May 15-16, 2014
Timonium & Baltimore, Md.
The common phrase of the Thoroughbred Ownership Seminar on May 15-16 in Timonium and Baltimore, Md. was “it’s all about the horse.” The seminar attendees put the equine athlete’s health, care and welfare at the forefront of all panel discussions at the Timonium Race Track on Thursday, May 15. Frank Vespe of The Racing Biz, trainer Ferris Allen and bloodstock agent Bill Reightler kicked off the educational morning with an introductory discussion of Thoroughbred ownership and observing the Fasig-Tipton two-year-olds in training sale breeze show.
Farrier presents different shoes for race horses
The attendees then learned various aspects of the owner/trainer relationship followed by dialogue on racehorse acquisition, business topics, veterinary topics, online resources for owners and Thoroughbred retirement. Speakers included Jimmy Toner, Justin Nicholson, Davant Latham, Robb Levinsky, Kip Elser, Alan M. Foreman, Richard Hoffberger, Bradley Weisbord, Dr. Nicholas Meittinis, Andrew Chesser, Carrie Vaught and Dan Rosenberg. “What a wealth of information to absorb,” said attendee Rosalie Strawcutter. The attendees wrapped up the afternoon with a relaxed cocktail party to mingle and digest the day’s discussions.
Friday’s excitement perfectly complimented Thursday’s educational panels. Some attendees arrived at Pimlico early enough to watch the morning workout of future Preakness winner California Chrome. Later that morning, they enjoyed a private tour of Pimlico which covered the track’s history, a visit to the Stakes Barn, a bugle greeting by “Sam the Bugler”, and a peek into the jockeys’ lounge.
The group then met over a dozen celebrity jockeys, who generously autographed posters, programs and bags. Among these celebrities were the Lady Legends, a group of pioneering female riders whose race raises funds for breast cancer research.
Tour of Pimlico Race Course
Daily Racing Form’s handicapping seminar concluded the morning and was followed by the races leading up to the 90th Running of the Black Eyed Susan Stakes. Eric Hamelback, a member of the TOBA Board of Trustees and general manager of Adena Springs Farm, met with the group in the afternoon to answer any ownership-related question they had that day.
The two-day seminar was full of activities, both educational and exciting. Attendee Corinna Wildermuth benefited from “meeting many industry resources and making new friends with owners that are further down the path of ownership.” She also proclaimed that this was “a seminar not to be missed by anybody considering race horse ownership.”
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.