Salt Water Reign Wins by 5 Lengths

Salt Water Reign dominated a field of 7 in a race for New York state-bred fillies going 7 furlongs at Aqueduct on April 10th. Setting the pace throughout, Salt Water Reign held off a challenge on the turn and drew away in the stretch in a easy ride. Her Beyer Speed Figure for this race was 88.  After the race jockey Mario Pino said, "She won easy. I shook her up a little in the lane just to keep her paying attention but it really was easy for her."  Salt Water Reign earned $28,800 for her victory bringing her 2008 earnings to $43,200 and more than $100,000 for her career. Trainer Steve Klesaris is impressed with the development of Salt Water Reign. He's in the process of mapping out a summer stakes campaign for her. She should be a legitimate factor within her division this year.

Salt Water Reign cruises to an easy victory under Mario Pino.

Hibiscus Stables Vintage 2008  - New Arrivals Begin Training

Click image to watch Yonaguska Colt workout video.

Hibiscus Stables' new arrivals are settling in and strategies for training and conditioning are well under way.  We just returned from Ocala where we had the opportunity to check in on the Steve Klesaris New York-breds. The Yonaguska colt is already back in training at Paul Sharp's Willow Creek Ranch. He went back onto the racetrack like an old pro and went right about his business. He's grown considerably since we last saw him a month ago and he looks spectacular. The Good and Tough colt is residing at Nial Brennan's farm and will go back to the racetrack soon.

He's also grown since March and this horse looks absolutely spectacular. He's a big, strong, sturdy sort who just projects a commanding presence when standing in front of the barn. The Forest Wildcat filly is currently in training at Hollywood Park and trainer Ron Ellis is very pleased with her. She's breezing a quarter and Ron will continue to work with her preparing her for a start in May or June.

We believe this to clearly be the best group of runners we’ve ever had the pleasure to offer.  Visit the Offerings page to watch the videos of their workouts and see their pedigrees. If you have any questions or would like more details about Vintage 2008 please contact us at 1-877-WIRE-2-WIRE or reply to this email.  We look forward to hearing form you.

In Remembrance: Louis Olah

We first met Louie Olah in Saratoga. We had taken our Hibiscus Stables silks to him so that our jockey Raphael Bejarano, could wear them that day while he rode She’s Got Zip in her debut. As the “silks man”, Louie was in charge for over 40 years making sure that everyone’s colors were ready to wear and organized. Before each race, all the silks were laid out for the jockey’s valets, then cleaned and returned to their proper place afterward.  At the end of every meet all the silks (literally thousands) would have to be packed away then unpacked and placed in special order in the silks room at the next racetrack on the circuit.

                                                                                   - Doris Ann Hayes, Hibiscus Stables

Partner Focus - Cooley's Anemia Foundation

We are excited to announce that our "Day At The Races" live auction prize raised $2,000 at the Cooley's Anemia Foundation (Westchester/Rockland Chapter) annual gala. Ours was one of two grand prizes at their "A Night A The Races" fundraiser.

The final bid was made by Anthony Lanza of Mahopac who also serves as Vice President of the chapter. We look forward to showing his family a great time at the racetrack. He also won the final bid on tickets to "The First Saturday In May" which premieres in New York this Friday as well as a signed poster generously donated by John Hennegan, the film's director/producer. In addition to a multitude of fun silent auction items including Yankee's and Met's tickets, there were a host of raffle prizes such as an Apple iPod, Guitar Hero III, theatre and museum tickets and a silver Tiffany bracelet (Which I missed by one number!).

The night's theme carried over to the entertainment which included video horse racing and handicapping hosted by Vincent Mancuso who also did a great job of emceeing. The evening was a phenomenal success for a truly worthy cause. Hats off to Peter Chieco, President and to Janet Manning, Executive Director and their staff for organizing such a wonderful event. We look forward to a long and happy association with our new "partner", the Cooley's Anemia Foundation.

                                                                                   - Doris Ann Hayes, Hibiscus Stables

D.A.'s Trivia Corner - Vintage Academy Award Horse Racing Films

Horse movie trivia.  This should be easy right?  Who didn't see Seabiscuit in 2003?  Not so fast, there's a twist: Academy Award winning films made before 1950.   In honor of Hibiscus Stables Vintage 2008 kickoff, we take a look vintage movies that feature our favorite four-legged stars. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights and give it your best.  We've included some hints to help the under 70 crowd - and you may want to phone a friend (preferably your grandmother) for some of our most challenging questions yet.

See end of newsletter for answers.

- Doris Ann Hayes, Hibiscus Stables

Answers to Trivia: 

1.  Answer: C. Mickey Rooney was nominated for The Black Stallion in 1979. A nominee 4 times, He was awarded 2 Special  Oscars: one as a young man in 1938 and for Lifetime Achievement in 1982.

2.  Answer: A. Jeepers Creepers, where’d you get those peepers? The film also featured a young Ronald Reagan

3.  Answer: B. Walter Brennan appeared in 6 horse racing themed films and numerous westerns.

4.  Answer: D. Hi-Hat was the horse’s name. Groucho played Dr. Hugo Z. Hackenbush the horse vet.

5.  Answer: A. National Velvet won for Best Supporting Actress (Anne Revere) and Best Film Editing (Robert J. Kern).

6.  Answer:  C. Salty O’Rourke. It was directed by Raoul Walsh one of the founding members of the Academy.  Sadly, he was never nominated, although he directed such masterpieces as White Heat and High Sierra.

 

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