UPDATES FROM THE TRACK AND THE FARM

RACING NEWS

A s of March 31, 2007 Tailwind Racing was listed in the Thoroughbred Times as the 3 rd leading breeder in California by state-bred earnings per starter. (see page 23 of the Thoroughbred Times Today April 1, 2007 ) Click to read more We are very proud of our Cal-Bred horses. As of June 2008, we haven't placed on the list, but have a busy year ahead.

In 2008 we are excited to have six home breds racing in Southern California . Four others, bred by Tailwind and claimed from us are also still at the track. That's 100% of our racing crop on target. From one super mare, we have three fillies (2, 3 and 4 years old), from different sires, all under tack.

We have had a real run with Swiss Current, Swiss Yodeler's leading 4 year old mare. She was the winner of the CTBA Marian Stakes, took 2nd in the WinStar Oaks in New Mexico , the Pacific Heights and Cal Cup Juvenile. With a 3 rd in the Cal Cup Matron and placing in the Torrey Pines, her current earnings are over $265,000. Swiss Current will be racing on the East Coast for the summer.

We are doing everything at our end to develop the race horse. Because of polytrack, we made a decision in '07 to wait on our 2 year olds a little longer and see if we would have success by running them for the first time as stronger horses at three. That did not prove to be the best strategy so in '08 we have begun earlier training our two-year olds. Alex B Good and Runway Starlet are in southern California under tack preparing for their debut at Del Mar.

FARM NEWS

Our ranch manager is Javier Lopez, who with his wife Maria and two children, live at Tailwind Farm. Javier has been with us for 5 years. He knows the ropes well and has made the management comfortable for us. He is well liked by the horses, and shows his skills of organization and personal attention in his position. Maria is an excellent groomer. She is very neat and at one time was a professional gardener. Our fields are immaculate and the bloom all over is a joy to see. Both Lopez' are proud of their horses and fields; their up beat feeling transpires throughout.

Heather does an excellent job of breaking and conditioning the yearlings. After the new year, our yearlings go to Magali Farms where Tom Hudson oversees their pre-race training. We have used this system of preparation for 4 years and it is working very well for us. When Tom says they are ready, Doug O'Neill gets them and with Leandro's help our 2 year-olds learn to race. Doug is a great communicator with a tremendous support staff. He gets runners, develops runners and wisely says when it is time to stop on a horse. It is a pleasure to deal with him.

In residence at Tailwind Farm will be our four mares, three foals and four yearlings. Central Oregon is good for raising strong race horses; its clear high altitude air, abundance of rolling hill pastures, Kentucky blue grass and well water all contribute to the quality of our herd. Our small, boutique operation builds bone through specialized feed and trotting in the Eurosizer. Due to the popular dressage and show jumping sport in Central Oregon , an excellent vet clinic is 10 minutes away. Careful handling and "building the will to win" are important parts of the process.

In 2008 we bred to Kentucky sires as the California market seems uncertain.

SALES

In October 2007 we bought a Saint Liam weanling from the Keeneland Sale; Hip No. 9 in the first book--an exceptional filly. O ur only sales this past year were horses claimed at the track or were sold privately. We are considering sales in 2008 and 2009.

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE FUTURE

California racing has a great history and many wonderful classy people have put good money and effort into the sport over the years. This generation must continue with the heritage it has been have given. We recognize several tracks are finished this year. That's ok. W e hope the proposed new tracks in California will take notice of marketing at Del Mar and the importance of location which plays a big part in bringing the crowds to the races. Tracks need to be relocated or rebuilt (facelifts front and back) to become part of the 21st century. Everyone gets excited when venues are new, clean and upbeat. People in California only need some encouragement to come, have fun and appreciate the classic sport in a beautiful setting. Betting has become so complicated people don't try. The newspapers give more information to the gambler than to the sportsman, who would be interested to learn about the winners, their pedigree, the breeders, owners and trainers. The breeders and farms are the backbone of the industry.

The positive horse stories are seldom told, so the interest and the passion for the sport is stagnate. Each year "at Derby time" there is a story about a particular horse. This year's Derby winner, Big Brown, is a perfect example. Everyone was excited to watch him race; his surge of power will never be forgotten. The media coverage was phenomenal during the six weeks of the Triple Crown. There is no media plan to unwrap and use the press to help the industry. Media can make or break you. Improvements within the many organizations representing thoroughbred racing need to be made for the benefit of those who have businesses directly relating to horse ownership. Because agencies, such as the CTBA, are so internally combative they are unable to look beyond their own shadow. Is there anyone taking the lead on developing a long term strategy on improving the marketability and profitability of the thoroughbred racing industry both in California and the entire West Coast? They are invisible, if they are there.

There needs to be a tremendous improvement in West Coast communication. Mr. Shapiro of the CHRB has been good for horse racing. Let's hope he gets the support he should have. Gary Stevens' TV coverage is right on. He communicates beautifully to the breeder and owner. Trainers, like Doug O'Neil with web sites and email addresses, are greatly appreciated by owners and breeders. The use of the internet has been enormously helpful for many of us. Madeline Auerbach is to be commended for her efforts in forming CARMA, which will be instrumental in providing funding for the retirement of horses from the track.

We know the track people are trying hard to protect our horses. The California legislators need to support the industry and the breeder. Purses for Cal-Breds must increase. TVG is helpful in making the racing picture more accessible and calracing.com is full of necessary information, greatly appreciated. Let's have a cohesive front to be excited about as we near the Breeders Cup in '08 and '09 at Santa Anita.