Standardbred Breeding

by Matt Cutair We must elevate the discussion surrounding the New York racing calendar beyond the current, unproductive focus on the total number of racing dates. This metric is ultimately irrelevant if not tied to the overall quality and economic viability of our product. Arguing over the number of racing dates is a distraction, especially if a nominal increase in days is achieved by simply reducing the number of races run per day. For example, gaining four extra days by moving from a three-day to a four-day week means little if we write an average of one fewer race per day over that period. The real goal is not simply volume, but value. Instead of negotiating for days, NYRA, Owners, and Trainers must align on the three critical metrics that will define success over the coming years: Handle: Maximizing wagering revenue. Lowering Costs: Improving operational efficiency. Experience: Enhancing the product for owners, fans, and bettors. By running fewer days, but being more strategic about the calendar, we can achieve these goals: Maximize Handle: We should concentrate races on higher-quality days–specifically weekends and established high-handle days. By strategically expanding the number of races on these high-demand days, we can mitigate and potentially offset the impact from canceling low-handle days. Enhanced Owner Experience: Consolidating races onto weekends makes the sport significantly more accessible to owners. A 2 p.m. race on a Thursday in February naturally excludes many working owners. Moving that race to a weekend slot dramatically increases owner attendance and engagement. Improve the Betting Product: Running fewer days with a more concentrated schedule will naturally lead to enhanced field size and competitive racing. This benefits the gambler by offering a superior wagering product at times more conducive to their schedules. Lowering Costs For All: Furthermore, a reduction in racing days would be expected to dramatically lower operational costs across the entire ecosystem. The savings realized from operating the track less frequently must be strategically shared between NYRA and the horsemen (this is an “argument that's worth having”). This is crucial, as trainers will also see reduced expenses (which ultimately benefits owners), amplifying the overall economic efficiency gained from a refined calendar. The current state of winter racing entries and field sizes in New York clearly demonstrates that the status quo is unsustainable. While it may offer a fleeting, short-term benefit for an individual owner/trainer to win in a four-horse field, this practice leads to the long-term erosion of the product's quality. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity with the impending opening of the new Belmont Park. Our collective effort must be focused on a strategic calendar that raises the level of competition, maximizes revenue, lowers costs to participants and delivers a premium experience. Let us move beyond bottom-of-the-barrel arguments about the number of dates and focus on the quality of racing.    Matt Cutair has owned horses on the New York racing circuit for over 20 years, starting out as a partner with Sovereign Stables, eventually running under his own stable–Cutair Racing, and now running the Adelphi Racing Club partnership group. Cutair currently owns and campaigns over 35 horses in New York (with more than half of them being New York- breds). In addition to his racing interests, he also owns New York-based broodmares and has a small group of retired horses (including OTTBs) stabled at the barn at his primary residence in nearby Greenwich, CT. The post Letter to the Editor: New York Dates–Let’s Elevate the Discussion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Retired Racehorse Project has launched its 2025 year-end giving campaign with a total goal of $100,000, including a $41,000 match pledge that will double contributions from donors who support the organization's charitable mission to increase demand for Thoroughbreds beyond racing. The match pledge has been donated by the combined efforts of Valerie Callcott-Stevens, Copper Beech Stables, Glen Hill Farm, the Happy Dog Fun, Carolyn Rice, and Thor-Bred Stables. “The RRP's programming focuses on supporting the broad tapestry of individuals and entities that are tied to the Thoroughbred, which is the most effective and systemic way to benefit the horses,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. “Our small team works tirelessly to serve all of these varied communities, whether it's efforts to help racing connections keep in touch with their horses' new owners, driving demand for Thoroughbreds in riding careers so that they can move through their retirement transition efficiently, or providing educational resources and opportunities for riders. The RRP understands that positive outcomes for the horses are dependent on the collective success of the people associated with them.” To learn more about the Retired Racehorse Project and its year-end giving campaign, visit theRRP.org or contact Megan Garlich, Development Manager, at mgarlich@therrp.org. Direct donations can be made at therrp.org/donate. The post RRP Launches Year-End Giving Campaign appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saudi Arabia has been granted a number of Riyadh season race upgrades, including the country's first top tier race on turf, with the $2 million Neom Turf Cup (G1T) being granted group 1 status ahead of its 2026 running on Saudi Cup (G1) day Feb. 14.View the full article

Ace Stud has announced Ben Shoare as nominations manager ahead of the 2026 breeding season. Shoare will oversee Ace Stud, formerly known as Dullingham Park Stud, which is home to dual Group 1-winning sprinter Shaquille.  A statement released by the stud on Monday read, “Ben joins the team having completed the Irish National Stud's Thoroughbred Breeding Management course in 2021, after which he was selected to undertake the Jonathan Fitzpatrick Business Internship. His experience includes positions at Tweenhills Stud, Newgate Stud in Australia, and most recently Whitsbury Manor Stud.  Since 2023, Ben has also co-managed Lotus Bloodstock with various partners. For nomination enquiries, Ben Shoare can be contacted at nominations@acestud.co.uk or via the Ace Stud nominations line on +44 (0)1638 599434. The post Ben Shoare Appointed Nominations Manager At Ace Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In honor of veteran rider Perry Ouzts, Turfway Park will officially rename its jockey quarters Perry Wayne Ouzts Jockeys' Quarters during a dedication ceremony Dec. 6. Ouzts, 71, has won 7,531 races in his career, ranking fifth all-time among North American jockeys and he is the all-time leading rider at Turfway Park. “Perry is a terrific human and an unbelievable professional athlete,” Turfway Park general manager Chip Bach said. “He's the ultimate iron man, and it's only fitting that the place where our riders prepare every day now carries his name. His horsemanship, grit and consistency–and the respect he's earned here for decades–make this a proud moment for all of us.” All racing fans are welcome to attend the dedication, which will take place in the paddock prior to the first race that evening, with members of the Ouzts family, fellow jockeys and representatives from Turfway Park in attendance. The post Turfway Park Renames Jockeys’ Room in Honor of Ouzts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article