April 18, 2014
Lexington, Ky.
Twenty-nine prospective and current owners gathered at historic Keene Place at Keeneland on Friday, April 18 for the educational Thoroughbred Ownership Seminar, hosted by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and sponsored by Blood-Horse.
After inspirational opening remarks from KTA/KTOB Executive Director David Switzer, the attendees hopped on a Keeneland shuttle to the training barns of Kenny McPeek and Barclay Tagg for a unique “virtual ownership” session. McPeek called out instructions to his workout riders as they walked past the barn and to the track for the equine athletes’ morning workouts. He then led the seminar attendees to the track to discuss his training philosophies during the workouts. Afterwards, the group connected with Barclay Tag at Barn 25 where Tagg provided a wealth of knowledge and experience as a trainer, with one of his Thoroughbreds standing in the background during a grooming. The attendees were in the midst of the race day preparations with racehorses and ponies walking down the shedrow, to and from the track.
Kenny McPeek discusses his horses’ workout routines at Keeneland
The remainder of the morning took place back at Keene Place with various educational discussions on topics such as the owner/trainer relationship, racehorse acquisition, legal, accounting and tax information, online resources for owners, and Thoroughbred retirement. Speakers included Bill Casner, Mike McMahon, Kellyn Gorder, Dr. Craig Van Balen, Matthew Delehanty, Rick Nunnelley, Jen Shah, Susan Martin, Gary Falter and Erin Crady.
Each speaker was an expert on his topic and the attendees left these sessions with a wealth of information from the morning discussions as well as educational take-home materials. “This was our second TOBA seminar and we have enjoyed both very much,” said attendee David Hilborn. “The mix between classroom lectures,
The seminar wrapped up with lunch and racing at Keeneland on the sunny Friday afternoon. The attendees were invited to exclusive access inside the paddock and walking ring in preparation for Race 3, followed by an insider’s view of the race from the winner’s circle. As coincidences dictate, attendees Mary Ann and Roger Pardieck happened to be close friends with the winning trainer of the allowance race and joined him in the winning photograph. “That was such a coincidence that Brian Lynch’s colt won right as we were standing down there,” said Mary Ann. “This was a fun moment on a very enjoyable day.”
Owner/Trainer Relationship panelists (left to right: Mike McMahon, Kellyn Gorder, Bill Casner)
“The Thoroughbred Ownership seminar is an excellent venue to gain exposure to all facets of racehorse ownership,” said attendee Greg Goforth. “The time spent attending the ownership seminar is time well spent.”
This seminar was also available on live webcast on BloodHorse.com. Dozens of viewers across the country tuned into BloodHorse.com to expand their ownership knowledge. An extended recording of this webcast video is available for purchase at www.bloodhorse.com for $25.
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.