News from SCTOBA

South Carolina Thoroughbred Owners And Breeders Association

The first stride to the finish line begins in SC

January 8, 2022

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Upcoming Events

Jan 29, 2022

SCTOBA Annual Meeting

6pm

Nat'l Steeplechase Museum

Camden, SC

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Racing Across the Nation

South Carolinian Hamilton Smith not only trains 2-year-old Luna Belle, but he also bred her with Deborah Greene and Fred Greene. Hammy continues to own the filly with Deborah. On December 18, Luna Belle proved best in the Maryland Juvenile Fillies Championship S. at Laurel Park. She trailed the field early on before overcoming the frontrunner at the 1/16^th pole drawing away to cross the finish line 2 ¾ lengths in front. Luna Belle went through the breaking process at Hammy Smith’s brother, Franklin “Goree” Smith’s Elloree Training Center.

On December 26, Buy the Best gave her connections a day after Christmas present capturing the Gin Talking S. for 2-year-old fillies at Laurel Park. Buy the Best was second between rivals going down the backside. She took the lead in upper stretch and drew clear to win by 2 lengths. This filly is owned by Hope Jones, a longtime supporter of the Webb Carroll Training Center. This was Buy the Best’s fourth win in a row. In 6 starts as a juvenile, she has 4 wins, a 2^nd and a 4^th with career earnings of $177,480.

South Carolina Equine Committee Meets

On Wednesday, January 5, The South Carolina Equine Study Committee met in Columbia. Members of the Committee are Chairman Representative Russell Ott, Senator Dick Harpootlian, Senator Katrina Shealy, Representative Bill Hixon, Kip Elser, Debby McCutchen and Jack Sadler.

The Committee heard testimony first from Lisa Zapollo, President of the South Carolina Horse Council. She emphasized how the Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and other horse disciplines can bring in vast amounts of money into South Carolina. Due to competition from surrounding states, the number of horses in our state is dwindling.

Tom Lee then gave testimony. Tom is Vice President of the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council and Chairman of the Rule Making Committee. He outlined how Advanced Deposit Wagering operates in Tennessee and then fielded many questions from the Committee members. He was very articulate and informative helping the Committee understand how ADW can benefit our equine industry in South Carolina. Lee also encouraged the need for the formation of an equine commission.

Due to illness, Tom Aronson, President of Racing Resources Group, was unable to give testimony in person but he was able to submit a report. Aronson has been head of legislative affairs for the American Horse Council, senior Vice President of Television Games Network and was a pioneer creator of the modern Advanced Deposit Wagering business. Aronson believes South Carolina needs new tools to compete for investments in horse farms, horse breeding, training centers, veterinary activity and other horse based enterprises that are currently flowing out of South Carolina into surrounding states.

In his report, Aronson explains the benefits of ADW and how it can help raise funds and enhance the equine industry in our state. Money derived can enable South Carolina to provide owner and breeding bonuses.

SCTOBA Board member Marsha Hewitt noted the popularity and benefits of trail riding opportunities in our state parks. This activity has diminished due to lack of funds to maintain trails.

The next step is for the Committee to provide a report to the state legislature requesting the formation of an equine commission.

Annual Awards Banquet on January 29, 2021

The South Carolina Owners and Breeders Association was unable to hold its annual meeting last year because of the pandemic but it will take place on January 29, 2022, at The National Steeplechase Museum in Camden. The guest speaker will be Sen. Damon Thayer of Kentucky. Sen. Thayer has been a longtime advocate of Thoroughbred racing and has helped grow the racing industry in his home state representing the legislative front. He wants to help SCTOBA and the SC Equine Study Committee grow the industry in our state.

Opening remarks will be given by Representative Russell Ott, Chairman of the South Carolina Equine Study Committee.

Please mark your calendar and we look forward to seeing you on January 29 at 6:00 PM.

Shesmyheartandsoul Lands in Good Spot

Shesmyheartandsoul (Rockport Harbor-Wildheartsneverdie by Gators and Bears) is a South Carolina-bred mare foaled in 2014. She was bred by Ron Madden in the name of his Jellicoe, LLC in Aiken.

Shesmyheartandsoul went through the breaking process under the care of Marcus and Crystal Ryan. She was a member of their Mason Spring consignment at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale in 2016. She made 59 career starts campaigning in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. She recorded 15 wins, 4 seconds and 17 thirds racking up $213,854 in career earnings. This mare changed hands several times during her 6 years of racing. In May of 2021, Ron Madden regained ownership and retired her to his broodmare band. It is always great to see breeders follow the careers of horses they bred and be sure the horse ends up in a good, safe retirement environment.

More Wins for Straight Talking Progeny

Goree Smith’s Straight Talking (Dixieland Band-Gin Talking by Allen’s Prospect) progeny racked up 3 victories in December. Sand In My Shoes was a winner at Penn National on December 3. Fifty Seven Chevy won for the second time in less than a month on December 5 at Mountaineer Park and Odds and Ends found the winner’s circle at Mountaineer Park on December 13.

A Return to Racing Activity

During 2021, we took a step toward normalcy. We were able to experience the return of some racing – The Carolina Cup, The Steeplechase of Charleston and the King’s Tree Trials. We look forward to their 2022 renewals along with the return of the Aiken Trials (March 19), the Elloree Trials (March 19) and the Aiken Spring (March 26) and Fall (date TBA) Steeplechase.

Time for Renewal

We thank you for your past support of SCTOBA and encourage you to renew for 2022 if you have not already. Click on renewal form here or it can be found on our website below.

Thank you.

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About SCTOBA

Our mission is to promote the thoroughbred industry in our state and throughout the region. SCTOBA works to create awareness of the tremendous economic impact the thoroughbred industry has in South Carolina. Our organization is an advocate for the positive aspects of the thoroughbred business --breeding, training and racing. We also provide leadership and solutions to the challenges presented by the thoroughbred business.

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