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Wall Calendar Cover 2026
Courtesy of Los Alamitos

LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE, CYPRESS, CA…. The always popular Los Alamitos Race Course Wall Calendar 2026 edition is now available online for $12 each or two for $20 at: https://www.losalamitos.com/PurchaseProduct.aspx. The cost includes tax, shipping and handling.  The 2026 calendar features full color action shots of many of the top Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred stars that raced at Los Alamitos during the recently concluded meeting. 

The calendar cover features FDD Dreams, the AQHA World Champion and 2025 Champion of Champion winner, and PCQHRA Horse of the Year Shakin Goin On. 

The 2026 Los Alamitos Wall Calendar also includes the complete Quarter Horse stakes schedule, the nighttime and daytime racing dates, great action photos and more. 

Courtesy of Orlando Gutierrez via Media

10 Jamies Sin Tacha-finish
© Dustin Orona Photography

OKLAHOMA CITY – Several top trainers sent stakes winners to the Remington Park racing surface over the past few days, gaining official works prior to the season opening on March 5. Among the top-flight horses included last year’s winner of the $868,455 Remington Park Futurity – Jamies Sin Tacha.

The 3-year-old Oklahoma-bred gelding got up by a nose in the Remington Park Futurity, a restricted Grade 1 for Oklahoma-breds, to win $347,382, handing Entice Me Ona Monday the first loss of his career. 

Jamies Sin Tacha worked out Sunday at 220 yards and worked a leisurely :13.30 over a fast track. The bullet workout for that distance was :12.21. He is owned by Miguel A. Vargas and was bred in Oklahoma by Monty McNair.

Other stakes winners that worked out this weekend were As Moonflash, Js Freightrain and Catchn Southern Rays, all for different conditioners.

As Moonflash, a 5-year-old Oklahoma-bred mare trained by Leo Alcala, worked 220 yards on Saturday in :13.07, handily. The bullet work at that distance was :12.44. As Moonflash, a winner of 6-of-10 lifetime for $134,099 in earnings has won three stakes races since leaving Remington Park in 2024. As a 2-year-old in 2023, she won a Remington Park Futurity trial, but did not race in the final. She went on that year to win an All American Futurity trial, but did not qualify for that final. Last year she won three stakes at two tracks – the Selma Stakes and Grade 3 Retama Championship Challenge at Retama Park on July 3 and Aug. 15 in Selma, Texas, just outside San Antonio. The mare also won the Miss Ellen Stakes on Oct. 12 at Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Okla. 

On Sunday, other than Jamies Sin Tacha, Catchn Southern Rays worked 220 yards and Js Freightrain covered 250 yards in morning efforts. Catchn Southern Rays, a 4-year-old Oklahoma-bred filly racing for trainer Stacy Charette-Hill, stopped the timer in :13.20, handily. Her best race at Remington Park came in the Heritage Place Juvenile Stakes on June 1, 2024 when she was the runner-up. Her black-type win came in the Black Gold Futurity on Nov. 12, 2024 at WRD. Catchn Southern Rays, by Apollitical Jess, out of the PYC Paint Your Wagon mare Mary Paintyourwagon, is owned and was bred by Leann J. Burns. Catchn Southern Rays’ record is 15 starts, six wins and two seconds for $301,704 in earnings.

Js Freightrain, a 4-year-old Oklahoma-bred filly by Freighttrain B, out of the Apollitical Jess mare As and Js, has won 6-of-12 starts for a bankroll of $208,027 and is in the Alcala barn. She also has two seconds and one third. Alcala, who bred this filly, owned her dam As and Js, an earner of $531,134. As and Js won the Junos Request Stakes at Remington Park on June 1, 2019.

Js Freightrain worked 250 yards Sunday in :13.89, handily from the gate. That compares to the bullet work of the day in :13.51, handily from the gate.

Two Days of Training Races: Feb. 18 & 19

A total of 25 training races, spread over two days, will take place Wednesday, Feb. 18 and Thursday, Feb. 19. There are a total of 198 horses entered for schooling races this week as trainers get their first-time starters prepared to run their first official races of their careers.

Two-time Heritage Place Futurity-winning trainer Trey Wood will send out 20 horses over the two days of training races. The action will begin at 11am each day.

Wood won Remington Park’s million-dollar cornerstone race for 2-year-old American Quarter Horses in 2012 with BP Cartels Alibi and in 2013 with Big Biz Perry. Both horses went on to win their All American Futurity trials with BP Cartels Alibi the only one of those two to run in the final of that race, the top event for 2-year-old Quarter Horses each year. BP Cartels Alibi finished seventh in the All American Futurity final. Wood actually won the All American Futurity last year with King of the Tide, who is now four-for-six lifetime with $1,595,087 banked.

Wood was Remington Park’s top trainer in 2017 with 42 winners. It was his sole training title here. He has 10 starters in schooling races Wednesday and 10 on Thursday. 

Trainer Sammy Valdivia also has 10 entered for Wednesday with six more on Thursday. 

Trainers have entered 95 horses on Wednesday in 12 races and another 103 on Thursday in 13 races. Other trainers with at least five head contesting Wednesday’s training races are Clint Crawford (7), Jed Vane (6), Salimm Hernandez (5), Jose Lopez (5), Luis Villafranco (5), and Rodrigo Covarrubias (5). On Thursday that list includes Matt Whitekiller (7), Jed Vane (7), Josue Garcia (7), Fernando Manriquez (6), Leo Alcala (5), and Dee Keener (5). 

Remington Park has provided more than $407 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. The 2026 Remington Park American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season begins March 5. Remington Park presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. Guests must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or to enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

Courtesy of Dale Day

Jeriko_6_GoldenStateMillionFuturity_TrialsRace5_LA_WilliamZuazo:LosAlamitos_action
©William Zuazo, Los Alamitos

One of 2025’s standout runners, Jeriko, was humanely euthanized due to an infection that caused some complications. The six year old had just come off a second-place finish in the 2025 Champion Of Champions-G1 at Los Alamitos in December, finishing just a nose behind the 2025 World Champion FDD Dreams. The brown gelding, by two-time World Champion sire One Famous Eagle, had 11 firsts, 4 seconds, and 2 thirds from 23 starts earning $1,148,672 over his four years on the track. His graded stakes appearances include wins in the 2023 Los Alamitos Super Derby-G1, 2024 Robert L. Boniface Los Alamitos Invitational Championship-G1, second in the 2022 Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity-G1, 2024 Vessels Maturity-G1, and the 2025 Champion Of Champions-G1. A homebred for Bobby Cox, Jeriko is out of the Shazoom mare, Signs Zoomer, who is also owned by Cox. Jeriko earned the title of AQHA Supreme Racehorse at this year’s AQHA Champions Awards Ceremony where Cox Ranch’s farm manager Bill Melson received that award for such an outstanding racing career.

By Speedhorse

Jess-Zoomin_Headshot_Web
©Don Shugart

Multiple graded stakes winning and champion sire, Jess Zoomin, has passed away at the age of 20 on January 26. Mark and Teresa Myers along with Roger Cyrulik put out a statement saying, “Our hearts are broken and we are still processing the loss, BUT with breeding season knocking on our door, we felt the need to let everyone know that we lost our main man, Jess Zoomin to a freak stall accident. His racing stats speak for themselves, both as a runner and producer, but what we will miss most is his silly personality! From hugging his people (iykyk) to demanding you tug on his tongue (again, iykyk) he had a presence that said, ‘I know my job, but I’m really just a big kid!’” The brown stallion by Shazoom and out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess An Illusion had 10 starts, 4 wins, 3 seconds, and 2 thirds earning $461,126 and placing in multiple Grade 1 races. His top performers include Champion Two-Year-Old Filly Jes An Angel SI 99 ($506,198) and Champion Distance Horse Zoomin Racer SI 105 ($211,883). His runners have earned nearly $5.5 million on the track. “We’ve lost a few over the years, they take a piece of your heart when they go, this guy took a chunk! Special thanks for the extraordinary care by the staff at West Central Veterinary Services who are as devastated as we are, Dr. Ted, Chase, Amanda and all of the others that had a connection. Hannah, I still say that you were his special girl!! For us we cry, for Jess we feel joy, his body can now do the things his mind said he could still do! Forever grateful for the ride you took us on, it was fun tagging along! Now it’s your time… Run your race, big guy! We’ll see you again someday!” the Myers and Cyrulik continued in their statement. For more information about his limited frozen semen contracts, please contact Teresa Myers at (260) 726-5090 or mtjmyers@yahoo.com.

By Speedhorse

Speedhorse Stake recap

An exciting Stakes Race took place today at Turf Paradise! Be sure to check back for the full Stakes Reults!


Turf Paradise
WINNER of the 2026 Allred Brothers S.
SHINY NOVA 
(#9)
g. (Racy Casanova-Alltheshine, First to Shine)
Breeder: J P Sample
Owner: J. P. Sample
Trainer: Matthew Fales
Jockey: Gabriel Medrano
Remaining Order of Finish: Jes Relentless (#7), Four Sweet Kid (#5), Eye Am Tempting (#6), Milagro Lady (#10), Rr More (#8), Jess Mr Mayito (#4), Hes Audacious (#2), Southern Fires (#1), Three Finger Jack (#3)


Dunn Ranch

Courtesy of Los Alamitos Publicity

Gate Works at Los Alamitos
Myriam Maynard, Speedhorse

CYPRESS, CA— Doodah Cartel did it for Bernie Erickson. Racing for the partnership of Thompson Racing, Alexis Andrade, and Paul Jones, the Favorite Cartel colt outdueled stablemates Politician V and Jarvis V to win the running of the Grade 1, $202,500 Los Alamitos Winter Derby. On Valentine’s Day on Saturday night, it was a victory defined by heart, serving as a tribute to the man he was named after: Debbie Thompson’s father, Bernie Erickson, who passed away in 2024.

Paul and Marin Jones named the colt after Bernie’s favorite saying, “Doodah!” which he would exclaim whenever he arrived at a family gathering, a party, or when joining his family and friends in the Vessels Club at Los Alamitos Race Course.

“Doodah Cartel… Bernie Erickson will be smiling on this, Doodah!” track announcer Michael Wrona called as Doodah Cartel hit the wire a neck in front of Valeriano Racing Stables’ Texas Classic Futurity finalist, Politician V. Valeriano’s Jarvis V, a stakes winner at Los Alamitos, finished third, while LA Racing Stables’ Notoryous completed the top four in the first major derby of the racing year.

The night, of course, belonged to the memory of Bernie Erickson. A huge group gathered in the winner’s circle to celebrate the colt named after his trademark greeting. With Henry Reynoso Lopez back aboard after his masterful ride in the trials, the Thompson Racing and Jones-bred runner covered the 400 yards in :19.663

Trainer Paul Jones enjoyed a record-extending fifth Winter Derby win—his first since 2012. “This was a great victory tonight,” Jones said. “His name says it all. He’s such a special horse, but he’s more than special because of his name and because of the memory of Bernie. It makes it all worth it.”

With tears in her eyes, Debbie Thompson held tight to the winner’s blanket in the charmed circle. “This is for my dad. That’s all I have to say.”

Terry Thompson has been a part of many big horses and many big victories, but perhaps none as special as Doodah Cartel’s first Grade 1 win.  

“Our partners have been great; Alexis and his family have been fantastic,” Terry Thompson said. “Paul and I have been partners for a long time, and this takes the words away. Paul and Marin Jones named him and surprised Debbie and I with the breeder’s certificate. This horse has been a godsend. It’s got us rejuvenated in the sport again. It’s been since Favorite Cartel that we’ve won a Grade 1… Before the race I said, ‘Come on Bernie, we need one good one,’ and he did.”

Just three weeks ago in the trials, Doodah Cartel ran what Jones described as a “one in a million” race, recovering from a terribly troubled start to post the fastest qualifying time.

“I watched it from the same spot that I watch the races and as soon as he broke, I put my head down and I said, ‘gosh darn it we’re out of it,’ ” Terry Thompson added. “And then I looked up probably five seconds later and here Henry shifts him to the inside, and he ends up making a heck of a run. It’s historic. Just hearing it now with Michael’s voice saying it again, it gives me the chills. It’s amazing that one horse can bring you into the industry full-fledged and you want to get back into this thing. Kudos to Doc (Ed Allred) and Cathy Allred for everything they’ve done.” 

For Alexis Andrade, who traveled from Arizona to be a part of this special night with his partners and his horses, this is one win that he’ll never forget. 

“My thanks to Paul and Terry for allowing me to be a part of this team,” Andrade said. “It’s been a great experience. This is my first Grade 1 race. I’ve been in racing since 2020, but since I was a kid, I’ve been watching videos of Walk Thru Fire and Stel Corona. It’s been a childhood dream and it’s come true.”

Doodah Cartel earned $85,050 for the win, bringing his career earnings to $257,999. This was also his fourth victory in 12 starts and this fourth start in a grade stakes event following appearances in the Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity, Grade 2 PCQHRA Breeders Futurity, and Grade 1 Golden State Million Futurity, in which he also posted the fastest qualifying time.

His dam is Suite Expectations, who the Thompsons and Jones campaigned to a successful career earning $132,917. Suite Expectations’ dam is Just A Fairytale and her granddam is Christie Jo Dash, both winning mares for Blaine Bateman at Los Alamitos. Among those in attendance cheering on Doodah Cartel was Mr. Bateman, who joined the owners for the winning snapshot. 

Ridden by Bryan Candenosa for trainer Jesus Nunez, Politician V earned $34,425 for running second. His stablemate, Jarvis V, earned $24,300 for running third with Francisco Calderon up for Nunez. Fourth place finisher Notoryous earned $14,175 after his fourth-place finish.

Rounding out the field, SM My Valentine—born on Valentine’s Day—ran a solid fifth on his birthday to earn $12,150 for owners Santos Montemayor and Omar Torres. SG Jacob Jay, Got You Figured, Shinning Favorite, and Walk When I Walk completed the field of a memorable 26th running of the Los Alamitos Winter Derby.

Speedhorse Stake recap

Sunland Park and Los Alamitos was buzzing with excitement today for a Stakes Race! Take a glance at the winners now, and stay tuned for our full Stakes Results!


Sunland Park
WINNER of the 2026 Pepsi Cola StakesG2
ALAMOS
(#11)
g. (Eye Am King-Anakena, Woodbridge)
Breeder: Mj Farms
Owner: Tungsten Racing Partnership
Trainer: Tony E. Sedillo
Jockey: Christian Ramos
Remaining Order of Finish: Jesses Wish (#5), Pavel (#10), 1 – The Calling (#1), Flashtoglory (#2), Da Edge of Gray (#4), Big Daddy Farr (#3), Big Crush Bb (#7), Bad King (#8)
Scratched horses:
Jm Famousberry (Trainer) , Pick Your Pour (Stewards)


Los Alamitos
WINNER of the 2026 Los Alamitos Winter Derby-G1
DOODAH CARTEL 
(#5)
c. (Favorite Cartel-Suite Expectations, Apollitical Jess)
Breeder: Paul C Jones & Thompson Racing
Owner: Thompson Racing, Inc., Alexis Andrade and Paul C. Jones
Trainer: Paul Jones
Jockey: Henry Lopez
Remaining Order of Finish: Politician V (#8), Jarvis V (#2), Notoryous (#1), Sm My Valentine (#9), Sg Jacob Jay (#7), Got You Figured (#4), Shinning Favorite (#3), Walk When I Walk (#6)


Turf Paradise (TUP)
-

PHOENIX, Ariz. (February 11, 2026) — Turf Paradise is continuing to show appreciation to its fans all February long with daily admission pot drawings and a special Valentine’s Day celebration designed to keep the love going trackside.

From now through the end of February, Turf Paradise will host daily drawings Monday through Thursday for the admission pot. Fans who purchase an admission ticket prior to the fifth race will be entered into that day’s drawing. To win, fans must be present when the winning ticket is drawn before the final race of the day. One lucky fan will take home the entire admission handle from that day.

“Our new management team has truly felt the love from our fans,” General Manager Tom Ludt, said. “The support has been incredible, and this is our way of giving that love right back. We’re grateful for our fans and excited to continue creating fun experiences for them at the track.”

In addition to the weekly giveaways, Turf Paradise is adding a special touch for Valentine’s Day on Saturday, featuring a festive card and an inviting race day atmosphere perfect for couples and groups alike. Fans can enjoy exciting live racing along with Bottomless Bubbles in the Clubhouse — the perfect excuse to sip, snack, and cheer with your favorite person (or favorite people). Plus, the first 400 children through the gates will receive a special treat.

Endless mimosas or champagne will be available in the Clubhouse only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the purchase of any entrée, making Valentine’s Day at Turf Paradise an ideal blend of great racing, great food, and great company.

For more information on February promotions, fans are encouraged to visit turfparadise.com or follow along on social media.

Live racing continues through May 2, 2026.

Courtesy of Jennifer Hoyt, Turf Paradise

About Turf Paradise
Opened in 1956, Turf Paradise is Arizona’s first professional sports franchise and one of the most historic Thoroughbred racetracks in the American Southwest. Celebrating its 70th season of racing, Turf Paradise continues to serve as a cornerstone of Arizona’s racing industry and a destination for fans, horsemen, and the local community.

06 Scott Road-action
© Dustin Orona Photography
By Dale Day

OKLAHOMA CITY – With fractiousness surrounding him in the gate, Scott Road didn’t let it bother him as he cruised to the fastest win of the day in nine training races Thursday at Remington Park. The 2-year-old colt closed ground for the 250-yard victory.

The 2-year-old California-bred colt by Seperate Interest, out of theCorona Cartel mare Remember The Cartel, was in post-position three awaiting the break from the starting gate when the 2-horse, Volcoms Marine YG, reared up, putting his legs over the gate, encroaching on the 1-horse, Big Hero Monday’s territory. The Volcoms Marine YG wasn’t happy with jumping into the next starting gate, so he started kicking as well. The 4-horse, Leaf On the Wind, ran loose in the paddock and carried on pre-race as well. 

Somehow, with bad actors all around him, Scott Road still broke straight as an arrow and chased down the No. 5 horse, Valiant Hocks, for the victory in a time of :13.903 for a speed index of 64 into a headwind of about 15 mph. Big Hero Monday also deserved some kudos for running third despite sharing his stall with the Volcoms Marine YG prior to the start. Jockey Edwin Escobedo guided Scott Road to the training race win.

Scott Road was a $25,000 purchase by owner FG Ranch of Dover, Fla., in the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale of 2025. He ran to his breeding to win his race. His sire, Seperate Interest, was a graded stakes winner, taking the Grade 3 Kaweah Bar Handicap at Los Alamitos in California. He won 7-of-29 races lifetime for earnings of $486,761. Scott Road’s mother was unraced, but her sire, Corona Cartel, was a multiple graded stakes winner, making six trips to the winner’s circle in 14 starts for $557,142 earned. He won the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Million Futurity and the Grade 2 Kindergarten Futurity at Los Alamitos in California.

Scott Road was bred by Steve Burns, DVM.

The second-fastest time of the day came from Ruse Man Crystal in the eighth race (:13.934), a Leo Alcala trainee who has some interesting breeding. The 2-year-old Louisiana-bred filly is by KJ Mucho Man, out of the Walk Thru Fire mare Crystal Sola. That makes her a half-sister to $1 million Heritage Place Futurity winner Tres Crystals. Ruse Man Crystal has the same mother as that 2022 Heritage Place Futurity winner, but different sires.

The fastest Paint of the day, DW Showin Off, held onto the fastest time of the day (:13.956) until Scott Road took over. DW Showin Off also ran his race under one of the strongest headwinds of the day at 16 mph. That Paint ran in the opening race of the day for trainer Dee Keener and did everything on his own with no rider encouragement. He is a 2-year-old colt sired by Champion Quarter Horse Uncle D, from the SF Royal Quick Flash mare Shez Showin Off. He is owned and bred by Danny Watkins of Wagoner, Okla. 

The other training race winners (Quarter Horses unless otherwise noted), their times (in order from fastest to slowest winners), speed index, trainers and race number were:

  • Ruse Man Crystal, :13.934, 63, Leo Alcala, race eight
  • Iam George III (dual registered Paint-Quarter Horse), :14.123, 55, Dee Keener, race three
  • In D Mand, :14.132, 55, Gerardo Quinonez-Sarmiento, race five
  • A Fortunate Cowboy, :14.146, 54, Leo Alcala, race seven
  • Kiss My Tail, :14.152, 54, Samuel Mendoza, race four
  • Claire Boiance, :14.174, 53, Clint Crawford, race nine
  • Buckle Bunny 123 (Paint), :14.259, 50, Dee Keener, race two

Remington Park pre-season training races will continue Feb. 18. The 50-date Remington Park American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season starts on March 5.

Remington Park has provided more than $407 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. The 2026 Remington Park American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season begins March 5. Remington Park presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. Guests must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or to enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

Los Alamitos (LA)
©Myriam Maynard, Speedhorse

CYPRESS, CA— Quarter Horse racing is a game of inches and split-second decisions. As the gate opens this Saturday, February 14, for the Grade 1, $202,500 Los Alamitos Winter Derby, the field will be led by a colt that proved just how much ground can be made up in a matter of seconds: Doodah Cartel.

Owned by Thompson Racing, Inc., Alexis Andrade, and Paul Jones, Doodah Cartel enters the 400-yard final as the horse to beat following a remarkable trial performance in which he turned a rough start into a masterpiece. The early part of his trial saw him bumped twice and shuffled to the back of the pack, but the Favorite Cartel colt recovered to reel in the field and post the fastest qualifying time of :19.899. Henry Reynoso Lopez will pilot Doodah Cartel from post five. 

Every one of the talented colt’s efforts are special for his connections, as Doodah Cartel is named in honor of Debbie Thompson’s father, Bernie Erickson, who passed away in 2024; “Doodah” was Bernie’s favorite saying. Trainer Paul Jones, who described the trial recovery as a “one in a million” effort, is the record holder in this race with four Winter Derby wins, his most recent coming in 2012 with Kobe.

While Doodah Cartel brings the speed, the calendar offers a fitting storyline for another top contender. How appropriate would it be for SM My Valentine to find the winner’s circle on Valentine’s Day? Trained by Adan Farias for owners Santos Montemayor and Omar Torres, the Kiss My Hocks gelding is already a major stakes winner at this track, having secured the Grade 2 PCQHRA Breeders Futurity last season. SM My Valentine looked sharp in his trial victory, leading most of the way to secure his spot in the final. Eduardo Nicasio will ride SM My Valentine from the outside post nine. 

Another emotional storyline belongs to SG Jacob Jay, who runs in honor of the late Jacob Jay Giles. The Utah horseman passed away in late October 2023, and the Favorite Cartel colt was named to carry on his legacy. After outdueling his rivals in the trials to post the third-fastest qualifying time, SG Jacob Jay carries the hopes of the Giles family, who will be in attendance to see if their colt can win one more for “The Big Guy.” With SM My Valentine and SG Jacob Jay representing his barn, Farias looks to add to his two previous Winter Derby wins (2007-08). Jesus Rios Ayala will be aboard from post number seven.

The 400-yard final features a deep field of challengers. Kelly Castaneda trains LA Racing Stables LLC’s Notoryous, a One Famous Eagle colt who has posted consistently solid efforts at the Orange County oval. Second-fastest qualifier Surprise Temptation, who missed beating Doodah Cartel by only a nose, was not entered back in the derby final. 

Trainer Jesus Nunez will saddle a powerful duo led by Politician V, who ran a game second to SM My Valentine in their trial, and Two Million Juvenile Invitational winner Jarvis V, who finished second to SG Jacob Jay on trials night. Sergio Morfin also has a strong pair for this race, including Eleazar Gonzalez’s Shinning Favorite, a trial winner at 10-1 odds.

Morfin’s other sophomore is Walk When I Walk, who was owned by Barry Woodhouse, a Los Alamitos mainstay since the early 1970s. Woodhouse passed away on January 12, and his celebration of life was held the same day Walk When I Walk qualified for this final. Woodhouse trained at the Cypress track from 1972 to 1998, famously conditioning Shawnes Diamond to a victory over the legendary Refrigerator in the 1992 Grade 1 Go Man Go Handicap. Over the last decade, he remained a prominent owner of top stakes runners.

Completing this Valentine’s Day showcase is Ronnie Brooks Keller’s Got You Figured, who will look to spoil the favorites’ hopes for trainer Mike Casselman.Here’s the field from the rail out: Notoryous, Jarvis V, Shinning Favorite, Got You Figured, Doodah Cartel, Walk When I Walk, SG Jacob Jay, Politician V and SM My Valentine.

Courtesy Los Alamitos Publicity

09 Jess Xquizit-finish
©Dustin Orona Photography

OKLAHOMA CITY – Trainer Clint Crawford sent out two winners in nine training races Wednesday at Remington Park, including the fastest American Quarter Horse of the day – the filly Jess Xquizit – blazing to a win in the final race of nine on the day.

Jockey Jorge Torres rode the 2-year-old daughter of Apollitical Jess to the win at 250 yards in :13.675 over the fast track for a speed index of 73. The race went off with a 59-degree temperature and a 6mph tailwind. Jess Xquizit, an Arizona-bred out of the Ivory James mare Xquizit, won the race by an open 1-1/2 lengths after breaking inward from the post-position six. Once she straightened out, Jess Xquizit began to pull away from the field. Jess Xquizit was bred by John and Kathy Lee.

“She’s a pretty nice filly,” said Crawford. “It was only the third time she had broken from a gate, but she has been a natural from the first time we introduced her to a gate. She left there running.”

Crawford said she is pointed to a couple of futurities at Remington Park this meet – the the Grade 2, $400,000-estimated Oklahoma Futurity on Saturday, March 21, and the Grade 1, $1,000,000 Heritage Place Futurity on Saturday, May 30. The owners of Jess Xquizit, Chris Lykins and Conda Maze of Ruidoso, N.M., were the last to bid on this filly in the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale of 2025 and were able to get her for $290,000. She looked every bit like that amount in her training race, winning the beauty contest in the post parade by far.

“They don’t sell for that amount of money without looking like that,” said Crawford. “They (the owners) just kept looking at me (as the bidding went up and up) and I just kept shaking my head yes.”

Crawford’s other training race winner for the day was W Rigsby, who won the fourth schooling event of the day in :14.000. That 2-year-old Texas-bred by Mental Error, out of the Corona Cartel mare Jess a Cartel, is also headed for the Oklahoma Futurity trials scheduled for March 6 and 7. That gelding is owned by Clint’s brother Cody and Katie Larson. They bought him from the same sell as Jess Xquizit, but got him for the bargain price of $18,000.

“We have some nice 2-year-olds in the barn and Toastin Heros (winner of the Grade 1 Championship at Sunland Park Stakes on Feb. 7) is back,” Crawford said. The 4-year-old Oklahoma-bred gelding by Valiant Hero, from the Coronas Leaving You mare Toastin With Coronas, won a Remington Park Derby trial here last year. He has won 7-of-16 races lifetime for earnings of $344,647. He is owned and was bred by Gene Cox.

A horse of the Paint breed held the fastest time of the day until the final heat Wednesday. A 2-year-old gelded Oklahoma-bred son of multiple champion Painted Turnpike hit the wire in his 250-yard schooling race in :13.729 for a 71 speed index to win his race by 1-1/2 lengths. Big Rotney is trained by the second all-time winningest conditioner of mixed breeds, Matt Whitekiller. The gelding is out of the CRM Livewire mare CRM Country Girl and is owned by Apple R Racing (Timothy Reid) of McAlester, Okla.

The other training race winners (Quarter Horses unless otherwise noted), their times (in order from fastest to slowest winners), speed index, trainers and race number were:

  • Yegua Ranchera, :13.818, 67, Leo Alcala, race five
  • Kash Kowboyy, :13.862, 66, Leo Alcala, race seven
  • Kiss Me Ina Flash, :13.886, 65, Jed Vane, race six
  • Chilinator (dual registered as Paint and Quarter Horse), :13.921, 63, Matt Whitekiller, race two
  • Cheyenne Stone, :13.957, 62, Wendy Garcia, race eight
  • W Rigsby, :14.000, 60, Clint Crawford, race four
  • RP Miss Wiredreckless (Paint), :14.070, 57, Dee Keener, race one

The next training races are set for Thursday, Feb. 12, with first post time of 11 a.m. There are nine races scheduled.

The 2025 Remington Park American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season begins March 5 and continues through May 31.

Remington Park has provided more than $407 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. The 2026 Remington Park American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season begins March 5. Remington Park presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. Guests must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or to enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

New Mexico Race Commission (NMRC)
©Speedhorse Archive

In a special public meeting on February 10, 2026, the New Mexico Racing Commission voted unanimously to allow the racetrack and casino operations of SunRay Park & Casino to relocate roughly 400 miles across the state, from Farmington in northwest New Mexico to Clovis in the southeast.

The owner of SunRay Park & Casino, Western Gaming LLC, led by president Paul Blanchard, submitted the application citing economic advantage to the state of New Mexico in millions of dollars in new tax revenue, as well as to the horse racing and gaming industries in the state.  Blanchard believes that a new, state-of-the-art racetrack and casino in the more densely populated area of eastern New Mexico would generate bigger purses for the horsemen and increased job opportunities. The proposal to move SunRay Park’s racing license was provisionally approved by the New Mexico Racing Commission in October 2025. 

Since that time the Commission held public meetings allowing opportunity for input from community leaders in Farmington and in Clovis, who voiced both opposition and support of the relocation. During the Friday, February 6, public meeting, the New Mexico Racing Commission also heard from representatives for Penn Entertainment, owner of Zia Park in Hobbs, New Mexico, who presented their competing proposal to build a $200 million racino in the Clovis area.

With the Commission’s approval now in hand, plans for the development of the new Clovis racetrack and casino can move forward. The proposal from SunRay Park includes building a new racetrack to accommodate both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing and a casino complex on a 200-acre site along US Highway 60. A tentative opening is planned for 2027, although final timelines depend upon the progress of construction. 

FredDanley_-SB_IMG_4179_WEB
©Susan Bachelor, Speedhorse

Fred Danley passed away on February 7, 2026, at the age of 83 at his home in Anthony, New Mexico. His death marks the end of an extraordinary career that spanned more than six decades and left a lasting impact on both Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing.

For 65 years, he conditioned and raced horses that competed at the highest levels of the sport, winning 1,130 Quarter Horse races with more than $21 million in earnings. His Thoroughbred runners won 1,477 races and credited him with more than $18 million in purse money.

He began training professionally in 1961 when he was 18 years old and quickly established himself as a force in the racing world, winning major races while still in his teens. At the age of 19, Fred trained the 1963 Kansas Futurity winner, Mr Tinky Bar.

Fred’s stable featured numerous standout performers. Gotta Get, with total lifetime earnings just short of $1 million, won the 2006 Grade 1 Championship at Sunland Park.  In 2019, he trained the winner of the $1.5 million All American Derby-G1, Rustys Miracle, for his long-time clients, the John and Sue May family, racing in the name of J&SM, Inc. His homebreds and trainees were featured at major meets throughout the Southwest. Fred Danley was inducted into the Ruidoso Downs Horse Racing Hall Of Fame in 2022.

Even in the final weeks of his life, Fred Danley remained connected to the sport he loved. Fred was the breeder, owner and trainer of Pour Me A Drinkk, winner of the Grade 2 New Mexico Classic Futurity on November 23, 2025. Then on the final day of Fred Danley’s lifetime of training race horses, Pour Me A Drinkk was the runner-up, by a nose, in the Grade 2 Shue Fly Stakes at Sunland Park.

He is survived by family, friends, and a broad community of admirers who will continue to celebrate his contributions to horse racing.  A Farewell Service for Fred Danley will be on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest West in El Paso, Texas.  A service in Albuquerque is also being planned at a later date that is yet to be determined.

by Speedhorse

05 Alliekat Dynasty-action
©Dustin Orona Photography

OKLAHOMA CITY – Alliekat Dynasty hit the track at Remington Park on Tuesday for the first time since running second in the Grade 1, $107,280 Junos Request Stakes here on May 31, the final night of the 2025 season.

The now-5-year-old American Quarter Horse mare, Alliekat Dynasty is a multiple stakes winner and has made it to the winner’s circle 11 times in 18 lifetime starts. She won the Grade 2, $82,520 Easy Date Stakes at Remington Park by a head over Curls Joyful Wagon on April 19, 2025. Curls Joyful Wagon turned the tables on her as the two ran first and second in the Junos Request.

Alliekat Dynasty, a winner of $396,586 in her career, worked 250 yards on Tuesday, and covered the distance in :13.81 seconds, handily over a fast track. She was a bit of a surprise in the Easy Date as she won at 13-1 odds under the skillful ride of jockey Roman Cruz. The Oklahoma-bred mare is owned by Arrowhead Racing (Anita Ruiz) and won the Easy Date last year under the tutelage of trainer Jesus Ruiz. 

Alliekat Dynasty is a daughter of FDD Dynasty, out of the Apollitical Jess mare Pollitical Scorpion and was bred by Jahree Standridge. She is a six-time stakes winner, three of those at Remington Park. Her first black-type win here came on May 27, 2023, in the FL Lady Bug Stakes as a 2-year-old. When she turned 3-years-old, she won the Grade 2 Decketta Stakes at Remington Park on March 16, 2024. Her third win at Remington Park was the Easy Date last year. 

Since leaving Remington Park last summer, Alliekat Dynasty won two stakes races, one at Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Okla., and one at the Downs at Albuquerque in New Mexico. Her win at WRD came on Sept. 28 last fall in the Grade 3 WRD Distaff Challenge Stakes and the trip to the Albuquerque winner’s circle was on Oct. 18, 2025, in the Grade 1 AQHA Distaff Challenge Championship Stakes. She has been laid off since that race. 

The Remington Park racing surface opened officially this past Saturday morning on Feb 7. Cowboy Cadilac was the first horse to work out for the upcoming spring season that begins March 5. The 3-year-old Quarter Horse winner of $110,000 in his career is owned by Bill Doenz of Sheridan, Wyo., and trained by Josh Taylor. He worked 220 yards on Saturday in a time of :12:32 seconds, handily on a fast surface. The fastest time of the day at that distance was Valiant Lights, checking in at :12.16, handily.

Cowboy Cadillac, a winner of three starts in six tries in his career with one second, won the $250,000 Sweetwater Downs Futurity on Sept. 6, 2025, after leaving Remington Park. He was 0-for-2 here in 2025. Taylor is a son of thoroughbred trainer Marissa Black of Lexington, Okla.

A total of 18 horses worked out Saturday, 22 on Sunday and 19 today. The track is closed on Mondays.

Training races will begin this week on Wednesday and Thursday for young horses preparing for their first career starts this meet. First post time each day is 11 a.m. with nine races scheduled for each day.

Remington Park has provided more than $407 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. The 2026 Remington Park American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season begins March 5. Remington Park presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. Guests must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or to enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

Courtesy of Richard Linihan, Remington Park

Remington Park (RP)
©Speedhorse Archives

OKLAHOMA CITY – The first training races of the upcoming Remington Park American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season will take place this week. There are 63 horses scheduled to run on Wednesday at 11 a.m. and 65 horses entered Thursday with the same starting time.

Nine races were drawn for each day and three-time defending champion trainer Dee Keener didn’t let the stall doors on his stable stay shut long, emptying the barn for these two days. Keener has entered 14 horses each day for a total of 28, prepping for the first starts of their careers. The next most of any trainer is Clint Crawford with 13 entered for the two days. The only other conditioners who will send out double-figures in horse totals for Wednesday and Thursday are Leo Alcala (12), Matt Whitekiller (10) and Jed Vane (10). Sixteen other trainers have entered for the schooling races with less than 10 running from each of those barns.

Keener’s barn is jumping and ready to go, searching for that fourth training title in a row at Remington Park for the Inola, Okla., native. 

“I have some really good 2-year-olds that have been working well on the farm,” Keener, 59, said. 

His three titles in a row is well short of the record set by Rodney Reed when the late top trainer here won the trophy for nine consecutive years from 1995-2003.

Keener set a meet record when he won his third training title in a row last year with 54 winners. He needed two victories on Champions Night, Saturday, May 31, 2025, to pass Eddie Willis, who had the record at 53. Keener solved the problem in a hurry on that night, winning the first race of the evening with Vesper Martini in the Grade 1, $20,000 Speedhorse Graham Paint and Appaloosa Stakes and then established a new record by winning the second race with JC Speeding, a double-registered Quarter Horse/Paint. Keener finished 26 wins ahead of runner-up Matt Whitekiller in the trainers’ race. 

Many of Remington Park’s top jockeys are named to ride in the training races this week, including Juan Pulido, Francisco Calderon, James Flores, Roman Cruz, Mario Delgado and Cody Smith. Pulido won last year’s jockeys’ race for the riding title with 67 wins, well ahead of runner-up Calderon at 43 victories. In comparison to Pulido’s first riding title here in 2021, he had only 46 trips to the winner’s circle that year. Pulido’s 67 wins last year were the most since G.R. Carter’s 68 in 2014.

Training, or schooling, races are used by many trainers to gain approval by Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission stewards for 2-year-olds to make their first pari-mutuel attempt. All training races at Remington Park are contested at 250 yards. 

The Remington Park stable are continues to grow in equine population with 601 horses on the grounds as of Monday morning. 

The 2026 Spring Season begins March 5 and continues through May 30. 

Remington Park has provided more than $407 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. The 2026 Remington Park American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season begins March 5. Remington Park presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. Guests must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or to enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

Courtesy of Richard Linihan, Remington Park

Ribbon_Cutting_020626_web
©Eve Granitz

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Tuesday, February 10, 2026) – Heaven and Horseshoes, A Worship and Community Center, held its official grand opening Friday, February 6 just outside the entrance to the backstretch area at Horseshoe Indianapolis. More than 100 people were in attendance to officially launch the new facility set to accommodate numerous events and activities throughout the year for those involved in racing.

The grand opening program kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the front of the chapel. Those involved in the ceremony included Joe Davis, President of Indiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA), Chris Duke, President of Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana (QHRAI), Mike Speedy, Secretary of Business Affairs for the State of Indiana, Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, Jessica Barnes, assistant executive director for the Indiana Horse Racing Commission, Brian Elmore, former executive director of Indiana HBPA, and Micky Sajche, Chaplain for both Indiana HBPA and QHRAI.

Sajche then held a special prayer and blessing over the building in Spanish translated to English by his wife, Pastora Johana Sajche Doliveira. Duke, whose construction company provided the work for the project, commented on behalf of the Quarter Horse racing community.

“This is a great day and I’m very proud to be part of the committee to get this passed,” noted Duke. “This is a fantastic addition to our racing community and will provide a lot of special opportunities. This building is another step forward to make Indiana racing the top in the country.”

Davis, who is a Thoroughbred trainer, provided input from Indiana HBPA at Horseshoe Indianapolis. 

“This facility turned out better than I think any of us imagined,” added Davis. “It will assist us in better serving our horsemen and women throughout the year.”

Barnes commented on the project, noting the continued work each entity has done to boost the Indiana racing program.

“As an employee of the Commission since 1999, we have seen the industry grow farther than we could have imagined,” said Barnes. “As the regulatory organization, we are charged with conducting a level higher than any other with racing, and we have accomplished that by working together. A project like this couldn’t happen without it and we continue to see tremendous growth.”

Joe Morris, Vice President of Racing at Caesars Entertainment, spoke of the process and collaboration of all groups to get to the creation of Heaven and Horseshoes.

“The key word here is collaboration,” said Morris. “And beyond working together, we look out for each other, both here and at the other track (Harrah’s Hoosier Park) in Anderson. There are really four parts that come together and includes Caesars and the racetracks, the Thoroughbred organization, the Quarter Horse organization, and the regulators (Indiana Horse Racing Commission). The results we have seen are like no other in the country. It is a pretty special soirée.”

Morris went on to explain the process taken for the building, noting Caesars Entertainment put aside some money for capital investments and improvements. Together, all groups sat down and identified a need, and it was designed for the backstretch community.

Speedy, who was in attendance from Governor Mike Braun’s office, congratulated everyone involved in bringing the Community Center to fruition. He noted there is no place to strengthen a community better than a community hall.

Pat Day then provided the keynote speech to the crowd, giving insight into his path to becoming a Hall of Fame jockey. He noted the bumps along the way, finding success almost instantly. He quickly found out happiness was not in winning races or becoming the top jockey in North America. Day learned regardless of how many races he won, he was always looking for the higher high.

After personal reflection and seeing his riding career was a tremendous accomplishment, Day didn’t know what his purpose was and almost self-destructed. He was eventually led to serve the Lord, and it gave him newfound purpose as a jockey for the final 20 years of his riding career that included 8,803 wins, including the 1992 Kentucky Derby aboard Lil E Tee, one of nine Triple Crown wins during his career.

Upon retirement, Day began working closely with the Racetrack Chaplaincy program and got involved closer to home with the Kentucky branch of the organization. Through his expertise and time, he has assisted in moving the program to the next level. Seeing the new chapel in Indiana has given him restored faith the organization is moving in the right direction.

“It’s a joy to be with you all and I’m excited the industry has embraced the chaplaincy,” added Day. “I’m also excited to see what will take place in this building. I believe hearts will be won here in the name of Jesus.”

In addition to the 126-seat chapel, Heaven and Horseshoes offers a full kitchen, two meeting rooms, three restrooms, and four offices. The $1.4 million project, funded by Caesars Entertainment, sits on two and one-half acres. The first worship service conducted by Chaplain Sajche is set for 5:30 p.m. Sunday, February 8 and is open to the public. 

Also during the program, Senator Mike Crider made a special presentation to each of the breed organizations from a recent resolution unanimously passed by the Indiana General Assembly. The resolution recognized the tremendous impact the horse racing industry has across all 92 counties and its continued impact on Indiana’s economy as an arm of agriculture. State Representative Ethan Lawson assisted with the presentation to representatives of Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, and Standardbred racing.

“This is a beautiful facility, and I’m extremely impressed of the continued support and investment into racing,” said Senator Crider. “It was very easy to join in on this resolution as we see the impact.”

Several special guests were in attendance from the Racetrack Chaplaincy program, including executive director Dan Waite, who commented, “I’ve been to many tracks across the United States, and this is by far the best facility I’ve seen. I label this as the gold standard for future projects like this.”

The 24th season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse returns Tuesday, April 7. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

Courtesy of Tammy Knox, Race Marketing Manager, Horseshoe Indianapolis

About Horseshoe Indianapolis 
Horseshoe Indianapolis, owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, racing, dining, and diversity. Located just minutes from Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Ind., this one-of-a-kind property has wall to wall excitement on the 105,940 square foot gaming floor, featuring more than 1,600 slots and 72 table games along with a state-of-the-art World Series of Poker Room containing 20 tables. In addition, Horseshoe Indianapolis offers the only live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the state showcased on a one-mile dirt racecourse and a seven-eighths mile turf course. Simulcast and sports wagering is offered year-round at Caesars Race & Sportsbook, also located on the casino floor, with additional gaming provided at Caesars Race & Sportsbook in Clarksville, Ind. Players can reap benefits from Caesars Rewards, the industry’s most lucrative bonus program now offered at more than 50 destinations. Please visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis for more information and find Horseshoe Indianapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing at racetracks and 21 or older to gamble at sports books and casinos. Please play responsibly. If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448). ©2026 Caesars License Company, LLC. 

Speedhorse Stake recap

Exciting Stakes Races took place today at Sunland Park! Check out the winners below, and don’t forget to return for the full Stakes Results!


Sunland Park
WINNER of the 2026 Lonnie and Candy Elam Memorial Stakes
MUCHO ZMOKE
(#8)
g. (Kj Mucho Macho Man-Zoobie Cartel, Corona Cartel)
Breeder: Crenwelge/Laird/Espinosa
Owner: Crenwelge, Curtis, Laird, Jim and Espinosa, Jose R.
Trainer: Wesley T. Giles
Jockey: Francisco Amparan
Remaining Order of Finish: Little Moon Dawg (#7), Stinky Feet (#2), Jess a Outlaw (#5), Big Moon Dawg (#1), Daddys Tea (#3), Why Buy the Cow (#4), El Vital (#6)
Scratched horses:
Mendel (Also-Eligible) , Kobe D Man (Also-Eligible)


Sunland Park
WINNER of the 2026 Shue Fly Stakes-RG2
JET BLACK EAGLES
(#10)
g. (Jet Black Patriot-Secret Eagles, One Famous Eagle)
Breeder: Mike G Parker
Owner: Mike G Parker
Trainer: Dominic C. Duree
Jockey: Christian Ramos
Remaining Order of Finish: Pour Me a Drinkk (#4), Bv China Dawl (#3), The Ghan (#6), McKinlay (#7), Jess a Moon Girl (#2), Czar Catrina (#9), Sure Hit (#8), Daddys Bullet (#1)
Scratched horses:
Jamacan Me Famous (Also-Eligible) , Chamacuz (Trainer)


Sunland Park
WINNER of the 2026 Championship At Sunland Park Stakes-G1
TOASTIN HEROS
(#4)
g. (Valiant Hero-Toastin With Coronas, Coronas Leaving You)
Breeder: Gene Cox
Owner: Gene Cox
Trainer: Clinton Crawford
Jockey: Jacob Enriquez
Remaining Order of Finish: Rc Corona King (#8), Fdd Dreams (#1), Shakers No Secret (#5), Kj Desparado (#10), Karmalites (#2), Hooked N Gone (#7), Eagle Aye (#3), Boot Scoots (#6), Kj Born to Be Wild (#9)
Scratched horses:
Nori (Also-Eligible) , Apollitical Boogie J (Also-Eligible)


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