11 and March 3, 2012. Board members Dennis Grenier, Wende Macumber and Rink Williams were re-elected. Two board members, Dr. Ron Allen and Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Dorothée Kieckhefer, had […]
The five-year-old mare Xstransportation won the ATBA-sponsored 6th race at Rillito Park on Saturday, February 18, 2012. The 5-1/2 furlong race drew six starters, two geldings and four females. Carl S. Williams guided the dark bay/brown mare to victory for trainer Jesus Fernando Ortega Sr. and owner Karla De Jesus Garcia. Jo Lanny and Unusually […]
Dirk Crane, the resident jockey each year from September to May at Fleming Thoroughbred Farm’s Breaking and Training facility in Willcox, AZ, leads the nationwide 2011 jockey statistics in percent of stakes winners. With 6.56% stakes winners per mounts he bests Mike E. Smith, who came in third with 5.59%, by one percentage point. Nate […]
Congratulations to Sawyer Cattle Company, owner and breeder of Page Springs (Rocky Bar – Bold and Wonderful, by Olympio). Once-beaten Page Springs was rated at 103 on the Experimental Free Handicap, issued each year by The Jockey Club. The Experimental Free Handicap for 2-year-olds of 2011 was released on Feb. 2. The complete lists and past performances […]