December 6, 2014
Hallandale Beach, Fla.
Gulfstream Park was a popular place to be on December 6 for three reasons: Championship Meet opening day, Claiming Crown and the TOBA Thoroughbred Ownership Seminar. Twenty-five prospective and current owners arrived at the track early that morning to expand their knowledge of the many components of ownership. Kathy Ritvo, trainer of 2013 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man, kicked off the seminar with an interactive discussion of the morning workouts. The attendees watched the workouts from the President’s Suite balcony, which is where the rest of the seminar took place.
Trainer Kathy Ritvo discusses the morning workouts
The father-son team of Nick and Alex Zito followed the morning workout session with a discussion of the owner/trainer dynamic, moderated by HRTV host Caton Bredar. Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito came with a wealth of experience that was passed down to his son, Alex, managing partner of the Hurricane Boys Racing Stable. Seminar attendees Scott and Carol Barker won an opportunity to shadow Alex leading up to and during Sinorice’s running of the Claiming Crown Jewel to get a taste of ownership on race day. Nick Zito ended up winning the race with a longshot Catholic Cowboy, which was fitting after indicating that he doesn’t mind running longshots in big races because “if you don’t race, you can’t win.”
The second panel covered the different methods of horse acquisition, such as public auctions, private purchases, claiming and partnerships. This panel included trainer David Fawkes, Scott Kintz of Woodford Thoroughbreds and Robb Levinsky of the Kenwood Racing partnership. The panelists discussed the pros and cons of each acquisition method along with their own experiences with success in finding winners at the sales and in the claiming races.
Nick and Alex Zito discuss the owner/trainer dynamic
Attorney Amanda Simmons Luby and CPA Maria Cruz Gonzalez covered important legal matters, tax considerations and insurance options for owners. These experts provided the most pertinent information on the business side of ownership. Erin Crady, Executive Director of Thoroughbred Charities of America (TOBA’s charitable arm), covered Thoroughbred retirement that afternoon. She explained that every owner should create a retirement plan for their equine athlete since many horses can live up to 20 years after their racing career has ended. Susan Martin, Director of Marketing for Jockey Club Information Systems, introduced Equineline.com and other resources that the Jockey Club offers to owners and breeders.
In perfect timing, the seminar ended as the races began on the sunny afternoon in southern Florida. The attendees enjoyed the races from the President’s Suite balcony which overlooked the finish line.
TOBA’s seminar and clinic program, sponsored by The Blood-Horse, is open to anyone with an interest to learn more about a variety of aspects of the Thoroughbred industry. Topics include pedigree and conformation, breeding, and Thoroughbred ownership. Click here to learn more and register for an upcoming clinic.