Two introductory seminars on horse ownership, "Derby Fever!" are being offered by the Thoroughbred Owners of California free of charge at Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita Park April 2.
A panel of leading horse owners and other industry professionals will share their experiences on acquiring a racehorse, choosing a trainer, and what it costs. The Southern California seminar will include Kentucky Derby-winning owner MIke Pegram and top trainer David Hofmans. The Northern California event features owner Ray Pagano and trainer William Morey, who own Derby hopeful Positive Response in partnership with two others.
One of California’s most successful owners, Pegram won the Kentucky Derby in 1998 with Real Quiet. His well-known colors were also carried to post in the “Run for the Roses” last year by eventual 3-year-old champion Lookin At Lucky , who won the Preakness Stakes (gr. I).
Hofmans trained Millennium Wind through the 2001 Derby Trail. His campaign included wins in the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland and the Santa Catalina Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita. Hofmans also trained 2011 Derby hopeful J P's Gusto to a very successful juvenile campaign, winning four stakes, including the Del Mar Futurity (gr. I).
The Santa Anita seminar takes place at Top O' The Stretch, adjacent to Clockers' Corner. The Golden Gate event is at the Bay View Lounge. Both begin at 8:30 a.m. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling TOC at (626) 574-6620 or visiting www.toconline.com.
Mike Pegram
Anne M. Eberhardt