Trainer Reid France earns first Santa Anita victory

Reid France, who has ranked among the leading trainers in Northern California in recent years, had a memorable first career win at Santa Anita on Monday.

Thirsty Thursday, a 28-1 outsider, rallied between horses to win an allowance race for California-bred 3-year-olds at six furlongs on turf.

“That was fun,” France said on Wednesday.

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France has 20 runners based at Golden Gate Fields and said he could have more starters at Santa Anita in the near future if suitable opportunities arise. Thirsty Thursday was his 19th career starter at Santa Anita.

“We have a few horses that might fit down there,” France said from his Northern California base. “A lot will depend on if we can get them in up here.”

Thirsty Thursday, owned by Kendal King, was entered to be claimed for $50,000 on Monday and won his second consecutive start. Thirsty Thursday won a $25,000 claiming race for maidens on the synthetic track at Golden Gate Fields in December.

“That horse was training well,” France said. “I knew he’d fire a good one.

“I wasn’t sure if he would like the turf. He took well to the synthetic and usually that transfers well to the turf. He’s been a useful horse.”

Because Thirsty Thursday was entered to be claimed on Monday, the gelding has retained his first-condition allowance eligibility.

Thirsty Thursday was the third winner from nine starters for France this month.

Long-term plans for his barn are unsettled because of the looming closure of Golden Gate Fields in June. Race meetings are scheduled on the fairs at Pleasanton, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, Ferndale, and Fresno from mid-June to mid-October later this year. The Northern California racing calendar has not been finalized for a brief period in late September and from mid-October to the end of the year. The subject is scheduled to be discussed at Thursday’s California Horse Racing Board meeting in Sacramento. Those plans will affect France’s stable.

“There are a few things up in the air,” he said. “We’re playing a waiting game to see what decisions some of these people make.”

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