To say that William M. Backer made a successful career in advertising is like describing Bob Baffert as a successful horse trainer.
Some of the most famous advertising lines of all time, for example - "I'd like to buy the world a Coke" . . . "Soup is good food" . . . "It's Miller time" - were the product of Bill Backer's creative genius.
The curtain came down on Florida's five months of 2-year-old in training sales Wednesday, when the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company completed its annual schedule of four auctions.
The season began with the OBS sale at Calder Race Course, continued weeks later with the Fasig-Tipton auction in the same venue, then moved up the state to Ocala for March, April, and June.
There was no Triple Crown on the line this year after Point Given dusted Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos in the Preakness. Now racing fans have to wait another year to see if a 3-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Affirmed, the last Triple Crown winner in 1978.
Hold on, not so fast. There is still a chance for a triple to be hit this year, although it is one that won't hold as much historical significance as the real Triple Crown.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Saudi Poetry gained a second graded stakes victory with her success in last Saturday's Fleur de Lis Handicap at Churchill Downs. Her recent performances have more than justified the hopes and money invested in this filly, whose pedigree and physique have long held great promise. From the immediate family of champion Silverbulletday and Acorn Stakes winner Forest Secrets, Saudi Poetry is a handsome chestnut daughter of Storm Cat and the Gone West mare Gone to Venus.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - When the horses go to the post for Sunday's Queen's Plate in Canada, Tammy Samuel-Balaz, and many others, will be hoping the race result will add luster to one of the sport's best pairings. Balaz, whose family owns Sam-Son Farm and the great homebred racemare Dance Smartly, will be keeping her binoculars trained on Sam-Son's filly Dancethruthedawn, who is bidding to become the second Mr. Prospector-Dance Smartly runner to capture the race.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Winsong Farms, owned by Jim and Alice Sapara, announced Wednesday that it will disperse some 40 Thoroughbreds at Keeneland's November breeding stock sale this year.
John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Sales Agency will handle the dispersal. Among the dozen mares on offer will be graded stakes winner Brushed Halory, an earner of more than $492,000. The sale will also feature racing stock, including Canadian stakes-placed Spy Hill (Phone Trick), and foals by Unbridled's Song, Dynaformer, and Red Ransom.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Topped by a $110,000 Mr. Greeley filly, the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's June sale of 2-year-olds and horses of racing age sale ended Wednesday with a jump in the average price.
With 226 juveniles sold, the average price rose 12 percent to $16,857. Last year's sale, which did not have a second session, sold 210 juveniles for an average of $15,065. Four older horses sold this year for an average of $8,125; five older horses sold last year for an average of $11,500.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A $105,000 Montbrook colt topped Tuesday's opening session of the two-day Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's June auction of 2-year-olds and horses of racing age in Ocala, Fla.
Average price rose, posting a 25 percent gain to reach $18,793. Last year's average was $15,065. At this year's opener, only 108 juveniles were sold compared with 210 in last year's first session, leading to a decline of 36 percent in gross revenue. Total receipts dropped from $3,163,700 last year to $2,029,600.
LEXINGTON, Ky. - Champion and millionaire was euthanized on June 9 after breaking a hind leg in a paddock accident at John Harris's Harris Farms near Coalinga, Calif., farm officials said Tuesday. Steinlen was 18.
Steinlen, North America's champion turf male in 1989, was moved from Lane's End Farm in Versailles, Ky., to Harris Farms in 1996. Owner Daniel Wildenstein eventually sold him to Harris Farms.
The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association of New Jersey was set to hold its annual awards ceremony at Monmouth Park Saturday, bringing attention to a year's worth of efforts by the organization's new executive director Jack DuArte.
Hired in the summer of 2000, DuArte was asked to infuse some positive changes into a state breeding industry that has struggled through years of small and declining foal crops, a shrinking stallion roster, and fewer racing opportunities for New Jersey-breds, among other issues.